My answer to LUKE WARMNESS is BROKENNESS
My responses to today's sermon:
It is a desperation concerning 3 areas
1. Concerning the Condition of our hearts
Only when we see the emptiness of our hearts can we draw near to the Lord.
Last time, when I sinned, there's always a sense of condemnation in me. Yes, I know God died for me and I am forgiven because of the cross and my confession. I would still feel discouraged that I have committed the sin willfully. Now, after this new understanding, I have come to a realization that it only shows a NEED FOR GOD in my life. I must thirst after Him in this dry and weary land. That's the appropriate response. I will sin NO MORE.
2. For the Cleansing of the Lord
You can love only God so much because you know how much God loves you. Until you see the sinfulness of your heart, you would not see the greatness of God.
I acknowledge what my heart is capable of, thus appreciate who God is.
3. For a New Creation
There's nothing in us that wills to do God's will. If ever there's willingness to pray/ serve, it is a grace of God. Christian life is not about behavior modification, its about heart transformation.
I was touched by the fact that it is only by the Grace of God that we are able to things that pleases the Lord. I never did see that in the total picture that was described by pastor. I always thought that "I" disciplined myself to pray. Never did I see it that It was only by the grace of God that I was even willing to be disciplined and to pray. What a revelation for me. It was never an "I" in it.
Showing posts with label Narash (Lion of God). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Narash (Lion of God). Show all posts
Monday, February 25, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Prayer Buddies
Daniel and I have been praying on Fridays.
A few fridays back, during our time before the Lord, I felt that one of the brothers maybe in danger. So we prayed for all of you.
Then on the next week wednesday (some cny celebrations at Changi Naval base), so I was travelling on a shutter bus to Changi Naval base. Suddenly, the bus veered to the side of the roas (**** super straight road). And it tilted. Scared me for a while. And the bus hit a lamppost and came back on course. Without the lamp, we were gone. We could have toppled over if not for the lamp post...Hmmm lamppost or??? Then I realised WITHOUT GOD, we are gone! A simple thanksgiving for The Lord who saves!
Last friday, Daniel and I felt simply to pray for revival, also deny ourselves and devote ourselves to God. So we just with no agender spent one hour praying in tongues. Awesome TIME... Just very wonderful. And on that day, we came up with a plan, to meet up and to pray together atleast once a month. Of course, all are invited.
This is the thanksgiving part. Then came in the Challenge from Ps Seng Lee to go start prayer meeting everywhere possible. And after came in another heartfelt message and challenge issued by Ps Khong. I can totally see how God is leading us. All in one direction - - - - He is our Shepherd.
A few fridays back, during our time before the Lord, I felt that one of the brothers maybe in danger. So we prayed for all of you.
Then on the next week wednesday (some cny celebrations at Changi Naval base), so I was travelling on a shutter bus to Changi Naval base. Suddenly, the bus veered to the side of the roas (**** super straight road). And it tilted. Scared me for a while. And the bus hit a lamppost and came back on course. Without the lamp, we were gone. We could have toppled over if not for the lamp post...Hmmm lamppost or??? Then I realised WITHOUT GOD, we are gone! A simple thanksgiving for The Lord who saves!
Last friday, Daniel and I felt simply to pray for revival, also deny ourselves and devote ourselves to God. So we just with no agender spent one hour praying in tongues. Awesome TIME... Just very wonderful. And on that day, we came up with a plan, to meet up and to pray together atleast once a month. Of course, all are invited.
This is the thanksgiving part. Then came in the Challenge from Ps Seng Lee to go start prayer meeting everywhere possible. And after came in another heartfelt message and challenge issued by Ps Khong. I can totally see how God is leading us. All in one direction - - - - He is our Shepherd.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
The Crying Need of the Hour
So the truth is reaffirmed: God has given us prayer because Jesus has given us a mission. We are on this earth to press back the forces of darkness, and we are given access to headquarters by prayer to advance this cause. When we try to turn it into a civilian intercom to increase our conveniences, it stops working, and our faith begins to falter. We have so domesticated prayer that for many of us it is no longer what it was designed to be-a wartime walkie-talkie for the accomplishment of Christ's mission.
