I couldn’t sleep on Sunday night.
It has been a month since I last set the alarm to 5:50am. But the Light Emitting Display (LED) did not light up to indicate that the alarm was properly set. Would it ring at the appropriate time tomorrow morning? Would the children be late for school? Could I trust the digital alarm clock? I started getting a bit morbid as more questions flew.
Soon one thought drifted to another and then to another…
First thoughts were on my three girls. How will they grow up? Will I survive to see them grow up and their children? What kind of life will they be? …
Aiyah! Why think so far?
OK, better think about myself. It has been almost 10 years working in my company – Amplus Communication. Dealing with technical issues can be stressful. Then, thinking about retirement. But, the children are still so young. And there is not much saving. So, I probably have to work till 62. Not sure, I can last that long.
When I retire, I like to do some writing. Write on Christian stuffs.
Sure or not, who bother to read?
Yah, I better close down the Equipping the Saints blog. It is rotting. No comments and no interest.
Thinking about blog, It has been more than a year since I started one. And I have written more than a hundred posts. Just to practice my writing and reflection. But the response is poor. There is hardly any comment. Have I been writing a lot of rubbish? Or is it the kind of “silent” friends who prefer “to know and not to be known”.
Yah, everybody likes to keep their privacy.
But God knows our privacy!! So I decided not to have any privacy but be transparent. Or maybe I should write more general stuff and not personal thoughts and encounters.
…..
I didn’t realize that the thoughts drifted for hours.
And so ….. a tired Monday :o
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Must Visit this site
My SBC lecturer, Rev Dr Rick Griffith has set a website.
http://web.me.com/singaporerick
Insides this website has all his lectures notes and powerpoints.
Lectures include Old Testament surveys, New Testament surveys, and many more.
The power points are very well done with alot of nice pictures that I copy from.
Do visit this site if you want to learn more about God's WORD.
http://web.me.com/singaporerick
Insides this website has all his lectures notes and powerpoints.
Lectures include Old Testament surveys, New Testament surveys, and many more.
The power points are very well done with alot of nice pictures that I copy from.
Do visit this site if you want to learn more about God's WORD.
Wasted Opportunity to help fellow Black Americans
Before Tiger Wood, there was Michael Jackson. Before Barrack Obama, there was Michael Jackson.
They were the well known black Americans. But Michael Jackson is better known than any black Americans in the world.
A very famous black American, Michael Jackson has died this week. Everybody loves his music, even a novice in music like me. Black, white, Hispanic and Asian love to hear him sing and watch him dance. Music unites races.
And he is perhaps the best black Americans to remove racial prejudice in the USA. But he didn’t. And he is perhaps the best black Americans to help his fellows black have a better life – build a Michael Jackson foundation, a Michael Jackson College, a Michael Jackson Hospital, a Michael Jackson Scholarship. But he didn’t.
Now, he is only remembered for his music, the king of pop. And nothing more.
***
Before Michael Jackson, there was Martin Luther King.
The Rev Dr Martin Luther King, a black American who was a pastor of a Baptist Church in the USA. He was neither rich, nor famous as compared to Michael Jackson. Few would have heard of his name. Yet, he lived to fight for civil right for his fellow black companion in the USA. And he died for his cause.
At the age of thirty-five, Martin Luther King, Jr., was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would turn over the prize money of $54,123 to the furtherance of the civil rights movement.
On the evening of April 4, 1968, while standing on the balcony of his motel room in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was to lead a protest march in sympathy with striking garbage workers of that city, he was assassinated.
.
http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html
Will Tiger Wood follows the step of Michael Jackson or Martin Luther King?
Will Barrack Obama follows the step of Michael Jackson or Martin Luther King?
How will they end their lives?
They were the well known black Americans. But Michael Jackson is better known than any black Americans in the world.
A very famous black American, Michael Jackson has died this week. Everybody loves his music, even a novice in music like me. Black, white, Hispanic and Asian love to hear him sing and watch him dance. Music unites races.
And he is perhaps the best black Americans to remove racial prejudice in the USA. But he didn’t. And he is perhaps the best black Americans to help his fellows black have a better life – build a Michael Jackson foundation, a Michael Jackson College, a Michael Jackson Hospital, a Michael Jackson Scholarship. But he didn’t.
Now, he is only remembered for his music, the king of pop. And nothing more.
***
Before Michael Jackson, there was Martin Luther King.
The Rev Dr Martin Luther King, a black American who was a pastor of a Baptist Church in the USA. He was neither rich, nor famous as compared to Michael Jackson. Few would have heard of his name. Yet, he lived to fight for civil right for his fellow black companion in the USA. And he died for his cause.
At the age of thirty-five, Martin Luther King, Jr., was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would turn over the prize money of $54,123 to the furtherance of the civil rights movement.
On the evening of April 4, 1968, while standing on the balcony of his motel room in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was to lead a protest march in sympathy with striking garbage workers of that city, he was assassinated.
