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11 OCT 1989
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Sunday, December 17, 2006
What God spoke to me on 3rd day of camp~
For the 3rd day, God did not speak to me during sermons like the previous 2 days. Instead he spoke to me through the workshop on " Serving a Generation". To be honest, this workshop was not my 1st choice, instead I wanted to go to the apologetics workshop. Moreover the other workshops like Occults, Male 101, Female 101 and iDeaf did not appeal to me. The saving grace was that Pastor Jeremy Seaward was in charge of this workshop.
Hehehe, went to this workshop with Kenneth and my assistant group leader, Lynn. Again, his focus was from a passage from the bible. This time it was Acts 13: 36. For when David served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep: he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed.
Note: He served people BY the will of God, and not doing God's will by serving people. Many assume that by serving people, they have acomplished God's will for their life. This is wrong.
King David was absolutely passionate and focused on God throughout his own lifetime, such that He was called a man after God's heart. This is because he recognises that God has a plan for him. Jeremiah 29:11 states that God has plans to prosper us and nto to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future.
However, the MORE important reason is that he recognised that God has also a plan for the world and not himself. That is why in Jeremiah 33:3 mentions that whoever calls upon him would be able to find out great and unsearchable things that one does not know of. Many of us, are so caught up with our own plan that we do not recognise God's plan for the world. Our self-centreness can be seen when 99% of our prayer is all about ourself. Like " Lord pls give ME a new playstation 3, God help ME get a pretty girlfriend, God forgive MINE sins, Father pls let ME do well in my exams and others.." Furthermore, the reason why John 3: 16 is so famous is because WHOEVER, be it Eastern or Western, fat or thin, smart or not so smart, poor or rich would be able to receive eternal life should he believe in God.
Note:Those who serve passionately are those who are able to realise that the other person will may be as important or even more important than one own will.
In addition, the reason why people serve is not because they have good talents, but they do so since the other person's will could be more important than theirs. They take the initative and do not take a passive role. As King David waited for his destiny, he sacrificed his time and energy just to see God's will to be accomplished. How amazing is that! AMEN to that.
For the 3rd day, God did not speak to me during sermons like the previous 2 days. Instead he spoke to me through the workshop on " Serving a Generation". To be honest, this workshop was not my 1st choice, instead I wanted to go to the apologetics workshop. Moreover the other workshops like Occults, Male 101, Female 101 and iDeaf did not appeal to me. The saving grace was that Pastor Jeremy Seaward was in charge of this workshop.
Hehehe, went to this workshop with Kenneth and my assistant group leader, Lynn. Again, his focus was from a passage from the bible. This time it was Acts 13: 36. For when David served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep: he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed.
Note: He served people BY the will of God, and not doing God's will by serving people. Many assume that by serving people, they have acomplished God's will for their life. This is wrong.
King David was absolutely passionate and focused on God throughout his own lifetime, such that He was called a man after God's heart. This is because he recognises that God has a plan for him. Jeremiah 29:11 states that God has plans to prosper us and nto to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future.
However, the MORE important reason is that he recognised that God has also a plan for the world and not himself. That is why in Jeremiah 33:3 mentions that whoever calls upon him would be able to find out great and unsearchable things that one does not know of. Many of us, are so caught up with our own plan that we do not recognise God's plan for the world. Our self-centreness can be seen when 99% of our prayer is all about ourself. Like " Lord pls give ME a new playstation 3, God help ME get a pretty girlfriend, God forgive MINE sins, Father pls let ME do well in my exams and others.." Furthermore, the reason why John 3: 16 is so famous is because WHOEVER, be it Eastern or Western, fat or thin, smart or not so smart, poor or rich would be able to receive eternal life should he believe in God.
Note:Those who serve passionately are those who are able to realise that the other person will may be as important or even more important than one own will.
In addition, the reason why people serve is not because they have good talents, but they do so since the other person's will could be more important than theirs. They take the initative and do not take a passive role. As King David waited for his destiny, he sacrificed his time and energy just to see God's will to be accomplished. How amazing is that! AMEN to that.
Ang at 5:32 PM
~The Resume of Jesus Christ ~
Hey, my father sent this to me, thot that it would be cool to show u people.
Address: Ephesians 1:20
Phone: Romans 10:13
Website: The Bible.
Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus
Hello. My name is Jesus -The Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.
Qualifications
I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)
I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)
I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)
I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)
The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)
Occupational Background
I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).
I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.
My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)
Skills Work Experiences
Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).
I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).
Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)
Educational Background
I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).
In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).
My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a lamp unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).
I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).
Major Accomplishments
I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).
I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).
I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15).
I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.
References
Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance
In Summation Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15).
Hahaha, so have u decided to allow God be the CEO of your life.
Hey, my father sent this to me, thot that it would be cool to show u people.
Address: Ephesians 1:20
Phone: Romans 10:13
Website: The Bible.
Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus
Hello. My name is Jesus -The Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.
Qualifications
I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)
I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)
I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)
I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)
The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)
Occupational Background
I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).
I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.
My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)
Skills Work Experiences
Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).
I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).
Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)
Educational Background
I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).
In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).
My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a lamp unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).
I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).
Major Accomplishments
I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).
I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).
I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15).
I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.
References
Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance
In Summation Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15).
Hahaha, so have u decided to allow God be the CEO of your life.
Ang at 5:21 PM
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
~ What God spoke to me on day 2 of camp~
Hmmm, the sermon on the 2nd night was done by a different speaker, Pastor Dave Reardon. He is the pastor of Youth Alive, which is based in Australia. BTW, Youth Alive is coming to Singapore on the 12 and 13 jan 2007 for the upcoming FUSION 2007. Be sure to go there.
Anyway, I think Pastor Dave Reardon is a funny person, can get the audience attention very well. His jokes like "sheemo" will always be a YM camp 06 insider joke.
His title for the sermon was " the fear of the lord", although there was not any link to the title, I still felt that there was something important.
-God hates false scales
-Especially, when Christians weigh ourselves at the world
-This causes them to feel lousy.
-However, God thinks that you are incrdible
-Psalms 18: 35 says that God has his right hand to sustain us and he stoops down to make us great.
-Therefore God wants us to be BOLD.
-God also wants us to be INFLUENTIAl.
-God wants us to be GODLY
-godly is not a tickbox, where we gauge our godliness by the number of boxes that are ticked.
-The root word of godliness is " god likeness". Hence, it is the way in which we live our own life.
Goals (so far)
I want to increase my quiet time with him, be it on the bus, car or train, I just want to spend more time praying and reading his word.
I also want to be B.I.G( bold and influential and godly) for god during my school time.
Hmmm, the sermon on the 2nd night was done by a different speaker, Pastor Dave Reardon. He is the pastor of Youth Alive, which is based in Australia. BTW, Youth Alive is coming to Singapore on the 12 and 13 jan 2007 for the upcoming FUSION 2007. Be sure to go there.
Anyway, I think Pastor Dave Reardon is a funny person, can get the audience attention very well. His jokes like "sheemo" will always be a YM camp 06 insider joke.
His title for the sermon was " the fear of the lord", although there was not any link to the title, I still felt that there was something important.
-God hates false scales
-Especially, when Christians weigh ourselves at the world
-This causes them to feel lousy.
-However, God thinks that you are incrdible
-Psalms 18: 35 says that God has his right hand to sustain us and he stoops down to make us great.
-Therefore God wants us to be BOLD.
-God also wants us to be INFLUENTIAl.
-God wants us to be GODLY
-godly is not a tickbox, where we gauge our godliness by the number of boxes that are ticked.
-The root word of godliness is " god likeness". Hence, it is the way in which we live our own life.
Goals (so far)
I want to increase my quiet time with him, be it on the bus, car or train, I just want to spend more time praying and reading his word.
I also want to be B.I.G( bold and influential and godly) for god during my school time.
Ang at 3:57 PM
~What God spoke to me on the 1st day of camp~
Throughout the whole church camp, God spoke to me on many things, therefore I am posting all these over the next few days so that I do not forget them.
Anyway, the sermon on the 1st night was done by Pastor Jeremy Seaward. The topic was on discerning the voice of God. In my opinion, I feel that Pastor Jeremy Seaward is a great preacher, he isn't those who preach extremely complicated sermons on God but rather those on " back to basics " sermons.
