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.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
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.
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