.
http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html
Will Tiger Wood follows the step of Michael Jackson or Martin Luther King?
Will Barrack Obama follows the step of Michael Jackson or Martin Luther King?
How will they end their lives?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Was Lost but now am Found
I finally found it! :)
It was stuck in between 2 Daily Bread.
Bid me how it got there. And it was there since February, 4 months ago. Just because I wasn’t concentrating when packing my study room.
The feeling of finding something that I lost was euphoric. It’s not about the money in it. There’s not much money in it anyway.
It brings to mind: The thoughts of God finding us, spiritually lost but now am found must likewise cause the angels in heaven to rejoice (Luke 15:10)
PTL!
Bid me how it got there. And it was there since February, 4 months ago. Just because I wasn’t concentrating when packing my study room.
The feeling of finding something that I lost was euphoric. It’s not about the money in it. There’s not much money in it anyway.
It brings to mind: The thoughts of God finding us, spiritually lost but now am found must likewise cause the angels in heaven to rejoice (Luke 15:10)
PTL!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Have Fun with Sunglasses :)
Last Saturday (13 June), I accidentally broke the frame of my spectacles while having Bible Study with the Young Adults.
Then on Sunday (21 June), we went to an optician, Mr Chia, who shop is at Far East Plaza. It was such a long time since I went to Orchard.
Finally, decide to make a new spec, and replace the frame of the old spec. The children then started having fun at Mr. Chia's shop. We know Mr Chia since 1990, almost 20 years ago.
Stylo leh!!
Wah, gangster style now!!
Just try to act funny lah!! :)
Then on Sunday (21 June), we went to an optician, Mr Chia, who shop is at Far East Plaza. It was such a long time since I went to Orchard.
Finally, decide to make a new spec, and replace the frame of the old spec. The children then started having fun at Mr. Chia's shop. We know Mr Chia since 1990, almost 20 years ago.
Stylo leh!!
Wah, gangster style now!!So I decided to join in the fun!!
Just try to act funny lah!! :)
Sunday, June 21, 2009
God makes me a father!
My Father’s Day thoughts:
The best thing God has given me in this life is ….
The best thing God has given me in this life is ….
My 3 girls :)
If not for these 3 girls, at best I can only be a husband, a god-father or an adopted father.
If not for these 3 girls, at best I can only be a husband, a god-father or an adopted father.
After being a father, I know understand why God is called our Heavenly Father.
Thank You, Heavenly Father.
Thank You, Heavenly Father.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
An Engineer’s Praise on God’s Creation
Work, work, WORK … A tired week. Finally, a time for rest and reflection. :)
1 O LORD! How fascinating are the work of your hands.
How marvelous and intrigue are the things you make.
2 Unseen things you make that are more powerful
and potent then those that are seen.
Invisible things are more vicious and useful than the invisible.
3 Virus, photons and electrons;
things that are around us,
yet we mere creatures seem naïve of them.
4 But LORD, You grant wisdom
and creativity to us to detect and use them.
The equipments make from your wisdom
help us to detect the invisible things.
The ingenuity you bestowed on us helps makes
the photons and electrons into useful signals.
5 Great are your creation, God;
Worthy to be praised is your name.
6 Many are the difficulties to fathom your work.
Many are the challenges to discover your physical laws.
7 We see your moon and stars;
we learn to make our own satellites
8 We hear your lightning and thunder;
we invent our communication – hand phone, radio, TV and internet.
9 We sense your presence, the unseen that can see,
So we build our own radar; the unseen that can see
10 How wise and creative are you, O LORD!
Let all engineers praise your knowledge and creativity.
How awesome and marvelous are you! :)
1 O LORD! How fascinating are the work of your hands.
How marvelous and intrigue are the things you make.
2 Unseen things you make that are more powerful
and potent then those that are seen.
Invisible things are more vicious and useful than the invisible.
3 Virus, photons and electrons;
things that are around us,
yet we mere creatures seem naïve of them.
4 But LORD, You grant wisdom
and creativity to us to detect and use them.
The equipments make from your wisdom
help us to detect the invisible things.
The ingenuity you bestowed on us helps makes
the photons and electrons into useful signals.
5 Great are your creation, God;
Worthy to be praised is your name.
6 Many are the difficulties to fathom your work.
Many are the challenges to discover your physical laws.
7 We see your moon and stars;
we learn to make our own satellites
8 We hear your lightning and thunder;
we invent our communication – hand phone, radio, TV and internet.
9 We sense your presence, the unseen that can see,
So we build our own radar; the unseen that can see
10 How wise and creative are you, O LORD!
Let all engineers praise your knowledge and creativity.
How awesome and marvelous are you! :)
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Watch how we speak!
I didn't know Psalm also talk about how people speak!
