Month: May 2020

A Theological Reflection

From the earliest days of the church
the singing of hymns had 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 Philippian jail.
It was also apostle Paul who charged
believers to Be filled with the Spirit,
singing psalms, hymns and spiritual
songs… to the Lord (Eph 5:18-20).

But the tradition of hymn singing in
worship is far older than Paul and
the early church. Centuries earlier,
King David, Israel’s beloved singer,
who composed numerous psalms
expressing both personal and
corporate praise. And centuries
later, translations of the psalms
would provide the nurturing cradle
for the composition of English
and then American hymns.

I write daily meditation on the theme
of “Praising God thro Hymns” being
convicted by Rom 1:18-21 that
after knowing the attributes of God,
Praising and Thanking Him is the
only appropriate response, lest we
fall to uncleanness, vile passions
and debased mind (v24, 26, 28).
To help recall a day’s meditation,
it has been my practise to mark in
the Bible a spiritual song or hymn
that best reflects the day’s theme.
And I find singing a hymn helps
me to meditate on God’s Word.

After five months of meditation
on the theme of Praising God,
PrayerThots presents the Top 100
hymns that fit its three criteria of
being melodious classic hymns,
significant scriptural passage and
meaningful hymn story or lyrics.
Listed just below are the broad
categories; and at rear full listing
with Bible text that inspired them.

Content by Books:
1) Laws & History: 5
2) Psalms: 20
3) Isaiah: 5
4) Prophets: 5
5) Matthew: 5
6) John: 10
7) Romans: 5
8) Ephesians: 5
9) Philippians: 5
10) 1&2 Timothy: 5
11) Hebrews: 5
12) 1 John: 5
13) Selection: 20
Total Count: 100

Although there are 66 books in the
Bible, we find hymn writers (of hymns
fitting its three criteria of significant
scripture, melodious & meaningful
lyrics) find inspiration from only 10
or just one-sixth of Biblical books.
This observation is rather intriguing
that warrants a closer look as
hymns help us to worship God.

Hymn writers find most inspiration
from Psalms, which is to be expected
being mostly a collection of lament
prayers as well as praise & worship.
The other Old Testament book being
featured goes to the prophetic book
of Isaiah, with its message of calling
the nation of Judah back to God and
to share salvation thro the Messiah.

On NT, the top gospel is John proving
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and
believing Him, we have eternal life.
This is followed by Matthew Gospel,
which proves Jesus is the Messiah,
fulfilling prophecies as Eternal King.
There are six epistles featured:
Rom on Doctrine of Faith In Christ;
Eph on Church as Body of Christ;
Phil on Joy of Suffering for Christ;
2Tim on Endurance for Christ;
Heb on Sufficiency of Christ; and
1John on Living in Light of Christ.
Overall, three quarters of hymns
were inspired by New Testament,
which reinstates our faith is much
about Christ, who is our All In All.

Whilst hymns may be traditional, it
is important to carry on the tradition
of hymn singing as hymns are valued
more for its lyrics than its melody.
The singing of hymns is a means for
believers young and old to express
praise to their Creator and Savior.
It’s also a way for us to communicate
with God using more than just words.
For they enable us to express fully
the grateful feelings of our hearts;
the experience of forgiveness and
the gracious work of the Holy Spirit.

Join the chorus of believers through
-out history to express commitment
and praise to God thro their words.
As the great hymn writer Isaac What
said: “The singing of God’s praise
is the part of worship most closely
related to heaven.” And we can look
forward to the day when all believers
past, present & future will join in one
great chorus around God’s throne,
singing the hymn: Holy Holy Holy,
Lord God Almighty!! Amen & Amen.

