Hello, finally got around to doing this, and during my fasting time too :)
During this whole process, it was quite interesting in that the attitude to which you treat $100 is vastly different, if it was your own, and as compared to now, when we're given it to steward as best as we can.
I found myself being very much more careful about where I considered spending it, in that I wanted to be sure to make the best use of it. There were so many avenues where resources are needed, and I was constantly surprised at the amount of good one can do with this amount of money.
The recipients to which I donated to finally would not be a surprise to anyone. These are two non-profit medical organizations (Interchurch Medical Assistance, Medicins Sans Frontiere) dedicated to providing care for those in needy countries, and war-torn areas. What really helped me decide on these, was when I saw how MUCH they could achieve with $50.
"$35 a month can provide lifesaving antiretroviral treatment for someone living with HIV/AIDS in developing countries.
$50 a month can treat 252 cholera patients.
$100 a month can provide 800 rapid tests to diagnose malaria.
$200 can provide infection fighting antibiotics to treat 74 wounded people.
$500 can provide a basic Health Kit containing drugs and medical equipment to provide health care for 10,000 displaced persons for 3 months."
It really made me wonder, how can we live our lives the way we do now, if such a small change in our lives every month, can make a big difference in so many others'. It also makes me wonder about the state of our consumerist society.
How can one contemplate buying a 600,000 car for vanity, when one that's say 80,000 serves your purpose just as well, and the added money saved could go on to do so much more good, and to save so many more lives from suffering and death. I believe when you starting seeing money wasted, as lives you could have saved, that's when the real meaning of how much we truly have in Singapore really hits you, that we're given so much, even though we complain and grumble at times.
So yeah, that's what I've learnt from this exercise. This certainly won't be the last time I'm going to give to good causes, now that I've seen what a difference even one of us can make in the lives of others.
Terence
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Stewardship - Dan
OK OK i apologise for forgetting to post this
so i'll quickly do this now or else i'll forget again :P
For the stewardship exercise, i was reading from Luke 16:19-31. It was about Jesus talking about a parable about a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. In life, the rich man had so much but paid no attention to the begger Lazarus. When they both died, the rich man was sent to Hell and was begging to let Lazarus dip his finger in water to cool the rich man's tongue.
Through that parable, God sorta highlighted to me my callousness toward the poor around me, and really if we open our eyes, they are all around us. The aunty's cleaning our table at the hawker centre, the blind ppl selling packets of tissue, the old men on the street corner. We've just trained our eyes not to look on then, thinking somehow that if we pretend we dont see them, we can pretend they dont exist and that we dont have to help them.
But we do, and God sees them, and the word's i quoted are JESUS'S words.
Anyway, from that God told me to give my money to the poor. And He told me specifically who too, this old lady who sells tissue packets at the flyover toward harbour front. So i did that (after much self wrestling), trying the best I could to tell her (in CHINESE mind you) that Jesus loves her... and i think some of it got through. For me it was impactful, because though i'm just giving her money, it was more personal than just giving it to an organisation. I really felt a great joy after giving, both the joy of giving and the joy of obedience.
That was $50. The rest of the $50 i've decided to give to the Church benovalence fund, along with all the ang pow money i'll receive this year. Its not alot, but i'm praying that God'll use it to bless someone more in need than I am.
Dan
so i'll quickly do this now or else i'll forget again :P
For the stewardship exercise, i was reading from Luke 16:19-31. It was about Jesus talking about a parable about a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. In life, the rich man had so much but paid no attention to the begger Lazarus. When they both died, the rich man was sent to Hell and was begging to let Lazarus dip his finger in water to cool the rich man's tongue.
Through that parable, God sorta highlighted to me my callousness toward the poor around me, and really if we open our eyes, they are all around us. The aunty's cleaning our table at the hawker centre, the blind ppl selling packets of tissue, the old men on the street corner. We've just trained our eyes not to look on then, thinking somehow that if we pretend we dont see them, we can pretend they dont exist and that we dont have to help them.
But we do, and God sees them, and the word's i quoted are JESUS'S words.
Anyway, from that God told me to give my money to the poor. And He told me specifically who too, this old lady who sells tissue packets at the flyover toward harbour front. So i did that (after much self wrestling), trying the best I could to tell her (in CHINESE mind you) that Jesus loves her... and i think some of it got through. For me it was impactful, because though i'm just giving her money, it was more personal than just giving it to an organisation. I really felt a great joy after giving, both the joy of giving and the joy of obedience.
That was $50. The rest of the $50 i've decided to give to the Church benovalence fund, along with all the ang pow money i'll receive this year. Its not alot, but i'm praying that God'll use it to bless someone more in need than I am.
Dan
Esther 5:1-8 Study - Lawrence
- If i could ask any person for any favour (and you knew it would be granted), whom would you approach and what would you request? why?
interesting... lots of things went thru my mind... 1) if i were to ask of God, and King Solomon asked for wisdom, and God was pleased.. 2) person, not God? or include God? 3) if it were of God, i would ask of His will be done. every single decision we made in life made us who we are today, God made us who we are today... so why change? 4) if really get to ask anything from someone (human), i would ask... everyone... haha... if they want to join BB as officer, and they would say yes. (: yay!! come on, we still need more officers. - What does the word "intercession" mean?
- a prayer to God on behalf of another person (elook.org dictionary definition) - What giant request to God do you consistently make on behalf of others?
Giant request? so far i think i always make small request... what request do i consistently make on behalf of others? i always pray that others might truly bring God glory, even if it breaks us... - What was risky about Esther's plan and actions?
The king might not look at her direction and might not find favour with her?
