Jeremiah 12

Jeremiah 12:15-16
But after I uproot them, I will again have compassion and will bring each of them back to his own inheritance and his own country. And if they learn well the ways of my people and swear by my name, saying 'As surely as the Lord lives'- even as they once taught my people to swear by baal- then they will be established among my people. 

No matter how wicked or terrible we are, if we learn to love God and follow Him then He will forgive us and will still love us like His own children. He teaches us so that we learn from our mistakes. These two verses show God's great character of mercy and compassion. He wipes our slate clean.

Jeremiah 11

When we live out a life that is glorifying to God, it may be different from others who don't know God's love yet. They may persecute you and it will hurt, but God will be by your side and protect you. So you don't have to be afraid when your're doing good in God's name.

Jeremiah 10

Jeremiah 10:10
But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. When he is angry, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure his wrath.

Jeremiah 10:12
But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.

God's ability to create and design the world is with knowledge, understanding, and power that the human mind will not be able to comprehend. We are not God, we will never fully understand everything.

Jeremiah 10:23
I know; O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.

Let God be the guide in our life journey, because wherever He takes us will be beneficial and good. He will never lead us to something that we cannot conquer. God will help us succeed in the plan He has for us.

Jeremiah 9

Jeremiah 9:23-24
This is what the Lord says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the Lord.

Declare the goodness of the Lord in all things that I do.

Jeremiah 8

At the end of this chapter, Jeremiah pleads to the Lord for healing of the people in Israel. He prays for compassion and mercy.

That same heart full of compassion and empathy towards people is a beautiful trait that needs to mature in me. I don't want to look through the world's lenses and feel judgment towards others. Each individual has their story for the circumstances they're in, but may I feel compassion and plead to the Lord for them as well, even if my own life is getting by God's grace.

Jeremiah 7

Jeremiah 7:6-7
if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever.

God clearly tells us to care for foreigners, orphans, and widows. He tells us to do only things that are just and good.

Whenever I walk the streets of Downtown, I see so many homeless people. Some ask for change and I just simply walk by without glancing at them. People say we shouldn't give change since it may continue spurring on harmful actions (e.g. use that change to get drugs or smokes). However, people say to simply talk to them, show that you acknowledge their hardships, or give them something to eat. Those are ways we can continue to show God's love to them... but I don't. It's something I need to change.

Jeremiah 7:23
but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you. 

How often do I follow God's way? This should be a question I always ask myself. I'm not conscious enough about this. It's something I need to change.

Jeremiah 5 & 6

If my heart was at any point as wicked as the people in Israel who turned away from God, please forgive me of my sins. I surrender my ways and my wants for yours. Put me on the path of righteousness so I can stand before you clean and as a dear daughter of God.

Jeremiah 4

Jesus took on a wrath that was thousand fold greater than that described in this chapter. He did it so that I can live and be clean as I stand before God. How great His love is for me to take this suffering. How merciful is our great and good God!

Jeremiah 3

Jeremiah 3:12
Go, proclaim this message toward the north: " Return, faithless Israel,' declares the Lord, 'I will frown on you no longer, for I am merciful,' declares the Lord, 'I will not be angry forever.

This is not a secret that only select people know about. God is angry when we disobey Him and do things that He doesn't want us to do... but he's also loving and merciful. He knows that we are broken but when we consciously decide to change for God, He will be there to receive us.

Jeremiah 3:15
Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. 

Our shepherds could be our parents, friends, mentors, brothers and sisters. We walk in our faith in a community so that we have people to support and guide us, teach us and rebuke us. They will spiritually feed us with knowledge and understanding that only comes from the Holy Spirit.

Turn away from sin and be righteous before God.

Jeremiah 2

Devotion to God. The people followed God out of Egypt, through the desert, and into holy land. They trusted that the Lord will take them away from their misery as slaves and into righteousness as they stand before God. 

We've put God to the side and instead replaced with money, social activities, pride, and other worthless idols. These idols won't save us. They give an illusion of control (as what I heard from this past Sunday's sermon). We should be submitting to authority instead of asking for autonomy. We shouldn't let ourselves be controlled by things that won't help us. These things don't last. 

