When faced with a dead-end in my ministry, more often than not, I get demoralized when I do not see tangible fruits even after praying for long periods of time. Then this innate challenge from me to God arises. “God! Help me with this issue by _dateline_. I need to see You work. I want to call it quits, yet, I know that by doing so, I will be sinning against You. When is then a time to give up and pursue greener pastures in the lives of others?”

The fighting spirit we caught in our secondary school and college days are not of without use. I got to learn to translate this fighting spirit and make it submissive to the WOG. I need to have the spiritual fighting spirit! Fight on because we do not live for ourselves. Fight on because we know that one word from God can change eternity. Fight on because we never know when the moment of divine intervention will just occur. Fighting spirit means being available to God no matter the circumstances. Though I may be crushed in my spirit, if I choose to obey and avail myself, God will use me.

I remember the time where I obeyed the Holy Spirit to just pick up my phone and call a friend. That chat over the phone, the HS moved so strongly and it prompted me to invite him down for the ESS which will be happening 2 days later. Certainly it wasn’t planned out. Sat came and he raised his hands in response to accepting Christ to be his Lord and Savior. The feeling of walking down the aisle with him to the altar was one of true joy and relief. Salvation is here.

When we decide to wage war with the devil, he will not sit back and let us attack his kingdom. He will wield out his WMD, comprising of the perception of us by others when we share the Good News, the fear of rejection, the fear of losing our status, being a goody nice polite Christian by not actively living out the Word. Many incidents where I have given such excuses, including “That person looks fine. How can effectively share the WOG when he/she doesn’t seem to have any need?” How wrong I was. Everyone has a soul/spirit. Everyone needs God.

It becomes dangerous when we take the worldly values as to gauge which Godly values we will obey. If we follow social norms, would God be smiling at homosexuality activities? Would God be pleased with us when we party our youth away? Would God be proud with the fact that we cheat in examinations to attain high marks and then give glorify to Him? Homosexuality, partying, cheating has become an acceptable part of society. All these are of the world. What does God say?

From the article, I was reminded that what my physical eyes see might not be what God sees.

Under the section of “Not Closed At All”, I pondered and saw the intrinsic link to the 4 BUTS OF OUTREACHING as preached in GC. It was only when Luis chose to believe in the power of God, when he chose to hear from God, when he chose to preach the WOG, when he chose to be sent, he was empowered by God. Linking this back to my life, had I not come to accept Christ, I would not have known His goodness. I would then not be able to pass down this Good News to my friend. Had I not chosen to hear from the HS, things would not be in this way! Had I not mustered the courage to share the WOG and decide to go forth, HE WOULD NOT BE SERVING HARD IN THE KOG TODAY.

I must remain equipped. I must be relevant in knowing current affairs, sports, the WOG, sharing current life testimonies, EQ, culture, games etc. What I do not know, I must be willing to find out.

Lifestyle is a very powerful tool, act of worship, and for evangelism. Without the proper guidance and on-job-training (OJT), it would be extremely difficult for others to catch this vision and mission. Skills need to be sharpened, and God needs to be bigger while the self must diminish.

Lead me back to the cross, where I was born.

bentay

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 12:12 PM

Telling Others the Gospel, Even When It's Difficult

Luis Palau

Renowned Evangelist

Telling others the gospel isn't easy. I know -- as a young man, I was convinced I didn't have the gift of evangelism. It was obvious. No matter how hard I tried, no one was coming to faith in Jesus Christ. Nothing I did seemed to make a difference. I was inspired by the things I read and heard about Billy Graham's ministry, but I knew I didn't have his gifts.

I remember giving God a deadline: If I don't see any converts by the end of the year, I'm quitting. Oh, I would still be an active Christian, but I planned to resign myself to simply teaching other believers.

The end of the year came and went. No converts. My mind was made up: Now I was sure I didn't have the gift of evangelism.

On Saturday about four days into the New Year, the small church I attended in Argentina held a home Bible study. I didn't feel like going, but went anyway out of loyalty to the elders.

The fellow who was supposed to give the Bible study never showed up. So the man of the house said, Luis, you are going to have to say something. I was completely unprepared. I had been reading a book by Billy Graham, however, based on the beatitudes. So I read Matthew 5:1-12 and simply repeated whatever I remembered from Dr. Graham's book.

As I was commenting on the beatitude, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God, a lady suddenly stood up. She began to cry: My heart is not pure. How can I see God? Somebody tell me how I can get a pure heart.

I don't remember the woman's name, but I will never forget her words: Somebody tell me how I can get a pure heart. Together we read in the Bible, The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin (1 John 1:7). Before the evening was over, that woman found peace with God and went home with a pure heart overflowing with joy. How delightful it was to lead her to Jesus Christ!

When you win someone to Christ, it's the greatest joy. Your graduation is exciting, your wedding day is exciting, your first baby is exciting. But the most thrilling thing you can ever do is to win someone to Christ.

Yet today, in an effort to be sophisticated and contemporary, many Christians have stopped trying to persuade others to follow Christ. There's an underlying feeling in our society that nice people just don't go around persuading other people to do things. We don't want to offend people, appear strange, or lose our newfound status. So we do nothing.

I, too, have been guilty of this. When I lived in Mexico City, my next-door neighbor was a young television personality. We would chat from time to time, and he even mentioned that he listened to our radio program occasionally. But I didn't share the Gospel with him. After all, I thought, he seems completely immune to the problems of life.

Eventually, though, my neighbor changed. The joy seemed to have left his face. He and his wife started driving separate cars to work. I could tell their marriage was souring, and I felt the need to talk with him, but I didn't want to meddle in his life. I went about my business and headed off for an evangelistic crusade in Peru. After all, that was the polite thing to do.

When I returned home, I learned my neighbor had killed himself. I was heartbroken. I knew I should have gone to him and persuaded him to repent and follow Christ. But because of false courtesy, because I followed a social norm I didn't do it.

It's very convenient to make excuses for not persuading others to follow Christ. We may say we don't want to be overbearing or offensive. We may think we can't possibly witness to someone because he or she will become angry.

Not Closed At All

But over the years I have learned that some of the people I thought would be most closed to the Gospel often are the most receptive. Although they may outwardly fear it, in their hearts they welcome the message of the Gospel.

I saw this attitude clearly during a visit to the Soviet Union. Christians there were persecuted for decades. Now, evangelism is permitted. I've traveled all over the world, and I've never seen a place as hungry and desperate to hear the Gospel. But many Soviet Christians are just beginning to realize the fields are white already to harvest.

Just before my evangelistic team's Soviet campaign was over, a Baptist pastor brought an acquaintance to one of our meetings in Moscow. The friend, head of an academic department at the university and a leading scientist, listened as I preached the Gospel. Then, to the pastor's surprise, this scientist prayed out loud to receive Jesus Christ as his Savior. And then, with tears, he came forward to confess Christ publicly.

The Russian pastor was astonished at his friend's response to the Gospel. He was equally surprised by the phone call he received at 7:15 the next morning. I would like to express my gratitude to you, the scientist said. You invited me to meet the Lord Jesus Christ. I didn't sleep the whole night. I just prayed. I asked God whether He would accept me, whether He would pardon me.

So the pastor asked, Well, do you think God pardoned you? And his friend replied, Yes, I'm absolutely sure that God accepts me as His prodigal son. Later the pastor told me, I never thought a scientist would accept the Lord Jesus as Savior. But now I've seen it with my own eyes. What a great experience!

