I hope you have enjoyed going through the Bible, book by book. I have five more books of the minor prophets to go. It took more time to really study the Bible outlines, notes and to find what interest me the most about each book. When I studied them, something happened inside me. During the afternoon, after work I would rest and eat and then watch good program. After the program is completed, the Holy Spirit pulled me into a new desire to know God more through the Bible. Especially when God says, “I am a jealous God.”
I understood clearly when we got our eyes off of Him and looked into other things that was easily distracted us. Sometimes, we focused on things that took our times away from Him, then God became jealous. The Holy Spirit try to convict us to get back to God because He is our Heavenly Father and wants to stay in union with us. Wow! He loves us that much! Isn't He wonderful?
As for news, I will be flying out to Mount Zion Retreat Center, Roaring Branch, Pennsylvania for Deaf Women Christian Retreat on October 2-4, 2009. If you happened to see this announcement and want to go to this retreat, you could contact by email to HShye@aol.com for information or VP at (866) 683-9574.
I really enjoy my very own Fresh Manna and am happy to share with you. I will return to Fresh Manna after October 7th so meanwhile, I encourage you to look into 2008 and 2009 devotions. They are so precious to me. I often go back when I need to be inspired by Holy Spirit who minister to my soul. God Bless you.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Nahum: The Nineveh Downfall
“This is the message for the city of Nineveh. This is the book of the vision of Nahum, who was from the town of Elkosh. The Lord is a jealous God who punishes; the Lord punishes and is filled with anger. The Lord punishes those who are against him, and he stays angry with his enemies. The Lord does not become angry quickly, and his power is great. The Lord will not let the guilty go unpunished” (Nahum 1:1-3a ncv).
The historians did not give the exact location where Nahum came from, but it was most likely that Nahum was a prophet in Judah. Between 663-612 B.C., Nahum predicts the downfall of Assyria’s capital city, Nineveh. Nineveh had repented under the preaching of Jonah more than one hundreds years ago, but the people had returned to their idolatry, cruelty, and oppression. The Assyrians had conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and were planning to destroy Jerusalem and Judah, but God would not allow their plans to be successful. Nahum comforted God’s people by telling them that God would destroy the Assyrians. Ninevah’s fall happened in 612 B.C. when it was conquered by coalition of the Babylonians. (Coalition means Babylonians had help with other nations).
Note: You might want to look into II Chronicles Greater Power 1 & 2 (August 6-7, 2009) because it fitted the story of King of Judah, Hezekiah who were challenged by Sennacherib, king of Assyria during 701 B.C. and how the angel of the Lord went out and killed 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp. The king of Assyria went back to Nineveh and he was killed.
What can we learn from this?
God is a jealous God and He is very protective of His people. He makes sure that the people of Israel would not be completely destroyed by any nations even though God had to punish His people for breaking His laws. Jeremiah, the prophet prophesied 70 years of Babylonians’ captivity of people from Judah, and God made sure that there would always be remnant of Judah who come in the line of the future Messiah. Ezra, Nehemiah, and Zerubbabel (descendants of David) and others came back and rebuilt the Altar, the Temple and the walls of Jerusalem between 538-516 B.C.
See Nahum 2 The Lord is good.
The historians did not give the exact location where Nahum came from, but it was most likely that Nahum was a prophet in Judah. Between 663-612 B.C., Nahum predicts the downfall of Assyria’s capital city, Nineveh. Nineveh had repented under the preaching of Jonah more than one hundreds years ago, but the people had returned to their idolatry, cruelty, and oppression. The Assyrians had conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and were planning to destroy Jerusalem and Judah, but God would not allow their plans to be successful. Nahum comforted God’s people by telling them that God would destroy the Assyrians. Ninevah’s fall happened in 612 B.C. when it was conquered by coalition of the Babylonians. (Coalition means Babylonians had help with other nations).
Note: You might want to look into II Chronicles Greater Power 1 & 2 (August 6-7, 2009) because it fitted the story of King of Judah, Hezekiah who were challenged by Sennacherib, king of Assyria during 701 B.C. and how the angel of the Lord went out and killed 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp. The king of Assyria went back to Nineveh and he was killed.
What can we learn from this?
God is a jealous God and He is very protective of His people. He makes sure that the people of Israel would not be completely destroyed by any nations even though God had to punish His people for breaking His laws. Jeremiah, the prophet prophesied 70 years of Babylonians’ captivity of people from Judah, and God made sure that there would always be remnant of Judah who come in the line of the future Messiah. Ezra, Nehemiah, and Zerubbabel (descendants of David) and others came back and rebuilt the Altar, the Temple and the walls of Jerusalem between 538-516 B.C.
See Nahum 2 The Lord is good.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Nahum 2: The Lord Is Good
“The Lord is good, giving protection in times of trouble.
He knows who trusts in Him” (Nahum 1:7 ncv). Nahum
gave hope to Israel those who put their trust in God.
THE LORD IS GOOD…
“He is our stronghold … He knows them that trust in Him.”
Nahum 1:7 kjv
Dorothy: This is a beautiful picture of God our Heavenly
Father who has an intimate knowledge about us. Really, God
loves us that much. Each of us is unique: yet God knows and
understands each personal character, our background, how we
grew up, how we act, how deeply we feel, and our needs, no
matter how great or small. Jesus said, “For your Father
knoweth what things ye have need of” (Matthew 6:8). Only
Jesus knew about Father because Jesus was there with Him.