We simply must seek for ourselves and for our people a wartime mentality. Otherwise the biblical teaching about the urgency of prayer and the vigilance of prayer and the watching in prayer and the perseverance of prayer and the danger of abandoning prayer will make no sense and find no resonance in our hearts. Until we feel the desperation of a bombing raid or the thrill of a new strategic offensive for the gospel, we will not pray in the spirit of Jesus.
The crying need of the hour is to put the churches on a wartime footing. Mission leaders are crying out, "Where is the church's concept of militancy, of a mighty army willing to suffer, moving ahead with exultant determination to take the world by storm? Where is the risk-taking, the launching out on God alone?" The answer is that it has been swallowed up in a peacetime mentality.
We are a "third soil century." In the parable of the soils, Jesus says that the seed is the Word. He sows his urgent Word of kingdom power. But instead of taking it up as our sword (or bearing fruit), we "are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful" (Mark 4:18-19).
This is why Paul says that all of life is war----every moment. Before we can even engage in the mission of the church, we have to fight against the "the deceitfulness of riches" and "desires for other things." We must fight to cherish the kingdom above all "other things"-that is our first and most constant battle. That is the fight of faith. Then, when we have some experience in that basic battle, we join the fight to commend the kingdom to all the nations.
Let The Nations Be Glad! by John Piper
The Supremacy of God In Missions through Prayer: page 51www.desiringgod.org/
We simply must seek for ourselves and for our people a wartime mentality. Otherwise the biblical teaching about the urgency of prayer and the vigilance of prayer and the watching in prayer and the perseverance of prayer and the danger of abandoning prayer will make no sense and find no resonance in our hearts. Until we feel the desperation of a bombing raid or the thrill of a new strategic offensive for the gospel, we will not pray in the spirit of Jesus.
The crying need of the hour is to put the churches on a wartime footing. Mission leaders are crying out, "Where is the church's concept of militancy, of a mighty army willing to suffer, moving ahead with exultant determination to take the world by storm? Where is the risk-taking, the launching out on God alone?" The answer is that it has been swallowed up in a peacetime mentality.
We are a "third soil century." In the parable of the soils, Jesus says that the seed is the Word. He sows his urgent Word of kingdom power. But instead of taking it up as our sword (or bearing fruit), we "are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful" (Mark 4:18-19).
This is why Paul says that all of life is war----every moment. Before we can even engage in the mission of the church, we have to fight against the "the deceitfulness of riches" and "desires for other things." We must fight to cherish the kingdom above all "other things"-that is our first and most constant battle. That is the fight of faith. Then, when we have some experience in that basic battle, we join the fight to commend the kingdom to all the nations.
Let The Nations Be Glad! by John Piper
The Supremacy of God In Missions through Prayer: page 51www.desiringgod.org/
Monday, October 22, 2007
^ Man of God
2TIM 3: 1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
There are 2 kind of people stated here : 1. Ungodliness and 2. A form of Godliness without power.
Who are Jannes and Jambres ?
Although they are not identified by name in the Old Testament, Rabbinic tradition holds that Jannes and Jambres were, or were among, the magicians who opposed Moses and Aaron at the time of the Exodus. The tradition would certainly be valid, otherwise Paul, while writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, would not have made it a part of the New Testament record.
Jannes and Jambres obviously had "miraculous" powers, but unlike Moses and Aaron who were empowered by God, the Pharaoh's magicians were fraudulent and/or Satanic.
And the 3rd Kind of person is described : Godliness
2Tim 3:10You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Tim 4:1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word
Yes, a Godly man. Paul is referring to himself. In the end times, there would people groups that would arise. Which one of the people group I am? That's the main question.
Group 1. Ungodliness
Group 2. People claim that there is a God but they actually live their lives as if God does nothing supernatural on the earth and can do nothing outside of natural laws and the works of man. They keep the God of creation in some box in the heavens where He can accomplish nothing in His own creation. Most in religion today have a form of godliness but they live as if God does nothing supernatural. They live as if God can do nothing outside of the efforts of man. Their God is no God at all.
Group 3: Godliness calls forth suffering.
