Day 188 - Remember the Reason for the Season! Psalm 146; Proverbs 6:32-35; Revelation 7; 2 Samuel 17-18 Revelation 7:10-12 “and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”” Prior to Christmas, we may be busy shopping or cooking or attending functions here and there. Do we pause and reflect the reason for the season? Yes, Jesus is the reason! We hear that “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb.” Why Lamb? In order to be saved to go to heaven, a place where there shall be no sins, no misery and no more pain and sufferings, the people who are in heaven need to be purged of sins. Hence, a lamb needs to be sacrificed. Jes
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Day 187 - Have Fear of God Read: Psalm 145; Proverbs 6:28-31; Revelation 6; 2 Samuel 15-16 2 Samuel 15 & 16 15:13 A messenger came and told David, “The hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom.”14 Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, “Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin on us and put the city to the sword.” To me, as a parent, it is so sad to note that King David got to run for his life from his own son, Absalom. His own son schemed for 40 years (15:7) to topple his own father - could you believe that? This is our Bible - it will not hide - all the successes and failures of God's people are truthfully reported. Why did King David suffer this? It started with his own sin of adultery with Bathsheba (11:3) Even though God had forgiven him when he sincerely repented by recognising that he sinned against the Lord (12:13), King David nee
Day 186 - Blessed Thanksgiving Day Read: Psalm 144; Proverbs 6:25-27; Revelation 5; 2 Samuel 13-14 Thanksgiving Day is on the 4th Thursday of November and which is TODAY! In Revelation 5:10, it is stated that God has made us kings and priests to our God and we shall reign on the earth. What a good news! What a privilege! What a Thanksgiving item! It means we are to rule and judge with righteousness and with equality together with the King of kings and the Lord of lords. It means we are priests who will hear God and be the mouthpiece for God. What a future to look forward to! O! What is man that You take knowledge of him and mindful of him (Psalm 144:3) Let us stop and ponder of all the wonderful and amazing things that God has given you and be thankful and say a Thanskgiving Prayer to God today. Dear Almighty God and Beloved Jesus, I am so grateful to You for just what I have - right now, as I am sitting here to do my Quiet Time, I could hear the sound of waterfall, the sound of bi
Day 185 - Prayers: Access To God Read: Psalm 143; Proverbs 6:20-24; Revelation 4; 2 Samuel 11-12 Reading Psalm 143 is so inspiring. It contains beautiful prayers for supplication, serenity and safety (3'S'). Let's look at each verse: v1a) Lord, I seek Your attention (asking Him to give ear to my supplications) v1b) I ask You to answer my prayers (v7) speedily v2) I pray that You do not bring judgment to Your servant for no one living is righteous before You v7) O Lord, please do not hide Your face from me v8) Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning for I trust You v8b) Cause me to know the way I should go for I lift up my soul to You v9) Deliver me from my enemies for in You I take shelter v10) Teach me to do Your will for You are my God v10b) May Your good Spirit lead me in the land of uprightness v11) Revive and bring me out of trouble for Your name & righteousness' sake v12) In Your mercy, cut off my enemies & destroy all those who
Day 183 - What Pleases Jesus Matters Read: Psalm 141; Proverbs 6:12-15; Revelation 2; 2 Samuel 7-8 “Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.” Revelation 2:20 NKJV http://bible.us/114/rev.2.20.nkjv I have the privilege to complete two modules of MBA course in Oxford University recently. What impressed me most is the history of this great prestigious University. John and Charles Wesley's prayer meetings held there laid the foundations of the Methodist Church today. The way of teaching is based on the Disputations which was started 600 years ago in the Divinity School where 2 Professors would present their cases to determine who would be more persuasive. Hence, every student In Oxford is expected weekly to prepare 2500 words of essay whereby the lecturer will debate with the students and challenge his
Day 181 - Prepare For EndTimes Read Psalm 139; Proverbs 6:7-9; Jude; 2 Samuel 3-4 Jude:14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”16 These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. I am not sure about you but I am excited about the Second Coming of our dear Lord Jesus Christ. In today's passage we have a glimpse of how our beloved Jesus is to return. He is coming with thousands upon thousands of His holy ones to judge everyone. Who are the holy ones? You and I who are true genuine believers of Christ as His precious blood has cleansed us and made us holy. Next, we are to judge the world. This is the part I li
