April 1, 2015 –Wednesday

Start Time: 5:37 AM

End Time:  5:55  AM

Title: For the Director of Music.  Of David.  A Psalm. A Song.

Scripture: Psalm 68:1 – 35

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ Chapter 68 is another of David's psalm and song.  This again is a chapter of praise and worship out of the lips of the man after God's own heart, David.  Notice that when David spoke of what God can do for the future, he always set the word "May", implying that there is a possibility that it will happen and not a 100% guarantee that it will happen.  Not that David doesn't have faith or confidence in the Lord, in the contrary, he had all the faith in God alone and he trusted Him with all his life.  So why the uncertainty in his words?  The word "may" inserted in his words are not a sign of uncertainty but more of an acceptance and hope that this is what God will do but if HE doesn't, He has better plans - meaning, all David said from verse 1 to 3 are true yet if in case it doesn't happen the way he said it would, it doesn't diminish the Lord's power and strength, it only shows that God's thoughts and ways are higher and He has a better route or plan for the situation.  I don't know how else I can emphasize this but I hope it is clear that the word "may" in David's sentences, does not connote uncertainty or lack of confidence but acceptance that God is in control whether He chooses to do what David spoke of or otherwise.  In short, It is God's will not David's.

In verse 4 to 6, David spoke of singing for God and rejoicing before Him - defining who God is, as a Father to the Fatherless, defender of the widows.  Now this time, David spoke of certainty without any sign of doubt.

From verse 7 to 18, David spoke of what the Lord had done in the past and so there is assurance in every word that He is what David said He is and He did what David said He did because David was referring to what the Lord had done in the past, unlike in verse 1 to 3, which David was referring to the future.

Verses 19 to 23, spoke of worship and praise again to God.  So if you notice, David spoke of what could be to come then he inserted praise and worship.  Next, David spoke of what God did in the past, then he paired it with praise and worship again.

Then from verses 24 to 30, David spoke of his own knowledge and experience as he had witness the power and glory of God.  Then by verses 32 to 35, he ended it all with again another set of praise and worship. 

So when David spoke of the past, he praise the Lord; when David spoke of what is to come or what could God do to deliver Him in the future, David praise the Lord; and when David spoke of God's glory, power and might as he is experiencing it and witnessing it, he praised the Lord God.  The common is worship and praise to the Almighty God!  So may we have a life of worship to the Lord like David did in his time.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, great and mighty is Your Name.  I am in awe that You truly are deserving of praise in every minute of our lives.  In every breath I take, Your Name is to be lifted high because You are the God of greatness and amazing glory.  Lord help me to develop this habit of worship before You.  I know You delight in Your people's praise and worship especially when done in spirit and in truth.  Help me Lord to practice this in my life that I may have a heart of worship like David.  Help me to speak nothing but praises and worship to You alone.  Know Lord that my heart is in awe of You at all times and I may forget at times, but know Lord that I want to bring You praise as You deserve so.  Help me to give You the praise and worship You deserve Lord.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

March 31, 2015 –Tuesday

Start Time: 4:46 AM

End Time:   5:01 AM

Title: For the Director of Music.  With Stringed Instruments.  A Psalm. A Song.

Scripture: Psalm 67:1 – 7

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ This is a short psalm but one that summarizes the blessings of the Lord to His people and includes a powerful truth.  Ultimately the purpose of all the blessings God bestowed upon is to praise and worship Him.  Note that on verse 1, the author spoke of Moses blessings to God's people, "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine on us" - isn't this similar to the blessings that Moses declared to God's people in the book of Numbers 6:24-26?  Then in verse 2, the author wrote the reason for this blessings upon us, "so that God's ways may be known on earth, His salvation among all nations"  So ultimately, the reason for all the blessings God bestowed upon us is so that the whole world will know of His ways and salvation.  So in this note, our role is to testify; using our words and mouth to speak the truth of God's wondrous acts and blessings in our lives.  So never hold your tongue back when it comes to praising and thanking God for His works in our lives.  Always speak out!

