Today's Verse:
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead" Philippians 3:13
Heavenly Father,
Today is the new year's eve.
In this last day of 2010, let us think about what we had been through this year and let us forget all that's behind us, cherish the good, forget about the bad. Father, Thank you, for all that's unhappy are now behind us at last, especially the things which we once counted gain (Php 3:7).
Father, we praise You for Your greatness.
Thank You for giving us a future.
Grant us this opportunity -
- to fret less and to laugh more,
- to love more and
- to treasure the people You place around us more.
At every coming sunrise, let us spend some time to hear a love song with You.
At every coming sunset, let us rejoice in You, saying "I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High." (Psalm 9:2)
Forgive us for falling short this past year.
For the year ahead, Father, wish us a Relaxed Mind, a Peaceful Soul, a Joyful Spirit, a Healthy Body & a Heart full of Love...All these we wish and hope for the years ahead.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
2010-12-30
Today's Verse:
"Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19
Heavenly Father,
Don't we all blame You for putting us under trials? Trials in any degree would be big enough to distract us away from You, Father.
Father, teach us to open our eyes, ears and hearts to learn what Jesus Christ teaches us through himself and his disciples. We must be alert at all times. We must govern our tongue, so that it may not speak evil. We must govern our body, so that it may not sin. Father, we know for sure that if we don't, there will definitely be some degree of anger grows inside us and our lives will be surely turned around!!!!!!.
Father, help us to be willing to hear of our faults, taking it not only patiently, but thankfully. Father, You are taking this opportunity to teach us, to mold us and to transform us.
Father, help us to be quick to listen! "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control" (Proverbs 29:11 NIV).
Father, help us to be slow to speak! i.e. Think before we action.
Father, help us to be slow to become angry! How can we maintain relationship if we're being offended easily?!
Father, James encourages us to live consistent with what we’ve learned, let's do just that!
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
"Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19
Heavenly Father,
Don't we all blame You for putting us under trials? Trials in any degree would be big enough to distract us away from You, Father.
Father, teach us to open our eyes, ears and hearts to learn what Jesus Christ teaches us through himself and his disciples. We must be alert at all times. We must govern our tongue, so that it may not speak evil. We must govern our body, so that it may not sin. Father, we know for sure that if we don't, there will definitely be some degree of anger grows inside us and our lives will be surely turned around!!!!!!.
Father, help us to be willing to hear of our faults, taking it not only patiently, but thankfully. Father, You are taking this opportunity to teach us, to mold us and to transform us.
Father, help us to be quick to listen! "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control" (Proverbs 29:11 NIV).
Father, help us to be slow to speak! i.e. Think before we action.
Father, help us to be slow to become angry! How can we maintain relationship if we're being offended easily?!
Father, James encourages us to live consistent with what we’ve learned, let's do just that!
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
2010-12-29
Today's Verse:
"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. " 1 Peter 1:23
Heavenly Father,
In the boarding school uk, they have a tradition to ask the students to check their shoes every week, clean them and polish them if necessary. The metaphor of clean shoes symbolised "clean/reborn" and it gives a feeling of hope and renew. Don't you think life is the same? It is impossible for us to live life for one day without making one single mistake, let alone the whole lifetime. The important point is that we can wipe it clean and start over again. By what? By always checking on our status, repent to our Heavenly Father, as needed, so that we may be clean and anew, to face the challenges ahead of us.
This is exactly what Jesus wanted Nicodemus to understand when he said, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit." (John 3:5).
Don't throw away tomorrow, as we are still alive, although, we or our love ones may not be healthy and sound, spiritually or physically. Everyday is a new day, offering us a new and fresh opportunity to start over in a clean state. Who knows? The opportunity, the career advancement, the driving test, the gifts, the prince or princess we have longed for... may just come today!
Father, as we begin this new day, let us say Thank You to You for giving us a clean state and a breathe of freedom, which is full of hope and optimism! Let us start breathing in Your grace and blessings now!
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. " 1 Peter 1:23
Heavenly Father,
In the boarding school uk, they have a tradition to ask the students to check their shoes every week, clean them and polish them if necessary. The metaphor of clean shoes symbolised "clean/reborn" and it gives a feeling of hope and renew. Don't you think life is the same? It is impossible for us to live life for one day without making one single mistake, let alone the whole lifetime. The important point is that we can wipe it clean and start over again. By what? By always checking on our status, repent to our Heavenly Father, as needed, so that we may be clean and anew, to face the challenges ahead of us.