Day 182 - Fear God Psalm 140; Proverbs 6:9-11; Revelation 1; 2 Samuel 5-6 2 Samuel 6:6-7 v6 - Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God because the oxen stumbled. 7 The LORD’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God. Here, in this passage we can see how Uzzah was trying to "help" God by reaching out to take hold of the ark of God. How important that we do not "play" God. Do not think we can help God. God does not need help. It is our privilege that He allows us to be in partnership to serve Him. We need to revere God, just as it is stated in 1 Samuel 2:30 where the Lord says: 'Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.' In 1 Samuel 15:22, the prophet Samuel said: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice..." Stri
Day 180 - Be Wise:Learn From Mistakes Read: Psalm 138; Proverbs 6:4-6; 3 John; 2 Samuel 1-2 The land of Gilead, east of Jordan, between the Dead Sea on the south and the Sea of Galilee on the north, was a good pasture country with groves of trees and fine brooks of water running down to the Jordan. The tribe of Gad from Israel who had many flocks and herds were allowed to live in this good pasture country. Jabesh was a city of Gilead, The people from Jabesh, Gilead took proactive action to show gratitude to Saul who helped them to fight against the Ammoriites as stated in 1 Samuel 11; 12:1-5. And they were rewarded by King David for this act of kindness (2 Samuel 2:5-6). They learnt from their mistakes of laxity when they failed to turn up at the assembly before the Lord at Mizpah (Judges 21:8). How often do we learn from our mistakes? Do we just ignore what we have learnt or strenuously write down what has transpired and remember the principles learnt and pray fervently not to repe
Day 179 - God Loves to Reward Us Psalm 137; Proverbs 6:1-3; 2 John; 1 Samuel 30-31 2 John v8: Watch out that we do not lose what we have worked for but that we may be rewarded fully. v9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. Today as I look out of my room's window to the sky, my heart truly leaps with joy and thanksgiving for the blue sky and the fresh air that I can breathe in. God is just so good all the time. All the time, God is good. He just loves to reward us and give us the best. Apostle John in today's passage admonished us to keep watching out against any wrong teachings that may deceive us. We must continue to run ahead in this race by holding fast to the right and pure teaching from the Word of God that acknowledges Jesus Christ. Only when we have Jesus, we have our Heavenly Father (v9). We must not lose heart but long for the full rewards by God
Day 178 - God's Righteous Anger Read: Psalm 136; Proverbs 5:21-23; 1 John 5; 1 Samuel 28-29 1 Samuel 28 v18 - God has His fierce anger against the Amalekites. So, do not think that God is not angry. He is angry against the right thing at the right time in the right place. The problem with us human beings is that we are angry at the wrong things at the wrong times in the wrong place. Our anger is flared up because we are being inconvenienced. However, God's anger is righteous anger that is holy and against injustices. Henceforth, following His example, we should have righteous anger. In fact, I would say that we have a change of Government after a long 60 years, is due partly to the righteous anger that we Malaysians have against the old regime that had no accountability to Malaysians. I am now in Myanmar for part leisure and part business BUT I am proud to say that my husband and I were invited to speak to a group of entrepreneurs as to how we, Malaysians did it on May 9, 20
Day 176 - RESPECTING RELATIONSHIPS Read: Psalm 134; Proverbs 5:16-18; 1 John 3; 1 Samuel 24-25 Interesting insights on relationships can be learnt when reading 1 Samuel 24 & 25. 1 Samuel 24 narrates the incident about how David could have easily captured and even killed King Saul as the then king went into a cave to relieve himself when David and his men were far back in the cave. David's men even declared that the Lord had given his enemy into David's hand. However, David respected the relationship with King Saul by recognising that Saul was his master, the Lord's anointed and hence did not lay his hand on the king. In Samuel 25, one of the servants respected the relationship with Abigail by recognising her as the co-owner of the 3000 goats and 3000 sheep and went and told her about the messengers from David and Abigail's prompt action had saved them from being harmed. Abigail respected the relationship with Nabal, her husband and told him all that had happened
Day 177 - God Is Love Read: Psalm 135; Proverbs 5:19-21; 1 John 4; 1 Samuel 26-27 1 John 4 elaborates on the fact that we ought to love one another if we proclaim that we love God. In fact, there is a progression. 1st, if we love one another, we are born of God. 2nd, we know God. 3rd, God lives in us. 4th, His love is made complete in us. 5th, we live in God. 6th, we will have confidence on the day of Judgment and 7th, we will have no fear as perfect love drives out fear. Wow! What an amazing journey of rewards if we just obey God to love one another as He has not only first loved us but has shown in action of His great love for us that He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. He sent His Son to DIE for us as an atoning sacrifice for our sins so that we might LIVE. What are we to wait for? Accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour so that we not only live but live to love so that His love is made complete in us that we will have confidence when we mee
