Category: Blog Announcement

 

Whilst Bible is arranged by genre,
we are meditating chronologically:
Genesis on God’s Plan for creation;
JOB on Sovereignty of God; and
Exodus, Leviticus, Num-Deut on
Deliverance, Holiness & Obedience.
Then Joshua on Obedient Faith,
Judges on God Restoring Repentant;
Ruth on Faithfulness/Redemption;
1 Sam on Rule of God in our heart;
2 Sam on Consequences of sin;
1 Chronicles on Genuine Worship;
Psalms on Hymns of Worship,
1Kgs on United & Divided Kingdom
and Proverbs on practical wisdom.

Continuing, King Solomon is credited
with writing over a thousand songs
in his lifetime. However this is the
one that he calls the ‘Song of Songs’
or the best of all possible songs.
The king’s words weave a tapestry
of love and devotion toward his
young bride, touching both the
joys and heartaches of marriage.
Though interpreters disagree
whether the book is simply a love
poem or the depiction of an actual
event in Solomon’s life, most see
it as an allegory for the Saviour’s
eternal love for His bride the church.

We will meditate on Song of Songs
over one weekend in two divisions:
Song 1-4: Fostering of Love
Song 5-8: Faithfulness of Love
Lord, Help us apply Your truths on
this peculiar book that tells of the
love of a couple and God’s love for
His people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Whilst Bible is arranged by genre,
we are meditating chronologically:
Genesis on God’s Plan for creation;
JOB on Sovereignty of God; and
Exodus, Leviticus, Num-Deut on
Deliverance, Holiness & Obedience.
Then Joshua on Obedient Faith,
Judges on God Restoring Repentant;
Ruth on Faithfulness/Redemption;
1 Sam on Rule of God in our heart;
2 Sam on Consequences of sin;
1 Chronicles on Genuine Worship;
Psalms on Hymns of Worship, and
1Kgs on United & Divided Kingdom.

Continuing, the book of Proverbs
– the Bible’s primer of practical
wisdom, teaches the application
of truth to everyday life. Contained
in this collection of poetry, parables,
and wise maxims are instructions
regarding how to relate to parents
and children, God and government,
sin and self. Solomon the principal
author gives his readers a “divine
handle” on living to please God.

We will meditate on Proverbs over
4 weekends in following 8 divisions:
Pr 1-4: Wise Words to Fear God
Pr 5-9: Wise Words to Avert Pitfalls
Pr 10-13: Wise Words on Learning
Pr 14-17: Wise Words on Attitudes
Pr 18-21: Wise Words for Decisions
Pr22-24: Wise Words for Leaders
Pr25-28:Wise Words on Perspective
Pr29-31: Wise Words on Gratitude
Lord, You are the key to wisdom.
Help us apply Your truths to our life.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

 

Whilst the English Bible is arranged
by types of writings, we meditate
OT chronologically to get better flow:
Genesis on God’s Plan for creation;
JOB on Sovereignty of God; and
Exodus, Leviticus, Num-Deut on
Deliverance, Holiness & Obedience.
Then Joshua on Obedient Faith,
Judges on God Restoring Repentant;
Ruth on Faithfulness/Redemption;
1 Sam on Rule of God in our heart;
2 Sam on Consequences of sin;
1 Chronicles on Genuine Worship;
add PSALMS on Hymns of Worship,
covering Israel’s history up to David.

Continuing, King Solomon’s life is
set forth in the first half of 1 Kings.
Under his leadership, Israel rises
to its peak of power and glory.
The crowning touch comes with
the construction of the temple
in Jerusalem. But Solomon’s zeal
for God cools as pagan wives
turn his heart from godly worship.
Solomon dies a man divided
religiously, leaving behind a nation
divided physically. The next century
sees the decline of two nations,
each growing indifferent to
God’s prophets and precepts.

We will meditate on 1 Kings on the
United and Divided Kingdom over
3 weekends in following 6 divisions:
1Kgs 1-4: Solomon’s Rise
1Kgs 5-8: Solomon’s Temple
IKgs 9-11: Solomon’s Fame
1Kgs 12-16: A Nation Torn
1Kgs 17-19: Ministry of Elijah
1Kgs 20-22: Reign of Ahab

Solomon was the wisest king in
the history of Israel, but his wives
led to the introduction of false gods
and false worship in Israel. It’s good
for us to have wisdom, but that is
not enough; for the highest goal
in life is to obey God. So, help us
Lord such that patience obedience
will characterise our lives. Amen.

Launch of New Series

We have been utilising Scripture
to form prayers so that we learn
to think as God thinks; and pray
within His will thus pleasing Him.
For 2019, we mediated thro the Word
on Thanking God & Hearing God. 
And we begin the first full week of
the new decade with our new series
on Praising God thro Classic Hymns.

From the earliest days of the church,
the singing of hymns has been an
integral part of Christian worship.
In the book of Acts we find Paul
and Silas praying and singing
hymns to God (Acts 16:25) while
chained in the Philippians jail.
And it was the Apostle Paul who
urged believers to “sing psalms
and hymns… to the Lord” (Eph 5:18)
But the tradition of singing in worship
is older than Paul & the early church.
Many centuries earlier, Moses and
His sister Miriam led the nation of
Israel in song after their miraculous
escape through the Red Sea. And
it was King David who composed
numerous psalms expressing both
personal and corporate praise.
And centuries later translations
of the psalms inspire English hymns,
and from there to the rest of world.