Praising God thro Hymns (Series 5)
20 Weeks (6 Jan to 22 May 2020)
———————————–
Week 1: Laws & History (Jan 6-10)
Jehovah Jireh My Provider (Gen 22)
Nearer My God to Thee (Gen 28)
Leaning On Everlasting Arms(Deu33)
God of Grace & God of Glory (Josh 1)
Come Thou Font of Blessing(1Sam 7)

Week 2: Psalms Book 1 (Jan 13-17)
Be Thou My Vision (Psalm 16)
The Lord’s My Shepherd (Ps 23)
Abide With Me (Psalm 27)
He Leadeth Me (Psalm 31)
This is My Father’s World (Ps 33)

Week 3: Psalms Book 2 (Jan 20-24)
As the Deer Panteth (Ps 42)
Be Still My Soul (Psalm 46)
All the Way My Saviour Leads (Ps 48)
Rock of Ages We Rely On (Ps 62)
Jesus Shall Reign (Psalm 72)

Week 4: Psalms Book 3/4 (Jan 27-31)
Precious Lord Take My Hand (Ps 73)
I Need Thee Every Hour (Ps 86)
Just A Closer Walk (Psalm 86)
God Will Take Care of You (Ps 91)
Praise to the Lord Almighty (Ps 103)

Week 5: Psalms Book 5 (Feb 3-7)
Open My Eyes That I May See(Ps119)
Thy Word: Light to My Path (Ps 119)
Bringing In the Sheaves (Ps 126)
Search Me O God (Psalm 139)
To God be the Glory (Ps 145)

Week 6: Isaiah (Feb 10-14)
Jesus Paid It All (Isaiah 1)
Here I Am Lord (Isaiah 6)
How Great Thou Art (Isa 40)
At the Cross Saviour Bleed (Isa 53)
Guide Me O Thou Great Jeh (Isa 58)

Week 7: Prophets (Feb 17-21)
Have Thine Own Way (Jer 18)
Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Lam 3)
There’s A Fountain (Zech 13)
Our God:Ancient of Days (Dan 7)
Our God: Refiner’s Fire (Mal 3)

Week 8: Matthew (Feb 24-28)
Jesus Calls Us (Matthew 4)
Seek Ye First (Matthew 6)
Softly & Tenderly (Matthew 11)
Love Lifted Me (Matthew 14)
I’d Rather Have Jesus (Matt 16)

Week 9: John (Mar 2-6)
Lamb of God (John 1)
Jesus Loves Me (John 3)
Just As I Am (John 6)
Wonderful Words of Life (John 6)
Saviour Like Shepherd Lead us(Jn10)

Week 10: John (Mar 9-13)
In the Sweet By and By (John 14)
Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus(Jn14)
I’ve Found a Friend (John 15)
Grace & Mercy At Calvary (John 19)
In the Garden With Jesus (John 20)

Week 11: Romans (Mar 16-20)
Christ for the World We Sing (Rom 1)
It Is Well With My Soul (Rom 5)
And Can It Be (Romans 8)
I Stand Amazed (Romans 11)
Take My Life & Let It Be (Rom 12)

Week 12: Ephesians (Mar 23-27)
Amazing Grace (Eph 2)
Blest Be the Tie That Binds (Eph 4)
O Master Let Me Walk (Eph 5)
Stand Up Stand Up for Jesus (Eph6)
Sweet Hour of Prayer (Eph 6:18)

Week 13: Philippians (Mar 30-Apr 3)
I Surrender All (Phil 3)
When I Survey the W Cross (Phil 3)
Love Divine All Love Excelling (Phil 3)
What A Friend We Have In Jesus (P4)
Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee (Phil 4)

Week 14: Second Timothy (Apt 6-10)
God of Grace & God of Glory (2Tim1)
I Know Whom I Have Believed (2Tim1)
We Want to Pass It On (2Tim 2:1-3)
Onward Xian Soldiers (2Tim 2:3-5)
Channels Only (2Tim 2:20-21)

Week 15: Hebrews (Apr 13-17)
O Jesus I Have Promised (Heb 6)
Standing on the Promises (Heb 6)
Blessed Assurance (Heb 10)
Faith of Our Fathers (Heb 12)
Yesterday Today Forever (Heb 13)

