Key verses ===> 29:4, 29:5, 29:11, 29:15, 29:20, 29:22, 29:25
quite a long chapter today with many key verses, however before i start i want to thank God for getting me through the situation yesterday! anyway i feel that this week is going to be a week that tests my faith in God. but through it all i will choose to trust in Him! once again i just cant help but be amazed at how much i look forward to quiet time wach and every day!
Ok, the first key verse, verse 4 tells us a fact of life, sort of, but if we really look into the verse, we can see that not only is it true but it is also the very basis of leadership, as a leader we have to be fair and just. just like how God is just. i am reminded that through God is just, many a time we think that it is unfair that some situations happen to us. however, as i thought more into it, i feel God telling me that once again, He puts us through what we go through because He has the best in store for us. how else can He say that He is a just God if He doesnt give us the best? a good ruler is one that does what is the best for us and to me. that is being fair and just.
In verse 5, i am reminded not to say empty words of praise to others. personally, this is something i dont believe in doing because as it says in verse 5, its like spreading a net at one's feet, a net which easily entangles and stumbles us. however, i elieve that once again this is a reminder to me to what what i say and in the haste of trying to cheer people up, say empty words to make them feel better.
verse 12 to me came as a warning i know what a hot temper i have and how readily i vent my frustrations and anger, many times without thinking or stopping to calm myself. this verse challenges me to keep my temper in check even further than i have been trying. to keep my thoughts in check when i am angry. i am convinced by this verse because i know that though i may not react physically, my mind reacts violently and it is said that even the thoughts itself can be considered sin for it is as good as committing the deed in my heart. i resolve to keep my anger in even better control.
verse 15 tells us that as leaders, the mistakes we ake not only has an impact on us, but the leaders and people under us as well for when they see us doing what is wrong they too will think that it is ok to do it. this verse reminds me to check myself and my actions at all times, even when no one is watching. this way, i can be above reproach and set a good example for all.
verse 20 is somewhat like verse 11, reminding me to check myself and my tongue before i speak. i know that in speaking what i feel, i can indeed be extremely blunt and i guess its something that God wants me to start correcting.
the effects of continuing down the path of anger and what is written in verse 11 is quite clearly spelt out in verse 22. this not only is a reminder to me to keep my temper in check but also that of my thoughtlife, because anger builds and soon, the sins are committed. definitely not something i want to have as a stronghold for satan in my life.
finally verse 25 assures me. its as if God were telling me that at the end of the day, the most important thing is seeking His approval and not that of man. if i put God as my first priority and allow Hm to take control of my life, He will keep me safe and all things will fall into place eventually. i will trust in Him and by seeking to please Him and dedicating my life to Him, i know He will help me with all the problems i have in my thought life as well as my anger. He can use them all to glorify His name and i will let Him!
Lessons of the day : have faith in God and seek to please only Him. to do so check your thoughts, actions and words even when no one is looking so that you know that you are walking right with God in all situations.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Day 7 160108 Pslam Chapter 15
I must say that all that has happened to me today as shaken me quite abit. Its not everyday that one finds out how small things can distract you in such a big way. But i know thatthere is a reason for it and i will acccept what God decides to put before me. on the upside, i realise now that i really look foreward to quiet time now! also i tahnk God for healing me last night i woke up this morning with a slight fever and after taking panadol extra, i managed to be well enough for my 6km run! anyway today's chapter is relatively short, consisting of only 5 verses but i know that there is alot to be learnt from it. in the devotional that i use everyday, it states that this particular psalm writes out for us the qualities that a leader should have.
1.does not participate in gossip
2. does not harm others
3. speaks out against wrong
4. honours other who walk in truth
5. keeps their word even at personal cost
6. isnt greedy to gain at the expense of others
7.is strong and stable.
a pretty tall order if we were to really stop and think about it. but when i really did stop and think about it, i realised one thing.. is this not exactly what God would expect of us as His children to do? i feel that these qualities are qualities that i really want to have and exibit in my life. but as i do a personal reflection of my life, i know that i dont have or do not exibit those qualities. eve in the most simple things like not gossiping. but this chapter really challenges me o work and strive towards achievingthat goal.
the reason why verse 2 is the key verse is because to me it summarises as well as states clearly the chapter's meaning. "He whose walk is blameless and does what is righteous, he who speaks the truth from his heart" furhtermore, i feel that there may be a deeper meaning to the verse. Does not God reside in each and every one of our hearts? te bible says as well that He is the way the truth and the life, i hope i'm not taking the verse out of context but i personally feel that if we speak the truth from our hearts and if God resides in our hearts, then we would be speaking of Him and His love and mercies. Furthermore, because He lives in our hearts, we know then that by following what He speaks to us, we can do what is righteous and blameless in His eyes.
