Month: September 2020

Have Faith Not Doubt (Sep 25)

The final week of Jesus’ earthly life
occupies more space in the gospels
than any other stage of His ministry.
Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem coincides
with the preparation for Passover.
Though events move quickly, Jesus
is not hurried. There is time to clean
out the temple, watch the widow
contributes her two mites and give
final instructions to the disciples.

Lord, we Pray In Faith & Not Doubt:
Jesus said: Have Faith In God.
For assuredly I say to you, whoever
says to this mountain: Be removed
and does Not Doubt in his heart,
But Believes that those things
he says will be done, he will have
whatever he says. Therefore I say
to you, whatever things you ask
when you pray, Believe that you
receive them & you will have them.
And… if you have anything against
anyone, Forgive him, that your
Father in heaven may also forgive
you your trespasses (Mark 11:22-26)

Lord, I have faith in You, the
Almighty, all loving faithful God.
And I believe that You reward
those who diligently seek You.
Lord, I place this issue before
You In Faith and Without Doubt
and seeking Your face and will.
Your Word says if I ask anything
according to Your will, You hear me
and I can have what I ask of You.
Into Your hand I surrender. Amen.

Lord, I come to You with my need
and desire, asking You In Faith and
claiming the promise in Mark 11:24.
Trust that the need is within Your
will; and implore You to reward
those who diligently seek You.
I know that in Your sovereignty,
You do things Your way & Your time.
But Father God, I plead for Your
mercy for it’s been such a long
time that I have been asking You.
So grant me Your favor and favour
of men as soon as possible. Amen.

Lord, I don’t want Your Presence to
be quenched due to unforgiveness.
I don’t want to hinder Yr forgiveness
because I’ve not forgiven someone.
Instead I want to receive Yr blessing
because I have forgiven someone.
Reveal any place in my heart where
I have not yet forgiven someone.
And create in me a forgiving spirit
that sees others as You do. Amen.

Pray Fervently In Faith (Sep 24)

As opposition to Jesus’ ministry
increases, it is no longer safe
to move openly in Galilee. So Jesus
traverses the regions of Decapolis,
Caesarea Philippi & Perea, thereby
avoiding the crowds and the deadly
plots of the religious leaders.
In the final days of His ministry,
Jesus begins to prepare His
disciples for the faithful journey to
Jerusalem that will mark the end
of His life and the beginning of
their role as bearers of glad tidings.

Lord, we’ll Believe & Pray Fervently:
Teacher, my son has a mute spirit.
I spoke to Your disciples that they
should cast it out but they could not..
The evil spirit often makes him fall into the fire or into the water, trying
to kill him. Have mercy on us and
help us. Do something if you can.
“What do you mean: If I can?”
Jesus asked Anything is possible
if a person believes. The father instantly replied: I do believe, but
help my unbelief (Mk9:22-24).
His disciples asked Him privately:
Why could we not cast it out? So
He said: This kind can come out by nothing but prayer & fasting (v29).

Lord, thank you for the powerful
promise that anything is possible
to anyone Who Believes. But I
realise I can’t believe a desired
outcome into being. And I can’t
manipulate U into doing anything.
Instead I believe in Who You are;
U are the Almighty God, Lord of the
Impossible & Lord of the outcome.
Lord Jesus I trust solely In You; and
I entrust this situation to You. Amen

Lord, You know the deep thoughts
within my heart. When my faith
is weak or I struggle with Doubts
about Your care for me, enable me
to turn to You & be honest about it.
And may every step I take towards
U take away the doubt & unbelief.
I believe in Your power to do any
thing. And grant me great trust
and faith in You. In Jesus’ name.

Lord, I see in Your Word that
prayer is the key to being set free
and prayer with fasting together
is even more powerful. Help me
to understand the authority You
have given me in prayer to release
Your power from heaven in order
to see freedom happen in my life
and in the lives of those for whom
I pray. In Jesus mighty name, Amen

Trust the Bread of Life (Sep 23)

Sayings of the Servant (Mk 8-10):
As opposition to Jesus’ ministry
increases, it is no longer safe
to move openly in Galilee. So
Jesus traverses the regions of
Decapolis, Caesarea & Perea,
thereby avoiding the crowds and
deadly plots of religious leaders.
In the concluding days of His
earthly ministry, Jesus begins
to prepare His disciples for the
faithful journey to Jerusalem
that will mark the end of His life
and the beginning of their role
as bearers of the glad tidings.

