Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Walking with God

Genesis 6

Inspired thots

So far only TWO persons WALKED with GOD! ~ Enoch and Noah.

Enoch pleased God so much that God took him up to continue their fellowship.
Noah pleased God through complete obedience to God's instructions. He just did everything God commanded.
Perhaps that is how to 'walk with God'. ~ Total Obedience; no questions nor complaints.

God grieved over man's wickedness. Sin abounds; it multiplies quickly! God's heart was filled with pain. Why not righteousness? It is hard to stop the wicked nature of man.

How did Enoch and Noah refrain to be righteous and blameless in the midst of a wicked generation to find favor with God?

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Generations of God's People Walking with God

Genesis 4 & 5

Inspired thots

I shall read as much as Scriptures as I can to get an inspired thot.  And today, it is all about Man.
Cain did not start off well with killing Abel causing a disruption to the connection with God.

It is amazing that God still reveals Himself and commuicates with Cain and Abel generation so closely.
God blessed Adam & Eve with Seth to carry on the lineage and fellowship with God.

But the years of life tend to decrease as the generation goes;
Methuselah lived the LONGEST at 969 years; Enoch at 365 yeats before being taken up by God. He must have done something so excellently that God wants to fellowship with him constantly.

From this 'generation' of spiritual ancestors, Lamech lived the shortest at 777 years. Then came on Noah who activated the plan of God at 600 years old.

How would it feel to live SOooo long? When in heaven, I will know. For the time being, only WALK with God so closely with Enoch.

Monday, August 29, 2011

The Impact of Knowledge

Genesis 3

Inspired thots

KNOWLEDGE....

Most would think that it is good to acquire it but with its acquisition comes great responsibility in using it.
Hence, most of the time, it may be better NOT to have it.

Adam and Eve were living well under God's care, provision and fellowship until Eve was enticed by more choices. She chose to want to taste an extra fruit - the forbidden one - and she chose knowledge that gives her wisdom.

There are CONSEQUENCES to Knowledge. Acquiring knowledge can impact positively and negatively;
for we shall make decisions based on the knowledge. Our mindset changes with knowledge ~ not always for the good, though.
Hence, we must be careful about acquiring knowledge; once acquired, there will be a trigger of related events that will change our whole life as Adam and Eve found out.

Let the Lord reveal...

Sunday, August 28, 2011

The WHOLE Works

Genesis 2

Inspired thots

When God created EVERYTHING, He created ALL to start the Life System. All necessary processes were put into place.... including a helpmate for man.

He knows what is best for man and life. He is the Creator God. He is in control but yet, He chose to give man the Authority over the animals and vegetation... the whole earth. The only exemption was not to eat from the TREE OF KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL.

Just one of all instructions....

With man and his helpmate, they were both naked and they felt no shame because there was no sin.
Such was the beautiful setting God has intended life on earth for man and woman. Man was not alone; he was not to be idle - he was to work the Garden of Eden and take care of it. There would be self-satisfaction and sufficiency.

The First in Everything

Genesis 1

Inspired thots

An excitement rose within me as I embark on the reading of the OT with GENESIS. It seems to hold a lot of promises and revelations which I am eager to seek out. And I was not disappointed.

The VERY first line of impact to catch my eye is "God blessed the birds and sea creatures" v22
It was the first of living things to be Blessed by God.

Then God created man in His own image and God blessed him too. v26

His handiworks are beautiful and complete as He ensures it with full provision.
There is no Lack with God!

He was, is and is to come... He is the First and the Last!

Ps.23:1 ~ The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Revelation for a Purpose

Matthew 28

Inspired thots

The finality is here! Jesus rose from the dead. It is finished!

Only the truth will prevail. Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples to prove all His words and to encourage them. Many may twist the truth to be half-truths which are more dangerous than fallacies and errors.

May the Holy Spirit guide in revealing the truth so that the eternal purpose is executed.

Yes, Lord; for those who need a revelation from you for eternity; for salvation. Have mercy Lord!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Lonely being ALONE

Matthew 27

Inspired thots

Man is created to be in relationships; when he is alone, he can be quite lonely unless he is sure of his destiny.

Judas became alone when he chose to betray Jesus; money could not buy him happiness or life satisfaction. He was looked down on for his act by those who sought  his assistance. Thus, he was deceived to be alone; hence, he ended up lonely until he was overcomed by remorse.

Jesus became alone when He was taken captive; He suffered all the humiliation and pain, physical torment and verbal insults. He was alone as His disciples have fled. He was lonely on the cross and felt it most there in His spirit to cry out to God.