I thought it was just in the Book of James and Proverbs
In Psalm 12, I learnt about how I should be careful in my speech -
(1) lies (verse 2a)
(2) flattering with deception (verse 2b)
(3) boastful (verse 3)
(4) self-centred words (verse 4)
(5) people groaned (verse 5a)
(6) malign (verse 5b)
Yet, the Word of the LORD is flawless :) (verse 6)
Today devotion brings back memory of a time when someone spoke carelessly and hurt another. ...
It was in a BSG meeting when we were studying 2Cor 6 about unequally yoke with unbelievers. The opening question was "What would you do if you have fallen in love with an unbeliever?" Being a BSG leader and preparing this study on my own, I feared the greatest fear that this question might stumbled someone would come true.
Sad to say, it did happened. I hated this question :(
On Sunday BSG, one sister-in-Christ who seldom spoke up felt it was time to speak since the question was directing at her. (She just got married to an unbeliever). She explained that she will try to bring her husband to church and led him to Christ.
Then a brother strongly stated his stand, without due consideration and compassion. that Christian should not be involved with unbeliever. He even spoke for God: "Do you think God would be pleased when we have relationship with non-Christian?"
I felt sad then, feeling how insensitive such a brotherly action was. Words spoken was hurtful. I felt sad for this sister because she was already in the relationship towards marriage before she became a Christian.
She had long left the church and went to another church.
A careless word may kindle strife,
A cruel word may wreck a life.
A bitter word may hate instill,
A brutal word may smite and kill.
A gracious word may smooth the way,
A joyous word may light the day.
A timely word may lessen stress,
A loving word may heal and bless.
PTL
I thought it was just in the Book of James and Proverbs
In Psalm 12, I learnt about how I should be careful in my speech -
(1) lies (verse 2a)
(2) flattering with deception (verse 2b)
(3) boastful (verse 3)
(4) self-centred words (verse 4)
(5) people groaned (verse 5a)
(6) malign (verse 5b)
Yet, the Word of the LORD is flawless :) (verse 6)
Today devotion brings back memory of a time when someone spoke carelessly and hurt another. ...
It was in a BSG meeting when we were studying 2Cor 6 about unequally yoke with unbelievers. The opening question was "What would you do if you have fallen in love with an unbeliever?" Being a BSG leader and preparing this study on my own, I feared the greatest fear that this question might stumbled someone would come true.
Sad to say, it did happened. I hated this question :(
On Sunday BSG, one sister-in-Christ who seldom spoke up felt it was time to speak since the question was directing at her. (She just got married to an unbeliever). She explained that she will try to bring her husband to church and led him to Christ.
Then a brother strongly stated his stand, without due consideration and compassion. that Christian should not be involved with unbeliever. He even spoke for God: "Do you think God would be pleased when we have relationship with non-Christian?"
I felt sad then, feeling how insensitive such a brotherly action was. Words spoken was hurtful. I felt sad for this sister because she was already in the relationship towards marriage before she became a Christian.
She had long left the church and went to another church.
A careless word may kindle strife,
A cruel word may wreck a life.
A bitter word may hate instill,
A brutal word may smite and kill.
A gracious word may smooth the way,
A joyous word may light the day.
A timely word may lessen stress,
A loving word may heal and bless.
PTL
Friday, June 12, 2009
A night at the Beach
I took a quiet stroll down the Pasir Ris Beach late tonight.
Too bad, just too many youths partying and BBQ there. Make so much noise :(
Too bad, just too many youths partying and BBQ there. Make so much noise :(
This week, as with the past week, the focus is on the Psalms. It has been lingering on my mind for most of the time. I have been another good week. For once, I have stopped thinking about Bethany, and the things in Bethany. Good to be detached with Bethany.
I have come to understand what it means to walk with God. It is not about giving. It is not about doing. You can guess what it is about. Maybe, you can read the Psalms more often and you will know how I feel know.
I shall not write too much about what I learn from the Psalms. Sound too boastful. And act spiritual. No good, no good!
Still, it has become a habit to start devotion early in the morning on Psalm. It’s about God and me … not so much about what others think or care.
No mosquitoes at the beach tonight, surprise! I could sit there for hours. But it is not so windy tonight. It has been a hot week anyway.
Spend the time thinking, praying, thinking, praying, ….
I had a good time at the beach. Will do this more often, especially on a Friday night. Better than a Bethany prayer meeting.
PTL
I have come to understand what it means to walk with God. It is not about giving. It is not about doing. You can guess what it is about. Maybe, you can read the Psalms more often and you will know how I feel know.
I shall not write too much about what I learn from the Psalms. Sound too boastful. And act spiritual. No good, no good!
Still, it has become a habit to start devotion early in the morning on Psalm. It’s about God and me … not so much about what others think or care.
No mosquitoes at the beach tonight, surprise! I could sit there for hours. But it is not so windy tonight. It has been a hot week anyway.