Jesus is our witness that Nahum was right about ‘God knows
them that trust in Him.’
This reminds me of a song collection: Trust In the Lord
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart
and lean not to your own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him and
He shall direct thine paths (Prov. 3:5-6).
He knows who trusts in Him” (Nahum 1:7 ncv). Nahum
gave hope to Israel those who put their trust in God.
THE LORD IS GOOD…
“He is our stronghold … He knows them that trust in Him.”
Nahum 1:7 kjv
Dorothy: This is a beautiful picture of God our Heavenly
Father who has an intimate knowledge about us. Really, God
loves us that much. Each of us is unique: yet God knows and
understands each personal character, our background, how we
grew up, how we act, how deeply we feel, and our needs, no
matter how great or small. Jesus said, “For your Father
knoweth what things ye have need of” (Matthew 6:8). Only
Jesus knew about Father because Jesus was there with Him.
Jesus is our witness that Nahum was right about ‘God knows
them that trust in Him.’
This reminds me of a song collection: Trust In the Lord
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart
and lean not to your own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him and
He shall direct thine paths (Prov. 3:5-6).
Friday, September 25, 2009
Micah the Prophet
“Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.” Micah 7:7-8 kjv
Micah was a country prophet who condemned Judah corrupt rulers, false prophets, ungodly priests, dishonest merchants, and bribed judges. He preached against the sins of injustice, oppression of the peasants and villagers, greed immorality, and idolatry. He warned of God’s coming judgment if they practiced in their evil ways. Micah accurately predicted Israel’s downfall before it happened in 722 B.C.; and same destruction would come to Judah and Jerusalem because of their sins and rebellion against God.
This seems depressed as if there wasn’t any hope at all for Israel, yet God was merciful to give the prophetic message of hope: the coming Messiah and that Israel would rise again. God would bless His people again. (See Micah the Bethlehem)
Prayer to God: “There is no God like you. You forgive those who are guilty of sin; you don’t look at the sins of your people who are left alive. You will not stay angry forever, because you enjoy being kind. You will have mercy on us again; you will conquer our sins into the deepest part of the sea. You will be true to the people of Jacob, and you will be kind to the people of Abraham as you promised to our ancestors long ago.” Micah 7:18-20 ncv
Dorothy: Going through the Bible, book by book really envision who God is. What impressed me is that God always add hope of future Jerusalem after the judgment warnings to Israel. It is my prayer that we would grow to love our heavenly Father more and more. This is why God gave us the Bible to study.
At Billy Graham’s Museum in Wheaton, Illinois, I noticed one line of his biography which he said, “If I had to start over again with my life, I would have taken more time to study the Bible.”
Micah was a country prophet who condemned Judah corrupt rulers, false prophets, ungodly priests, dishonest merchants, and bribed judges. He preached against the sins of injustice, oppression of the peasants and villagers, greed immorality, and idolatry. He warned of God’s coming judgment if they practiced in their evil ways. Micah accurately predicted Israel’s downfall before it happened in 722 B.C.; and same destruction would come to Judah and Jerusalem because of their sins and rebellion against God.
This seems depressed as if there wasn’t any hope at all for Israel, yet God was merciful to give the prophetic message of hope: the coming Messiah and that Israel would rise again. God would bless His people again. (See Micah the Bethlehem)
Prayer to God: “There is no God like you. You forgive those who are guilty of sin; you don’t look at the sins of your people who are left alive. You will not stay angry forever, because you enjoy being kind. You will have mercy on us again; you will conquer our sins into the deepest part of the sea. You will be true to the people of Jacob, and you will be kind to the people of Abraham as you promised to our ancestors long ago.” Micah 7:18-20 ncv
Dorothy: Going through the Bible, book by book really envision who God is. What impressed me is that God always add hope of future Jerusalem after the judgment warnings to Israel. It is my prayer that we would grow to love our heavenly Father more and more. This is why God gave us the Bible to study.
At Billy Graham’s Museum in Wheaton, Illinois, I noticed one line of his biography which he said, “If I had to start over again with my life, I would have taken more time to study the Bible.”
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Micah 2 Bethlehem
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2 kjv
BUT THOU BETHLEHEM.
In the year between 740-710 B.C., Micah prophesies that a ruler would come out of Bethlehem who would fulfill God’s promises to His people. This verse was about Jesus the Messiah who would be born as a human being. Jesus walked on earth. Jesus gives peace with God, forgiveness of sin, and the assurance of eternal life to those who repent and receive Him by faith. Jesus was among His people, crucified, rose again and ascended unto heaven. The rest of Micah’s scriptures explained the coming Messiah will destroy all evil and Christ will be our everlasting peace. The Messiah will reign as a King of kings and Lord of lords. These encourage me to keep in prayer-union with our Lord and to look forward to His coming for His people, Israel in Jerusalem. I pray that it will encourage you to keep in tune with God and not give up just because the Lord’s coming seems slow.
Song: King of kings
He is the King of kings,
He is the Lord of lords.
The ever lasting One,
the dear beloved Son.
The Beginning and the End,
the sinner’s only Friend.
His name is Jesus, His name is Lord!
Lyrics and music: Sharon Steward Dyer
BUT THOU BETHLEHEM.