The king might think that she's funny, why invite him to a banquet so to invite him to another one? - Esther was obviously favored by the king - he had hand-picked her from among the most desirable woman in Persia. What do you think made her afraid (or at least timid) to intercede for her people?
hmm... she hasn't done anything like that b4? she hasn't spoken to the king like that b4? she hasn't reveal her identity to the king b4? - Why do you think Esther invited the king and Harman to elaborate back-to-back banquets, rather than just coming right out with her petition? why the second banquet?
Haa, i want to know too. maybe is to spend more time together, so the king will be happier with her, and then she knows she really found favor in the king's eyes... or it could be she backed out the 1st time... - What does this passage teach about intercession? Who is doing the intercessing in this passage?
The Spirit - because we do not know what we ought to pray for...
which reminds me of the show screened today on TV, bruce almighty, that we do not know what to ask for all the time...
He (who searches our heart) - God the Father, v29 says God foreknew... his son... cannot be Christ in this case...
Christ - at the right hand of God, interceding for us. (any siginificance why right hand, cannot be left hand?) - Read Exoduc 32:7-14. Why did Moses intercede for the people of Israel in this passage? What happened as a result?
1) for the enemies to know that God is good
2) for God's name to be glorified when what He said come true
God did not wipe them out as a result. - Read Ephesians 6:18-19. How and why should we intercede for other believers?
How - pray in the Spirit, on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests, be alert
Why - so that when we open our mouths, words may be given us, so can make known the gospel of Christ (implied i guess, though its for Paul) - Can you think of a recent situation in which you needed courage to do something difficult or risky? What happened?
hmm... haha.a... asking someone to be my gf? (skipping the details here) - Who is in your sphere of influence needs your intercessory prayer today? How can you use your position with the King of kings to make a difference in another's life?
BB boys. Pray for them. (:
Friday, January 23, 2009
I fasted again
I tried fasting again yesterday, after a failed attempt on Wed. I must say this time is better, but i believe my experiences in future would be increasingly better and pleasant. :)
I decided to go with praying for intercession for my studies this year. I become a year 3 in August and things will only get tougher and more competitive. Honestly, I'm worried. Hence the above. Started with calming myself down, ridding of noise and distractions. Prayed and sought Him. Did my QT and read Matthew 17:1-23. What stood out was "faith as small as a mustard seed"(v.20) and the end of the verse, the phrase, "nothing is impossible for you". I've always liked Adidas' slogan. The appearance of this phrase that stems from the bible made me fall in love with it even more. haha. Anyway, in v21 (which happens at the bottom of the page, I wonder why), "except by prayer and fasting" resulted in a thought that goes like this:
Faith + prayer +fasting = the impossible made possible. Faith, in context, would have been enough, but for the type of spirit that the disciples were to cast out, prayer and fasting are needed. That's why I came up with this "equation".
I sensed the Lord speaking to me through these verses. As I recall my experience, I realise that the Lord was with me as I sought Him. He spoke to me. Wow! :)
When I was in the midst of the fast, I was constantly distracted by my growling stomach. I had training in the morning, which might have explained it. Downing water didn't help at all. As much as I wanted to focus on reading His Word, I was constantly distracted. I went through some memory verses that I memorised recently, and it took away my hunger for awhile.
After that, I thanked the Lord and told Him that I will find Him again as I found Him, and "sit by His feet" to hear what He wants to tell me.
He has never left me but ironically, I miss hearing from Him. All in all, to find an appropriate word like what Mrs. Chiang did, my experience was sweet. :)
Yin Ting
P.S. Thanks for all your prayers and guidance! :)
I decided to go with praying for intercession for my studies this year. I become a year 3 in August and things will only get tougher and more competitive. Honestly, I'm worried. Hence the above. Started with calming myself down, ridding of noise and distractions. Prayed and sought Him. Did my QT and read Matthew 17:1-23. What stood out was "faith as small as a mustard seed"(v.20) and the end of the verse, the phrase, "nothing is impossible for you". I've always liked Adidas' slogan. The appearance of this phrase that stems from the bible made me fall in love with it even more. haha. Anyway, in v21 (which happens at the bottom of the page, I wonder why), "except by prayer and fasting" resulted in a thought that goes like this:
Faith + prayer +fasting = the impossible made possible. Faith, in context, would have been enough, but for the type of spirit that the disciples were to cast out, prayer and fasting are needed. That's why I came up with this "equation".
I sensed the Lord speaking to me through these verses. As I recall my experience, I realise that the Lord was with me as I sought Him. He spoke to me. Wow! :)
When I was in the midst of the fast, I was constantly distracted by my growling stomach. I had training in the morning, which might have explained it. Downing water didn't help at all. As much as I wanted to focus on reading His Word, I was constantly distracted. I went through some memory verses that I memorised recently, and it took away my hunger for awhile.
After that, I thanked the Lord and told Him that I will find Him again as I found Him, and "sit by His feet" to hear what He wants to tell me.
He has never left me but ironically, I miss hearing from Him. All in all, to find an appropriate word like what Mrs. Chiang did, my experience was sweet. :)
Yin Ting
P.S. Thanks for all your prayers and guidance! :)
Fasting - Bee Lan's Experience
Wei & I decided to fast yesterday.
It was a serendipitous experience. Wasn’t planning it but since Wei suggested it, oh well, might as well. All the while, I never really thought fasting was me, since I am underweight and during a recent medical checkup, the doctor even said I must be careful to eat well. Going into the fast, I wasn’t sure what I should be focusing on or praying for. So I asked God to reveal to me as I went on. I started by laying at His feet various concerns and burdens, like my Mother, the E-group, and it became a good time of just relating to God. It wasn’t a Wow! experience as such but throughout the day I was conscious of God and was mindful to offer up prayers and praises as the moment needed and just picking up His word to read in odd moments. It was something I hadn’t done in a long time.
