Saturday, 21 November 2009
What's Your Rug?
We all know what it feels like to have the rug pulled out from under us. I like this video because it nicely illustrates how we can sometimes be standing on wrong rugs... I am guilty of it and have once stood on the rug of career...
Riverlife's Core Value 2: Transformation in People
Hi everyone, thanks for all your prayers for my slip disc. I am getting better by the day and it's amazing how from I was bed-ridden a few days ago, not being able to do anything, to being able to walk a little today. I am amazed at the progress made and even the peace that came upon me yesterday as cell came by. Couldn't have been recovering so well if not for all your prayers and well-wishes. Thanks again!
I was particularly challenged by SP as he asked us a few questions during the sermon. Have you thought about them for yourself?
What would your response to that be? Perhaps about the part on whether our cell group meetings are conducive for transformation and growth, maybe you can also share your views with me how we can help OL3 to grow further for that to be possible.
Spiritual Growth & Transformation
The discussion on being responsible for our spiritual growth and development was particularly insightful too. As Raymond shared, we need to understand what this means contextually in transformation in people.
We are told to grow from strength to strength in our faith. In Ephesians 4:11-15, we are told to grow in maturity and not be easily swayed by deceit in the world:
1 Peter 2 also implore us to grow up in our salvation:
It becomes clear to us that we are to grow in our spiritual maturity. But the question remains why? Why do you think we need to grow? When we become transformed personally, we are obedient to God's word of calling to grow spiritually.
When We Grow... We Make God Known
God's heart is to redeem, reconcile with and restore His people. But He does not only want to stop at one. His heart is for all, who Christ died for so that they can be reconciled to God.
Perhaps, John 10 provides a vivid imagery of this:
Luke 15 also shows how heaven rejoices when sinners repent and those who are lost are found.
This is the heart of God.
And as we grow and shine, we glorify and make God known to others too, as they see our light and praise God:
When We Grow... We Allow Others to be Transformed
Chek Shih also shared about how when we become too comfortable and choose not to grow, we ultimately takes up resources. How do we then reach out to receive more into God's kingdom when our ministry resources are focused on people who refuse to grow spiritually i.e. only wanting to remain as spiritual babies? Instead, we need to raise up more to share God's love and how He can help transform lives through His people and His community.
Are we ready to have our lives brought to the next level with God and also to help others' lives be transformed? We are all, after all, called to the ministry of reconciliation:
How Then Do We Grow Spiritually?
Learning from Professional Development
It's interesting how there is so much correlation between our professional growth and spirtual growth. Chek Shih asked what would we do if we want to advance and grow professionally... well, we will go for the right courses, read the right books, look for the right mentors, join professional groups for growth, spending time practicing etc... It is the same with growing spiritually and in the same way, we can go for the right Christian Education courses, read the right books or even better, reading directly from God's word. looking for mentors or even spiritual growth partners, spending time in our quiet time with the Lord, praying etc.
Learning from Relationships
If the Christian faith is about relationship with God, how can we develop our relationship with God when it is just mainly through books and courses; we need to spend time with the Lord Himself.
In addition, we cannot rely solely on our spiritual leaders to develop our relationship with the Lord in the same way we cannot solely rely on others to develop our personal relationships; we need to develop that relationship ourselves.
Just as people grow closer together in relationships and who may even start to understand and share the same perspective of seeing things, we will also start to see and share God's heart as we continue to spend time with Him.
Are we transformed and helping many others' lives to be transformed?
Video Sermon: Transformation in PeopleThis is the 2nd sermon on this series and SP Vincent re-emphasized the importance of unity and not uniformity. Having a set of core values can be instrumental in keeping unity in the church as they influence the way we conduct ourselves, make decisions and how we disciple others.
This week’s core value is “Transformation in People” and this is about discipleship. God made man in His image (Genesis 1:27) and so, the church is about people. It is about us being created in God’s image though ours is blemished by sin. Yet for those of us who are believers, the Spirit of God transforms us to redeem and restore us into His image. It is about our hearts turning towards God while we grow in our passion for Him and loving people wholeheartedly. This is so because God’s heart is for the people, especially for the poor and the needy (2 Cor 3:18).