In verses 3 to 5, the author's hope is for God's people to praise Him so blessings will be continuous.  This somehow points me to a pattern - God's blessings = God's praises or God's praises = God's blessings!  So that's why this author, hopes for God's people to praise Him every day so God's blessings continuous to overflow in their lives too.  Now, this is simple logic but one that makes sense completely.  That's why in verse 6, the author spoke of Harvest for God blesses us and concluded by hoping for God's continuous blessings so that everyone will fear Him.  So we can say that God's blessings when testified will bring fear or draw people near to God.  In the same way, it will also continuously pour out blessings upon blessings in our lives.  So for more blessings, keep praising God so that the whole world will know of Him.  Wow, You are truly amazing and intelligent to connect these blessings and praise Lord.  Thank You for revealing this to me.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, what a wonderful revelation and truth to know that my praises to You bring about 2 things: more blessings from You and lead others to fear and praise You.  Help me Lord to be an instrument to bring about these 2 results in the world.  Help me to experience and enjoy all the blessings You have in-stored for me as I continuously bless Your Name but more importantly, may people know the great and wonders of Your Name as they see how blessed I am by You.  Help me Lord to be a mirror of You to them.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

March 30, 2015 – Monday

Start Time: 4:58 AM

End Time:   5:13 AM

Title: For the Director of Music.  A Song.  A Psalm.

Scripture: Psalm 66:1 – 20

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ The author of this psalm, encourages us to shout for joy, sing the glory of the Name of the Lord; Make His praise glorious; say to Him, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power!  This is a matter of choice!  The author is convincing us to choose these steps daily, to praise God and glorify Him.  In verse 5, he invites us to come and see what God has done...but note that the praising starts before the seeing.  So even before we see the beautiful works of the Lord in our lives, our hearts, minds, spirits an bodies, should have proclaimed praise to our King already.  So our praises should not be dependent on the good works of the Lord today... in fact it should be done in faith!  So our praises and worships should come first and acted in faith, knowing that God will do as He said He would.  Then we will see His hands working in our lives. 

In verse 8, the author again encourages us to praise with all our might.  The sound of our praise should be heard and not kept to ourselves.  For God tests us; so trials will come and we are to remain steadfast and faithful to Him despite of what we see happening.  That's the reason why this author wants us to practice praising and worshiping God in faith, because when the trials come and we do not see the hands of the Lord at work, we can still continue to praise Him despite of whatever circumstances we are in!  Hallelujah!

Come to God's temple, fulfill your vows to Him; sacrifice offerings to the Lord and speak of the great things He had done for you and He will listen and will hear your prayer.  So praise God for He has not rejected our prayer or withheld his love from us :) 

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, amazing King and majesty.  Thank You for showing the truth today.  The truth that the praise and worship from my lips should be done in faith and it should be done first even before I can see Your great works in my life.  Help me Lord to have a worshiping spirit so even if I fail to see Your good works in my life, I can continue to utter praise and worship to You.  Give me the patience and willingness and commitment to offer the praise You deserve daily no matter what my circumstances are in that day.  Help me to be grateful to You always despite of whatever troubles I encounter.  Give me the restraint to complain or murmur but give me a heart of worship to You Lord.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

March 28, 2015 – Saturday

Start Time:  9:50 AM

End Time:   10:26 AM

Title: The Story Of Lot.

