This psalm is a prayer of David expressing his confident trust in God who answers prayer (v 7). In his prayer of supplication, David ascribed generous praise to God, declaring His wonderful attributes. When you praise someone, you declare something good about the person especially in the area of character. Let's learn from David what he thought of God.
Firstly, David addressed God as LORD (YHWH) which is the unpronounceable name of God (v 1). He is the "I am that I am". And certainly God shall be to us what we declare Him to be. Do you need peace, then confess Him as your Jehovah Shalom. If you need healing, then confess Him as your Jehovah Rapha.
Secondly, the LORD is good and ready to forgive, abundant in lovingkindness (v 5). Even though David was afflicted and in need, he looked beyond the horizon to a God who is ready to forgive and bless. Indeed, no one and no gods can be compared to Him; the works of His hands are also unique (v 8).
Thirdly, God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in faithfulness (v 15). He is merciful because He does not punish us according to what our sins deserve. He is gracious because He delights to bless us with good things even though we don't deserve them. God could have wiped out humanity completely in the early days when there was gross immorality during Noah's time. But He was patient with that wicked generation until Noah entered the ark. Righteous Noah and his family were preserved through the great deluge.
He is a God who keeps His word - a faithful God. In a day and age when promises can be easily broken, God's fulfillment of His Word serves as a contrast to the practices of the world. There are many promises relating to the second coming of Jesus Christ that have yet to be realised. But as surely as night follows day, we can be rest assured that Jesus Christ would return for His bride.
As we contemplate the character and goodness of God, remember that He wants us to be transformed into His likeness as well. The transferable characteristics of God, like being merciful, gracious and faithful, are the qualities He would like us to have and exhibit on a day to day basis. Even as we do so, we reflect the Lord's love and character in a very tangible way. For indeed, we are the only Jesus some will ever see.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Epistles of 1 & 2 Thessalonians
The two epistles talk alot about the seconding coming of Jesus Christ and are often designated as eschatological letters. Eschatology has to do with doctrine concerning final things like judgment and future state. 1 Thessalonians is especially comforting for those who have experienced bereavement, as it mentions the glorious hope of Christ's second coming. It is also a book where ministers of God turn to bring encouragement to the bereaved families.
Let's trace the thoughts of the apostle Paul as he penned the two epistles. Paul began by giving thanks for the Thessalonians because their faith has gone forth to every place. We are now waiting for God's Son to return from heaven - indeed He's the One who saves us from the wrath to come (1 Th 1:10). "Souls" is the currency of heaven and Paul was delighted to boast that the Thessalonian Christians will be his pride and joy at the coming of the Lord (1 Th 2:19). Will you have any crown of exultation to show forth when Christ returns?
Next Paul encouraged the believers to keep abounding in love for one another in order that our hearts may be established unblameable in holiness before God at the coming of Christ with all His saints (1 Th 3:13). One of the specific wills of God for us is revealed here - our sanctification, that is, to be set apart in holiness for Him (1 Th 4:3). Paul continued with the theme of Christ's second coming by telling the believers that He would come with His saints i.e. those who have died in the Christ (1 Th 4:13-17). Those who are still alive when He comes would not die but be raptured or translated up to heaven like Elijah of old. This is known as the Omega-transition generation according to Bishop Bill Hamon.
Paul concluded 1 Thessalonians by saying the the Lord's coming would come like a thief in the night i.e. unexpectedly to the world. But to the believers, we should not be caught by surprise because we're children of light (1 Th 5:2-6). As children of God, we should be able to discern the signs of the end of times. All the signs point to the fact that we're living in the last hour of God's time piece. We're therefore urged to live and behave in a manner that befits a King's kid (1 Th 5:6-22).
The eschatological theme continues in 2 Thessalonians. Christ would come not only with His saints (to be glorified) but also His mighty angels to execute judgment on the unbelieving, who would be cast away from the presence of God (2 Th 1:7-10). At the same time, the man of lawless (agent of Satan) together with all who believed in a lie would be destroyed by the Lord when He returns (2 Th 2:8-12). Paul's final encouragement to believers is to continue standing firm, praying for the servants of God and doing good (2 Th 2:17; 3:1,13).