SP Vincent challenged us to grow our church into one with “a heart for people” and to seek godly transformation in them. To fulfill this vision, we are to:
1. Commit to reach the unsaved and disciple them
We are to develop a lifestyle of evangelism and obey the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). There’s no true transformation without salvation and renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2). Hence, the importance of discipling new believers.
2. Believe in people and their God-given potential
We are to value and love our neighbours (Luke 10:25-37, Matthew 25:31-46) and pray for them to fulfill their God-given potential (Ephesians 4:11-12).
3. Be responsible for our own spiritual growth and development
Just as we’ve learnt to feed our physical body, we must also learn to feed ourselves spiritually (Hebrews 5:11-6:3). We are to take personal responsibility for our spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4:14).
4. Create conducive environments for life-long learning and growing
Transformation happens when people experience God. Thus, we must seek to create a faith environment where one can experience the spiritual and the supernatural. We may do this through fasting and prayer.
SP Vincent further exhorted us to consider what makes our day. What brings us delight?
What is the church about at the end of the day? Though we may grow weary we must not lose the heart for people. This is because people matters to God and they should matter to us too. Let us examine our “heart capacity” for God and for people, and believe in His transformation work for ourselves and for others.
I was particularly challenged by SP as he asked us a few questions during the sermon. Have you thought about them for yourself?
- What drives you? What do you live your life for?
- What makes your day?
- Do we have a heart to reach and disciple them?
- Do we believe in people, their value and their God-given potential?
- Are we doing our part to grow spiritually?
- Are our gatherings e.g. Sunday services, cell group meetings etc conducive for transformation and growth?
What would your response to that be? Perhaps about the part on whether our cell group meetings are conducive for transformation and growth, maybe you can also share your views with me how we can help OL3 to grow further for that to be possible.
Spiritual Growth & Transformation
The discussion on being responsible for our spiritual growth and development was particularly insightful too. As Raymond shared, we need to understand what this means contextually in transformation in people.
We are told to grow from strength to strength in our faith. In Ephesians 4:11-15, we are told to grow in maturity and not be easily swayed by deceit in the world:
Ephesians 4:11-15 (NIV)
11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
1 Peter 2 also implore us to grow up in our salvation:
1 Peter 2:2-3 (NIV)
2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
It becomes clear to us that we are to grow in our spiritual maturity. But the question remains why? Why do you think we need to grow? When we become transformed personally, we are obedient to God's word of calling to grow spiritually.
When We Grow... We Make God Known
God's heart is to redeem, reconcile with and restore His people. But He does not only want to stop at one. His heart is for all, who Christ died for so that they can be reconciled to God.
Perhaps, John 10 provides a vivid imagery of this:
John 10:14-16 (NIV)
14"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
Luke 15 also shows how heaven rejoices when sinners repent and those who are lost are found.
This is the heart of God.
And as we grow and shine, we glorify and make God known to others too, as they see our light and praise God:
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
When We Grow... We Allow Others to be Transformed
Chek Shih also shared about how when we become too comfortable and choose not to grow, we ultimately takes up resources. How do we then reach out to receive more into God's kingdom when our ministry resources are focused on people who refuse to grow spiritually i.e. only wanting to remain as spiritual babies? Instead, we need to raise up more to share God's love and how He can help transform lives through His people and His community.
Matthew 9:36-38 (NIV)
36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Are we ready to have our lives brought to the next level with God and also to help others' lives be transformed? We are all, after all, called to the ministry of reconciliation:
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (NIV)
17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
How Then Do We Grow Spiritually?
Learning from Professional Development
It's interesting how there is so much correlation between our professional growth and spirtual growth. Chek Shih asked what would we do if we want to advance and grow professionally... well, we will go for the right courses, read the right books, look for the right mentors, join professional groups for growth, spending time practicing etc... It is the same with growing spiritually and in the same way, we can go for the right Christian Education courses, read the right books or even better, reading directly from God's word. looking for mentors or even spiritual growth partners, spending time in our quiet time with the Lord, praying etc.
Learning from Relationships
If the Christian faith is about relationship with God, how can we develop our relationship with God when it is just mainly through books and courses; we need to spend time with the Lord Himself.
