Saturday, March 29, 2008
Psalm 89

Whoa. I'm posting on a Saturday after all. Anyway, really, really long Psalm today. So I won't copy and paste it here.

Verse 1-2 Reminds me of a song. Yeah. Okay, we should remember God's love, especially in the light of Easter Sunday. Remember that God died for us. God died for us, mortals, perfect for imperfect. So we have to be grateful, and let our lives stand as a testimony. My life is a horrible testimony. Don't follow me. Seriously. I haven't spent an hour with God each day. I even missed a day for reading Psalms. That's never happened before. As least barring OBS and March Camp.

Verse 6 Who indeed compares with God? No one. It's a no brainer question. But if indeed no one compares with God, then why do we put all these things of the world on a higher priority than Him? That's a good question to ask ourselves. Has our play, or work, or anything else enslaved us? Or are we slaves to Jesus Christ?

Verse 15-16. Blessed are those who walk in your righteousness. If we walk right with God, we'll be perpetually in His presence, and nothing can ever bring us down. But most probably, we don't, and that may be the reason for you screwing up. As usual. And we should praise God throughout the day. It does lift your spirits.

Verse 21-24. Its a nice promise from God. And in times of adversity, we remember these verses, and we find that our adversity isn't that big anymore. God's bigger. These blessings were for David, and I believe that these blessings can come to us too! However, remember the question Pastor asked us last week. Do we want God's blessings or God himself? Which is more important. The gift or the giver?

Anyway, have a good sleep tonight.

See you guys tomorrow.

=))

Friday, March 28, 2008
Psalm 88

This psalm is another one written using lots of metaphors. The psalmist seems to be in deep trouble again. In the first two verses, he cries out to the Lord to save Him. He pleads with God to "turn [His] ear" to his cry. Thereafter, up till verse 9, he describes his situation, comparing his life with those of others about to die. Even his close friends view him as "repulsive".

Up to this point, there is no distinct feature which makes this psalm special as compared to the other psalms. However, it becomes more interesting from verse 10 - 12. The psalmist questions if God is glorified by people in circumstances similar to his, whether his love and faithfulness are declared in death and whether His marvelous deeds show up in darkness. By listing all these rhetorical questions, he indirectly gives God reasons as to why He should rescue him - so that He will be glorified, His love and faithfulness will shine through and His acts made known.

However, I think that God helps us and rescues us in times of trouble not for all these, but for his unending love for us. He died on the cross for us and redeemed us. God is crazy about you - not about being glorified. Therefore, we must honour Him by keeping Him first and seeking Him first - this is the most important.

God bless you,
:) John

Thursday, March 27, 2008
Psalm 87

A rather short and poetic psalm.

v7 The people will play flutes and sing, “The source of my life springs from Jerusalem!” (NLT)

Let us not forget the source of our joy and blessings.

oonyong

Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Psalm 85 by Adrian

My rhema word is verse 8

"I will listen to what God the Lord will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints - but let them not return to folly."

Daniel ever shared with me that even though during service we are so spiritually charged up but the minute we are back home, everything seems back to square one. The struggles we had previously are still there. The things we know not to do we still do.

The thing is, I also face this predicament everyday of my life.

This might sound cliche but we need to "listen to the Word of God daily" and do what it says and that will keep us from "returning to folly".

Simpler said than done? My sentiments exactly. It is a big struggle to me too. The bible sometimes becomes a lullaby.

Maybe we should share with a brother whom we are comfortable to share with and we can keep each other accountable =)

etok..

Reply to JoelA Psalm 79:12-13

12 Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times the reproach they have hurled at you, O Lord. 13 Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.

JoelA commented that it is very unkind to actually ask God to destroy "our neighbours" in such utterly brutal way, esp when we are told to be patient and kind.

I guess the historical context is an important factor in understanding the verses. The nations have invaded Jerusalem and reduced it to rubble.