Let's pray that God may count us worthy of our calling and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power (2 Th 1:11).
Let's trace the thoughts of the apostle Paul as he penned the two epistles. Paul began by giving thanks for the Thessalonians because their faith has gone forth to every place. We are now waiting for God's Son to return from heaven - indeed He's the One who saves us from the wrath to come (1 Th 1:10). "Souls" is the currency of heaven and Paul was delighted to boast that the Thessalonian Christians will be his pride and joy at the coming of the Lord (1 Th 2:19). Will you have any crown of exultation to show forth when Christ returns?
Next Paul encouraged the believers to keep abounding in love for one another in order that our hearts may be established unblameable in holiness before God at the coming of Christ with all His saints (1 Th 3:13). One of the specific wills of God for us is revealed here - our sanctification, that is, to be set apart in holiness for Him (1 Th 4:3). Paul continued with the theme of Christ's second coming by telling the believers that He would come with His saints i.e. those who have died in the Christ (1 Th 4:13-17). Those who are still alive when He comes would not die but be raptured or translated up to heaven like Elijah of old. This is known as the Omega-transition generation according to Bishop Bill Hamon.
Paul concluded 1 Thessalonians by saying the the Lord's coming would come like a thief in the night i.e. unexpectedly to the world. But to the believers, we should not be caught by surprise because we're children of light (1 Th 5:2-6). As children of God, we should be able to discern the signs of the end of times. All the signs point to the fact that we're living in the last hour of God's time piece. We're therefore urged to live and behave in a manner that befits a King's kid (1 Th 5:6-22).
The eschatological theme continues in 2 Thessalonians. Christ would come not only with His saints (to be glorified) but also His mighty angels to execute judgment on the unbelieving, who would be cast away from the presence of God (2 Th 1:7-10). At the same time, the man of lawless (agent of Satan) together with all who believed in a lie would be destroyed by the Lord when He returns (2 Th 2:8-12). Paul's final encouragement to believers is to continue standing firm, praying for the servants of God and doing good (2 Th 2:17; 3:1,13).
Let's pray that God may count us worthy of our calling and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power (2 Th 1:11).
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Epistle of Titus
Titus was one of Paul's converts, left on the island of Crete to organise the church there (1:4-5). On the day of Pentecost, there were Cretans who witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Ac 2:11). No doubt, the seed of faith had already been implanted in these visitors who brought back the good news of Jesus Christ to their homeland, making it easy for Paul and Titus to minister to the community there. Titus was tasked by Paul to appoint elders in every town. This letter brought instructions as to how to go about selecting elders who were to be defenders of sound doctrine, exemplified by godly behaviour and good deeds.
The qualifications of elders are spelt out (1:7-9) which more or less parallels that found in 1 Tim 3:1-7. Then there's an exhortation regarding how (younger and older) men and women ought to behave (2:2-8); and how bondslaves are to be subjected to their masters (2:9). The duties and responsibilities of citizens to the governmental authorities were also urged (3:1). In contrast to the Christian virtues espoused by Paul, the Cretans were noted for being liars, lazy gluttons and evil beasts (1:12-13). Indeed, those who are defiled and unbelieving, their minds and consciences will continue to be corrupted and defiled (1:15).
For the believers, God's grace has brought salvation to us. It instructs us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives (2:11-12). In this way, we can look forward to the blessed hope of our faith - the second coming of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (2:13). In the meantime, we are to devote ourselves in doing what is good, providing for daily necessities and not to live unproductive lives (3:8,14).
In a world that is constantly bombarded by the deceitfulness of evil and riches that is being purveyed through the different mass media, Christians are to guard themselves against the lusts of the flesh and eye and the pride of life (1 Jn 2:15-17). The way out of this evil influence is to deny ourselves, take up our crosses daily and follow Christ (Lk 9:23). We have to crucify the flesh life in us on a daily basis even as it rears its ugly head each time. We also need to ask God for daily cleansing the renewal in our lives (3:5).
The qualifications of elders are spelt out (1:7-9) which more or less parallels that found in 1 Tim 3:1-7. Then there's an exhortation regarding how (younger and older) men and women ought to behave (2:2-8); and how bondslaves are to be subjected to their masters (2:9). The duties and responsibilities of citizens to the governmental authorities were also urged (3:1). In contrast to the Christian virtues espoused by Paul, the Cretans were noted for being liars, lazy gluttons and evil beasts (1:12-13). Indeed, those who are defiled and unbelieving, their minds and consciences will continue to be corrupted and defiled (1:15).