Lord, we Trust Your Provision:
Another great crowd had gathered,
and the people ran out of food again.
Jesus called his disciples and told
them: I feel sorry for these people…
How many loaves of bread do you
have? He asked. (Mark 8:2-5).
When the Pharisees heard that
Jesus had arrived, they came to
argue with him. Testing him to see if
he was from God, they demanded:
Give us a miraculous sign to prove
yourself. When he heard this, he
sighed and said: Why do you keep
demanding a miraculous sign(v11-12)
Whoever desires to come after Me,
let him deny himself, and take up
his cross & follow Me… Whoever
loses his life for My sake and the
gospel’s will save it. For what will it
profit a man if he gains the whole
world, and loses his soul? (v34-36)

Lord, we are amazed by the miracle
U performed to feed the multitude.
Thank You Lord for the ways You
are still providing for our needs
even as we put our trust in You.
There are many people who are
physically and spiritually hungry.
Prepare us, strengthen us and
use us to partner with You in
what You are doing on earth. Amen

Lord, forgive me when I demand
evidence of Your power instead
of thanking You for all that You do.
Open my eyes to see the works
of Your hand everywhere I look.
With all my heart I welcome
Your presence however You
choose to reveal Yourself to me.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord, You promise that we will
find true life by denying ourselves.
Grant me the humility & courage
to do so. Help me to let go of
being preoccupied with myself.
Help me instead to focus on You,
Your kingdom & Your purposes.
And let me experience You to
the degree I trust and follow You.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Believe and Receive (Sep 22)

Through both His words and works,
Christ proclaims His true identity
to the disciples and the multitudes.
At first even His companions are
perplexed by His power & authority,
wondering: What manner of man
is this, that even the wind and
the sea obey Him. But patiently –
through the miracles of exorcism,
healing and even raising the dead
the Master Servant works to
convince His followers of the
nature of His person and mission.

Lord, we will place our Faith In You:
Now a certain woman had a flow of
blood for 12 years, and had suffered
many things of many physicians and
was not better…. When she heard
about Jesus,she came from behind
Him in the crowd and touched His
garment. For she said: If only I may
touch His clothes, I shall be made
well. Immediately her blood was
dried up and she felt in her body
she was healed of the affliction.
And Jesus said to her: your Faith
has made you well (Mark 5:21-34).
While He was still speaking, some
came from the ruler of synagogue
said: Your daughter is dead. As
soon as Jesus heard the message,
He said to the ruler of synagogue:
Do not be afraid, only Believe.
Then He came to the house, took
the child and said: Little girl, I say
to you, arise. Immediately the girl
arose and walked (Mark 5:35-43)

Lord, we are thankful for giving
us doctors who alleviate suffering.
Even in our day, there are cases
that doctors give up as incurable.
But You Jesus is greatest physician
and nothing is really beyond You
for You tapped on divine power.
Grateful that some of us have
experienced Your divine healing
after confession of sin and faith;
bringing us nearer to You Lord.
And Thank You for experiencing
Your love and power, with renewed
faith and reverence of You. Amen.

Lord of Compassion, I have needs and only You God can meet them.
Some people might be appalled at
my boldness but I am shamelessly
asking You to give me what I need.
From scripture I know of Your generous heart and I am waiting
and risking everything on it.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Lord, we praise You that the same
power that raised Jairus’ daughter
from the dead and raised Jesus
from the dead is available to us
through the Spirit. Just as You
turned dry bones into alive in
times of Ezekiel 37, You can also
turn dead things to life these days.
Open the eyes of my heart to see
and know the working of Your power
in and for us who believe. Amen.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ONoRZW73FUE

Wholly Trust God’s Word (Sep 21)

Through both His words and works,
Christ proclaims His true identity
to the disciples and the multitudes.
At 1st even His closest companions
are perplexed by His power and
authority, wondering: What manner
of man is this, that even the wind
and the sea obey Him (4:41). But
patiently through the miracles of
exorcism, healing and even raising
the dead the Master Servant works
to convince His followers of the
nature of His person and mission.