Scripture: Genesis 19:1 - 38

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ Today I want to share the story of Lot.  We know him as the nephew of Abraham, the “so-called Son” of Abraham.  We knew that Lot was an orphan; at a young age, he lost his parents and he grew up in the house of Abraham who became his father and Sarah his mother.  Know that as a child, Lot already experienced lost and most likely, had issues with his identity knowing that his parents were not around to guide and teach him.  Although, Abraham and Sarah were there to take the role of parents, still Lot endured the experience of not being able to have the chance to meet and grew up with his own parents.  I could just imagine, Lot seeing his friends with their parents and having a complete family.  Though I wouldn't say that his childhood was a sad one, in fact, I believe Lot was grateful to have Abraham and Sarah by his side.  That’s why when Abraham received his calling from the Lord to go to Canaan and Abraham asked him to join in the quest, Lot went without a doubt.  Abraham was his father and I believe that he loved Abraham like his own father so no questions asked; when Abraham said his leaving for Canaan and he wanted Lot with him, Lot went with his father. So I believe Abraham and Lot had a strong relationship.  But when Abraham spoke of God promising him an offspring, this placed Lot in an awkward situation.  He was the “son” of Abraham up to this point but then the Lord had spoken and a son was promised to his father.  Now, imaging what Lot may have felt at that time…he already lost his parents when he was very young, and now, he will be losing the one only parent he knew again.  I think Lot felt hurt, possibly rejected or abandoned, though Abraham did not do anything for him to feel this way.  But I guess, hearing Abraham spoke of his descendants that God Himself promised, I think Lot was feeling a little hurt than usual.  This time, his place as Abraham’s son is being tested.  I believe this is one of the many reasons that pushed Lot to separate himself to Abraham.  He may have wanted to prove to everyone that he can stand on his own and doesn't need anyone else.  Lot was ambitious that is for sure.  Like any young people, we tend to want the best of the best for us.  So Lot wanted to live in the city but I think he sacrificed that to go with his “father”, Abraham but now that Abraham is speaking of a Son promised by God, I think that shaken his position in Abraham’s life, which then drove him to leave and start his own life without Abraham.  This time around, before Abraham can leave him or abandon him, he left Abraham first.  So he went to Sodom. 

Another thing I learned about Lot is that he was not only ambitious but he was also a good man.  I believe he was a man with a heart for service.  Note that when Lot left Abraham and went to the City of Sin, he became the watcher of the City.  He was sitting at the gate of the city of Sin so we can conclude that he was the watcher of the city.  He was there to protect the city so we can conclude that he had a public service work, like a policeman.  Also, when the angel came, his first action was to invite them to his home and give them meal, again showing he was really a helpful person with a heart for service for others.  He was also a peacemaker.  Remember when the slaves of Abraham and Lot quarreled?  It was Lot who suggested for them to separate ways because he didn’t want any conflict.  Even in Sodom, when the people came to his house and forced him to give up the angels, he stood up for them and offered his daughter to them because he doesn’t want conflict.  He doesn’t like arguments or conflicts, he wants to live peacefully.  Having known this about him, I think that all the years that Lot live in Sodom, I’m sure he has helped many people in his time.  So we can say that Lot was just like any human being, who had a past and tried to overcome it by being independent and not lean on to anyone.  He tried to live his life on his own and provided for his family.  He did not burden anyone in fact, he always find a solution to avoid war or conflict.  He was a peacemaker and people-pleaser.  Ultimately, he was a good man. 

It’s even possible that he continued to serve God despite of where he was.  I believe, he live in the principle of “As long as I am not standing on the way of others or hurting them and I am living a good life, or doing the right things, then all is good”.  In short, he may have not participated in the sins of Sodom or may have continued to live a good life based on the laws that Abraham taught him, but the truth is, he didn’t have compassion to the people of Sodom.  He was only thinking of himself and his family.  The sad realization about what happened in Sodom was that, despite of Lot’s good behavior; despite of all his good behaviors, how he did not participate on the sins of others, or how he tried helping as many people he can and dedicated himself in public service, all of these works he did, did not account as righteousness to God.  Remember Abraham and God talking the previous chapter?  Abraham said, what if there’s 50, 45, 30, 10 righteous people, will you destroy the whole city?  And God answered, He will not if He found righteous men in the city.  Which means, all of Lot’s doings, the good works, being a peacemaker, trying to please everyone to avoid conflict or even living a righteous life, were all useless because God destroyed the city, which only means that God did not find Lot righteous. 

But why did God save Lot?  Was it because God felt compassion on Lot?  As I ponder on Lot’s story, I realized that God’s compassion is not for Lot…it was for Abraham.  Verse 29 of this chapter showed that Abraham was the reason why Lot was saved.  God felt so much compassion to Abraham that He knew, Lot’s death will crush Abraham so He spared Lot.  So in truth, if Abraham was not there or if we remove Abraham in this story, God would have destroyed the whole City with Lot in it!  So Lot was saved only because of Abraham.  This made me realized that it doesn't matter how good we are, or how many times we feed the hungry or tried to be nice to everyone…if we continue to live in a life of compromise like Lot, then our path still leads to destruction.  The only thing I can think of right now with these assumptions of Lot’s life that failed Lot, was his life of compromise.  He tried his best to live a good life, possibly, a righteous life yet in the end, he still failed because he compromised by living with the people and in the City of Sin.  By trying to please these wicked people to avoid conflict; by accepting the sins of the people around him as if it’s okay, it’s their choice! 