For the believers, God's grace has brought salvation to us. It instructs us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives (2:11-12). In this way, we can look forward to the blessed hope of our faith - the second coming of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (2:13). In the meantime, we are to devote ourselves in doing what is good, providing for daily necessities and not to live unproductive lives (3:8,14).
In a world that is constantly bombarded by the deceitfulness of evil and riches that is being purveyed through the different mass media, Christians are to guard themselves against the lusts of the flesh and eye and the pride of life (1 Jn 2:15-17). The way out of this evil influence is to deny ourselves, take up our crosses daily and follow Christ (Lk 9:23). We have to crucify the flesh life in us on a daily basis even as it rears its ugly head each time. We also need to ask God for daily cleansing the renewal in our lives (3:5).
Monday, August 9, 2010
A Prayer for Singapore
Heavenly Father,
As we celebrate our 45th birthday today, we acknowledge that You're the One who has established this island nation. For indeed, You made from one blood, every nation of mankind to live on the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times, and the boundaries of their habitation, that they should seek God (Ac 17:26-27). We pray that Singapore will fulfill the redemptive purpose and destiny that You have for her; that she will be a light to the nations all around her.
May You continue to bless our government and judiary with wisdom, knowledge and understanding to rule and guide this nation along, established on the foundation of righteousness and justice (Ps 89:14). Let the doers of iniquities not go unpunished but be brought to justice (Rom 13:4); let there be peace, harmony and prosperity in our land, so that Your people can continue to worship You and proclaim Your goodness and truth (1 Tim 2:1-4).
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so we beseech of You to surround this nation with your favour and wall of protection (Ps 125:2; 5:12; Zech 2:5). Every work of terrorism and evil doers will not prosper in our land but their plans and deeds would be exposed and thwarted. Preserve and protect our nation from calamities and natural disasters. We pray for godly wisdom to be upon all government and private institutions to meet all the challenges that lie ahead of us. And that compassion and kindness will flow out of a heart of love and generosity.
Finally, we pray that Singapore would be a blessed nation, whereby the people would turn Godward and acknowledge You as their sovereign God (Ps 33:12; 144:15). Indeed, we are grateful to You, dear Father God, that you have brought this nation through her tumultuous years to where we are today. We are confident that You who began a good work in this lion city, You will bring it to completion (Phil 1:6), and certainly all glory and honour will redound to Your great and matchless Name!
As we celebrate our 45th birthday today, we acknowledge that You're the One who has established this island nation. For indeed, You made from one blood, every nation of mankind to live on the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times, and the boundaries of their habitation, that they should seek God (Ac 17:26-27). We pray that Singapore will fulfill the redemptive purpose and destiny that You have for her; that she will be a light to the nations all around her.
May You continue to bless our government and judiary with wisdom, knowledge and understanding to rule and guide this nation along, established on the foundation of righteousness and justice (Ps 89:14). Let the doers of iniquities not go unpunished but be brought to justice (Rom 13:4); let there be peace, harmony and prosperity in our land, so that Your people can continue to worship You and proclaim Your goodness and truth (1 Tim 2:1-4).
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so we beseech of You to surround this nation with your favour and wall of protection (Ps 125:2; 5:12; Zech 2:5). Every work of terrorism and evil doers will not prosper in our land but their plans and deeds would be exposed and thwarted. Preserve and protect our nation from calamities and natural disasters. We pray for godly wisdom to be upon all government and private institutions to meet all the challenges that lie ahead of us. And that compassion and kindness will flow out of a heart of love and generosity.
Finally, we pray that Singapore would be a blessed nation, whereby the people would turn Godward and acknowledge You as their sovereign God (Ps 33:12; 144:15). Indeed, we are grateful to You, dear Father God, that you have brought this nation through her tumultuous years to where we are today. We are confident that You who began a good work in this lion city, You will bring it to completion (Phil 1:6), and certainly all glory and honour will redound to Your great and matchless Name!
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