In the year between 740-710 B.C., Micah prophesies that a ruler would come out of Bethlehem who would fulfill God’s promises to His people. This verse was about Jesus the Messiah who would be born as a human being. Jesus walked on earth. Jesus gives peace with God, forgiveness of sin, and the assurance of eternal life to those who repent and receive Him by faith. Jesus was among His people, crucified, rose again and ascended unto heaven. The rest of Micah’s scriptures explained the coming Messiah will destroy all evil and Christ will be our everlasting peace. The Messiah will reign as a King of kings and Lord of lords. These encourage me to keep in prayer-union with our Lord and to look forward to His coming for His people, Israel in Jerusalem. I pray that it will encourage you to keep in tune with God and not give up just because the Lord’s coming seems slow.
Song: King of kings
He is the King of kings,
He is the Lord of lords.
The ever lasting One,
the dear beloved Son.
The Beginning and the End,
the sinner’s only Friend.
His name is Jesus, His name is Lord!
Lyrics and music: Sharon Steward Dyer
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Jonah Gets Second Chance
“But I will praise and thank You while I give sacrifices to you and I will keep my promises to You. Salvation comes from the Lord”
(Jonah 2:9 ncv).
Where was Jonah when he prayed this kind of prayer? Right in the stinking-smelling stomach of a big fish. Phew! Yet Jonah gave God thanks for his deliverance from the big fish by faith. God heard Jonah’s prayer. “Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and the fish threw up Jonah onto the dry land” (Jonah 2:10 ncv). God commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh. His mission was to warn the people of God’s soon-coming judgment upon the city. Jonah hated the people of Nineveh for their cruelty to the people of Israel in the past. He also knew God’s great mercy to any people who would repent of their sins.
Jonah decided to escape from doing God’s mission by hiding in a ship by going into opposite direction away from Nineveh. The storm came and hit the ship for a few days. Jonah was thrown into the sea to appease God. The great fish swallowed Jonah and he stayed in its belly for three days. Then Jonah prayed the prayer founded in Jonah 2:1-9. The great fish could not stand Jonah being in his belly for three days. Yuck! The great fish threw him out of its belly.
Who was Jonah and where was he from? Jonah was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel during the year of 760 B.C. He lived close to Galilee. Nineveh was about 500 miles northeast of Galilee. It would have taken Jonah several days to reach to Nineveh. Instead he got on a ship that would go to Spain and he didn’t make it. God gave Jonah the second chance to go to Nineveh to preach the warning judgment of God. What did the people do? Surprised! The king of Nineveh arose from his throne and announced to all 120,000 people of the city to fast and pray. The king encouraged everyone to turn from their evil way and from the violence in their lands. The people repented and God spared them from judgment. Wow! What a merciful God!
What can we learn from this? God is merciful. Like Peter said that God is not willing that any men should perish without Christ, but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet.3:9). This devotion tells us who God is. Doesn’t this make you appreciate God who is not willing to bring quick judgment? He gives men time to repent and change their ways. “Heavenly Father, we appreciate You.”
(Jonah 2:9 ncv).
Where was Jonah when he prayed this kind of prayer? Right in the stinking-smelling stomach of a big fish. Phew! Yet Jonah gave God thanks for his deliverance from the big fish by faith. God heard Jonah’s prayer. “Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and the fish threw up Jonah onto the dry land” (Jonah 2:10 ncv). God commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh. His mission was to warn the people of God’s soon-coming judgment upon the city. Jonah hated the people of Nineveh for their cruelty to the people of Israel in the past. He also knew God’s great mercy to any people who would repent of their sins.
Jonah decided to escape from doing God’s mission by hiding in a ship by going into opposite direction away from Nineveh. The storm came and hit the ship for a few days. Jonah was thrown into the sea to appease God. The great fish swallowed Jonah and he stayed in its belly for three days. Then Jonah prayed the prayer founded in Jonah 2:1-9. The great fish could not stand Jonah being in his belly for three days. Yuck! The great fish threw him out of its belly.
Who was Jonah and where was he from? Jonah was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel during the year of 760 B.C. He lived close to Galilee. Nineveh was about 500 miles northeast of Galilee. It would have taken Jonah several days to reach to Nineveh. Instead he got on a ship that would go to Spain and he didn’t make it. God gave Jonah the second chance to go to Nineveh to preach the warning judgment of God. What did the people do? Surprised! The king of Nineveh arose from his throne and announced to all 120,000 people of the city to fast and pray. The king encouraged everyone to turn from their evil way and from the violence in their lands. The people repented and God spared them from judgment. Wow! What a merciful God!
What can we learn from this? God is merciful. Like Peter said that God is not willing that any men should perish without Christ, but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet.3:9). This devotion tells us who God is. Doesn’t this make you appreciate God who is not willing to bring quick judgment? He gives men time to repent and change their ways. “Heavenly Father, we appreciate You.”
Monday, September 21, 2009
Obadiah: God Punished Edom
This is what the Lord God says about Edom...
“Edom, do not laugh at your brother Israel in his time of trouble or be happy about the people of Judah when they are destroyed. Do not brag when cruel things are done to them. Do not enter the city gate of my people in their time of trouble or laugh at their problems in their time of trouble. Do not take their treasures in their time of trouble. Do not stand at the crossroads to destroy those who are trying to escape. Do not capture those who escape alive and turn them over to their enemy in their time of trouble. The Lord’s day of judging is coming soon to all the nations. The same evil things you did to other people will happen to you; they will come back upon your own head.”
