24 May 2024 - Freedom

Pastor Josh Harris led a session entitled “Freedom” last night

We were made for freedom, as in Genesis two Josh did cite

Freedom enables us to choose life, per Deuteronomy thirty

As the alternative has implications for one's generational tree

Being rightly related to God is known as spiritual freedom

Being rightly related to others is called relational freedom

And being rightly related to ourselves is physical freedom

While being rightly related to resources is financial freedom

Through God’s truth and God’s spirit, His freedom we see

Per John eight verse thirty two, His "truth will set us free”

"For where God’s spirit is, there is freedom” is thus seen

In Second Corinthians chapter three verse number sixteen

Spiritual freedom releases us from spiritual disobedience

Also from spiritual oppression which we may experience

Alternatively it enables us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly

And to experience fruitfulness by  loving others willingly

Spiritual freedom in turn empowers freedom relationally

From unforgiveness and bitterness which are far from holy

Also from relational dysfunctions which are hard to survive

But to forgiveness and walking in love, per Ephesians five

For physical freedom, spiritual freedom also does empower

Taking us away from anxiety, stress, and pasts that are sour

Instead into the peace of God, per Philippians chapter four

As well as to power, love, self-discipline, and so much more

Spiritual freedom also does empower freedom financially

Financial aspects include time, energy, as well as money

From addictions, habits, and false refuges Josh did tell

But into serving others and stewarding God’s grace well

23 January 2024 - The Ghosting Trap

The other morning as I scrolled through my SQ App

There was a devotion entitled "The Ghosting Trap”

Engaging relationships can suddenly just disappear

Like a disconnected internet that becomes unclear

But as written in Deuteronomy chapter thirty one

Abandoning us is something God has never done

And per Isaiah forty one, we should never fear

For the Lord God and His strength are always near

17 November 2019 - ENCS

More on prosperity Pastor Josh Harris shared today

Based on what Deuteronomy twenty eight does say

As Josh said last week, prosperity is more than things

Relationships, vocation, and inheritance God brings

How this really works in our lives is the key question

God’s blessings help us to succeed in our progression

Listen and hear God’s voice, per Isaiah twenty eight

For His word is like a seed that produces fruit great

God instructs and teaches everyone the right way

A wonderful plan and magnificent wisdom, it does say

Deuteronomy says that if we follow God’s commands

Then He will give His “prosperity" throughout the lands

But we are under the power of sin, per Romans three

The law makes us conscious of our sin, we clearly see

Righteousness thus comes not from our works but faith

Though obedience and works follow faith, James sayeth

Through our relationship with God, He can clear our sin

Allowing to our heart His counsel, plans, and wisdom in

We cannot please God without faith, per Hebrews eleven

But it is more than just believing that He exists in heaven

We must believe that He rewards those who do Him seek

Those blessings can be used to bless others every week

If we think of God’s words as seeds intended for our heart

Then how should we live our life and therefore do our part

Pastor Josh repeated “pray, meditate, proclaim, fellowship”