Week 16: 1st John (Apt 20-24)
My Hope Is Built (IJn 1)
My Jesus I Love Thee (1Jn 4)
We’ll Love, Trust & Obey (1Jn 5:1-2)
We Shall Overcome (1Jn 5:2-5)
Victory in Jesus (1Jn 5:4-5, 14-15)

Week 17: Selection (Apr 27-May 1)
Jesus Lover of My Soul (Psa 17)
Mighty Fortress Is Our God (Ps 46)
Wideness In God’s Mercy (Ps 100)
Thank God for My Redeemer(Ps 105)
Publish Glad Tidings of Peace(Isa40)

Week 18: Selection (May 4-8)
Cross Crowded Way of Life (Mt 25)
I Have Decided To Follow Jesus (Lk9)
Acc to Thy Gracious Word (Lk 22)
I Love to Tell the Story (Acts 1)
God of the Earth, Sky & Sea (Acts 17)

Week 19: Selection (May 11-15)
Grace Greater than Our Sin (Rom 5)
Day by Day God With Us (2Cor 4)
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (Col 3)
Take Time to be Holy (1Thess 5)
Fight the Good Fight (I Tim 6)

Week 20: Selection (May 18-22)
I am Thine O Lord (James 5)
The Old Rugged Cross (1Pet 2)
Know More About Jesus (2Pet 1)
Holy Holy Holy LGA (Revelation 4)
All Hail Power of Jesus’ Name(Rev19)

Navigation to View Hymn Devotion:
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–> Select Date of Hymn

Worship Only the Lord Your God

Raised by a godly father & grand-
father Jehoram marries the wicked
daughter of Ahab and Jezebel,
embraces her pagan deities & leads
nation into idol worship once again.
In rapid succession, his son, wife
and grandson come to the throne
Then Joash and Amaziah both
become long-reigning Kings
with half-hearted commitments.
King Uzziah does mighty things
for Judah both militarily and
architecturally; but spiritually
his life resembles a roller coaster
and dies a leper’s death for his
half-hearted devotion to God.
By contrast, his grandson Ahaz
is wholehearted in his zeal for
false gods and pagan practices.

Dear Lord, thanks for the record
of the tragic stories of Judah that
highlight the importance of being
wholehearted in obeying Your laws.
Help us learn from King Joash days
that we will Worship Only You.
Help us learn from King Uzziah days
that we will Be Weary of Pride.
Help us learn from King Ahaz days
that we will Be Faithful to You.
Above all, help us Stay Connected
and Be Wholehearted to You. Amen.

Lord, we will Worship Only You:
After Jehoida’s death, the leaders
of Judah persuaded King Joash
to abandon the Temple and they
worshipped idols instead! Because
of this sin, divine anger fell on Judah.
Yet the Lord sent prophets to bring
them back to Him but the people
would not listen. Then the Spirit of
God came to Zechariah (and) said:
Why disobey the Lord’s commands
& keep yourselves from prospering?
You’ve abandoned the Lord & now
He has abandoned u (2Chr24:17-21)
Lord, help us not to let good times
lure us into false sense of security.
Help us not to think having more
will enhance our love for You God.
Help us realise that You Lord alone
deserves our ultimate allegiance.
And that Serving You is something
we must consciously choose. Amen

Lord, we will Humble Before You:
King Uzziah did what was
pleasing in the Lord’s sight…
Uzziah sought God during the
days of Zechariah, who instructed
him in the fear of the Lord.
And as long as the king sought
the Lord, God gave him success…
But when he had become powerful,
he also became proud, which led
to his downfall. He sinned against
the Lord by entering the sanctuary
of the Lord’s temple and personally
burning incense on the altar… But
as he was standing there with the
priests before the incense altar in
the Lord’s Temple, leprosy suddenly
broke out on his forehead (26:4-19)
Lord, help us to seek after You
knowing it will lead us to success.
And help us to be Watchful and
weary of becoming proud after
one becomes successful. Amen.

