Month: September 2019

Christ Gives Example to Follow

The Upper Room Discourse
contains Jesus’ final words of
instruction and encouragement
to His disciples before His death.
Only John records these intimate
moments between Jesus and His
men as He models true humility
(chap 13), describes Holy Spirit
who will comfort and empower
them (chap 14-16) and intercedes
for the unity and protection of
His disciples worldwide (chap 17).

Lord, we will follow Your Example:
When Jesus knew that His hour
had come that He should depart
from this world to the Father,having
loved His own,He loved them to the
end…So He got up from the table,
wrapped a towel around his waist
& poured water into a basin. Then
he began to wash the disciples’
feet, drying them with the towel
he had around him (John 13:1-5).
I have given you an Example, that
u should do as I have done to you…
Now that u know these things, God
will Bless u for Doing them (v15-17)
A new Commandment I give to
you that you love one another as
I have loved you, that you also love
another. By this all will know that
you are My disciples, if you have
love for one another(v34-35) Amen

Lord, I want especially those in my
CG to serve You. And I desire them
to be served by You, to experience
the cleansing that only You can
provide. Help me get the gospel
right as I walk with them. For it
is not primarily about what they
must do for You. But about what
You’ve already done for them & for
them to really appreciate it. Amen.

Lord, we noted your advise to the
disciples to Follow Your Example
of servanthood and submission
to the needs of the moment.
Like the disciples, we may tend
to miss our mission to serve and
to meet the needs of others.
Motivate us Lord by Your promise
that those who serve others will
Be Blessed by You in special ways
we wouldn’t want to miss. Amen.

Lord, we receive Your Command
to love one another through our
actions. And to express love for
those who don’t yet know Christ.
You promise that when we demo
sacrificial love for one another,
the world will notice our actions.
And recognise us as disciples of
the one who sacrificed himself
on the cross in order to save
all of us from our sins. Amen.

My Shepherd, Guide & Protector

The first book (Psa 1-41) is similar
to Genesis. Just as Gen tells how
man was created, fell into sin and
promised redemption, many of
these psalms discuss man as
blessed, fallen & redeemed by God.
In Psalm 19-24, the Lord can be
seen in many different roles. He
is the Creator (19), the Helper (20)
the King (21), Crucified One (22),
the Shepherd (23) & the Glorious
One (24). For each role, there is
a corresponding responsibility for
the people who would follow Him
as their God, King & Shepherd.

Dear Lord, Thank You for Your
redemption and loving care.
Shine Your light on our blind spot
and lead us to Confess our sins.
Hear & Answer our Cries For Help
on relationship, work or health.
Draw us stay close to U our good
shepherd & Respond to your voice.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Lord, we will Confess our sins:
The commands of the Lord are
clear, giving insight for living…
They are a warning to yr servant,
a great reward for those who
obey them… Cleanse me from
these hidden faults. Keep your
servant from deliberate sins!
Don’t let them control me…
May the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to U, O Lord, my rock
and my Redeemer (Psa 19:8-14).
Lord, I am blind to so much,
and there is no way I can know
all the sins lurking in my heart.
But you know them. Holy Spirit,
Shine your light on my blind spots
so that I can confess my sin
and receive your forgiveness.
And help me grow in openness
before you so that I might walk
in your grace and freedom. Amen

Lord,we’ll Seek U when in trouble:
In times of trouble, may the Lord
respond to your cry. May God…
keep you safe from all harm.
May he send you help from
his sanctuary… May he grant
your heart’s desire and fulfill all
your plans… May the Lord answer
all your prayers (Psa 20:1-5).
Lord, we cry out to You about
the relationship, finance or health
situation we are so concerned.
Hear from heaven & answer us!
Send help from your sanctuary &
rescue us by your great power!
Grant our heart’s desires. And
Thanks for hearing & responding
to the cries of your people. Amen

Lord,we’ll Stay Close as Yr sheep:
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything I need…
He leads me (to) peaceful streams…
He guides me along right paths…
Even when I walk through the dark
valley of death, I will not be afraid,
for You are close beside me. Your
rod & staff protect me (Ps 23:1-4).
Lord, it’s comforting to know
I’m not alone in life’s journey.
Thank You that You are ever
vigilant watching over me.
May I always respond to Your voice
and stay close to You. I will follow
You as You call my name. Amen.