This is exactly what Jesus wanted Nicodemus to understand when he said, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit." (John 3:5).
Don't throw away tomorrow, as we are still alive, although, we or our love ones may not be healthy and sound, spiritually or physically. Everyday is a new day, offering us a new and fresh opportunity to start over in a clean state. Who knows? The opportunity, the career advancement, the driving test, the gifts, the prince or princess we have longed for... may just come today!
Father, as we begin this new day, let us say Thank You to You for giving us a clean state and a breathe of freedom, which is full of hope and optimism! Let us start breathing in Your grace and blessings now!
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
Monday, December 27, 2010
2010-12-27
Today's Verse:
"Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart." – Psalm 97:11
Heavenly Father,
What makes people leaders? We have so many "leaders" surrounding us... At work, at church, at stores, at restaurants, at banks, at government...... Father, just what make them qualify to lead us? By "the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Gal 5:22-23)
What makes people want to follow a leader? Why would some people be so passionate, so passionate that they would give up their job, their homes and would follow a leader to the other end of the world? Why would they be so crazy? The answer lies in the character qualities of the individual person.
Father, it takes courage for leaders to dream big and to act on their dreams, in order to make changes to the world. It takes a lot of boldness to step up to be a leader and to pratice and practice and practice in order to attract their followers. Practice what? Pratice to say the words of God, practice to preach like Jesus, practice to act upright, practice....
Father, assist us so that we may walk in the path You have arranged for us and let us achieve our real potential by trusting Your leading, in every step of our way.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
"Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart." – Psalm 97:11
Heavenly Father,
What makes people leaders? We have so many "leaders" surrounding us... At work, at church, at stores, at restaurants, at banks, at government...... Father, just what make them qualify to lead us? By "the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Gal 5:22-23)
What makes people want to follow a leader? Why would some people be so passionate, so passionate that they would give up their job, their homes and would follow a leader to the other end of the world? Why would they be so crazy? The answer lies in the character qualities of the individual person.
Father, it takes courage for leaders to dream big and to act on their dreams, in order to make changes to the world. It takes a lot of boldness to step up to be a leader and to pratice and practice and practice in order to attract their followers. Practice what? Pratice to say the words of God, practice to preach like Jesus, practice to act upright, practice....
Father, assist us so that we may walk in the path You have arranged for us and let us achieve our real potential by trusting Your leading, in every step of our way.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
2010-12-26
Today's Verse:
"In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. " - 2 Corinthians 8:2
Heavenly Father,
You are our root and foundation of all that are good in us.
It is great grace and favour from You, Father, if we can spread the love of Christ, if we can love one another like brothers and sisters, if we can share the gospel with others, if we can..., if we can only be more in the image of Christ and be more useful to others to get close to You, and forward to any of Your good works...
"But as for me, I am poor and needy;
come quickly to me, O God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
LORD, do not delay. " Psalm 70:5
But Father, sometimes, we feel that we are under a very severe trial, too huge to bare. We cannot even find the strength to get up, let alone spreading the gospel. Father, in times of deep sorrow and unhappiness, help us, build us up, so that we can put our flesh aside and assist the ones that are more dependant, more in need.
Today's verse is about the Macedonian church which was being "tested by great troubles" and what did the church people do? "They gave much more than they could afford". Father, You promises to meet our needs, to love us, to enrich us, to save us and to treasure us. Let us be good samaritans, for it is written "Give generously... your gifts will return to you later".
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
"In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. " - 2 Corinthians 8:2
Heavenly Father,
You are our root and foundation of all that are good in us.
It is great grace and favour from You, Father, if we can spread the love of Christ, if we can love one another like brothers and sisters, if we can share the gospel with others, if we can..., if we can only be more in the image of Christ and be more useful to others to get close to You, and forward to any of Your good works...
"But as for me, I am poor and needy;
come quickly to me, O God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
LORD, do not delay. " Psalm 70:5
But Father, sometimes, we feel that we are under a very severe trial, too huge to bare. We cannot even find the strength to get up, let alone spreading the gospel. Father, in times of deep sorrow and unhappiness, help us, build us up, so that we can put our flesh aside and assist the ones that are more dependant, more in need.
Today's verse is about the Macedonian church which was being "tested by great troubles" and what did the church people do? "They gave much more than they could afford". Father, You promises to meet our needs, to love us, to enrich us, to save us and to treasure us. Let us be good samaritans, for it is written "Give generously... your gifts will return to you later".
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
2010-12-16
Today's Verse:
"When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again." - Acts 20:36-38
Heavenly Father,
Good day.