Obadiah 1:1b, 12-15 NCV
Who is Obadiah? Obadiah was a prophet to Judah. Why Obadiah wrote this message from the Lord? To whom was this message for? The Lord was very angry with Edomites, the neighbors who lived south of Judah. The Edomities were the people who came from Esau, Jacob’s twin brother. They were enemies of the Israelites. Edom helped many other countries attacking Israel. Edomites liked to rob and kill anyone they can steal things from Israel. Edomites lived in a rocky range of mountains. Their homes were on clefts, built on the walls of mountains. They were very proud of their homeland and they felt very safe and very powerful. No one could defeat them for a long time until God sent Babylonian armies to come and destroyed almost all of their homeland and everything they had. When Edom refused to help Israel, its neighbor and relative in time of trouble, Obadiah prophesied that God would bring destruction upon Edomites and He did.
What we can learn from the Book of Obadiah? God wants us to understand that the Lord God is the champion of the poor and the needy. He is the defender to them from those who have oppressed them and those who would not help them. God is concerned that His people who have received His help and mercy show mercy to others in their time of need. This shows me that God really cares about helping the poor and needy.
Today there are many organizations that are helping the people with foods, clothing, housing, and money to meet their needs. This is really a blessing and I am thankful that we have a caring God. Lots of people send money or clothes to help organizations to meet the needy people. God will bless us when we help others.
“Edom, do not laugh at your brother Israel in his time of trouble or be happy about the people of Judah when they are destroyed. Do not brag when cruel things are done to them. Do not enter the city gate of my people in their time of trouble or laugh at their problems in their time of trouble. Do not take their treasures in their time of trouble. Do not stand at the crossroads to destroy those who are trying to escape. Do not capture those who escape alive and turn them over to their enemy in their time of trouble. The Lord’s day of judging is coming soon to all the nations. The same evil things you did to other people will happen to you; they will come back upon your own head.”
Obadiah 1:1b, 12-15 NCV
Who is Obadiah? Obadiah was a prophet to Judah. Why Obadiah wrote this message from the Lord? To whom was this message for? The Lord was very angry with Edomites, the neighbors who lived south of Judah. The Edomities were the people who came from Esau, Jacob’s twin brother. They were enemies of the Israelites. Edom helped many other countries attacking Israel. Edomites liked to rob and kill anyone they can steal things from Israel. Edomites lived in a rocky range of mountains. Their homes were on clefts, built on the walls of mountains. They were very proud of their homeland and they felt very safe and very powerful. No one could defeat them for a long time until God sent Babylonian armies to come and destroyed almost all of their homeland and everything they had. When Edom refused to help Israel, its neighbor and relative in time of trouble, Obadiah prophesied that God would bring destruction upon Edomites and He did.
What we can learn from the Book of Obadiah? God wants us to understand that the Lord God is the champion of the poor and the needy. He is the defender to them from those who have oppressed them and those who would not help them. God is concerned that His people who have received His help and mercy show mercy to others in their time of need. This shows me that God really cares about helping the poor and needy.
Today there are many organizations that are helping the people with foods, clothing, housing, and money to meet their needs. This is really a blessing and I am thankful that we have a caring God. Lots of people send money or clothes to help organizations to meet the needy people. God will bless us when we help others.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Amos an Herdman
“Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!” Amos 6:1 KJV “How terrible it will be for those who have an easy life in Jerusalem, for those who feel safe living on Mount Samaria. You think you are the important people of the best nation in the world; the Israelites come to you for help.” Amos 6:1 NCV
Amos was not a prophet when God called him to speak to Israel for God. The people still called Amos a prophet. Amos was a shepherd, caring of the flocks, and a gatherer of sycamore fruit. He lived in a village which is 12 miles south of Jerusalem. God gave Amos a prophetic burden and ministry for rebellious Israel. God had blessed Israel with many good things, but Israel went deep into corruption. They had sinned against God. Israel believed that their material success proved that they were living under God’s blessing. They felt confident that God’s judgment would never come. Because of this, Israel became very comfortable with lifestyle of riches and successes caused them to drift into worldly things. It led them to forget their God.
God was merciful to sent Amos to Bethel to give a message, “repent or perish” but Amos was kicked out of the city to go somewhere else. God gave different visions to Amos to warn Israel of their coming judgment because they had forgotten God. They took God for granted that He will not punish them because they are His people. Later on, God’s judgment came. After that God spoke of the future restoration of Israel.
This should be a warning to us as a Christian, “Woe to us that are at ease or becoming lukewarm Christians.” What do the lukewarm Christians do? A lukewarm Christian who lost their contact with Christ, lost interest in important prayer life, not filling with the Holy Spirit, not keeping up with studies or devotions with the Lord. Their hearts are not in their God as their Source to meet their needs. Sometimes they feel ‘dead.’