Wei asked me to try to sum up the experience. It's hard to. There were many scattered thoughts in the day. But one thing I should try to pen down is this: It was an easier experience than I expected. I expected to be struggling with hunger through the day that it would be difficult to take. But in the end it wasn't like that, it was pleasant. Hunger pangs came and went. It was ... pleasant. What is God teaching me? I have many worries. I can hold onto the worries and feel their weight (like my worry about fasting) or actually do something and find that God is nice and will help me. I need to learn to surrender to God. I need to learn to lay my worries at His feet and not continue to struggle with them alone. It may be easier than I imagine.
It was a serendipitous experience. Wasn’t planning it but since Wei suggested it, oh well, might as well. All the while, I never really thought fasting was me, since I am underweight and during a recent medical checkup, the doctor even said I must be careful to eat well. Going into the fast, I wasn’t sure what I should be focusing on or praying for. So I asked God to reveal to me as I went on. I started by laying at His feet various concerns and burdens, like my Mother, the E-group, and it became a good time of just relating to God. It wasn’t a Wow! experience as such but throughout the day I was conscious of God and was mindful to offer up prayers and praises as the moment needed and just picking up His word to read in odd moments. It was something I hadn’t done in a long time.
Wei asked me to try to sum up the experience. It's hard to. There were many scattered thoughts in the day. But one thing I should try to pen down is this: It was an easier experience than I expected. I expected to be struggling with hunger through the day that it would be difficult to take. But in the end it wasn't like that, it was pleasant. Hunger pangs came and went. It was ... pleasant. What is God teaching me? I have many worries. I can hold onto the worries and feel their weight (like my worry about fasting) or actually do something and find that God is nice and will help me. I need to learn to surrender to God. I need to learn to lay my worries at His feet and not continue to struggle with them alone. It may be easier than I imagine.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Fast
I Cannot Present Offerings That Have Cost Me Nothing 2 Samuel 24:16-45
In my devotions this week, the Lord has reminded me of my unworthiness as a man, and how He has walked to the cross despite of my sinfulness, despite of the fact that I dread doing what He called me to, despite of what I did, Christ walked to the cross, willingly.
Therefore, I wanted to offer to my Lord, what is the most important, and what meant the most to me... Sat is the day I planned for the fast... it'll be a 24 hour fast from being with people... I pray that the Lord will remind me, that He is all I need, His grace is indeed sufficient for me. - Lawrence
In my devotions this week, the Lord has reminded me of my unworthiness as a man, and how He has walked to the cross despite of my sinfulness, despite of the fact that I dread doing what He called me to, despite of what I did, Christ walked to the cross, willingly.
Therefore, I wanted to offer to my Lord, what is the most important, and what meant the most to me... Sat is the day I planned for the fast... it'll be a 24 hour fast from being with people... I pray that the Lord will remind me, that He is all I need, His grace is indeed sufficient for me. - Lawrence
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
When I fasted fast
I fasted today during lunch. I was surprised that Alicia did too, a fellow Sister in Christ journeying with me. :) But I have to say that mine was not good at all. Allow me to share in more detail. In contrast to Alicia's, mine is a BAD example that you SHOULD NOT follow. This is as follows (pardon the pun):
I decided to fast from lunch, duration being 12-6pm today. At 11.30, I decided to eat something so that I wouldn't feel angry as I had lessons in the afternoon. Into the 12th hour of the day, I started to question whether the eating at 11.30 was already considered lunch (cos it did feel like it). 12-1: read the bible, including Isa 58 and recited memory verses. 2-3.30: had lessons. I reached home at 5 or so. By then, I was hungry and tired. I became short-tempered and grouchy and affected my grandma and mum. In order to stave off food, I watched shows on my computer until 6pm. After that, I ate happily, relieved that it is over. At 6.30 or so, my stomach felt uncomfortable, probably due to the milk I drank on an empty stomach.
Yes, it is a totally bad example. I did not read Mr. Chiang's post on fasting before fasting, so I did it the totally worldly and wrong way. There was no focus on God at all. Instead, I relied alot on my own strength.
Some questions I have:
1. Was the setting aside of time (eg 12-6) that i will fast correct? Is it right to eat just before that, say 11.45am?
2. If we have lessons for most of the afternoon, how is there time to meditate, focus on God etc?
3. In my case this afternoon, was I to do an ETWG for the whole 6 hours?
Perhaps if you guys have some advice, I'd appreciate it. Feeling guilty now. Guilt aside, I plan to do it again, probably tomorrow afternoon or next week after new year. Please pray for me? Even in the absence of knowing how to do it properly, that I will still do it in the way that best makes my Father happy.
I will share again when I have done it the right way, the God-glorifying way. :)
Regards,
Yin Ting
I decided to fast from lunch, duration being 12-6pm today. At 11.30, I decided to eat something so that I wouldn't feel angry as I had lessons in the afternoon. Into the 12th hour of the day, I started to question whether the eating at 11.30 was already considered lunch (cos it did feel like it). 12-1: read the bible, including Isa 58 and recited memory verses. 2-3.30: had lessons. I reached home at 5 or so. By then, I was hungry and tired. I became short-tempered and grouchy and affected my grandma and mum. In order to stave off food, I watched shows on my computer until 6pm. After that, I ate happily, relieved that it is over. At 6.30 or so, my stomach felt uncomfortable, probably due to the milk I drank on an empty stomach.
Yes, it is a totally bad example. I did not read Mr. Chiang's post on fasting before fasting, so I did it the totally worldly and wrong way. There was no focus on God at all. Instead, I relied alot on my own strength.