Lord, we’ll Wholly Trust Your Word:
Listen, a sower went out to sow…
The one sown among thorns; they
are the ones who hear the word
and the cares of this world…choke
the word and it becomes unfruitful.
But the ones sown on good ground,
those who Hear the Word, Accept
It and Bear fruit (Mark 4:1-20).
Jesus said to his disciples: LET US
Cross to the east side… Suddenly
a storm struck the lake. Waves
started splashing into the boat
and it was about to sink. Jesus
was in the back of the boat asleep.
His disciples woke him and said:
Teacher don’t You care that we’re
about to drown? Jesus got up and
ordered the wind and waves to
be quiet. The wind stopped and
everything was calm. Jesus asked
His disciples: Why are u So Fearful?
How is it you have No Faith?(v35-40)

Lord, worldly worries and desire
for things can affect us, especially
when our routine is overcrowded.
And it’s easy for material pursuits
to deafen us to God’s Word. So,
Help us Lord to stay free so that
we can Hear God when You speak.
Help us not to have divided heart
but instead be Wholehearted to
You by Responding to Your Word.
And mould our hearts to see things
from Your perspective so that we
will be ready to produce fruit. Amen

Lord, help us to remember clearly
Your Instructions like what You
told the disciples: “Let Us Cross.”
Remind us to Rely On Your Word
and Not Focus on situation we’re in.
Remind us Your Presence and
help us to say focussed on You.
Remind us no storm can take us
off course, for You Can Do all things
and Your plan cannot be thwarted.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Lord, Thank You for Mark gospel,
which captures two purposes of
Christ coming to earth: to minister
and give His life a random for many.
Grant us the grace to be like Jesus
in having a servant mindset. And
grant us the grace to Love God’s
Word, to Respond to God’s Word,
to Accept & Trust Fully His Word.
Lord, we’ll Live By Your Word. Amen.

Make Disciples for Kingdom

The events in the final two days of
Jesus’ earthly life carry shadows of
the cross: the anointing in Bethany,
the Passover Observance, Lord’s
Supper, the prayer in Gethsemane.
Jesus is arrested, tried, condemned
executed and placed in a tomb. But
in triumph, Jesus comes forth from
the grave in resurrection power.
The Kings of the Jews Lives again,
a message which His followers
are commissioned to share.

Lord, we’ll Do Your Assignment:
The master replied: You wicked
and lazy servant!… you should
At Least have put my money
into the bank so I could have
some interest (Mt 25:26-27).
Then the eleven disciples went
into Galilee, to the mountain which
Jesus had appointed for them…
And Jesus came to them and said:
All authority has been given to Me..
Go and make disciples of all the
nations… teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you;
and lo I am With you Always,
even to the end of the age
(Matthew 28:16-20). Amen.

Lord, there is no doubt about
the task You had left for us to do.
Help me step out of comfort zone
to find people who need to know U.
Help me witness to the people You
hv placed in my sphere of influence
Help me in my concern for the lost,
in words, deeds and attitudes.
Help me make disciples for Christ to be like Him & further His Kingdom.
And Help me reflect as one who
has found the answer to life.Amen.

Lord, it’s easy to look at others and
think that I have nothing to offer.
But You have implanted passion
within me and blessed me with gifts
and talents that the world needs.
Help me to see where You God are
at work & watch for opportunities to
join U by sowing seeds of kindness.
Help those seeds to grow & flourish
and thank You for reaping a good
harvest. In Jesus’ precious name.

Lord Jesus, You promise your
followers that You Will Be With
them Always. Though busyness
and activities often disconnect
me from others, it will never
separate me from You Lord. For
Your promise is reliable in a world
where most promises are not.
Thank You Lord for the permanent
nature of Your promise. Amen.