Lord, we will Be Faithful to You:
At that time King Ahaz of Judah
asked the king of Assyria for help.
The armies of Edom had again
invaded Judah & taken captives.
And the Philistines had raided
towns in the foothills of Judah…
(God) was humbling Judah because
King Ahaz…encouraged his people
to sin & had been utterly unfaithful
to the Lord. So when King of Assyria
arrived, he attacked Ahaz instead
of helping him (2Chron 28:16-20)
Lord, help us respond to troubles
as our teachers. For we know that
through hardship, God disciplines
His children in love. And that rough
times give us a chance to grow.
So when facing difficulties, help
us O God, to turn to You. Amen.

Committing to Do God’s Will

Jehoshaphat knows the key
to spiritual revival in the nation
is a renewed interest in and
commitment to the law of the Lord.
He institutes a nation-wide “Bible
study program”, an effort which God
blesses with peace and prosperity.
In contrast to his predecessors,
Jehoshaphat manages to make
peace with the king of Israel.
But a friendly visit nearly costs him
his life as he becomes entangled
in a war between Israel and Syria.

Dear Lord, help us learn from the
experience of King Jehoshaphat
that Your Word is the key to
success and true spirituality.
Help us to Feed-on Your Word;
Help us to Follow Your Direction;
Help us to Obey Your Precepts.
For Thy Word is a lamp unto
our feet and a light unto our path!
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Lord, we’ll Feed-on Your Word:
In the third year of his reign,
Jehoshaphat sent out his officials
to teach in all the towns of Judah.
They took copies of the Book of
the Law of the Lord and travelled
around through all the towns
of Judah, teaching the people.
Then the fear of the Lord fell over all
the surrounding kingdoms so that
none of them declared war on him.
Some Philistines brought him gifts
as tribute. So Jehoshaphat became
more & more powerful (2Chr 17:7-12)
Lord, we purpose to have regular
personal devotion and even
family devotion in certain cases.
For knowing God’s Word is the
first step to live as we should.
Grant us grace to be disciplined
in this spiritual imperative. Amen.

Lord, we’ll Follow Your Direction:
Ahab king of Israel said to
Jehoshaphat king of Judah:
Will you join me to attack Ramoth
Gilead? Jehoshaphat replied: let’s
first find out what the Lord says…
Lord said: Who will persuade Ahab
to go up that he may fall at Gilead?..
Now Ahab said to Jehoshaphat: As
we go into battle, I’ll disguise myself,
but you wear your royal robes…
When the captains saw Jehoshaphat,
they surrounded him to attack; but
Jehoshaphat cried out and the Lord
helped him & diverted them from him.
An Aramean soldier…randomly shot
an arrow at the Israelite troops & the
arrow hit the king of Israel between
the joints of his armour(2Chr18:3-33)
Lord, Help us not merely ask for
Your direction but also to Follow
it once it’s given. And strenghten
our faith in Your Word & delivering
power. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen

Lord, we’ll Obey Your Precepts:
Jehoshaphat was a good king,
following the ways of his father,
Asa. He did what was pleasing
in the Lord’s sight. During his
reign however he failed to remove
all the pagan shrines, and the
people never fully committed
themselves to following the God
of their ancestors (2Chr 20:32-33).
Lord, let us not take neglect
spending time with You. For we
need Your guidance both in easy
days and when facing difficulties.
Let us not take Your love for granted
but instead purpose to Follow Your
instructions and depend on You.
Grant us Lord grace each day
as we trust in Your control. Amen.

All Hail Power of Jesus’ Name

Edward Perronet (1726-1792)
was not an easy person to get along
with. After being a minister in the
Anglican Church for some time,
he became fed up with what he
felt was the church’s “Nonsense”
and joined with the Wesleys.
But Perronet soon broke with the
Wesleys over the issue of who
could administer the sacraments.
He joined a group called Connexion
but later broke with them as well.
It was as a minister of an
independent church at Canterbury
that he wrote this majestic hymn.
Whether Perronet intended or not,
the hymn points to the time all
believers in Christ- irregardless
of petty disagreements will join
together in a celestial chorus.

