Hebrews 10:19-38

19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

26If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"^[a] and again, "The Lord will judge his people."^[b] 31It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. 33Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

35So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37For in just a very little while,
"He who is coming will come and will not delay.
38But my righteous one^[c] will live by faith.
And if he shrinks back,
I will not be pleased with him."^[d]

I've been kinda busy for the past month and hadn't had many opportunities to sit down and seriously spend time with God. I've realized how enriching spending time with God has been, finding out how much I had taken time spent with God for granted in the past. Day by day passed by with each day filled with activities that tire me out. Time tends to test relationships. But lets not let time test our personal relationship with God - treasure God's friendship. Your walk is your walk, my walk is my walk. Your leader can only guide you so far, but in the end, it will still be your own legs walking the journey of life, until we see God face to face.

I am sure many can relate to the passage above as if it were your life story. Fiery arrows of persecution and condemnation being shot at you from all angles about your religion. It's quite unthinkable and definitely unbearable. Constant stares, constant murmurs behind your back, people spouting nonsense about you, making a mountain out of a molehill. Personally, I have experienced this before. People question your religion, question your loyalty to God. etc. Deep down, it is hurtful being questioned about your God. But I pray, should you still be experiencing this, that you take heart from the passage above.

The writer of Hebrews found the readers tempted to pull away from Christ. Hebrews attempted to call them to God and to fellowship with one another by describing a veil by which all believers could enter God's presence. This veil symbolized the life of Jesus presented to God when He suffered for our sins. (1 Peter 3:18). Because Christians had complete access to God, they could draw near to Him with an inward and outward cleansing. They also needed to consider how to stimulate one another to good works by meeting together. In no instance should Christians fall into a pattern of neglecting fellowship with one another. The author warned his readers that turning away from Christ would expose them to divine judgment. He insisted that readers show genuine faith by continued commitment to Christ. They had already suffered for their faith, but they needed to demonstrate stamina in obeying God.

Today, I bless you to know that God will receive what he has promised. You will be richly rewarded for your faith. Bless you to stay strong in the Lord and not let anything (whether big or small) stumble you, but always stay on track, persevere and strive towards the goal.

Labels: DEVOTION

Mark 4:35-41

Jesus Calms the Storm

35That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." 36Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"

39He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

40He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

41They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

In the passage above, Jesus demonstrated absolute trust in God by sleeping (soundly) through the storm on Lake Galilee. The disciples mistook Jesus' trust for apathy(absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement). Strangely, their fear is not mentioned until Jesus had quieted the storm. Here, faith is courage based on trust in God's care no matter the situation/circumstances. The disciples were extremely puzzled with who this man really was.. This suggests their awe stemmed from the realization that their Teacher did what only God would be able to do - command the winds and the waves.

Similar to the previous post about David having been armed with the power of God was able to defeat the Giant Goliath. David had the total trust and confidence in God that God would deliver him. David had faith.

The disciples did show a certain "lack of faith" in God when they had felt helpless and turned to their Teacher for direction. Of course, in circumstances like the boat on the verge of capsizing, it would be trying to pause and have quiet confidence in God. A normal instinctive reaction would be to alert people around you and try to salvage the situation. However, these are the moments we need God our Lord the most.

If one has faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for the person. This is the highest form of faith that one could have; that even in cruel and hard times, he/she can still place his/her faith in God. The Disciples were unable to do so as they reacted the way a normal person would have. But we as believers, must trust God. It will be hard, with thoughts like "Sure a not, He will save us?"

Just like the Lord's Prayer,

9"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.

the Lord's Prayer. In it He models all the elements of proper prayer in an appropriate sequence. He presented the elements such as praise and adoration, leaving room for God's sovereign will to override ours; appeal for kingdom priorities to be manifest on the earth; personal petition and pleas for forgiveness contingent on our practice of forgiving others; and prayer for strength to avoid the tempter and his snares.

Lets pray that God will increase our capacity of FAITH in Him. Lets trust the Lord with our dear lives!

Blessed week ahead. :)

Labels: DEVOTION

1 Samuel 17:1-58.

Summary:

The Philistines were at war with Saul. Their greatest champion Goliath taunted the Israelites for their cowardice. No Hebrew had the courage to take on Goliath. Jesse's older sons were in the battle lines and Jesse sent David to the field with provisions. David heard of the defiant words of Goliath and was ready to defend the name of the Lord by challenging the giant to combat. With the weapon of a shepherd but armed with the power of God, he killed Goliath and the Philistines scattered in defeat.

36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."

45 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."


David overcame a giant 9 feet tall. It was as if a battle between an ant and a human. I can hardly imagine myself in David's shoes.. Would I have this kind of courage EVEN THOUGH I know that God was with me? Would I dare to risk my life EVEN THOUGH I know that God was beside me?
David definitely had the highest form of faith, trust and confidence in God. Honestly, if I were to face this kind of situation, I'm not too sure if I would go EVEN THOUGH I knew God is beside me.