So which one do you want to be?
6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
There are 2 kind of people stated here : 1. Ungodliness and 2. A form of Godliness without power.
Who are Jannes and Jambres ?
Although they are not identified by name in the Old Testament, Rabbinic tradition holds that Jannes and Jambres were, or were among, the magicians who opposed Moses and Aaron at the time of the Exodus. The tradition would certainly be valid, otherwise Paul, while writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, would not have made it a part of the New Testament record.
Jannes and Jambres obviously had "miraculous" powers, but unlike Moses and Aaron who were empowered by God, the Pharaoh's magicians were fraudulent and/or Satanic.
And the 3rd Kind of person is described : Godliness
2Tim 3:10You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Tim 4:1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word
Yes, a Godly man. Paul is referring to himself. In the end times, there would people groups that would arise. Which one of the people group I am? That's the main question.
Group 1. Ungodliness
Group 2. People claim that there is a God but they actually live their lives as if God does nothing supernatural on the earth and can do nothing outside of natural laws and the works of man. They keep the God of creation in some box in the heavens where He can accomplish nothing in His own creation. Most in religion today have a form of godliness but they live as if God does nothing supernatural. They live as if God can do nothing outside of the efforts of man. Their God is no God at all.
Group 3: Godliness calls forth suffering.
So which one do you want to be?
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Day 1 Ministry trng
Today Ps Senglee started asking us "Must ALL 144 be able to minister?".
- Isaiah - Yes, all believers are called to be able to minister.
- Mark 16: 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Question here is - Why is it our Christian experience differnt from the scripture? When is the last time you cast out a demon or spoke in new tongues or people recover when you prayed for them....
Darkness exists because the Light is gone.
Who is the light? - Us (The Church)
The problem is that the Light does not shine in the darkness.
2Tim 3
- When is the last days
- Who are these people (who are lawlessness)
- Did you experience the power? - Godliness without power. Poundless christians to Powerful christians.
verse 10 - Appropriate response
verse 12 -
verse 16 - Live by the word only grantee for a POWERFUL Christian life.
The man is able to stand through persecution if you the one whose foundation
John welsey's prayer : May I be mastered be one book - The book of God
Powerless Christians
- Sins; not living by the word
- Strongholds; denying the word
- Seasons; internalizing the word
The question is Are you willing to pay the price - 2Tim 3:10
Outwardly you die, inwardly you produce life to others....
- Isaiah - Yes, all believers are called to be able to minister.
- Mark 16: 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Question here is - Why is it our Christian experience differnt from the scripture? When is the last time you cast out a demon or spoke in new tongues or people recover when you prayed for them....
Darkness exists because the Light is gone.
Who is the light? - Us (The Church)
The problem is that the Light does not shine in the darkness.
2Tim 3
- When is the last days
- Who are these people (who are lawlessness)
- Did you experience the power? - Godliness without power. Poundless christians to Powerful christians.
verse 10 - Appropriate response
verse 12 -
verse 16 - Live by the word only grantee for a POWERFUL Christian life.
The man is able to stand through persecution if you the one whose foundation
John welsey's prayer : May I be mastered be one book - The book of God
Powerless Christians
- Sins; not living by the word
- Strongholds; denying the word
- Seasons; internalizing the word
The question is Are you willing to pay the price - 2Tim 3:10
Outwardly you die, inwardly you produce life to others....
Thursday, October 11, 2007
blessing continously
This 100k challenge has really set me thinking about the motivation to bless others. I thank God that we had this whole 100k campaign. I felt on hindsight this has been a WAKE UP CALL for me. Wakie Wakie. What is my motivation behind blessing others. Shall it be not just hitting the targets set before us. But the right spirit is truly truly one of blessing others.I was reading Matt 25:40 and reflecting. I found that the Righteous and Cursed asked the same questions - They didn't know as to WHY they were either being rewarded or punished. And secondly the bigger question - HOW was Jesus involved in this?
Firstly, I believe the Lord is asking me 'when I am in the capacity of being able to bless another person, did I?
Second is that of seeing. Both the righteous and the cursed didnt know when did they see the Lord. I see it as an issue of pespective. Do we see others who needs a blessing or do we shut our eyes to them? Jesus puts it that the act of blessing to others is like worship unto Him.