Having a part in leading a friend or acquaintance to faith in Jesus Christ is exciting. But actually praying with someone who wants to make that decision is even more thrilling.

Yet I've seen Christians lead someone to the point of decision and then panic. A Christian woman was witnessing to a Hungarian businesswoman sitting in front of me on a flight from Budapest to London. At the same time our team's European director and I were discussing the evangelistic rally we had in Budapest the day before.

While we were talking the Christian woman stood up, turned around and said, Excuse me. Are you talking about the rally yesterday with Luis Palau? I said yes. Do you know where brother Palau is? I said that was me. Then she said, I've been talking to this Hungarian lady, and I think she's ready to be converted. But I don't know how to do it.

I told her, I've been listening to what you've been saying and you've done a terrific job. But she felt afraid of doing something wrong when it came time to pray with someone who was ready to receive Christ.

I agreed to talk with the Hungarian businesswoman for a minute. Did you understand what this lady said to you?

Yes.

Are you ready to trust Christ and follow Him?

Yes.

At that, I asked the Christian woman to lead her in a prayer. I could have done it myself. It would have been great. But I just sat back and watched as the Christian woman in front of me at first hesitated, then turned to this Hungarian woman, put her arm around her, and for the first time led someone to Christ.

A Challenge

I challenge you to pray: Dear God, I want that experience. I want to know what it is to win someone to Jesus Christ.

Why be ashamed of the Gospel? It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). It changes lives here and now, and for eternity!

The Dutch evangelist Corrie ten Boom had a God-given desire to win others to Christ. One of her poems says, When I enter that beautiful city / And the saints all around me appear, / I hope that someone will tell me: / It was you who invited me here.

Whatever our place in the Body of Christ, let's actively and prayerfully invite others into God's kingdom. After all, God doesn't have a plan A, a plan B and a plan C for evangelizing the world. He has only one plan and that's you and me.

Copyright 2001 -- Luis Palau -- All Rights Reserved.

adapted from http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/1172292/

Feel free to air your reflections here.

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 10:15 AM

Run For Hope 2009

10 seem like a small digit. But when it comes to running, it does seem daunting for a person who has been feasting non-stop and not been exercising for months. Factor in the 3 plus hours of sleep the night before and having meat buffet, suddenly, the run looks horrifying.

This run is indeed a very memorable one for me not solely for the fact that we interacted and encouraged one another during it, but also for other things that happened before the run. On sat night (the night before the run), I bumped into an old JC friend in Carnivore when I was there for a SJI gathering. On the train to Benson’s house, another old friend of mine caught my attention. He has just touched down from Australia a couple of days back. After he alighted, I bumped into another old friend. We had hearty chats on the train.

While waiting for Benson at the Mac’s, a young man walked past me and waved. Another old friend! I just cannot bring myself to believe this – bumping into 4 random old friends. I enjoyed the time at Benson’s house watching soccer and wrapping exam packs.

The next morning, had a very short breakfast with Benson and Jolene. This was our pre-run activity and we shared some laughter. Shortly after, I remember the time we started running as a group of 5 (Jolene, Benson, Cai Xuan, Jesline and myself). It has since been a long time that I last ran in a group. Rarely do I like running in a group of friends due to different running pace. I always like the run at the head of the pack so that there would not be any obstruction by other runners and that I can keep my momentum. There is no responsibility in running alone too, where I don’t have to inform anyone anything, which frees my mind for other thoughts and appreciation of nature. So, this run is a new experience where I was able to take it slow.

To breeze through 10km would not be much of an issue; unfortunately, life runs much more than 1 hr for that 10km. Amidst the hectic schedule of UB, I managed to make full use of the time I had to talk to another Buffalo.

The sheer number of participants only goes to show the big heart inside many people. I am so proud that there are so many people who are ready to chip in for a worthy cause. Can this be then translated to the cause of Christ Jesus? I’d love to see all denominations gather together for this very cause. I’d love to see all of us in there. Never give in, never give up. The devil may strike, but we (us and God) will fight.

bentay

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 1:12 AM

At the start of the race, the sight of the young, the old, the middle age, the youths, the disabled is a truly inspiring. You see most of them running to their best ability here, perhaps still full of energy? I saw the parallel how wonderful it is to run in this race of faith with God, with many other brothers and sisters! Some might be young in faith, some might be older, some is running despite their personal setbacks and hurts, but everyone is running and doing their best to finish the race.

As i was running along with caixuan, there are many times along the journey i wanted to initiate to stop and walk. Walking is surely a easier option! Less straining and tiring for the body! I remember the times in my life, even now, that you may feel tempted not to pray, tempted to play church without God in the picture, tempted to do the easier way out. As I thought of these, i remembered what i wanted to grow in for this season! Being disciplined in God, to continue to focus on Him and do things according to His ways, obeying fully and not taking short cuts!

We are reaching almost half the journey, when most of us are scattered throughout the race tracks already, some ahead of us, some behind us. But since caixuan and I decided that we will do the entire race together, we stick together throughout. If ah cai tired then i will walk with her and similarly otherwise even if we feel like running ahead on our own. I remembered the covenant we had with one another! The promise we share in building each other up in God, the promise to stick together for support, love and protection in this spiritual family. If we are truly committed to this, we can be the ones who will pull our team mates on when they are tired, we can encourage them, help them, 'scold them' for their good, push them but never desert them! When we are committed to each other in sticking together, there is a greater chance that all of us will make it to the end together! BUT it takes the heart of deciding and choosing to love and commit to your team.

This race is meaningful, even though i am very tired due to the lack of rest and training prior to the race. However, i thank God for the fellowship and many lessons i learnt! Hope to be trained continuous in my self-disciplince. :)

Jesline

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 10:18 AM

Hey everyone,

HAPPY SUN-DAY!! After a few days of raining, the sun is finally out today! Today was a sunny day and also a day of running for some of us. Today (22 November), some of us(junyao, jesline, shuning, bentay, benson, jolene, caixuan, liping and I )woke up super early in the morning and went for Run for Hope 2009.

Photos taken after the run.

Do we look shag?


When 6 girls tried to squeeze into benson's car..


- JasmIne

Our reflections after the race

JasmIne:
Two words flashed in my mind while I was running - "Momentum" and "Perseverance". The race reminded me of our spiritual run with God.

At the start of the race, all of us was very excited and woohoo for the race. We ran together with the partners beside us. At some point of time, we felt tired, we feel like giving up. But it's because of the partners beside us who keep cheering for us, running together with us that we continue the race.
How does it relate to our spiritual walk?
At times when we face spiritual dryness, we feel like giving up this race with God, spiritual brothers and sisters are with us, cheering for us. We have our spiritual leaders, shepherds who look after us, watch over our lives. We go through tough and rough times together, running the race together so that no one is lagging behind. Our running pace maybe different, distance covered maybe different but we are in this race together.

Momentum
We have to keep our momentum and continue in the race. When you start to lose it, it's very hard for you to find back the momentum. Even though you are tired, continue to persevere on. You can run, you can slow jog, you can brisk walk, you can walk, but YOU CANNOT STOP. Since you have started this race, must as well end it at the finishing line right?

How does it relate to our spiritual walk?
There must be a progress in your walk with God and not staying at the same spot where you were previously. DO NOT quit this race with God. You have to grow somehow. Keep the momentum going by attending service, cg, shepherding, QT-ing. Every day, you must be moving ahead and not backwards or on the same spot. Even if it's a little baby step, it's also an effort of growing stronger.

Perseverance
10km is really a challenge for me. I think the last time I ran was during the Matric amazing race? And some more, no training before the race. But I persevered on until I saw the finishing line.

