This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. (Titus 3:8)
Living in a world that believes in "Success with any cost" and "Do what I say but not what I do", is dangerous to anyone especially, to the leaders. But thank GOD for the bible because it reminds me through Book of Titus how to lead. Although this book is written for the church leadership, but it is also a good application to our daily living.
Verse 2:7 reminds us to set an example to others so we can be blameless. There is only one way we can live blameless, which is living in Christ, submitted ourself to Him and pray for the Holy Spirit to guide our every thought.
Verse 3:1 Reminds us of "TRUE HUMILITY", how would others know we have true or fake humility. It is through our action that will prove it.
PRAYER: LORD, I thank you for allowing me to not just study but also understand your teaching. Please lead me to live a life that's worth your redemption. Humble me so my wife and I can be your clay pot. Pray in Jesus name. AMEN!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Jeremiah 2:13 Our Dependence
Praise the Lord, for He is the Spring (Fountain) of Living Water. But why was Israelites forsaken the Holy One and believed in other handmade Gods (dug the broken cisterns that cannot hold water)? Because Israel was surrounded by the nations whom believed in false Gods. Instead of inspiring other tribes to believe in the Only God, they followed them to forsake their own God. The God who lead their ancestors out of Egypt and took over the promised land.
This verse reminds me of don't be infected by the surrounding environment especially in this end time. Instead inspire the non-believers with the strength which we received from the "Spring of the Living Water".
How important is water? Human body is 70% water. A person can go on for up to 4-6 weeks without food and still survive but a person will die within 3-7 days without water. Especially in the desert environment, I don't think anyone will last for 3 days.
Now of course Jeremiah is not talking about drinking water but the Spirit of God. This also remind us our soul cannot be fulfilled with material things, which a lot of experts of modern day believes. Rather our inner being can only be fulfilled with Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for your kindness. Thank you that you are our "Spring of Living Water". We pray that you cleansing us so Your Spirit can overflow in us and flow to the non-believers around us. Pray in Jesus name. Amen.
This verse reminds me of don't be infected by the surrounding environment especially in this end time. Instead inspire the non-believers with the strength which we received from the "Spring of the Living Water".
How important is water? Human body is 70% water. A person can go on for up to 4-6 weeks without food and still survive but a person will die within 3-7 days without water. Especially in the desert environment, I don't think anyone will last for 3 days.
Now of course Jeremiah is not talking about drinking water but the Spirit of God. This also remind us our soul cannot be fulfilled with material things, which a lot of experts of modern day believes. Rather our inner being can only be fulfilled with Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for your kindness. Thank you that you are our "Spring of Living Water". We pray that you cleansing us so Your Spirit can overflow in us and flow to the non-believers around us. Pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Acts 1:8 Obligation of the Christ Follower
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
After Jesus' resurrection, He stayed with the apostles and disciples for 40 days. In these 40 days He spoke with them about the Kingdom of God (v3). However it didn't look like the apostles got the messages at all, because just after Jesus told them to be patient and waited for the Holy Spirit to baptize them before they started to work for the Kingdom of God. Instead their question to Jesus was when would God restore the kingdom of Israel. It was so clear that after the apostles followed Jesus for 3 years and witnessed His resurrection. Also heard about Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God but they still thought of Israel was that kingdom or kingdom of Israel was more important then Kingdom of God.
The answer from Our Lord Jesus was great; it is also an awakening for us all, Christ Followers. The message is don't worry about what we think is right or important but to focus on expanding the Kingdom of God by being witnesses of Jesus Christ through Holy Spirit to this world.
I didn't think the apostles really got the message to be the Kingdom's witnesses was most important because Jesus did not give them a straight answer about their question in regards to Israel. Therefore they were earnestly (intently) searching the sky for Jesus while He was taken up and hid by a cloud(v9). The next verse did not mention that they were praying or crying, which meant they might not be too upset of His ascending. Rather they were probably still hoping for an answer of their question from Jesus.
Praise the Lord, today's devotion reminds me of obedience (v7) to the Lord because He is the Lord of all mankind. Then through the Holy Spirit to be His witness at the place close (Jerusalem) or far (the end of the world)) where He wants me to be on His timing (v8).
My prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for Your Words. Please lead all Your followers to have a humble and obedient heart so we can be your good servants in witnessing You to this world. Show us your will so we can understand your way. May all the glory belongs to You, Our Heavenly Father. Pray in Jesus name. Amen.
After Jesus' resurrection, He stayed with the apostles and disciples for 40 days. In these 40 days He spoke with them about the Kingdom of God (v3). However it didn't look like the apostles got the messages at all, because just after Jesus told them to be patient and waited for the Holy Spirit to baptize them before they started to work for the Kingdom of God. Instead their question to Jesus was when would God restore the kingdom of Israel. It was so clear that after the apostles followed Jesus for 3 years and witnessed His resurrection. Also heard about Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God but they still thought of Israel was that kingdom or kingdom of Israel was more important then Kingdom of God.
The answer from Our Lord Jesus was great; it is also an awakening for us all, Christ Followers. The message is don't worry about what we think is right or important but to focus on expanding the Kingdom of God by being witnesses of Jesus Christ through Holy Spirit to this world.