The book of Amos shows us that God still cares enough to send a message of warning to us lukewarm Christians. I pray that we turn to the Lord and ask Him to forgive us and give us the strength to keep us out of lukewarmness. Thank You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Amos was not a prophet when God called him to speak to Israel for God. The people still called Amos a prophet. Amos was a shepherd, caring of the flocks, and a gatherer of sycamore fruit. He lived in a village which is 12 miles south of Jerusalem. God gave Amos a prophetic burden and ministry for rebellious Israel. God had blessed Israel with many good things, but Israel went deep into corruption. They had sinned against God. Israel believed that their material success proved that they were living under God’s blessing. They felt confident that God’s judgment would never come. Because of this, Israel became very comfortable with lifestyle of riches and successes caused them to drift into worldly things. It led them to forget their God.
God was merciful to sent Amos to Bethel to give a message, “repent or perish” but Amos was kicked out of the city to go somewhere else. God gave different visions to Amos to warn Israel of their coming judgment because they had forgotten God. They took God for granted that He will not punish them because they are His people. Later on, God’s judgment came. After that God spoke of the future restoration of Israel.
This should be a warning to us as a Christian, “Woe to us that are at ease or becoming lukewarm Christians.” What do the lukewarm Christians do? A lukewarm Christian who lost their contact with Christ, lost interest in important prayer life, not filling with the Holy Spirit, not keeping up with studies or devotions with the Lord. Their hearts are not in their God as their Source to meet their needs. Sometimes they feel ‘dead.’
The book of Amos shows us that God still cares enough to send a message of warning to us lukewarm Christians. I pray that we turn to the Lord and ask Him to forgive us and give us the strength to keep us out of lukewarmness. Thank You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Joel In Those Days
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids IN THOSE DAYS will I pour out my spirit.” Joel 2:28-29 KJV
In the year of 835-830 B.C., Joel predicts a day when God would pour out His Spirit on all those who “call on the name of the Lord.” Approximately, 800 years later, Peter preached on the day of Pentecost and quoted Joel’s writing from Joel 2:28-29. “But Joel the prophet wrote about what is happening here today: God says: In the last days I will pour out my Spirit on all kinds of people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. At that time I will pour out my Spirit also on my male slaves and female slaves and they will prophesy.” Acts 2:17-18 NCV
Peter quoted this passage on the day of Pentecost, explaining that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on that day was the beginning of the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy (Acts 2:14-21). This prophecy is an ongoing promise to all who accept Christ as Lord, and all believers can and should be filled with the Holy Spirit.
What this mean to me? God is faithful to His Word. God continues to pour out His Spirit on all who believes in Him and whose hearts are opened to Him. God really wants to fill you with His Spirit. It is like we dive into the pool of water and we swim in the water. It is an awesome experience. God is waiting for you to try Him today.
In the year of 835-830 B.C., Joel predicts a day when God would pour out His Spirit on all those who “call on the name of the Lord.” Approximately, 800 years later, Peter preached on the day of Pentecost and quoted Joel’s writing from Joel 2:28-29. “But Joel the prophet wrote about what is happening here today: God says: In the last days I will pour out my Spirit on all kinds of people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. At that time I will pour out my Spirit also on my male slaves and female slaves and they will prophesy.” Acts 2:17-18 NCV
Peter quoted this passage on the day of Pentecost, explaining that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on that day was the beginning of the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy (Acts 2:14-21). This prophecy is an ongoing promise to all who accept Christ as Lord, and all believers can and should be filled with the Holy Spirit.
What this mean to me? God is faithful to His Word. God continues to pour out His Spirit on all who believes in Him and whose hearts are opened to Him. God really wants to fill you with His Spirit. It is like we dive into the pool of water and we swim in the water. It is an awesome experience. God is waiting for you to try Him today.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Hosea God’s Love
“Come, let’s go back to the Lord. He has hurt us, but he will heal us. He has wounded us, but he will bandage our wounds. In two days he will put new life in us; on the third day he will raise us up so that we may live in his presence and know him. Let’s try to learn about the Lord; He will come to us as surely as the dawn comes. He will come to us like rain, like the spring rain that waters the ground.”
Hosea 6:1-3 NCV
Do you ever wonder if God ever wants to reveal Himself about how He really feel when He sees His own people turn away from Him? And about the people who decide to worship other gods instead of worshiping Him? Has God ever tried to tell His people how He felt? Yes, He has. Hosea represented God. God told Hosea to marry Gomer who was an unfaithful wife and she represented the people of Israel. Why? So the people could see the action of Hosea toward his unfaithful wife, Gomer and hear what God had to say through the prophet, Hosea. The whole book of Hosea was about Israel who acted like an unfaithful wife and how God tried to win Israel back to Him.
Hosea gives assurance that though God must judge sin, He always desires to heal and restore Israel. After repentance, God would bring renewed spiritual life. They would get to know the Lord better. God would come like the rain, bringing more spiritual life and blessing. Water is often used as a type of the Holy Spirit. This is a prophecy to Israel that Holy Spirit would come on the Day of Pentecost.
What does this mean to me? It touched my heart that He wants us to come back to Him and He wants to love us freely (14:4). God would come to us like the rain. Do you know what rain does? It brings life to the nature so does God who brings life to our spiritual being. Dear God, forgive us when we get too busy with things around us. You want us to come back to You and we thank You for that. Thank You for the book of Hosea that tells us more about You in Jesus’ name, amen.
