In face of challenges and problems in our lives, do these:
Step 1 - CONFRONT the challenges before the Lord. (Yes, to the Lord. Not complaining or gossiping about them to other people)
In Psalm 3:1-2, David admitted the problems he faced to the Lord - many enemies were after him, nobody believed he would be saved. He faced the problems, not ran away from them.
Step 2 - CONFESS who God is. The true character of God.
Verse 3 - David proclaimed that the Lord is his Shield, and Glory who is mighty enough and cares enough to uphold him. Lift your eyes away from the problem and to the Problem Solver.
Step 3 - Be CONVICTED again of His promises in our lives
Verse 4 - David remembered the times when the Lord heard and answered his cries; He remembered that He promised that He will always hear and answer him.
Step 4 - CLAIM His blessings into your lives
Verse 8 - David did not yet see the deliverance he prayed for. But he still praised God and claimed the blessing at the end.
Guess what, this is the secret manual to avoid sleeplessness in our lives too! Let peace and assuredness be in your heart as you apply these steps in face of challenges.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Studying Psalm 4
Step ONE - Observation
How many groups of people is David speaking to? (list the verses.)
What was he asking or telling them to do?
In the last part of the Psalm, (vs7-8) David declares certain promises from God. What are they?
Step TWO - Interpretation
Background:
This psalm is closely related to Psalm 3 in content and timing. David was confident of God’s blessing and protection. This is a psalm of trust to God who give him peace and safety – even in his sleep. Psalm 4 is also known as an “evening psalm”.
Q: What is the theme of the psalm?
A: Our security and happiness lies in our relationship with God who bless the righteous. As His righteous ones, we can rejoice in God’s protection and peace. We can place our confidence in Him because He will listen when we call on Him on the basis of our relationship with Him.
Q: What is the key verse?
A: v.8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Q: Was David already in safety when he wrote the psalm?
A: No.
Q: Was he eventually delivered?
A: Yes. He slept.
Q: What helped him to persevere to the end?
A: Having a relationship with God and experience His protection and peace even when there is danger everywhere!
Step THREE - Application
Subject:
How to be able to sleep in peace in times of trouble?
Complement:
1) Call unto the Lord! (v.1)
• The Lord hears when we call and we can trust Him to bring relief for us.
2) Cast your burdens unto God! (v.8)
• Have a habit of clearing your mind of fears, anxieties and troubles before you sleep. Replace them with meditations and prayer upon God’s faithfulness and protection. Then you can sleep in peace, knowing that you dwell in His safety.
Source
• The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Old Testament; Cook)
• Psalms Classic Library Edition by Marilyn Hickey
How many groups of people is David speaking to? (list the verses.)
What was he asking or telling them to do?
In the last part of the Psalm, (vs7-8) David declares certain promises from God. What are they?
Step TWO - Interpretation
Background:
This psalm is closely related to Psalm 3 in content and timing. David was confident of God’s blessing and protection. This is a psalm of trust to God who give him peace and safety – even in his sleep. Psalm 4 is also known as an “evening psalm”.
Q: What is the theme of the psalm?
A: Our security and happiness lies in our relationship with God who bless the righteous. As His righteous ones, we can rejoice in God’s protection and peace. We can place our confidence in Him because He will listen when we call on Him on the basis of our relationship with Him.
Q: What is the key verse?
A: v.8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Q: Was David already in safety when he wrote the psalm?
A: No.
Q: Was he eventually delivered?
A: Yes. He slept.
Q: What helped him to persevere to the end?
A: Having a relationship with God and experience His protection and peace even when there is danger everywhere!
Step THREE - Application
Subject:
How to be able to sleep in peace in times of trouble?
Complement:
1) Call unto the Lord! (v.1)
• The Lord hears when we call and we can trust Him to bring relief for us.
2) Cast your burdens unto God! (v.8)
• Have a habit of clearing your mind of fears, anxieties and troubles before you sleep. Replace them with meditations and prayer upon God’s faithfulness and protection. Then you can sleep in peace, knowing that you dwell in His safety.
Source
• The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Old Testament; Cook)
• Psalms Classic Library Edition by Marilyn Hickey
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Studying Psalm 3
Step ONE - Observation
What are some of the key idea or word that has been repeated throughout the Psalm?
Q: How many times did the word ‘deliverance/salvation’ (depending on version of bible) appear?
Step TWO - Interpretation
Background:
This is a psalm of David. He wrote this when he was fleeing from his son Absalom.
Q: What is the theme of the psalm?
Q: What is the key verse?
Q: Was David already delivered when he wrote the psalm?
Q: Was he eventually delivered?
Q: What helped him to persevere to the end?
Step THREE - Application
Subject:
How to face challenges in our lives?