This passage is a telling reminder that with God we can overcome anything. With God, David overcame and defeated Goliath, causing the Philistines to leave in disgrace. However, for most of us, we let go of this chance to even overcome giants in our life with God simply because we did not have to faith, trust, confidence in God that He would do so. Take heart from this testimony from David; he, overcame all odds stacked against him to take on the challenge of facing Goliath and defeated him triumphantly without the use of a sword/spear or the clothings of tunic, armor and helmet, but just simply armed with the power of God.

Today, lets learn to tap upon God's power. But, to do so, we must first have quiet confidence in God. Faith, trust to know that He will deliver you. Lets follow the excellent example of David, who had no qualms at all about taking on Giant Goliath, simply because he knew in his heart, God will empower and be with him. So if you are facing any "giants" and challenges in your life, slow down take time and pray about it. Settle your hearts at ease to know that God will deliver you. Remember, no problem is too large for our Lord.

God Bless. :)

Labels: DEVOTION

Matt 22:39
"And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'"

"It is really so hard for me to love the people around me. At times, I feel very burdened and obliged as a Christian to "show love" to people I dislike. It's as if the Devil is constantly shooting arrows back at me for my actions against my neighbors, the people around me. The problem is that I'm only able to love people in my circle of friends; Which means, they must fill certain criteria before I bill them as 'friend'." Have you been in this kind of situation?

The above thoughts have happened to me before, and it is so true. We, naturally as humans, find it hard to LOVE our neighbors. We can only Love them when they are our friends. However, today, can we get rid of this kind of mentality? The world out there is all about first impressions. Imagine if we do not express Love through our actions to the world, we have lost the battle. Can we, no matter who it is, as instruments of peace and love, express it to the world? The world has no LOVE. They only find love in materialistic things that are temporal. Lets be the sources of love; and be everlasting and constant.

Lets start today by doing simple but strong actions filled with LOVE.

Romans 15:2
"Each of us should please his neighbour for his good, to build him up."

We can't Force people into the Kingdom of God but we can lead people in by touching them with actions of love and concern. Lets sow the seeds for the future, but make sure we exhibit LOVE to everyone around us without prejudice, for everyone is God's Child, just that they have been blinded by the things of this world. There is certainly a reason for where God has placed you. Most likely he wants to use you to touch his children who are unaware but around you. Today, LOVE your NEIGHBOUR.

Bless you!

Labels: DEVOTION

9 The heart is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?

Jeremiah 17:9 is so true. The heart of man is poisonous. With our heart we commit our lives to God, but with our heart we knowingly fall into sin. How hypocritical is that? This is something that we at some point in our life are guilty of. Today, what is the condition of your heart? Is your heart beating for God? During cell, Ah pa shared 3 Characteristics that our hearts should possess.

A Pure Heart to See Him
A Simple Heart to Follow Him
An Undivided Heart to Serve Him

23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.

Lets have a heart that is Pure, Simple and Undivided. Many a time, we are busied by our commitments that we have and God just slips off our mind. Has it ever occurred to you that your heart is cold and hardened towards God? Have you lost your sensitivity towards the Holy Spirit? Well, it all boils down to your heart.

Recently, I was involved in CIP at a society for the handicapped. I encountered people who are handicapped. Honestly, no one in the right frame of mind would ever choose to be handicapped. I was touched and guilty of being nonchalant and ignorant of the difficulties they faced. Some had no limbs, no arms, no legs, others were wheel-chair bound for life. Life for them is really tough and hard. I started thanking God that I am born without any problems. I started claiming that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

It is the same as our hearts. Lets not wait until we are "woken up" by God or by a situation. The same goes for the 40 day fast. A symbol of our hunger and love for Him. Pastor doesn't want us to wait for sanctification week to enter that period but instead, we have to change the attitude of our heart and prepare ourselves for it.

Reminders:
1. A Psalm a Day
2. Fasting A Meal
3. Fasting Computer Games and TV.
4. Prayer / Time with God 1 Hour a Day.

Lets ENJOY and SOAK in His Presence!!

Labels: DEVOTION

Thank God, I've stayed true to reading a psalm a day. Reminder that although it is a "corporate project", it is just a significant act that we put God first everyday. First moments in the morning goes to the time spent with God and rightly so. I'm glad to say, my spirit is so much more joyful and assured every morning as I go to school. I find myself enjoying everything I do and I thank God for that.

Through Psalms, there is so many characteristics of God that we can find. What I remember the most are:

Psalm 5:11 - Protector
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Psalm 6:4 - Loving
4 Turn, O LORD, and deliver me;
save me because of your unfailing love.

Psalm 11:7 - Righteous
7 For the LORD is righteous,
he loves justice;
upright men will see his face.