Hosea 6:1-3 NCV
Do you ever wonder if God ever wants to reveal Himself about how He really feel when He sees His own people turn away from Him? And about the people who decide to worship other gods instead of worshiping Him? Has God ever tried to tell His people how He felt? Yes, He has. Hosea represented God. God told Hosea to marry Gomer who was an unfaithful wife and she represented the people of Israel. Why? So the people could see the action of Hosea toward his unfaithful wife, Gomer and hear what God had to say through the prophet, Hosea. The whole book of Hosea was about Israel who acted like an unfaithful wife and how God tried to win Israel back to Him.
Hosea gives assurance that though God must judge sin, He always desires to heal and restore Israel. After repentance, God would bring renewed spiritual life. They would get to know the Lord better. God would come like the rain, bringing more spiritual life and blessing. Water is often used as a type of the Holy Spirit. This is a prophecy to Israel that Holy Spirit would come on the Day of Pentecost.
What does this mean to me? It touched my heart that He wants us to come back to Him and He wants to love us freely (14:4). God would come to us like the rain. Do you know what rain does? It brings life to the nature so does God who brings life to our spiritual being. Dear God, forgive us when we get too busy with things around us. You want us to come back to You and we thank You for that. Thank You for the book of Hosea that tells us more about You in Jesus’ name, amen.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Daniel’s Prayer
During Darius’ first year as king, I, Daniel, was reading the Scriptures. I saw that the Lord told Jeremiah that Jerusalem would be empty ruins for seventy years. Then I turned to the Lord God and prayed and asked Him for help. I did not eat any food. To show my sadness, I put on rough cloth and sat in ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and told Him about all of our sins. I said, “Lord, you are a great God who causes fear and wonder. You keep your agreement of love with all who love you and obey your commands. [Daniel 9:2-4].
[Suggest reading Daniel's Prayer 2]
Daniel was a young man when he was taken captive to Babylon from Jerusalem and Jeremiah was the prophet during his time. Daniel had a high position with several kings and God had blessed Daniel. It was a special day; God inspired Daniel to read the Scriptures from Jeremiah’s writing. Daniel realized that seventy years were just about up, and still there was nothing done about the promised return and restoration to Jerusalem. This bothered Daniel very much. Daniel expected a full fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy. Daniel did not sit back and wait for the promised restoration to come. Instead, Daniel began to intercede earnestly with prayer and fasting for the fulfillment of God’s word [Daniel 9:5-19].
Daniel began his intercessory prayer by recognizing the awe-inspiring greatness of God, His faithful love, and His covenant mercy shown to those who love and obey Him. Then Daniel made his confession, identifying himself with the people of Israel who had sinned and rebelled against God. He asked God for Jerusalem’s restoration not because of any righteousness on the part of Daniel or of Israel, but "for the Lord’s sake" (9:17-18). When God responded, He showed His great mercy and loving compassion as a God who fulfills His promises. [Note from Zondervan]
From the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, we saw God’s answered prayers. God had touched the king’s heart to allow God’s people to return to their city of Jerusalem. Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah were three key leaders who helped rebuild the altar, the Temple, and the walls of Jerusalem.
What this mean to me? God is faithful to His Word. Daniel trusted God to keep His promises. Let us trust God who will meet our needs. His mercy is new every morning. Don’t give up. Trust God.
[Suggest reading Daniel's Prayer 2]
Daniel was a young man when he was taken captive to Babylon from Jerusalem and Jeremiah was the prophet during his time. Daniel had a high position with several kings and God had blessed Daniel. It was a special day; God inspired Daniel to read the Scriptures from Jeremiah’s writing. Daniel realized that seventy years were just about up, and still there was nothing done about the promised return and restoration to Jerusalem. This bothered Daniel very much. Daniel expected a full fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy. Daniel did not sit back and wait for the promised restoration to come. Instead, Daniel began to intercede earnestly with prayer and fasting for the fulfillment of God’s word [Daniel 9:5-19].
Daniel began his intercessory prayer by recognizing the awe-inspiring greatness of God, His faithful love, and His covenant mercy shown to those who love and obey Him. Then Daniel made his confession, identifying himself with the people of Israel who had sinned and rebelled against God. He asked God for Jerusalem’s restoration not because of any righteousness on the part of Daniel or of Israel, but "for the Lord’s sake" (9:17-18). When God responded, He showed His great mercy and loving compassion as a God who fulfills His promises. [Note from Zondervan]
From the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, we saw God’s answered prayers. God had touched the king’s heart to allow God’s people to return to their city of Jerusalem. Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah were three key leaders who helped rebuild the altar, the Temple, and the walls of Jerusalem.
What this mean to me? God is faithful to His Word. Daniel trusted God to keep His promises. Let us trust God who will meet our needs. His mercy is new every morning. Don’t give up. Trust God.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Daniel’s Prayer 2
Daniel 9:4-19 NCV
v4. I prayed to the Lord my God and told him about all of our sins. I said, “Lord, you are a great God who causes fear and wonder. You keep your agreement of love with all who love you and obey your commands.
v5. “But we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and turned against you, your commands, and your laws. v6. We did not listen to your servants, the prophets, who spoke for you to our kings, our leaders, our ancestors, and all the people of the land. v7. “Lord, your are good and right, but we are full of shame today—the people of Judah and Jerusalem, all the people of Israel, those near and far whom you scattered among many nations because they were not loyal to you. v8. Lord, we are all ashamed, because we have sinned against you.