Past Victory & Future Confidence

The first book (Ps 1-41) is similar
to Genesis. Just as Gen tells how
man was created, fell into sin and
promised redemption, many of these
psalms discuss man as blessed,
fallen and redeemed by God.
And in sharp contrast to the fate
of the fool who denies God (Ps 14),
Blessings accrue to the one who
Serves God with a whole heart:
Joyfulness (Ps 13), Fellowship with
God (Ps 15), satisfaction (Ps 16),
preservation (Ps 17) & Confidence
in facing the future (Ps 18).

Dear Lord, in appreciation of Your
redemption & Your promise to care
& protect us, we purpose to serve
and worship You whole-heartedly.
Help us to Remember Yr Goodness
so that we have Confidence in You.
Help us to live Blameless lives
so that others can see You in us.
Help us to Persevere In Prayer
so that we will experience victory.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Lord, we Remember Your Goodness:
How long O Lord? Will You forget
me forever? How long will You
hide Your face from me (Ps 13:1).
But I trust in Your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because You have
rescued me. I will sing to the Lord
because he has been so good
to me. (Psalm 13:5-6). Amen.
Lord, despite challenges, I thank
You when I remember all the times
You have rescued me in the past.
There were times when I felt alone;
and realised later You were there
with me in the valleys. You guided
when I stumbled and lifted me up.
As I remember Your lovingkindness,
help me to trust You Lord for all
that I am facing these days. Amen.

Lord, we will aspire to Be Blameless:
Who may worship in Your sanctuary
Lord? Who may enter Your presence
on Your holy hill!? Those who lead
blameless lives & do what is right
speaking the truth from sincere
hearts. He who does not slander
with his tongue, nor does evil to his
friend… He who does these things
will not be moved (Ps 15:1-5).
Lord, I am far from perfect but I
desire to serve You with integrity.
I realise others watch my life and
that my daily actions affect others.
I pray that they will see You in
both my words and my actions.
Help me to live a blameless life; and
enable me to speak Your truth from
a sincere heart & with love. Amen.

Lord, we will Persevere In Prayer:
I will love You O Lord my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress
and my deliverer; my God,
my strength, in whom I will trust;
my shield and my stronghold.
I will call upon the Lord…
So shall I be saved (Ps 18:1-3).
Blessed be my Rock! Let the God
of my salvation be exalted (v46).
Lord, I am grateful that You have
armed me with the strength I need.
Teach me to persevere in prayer
and not let down. Enable me
to pray through each situation
until I see victory. And thanks
You are always with me and
working things for good. Amen.

Sheep Listens to Shepherd

Christ’s claim draw the attention
of more than the hungry and sick.
The Pharisees, religious leaders
concerned about status quo,
respond with angry resistance.
But how do you refute a Man
who preaches that He is the
Light of the World, then proves
it by giving sight to the blind? …
who claims He is the resurrection,
then validates that claim by raising
a man from the dead. The choice
is clear: Either believe Him or seek
to silence Him once and for all.

Lord, we will Hear & Follow You:
A Shepherd enters thro the gate.
He Calls his own sheep by name
and leads them out… He walks
ahead of them, and they Follow
Him because they recognise
His voice (John 10:2-4).
I have come that they may
Have Life and have it to the Full.
I am the good shepherd.
The good shepherd gives
His life for the sheep (v10-11).
And I give them eternal life,
and they shall Never Perish,
neither shall anyone snatch them
out of My hand (v28). Amen.

Lord Jesus, thank You for being
my good shepherd and making
me one of your sheep. What
a privilege to belong to You!
Thank You for providing for me,
guiding me and protecting me.
You Call me by name and speak
to my heart. With all the voices
in the world, quieten my mind and
heart, so that I will recognise Your
Voice and Follow only You. Amen.

Lord Jesus, You did not come
just to forgive our past deeds and
offer us hope of heavenly glory.
You came to give us full satisfying
existence and a meaningful life.
Forgive me when I am too
preoccupied with earthly stuff.
Help me to hear you & seek You.
Help me to pursue things eternal
and further Your kingdom, knowing
U will Provide all my needs. Amen.