Day 175 - Ask God First Read: Psalm 133; Proverbs 5:13-15; 1 John 2; 1 Samuel 22-23 1 Samuel 22:3 From there David went to Mizpah in Moab and said to the king of Moab, “Would you let my father and mother come and stay with you until I learn what God will do for me?” 23:2 he inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” The LORD answered him, “Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”..... 4 Once again David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him, “Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand.” This episode of King David's life sees another interesting aspect of his devotion to God. Before he did anything, he enquired of the Lord. Frankly, how many of us asked God first before we embarked on something? Once an opportunity comes, one will usually "rush" in to seize the so-called "opportunity". David Pawson, a well-known Bible teacher shared before of a family who asked him to counsel their d
Day 174 - Jesus is Your Light Read: Psalm 132; Proverbs 5:10-12; 1 John 1; 1 Samuel 20-21 I John 1 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The account in this passage is first hand knowledge of Apostle John. He had experienced close and intimate relationship with our dear Lord Jesus and he wanted the same for us. He knew God and rightly said that He is Light. If we have fellowship with Him, we should also walk in the light. When we walk in the light, we also should have fellowship with one another and the best part is the promise that the blood of Jesus would purify us from all sins with the condition in v9 that if we confess our sins, Jesus is faithful and just and wi
Day 173 - God Empowers Us Read: Psalm 131; Proverbs 5:7-9; 2 Peter 3; 1 Samuel 18-19 2 Peter 3 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. The concept of notice is critical to the integrity of legal proceedings. Due process requires that legal action cannot be taken against anyone unless the requir
Day 172 - King David's Secrets of Victory Read: Psalm 130; Proverbs 5:4-6; 2 Peter 2; 1 Samuel 16-17 1 Samuel 17 is the account of the famous story of David and Goliath. Upon analysing the passage, it is interesting to note how David's daily walk with God helped him in this battle against Goliath. He has been trusting God. God has been his help and shield even in his daily mundane chores of attending to the sheep (v34). David was concerned about God's Name as Goliath kept defying the armies of the living God. He was not concern about his own fame or even safety (v36). Further, David drew faith from his past experiences with God where he reasoned out that if God could rescued him from the paw of the lions and bears, God would surely rescue him from the hand of the Philistines. (v37). David fought in the name of the Lord Almighty (v45). David's intention was for God's glory that the whole world would know that there's a God in Israel, which is true enough as th
Day 171 - God Just Want To Be With Us Read: Psalm 129; Proverbs 5:1-3; 2 Peter 1; 1 Samuel 14-15 1 Samuel 15:24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the LORD’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them. 25 Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD.” 26 But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel!” When I first read the above verses, I was asking myself as to why God was so "cold". Why did He still reject King Saul when he had "repented". I was meditating over these verses for weeks. Then, I was prompted to refer 2 Samuel 12:13 as to what King David uttered after prophet Nathan revealed his terrible sins, "I have sinned against the LORD." Just this short sentence. He did not give any excuse or even attempted to justify his wrongdoings. He recognised that he
Day 170 - Pray For One Another Read: Psalm 128; Proverbs 4:25-27; 1 Peter 5; 1 Samuel 12-13 1 Samuel 12:23-25 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish. The above passage was prophet Samuel's remarks when the Israelites asked him to pray for them when they realised their sins of asking for a king. It reveals a very important principle that it is a sin for failing to pray for others. This is pretty serious and should send us a message that is loud and clear that we are to be intercessors. Apostle Paul in Colossians 1:9 said this, "..since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.." Wow! That was great commitment. Even our beloved Jesus prayed and interce