Jeremiah 2:13

"My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

Why go elsewhere and find water when God provides the spring of everlasting, living water?

Jeremiah 2:21

I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock. How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine?

God made us to be images of Him. We may be a broken humanity but there is a journey that we are on to bring us closer to our original state that God made us to be. 

Jeremiah 2:32

Does a maiden forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me days without numbers.

If we believe that God is the #1 thing in our lives, we would make time for Him. Like a bride who cannot forget her wedding ornaments, how can we forget God in our own lives? 

Jeremiah 1

Jeremiah 1:5-9
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. "Ah, Sovereign Lord," I said, "I Do not know how to speak; I am only a child." But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth.

God has a special plan for each of His children. Things will or won't happen that you may or may not like, but they will all guide you to the final product that God has intended for you. You may not think that you are able to carry out God's will, but He will equip you so that your mission is successful. God will provide for you, He will be there for you. There's nothing to be afraid of.

Jonah 4

Jonah was angry at the Lord for being compassionate and merciful to the people of Nineveh. He was angry that God granted them salvation. Jonah was angry despite having had the same thing happen to him: He was away from God but God lifted him out of darkness. Jonah was thankful for himself but he didn't feel the same way for the Ninevites.

This is a small but important lesson. I am thankful that God has been good to me and has granted me many things that I have or never asked. He makes sure that I well. When something good also happens to someone else, I sometimes get jealous or feel down that it didn't happen to me. God gives and takes, and everything that I have does not belong to me but to Him. God gives and takes different things from different people, each to help that particular individual grow in the truth and love. I need to take up the cross and reflect God's character: thankful for what I already have, supportive to others around me regardless of my or their circumstances, and bringing all the glory back to our God.

Jonah 3

The Ninevites repented their evil ways and God was compassionate on them. He did not end up bringing about a disaster on the city.

Every thing, big or little, that is not of God's way should be repented and I need to ask for forgiveness. I am lucky that the Son of God already sacrificed himself to atone for my sins, but repenting is a way for me to still acknowledge my own deep sin. Letting go and being aware of the our sin will help us take a step closer to being in God's image.

Jonah 2

Why is it that so often we seek the Lord only when we're in distress? When things aren't going according to plan, that's when we pray and ask for God's help. It's a mentality that I need to work on. I need to practice seeking and finding God in every moment, good and bad. We learn the most when things don't go the way we want but there's always something to learn even when things seem to be doing alright.

Today I met up with my mentor and I praise God for being in the conversation. I learned about how biblical and God's authority relate to one another, and we had a great discussion about evangelism in today's cultural context. It's hard to walk through these books and theories alone, but God blessed me with an older sister whom I can learn from and walk together with. After talking about the different issues today, it challenges me to think about each of them and how to apply them to my own life... of course in such a way that it glorifies God and also helps me grow as His disciple. 

God is loving God. Whatever circumstances we may be in, He will answer our call for Him. It's not always in an explicit way but through the unusual and unexpected. 

Jonah 2:4

I said, 'I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.'

Do I look and think things through God-driven lenses? Not always, but I should. A perspective that incorporates love, care, wisdom, boldness, and challenge.

No matter how deep and dark things can become, we can be hopeful that any sliver of light can be enough to change things. 

My grandma isn't doing well. She has lived a long life but she does not know the Lord. I need to have the courage to ask my dad to share the Gospel with her. He himself is not a devoted follower but planting the seed may be enough for God to work in my grandma's heart. Knowing God for seconds and minutes can be enough to change her view of life in general. 

Jonah 7-9

"When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs, But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. 

What a beautiful verse. Straightforward but encouraging. The grace that can be found in Jesus Christ may be a hard concept to grasp, but the eternal and wonderful life that one can receive later on can be a motivating factor to change our ways now. I need to let go of my hold of money and security, and let God be the king.

Jonah was saved by grace alone. He didn't deserve to live after having run away from God's calling for him. But God grants us life even when we don't deserve it. He is the sovereign king who loves us to no bounds.

Jonah 1

Right from the get go of the chapter I can already relate to Jonah. I do not understand everything, let alone something that God may be calling me to do... and I run away from the difficulty and challenges. That's the wrong attitude to approach God's will, knowing that it is to help me grow deeper with Him and benefit me.