Lord Jesus, I am so blessed that
You are my caring Shepherd and
because of that I can Fear No Evil.
For You have always promised
to provide, lead and protect me.
Though evil may come, it has no
power over me and I can live with
confidence that I am Safe in You.
Help me to stay close to You so
that I need not worry at all for You
will be Watching over me. Amen.

Christ the Source of Living Water

Early in His ministry, Christ issues
a challenge: Search the scriptures
for they testify of me (Jn 5:39).
Now His public declarations and
miraculous demonstrations serve
to confirm what the Old Testament
said would be true of Him. Using
the Jewish feast days as public
forum, Jesus declares Himself
as the Bread of Life (6:35),
the Sent One of God (7:28),
the Forgiver of Sins (8:11) and
the Light of the World (8:12).

Lord, You are our Source of Joy:
On the last day, the climax of the
festival, Jesus stood and shouted
to the crowds: If you are thirsty,
come and drink! For the Scriptures
declare the rivers of living
water will flow out from within.
When He said living water
He was speaking of the Spirit,
who would be given to everyone
believing in Him (John 7:37-39).

Father God, I remember and echo
Jacob’s words: I will not let You
go until You bless me. My thirst
will not let me settle for just a
mediocre spiritual experience.
It’s too strong for that, and I know
You will honour my persistence.
May the river of living water
flow freely in me so that I truly
experience the joy that is
unspeakable. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Lord, we received not only Your
great salvation but also promise
of Your Spirit poured upon us.
Jesus, You are indeed our spiritual
thirst quencher, offering not just
a one-off drink but a never-ending
spring which is able to meet our
deepest needs & greatest longings
Even as we believe in You, we
will never thirst again. And even
as Your life flow through us, let
it fill us with deepest joy. Amen.

Holy Spirit, flow through me like
a rushing river, filling me with
dreams and ideas from Your heart.
I want more than trickles of peace;
I want torrents of joy. Help me
discern the difference between
my thoughts and Yours. And let
me not get stuck trying to analyse
them. Instead grant me the faith
to believe. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Christ our Bread of Life & All in All

Early in His ministry, Christ issues
a challenge: Search the scriptures
for they testify of me (Jn 5:39).
Now His public declarations and
miraculous demonstrations serve
to confirm what the Old Testament
said would be true of Him. Using
the Jewish feast days as public
forum, Jesus declares Himself
to be the Bread of Life (6:35),
the Sent One of God (7:28),
the Forgiver of Sins (8:11) and
the Light of the World (8:12).

Lord, we’ll Come to You for Help:
Then Jesus said to them: Most
assuredly I say to you, Moses did
not give you the bread from heaven
but My Father gives you the True
Bread from heaven. For the bread
of God is He who comes down
from heaven and Gives Life to
the world. Then they said to Him:
Lord, gives us this bread always.
Jesus replied: I’m the Bread of Life.
No one who comes to me will ever
be hungry again.Those who believe
in me will never thirst. And the
one who comes to Me, I will by no
means cast out (Jn 6:32-37) Amen

Lord Jesus, as the Bread of Life,
forgive me for seeking after
things that will never really satisfy
or fulfill my deepest longings.
Forgive me for focussing on what
You can do for me materially
instead of seeking the True Life
that comes from You. Cause me
to hunger and thirst for You and
Your life each day. And let Your
Word fill my mind, rule my heart
and guide my feet today. Amen.

Lord, You are our great resource.
When I am anxious over a problem
and I look to myself, I may get
downhearted due to inadequacy.
And when I look to others for
help, I may get disappointed.
But when I look to U Jesus as my
great resource I’ll get encouraged.
So, I surrender my challenge to You.
Help me shift my focus from my
inadequacy to Yr sufficiency. Amen

Lord Jesus, You had said everyone
who calls on the name of the
Lord will be saved. Thank you for
the promise to hear and answer
our cries for help. Your rescue
may not end up looking like what
I imagine, but You do promise
to deliver. Grant me the faith to
believe Your word with all my heart.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Christ Satisfies Your Longings

Jesus’ ministry is not confined at
any time & in all places He is ready
with a word and a healing touch.
Nicodemus comes by night seeking
answers and finds the miracle of
the second birth. The Samaritan
woman comes seeking water
at the well and leaves to tell
her city about a source of living
water that will never run dry.
Jew or Samaritan, religious leader
or religious outcast, Jesus’
compassion knows no bounds.

