Sunday, September 20, 2009
For CHRIST's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded CHRIST this way, we do so no longer.Therefore , if anyone is in CHRIST, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come!!!
2 Corinthians 3:15
Since you know that it's GOD's love that compels, how well are you representing CHRIST today in school, at home, or anywhere...
Let god be in control
let him be our guide!!
So do things in CHRIST with LOVE and PASSION..
-you can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if you have faith that can move mountains, but not have love, you are nothing!!!
ASK AND U SHALL BE GIVEN!!!
Holy Spirit knows all things.
Like Esther's lesson today. Ask and continue to believe. The time will come. Don't doubt, cause GOD has his purpose for us. He has everything well planned(= REPENT!! Let his spirit pour down on you!!! The blessings of the gift of tougue is another DIMENSION with GOD. It's just more than a human mind!!
Call to me and i will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3
STUDY HARD FOR EOYs!!!
SHINE GOD'S LIGHT(=
THE CUTEST LISAAAAAA....
typed by Fiona(=
2 Corinthians 3:15
Since you know that it's GOD's love that compels, how well are you representing CHRIST today in school, at home, or anywhere...
Let god be in control
let him be our guide!!
So do things in CHRIST with LOVE and PASSION..
-you can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if you have faith that can move mountains, but not have love, you are nothing!!!
ASK AND U SHALL BE GIVEN!!!
Holy Spirit knows all things.
Like Esther's lesson today. Ask and continue to believe. The time will come. Don't doubt, cause GOD has his purpose for us. He has everything well planned(= REPENT!! Let his spirit pour down on you!!! The blessings of the gift of tougue is another DIMENSION with GOD. It's just more than a human mind!!
Call to me and i will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3
STUDY HARD FOR EOYs!!!
SHINE GOD'S LIGHT(=
THE CUTEST LISAAAAAA....
typed by Fiona(=
what we could have been, 9:04 AM.
IMAGINE I AM A TRIANGLE, YOU ARE CIRCLE.
WHEN THE TRIANGLE AND CIRCLE SEE EACH OTHER, ONLY LINES CAN BE SEEN.
WHEREAS SOMEBODY OF A HIGHER DIMENSION CAN SEE THEIR SHAPE.
WE ARE OF 3 DIMENSION.
GOD IS OF MANY DIMENSIONS ABOVE US.
WHEN WE SEE 2D OBJECTS, WE CAN SEE SHAPE
BUT... WHEN 2Ds SEE EACH TOHER, ONLY LINES CAN BE SEEN.
BECAUSE WE ARE OF A HIGHER DIMENSION THEN THE 2Ds OBJECT, WE CAN SEE SHAPE..
HOWEVER, GOD IS OF MANY DIMENSION HIGHER THEN US.
THEREFORE, HE CAN SEE EVERYTHING (FULL PICTURE)
SO ... WE MUST TRUST HIM CAUSE WE CANNOT SEE FULL PICTURE OF LIFE.
WE DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN NEXT BECAUSE WE CANNOT SEE THE FULL PICTURE OF LIFE.
SO ... WE MUST TRUST IN HIM!!!
OH, PRAISE THE LORD (=
Proverbs 3:5-6 (look at Marcus s. previous post)
FIONA WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
WAS HERE (=
TYPED BY JOY~
WHEN THE TRIANGLE AND CIRCLE SEE EACH OTHER, ONLY LINES CAN BE SEEN.
WHEREAS SOMEBODY OF A HIGHER DIMENSION CAN SEE THEIR SHAPE.
WE ARE OF 3 DIMENSION.
GOD IS OF MANY DIMENSIONS ABOVE US.
WHEN WE SEE 2D OBJECTS, WE CAN SEE SHAPE
BUT... WHEN 2Ds SEE EACH TOHER, ONLY LINES CAN BE SEEN.
BECAUSE WE ARE OF A HIGHER DIMENSION THEN THE 2Ds OBJECT, WE CAN SEE SHAPE..
HOWEVER, GOD IS OF MANY DIMENSION HIGHER THEN US.
THEREFORE, HE CAN SEE EVERYTHING (FULL PICTURE)
SO ... WE MUST TRUST HIM CAUSE WE CANNOT SEE FULL PICTURE OF LIFE.