Lastly, the question is what am I doing about it? I must continue blessing others.
Matthew 25: 31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
A Time for Everything
Lord, what TIME is it in my life now? I guess Time never waits for anyone. Its either you seize the moment or it just passes you by. From one time to another time, its called a Transition. I can be caught up in time. Thats when i become a slave in time. 'Oh no, i dont have enough time.' Become a Master of your time. Jesus never said he was too busy. He effectively managed it.
Lord, give me wisdom on how I should spend my time.
Ecclesiastes 3
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Lord, give me wisdom on how I should spend my time.
Ecclesiastes 3
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Monday, September 17, 2007
A Promise
Romans 10:11-13 (New American Standard Bible)11For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED."
I so often have said that I have been disappointed. Disappointed because of people, of how things work out, of other situations I cant control. But this simple scripture points me to WHOM I put my trust in?
Then comes the next part, WILL NOT BE. Easy to understand. In other words, will never be disappointed. Wow! Its an absolute statement that applies to whoever.
1. In Him - Promiser
2. Will not be - Promise
In the Amplified version it says, 11 The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed.
Why do I feel disappointed? Another way to ask the question is: Whom did I put my trust in? Is it on myself or people or what???!
I want to believe and live this out in my life.
I so often have said that I have been disappointed. Disappointed because of people, of how things work out, of other situations I cant control. But this simple scripture points me to WHOM I put my trust in?
Then comes the next part, WILL NOT BE. Easy to understand. In other words, will never be disappointed. Wow! Its an absolute statement that applies to whoever.
1. In Him - Promiser
2. Will not be - Promise
In the Amplified version it says, 11 The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed.
Why do I feel disappointed? Another way to ask the question is: Whom did I put my trust in? Is it on myself or people or what???!
I want to believe and live this out in my life.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Earth shakes
Matthew 24:6-8
6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains.9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.
Mark 13:7-9
7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
9"You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.
Luke 21:10-12
10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
12"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.
Currently are we experiencing the birthpains? A good question to good think about but not to dwell on it.
A great question to think about - If Being a Christian were a crime, would there be enough evidence in your life to convict you?!
1King 19:11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
Everyone is caught up in the tremors of this world but what is Lord saying... Have you sat down to hear Him today?
6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains.9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.
Mark 13:7-9
7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
9"You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.
Luke 21:10-12
10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
12"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.
Currently are we experiencing the birthpains? A good question to good think about but not to dwell on it.
A great question to think about - If Being a Christian were a crime, would there be enough evidence in your life to convict you?!
1King 19:11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
Everyone is caught up in the tremors of this world but what is Lord saying... Have you sat down to hear Him today?
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
My Skydive Experience in Sydney
1. The prep phase - Key to the experience. Strap yourself and learn the key moves. One of the move is called " Do the banana".2. The take off phase - Having all the mixed emotions as the plane was rising higher and higher. But the path was being laid for the experience itself.
3. The Leap off phase - Red - Yellow- GREEN. Single mindedly getting ready to jump off to a totally new experience. The only way to taste it. Open your eyes and ENjoy...
4. The Freefall phase - AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Heart in my mouth. Clouds beneath my legs. I am flying without wings. I am falling actually. When is it going to end. The wind is uncomfortably rushing at my face. Oh ya the parachute! I trust it would open. Well, its a beautiful sight anyway.
5. The Open Parachute phase - What a relieve, it opened. But the gravity is still pulling me down. Lets go to our landing phase. More time to enjoy the scenery.
6. The Landing phase - It would nice and smooth with the proper posture and catching the right wind. Phew! Awesome. Will I do that again?! hmmmm to be answered again.
Clarence's and My (Generalised) reflection:
- Every Cause requires a Cost.
- The Cost can deter you from the Course.
- But the Cause can bring you through the Cost and Complete the Course.
- Conviction to the Cause or Calling is very impt.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Carrot or Stick
2John1: 8 Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.
Reward has to be earned.
The word rewarded fully also means can be rewarded partially or no rewards.