In addition, we cannot rely solely on our spiritual leaders to develop our relationship with the Lord in the same way we cannot solely rely on others to develop our personal relationships; we need to develop that relationship ourselves.
Just as people grow closer together in relationships and who may even start to understand and share the same perspective of seeing things, we will also start to see and share God's heart as we continue to spend time with Him.
Are we transformed and helping many others' lives to be transformed?
Sunday, 15 November 2009
From the Inside Out
A song that moves my heart to tears today at the Service.
Yes, May your light shine when all else fades.
May the cry of my heart be to bring praise to my Lord forever, yes let it be so the cry of my heart! May my life be a praise onto him, the love for God and his people never grown cold!
A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
I'm caught in Your grace
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing You praise
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing You praise
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart
Is to bring
You praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out
In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart
Is to bring
You praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out
Yes, May your light shine when all else fades.
May the cry of my heart be to bring praise to my Lord forever, yes let it be so the cry of my heart! May my life be a praise onto him, the love for God and his people never grown cold!
A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
I'm caught in Your grace
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing You praise
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing You praise
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart
Is to bring
You praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out
In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart
Is to bring
You praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out
Saturday, 14 November 2009
寶貴十架 (The Precious Cross)
主耶穌 我感謝你
Lord Jesus I thank you.
你的身體 為我而捨
Your body that is sacrificed for me,
帶我出黑暗 進入光明國度
bringing me out of darkness, entering into the kingdom of light,
使我再次能看見
allows me to see again
主耶穌 我感謝你
Lord Jesus, I thank you.
你的寶血 為我而流
Your precious blood that is shed for me.
寶貴十架上 醫治恩典湧流
On the precious cross, the flow of your healing grace
使我完全得自由
leads me to gain freedom completely.
# 寶貴十架的大能賜我生命
The power of the precious cross that gives me life
主耶穌我俯伏敬拜你
Lord Jesus I bow and worship you
寶貴十架的救恩是你所立的約
The saving grace on the precious cross is the new covenant you establish
你的愛永遠不會改變
Your love is never changing.....
Lord Jesus I thank you.
你的身體 為我而捨
Your body that is sacrificed for me,
帶我出黑暗 進入光明國度
bringing me out of darkness, entering into the kingdom of light,
使我再次能看見
allows me to see again
主耶穌 我感謝你
Lord Jesus, I thank you.
你的寶血 為我而流
Your precious blood that is shed for me.
寶貴十架上 醫治恩典湧流
On the precious cross, the flow of your healing grace
使我完全得自由
leads me to gain freedom completely.
# 寶貴十架的大能賜我生命
The power of the precious cross that gives me life
主耶穌我俯伏敬拜你
Lord Jesus I bow and worship you
寶貴十架的救恩是你所立的約
The saving grace on the precious cross is the new covenant you establish
你的愛永遠不會改變
Your love is never changing.....
爱，我愿意 (Love, I do)
十字架上的光芒，溫柔又慈祥，
The radiant light of the cross, filled with gentleness and kindness,
帶著主愛的力量，向著我照亮。
bringing forth the power of God's love, shining brightly before me.
我的心不再隱藏，完全的擺上，
My heart is never hidden again, presenting it completely before you,
願主愛來澆灌我，
May God's love water my soul,
在愛中得自由釋放。
in God's love be freed.
我願意降服，我願意降服，
I am willing to surrender, I am willing to surrender,
在你愛的懷抱中，我願意降服。
In your loving arms, I am willing to surrender.
你是我的主，你是我的主，
You are my Lord, you are my Lord,
永遠在你懷抱中，
Forever in your arms
你是我，你是我的主。
You are mine, you are my Lord.
十字架上的光芒，溫柔又慈祥，
The radiant light of the cross, filled with gentleness and kindness,
帶著主愛的力量，向著我照亮。
bringing forth the power of God's love, shining brightly before me.
我的心不再隱藏，完全的擺上，
My heart is never hidden again, presenting it completely before you,
願主愛來澆灌我，
May God's love water my soul
在愛中得自由釋放
in God's love be freed.