WE DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN NEXT BECAUSE WE CANNOT SEE THE FULL PICTURE OF LIFE.
SO ... WE MUST TRUST IN HIM!!!
OH, PRAISE THE LORD (=
Proverbs 3:5-6 (look at Marcus s. previous post)
FIONA WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
WAS HERE (=
TYPED BY JOY~
what we could have been, 5:24 AM.
Proverbs 3:5-6:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. When lost in making decisions, we should all look to God, and ask him what is his will for us.
We should all allow God to direct us because he loves us. He would only want what is best for us. Thus we should trust in him.
Our understanding cannot always be leaned upon, this is because it is limited! We can only know this much, and nothing more, so if we let God take control, we can do even better.
*Let HIM pilot our lives, God knows what is good for us.*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Once i read a book, a quote is that "The Gulf Stream can flow through the straw, if the straw aligns itself with the Gulf Stream"
There are 2 types of Christians, resistor and conductor
A conductor isn't all that powerful. Now think, a piece of copper is nothing on its own. but when connected to a circuit it can bring light into the darkness. Christians who are conductors aligns themselves with the Lord and allow the power of the Lord to flow through them. That is why they are in a sense 'powerful'.
A resistor Christian is one who doesn't want to let the power of the Lord to flow through him. Thus he is 'powerless'. Like a piece or glass, it cannot light up a room.
We should allow the power of the Lord to flow through us.
From the quote, The Lord is like the Gulf stream, we are like straws. If we align ourselves to him, and allow his power to flow through us. Then the effect would be, wow.
God Bless,
Marcus Seah
what we could have been, 3:37 AM.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
'Forgiveness is not a case of holy amnesia, that wipes out the past.
Instead, it's the experience that drains poison from wounds.'
Do you hate someone? Think of someone that has talked about you behind your back.
Let's say his name is Bob.
Let's say he slapped you right now.
Would you forgive him on the spot right then, right there?
Would you turn the other cheek?
Most of us, won't. Everyone has this Bob in their lives, I have my Bob, you have your Bob.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matthew 18: 21-35
Jesus tell us that we should not just forgive people 7 times. but seven times seventy times.
This a story of a master, who showed mercy to his servant, who owed him money.
The patient master gave the servant more time to pay.
The servant, had his own maid.
The maid owed the servant money, but instead of showing mercy, the servant threw the maid into jail.
The master was informed about this, and he demanded the servant to pay up.
We are like the servant. We have been forgiven, by God. IF he has the mercy and patience to forgive us of our wrongdoings, shouldn't we forgive others?
Matthew 6:15
But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
God knows it's hard for us to forgive, He understands how you feel.
The next time someone bullies or irritates you, remember, you have been forgiven by Jesus himself! It's only natural, you forgive him or her.
Forgive your Bob today
Memory verse of the DAY: Colossians 3:13
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Cheers,
muel.
Instead, it's the experience that drains poison from wounds.'
Do you hate someone? Think of someone that has talked about you behind your back.
Let's say his name is Bob.
Let's say he slapped you right now.
Would you forgive him on the spot right then, right there?
Would you turn the other cheek?
Most of us, won't. Everyone has this Bob in their lives, I have my Bob, you have your Bob.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matthew 18: 21-35
Jesus tell us that we should not just forgive people 7 times. but seven times seventy times.
This a story of a master, who showed mercy to his servant, who owed him money.
The patient master gave the servant more time to pay.
The servant, had his own maid.
The maid owed the servant money, but instead of showing mercy, the servant threw the maid into jail.
The master was informed about this, and he demanded the servant to pay up.
We are like the servant. We have been forgiven, by God. IF he has the mercy and patience to forgive us of our wrongdoings, shouldn't we forgive others?
Matthew 6:15
But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
God knows it's hard for us to forgive, He understands how you feel.
The next time someone bullies or irritates you, remember, you have been forgiven by Jesus himself! It's only natural, you forgive him or her.
Forgive your Bob today
Memory verse of the DAY: Colossians 3:13
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Cheers,
muel.
what we could have been, 5:28 AM.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sanctuary, What is it?