Some questions I have:
1. Was the setting aside of time (eg 12-6) that i will fast correct? Is it right to eat just before that, say 11.45am?
2. If we have lessons for most of the afternoon, how is there time to meditate, focus on God etc?
3. In my case this afternoon, was I to do an ETWG for the whole 6 hours?
Perhaps if you guys have some advice, I'd appreciate it. Feeling guilty now. Guilt aside, I plan to do it again, probably tomorrow afternoon or next week after new year. Please pray for me? Even in the absence of knowing how to do it properly, that I will still do it in the way that best makes my Father happy.
I will share again when I have done it the right way, the God-glorifying way. :)
Regards,
Yin Ting
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
My Fast Experience
I had decided to start promptly so I won't keep putting it off. And so, I fasted during lunch today and decided to spend 2 hours in my school's library. I was surprisingly very enthusiastic in the morning and was actually looking forward to lunch. (Amazing how God works)
My focus on the fast was intercession for the group of youths Terence and I will be leading and then focusing on 2 Corinthians, the book which I'm currently using for devotions. In the process, God gave me 2 Cor 5:7 which says "We live by faith, not by sight." And these are the verses which allowed me to set my goal for the small group and my personal goal in ministry. I had briefly shared this during the Kaleo MC meeting and I'll share them here too.
My hope for the youths is for them to build their faith in Jesus Christ and to trust in him, by having God as the foundation of their lives. The same verse for me personally is to trust in Jesus as the one who causes their growth and is the author and perfector of their faith. And so, it's not really about how well they do their bible study or even whether they enjoy it or not, but it's how they are growing as disciples of Jesus. Through this verse, God had strongly reminded me that I cannot measure the effectiveness of the ministry by these superficial things but to have faith that he will use me as an instrument to allow the youths to grow.
And so I ended my time with thanksgiving, because I truly was thankful for the verse that God had shown to me. I hope this experience can encourage the rest of us to have an amazingly extended time with God.
(Side note: I actually didn't feel hungry at all or for that matter get gastric pains from skipping a meal, despite all that growling in the stomach. Amazing how God works.)
Love,
Alicia
My focus on the fast was intercession for the group of youths Terence and I will be leading and then focusing on 2 Corinthians, the book which I'm currently using for devotions. In the process, God gave me 2 Cor 5:7 which says "We live by faith, not by sight." And these are the verses which allowed me to set my goal for the small group and my personal goal in ministry. I had briefly shared this during the Kaleo MC meeting and I'll share them here too.
My hope for the youths is for them to build their faith in Jesus Christ and to trust in him, by having God as the foundation of their lives. The same verse for me personally is to trust in Jesus as the one who causes their growth and is the author and perfector of their faith. And so, it's not really about how well they do their bible study or even whether they enjoy it or not, but it's how they are growing as disciples of Jesus. Through this verse, God had strongly reminded me that I cannot measure the effectiveness of the ministry by these superficial things but to have faith that he will use me as an instrument to allow the youths to grow.
And so I ended my time with thanksgiving, because I truly was thankful for the verse that God had shown to me. I hope this experience can encourage the rest of us to have an amazingly extended time with God.
(Side note: I actually didn't feel hungry at all or for that matter get gastric pains from skipping a meal, despite all that growling in the stomach. Amazing how God works.)
Love,
Alicia
1 John 4:9-10 Scripture Memory
1 John 4:9-10 (NIV)
9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Monday, January 19, 2009
My MonEy!!!
Hi all,
apologies for this really late email. I guess it's my guilt working in me that made me delay this as long as I can. :(
When I first knew of this project, I had plenty of big plans (my mum can be my witness). I wanted to buy gifts to donate to an orphanage, plan a christmas party for orphans etc. When some kind-hearted people started giving me the details of how difficult these plans can be to implemented, I hesitated. Hesitated I was, and then exams came. After that, I was left with very little time left to plan, as kaleo camp was up, then my adventure trip to Ipoh. Along the way, I wanted to make my plans work, but I kept shying away from asking the group to combine the money to do what I planned to do, as I heard their plans and felt that mine was really lousy (hmm, as I'm typing, I wonder if I have inferiority complex).
In the end, what happened was, praise and thanks be to God, I applied online to sponsor this child that stays in Dominican Republic in October. She is eight this year and a fixed amount of money will be deducted from my account monthly to help her. This money will help her and her family, be it health care or education (many have doubted and questioned me if this is reliable. With my limited IT skills, I google-d the foundation's name and came to believe that it is. If you have good ways to find out the credibility of companies, kindly enlighten me though. :)) I have been praying to God about it, hoping that it is not a hoax, and that I am really helping this little girl. I pray that God sees my intentions. Anyway, point is, when I calculated the amount I have donated in the month of 2008, starting from Oct, it adds up to just over $100.
Summary: the $100 has been put to further this little girl's well-being. For Christmas, I donated a further $30 bucks or so, and she got a pair of jeans as her christmas present. Yay! Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Chiang for sponsoring my new friend! :)
Lessons to learn:
1. I have plans, I have passion, I want to do things, but it's all in the mind, with no real actions.
2. I might be belittling the tasks that I have been assigned, even the tasks of God's (gulps), which is why my plans did not come to fruition.
3. I am easily discouraged (which begs the question, where does my confidence lie in?)
That's all from me. :)
Yin Ting
apologies for this really late email. I guess it's my guilt working in me that made me delay this as long as I can. :(
When I first knew of this project, I had plenty of big plans (my mum can be my witness). I wanted to buy gifts to donate to an orphanage, plan a christmas party for orphans etc. When some kind-hearted people started giving me the details of how difficult these plans can be to implemented, I hesitated. Hesitated I was, and then exams came. After that, I was left with very little time left to plan, as kaleo camp was up, then my adventure trip to Ipoh. Along the way, I wanted to make my plans work, but I kept shying away from asking the group to combine the money to do what I planned to do, as I heard their plans and felt that mine was really lousy (hmm, as I'm typing, I wonder if I have inferiority complex).