Thank you for surrounding us with good people and colleagues, we are so very much thankful to have them around and for opportunities to share our lives with them.
Thank you Father, for today, You are showering us with Your never-ending blessings in a way that we never comprehended before.
We lift up to you, Father, our work, our relationships, our joy and our worries, may You continue to lead us, guide us and mold us, each and everyday.
Lord help us to calm down and relax in Your love. Help us to do our share of work according to Your will.
Paul is a fervent servant of Yours, help us to understand his preaching, help us to learn from him some tactics in journey of becoming a faithful servant.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
"When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again." - Acts 20:36-38
Heavenly Father,
Good day.
Thank you for surrounding us with good people and colleagues, we are so very much thankful to have them around and for opportunities to share our lives with them.
Thank you Father, for today, You are showering us with Your never-ending blessings in a way that we never comprehended before.
We lift up to you, Father, our work, our relationships, our joy and our worries, may You continue to lead us, guide us and mold us, each and everyday.
Lord help us to calm down and relax in Your love. Help us to do our share of work according to Your will.
Paul is a fervent servant of Yours, help us to understand his preaching, help us to learn from him some tactics in journey of becoming a faithful servant.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
2010-12-12
Today's Verse:
"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - 2 Corinthians 5:16-17
Heavenly Father,
Who are we? The identity is one of the fundamental issue we have, in life or in religious point of view. In psychology point of view - "We are only what we think"!
Thank you Father, for giving us the bible, which have all the answers to our questions. Since the bible defined what a WHOLE person is like, then we can derived our identity from it!
Father, we are getting old by the second.
So Father, help us to remember that our lives are gifts from You and our health condition is a blessing from You. Help us to remember to be kind and patient to other people, just like You, who loves us. Grant us strength, wisdom, love, patience, compassionate and understanding.
Thank You, Father, for we know whom we are in Christ and we will never ever loose our identity.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - 2 Corinthians 5:16-17
Heavenly Father,
Who are we? The identity is one of the fundamental issue we have, in life or in religious point of view. In psychology point of view - "We are only what we think"!
Thank you Father, for giving us the bible, which have all the answers to our questions. Since the bible defined what a WHOLE person is like, then we can derived our identity from it!
- Wholeness:
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Thessalonians 5:23 - SPIRIT:
"The LORD, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the human spirit within a person" - Zechariah 12:1 - SOUL:
Genesis 2:7 - Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. - BODY:
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. " - 2 Corinthians 4:7
Father, we are getting old by the second.
So Father, help us to remember that our lives are gifts from You and our health condition is a blessing from You. Help us to remember to be kind and patient to other people, just like You, who loves us. Grant us strength, wisdom, love, patience, compassionate and understanding.
Thank You, Father, for we know whom we are in Christ and we will never ever loose our identity.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
2010-12-11
Today's Verse:
"There will be no more death or mourning." - Revelation 21:4 NIV
Heavenly Father,
People joke about death.
Paul said "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. " (Philippians 1:20-24).
Paul chose to spread the good news of Jesus, so he chose to live! Do a google search and you would know what type of condition he was in when he wrote Philippians. If he could have survived in such circumstances, why couldn't we?
We all have treasured memories. We all have accomplishments and we all have precious relationships and loved ones. So, Father, do not let us loose heart, until You really call for us.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
"There will be no more death or mourning." - Revelation 21:4 NIV
Heavenly Father,
- "I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter." - Sir Winston Churchill
- "I'm not afraid to die. I just don't want to be there when it happens." - Woody Allen
- “Have the courage to live. Anyone can die.” - Robert Cody
People joke about death.
Paul said "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. " (Philippians 1:20-24).
Paul chose to spread the good news of Jesus, so he chose to live! Do a google search and you would know what type of condition he was in when he wrote Philippians. If he could have survived in such circumstances, why couldn't we?
We all have treasured memories. We all have accomplishments and we all have precious relationships and loved ones. So, Father, do not let us loose heart, until You really call for us.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
Friday, December 10, 2010
2010-12-10
Today's Verse:
“But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them" - 2 Chronicles 7:19
Heavenly Father,
Guide me, guard me, protect me.
Sometimes we seemed to be turning away from you and forsaking your commands etc. and we went to serve another god called "work". Due to work satification, due to money or due to pride, we would sacrifice our time, our energy and our efforts, then perhaps, in return, we will get "a title" or "an identity"...
