2011-04-19

Today's Verse:
"But if he remains silent, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can see him?" Job 34:29

Heavenly Father,

Everyone needs to be quiet, every now and then.

The term "hide the face" is commonly used in the bible, refering calamity, distress ahernd the lack of spiritual comfort.

Father, everyday, we face problems, big or small...sometimes, we do feel frustrated and angry and other times, hopeless..., what should we do when we want to "hide the face", especially from You? We should pray and persevere.

Father, is that true? If You designs to give us rest, comfort, peace, ease or prosperity in any way, who can intervene? If you intends not to prosecute, who can make trouble? Father, Elihu wants to convey a message here, that You, God, has all things under Your control, and that You are the only one who can bring prosperity or adversity upon an individual or a nation at Your pleasure.

But...is that really so?
Father, You are a merciful God, You will heal us in times of sickness or trouble.
Father, You are God of second chances, You will lead us back to the "right track" if we ran away from You.
Father, You are the Alpha, the Omega, the beginning and the end; You can calm the storm and rain, You can commend the thunder to stop, You can also do all sorts of miracles...But Father, we will not believe what Elihu said, we will never believe that You will "do" things by "Your pleasure", and we will forever hold on to Your promise, Your promise that You have plans for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us; and that You have our best interest at heart; and that "all things will eventually work together for our good".

In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.

2011-04-08

Today's Verse:
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18

Heavenly Father,

Are we aiming at the things which are seen - Μη σκοπουντων? 99.9% of us would say YES! Sad isn't it? Those things that can be seen are προσκαιρα, are actually temporary; they are to have a short duration, and must have an end. Take a man/woman for instance, perhaps one may caught by their handsome/beautiful look. But what's next? Our flesh only last for a number of years..., would our souls not worth much more?

Now, look at the things which we make our scope and aim are not seen and they are spiritual, they are αιωνΐα, eternal - things have no end. These things could be God's gifts, such as holiness, happiness, fruitfulness and blessings.

Father, help us not concentrate on the things that are seen - money, fame, beauty, food, etc., these are all earthly matters, which would disappeared one day. Father, Your grace for us is always sufficient, now or in times of trouble. Always!

Father, Christ was dead and is risen. The hope of this resurrection encourages us to let go of the fear of death, for the prospect of eternal life and happiness was our support and comfort.

Let us give diligence to ensure our future are joyful.

In Christ's glorious Name we pray, Amen.