Psalm 23:1 - Shepherd
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

Psalm 28:1 - God is our Rock
1 To you I call, O LORD my Rock;
do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent,
I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.

Psalm 40:5 - Miracle Worker
5 Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare.

As you read Psalms daily, do make it a point to read with a heart that wants to know God more and more, including His characteristics. I am sure many more characteristics of God will surface as we read psalms with an attentive and willing spirit, let the Holy Spirit reveal more to you! Bless you!

Labels: DEVOTION

Hey family,

We are 1 Month into the Yr of Sabbath, so have you been resting well (in the Lord)? Haha. Personally there has been some form of breakthrough for myself. I've definitely grown in the aspect of discipline; that is, waking up earlier than normal and spending the precious moments with our Maker, reading his Word in Psalms. Psalms is the Bible's book of personal devotions.

Following is something interesting that I read,

Type of Psalms.
When studying a psalm, one should ask the following questions.
1) Was is sung by an individual or congregation?
2) What was the psalms' purpose (praise, cry for help, thanksgiving)?
3) Does it mention any special theme?

I think we should focus more on question 2. What is the real purpose of every psalm that we read? Once we recognize the purpose of what is, we can use the psalm as our own personal cry out to God. Lets not see this as a chore or a obligation on our part to commit ourselves to reading psalms but really, lets see this as an extended time with God. A time where we see what were the needs/cries of the Christians before us. A time to just cry out to God in your hearts as you read the psalm.

From every psalm that we read, there is something new we learn about God. I leave you with Psalm 23, which is one of the most beautiful revelations of God.

Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Lets continue reading His Word in the Month of February, every morning before food. God Bless you!

Labels: DEVOTION

1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

2 He whose walk is blameless, and who does what is righteous, who speaks truth from his heart
3 and has no slander on his tongue, and who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,
4 who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,
5 who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

this morning as i read Psalm 15, i asked God what can He teach me from today's chapter. Then as i continue to read on, God showed me Proverbs 3. It's about "Further Benefits of Wisdom" and some of the verses are link in a way that it will help us understand better.

Psalm 15:2-3
2 He whose walk is blameless, and who does what is righteous, who speaks truth from his heart
3 and has no slander on his tongue, and who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,

Proverbs 3:34
34 He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.

Psalm 15:5
5 who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken

Proverbs 3:29-30
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse a man for no reason-when he has done you no harm.

Psalm 15:4
4 who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts

Proverbs 3:7
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear of the LORD and shun evil.

Labels: DEVOTION

Wow, time really flies, its amazing. 2007 (Yr of Victory) is about to be over as we welcome in 2008 (Yr of Sabbath). There are many things we have went through this year, be it victories/breakthroughs or setbacks/defeats. But in everything, let us learn to give thanks to God for it is by grace and mercy that we can even call him Abba Father.

From the Word of God

John 1:14 (The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.)
-Resulting in blessing after blessing! John 1:16 (From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.)

Acts 15:11 (No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.)

Romans 6:14 (For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.)

Ephesians 1:7 (In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.)

Ephesians 2:5 (made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.)

Ephesians 2:8 (For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.)

My encouragement to you as you read this is that we not only thank God at a certain point in time, (end of week, end of month, end of yr etc.) but that we learn to give thanks to Him, for his grace upon our lives. Indeed, our salvation, our lives in the Lord was a gift from Him. My prayer is that every morning when we wake up, we will give thanks to God for something He has done in our lives.

Another point that I would like to make is that we thank God for everything, not just our victories or breakthroughs, but I would like to put it that we give thanks to Him for everything including our defeats and setbacks. Why? Because He has wonderful, amazing and spectacular plans for us. (Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.)

Lets learn to recognize that everything is God-ordained/orientated and we can never comprehend it because His ways are higher than ours. Which is why in defeat/setbacks, give thanks for God has a reason for everything. We are assured, from the bible, that the Lord our God has much, much greater plans for us. It is truly by grace that we can be called children of God. Lets start giving thanks today!!! Finally, I would like to leave you with the lyrics of this song, "Give Thanks". This is probably a familiar song to all but lets really learn to Give thanks with a heart that is ever so grateful to our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Bless you!!

GIVE THANKS
WITH A GRATEFUL HEART
GIVE THANKS
TO THE HOLY ONE
GIVE THANKS
BECAUSE HE'S GIVEN
JESUS CHRIST, HIS SON

AND NOW LET THE WEAK SAY
I AM STRONG
LET THE POOR SAY
I AM RICH
BECAUSE OF WHAT
THE LORD HAS DONE
FOR US

GIVE THANKS...

Labels: DEVOTION

16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

Labels: DEVOTION

We are members of Faith Community Baptist Church
YouthNet
Pastor Adrian Ong
Cell Members of David Ong
Ages from 13-27
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Faith Community Baptist Church
Pastor Adrian
Pastor Yearng Cheung


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