Because each step is critical so none should we daily skip

10 November 2019 - ENCS

Sunday Pastor Joshua Harris spoke about prosperity

In movies and festive seasons this word we do see

Dictionaries too often focus on flourishing materially

But is that what God means by prosperity, in actuality

Per Deuteronomy chapter twenty eight verse eleven

Abundant prosperity will be granted by God in heaven

A grant provides us opportunities, not the end result

If we use the grant correctly, our value will catapult

But eternal value is not focused on temporal stuff

When we harvest, for others there should be enough

So earthly prosperity should be used to others bless

Three types of prosperity Deuteronomy does identify

Relationships, vocation, and inheritance it does imply

Relationships are based on love so deserve our best

Vocations should be fulfilling but not overly stressed

Our primary inheritance is God’s purpose or calling

For us to do otherwise would be extremely galling

4 November 2018 - ENCS

On circumcision in Genesis seventeen, Pastor Joey did speak today

Per verse nine, in every covenant with God, we have a role to play

This concept of participation is referred to in Romans chapter four

Faith allows us to face problems, knowing God’s power is even more

Per verse ten and God’s covenant, male circumcision is a key part

But per Jeremiah four and Deuteronomy ten, this refers to the heart

Until we are ready by denying self, God’s promises He will not fulfill

Our life’s direction will change dramatically once we follow His will

Undergoing circumcision is a permanent sign, per verse eleven

It is a sign of the covenant between man and our God in heaven

In the same way that a physical circumcision does not disappear

A spiritual one ensures our relationship with God is always near

Uncircumcised people would be ostracised, per verse fourteen

Each of us can turn away, although consequences will be seen

We must make the personal choice in our heart as God will see

Our faith and relationship with God determine our place in eternity

22 July 2018 - ENCS

The series on Genesis, Pastor Harris today did continue

Focusing on chapter fifteen verse one, providing his view

God told Abram three important things in this one verse

Of course they came in the form of a promise not a curse

By telling Abram to ”fear not” is how God did commence

Which is strange for Abram had not committed an offence

But sometimes we do the right things yet they feel wrong

Especially in this world, our principles seem not to belong

This can lead to a fear of missing out or lacking provision

Sometimes it can even lead to being the target of derision

God then said “I am”, two words to which we must listen

Followed by “your shield” which elicits a calming vision

In Hebrew, shield means to cover, surround, or defend

God has our back, on that fact we can always depend

Per First John chapter four, perfect love casts out fear

And God’s love is immense, from Romans five we hear

The passage ends with “your reward will be very great"