Hymn singing is a means for all
believers to express praise to their
Creator and Saviour. It is a way for
all of us to communicate with God
using more than just words. For
it allows us to pour out the grateful
feelings of the heart. So friends,
let’s join the chorus of believers
throughout history as you express
praise and commitment to God.
We’ll be covering 100 classic hymns,
sharing the story behind the hymns,
the scripture that inspires lyrics,
besides prayer response. Look for it!

Whilst the Bible is arranged by
types of writings, we meditate it
Chronologically to get better flow:
Genesis on God’s Plan for creation;
Job on Sovereignty of God; and
Exodus, Leviticus, Num-Deut on
Deliverance, Holiness & Obedience.
Then Joshua on Obedient Faith,
Judges on God Restoring Repentant;
Ruth on Faithfulness/Redemption;
1&2 Samuel on Rule of God in our
heart and the Consequences of sin;
1&2 Chronicles on Genuine Worship
and Psalms on hymns of worship.

Since it’s advent season and for
a change, we go to gospel of Luke;
who presents Jesus as the perfect
Man who came to save sinful people.
Luke builds his narrative on Jesus’
life by tracing the twin themes of
growing belief & growing opposition.
While Jesus’ followers are challenged
to count the cost of discipleship, His
opposers are plotting against Him.
But His death & resurrection validate
His claims, thwart His enemies and
empower His disciples to continue
His ministry to a lost world.

We will meditate Luke gospel over
4 weekends in following 8 divisions:
Lk 1-2: Arrival of the Son of Man
Lk 3-6: Authority of Son of Man
Lk 7-9: Ministry of Son of Man
Lk10-12: Admonition of Son of Man
Lk13-15: Parables of Son of Man
Lk16-18: Parables of Son of Man
Lk19-21: Teaching of Son of Man
Lk22-24: Triumph of Son of Man

Let’s soak in the revelation of our
Saviour, see the love of Jesus for
individuals and appreciate God’s
concern for our wholeness. And
Lord, we worship You in gratitude
and deep adoration. Amen.

Whilst the Bible is arranged by
types of writings, we meditate it
chronologically to get better flow:
Genesis on God’s Plan for creation;
Job on Sovereignty of God; and
Exodus, Leviticus, Num-Deut on
Deliverance, Holiness & Obedience.
Then Joshua on Obedient Faith,
Judges on God Restoring Repentant;
Ruth on Faithfulness/Redemption;
1 Sam on Rule of God in our heart;
2 Sam on Consequences of sin; and
1 & 2 Chronicles on Genuine Worship.

Continuing, the 5 books of Psalms
inspired over period of 10 centuries
were essentially hymns of worship.
Authored by David and six other
writers and used as the temple
hymnbook,these heart-stirring pleas
and praises capture the essence
of what it means to walk with God.
Each of the five sections bears a
topical likeness to a book of the
Pentateuch, and each closes with
a running doxology of Praise !!

Whilst the psalms are not organised
by topic, it’s useful to recognise the
dominant themes in each section:
Book 1 (Ps 1-41) resembles Genesis
on theme of creation & Redemption.
Book 2 (Ps 42-72) resembles Exodus
on theme of Deliverance & Recovery.
Book 3 (Ps 73-89) resembles Levit
on theme of Worshiping holy God.
Book 4 (Ps 90-106) resembles Num
on theme of the Kingdom of God.
Book 5 (Ps 107-150) resembles Deut
on theme of Praise & Thanksgiving.

Psalms Book 1 are mostly laments
and we will meditate on them over
4 weekends in following 7 divisions:
Ps 1-6: Praying thro Darkest Hour
Ps 7-12: Praying thro Waiting Time
Ps 13-18: Praying thro Past Victory
Ps 19-24: Praying thro Protection
Ps 25-30: Praying thro Problems
Ps 31-36: Praying thro Persecution
Ps 37-41: Praying thro Suffering

Dear Brothers and Sisters In Christ,
Life can be challenging and we can
face dark times, long waiting period,
troubling problems, persecution
and undergo suffering. But we don’t
have to face these alone for the
Almighty, Faithful and Loving God
is With Us and long to hear from You.
Let’s together meditate thro Psalms
which offers many model prayers
teaching us how to approach our
compassionate God in prayer, Amen.

Whilst the Bible is arranged by
types of writings, we meditate it
chronologically to get better flow:
Genesis on God’s Plan for creation;
Job on Sovereignty of God; and
Exodus, Leviticus, Num-Deut on
Deliverance, Holiness & Obedience.
Then Joshua on Obedient Faith,
Judges on God Restoring Repentant;
Ruth on Faithfulness/Redemption;
1 Sam on Rule of God in our heart
and 2 Sam on Consequences of sin.