True!  It is their choice but we as part of their lives, are accountable to teach them the Gospel of the Lord to disciple them, baptize them in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teach them to obey the commands of the Lord.  This is our goal, our purpose, our mission wherever we are.  So let’s not live a life of compromise.  But let us live in pursuit of the Lord’s mission on earth. 

March 27, 2015 – Friday

Start Time: 5:10 AM

End Time:   5:28 AM

Title: For the Director of Music.  A Psalm Of David.  A Song.

Scripture: Psalm 65:1 – 13

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ David has broken from his usual cries for help psalms and brought us this positive and hopeful song in Chapter 64.  David started the song with his expectations of what will happen in the city of Zion, the city of the Lord. Definitely, Praise will filled the city and that's why he proclaimed that praise awaits the Lord in that city and in Him our vows will be fulfilled.  Now let's look into this deeper.  Clearly, David knew that the fulfillment of his promises to God is God Himself because in reality, we all are weak and we tend to forget many times - that's why the vows or promises we made to God will only be fulfilled with His help.  For that reason, we ought to ask for His help in this matter because this is a fact for all human beings.  David was also sure and certain in his words as certain we are that a person is alive in the flesh.  David knew by heart and mind that God answers prayer and that's why all people will come.  So we ought to continue praying because He answers.  David pointed out God's grace also by stating the truth that when we were overwhelmed with sin, HE forgives us.  And those God has chosen are blessed and will live near Him.  His chosen people will be filled with good things of His house.  So in short God will bring us to live with Him and He will take care of us.

In verse 5, David elaborated in God's answers to our pleas.  He spoke of God answering in righteous deeds.  So His answers do not depend on our requests because at times our request are unrighteous because of our heart's intentions.  So we must allow the Lord to answer us in the way He should because He is almighty God and the Lord who created all things.  It is only fit that we put our trust in Him and allow Him to move in ways out of our comprehension.

Note that in the last verses of this song, from verse 10 to 13, David spoke of God's care and concern to nature.  But note that we are part of nature and if God shows so much concern and love for the land, water, wilderness, meadows, grassland, valleys, etc.  All the more love and concern He has for us.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, amazing Father and King! Thank You for this wonderful truth and message that comforts us.  The truth of knowing that You answer our prayers and You will help in fulfilling our vows to You or anyone else.  Truly, You are all we need Lord.  Help me Lord to fully and deeply understand the message of Your words daily but more importantly to live it in my life every day.  I want to develop the trust and confidence David had in You, knowing that even if his answers were not given today, it will be given soon!  Give me this heart of undying loyalty to You Jesus that I may hold onto forever.  Give me wisdom on how to live Your words in my life that people will see You in me.  Thank You for Your love for me and for taking care of all living creatures and nature.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

March 26, 2015 – Thursday

Start Time: 5:49 AM

End Time:   6:05 AM

Title: For the Director of Music.  A Psalm Of David.

Scripture: Psalm 64:1 – 10

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ In this chapter, David showed us what the wicked plans to do.  They conspire against the righteous and ambush the innocent without fear.  They also encourage one another with their evil plans against the righteous.  So if we dig deeper, we can see that the wicked also unites with one another and find the passion to encourage and plot an elaborate plan against the righteous people of God.  Their hearts discuss these plans and spoke of how perfect it is so you can see that they are confident with their plans and find themselves great for doing such an amazing plan according to their standards.  They are cunning and don't want to be lose on any account.  They rejoice in themselves and spoke of nothing but evil or wickedness.  In the eyes of the righteous, these wicked people are confident; they are wise, cunning and without fear.  These are traits that are somehow good but when used in evil ways, can be their ruin.