It is mentioned to be the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, even the temple in the old testament. But it doesn't have to be a physical location.
It can be an idea: Isiah 8:14, The idea of abbiding in the presence of God.
Psalms 23:2&3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.
Jesus sought it when he moved away from the crowds, the work and the disciples, and went into the mountains alone to spend time with God the father.
Sanctuary suggests an idea of a place set apart for spiritual protection, rest and renewal.
It is a spiritual hiding place where we can seek refuge, and restore our hearts and strengthen them for the struggles of today and the challenges of tomorrow.
Psalms 73:17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God, then i understood their end.
You see, when we focus on ourselves, all we can see are our own problems, our delimas, our troubles.
But when we focus on God, when we go into his sanctuary, and stand in his presence, we see as God sees, and everything changes.
The circumstances remain the same, but we are given new perspectives and understanding.
Asaph had been overwhelmed by the unfairness of present circumstances before he entered God's sanctuary. BUt after he did, he got new perspectives and he saw the difference in rewards for humans inequities between his vision and God's vision.
Asaph found his answers when he went into the sanctuary. He no longer questioned God, but put him as the centre of his focus. The solution came to Asaph when he turned to God not as an object of speculation, but as ne of worship.
So what then did Asaph see in the sanctuary?
The judgement of God -> Psalms 73:17-20
V18 The unjust were lacking security. From the world's perspective, they seemed completely safe, but from God's perspective, they were on shaky ground/slippery places and heading for destruction.
V19 They will not be prepared for it. They will not see their judgement coming suddenly upon them, like the people of Noah's day, who rejected years of warning and when judgement came, it was too late.
V20 God's judgement is inevitable. Asaph understood the principle of fair returns. But he was trying to see God's judgement in a period marked mostly by God's mercy and grace; in hopes that they would change their ways. Only when he went into the sanctuary did he see that the judgement was inevitable, but also that God would choose when to hold them accountable.
& because of these revelations, Asaph's anger softened, and he began to examin himself.
His mistakes -> Psalms 73:21-22
In the sanctuary, Asaph discovered his real complaint was not with the moral rebels or even God. His real problem was himself. He had been focusing on the unfairness of life, rather than trusting God to settle the score in a perfect and just way. By allowing such a conflict of faith to overwhelm him, he was forfeiting the comfort and peace faith is intended and designed to bring.
V21 & 22 Asaph saw his actions and attitude as an offense to God and said: my heart was grieved. In the New American Translation, it says, My heart was embittered.
Asaph had grieved and held bitterness against God, and it is these he had come to regret.
V21: I was pricked in my reins.
Asaph was brought to the point where he could finally see the wounds he had inflicted on himself.
V22: I was so foolish and ignorant
He saw that his questioning of God's ways of handling life was foolish and ignorant. Afterall, God is the only one with the full knowledge of the future; we must remember Isiah 55:8, my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways
Verse 22: I was like a beast before you
He did not understand God's ways and rebelled against him, and finally understood that he was unqualified to judge God.
God's All sufficiency -> Psalms 73:23-24
1) God will be with us continually, he will never leave us or forsake us.
2) God will uphold us -> He will strengthen us.
3) God will guidde and counsel us -> The spirit and word of God would guide us along the way.
4) God will recieve us to glory -> At the end, God will recieve us into heaven and prepare a home with him forever.
What did Asaph learn?
#1: God is more important than anything else in life. V25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides you.
Asaph realised that God was all he had and all he needed
#2: God is all the strength we need. V26 my flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Asaph discovered that only in God could he find the unending strength he needed now and forever.
#3: God will be as fair as he is merciful. V27 for indeed, those who are far from you shall perish, you have destroyed all those who desert you for harlotry.
In the end, Asaph learnt to trust God, that in his own timing and wisdom, he would deal justly and mercifully with all the inequities of life.
#4: God draws near to those who draw near to him. V28 But it is good for me to draw near to God. I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all your works.
Asaph learnt that his responsibility was not to mete out judgement, but to (james 4:8) draw near to God and he will draw near to you. He realised that the heart was the key (Psalms 73:1), truly, God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. (Matthew 5:8) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Knowing and trusting in his goodness keeps us from seeing only our external circumstances and wrongly assuming that God is not in control, or is not fair, or does not care. This is the kind of relationship founded and fostered in worship. It helps us break out of our daily issues of life and remind us that God doesnt settle all his accounts on our schedule, but in his time.