Jesus, we Hail You as Lord of All:
Then I saw heaven opened, and
a white horse was standing there.
Its rider was named Faithful
and True, for He judges fairly
and wages a righteous war.
His eyes were like flames of fire
& on His head were many crowns…
He was clothed with a robe dipped
in blood and His name is called The
Word of God (Rev 19:11-13). Amen.

Lord Jesus, Thank You for sacrificing
on the cross & through resurrection
becoming our Lord and Saviour.
Thank You for being our friend and
that we can pray directly to You.
You made us at creation; redeemed
us at Calvary and uphold all things.
Forgive us for our lack of faith in You
and Your power from time to time.
Help us when we face difficulties,
to remember that You are almighty;
You care & we can trust You. Amen.

Lord, we confess tendency to call
the shots in various areas of life.
Forgive us for failing to recognise
You in Your rightful place as Lord
& not giving the honour due to You.
Forgive us for times we pressed
on our own agenda rather than
advancing Your kingdom agenda.
Align our thots & desires to Yours;
and grant us the grace & strength
to pray ‘Thy will be done’. Amen.

Lord, Give us a kingdom mindset
and help us advance Your agenda.
Show us Lord how to live in a way
that will advance Your agenda.
Enable us to be the kind of people
and do the work that You desire.
Help us Lord discover the calling
You’ve planned for each of us. And
Equip us to serve U & Your kingdom
in the way You desire and deserve.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

All hail the power of Jesus’ name;
let angels prostrate fall;
bring forth the royal diadem to
crown him, crown him,
crown him, crown him Lord of all…
Ye seed of Israel’s chosen race,
ye ransomed from the fall,
hail him who saves u by his grace
and crown him, crown him,
crown him, crown him Lord of all…
Let every tribe and every tongue,
responsive to the call,
lift high the universal song,
and crown him, crown him,
crown him, crown him Lord of all.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=i3-SwidavfU

Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty

Reginald Heber was always trying
to improve the music at the Anglican
Church he served in Hodnet England.
This could be the world’s greatest
hymn. After serving 16 years as
a parish priest in England, Heber
accepted the call to become
the bishop of Calcutta. Whether
in England as he surveyed the
prevalence of vice, or in India,
where he was surrounded by the
worship of false gods, Heber was
impressed with the holiness of
God. Only Thou art holy, he wrote.

Lord, You’re Worthy of All Glory:
The four living creatures… keep on
saying: Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord
God the Almighty the one who
always was, who is & who is to come.
The 24 elders fall down & worship..
and they lay their crowns before
the throne and say: You are
worthy O Lord our God to receive
glory and honour and power.
For You created everything, and
for Your pleasure that they exist
and were created (Rev 4:8-11).

Father God, You are worthy of it
all; and we join the host of heaven
in proclaiming that You are holy.
We praise You for Your Goodness
& You are worthy of our devotion.
Deliver us when we draw near
to You from coldness of heart
and wandering of mind. Instead
grant us wholehearted affection
and steadfast thoughts that we
may worship You in spirit & in truth,
thro Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord, Thank You for the picture
of Your holiness and glory
being celebrated in heaven.
You are worthy! It is for You and
because of You that all things exist.
Give us glimpses of how infinite,
limitless and majestic You are
so that Your glory is our focus.
Draw us into worship of You Lord.
We lay down our crowns before U.
And all that we’ve done and all
that we are, we give to You. Amen.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God
Almighty! Early in the morning
our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful & mighty!
God in 3 Persons, blessed Trinity!!!
Holy holy holy tho darknes hide Thee
Though the eye of sinful man
Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy none beside Thee
Perfect in pow’r in love and purity…
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy name
In earth and sky and sea;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful & mighty!
God on 3 Persons, blessed Trinity!