How does it relate to our spiritual walk?
There's no such things like smooth-sailing walk with God. Many things will start to come in your way and prevent you to finish the race. We face persecutions from people- friends, parents etc. Are you persevering enough to complete the race?

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 3:14 PM

Jolene says:

What does the psalmist remember in the first two verses? Why is it important to remember such things?
The psalmist rem how God have helped them out of slavery and won many battles over their enemies. God knows we are forgetful.

What lesson does the psalmist teach in v3? Why is this lesson always important to keep in mind?
That it is not by our own strength that we have won the battle but God who brought us through. Exactly how i felt during my first paper.

Why did God give his people victory, according to v3? Can this same truth give us victory today? Explain.
Because he love us and already have the victory. We are made to be the head and not the tail. Yes, victory in the area of our struggles.


Si Yuan says:


Caixuan says:

The psalmist rmb his forefathers' testimony of God.God tore down nations, build up communities and increase the numbers of those who have faith in Him..It is important to rmb because its by God's grace that we are here in this place not by chance or some special force which place us in our caregrp.In verse 3, the pslamist teaches that it is not by our own strength or efforts tt we overcome a particular problem but its God's right hand tt pull us through difficult times.Sometimes, we tend to credit ourselves when we accomplished things. "Thanks to me tt im able to solve this problem" but instead we shld give thanks to God..because He loves us tats why He plans to prosper us not harm us.

Prayer pt:
Give thanks to God in all circumstances


Jun Yao says:

Today, Dewen taught me something very powerful, "No Joy No Jesus"! He was speaking to me abt my attitude in trusting God for this exam. i do have to admit that i really struggle with trusting God with things that i can control, that i can put in effort to make things happen. This exam really taught me to put my faith and my hands to work together at the same time. God really wants me to work hard but at the same time have full dependence on Him. I think pple like me who believes in hard work will find it hard to reconcile with this truth but this is really the Truth bcos God told me that no matter how much i can prepare for my exam, i can never prepare my exam questions. But in him, there is certainty in the uncertainties.

Pray that my attitude in faith and trust will really grow so that with Jesus, i will also have joy!


Maurise says:


Li Ping says:

The many victories Israel obtained, were not by their own strength or merit, but by God's favour and grace.Victory is God given and by trusting him we will triumph in him as well.Many times i forget that I'm not fighting the battle alone and that he's always with me.I'm reminded that unless God fight or I have fought in vain...Its him not me!

Prayer pt: Pray that I let God take control instead of myself.


Bentay says:

Remembering testimonies is of help. Remembering the times where God intervened when things looked so impossible, increases faith and assurance of our identity. My identity in Christ is not based on material successes. It is based on the Truth that God reigns and He came to die for my sins. When I look at things with my physical eyes, I see a whole load of bleakness. But when I recall the moments when God swept through the circumstances, they all faded away and the glory of God stood before me.

What are some of the successes that I am still taking credit for? The number of sheep I have today? The academic results that I achieved? The tournaments that I took part in? Being able to juggle things? God, I don’t want a single drop of pride of myself in my life. May I be upward looking.

Prayer point: be upward looking. Humble heart.


Jasmine says:

"Our victory belongs to God" comes to my mind after reading today's point. All the wonderous things that the forefathers did wasnt by their own power, authority, but it's by the hand of God. He takes control of things and settling things right for us. Who we are today is not because of what we've done, not because we are very zai. But it is because God is always with us whenever and wherever we go, that's why things are smoothly done. Therefore, our victory belongs to God. So, stop claiming credit!! It's God's!

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 10:37 AM

SIM 2 shouts out:

Michelle

This passage reminded me of focusing on God. Whenever bad things happen, we will focus at the situation instead on God. But from this passage, despite those bad stuff happen, we are always victorious for God is there to help us overcome these problems. At the same time, this passage also reminded me of those times that God helped me to overcome my problems. Whatever successes that I had, serve as a reminder of how powerful God is and how He is always there to help, so that whenever bad things happen, we will not panic but be reminded of those good times we had with God and overcome it with Him.

Prayer: pray that I will always look up to God and always keep in mind all those successes that I had with God.

Jesline

V1- this nudges me to think if I have truly ‘heard’ with my spiritual ears the goodness of God. It is important to be someone who constantly hear about the faithfulness and goodness of God through what the bible has recorded as well as from people who give testimonies to God. The ability for man to remember who God is, His graciousness and love towards us is to constantly talk about it, share it and live it as well. This will keep us from forgetting God as well as His love for us.

Prayer: God, I pray for you to fill me with your love and goodness so that my lips will always give you praise and my heart will always be loyal to you.

Li Yin

Whoa. "what you did" (v1), "With your hand", "you drove out...planted...", "you crushed...made" (v2), "your right hand, your arm, light of your face...", "you loved them" (v3). Not what the people did, but what God did. So many times in these 3 verses the word "YOU" was emphasized. In the first 2 verses the psalmist remembers what God did for the people. He prospered them, gave them victory. We as God's children need to remember what God has done for us so that we won't be complacent and think that all our successes are of our doing. We need to remember also so that when times get tough and the going gets rough, we'll be reminded of God's providence. That He who brought us through our previous struggles will bring us through any challenges we're facing right now. And... God gave the people victory because He loved them. Not because the people were extraordinary, not because they deserved it, but because God loved them enough to do so. Not just victory over circumstances, but victory over our sins as well. God did it. Not us, not any powers, not anything else. And I believe God does this so when people look at all those miracles in our life, and they ask us about them, we can only look back and say, "God did it." and in doing so giving glory to Him and sort of bringing people to Him as well.?

Prayer: that I will be reminded of what God has done for me, and that I will not take credit. Also, having known this God that gives me victory over my sins, my struggles, I will claim His promises by faith. And... because of what He's done for me, that I will do my best to live for Him, and continually depend on His strength.?

Li Yi

This passage speaks to me a lot because it was the same passage my shepherd showed me last semester when I was taking my papers. Today, the very same passage was shown to me when I took my 2nd paper.

v2 talks about what God had done, ‘with your hand you drove out the nations, and planted our fathers; you crushed the peoples and made our fathers flourish’. It was written to show and serve as a reminder about God’s goodness and power. Further on in v3, God granted the people victory but ‘it was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory’. It was written to tell us that success does not come from the people but God and we are to give glory to Him. As imperfect beings, we would at times take credit for ourselves and by doing so we take away the glory of God. However we should not boast about ourselves but boast in the Lord my God, boast in the One who’s worthy! Most importantly, God gave them victory because He loved us.

How is this similar to what I’m facing today? To me, taking exams are equivalent to a battlefield just that exams are more taxing on the brain. So I was preparing for my paper and the passage really reminded me to give glory to God for bringing me through 4 semesters of school. At times, I entered the exam hall feeling unprepared because I knew I have not completed my revision and what added on was that the paper was tough. After the paper, I always made this prayer: God I asked for favour upon my paper. The paper that I least expected to do well, God helped me to score well. It was God! No doubt, I felt good when my friends will say ‘wow you’re so smart, never study still do well’. I know it wasn’t the case, it wasn’t me but God. So I told myself this today: it’s not about me, it’s not about me, but YOU!! Like how you’ve brought me through 4 semesters, you’re going to bring me through this semester too. I know that victory is given to me because you love me.

Prayer: Not to claim credit for myself but give glory to God and for your favour to be upon my papers.