That's why in verse 7, David foretold of their future.  David spoke of them being shot with arrows by the Lord.  How they will be struck down by God Himself.  God will turn their tongues against them and bring them to ruin.  So their plans will backfire and even if they will enjoy a temporary win from their evil plots but in the end their future is destruction.  David confirmed that in this chapter.   For God will rescue His righteous people and all people will fear Him and will proclaim His works and think about what God has done!  And the righteous may have been in pain or torture or hurt because of the evil plots of the wicked, but in the end, the righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in Him and all the upright in heart will glory in the Lord.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for this encouragement.  Thank You for assuring me that even if I am in a difficult or trying times now, it won't last forever because the fate of both the wicked and the righteous has already been set into stones.  David already assured all of us again and again that the wicked will be ruined and the upright in heart will rejoice and glory in You.  Help me to take hold on this promise and to live it in my life every day.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

March 25, 2015 – Wednesday

Start Time: 5:00 AM

End Time:   5:18 AM

Title: A Psalm Of David. When He Was In The Desert Of Judah.

Scripture: Psalm 63:1 – 11

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ David was truly a believer and a worshiper.  He was in the desert of Judah; literally in the middle of nowhere with no water and not much food, yet his longings are not for the human flesh but for his spirit.  He cried for God with Him more than he asked for bread or water.  He thirsts in the desert not for liquid to sustain him but for God and in a dry land, he sought for Him.  Can we say the same for us?  Are we able to seek God in a dry place?  In a time in our lives when it is famine or drought?  Do we think of seeking the Lord or are we more concerned of where to find water to drink and food to eat to sustain our own lives?  Out of David's lips came out the truth, he said, God's love is better than life so his lips will glorify the Lord.  He will praise Him as long as he lives and in God's Name, he will lift up his hands.  Despite of the hunger, the weakness or the whatever feelings (negative emotions) David was feeling at that moment because of where he is at, his desires were to see the Lord and praise Him despite of his conditions or whatever hunger or weaknesses he was feeling at that time.  What a determined and disciplined man.  He truly made the decision to praise God at all times in his life.  When he praise the Lord and get a glimpse of Him in his life, he spoke of being satisfied like the having the richest of food.  David spoke of God as his food and water, like without Him, his life cannot be sustained.  Wow!  This connection he had with the Lord was truly strong that he sees God as not just his King but His life, literally that without the Lord, he will die.  David spoke of God not only during daylight but even before he sleeps.  So he had his life consumed by God and that's why he was fast to act in seeking God in whatever times he had at that moment.  Can we speak the same of ourselves?  Can we truly say that God is our life?  Or are these just words we say with no meaning at all?  David was sure that his enemies will be destroyed because God is with him and he will rejoice in the Lord and those who ally with him with the Lord will also glory in the king but those who chose the other side will be silenced by God Himself.  What confidence David had in God?  I only pray that I develop the same confidence in God in myself.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus thank You for this wonderful truth that opened my eyes to the reality of what life truly is.  My life is nothing without You Jesus because You are the source of my existence.  Lord help me to fully realize the magnitude of truth in David's words today.  Help me to develop a heart and trust and faith and worship in me to You just like David had.  Lord I want to be able to worship and seek You in every times of my life, whether positive or negative.  Give me wisdom Lord on how to make this truth a reality in my life.  Help me make the right decision in making this truth a reality in my life.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

March 24, 2015 – Tuesday

Start Time: 5:19 AM

End Time:   5:34 AM

Title: For the Director of Music. For Jeduthun.  A Psalm Of David.      