Yes, it is important to choose the RIGHT company and STAY on the right path. Loneliness will come but where does it end?
For Judas, it was hell; for Jesus, it was heaven.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Focus on Destiny for Life's Pathway

Matthew 26

Inspired thots

Such a sad day with Jesus being captured and ill-treated. Though He could call angels to help Him out, He quietly did the Will of God. Such humility and obedience.

When you are focused on your Destiny, your outlook in life is different. It guides your path in everything you say and do.

If it is not the Right outlook, confusion and deception reign, leading to chaos and character detriment.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Simple SELF Preparations for the Lord's Return

Matthew 25

Inspired thots

The Lord is returning soon; the signs are looming. Hence, the preparations must be underway. And the first is Self. There is so much to prepare - just on the self.

Thank God the going got started but it is not even half way.

May the Lord reveal the areas every step of the way!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Have Mercy, O Lord!

Matthew 24

Inspired thots

Yes, Lord! I confess I am a coward. Have mercy on me and others that we do not fall away from You when times of trial and persecution comes. Those will be difficutl times; very trying. Let your people be strong to withstand the temptations, persecutions, deception and betrayals. Yes, betrayals would be the hardest to bear.

Let us prepare to build up our faith and stay firm till the end. Yes, Lord. Help me to keep my eyes focused on You all the time. Let my family do the same, each building up their faith in You and strengthening their relationship with You. Mature us your children O Lord to Your glory. Let no one take our soul or rob us of our eternal glory with You, O Lord.

May your Holy Spirit guide us all the way from now till we meet You face to face!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Getting it All Wrong

Matthew 23

Inspired thots

Thank God that this time round this chapter does not 'prick' as much as before; the lesson has been received. Learnt? Still learning and changing... a good reminder.

But it is clear that man tends to get it all wrong.
> It's not about US; its about GOD!

> Follow God's Ways; not our own!

> Allow Jesus to bless; receive His blessings!

> God is in charge; not us!

Life can be so simple and blessed when we realize who we really are; what we are created for; instead we rob God of His glory. Man glory in what he can see only while God knows the future and the spiritual.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Pay Attention

Matthew 22

Inspired thots

It is important to PAY ATTENTION to the things of God. If not, whatever blessings God has in store for us will not be enjoyed for we will not deserve it. God is seeking man to come to His side but man is busying himself with his own efforts.

Strange.... thot: why not just accept the blessings of God which are readily available instead of working hard on your own effort for less?

If we pay no attention to the things of God or heed His calling, He will pay no attention to us.

God is the Greatest! He wants our love and totality - love Him with all your heart, soul and mind and the neighbour as self.
Pay attention to that and Do it!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Giving GLORY to GOD

Matthew 21

Inspired thots

Jesus thought only of the people's welfare throughout His time here on earth and gave them His best - forgiveness, healing, blessing, life!

But many did not reciprocate with thankfulness and belief. Doubt and unbelief, sneers and envy reigned in the hearts instead of giving Glory to God when it is due. Man tends to rob God of His glory; we better be careful with that.

There will always be TWO groups of hearers: believers and non-believers.

It is a matter of choice.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

God's Ways are so Different

Matthew 20

Inspired thots

The way God does things is SO different from man; and this is because man is selfish and thinks of himself in most of his actions. It is truly illogical for man that one who did the least work should be paid the same as the one who did the most work. He cries,"Unfair!" God chooses to be Generous and Compassionate; yet man chooses to be selfish and calculative.

Even the mother of James and John exhibited the same trait - the best seats in the 'house' for her sons.

When does one get out of the SELF mentality and put on GOD's mentality?
Help, Lord!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

What Do I Still LACK?

Matthew 19

Inspired thots

Man will always feel 'a lack' when he goes about his life without God. He will make his own decisions and suffer consequences when he is not in God's will.

But when man seeks God and His ways, there is no lack... Psalm 23 - The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. There is no lack in God. He provides all I need - He provides the BEST! Philippians 4:19

Without God, man is fraught with worries and earthly concerns but only one thing is needful - sitting at His feet to hear His word and enjoy His presence - as Mary did. Luke 10:42
There would not be divorces and hardness of heart when man seeks after God... not his own glory or comfort.

Hence, it is NOT the material things I lack but the SPIRITUAL matters that should concern me more. God knows what I need or want and will provide since He put me on planet Earth.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Greatest = Forgiveness + Mercy

Matthew 18

Inspired thots

There is no necessity to seek my own glory; I am not important - others are! especially those who have yet to know Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
The only greatness worthy of consideration is GOD's. The only greatness for me is to seek His!
And His is to have all men be drawn to Him; that is the Father heart of God.