2Cor5: 8We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
This is definately speaking to the Believers. "for things done while in the body" emphasizes that Paul is talking to the believers. Yes, Jesus will judge us. Not our Sins. Then what.....
Judgement/ Decision - Outcome resulting from an investigation.
A decision which would result in Reward / Loss.
Heb 6: 1Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And God permitting, we will do so.
And these Eternal decisions will stand forever. The way we live as believers will determine how we will spend eternity.
Believers are Judged:
1. Our involvement in building the kingdom of God
2. How are built individual lives
God wants to reward us. The only thing we can take with us is the people and not material things.
Matt 25:14-28
The story of 3 servants and what they did with the talents they were given.
Servant A: 5 talents ------ 10 talents
Servant B: 2 talents ------ 4 talents
Servant C: 1 talent ----- 1 talent
"talents" is interpreted as gifts.
~ And both servant A and B were equally rewarded.
Luke 19:11-27
The story of the Minas whereby each Servant (10) was given 1 mina to start out with.
Servant A multipies it to 10 minas ----- 10 cities
Servant B mutiplies it to 5 minas ----- 5 cities
And minas were taken away from those who didnt multiply. And were punished.
~ In this story the servants were not rewarded equally.
2Peter 1: 2Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
The key word is through...
What does Grace do: God empowers us to do beyond what we can do.
More Grace means: More than what you can do.
Through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord - Relational relationship. That is why we need to do QT, pray and spend time in solitude with him.
Proverbs 9: 10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. "
Therefore we can multiply through the Grace of God. And there 3 ways we can multiply ourselves to build the kingdom of God and people's lives.
1. Through Giving
2Cor 8: 1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
2Cor 9: 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2. Through Partnership
Luke16: 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
Phil 4: 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.
"your account" is referring to the account to Jesus. Yes, you can impact more lives by partnership.
3. Through Prayer
Yes, praying for the Leaders/ Pastors / Evangelical Events / Reach outs... Just by praying, you are building His Kingdom.
4. Through Serving in Ministries
1Sam 30: 24 Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike." 25 David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.
Anyone who is a part of a team will get the same reward. Meaning every life that is saved is credited to everyone on the team, not just the Pastor/ Preacher. You have touched the same number of lives as the Preacher that preaches even as you serve Him in any small way.
- John bevere
Reward has to be earned.
The word rewarded fully also means can be rewarded partially or no rewards.
2Cor5: 8We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
This is definately speaking to the Believers. "for things done while in the body" emphasizes that Paul is talking to the believers. Yes, Jesus will judge us. Not our Sins. Then what.....
Judgement/ Decision - Outcome resulting from an investigation.
A decision which would result in Reward / Loss.
Heb 6: 1Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And God permitting, we will do so.
And these Eternal decisions will stand forever. The way we live as believers will determine how we will spend eternity.
Believers are Judged:
1. Our involvement in building the kingdom of God
2. How are built individual lives
God wants to reward us. The only thing we can take with us is the people and not material things.
Matt 25:14-28
The story of 3 servants and what they did with the talents they were given.
Servant A: 5 talents ------ 10 talents
Servant B: 2 talents ------ 4 talents
Servant C: 1 talent ----- 1 talent
"talents" is interpreted as gifts.
~ And both servant A and B were equally rewarded.
Luke 19:11-27
The story of the Minas whereby each Servant (10) was given 1 mina to start out with.
Servant A multipies it to 10 minas ----- 10 cities
Servant B mutiplies it to 5 minas ----- 5 cities
And minas were taken away from those who didnt multiply. And were punished.
~ In this story the servants were not rewarded equally.
2Peter 1: 2Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
The key word is through...
What does Grace do: God empowers us to do beyond what we can do.
More Grace means: More than what you can do.
Through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord - Relational relationship. That is why we need to do QT, pray and spend time in solitude with him.
Proverbs 9: 10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. "
Therefore we can multiply through the Grace of God. And there 3 ways we can multiply ourselves to build the kingdom of God and people's lives.
1. Through Giving
2Cor 8: 1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
2Cor 9: 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2. Through Partnership
Luke16: 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
Phil 4: 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.