His sermon was based on Exodus 32: 1-14 of the bible. In a nitshell, Moses was talking to God on the Mount Of Sinai. However, the people of Israel started to grow impatient and grumble at the long waiting time. This is despite the fact that God was the 1 that brought them out of slavery and gave them mana and birds. They started to enertain thoughts of building an idol, and eventually an idol was built.
Points to note from the passage:
1) The Israelites fail to treasure the voice of God. This is because they didn't wait for him when He was talking to Moses at the Mount Of Sinai. This is disheartening when many Christians either have stop listening to the voice of God or comprehend the voice of God. Similarly, one can sit through the entire speaker session but miss out on the invitation of God.
2) The Israelites were tired and bored. Since, they started to grumble when Moses was a long time in coming down the mountain, despite the fact that Moses were the representative for the poeple of Israel. Many of us have often exchange the voice of God to things that we want or that is convenient. For example, when God calls us to be a missionary, some may choose to ignore him and want their own way, like giving money to missions.
3) The Israelites wanted their own way. They decided to have idols instead of God to go before them. This is because they feel that having an idol to go before them is more convient and appealing. Hence, many of us have choose not to wait for God and ignore his will for us.
In conclusion, many do not hear the voice of God because:
1) We always want to do things our own way, therefore we go against what God wants with our life.
2) We never respect or treasure the word ( bible). If we are not able to treasure the voice of God in the bible, how can we be expected to treasure his word by the spirit.
3) We are not even willing to follow him even if he talks to us.
4) We even make him repeat his word even if God has spoken to us. This is because we like Joshua and Gideon, doubt his word and start to rationalise our actions or push off whatever God speaks to us.
Goals ( so far)
I want to increase my quiet time with him, be it on the bus, car or train, I just want to spend more time praying and reading his word.
Throughout the whole church camp, God spoke to me on many things, therefore I am posting all these over the next few days so that I do not forget them.
Anyway, the sermon on the 1st night was done by Pastor Jeremy Seaward. The topic was on discerning the voice of God. In my opinion, I feel that Pastor Jeremy Seaward is a great preacher, he isn't those who preach extremely complicated sermons on God but rather those on " back to basics " sermons.
His sermon was based on Exodus 32: 1-14 of the bible. In a nitshell, Moses was talking to God on the Mount Of Sinai. However, the people of Israel started to grow impatient and grumble at the long waiting time. This is despite the fact that God was the 1 that brought them out of slavery and gave them mana and birds. They started to enertain thoughts of building an idol, and eventually an idol was built.
Points to note from the passage:
1) The Israelites fail to treasure the voice of God. This is because they didn't wait for him when He was talking to Moses at the Mount Of Sinai. This is disheartening when many Christians either have stop listening to the voice of God or comprehend the voice of God. Similarly, one can sit through the entire speaker session but miss out on the invitation of God.
2) The Israelites were tired and bored. Since, they started to grumble when Moses was a long time in coming down the mountain, despite the fact that Moses were the representative for the poeple of Israel. Many of us have often exchange the voice of God to things that we want or that is convenient. For example, when God calls us to be a missionary, some may choose to ignore him and want their own way, like giving money to missions.
3) The Israelites wanted their own way. They decided to have idols instead of God to go before them. This is because they feel that having an idol to go before them is more convient and appealing. Hence, many of us have choose not to wait for God and ignore his will for us.
In conclusion, many do not hear the voice of God because:
1) We always want to do things our own way, therefore we go against what God wants with our life.
2) We never respect or treasure the word ( bible). If we are not able to treasure the voice of God in the bible, how can we be expected to treasure his word by the spirit.
3) We are not even willing to follow him even if he talks to us.
4) We even make him repeat his word even if God has spoken to us. This is because we like Joshua and Gideon, doubt his word and start to rationalise our actions or push off whatever God speaks to us.
Goals ( so far)
I want to increase my quiet time with him, be it on the bus, car or train, I just want to spend more time praying and reading his word.
Ang at 2:39 PM
Monday, December 11, 2006
~Answers to the questionaire~
Opps, I noe tt I am lagging, but I have not post my answers to the questionaire.
Anyway here goes, the answers are 4, 8,11,17,20.
option 4- honestly, I dun wan to have 1 million dollars, cos it gives me more problems than comfort.
option 8- To be frank, I was a devil when I was young, always giving me parents hell.
option 11- The answer is already on the right hand side of my blogscreen, people should open their eyes.
option 17- Sorry although I studied hard for my O level year, I was not a nerd.
option 20- Hmmm, I dun wan to die a quick death, since my death might be too hard and sudden for my family and friends.