Spend the time thinking, praying, thinking, praying, ….
I had a good time at the beach. Will do this more often, especially on a Friday night. Better than a Bethany prayer meeting.
PTL
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Psalm 10 – Triumph over wickedness
Psalm Category: Acrostic Psalm
Today’s reading of Psalm speaks to me to evaluate my life about wickedness.
Some characteristics of wickedness:
(1) arrogance & schemer (v2)
(2) greedy & revile God (v3)
(3) No room for God (v4)
(4) Far from God’s law (v5)
(5) Self –centred thinking (v6)
(6) Speech – curses, lies, threats, evil (v7)
(7) No godly accountability (v8 & 13)
In spite of all the wickedness, the Psalmist sees, he calls on the LORD to defeat the wicked and delivers those who all under the clutches of the wicked.
There is this assurance that good triumph over evil.
As for me, it is a time to reflect over my life – in speech, thought and action.
Is God the center of my every doing?
Today’s reading of Psalm speaks to me to evaluate my life about wickedness.
Some characteristics of wickedness:
(1) arrogance & schemer (v2)
(2) greedy & revile God (v3)
(3) No room for God (v4)
(4) Far from God’s law (v5)
(5) Self –centred thinking (v6)
(6) Speech – curses, lies, threats, evil (v7)
(7) No godly accountability (v8 & 13)
In spite of all the wickedness, the Psalmist sees, he calls on the LORD to defeat the wicked and delivers those who all under the clutches of the wicked.
There is this assurance that good triumph over evil.
As for me, it is a time to reflect over my life – in speech, thought and action.
Is God the center of my every doing?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Psalm 9 – The Lord, our righteous Judge!
Psalm Category: Acrostic Psalm
The main lesson I learn today from this devotion is that God is my righteous Judge.
The words – judging righteously (verse 4), judgment (v7), judge (v8 & 19); justice (v8 & 16) keeps appearing in this Psalm.
Justice will always be carried out to all who believe in the LORD. So, like the Psalmist, I can praise our LORD with all my heart (verse 1).
Memory Verse (verse 9):
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
PTL
The main lesson I learn today from this devotion is that God is my righteous Judge.
The words – judging righteously (verse 4), judgment (v7), judge (v8 & 19); justice (v8 & 16) keeps appearing in this Psalm.
Justice will always be carried out to all who believe in the LORD. So, like the Psalmist, I can praise our LORD with all my heart (verse 1).
Memory Verse (verse 9):
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
PTL
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Psalm 8 – How majestic is our God!
Psalm Category: Praise Psalm
This morning devotion taught me a simple truth.
The measure of a person is not how rich or intelligent he is. It is how much he knows his Creator and Lord!
Psalm 8:3-5 reveals a wonderful truth about God and me!
This morning devotion taught me a simple truth.
The measure of a person is not how rich or intelligent he is. It is how much he knows his Creator and Lord!
Psalm 8:3-5 reveals a wonderful truth about God and me!
(Memory Verses)
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
This is a wonderful Psalm to be sung. (superscript say : For the director of music)
Can someone put some musical notes to it?
Then you will be the director of music.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Devotion: Psalm 7 – A Prayer in refuge
Psalm Category – Lament Psalm (individual)
Reading and reflecting on the Psalms chapter 3-7 has taught me that we are never completely free from troubles. It also encourages me to come to God in all situations of troubles.
Psalm 3: Pursued (by Absalom) – for Deliverance (External troubles)
Psalm 4: Stressed & Angry – for relief & peace (Internal troubles)
Psalm 5: Help needed
Psalm 6: Sickness – for healing (Internal troubles)
Psalm 7: Pursued (by Saul?) – for refuge (External troubles)
In Psalm 7, David seemed to be crying out to God as he was been in refuge and pursued by a Benjamite named Cush. We know that he was constantly pursued by King Saul, a Benjamite. So could this Psalm be written during these times of seeking refuge?
Have I been misunderstood?
David declared his innocence (verses 3-5). He called on God to administer justice (verse 6). How we long for justice when being blamed unfairly. “Teach me, LORD, not to blame others unfairly, also”
God is my shield (Verse 10) – Yah! Shield from viruses! Shield from computer viruses!! My notebook has been infected with virus over the weekend.
Memory Verse: -
My Shield is God Most High,
who saves the upright in heart
Outline (Arthur G. Clarke)
I. APPEAL FOR DELIVERANCE (1-3) Prayer
1. Expression of Confidence (1a)
2. Entreaty for Rescue (1b)
3. Extremity of Need (2)
II. ASSERTION OF INNOCENCE (3-5) The Slandered, Protestation, Selah
III. ASSIZE OF JEHOVAH (6-13) The Judge
1. Application for Justice (6-8)
2. Anticipation of Succour (9-10)
3. Administration of Justice (11-13)
IV. ARREST OF WICKEDNESS (14-16) The Slanderer. Punishment
1. Plot devised (14)
2. Pit dug (15a)
3. Plotter discomfited (15b-16)
V. ASCRIPTION OF PRAISE (17) Praise
PTL
Reading and reflecting on the Psalms chapter 3-7 has taught me that we are never completely free from troubles. It also encourages me to come to God in all situations of troubles.