I didn't think the apostles really got the message to be the Kingdom's witnesses was most important because Jesus did not give them a straight answer about their question in regards to Israel. Therefore they were earnestly (intently) searching the sky for Jesus while He was taken up and hid by a cloud(v9). The next verse did not mention that they were praying or crying, which meant they might not be too upset of His ascending. Rather they were probably still hoping for an answer of their question from Jesus.
Praise the Lord, today's devotion reminds me of obedience (v7) to the Lord because He is the Lord of all mankind. Then through the Holy Spirit to be His witness at the place close (Jerusalem) or far (the end of the world)) where He wants me to be on His timing (v8).
My prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for Your Words. Please lead all Your followers to have a humble and obedient heart so we can be your good servants in witnessing You to this world. Show us your will so we can understand your way. May all the glory belongs to You, Our Heavenly Father. Pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Psalm 37:3 "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture."
The world is getting more and more evil. Even those so called Christians are swaying away from the teaching of the Bible. I admitted that I get mad about this quite often. But PTL, what I've learn at verse 1 and 3 is not to be troubled (Fret)by these people and also not to envious about them. Because envious will likely caused me to question God's soverignty.
Rather than mad or envious, I shall "Trust in Him" because He is the Greatest and is also the beginning (ALPHA) and the end (OMEGA). If we claimed we are the follower of Christ then we should have the full trust in Him and continues to follow what we should be doing as a follower of Christ. Nowadays, the word "Dwell" is equal to "Live" but the fact is "Dwell" in real meaning is live as a resident of a city or place. As we lived not just in any land but the land which is provided by our Lord. Better yet, this land is a land of "Safe Pasture". A piece of land will not be called a "Pasture" unless it's always covered with grasses and vegetations which can provide sufficient food for the animals like cows and horses etc. That means pasture is always close to a water source. And Christ Jesus is our Living Water. Amen. Thans the Lord.
Rather than mad or envious, I shall "Trust in Him" because He is the Greatest and is also the beginning (ALPHA) and the end (OMEGA). If we claimed we are the follower of Christ then we should have the full trust in Him and continues to follow what we should be doing as a follower of Christ. Nowadays, the word "Dwell" is equal to "Live" but the fact is "Dwell" in real meaning is live as a resident of a city or place. As we lived not just in any land but the land which is provided by our Lord. Better yet, this land is a land of "Safe Pasture". A piece of land will not be called a "Pasture" unless it's always covered with grasses and vegetations which can provide sufficient food for the animals like cows and horses etc. That means pasture is always close to a water source. And Christ Jesus is our Living Water. Amen. Thans the Lord.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Isaiah 26:1-4 Safe City
What is a strong city? A city without walls and ramparts is not safe at all because anyone or animal can just walk in to take away anything they want. Just the wall itself is not going to help too much either. Back in ancient Israel times, they also built ramparts to stop intruders.
Any walls and ramparts built with destructible materials will not last forever. But the walls and ramparts build with God’s salvation will last forever because He is the Rock Eternal (26:4).
Then a city without any population is not a city. Therefore there must have people live in it. But can anyone live in the City, which is protected by the Lord? Yes, as long as they are “Righteous” (26:2). To be “Righteous” is to keep faith in God. Hebrews 11:1 explained what is Faith: 1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Once in this City then it’s still up to how is our mindset to keep us in peace. Even though we lived in a city, which is protected by God. But if we keep focusing on the things outside of the walls and ramparts build with God’s salvation. Then the result is not good either. In order to receive the “Perfect Peace”, we shall keep our mind (not just the eyes) steadfast in God. To steadfast our mind in God needs to have full trust in Him, otherwise we will not gain the true (Perfect) peace. The Peace that God promised through Jesus is in John 14:27 - 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Conclusion: I am now the citizen of this City that’s protected by the Salvation from God through Jesus Christ. I should not let anything in this world to worry me anymore, no matter what this is. Because I am living in the Perfect Peaceful City. Lord, please help me to set my mind steadfast on You, trust in your lead. Thanks Lord, for you are my Rock of Eternal. Amen.
Any walls and ramparts built with destructible materials will not last forever. But the walls and ramparts build with God’s salvation will last forever because He is the Rock Eternal (26:4).
Then a city without any population is not a city. Therefore there must have people live in it. But can anyone live in the City, which is protected by the Lord? Yes, as long as they are “Righteous” (26:2). To be “Righteous” is to keep faith in God. Hebrews 11:1 explained what is Faith: 1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Once in this City then it’s still up to how is our mindset to keep us in peace. Even though we lived in a city, which is protected by God. But if we keep focusing on the things outside of the walls and ramparts build with God’s salvation. Then the result is not good either. In order to receive the “Perfect Peace”, we shall keep our mind (not just the eyes) steadfast in God. To steadfast our mind in God needs to have full trust in Him, otherwise we will not gain the true (Perfect) peace. The Peace that God promised through Jesus is in John 14:27 - 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Conclusion: I am now the citizen of this City that’s protected by the Salvation from God through Jesus Christ. I should not let anything in this world to worry me anymore, no matter what this is. Because I am living in the Perfect Peaceful City. Lord, please help me to set my mind steadfast on You, trust in your lead. Thanks Lord, for you are my Rock of Eternal. Amen.
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