In the end, what happened was, praise and thanks be to God, I applied online to sponsor this child that stays in Dominican Republic in October. She is eight this year and a fixed amount of money will be deducted from my account monthly to help her. This money will help her and her family, be it health care or education (many have doubted and questioned me if this is reliable. With my limited IT skills, I google-d the foundation's name and came to believe that it is. If you have good ways to find out the credibility of companies, kindly enlighten me though. :)) I have been praying to God about it, hoping that it is not a hoax, and that I am really helping this little girl. I pray that God sees my intentions. Anyway, point is, when I calculated the amount I have donated in the month of 2008, starting from Oct, it adds up to just over $100.
Summary: the $100 has been put to further this little girl's well-being. For Christmas, I donated a further $30 bucks or so, and she got a pair of jeans as her christmas present. Yay! Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Chiang for sponsoring my new friend! :)
Lessons to learn:
1. I have plans, I have passion, I want to do things, but it's all in the mind, with no real actions.
2. I might be belittling the tasks that I have been assigned, even the tasks of God's (gulps), which is why my plans did not come to fruition.
3. I am easily discouraged (which begs the question, where does my confidence lie in?)
That's all from me. :)
Yin Ting
Jim Elliot
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot (from his journal on Oct 28, 1949. He was 22 years old).
(posted by Wen-Wei)
Fasting - Application
I call for a fast as a group application to Esther 4.
Fasting, in and of itself, we already said has no value. In essence, it is a discipline of self-denial; food being among the most basic human necessities. Humanly speaking, loss of appetite is natural when grief, sorrow or other emotion is so all consuming. There is nothing inherently spiritual about this but the depth of emotion it communicates. For the Christian, there is only one relief for sorrow, and that is God Alone. A voluntary fast, therefore, seeks to communicate the same desperation and need for God above all else. Using the time redeemed from such abstinence allows us an extended time to seek God. Therefore, fasting is ALWAYS accompanied by prayer and seeking God.
“Fasting is the school that teaches us to let go of things seen to lay hold of things unseen.” – Ps Vincent’s sermon 18 Jan 09.
So I call for a fast for this reason, to set aside food, and spend the time seeking a deeper experience of God.
What is fasting? How to begin? Some Pointers: (with reference to Growing Deeper in God by Ps Edmund Chan)
• Not a badge of spirituality (fasting is an act of humility, not an occasion for pride or boasting)
• Does not make God beholden to you
• Partial (1 meal) fast
• Normal (24 hours or more) fast
• Supernatural fast (40 day)
• Fast from food – avoids consumption of everything except water, avoid large meals before and after fast, the sudden changes can shock your body. In fact it is recommended you take a lighter meal before and after, like soups or porridge.
• New fast – abstaining from TV, computer games, computers, mobile phone or other pursuits that engage us even more than food does (cf Matt 9:14-17)
• The time recovered from abstinence should be devoted to extended time with God
• Begin with confession (Read Isaiah 58) and end with thanksgiving
Matt. 9:14-17
Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” 15 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. 16 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17 Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
The purpose for this fast is communion and consecration. I would like us to learn to better identify the voice of God and listen more deeply to Him (John 10:27), and purposing to set ourselves apart for Him this year, not just when troubles come like in the case of Esther. Here are some suggested themes:
• Focus on praise and worship – seek a loftier vision of God that would capture your whole being in praise – Isa 6
• Surrender – Phil 2
• Rest – Joshua 14 & 21, Matthew 11, Hebrews 4
• Lectio Divina
• In addition (as part of the time but not the majority of the time), you may take time in intercession for areas that especially burden your heart. eg, I will take time to pray for my family, for each of the E-group, Vietnam, etc.
Do blog your experience and insights on this.
Many blessings,
Wen-Wei
Fasting, in and of itself, we already said has no value. In essence, it is a discipline of self-denial; food being among the most basic human necessities. Humanly speaking, loss of appetite is natural when grief, sorrow or other emotion is so all consuming. There is nothing inherently spiritual about this but the depth of emotion it communicates. For the Christian, there is only one relief for sorrow, and that is God Alone. A voluntary fast, therefore, seeks to communicate the same desperation and need for God above all else. Using the time redeemed from such abstinence allows us an extended time to seek God. Therefore, fasting is ALWAYS accompanied by prayer and seeking God.
“Fasting is the school that teaches us to let go of things seen to lay hold of things unseen.” – Ps Vincent’s sermon 18 Jan 09.
So I call for a fast for this reason, to set aside food, and spend the time seeking a deeper experience of God.
What is fasting? How to begin? Some Pointers: (with reference to Growing Deeper in God by Ps Edmund Chan)
• Not a badge of spirituality (fasting is an act of humility, not an occasion for pride or boasting)
• Does not make God beholden to you
• Partial (1 meal) fast
• Normal (24 hours or more) fast
• Supernatural fast (40 day)
• Fast from food – avoids consumption of everything except water, avoid large meals before and after fast, the sudden changes can shock your body. In fact it is recommended you take a lighter meal before and after, like soups or porridge.
• New fast – abstaining from TV, computer games, computers, mobile phone or other pursuits that engage us even more than food does (cf Matt 9:14-17)
• The time recovered from abstinence should be devoted to extended time with God
• Begin with confession (Read Isaiah 58) and end with thanksgiving
Matt. 9:14-17
Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” 15 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. 16 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17 Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
The purpose for this fast is communion and consecration. I would like us to learn to better identify the voice of God and listen more deeply to Him (John 10:27), and purposing to set ourselves apart for Him this year, not just when troubles come like in the case of Esther. Here are some suggested themes:
• Focus on praise and worship – seek a loftier vision of God that would capture your whole being in praise – Isa 6
• Surrender – Phil 2
• Rest – Joshua 14 & 21, Matthew 11, Hebrews 4
• Lectio Divina
• In addition (as part of the time but not the majority of the time), you may take time in intercession for areas that especially burden your heart. eg, I will take time to pray for my family, for each of the E-group, Vietnam, etc.