Know More About Jesus

Eliza Hewitt (born in Philadelphia
1851) wrote this hymn as she was
studying the promises of God that
had been fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The more she studied, the more
excited she became as she saw
scripture fulfilled in every aspect
of Christ’s life. All of scripture,
she discovered, focused on Jesus.
It is significant that Hewitt was so
faithfully seeking God at this point
in her life; for at that time she was
recovering from severe spinal injury.

Lord, we will know more of You:
May God give you more and more
grace and peace as you grow in
your knowledge of God and Jesus
our Lord. As we Know Jesus Better,
His divine power gives us everything
we need for living a godly life…
And by the same mighty power,
He Has Given Us all of His rich and
wonderful promises & that you will
share in His divine nature, having
escaped the corruption in the world
caused by evil desires (2 Pet 1:2-4)

Lord Jesus, my Saviour and my
God, I desire to know You more.
Grant me know You so well that I
don’t worry about needing anything.
And that my faith will be so focused
on You, knowing You as my Provider.
Teach me Lord Your promises
and lift my faith to believe them.
And grant me to reflect Your glory,
rather than the values of the world.
Enable me know You more & more.
In Jesus’ powerful name. Amen.

Lord, it is indeed a relief to know
and be reminded that it is not up
to me to supply everything needed;
for I am simply not up to the task.
But You Lord is good enough and
powerful enough to give everything
that I need for living a godly life.
Grant me the faith to take hold of
Your promises, share in Your nature
and thereby escape the world’s
corruption caused by human desires.
In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

More about Jesus would l know,
More of His grace to others show,
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me…
More, more about Jesus,
More, more about Jesus;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me…
More about Jesus; in His Word,
More of His holy will discern;
Hearing His voice ev’ry line,
Making each faithful saying mine.

We Adore The Old Rugged Cross

Born in 1873, George Bennard
went through a trying experience
which caused him to reflect on
the significance of the Cross.
After many hours in study and
prayer, he concluded that the
Cross was the heart of the Gospel.
While conducting revival services,
Bennard was inspired to write a
hymn with words that “were put into
my heart in answer to my own need.”
The hymn was “The Old Rugged
Cross,” and soon after its intro in
Michigan in 1913, it was being sung
throughout the America & the world.

Lord, we simply Adore You:
For to this you were called,
because Christ Also Suffered
for us, leaving us an Example…
He did not retaliate when He was
insulted, nor threaten revenge
when He suffered. He Left
His case in the Hands of God…
He personally Carried Our Sins
in His body On The Cross so that
we can be dead to sin and live
for what is right (1Pet 2:21-24).

Lord Jesus, You suffered unjustly,
and yet You did not retaliate at all.
Rather You entrusted Yourself
to the One who judges fairly.
Lord, I know that when I suffer
You become what I need. Change
me to be who You want me to be.
Help me to see my suffering as a
means to experience Your presence.
Help me to see suffering as a means
to be transformed into Your likeness.
Help me to desire to be like You
more than I desire a pain-free life.
Help me to entrust my life to You,
the One who judges fairly. Amen.

Heavenly Father, thank You for
sending Jesus to die for my sins.
To the world the cross is utter
foolishness; but to us whom
are saved, it is the sacrificial
love of God to give His only Son.
And through the resurrection,
the Cross also symbolizes the
victory Jesus won. And it is the
power of God in our life. Amen.

Lord, it’s so easy to fill our lives
with pride and self, overlooking
what Jesus has done for us all.
But the Cross reminds us of the
heavy price Jesus paid. For the
dear Lamb of God left His glory
above to bear it to dark Calvary.
So, I’ll cling to the old rugged Cross
& exchange it some day for a crown
I am eternally grateful to You. Amen.

On a hill far away stood
an old rugged cross, the
emblem of suffering & shame;
And I love that old cross
where the dearest and best for
a world of lost sinners was slain…
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross
‘Til my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross
& exchange it some day for a crown…
To the old rugged cross
I will ever be true, Its
shame & reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day
to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.

