David is appealing to God’s court of justice to deliver him from the schemes of the enemy. This psalm relates to the persistent attempts by King Saul to hunt down David, hence the title concerning Cush, a Benjamite (though we don’t know who this Cush is). Saul was ill-informed that David wanted to seize his throne (1 Sam 24:9-11).
David began his psalm or song with these words:
“O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me, or they will tear me like a lion and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me.” (v1-2)
When we want protection from the influence of ungodly people, the first thing we have to recognise is that God is our refuge (Ps 46:1). Sometimes, we feel that we need a safe place to hide from evil attacks against us. But nothing like hiding in God’s secret place (Ps 91:1). What this means is that we need to turn to God each time accusations are hurled against us. God's invisible shield of protection surrounds the righteous (Job 1:10).
David recognises also that if there’s iniquity within him, he deserves to be taken to task (v3-5). But he appeals to God based on his own integrity of heart (v8); he had no intention to neither kill Saul nor usurp his throne prematurely. God is certainly mighty to save and deliver the upright of heart (v10). The wicked will not prosper in their evil schemes but instead will fall into their own traps (v14-16).
David ends with praise to the righteous God who would be just in his judgment (v11,17).
Are you fearful and in need of God’s protection? Start praying the prayer of David and ask God to help you search your own heart in the matter at hand.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Justified for worship and service (Rom 11-15)
We read in the earlier chapters of Romans how Paul argued convincingly that our justification (right standing) before God is through faith in Christ and not based on keeping the law of God given through Moses. And as a result of this justification, we have received the benefits of heaven as considered last week. Paul concluded his theological treatise in 11:32 by saying that God has shut up both Jews and Gentiles in disobedience that He might show mercy to all.
From chapter 12 onwards, he gave some practical advice on living out the Christian faith. In view of God’s mercy (His withholding of punishment on us due to our disobedience), Paul urged us (the believers) to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God, which is our spiritual service of worship. The word worship is used to connote the kind of work the priests used to perform in the temple. The great difference is in the type of sacrifices used, dead animals as opposed to living sacrifices. In many pagan religions, dead animal sacrifices are still being offered to their gods. But for us believers, God demands us as His living sacrifices. How easy it is for a living sacrifice to walk away from the altar of God (12:1)!
The only way we can yield ourselves to God’s will (as opposed to being dictated by our will) is not to conform our thinking according to the pattern of this world but to be transformed (commitment to a long term way of doing things) by the renewing of our mind. The mind here speaks of our ability to reason and make moral judgments. We can only make right judgments provided we continually make connections with the God of righteousness. In particular, our mind renewal comes through the constant reading and meditation of God’s Word in order to know His will, which is good, pleasing and perfect (12:2).
Question: What proportion of time each day do we spend reading/meditating God’s Word as opposed to reading/watching other things?
Whatever we feed our mind daily, we would invariably be affected by it, whether for good or evil. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Pr 23:7)
God desires first and foremost our worship (being in conformity to His will) and then our service (doing). Jesus commended Mary (who sat at His feet in worship) for having chosen the good part as opposed to Martha, who busied herself with housework ie. service (Lk 10:41-42).
Our service to God is manifested in our service to humanity and can be seen in the following ways:
1. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love (philadelphia) – seek the good fortune of others, exercising our spiritual gifts in love (12:10).
2. Love (agapao) one another – loving others unconditionally as demonstrated by Christ (13:8).
3. Do not judge one another – in non-essentials, let there be diversity but in essentials, let there be unity (14:13).
4. Accept one another – this is the basis of all relationships regardless of nationality, status or gender (15:7).
The last point was elaborated by me on Good Neighbours’ Day on 14 Nov 09 in which I quoted Gal 3:26-28, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” God through the church of Jesus Christ is creating a new humanity (spiritual race) which transcends culture, creed and race. We shall one day be like the angels of heaven, not given to marriage (Mt 22:30).