Lord, You Satisfy our Longings:
Jesus said to her: If you knew who
it is who says to u: Give Me a drink,
you would have asked Him and He
would have given you living water…
Whoever drinks of this water will
thirst again, but whoever drinks
of the water that I shall give them
will Never Thirst. Indeed the water
I give them will become in them
a spring of water welling up
to eternal life (John 4:10-14).
The woman left her water jar and
went back to the village and told
everyone: Come and meet a man
who told me everything I ever did!
Can this be the Messiah? So
the people came streaming from
the village to see him (v28-30).

Lord, You are the only one who
can satisfy the longings of my soul.
Remind me that nothing in this
temporal world can bring lasting
fulfilment to an immortal soul.
The life that You give is my internal
source of continual refreshment.
Teach me the discipline of looking
to You alone for whatever my
soul may need each day. Amen.

Lord, You are the only one who
can satisfy a thirsty soul. For
the life that You give supplies
continual refreshment. Teach me
the holy habit of looking to You
alone for whatever my soul is
thirsty for. And make me a source
of encouragement and help to
those who are spiritually dry. Amen

Lord, forgive me when excitement
over knowing You has waned.
Grateful for what You had done,
I want others to know You and
experience Your work in their lives.
Use me to spread the Good News.
Let me be so amazed by what You
reveal to me that I won’t hesitate
to share the hope with others;
especially those who don’t know U.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Christ Reveals Father & With Us

John, the supplemental gospel
provides a fourth dimension of
Jesus’ life and ministry. Fully 92%
of John’s material is not found in
any other gospel account. John
writes to convince his readers
who Jesus is (the Son of God)
and how new life can be found
in Him. He begins in eternity past,
showing how the Word who was
one with God became flesh to take
His message of life to mankind.

Lord, You Reveal the Father:
Yet to all who did receive Him,
to those who believed in his name,
He gave the right to become
children of God (John 1:12).
The Word became flesh and dwelt
among us, and we beheld His glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of
the Father, full of grace and truth…
And of His fullness we have received
and grace for grace (v14-16).
No one has ever seen God. But
his only Son, who is himself God
is near to the Father’s heart;
He has told us about him (v18).

Lord Jesus, I do believe in You
and I have already accepted You
as my Saviour and Master. Thank
You for revealing Yourself to me
and thank you for saving me.
Because of your grace & my faith,
I am not just a forgiven sinner
but also a child of the living God.
Help me to live out my true identity;
and I praise You for such a privilege!
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord Jesus, I praise U when I think
of the fullness of my salvation.
Open my eyes to behold how
utterly immense Your love is.
May I experience more fully
Your incomprehensible love.
Make me complete with the fullness
of life & power that comes from You.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Father God, praise U for revealing
Yourself through Your Son Jesus.
Help me see You more accurately
and love You more each day.
Thank you for Your Word, which
reveals Your love & purpose for me.
And Thank You for Jesus, who has
made it possible for me to have
clearer vision to see You. Amen.

Lamenting & Waiting Upon God

The first book of Psalms (Ps 1-41)
is similar to Genesis. Just as Genesis
tells how man was created, fell into
sin & promised redemption, many
of these psalms discuss man as
blessed, fallen & redeemed by God.
And all but one of today’s psalms
begin with a cry of lament: simply
“O Lord” or “O Lord my God”.
These short but potent phrases
express the psalmist’s desire that
justice prevail (Ps 7), the wicked
be brought low (Ps 9-10) and God’s
holy name be exalted (Ps 8, 11-12).

Dear Lord, You are Good and Able;
and You will settle things for Your
people in Your own perfect timing.
So, we will Trust & Wait upon You
for You are completely In Control.
We will Praise Wholeheartedly for
worshipping is our greatest armour.
We will Rest our eyes Upon You for
we really don’t know what to do.
In Jesus’ mighty name we pray,Amen

Lord, we’ll Trust & Wait Upon You,
for You are completely in Control:
O Lord my God, in You I put my
trust; Save me… and deliver me…
Help all those who obey You.
For You look deep within the
mind & heart, O righteous God.
God is my shield, saving those
whose hearts are true and right…
I will thank the Lord because
He is just; I will sing praise to the
Lord Most High (Ps 7:1, 9-10, 17).
Lord, I invite You into the inner-
most parts of my heart and mind.
Look deep within me, for after all
You know us through & through.
Help me to make daily decisions
to keep the door of my heart and
mind open to You. And help me
to embrace Your presence
in every area of my life. Amen.