Day 168 - Pray For Malaysia Read: Psalm 126; Proverbs 4:19-21; 1 Peter 3; 1 Samuel 8-9 1 Samuel 8-9 8v6: ..this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD 9v16: ...the LORD had revealed this to Samuel: ".....I have looked on My people, for their cry has reached Me." When Samuel was displeased, he prayed. How many of us do that? Instead of praying, we may complaint, talk to everyone except to God. Learning from Samuel, we must bring our displeasures over whatever matters to God. John 5:14 says that the boldness which we have toward Him is that if we ask anything according to His will, He listens to us. And the beauty of it all is revealed in subsequent verse in Chapter 9 verse 16 that when we cry to Him, our prayers and petitions would reach God and God will hear our cries. In such a time like this, a day before GE 14, let us come boldly before His throne of grace and justice that righteousness and good governance will reign and all forms of oppression, tyranny, decept
Day 169 - New Malaysia Reborn Read: Psalm 127; Proverbs 4:22-24; 1 Peter 4; 1 Samuel 10-11 1 Samuel 10 25 Samuel explained to the people the rights and duties of kingship. He wrote them down on a scroll and deposited it before the LORD. Then Samuel dismissed the people to go to their own homes. 26 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. 27 But some scoundrels said, “How can this fellow save us?” They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent. We have just witnessed a historical moment in Malaysia, a moment which every Malaysian can be so proud of to share with our generations to come. Indeed, prayers were answered, hard long battles fought & won and a hope held on to for decades realised. What lies ahead of us are continuous diligence, dedication, vigilant check and balance, speaking up to ensure Government of the day is accountable to the people and most importantly constant dependance on God (and not
FDR* Prayers (President *Franklin D. Roosevelt) “My Fellow Americans: Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our Allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far. And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer. Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.” Roosevelt’s candid recognition suited the perilousness of the undertaking and the uncertainty of the outcome. “They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph. They will be
Day 167 - Remember God's Faithfulness Read: Psalm 125; Proverbs 4:16-18; 1 Peter 2; 1 Samuel 6-7 1 Samuel 7:10, 12 - ..that day the LORD thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites. ....Then, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the LORD has helped us." The background of the above incident is that the Philistines was about to attack the Israelites in Mizpah. When they heard about it, they said to Samuel, the prophet, "Do not stop crying out to the LORD our God for us that He may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines" (v8). God answered their prayers. Ebenezer means stone of help. From here, we learnt that we need to have something to KEEP REMINDING us of God's faithfulness to us. But, bear in mind that this is not to have an idol but something that will trigger our memory to God's faithfulness. A sim
Day 166 - Inheritance That Can Never Perish Read: Psalm 124; Proverbs 4:13-15; 1 Peter 1; 1 Samuel 4-5 1 Peter 1 v3&4 - In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for us, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. What a promise! Believers in Christ have an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in Heaven safely for us and are even shielded by God's power. As it is declared as an inheritance, it means that it is given to us as of right by virtue of our position as the children of God. It is not by work and cannot be taken away. John 1:12 says, "to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—". Wait no longer. Believe in Jesus and you wil
Day 165 - Be Holy For God is Holy Read: Psalm 123; Proverbs 4:10-12; James 5; 1 Samuel 2-3 ! Samuel 2:30 Whoever honour Me, I will honour and whoever dishonour Me, will be disdained. Majority of us know God as God of love. He will always forgive and full of compassion. Whilst this is perfectly true, we need to know God better and deeper. Hence, the need to spend time with Him listening to Him and reading His Words. In Chapter 3, verses 27-36, God announced curses on Eli and his descendants, "..I will cut short your strength...so that NO one in it will reach old age..no one in your family line will ever reach old age...all your descendants will die in the prime of life." Huh! This is serious stuff! Do we know this side of God? That He is holy and righteous? That He will not tolerate sins to be continually practised in His holy presence? In Hebrews 10:26, it is also clearly stated that, "if we deliberately keep on sining after we have received the knowledge of truth