Rev Michael Ross Watson prophesied over our church that there would be growth and increase. This of course begins with each one of us cultivating the “being” (worship) before embarking on the "doing” (service). Jesus Christ is our supreme example in this area:
“And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.” Lk 1:80 (NIV)
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Lk 2:52 (NKJV)
If you’re faithfully reading God’s Word on a daily basis, you’ve started on a journey to build up your spirit man; to increase in godly wisdom. You’ll gain great stature both in the eyes of God and man; gaining favour in whatever you do. It is the prayer of the spiritual leadership of Bethesda Cathedral that you'd grow and increase daily in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
From chapter 12 onwards, he gave some practical advice on living out the Christian faith. In view of God’s mercy (His withholding of punishment on us due to our disobedience), Paul urged us (the believers) to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God, which is our spiritual service of worship. The word worship is used to connote the kind of work the priests used to perform in the temple. The great difference is in the type of sacrifices used, dead animals as opposed to living sacrifices. In many pagan religions, dead animal sacrifices are still being offered to their gods. But for us believers, God demands us as His living sacrifices. How easy it is for a living sacrifice to walk away from the altar of God (12:1)!
The only way we can yield ourselves to God’s will (as opposed to being dictated by our will) is not to conform our thinking according to the pattern of this world but to be transformed (commitment to a long term way of doing things) by the renewing of our mind. The mind here speaks of our ability to reason and make moral judgments. We can only make right judgments provided we continually make connections with the God of righteousness. In particular, our mind renewal comes through the constant reading and meditation of God’s Word in order to know His will, which is good, pleasing and perfect (12:2).
Question: What proportion of time each day do we spend reading/meditating God’s Word as opposed to reading/watching other things?
Whatever we feed our mind daily, we would invariably be affected by it, whether for good or evil. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Pr 23:7)
God desires first and foremost our worship (being in conformity to His will) and then our service (doing). Jesus commended Mary (who sat at His feet in worship) for having chosen the good part as opposed to Martha, who busied herself with housework ie. service (Lk 10:41-42).
Our service to God is manifested in our service to humanity and can be seen in the following ways:
1. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love (philadelphia) – seek the good fortune of others, exercising our spiritual gifts in love (12:10).
2. Love (agapao) one another – loving others unconditionally as demonstrated by Christ (13:8).
3. Do not judge one another – in non-essentials, let there be diversity but in essentials, let there be unity (14:13).
4. Accept one another – this is the basis of all relationships regardless of nationality, status or gender (15:7).
The last point was elaborated by me on Good Neighbours’ Day on 14 Nov 09 in which I quoted Gal 3:26-28, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” God through the church of Jesus Christ is creating a new humanity (spiritual race) which transcends culture, creed and race. We shall one day be like the angels of heaven, not given to marriage (Mt 22:30).
Rev Michael Ross Watson prophesied over our church that there would be growth and increase. This of course begins with each one of us cultivating the “being” (worship) before embarking on the "doing” (service). Jesus Christ is our supreme example in this area:
“And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.” Lk 1:80 (NIV)
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Lk 2:52 (NKJV)
If you’re faithfully reading God’s Word on a daily basis, you’ve started on a journey to build up your spirit man; to increase in godly wisdom. You’ll gain great stature both in the eyes of God and man; gaining favour in whatever you do. It is the prayer of the spiritual leadership of Bethesda Cathedral that you'd grow and increase daily in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
How to pray for guidance? (Ps 5-6)
Guidance begins with the acknowledgment that God is our source of direction in life. David begins his day in prayer, seeking grace and mercy (6:1-3), believing that God would hear and answer him (5:1-3; 6:9). He also worships God in his temple (5:7).
God takes no pleasure in
1. those who do wicked things (5:4),
2. arrogant people (5:5),
3. people who lie and deceive others (5:6,9).
Surely these are the people God would not guide. The prayer of guidance is found in 5:8, “Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies – make straight your way before me.”
If we decide in our hearts to follow the way of the world in being unrighteous, then this prayer is not for us. This prayer speaks of God’s righteousness that we seek (see Mt 6:33). The enemies of God, represented by the ungodly, seek to ensnare Christians in their way (see Rom 1:28-32). When we pray this prayer, we’re praying for God’s righteousness to reign in us and to follow in His upright (another word for straight) ways. Thank God we’re made righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ. And the promise is that God would surround us with favour as with a shield (5:12).