Opps, I noe tt I am lagging, but I have not post my answers to the questionaire.
Anyway here goes, the answers are 4, 8,11,17,20.
option 4- honestly, I dun wan to have 1 million dollars, cos it gives me more problems than comfort.
option 8- To be frank, I was a devil when I was young, always giving me parents hell.
option 11- The answer is already on the right hand side of my blogscreen, people should open their eyes.
option 17- Sorry although I studied hard for my O level year, I was not a nerd.
option 20- Hmmm, I dun wan to die a quick death, since my death might be too hard and sudden for my family and friends.
Ang at 7:12 PM
Sunday, December 10, 2006
~Start of a new year~
-had church camp at YWCA from the period of 5 to 8 dec
-Was a time when I made a new convenant with God
-Also the start of my new spiritual year.
-God touched my heart, and impressed on me 3 things that I should do for next year.
-1) to treasure his word in the bible. For if i can't treasure the bible, how can I be expected to treasure his word when the spirit talks to me.
2) Be B.I.G ( not by eating btw)
3) be more proactive when I am serving Him. Since other people will is sometimes more important than my own.
-Time when every1 was on fire for God. People were slayed by the holy spirit, crying their hearts out, dancing for joy, lifting our hands and voices.
- People may feel that this is all just camp hype, but I beg to differ. For God was very real in our lives during the period of 5 to 8 dec.
-However, I experienced God in a different way. God didn't talk to me through the altar call or workship
-This made me felt depressed, for I long to have him speak to me face to face. Like he had forsaken me due to my sins
-It was only at the last day when I finally realised that God did speak to me, albiet in different way. ( Thank You kenneth for praying for me)
-Realised that God spoke to me through the sermon. And that the reason why I didn't feel his presence during altar call was because of my spiritual maturity.I had matured so much that I had advanced to the next phase of my spiritual walk with God. I no longer needed spiritual milk but solid food for my growth.
-Goals for the new year are 1) do the 3 things that God tould me and 2) bring my classmates ( 1SC3) to church to make up the vision of 1000 changemakers for YM and 3) never let the fire in me die out.
-had church camp at YWCA from the period of 5 to 8 dec
-Was a time when I made a new convenant with God
-Also the start of my new spiritual year.
-God touched my heart, and impressed on me 3 things that I should do for next year.
-1) to treasure his word in the bible. For if i can't treasure the bible, how can I be expected to treasure his word when the spirit talks to me.
2) Be B.I.G ( not by eating btw)
3) be more proactive when I am serving Him. Since other people will is sometimes more important than my own.
-Time when every1 was on fire for God. People were slayed by the holy spirit, crying their hearts out, dancing for joy, lifting our hands and voices.
- People may feel that this is all just camp hype, but I beg to differ. For God was very real in our lives during the period of 5 to 8 dec.
-However, I experienced God in a different way. God didn't talk to me through the altar call or workship
-This made me felt depressed, for I long to have him speak to me face to face. Like he had forsaken me due to my sins
-It was only at the last day when I finally realised that God did speak to me, albiet in different way. ( Thank You kenneth for praying for me)
-Realised that God spoke to me through the sermon. And that the reason why I didn't feel his presence during altar call was because of my spiritual maturity.I had matured so much that I had advanced to the next phase of my spiritual walk with God. I no longer needed spiritual milk but solid food for my growth.
-Goals for the new year are 1) do the 3 things that God tould me and 2) bring my classmates ( 1SC3) to church to make up the vision of 1000 changemakers for YM and 3) never let the fire in me die out.
Ang at 4:35 PM
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
~ Fear of the Lord~
Hey, I have just realized that my church camp starts next week. Wow, I didn’t know that time passed by that fast. Anyway, decided to talk about the camp theme verse.
" I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their own children after them." It is an extract taken from Jeremiah 32:39, which was God’s reply to the prophet, Jeremiah when he questioned him on the immediate fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians.