v9. “But, Lord Our God, you show us mercy and forgive us even though we have turned against you. v10. We have not obeyed the Lord our God or the teachings he gave us through his servants, the prophets. v11. All the people of Israel have disobeyed your teachings and have turned away, refusing to obey you. So you brought on us the curses and promises of punishment written in the Teachings of Moses, the servant of God, because we sinned against you.
v12. “You said these things would happen to us and our leaders, and you made them happen; you brought on us a great disaster. Nothing has ever been done on earth like what was done to Jerusalem. v13. All this disaster came to us just as it is written in the Teachings of Moses. But we have not pleaded with the Lord our God. We have not stopped sinning. We have not paid attention to your truth. v14. The Lord was ready to bring the disaster on us, and he did it because the Lord our God is right in everything he does. But we still did not obey him.
v15. “Lord our God, you used your power and brought us out of Egypt. Because of that, your name is known even today. But we have sinned and have done wrong. v16. Lord, you do what is right, but please do not be angry with Jerusalem, your city on your holy hill. Because of our sins and the evil things done by our ancestors, people all around insult and make fun of Jerusalem and your people.
v17. “Now, our God, hears the prayers of your servant (Daniel). Listen to my prayer for help, and for your sake do good things for your holy place that is in ruins. v18. My God, pay attention and hear me. Open your eyes and see all the terrible things that have happened to us. See how our lives have been ruined and what has happened to the city that is called by your name. We do not ask these things because we are good; instead, we ask because of your mercy. v19. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear us and do something! For your sake, don’t wait, because your city and your people are called by your name.”
v4. I prayed to the Lord my God and told him about all of our sins. I said, “Lord, you are a great God who causes fear and wonder. You keep your agreement of love with all who love you and obey your commands.
v5. “But we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and turned against you, your commands, and your laws. v6. We did not listen to your servants, the prophets, who spoke for you to our kings, our leaders, our ancestors, and all the people of the land. v7. “Lord, your are good and right, but we are full of shame today—the people of Judah and Jerusalem, all the people of Israel, those near and far whom you scattered among many nations because they were not loyal to you. v8. Lord, we are all ashamed, because we have sinned against you.
v9. “But, Lord Our God, you show us mercy and forgive us even though we have turned against you. v10. We have not obeyed the Lord our God or the teachings he gave us through his servants, the prophets. v11. All the people of Israel have disobeyed your teachings and have turned away, refusing to obey you. So you brought on us the curses and promises of punishment written in the Teachings of Moses, the servant of God, because we sinned against you.
v12. “You said these things would happen to us and our leaders, and you made them happen; you brought on us a great disaster. Nothing has ever been done on earth like what was done to Jerusalem. v13. All this disaster came to us just as it is written in the Teachings of Moses. But we have not pleaded with the Lord our God. We have not stopped sinning. We have not paid attention to your truth. v14. The Lord was ready to bring the disaster on us, and he did it because the Lord our God is right in everything he does. But we still did not obey him.
v15. “Lord our God, you used your power and brought us out of Egypt. Because of that, your name is known even today. But we have sinned and have done wrong. v16. Lord, you do what is right, but please do not be angry with Jerusalem, your city on your holy hill. Because of our sins and the evil things done by our ancestors, people all around insult and make fun of Jerusalem and your people.
v17. “Now, our God, hears the prayers of your servant (Daniel). Listen to my prayer for help, and for your sake do good things for your holy place that is in ruins. v18. My God, pay attention and hear me. Open your eyes and see all the terrible things that have happened to us. See how our lives have been ruined and what has happened to the city that is called by your name. We do not ask these things because we are good; instead, we ask because of your mercy. v19. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear us and do something! For your sake, don’t wait, because your city and your people are called by your name.”
Friday, September 4, 2009
Ezekiel, Vision of God’s Throne
One day Tony was preaching at Carlinville Camp of Illinois in 1980’s. He asked the Deaf audience a question: ‘What do you think about when you worship God?’ Most of them responded that they visualized God sitting on a Great White Throne while they prayed.
Tony asked them another question: What color is God’s Throne? Most of them said, “White.” Tony explained that ‘The Great White Throne’ would be in the future at the end time. When all those who rejected Christ will appear before Him and those are ‘Judgment Time.’ Now what color was the throne that Ezekiel had seen?
Tony signed to them part of the KJV verse of Ezekiel 1:26: God’s throne was “as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above it.” Ezekiel 1:26 NCV quoted “Now above the dome there was something that looked like a throne. It looked like a sapphire gem. And on the throne was a shape like a human.”
Tony asked, ‘Now what color was the throne that God was sitting on?’ The Deaf audience responded with a surprise, “Not white throne? So what color is sapphire?” Tony answered, ‘Sapphire is a beautiful dark blue precious stone, which is hard and clear like a diamond.’ Tony went on: ‘Do you wonder why God asked me to preach about God’s Throne? God said that He has seen some people’s thoughts while they worship Him, ‘The Great white throne’? He said to me, “I want you to tell them that My throne was not white. It is a sapphire throne like Ezekiel has seen and it is beautiful.”’
What a beautiful thought! Our God cares enough to let us know that His throne is a sapphire throne. Awesome! May our worship to our Lord God become richer and lovely thought of Him!
Tony asked them another question: What color is God’s Throne? Most of them said, “White.” Tony explained that ‘The Great White Throne’ would be in the future at the end time. When all those who rejected Christ will appear before Him and those are ‘Judgment Time.’ Now what color was the throne that Ezekiel had seen?