God takes no pleasure in
1. those who do wicked things (5:4),
2. arrogant people (5:5),
3. people who lie and deceive others (5:6,9).
Surely these are the people God would not guide. The prayer of guidance is found in 5:8, “Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies – make straight your way before me.”
If we decide in our hearts to follow the way of the world in being unrighteous, then this prayer is not for us. This prayer speaks of God’s righteousness that we seek (see Mt 6:33). The enemies of God, represented by the ungodly, seek to ensnare Christians in their way (see Rom 1:28-32). When we pray this prayer, we’re praying for God’s righteousness to reign in us and to follow in His upright (another word for straight) ways. Thank God we’re made righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ. And the promise is that God would surround us with favour as with a shield (5:12).
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Results of Justification (Rom 5-10)
As we continue our reading of the book of Romans, we can anchor our thoughts on the results of justification in each chapter. I am listing one for each chapter as an illustration:
1. Peace with God (5:1) – having access and right standing with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
2. Eternal life (6:23) – life in the presence of God, again through the finished work of Christ at the cross.
3. Bearing fruit to God (7:4) – as opposed to living carnally (in the flesh).
4. No condemnation (8:1) – declared not guilty.
5. Children of God (9:26) – our status in God’s kingdom.
6. Salvation (10:10) – saved from the penalty and power of sin.
Do take time to meditate and dig out more gems out of your daily reading. Thank God for the wonderful benefits of being justified before Him.
Paul used a number of imageries to illustrate spiritual truths such as
1. Baptism (6:1-11) – our identification with Christ in His death & resurrection.
2. Slaves (6:15-23) – our subjection to a master in subservient obedience.
3. Marriage (7:1-6) – covenant remains in force as long as spouse is still alive.
A beautiful justification imagery comes to mind as found in Zechariah 3:1-5. Joshua the high priest had his filthy clothes removed (this signifies his sins being removed ie. no condemnation) and rich robes being put on him (this signifies Christ’s righteousness being imputed on him). This is exactly what God has done for each one of us as we put our faith in Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!
1. Peace with God (5:1) – having access and right standing with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
2. Eternal life (6:23) – life in the presence of God, again through the finished work of Christ at the cross.
3. Bearing fruit to God (7:4) – as opposed to living carnally (in the flesh).
4. No condemnation (8:1) – declared not guilty.
5. Children of God (9:26) – our status in God’s kingdom.
6. Salvation (10:10) – saved from the penalty and power of sin.
Do take time to meditate and dig out more gems out of your daily reading. Thank God for the wonderful benefits of being justified before Him.
Paul used a number of imageries to illustrate spiritual truths such as
1. Baptism (6:1-11) – our identification with Christ in His death & resurrection.
2. Slaves (6:15-23) – our subjection to a master in subservient obedience.
3. Marriage (7:1-6) – covenant remains in force as long as spouse is still alive.
A beautiful justification imagery comes to mind as found in Zechariah 3:1-5. Joshua the high priest had his filthy clothes removed (this signifies his sins being removed ie. no condemnation) and rich robes being put on him (this signifies Christ’s righteousness being imputed on him). This is exactly what God has done for each one of us as we put our faith in Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
How to have a sound sleep? (Ps 3-4)
King David, who wrote the two psalms, was fleeing from Absalom (his son) who conspired with others to take over his throne. Indeed, there are many things in life that can make us fearful and anxious, thus depriving us of precious sleep.
David mentions some of these things:
1. People seeking to do us harm (3:1,6)
2. Naysayers (3:2; 4:6)
3. Distressful situations (4:1)
4. People who seek falsehood (4:2)
Despite the crisis, David was able to declare:
“I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.” (3:5)
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep. For you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (4:8)
Why this confident proclamation?