Father, guard our hearts, keep us safe in You and help us to be able to do the work that You have laid out before us to do. Help us to balance our lives. Help us to walk through this work experience so that we can be your greater warriors in the world. Help us to be stronger persons, better persons and confident individuals.
Father, we surrender all to You. Let us align with You this day, on all that we do, think and desire. Help us Lord to focus in You and You alone.
Keep us strong in You this day Father God.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
“But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them" - 2 Chronicles 7:19
Heavenly Father,
Guide me, guard me, protect me.
Sometimes we seemed to be turning away from you and forsaking your commands etc. and we went to serve another god called "work". Due to work satification, due to money or due to pride, we would sacrifice our time, our energy and our efforts, then perhaps, in return, we will get "a title" or "an identity"...
Father, guard our hearts, keep us safe in You and help us to be able to do the work that You have laid out before us to do. Help us to balance our lives. Help us to walk through this work experience so that we can be your greater warriors in the world. Help us to be stronger persons, better persons and confident individuals.
Father, we surrender all to You. Let us align with You this day, on all that we do, think and desire. Help us Lord to focus in You and You alone.
Keep us strong in You this day Father God.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
2010-12-09
Today's Verse:
"God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. " - Hebrews 6:18
Heavenly Father,
Are You revealing Your answers to our prayers, from the atmosphere all around us?
Jim Coleman, the pastoral worker, was expressing his feeling of helplessness and heart aches for the souls he saw, going into the vistor's centre of Orange County Jail, because they were mostly young women, nicely dressed, carrying babies, or pushing young children in strollers. What would you do, if you were in his shoes, needing to pass by this sidewalk everyday?
He prayed.
Indeed, Father, many scientific studies had been done, and testified that prayer does help in the process of physical and emotional healing! Dr. Carl A. Hammerschlag, M.D. wrote on his blog - prayer is : "Connecting to something other than self, something that inspires you, something that fills you with awe and love; they all embolden the healing spirit."
Father, let us form a habit to pray for at least a person in need each day.
"Dear Lord,
[He/She] needs you now because [his/her] life is full of weary and [he/she] is carrying heavy burdens in [his/her] heart, mind and soul. Father, in forming the habit of reading your Words everyday, may [he/she] find comfort, healing power, joy, peace, pleasure, delight and happiness. Father, may you take away a burden from [he/she] each day, so that [he/she] may find rest in You. Amen "
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
"God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. " - Hebrews 6:18
Heavenly Father,
Are You revealing Your answers to our prayers, from the atmosphere all around us?
Jim Coleman, the pastoral worker, was expressing his feeling of helplessness and heart aches for the souls he saw, going into the vistor's centre of Orange County Jail, because they were mostly young women, nicely dressed, carrying babies, or pushing young children in strollers. What would you do, if you were in his shoes, needing to pass by this sidewalk everyday?
He prayed.
Indeed, Father, many scientific studies had been done, and testified that prayer does help in the process of physical and emotional healing! Dr. Carl A. Hammerschlag, M.D. wrote on his blog - prayer is : "Connecting to something other than self, something that inspires you, something that fills you with awe and love; they all embolden the healing spirit."
Father, let us form a habit to pray for at least a person in need each day.
"Dear Lord,
[He/She] needs you now because [his/her] life is full of weary and [he/she] is carrying heavy burdens in [his/her] heart, mind and soul. Father, in forming the habit of reading your Words everyday, may [he/she] find comfort, healing power, joy, peace, pleasure, delight and happiness. Father, may you take away a burden from [he/she] each day, so that [he/she] may find rest in You. Amen "
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
2010-12-08
Today’s Verse:
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34
Prayer for Today :
Heavenly Father,
We are Your servants and we should serve You with a faithful heart.
Father, there is absolutely no value to plan for our lives, because You may choose to lengthen or shorten them as You please. Indeed this is true, if we think negatively. A tutor, aged 29 died "suddenly" after the cold symptoms developed into heart muscle infection. A young talented insurance agency, Roy Tao, aged 26, went to a volunteer trip and was killed in an car accident...
Father, our lives are in Your hands, but we trust that we are in good hands! Of course we may surely plan for our lives without knowing what the future holds. We don't know whether we will find our prince or princess and KEEP them for our entire life span! We don't know whether we will be able to find our dream jobs, we don't know whether we will get what we want, do what we want etc. Nor do we know about what will be coming...
Father, You told us that we should not worry about tomorrow. So Father, we will leave our lives to You to make them bitter or sweet. We will also leave our "food storage" cabinets to You to fill them with food and raiment abundantly or not.