Complements:
1) Confront the challenges before the Lord (v1 and 2)
2) Confess who God is (v3 to v6)
3) Claim the promises of God for me (v7 and 8)
Is there an area in your life right now which you find it very challenging to manage? Lift it up to the Lord now and believe in God whose blessings are on His people.
Source
The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Old Testament; Cook)
Psalms Classic Library Edition by Marilyn Hickey
Pastor Seng Lee’s teaching
What are some of the key idea or word that has been repeated throughout the Psalm?
Q: How many times did the word ‘deliverance/salvation’ (depending on version of bible) appear?
Step TWO - Interpretation
Background:
This is a psalm of David. He wrote this when he was fleeing from his son Absalom.
Q: What is the theme of the psalm?
Q: What is the key verse?
Q: Was David already delivered when he wrote the psalm?
Q: Was he eventually delivered?
Q: What helped him to persevere to the end?
Step THREE - Application
Subject:
How to face challenges in our lives?
Complements:
1) Confront the challenges before the Lord (v1 and 2)
2) Confess who God is (v3 to v6)
3) Claim the promises of God for me (v7 and 8)
Is there an area in your life right now which you find it very challenging to manage? Lift it up to the Lord now and believe in God whose blessings are on His people.
Source
The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Old Testament; Cook)
Psalms Classic Library Edition by Marilyn Hickey
Pastor Seng Lee’s teaching
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Studying Psalm 2
STEP 1 - Observation
What are some of the key idea or word(s) that has been repeated throughout the Psalm?
STEP 2 - Interpretation
Background:
Psalm 2 begins with a curse and ends with a blessing.
Q: What is the main theme of the psalm?
A: God’s ultimate rule. A psalm written to celebrate the coronation of an Israelite king. It is also written for the coronation of Christ, the eternal King. It is futile for man to resist God and God’s plan on this earth.
Q: What was God’s response to the feeble efforts of men trying to over throw God?
A: God laughs.
Q: What is the key verse?
A: v. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
STEP 3 - Application
Subject:
How can you laugh in response to adversity?
Complement:
1. Know who your God is and who you are in Him
• Your Father, the King rules and reigns with authority. You who are God’s sons and daughters rules and reigns with Him with power and authority. (v.7 – 9)
2. Live your life with eternal perspective of circumstances and events.
• Christ is coming back! The second coming means wrath to all who rebel against God and great joy and refuge for all who by faith submit God’s rule and reign.
Source
• The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Old Testament; Cook)
• Psalms Classic Library Edition by Marilyn Hickey
What are some of the key idea or word(s) that has been repeated throughout the Psalm?
STEP 2 - Interpretation
Background:
Psalm 2 begins with a curse and ends with a blessing.
Q: What is the main theme of the psalm?
A: God’s ultimate rule. A psalm written to celebrate the coronation of an Israelite king. It is also written for the coronation of Christ, the eternal King. It is futile for man to resist God and God’s plan on this earth.
Q: What was God’s response to the feeble efforts of men trying to over throw God?
A: God laughs.
Q: What is the key verse?
A: v. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
STEP 3 - Application
Subject:
How can you laugh in response to adversity?
Complement:
1. Know who your God is and who you are in Him
• Your Father, the King rules and reigns with authority. You who are God’s sons and daughters rules and reigns with Him with power and authority. (v.7 – 9)
2. Live your life with eternal perspective of circumstances and events.
• Christ is coming back! The second coming means wrath to all who rebel against God and great joy and refuge for all who by faith submit God’s rule and reign.
Source
• The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Old Testament; Cook)
• Psalms Classic Library Edition by Marilyn Hickey
Studying Psalm 1
STEP 1 - Observation
What are some of the key idea or word that has been repeated throughout the Psalm?
In the first part of the psalm, how does the psalmist describe what a blessed man is not (v.1)?
a. He does not _____________________________
b. He does not _____________________________
c. He does not _____________________________
What does a blessed man look like then? (v.2)
a. ______________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________
What is the picture painted of a blessed man who delights and meditates on the law of God?
He is one who (v. 2 & 3)
a. is like ____________________________
b. yields ___________________________
c. has leaf _________________________
As a result, whatever the blessed man does, he prospers.
What does the psalmist compare the wicked or the ungodly to?(v. 4 & 5)
a. He is like _______________________________
b. He will not stand ________________________
As a result, whatever the wicked or ungodly does, he will not prosper.
STEP 2 - Interpretation
Background:
This psalm summarises the ways open to man:
• the way of the righteous
• the way of the wicked
v.1 signifies a progression from casual influence by the ungodly to the collusion with them in the ways against the righteous. It began with ‘walking’, then ‘standing’ and followed by ‘sitting’ in the midst of negative influence.