Although like the Levites, for this we might need to wait

For per Deuteronomy eighteen, God is their inheritance

But only God brings true happiness, don’t take a chance

11 February 2018 - ENCS

We were blessed this morning by visiting pastor Steve Murrell

'Who we are' is more important than 'what we do', he did tell

Using Genesis eleven, the multi-year series he did continue

Verses one through nine he did from the ESV read through

We often ask what to do when God’s plan differs from ours

But when that happens what does God do given His powers

In Genesis one, God told man to be fruitful and fill the earth

This was reiterated in chapter nine, emphasising its worth

Mankind decided to build a tower so they wouldn’t migrate

God thus dispersed the disobedient people, Steve did state

In a similar vein, from Deuteronomy one we then did hear

An eleven day trek to the Promised Land took forty year

In Acts one , the believers were told about the Holy Spirit

Upon receiving it, to the end of the earth they were to split

They stubbornly stayed in Jerusalem per Acts chapter eight

A massive persecution of the church was the resulting fate

Scattered throughout the world, this led the believers to be

God’s original plans coming to fruition, we once again see

Resisting God’s will may be normal but we should submit

Even Jesus asked if a change in plans God would permit

It is impossible to follow the example of Jesus on the cross

He paid the penalty for all of our sins with His life’s loss

But He can help us do God’s will be changing our heart

Giving us the grace to surrender to God and do our part

Resisting God’s will is not abnormal, similar to temptation

What matters is how we respond, with love as a foundation

So God, please be clear in how your plan you do convey

And have patience with me if from your path I do stray

Because I know that part of me will oft resist and protest

Yet I acknowledge that your plan for me is for the best

1 October 2017 - ENCS

On Genesis chapter six and Noah, Pastor Joey did speak

To find favour in God’s eyes like Noah we should all seek

He was righteous and blameless, per verses nine and ten

Noah walked with God, not just once but again and again

To do likewise there are three elements, Pastor did instruct

Have the right character, the right cause, the right conduct

Of course this is far from easy to do - in fact it is very tough

For having one or even two without the third is not enough

As Ironman told the hero in the latest Spiderman movie

Having talent without character is a waste, as all can see

Our hearts and souls, per Deuteronomy chapter eleven

Should be pressed by words from our Lord in heaven

For character allows us the right lives and paths to walk

True beauty comes from an inner light, not just nice talk

To build a good thing, a good cause must be the ambition

ML King and Mandela were driven by a sense of mission

Conduct is living out your character and cause every day

Walking with God is the secret of success, Joey did say

Pastor Joey then shared his four steps that help us equip

We should pray, meditate, proclaim, and then fellowship

2 July 2017 - ENCS

On Genesis chapter four, Pastor Bonifacio spoke today

God questioned Cain as repentance is His preferred way

But eventually God put a curse on Cain, per verse eleven

Because just and true are the ways of our Lord in heaven

The curse included a loss of fruitfulness and restfulness

Pastor said curses can be overcome, no matter the mess

On blessings and curses talks Deuteronomy twenty eight

Obedience leads to blessings; disobedience to a worse fate

Pastor Joey said sin is not just an infraction, but a trajectory

Yet it can be overcome, in Hebrews four verse one we see

God’s promise that we can enter His rest remains intact

That we can have righteousness, joy and peace is a fact

In the third chapter of Paul’s letter to the Galatians we saw

That Christ Himself redeemed us from the curse of the law

Always remember that works are actually proof of our faith

For faith is in effect the emulsifier of life, Pastor did saith

Righteousness is revealed to us, per Romans chapter one

But it comes from faith, not any works that we have done

Faith breathes life and can ultimately change our destiny

Faith is never giving up no matter what challenges we see

And then from Matthew seventeen verse twenty we did read

Mountains can be moved by faith the size of a mustard seed

In short, Pastor said to make faith out life's active ingredient

By trusting, turning, and tapping God while being obedient

18 September 2016 - ENCS

Pastor Josh shared about Fast and Furious part three

We face volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity

Given more info, decision are tougher than in the past

In this world, we thus need a sense of normalcy to last

Josh concluded that the key is for us to find true rest

God introduced the concept of a Sabbath, not in jest

Per Leviticus, fields need a break every seventh year

Failure to do so impacts soil and yields, we did hear

Per Second Chronicles thirty six, Israel did not heed

So for seventy years they were captive and not freed

God will similarly force the issue if we refuse to rest

For internal and external rest is actually for the best

Per Isaiah fifty seven, the wicked are like a tossing sea

Still waters, like rest, reveal junk that we don't like to see

One benefit of true rest is to allow true self-reflection

And per Deuteronomy five, to praise God’s perfection

God’s aim is for us to enjoy rest while we work and live

That is one reason that the Sabbath to us He did give

In order to take such rest, we need to have a lot of trust

Per Proverbs, trusting God with our whole heart is a must

Being a trusted guide for us is for Jesus a critical role

For we need to rest not just our body but also our soul

If we are honest with God, He will offer power and grace

With those, we are very well equipped to run a good race

God offers a promise to enter His rest, per Hebrews four

So that we can be at peace - even if the world is at war

Jesus was so secure He loved while being persecuted

For us to feel the same, in His rest we must be rooted

We do not need to perform in order to get God’s favour

All we need to do is believe that Jesus is our Saviour

Josh said the Bible helps change us from the inside out

We should listen to God’s wise words without a doubt

Per Hebrews four verse twelve, His words penetrate

In that way, a new rested body and soul He can create

In summary, we should obey God’s command to rest