"your account" is referring to the account to Jesus. Yes, you can impact more lives by partnership.
3. Through Prayer
Yes, praying for the Leaders/ Pastors / Evangelical Events / Reach outs... Just by praying, you are building His Kingdom.
4. Through Serving in Ministries
1Sam 30: 24 Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike." 25 David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.
Anyone who is a part of a team will get the same reward. Meaning every life that is saved is credited to everyone on the team, not just the Pastor/ Preacher. You have touched the same number of lives as the Preacher that preaches even as you serve Him in any small way.
- John bevere
Saturday, September 8, 2007
The next generation!
Palsms 45:16-17
Instead of the Fathers, its the sons
Its about the father building the generations that supersedes them.
Predictability Unpredictable
Father- established, knowing, proven and tried
Son - Unestablished, unknown
To have a commitment to the unpredictable.
There were 2 pastors - 1 of the son had exploded the father's ministry and the other was trying hard to keep going.
Jesus was random (unpredictable)
John 4- A Jew speaking to a Samaritan lady! How was moving into the unknown. Jesus was always talking about the practical stories Through the parables he told- Jesus challenged it towards the unpredictable.
Some areas we need to be Predictable
-Loyalty is not skin-deep
Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. - We cant have everybody as a friend. And therefore Loyalty should be predictable.
- Reliability
The people are gracing by us by being there in Time for the service,
'Time of service' - Punctuality expected and must be followed through. It for the start and the End.
-Believe
i know i believe i am persuaded i am committed- says Paul
-Creditability
Living by your own conscious. Very impt as a leader...
-Commitment
Not only Good starters but GOOD finishers as well.
You are built for great things!
- Vision
Commitment to vision is impt. You know what happens when there is no vision.
Predictability is your enemy therefore commit yourselves to unpredictability such as:
- Spontaneity
Too much predictability becomes your enemy
- Surprise
Some people hate surprises becoz their comfort is rattled
Don't like surprises becoz they want to be in control
-Innovation brings life
Go into the untried and unproven
- Creativity
Being artistic and being creative aren't the same things
We come from our fathers. We honor them. We acknowledge their wisdom.
But dont take things back to the fathers.
- Influence
Don't get influenced by the daily things that is always done before.
- Challenge the structure.
Message is scared but the method must change.
Word of God never changes.
Move things towards the sons. there would be freshness, fresh life, newness..
-Empowering the generation (2Nd phase)
Not setting up the new generation to win. letting go is the harder part.
the idea is one of building princes.
-Experiences cant be our master
We overate experiences.
Experiences and wisdom aren't necessarily the same things.
- Textbooks cant build churches
Some people are always looking for the next book.
Let readers be readers of life of people
Books have to be a servant.
- Structure and Programs
Keep the structure under the surface. Not that its not impt.
We need a certain order so that everything runs.
But must understand which should be the master and servant.
-Culture
Who put culture in charge.
EX: Denmark's culture - Is one that tells its people Not to stand out.
It will stop them from doing what which is unpredictable.
Hey culture has its limitations
-Heritage/ backgrounds
Nv allow heritage to bound you.
Be more loyal to your father than the past
Unpredictability - makes history . Yes, we do learn from history
Predictability - Serves history and repeats history
We honor father. Children must obey parents.
My loyalty is to the father outweighs the loyalty to the father's pasts.
Instead of the Fathers, its the sons
Its about the father building the generations that supersedes them.
Predictability Unpredictable
Father- established, knowing, proven and tried
Son - Unestablished, unknown
To have a commitment to the unpredictable.
There were 2 pastors - 1 of the son had exploded the father's ministry and the other was trying hard to keep going.
Jesus was random (unpredictable)
John 4- A Jew speaking to a Samaritan lady! How was moving into the unknown. Jesus was always talking about the practical stories Through the parables he told- Jesus challenged it towards the unpredictable.
Some areas we need to be Predictable
-Loyalty is not skin-deep
Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. - We cant have everybody as a friend. And therefore Loyalty should be predictable.
- Reliability
The people are gracing by us by being there in Time for the service,
'Time of service' - Punctuality expected and must be followed through. It for the start and the End.