The author understands that it is the consequence of their sinful ways when it says in vs 5 "How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever?"

But the author also brings up the point that the destruction of Jerusalem, which belongs to God, will look bad on God and the non-believing nations will mock vs 10 " Where is their God?" And no man who blaspheme against the name of God will be let off lightly.

Mark 3:28-29 "I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. 29"But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit wil never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin."

etok..

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Hey guys! Sorry for the 1-day delay. Here is Psalm84.

The whole Psalm is about God being near, His presence being with the Psalmist and His works and blessings. The verse dat spoke to me most is this:

v11 "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless."

Basically this verse sums up the whole "theme" for this Psalm too.

You might start thinking(like i did), "How to be blameless..?" Well, it's not easy but defintely, the Lord's grace is sufficient for us! Remember, He is Jehovah Jireh, the One who provides!

We might fall and stumble at times. But the next best thing we can do is to forgive ourselves and then ask God for His forgiveness. If you don't even take the step in recognising your mistake/root of issue and forgive yourself, do you think God work(in your life)?

"... As far as the east is from the west, He has removed our transgressions from us." (I forget what verse le..)

*o.O today quite short ar.. haha.*

BigBirdZDaniel :D

Monday, March 24, 2008
Psalm 83

I realise that David's Psalms are more of a realistic plea to God for help... At least i understood what he is trying to say and there is some realism in it... but Asaph's Psalms are different in a way that they describe things in a metaphoric way...

This time Psalms 83 is a plea to God to take action and not stand back and watch... Ps 83:1 "O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still."

It describes the enemies and their plot: Ps 83:3-5 " With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. "Come," they say, "let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more." With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you"

It also states how God handled them in the past with extra descriptions on how God will deal with them and to ask God to deliever His people from the enemies and to show the enemies who He is.. Ps 83:18 "Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD—that you alone are the Most High over all the earth."

Csquare

Psalm 82

1 God presides in the great assembly;
he gives judgment among the "gods":

2 "How long will you ^[a] defend the unjust
and show partiality to the wicked?
Selah

3 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

4 Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

5 "They know nothing, they understand nothing.
They walk about in darkness;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

6 "I said, 'You are "gods";
you are all sons of the Most High.'

7 But you will die like mere men;
you will fall like every other ruler."

8 Rise up, O God, judge the earth,
for all the nations are your inheritance.

Sorry for being late. But once again, I get a very short Psalm! ^^ Is it luck or what? Blessing? Haha.

Anyway.

Verse 3 and 4. Its meant for those people who are in need. This Psalm tells them that God will not forsake them and us in the hour of our need. God will be there for us when we need him. Like the story with the footprints. Yeah. So even when we're in the pits, think about God. His unfailing love will save us. Look for the in the most unlikely of situations. =)

Verse 6 and 7 seems to be that sometimes, even when we may believe that we're Christians, and that we're Sons of God, its possible that we are not. Lets check ourselves. Did we truly mean it when we committed ourselves to Him? Do our actions reflect Him in our lives? I think that somewhere in the New Testament it says that we can 'lose' our salvation, especially when it never ever happened.

Finally, verse 8. As the Sons of God, the nations are our inheritance. Lets not be afraid to ask God, and to face the power of the Devil. Jesus has killed death when he rose from the dead! So lets not be afraid. =))

God Bless!

Sunday, March 23, 2008
Psalm 78 by Adrian

Oops even JoelA has posted.. haha..

Asaph, leader of one of David's Levitical choirs, is warning his people not to repeat Israel's sins of the past, grumbling and resenting the provision of God despite God's saving acts (parting of Red Sea, water from rocks, heavenly manna) and marvelously persistent grace.

The psalm often mentioned things like "we will not hide them from our children, we will tell the next generation, teach their children so the next generation will know, even the children yet unborn.." This is evident that people are forgetful, in the past as well as the NOW.