So, I pray that whenever we feel bogged down by the inequities of life, when we feel that our strength isn't enough, when we breakdown or we feel that life has thrown too much at us, remember to set aside some time, break out of your daily routine, meet God in worship, let go of all your burdens and let God carry them. Just soak in the presence of the Lord and talk to him. Draw near to him and he will draw near to you. Let him reveal all the new perspectives and guide you through the things that you do. He will renew your spirit and give you rest.
Much love, J
It is mentioned to be the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, even the temple in the old testament. But it doesn't have to be a physical location.
It can be an idea: Isiah 8:14, The idea of abbiding in the presence of God.
Psalms 23:2&3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.
Jesus sought it when he moved away from the crowds, the work and the disciples, and went into the mountains alone to spend time with God the father.
Sanctuary suggests an idea of a place set apart for spiritual protection, rest and renewal.
It is a spiritual hiding place where we can seek refuge, and restore our hearts and strengthen them for the struggles of today and the challenges of tomorrow.
Psalms 73:17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God, then i understood their end.
You see, when we focus on ourselves, all we can see are our own problems, our delimas, our troubles.
But when we focus on God, when we go into his sanctuary, and stand in his presence, we see as God sees, and everything changes.
The circumstances remain the same, but we are given new perspectives and understanding.
Asaph had been overwhelmed by the unfairness of present circumstances before he entered God's sanctuary. BUt after he did, he got new perspectives and he saw the difference in rewards for humans inequities between his vision and God's vision.
Asaph found his answers when he went into the sanctuary. He no longer questioned God, but put him as the centre of his focus. The solution came to Asaph when he turned to God not as an object of speculation, but as ne of worship.
So what then did Asaph see in the sanctuary?
The judgement of God -> Psalms 73:17-20
V18 The unjust were lacking security. From the world's perspective, they seemed completely safe, but from God's perspective, they were on shaky ground/slippery places and heading for destruction.
V19 They will not be prepared for it. They will not see their judgement coming suddenly upon them, like the people of Noah's day, who rejected years of warning and when judgement came, it was too late.
V20 God's judgement is inevitable. Asaph understood the principle of fair returns. But he was trying to see God's judgement in a period marked mostly by God's mercy and grace; in hopes that they would change their ways. Only when he went into the sanctuary did he see that the judgement was inevitable, but also that God would choose when to hold them accountable.
& because of these revelations, Asaph's anger softened, and he began to examin himself.
His mistakes -> Psalms 73:21-22
In the sanctuary, Asaph discovered his real complaint was not with the moral rebels or even God. His real problem was himself. He had been focusing on the unfairness of life, rather than trusting God to settle the score in a perfect and just way. By allowing such a conflict of faith to overwhelm him, he was forfeiting the comfort and peace faith is intended and designed to bring.
V21 & 22 Asaph saw his actions and attitude as an offense to God and said: my heart was grieved. In the New American Translation, it says, My heart was embittered.
Asaph had grieved and held bitterness against God, and it is these he had come to regret.
V21: I was pricked in my reins.
Asaph was brought to the point where he could finally see the wounds he had inflicted on himself.
V22: I was so foolish and ignorant
He saw that his questioning of God's ways of handling life was foolish and ignorant. Afterall, God is the only one with the full knowledge of the future; we must remember Isiah 55:8, my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways
Verse 22: I was like a beast before you
He did not understand God's ways and rebelled against him, and finally understood that he was unqualified to judge God.
God's All sufficiency -> Psalms 73:23-24
1) God will be with us continually, he will never leave us or forsake us.
2) God will uphold us -> He will strengthen us.
3) God will guidde and counsel us -> The spirit and word of God would guide us along the way.
4) God will recieve us to glory -> At the end, God will recieve us into heaven and prepare a home with him forever.
What did Asaph learn?
#1: God is more important than anything else in life. V25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides you.
Asaph realised that God was all he had and all he needed
#2: God is all the strength we need. V26 my flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Asaph discovered that only in God could he find the unending strength he needed now and forever.