Psalm 3: Pursued (by Absalom) – for Deliverance (External troubles)
Psalm 4: Stressed & Angry – for relief & peace (Internal troubles)
Psalm 5: Help needed
Psalm 6: Sickness – for healing (Internal troubles)
Psalm 7: Pursued (by Saul?) – for refuge (External troubles)
In Psalm 7, David seemed to be crying out to God as he was been in refuge and pursued by a Benjamite named Cush. We know that he was constantly pursued by King Saul, a Benjamite. So could this Psalm be written during these times of seeking refuge?
Have I been misunderstood?
David declared his innocence (verses 3-5). He called on God to administer justice (verse 6). How we long for justice when being blamed unfairly. “Teach me, LORD, not to blame others unfairly, also”
God is my shield (Verse 10) – Yah! Shield from viruses! Shield from computer viruses!! My notebook has been infected with virus over the weekend.
Memory Verse: -
My Shield is God Most High,
who saves the upright in heart
Outline (Arthur G. Clarke)
I. APPEAL FOR DELIVERANCE (1-3) Prayer
1. Expression of Confidence (1a)
2. Entreaty for Rescue (1b)
3. Extremity of Need (2)
II. ASSERTION OF INNOCENCE (3-5) The Slandered, Protestation, Selah
III. ASSIZE OF JEHOVAH (6-13) The Judge
1. Application for Justice (6-8)
2. Anticipation of Succour (9-10)
3. Administration of Justice (11-13)
IV. ARREST OF WICKEDNESS (14-16) The Slanderer. Punishment
1. Plot devised (14)
2. Pit dug (15a)
3. Plotter discomfited (15b-16)
V. ASCRIPTION OF PRAISE (17) Praise
PTL
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Devotion: Psalm 6 – Prayer for the Sick
Psalm Category: Lament Psalm (individual)
Read Passage: BibleGateway.com - Passage Lookup: Psalm 6
When we are sick, we long to be healed.
If we have grave illness, we will wonder whether we will die? That was what happened when I was hospitalised and the doctor could not tell me what problem I was having? My whole body was full of big red dots!!
Was David sick? He prayed that the LORD would heal him (verse 2). His weariness was quite serious that he talked about death (verse 5). Yet, He called on God as LORD many times in this prayer.
A closer look at this passage using this outline can teaches us many things about this prayer:
Outline (by Arthur G. Clarke)
I. Ardent Appeal (1-5) “O LORD” 5 times
1. For the shewing of Mercy (1-3)
2. For the sparing of life (4-5)
II. Acute Anguish (6-7)
1. Weariness (6a)
2. Weeping (6b)
3. Wasting (7)
III. Assured Answer (8-10) “The LORD” 3 times
1. Persecutors Admonished (8)
2. Prayer Accepted (9)
3. Persecutors Ashamed (10)
This prayer, like all lament Psalm always ended with a very strong assurance and faith that God has accepted his prayer and enemies ashamed.
Readings the Psalms by David has taught me to understand the relationship of David and God.
PTL
Read Passage: BibleGateway.com - Passage Lookup: Psalm 6
When we are sick, we long to be healed.
If we have grave illness, we will wonder whether we will die? That was what happened when I was hospitalised and the doctor could not tell me what problem I was having? My whole body was full of big red dots!!
Was David sick? He prayed that the LORD would heal him (verse 2). His weariness was quite serious that he talked about death (verse 5). Yet, He called on God as LORD many times in this prayer.
A closer look at this passage using this outline can teaches us many things about this prayer:
Outline (by Arthur G. Clarke)
I. Ardent Appeal (1-5) “O LORD” 5 times
1. For the shewing of Mercy (1-3)
2. For the sparing of life (4-5)
II. Acute Anguish (6-7)
1. Weariness (6a)
2. Weeping (6b)
3. Wasting (7)
III. Assured Answer (8-10) “The LORD” 3 times
1. Persecutors Admonished (8)
2. Prayer Accepted (9)
3. Persecutors Ashamed (10)
This prayer, like all lament Psalm always ended with a very strong assurance and faith that God has accepted his prayer and enemies ashamed.
Readings the Psalms by David has taught me to understand the relationship of David and God.
PTL
Friday, June 5, 2009
Devotion: Psalm 5 – A Morning Prayer for Help
Psalm Category – Lament Psalm (individual)
Read the passage: 5 For the director of music. For flutes. A psalm of David
This is my fifth morning devotion.