Father, let us not be anxious about the future, how we shall live in the next coming year, coming month, coming day, coming hour, coming minute or coming second!
Father, improve our trust in You more and more each day, so that we may serve as a living testimony and an encouragement to others.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34
Prayer for Today :
Heavenly Father,
We are Your servants and we should serve You with a faithful heart.
Father, there is absolutely no value to plan for our lives, because You may choose to lengthen or shorten them as You please. Indeed this is true, if we think negatively. A tutor, aged 29 died "suddenly" after the cold symptoms developed into heart muscle infection. A young talented insurance agency, Roy Tao, aged 26, went to a volunteer trip and was killed in an car accident...
Father, our lives are in Your hands, but we trust that we are in good hands! Of course we may surely plan for our lives without knowing what the future holds. We don't know whether we will find our prince or princess and KEEP them for our entire life span! We don't know whether we will be able to find our dream jobs, we don't know whether we will get what we want, do what we want etc. Nor do we know about what will be coming...
Father, You told us that we should not worry about tomorrow. So Father, we will leave our lives to You to make them bitter or sweet. We will also leave our "food storage" cabinets to You to fill them with food and raiment abundantly or not.
Father, let us not be anxious about the future, how we shall live in the next coming year, coming month, coming day, coming hour, coming minute or coming second!
Father, improve our trust in You more and more each day, so that we may serve as a living testimony and an encouragement to others.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
2010-12-07
Today’s Verse:
"Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God." - Ecclesiastes 5:7
Prayer for Today :
Heavenly Father,
Richard Burley's poem says "I see no point just now, in dreams." Well, there is a great deal of folly, in dreams, which most part of them are wither vain or insignificant, most importantly, there are many snares and temptations as well. We will be exposed in great danger if we believe any of them without seeking God's interpretation.
Father, "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:8) Father, protect us from dreaming the impossible, exposing us to lies, traps or satan's bait.
Father, we pray for courage as we begin a new day, for we understand that everyday is a fresh opportunity for us to work hard and play hard. Although, there is work to be done, burdens to be carried, feelings to be shared but there are also joy and happiness to be celebrated. Father, grant us the courage to be silent to angry words that may get us into trouble, grant us the boldness to persevere in turbulence.
Father, may we have the courage to follow Your guidance, may we have the strength to continue the path You have planned for us.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
=====
Peace Prayer
by Richard Burley
I see no point just now, in dreams.
Or vow the sun may shine tomorrow.
Who’s to thank for why it beams?
Who now fills the moon with sorrow?
I cannot see beyond that day’s
sacrifice, our dreams dismay.
Lives we thought we’d never lose,
forever lost...in sky so blue.
The river of terror now overflows.
Jobes’ levy nearly breached.
God’s cold wind of change now blows.
What ancient lesson will He re-teach?
So ask me not of dreams and plans.
They matter not, somehow.
Along with peace, in other lands,
pray for an end, to all wars now.
"Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God." - Ecclesiastes 5:7
Prayer for Today :
Heavenly Father,
Richard Burley's poem says "I see no point just now, in dreams." Well, there is a great deal of folly, in dreams, which most part of them are wither vain or insignificant, most importantly, there are many snares and temptations as well. We will be exposed in great danger if we believe any of them without seeking God's interpretation.
Father, "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:8) Father, protect us from dreaming the impossible, exposing us to lies, traps or satan's bait.
Father, we pray for courage as we begin a new day, for we understand that everyday is a fresh opportunity for us to work hard and play hard. Although, there is work to be done, burdens to be carried, feelings to be shared but there are also joy and happiness to be celebrated. Father, grant us the courage to be silent to angry words that may get us into trouble, grant us the boldness to persevere in turbulence.
Father, may we have the courage to follow Your guidance, may we have the strength to continue the path You have planned for us.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
=====
Peace Prayer
by Richard Burley
I see no point just now, in dreams.
Or vow the sun may shine tomorrow.
Who’s to thank for why it beams?
Who now fills the moon with sorrow?
I cannot see beyond that day’s
sacrifice, our dreams dismay.
Lives we thought we’d never lose,
forever lost...in sky so blue.
The river of terror now overflows.
Jobes’ levy nearly breached.
God’s cold wind of change now blows.
What ancient lesson will He re-teach?
So ask me not of dreams and plans.
They matter not, somehow.
Along with peace, in other lands,
pray for an end, to all wars now.