1. His positive confession and trust in God (3:3; 4:5)
2. His deliverance comes from the LORD (3:7-8)
3. His remembrance of God’s past mercies (4:1)
4. His meditation and worship of God (4:4-5)
Notice that David was as human as all of us. He was angry at what had transpired but he chose to be still before God (4:4). He chose to pray and cry out to God for salvation (3:7; 4:1) and not allow the circumstances to make himself sick with worry. Because of that, he enjoyed God’s blessing of a good night’s sleep (Ps 127:2).
Are you troubled by sleeplessness? Then begin to follow David’s example.
David mentions some of these things:
1. People seeking to do us harm (3:1,6)
2. Naysayers (3:2; 4:6)
3. Distressful situations (4:1)
4. People who seek falsehood (4:2)
Despite the crisis, David was able to declare:
“I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.” (3:5)
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep. For you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (4:8)
Why this confident proclamation?
1. His positive confession and trust in God (3:3; 4:5)
2. His deliverance comes from the LORD (3:7-8)
3. His remembrance of God’s past mercies (4:1)
4. His meditation and worship of God (4:4-5)
Notice that David was as human as all of us. He was angry at what had transpired but he chose to be still before God (4:4). He chose to pray and cry out to God for salvation (3:7; 4:1) and not allow the circumstances to make himself sick with worry. Because of that, he enjoyed God’s blessing of a good night’s sleep (Ps 127:2).
Are you troubled by sleeplessness? Then begin to follow David’s example.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Praying for the church
At the Prayer and Praise yesterday, the prayer-warriors prayer walked the church compound to pray and release God's blessings. There were 5 different stations (taken by an elder each) to pray for different strategic things. At my station, I summarised with the acronym SHIFT:
Spiritual growth - as we pray, read, meditate, study and memorise the word, we will grow to become mature men and women of God who would do exploits for the Master.
Hunger for God - pray against worldliness, laziness and indifference to the things of God; that there'd be a thirst and hunger for righteouness instead.
Increase - in glory, anointing and numbers in all our ministries; God to anoint every leader and empty seats.
Favor - with God and men; we'd experience success as we witness and build up the lives of people around us. God's favor will surround us like a shield.
Thanksgiving - thank God that He's going to bring spiritual growth, hunger, increase and favor in Bethesda Cathedral.
So keep praying, that God would bring a spiritual shift in the atmosphere of our land that His glory will descend.
Spiritual growth - as we pray, read, meditate, study and memorise the word, we will grow to become mature men and women of God who would do exploits for the Master.
Hunger for God - pray against worldliness, laziness and indifference to the things of God; that there'd be a thirst and hunger for righteouness instead.
Increase - in glory, anointing and numbers in all our ministries; God to anoint every leader and empty seats.
Favor - with God and men; we'd experience success as we witness and build up the lives of people around us. God's favor will surround us like a shield.
Thanksgiving - thank God that He's going to bring spiritual growth, hunger, increase and favor in Bethesda Cathedral.
So keep praying, that God would bring a spiritual shift in the atmosphere of our land that His glory will descend.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The Glory of God
Based on the message last Sunday, I thought of sharing some thoughts on the glory of God.
Glory (Hebrew kabod; Greek doxa) has the meaning of ‘heaviness’, ‘weight’ or ‘worthiness’
Glory of God: revelation of God’s being, nature and presence to mankind, often with physical manifestation such as a cloud (Ex 16:10; Mt 17:5).
The glory of God speaks of His character as in Ps 57:10-11, talking about God’s love and faithfulness being over all the earth. This is a case where one verse of psalm restates the other to help us get a better understanding of the thought of the Psalter.
Another scripture to look at is Ps 145:8-12
8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.
11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Here we see that all creation would praise God (v10) for His character – gracious, compassionate, goodness. The glory of God’s kingdom is associated with His might and mighty acts (v11-12).
