Follows God-strive to righreousness with His help. Strive to life of love, forgiveness, grace, kindness, mercy, justice, restrictions, giving, generosity, hope of salvation, everything is possible.
Neutral-follows confucious values of respect and honour, no restrictions; no hope of salvation
Worldly life of hatred, bitterness, harden heart, unforgiveness, cash is king etc
Nehemiah 8:1-6
Ezra reading the Law of Moses (which the LORD had commanded for Israel) to the Israelites; took him a long time from daybreak till noon.
Great prayer of confession
The Israelites confess their sins. Character of God is revealed in this heart-felt prayer in Nehemiah 9:1-37.
God is compassionate, just, graceful, merciful, faithful, powerful, Almighty, awesome, kind, abundance in resources, caring, provider-lacks nothing, who keeps His promises, who honours His covenants, who listens and loves His people, who punishes His people for their great sins, stiff-neck, refuses to listen to warnings, who murdered His prophets who warned them of their sins, who worships man made idols (deadly sins).
Nehemiah 1:4-10
Praise-..God of heaven, the great and awesome God,..keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands…; requestcor petition..ears be attentive, ..eyes open to hear; confession- sins and its consequences; repentance; request. Give your servant success…vs 11.
Learnt today that one of classmates grew up together.
So shocking to hear of her passing. Life is so uncertain. Jesus promises eternal hope.
Importance of repentance and hope. A great example in Manasseh, King of Judah-2 Chronicles 33:1-11, 12-20.
Always be God’s side-duty of man-Ed, 4-7-22
Jesus, the Son of God-from the horse’s mouth. Luke 22:66-71, 70
Acts 7:1-53
Great speech on the history from Abraham all the way to Jesus, the Messiah.
King Solomon’s dedication of the temple he built for God, honouring God vs 1-11, 12
Another example of prayer honouring God. Also highlight the covenant between God and King David. A glimpse into heavens…highest heavens cannot contain you vs 18.
Hg
Building the Lord’s temple requires lots of resources and commitments with 110% dedication. His faith in God is 110%-see his uplifting prayer to God vs 10-13. What an encouraging prayer and worship to God. So few words speak volume.
King David plans the temple design, provide resources for his son, Solomon to carry out his plans. The task is great vs 1.
King David gave generously from his own coffer or treasury vs 3
He managed to get the whole population (his people or subjects) to give generously to give to this cause or project-set by his example-walk the talk vs 3-9. Outcome: rejoiced greatly vs 9.
The Lord laid on my heart this song today.
Hgs
King David passed the plans to build God’s temple to his son King Solomon
Great wealth inherited by King Solomon displayed great God’s provisions; proof that God is not against one being wealthy but still honours God.
Reflections
Prophecy on Egypt.
God is a stirrer to correct the evil status quo vs 2-3.
God is sovereign; He can use a fierce king to rule over them; plague; foreign invasion and domination; symbols-stripped and barefoot…shame them chapter 19:4 & 22; chapter 20:2-6.
God has plans for Egypt…stir.. bring their plans to nothing.. vs3
God punishes for evil, worshipping idols vs 1.
God restores vs 20; vs 23.
Who do we trust and relies on, men or God?
Do not trust on your own wisdom vs 11-12.
Unless the Lord in it; built in vain.
Prophecies of the Lord’s plans-kingdoms after kingdoms like a chess player. It will come to pass as He is sovereign.