I was wondering whether I should write all these in this blog every morning talking about my devotion. It sounded so boring, who would read? Nevertheless, I turned to Psalm 5 and verse 3 caught my attention.
Morning by morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
morning by morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation. (verse 3)
Yeah, even the Psalmist is having his devotion morning by morning, talking to the LORD, and waiting in expectation! :)
So, I am not alone. This verse has encouraged me to continue, morning by morning. So today, I am going to spend a bit more time to do some analyze of the whole Psalm.
This was the pattern I saw:
My Chiastic Outline for PSALM 5
A. v1-3 Appeal for God’s help
B. ............v4-6 Abhorrence towards evil
X. ..........................v7-8 Adoration & Request
B’. ..........v9-10 Attributes of evil
A’. v11-12 Affirmation of God’s blessing
In this chiastic outline, the central message is adoration (WORSHIP). This is what I discovered last Sunday during the worship service. After the worship service, I am convinced that I should spend more time in devotion.
Thank you, LORD for showing me that even in prayer and petition, I need to come in reverence (and bow down verse5).
WORSHIP comes before all else.
PTL
Read the passage: 5 For the director of music. For flutes. A psalm of David
This is my fifth morning devotion.
I was wondering whether I should write all these in this blog every morning talking about my devotion. It sounded so boring, who would read? Nevertheless, I turned to Psalm 5 and verse 3 caught my attention.
Morning by morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
morning by morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation. (verse 3)
Yeah, even the Psalmist is having his devotion morning by morning, talking to the LORD, and waiting in expectation! :)
So, I am not alone. This verse has encouraged me to continue, morning by morning. So today, I am going to spend a bit more time to do some analyze of the whole Psalm.
This was the pattern I saw:
My Chiastic Outline for PSALM 5
A. v1-3 Appeal for God’s help
B. ............v4-6 Abhorrence towards evil
X. ..........................v7-8 Adoration & Request
B’. ..........v9-10 Attributes of evil
A’. v11-12 Affirmation of God’s blessing
In this chiastic outline, the central message is adoration (WORSHIP). This is what I discovered last Sunday during the worship service. After the worship service, I am convinced that I should spend more time in devotion.
Thank you, LORD for showing me that even in prayer and petition, I need to come in reverence (and bow down verse5).
WORSHIP comes before all else.
PTL
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Devotion: Psalm 4 – An Evening Prayer for the Angry
Psalm Category – Lament Psalm (individual)
Read: BibleGateway.com - Passage Lookup: Psalms 4
Need a course for anger management? --> Meditate on Psalm 4
David was angry over his men who turned his glory into shame (v2). Instead of following God’s ways, they followed false gods and even questioned what’s so good about following God. (v5). If you have been reading the story of David in 1 & 2 Samuel, there were many occasions when his general Joab and close associates did things against David’s order.
David has been angry all day and still angry just as he is going to bed (v4). So, instead of focusing on his anger and has trouble sleeping, he prays this prayer asking God to answer him and relief him of this distress (v1). Finally, he is able to sleep in peace (v8)
How to manage anger?
(1) Pause, and search my heart (memorise verse 4).
It is not easy to do so. Hence, it is best to keep this verse in my heart when I have a cool head.
Memorise – Psalm 4:4
In your anger, do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
Apostle Paul might have quoted this verse in Eph 4:26
(2) Trust in the Lord (verse 5)
We are angry because things turn against us and our desire. But we need to know that our LORD is the one who is in ultimate control and to trust in HIM. One good verse to keep in heart is Proverb 3:5,6
Verse 6 = Number 6:25 “The LORD to make His face to shine upon us”.
If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow.-- Chinese Proverb
Read: BibleGateway.com - Passage Lookup: Psalms 4
Need a course for anger management? --> Meditate on Psalm 4
David was angry over his men who turned his glory into shame (v2). Instead of following God’s ways, they followed false gods and even questioned what’s so good about following God. (v5). If you have been reading the story of David in 1 & 2 Samuel, there were many occasions when his general Joab and close associates did things against David’s order.
David has been angry all day and still angry just as he is going to bed (v4). So, instead of focusing on his anger and has trouble sleeping, he prays this prayer asking God to answer him and relief him of this distress (v1). Finally, he is able to sleep in peace (v8)
How to manage anger?
(1) Pause, and search my heart (memorise verse 4).
It is not easy to do so. Hence, it is best to keep this verse in my heart when I have a cool head.
Memorise – Psalm 4:4
In your anger, do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
Apostle Paul might have quoted this verse in Eph 4:26
(2) Trust in the Lord (verse 5)
We are angry because things turn against us and our desire. But we need to know that our LORD is the one who is in ultimate control and to trust in HIM. One good verse to keep in heart is Proverb 3:5,6
Verse 6 = Number 6:25 “The LORD to make His face to shine upon us”.