In the NT, the glory (character) of God is seen in Jesus Christ (Heb 1:3), through His signs (mighty acts) in Cana of Galilee (Jn 2:11). Man has been made in the image of God and reflects God’s glory (1 Cor 11:7) – this was true of Adam before he fell. Adam and Eve were covered with glory and had no shame, even though they were naked. However, when they sinned against God, the glory covering was lifted and they hid themselves (Gen 3:8-10). That’s why Paul declared in Rom 3:23, “All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” But God is in the business of restoring us back to the days of glory by His Spirit which He has poured out on the day of Pentecost. He has anointed each one of us for works of service to reflect His glory (character & mighty acts). The way to do so is to build up our spiritual house by reading, meditating and memorising God's Word; and to pray continually. This is the direction of the church for this season to help usher the glory of God in our midst.
Glory (Hebrew kabod; Greek doxa) has the meaning of ‘heaviness’, ‘weight’ or ‘worthiness’
Glory of God: revelation of God’s being, nature and presence to mankind, often with physical manifestation such as a cloud (Ex 16:10; Mt 17:5).
The glory of God speaks of His character as in Ps 57:10-11, talking about God’s love and faithfulness being over all the earth. This is a case where one verse of psalm restates the other to help us get a better understanding of the thought of the Psalter.
Another scripture to look at is Ps 145:8-12
8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.
11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Here we see that all creation would praise God (v10) for His character – gracious, compassionate, goodness. The glory of God’s kingdom is associated with His might and mighty acts (v11-12).
In the NT, the glory (character) of God is seen in Jesus Christ (Heb 1:3), through His signs (mighty acts) in Cana of Galilee (Jn 2:11). Man has been made in the image of God and reflects God’s glory (1 Cor 11:7) – this was true of Adam before he fell. Adam and Eve were covered with glory and had no shame, even though they were naked. However, when they sinned against God, the glory covering was lifted and they hid themselves (Gen 3:8-10). That’s why Paul declared in Rom 3:23, “All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” But God is in the business of restoring us back to the days of glory by His Spirit which He has poured out on the day of Pentecost. He has anointed each one of us for works of service to reflect His glory (character & mighty acts). The way to do so is to build up our spiritual house by reading, meditating and memorising God's Word; and to pray continually. This is the direction of the church for this season to help usher the glory of God in our midst.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
The Book of Romans
The theme of this book is justification of the believer by faith. Paul wrote to a church he had not met. From ch 1 – 11, he laid down the doctrines concerning our position in Christ and from ch 12 – 16, he gave practical advice. The key verse is found in Rom 1:17, “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
This was a verse that propelled Martin Luther to bring about the Reformation movement. His eyes were opened to see that God’s righteousness did not condemn but rather justifies the sinner. He was freed from the idea that we need to do our very best before God will help us. Instead he saw God as one who freely justifies us by faith in Christ Jesus.
Justification has two aspects:
1. Believer having his sins removed (just as if he’d never sinned).
2. Believer in “right standing” before God (declared righteous in Christ).
A quick overview as you read this book:
The need for right standing is argued in Rom 1:18-3:21
What is right standing before God? (Rom 3:21-5:21)
How does this right standing affect me? (Rom 6 – 8)
If this right standing is so simple, why didn’t the Jews accept it? (Rom 9 – 11)
Practical rules for a person in right standing with God (Rom 12 – 16)
The book of Romans claarly spells out that none of us are in right standing before God (Rom 3:23) and that we need to put our faith in Christ, in order that He may impart His righteousness and Spirit in us. It is the Holy Spirit who would enable us to live a life that is pleasing before God. As we listen and yield to the Holy Spirit, we would produce fruits in keeping with repentance. This is what James was trying to get at, that we should show forth our faith with actions. Hence James’ treatise on justification by works does not contradict Paul’s eloquent argument on faith in Christ being the basis of our salvation. If we say we're Christians, then we should show forth our faith by our love for God and our fellow men.
This was a verse that propelled Martin Luther to bring about the Reformation movement. His eyes were opened to see that God’s righteousness did not condemn but rather justifies the sinner. He was freed from the idea that we need to do our very best before God will help us. Instead he saw God as one who freely justifies us by faith in Christ Jesus.