Lord, we’ll Praise Wholeheartedly for
worshipping is our greatest armour:
I will praise you, O Lord with all
my heart. I will tell all your wonders.
I will be glad & rejoice in You; I will
sing praise to Your name, O Most
High…For He who avenges blood
remembers; he does not ignore
the cry of the afflicted. Have mercy
on me O Lord! (And) Consider
my trouble (Psa 9:1-2, 12-13).
Lord, grateful for not forgetting me
but that You always remember me.
And that You not ignore my cries
to You whenever I am in need. And
now I praise You in the midst of the
struggles, knowing that worshipping
You is my greatest weapon against
the enemy of my soul. Amen.

Lord, we’ll Rest our eyes Upon You;
for we really don’t know what to do:
Because of the oppression of the
weak & the groaning of the needy,
I will now arise, says the Lord.
I will protect them from those who
malign them. The words of the Lord
are pure words…You shall keep them,
You shall preserve them (Ps 12:5-7).
Lord, thank You for the times You
have protected me from disaster.
And thank You for countless ways
You have kept me from harm that I
am not even aware of. I pray You will
always protect me from anyone who
would try to destroy me. Thanks for
hearing my prayers for protection &
Your promise to keep me safe. Amen

Devoted to God In Word & Prayer

The first book (Psa 1-41), mainly
written by David, is similar to book
of Genesis. Just as Genesis tells
how mankind was created, fell
into sin and promised redemption,
many of these psalms discuss man
as blessed, fallen and redeemed
by God. The first six psalms form a
fitting introduction where we learn
the importance of meditating on
God’s Word (Ps 1), acknowledging
the Lord as King (Ps 2) and being
devoted to prayer (Ps 3-6).

Dear Lord, in appreciation of your
redemption, we purpose to be
Devoted to You in Word and Prayer.
Prompt us to continually think of U,
meditate on Yr words & Do Your will.
Give us the peace that You’ll answer
our prayer in Your way and timing.
Surround us with the shield of love
& grant us Yr favour & favor of men.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord, we yearn joy of Following U:
Blessed is the man who walks
not in the counsel of the ungodly…
But his delight is in the law of the
Lord, and in His law he meditates
day and night. He shall be like
a tree planted by the rivers of
water that brings forth its fruit
in its season… and whatever
he does shall prosper (Ps 1:1-3).
Lord, I want to make You happy,
to Be the kind of person You want
and to Do the work You assigned.
It’s Your counsel I want to follow
and Your side that I want to be on.
Help me to continually think of You,
meditate and respond to Your Words
so that I may experience Yr joy.Amen

Lord, You will Hear when we call:
Answer me when I call to You,
O my righteous God. Give me
relief from my distress; be
merciful to me & hear my prayer.
How long, will You turn my glory
into shame?… Know that the Lord
has set apart the godly for Himself;
the Lord will hear when I call (4:1-3)
Lord, thank You that I am a child
of Yours, set apart for Your glory.
When I pray, help me to have the
peace of knowing You have heard
my prayer and will answer in Your
way and in Your perfect timing.
Show me if there’s anything in
my life that will become a barrier
between me and You so that my
prayers will go unanswered. Amen.

Lord, grant us your Favour:
Listen to my cry for help my King
and my God, for I will never pray
to anyone but You… Because of
Your unfailing love, I can enter
Your house; with deepest awe…
Lead me in the right path, O Lord.
Tell me clearly what to do, and
show me which way to turn…
For You bless the godly, O Lord,
surrounding them with Your
shield of love (Psa 5:1-2, 7-8, 12).
Lord, thank you for being able to
enter your house to worship you.
Lead us down the right paths and
show us which way to turn. Thank
You for surrounding us with the
shield of Your love & favour. Amen.