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 12:29 AM

How is the question asked in v2 very much like some questions still asked today?
Actually I think in my daily life, I think very much like the pharisees. I just want to know the reason or cause for all the bad things that is happening. And I always have this mentality that God punishes those who does wrong or not walking close to Him. I mean, its a wrong mentality of course but I guess I was just trying to be self righteous.

How does Jesus answer the question? In what way must his answer have greatly surprised the crowd?
The crowd must have been greatly surprised because some times things happened not because of the bad things or sins that have been made but just for us to believe that Jesus is God.

How does the man respond to Jesus (v38)? In what way did this glorify God?
The man accepted Jesus into his life. He caused the pharisees to be speechless and convinced people that their beliefs were nothing but a set of traditions and custom. He was indeed being brought to the pharisees for questioning but this in turned became a time to glorify God, he convinced the public that Jesus is God and it is shown by the people being divided.
-jolene

Reflection points: It speaks of the faith the blind man had. He knew that only God and His chosen prophets could perform signs and wonders. He might have tried out other methods to get his sight, but apparently none worked as he remained blind until Christ restored his sight. The faith he had was unwavering in times of judgment from the Pharisees and the disbelieving community. He could have taken the credit or given the credit to someone else; however, he chose not to rob Jesus of His credit. Humility, strong faith, a man of strong character is portrayed here.
There are many reasons as to why I am deficient, dysfunctional, or even disabled in my spirit. It is not only for me to realize and change, not only because I sinned, therefore being judged. It is more than that to the extent that it was all for God’s personal glory. Until I learn to look at things from the lens of God, to look for my purpose of life from Him, I will not understand my weaknesses and will keep blaming God or worse still, bear a grudge against God. At the end of it all, it is God who created me. I belong to Him. He draws out my purpose of life; not the other way around. He will see things happen that will increase my level of faith according to His timing and plan. Let not my will, but His will be done.
I ask myself “When are the moments that I am likened to the Pharisees?” I know about God, in fact I know Him. Yet, I choose to sweep Him aside and lead my own life. I choose not to believe in things that He has presented to me. I remember the miracles He has shown me in Thailand, The Philippines, Singapore etc. But when the tough times come, I choose and contemplate giving up. I ignore His calls, His plans. This is as good as the Pharisees who knew of the existence of God. They knew the law really well. But there is no life transformation because they didn't believe in the living law. The living covenant must be adhered to if I am truly to say that I love God with all my heart, soul and strength.
Blessed is the man who believes without seeing for faith is being sure of what we do not see.
Prayer points: I will count my blessings. I will choose to believe and put my trust in God even under trial and scrutiny.
-Ben

God gives us alot of good things such as healing but we are often blind and do not appreciate Him. We need to thank God and give glory to Him.
-Ryan

When I read this passage, I see myself not as the blind man but as the Pharisee. There are times when I know what I ought to do but do not do. In essence, the Pharisees know what is lawful but they are stubborn and blind to the ways of God. I need to repent and change, learning to become more like the blind man who exalts Jesus Christ wholeheartedly!?

-Si yuan

I was concentrating on John 9:7. In John 9:7, the Bible mentioned that Jesus made some mud with the saliva and put it on the blind man's eye and asked him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. Two points that I learned from this verse are (a) Faith in God (b) Obey God - Follow and not question.

If I'm the blind man, I will definitely scream and pissed when Jesus put the mud on my face. Imagine someone just put mud over your eye without your permission? I will think "what is this man trying to do?..How could he spit and put mud on my eye". But this blind man not only trusted Jesus, he also followed what Jesus told him to do (which is to go to Pool of Siloam). He obeyed Jesus even though he doesnt know what's ahead of him.

What we can apply here is to have faith in God and obey Him. In times of difficulties, down times etc, we often question God why is He allowing all these obstacles to hinder us. We often concentrate on the "why am i so suay.. why am i facing all these". We become more inward-looking and miss out the part to look to God. We concentrate on the limitations we have and not the blessings that God gives us.
-Jasmine

I'm just glad and thankful that Jesus really understands what i'm going through. is really not easy to always do the right things especially when situations or pple really make me so frustrated that i would really want to cut corners, give up my birthright and really give that person a piece of mind! but i didn't and i'm glad that i have a God to turn to and vent my frustration to.

Pray that i can respond the way Jesus do, love like Jesus! So that others will know that is not me but is Him.

Junyao


God receives glory with his healing power and also when people endure their own sufferings through the power of his grace.Though many believe that there is no suffering without iniquity but sometimes it might just be the sin-sick world that contributes to it which also leads to commonly asked questions'' why does God allow sufferings?''.To some it might be the incuration of God's wrath, others might think that he is using it against us but I think its to let us see God's purpose and intent in our lives.Believing after being ostracized by his people,the man who had been blind, makes me understand what it truly means to follow God.

Prayer pt:
Physical blindness vs Spiritual blindness reminds me to check my life ... Do I really need to physically see in order to have the faith to believe in him?

ping

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 4:29 PM

Li Yi says:

When the question ‘who sinned, this man or his parents?’ was asked, Jesus replied ‘neither this man nor his parents sinned’. This happened so that the work of God can be displayed in the blind man’s life and it was shown when he was healed. Later Jesus asked if he believed in the Son of Man and when He told him he was right in front, the man immediately said, ‘Lord, I believe.’ The man had just glorified God when he acknowledged that Jesus was the one who had just performed a miracle on him.

Jesline says:

This passage reminds me of the times I keep asking God “why?” and many times we either heard no answer from God or the answer is obvious but we fail to accept it. There are many times in the Bible when Jesus asks ‘Do you believe? If you believe…’ Many times the question is not asking God why but rather, “What is God’s purpose/will?” When God answers, the response from us shouldn’t be ‘it’s not logical’ or ‘how come’ but rather it should be acting upon what God has spoken with faith. Because God wants us to believe and not doubt Him.

Prayer:

I thought of the things I’m trurly helpless of like how I am not as smart or as fast as others, how I am not outspoken or competent as others. But today I pray that I will not just ask God why but rather accept myself as how He created me and believe that I am created for His glory. When I respond with faith and belief I ask God to open my eyes to see His hands upon my limitation and use my limitation for Him. So that through my limitation I will experience Him.

Mich says:

From this passage I was reminded of obedience. There are many times when we seek help from God and when He provided ways for us, we tend to choose not to follow it. We may think that the ways that God provided was illogical, we doubt and sometimes not willing to step out of comfort zone. But for the blind man, it's impossible to get heal just by rubbing mud on his eyes and washing it off, yet he chose to obey and believe Jesus and he was healed! So what about us? Are we like that blind man or are we like the pharisees who know how to doubt? This passage really serves as a reminder for us to really sit down and reflect on our walk wif God. Indeed, there will be many times when we will face struggles, but we have to remember that what we went through is something that God has planned for us ad He will not give us problems that we can't handle.

Prayer request: Pray that I will be more obedience and not to doubt what God has for me. Though it may be hard, God is powerful enough to pull us through tough times.

Li Yin says:

The man was born blind. Jesus said, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me.” Wow. God allows us to face certain challenges, weaknesses so that His hand, His mighty hand, might be displayed in my life. And… Jesus was in fact saying that the man was placed in His path for that very reason – that Jesus could make a difference in His life. Anyone that came into Jesus’ path, Jesus did not pass them by. Jesus made a difference in their lives. He left a lasting impact which may not be felt at first, be seemingly insignificant. But it had a long-lasting impact on the person’s life. Yes, God has placed people in our paths.