Day 164 - Cross Brings Us to Christ Read: Psalm 122; Proverbs 4:7-9; James 4; Ruth 4, 1 Samuel 1 Proverbs 4 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. 9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you." James 4 v 8 - come near to God and He will come near to you. Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up In Proverbs 4:7-9, it shows how important to embrace wisdom. What is wisdom? In 1 Corinthians 1:24, it says," ..but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God". So, Christ is the wisdom of God. So, when we are asked to get and embrace wisdom, we are to get and embrace Christ. Also, in today's reading is James 4 which gives the promise in verse 8, "Come near to God and HE will come near to you" No
Day 163 - Woman of Worth Read: Psalm 121; Proverbs 4:4-6; James 3; Ruth 2-3 Ruth 3:11 And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. Most of us know the story of Ruth. It started when her father-in-law, Elimelech and her own husband past away. However, she pledged her devotion to her mother in law, Naomi, to become part of Naomi's life and returned with her to Bethlehem whereupon she started to glean from a barley field. Boaz, a relative of Elimelech noticed her and uttered the above verse 11. Other versions of verse 11 illustrate Ruth as a virtuous woman or a woman of worth. In other words, a woman having or showing high moral standards. In Proverbs 12:4, it is said that excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones. In this era where we talk about women's power, we need to bear in mind that a woman who is gentle, virtuou
Day 162 - Natural Outcome of Faith Is Work Read: Psalm 120; Proverbs 4:1-3; James 2; Judges 21-22 James 2 18...Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Reading the above passage may trigger some controversies that we need to work out our faith. But, that is not what the passage means. In fact, it reiterates the importance of having faith for without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). The above passage further elaborates that when we have faith, it automatically or naturally births forth actions. The example given was Abraham - he had such great faith to believe God would provide an alternative way for him that he acted to just obey God to offer Isaac, his only son o
Day 161 - God is Good, All Good Comes from God Read: Psalm 119:169-176; Proverbs 3:33-35; James 1; Judges 19-20 James 1: 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. Proverbs 3:33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. 34 He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. 35 The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame. Psalms 119:175 Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. From the series of reading the passages above, we truly can take comfort that good will always triumph. And the beauty of it all is that the good and favour that we experience are all from our loving Heavenly Father. We hear people said, "Good luck". Is there such a thing called "luck"? People do not recognise that God is the One who showers blessings, shows favour and even grants honour upon th
Day 160 - Be Good & Faithful Servant Read Psalm 119:161-168; Proverbs 3:30-32; Hebrews 13; Judges 17-18 Hebrews 13 20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip us with everything good that we may do Your will, working in us that which is pleasing in Your sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. We now come to the final Chapter of Hebrews. The author of Hebrews has written a beautiful prayers as above and we can learn that when God calls, He will..... (1) provide for us [God provided Isaac for Abraham] (2) equip us [God started to equip King David even when he was a shepherd boy] (3) prepare us [God prepared the way for Moses to lead His people out] (4) qualify us [God sent Joseph way ahead to Egypt to save His people] (5) enable us [Queen Esther was enabled to have the courage to face the king] God will always provide us with all w
Day 159 - Have End In Mind Read: Psalm 119:153-160; Proverbs 3:27-29; Hebrews 12; Judges 15-16 Hebrews 12 14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done. I am sure all of us experience moments when we regret what we have or have not done. We will not feel so bad when those regrets do not bear such serious consequences. However, there are some which are irreversible, just as in the instance of Esau. Esau could not inherit his inheritance rights as the oldest son as he had sold it for a temporary e
Day 158 - How To Have Safety & Sleep Read: Psalm 119:145-152; Proverbs 3:21-26; Hebrews 11; Judges 13-14 Proverbs 3:21-26 21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; 22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. 23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, 26 for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. How important that we embrace wisdom which means we meditate and understand God's Words.Then, it will be such that we will have life, grace, safety, our sleep will be sweet and no sudden disaster or stumbling or be snared by others. Most of all, the Lord will be AT OUR SIDE. O! How important then that we run to God to read His Words and soak ourselves in His presence in p
