Tuesday

 Tuesday Fellowship meeting: 
13 May 2025 at 11am, in Plaza Hall.
Speaker: Dr Tan Kim Huat
Chen Su Lan Professor of New Testament,
Trinity Theological College.

To register, text your name to 9178 9338/9484 6652.

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Psalm 23 (Part 2)

7. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil. For *YOU* are with me! (Source of Courage)
   (*Speaks to God directly! From this verse, pronoun changes from “He” to “You”!) The sheep (believer) may wander into dark, deep ravines wherepredatory animals (bandits, enemies) may lurk. God did not promise that life in a fallen world will be smooth and free from trouble. Jesus said: “I have saidthese things to you, that in Me, you may have Peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
   
   Believers may find themselves in “dark valleys”- seasons of illness, grief, fear, financial challenges, mental health issues, feelings of loneliness/isolation....orfacing “death”/ “terminal” ailments..
   But:

   1. These are temporary because we only “walk through” them.
   2. Shadows do not have power to hurt us.
   3. Shadows indicate there is a source of light nearby!
      We are not alone! (Jesus is the Light of the World.)
   4. Jesus is walking with us through these challenging times.

   (There are 26 Hebrew words before the phrase “Thou art with me” and 26 Hebrew words after this numerical centre of the Psalm. So the Presence of God is with us till we reach the heavenly gates and come to rest in the everlasting arms of our Heavenly Father/Saviour.)
   
   Assurance comes, not because of the absence of danger, but the Presence of God. The closer we are to the Shepherd, the safer we are, and the more His Peace will fill our hearts. (God/An angel was with Daniel in the lion’s den; with Daniel’s 3 friends in the fire; with Paul and Silas, who were singing at midnight in the Philippian prison, where an earthquake opened the doors, resulting in the conversion of the jailer and his family.) (Dan 6; Dan 3; Acts 16:33)Jesus said: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
   (Psalm 30:5) Suffering is temporary, but God’s love/salvation is eternal
   (You are Safe in God’s Presence!).

8. Your rod and your staff they comfort me. (God’s Guidance and Protection)
   The rod is a heavy club used to defend the sheep against predators (eg. wolves, lions). God fights to defend us. “The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14).
   The staff is a long stick with a curved end, used to guide and rescue the sheep. It is used to gently pull back wandering sheep and nudge the sheep in the right direction. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” (Psalm 32:8). Sometimes God nudges us with conviction, other times with correction. But always, towards safety.

9. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies. (Victory!)
   People in your workplace, family members and even “friends” may oppose you, or say “bad” things about you, but instead of removing you, or them from your life, God may bless you in front of them! In ancient Israel, a king prepares a banquet for someone to show his favour, to honour and protect them. In the New Testament, the banquet is a feast of Salvation, in which all believers partake. Jesus told His disciples that He would be eating and drinking with them in God’s Kingdom. (Matt 26:29) He left us a banquet, the Lord’s Supper/Holy Communion, with which to remember Him, amidst an unbelieving world.
   
   How glad and grateful the sheep will be, that the enemies cannot stop God’s blessing upon His “sheep”. They have no power to stop what God is doing inyour life, in accordance with His plan for you. (Joseph’s jealous brothers tried to destroy him, but they could not stop God from raising him in Egypt.Daniel’s enemies had him thrown to the lions but God closed the lions’ mouths. Jesus’ enemies “succeeded” in getting him crucified but He rose from the grave!)
   When others see what God is doing in your life, they will know He is in control (sovereign), and faithful to those who put their trust in Him.
   Your story will be to His glory.
   “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17) You will be vindicated and victorious.
   (Enjoy your blessings, regardless of what is happening around you.)

10. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. (Anointing, Divine Favour). Shepherds anoint their sheep with oil to protect them from disease and insects which may even penetrate their brain. They may die, if not attended to. The enemy may distract you/attack your mind. (Often through social media!).
    Anointing signifies consecration/setting apart for a purpose. It also brings healing and restoration – spiritual / physical / emotional. Oil is a symbol of healing and the Holy Spirit.
    In Biblical times, kings and prophets were anointed with oil to symbolise they were chosen by God. You are anointed to walk in God’s calling, and to bring healing and hope to others. He is a God who blesses you in such abundance, that it overflows to others! “I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) The abundance comes to those who stay close to the Shepherd. Seek the God who blesses, rather than the blessing! Live with a generous heart. “A generous person will prosper. Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Prov 11:2). Walk in obedience! “All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 28:2)

11. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. (God’s Goodness and Love will “pursue/chase after” you throughout your lifetime!)
    “Surely” means “Certainly”. “Goodness” represents God’s favour, provisions, blessings - the good things God brings into your life.
    “Mercy” (“chesed/hesed”) represents God’s forgiveness, loving-kindness, faithfulness, even when we mess up. The past mistakes will not be held against youbecause you are covered by His Grace/blood.
    David realised that God’s blessings are based on His Character - His faithfulness and goodness. David’s word for “follow” (Heb: radaph) means to pursue/chase after (!) the believer- “all the days of my life”! (Applicable not only at its end, in obituaries!) Stay close to the Shepherd: Through His Word, Prayer, Obedience. “I remain confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13)

12. I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever. (Eternal Security in God’s Presence!)
    Ultimately, our Greatest Hope is not in this life, but in Eternity.
    In Biblical times, the House of the Lord refers to the Temple (place of God’s Presence). Believers will live/remain (permanently) in His Presence – worshiping and enjoying unbroken communion with God; living in safety, away from danger/harm/anxiety (from risks of earthquakes, storms, floods, wildfires, covid/flu infections....., abuse, bullying, oppression, missile/drone attacks, wars, wicked people, violence.....)
    For believers, Eternal Life began when they received Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord, because it is knowing Jesus, Now! “This is Eternal Life – that they know you the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)
    NB: When you know your Final Destination, you do not have to fear what happens in this life.

Q1: Do you trust God/our Good Shepherd for Provision, Protection. Guidance, Vindication and Eternal Life?
Q2: Will you share the Good News of the Good Shepherd, so that others may know Him too?

 

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“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them and they follow Me.
I give them Eternal Life, and they shall never perish;
No one will snatch them out of My hand.”

John 10:27, 28

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Saturday

 

WSCS Bible Study (Sat) Group

“Psalms of Prayer and Praise!”
The Psalms is the most often quoted OT book in the New Testament. It is much loved because it expresses a wide range of human emotions and life experiences, which all readers can identify with. It also reminds us to trust God who is loving, faithful and sovereign over human affairs, history, nations and creation.

Next Meeting: 26 Apr 2025 at 2pm (online)
The WSCS Bible Study (Sat) Group “meets” on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month.

We study Holy Scripture to know God better, and gain a better understanding of His work in the world and His ways. In the process, we encourage one another along our personal pilgrimage.

We welcome ladies of all ages! (online)