Remember that God takes delight in our thanks offering! In a nutshell, remember to always be thankful to God! Start today!

etok..

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Psalm 79

well.. i remembered to post.
N.. i dont rly noe wad to share.

But just a verse i found interesting.
v12. Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times the reproach they have hurled at you, O Lord.

The whole psalm was about asking God to be angry with the people against him, and the psalmist actually asked God to "Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times the reproach".

But abit confusing.. v13 Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.

Does it mean only if God poured out his wrath then we your people will praise you forever. But that does not seem to be the case. Enlighten me. xD

But anw, v12 actually reminded me of the atheists in my class, 1 of the reasons y i posted the post below, and that people actually think being atheist is cool.. Zz

Jazy

Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Psalm 76

Okay.. sry for the late post.. really busy these few days.... so heres the post...

okay... i think i'm going to summarise this Psalm again cos its all so storylike...

v7: "You alone are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry?" Dont mess with God...

Actually what this Psalm is talking abt is about the wrath of God... When God is fighting on Israel's side against all the enemies... No one can stand against God...God is feared by even the kings of the earth and so all respect should be given to him...

Well thats all... another short post...

Csquare

Monday, March 17, 2008

Hey family! I just did my 1hr with praise/worship and my reading up on Psalm77. Finally i'm doing things right.. :D Hope to hear that you guys are doing it(spending time with God when you fast. why? refer to Adrian's post on sanctification week. :D) too!

At first i read Psalm77 and couldnt quite get the "essence" of it or at least whatever that would speak to me. I thought it was just another "ordinary" Psalm... Well, at least that was what i thought in the morning at 6.15.. hahaha.. but as i red it again jus now, God gave me this particular verse.

v19 "Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen."

Then I just thought of what Ps Melvyn shared ytd regarding the sets of footprints on the beach and that set of footprints were God's and not mine thing. But i felt that it didn't really connect with the verse. So i continued meditating and was led to this question.

"Am I invisible or visible to you?"

Then I knew what He meant. If you read the earlier half of Psalm77, you'll see that he's "lamenting" again.. Now look at v11-12, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on your works and consider all your mighty deeds."

In the past, I was quite "faithful". As in, my faith was more or less bigger than my present faith. And i can rmb the times when His hand was guiding me and working in my life. There was also this one time when i had a class bbq(sec2 EOY after exams) and it was raining! so i decided to gather a few of us(2 christians and 2 non-christians..) and we prayed for the rain to stop. Not long after, like 5-10mins, the rain lightened and stopped! i can rmb that one clearly cos it was really a WOW for me. hahaha. But gradually i started to lose my faith through times of setbacks, stress from work etc.

As i read v19, i realised that the fact i've been neglecting the Holy Spirit and He's conviction was due to me thinking that God was invisible and not being there. and although i knew quite well myself that God will always be there, sometimes i used his "invisiblity" as an excuse to do the things i wanted, like playing xtra hrs of com and not revising or doing my hw...

But in actual fact, we should always depend on God all the time! That was also what Asaph was missing out at the start but he was somehow enlightened by looking back at his "good'ol days".

Is God invisible in your life? Start seeing God everyday as you're doing your 1hr! If not, your visibility as a Christian will slowly fade away... Scary right? xD Don't worry, as long as you're truthful and honest b4 Him, you'll do just fine. :D

Signing off,
BigBirdZDaniel :D

Sunday, March 16, 2008
God vs Science

Found this really interesting. Hope you do too. =)


A science professor begins his school year with a lecture to the students,'Let me explain the problem science has with religion.' The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his newstudents to stand.

'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?''

Yes sir,' the student says.

So you believe in God?'

'Absolutely.''Is God good?''

Sure! God's good.''

Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?''
Yes.''
Are you good or evil?'
'The Bible says I' m evil.'

The professor grins knowingly. 'Aha! The Bible!' He considers for a moment.'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?''

Yes sir, I would.''