Scripture: Psalm 62:1 – 12

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ One evident teaching that David is teaching us in all his psalms is remaining steadfast in the Lord or being faithful to Him.  We've read over and over again, psalms from David showing his difficult situations yet in all those times, HE remained faithful and sure that God will deliver him.  Again this chapter speaks of David finding rest in God despite of all his troubles.  Verses1 to 4, David spoke of God as his resting place; his source of salvation; his rock and fortress so is sure that he will not be shaken.  In verse 3 to 4, David spoke to his enemies, asking then until when they continue to plot these evil schemes against him yet David is not troubled or concerned for he knows that their fate will be worse than what he was experiencing then.  So he continues to hope in God, emphasizing the truth of his beliefs that God is his salvation and fortress.  He spoke of his honor depending in God so in short, despite of all his troubles surrounding him, David was sure of his status or his future in God and that kept him faithful and steadfast in Him.  So David encouraged us all to put our trust in God too.  But I find verses 11 to 12 a little interesting...note, David started saying "One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: "Power belongs to you, God, and with You, Lord, is unfailing love"; and, "You reward everyone according to what they have done."  So God spoke one thing yet in God's words, David heard 2 truths: 1) power belongs to God and with God is unfailing love, 2) God rewards everyone according to what they have done.  So here, David pointed out that Power and unfailing love is in God and He rewards everyone according to their actions.  So power, unfailing love and justice.  These 3 things David heard.  God has the power, He has the love for us and not just any love - it is love unfailing; but He is also just.  We ought to remember this always.  God has all the power in heaven and earth and He loves us so much with an unfailing love yet HE is also just.  So we ought to act accordingly to the reward we seek.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You so much for this wonderful lesson.  Thank You for teaching me to trust in You and remaining steadfast in You at all times.  Thank You for setting David as an example so we can be inspired to remain faithful to You as well.  Help me Lord to always remember Your good works and love to me so I may remain faithful at all times to You.  Help me Lord to understand the truths You revealed to David so I may apply and live on it.  Remind me that You are all powerful and Your love for me is unfailing but You are also just and You reward everyone according to our actions.  Help me to realize this truths in me so I may live it in my life.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

March 23, 2015 – Monday

Start Time: 5:28 AM

End Time:   5:42 AM

Title: For the Director of Music. With Stringed Instruments.  Of David.      

Scripture: Psalm 61:1 – 8

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ This chapter is just a short one but just like many of David's psalms, it is a cry for help.  This made me think, David has written a lot of "cry for help" psalms to God and one can argue that the Lord did not or made him suffer for a time before answering his prayers.  Though, that's one way to look at it but in my own opinion, I am amazed with the Lord and David.  The Lord loves David so much, he was the man after His heart and definitely, based on the life story of David, he had a big role in God's plan.  God hiding Himself from David or not acting instantly, is not something easy for the Lord.  In fact, I believe that every time David wrote his psalms of help, God's heart was breaking but at the same time He was pleased (again this is just my own opinion).  God's heart was breaking because He wanted so much to help David but had to restrain Himself because there's a perfect time for everything and now is not the time yet.  But He was pleased at the same time because here HE sees His son remaining faithful and steadfast despite of His silent.  In David's case, his faith continued to grow every time he wrote or spoke of his Psalms to the Lord.  So in truth, David was growing spiritually all the while that God was silent in his prayers.  But look at David, it seemed like his psalms are getting stronger and stronger in the Lord.  In this chapter, we see how confident and assured David was that God is his ultimate refuge and no one else.  He revealed his innermost desire and that is to dwell in His tent forever and take refuge in Him like a son longing for his mother's embrace and protection.  Despite of God's silence, David was sure that God heard his cries and vows.  And David asked for God to appoint His love and faithfulness to him.  So despite of the troubles and the miseries or issues around David at that time, he is sure that God hears him, all his prayers and he asked that God appoints him His love and faithfulness.  How many of us can say the same or act the same as David when things are opposite to what we expect life is with the Lord?  I hope we have the same assurance and confidence like David did every day in our lives no matter what the circumstances are or the experiences we have.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, amazing God and mighty warrior!  Thank You for such a wonderful revelation for teaching me to be steadfast and faithful in You even in the darkest of times.  Thank You because You truly are preparing all of us for what is to come.  Thank You Lord for keeping me safe and on the right path.  Jesus give me wisdom on how to deal with life daily that I may never go astray despite of the circumstances I have in my life.  Lead me Lord and develop in me the confidence and assurance like David had in You.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

March 22, 2015 – Sunday

Start Time: 1:32 PM

End Time:   1:45 PM

Title: For the Director of Music. To the Tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A miktam.  Of David.  For teaching.  When he fought Aram Naharain and Aram Zobah, and when Joab returned and struck down twelve thousands Edomites in the Valley of Salt.      