God can intervene at any time. I forget that He can change things with the snap of His fingers. So why try and evade the goodness of the Lord?

God uses the most unexpected ways to reveal Himself to us. He used the raging sea and the great fish to teach Jonah not to run away from His calling. He's everywhere. :)

The things that you do may look like storms and raging seas, but trust in God and follow His will and it will become calm because God is with you always.

Daniel 12

Daniel 12:3
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, like the stars for ever and ever.

Those who are wise are those who think before they act, listen before they speak... they are the ones who do things with God-glorifying intentions and purpose. Those people will be shine like stars, and they will be bright among others. Small actions can speak loudly, especially if it seems to differ from the supposed norm of this world. I know that little things that I do with God in mind can reflect to others my faith and beliefs. The encouragement for myself is that this can't be a once in a while thing, but a lifestyle that is constantly changing to be more like one of Jesus.

Ultimately it's the Holy Spirit that causes hearts to change and warm up to Jesus, but the initially seed that is planted in people about God and His beautiful love is through us. Wherever we go is another opportunity to plant that seed. It's like the domino effect. When one plants and another grows from it, they too will share that seed of love to people around them. Working together as God's people is how this knowledge of Christ will spread to the ends of the earth.

Daniel 12:10
Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

This walk is always a journey of sanctification. We are constantly being further molded into God's holy image and it will take longer than a lifetime for that to happen. However we get closer to that image each day as we are refined by the Holy Spirit and the community around us. The more we dig into the Word and listen to God, the more we will understand His character and truth.

It is said in the Word that the people of the Jewish nation will experience 1290 days of judgement. However those who perservere through the suffering and remain faithful until 1335 days are completed will be blessed. This is a trait that we need to instill in us. The walk isn't never easy, there are things that will push us down. How you respond to it will be a test of your faith. Will you get back up and continue praising God for what He's doing despite the pain and hurt you may be experiencing? Or will you break down and forget how God will get you through anything and everything?

Daniel 12:13
As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.

I think this is a great verse to summarize the book of Daniel. Daniel was faithful and persevered through all the tough times he went through. God was with him at all times and He never doubted God's power and presence in Him. Daniel was rewarded on earth and will receive an even greater reward in heaven. This faith and character is what I also need to manifest.

Daniel 11

Kings fought against another. War and fighting ravaged those lands.

Reading about it made me reflect on where I am now. I'm thankful to live in a country that isn't in the midst of war and that God has blessed us with peace so that we can live and be examples of Him. Knowing that I have this fortunate opportunity, what have I been doing to further God's kingdom?

Daniel 10

Daniel lived a prayerful life. His prayers are heard and angels appear before him to answer his prayers. God blesses those who live a life lifted up to Him. Daniel is greatly loved for that and so God responds to his petitions.

Do you believe that prayer is powerful?

Application: Strengthen my prayer life. Believe that this communication between God and I will be a source of strength and rest in my walk with Him.

Daniel 9

You read Daniel's emotions and thoughts behind the prayer He gives to the Lord on behalf of Jerusalem. My prayers can't compare, and I wonder why I can't do the same thing with sincerity. Daniel pleads and asks for forgiveness and mercy for things that are way bigger than what I pray about. Not saying that things have to be as big as the desolation of Jerusalem but there are things even deeper and more meaningful that should be brought up to the Lord.

Jerusalem was going to still be in turmoil until Jesus comes.

Be more sincere and thoughtful in prayer. Submit your sins and confessions to God and know that He is the one who grants you holiness and righteousness in His name. Live your life as though Jesus is coming tomorrow. What would you be able to say to Jesus in that time?

Daniel 8

This chapter is about a vision concerning the devastation that will occur to the empires in the region (Medo-Persian, Alexander the Great's empire, and the Hellenistic empire). It will be a terrible time but the survivors will enjoy sanctuary in God's restored kingdom.

The vision was given to Daniel so that he can prepare God's people for the coming dark events of the empire. Rulers will overthrow rulers. Bad kings will hurt the people. They must continue to hope and stay rooted in God's love and promise.

A lot of history is revealed in this chapter.