So you're good...!''

I wouldn't say that.''But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could.Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.'

The student does not answer, so the professor continues. 'He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed toJesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?'

The student remains silent.

'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.

Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?''

Er...yes,' the student says.

'Is Satan good?'

The studen t doesn't hesitate on this one. 'No.' '

Then where does Satan come from?'

The student falters. 'From God''

That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?''

Yes, sir.''

Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?''

Yes.''

So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created everything,then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.'

Again, the student has no answer. 'Is there sickness? Immorality?Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?'

The student squirms on his feet. 'Yes.''

So who created them?'

The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question.'Who created them?' There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized.'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in JesusChrist, son?'

The student's voice betrays him and cracks. 'Yes, professor, I do.'

The old man stops pacing. 'Science says you have five senses you use toidentify and observe the world around you.Have you ever seen Jesus?

''No sir. I've never seen Him.

''Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?'

'No, sir, I have not.'

'Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus?Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?'

'No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.

'Yet you still believe in him?'

'Yes.

'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol,science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?'

'Nothing,' the student replies. 'I only have my faith.'

'Yes, faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem science haswith God. There is no evidence, only faith.

'The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of His own.

'Professor, is there such thing as heat?'

'Yes,' the professor replies. 'There's heat.'

'And is there such a thing as cold?'

'Yes, son, there's cold too.'

'No sir, there isn't.'

The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The roomsuddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain. 'You can havelots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. Wecan hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go anyfurther after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees.'

'Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmitsenergy, and heat is what makes a bod y or matter have or transmit energy.Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold.Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not theopposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.

'Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.

'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?'

'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation. 'What is night if it isn't darkness?'

'You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence ofsomething. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashinglight, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it?

That's the meaning we use to define the word.'

'In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?

'The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester.

'So what point are you making, young man?''Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to startwith, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.

'The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time. 'Flawed? Can you explain how?'

'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student explains. 'Youargue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we canmeasure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought.'

'It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to beignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Deathis not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.'

'Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?'

'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes,of course I do.''Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?

'The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going.

A very good semester, indeed.

'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannoteven prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?

'The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.

'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean.

'The student looks around the room. 'Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?'

The class breaks out into laughter.

'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt theprofessor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all duerespect, sir.'

'So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?'

Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.

Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. 'I guess you'll have to take them on faith.'

'Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,' the student continues.

'Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?

'Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is. We see iteveryday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violenc e everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.

'To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at least it doesnot exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God.It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describethe absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of whathappens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness thatcomes when there is no light.

'The professor sat down.



Jazy.
God does not believe in atheists , hence atheists do not exist. =))

Psalms 75

It's a short psalm again. I sure have the best of luck. Haha. Out of week of fairly long psalms, I get the shortest. Once again, I apologize for being late. whoops.

1 We give thanks to you, O God,
we give thanks, for your Name is near;
men tell of your wonderful deeds.

2 You say, "I choose the appointed time;
it is I who judge uprightly.

3 When the earth and all its people quake,
it is I who hold its pillars firm.
Selah

4 To the arrogant I say, 'Boast no more,'
and to the wicked, 'Do not lift up your horns.

5 Do not lift your horns against heaven;
do not speak with outstretched neck.' "

6 No one from the east or the west
or from the desert can exalt a man.

7 But it is God who judges:
He brings one down, he exalts another.

8 In the hand of the LORD is a cup
full of foaming wine mixed with spices;
he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth
drink it down to its very dregs.

9 As for me, I will declare this forever;
I will sing praise to the God of Jacob.

10 I will cut off the horns of all the wicked,
but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.

First off, Verse 1. It says give thanks. As now is the one week break, I'm sure that we have lots to thank God about the term that we just finished. And also about whatever that we've managed to accomplish this week. Most importantly though, we have to thank Him for dying for us, and forgiving our sin. Don't ever take that for granted.

