Revelations 22:12-21

-
Read Revelations 22:12-21 Verses for meditation: Revelations 22:12-13, 16, 20-21 ESV: 12 "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Reflect How does it feel to be reading the very last few verses of the bible? What do the proclamations, the last few of them, say about Christ? Come, Lord Jesus! Does this really express our desire? How does the greatest book end, and on what note? But is this really the end? Relate With mixed feelings, I'm writing this last devotion based on the final ten verses of the greatest book, the bible. What a journe...
Post a Comment

Catch up day; Proverbs 3:1-35

-

Read: Catch up day; Proverbs 3:1-35

Verses chosen for meditation: Proverbs 3:5-6


5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

    and do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge him,

    and he will make straight your paths.


Reflect


The book of Proverbs is known to contain general wisdom. This means that generally speaking, if a person follows (or do not follow) the advice laid down in Proverbs, he or she can experience the said consequences. For example, in Proverbs 3:16, it is implied that the man who pursues wisdom can have long life. 


We know that this is only generally true because we know that there are wise men who do not have long life. There are also wise men who live very long life. So generally speaking, a man can live a long life because reasonably, if he is wise, he can avoid dangerous situations. 


Nevertheless, Proverbs do not consider that sometimes, God can intervene for His good purposes. Or other wicked man can also interfere by trying to cut short the wise man’s life. Yet the generic nature of Proverbs should not deter anyone from following them. They are wisdom from above and therefore beneficial. 


There are also wisdom sayings in the book of Proverbs which speaks of definitive action and consequences. For example, Proverbs 3:5-8 is one such set of sayings. In verse 5, we are advised to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. In all of our ways acknowledge Him, and He will make our paths straight. In other words, we have to learn how to trust in the Lord, much more than ourselves. 


We know that this is true because elsewhere in the Bible we are also told that our hearts are deceptive. Only God is totally worthy of our trust. Hence, if we want our paths to be filled with the godliness and goodness of God, we ought to have faith and trust God. Yet, how do we trust God? The first step of trusting God is to know His character. To know His character, we have to know His word; for His word reveal who He is. Only then, can we seek to trust God; for when we trust, we are exhibiting faith in doing His will. 


Relate


In a world full of depravity, betrayal and wickedness, it can be difficult to cultivate trust in anyone or anything. These days, the pervasiveness of online scams have caused mistrust among people and systems. The downfall of well-known pastors and spiritual leaders have caused a downward spiral of trust in the ministry and even the faith. 


Yet, the Lord had not once asked anyone to solely cultivate trust in people. Rather, God always point to Himself as the only One we can fully trust. Yet, we cannot do away with some degree of trust among our family members, friends and colleagues. So how do we navigate such a dilemma? 


The point of Proverbs 3:5-6 is not calling us to abandon trust relationships with fellow humans. Rather, God is giving the advice to learn to trust Him first. Seek to understand things from God first. Seek His word and kingdom first. 


And then, we will be able to have better trust relationships in our life. We will be able to cultivate more authentic relationships with others. We will be in a better spiritual state to build spiritual friendships with others. We will be able to understand God’s heart even when tragedies strike. Even when we are betrayed, we will be readier to rely on God for comfort and find strength in Him.


Therefore my friends, let us learn to trust God first. So that we can be blessed to have our paths straight with Him.


Rest


Lord our God, help us to trust in Your faithfulness. Help us to trust in Your character. Even when we go through bad situations, help us to understand that You are in control and so strengthen us to do Your will. This we pray in Jesus Name. Amen. 


Jason


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Revelations 22:12-21

-
Read Revelations 22:12-21 Verses for meditation: Revelations 22:12-13, 16, 20-21 ESV: 12 "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Reflect How does it feel to be reading the very last few verses of the bible? What do the proclamations, the last few of them, say about Christ? Come, Lord Jesus! Does this really express our desire? How does the greatest book end, and on what note? But is this really the end? Relate With mixed feelings, I'm writing this last devotion based on the final ten verses of the greatest book, the bible. What a journe...
Read more

Revelations 15-16 “A Time of Grace Before the Full Wrath of God”

-
READ : Revelations 15-16 Verses chosen for meditation: Revelations 15:1 15  Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished. REFLECT This chapter marks the beginning of the “bowl” plagues, and though it is the “last” of the sequence of visions given to John (after seals and trumpets), it does not mean it would happen chronologically that way. In what order it happens, we are not sure, but all three fulfil the wrath of God. After the three terrible signs happen, “the wrath of God is finished” (v1). When Jesus died on the cross, he fulfilled the wrath of God to bring salvation to the world. After a time of grace since Jesus’ death, the seals, trumpets and bowls must happen to fulfil the wrath of God on those continuing their evil, unrepentant ways despite the Gospel. These three signs are judgement of human sin after Jesus’ death. As the visions contin...
Read more

1 Timothy 2

-
Read 1 Timothy 2 Verses chosen for meditation: 1 Timothy 2: 1-4, 8, 9-10 ESV: 1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;  9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. Reflect What do you think form the focus and format of a worship service? Why is prayer important in a worship service? What are some of the things to be observed in the areas of propr...
Read more