The key point: You can endure anything as long as you hold onto God's promise

Daniel 7

Daniel had a vision of four beasts. A very intricate, detailed vision indeed. I definitely don't have the gift of prophecy but to continue reading his explanation of his dream was eye opening.

In verse 13 and 14, that is a clear foreshadow of the Most High Jesus. All authority is given to Him, and we worship Him because through him we are granted access to an everlasting kingdom of peace, love, joy.

Daniel 7:18
But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever- yes, for ever and ever.

The fourth beast, one that is different from the others, that will trample and crush you... in the context it referred to the kings of a kingdom that will cause destruction. However, this beast is also very present in my own life: sin. It does exactly the same thing. I fall below this beast because I'm not strong enough. I'm weak. What's important is holding onto the promise of the Lord that He will be the Almighty God who will grant us supernatural protection against this beast. We are perfect in faith. God is by our side who will help us overcome each struggle one at a time.

Beasts in my life that I need to work on:
- Laziness
- Lust
- Obedience
- Christ-led lifestyle
- Not being afraid of being known as a Christian
- Not being a good steward of money
- Not finding the resources I need to push me in my walk

Daniel 6

Satraps: a governor of a province.

Verse 4 is a testimony of how obedience to God will keep one on the path leading to a sinless and righteous life. It's very encouraging because I may be in the broken, sinful human state but God will continue sanctifying me with the goal of being like Jesus and other role models like Daniel.

Ordinance is like a law.

Injunction is a part of a law, similar to an act within the law.

The law of Medes and the Persians was important because during this time the Medo-Persians were the ones who had conquered Babylon.

Even in times of trouble or challenges, your faith in God shows when you can continue relying on him even when people are persecuting you. I need to remain steadfast and rooted in the love of God because he will not forsake me.

Verse 22 shows that God will protect us. We are His dear children who continually serve him.

Are we able to trust that God will make all things good even in the darkest and bleakest of times? Like if we were thrown into the Lion's Den, will we have that rooted faith that God is there to protect us?

Daniel 6:26-27
"I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heaven and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions."

It's a beautiful declaration that I make myself as well :)

Daniel 5

When I read how King Belshazzar reacted to the handwriting on the wall, it made me think about how I would react if I see something supernatural as well. I should have the same reaction, not necessarily to unexplainable things like the writing or to react out of fear, but out of awe and reverence at how great our God is.

Everything that may seem unexplainable can be somewhat understood, and that's definitely by God's anointing and your own spiritual foundation in the Word. That's how Daniel has the gift to explain prophecies. Seeing this prophecy-telling in action in this time is pretty cool too. I remember that my prophecy was spoken to me by an acquaintance's sister. She said that "God is waiting for me to draw closer to Him, He's waiting to show me how much He loves me".... something along the lines of that haha

Daniel's response to the king about the gifts are also a simple reflection of a trait that we need to have as well: doing things out of the goodness of your heart and not for gains, or even having those gains be given to someone who needs it more. Sometimes I struggle with this myself, probably because I hold on to material value too dearly.

Daniel 4

If an outsider heard about this story of Nebuchadnezzar, they would probably think that this God is not loving and likes to punish people. That's definitely understandable that they would think this way since the king was cast out from his kingdom and forced to live like a wild animal.

Although the actions of our God may seem terrible at first, there's always a good reason why it occurred in the first place.

Daniel 4:37
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. 

After being cast out from the kingdom and having to live like an animal, the king came to know of God sovereignty and the goodness for His people. Yes, the king was prideful and this was God's method of disciplining him, but at the end the good in the king was brought out when he acknowledged the greatness of God. With this newfound love for God, the king would rule with good authority and humility.

I found out recently that I failed a test because I forgot to write a negative sign. Yea, it sucked. I was so upset at myself for being so careless. God is a good God because although I didn't do well on the test, He used this event as a learning experience to rebuke me for not studying hard enough and for rushing through the assessments. Effort needed to be put into these tests in order to get good marks, it won't just appear out of thin air. Knowing this, I know that I need to step it up and work hard to get the marks that I want. This will positively help me in my studies for the Lord.

God is refining me. This failed test is just like when Nebuchadnezzar was out in the wild. I may not see the end result at the moment but I know that I will be further refined and molded into a better disciple and follower of Christ.