From my written sermon notes:
"Knowing"
Gr. Eido Discover or perceive something
Gr. Ginosko Know by experience or physical contact
Gr. Epignosko Full. thorough, accurate knowledge of Jesus
Most important point for me was "Dedication not born out of revelation will not last".
Hence, we need to receive revelations from God so that the dedications which we chose are long-lasting and they are not the ones we are easily burn out with.
The more revelations I receive from God, the more on fire I am for God. Dedication will naturally follow up after I have received revelations which made me on fire for Him.
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Sometimes our fleshy side might get tired of setting aside time to read the bible and often neglects quiet time with God. Today, I sat down on dad's wooden chair and started to read 1 Samuel.
1 Samuel 2:26 caught my eyes.
"And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people." (NIV)
The Message bible translated a cooler version saying that "Samuel was very much alive, growing up, blessed by God and popular with the people."
Even though at that time many sons were far gone in disobedience and refused to listen to a thing that their father said, Samuel remained to be obedient and chose to listen to God's instructions. Samuel is a good role model.
Furthermore, 1 Samuel 3:19 also mentioned that "Samuel grew up, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground".
The Message bible translated that "Samuel grew up. God was with him, and Samuel’s prophetic record was flawless. Everyone in Israel, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, recognized that Samuel was the real thing—a true prophet of God. God continued to show up at Shiloh, revealed through His word to Samuel at Shiloh."
I really admire Samuel's true obedience to God and God did not short change him. God's works was seen through him and Samuel was a living testimony for everyone to see in his generation.
Lastly, 1 Samuel 7:3 really reminded to put aside every things that distracts me from focusing on reading my bible and learning to incline my ears to God's Words, return back to daddy God with a heart that is prepared for my Lord and serve Him only.
Reading a bible starts from a desire, developing into a discipline to keep to my routine to continue feeding on the Word and it will be a delight for me as I find my own revelation written from God's Words.
MUSIC
I listened to Darlene Zschech's songs when I was younger and felt her strong love for God in her soulful singing.
Everything about You : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT9Kk5gTrVs
Oh, I love how you care about brokenness
How injustice moves your heart enough
To make a change, you give all you are everyday
Shout to the Lord: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R752dEbs1ac
Credits:
Pastor Kong's sermon - Revelation shared on 2/6/2013 in City Harvest Church
Biblegateway.com
YouTube