Continuing, the books of 1 & 2 Chron
describe the same period of Jewish
history as 2 Samuel through 2 Kings,
but from a priestly perspective.
After tracing King David’s royal line
back to the beginning, 1 Chronicles
outlines the spiritual significance
of David’s righteous reign, showing
how the nation prospers when
its leaders honour and obey God.
The emphasis is on proper worship
of the one true God – a worship
that David’s life exemplifies.

We will cover 1 Chronicles over two
weekends in following four divisions:-
1Chr 1-9: Genealogies of David
1Chr10-16:David Brings Ark to Jeru
1Chr17-21: God’s Covenant w David
1Chr22-29: David’s Arranges Temple
Let’s meditate through 1 Chronicles,
and be inspired that genuine worship
will be the center of our lives. Amen.

Whilst the Bible is arranged by
types of writings, we meditate it
chronologically to get better flow.
We start with Genesis on God’s
Plan for creation, then meditated
Job on the Sovereignty of God; and
Exodus, Leviticus, Num-Deut on
Deliverance, Holiness & Obedience.
Then Joshua on enjoying God’s
blessing through Obedient Faith,
Judges that God judges against sin
and Restores those who Repent;
Ruth on Faithfulness/Redemption; &
1 Sam on Rule of God in our heart.

Continuing, David the king-elect in
1 Samuel becomes king-enthroned
in 2 Samuel, ruling first over Judah
& then over all Israel. Characterised
at first by victory and success, David
leads Israel to world prominence.
But his reign is soon marred by
the dual sins of adultery & murder.
The aftershocks of turmoil, trouble
and unrest rock the kingdom for
the rest of his life and beyond.
Despite his weaknesses, David
remains “a man after God’s heart”
because of his repentant attitude
& his responsiveness to God’s will.

We’ll cover 2 Samuel in two parts
(David’s Successes & his Struggles)
over 3 weekends in 6 divisions:-
2 Sam 1-4: Divided Nation
2 Sam 5-7: United Nation
2 Sam 8-10: Expanded Nation
2 Sam 11-14: Adultery & Murder
2 Sam 15-20: Revolt & Unrest
2 Sam 21-24: David’s Last Word
Let’s meditate through 2 Samuel,
be inspired to be devoted to God &
weary of consequences of sin. Amen

Whilst the Bible is arranged by
types of writings, we meditate it
chronologically to get better flow.
We start with Genesis on God’s
Plan for creation, then meditated
Job on the Sovereignty of God;
Exodus, Leviticus, Num-Deut on
Deliverance, Holiness & Obedience
before Mark on Jesus the Servant.
Then Joshua on enjoying God’s
blessing through Obedient Faith,
Judges that God judges against sin,
just as He restores those who repent
& Ruth on Faithfulness & redemption.

Following the destructive period of
the judges, Samuel – prophet & king-
maker is called by God to rebuild
Israel spiritually and politically.
In time he anoints Saul as Israel’s
first king. But Saul soon proves
unable to rule even his own heart.
Because Saul lacks a heart for God,
he is rejected by God. Samuel anoints
the young David to take Saul’s place,
which causes fierce rivalry resulting
in David’s flight into the wilderness
to escape the jealous king. The book
ends with Saul’s death – clearing
the way for David’s glorious reign.

We’ll cover the book of 1Samuel over
4 weekends in following 8 divisions:
S1-3: Samuel’s Call
S4-8: Israel’s Defeat
S9-12: Saul’s Selection
S13-15: Saul’s Rejection
S16-19: David in the Court
S20-23: David on the Run
S24-26: David’s Mercy
S27-31: Saul’s Downfall
Let’s meditate through 1 Samuel
and see that establishing monarchy
did not solve Israel’s problems.
God desires the devotion of each
person’s mind and heart to Him.
And nothing can substitute the rule
of God in our heart and life. Amen.

Whilst the Bible is arranged by
types of writings, we meditate it
chronologically to get better flow.
We start with Genesis on God’s
Plan for creation, then meditated
Job on the Sovereignty of God;
Exodus, Leviticus, Num-Deut on
Deliverance, Holiness & Obedience
before Mark on Jesus the Servant
and Joshua on enjoying God’s
blessing through obedient faith.
And for the last three weekends,
we meditated on Judges that God’s
judgment against sin is certain, and
His forgiveness and restoration are
just as certain for those who repent.

Set in the context of unrest during
the time of the Judges, the story of
Ruth is a bright gem of redemption
and hope. Faced with famine and
poverty; Ruth, a young widow,
leaves her native land to travel with
her mother-in-law to Bethlehem.
There she gleans in the field of Boaz,
who becomes her kinsman redeemer
In their marriage, Ruth and Boaz
become ancestors of Messiah Jesus.
With its twin themes of faithfulness
and redemption, the book of Ruth
pictures God’s redeeming love and
His faithful devotion to all mankind.

We’ll cover the book of Rutj over
one weekend in following 2 divisions:
R1-2: Ruth’s Faithfulness Revealed
R3-4: Ruth’s Faithfulness Rewarded
Let’s meditate through Ruth and
see how three people remained
strong in character and true to God
even when the world around them
was collapsing. And strengthen our
faith in the Lord. Amen and amen.