我願意降服，我願意降服，
I am willing to surrender, I am willing to surrender,
在你愛的懷抱中，我願意降服。
In your loving arms, I am willing to surrender.
你是我的主，你是我的主，
You are my Lord, you are my Lord,
永遠在你懷抱中，
Forever in your arms
你是我，你是我的主。
You are mine, you are my Lord.
我願意降服，我願意降服，
I am willing to surrender, I am willing to surrender,
在你愛的懷抱中，我願意降服。
In your loving arms, I am willing to surrender.
你是我的主，你是我的主，
You are my Lord, you are my Lord,
永遠在你懷抱中，
Forever in your arms,
你是我，你是我的主
You are mine, you are my Lord
永遠在你懷抱中，
Forever in your arms,
你是我，你是我的主
You are mine, You are my Lord!
The radiant light of the cross, filled with gentleness and kindness,
帶著主愛的力量，向著我照亮。
bringing forth the power of God's love, shining brightly before me.
我的心不再隱藏，完全的擺上，
My heart is never hidden again, presenting it completely before you,
願主愛來澆灌我，
May God's love water my soul,
在愛中得自由釋放。
in God's love be freed.
我願意降服，我願意降服，
I am willing to surrender, I am willing to surrender,
在你愛的懷抱中，我願意降服。
In your loving arms, I am willing to surrender.
你是我的主，你是我的主，
You are my Lord, you are my Lord,
永遠在你懷抱中，
Forever in your arms
你是我，你是我的主。
You are mine, you are my Lord.
十字架上的光芒，溫柔又慈祥，
The radiant light of the cross, filled with gentleness and kindness,
帶著主愛的力量，向著我照亮。
bringing forth the power of God's love, shining brightly before me.
我的心不再隱藏，完全的擺上，
My heart is never hidden again, presenting it completely before you,
願主愛來澆灌我，
May God's love water my soul
在愛中得自由釋放
in God's love be freed.
我願意降服，我願意降服，
I am willing to surrender, I am willing to surrender,
在你愛的懷抱中，我願意降服。
In your loving arms, I am willing to surrender.
你是我的主，你是我的主，
You are my Lord, you are my Lord,
永遠在你懷抱中，
Forever in your arms
你是我，你是我的主。
You are mine, you are my Lord.
我願意降服，我願意降服，
I am willing to surrender, I am willing to surrender,
在你愛的懷抱中，我願意降服。
In your loving arms, I am willing to surrender.
你是我的主，你是我的主，
You are my Lord, you are my Lord,
永遠在你懷抱中，
Forever in your arms,
你是我，你是我的主
You are mine, you are my Lord
永遠在你懷抱中，
Forever in your arms,
你是我，你是我的主
You are mine, You are my Lord!
Being, Not Just Doing
Hi there,
Sorry for the misleading title in the earlier post "Being, Not Doing"... just to clarify that we need to also remember our being in God and not just doing or even doing for the sake of looking righteous. It is a fine balance to reach and I am still learning as well.
Jesus said in Matt 28:19 "therefore, go and make disciples of all nations..." and James 2:26 (NIV) also said that "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." So there is also doing part in the Christian walk.
The Christian faith is not one which focuses on just what we do but also who we are; children of God and who we are refined and transformed to be; Christ-like.
A personal lesson for me is that the starting point for me is in the "being" and loving God, and the actions will naturally follow. I remember a sermon on the 2 greatest commandments (Matt 22:34-40) and the pastor mentioned that when we love God, we will naturally fulfill the first 4 commandments and when we love our neighbours, we will naturally fulfill the other 6 commandments. It was refreshing because I have come to realise it was not an easier "standard" but it is something which starts from the inside... that as we love God and our neighbours, we will fulfill His commandements.
For me, I can tend to be focused on "doing" sometimes to help with my self-esteem. But at the end of the day, God reminds me that I am His child and that I can depend on Him and need not strive for human praise. But what matters most is how I am walking with Him, growing in Him and receiving others into His Kingdom. Well, it's a fine balance and I am learning. I have to always keep myself in check to see if I am indeed focusing on doing, for the wrong reasons.
So, yes, the title should read "Being, not Just Doing" and I have amended it. Forgive me for the mistake and may God continue to watch over you and help you walk stronger and stronger in faith.