Justification has two aspects:
1. Believer having his sins removed (just as if he’d never sinned).
2. Believer in “right standing” before God (declared righteous in Christ).
A quick overview as you read this book:
The need for right standing is argued in Rom 1:18-3:21
What is right standing before God? (Rom 3:21-5:21)
How does this right standing affect me? (Rom 6 – 8)
If this right standing is so simple, why didn’t the Jews accept it? (Rom 9 – 11)
Practical rules for a person in right standing with God (Rom 12 – 16)
The book of Romans claarly spells out that none of us are in right standing before God (Rom 3:23) and that we need to put our faith in Christ, in order that He may impart His righteousness and Spirit in us. It is the Holy Spirit who would enable us to live a life that is pleasing before God. As we listen and yield to the Holy Spirit, we would produce fruits in keeping with repentance. This is what James was trying to get at, that we should show forth our faith with actions. Hence James’ treatise on justification by works does not contradict Paul’s eloquent argument on faith in Christ being the basis of our salvation. If we say we're Christians, then we should show forth our faith by our love for God and our fellow men.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Psalm 1: The blessings of meditating on God's Word
This is a short beautiful psalm encouraging us to follow the path of godliness rather than evil. The contrasts between the godly and the ungodly are mentioned. I would summarize them as such:
The godly exhibits the following characteristics:
Torah: lover of God's Word; meditates on it day and night (v2)
Rooted: in the soil of God's love; not easily shaken or moved by adverse circumstances (v3a)
Evergreen: fresh and vibrant; bearing God's fruit and healing to others (v3b)
Efficacious: succeed in whatever they do (v3b)
The ungodly exhibits the following characteristics:
Counsel wickedness: plans and plots evil (v1)
Haughty spirit: quick to judge others (v1)
Attuned to sin:: easily led to do things that are displeasing to God (v1)
Follow the world: blown by every wind of doctrine (v4)
Fully condemned: unable to stand before God in judgment (v5)
May we all grow to be a planting of the Lord that He may be glorified (Is 61:3b). And the way to do so is to read and meditate on God's Word.
The godly exhibits the following characteristics:
Torah: lover of God's Word; meditates on it day and night (v2)
Rooted: in the soil of God's love; not easily shaken or moved by adverse circumstances (v3a)
Evergreen: fresh and vibrant; bearing God's fruit and healing to others (v3b)
Efficacious: succeed in whatever they do (v3b)
The ungodly exhibits the following characteristics:
Counsel wickedness: plans and plots evil (v1)
Haughty spirit: quick to judge others (v1)
Attuned to sin:: easily led to do things that are displeasing to God (v1)
Follow the world: blown by every wind of doctrine (v4)
Fully condemned: unable to stand before God in judgment (v5)
May we all grow to be a planting of the Lord that He may be glorified (Is 61:3b). And the way to do so is to read and meditate on God's Word.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
James 1: The tests of life
This is a book filled with lots of practical wisdom.
When you encounter trials in life, see it as opportunity for faith and character development (Jas 1:2-4). We can always ask God to give us wisdom in dealing with difficult situations, but we have to ask in faith and not doubt (v5-8). God’s perspective of our position in life is different from human standards (v9-11). A reward awaits the one who perseveres under trial (v 12).
The difference between trial and temptation is highlighted (v13-15). God is a giver of good gifts, and in particular, eternal life (v16-18). God effects eternal life through his word. The sin principle in our life can be curtailed if we are not just hearers of his word but doers of it (v19-25).
James gives three practical tests to confirm true faith in God (v26-27):
1. Bridle our tongue – elaborated more in ch 3.
2. Visit orphans and widows – helping those who are not as fortunate in society; this thought is expanded in ch 2.
3. Keep oneself unstained by the world – influenced by the pleasures of this world, leading to covetousness and self-righteousness (ch 4-5:6).
Two Old Testament figures were held up as models of faith-ful people:
Job – endured great suffering and passed the test (5:10-11). Are we in a similar situation? Maybe not comparable in magnitude to what Job has gone through. Take heart, God blessed him twice over in the end.
Elijah – prayed earnestly and in faith (5:17-18). Have we prayed fervently enough to receive from God?
If not, keep praying as God is in the faith stretching business. Our faith will grow as we do or say things in accordance to God's word.