Relying on Him and His word to overcome any test

13 August 2016 - ENCS

On a new series Generosity Stories, Pastor Josh did emote

He said that "money is THE root of ALL evil" is a misquote

Regarding money, he took us through the biblical perspective

In other words, how with our money we should all try to live

In Genesis twelve, God told Abram to go and then be blessed

Similarly, God blesses us so we can bless others with zest

God enables us to produce wealth, per Deuteronomy eight

Money is a good tool, but as a god it really should not rate

For we cannot serve two masters, per Matthew chapter six

Clearly God is more important, for only He can our flaws fix

Who we are internally matters more than appearances external

For our priorities not our looks that determine our fates eternal

After survival and then success comes a fork, Josh then said

People and nations can become significant or selfish instead

Per Matthew seven, the gate is narrow and difficult is the way

To be significant is quite hard but doing so is to our God obey

Pastor Josh focused on First Timothy six verses six to nineteen

For in Paul’s letter to his spiritual son many core truths are seen

Godliness and contentment combined are a strong combination

Not being complacent or covetous leads to God’s commendation

We should give thanks for all that God has done, Josh did say

But striving for more in life is not a sin, in fact it is quite okay

And when we are really blessed, good stewards we should be

As falling in love with our money is not what God wants to see

The LOVE OF MONEY is A root of ALL KINDS of evil, Paul said

It turns our hearts away from God and thus leaves our faith dead

Righteousness, love, and gentleness are what we should pursue

For eternal life comes from trusting God in all that we say and do

Do good, be rich in good works, be generous, and ready to share

God will always provide for us; for our needs He will always care

Paul said to take hold of life that it truly life, that is from heaven

Jesus is the resurrection and life, Josh quoted from John eleven

17 July 2016 - ENCS

As part of the Leadership series, I was asked to speak today

Talking about "Competence : Not a Laughing Matter” I did say

All of us are leaders, Pastor Josh said a couple of weeks ago

As we influence others, the Oxford dictionary also does show

Leadership is stewardship of every God-given competency

It is a process, not just bossing people around, we did see

Competence is doing something successfully and efficiently

Paul shared another definition in his second letter to Timothy

Doing our best, being proud of our work, and the truth to tell

So in addition to being leaders, we can be competent as well

God wants us all to be competent leaders, make no mistake

And like Christ, that means a servant attitude we should take

But per a Joey Bonifacio post, serving is not always leadership

Although true leadership is always serving, he did aptly quip

Books on competent leadership, there is clearly an excess

Four attributes competent leaders must biblically possess

The first attribute of competent leaders is heartfelt humility

In Deuteronomy, Moses said that God gives us the ability

Do not think too highly of self, in Romans twelve Paul wrote 

Second Corinthians twelve has the “thorn in the flesh” quote

We should be humble because from God, all talents come

Without humility, being a servant leader would be very glum

Biblical leaders were Moses, young David, Jesus, and Paul

Humility is one word that can be used to describe them all

In practical terms, better results humble leaders generate

As a team working as one, individual skills will amalgamate

I tried to give credit to the team while shouldering any blame

And got in a fight with my boss for refusing to provide a name

In conclusion, competent leadership often requires humility

And effective leadership benefits from humility, we often see

In Philippians chapter two, Paul added more perspective

With Christ-like humility and without conceit is how to live

Remember the Proverbs adage that pride precedes the fall

This has been seen both in business circles and in football

Samson and the older David both fell into the trap of pride

Fortunately, they were redeemed for God was on their side

Unlike false humility, true humility comes from one's heart

From a balanced perspective, we should try not to depart

Honesty is the best policy should be used in both directions

Both over and understating reality should elicit objections

The second attribute is that competent leaders are aware

Of their talents and competencies, honestly to compare

In Deuteronomy, Moses said choose wise, respected men

Boast of unique talents, in Second Corinthians, Paul did pen

Knowing one’s strength, as per the Sun Tzu classic quote

Allows your team to build a sustainable competitive moat

Knowing your talents also enables you to others best serve

Sometimes what matters is where you sit on the bell curve

Being aware of resulting talent gaps is at least as important

Per Exodus four, Moses’ speech impediment was not a stunt

Paul said we have different roles in First Corinthians twelve

Comparing to a body’s unique functions, he did then delve

For whenever you veer away from your core competencies

Odds of success decrease and the stress will not please

Competent leaders therefore try to hire to fill talent gaps

Hiring top tier talent allows the leader to take more naps

Honing their talent is the third competent leader attribute

Per First Timothy six, with our gifts we should be resolute

For there is always more to learn and knowledge to expand

Luckily for us, the Bible and prayer are far from contraband

The fourth attribute is that competent leaders must apply

Joseph and Paul used their talents to successfully glorify

Paul said he was an expert builder in First Corinthians three

In that one sentence, he expressed awareness and humility

Of course, leadership is not confined to Christians alone

But Christian leaders must act in line with God’s throne

So the why and the how are as important as the what

Because a competent Christian leader is not just a robot

To be respected more than liked, leaders should choose

When faced with the choice, Biblical leaders did not refuse

Making faith visible, competent Christian leaders should

This helps their leadership and marketplace ministry good

In conclusion, we are all leaders and competent ones too

Thus a servant leadership mentality we should all imbue

Humility, awareness, honing, and applying are attributes

