Today 21 Dec 2011 is the 353rd day of the year 2011. The Psalm for today is Ps 53. The verses from ASV of the Bible are reproduced here together with my reflections.
Some title it "A Portait of Sinners", "The foolishness and iniquity of atheism" and others stressing on the bad people and evil deeds. But for me, it is a calling by God to His people, His beloved creation, to return to Him and promising blessings.
1. No God -> No Accountability -> Evil Everywhere.
Psa 53:1 For the Chief Musician; set to Mahakath. Maschil of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity; There is none that doeth good.
"There is no God" is the common concept promoted by secular world under the misleading disguise of "Modern Science". They forgot that the early scientists started with premise that there is a God of creator who created the universe with order and providing the foundation that it can be studied with science.
When men believe that there is no God or that God does not care even if He does exist, then there is no accountability. No accountability leads to unconstrained behavior and much evil deeds. This is a clear reflection of our present world.
2. Yet, God is Reaching Out to Man.
Psa 53:2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there were any that did understand, That did seek after God.
God did not reject or hide away from man. He seek after man, looking for those who seek Him. God's glory is reflected in the wonder of the creation. There is no accuse to ignore His existence. He is seeking for man and to relate to man.
3. Nevertheless, Man care Not.
Psa 53:3 Every one of them is gone back; they are together become filthy; There is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Men are too busy in his own business of getting more and more no matter what, even at the expense of harming others as seen in the next verse.
4. God cares for the Innocence.
Psa 53:4 Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, Who eat up my people as they eat bread, And call not upon God?
Harming innocence is harming God's people. People are God's loved creation.
5. God will Punish Evil and Protect His People.
Psa 53:5 There were they in great fear, where no fear was; For God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: Thou hast put them to shame, because of God hath rejected them.
A righteous and loving God has to uphold justice and hand out his punishments for the evil. Ignoring God, disbelieve in God does not nullify the existence of true God. There is no running away. God will protect His people. Please repent and go back to God.
6. God will save His people and establish His kingdom on earth. Let the World be Glad.
Psa 53:6 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Then shall Jacob rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
This is the meaning of Christmas. God came to save and to establish His righteous and loving kingdom on earth. Let's all rejoice.
2011-12-20
Principles for Successful Living From Proverbs 18
8 simple principles for success in life from Proverbs 18. A reflection for our life even for those that are of age. There is always time to change for the better.On quick reading, each chapter of Proverbs seem to be just a loose collection of words of wisdom and it is difficult to link up the verses for a main theme. It will take a bit longer time and more intensive study to find the linkage. Here is a attempt for Prov 18. Below is the mind-map showing the main theme and sub themes.
The 8 Principles for Good Life
Don't be a lone ranger. He who isolates himself is selfish and self-seeking. It is not sound. It important to have 2 types of relationships - with God (Principle 3) and with People (Principle 8).
2. Be Wise & Not a Fool
- Fool just talk without wanting to learn. They lack understanding. Wisdom begins with learning and refreshes oneself and others without end.
- Wisdom is about being fair and objective. Not to be unjust.
- Seek Knowledge
- Seek multiple views
- Wickedness -> contempt & dishonor ->disgrace.
- The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
- Don't talk foolishly that leads to a fight and invites a beating. (See Principle 8 on how to build relationships and prevent quarrels)
- Story telling impresses - Don't gossip. But use stories to reach out the mind and touches the heart of people.
- Teaching satisfies the soul and benefits others. Be willing to be coach and helps others.
- The Power of Life and Death is in the tongue and we need to use it to have good fruits.
- laziness/slackness brings forth destruction
- Wealth has power and take the initiative. The poor have to beg for a living. Hence ....
- Create wealth by starting and running profitable business.
- Use wealth to impact and benefit the world and not to hoard it or be enslaved by it.
- humility -> honor
- hope lift life and give you confidence to start, continue and to accomplish.
- Don't be a lone ranger (see Principle 1)
- Relationship begins with being good to people. Make Friends by Giving good things e.g. Gifts.
- Don't Offend & Quarrel with others. Offense and unresolved quarrels are big barriers to friendship. They are difficult to unwind when committed.
- Find the Right Friend.
It is not the quantity but the quality that count in friendship. Be careful in choosing your close friends.Those that care about your well-being and is able to correct your mistakes and also to support you in your time of troubles. - Find the Right Spouse
Ask God for a favor to help you find the right one. Open your eyes wide and be choosy. But after the marriage, make sure you are the right one with favor of God.
2011-12-03
Kingdom Principles Discussion 08 Law of Reciprocation
Law of Reciprocation tells us we get treated by others according to how we treat them. This is the secret of building good relationship. We need to practice empathy. It also tells us that the way to change another is by us changing first, the way we treat them. There are nine levels of maturity and we need to, by the love of Christ in us, move towards Christ likeness of being able to good to others even though some may even repay our goodness with evil.
Previous discussion in at Kingdom Principles Discussion 07 Law of Seasons.
Here is an extended mind-map on this topic:
Next Discussion: Kingdom Principles Discussion 09: Servant Leadership - Law of Greatness
Index of Kingdom Principles at Kingdom Laws & Principles
Lim Liat (c) 3 Dec 2011
2011-12-01
Wisdom of Proverbs - Love
The strongest bond of love comes naturally from relationship - parent and child. There is no performance to earn the love. Love comes with the relationship. It is like Father God and us, His children. Love is unchanging, covers the effects of sins, and many other things. In short, love is powerful. Love is about righteousness, generosity and blessedness.Continuing to work on additional topics for Wisdom of Proverbs by Topics.
This time is about 'Love'. But I am stuck right away on Prov 4 and in particular 4:3, (ERV) When I was my father's little boy and my mother's dear son. Prov 4 is about how the Father, wanting his son to do well in life, gives him instructions about life. The instructions are for life v4, long life of many years v8, protection v6, not stumbling v12, having honor v8 and crown v9. The Father is doing it out of love. But why does the Father love his son? The son is still young and could not do anything for the Father. So, this brings out the key lessons about love.
1. Love comes naturally from Relationship.
I was reminded of a short article we studied in school, written by a famous Chinese woman author 冰心 Bing Xin. Here is a key text:
不为什么-冰心
有一次，幼小的我，忽然走到母亲面前，仰着脸问：“妈妈，你到底为什么爱我？”母亲放下针线，用她的面额，抵住我的前额，温柔的，不迟疑地说：“不为什么，——只因你是我的女儿！”
No Other ReasonsIn this kind of relationship, parent-child, love comes with it and within. There is no need for performance. No need to earn it. True love is unconditional and yet wanting and supporting you to be the very best that you can be. Best not by worldly standard, but by your ability to be independent and living a joyful and healthy life with yourself and others.
Once, when I was little, suddenly walked to the front of my mother, lifting up my head and asked,"Mama, why do you love me?" Mother put down her needle and threads, touching my forehead with her face, gently and without any hesitation said, "Not because of anything, just because you are my daughter!".
The rest of learning on love in Proverbs can be found in the following mind-map. Hope you can read it carefully and be encouraged.
Lim Liat (c) 1 Dec 2011