If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow.-- Chinese Proverb
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Devotion: Psalm 3 – Cry for Deliverance
Psalm Category - Lament Psalm (individual)
Read Passage here: Psalm 3:3
Even a king can be caught in a situation when he has to call upon God for deliverance. How much more a simple folk like me!
Interestingly, after the introductory chapters of Psalm 1 and 2, one would expect Praise and Worship psalms to follow suit. Yet the Psalmist places a lament Psalm ahead of all else. It is very comforting to know that even a king, one who is powerful, one that kills giants and has a mighty army and warriors can feel helpless and has to depend on God. [This psalm is written during King David runaway from his son’s revolt (2Sam 15-17)].
Have you ever had a time when you need help for deliverance?
I remember the time when I was a undergraduate student. It was a quiet night, as I was cycling in the compound of Nanyang Avenue. Out of nowhere, a dog bit my left foot without any barking or warning. I didn’t think it was serious enough then. But it landed me in hospital for 5 days.
It was near examination time and missing lectures can be daunting and worrisome. Even after I was discharged, I still could not walk and concentrate on doing anything. Thankfully, I learnt to pray and like king David, “I cried out loud, and He answered me from His holy hill” (verse 4).
After my examination results were released, I was surprised that I got perfect As and even one distinction. The best part of it all was that one of my unbeliever classmates asked me how I was so calmed going through it all. He experienced a similar situation like mine during his first year in NUS and nearly failed most of his subjects.
That is the difference between one who believes and call on the LORD and one who doesn’t.
Memorise – Psalm 3:4
To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill.
Read Passage here: Psalm 3:3
Even a king can be caught in a situation when he has to call upon God for deliverance. How much more a simple folk like me!
Interestingly, after the introductory chapters of Psalm 1 and 2, one would expect Praise and Worship psalms to follow suit. Yet the Psalmist places a lament Psalm ahead of all else. It is very comforting to know that even a king, one who is powerful, one that kills giants and has a mighty army and warriors can feel helpless and has to depend on God. [This psalm is written during King David runaway from his son’s revolt (2Sam 15-17)].
Have you ever had a time when you need help for deliverance?
I remember the time when I was a undergraduate student. It was a quiet night, as I was cycling in the compound of Nanyang Avenue. Out of nowhere, a dog bit my left foot without any barking or warning. I didn’t think it was serious enough then. But it landed me in hospital for 5 days.
It was near examination time and missing lectures can be daunting and worrisome. Even after I was discharged, I still could not walk and concentrate on doing anything. Thankfully, I learnt to pray and like king David, “I cried out loud, and He answered me from His holy hill” (verse 4).
After my examination results were released, I was surprised that I got perfect As and even one distinction. The best part of it all was that one of my unbeliever classmates asked me how I was so calmed going through it all. He experienced a similar situation like mine during his first year in NUS and nearly failed most of his subjects.
That is the difference between one who believes and call on the LORD and one who doesn’t.
Memorise – Psalm 3:4
To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Devotion: Psalm 2 – Rebel or Refuge in HIM?
Read BibleGateway.com - Passage Lookup: Psalm 2;
No one likes to go to war! Why involve in a revolt, quarrel or a fight?
I rather take refuge than rebel, especially against God the Almighty.
In Psalm 2, nations and kings rise up to war against the Anointed one. Hence, this Psalm must have been written by someone who knows of God’s promise to David in 2Sam 7:12-13:
When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
2Sam 7:14 – “I will be his father, and he will be my son” is the same as Psalm 2:7 confirm my guess. The Psalmist seems to look into the future when there will be a time nations and kings rise up to fight against the Anointed one. Sound very much like the Book of Revelation!
Psalm 1 and 2 complement each others:
1. Blessing
Psalm 1 started with - Blessed is the man …
Psalm 2 ended with – Blessed are all …
2. Word of God
Psalm 1 draw people to the inspired Word of God
Psalm 2 draw people to the incarnated Word of God (Rev 19:13)
3. Obey & Worship
Psalm 1 call people to meditate and obey
Psalm 2 call people to serve with fear (i.e. worship in reverence) & rejoice
Hence, Psalm 1 & 2 is like an opening chapter to the Book of Psalm. It prepares all who want to come to God to learn the Psalm – OBEY & WORSHIP goes hand in hand.
Memorise – Psalm 2:11
Serve the LORD with fear,
And rejoice with trembling
Psalm Category – Royal Psalm / Messianic Psalm
An outline (by Arthur G. Clarke):
PSALM 2: THE MESSIANIC MONARCHY
I. REVOLT OF THE NATIONS (1-3)
II. REACTION OF THE LORD (4-6)
III. RESPONSE OF THE KING (7-9)
IV RECOMMENDATION TO THE NATIONS (10-12)
No one likes to go to war! Why involve in a revolt, quarrel or a fight?
I rather take refuge than rebel, especially against God the Almighty.