For stewardship of leadership, there are no substitutes

6 March 2016 - ENCS

 Pastor Mark Chew was the guest preacher for Campus Sunday

“Change the campus, change the world” is what he did often say

He started his sermon by saying that campus ministry was actually fun

Fun is part of abundant life, which per John ten, comes from the Son

Campus ministry is also fulfilling, as various pictures we did view

The people we disciple bring us joy, per First Thessalonians two

We heard short testimonies from two of the younger generation

Both of the students provided insights, laughs, and a revelation

The first said that when God puts something into your heart

You must respond and honour Him, for that is doing your part

The second highlighted that our identity is as a child of God

The command to love our neighbours as ourselves got a nod

Campus ministry can get a bit messy, Pastor Mark did continue

Remember we all make mistakes in what we say and what we do

Perhaps most importantly, God’s heartbeat is in campus ministry

We should teach youth commandments, in Deuteronomy six we see 

In order to obey the Great Commission said in Matthew twenty eight

Older and younger generations must work together, without debate

One thing each one of us can do is to pray and pray again and again

There is danger in not sharing about God, per Judges two verse ten

With our words and actions, our walk should be a model for all

Per First Corinthians four, we should imitate Christ, as did Paul

Everyone needs a father, as intimated in First Corinthians eleven

Providing love, guidance, and instruction as did Christ from heaven

Sometimes to be a good father, it is important to first be a good son

Reconcile with our earthly and heavenly fathers for what we have done

In summary, the importance of campus ministry should be quite clear

For today’s youths will become tomorrow’s leaders in not many a year

7 February 2016 - ENCS

The “Heart of the Matter” series last night Pastor Josh did start

Our relationship with God and others are critical, he did impart

There are four elements of a relationship, with trust as the foundation

Love is the motivator, forgiveness, and then of course communication

Josh said we can look to God and the Bible to learn about all four

Into each one, with power and emotion, he did then for us explore

When talking about trust, we should look to our Father in heaven

God is faithful and keeps his covenants, per Deuteronomy seven

In Numbers twenty three, Moses points out that God does not lie

Learning to trust God is a lesson about others that we can apply

Turning back to Deuteronomy seven, His people God does love

Promises were made to the Israelites by God from heaven above

These now apply to all believers, along with the reasons for this

As such, we should love others and live with a feeling of bliss

We are unable to do as God instructs, per Isaiah chapter one

All of us need forgiveness for words we said and acts done

Per Ephesians one, through Jesus’ blood we have redemption

His grace should compel us to forgive others, without exemption

Isaiah forty one provides a framework for good communication

When getting feedback, we should listen in silence for the duration

We should have no hesitation in honestly talking with God every day

For He clearly knows everything about us and our thoughts anyway

Pastor Josh then did conclude by referring to Isaiah chapter four

When things seem really bad, God cleanses us from the core

Then for us a tabernacle and a shelter of refuge He will provide

For the glory of God is in our relationship with Him magnified

29 March 2015 - ENCS

The 'Grace Changes Everything' series was continued by Rachel Ong

She spoke about "Encounters With Jesus" with a sermon quite strong

Starting with Zacchaeus the tax collector in Luke chapter nineteen

To the short wealthy man in the crowd, Jesus was unable to be seen

So Zaccheaus climbed a sycamore tree in order to get a better view

Jesus saw him and shocked all with what he said he was going to do

At the tax collector's house that night He was going to eat and stay

The sinner Zaccheaus' entire life was thus transformed right away

No more shame and guilt, Jesus has healed Zaccheaus' soul

Which, whether a person was rich or poor, was Jesus' goal

The public and the Pharisees did not fathom this amazing grace

But Jesus knew what He was doing for this was not a test case

Once Zaccheaus' life was transformed, he made it up to the poor

Doing the math, Rachel said, he eradicated poverty and then more

 

Rachel then shared a video on Reena, who at 28 lost her sight

It took Reena quite a long time to accept her unfortunate plight

But once she used a cane, allowing God to provide the guidance

Her attitude changed, refusing to let the blindness be a hindrance

Reena now believes that her blindness is actually a blessing

Helping others and making a difference is far from distressing

 

Reena joined in person so her own testimony with us she did share

She grew up a Hindu but now to God and Jesus she goes in prayer

When she first heard John 3:16, Reena first felt inner peace

Now, per Psalm 119, God's guidance for her does not cease

She finds she is able to use her other senses better now

She is courageous, as Deuteronomy 31 tells her how

Once she learned Braille, the Bible she was able to read

Reena says that God is now with her, fulfilling every need

God enables her to bless others and impact many lives

Helping the poor, orphans, and sick wherever she arrives

For her daily encounters with God ensure His light shines

And that her daily activities are consistent with His designs

 

In summary, it can perhaps be said that man's disappointment

Often times provides an opportunity for a Godly appointment

But an encounter with Jesus does not mean no suffering

In fact, some suffering is often what glory does to us bring

But when that happens, as Rachel and Reena discussed

Per many verses in the Bible, in God we must fully trust

8 February 2015 - ENCS

The family series was continued by Pastor Josh and his wife

Nani and Josh spoke on "Parenthood", rather central to life

 

Nani said moving from single to married to parent, issues grow

But God uses these to make us better, she has come to know

As God's children, into the world we should want to bring others

An open heart for God's plan should have all fathers and mothers

But remember that from parents' action children take their cue

And that children tend to build upon what their parents do

 