Tony signed to them part of the KJV verse of Ezekiel 1:26: God’s throne was “as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above it.” Ezekiel 1:26 NCV quoted “Now above the dome there was something that looked like a throne. It looked like a sapphire gem. And on the throne was a shape like a human.”
Tony asked, ‘Now what color was the throne that God was sitting on?’ The Deaf audience responded with a surprise, “Not white throne? So what color is sapphire?” Tony answered, ‘Sapphire is a beautiful dark blue precious stone, which is hard and clear like a diamond.’ Tony went on: ‘Do you wonder why God asked me to preach about God’s Throne? God said that He has seen some people’s thoughts while they worship Him, ‘The Great white throne’? He said to me, “I want you to tell them that My throne was not white. It is a sapphire throne like Ezekiel has seen and it is beautiful.”’
What a beautiful thought! Our God cares enough to let us know that His throne is a sapphire throne. Awesome! May our worship to our Lord God become richer and lovely thought of Him!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Lamentations of Jeremiah
“Behold, O Lord; for I am in distress…” [Lamentations 1:20]. KJV
Jeremiah was called, “The Weeping Prophet.” Jeremiah expressed his deep sorrow because Jeremiah saw the people taken captive by the Babylon army. Jeremiah saw the destruction of the city of Jerusalem. The city of Jerusalem was like a “widow” because she lost her children and she was left alone with no one to comfort her.
Jeremiah wrote ‘Lamentations’ because it means he was sad that the people would not listen to God to give up their sins and many gods they worshiped to. He wept that God had to send many judgments against the people for turning away from Him. Was there no hope for the future Jerusalem and the people?
“… therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord [Lamentations 3:21b-26]. KJV
Jeremiah saw hope in God’s love and mercy. Jeremiah looked up to God in time of grief and pain. Let us be like Jeremiah who turned to God for healing and restoration. Let us worship the Lord God and pray: O Lord, great is Thy faithfulness. I see Your new mercy every morning. All I have needed You have met our needs: financially, physically, and spiritually. We love You, Heavenly Father for Your grace, we love You, Jesus for Your forgiveness and we love You, Holy Spirit for your tender care, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Jeremiah was called, “The Weeping Prophet.” Jeremiah expressed his deep sorrow because Jeremiah saw the people taken captive by the Babylon army. Jeremiah saw the destruction of the city of Jerusalem. The city of Jerusalem was like a “widow” because she lost her children and she was left alone with no one to comfort her.
Jeremiah wrote ‘Lamentations’ because it means he was sad that the people would not listen to God to give up their sins and many gods they worshiped to. He wept that God had to send many judgments against the people for turning away from Him. Was there no hope for the future Jerusalem and the people?
“… therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord [Lamentations 3:21b-26]. KJV
Jeremiah saw hope in God’s love and mercy. Jeremiah looked up to God in time of grief and pain. Let us be like Jeremiah who turned to God for healing and restoration. Let us worship the Lord God and pray: O Lord, great is Thy faithfulness. I see Your new mercy every morning. All I have needed You have met our needs: financially, physically, and spiritually. We love You, Heavenly Father for Your grace, we love You, Jesus for Your forgiveness and we love You, Holy Spirit for your tender care, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Jeremiah A Tree Rooted
“[Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green.” Jeremiah 17:7-8a AMP
“But the person who trusts in the Lord will be blessed. The Lord will show him that He can be trusted. He will be strong, like a tree planted near water that sends its roots by a stream. It is not afraid when the days are hot; its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year when no rain comes; it always produces fruit.” Jer. 17:7-8 NCV
The natural tree matures when the root structure grows deeper. The root holds the tree. The root helps to support the height and the growing tree. It makes a tree strong. The water and nourishment are important to help the tree to survive and to continue growing.
We are like a tree and its root go down deep is compared to our faith goes deeper in the Lord Jesus Christ. We continue to grow spiritually. How? The Word of God is our spiritual food and we receive spiritual food as our nourishment. The water of God’s Word brings life and the Holy Spirit renewed us day by day.
Prayer: Thank You Lord for reminding us that we are like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, the Holy Spirit, our wonderful friend. Your Word have we hid in our heart that we may be fully blessed by You. Peace will follow us all the days of my life and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever in Jesus name, amen.
“But the person who trusts in the Lord will be blessed. The Lord will show him that He can be trusted. He will be strong, like a tree planted near water that sends its roots by a stream. It is not afraid when the days are hot; its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year when no rain comes; it always produces fruit.” Jer. 17:7-8 NCV
The natural tree matures when the root structure grows deeper. The root holds the tree. The root helps to support the height and the growing tree. It makes a tree strong. The water and nourishment are important to help the tree to survive and to continue growing.
We are like a tree and its root go down deep is compared to our faith goes deeper in the Lord Jesus Christ. We continue to grow spiritually. How? The Word of God is our spiritual food and we receive spiritual food as our nourishment. The water of God’s Word brings life and the Holy Spirit renewed us day by day.
Prayer: Thank You Lord for reminding us that we are like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, the Holy Spirit, our wonderful friend. Your Word have we hid in our heart that we may be fully blessed by You. Peace will follow us all the days of my life and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever in Jesus name, amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)