Monday, December 6, 2010
2010-12-06
Today’s Verse:
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." – Matthew 5:9
Prayer for Today :
Heavenly Father,
We hurt You when we breach with people. You called us to be peacemakers and yet, due to our mindless flesh, we created problems within the community. As E.M. Forster says "I would rather be a coward than brave because people hurt you when you are brave." How true? The truth is: whether we want to be bold Christians or nerds who are afraid of being hurt.
Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker. He laid down His life to build this bridge between God and us. But we should look deeper into the matter, there are two relationships involved really, one is the relationship with God, the other is the relationship with our neighbours. See the cross of Jesus? There are two planks - the vertical plank and the horizontal plank.
In times of conflict, we should think of the Cross, the high cost that Jesus paid, out of love. If we try our best to serve as the cause of peace on the bridge of the cross, our efforts will not be in vain. Well, if we cannot do that, at least allow us to control our body and mind and soul NOT to cause conflict!
Thank you Father, for Jesus gives us peace of mind and heart (John 14:27) May we have the pleasure to experience the joy of being a peacemaker one day.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." – Matthew 5:9
Prayer for Today :
Heavenly Father,
We hurt You when we breach with people. You called us to be peacemakers and yet, due to our mindless flesh, we created problems within the community. As E.M. Forster says "I would rather be a coward than brave because people hurt you when you are brave." How true? The truth is: whether we want to be bold Christians or nerds who are afraid of being hurt.
Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker. He laid down His life to build this bridge between God and us. But we should look deeper into the matter, there are two relationships involved really, one is the relationship with God, the other is the relationship with our neighbours. See the cross of Jesus? There are two planks - the vertical plank and the horizontal plank.
In times of conflict, we should think of the Cross, the high cost that Jesus paid, out of love. If we try our best to serve as the cause of peace on the bridge of the cross, our efforts will not be in vain. Well, if we cannot do that, at least allow us to control our body and mind and soul NOT to cause conflict!
Thank you Father, for Jesus gives us peace of mind and heart (John 14:27) May we have the pleasure to experience the joy of being a peacemaker one day.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
2010-12-05
Today’s Verse:
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." – Matthew 5:4
Prayer for Today :
Heavenly Father,
"Why do bad things happen to good people?"
Father, this is indeed one of the most difficult questions in Christianity. God, You are eternal, infinite, omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. God, Your ways are higher than our ways and Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Therefore, why should we expect ourselves to be clever enough to be able to understand the mastermind? Father, as long as we trust You'll have our best interest at heart, it's okay. Other people may say the term the "spirit of Ah Q" or "Ah Q mentality" (阿Q精神) to our attitude of "blind faith", but Father, grant us wisdom to look at You, rather than these obnoxious comments.
Father, we should look at the story of Job, because You had allowed satan to do everything he wanted to Job except to take his life! What did Job do?
- “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” (Job 1:21)
- “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15).
Father, we think if we live a good life, we will be happy, and unhappy otherwise.
What is the definition of happiness? What is the reason to listen to God's words? Is this diverted from the first intention to study the bible?
A even more difficult to tackle question could be, "Why does God allow good things to happen to bad people?" Jesus answered, "For they will be comforted."
Father, we can choose to turn our mourns into praises and worship. Likewise, we can nurse our hurt, rehearse it or reverse it, but nothing will be changed unless we choose to get healing from You, O Lord!
Grant us wisdom.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." – Matthew 5:4
Prayer for Today :
Heavenly Father,
"Why do bad things happen to good people?"
Father, this is indeed one of the most difficult questions in Christianity. God, You are eternal, infinite, omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. God, Your ways are higher than our ways and Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Therefore, why should we expect ourselves to be clever enough to be able to understand the mastermind? Father, as long as we trust You'll have our best interest at heart, it's okay. Other people may say the term the "spirit of Ah Q" or "Ah Q mentality" (阿Q精神) to our attitude of "blind faith", but Father, grant us wisdom to look at You, rather than these obnoxious comments.
Father, we should look at the story of Job, because You had allowed satan to do everything he wanted to Job except to take his life! What did Job do?
- “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” (Job 1:21)
- “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15).
Father, we think if we live a good life, we will be happy, and unhappy otherwise.
What is the definition of happiness? What is the reason to listen to God's words? Is this diverted from the first intention to study the bible?
A even more difficult to tackle question could be, "Why does God allow good things to happen to bad people?" Jesus answered, "For they will be comforted."
Father, we can choose to turn our mourns into praises and worship. Likewise, we can nurse our hurt, rehearse it or reverse it, but nothing will be changed unless we choose to get healing from You, O Lord!