When you encounter trials in life, see it as opportunity for faith and character development (Jas 1:2-4). We can always ask God to give us wisdom in dealing with difficult situations, but we have to ask in faith and not doubt (v5-8). God’s perspective of our position in life is different from human standards (v9-11). A reward awaits the one who perseveres under trial (v 12).
The difference between trial and temptation is highlighted (v13-15). God is a giver of good gifts, and in particular, eternal life (v16-18). God effects eternal life through his word. The sin principle in our life can be curtailed if we are not just hearers of his word but doers of it (v19-25).
James gives three practical tests to confirm true faith in God (v26-27):
1. Bridle our tongue – elaborated more in ch 3.
2. Visit orphans and widows – helping those who are not as fortunate in society; this thought is expanded in ch 2.
3. Keep oneself unstained by the world – influenced by the pleasures of this world, leading to covetousness and self-righteousness (ch 4-5:6).
Two Old Testament figures were held up as models of faith-ful people:
Job – endured great suffering and passed the test (5:10-11). Are we in a similar situation? Maybe not comparable in magnitude to what Job has gone through. Take heart, God blessed him twice over in the end.
Elijah – prayed earnestly and in faith (5:17-18). Have we prayed fervently enough to receive from God?
If not, keep praying as God is in the faith stretching business. Our faith will grow as we do or say things in accordance to God's word.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Daily Bible Reading Programme
Today marks the start of our Bible Reading Programme at Bethesda Cathedral. Here are some of my thoughts to help you get going. Above all else, ask God to speak to you personally so that you may grow both in knowledge and grace (character).
Book of James: Justification by Works
Written by the half-brother of Jesus to encourage Jewish believers scatterd outside Palestine to view sufferings as a test of their faith. This faith can be seen through the outworkings of their words and deeds. The key thought: “Faith without works is dead.” (Jas 2:26)
True saving faith is so vital that it cannot help but express itself in godly action or devotion. When we asked somone to receive Christ, often we’d ask them to raise their hand and come down to the altar to make a confession of faith. That is faith in action. The dying thief said to Christ, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
As you read this book, take note of the acts of faith that God’s people are to demonstrate. For example, you’d read that if anyone is happy, he should sing praises. If he’s sick, he should call for the elders of the church to pray. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick whole.
The Book of Psalms: Part of it is used as hymns sung in the second temple
Contain spirit-inspired prayers, praise and confession, expressing deep inner human emotions to God. It begins with a blessing to the one who does not keep company with the wicked but delights himself with meditating on God’s law.
How to read the Psalms?
It is a poetry book, so writers employ parellelism of thought i.e. second or subsequent lines restates, contrasts or completes the thought. For example in Psalm 1,
1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
The answers to the question posed each week can be found in the Psalms passages you'd be reading each week. So take time to read and enjoy God's Word.
Book of James: Justification by Works
Written by the half-brother of Jesus to encourage Jewish believers scatterd outside Palestine to view sufferings as a test of their faith. This faith can be seen through the outworkings of their words and deeds. The key thought: “Faith without works is dead.” (Jas 2:26)
True saving faith is so vital that it cannot help but express itself in godly action or devotion. When we asked somone to receive Christ, often we’d ask them to raise their hand and come down to the altar to make a confession of faith. That is faith in action. The dying thief said to Christ, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
As you read this book, take note of the acts of faith that God’s people are to demonstrate. For example, you’d read that if anyone is happy, he should sing praises. If he’s sick, he should call for the elders of the church to pray. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick whole.
The Book of Psalms: Part of it is used as hymns sung in the second temple
Contain spirit-inspired prayers, praise and confession, expressing deep inner human emotions to God. It begins with a blessing to the one who does not keep company with the wicked but delights himself with meditating on God’s law.
How to read the Psalms?
It is a poetry book, so writers employ parellelism of thought i.e. second or subsequent lines restates, contrasts or completes the thought. For example in Psalm 1,
1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
The answers to the question posed each week can be found in the Psalms passages you'd be reading each week. So take time to read and enjoy God's Word.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