Lesson of the day:
- Live life for God and speak of His love and righteousness.
- Follow the 7 points that have been learnt
1.does not participate in gossip
2. does not harm others
3. speaks out against wrong
4. honours other who walk in truth
5. keeps their word even at personal cost
6. isnt greedy to gain at the expense of others
7.is strong and stable.
a pretty tall order if we were to really stop and think about it. but when i really did stop and think about it, i realised one thing.. is this not exactly what God would expect of us as His children to do? i feel that these qualities are qualities that i really want to have and exibit in my life. but as i do a personal reflection of my life, i know that i dont have or do not exibit those qualities. eve in the most simple things like not gossiping. but this chapter really challenges me o work and strive towards achievingthat goal.
the reason why verse 2 is the key verse is because to me it summarises as well as states clearly the chapter's meaning. "He whose walk is blameless and does what is righteous, he who speaks the truth from his heart" furhtermore, i feel that there may be a deeper meaning to the verse. Does not God reside in each and every one of our hearts? te bible says as well that He is the way the truth and the life, i hope i'm not taking the verse out of context but i personally feel that if we speak the truth from our hearts and if God resides in our hearts, then we would be speaking of Him and His love and mercies. Furthermore, because He lives in our hearts, we know then that by following what He speaks to us, we can do what is righteous and blameless in His eyes.
Lesson of the day:
- Live life for God and speak of His love and righteousness.
- Follow the 7 points that have been learnt
Day 6 150108 Matthew Chapter 25
Key Verses ==> 25: 13, 25: 23, 25: 40
Being sick does have a very adverse effect on one's concentration. especially during one's quiet time. but its all the more eason why i should persever and continue with my quiet time! in th pst 5 days or so, the Lord has never failed to impress new truths and teachings in my heart and i come doing quiet time today with an expectant heart! i know God wll not disappoint!
now from verse 1-13 we read about the parble of the 10 virgins, 5 wise and 5 foolish. it was thus very simple to see the base lesson behind the whole story about how we should never be complacent and not plan ahead but, the reason behond me putting the key verse as 13 is more than that. "therefore keep watch for you do not know the day or the hour" personally i feel this applies to more than just when Christ comes again but to each and every day and acion that we take in our lives. the reason being that we never know what is going to happen in the next day, hour or even minute. we never know when an opportunity can and most likely will come for us to share God's word, be tere for someone or just show God's love to one another or a non-believer and possibly change the person's life. only when we are watchful and sensitive to God's voice and calling will we be able to sense and know what God wants us to do. only then will God be able to accomplish His plan for our lives.
Next from verses 14-30 we read about the parable of the talents. again we come face to face with the subject of using what God gav us to the fullest. i know that at the end of the day i want God to say wht is said in verse 23, that is the main reason why i put that verse as the key verse. but the lesson in the whole parabe isn't getting to that point, well it is but it is the process of getting to that point that i feel is more important. who doesn't at the end of the day want Godto tell them "well done good and faithful servent" ? but to achieve it, we have to BE FAITHFUL! what does that mean? i feel that it means using the opportunities that God has given us as well as the talents that He has given us. to be faithful with what He has entrusted us with and to use it to the best of our abilities! personally i feel that many a time like the servent that was given 1 talent, i like to "play it safe" for example, if i feel and know that God is trying to tell me to encourage this personor share the gospel with this person, i often "talk myself out of it" by telling myself all the "what ifs" and end up playing it safe and just hoping that the way i live my life will be a good enough testimony to the person. today i have been challenged to live my life outwardly, to try to listen to God in each and EVERY waking moments of my life. i know that i have not been doing that especially in OCS. i'm not going to make excuses that its because of the fast pace of training and everything because i know that it can be done. personally i feel that by doin this i can really be a faithful servent and put what God gave me to goood use.