Being, Not Just Doing
I have been reflecting...
The Christian faith is not so much about doing but it's also about being: being redeemed by God from the enemy, being restored by God, spiritually, emotionally, physically, as He wills, being a child of God, being holy and righteous in our walk, being one who seeks and loves the Lord, being still and know that he is God, being a loving neighbour who is there to bless others as God blessed you, being a vessel through which God's light to the world can shine.
John 1:12-13 (NIV)
12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
I have been reflecting...
The Christian faith is not so much about doing but it's also about being: being redeemed by God from the enemy, being restored by God, spiritually, emotionally, physically, as He wills, being a child of God, being holy and righteous in our walk, being one who seeks and loves the Lord, being still and know that he is God, being a loving neighbour who is there to bless others as God blessed you, being a vessel through which God's light to the world can shine.
John 1:12-13 (NIV)
12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
Psalm 23 for the Workplace
Hi everyone,
Came across this interesting article which is a good reminder, especially to us in the Onelife zone in this phase of our lives.
PSALM 23 FOR THE WORKPLACE
The Lord is my real boss, and I shall not want.
He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.
He gently reminds me to pray and do all things
without murmuring and complaining.
He reminds me that he is my source and not my job.
He restores my sanity everyday and guides my decisions that I might honor him in all that I do.
Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, system crashes, unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, gossiping co-workers, discriminating supervisors and an aging body that doesn’t cooperate every morning, I still will not stop— for He is with me!
His presence, His peace, and His power will see me through.
He raises me up, even when they fail to promote me.
He claims me as His own, even when the company threatens to let me go.
His Faithfulness and love is better than any bonus check.
His retirement plan beats every insurance plan there is!
When it’s all said and done, I’ll be working for Him a whole lot longer and for that, I BLESS HIS NAME!!!!!!
Came across this interesting article which is a good reminder, especially to us in the Onelife zone in this phase of our lives.
PSALM 23 FOR THE WORKPLACE
The Lord is my real boss, and I shall not want.
He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.
He gently reminds me to pray and do all things
without murmuring and complaining.
He reminds me that he is my source and not my job.
He restores my sanity everyday and guides my decisions that I might honor him in all that I do.
Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, system crashes, unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, gossiping co-workers, discriminating supervisors and an aging body that doesn’t cooperate every morning, I still will not stop— for He is with me!
His presence, His peace, and His power will see me through.
He raises me up, even when they fail to promote me.
He claims me as His own, even when the company threatens to let me go.
His Faithfulness and love is better than any bonus check.
His retirement plan beats every insurance plan there is!
When it’s all said and done, I’ll be working for Him a whole lot longer and for that, I BLESS HIS NAME!!!!!!
Friday, 13 November 2009
Being, Not Just Doing
I have been reflecting...
The Christian faith is not so much about doing but it's also about being: being redeemed by God from the enemy, being restored by God, spiritually, emotionally, physically, as He wills, being a child of God, being holy and righteous in our walk, being one who seeks and loves the Lord, being still and know that he is God, being a loving neighbour who is there to bless others as God blessed you, being a vessel through which God's light to the world can shine.
John 1:12-13 (NIV)
12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
The Choice
Choices @ the Heart of Life
Choices are at the heart of everything. Just as I was listening to the sermon last week on "Battling with Passion" and as I went about the week preparing for cell, reflecting on the things that happened throughout the week, I came to think more and more about choices.
How do you make choices in life? At cell, some of us has shared how some of us make choices based on our end goals in mind, some make choices base on opportunity cost and consequences, some base it on exprience, some base it on feelings, while some seek advice from friends and some seek the Lord.
I always remember the time I made a choice which I still remember ultimately changed my college life. It was the second intake for college and I was given a choice to change my subject combination. Then, I was taking "A" levels Chinese. Though I did not understand why I choose to take "A" levels Chinese (given I didn;t seem to have the flair for it) but I made the choice to continue on with my subject combination because I had not wanted to leave my friends who I have come to know. And, well, as they say, the rest is history and I chartered this part of my life story and made a decision based on my feelings.