I Am Thine O Lord

Cincinnati Ohio was the birthplace
of this favourite hymn. Fanny Crosby
(b1820), the prolific blind poetess,
was visiting her friend William
Doane in his home. The sun was
setting & their conversation turned
to the nearness of God. Crosby
was touched by their talk & wrote
the words of this hymn before
she retired that night. And Doane
added the music in the morning.

Lord, Draw Us Nearer to You:
God sets Himself against the
proud but He shows favour
to the humble. So humble
yourselves before God. Resist
the devil and he will flee from you.
Draw Close to God, and God will
Draw Close to you (James 4:6-8).

Lord, I want to see evidence of Your
work, Your voice and Your presence.
As I seek to observe You, do make
Yourself more observable to me.
Lord, I know that I can’t come to You
unless You draw me. But You also
don’t come to me unless I draw
near to You. However that mutual
attraction works, I want more of it.
Please come close Lord. Amen.

Lord Jesus thankful U my Saviour
desires me to be close to You.
Grateful for Your sacrificial love.
and I truly belong to You Lord.
Help me to be ready to do Your
will and to take up the cross daily.
But I acknowledge that I can’t
navigate this journey on my own.
Draw me nearer to U God so that I
can commune as friend with friend.
Draw me nearer nearer Lord. Amen.

I am Thine O Lord, I have heard
Thy voice And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee…
Draw me nearer,
nearer blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died
Draw me nearer, nearer
nearer blessed Lord,
To Thy precious bleeding side…
O the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer
And with Thee my God,
I commune as friend with friend!

Remain Reliant On God

Abijah, king of Judah, is used by
God to discipline Jeroboam, king of
Israel. During their battle, 500,000
Israelites fall, a shattering defeat
from which Jeroboam will never
fully recover. What Abijah achieves
in the military sphere, Asa attempts
to duplicate in the spiritual realm.
He removes all traces of foreign
religion from the land & commands
the people to return to the careful
observance of God’s statutes.
But towards the end of his reign,
Asa faces a threat from Baasha
(king of Israel) & seeks an alliance
of protection with the king of Syria.

Lord, thank You for the inspired
word from 2 Chron 14-16 on the
life of King Asa that reveals lessons
on the need to have Faith In You.
Praise You Lord for being Almighty,
Fully Good & Faithful to Your Word.
And recognising in life there are
many crucial decisions to be made,
help us to seek counsel from You
and remember Your mighty deeds.
Help us to Seek Help From You;
Help us to Be Committed To You;
Help us to Trust Fully IN You. Amen.

Lord, help us to Seek Help From U:
King Asa had an army of 300,000
warriors from tribe of Judah and
280,000 from tribe of Benjamin.
Once an Ethiopian named Zerah
attacked Judah with an army of
1 million men and 300 chariots…
Then Asa cried to the Lord his God
O Lord, no one but You can help
the powerless against the mighty!
Help us O Lord our God, for we
trust in You alone. It is in Your name
that we have come against this
vast horde. O Lord, You are our
God; don’t let this mere men
prevail against You! So the Lord
defeated the Ethiopians in the
presence of Asa…(2Chr 14:8-12).
Lord, we cry out to You who can
help when the odds are against us.
Help us exercise faith daily, that
we might naturally look up to You
during peaceful & stormy times.
Thank You for peaceful times and
Your strength during chaos. Amen.

Lord, help us to Be Committed to U:
Then they entered into a covenant
to seek the Lord with all their heart.
They agreed that anyone who
refused to seek the Lord would be
put to death… Eagerly they sought
after God and they found Him.
And the Lord gave them rest
from their enemies on every side…
Although he did not remove the
high places from Israel, Asa’s
heart was Fully Committed to the
Lord all his life (2Chron 15:12-17).
Lord, we learnt that decisive and
whole-hearted Commitment
pleases You and results in peace.
Help us to remember to pray to
You in the good times as we do
in challenging times. Enable us
Lord to always keep our hearts
open to Your high purpose. Amen.