Prayer: In the way I treat these people, help me to have a lasting postive impact on them. Help me not to despise the little things I do for people. And that I may view challenges and weaknesses for what they are. As long as I am here on earth, as long as I can live, move and breath, pray that I will make the decision to partner with God in doing His work.

And yeah, the man had to go where Jesus told him to and do what Jesus told him to do. It was his choice. In v11, the man said, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, then I could see.” Sequence: Meets Jesus -> Jesus sort of tells man that He can change his life -> man believes, takes a step of faith and goes. He had to GO and wash, THEN and only THEN could he see. Same for us. We need to walk in God’s ways and obey His calling. Take steps of faith. Just go.

Another thing: the man didn’t know much, but he did know one thing – that he was blind but now could see. Full stop. That phrase is repeated 3 times in the passage eh… yeah. That was the only thing that mattered to him. All the rest weren’t important. Jesus did a miracle in his life, that was more than enough for him. Childlike faith. I pray that God will restore childlike faith in each and everyone of us.

Oh and… today, during CSE lesson, the teacher Mr Choy told us this: when we were young, we were so innocent, so easily fascinated by the world around us. Now, we’ve come to take things for granted. We fail to see the beauty in small things. We fail to notice, we fail to stop and ponder, we fail to smell the roses. (He was actually using this to illustrate the importance of knowing how things work, instead of merely relying on Youtube. And I pray that God will help me hate sin as much as he does. Actually linked to the following: the Pharisees’ focus wasn’t on the miracle. It was actually on the fact that Jesus healed on a Sabbath. A beautiful description of God’s love. And they missed the whole point. The point was that Jesus healed the blind man, Jesus approached the blind man, Jesus worked through the man’s weakness, Jesus loved him. Contrary to this, the Pharisees went on and on about the Sabbath thing, and they missed out on what God really wanted them to see. God doesn’t care much whether we jump in praise or merely clap, He doesn’t care much about whether we sprinkle or immerse, He doesn’t care much about whether we pray in tongues or not, He doesn’t care much whether we’re Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal or non-denominational. God cares whether we’re in a right relationship with Him or not. He cares whether we love His people or not. Prayer: For God to restore our childlike faith, and to keep our minds on things that really matter. =)

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 12:33 AM

Ryan:
If we continue to sin we are disobeying God, we must pray more to God read our bibles day and night. Pray for a renewal of the mind and let the Holy Spirit to clear our evil thoughts and desires .If any areas of our bodies have sin ask God to heal you .God is a wonderful healer. He listens and hears but we are disobeying Him.

Prayer points

I pray that there will be new revelation ahead of us if we fulfill God’s promises commit to Him with all your heart and mind.
I pray that God will renew us completely in the areas of trouble and pain.


Ben Tay:

Sin always exists and never fails to find inroads to my live. Sin should be blocked out as I seek a righteous lifestyle before God. Sometimes, the sins waiting to pouch onto myself is easily spotted; whereas in some cases they are tough to spot. This requires a lot of accounting to fellow brothers and sisters as they would be able to help keep a lookout for the sins awaiting to trap me.
What I can do to further ensure that sin doesn't creep into my life is to follow God closely. This means that I have to think and pray through every action that I take. With an intimate relationship, discernment from the HS will prevail and I would be able to flee from temptations. The battle doesn't start on the action itself, but it starts in the mind.
Prayer points: Fruitful and Spirit-led GFG on Thursday and Saturday

caixuan:

Sin is everywhere.Temptations, peer pessure etc.But once u set your mind to stop sin from entering your life and with the help from the holy spirit.Sin will not have a place in our lives.we will live a victorious christian life.how do we go abt doing it? I must pray to God, telling Him i need to depend on Him and build a deeper relationship with God.With God in my life, He will constantly remind me of the consequences of commiting sins and wad i want to bring to Him is glory. Prayer point: dependence on God, pray more

When i read this passage, the word that struck me the most is the word "evil", so i begin to question myself and pray, and realised that "evil" is anything that do not honor God! evil does not mean only the crime that we commit in the eyes of the Singapore law but it can also be things like faithlessness! bible said that not having faith is a sin! and i also remembered that Jesus put "wicked" and "lazy" together! being lazy is also a sin! God is not just talking abt sin on our outer being but also the sin that we commit in our inner being too!

Pray for me to stop being faithless in this grueing period!! Jesus take over!! woo~~

Regards,
Junyao


As much as we always talk about taking ownership in our school, about our life, in whatever we do... God takes much more ownership about each and every one of us! Even though we may not be as fine as pure as silver(gosh.. not even gold), God still wants the best of us.

prayer points:
be always convicted in ownership of my life, so that glory may be to God.

Mau


This verse is reflected very often, yet to live up to these standards is an uphill battle. Everytime we choose to yield to our impulse and selfish nature, we gave a part ourselves to sin. In our struggles, we must pull ourselves away from being overwhelmed by all the areas we feel defeated and inadequate in and instead recognise what is truly God’s concern. What God is truly concerned about will be emphasised in His Word. It is in the greatest 2 commandments:


Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength.


The second is this: Love your neighbour as you loved yourself.


These 2 commandments are worth pursuing and should be a continual focus on our personal growth.
Prayer point: Lord, help me to be closer to love You with all my heart, mind, soul and strength everyday. Amen.

Si yuan












Romans 6:12-14

I was reminded that I need to guard my heart when I serve in God's kingdom.Its easy to start compromising and yielding to sins when we are not aware and alert but we need to know that we can be in the world but not of the world...By his grace you and I can have life and have it to the full with his unconditional forgiveness.Offering and surrending our lives totally to God isn't an easy task but because we were chosen by him, we were equipped with his love.Grace is priceless and I'm experiencing it everyday of my life!

Prayer pt:
Pray for the renewing of my heart right now; I pray that my heart will be strong against its enemies and as I serve the one above all,I want to offer my life to you lord!

Ping

Do not let sin to take control of our lives. Satan always work in the dark and sneak in when we are not alert. Satan seizes the chance when you are not armed. Although Christ has died for our sins, it doesnt mean that sin will be gone forever. When Christ died on the cross for our sins, we are reborn. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, it says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" Ya! We ought to live a new and different life in Him and through Him. Sin is still there but it's a matter of whether we are able to say "NO!". I think this whole passage is reminding us to stay on guard and be senstive of the surroundings, to be sensitive of the possible sins around us so that we will not fall for it.

Prayer:
Alertness of the traps that are set up to make me fall

-JasmIne

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 12:37 PM

SIM2 is here to SHAREEEEEEEE:)

PNF DAY 8 [Romans 6: 12-14]

Legomaster Liyin says:

“Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness…” (v13) We offer parts of our body to sin by allowing sin to dictate our thoughts and actions. And yeah, it’s a choice leh. “…do not let…”, “Do not offer…”. A conscious decision. It’s a choice whether? to continue living in sin or take hold of the grace given and live a new life. Instruments of wickedness. When I offer my body to sin, I choose to allow it to go against God’s purposes. But when I yield my life to Him, He can use it to fulfill His purposes. It’s a choice I have to make to join in His work or do nothing or even worse, hinder it.

How can I refuse to “let” sin reign in my body? By not offering any parts to sin, and offering them all to God. By acknowledging God as the Lord over my life. My thoughts, my actions, my decisions, giving all these to God. 1 Peter 3:13-16 – Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” =) I have to make a CHOICE to offer my body to Jesus as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. I have to obey. I have to surrender and let Jesus take control. Romans 12:1-2 – Do not be conformed any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. =)

How do I sometimes offer the parts of my body to sin? By filling our minds with worldly things. We fill up our minds with all these things except things of God. We prioritize our own selfish desires, motives and agendas above God’s. We take our eyes off God and set them on seemingly important things. We let ourselves be led by emotions, by our own thoughts, rather than being led by God. We consider ourselves to be more important than others.