Everyday in our lives, we are confronted with choices to make. From our attire, to our meals, to how we respond to various matters, we make choices everyday. Even in our spiritual life, we are faced with choices, starting from the choice we make to make Jesus our Lord and Saviour, to the challenges we face daily in making choices which would impact our walk with the Lord e.g. making priorities about our quiet time, participation in church, ministry, prayer meetings, cell vis-a-vis other priorities in life or even making choices between succumbing to temptation vis-a-vis choosing how God would like us to respond as children of light. Choices are real and part and parcel of our life.
Choices & Life
Just last week, I have had the opportunity to speak to 3 very different people who made different choices... one was sharing with me about his younger days and how he was in triads and how he met his wife who changed him. As he shared about the horrors of what happens at the gallows for some of his friends, I can see him being all relieved that he has turned back in time to not be in the shoes of some of hos friends. Equally, I have also spoken to different ones who responded very differently to trials and also in their choices to either let God triumph over circumstances or circumstances "over" God.
In Pastor Chye Aik's sermon the previous week, he spoke from Galatians 5. To me, as I read, it spoke to me clearly about life and the choices we make.
In Galatians 5: 16-18, we see that there are two extremes: life by the Spirit and life by the flesh...
There is a clear conflict between the two and we are to choose from them.
And Galatians 5:19-25 further goes to show the outcome of life by the Spirit and by the flesh:
Verse 21 mentioned that those who live life by the flesh "will not inherit the kingdom of God" but those who live by the Spirit will experience love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This is a choice we have to make.
But how do we live by the Spirit? Basically, it does come down to choices we make... Indeed, I don't think there is a "7 step formula" for being able to live by the Spirit. But, when I reflect upon it and also look at my own spiritual walk, I wonder why is it that some people seem to have some much passion for God that keeps them going despite all circumstances? What about Jesus; Son of God, born as Son of man? What kept Him going that, amidst all the agony of knowing He is to be crucified on the cross, that He would go on to say the familiar "not my will, but yours be done", ultimately dying a horrible death on the cross for our sakes? The passion of Christ? To me, it became clear it is a choice.
As I did my quiet time last week and read from John 8:12-30, several things spoke to me:
As I look back at my life and realised how, thanks be to God, I have matured relatively in how I make choices in my life. But even so saying, at present, I do still struggle with some decisions I which have a big bearing on my ministry and life. But as I reflect, I have realised how I have moved from choices made based on "me-centric-ness" ("me, me, me") to more or less "God-centric-ness" ("God, what's your will for this?"). And it becomes clear that yieldnesses to God is so critical in our life by the Spirit because unless we yield ourselves and the choices we make to God, we will be living life based on ourselves, our flesh, our emotions, our strength.
Do you know who you are and where you are going?
Do you know that despite all circumstances that God is always with you?
Do you know the Father's heart and His purposes for you; not only to restore you to Him and refine you but also to restore many others to Him, what Paul calls the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor 5:11-21).
I have to admit that it can be a journey of uncertainty but God is an Almighty God and nothing is impossible for Him:
I know I am had been saved by grace by God;
I know that I am redeemed and restored by God through all the work He has done in my life;
I know that I do not need to go through life alone and can trust in Him becaase I saw how He provided and brought me out of the pits when I held on;
I know that God is a sovereign God and has His plans for me;
I know He has restored me to be a blessing to many others
I know that I am a child of God;
I know where I am going after passing on from life.
To live life by the Spirit, choose to see all He has done in your life and choose to yield to Him. Do not do life alone or with your own strength. Nothing is everlasting, not even our lives, our riches we have, our jobs, our ministry, except for God, His will and His love.
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
Choices are at the heart of everything. Just as I was listening to the sermon last week on "Battling with Passion" and as I went about the week preparing for cell, reflecting on the things that happened throughout the week, I came to think more and more about choices.
How do you make choices in life? At cell, some of us has shared how some of us make choices based on our end goals in mind, some make choices base on opportunity cost and consequences, some base it on exprience, some base it on feelings, while some seek advice from friends and some seek the Lord.