Verses 5-7, for me, actually links back to verse 1. That we should credit our successes to God, and not bask in our own glory, because it is not ours, but God's. He has enabled us to get good results, have good friendships, and so on. Because if we become proud, and exalt ourselves, then God will bring us low. So therefore, thank God! =) For me, I'll thank God for my Math, Bio and English CT results. To God be the glory. =)

Something else. We should not "lift our horns up against heaven". This would be rebelliousness, which is obviously something we should not do. But something more subtle. We might sometimes blame God if we don't do well in our work and relationships. Especially if we can't see God in the situation. But we must remember that God is always there, whether we can see Him or not. So we must have faith. Refer to today's sermon! I've been feeling sort of spent, and I really want to get my spiritual life back on track.

Anyway, Term 2 is started. Buckle in your seat belts. It's gonna be a hell of a ride.

See all of you on Thurs, then. =)

Thursday, March 13, 2008
除祢以外

We've now covered Book I and II and this psalm marks the start of Book III. Time really flies and soon I will be having my 3+ month vacation!

Many times I have wondered why those who do "bad" things get away unpunished and seem to lead better lives without much worries. Like the psalmist, I had "envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (v3)." However, in v17, the psalmist began to understand why God allowed all these to happen by observing from the view point of eternity. Therefore, if you are discouraged and disheartened at this moment, hang on to God's promises. Persevere, for a breakthrough might be just around the corner.

Let us proclaim the following verses: "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (v25-26)." Indeed our physical self is weak but God is strong.

To end off, I will post the lyrics of a beautiful song based on verses 25 and 26 by Streams of Praise. If you are not doing so well in Chinese language in school, why not pick up some songs by Streams of Praise. Your Chinese grades may just improve and you can praise God in two languages!

除祢以外
赞美之泉


(Karaoke version. Please ignore the backdrop haha. Just listen to the song and look at the lyrics)

除祢以外, 在天上我还能有谁
除祢以外, 在地上我别无眷恋
除祢以外, 有谁能擦干我眼泪
除祢以外, 有谁能带给我安慰

虽然我的肉体和我的心肠
渐渐地衰退
但是神是我心里的力量
是我的福份直到永远


恩荣

Ahh so ps for the so-super-very late post for Psalm70! okay shant talk so much. Here's Psalm70.

As you can see for yourself, Psalm70 is super short. *yet it took me 3 days to post my reflections..* But there is more than meets the eye... woah so cheam rite? but the ting is, the "thing" is that you'll be able to see for yourself that there are 4 times David "rushed" the Lord to come and save/rescue/help him.

v1 "Hasten... O Lord, come quickly to help me.."
v5 ".... come quickly to me, O God. ... O Lord, do not delay."

Why is David so "impatient"? the minute he got problem ar, look to God. "tolong tolong ar, help me ar.." (modern generation of David) The thing is, are you like him? Now, im not asking that you ask God to come to you, but you go to Him instead. And you go to Him fast. Whenever your probs or any issue in life crop up, do you seek first the help of the world or of God? Even when your friends do offer you advice on how to deal with certain issues, do you think about it from a spiritual perspective or from a worldy one?

Why David turned to God first was most likely because he knew that the one he's seeking will not fail him. The below verses demonstrates that.

Psalm 70:2 "May those who seek my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace."

Psalm 71:24b "for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion."

So won't you start depending and relying on God in EVERYTHING? Why not? IF you have been having a great 1hr with Him everyday, im sure you'd, won't you? :D For thus far has the Lord helped us!

Matthew 6:33-34 "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

WoShiBigBirdZ :D

Sanctification Week 20-22 March (Thu-Fri) @ Max Pavilion

Sanctification Week 20-22 March (Thu-Fri) @ Max Pavilion

Very soon the 40-day fast from computer, TV, recess/lunch/dinner will come to an end. Finally I don't have to watch my time to make sure I gobble adequate amount of brunch before 11am. Otherwise it will be a good 6hrs before I can eat again. Oops! Abit like cheating in my fasting! Haha..