Grant us wisdom.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
2010-12-04
Today’s Verse:
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. " - Ephesians 2:10
Prayer for Today :
Heavenly Father,
Wicked men are slaves to satan. If we remain wicked, why us sinners, has to seek earnestly for that grace of God? Because grace in the soul is a new life in the soul. All is the free gift of God!
God created us to enjoy life and to influence others by our overwhelming joy and happiness, dwelling in the life of Him.
O Lord our God, You created us in Your own image and likeness, by Your grace and mercy, grant us salvation. We need abundance of your grace to overcome our human, sinful nature. We are created to be good and upright christians.
O Lord our God, for in our inner being, we are delighted in Your law (Rom 7:22) What a bunch of wretched humans we are?! Father, who will rescue us from our deteriorating souls and bodies? Other than You, who delivers us through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Rom 7:24-25)
Father, how absolutely necessary Your grace is for us? Apart from You we can do nothing. (John 15:5). Can You hear us? Do You care about us? Will You help us? Father, in pain we doubt, in trouble we doubt, in suffering, in affliction, in agony, in distress, in sorrow, in woe or in trial - we doubt. Father, help us to take one step back, help us to see beyond all these "feelings of our flesh".
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. " - Ephesians 2:10
Prayer for Today :
Heavenly Father,
Wicked men are slaves to satan. If we remain wicked, why us sinners, has to seek earnestly for that grace of God? Because grace in the soul is a new life in the soul. All is the free gift of God!
God created us to enjoy life and to influence others by our overwhelming joy and happiness, dwelling in the life of Him.
O Lord our God, You created us in Your own image and likeness, by Your grace and mercy, grant us salvation. We need abundance of your grace to overcome our human, sinful nature. We are created to be good and upright christians.
O Lord our God, for in our inner being, we are delighted in Your law (Rom 7:22) What a bunch of wretched humans we are?! Father, who will rescue us from our deteriorating souls and bodies? Other than You, who delivers us through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Rom 7:24-25)
Father, how absolutely necessary Your grace is for us? Apart from You we can do nothing. (John 15:5). Can You hear us? Do You care about us? Will You help us? Father, in pain we doubt, in trouble we doubt, in suffering, in affliction, in agony, in distress, in sorrow, in woe or in trial - we doubt. Father, help us to take one step back, help us to see beyond all these "feelings of our flesh".
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
Friday, December 3, 2010
2010-12-03
Today’s Verse:
"Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress." - 1 Timothy 4:15
Prayer for Today :
Heavenly Father,
Don't we like monitoring ourselves as well as others? We should really be diligent in prayer, in reading, in fasting and in religious devotion, so that through faith, we may experience hope, love, joy, trust, desire, confidence, assurance and promise all melted down together, by God's fire of faithfulness.
We should setup our study schedule for God's words, so that people around us may see that we are faithful servants. Not only that, but people can also measure our progress in the knowledge of God.
So, let's make a habit to pray a little prayer to God first thing after we wake up every morning?
- Father, please give me grace Lord to make a difference on earth today.
- Father, please help me Lord to serve You faithfully today.
- Father, please help me dear Lord, to be fervent in prayer all the days of my life.
- Father, please help me, Oh Lord to do the right thing at the right time.
- Lord, please help me to see You today and to see what You want me to do.
- Lord, open my eyes to the opportunities for greatness that abound all around me.
- I believe Lord that You have not given me the spirit of fear but of power and a sound mind.
“Do not have your concert and then tune your instruments afterwards. Begin the day with God.” J.H. Hudson
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
"Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress." - 1 Timothy 4:15
Prayer for Today :
Heavenly Father,
Don't we like monitoring ourselves as well as others? We should really be diligent in prayer, in reading, in fasting and in religious devotion, so that through faith, we may experience hope, love, joy, trust, desire, confidence, assurance and promise all melted down together, by God's fire of faithfulness.
We should setup our study schedule for God's words, so that people around us may see that we are faithful servants. Not only that, but people can also measure our progress in the knowledge of God.
So, let's make a habit to pray a little prayer to God first thing after we wake up every morning?
- Father, please give me grace Lord to make a difference on earth today.
- Father, please help me Lord to serve You faithfully today.
- Father, please help me dear Lord, to be fervent in prayer all the days of my life.
- Father, please help me, Oh Lord to do the right thing at the right time.
- Lord, please help me to see You today and to see what You want me to do.
- Lord, open my eyes to the opportunities for greatness that abound all around me.