Josh read from Deuteronomy chapter six, verses one to three

God teaches parents, who teach future generations, we did see

By sharing with children, parents can impart knowledge and lore

Our Lord God can build on this by imparting knowledge even more

Josh opined that fathering is increasingly in today's world a lost art

With healthy marriages and parenting, many issues would not start

The next six verses of Deuteronomy six then came into sight

We should love our God with all of our heart, soul, and might

In that vein, with diligence parents should their children teach

And if they love God so much, into all areas of life He will reach

As parents change and consistently show that love is key

Then their children will notice and begin to act accordingly

 

Josh then talked about discipline, using a couple of equations

For some discipline and rules are necessary on most occasions

Rules without a relationship lead to rebellion, Josh did say

Which then leads to extreme behavior on too many a day

And yet a relationship without rules leads to recklessness

If parents do not provide guidance, children end up a mess

But the same approach does not work with Christians young

We need to encourage them without rules or a sharp tongue

Josh referred to Hebrews chapter twelve from verse five

The Lord's discipline actually helps us in the end to thrive

He only disciplines those whom He accepts as a son

Per Proverbs three this discipline we should not shun

We should respect disciplining fathers, Hebrews continues

Ditto for God, whose discipline into our hearts does infuse

The third equation Josh shared -  with a bit of zing

Was that relationship plus rules equals understanding

Children will ask for advice if relationships are in place

Josh then said that for discipleship, this is also the case

 

But even the best parenting can lead to bad results

Per Luke fifteen, the prodigal son who said insults

But just as lost sheep need a shepherd to find them

Strong foundations help the prodigal, not condemn

His father felt compassion when the son did return

For the foundations had helped the son to discern

14 March 2014 - Joshua and the Promised Land

Moses was one hundred twenty in Deuteronomy thirty one

He was no longer able to lead the people as he had done

God told him that he would not enter the Promised Land

But the people should proceed under Joshua’s command

“The Lord your God Himself will cross over ahead of you”

And will destroy any nations that Israel may pass through

“Do not be afraid or terrified because of [other nations]”

“God will never leave nor forsake you” or your relations

To Joshua in public, Moses did these words repeat

The handover of leadership was then almost complete

Moses wrote down the law, giving it to the Levites clan

Joshua would succeed Moses, for he was a great man

After Moses died, God spoke to Joshua in Joshua one

He said to get the people ready to cross the River Jordan

For the Israelites would inherit the Promised Land soon

From God’s power, no other people would be immune

God then told Joshua to “be strong and courageous”

By following the law, things would be advantageous

God said in prosperity and success the nation would grow

“For the Lord … [would] be with [them] wherever [they] go”

Joshua secretly sent two spies into Jericho, per Joshua two

They entered Rahab’s house, where they could get a view

The king of Jericho was told that the spies were present

Rahab said that she did not know which way they went

So the king’s men left the city and followed false tracks

In fact, on her roof Rahab hid the spies under some flax

Her people were fearful and mass destruction they did expect

In return for her actions, they promised to her family protect

Joshua said, after the spies returned from seeing the lands

“The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands”

14 March 2014 - Love the Lord your God

In Deuteronomy six, about the laws Moses did convey

That they were what the Lord God directed him to say

The Israelites were to observe the laws and teach

Especially in the land that they would soon reach

“Israel, be careful to obey so that it may go well with you”

“That you may increase greatly”, for God’s word is true

Moses said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart”

“And with all your soul and…strength”, he did impart

12 March 2014 - Israel Tests God in the Desert (part two of two)

Of how God crushes rebellion, Numbers sixteen does tell

Some became insolent; against Moses opposition did swell

Moses was aggrieved, saying that they had gone too far

He found the Levites’ lack of gratitude to be quite bizarre

Korah and his men gathered at the tent, not on bended knee

Then “the glory of the Lord appeared to the entire assembly”