Why the 40 days fast? It is not "because Pastor say so and I can't say no otherwise my boys will ask why and I will have no reply." The 40-day fast is to prepare us for Sanctification Week. Instead of eating, we use the time to draw closer to God; chit chat with Him, ask Him to help us in our daily struggles. When we set aside time just to be with God daily, His presence will come and envelope us entirely and we feel very rested. Sadly this kind of restedness is often only felt during church/encounter camps. Why?

That's because normally we are too caught up with work to wait upon Him. When we don't spend time with God on a daily basis, we find it difficult to come into His presence. Even the short 30mins worship during Sunday service may not be enough to usher us into His presence. There is no quick fix. Are you yearning for that kind of restedness? If yes, start preparing now!

etok..

Psalm 71 by Adrian

Oops I'm late for my posting again! Admittedly, the monotony of posting has bored me as with alot of us, evident in the diminishing number of 'survivors'.. haha.. Just like our walk with God. Sometimes the monotony of church-going, worshiping and praying makes us wonder what good is there in all of these. Maybe that's why God sets us obstacles along our way to help us see the good in having God by our side when we walk through dark valleys.

Proclaim Ps 71 vs20-21. "Though you made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honour and comfort me once again."


etok..

Monday, March 10, 2008
Psalm 69

Looks like David is in trouble once again... He describes it as he is sinking into the ground and the deep waters overwhelm him... (v2-3) But then he says this in v5: "You know my folly, O God; my guilt is not hidden from you." He is begging God to tell him why he is in such distress and probably david is linking this to his sins... Reading on, David shares with God about what i happening and begs God to come and rescue him... And at the end, David ends with praising God again(v34-36)...

Sunday, March 9, 2008
Psalm 68

Sorry people, I'm a day late again. And I'm going to be off at camp for the next few days until wednesday, so I'm a bit unhappy. After, more than half my hols will be burned at this camp. But at least it'll be good exercise. O.o

On to today's psalm. It's really long, so I won't copy it here.

Verse 2-3

This verse says that the wicked will perish before God. So we should examine ourselves, and confess our sin to God, so that he may forgive us.

Verse 19

This verse says that God will daily bear our burdens. So whatever unhappiness or problems that we have, we should always commit it to God, for he will be able to help us. For me, right now, I've got my CCA camp hanging over my head.

Verse 34-35

This verse is a proclamation of God's awesome power. He has the power to help us overcome our sin and problems, and he has the power to punish us should be choose not to obey him, so we shouldn't treat God flippantly.

Thursday, March 6, 2008
Psalm 64 by Adrian

Dear all,

David is in trouble again but it is not due to any wrongdoing on his part. Although he seems helpless, he quickly lets on that God will definitely rescue him and retaliate on his behalf. What more, it will draw people to Christ! But how.....

Sometimes we also get into trouble although it is not due to any wrongdoing on our part. Sometimes it could even be due to our Christian teachings and values. But resolve to stand firm in his Word and not compromise to the World, because God will definitely rescue us. And when we rise from ashes to victory in a humanly impossible fashion, it will draw people to Christ! vs9 "All mankind will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done."

When we are in our PITS, it's when God is in his PEAK! Let go and let God take the wheel!

etok..

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Hey family! so sorry for the super delayed sharing on Psalm63. Everytime i got time i jus forget to post.. -_- Well anyway, here's Psalm63's sharing.

As I looked through the psalm again, i realised that David was in the desert and he was looking back at the times when he was in "the sanctuary". And he started to think about the great times he had spent being in His Presence and all the way down he continued to praise the Lord.

As i read verses 2 to 8, i started to relate these verses to our lives. Its like, the process of our everyday life. But for me it looked more like Sunday.. v4-5 "I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you."