In what way can sin become my master? I didn’t really understand, so I asked this question instead: how can God become my master? God is only truly my master when I decide to give my life to follow Him. If I call God my Master and I don’t obey, then God isn’t really my Master because I didn’t submit to Him. So… Sin can become my master when I allow it to overrun in my life. When I consciously allow it. God reminded me that yeah, I must make the decision to be holy, to be set apart. If I don’t allow God to work in my life, then I won’t be who He called me to be.

How can I depend on God’s grace to make sure that sin doesn’t become my master? We’ve got to receive grace first. How to receive? We need to realize that we need it. “T’was grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved.”? One way to not let sin rule over me: Remember that not only was I saved by grace, I am loved this day by GRACE. How to depend on God’s grace? Stay close to the cross. Regularly and honestly examine myself, confess my sins and shortcomings and accept God’s forgiveness. Stay close to God lo. =)

Prayer:
-To be more conscious of God’s presence.
-To be more aware of my inadequacies, my lack, and realize my need for God’s grace.

"Mary" Wong Li Yi says:

we have already died to sins so we cant live in it any longer which means not to keep on sinning. We should not allow ourselves to be taken over by sins because in that way we're slaves to our own sins.Instead, our obedience should be to God. I need to keep reminding myself that it is by grace that ive been saved and in me begins a new life which i live to God.
Also, in e later part of Romans6, it says that by offering our body to sin is equivalent to impurity. We should be offering our body to righteousness which will lead to holiness which results in eternal life.

Jesline says:

v12- evil desires to me refers to self centred worldly and humanly desires. As we start to know God more and understand His purposes, there should be a shift in our desires from One that satisfies self to one that constantly seeks to satisfy God. When we do this, we can be certain that we are living according to God's will and not for self interest.

v13- since we wil always offer ourselves to either God or sin, we ought to be wise in choosing which we want to submit to bcos even though God's way may not be easy, pleasurable, but it is the best for us and it will bring us great blessing.

Prayer:
- to persevere in walking in the ways of God even though sometimes in the world what we do for God, what we believe in seemed to be stupid in the eyes of others. Ask God to help me in making tough decisions for Him so as to honour Him in my ways.

LOOLOO michelle yueling says:

This passage reminded me of WWJD (what would Jesus do?). We tend to get anxious easily when bad things happen and these caused us not to think properly and as a result we sin. Example, being angry, impatient. And of cos, we are not perfect. that is why we have to stay real close to the HS. Allow e HS to guide and remind us b4 we commit any sins. Also to think of WWJD.And as we confess our sins to God and repent, and with God's grace and mercy, we are free from being slaves to sins. Since our body is a temple of Christ,we have to take good care of it and not allow it to commit any sins.So,i wanna pray that i would keep "WWJD" close to my heart, so as to make me think twice b4 i make any decisions.

Shu Ning the cute says:

This reminds me to guard my heart and to purify my thoughts and not to let sin take control of my body. Temptations in this world might be great.but OUR GOD IS GREATERRRRRRR.in fact, He is the greatest:) even in times where our thoughts sin against God, look to Him in total surrender and repentance.even evil thoughts will take control of our minds. Do not give in to bodily pleasures and be like ppl of the world.Instead, remember that your body is a temple of God. even when your mouth sins,you are sinning against God.
Speaking in vulgarities, gossiping, talking behind somebody's back can also be a form of sinning. Do not let that take control because, how can the mouth that praise God be used to do these things.
Therefore, most importantly, to be a salt and light in our community.

Elaine the Jellybean says:
we are God's creation and created us in the image of Him. We tend to show a good image of Him outwardly but inside us, we may harbour negative thoughts which we have unknowingly sinned. In the bible, God has given us a perfect example to follow which is Jesus. The bible shows how Jesus led a holy life despite the situation He is in.

Prayer point:
To control my inner thoughts.

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 11:10 PM

Sharon:
"I have refined you in the furnace of affliction, but found no silver there, you are worthless with nothing good in you at all" (The living bible translation) Testings/obstacles are part of God's molding, at the end of our life time.. When we meet Jesus face to face how would we want to be greeted? "My good and faithful servant" or what is stated in v10 saying "you worthless with nothing good in you at all" - after enduring through the test of 'life' do we try our best to pass obstacles or try our best to avoid them? Live a life that pleases God -> Do not only hate the obvious sins in our lives but also the socially acceptable ones which we tend to over look or conform to due to our environment (grey areas) Life worth living is a life lived in reverence of God!

Hanyun:
Reading the verse alone made me very confused, and i checked out the previous chapters. The Israelites were stubborn people. Though they had heard and seen the greatness of God, and despite repeated warnings from God, they refused to acknowledge Him. This was when God said these verses, because God knows them well. People, are often very self centered, and sometimes we think that the world revolves around us. Being absorbed in our own problems and perceived tough times, we tend to be self centered even in our relationship with God. This is when God wants to humble and bring us back to reality. His grace and mercy towards us is a gift! All along it was ALL about God, not us! And still, though we are inadequate, God yearns to use us and show His glory through us. I pray to sit humbly before God's throne, hearing Him speak and not telling Him what i want. At all times to acknowledge that He is sovereign.

Michelle:
We are sinful in nature, but when we accept Christ, we sin less, but still not to the point of being sinless. But we are different in a way that we are being transformed to be more Christ like and that when people see the change in us, we are actually glorifying God. This reminded e of areas that I'm still sinning or I'm holding on to. And if I'm able to overcome it, I'm able to show the glory of God for humans are limited, while God is powerful. What seems impossible is possible for God. Want to pray that I'll overcome it together with God. Allow His glory to be shown through me.

Jesline:
God is not a god of contradiction. Although God can destroy us everytime we disobey and turn away from Him, when we refuse to obey him and harden our hearts, He still will be patient in teaching us His ways. He may teach us by allowing us to experience difficult or painful things in our life but it is all for the sake of upholding His promise that is both loving and just. 2 Peter 3:8-9. God is patient in transforming us in His glory.
Prayer- That i will not take advantage of God's kindness and patience towards me, even as i go through exams, i want to allow God to do His work in me so that i may be refined to become more like Christ in character.

Shuning:
God put us through these testings so that we can glorify Him through our molding. Through our molding, we become better people to glorify His name. Allow God to take control of our lives and allow Him to mold us.

Elaine:
It's by his grace and forgiveness that we are forgiven. Because Jesus died for us so we can have the freedom and eternal life. As a believer we should reflect how jesus is like. It's not easy to do that because we are imperfect, we can never be the standard of God but we should not have this mindset and stop seeking after God's intended purpose for us. As a christian is not about how we treat people well from our own strength but rather it's how god use us as a channel to show the people his love.
Prayer point- i want to find out more about his purpose for me.

Liyi:
I think this is one of the toughest passage as it took me quite some time to understand. From the passage, what i understood was that the people of Israel were full of sins and they were stubborn. Thus in v10, God talks about refining the people to purify them. By using the analogy of silver, it takes a long and tough process for the silver to become pure. In the same way, i see God as my goldsmith and He wants to refine me into someone who is pure. However, i really don't know what to expect as God will test me to get me refined and molded. Rather, i can be stubborn to not give in to God's testing. I would want to allow God to purify me and at the end of the day, i can give glory to God and say that He is the one who molds me to who i am today.