Moses warned all the other Israelites to keep their distance

God opened the earth around Korah, ending his resistance

Moses disobeyed God in Numbers chapter twenty

There was no water, so there was grumbling plenty

Once more, the people were ungrateful and did criticise

God told Moses to speak to the rock before their eyes

He promised that water would flow out from the rock

Thus providing a drink for them and their livestock

Moses did as he was told, but then used his staff

Water gushed out but this was quite a big gaffe

The Lord said that because Moses did not fully trust

The plans for entering Canaan He would have to adjust

“Because [he] did not…honor [God] as holy” in their sight

Moses would not get to enter the promised land outright

The Israelite people grew inpatient, per Numbers twenty one

They spoke against God despite what He had often done

The again complained about the lack of water and bread

God then sent “venomous snakes among them” instead

After many deaths, the rest to God and Moses did repent

Moses prayed to God to take back the snakes he had sent

To put a snake up on a pole was the instruction God did give

In that way, anyone bitten by a snake could look up and live

Jesus referred to this incident in John chapter three

“The Son of Man must be lifted up” for all to see

“For God so loved the world that He gave His...only Son”

“Whoever believes in Him”, God for eternity will not shun

“For God did not send His Son…to condemn” the earth

“But to save the world through Him” through a rebirth

After the Amorites were destroyed, per Numbers twenty two

The Moabites were terrified of what the Israelites might do

So their leader Balak sent a messenger to Balaam find

After praying to God, their offer he initially declined

Balaam was hired to curse Israel after God did agree

But God protected Israel, per Deuteronomy twenty three

9 March 2014 - The Attributes of God (part two of two)

In Psalm eighty six, to God David did earnestly pray

“Hear…and answer me, for I am…needy” he did say

“You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you”

“Have mercy on me” for I call to you in everything I do

“Bring joy to your servant, for to you…I lift up my soul”

For God is “abounding in love to all”, David did extol

Per Ephesians two, all were dead in their transgressions

“Gratifying the cravings” and desiring many possessions

By following the “desires and thoughts” of our sinful nature

“We were by nature objects of wrath”, the law does ensure

But our God is merciful and “made us alive in Christ”

Proving that His love and grace more than sufficed

“Job replied to the Lord”, Job chapter forty two reported

“You can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted”

In Psalm sixty eight, the power of God David did proclaim

For God is all-powerful and awesome, deserving acclaim

Jeremiah, in chapter thirty two, did on God praise shower

God “made the heavens and the earth by [His] great power”

“Nothing is too hard” for the “great and powerful God”

His great purposes and mighty deeds are no facade

For His “eyes are open to all the ways of men”

He rewards everyone’s conduct, time and again

In Revelation four, John said that worthy is the Lord

His “glory and honor and power” should not be ignored

In Psalm one hundred thirty nine, David did declare

He could not flee from God, for God is everywhere

In the heavens, on earth, and “on the far side of the sea”

To guide and protect, God’s right hand would there be

Jeremiah twenty three emphasized God’s great worth

He is nearby and far away, filling “heaven and earth”

The disciples were commissioned in Matthew twenty eight

His authority over everything, nobody should ever debate

“Go and make disciples of all nations”, Jesus did say

“Everything I have commanded you”, “teach them to obey”

His last words were “and surely I am with you always”

“To the very end of the age”, throughout all the days

God knows everything, per Psalm one thirty nine

He knows our actions and thoughts for He is divine

Before we speak, He knows the words on our tongue

This is true even if we are very old or very young

In Romans eleven, Paul talks about God’s knowledge

It is unfathomable no matter how many years of college

“The word of God is living and active”, per Hebrews four

It is sharper than any sword, so every heart it can explore

Since “nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight”

“Everything is uncovered and laid bare”, Paul did write

Moses told Israel “the Lord is One” in Deuteronomy six

Love God with all heart and soul, so there are no conflicts

God “will be king over the whole earth”, per Zechariah fourteen

Then, only one Lord, his name being the only name, will be seen

Romans three says God is of the Jews and the Gentiles too

Since there is only one God, he will justify all without ado

“There is but one God”, in First Corinthians chapter eight

“From whom all things came”, the apostle Paul did state

“There is one body and one Spirit”, per Ephesians four

“One Lord, one faith, one baptism” Paul did implore

About God, Psalm one hundred twenty four imparts

“O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts”

“End the violence of the wicked”, David did then plea

“Make the righteous secure”, for righteous God will be

God talks of a righteous Branch in Jeremiah twenty three

“The days are coming” when “a King will reign wisely”

Then “Judah will be saved” and Israel will not be mauled

“The Lord our Righteousness” is the name He is called

Jesus will speak to God in our defense, per First John two

He is the atoning sacrifice for sins the world does accrue