Before that, a brief history behind that little chat would be good. During this time the war with the Babylonians not going too well, with the supposedly holy city of Israel being siege by them. Despite this, the people of Israel continue to turn their back to God (Jeremiah 32:33). This made God so angry that he decided to give the people of Israel to the Babylonians. However beneath God’s anger lies his grace and mercy. Since, he did all this to discipline the people of Israel and to develop the "fear: in his people. As a father loves his son, he would still punish him if he did something wrong.
This "fear" is different from the fear that we know of. Most people would assume that this refers to the trembling experience we have when we are faces with a threat or a frightening event. The hebrew word for fear is "YIR'AH", which refers to be in reverence and awe of God.
From the book of proverbs alone, there are 7 reasons why we should have this fear.
The "fear of the Lord" is the beginning of knowledge - Pr 1:7
The "fear of the Lord" will cause one to hate evil - Pr 8:13
The "fear of the Lord" will prolong life - Pr 10:27
The "fear of the Lord" provides strong confidence and is a fountain of life - Pr 14:26-27
The "fear of the Lord" prompts one to depart from evil - Pr 16:6
The "fear of the Lord" leads to a satisfying life, and spares one from much evil - Pr 19:23
The "fear of the Lord" is the way to riches, honor, and life! - Pr 22:4
There are also many evidence when us, Christians fail to portray this " Fear".
Firstly, we are often preoccupied with chatting with our friends during sermons and worship sessions. Secondly, we only behave as a Christian on Sunday, continuing to do our sinful acts on the rest of the days. Thirdly, treating God only as a genie in the bottle. Etc.
In order to develop this " fear", we should read the word of God more often. In Deuteronomy 31:10-13, the children of Israel was taught to gather together for every 7 years and learn his word. This is done so as to learn to fear the Lord. However, we must take care of reading all of God’s word in order not to develop the extreme end of " fear". For example, some may read only the portions of God’s love and forget to have fear for the Lord.
Hey, I have just realized that my church camp starts next week. Wow, I didn’t know that time passed by that fast. Anyway, decided to talk about the camp theme verse.
" I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their own children after them." It is an extract taken from Jeremiah 32:39, which was God’s reply to the prophet, Jeremiah when he questioned him on the immediate fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians.
Before that, a brief history behind that little chat would be good. During this time the war with the Babylonians not going too well, with the supposedly holy city of Israel being siege by them. Despite this, the people of Israel continue to turn their back to God (Jeremiah 32:33). This made God so angry that he decided to give the people of Israel to the Babylonians. However beneath God’s anger lies his grace and mercy. Since, he did all this to discipline the people of Israel and to develop the "fear: in his people. As a father loves his son, he would still punish him if he did something wrong.
This "fear" is different from the fear that we know of. Most people would assume that this refers to the trembling experience we have when we are faces with a threat or a frightening event. The hebrew word for fear is "YIR'AH", which refers to be in reverence and awe of God.
From the book of proverbs alone, there are 7 reasons why we should have this fear.
The "fear of the Lord" is the beginning of knowledge - Pr 1:7
The "fear of the Lord" will cause one to hate evil - Pr 8:13
The "fear of the Lord" will prolong life - Pr 10:27
The "fear of the Lord" provides strong confidence and is a fountain of life - Pr 14:26-27
The "fear of the Lord" prompts one to depart from evil - Pr 16:6
The "fear of the Lord" leads to a satisfying life, and spares one from much evil - Pr 19:23
The "fear of the Lord" is the way to riches, honor, and life! - Pr 22:4
There are also many evidence when us, Christians fail to portray this " Fear".
Firstly, we are often preoccupied with chatting with our friends during sermons and worship sessions. Secondly, we only behave as a Christian on Sunday, continuing to do our sinful acts on the rest of the days. Thirdly, treating God only as a genie in the bottle. Etc.
In order to develop this " fear", we should read the word of God more often. In Deuteronomy 31:10-13, the children of Israel was taught to gather together for every 7 years and learn his word. This is done so as to learn to fear the Lord. However, we must take care of reading all of God’s word in order not to develop the extreme end of " fear". For example, some may read only the portions of God’s love and forget to have fear for the Lord.
Ang at 8:02 PM
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
~Hurry Sickness???~
Well, it has been sometime since I have last blog. Hmm, things have been hectic for me, with my weekend at the x-trainer retreat. And with the upcoming agape worship and the church camp, I seriously think that I won't have time to blog. Anyway, this post was mainly some reading i did from " Our Daily Bread" on the way to school today.