Do blog your experience and insights on this.
Many blessings,
Wen-Wei
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Esther Bible Study Chapter 3
- upset/stress 1st, then search for an appropriate response from the word, then pray....
why ah? wanna seek God in what i do... not just during crisis, though more during crisis. - personal, won't blog abt it...
- i'm not western, how i know? but i know, in sg, not so... we dun face death for what we believe in the very real sense. yes, maybe they'll lose face, lose a lot of other things, but definitely not life here.
- tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes (4:1)
the tearing of clothes was an outward sign of grief and distress over some disaster or calamity, it was also a sign of deep sorrow and mourning over someone who has died. sometimes it indicated a holy indignation (righteous anger) against sin and what is contrary to God's Word. (http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/bofbooks/booksch6.htm)
funeral wakes? wear white, have a cloth pin on clothes? (chinese traditions) - to abstain from food (or any other thing) to pray to God.
giving up something important to indicate the urgency of that prayer item?
not to twist God's arm or use it to threaten, not an exchange. - Mordecai wanted Esther to speak to the king. scare to make the request, might be killed? 4:14 encouraged her? that the whole reason of her being there might be to do something like this.
- that he understands and know God, that God will definitely deliver His people
- if they perish for what they believe, it is okay... but they will take the step of faith to do what is needed and right before the Lord
- it did not deter him, he knew the task to testify Christ is more impt than his life. (his life worth nothing to him)
- she put her life on the line for the Jews... it was easy to get distracted with all the riches..
- "slow down, get someone to keep u accountable... dun speed into things..."
- someone younger? been thinking abt the ns guys... keep the disciplines... press on..."
looks more and more like comprehension now... but well, pressing on... - Lawrence
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
My hundred dollar adventure
I had in my mind what I wanted to do when I first got the hundred dollars. But I almost forgot about it until Christmas. So I had to rush and get little presents and print out the story of the first Christmas and have them sent to the orphanage. And then I was made to realise how easy it is to hog the money and not do anything about it, just like the guy in the bible who didn't do anything productive with what he was given. So, I'm less judgemental towards him.
Through this exercise, I felt the joy in giving. Despite the rush I was imagining how delightful it will be for the children to receive their gifts. And the joy is increased by the fact that the love of Christ is shared in the process of giving.
I've also learnt to be a lot more appreciative. Currently, I have financial woes from the money I have to dispense for my studies. But these children have far less than what I already have. And giving to them made me appreciate my Christmas presents a lot more. So I want to keep this attitude of being appreciative of the blessings and things that are given to me undeserved.
Alicia
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Esther 2:21-3:15 Reflections on Study
I was very ministered to by the discussion in last night's study. So I thought I should record some reflections before I forget:
Comparing this passage in Esther with the incident in Daniel 6 (which is about Daniel being cast into the lions' den), there are some fascinating similarities (and some glaring differences). What captured my thoughts and my heart last night was this: In both accounts, it was the second tier leadership in jealousy or spite taking issue with God's people simply because they were God's people. They then appealed to the vanity of king to enact a law that was humanly irrevocable to plot evil, devious schemes to exterminate God's person (in Daniel's case) or people (Esther's case). Yet the highest, most irrevocable law in human terms is insignificant and inconsequential to Almighty God who simply turns events around and the snare is returned onto the schemers themselves.
Lesson: However impossible it may seem humanly, God is ULTIMATE authority.
On the other hand, the absolutely mind-blowing part of the story to me is this: That the all-powerful, Almighty God chooses to work out His plan on earth through His people! He therefore bestows such incredible significance and power on them (us). Put another way, He limits what He could achieve in this world entirely on our willingness to cooperate with Him and by our actions or inaction. Case in point: one man (Mordecai) in a moment of ego, pride and arrogance, by refusing to offer due respect to Haman because of a 500 year old family feud, nearly caused the destruction of the Jewish population. Later, the young Esther would similarly be placed in situation where she would have opportunity to save her entire race.
Lesson: Never underestimate the significance of the "least" of God's people, either myself or another. There are no casual actions. The damage I can do in His kingdom or the honour I can bring to His name are equally tremendous.
WOW! My mind is still reeling from both these thoughts!
Thanks group for sharing your insights and adding to my understanding of the text ... All the WAY!!!
:-)
Wen-Wei
Comparing this passage in Esther with the incident in Daniel 6 (which is about Daniel being cast into the lions' den), there are some fascinating similarities (and some glaring differences). What captured my thoughts and my heart last night was this: In both accounts, it was the second tier leadership in jealousy or spite taking issue with God's people simply because they were God's people. They then appealed to the vanity of king to enact a law that was humanly irrevocable to plot evil, devious schemes to exterminate God's person (in Daniel's case) or people (Esther's case). Yet the highest, most irrevocable law in human terms is insignificant and inconsequential to Almighty God who simply turns events around and the snare is returned onto the schemers themselves.
Lesson: However impossible it may seem humanly, God is ULTIMATE authority.
On the other hand, the absolutely mind-blowing part of the story to me is this: That the all-powerful, Almighty God chooses to work out His plan on earth through His people! He therefore bestows such incredible significance and power on them (us). Put another way, He limits what He could achieve in this world entirely on our willingness to cooperate with Him and by our actions or inaction. Case in point: one man (Mordecai) in a moment of ego, pride and arrogance, by refusing to offer due respect to Haman because of a 500 year old family feud, nearly caused the destruction of the Jewish population. Later, the young Esther would similarly be placed in situation where she would have opportunity to save her entire race.