Liyin:
Didn't understand the passage, so read Isaiah 48:1-11 instead, which was about stubborn Israel. God was questioning them. For Israel, by its sinful ways, did not acknowledge God as GOD. But God reminded the ppl of who they were, where they had come from (from v1 to 2). That they were God's ppl and He was their God. And the way God phrased His words showed them that they were believers in name but not in deeds. Yes, they were called by the name of Israel, come from the line of Judah, take oaths in His name, invoke God's name, but they don't do it in truth or righteousness. God then proceeds to say "you who call yourselves citizens of the holy city and rely on the God of Israel". Through the ages, God had given them prophecies of what is to come, and then brought those things to pass, to show that He is God, to reveal Himself to them (v5-6). And He asked the ppl in v6, "Will you not admit them?" God reminded me that all His prophecies and revelations to the ppl are to build them up, but more importantly, to reveal Himself to them. He knew His ppl inside out, and knew how they would react to certain situations.?

God went to great lengths to bring Israel out of its stubbornness, its refusal to acknowledge God. "For I knew", "Well do I know". God KNEW His ppl from the inside out. He knew their character and their responses, that's why He did what He did for them. Same for us. Whatever troubles God allows us to go through, they are CATERED, specially designed to mold our character in the ways God knows best. Everyone's different, with different character flaws and mindsets. That's why what we go through is different and unique, just nice for us.?

And God says He tests and refines us for His own sake. Well, it occurred to me that if we made something, we would want it to be the best it can be, to reach its potential. God knows exactly what we need, as seen from the verses in front. And God is molding and refining us into who He wants us to be. Because God is holy and righteous. And His work is of eternal importance. He called us out. We are called out BY God and FOR God. If we call ourselves His children, and then don't live according to His Word, then we are showing the world how unreal and how small our God is. I believe that's why God said "How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another." 1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. =)

Prayer: To see challenges in this light, that they are specially designed to address my character flaws and help me reach my fullest potential. And yes, to be reminded of WHO called me to do what i'm doing, WHO placed me where i am.?

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 10:16 AM

JASMINE:

There's a reason why God put us in trials and temptations. He wants us to go through all these so that we will be able to learn and grow. He will not test us beyond what we can bear. I think this verse is trying to assure us that despite having difficulties in our lives, God will not leave us. Since these are the areas God wants us to grow,we should receive the trials with an open and assuring heart. This is because no matter what happen, God is with us and He is in control of all things.

Prayer Request:
To grow in reliance on God when in tough times.


CAIXUAN:

God puts us to test and temptations so tt we can have a breakthrough in our lives.Like God said:" I have tested you in the furnace of affliction". God allows us to go through high heat and compression so tt we can grow stronger and firm.God has a plan for everyone here, in which, for his own sake, and the glory of his grace, he saves all that come to Him.

Prayer request:
pray for a breakthrough in any areas of my life.


JUNYAO:

today's verse really let me have the image of a discipline father who want the best for me... the best for my character growth... this is something that i find it hard to reconcile with God sometimes bcos many a times He will use uncomfortable, unfavourable situation to stretch my character which most of the time i really dislike it and at that instance, i always find it hard to recognise that is God who allowed those situations to happen so that i can learn and grow to become the person He wanted me to be.

Pray for me to see people and situations from the eyes of God so that i can really grow to "give thanks in all circumstances"


RYAN:

We must give glory to God in the time of the furnace!


SIYUAN:

When I read this verses, they baffle me. Then I read in context and realize that we need to read in context. It's about rebellious and stubborn Israelites being tested and found to be "not of silver", but impure and useless! Yet for His Name among the people, God did not allow them to suffer the wrath they deserved. From my point of view, God is like having pride issue LoL but upon closer examination, it speaks of His mercy... and the context: that was the Old Testament - no sacrifice by Jesus yet. By rule, they should have perished but God still held back. God's doesn't need pretend to be merciful to gain glory for Himself - He was glorious all along! His mercy merely reflects an aspect of His glory.


BEN TAY

Reflection points: This song came to my mind

Light The Fire Again – by Vineyard

Don't let my love grow cold
I'm calling out
Light the fire again
Don't let my vision die
I'm calling out
Light the fire again

You know my heart, my deeds
I'm calling out
Light the fire again
I need Your discipline
I'm calling out
Light the fire again

I am here to buy gold
Refined in the fire
Naked and poor
Wretched and blind I come
Clothe me in white
So I won't be ashamed
Lord, light the fire again

The passage is a promise to me. When I go through the valleys, and pain due to pruning, I know the purpose. It is to glorify God. It is for my own good too. I get refined. My motives are tested so that I stay pure for new oil.

Prayer points: Expend all the time I have on hand for God’s glory through the success of my academics, being faithful in taking care of those in my care and those around me, focus on my own rest and health, and on God’s eternal strength to last through this absurd period.


POH LIPING

I once read from an article that we were determined by God as chosen vessels, and a good work of grace begun in us, in the furnace of affliction. It is comforting, that God will secure his own honour, therefore work deliverance for us.If God delivers his people, he cannot be at a loss for instruments to be employed and I'm glad that his refiner's fire is ever present to purify my heart as seen from this verse.

prayer pt:
Purify my heart once again lord so that when I live each day of my life I can see you being lifted up.

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 11:54 PM

Jellybean 1: Jesline

Reflection: The understanding of God's love towards ourselves and the people around us is not something natural to human knowledge. It is the holy spirit that lives in me who helps me to understand God's love and this love is not exhausted. It will continue to grow and build up.

Prayer point: today i am praying for God to expand my ability to love myself and the people around me. i pray for a heart of compassion towards people which comes from the heart of God. also praying for my family salvation!


Jellybean 2: Michelle

Reflection: God;s love is unconditional and cannot be compared to anything in the world. this love is also so special that we are able to overcome all circumstances. not just that, God's love reminded me that i am special too! and that we are priviledged to be able to experience this love that it should overflow.

Prayer point: God's love will overflow through me to others. i will love people more, just like how God loves me.

Jellybean 3: Sharon

Reflection: If God have changed his purpose, the sons of jacob would have been consumed. however, because god has a purpose that he has been working out from the very beginning. he looked beyond what these people were doing to destroy and remove themselves from his purpose. God, in a sense overlooked what they were doing- all the way to the future, to the conclusion of his purpose for them. God says, 'i do not change,' he has never altered his purpose from the beginning. in our own lives many times we fail to live out a life pleasing to God but one thing for sure is God does not change his love for us! many times there are valid reasons for him not to bless us due to our sinful nature but God is a man of his words! reminds me of my favourite verse 2 tim 1:4: "guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you- guard it with the help of the holy spirit who lives in us." linking to v16. indeed our inner being- heart requires strengthening and guarding by the holy spirit in order that God is able to dwell and sustain in us to walk through the right path during this lifetime. v18b shows christ love for us measured in areas of: wideness- he embraces us despite the wide "varities" of sin we commit. longness/deepness- he know certain "deep" sins that has taken root in us that we tend to fall into again and again, the journey of us having a breakthrough is long but he never forsake us despite our many disappointment to him. this kind of love is something man sometimes cannot phantom out, as it is beyond what our mind can reason out which may bring skepticism about his love that despite the many times of falling him.

Prayer point: never fail to understand the 4 elements of God's love. wide/high/long/deep

Jellybean 4: Shu ning

Reflection: first we have to allow God to work in our hearts then can God show us how much he really loves us, this love that we will receive will be so magnificent that we have never experience before. give yourself fully to God so that he can work in us.