#3: God will be as fair as he is merciful. V27 for indeed, those who are far from you shall perish, you have destroyed all those who desert you for harlotry.
In the end, Asaph learnt to trust God, that in his own timing and wisdom, he would deal justly and mercifully with all the inequities of life.
#4: God draws near to those who draw near to him. V28 But it is good for me to draw near to God. I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all your works.
Asaph learnt that his responsibility was not to mete out judgement, but to (james 4:8) draw near to God and he will draw near to you. He realised that the heart was the key (Psalms 73:1), truly, God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. (Matthew 5:8) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Knowing and trusting in his goodness keeps us from seeing only our external circumstances and wrongly assuming that God is not in control, or is not fair, or does not care. This is the kind of relationship founded and fostered in worship. It helps us break out of our daily issues of life and remind us that God doesnt settle all his accounts on our schedule, but in his time.
So, I pray that whenever we feel bogged down by the inequities of life, when we feel that our strength isn't enough, when we breakdown or we feel that life has thrown too much at us, remember to set aside some time, break out of your daily routine, meet God in worship, let go of all your burdens and let God carry them. Just soak in the presence of the Lord and talk to him. Draw near to him and he will draw near to you. Let him reveal all the new perspectives and guide you through the things that you do. He will renew your spirit and give you rest.
Much love, J
what we could have been, 5:36 AM.
Today i was in a car in a carpark waiting line, before the cash card thing. It was at tampine mall at lunch time, Cars only at lunch time! Then i said to the rest of the people in the cars, since we prayed eariler for a parking lot, MAYBE THE LORD WOULD LIKE HVAE SOME MALAY FAMILY MOVE OUT, THENN YOU WOULD SEE 15 CARS COMING OUT.
so we waited, then after a count of 7-9 cars we were in and found a parking lot no sooner. This point of sharing this sint about wow, we can get our way. It is that, if we have faith, anything is possible. We just have to believe in the Lord, and he would pull us through, He is besdie us, hearing to what we are saying (obviously much). If we say something we faith, t would come true. So dont lose faith in the LORD.
God bless everyone
Marucs Seah
Singapore
so we waited, then after a count of 7-9 cars we were in and found a parking lot no sooner. This point of sharing this sint about wow, we can get our way. It is that, if we have faith, anything is possible. We just have to believe in the Lord, and he would pull us through, He is besdie us, hearing to what we are saying (obviously much). If we say something we faith, t would come true. So dont lose faith in the LORD.
God bless everyone
Marucs Seah
Singapore
what we could have been, 5:24 AM.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Enjoy!
what we could have been, 1:35 AM.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
PLEASE PAUSE THE MUSIC PLAYER BEFORE HEARING THIS SONG. Thx :)
Enjoy. YAHWEH!
God Bless.
Enjoy. YAHWEH!
God Bless.
what we could have been, 4:27 AM.
Hebrews 12:1 -2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We've got to run the race till we see His face. In our lives, we may face obstacles, hardship or troubles (sins), but God will always be there to pick us up when we stumble and carry us when we are weak and tired.
When we run the race, we may some times lose focus on God and stray away. BUT, God will always be there for us, for He loves us, and lead us back on the right track, to Him our creator and perfecter (AMEN!)
As we run, we've got to shine God's light to the 'witnesses' (people) and be a testimony to them, so that, they too, will want to go to Christ and be changed
WE MUST RUN THE RACE GOD HAS SET FOR US, NEVER TURNING BACK, ALWAYS FOCUSING ON HIM :D
Sleep yet? haha. God bless and have a wonderful September holiday
- Marcus Q.
Run. Never stop.Nike
MUSIC!
Enjoy :)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We've got to run the race till we see His face. In our lives, we may face obstacles, hardship or troubles (sins), but God will always be there to pick us up when we stumble and carry us when we are weak and tired.
When we run the race, we may some times lose focus on God and stray away. BUT, God will always be there for us, for He loves us, and lead us back on the right track, to Him our creator and perfecter (AMEN!)