-Believe
i know i believe i am persuaded i am committed- says Paul
-Creditability
Living by your own conscious. Very impt as a leader...
-Commitment
Not only Good starters but GOOD finishers as well.
You are built for great things!
- Vision
Commitment to vision is impt. You know what happens when there is no vision.
Predictability is your enemy therefore commit yourselves to unpredictability such as:
- Spontaneity
Too much predictability becomes your enemy
- Surprise
Some people hate surprises becoz their comfort is rattled
Don't like surprises becoz they want to be in control
-Innovation brings life
Go into the untried and unproven
- Creativity
Being artistic and being creative aren't the same things
We come from our fathers. We honor them. We acknowledge their wisdom.
But dont take things back to the fathers.
- Influence
Don't get influenced by the daily things that is always done before.
- Challenge the structure.
Message is scared but the method must change.
Word of God never changes.
Move things towards the sons. there would be freshness, fresh life, newness..
-Empowering the generation (2Nd phase)
Not setting up the new generation to win. letting go is the harder part.
the idea is one of building princes.
-Experiences cant be our master
We overate experiences.
Experiences and wisdom aren't necessarily the same things.
- Textbooks cant build churches
Some people are always looking for the next book.
Let readers be readers of life of people
Books have to be a servant.
- Structure and Programs
Keep the structure under the surface. Not that its not impt.
We need a certain order so that everything runs.
But must understand which should be the master and servant.
-Culture
Who put culture in charge.
EX: Denmark's culture - Is one that tells its people Not to stand out.
It will stop them from doing what which is unpredictable.
Hey culture has its limitations
-Heritage/ backgrounds
Nv allow heritage to bound you.
Be more loyal to your father than the past
Unpredictability - makes history . Yes, we do learn from history
Predictability - Serves history and repeats history
We honor father. Children must obey parents.
My loyalty is to the father outweighs the loyalty to the father's pasts.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
True Humility- John bever
1Cor15: 9 was written in 56AD by Paul.
Paul by then was an established pastor. And By 66-67Ad he was beheaded.
False humility is deception. People often react in a humble manner to compliments. When a boss says 'Good work', oh its not me but Jesus la. But inside their heart, they go like 'take a good LOOK at me, yea, me me' . But Paul wasn't like that. He considered himself as the least of the apostles. He was able to separate himself from everything else that he has done. Humility keeps us protected.
Then there's the story of the 10spies and Caleb. 10spies say that the enemy cant be defeated. Number13:30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it."
And other spies said in Number13:31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are."
Who is the prideful one in this story? Caleb who seems to yayapapaya or the men who made a much more rational judgement. Answer: CALEB whose confidence was in the Lord.
Numbers 12:3
How to cloth yourself with humility... if you don't know what it is.
Eph 3:7-8
What is True humility? When we are completely and utterly dependant on Him.
A. Eph 3:7-8 Paul is speaking 3 years before he was beheaded.
He could not have written false humility in the bible. Unless of course it has been sowed that way. He must have been a humble man. It is inspired of the Spirit. Can't be a lie.
B. 1tim1:15 - Paul says he is the bottom of the barrel. He is pressing on.......... He did'nt let pride creep into his life.
C. Psalms 25:9 - We can be Humble. out of the intimate knowledge of God, Israel knew his acts but Moses knew His ways.
Could this be the reason why Moses, Abraham, David, Paul knew Jesus so intimately.
D. The more we see Him the more we transform like Him.
Isaiah 57:15 - Those with a Humble spirit, dwells in Him
James4:8 - with word 'humility' sandwiched in it
Paul by then was an established pastor. And By 66-67Ad he was beheaded.
False humility is deception. People often react in a humble manner to compliments. When a boss says 'Good work', oh its not me but Jesus la. But inside their heart, they go like 'take a good LOOK at me, yea, me me' . But Paul wasn't like that. He considered himself as the least of the apostles. He was able to separate himself from everything else that he has done. Humility keeps us protected.
Then there's the story of the 10spies and Caleb. 10spies say that the enemy cant be defeated. Number13:30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it."
And other spies said in Number13:31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are."