Lesson: Never underestimate the significance of the "least" of God's people, either myself or another. There are no casual actions. The damage I can do in His kingdom or the honour I can bring to His name are equally tremendous.
WOW! My mind is still reeling from both these thoughts!
Thanks group for sharing your insights and adding to my understanding of the text ... All the WAY!!!
:-)
Wen-Wei
Repentance
Bulletin – 14 Dec 08 – Wen-Wei
It may seem unusual to be writing of repentance during the Christmas season. Then again, I note that John the Baptist, who came as a forerunner preparing the way for the arrival of Jesus in human history, preached a message of repentance as key to receiving the Lord Jesus. In our recent sermon series in the book of Revelations, repentance has also been the enduring call of our Lord Jesus in the letters to the seven Churches. What then is true repentance? I offer these reflections in Psalm 51, which is probably the key Biblical lesson on repentance.
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Shame, sorrow, grief and despair are emotions that must follow repentance. King David, in writing these words, betrays the shame and disgust he feels at his own sin. He can’t wait to be rid of it. He knows that the only One who can cleanse him is God, and he throws himself upon the mercy and grace of God in total abandon and desperation.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
There is no masking or toning down of his sin, no euphemisms, no excuses. The ugliness of his own sin is recognized and owned with honesty and grief that he has let his God down. Yet the strength of his emotions leads not to debilitating self-pity, but it drives him to prayer and confession. It fuels his quest for the restoration of wholeness.
6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Despite being sinful from birth and rotten to the core of his being, God’s cleansing is effective and complete. The joy of such cleansing and forgiveness is the only thing David desires now. Nothing else matters if sin continues to stand between him and God. This desire for God consumes him. Does it consume me? If it doesn’t, I will continue to allow sin to substitute temporal pleasure and satisfaction for the true joy that is God. Only a clean heart and willing spirit will do. Nothing less.
11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.
14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
“Restore my joy” is his plea. David is tormented by the separation from God his sin has caused. The cry of Jesus on the cross rings in my ears:
"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
(Matt 27:46)
That’s agony! That is the suffering for the sin I caused. That’s the pain that David writes about in this Psalm. Do I know this pain? If not, I know little of true repentance.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
If only it were so easy as to burn a calf or a dove or two. No, there is nothing formulaic or ritualistic about repentance. It is all about brokenness. The good news of Christmas is that in such brokenness, I find Jesus; and He makes whole again so I can sing the new song of redemption and salvation once more.
Praise be to God for His indescribable mercy.
The Mark of a True Believer is not Perfection because no one is Perfect
The Mark of a True Believer is Repentance because no one is Perfect
It may seem unusual to be writing of repentance during the Christmas season. Then again, I note that John the Baptist, who came as a forerunner preparing the way for the arrival of Jesus in human history, preached a message of repentance as key to receiving the Lord Jesus. In our recent sermon series in the book of Revelations, repentance has also been the enduring call of our Lord Jesus in the letters to the seven Churches. What then is true repentance? I offer these reflections in Psalm 51, which is probably the key Biblical lesson on repentance.
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Shame, sorrow, grief and despair are emotions that must follow repentance. King David, in writing these words, betrays the shame and disgust he feels at his own sin. He can’t wait to be rid of it. He knows that the only One who can cleanse him is God, and he throws himself upon the mercy and grace of God in total abandon and desperation.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
There is no masking or toning down of his sin, no euphemisms, no excuses. The ugliness of his own sin is recognized and owned with honesty and grief that he has let his God down. Yet the strength of his emotions leads not to debilitating self-pity, but it drives him to prayer and confession. It fuels his quest for the restoration of wholeness.
6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Despite being sinful from birth and rotten to the core of his being, God’s cleansing is effective and complete. The joy of such cleansing and forgiveness is the only thing David desires now. Nothing else matters if sin continues to stand between him and God. This desire for God consumes him. Does it consume me? If it doesn’t, I will continue to allow sin to substitute temporal pleasure and satisfaction for the true joy that is God. Only a clean heart and willing spirit will do. Nothing less.
11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.
14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
“Restore my joy” is his plea. David is tormented by the separation from God his sin has caused. The cry of Jesus on the cross rings in my ears:
"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
(Matt 27:46)
That’s agony! That is the suffering for the sin I caused. That’s the pain that David writes about in this Psalm. Do I know this pain? If not, I know little of true repentance.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
If only it were so easy as to burn a calf or a dove or two. No, there is nothing formulaic or ritualistic about repentance. It is all about brokenness. The good news of Christmas is that in such brokenness, I find Jesus; and He makes whole again so I can sing the new song of redemption and salvation once more.
Praise be to God for His indescribable mercy.
The Mark of a True Believer is not Perfection because no one is Perfect
The Mark of a True Believer is Repentance because no one is Perfect
Contemplation – There’s Something to be Said About Silence
In an effort to be more consistent in updating this blog, I thought I would begin by taking the easy path of uploading here the various articles I wrote for our Church bulletin front page. These are mostly compiled by various of my daily journal entries so they are also reflective of my devotional thoughts, edited for better reading by others. This is a great benefit of keeping a journal, it's much easier to pull together a devotion or article at fairly short notice! Let's keep up journalling everyone!
GEFC Bulletin Article – 11 January 2009
Luke 1:5-23, 57-80
You know the account of Zacharias and Elizabeth, the parents’ of John the Baptist, don’t you? How the angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias while he was ministering in the temple and told him about the birth of John to their family. Zacharias asked, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” (v18) To this, he was struck dumb until the fulfillment of all the angel had said.
It was a full 9 months and 8 days (being the 9 months of pregnancy and circumcision on the 8th day after birth) before Zacharias could speak again. I wonder what went through his mind in those days and months of silence …
“Me and my big mouth! Why did I ever question the angel!”