I always remember the time I made a choice which I still remember ultimately changed my college life. It was the second intake for college and I was given a choice to change my subject combination. Then, I was taking "A" levels Chinese. Though I did not understand why I choose to take "A" levels Chinese (given I didn;t seem to have the flair for it) but I made the choice to continue on with my subject combination because I had not wanted to leave my friends who I have come to know. And, well, as they say, the rest is history and I chartered this part of my life story and made a decision based on my feelings.
Everyday in our lives, we are confronted with choices to make. From our attire, to our meals, to how we respond to various matters, we make choices everyday. Even in our spiritual life, we are faced with choices, starting from the choice we make to make Jesus our Lord and Saviour, to the challenges we face daily in making choices which would impact our walk with the Lord e.g. making priorities about our quiet time, participation in church, ministry, prayer meetings, cell vis-a-vis other priorities in life or even making choices between succumbing to temptation vis-a-vis choosing how God would like us to respond as children of light. Choices are real and part and parcel of our life.
Choices & Life
Just last week, I have had the opportunity to speak to 3 very different people who made different choices... one was sharing with me about his younger days and how he was in triads and how he met his wife who changed him. As he shared about the horrors of what happens at the gallows for some of his friends, I can see him being all relieved that he has turned back in time to not be in the shoes of some of hos friends. Equally, I have also spoken to different ones who responded very differently to trials and also in their choices to either let God triumph over circumstances or circumstances "over" God.
In Pastor Chye Aik's sermon the previous week, he spoke from Galatians 5. To me, as I read, it spoke to me clearly about life and the choices we make.
In Galatians 5: 16-18, we see that there are two extremes: life by the Spirit and life by the flesh...
16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
There is a clear conflict between the two and we are to choose from them.
And Galatians 5:19-25 further goes to show the outcome of life by the Spirit and by the flesh:
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Verse 21 mentioned that those who live life by the flesh "will not inherit the kingdom of God" but those who live by the Spirit will experience love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This is a choice we have to make.
But how do we live by the Spirit? Basically, it does come down to choices we make... Indeed, I don't think there is a "7 step formula" for being able to live by the Spirit. But, when I reflect upon it and also look at my own spiritual walk, I wonder why is it that some people seem to have some much passion for God that keeps them going despite all circumstances? What about Jesus; Son of God, born as Son of man? What kept Him going that, amidst all the agony of knowing He is to be crucified on the cross, that He would go on to say the familiar "not my will, but yours be done", ultimately dying a horrible death on the cross for our sakes? The passion of Christ? To me, it became clear it is a choice.
As I did my quiet time last week and read from John 8:12-30, several things spoke to me:
- Jesus knows where He is from and where He is going (v14)
- Jesus knows He does not stand alone but with the Father (v16, 29)
- Jesus knows Father God (v19)
- Jesus knows the Father's purposes for Him (v28-29)
As I look back at my life and realised how, thanks be to God, I have matured relatively in how I make choices in my life. But even so saying, at present, I do still struggle with some decisions I which have a big bearing on my ministry and life. But as I reflect, I have realised how I have moved from choices made based on "me-centric-ness" ("me, me, me") to more or less "God-centric-ness" ("God, what's your will for this?"). And it becomes clear that yieldnesses to God is so critical in our life by the Spirit because unless we yield ourselves and the choices we make to God, we will be living life based on ourselves, our flesh, our emotions, our strength.
Do you know who you are and where you are going?
Do you know that despite all circumstances that God is always with you?
Do you know the Father's heart and His purposes for you; not only to restore you to Him and refine you but also to restore many others to Him, what Paul calls the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor 5:11-21).
I have to admit that it can be a journey of uncertainty but God is an Almighty God and nothing is impossible for Him:
I know I am had been saved by grace by God;
I know that I am redeemed and restored by God through all the work He has done in my life;
I know that I do not need to go through life alone and can trust in Him becaase I saw how He provided and brought me out of the pits when I held on;
I know that God is a sovereign God and has His plans for me;
I know He has restored me to be a blessing to many others
I know that I am a child of God;
I know where I am going after passing on from life.
To live life by the Spirit, choose to see all He has done in your life and choose to yield to Him. Do not do life alone or with your own strength. Nothing is everlasting, not even our lives, our riches we have, our jobs, our ministry, except for God, His will and His love.
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
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