Category: Quiet Time

Jesus intercedes for us

Thoughts on Deuteronomy 9

After being obedient to the Lord for some time, we tend to assume that we ‘deserve’ some good things. Be it a big victory or a small victory, some blessings, etc. In fact, when God does give us these good things we have the tendency to think that it is because we are good.

No, no, we are a stubborn and rebellious people – we do not ‘deserve’ these things. All we need to do is look at the cross to see the extent of our sin, how we are completely helpless and unable to fulfill the righteousness that is required by the Holiness of God.

But God blesses us anyway.

Not because of who we are and what we’ve done. But because of who He is and what Jesus has done.

Moses interceding for the Israelites gives us a glimpse of how Jesus intercedes for us before God. The Israelites never understood the trouble they have brought upon themselves when they sinned, and when they sinned again, and again. Moses knew, because he knew the power of God, and he was very afraid.

We don’t know the trouble we could have been in, had not Jesus interceded for us. Jesus knew. “Trouble” would be a terrible understatement.

So, don’t think yourself to be good – we can never be righteous on our own – instead, remember grace. Remember God’s great love.

Surrender your fears

Thoughts on Deuteronomy 8

Took me a while to write my thoughts on this chapter. And a lot of rewrites. It’s a strange time for me..

God’s testing is a way to find out if (1) you mean what you say, and (2) if you would do as you say you would. These are the trials and temptations that Christ-followers will face. The proper response is to persevere in faith. To trust your Heavenly Father that He has your best interest at heart. 

Testing should not be confused with consequences of sin/disobedience. For a Christian this includes discipline and reproof. The response should be repentance, then praise and thanksgiving for love shown through amazing grace.

“testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭8:2‬b ‭ESV‬‬

To be honest, this scares me – and recently too.

One, what if I fail? There’s too much at stake, and people I love are counting on me. Two, what if I do pass this test, does that mean that the next subsequent tests will be harder?

I know that God will never let me be tempted beyond my ability (1 Corinthians 10:13). But I couldn’t help entertain the thought that the way to prevent a great tragedy, is to keep my “ability” low. Maybe I don’t have to be “so spiritual”…

I’m sounding like the Israelites – Egypt is fine, it’s scary to go wander in the wilderness. Or, Manna is fine, I don’t want to have to deal with the giants. 

I understand them a bit now. It’s easier said than done to say you’ll trust and obey God for 40 years (the whole way), or to say you will fight battles against giants, against people stronger, more numerous than you. These are abstract concepts for many of us. 

Yes, I’ve had some fears and trials along the way. Yes, they did seem big at the time. Yes, I did learn to trust in God more through the experience. And yes, God has proven Himself faithful time and again and again. No, not once has he failed me.

But… recently I’ve been having this fear that the worse is yet to come.. 

…

It’s uncharacteristic of me to think this way. I’m usually very positive and optimistic, especially regarding trusting God. 

Maybe this is real faith. To trust in spite of the fear. Fear of the power of God, fear of the sovereignty of God. To trust that He is good. To trust that He loves me.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son”

…

The only way I can see moving forward from this – because these thoughts have paralyzed me – is to just surrender. I don’t know what’s going to happen – today, tomorrow, and for the remainder of my life as God has appointed it.

There’s simply no point in worrying. There is only living, day-by-day, by every word that comes from God.

Will there be difficult times? Yes, maybe, I don’t know. Regardless, I will no longer spend any time worrying.

…

“And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that come from the mouth of the Lord.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭8:3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Referenced by Jesus in Matthew 4:5

“Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the Lord your God disciplines you.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭8:5

Referenced by Solomon in Proverbs 3:12

7 Do Nots

Thoughts on Proverbs 3:21-35

Today’s passage came at a good time because I really need some practical wisdom right now. 

Hmm. There seems to be a lot of “Do nots” in this passage.

1. Do not lose sight of these… (v.21): Referring to the previous passages. Got it. I’ll persevere in finding wisdom, to make an effort to not forget your teaching and letting my heart keep your commandments.

2. Do not be afraid… (v.25): In my previous post I mentioned that I would wake up with “sudden terrors”. I would experience small “terrors of ruin” throughout the day as well. How awesome it is that God didn’t just end with a command to not be afraid. It follows through with the reason why we don’t have to be afraid – “for the Lord will be your confidence.”

Posted this exactly a year ago. Still so true.

3. Do not withhold good… (v.27): Be a blessing to those who deserve it, with the resources God has given you – Time, Treasure, Talent. Don’t hoard it.

4. Do not say to your neighbor… (v.28): … and do not delay! Don’t procrastinate (ouch). Be prompt, especially with the leading of the Holy Spirit.

5. Do not plan evil… (v.29): Now why would I (or anyone) do that? People can be dark sometimes.. Do not abuse people’s trust.

6. Do not contend with a man… (v.30): for no reason. I guess people like to pick fights. That’s not wise. Maybe when people are stressed out, they (I?) end up venting stress by finding someone to blame and fight.

7. Do not envy a man of violence… (v.31): Yeah, because it sometimes feels like they get things done, you know? The ‘peaceful’ approach takes time, effort and heart. But, choose God’s wisdom.

These “do nots” follow the “vertical and horizontal” model of the 10 Commandments, as well as the Great Commandment. You can’t just focus on one and forget the other.

Shine your light

Thoughts on Titus 1

What does it mean to be “above reproach”?

  • faithful to his wife
  • faithful to his calling as spiritual leader of his family (as evident in the lives of his children)
  • not arrogant 
  • not quick tempered
  • not a drunkard
  • not violent
  • not greedy for gain
  • hospitable
  • lover of good
  • self-controlled
  • upright 
  • holy
  • disciplined
  • holds firm to God’s word (so that he may be..)
  • able to give instruction in sound doctrine (and..)
  • able to rebuke those who contradict it

For there are many who are not, and they are usually the ones who aspire and fight for positions of power.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” -Edmund Burke

Today you woke up in the middle of the night worrying about many things, in fact it’s been quite regular.. You’re overwhelmed, and wondered both “how?” and “what for?”

For things related to my relationship with God and the welfare of my family, those were easily answered – do whatever it takes and with fervent prayer.

But with things related to my public life, with work especially.. 

Eventually God assured me that 1) I am where He wants me to be, 2) Trust in Him and He will straighten my paths and renew my strength.

That answered the “how”. Then, I thank God that, through this passage in Titus 1 this morning, He confirmed that assurance. This is what it is for.

““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:14-16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The Lord loves even though

Thoughts on Hosea 3

The Lord loves even though we turn to other ‘gods’. Even though we are unfaithful..

The Lord loves even though we love the things of this world. Even though we love the gifts more than the Giver. Lovers of pleasure and lovers of ourselves.

This love came with a price – the blood of Jesus for our redemption.

“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Don’t you doubt God’s love for you.