Jeremiah 18
Jeremiah 18 is a big reminder of the power of God, that he can do anything he likes whenever and wherever. the porter and the clay illustration wasn't just to say God molds us, but also to say destiny and fate are all in his hands. Also, this verse is one of them where again, God compares sinners to adultery, people who are unfaithful to their spouse.
Jeremiah 11 - 17
Chapter 11: This chapter talks about Israel breaking the covenants that God set with them generations before them. I found it interesting, because usually, we talk about generational curses and all that, but this one seems to say something else instead. It talks about a generational contract that was being broken. Or even bigger, a generational covenant that was being broken. And also the graciousness of God to allow renewal of that covenant as long as we turn back to him.
between chapter 12 -17, there's a lot of back and forth of the sins of what Israel committed, and a lot of punishment dishing out. but also, a lot of forgiveness and asking of his people to return. it is heart breaking to see God reached his limits.
Jeremiah 1- 10
Chapter 1
8-10, this one is probably one of the most commonly used verses I hear when people talk about the power of youth. Now as I read it, I start to wonder if it is out of context, as the main theme in this message is God is alllll powerful, and capable in getting what he wants done through anyone. more relevant is probably God qualifies the faithful.
12, "watching over my word to perform it" almost as though God holds his own Bible up as a manual. Even he refers to his own bible.
18 this verse strikes as interesting, because it pretty much is Jeremiah is invincible because he does God's work.
Reading chapter 2 - 4, speaks greatly of how God is merciful. you know what stood out to me the most? God likening his people to a whore, but instead of casting her out, getting rid of her, he calls her to come back, will restore to her the glory he once had for her, completely forgiving her. this.... is jaw dropping.
Bible reading: Isaiah 44 - 54
Isaiah 46-49, I see all the promises God give in terms of restoration. things he will do back for his people, why he will redeem them, why after all the punishment, he will still come back to redeem them. Is this reminisce of the Christian life? we go round and round in circles struggling with sin, waiting for the day God comes to redeem us? Recently I start to ponder, if there's any value to anything that I am doing here, the properties I sell, the knowledge I gain about the property market, about sales and marketing.. Will I take them with me to heaven? These skills, are they meaningless? Also, the wife that I have, am I still married to her in heaven? again, if the answer is no, then all the toil and work to work this marriage is pointless.
Bible reading Isaiah 55 - 65
This chapters is a highlighter of what rest should look like, and how to get rest.
keeping of sabbath is 1 part, but also giving praise and being grateful is another big part, so giving praise and worshiping God in church is going to be an important exercise.
Bible reading. Isaiah 36 - 43
Reflection:
I am so sleepy today, my brain is barely working. Too tired, too lack of sleep. Should have probably ask wife to let me sleep in car, or probably shouldn't have joined to come hospital. But for some reason, I felt like coming today was a very necessary step. Nevertheless, I am here today. Wife says she wants kids, but I am not sure if we can have 1, I am scared there is now something wrong with me. Career wise, I am worried if I will ever amount to something, but I know this is not the right thinking. I need to change out of this. Also, I can see God's providence in my work, that things are progressing well on their own.
Isaiah 36 - 37
Who is the king of Assyria in my life now, what is coming at me, that is pretending to be on level with God, that is shouting like that uncircumcised giant? This passage reminds me that powerful beings, people in authority will always come and flex their positions, their strength, wealth and talents. They will come demanding lordship and reverence, asking for people to trust in them, as they have attained a position of power. In my current stage of life, what represents this king of Assyria? My work, my income, my clients, my shareholders, big players of the industry, other christians who thinks they know God's calling over me, friends, my in-laws. There's so many people that could be an Assyrian king, but what God you call me to do is not to be afraid of them, to stare them in the face and hold my ground saying "you move, not me" I don't have this courage in full yet, But I know God is kind to help prepare me for the day that I will have that courage.
Isaiah 43
This is an extremely powerful chapter where God himself declares that he loves me, and all the things he does, has done and will do because of this great love.
Bible reading: Isaiah 30 - 35
Reflections:
Today I had among one of the weirdest nightmares, I dreamed of being back in Kluang, but among company that I do not know of. The only person whom I knew was my wife, but the said company seems to have connections with my wife. They knew the 2 of us, and we seem to also know all of them, but the people present were of all different types.
Then suddenly my ex (Jenny) appeared, and she kept causing trouble (that type I do not remember anymore, but I also remember her not wanting to leave, but I do not remember what she said and quarreled with me about. I also remember everyone there felt very awkward with her around. After she caused a scene, I forgot what I did to please her, but after doing it, she seems to have felt she has won, and then she left. If I remember correctly, there was also another person around with her, who left with her. During the time she was here, a lot of turmoil and drama between me and my wife start to surface. I cannot recall if at that point of time, we are married already or not. After she left, a friend (that seems to identify as her teacher/lecturer/ someone in authority over her in the past) came up and say that she was a very difficult character, a number of people also came up and spoke on my behalf helping me calm down my wife/gf.
After they spoke on my behalf, then things calmed down between me and my gf ( I think I now understand that Valerie in that dream is only my gf?) Then we went to the window side, and there was another couple there (seems to know Valerie) and we asked them if a car (ex) has drove of, to which they said yes. And then I explained the situation, to which the girl lying down on the bed (black girl) also acknowledge understanding the situation, having went through a similar toxic situation before.
I think the reason why I am having this dream is a showing of my subconscious mind, that I am still worried this past is affecting my current relationship. Then which when I woke up, I quickly prayed a prayer of forgiveness over myself, asking God to forgive me for I haven't let go of my past, to forgive me of my stubbornness to go for that past, and to help me forgive myself and let go. Right then, wife woke up and comfort me. I still feel affected, but now I can remind myself it is all in the past.