Hope In Faithful God (Sep 20)

In Lamentations prophet Jeremiah
expresses in poetry his emotions
over the tragic fall of Jerusalem.
The book consists of five poems.
The prophet begins by weeping
over Jerusalem in the midst of her
destruction. But through his tears,
Jeremiah turns his heart to view
the sovereign God behind it all.
As he considers God’s Control
of human affairs, Jeremiah is able
to shout victoriously: Great is Thy
faithfulness (3:23) as he intercedes
for the restoration of the nation
after its punishment is complete.

God’s compassion was at work
even when the Israelites were
experiencing the affliction of their
Babylonian conquerors. Although
the people had been unfaithful,
God’s faithfulness was great.
He used this affliction to bring
His people back to Him. One day,
the people will be restored to a true
and fervent relationship with God.
Lord, You are Good & Restorative.
Lord, You are Just & Merciful.
Lord, You are Faithful & Unchanging.
And we praise You in Jesus’ name.

Lord, You are Good & Restorative:
Through the Lord’s mercies
we are not consumed,
because his compassions fail not…
Great is Your Faithfulness…
Therefore I Hope in Him!
The Lord is good to those who
Wait for Him, and seek Him.
It is good that one should Hope
and Wait quietly for the salvation
from the Lord (Lam 3:22-26).
Lord, quiet my heart and mind
so that I am willing to Wait on You;
not with grumbling & frustration
but with hope and assurance.
For You do everything in Your
perfect timing. Give me patience,
and help me Lord to look for Your
answers to the requests I make.
And increase my faith that You
are working, even when I must
Wait for Your answer. Amen.

Lord, You are Just & Merciful:
The precious sons of Zion, valuable
as fine gold, how they are regarded
as clay pots, the work of the hands
of the potter… Because of… the
iniquities of her priests who shed
in her midst the blood of the just…
The face of the Lord scattered them..
Still our eyes… watching vainly for
…a nation that could not save us…
Your punishment will end, Daughter
Zion; He will not prolong Your exile.
(Lamentations 4:2, 13, 16-17, 22).
Lord, noted Judah’s disaster came
because it looked to their alliances
with foreign nations for help rather
than turning to God, and sins of the
people especially religious leaders.
Lord, forgive us for being content
with self-centred existence & false
piety. Inspire us towards a deeper
walk with You and to seek Your face.
Merciful God, grateful that You will
not prolong discipline more than
necessary; that You’re in control and
that there’s hope of restoration.Amen

Lord, You’re Unchanging & Faithful:
Lord, You Remain the Same forever!
Your Throne continues from
generation to generation.
Why do You… forsake us for so
long a time? Turn us back to You
& we will be restored (Lam 5:19-21)
Lord, in midst of Covid pandemic
and natural disasters, we may
wonder at times where are You.
But we praise and exult You Lord
that You are Still on Your throne,
Reigning over all heaven & earth.
And in an ever-changing world,
it’s comforting to remember that
You God does not change, for
You remain the same forever.
Unchanging God, we praise U for
Your Faithfulness & Unfailing love.
You are working out Yr purposes &
You are the reason we hope! Amen

Consider In Adversity (Sep 19)

In Lamentations prophet Jeremiah
expresses in poetry his emotions
over the tragic fall of Jerusalem.
The book consists of five poems.
The prophet begins by weeping
over Jerusalem in the midst of her
destruction. But through his tears,
Jeremiah turns his heart to view
the sovereign God behind it all.
As he considers God’s Control
of human affairs, Jeremiah is able
to shout victoriously: Great is thy
faithfulness (3:23) as he intercedes
for the restoration of the nation
after its punishment is complete.

God’s warnings are justified; for
He does what He says He will do
and His punishment for sin is certain.
To continue in rebellion against
God is surely to invite disaster.
Only by confession and renouncing
our sin can we turn to holy God
for deliverance and restoration.
Lord, we Repent of Sinful Ways.
Lord, we Consider In Adversity.
Lord, we Hope for New Beginning.
In Jesus’ precious name we pray.