Forgiving others; esteeming them higher than self; being merciful where possible - just as God has done for me.

Seeking God's ways is more crucial than seeking self glory through being great. Only God is great!
There are only TWO extremes to be the Greatest in God's Kingdom;
1) GOD Himself - whom no one can compare
and,
2) the humblest - a seemingly irony but that is the purpose of God; one is great when he thinks not of himself because his mind and heart are not occupied with it.

Rightly the Word of God says - "Where your treasure is, there shall your heart be also" (Matthew 6:21)

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Bogged Down by Worldly Issues

Matthew 17

Inspired thots

The World has so much to offer... through the Internet, I can obtain all sorts of information and ideas that can occupy my time. It can crowd out my faith and dedication to God; but if like the disciples, Peter, James and John who were always close to Jesus and experienced His glory, so would I be informed of Jesus' glory and greatness if I spend more time with Him.

Like Jesus said, "Elijah has already come, but they did not recognize him:"; they missed the boat. How about me on the things of God and His will if I am not alert?

Jesus will supply needful worldly things; I need to be close to Jesus to hear His bidding. Although a child of God with exemptions, sometimes it is a testimony to put aside the exemptions and be like the commoner. There are so many who do not know the Lord yet; they are bogged down with worldly issues because they do not know the real issue. 

Saturday, August 13, 2011

The Right Teaching Impacts

Matthew 16

Inspired thots

No wonder Jesus was concerned about the disciples' learning. Whatever INPUT is reflected in OUTPUT.
Teachings of man > Self centredness, Self righteousness and self glory

Teachings of God > God focused, Heavenly Revelations, Prophetic Utterances

No particular signs are required to 'teach' or 'confirm' the things of God for God Himself will reveal what He wants to reveal in DUE time.


Friday, August 12, 2011

Being Wise - in Whose Eyes?

Matthew 15

Inspired thots

It is easy to sideline God's ways for our own ways; man can be quite subtle in 'nullifying' the word of God for the sake of tradition. But one must be careful - for this is what causes PRIDE and SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS to creep in. It will be that we are worshipping SELF and not GOD!

The disciples also showed a bit of their human nature - they were mindful of Jesus' words stinging the Pharisees whereas Jesus openly rebuked them with parables; "where there is smoke, there is fire" - so the proverb goes. Hence, the Pharisees knew what Jesus was referring to. They became offended.

But Jesus left them alone after His rebuke every time. It is up to the conscience to convict really. Just like the Canaanite woman, if you want to believe, you will believe.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Never Turned Away - that's the Compassion of God

Matthew 14

Inspired thots

Jesus never turn away anyone; no matter how busy He was, He always made time for those who seek Him. Whether it is hunger or healing, Jesus sustained them through His provisions. Even when they crowd around Him, He welcomes them.

He himself gains strength through prayer which is a frequent activity whenever He has the time Jesus was very focused in whatever He did.

He acted out of Compassion and Love in Obedience to the Heavenly Father.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Knowledge Precedes Action

Matthew 13

Inspired thots

Jesus taught the people a lot in parables; He did actually revealed a lot of kingdom values and information to the disciples and the crowd but only those who believed could understand. Even the disciples could not understand all the parables until Jesus explained.

With every explanation, there must be an acceptance of the Word revealed.
With every revelation, there must be action on the knowledge embraced.

Otherwise, it is a case of ever seeing but never perceiving; ever hearing but never understanding.

The purpose of heavenly revelations is to understand with the Heart and Turn to Jesus for Total Healing.
And once enlightened, one moves on to self-cleansing - like springcleaning (v52). The inner man must be set in order for the Lord - getting rid of the old and unclean while treasuring the new and valuable only.

On the other hand, a lack of faith brings on offense. And that is the real stumbling block to eternity.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Safeguarding Self Against Unlawful Invasion

Matthew 12

Inspired thots

To already have Salvation is indeed a great privilege! Praise God for that! But I must take care not to be presumptious and careless which may invite unwelcomed invasions such as evil spirits. Hence, it is necessary to stay alert at all times to guard myself from deception and complacency.

Where there are miracles of God, I must be humble to acknowledge His hand of working.
Where there are temptations, I must keep focused on Jesus to stay strong.
Where there are sins, I must seek forgiveness and exercise repentance.
Where there are revelations, I must be quick to obey.
Where there are differences, I must not be quick to judge.

Help me Lord! TQ.

Monday, August 8, 2011

IF You are Willing...