“I’m sorry God, I never wanted to question or challenge You. It’s just so unbelievable!”
Of course I don’t really know what he was thinking about. But I do know the first words out of his mouth when he was able to speak again. There is no wavering of Zacharias’ faith now. His words of praise and blessing in verses 68-69 all declare God’s work of salvation as completed! Past tense! And Jesus wasn’t even born yet!
I facetiously imagined Zacharias’ thoughts in somewhat comic fashion, but his first words present an altogether different reality. Unable to speak, the contemplations of his heart must have been fully directed to God. The insight and blessedness of such communion and the resulting depth of faith and insight is profound.
Zacharias is able to take Psalms, Micah, Malachi, Jeremiah and Isaiah and trace them to identify his son John and his role in the God’s redemption plan. Verse 80 describes of John, “And the child grew and became strong in spirit” I believe in no small part, due to the spiritual leadership, example and covering of Zacharias his father.
Some spiritual encounters are squandered as their uplifting effect wears off in days. Zacharias took 9 months and 8 days to consolidate his. John was his legacy.
There’s something to be said about silence!
Wen-Wei
GEFC Bulletin Article – 11 January 2009
Luke 1:5-23, 57-80
You know the account of Zacharias and Elizabeth, the parents’ of John the Baptist, don’t you? How the angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias while he was ministering in the temple and told him about the birth of John to their family. Zacharias asked, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” (v18) To this, he was struck dumb until the fulfillment of all the angel had said.
It was a full 9 months and 8 days (being the 9 months of pregnancy and circumcision on the 8th day after birth) before Zacharias could speak again. I wonder what went through his mind in those days and months of silence …
“Me and my big mouth! Why did I ever question the angel!”
“I’m sorry God, I never wanted to question or challenge You. It’s just so unbelievable!”
Of course I don’t really know what he was thinking about. But I do know the first words out of his mouth when he was able to speak again. There is no wavering of Zacharias’ faith now. His words of praise and blessing in verses 68-69 all declare God’s work of salvation as completed! Past tense! And Jesus wasn’t even born yet!
I facetiously imagined Zacharias’ thoughts in somewhat comic fashion, but his first words present an altogether different reality. Unable to speak, the contemplations of his heart must have been fully directed to God. The insight and blessedness of such communion and the resulting depth of faith and insight is profound.
Zacharias is able to take Psalms, Micah, Malachi, Jeremiah and Isaiah and trace them to identify his son John and his role in the God’s redemption plan. Verse 80 describes of John, “And the child grew and became strong in spirit” I believe in no small part, due to the spiritual leadership, example and covering of Zacharias his father.
Some spiritual encounters are squandered as their uplifting effect wears off in days. Zacharias took 9 months and 8 days to consolidate his. John was his legacy.
There’s something to be said about silence!
Wen-Wei
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Esther Study - Lawrence
- what were the details of the plot to assassinate King Ahasuerus? How did Mordecai thwart this plot?
Two of king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers became furious and wanted to kill the king. (2:21) Details of the plot? not written. He telltale to Esther and Esther went to tell the king. (Pau to - hokkien) - why did Haman become furious with Mordecai? why do you think Mordecai refused to pay homage to Haman?
he refused to bow down to him (3:2), why refused to bow down to him? could be because he's a jew, or because of family feud as suggested by author. what i think? not recorded, as usual, we can name a thousand, and we won't know. best guess is ... i don't know. - How did Haman try to determine a date on which to carry out his murderous plot? How do you see God's sovereign hand at work through this process? why don't we use this method for making decisions today? what resources has God given us to help us make decisions?
he cast a lot. he made it far away so his people have time to react? why dun use lot to make decision? hmm... its stupid! God gave us the word to help us learn to make decisions, and prayers... and godly council.. - in what ways do the stories of Esther 3 and Daniel 6 parallel each other?
both daniel and mordecai refused to bow down and were threatened to be killed... in esther 3 more serious, the whole race was threatened to be slaughtered. - read acts 4:13-22 and 5:17-29. why is it common for those in positions of power to try to muzzle or control the people of God?
in act 5 passage, the apostles are against them... (5:29)
the people want to gain something for themselves, fame, power, popularity... so the apostles would not say something bad about them, or prove their work to be fake... as the apostles preached about the true word and wanna honour God instead of men. - read Jehoshaphat's prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:5-12. in what ways is this a model prayer for any child of God who is in trouble?
i personally wouldn't think that this is a model prayer... wouldn't like to twist his arm... but the last sentence is true... "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you" - in what specific ways have you been pressured to compromise your faith?
many! 1 specific way, hmm... not necessary means leaving my faith, but at times when i need to stand up for the faith i believe, i might not have... example... [thinking, to be added later] - what do you think precipitated such an extreme response on the part of Haman?
evil intentions, selfish desires, pride... which is very common to everyone... - the population of susa was "perplexed" by the decision of the king. what would you say are the most perplexing issues with which our citizens struggle? why?
believing that we are what we have, what we own, what we buy... doing things for ourselves and ourselves only, not considering the rest... the world is making us selfish...
apologised for not being able to make it to the studies tonight, gotta attend class... (: have fun guys...
Monday, January 5, 2009
Esther Bible Study
Came across this as I was reading up on Esther a little more.
http://tlc_studies.homestead.com/esther1.html
http://www.keyway.ca/htm2002/estherb.htm
Found myself not very sure what to look out for in my reading, thought the outline was great to remind me of the entire flow and lessons to learn. Hope it'll be helpful for you too.
http://tlc_studies.homestead.com/esther1.html
http://www.keyway.ca/htm2002/estherb.htm
Found myself not very sure what to look out for in my reading, thought the outline was great to remind me of the entire flow and lessons to learn. Hope it'll be helpful for you too.
Lawrence
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