A godly person is influenced by his meditation on the Word of God. For all who take delight in living by God’s word, there is prosperity (fruitful tree). Thus whatever the righteous does will prosper. He is right with the Lord and enjoys peace and joy that results from the relationship.
The opposite of a blessed man is an ungodly man. The psalmist compared them to chaff, the worthless husks of the grain blown away by the wind in the process of winnowing. He is not approved of God and he will perish.
Q: What is the main theme of this Psalm?
A: God will separate the righteous from the wicked in judgement. The righteous will have a prosperous life in accordance to the Word of God. However, the ungodly shall perish.
Q: What is the key verse?
STEP 3 - Application
Do you want to receive the approval of God and be prosperous in whatever you do?
How can we receive God’s happiness for you and be prosperous?
1. Desire God and His Word
Ask of a supernatural desire for the WORD
2. Be Disciplined in His Word
Ask of a supernatural encounter and revelation of the WORD
3. Delight yourself in His presence and Word
Ask of a new joy to know the LORD
Are you feeling dissatisfaction in your life? Or are you seeking the wrong source for counsel and advice?
Set apart time with the WORD and allow the God of the WORD to come near you to strengthen you, refresh you with new joy and release new life into you. God is the God of prosperity and protection. He watches over you and blesses the works of your hands so that you may be prosperous! Come this day, do not hesitate anymore!
Source
• Psalms Classic Library Edition by Marilyn Hickey
• The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Old Testament; Cook)
What are some of the key idea or word that has been repeated throughout the Psalm?
In the first part of the psalm, how does the psalmist describe what a blessed man is not (v.1)?
a. He does not _____________________________
b. He does not _____________________________
c. He does not _____________________________
What does a blessed man look like then? (v.2)
a. ______________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________
What is the picture painted of a blessed man who delights and meditates on the law of God?
He is one who (v. 2 & 3)
a. is like ____________________________
b. yields ___________________________
c. has leaf _________________________
As a result, whatever the blessed man does, he prospers.
What does the psalmist compare the wicked or the ungodly to?(v. 4 & 5)
a. He is like _______________________________
b. He will not stand ________________________
As a result, whatever the wicked or ungodly does, he will not prosper.
STEP 2 - Interpretation
Background:
This psalm summarises the ways open to man:
• the way of the righteous
• the way of the wicked
v.1 signifies a progression from casual influence by the ungodly to the collusion with them in the ways against the righteous. It began with ‘walking’, then ‘standing’ and followed by ‘sitting’ in the midst of negative influence.
A godly person is influenced by his meditation on the Word of God. For all who take delight in living by God’s word, there is prosperity (fruitful tree). Thus whatever the righteous does will prosper. He is right with the Lord and enjoys peace and joy that results from the relationship.
The opposite of a blessed man is an ungodly man. The psalmist compared them to chaff, the worthless husks of the grain blown away by the wind in the process of winnowing. He is not approved of God and he will perish.
Q: What is the main theme of this Psalm?
A: God will separate the righteous from the wicked in judgement. The righteous will have a prosperous life in accordance to the Word of God. However, the ungodly shall perish.
Q: What is the key verse?
STEP 3 - Application
Do you want to receive the approval of God and be prosperous in whatever you do?
How can we receive God’s happiness for you and be prosperous?
1. Desire God and His Word
Ask of a supernatural desire for the WORD
2. Be Disciplined in His Word
Ask of a supernatural encounter and revelation of the WORD
3. Delight yourself in His presence and Word
Ask of a new joy to know the LORD
Are you feeling dissatisfaction in your life? Or are you seeking the wrong source for counsel and advice?
Set apart time with the WORD and allow the God of the WORD to come near you to strengthen you, refresh you with new joy and release new life into you. God is the God of prosperity and protection. He watches over you and blesses the works of your hands so that you may be prosperous! Come this day, do not hesitate anymore!
Source
• Psalms Classic Library Edition by Marilyn Hickey
• The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Old Testament; Cook)
Christmas Celebrations
A beautiful gal whom i got to know better recently - Diana. There's an unique bond of love and gentle fun that we both share. Thank you for being in my life, Diana. =) *HUGS*
Christmas celebrations service!
Pretty Sharon in a pretty white dress - my Christmas present for her. =) *hugs*
Jamie!!!
Nicolette!!!
Friday, December 28, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Look who's new!
Dear adorable Eunice!!!
(who's always shy =p)
Bubbly interactive Sharon!
who curled herself up to give space to others in the car =)
New or old, we always enjoy a good laugh! =p
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
The man with No Limbs
"Circumstances do not have to change for us to be victorious"
Not our Abilities but our AVAILABILITY! N.A.B.A
Nick will be at our Youth Service on 2 December. Be prepared to be inspired and bring your friends to hear from this amazing man and be powerfully encouraged!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