Doesn't it look like sunday service to you?? First with praise and worship, then SP's sermon(spiritual food), then finally altar call with song. Then at night I will rmb church and Him. But i wonder, am i always like that? Unfortunately, im not. Through the week, im bound to have stumbled a few times. i also won't remember Him b4 i go to sleep.. i would only tink about work, friends at sch etc.

So is your life like this? Not recognising God wherever you are, whatever you're doing, whenever possible? Well, then start to spend this 1hr-a-day with God asap if you have not! If you have some other burdens in your life, just talk to God about it. Its not a must to follow the "agenda". Time with God was never an agenda anyway. And you'll start to feel and know His Presence wherever you are, whatever you're doing and whenever it is!

Doing so, you will begin to seek Him earnestly, thirst for Him and long for Him "in a dry and weary land where there is no water." with a heart that's God's No.1 fan!

In eternity-time: JESUS wins-loses SATAN
Sports News, only from ChannelNewsJesus

God Bless! :D
One-two-ing(1-2 pass) with God,
#16 DANIEL

Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Thank you Lord

Hope you'll be encouraged by this song.

oonyong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFVy5P5SNbE

Thank you Lord,
for the trials that come my way.
In that way I can grow each day
as I let you lead.
And thank you Lord,
for the patience those trials bring.
In that process of growing,
I can learn to care.

But it goes against the way I am to put my human nature down
and let the Spirit take control of all I do.
'Cause when those trials come, my human nature
shouts the thing to do
and God's soft prompting can be easily ignored.

And I thank you Lord, with each trial I feel inside,
that you're there to help, lead and guide
me away from wrong.
'Cause you promised Lord,
that with every testing,
that your way of escaping is easier to bear.

But it goes against the way I am to put my human nature down
and let the Spirit take control of all I do.
'Cause when those trials come, my human nature
shouts the thing to do
and God's soft prompting can be easily ignored.

Yes I thank you Lord,
for the victory that growing brings.
In surrender of everything,
life is so worthwhile.
And I thank you Lord,
that when everything's put in place,
out in front I can see your face,
and it's there you belong.

Monday, March 3, 2008
Vid

Thought i might want to share this vid.
Bout Abraham and God, very meaningful too.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEBmuQxXlHU




Renewing our faith,
JAZY ( i'll try to post on wed)
XD

Sunday, March 2, 2008
"Just Checking In"

"Just Checking In"

A minister passing through his church
in the middle of the day,

Decided to pause by the altar
and see who had come to pray.

Just then the back door opened,
a man came down the aisle,

The minister frowned as he saw
the man hadn't shaved in a while.

His shirt was kinda shabby
and his coat was worn and frayed,
the man knelt, he bowed his head,
then rose and walked away.

In the days that followed,
each noon time came this chap,
each time he knelt just for a moment,
a lunch pail in his lap.

Well, the minister's suspicions grew,
with robbery a main fear,
He decided to stop the man and ask him,
"What are you doing here?"

The old man said, he worked down the road.
Lunch was half an hour.
Lunchtime was his prayer time,
for finding strength and power.

"I stay only moments, see,
because the factory is so far away;
as I kneel here talking to the Lord,
this is kinda what I say:

"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD,
HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHER'S FRIENDSHIP
AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.

DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I
THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS JIM CHECKING IN TODAY."

The minister feeling foolish,
told Jim, that was fine.
He told the man he was welcome
to come and pray just anytime.

Time to go, Jim smiled, said
"Thanks." He hurried to the door.

The minister knelt at the altar,
he'd never done it before.
His cold heart melted, warmed with love,
and met with Jesus there.

As the tears flowed, in his heart,
he repeated old Jim's prayer:

"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD,
HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHER'S FRIENDSHIP
AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.

I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I
THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME CHECKING IN TODAY."

Past noon one day, the minister noticed
that old Jim hadn't come.

As more days passed without Jim,
he began to worry some.