Lord, we Repent of Sinful Ways:
Jerusalem’s streets once bustling
with people are now silent. Like
a widow broken with grief, she sits
alone in her mourning. Once the
queen of nations, she’s now a slave…
Judah has been led away into
captivity, afflicted and enslaved…
For the Lord has punished Jerusalem
for her many sins. Her children
have been captured and taken
away to distant lands (Lam 1:1-5)
The Lord is righteous yet I rebelled
against His command (Lam 1:18).
Some of the loneliest places are
those once busy but now empty
like now in the streets of the cities.
Whilst Christ Jesus warns us not
to see judgment in every tragedy,
but nevertheless such scenes remind
us of the need to be right with God.
Lord, we need to put right with You
not out of fear of punishment but
blockage of love relationship with U.
Forgive us of our sins and restore
us the joy of our salvation. Amen.

Lord, we Consider In Adversity:
The Lord has done what He
purposed; He has Fulfilled
His Word. And He has caused
an enemy to rejoice over you…
Arise, cry out in the night, as the
watches of the night begin; pour
out your heart like water in the
presence of the Lord. Lift up
your hands to Him (Lam 2:17-19).
Lord, I pour out my heart before
You regarding the things in my life
that cause me grief. I lift my hands
to You because You are my hope
and Your compassion never fails.
Heal me of all emotional pain, and
use the sorrow I have suffered
for good. I pray in Your presence
I will find restoration. And being
comforted by You, I will be in the
position to comfort others. Amen.

Lord, we Hope for New Beginning:
I will never forget this awful time,
as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still
dare to hope when I remember this:
The faithful love of the Lord never
ends! His mercies never cease.
Great is His faithfulness; His
mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself: The Lord is my
inheritance; therefore, I will
hope in Him!! (Lam 3:20-24).
Lord, when the sorrow of this life
overwhelms me, may I turn to
You Lord to pour out lament and
gain perspective rather than turning
away from You and becoming bitter.
Fill me with hope that comes from
the promise of Your faithful love;
Your abundant mercy and the
inheritance that is to come. Amen.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2eQ1oal44wU

Weeping Over Judgment (Sep 19) 

As the Bible is arranged by genre,
to enhance understanding context
we’re meditating by time sequence.
OT1A: Genesis
OT1B: Poetry Book of Job
OT1C: Life of Moses (Exo to Deut)
OT2A: History to David (Josh-1Chr)
OT2B: Five Books of Psalms
OT2C: 1 Kings & Wisdom Poetry
OT3A: 2 Kings & Prophets
OT3B: 2 Chronicles & Prophets
OT3C: Return From Exile & Prophets

2 Chronicles spans four centuries of
Judah’s history from glory days of
Solomon to end of Babylonian Exile.
Moving to prophets, Isaiah’s ministry
spans reigns of four kings of Judah
(722-681BC) stressing holiness
of God and coming of the Messiah.
Then five minor prophets to Judah
including Obadiah (840BC) and
Joel (830) as well as Micah (735-10)
Zephaniah (630) & Habakkuk (607).
Then Jeremiah written 627 to urge
God’s people to turn from their sins.
and next Lamentations (586 BC).

God’s warning had come through
the prophet Jeremiah but the people
of Judah had refused to listen.
In 586BC as the Babylonian army
attacked, judgment was poured
out on the city and the people
were carried into exile. Jerusalem
lay ruined and empty. For days
Jeremiah lamented over the city
and its future. As he cries out
in the darkness of destruction,
Jeremiah is given a spark of hope.
God promises forgiveness & grace.
The period of judgment is limited,
and in His mercy God will restore
the city and return the captives.
Lord, You are calling people to turn
from their sins and back to You.
Grant us grace Lord to submit
to Your rule in our life. Amen.

Experiencing God thro Obedience

The Gospel of Matthew’s key
purpose is to prove that Jesus
is the Messiah the eternal king.
And as subjects of the kingdom,
we learn this week the importance
to position rightly to experience God.
On Monday, we learn from Matt
5 to Be Light of the Kingdom.
On Tuesday, we learn from Matt 6
to Seek First the Kingdom of God.
On Wednesday, we learn from
Matt 13 to Pursue Kingdom Value.
On Thursday, we learn from Matt 18
& 20 to Be Servant of the Kingdom.
On Friday, we learn from Mt 25/28,
to Make Disciples for the Kingdom.
Let us humble ourselves and pray
and seek His face…In Jesus’ name.