Lord, help us to Trust Fully In You:
Hanani the seer came to King Asa
and told him: Because you have
Put Your Trust in the king of Aram
instead of the Lord your God, you
missed your chance to destroy
the army of the king of Aram. Don’t
you remember what happened
to the Ethiopians and Libyans
and their vast army, with all their
chariots and horsemen? At that
time you relied on the Lord and
He handed them call over to you.
The eyes of the Lord search the
whole earth in order to strengthen
those whose hearts are fully
committed to Him. What a fool
you have been! From now on,
you will be at war (2 Chron 16:7-9).
Lord, help us to remember Your
past mighty deeds. Grant us the
faith that You are in full control
of the circumstances and help
us to Trust You fully and to stay
fully committed to You. Amen.

Complacency Leads To Discipline

After Solomon’s death, the nation
turns from worship to waywardness
in its commitment to God. Solomon’s
Son Rehoboam imposes a foolish
tax increase, prompting a bitter
division of His kingdom. On the
verge of civil war with Jeroboam
(the newly established king of the
northern 10 tribes), Rehoboam
obeys the word of the prophet and
breaks off the conflict. But once
His kingdom is established, he
forsakes the law of the Lord yet
again. God sends a stinging rebuke
in the person of Shishsak, king of
Egypt, who defeats Rohoboam’s
army and plunders the wealth
of the Lord’s house.

Lord, we notice from 2Chron 10-12
Rehoboam’s up and down spiritual
life. When times were tough, he
turned to God and when things were
running smoothly, he forsook God.
Help us to Learn Not Be Complacent.
Help us to Seek Your Counsel.
Help us to Heed Your Warning.
Help us to Trust Your Word.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord, we will seek Your Counsel:
Then King Rehoboam went to
discuss with the older men who
counselled His father Solomon:
What is your advise? He asked.
The older counsellors replied:
If you do good to the people
and show them kindness and
do your best to please them,
they will always be your loyal
subjects. But Rehoboam rejected
the advice of the elders and
instead asked the opinion of the
young men who had grown up
with him and who were now
his advisors (2 Chron 10:6-8).
Lord, help us learn fr the mistake
of King Rehoboam. We will ask
You God for wisdom to discern the
better option in decision making.
And also pay extra consideration
to the suggestion of those who
know the situation better. Amen.

Lord, we will Heed Your Warning:
Thus says the Lord: You shall not
go up or fight against your brethren!
Let every man return to his house…
Therefore they obeyed the words
of the Lord and turned back from
attacking Jeroboam. So Rehoboam
dwelt in Jerusalem and built cities
for defense in Judah (2Chr 11:4-5).
Those from all the tribes of Israel,
such as set their heart to seek
the Lord God of Israel, came to
Jerusalem to sacrifice to the Lord
God of their fathers. So they
strengthened the kingdom of Judah
and made Rehoboam the son of
Solomon strong for three years, for
they walked in the way of David and
Solomon for three years (v16-17).
Lord, we learn from episode that
Rehoboam would not proper if he
should go contrary to Your Warning.
Help us to submit to Your will even
concerning what had been lost;
for You know what’s best. Amen.

Lord, we will Rely on Your Word:
The prophet Shemiah then met with
Rehoboam and Judah’s leaders,
who had fled to Jerusalem because
of Shishak. Shemaiah told them:
This is what the Lord says: You have
abandoned me so I am abandoning
you to Shishak. The king and the
leaders of Israel humbled themselves
and said: The Lord is right in doing
this to us! When the Lord saw
their change of heart, He gave this
message to Shemaiah: Since the
people have humbled themselves,
I will not completely destroy them
and will soon give them some relief.
I will not use Shishak to pour out my
anger on Jerusalem (2Chr 12:5-7).
Lord, help me to keep my eyes on
You and on the truth of Your Word.
You are just and fair in all You do.
When I am suffering, keep me from
complaining and doubting. Instead
guide me Lord to rely fully on Your
upright character. In Jesus’ name.