Jellybean 5: Hanyun

Reflection: "Fullness of God" in the amplified bible means to "have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself". Is not this what we aim to strive towards, to become Christ-like. And in these verses, Paul reveals the way to be closer to this, In fact, this should also be a prayer for ourselves and our fellow believers. The love of God, something that we're undeserved of, something that is so majestic that our human brains can not fully fathom, but yet is the basis of our faith. We all came to know God because of His love yea? And i pray to be rooted in this love, and allow Christ to dwell in my heart. God does not force His way into our hearts, and we must be aware and allow our hearts to be softened towards Him. And Paul's usage of the word "dwell" means Christ's presence to be lasting (not something that comes and goes, which might be the case for us at times).

Jellybean 6: Li Yi

Reflection: Like what was written in the passage ‘how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ’, Christ’s love for us is so great that it cannot be measured. The love of Christ is not just a head knowledge thing. In John 3:16, it says ‘for God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’. From this verse, God’s love is so great that He can even sacrifice His Son to die on the cross for us and even before we were saved, His love was already there for us. And, God’s love for us is abounding and unfailing. I know many a times I may fail Him and even do things that hurt Him but He still loved me the same which also points out to what Paul’s ultimate prayer is. In order to be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God, I must first die to myself. I must first allow God to come work in me before I can experience the fullness of God.


Prayer point: Like how God loves me, I want to love Him with all my mind, heart, soul and strength.

Jellybean 7: Li Yin

Reflection:Knowledge, as said in the Bible,?teaches ppl the right way to live. Wise, prudent people store up knowledge and act in knowledge. And.. in Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Others are?Proverbs 10:14, 12:1, 13:16. Knowledge is also considered knowing God (or rather, the knowledge of God), in Isaiah 11:9, Habakkuk 2:14, 2 Corinthians 2:14, 4:6, 2 Peter 3:18. God's love for us surpasses all knowledge - He loves us even before we come to know Him, He loves and treasures all the works of His creation. His love also surpasses the knowledge of His glory. Reminded me of the song 'So You Would Come': "Before the world began, You were on His mind. And every tear you cried was precious in His eyes...Nothing you can do, can make Him love you more. And nothing that you've done, could make Him close the door. Because of His great love, He gave His only Son, everything was done so you would come."


In what way does God's love surpass knowledge? 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. His love surpasses all understanding, all boundaries. He loves us even when we fall, and His love for us never changes. Sometimes we find it hard to love even our own selves, because of the things we've done. But God loves us anyway.


Paul's ultimate prayer for his friends was that they be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Whoa. I didn't understand what it means by fullness of God.. Haha. Reading from Colossians 1:19 and 2:9, I found out that the fullness of God is found in Christ. "No longer I who live but Christ who lives in me." Paul's desire was that we as Christians would be made more and more like Jesus each and every day of our lives. Being constantly transformed by the power of His love. For He loves us too much to leave us the way we are. Therefore, in God's love, He disciplines, rebukes, encourages, corrects and affirms. Paul's ultimate prayer was that we might find a life worth living in Christ Jesus! Whoa. Dying with Christ, alive with Christ. Dying to sin, dying to self, living a new life with Him and for Him. Colossians 2:6-7 - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. =) Reminded me of the song 'Overtaken'. Hee.?


Prayer point:The following is what I wrote la.. So maybe can help me pray along these lines? XP okay here goes: "Lord, I pray that You will overtake me. God, take over all of me. I'm letting go, so come and have Your way in me. Lord, here I am. Fill me to the measure of all Your fullness. Help me to die to myself and live a new life in You, for it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. Let my heart be changed, renewed. And Lord, I know the weaknesses I see in me will be stripped away by the power of Your love. So come Lord, and do Your work in me. Pull out the weeds in my life though it's painful Lord, mould me, refine me. Thank You Lord. In Jesus' name amen. =)"


Jellybean 8: Elaine

Reflection: God's love has no boundary. his love for us is so deep that at times we find it unbelievable. his love is not just for us but for the non-believer too. that he is at work in everyone life. our love for him cannot be compared to his gracious mercy and grace.

Prayer point: to hold fast his promises.

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 9:53 PM

Siyuan
Some things are beyond human comprehension or whatever human devices. Why did Christ died? What is the significance? How can we prove that God, much less His love, actually exists? I don't know the "deep" and scientific reasons behind them. All I know is God's principles transformed my life, His Spirit spoke through and to me at crucial timings in my life, and if I ever leave Him now I'll be making the greatest possible mistake in my life. God holds my life together. His existence explains most things I could not comprehend.

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 11:40 PM

Siyuan
If God is unchanging from the Old T to the New T till now, it means that by right I'm supposed to die but by left He spared me and loved me! It shows that His love is unchanging the whole time! God is faithful and I should be faithful to Him too.


Cai Xuan
God is known to be unchanging. His love, His grace and mercy always remains the same. Whatever He promises you, He will fulfill. It is just a matter of time as the bible has written: there is a season for everything. God's unchanging nature will allow us to seek Him and tell Him our problems as He is always there for us.
Prayer point: Give thanks to God for His unfailing love.


Jun Yao


Haha! I think God like to question me these days man! He asked me, "Are you being faithful to me today?"

I was like "Wow! This is a tough question!" hmmm... i think God has been always constant, the same today and forever in my life, but i don't think I am like that to Him. I can't even always trust that He can handle what i'm going through when He always believe in the imperfect and sinful me. Haha! if u think i'm doing a self-condemnation here, it is not but is a realisation and reminder of how God is REALLY faithful to me.

"He who brought me through what i went through last time, will be the one who will bring me through this time"

Pray for consistency in my being and doing in God and also a consistent trust in Him

Maurise

This verse is short, but it made the greatest in my heart so far!

It just gave me another light of how wonderful, awesome is the God that i'm serving right now!
all insecurities and fear of the world would be gone with the wind!
because of His unchanging nature, i do not worry which standards to follow, i do not worry about my faith in the Almighty one, i do not beat the air with aimless purpose.
I'm loved forever till eternity, just as our God doesn't change.
Amen.

Jasmine

1) Reflection Point:

"God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and in the future."
People can disappoint us but God will not disappoint us. This is because people are always changing. Today, they will say ABC is good and then, tomorrow they will say ABC is bad. But God will not change. His standards on us do not change just because we look ugly, we look pretty, we are smart or we are stupid.

2) Prayer Request:
For a heart that will believe

Li Ping

Malachi 3:6

His unchanging nature is an assurance for me as I walk with him and let me know that many situations and people can change but definitely not him.We are not consumed by sins because our jehovah's compassion and mercy fails not.

Prayer point:
See the everlasting compassion of God and have the confidence that since he's consistent, he will bring me through difficulties and challenges.

Ben Tay

Malachi 3:6

His unchanging nature is an assurance for me as I walk with him and let me know that many situations and people can change but definitely not him.We are not consumed by sins because our jehovah's compassion and mercy fails not.

Prayer point:
See the everlasting compassion of God and have the confidence that since he's consistent, he will bring me through difficulties and challenges.

Shawn Yeo

Reflection: God does not change, which means that He is the same in whatever era. In our modern society where morality is relative, God’s word from the bible does not fickle with the changing times. By not changing, it shows that the standard set is the perfect standard, and we all fall short of it (one way or another)

Prayer pt: discipline in study. Please pray for facebook to be destroyed.

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 10:23 PM