Matthew 11

Inspired thots

Many times it is read that Jesus was asked 'if He was willing...' to heal the sick and diseased; and His answer is always the SAME - 'I am Willing' for He was filled with love and compassion for man.

But when the table is reversed, as Jesus asked 'If you are Willing...' it shows a deceptive and self centered heart. It depends on each individual to be Willing to accept the sayings and teachings of Jesus; only time and etermity will prove Him true.

Man tends to critique what he does not understand or accept and usually, that is the heavenly things. He will get tired out (burned out) struggling with believing in God. The Best way for stress relief is come to Jesus and take His rest; learn from Him.

Most of the time, it is NOT the Physical that causes tiredness but the Emotional and Intellectual and Spiritual that cause 'tiredness'.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Turmoil

Matthew 10

Inspired thots

As things begin to happen today, it is a sign of the end times; a sign of Jesus' coming back if you care to believe.

Turmoil is in the world; it is happening right at our doorstep - in each country which you and I call home. None is excluded. How urgent is the need to intercede for faith to arise and be strengthen!
How scary that people can turn against each other! even close relations! Betrayal! Persecution!
Fear!

The ONLY Assurance is that it is ALL GOD's Plan and Will. So shelter under His wings brings refuge and solace - the only Solution.

Hence, walk and keep in step with the Holy Spirit. Teach me, Lord!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

The TIME is NOW

Matthew 9

Inspired thots

Things began to happen when Jesus was going around healing the sick. The need is great amongst the people of that day. So is it today. Yes, "the harvet is plentiful but the workers are few"

> Could it be there are more "harvest" than "workers"?

> Could it ber there are not enough "willing" workers?

Help me Lord be willing...

The time is NOW... Many things are happening at the "backyard"; awareness must be raised and the spirit man must be trained to be strong and rise up for righteousness.

Cleansing and healing of the old ways and 'sicknesses' must be performed and corrected now in preparation for the harvest.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Simple Faith

Matthew 8

Inspired thots

It takes only simple faith to believe in Jesus. And desperation will raise up simple faith in due time.When one is desperate, they will believe as there may be no other choices. But a deep search of the soul is required.

Lip service is not enough; true self and attitude will be revealed.
Better speak from the heart, for it is out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.

All things are subject to Christ; isn't it better to trust in the Almighty and only One than any others? Choose the BEST!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

FRUITING at ALL Seasons

Matthew 7

Inspired thots

It is human nature to 'bear fruits'. Being FRUITFUL is being productive which is a positive thing; and everyone needs to be positive in most areas all the time. But we can be 'negative' without being conscious through our attitude and behavior.

We must be careful of bad fruits in ourselves as well as in others as both sources can cause detriments to us; especially from within. It changes our personality and character negatively; not pleasing to God. It is all about DECEPTION too. Others may try to deceive us by coming in sheep's clothings when they are actually 'wolves'. We can deceive others through judging them harshly when we are no better. It is called 'Double Standard'.

We can deceive ourselves by reacting according to our convenience.

Let me be truly alert to these deceptions... especially within.

 Lets start with ME!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Being SEEN by Men

Matthew 6

Inspired thots

It is a human trait - to be SEEN by men - we are a relational being; seeking approval and acceptance.
However, the best approval and acceptance is from God our Creator; hence, let me strive to put off the things of this world and seek the Heavenly delights from my Heavenly Father. It is a whole different ballgame! But one more fulfilling and exciting! Yet, the safer and better option.

It will lead to 'Treasures in Heaven' which are lasting. Hence, no worries... worries are really on things of the world which are not crucial for eternity. A right change of focus and heart will keep me in the right direction in all things.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

A Higher Level of Righteousness

Matthew 5

Inspired thots

There are two kinds of righteousness: righteousness of GOD and righteousness of the Pharisees - man.

God's righteousness brings Fulfillment and Completeness while the righteousness of the Pharisees is only for now and a man-pleaser; a show-off; a self-seeking glory.

Hence, the words of Jesus in this chapter are to change hearers to His kind of righteousness; to turn people away from their own righteousness to His righteousness by caring for others and putting others before self
just like Jesus.

Jesus loves both the righteous and the unrighteous.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Stay Alert to take on the Right Action

Matthew 4

Inspired thots

Jesus starting His ministry when John the Baptist was sent into prison. Jesus was alert to the situation around Him to take the appropriate action.

> He began to preach the gospel
> He began to call His disciples
> He began to heal


In all of Jesus' ways, He was willing to suffer first and glory later; whereas humans like me, prefer to glory now and preferably not have to suffer.  Such a difference!