At the factory, he asked about him,
learning he was ill.

The hospital staff was worried,
but he'd given them a thrill.
The week that Jim was with them,
brought changes in the ward.

His smiles, a joy contagious.
Changed people, were his reward.

The head nurse couldn't understand
why Jim was so glad,
when no flowers, calls or cards came,
not a visitor he had.

The minister stayed by his bed,
he voiced the nurse's concern:

No friends came to show they cared.
He had nowhere to turn.

Looking surprised, old Jim spoke up
and with a winsome smile;
"the nurse is wrong, she couldn't know,
that in here all the while
everyday at noon He's here,
a dear friend of mine, you see,
He sits right down, takes my hand,
leans over and says to me:

"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, JIM,
HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP,
AND I TOOK AWAY YOUR SIN.

ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY,
I THINK ABOUT YOU EACH DAY,
AND SO JIM, THIS IS JESUS
CHECKING IN TODAY."

~Author Unknown~

God bless you,
:) John

Psalm 62

Quiet Acceptance of His Covering:
Ps 62:1-2 "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken."

The 1 hour prayer everyday is not all about praying the same things but it's about spending time with God by talking to Him about events that happened today... In short, it's about keeping Him company..

Agressive Assertion of His Control:
Ps 62:5-6 "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken."

A way to counter frustration and stress: Speak to yourself before yourself speaks to you!
Speak what? Speak the Word of God, Listen and find rest in Him.

Unwavering Acknowledgement of His Character:
Ps 62:11-12 "One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done."


Well though my posting is about today's sermon, i feel that the sermon gives a clearer view on what is rest in God.. It may be in the form of praying, lamenting to Him or sleeping in His presence. So i'll just end off with my key verse: Ps 62:1 "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him." Only in God, we can find rest and only through Him we have salvation... Remember: Rest in God!

Csquare =)

Psalm 62

Okay... My psalm is again very short. But next week, it'll be much longer. Is that good or bad? Depends on how I look at it.

1 My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.

2 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

3 How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?

4 They fully intend to topple him
from his lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Selah

5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.

6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7 My salvation and my honor depend on God ^[a] ;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Selah

9 Lowborn men are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie;
if weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.

10 Do not trust in extortion
or take pride in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.

11 One thing God has spoken,
two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong,

12 and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Surely you will reward each person
according to what he has done.

One of the verses that speaks to me is verse 2. In verse two it says that we call to God as our heart grow faint, either from the attacks of the world or our inability. This is because God's ways are higher than ours, and therefore we should always seek him first, and do what the Bible tells us to do, not what we think is right, for our human wisdom and intelligence is very fallible. So basically, we have to involve God in all our decision, and not just stick Him on a pedestal to call for help when we need it.

Another verse is verse 4. Where is says that we long to dwell in God's tent forever, and hide in the shadow of His wings. It tells us, like pastor did just today, that we should long for His presence, and should remain in it. Therefore, spend your one hour with God!

Finally, verse 7 and 8. Whereas this verse says that he will be enthroned in God's presence, we should enthrone God in our lives, and we should not shortchange Him.

That's all, and have a blessed week! =))

Joel L.

Saturday, March 1, 2008
Psalm 60

This psalm shares with us how helpless we are without God. The first three verses describe the wrath of God. The punishment of sin is described as "wine that makes us stagger". However, for those who fear Him, God has flown an unfurled banner to look to for courage! When we cry out to God, He will use us in different ways like how he uses Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, Judah, Moab, Edom and Philistia. He will also lead us back to His sanctuary and will bring our enemies to defeat, a change from the worthless human help which we might be seeking. Therefore, we must realise that we are utterly helpless without God, but can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. The last two verses from The Message translation sums it up:

"Give us help for the hard task;
   human help is worthless.
In God we'll do our very best;
   he'll flatten the opposition for good."

God bless you,
:) John