As we run, we've got to shine God's light to the 'witnesses' (people) and be a testimony to them, so that, they too, will want to go to Christ and be changed
WE MUST RUN THE RACE GOD HAS SET FOR US, NEVER TURNING BACK, ALWAYS FOCUSING ON HIM :D
Sleep yet? haha. God bless and have a wonderful September holiday
- Marcus Q.
Run. Never stop.
MUSIC!
Enjoy :)
what we could have been, 3:30 AM.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Sorry it came late, had to rush back to camp last week. Was kinda busy. Haha.. Anyway, heres last weeks lesson.
To Suffer In Silence.
Remember Asaph from Psalms 73?
Why was he suffering?
Asaph, like most of us today, saw injustices in the world.
He was so bitter against people who didnt deserve the things they had that he wrote:
Psalms 73:4-9
Interpretations
V4: There is no pain in their death, they die full and satisfied, enjoying life to the max.
V5: They aren't troubled or plagued like other people, and are immune to normal difficulties, struggles and troubles.
V6: Their pride and violence are rewarded by wealth.
Asaph was taught to believe that people who rejected God would suffer the consequences of their wrong choice, but as he observed life, it seemed that those who were proud and oppressive were honored and rewarded.
V7: Their abundance is unimaginable
V8&9: Their speech is filled with mockery, pride and arrogance. Not only did they mock the righteous, but also God.
These people felt secure, believing that they had no reason to know God, because they thought that they were protected from the normal pains of life (Verse 4-6), so they assumed they were invulnerable to everything, including the divince. (Verse 11)
Verse 12: Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease, they increase in riches. (Summary of Asaph's view of the wicked from verses 4-9)
This statement made by him affirms his statements, showing his strong emotions regarding the issue.
What Asaph felt --> No wonder he was frustrated! He thought that bad people were prospering and were immune to life's problems. They could even mock God and get away with it.
This caused his confession in verse 3: For I was envious of the boastful, when i saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Look familiar?
But! Being frustrated is one thing.. How he responded to it was another entirely...
Asaph's Doubts! Psalms 73:13:
Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in innocence.
Asaph wondered if his pursuit of living for God had been worthless.
Verse 14: for all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning.
He probably had this question on his mind: 1) What do I get out of it?
Asaph was feeling resentful and bitter towards God.
His doubts and envy for others made him ready to give up and desert God.
& just when it seems that all was LOST!!!!?!!!
Verse 15: If I had said," I will speak [thus]," behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of your Children.
[ ] = Verses 13-14
He wanted to declare his discontentment with God and his way of handling life. But even as he was about to, something stopped him from doing it. What?
Remember that Asaph was a PnW leader, King David's Chief musician, a songwriter and a prophet. (1 Chronicles 16:5, 25:2, 2 Chronicles 29:30)
What Asaph did was that he looked ahead before abandoning all he had been committed to, and saw the negative impact his choice would have on those around him. He would have caused others to fall away, and would have caused great hurt and disillusionment in the people of God he was responsible for.
We all have a responsibility for others that can provide restraint and self control as we work through our own anger and resentment and sense of betrayal. But we also can share our thoughts with others whom are able to build us up and support us, such as our higher authorities.
So what did Asaph do? He chose another path, and suffered in silence (V16), all the while thinking this: -When will there be answers for my questions?
- When will there be relief from the suffering?
-When will there be justice in the world?
- When will it all make sense?
And this is where the lesson ends. Yeahyeah, i know its a dark place to end at... But its a lot of material ok, gimme a break. You wanna find out the answers, come for CG on the 13th of September! =)
To Be Continued
Joelll, signing off.
To Suffer In Silence.
Remember Asaph from Psalms 73?
Why was he suffering?
Asaph, like most of us today, saw injustices in the world.
He was so bitter against people who didnt deserve the things they had that he wrote:
Psalms 73:4-9
Interpretations
V4: There is no pain in their death, they die full and satisfied, enjoying life to the max.
V5: They aren't troubled or plagued like other people, and are immune to normal difficulties, struggles and troubles.
V6: Their pride and violence are rewarded by wealth.
Asaph was taught to believe that people who rejected God would suffer the consequences of their wrong choice, but as he observed life, it seemed that those who were proud and oppressive were honored and rewarded.