- I believe Lord that You have not given me the spirit of fear but of power and a sound mind.
“Do not have your concert and then tune your instruments afterwards. Begin the day with God.” J.H. Hudson
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
2010-12-02
Today’s Verse:
"This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name" Matthew 6:9
Prayer for Today :
Heavenly Father,
A faithful servant of yours, Nicky Gumbel, in his Alpha course, he is trying to teach us how to pray with ACTS.
A for Adoration
—just worshipping God, expressing our love, our praise to God.
C is for Confession
—asking forgiveness for the things that maybe we’ve done wrong and things that we need cleansing for.
T is for Thanksgiving
—thanking God for all his blessings, all the good things that he’s given us; maybe looking back through the day before and thanking him for answered prayer.
And then S is for Supplication
—which is asking for things for ourselves and for others.
Similar to the time when Jesus wanted to teach his disciples how to pray. The petitions are divided into six lines, with the first three relate more expressly honouring God and the last three more descriptive on our own concerns.
Father, using the Lord's prayer as our sample, teach us:
- To honour You each day,
- To ask for the daily bread and be dependent upon Divine Providence,
- To forgive others and be forgiven so that we can have our bodies and souls renewed, and
- To request for protection from evil.
"these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Isaiah 56:7
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
"This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name" Matthew 6:9
Prayer for Today :
Heavenly Father,
A faithful servant of yours, Nicky Gumbel, in his Alpha course, he is trying to teach us how to pray with ACTS.
A for Adoration
—just worshipping God, expressing our love, our praise to God.
C is for Confession
—asking forgiveness for the things that maybe we’ve done wrong and things that we need cleansing for.
T is for Thanksgiving
—thanking God for all his blessings, all the good things that he’s given us; maybe looking back through the day before and thanking him for answered prayer.
And then S is for Supplication
—which is asking for things for ourselves and for others.
Similar to the time when Jesus wanted to teach his disciples how to pray. The petitions are divided into six lines, with the first three relate more expressly honouring God and the last three more descriptive on our own concerns.
Father, using the Lord's prayer as our sample, teach us:
- To honour You each day,
- To ask for the daily bread and be dependent upon Divine Providence,
- To forgive others and be forgiven so that we can have our bodies and souls renewed, and
- To request for protection from evil.
"these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Isaiah 56:7
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
2010-12-01
Today’s Verse:
"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? " 2 Corinthians 13:5
Prayer for Today :
Heavenly Father,
Examine yourselves is Ἑαυτους πειραζετε.
Prove your own selves - Ἑαυτους δοκιμαζετε.
Awefully similar, isn't it?!
As Christians, we'll constantly need to put ourselves into the test, like the song "Search me, know me, Try me and see. Every worthless affection hidden in me. All I'm asking for is that You'd cleanse me, Lord". We should aim to be a righteous and loving Christian, at all times. If we cannot, we should ask God to cleanse us.
Father, You are the vine and we are the branches, if we remain obstinate and impenitent, we will eventually fall off and be separated from Christ. In Phil. 4:4-7 we’re promised that if we rejoice in all our circumstances and present our requests through prayer and petition to our Heavenly Father, He’ll provide a peace that transcends all understanding. So Father, if we cannot do that "rejoicing", please help us, encourage us, assist us, support us and rescue us from the troubles and unhappiness. Father, remind us to repent and renounce on our sins.
As it is repeatedly written in Lamentations 3:40 also "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.", it showed the importance.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? " 2 Corinthians 13:5
Prayer for Today :
Heavenly Father,
Examine yourselves is Ἑαυτους πειραζετε.
Prove your own selves - Ἑαυτους δοκιμαζετε.
Awefully similar, isn't it?!
As Christians, we'll constantly need to put ourselves into the test, like the song "Search me, know me, Try me and see. Every worthless affection hidden in me. All I'm asking for is that You'd cleanse me, Lord". We should aim to be a righteous and loving Christian, at all times. If we cannot, we should ask God to cleanse us.
Father, You are the vine and we are the branches, if we remain obstinate and impenitent, we will eventually fall off and be separated from Christ. In Phil. 4:4-7 we’re promised that if we rejoice in all our circumstances and present our requests through prayer and petition to our Heavenly Father, He’ll provide a peace that transcends all understanding. So Father, if we cannot do that "rejoicing", please help us, encourage us, assist us, support us and rescue us from the troubles and unhappiness. Father, remind us to repent and renounce on our sins.
As it is repeatedly written in Lamentations 3:40 also "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.", it showed the importance.
In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.
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