When I was at my x-trainer retreat, I was reflecting on my spiritual growth. After much pondering, I realised that my spiritual growth for this year is slow to none. Fortunately, God spoke to me today through the " Our Daily Bread" book.
How often does words like " Hury up!", " We're late!", " You're too slow" and others crop in our speech, revealing our fast-paced life. Besides that, our world is now equipped with technolgy that aims to speed up the things that we do. To society, slow represent weakness. Experts call this illness to be "Hurry Sickness".
Fortunately, in Philippians 3, the apostle Paul's testimony of lifelong growth tells us that spiritual maturity can only be encouraged and not hurried. Similarly, although an unripe apple is not fit to eat, we should not condemn it. It is yet ready for consumption since God has not done making it. Therefore, I should not be impatient with my spiritual growth, since humans cannot fathom God's plan.Besides that, I should remember that God is not finished with me, nor does he expects to be until he calls me home.
" There are no shortcuts to spiritual mturity~
Ang at 11:26 PM
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
~Serving others~
Well, I was so bored that I decided to read email that date way back to the start of the year. And there was this interesting article that was sent by my mentor, Sen.
Since Jesus isn't here in the flesh, He's depending on us to be His hands, feet, arms, ears. Are you using your hands, feet, arms and ears to bring glory to Him? What about the rest of you? Are your eyes seeing people as Jesus sees them? Does your mouth speak words of encouragement as Jesus would? Is your voice singing praises to His name? Are you going the extra mile for someone who needs you?
Jesus always loved. He calls you to do the same. When your friends are hurting, love them. When Juli battles an eating disorder, love her. When Brooke shares that she's been abused, love her. When Geoff confides that his parents are splitting, be Jesus to him. Austin tells you that his mother is dying of cancer. He doesn't need a bunch of philosophical words from you--He needs you to reflect the love of Jesus to him.
Sometimes Jesus loved with "tough love." In other words, He never made excuses for people's sin. He never said, "Well, that's okay. You didn't mean to." He allowed people to feel guilty for the disobedience in their lives, but He continued to love them.
You do the same. And when your friends are battling deep scars, don't allow them to make excuses. Love them like Jesus would. Sometimes that means giving a hug. Sometimes it means telling them something they don't want to hear, like: "I'll be here for you, but you've got to go ask him to forgive you." Or "I'll go with you, but you really need to see a counselor."
Being Jesus to your friends may not be easy, because Jesus didn't always do the popular thing--He always did the right thing. And sometimes doing what's right may cost you some friends.
Being Jesus means being willing to be a servant. Jesus told His disciples to serve--wash each other's feet. And to set the example, He knelt before them and washed their feet. Imagine! The creator of the universe washing feet! (See John 13:1-17 for the whole story.)
Washing feet can get stinky. It's uncomfortable. It's not easy. But it's right. I had taken a group of teens on a missions trip to South America. During the middle of the trip, I gave a devotion on how Jesus has called us to be servants. I called someone up front and knelt in front of him and washed his feet. Then we divided into small groups and began to wash each other's feet.
One group went left the room and went outside for more privacy. As they were washing each other's feet, a national military man walked by.Without hardly thinking, Jarod politely stopped him and motioned for the officer to sit on the ground with them.
A couple of teens from the group gently untied the man's shoes. One of the girls picked up his feet and placed them in the basin of water. Jarod began washing. Calvin grabbed the towel and tenderly dried the officer's feet.
One by one, they began sharing the difference Christ had made in their lives. When they had finished, the military officer was asking how he could know Jesus like they did. He prayed and surrendered his life to Jesus.
Why? Because a great evangelist had come to town? No. Because of a dazzling Christian concert with flashing lights and smoke machines? No. Simply because a group of teens were determined to reach out and be Jesus to him.
God isn't asking you to be flashy. He may or may not provide you with a stage or a microphone. But He is calling you to serve. To reach out. To be His hands to those around you. To be Him to a lost and dying world.
Will you do it? Even when it's tough? When you're wanting to help your friends come out on top of their problems, the very best thing you can do is to be Jesus to them.
Ang at 9:42 PM