Day 157 - Our Sins are Remembered No More Read: Psalm 119:137-144; Proverbs 3:20-22; Hebrews 10; Judges 11-12 Psalm 119 143 Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight. 144 Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. Hebrews 10 16 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them," 17 then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." 18 Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin. 19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, God gave Ten Commandments to His people through Moses. Now, God made a new covenant with His people that He will put His laws into our hearts and will write His laws in our minds. All these are done by Jesus Christ through the Cross so that our sins and lawless deeds wi
Day 156; JESUS is the ONLY Way Read: Psalm 119:129-136; Proverbs 3:17-19; Hebrews 9; Judges 9-10 Judges 9 23 God stirred up animosity between Abimelek and the citizens of Shechem so that they acted treacherously against Abimelek. 24 God did this in order that the crime against Jerub-Baal’s seventy sons, the shedding of their blood, might be avenged on their brother Abimelek and on the citizens of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers. Hebrews 9 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! When blood was shed, God made it a point that justice would be administered. Here in Judges 9, we could see how God ensured punishment against the perpetrator and those who helped in the murder of Gideon’s 70 sons. Another example is the murder of Abel in Genesis 4:10-12 where God spoke to Cain, the broth
Day 155 - Parents’ Desires Read: Psalm 119:121-128; Proverbs 3:14-16; Hebrews 8; Judges 7-8 Psalm 119:126 126 It is time for you to act, LORD; your law is being broken. Proverbs 3 13 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Hebrews 8 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Every parent will like to know that all their instructions and advices are heeded by their children. If their children can even remember and store all their words of wisdom and advice in their mind and hearts, this will surely make their parents proud. This is what exactly God, our Heavenly Father’s desires as well. In fact, in Proverbs & Psalms, people of old have observed that those who find wisdo
Day 154 - God’s Presence is Sufficient Read: Psalm 119:113-120; Proverbs 3:11-13; Hebrews 7; Judges 5-6 Psalm 119:114 You are my hiding place and my shield…. Judges 6:12 & 16 12 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, "The Lord IS WITH YOU, you mighty man of valour!" 16 And the Lord said to him, "Surely I WILL BE WITH YOU, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.” If we notice from the verses above, the assurance that God gave to Gideon is just His presence. Emmanuel. Even in Psalms 119:14, the Psalmist just went to God as his hiding place and shield. And that is enough to me and in fact, more than enough, without which, I will not venture anything IF GOD IS NOT WITH ME. Same with Moses - when he was asked by God to go to the Promised Land - he insisted on ONE thing only i.e. that God must go with him (Exodus 35:15). God’s presence is the most important of all! Dear friends, long and desire God’s presence. The prom
Day 153 - Show Our Love to Jesus Read: Psalm 119:105-112; Proverbs 3:7-10; Hebrews 6; Judges 3-4 Proverbs 3:7-9 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Hebrews 6:10-12 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Christians know the extend of Jesus’ love to us. He loves us until to the extend of laying down His own life for us. Now, from the above passages which spell out one way to
Day 152 - Be Faithful To God Read: Psalm 119:97-104; Proverbs 3:4-6; Hebrews 5; Judges 1-2 Judges 2 2 And you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars.' But you have not obeyed My voice. Why have you done this? 10 When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel. 11 Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served the Baals; 12 and they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked the Lord to anger. Proverbs 3:3-6 “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in t
Day 151 - Make a Promise to God Read: Psalm 119:89-96; Proverbs 3:1-3; Hebrews 4; Joshua 23-24 Joshua 24 24 And the people said to Joshua, "The Lord our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey!” 27 And Joshua said to all the people, "Behold, this stone shall be a witness to us, for it has heard all the words of the Lord which He spoke to us. It shall therefore be a witness to you, lest you deny your God.” Joshua used stone to be the witness between them. And the verse says that the stones had heard all the words that the Lord spoke to them. The stones shall be the witness in case the people deny God. This is interesting! To learn from this, we can literally use some stones and sign on the stones to set some remembrance for whatever promises that we make to God. Often times, we claim God’s promises to us. We need to make promises to God that we will serve Him and obey His voice. Why not start doing the same right now, being the beginning of the year? Mak