Scripture: Psalm 60:1 – 12

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ David spoke of God's wrath in this chapter but note that even if the Lord raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow of the righteous, still the righteous felt the anger of God that busted upon the earth.  That's why, David in verse 5 asked God to save them and help them so that they may be delivered because the wrath of God is upon the earth and they are also impacted of that wrath.  But as you can see in verse 9, David was sure that God is the one who will bring him to the fortified city.  So despite of David's righteousness, he was not spared on the impact of God's wrath on earth because of the wickedness of the people.  Yet, David remained in faith that God is his help in times of trouble and that God will give him aid or help against his enemies and he will gain victory with God by his side.  Let us take hold of this truth in times of hardship or difficult times.  When things seem to be falling apart including your life despite of your choice to follow the Lord, know that even if you experience the wrath of God on earth because of the people's wickedness, know that it is God who will deliver and keep you safe too.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for this truth.  Thank You for the comfort and the knowledge that I will experience the impact of Your wrath at times but I can be assured that You will saved me and deliver me from it too.  And with You by my side Lord, i am victorious always from all of my enemies.  I will be brought into safety by You.  Thank You Jesus.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

March 21, 2015 – Saturday

Start Time: 9:00 AM

End Time:   12:00 NN

Title: The Three Visitors      

Scripture: Genesis 18

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

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1)    God visits us in unexpected times.

Verse 1 said that God appeared to Abraham in the heat of the day.  In some versions, God appeared to Abraham in the middle of the day.  This tells us that God visits in times we do not expect.  In times when we are in the middle of our work day or when work is still not finished.  Many times, we are very open to God when we meet Him at our convenient time.  Before we go to bed or the moment we wake up in the morning, we find the time to talk to the Lord and speak to Him.  Yet, at times, God visits us in the middle of the day when we least expected an Abraham having sensitive enough to recognize that God visited him, left everything he was doing at that time to run to the Lord. 

The question is, are we sensitive enough to recognize God visiting us in the middle of our day?  Are we able to leave everything we do, to make God a priority when He comes to visit?

Now these are questions that we must ponder on and evaluate our own responses to it.

2)      God meets our greatest needs when He comes to visit

Verse 9 to 15, God met Abraham’s greatest need at that time…a son!  He came not only to be served upon by Abraham but also to meet whatever needs Abraham had at that time.

We must be excited for God’s visit in our lives because when He comes, He does not come empty handed; whatever needs we have, it will all be met when He visits.  Know that God knows our greatest need; He knows it even more than we do.  When we think that we need money for our debts, God knows that an even greater need is for us to have faith.  When we ask for Healing of our physical bodies, God knows that an even greater need is the restoration of our souls such as forgiveness or the release of hurt, pain, anger and bitterness in our hearts.  So know that when God comes, our greatest need is always met!

3)    God reveals His will or plans when He visits

Verse 16 – 19, God chose to reveal His plan to Sodom and Gomorrah to Abraham.  God gives us direction and guidance when He comes and visits.  Everyday, He visits us daily but more importantly, I want to focus on the 2 main visits of God.  The 1^st one already happened, when Jesus came and visited us 2000 years ago.  Then, He came and met all the needs of the people and revealed His will.  Matthew 24:3 – 14, shows us Jesus revealing His will to the people before He went back to the Father.  He spoke of the end of days and declared a 2^nd visit, which is His 2^nd coming.  God spoke of signs of the end of days and assured that the end will come.  The question now is, in God’s 2^nd visit, will His visit to us be a visit like Abraham, or will it be like Sodom and Gomorrah?  Sodom did not escape God’s wrath.  Sodom and Gomorrah were ruined when the Lord proved that it was indeed the city of sin.  No one was seen faithful and good so the city was destroyed.  In the 2^nd visit of the Lord, will His visit to us be like Abraham, where our greatest need (His presence in our lives) is met!  Or will it be like Sodom and Gomorrah, where Judgment comes to us?  The answer really lies in our hands today.  May our eyes be open to the truth and know that the Lord is coming soon and to prepare J