Finally the parable of the sheep and the goats. again God speaks to me about being sensitive toHis voice and sharing and caring for those ho need it, for those who need His touch and His comfort. "whatever you do for the least of these brothers of mine, you have done for me" to me that speaks a lot. it speaks of how we should help others and do good deeds to others especially when no one is looking. only by doing so can we say that we are doing it for God, especially when we do it for one that is not as lovable or is outcasted by others. it is very easy to do things for likable people but by helping people that are not as likable out, even if it makes you un-popular. when no one is looking, you doint glorify yourself. by doing this unto others, they can see God working through you. did not Jesus come to the world to save all?did He not associate with the tax collectors and the shunned and the outcasted? i am deeply challenged. i pay that God will make my heart sensitive to the needsof the people around me. my heart longs to glorify the one true God!
wow! God really did speak alot today
Lesson of the day:
be still and know He is God,be sensitive to His voice and His promptings. be ready at all times to follow nd do what He wans you to do. Be faithful with the opportunities He has given you and dont "play it safe"
Being sick does have a very adverse effect on one's concentration. especially during one's quiet time. but its all the more eason why i should persever and continue with my quiet time! in th pst 5 days or so, the Lord has never failed to impress new truths and teachings in my heart and i come doing quiet time today with an expectant heart! i know God wll not disappoint!
now from verse 1-13 we read about the parble of the 10 virgins, 5 wise and 5 foolish. it was thus very simple to see the base lesson behind the whole story about how we should never be complacent and not plan ahead but, the reason behond me putting the key verse as 13 is more than that. "therefore keep watch for you do not know the day or the hour" personally i feel this applies to more than just when Christ comes again but to each and every day and acion that we take in our lives. the reason being that we never know what is going to happen in the next day, hour or even minute. we never know when an opportunity can and most likely will come for us to share God's word, be tere for someone or just show God's love to one another or a non-believer and possibly change the person's life. only when we are watchful and sensitive to God's voice and calling will we be able to sense and know what God wants us to do. only then will God be able to accomplish His plan for our lives.
Next from verses 14-30 we read about the parable of the talents. again we come face to face with the subject of using what God gav us to the fullest. i know that at the end of the day i want God to say wht is said in verse 23, that is the main reason why i put that verse as the key verse. but the lesson in the whole parabe isn't getting to that point, well it is but it is the process of getting to that point that i feel is more important. who doesn't at the end of the day want Godto tell them "well done good and faithful servent" ? but to achieve it, we have to BE FAITHFUL! what does that mean? i feel that it means using the opportunities that God has given us as well as the talents that He has given us. to be faithful with what He has entrusted us with and to use it to the best of our abilities! personally i feel that many a time like the servent that was given 1 talent, i like to "play it safe" for example, if i feel and know that God is trying to tell me to encourage this personor share the gospel with this person, i often "talk myself out of it" by telling myself all the "what ifs" and end up playing it safe and just hoping that the way i live my life will be a good enough testimony to the person. today i have been challenged to live my life outwardly, to try to listen to God in each and EVERY waking moments of my life. i know that i have not been doing that especially in OCS. i'm not going to make excuses that its because of the fast pace of training and everything because i know that it can be done. personally i feel that by doin this i can really be a faithful servent and put what God gave me to goood use.
Finally the parable of the sheep and the goats. again God speaks to me about being sensitive toHis voice and sharing and caring for those ho need it, for those who need His touch and His comfort. "whatever you do for the least of these brothers of mine, you have done for me" to me that speaks a lot. it speaks of how we should help others and do good deeds to others especially when no one is looking. only by doing so can we say that we are doing it for God, especially when we do it for one that is not as lovable or is outcasted by others. it is very easy to do things for likable people but by helping people that are not as likable out, even if it makes you un-popular. when no one is looking, you doint glorify yourself. by doing this unto others, they can see God working through you. did not Jesus come to the world to save all?did He not associate with the tax collectors and the shunned and the outcasted? i am deeply challenged. i pay that God will make my heart sensitive to the needsof the people around me. my heart longs to glorify the one true God!
wow! God really did speak alot today
Lesson of the day:
be still and know He is God,be sensitive to His voice and His promptings. be ready at all times to follow nd do what He wans you to do. Be faithful with the opportunities He has given you and dont "play it safe"
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