In Psalm 2, nations and kings rise up to war against the Anointed one. Hence, this Psalm must have been written by someone who knows of God’s promise to David in 2Sam 7:12-13:
When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
2Sam 7:14 – “I will be his father, and he will be my son” is the same as Psalm 2:7 confirm my guess. The Psalmist seems to look into the future when there will be a time nations and kings rise up to fight against the Anointed one. Sound very much like the Book of Revelation!
Psalm 1 and 2 complement each others:
1. Blessing
Psalm 1 started with - Blessed is the man …
Psalm 2 ended with – Blessed are all …
2. Word of God
Psalm 1 draw people to the inspired Word of God
Psalm 2 draw people to the incarnated Word of God (Rev 19:13)
3. Obey & Worship
Psalm 1 call people to meditate and obey
Psalm 2 call people to serve with fear (i.e. worship in reverence) & rejoice
Hence, Psalm 1 & 2 is like an opening chapter to the Book of Psalm. It prepares all who want to come to God to learn the Psalm – OBEY & WORSHIP goes hand in hand.
Memorise – Psalm 2:11
Serve the LORD with fear,
And rejoice with trembling
Psalm Category – Royal Psalm / Messianic Psalm
An outline (by Arthur G. Clarke):
PSALM 2: THE MESSIANIC MONARCHY
I. REVOLT OF THE NATIONS (1-3)
II. REACTION OF THE LORD (4-6)
III. RESPONSE OF THE KING (7-9)
IV RECOMMENDATION TO THE NATIONS (10-12)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Devotion: Psalm 1 – Righteous or Wicked Character?
From today onward till the end of the year, I have decided to have my devotion and meditation on the Psalms, Proverbs, …
Some thoughts on Psalm 1:
It started like a kind of a beatitude, “Blessed …
Many of us (including me) may not see ourselves as these 2 extremes – we are neither “righteous” nor wicked, (verse 6) even though we are Christians, believers in Christ.
To be righteous is to delight in the Law of the Lord – meditating, obeying, and walking in the way of the Lord, completely right with God, no fault found!! :)
To be wicked (i.e. lawlessness) is to have no Law and subject to no authority whatsoever. Most of us would not be classified under this, since we still obey the laws of this land.
From this passage, I learn how to differentiate a righteous person from a mere Christian. Verses 1-3 spell it out.
(1) My associations - who I hang out with and who my friends are. (v1)
(2) My thought life – meditation, reading, surfing webs, etc (v2)
(3) My actions – works that bear fruits to the delight of others and self. (v3)
Memorise – Psalm 1
Psalm Category – Wisdom Psalm / Teaching (or Didactic) Psalm
Found an outline (by Arthur G. Clarke):
PSALM 1 - CONTASTED CHARACTERS
I. THE GODLY APPROVED (1-3)
1. Consistent Conduct (1-2)
2. Consequent Character (3abc). Fig. TREE
3. Confident Conclusion (3d). Enduring Prosperity
II. THE GODLESS ABANDONED (4-5)
1. Consistent Conduct (4a). “Not so” (antithesis 1-2)
2. Consequent Character (4b). Fig. CHAFF
3. Confident Conclusion (5). Eventual Perdition.
III. THE GOAL ATTESTED (6)
Two ways – two ends. cf. Matt 7:13-27
Some thoughts on Psalm 1:
It started like a kind of a beatitude, “Blessed …
Many of us (including me) may not see ourselves as these 2 extremes – we are neither “righteous” nor wicked, (verse 6) even though we are Christians, believers in Christ.
To be righteous is to delight in the Law of the Lord – meditating, obeying, and walking in the way of the Lord, completely right with God, no fault found!! :)
To be wicked (i.e. lawlessness) is to have no Law and subject to no authority whatsoever. Most of us would not be classified under this, since we still obey the laws of this land.
From this passage, I learn how to differentiate a righteous person from a mere Christian. Verses 1-3 spell it out.
(1) My associations - who I hang out with and who my friends are. (v1)
(2) My thought life – meditation, reading, surfing webs, etc (v2)
(3) My actions – works that bear fruits to the delight of others and self. (v3)
Memorise – Psalm 1
Psalm Category – Wisdom Psalm / Teaching (or Didactic) Psalm
Found an outline (by Arthur G. Clarke):
PSALM 1 - CONTASTED CHARACTERS
I. THE GODLY APPROVED (1-3)
1. Consistent Conduct (1-2)
2. Consequent Character (3abc). Fig. TREE
3. Confident Conclusion (3d). Enduring Prosperity
II. THE GODLESS ABANDONED (4-5)
1. Consistent Conduct (4a). “Not so” (antithesis 1-2)
2. Consequent Character (4b). Fig. CHAFF
3. Confident Conclusion (5). Eventual Perdition.
III. THE GOAL ATTESTED (6)
Two ways – two ends. cf. Matt 7:13-27
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