V7: Their abundance is unimaginable
V8&9: Their speech is filled with mockery, pride and arrogance. Not only did they mock the righteous, but also God.
These people felt secure, believing that they had no reason to know God, because they thought that they were protected from the normal pains of life (Verse 4-6), so they assumed they were invulnerable to everything, including the divince. (Verse 11)
Verse 12: Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease, they increase in riches. (Summary of Asaph's view of the wicked from verses 4-9)
This statement made by him affirms his statements, showing his strong emotions regarding the issue.
What Asaph felt --> No wonder he was frustrated! He thought that bad people were prospering and were immune to life's problems. They could even mock God and get away with it.
This caused his confession in verse 3: For I was envious of the boastful, when i saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Look familiar?
But! Being frustrated is one thing.. How he responded to it was another entirely...
Asaph's Doubts! Psalms 73:13:
Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in innocence.
Asaph wondered if his pursuit of living for God had been worthless.
Verse 14: for all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning.
He probably had this question on his mind: 1) What do I get out of it?
Asaph was feeling resentful and bitter towards God.
His doubts and envy for others made him ready to give up and desert God.
& just when it seems that all was LOST!!!!?!!!
Verse 15: If I had said," I will speak [thus]," behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of your Children.
[ ] = Verses 13-14
He wanted to declare his discontentment with God and his way of handling life. But even as he was about to, something stopped him from doing it. What?
Remember that Asaph was a PnW leader, King David's Chief musician, a songwriter and a prophet. (1 Chronicles 16:5, 25:2, 2 Chronicles 29:30)
What Asaph did was that he looked ahead before abandoning all he had been committed to, and saw the negative impact his choice would have on those around him. He would have caused others to fall away, and would have caused great hurt and disillusionment in the people of God he was responsible for.
We all have a responsibility for others that can provide restraint and self control as we work through our own anger and resentment and sense of betrayal. But we also can share our thoughts with others whom are able to build us up and support us, such as our higher authorities.
So what did Asaph do? He chose another path, and suffered in silence (V16), all the while thinking this: -When will there be answers for my questions?
- When will there be relief from the suffering?
-When will there be justice in the world?
- When will it all make sense?
And this is where the lesson ends. Yeahyeah, i know its a dark place to end at... But its a lot of material ok, gimme a break. You wanna find out the answers, come for CG on the 13th of September! =)
To Be Continued
Joelll, signing off.
what we could have been, 7:39 AM.
BOO BOO!~
came across this verse,not bad. A bit like like what joel said on sun:) so sharing here.. ..
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the suffering of Christ, so that you may be over-joyed when his glory is revealed.If you are insulted because of the name of
Christ,you are blessed,for the sprit of glory and God rest on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed but praise God that you bear that name.For it is time for judegement to begin with the family of God,and if it begins with us,what will the out-come be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, " If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
What will become of the ungodly of the sinner?" So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faith creator and continue to do good.
<1peter4:12-19>
. . .
Be self-controlled and alert.Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.Resist him, standing firm in faith,because you know that brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace,who called you to his ethernal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make strong firm and steadfast.To him be the power for ever and ever.Amen!
<1peter5:8-11>
tho' its not my turn but ya.. ..it doesnt matter yea? :D
hope to see more post:)
He lived, He died, He rose again on high..
-lisa :)
came across this verse,not bad. A bit like like what joel said on sun:) so sharing here.. ..
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the suffering of Christ, so that you may be over-joyed when his glory is revealed.If you are insulted because of the name of
Christ,you are blessed,for the sprit of glory and God rest on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed but praise God that you bear that name.For it is time for judegement to begin with the family of God,and if it begins with us,what will the out-come be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, " If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
What will become of the ungodly of the sinner?" So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faith creator and continue to do good.
<1peter4:12-19>
. . .
Be self-controlled and alert.Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.Resist him, standing firm in faith,because you know that brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace,who called you to his ethernal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make strong firm and steadfast.To him be the power for ever and ever.Amen!
<1peter5:8-11>
tho' its not my turn but ya.. ..it doesnt matter yea? :D
hope to see more post:)
He lived, He died, He rose again on high..
-lisa :)
what we could have been, 6:43 AM.