Who is the prideful one in this story? Caleb who seems to yayapapaya or the men who made a much more rational judgement. Answer: CALEB whose confidence was in the Lord.
Numbers 12:3
How to cloth yourself with humility... if you don't know what it is.
Eph 3:7-8
What is True humility? When we are completely and utterly dependant on Him.
A. Eph 3:7-8 Paul is speaking 3 years before he was beheaded.
He could not have written false humility in the bible. Unless of course it has been sowed that way. He must have been a humble man. It is inspired of the Spirit. Can't be a lie.
B. 1tim1:15 - Paul says he is the bottom of the barrel. He is pressing on.......... He did'nt let pride creep into his life.
C. Psalms 25:9 - We can be Humble. out of the intimate knowledge of God, Israel knew his acts but Moses knew His ways.
Could this be the reason why Moses, Abraham, David, Paul knew Jesus so intimately.
D. The more we see Him the more we transform like Him.
Isaiah 57:15 - Those with a Humble spirit, dwells in Him
James4:8 - with word 'humility' sandwiched in it
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
"You are Creative genius" - Ed Young
Creativity -You've got it Now use it! You've got it now use it. Yea...
Creativity is from God. Being Creative means being Comfortably Uncomfortable.
Why must we be Creative?
Gen 1:1 - Father created/invented it
Eph 5:1 - We are called to imitate the Father
If you wont be you there will be a gap in God's Creative order.
Matt 13:34 - Son modeled it (The creative way he taught the gospel, only now we are discovering it)
2Cor 3:17- Holy spirit empowers creativity
How do we do it in a whole another level?
We have to ride on the raggard edge of creativity IN THE LOCAL CHURCH.
like in Act 2.
John 6:35 - Church is like the table on which the Bread is served.
What must a church look like?
1/3 of those who are hell bound
1/3 of those new believers
1/3 of those who are mature and fired-up
Its about being Consistently inconsistent.
So that we can be comfortably uncomfortable.
Comforted by Christ Uncomfortable for Christ
But Every time you hit a whole new level- you will meet a whole new Devil. Because change is involved.
Change - Conflict - Growth
Story of the biggest flea market in Kent, taxes
They were eating at a picnic table (shaded area) and there was a lady giving them a sample of what they were already eating. And she went to the other people who were already having their lunch. Instead of just going out of the shaded area to give the sample to those who haven't eaten yet. Out the people were many people walking.
HOW to apply Creativity?
1. Prayer
"God unleash the creativity".
2. Be willing to go through labour and delivery
3. Make time for the faded waves
We are busy. Over-committed. Over the top.
Dive into things that match God's rhythm. "Breaks" our schedule that is important.
4. Install the confusion principle
Change your workout every month - with that principal it confuses the muscle so that it grows.
Same way. Creatively pray, do QT, do something else.
Application: To be creative in the way I run cell. How????
Creativity is from God. Being Creative means being Comfortably Uncomfortable.
Why must we be Creative?
Gen 1:1 - Father created/invented it
Eph 5:1 - We are called to imitate the Father
If you wont be you there will be a gap in God's Creative order.
Matt 13:34 - Son modeled it (The creative way he taught the gospel, only now we are discovering it)
2Cor 3:17- Holy spirit empowers creativity
How do we do it in a whole another level?
We have to ride on the raggard edge of creativity IN THE LOCAL CHURCH.
like in Act 2.
John 6:35 - Church is like the table on which the Bread is served.
What must a church look like?
1/3 of those who are hell bound
1/3 of those new believers
1/3 of those who are mature and fired-up
Its about being Consistently inconsistent.
So that we can be comfortably uncomfortable.
Comforted by Christ Uncomfortable for Christ
But Every time you hit a whole new level- you will meet a whole new Devil. Because change is involved.
Change - Conflict - Growth
Story of the biggest flea market in Kent, taxes
They were eating at a picnic table (shaded area) and there was a lady giving them a sample of what they were already eating. And she went to the other people who were already having their lunch. Instead of just going out of the shaded area to give the sample to those who haven't eaten yet. Out the people were many people walking.
Ironically thats like our the church today.
We should be feeding the hungry outside.
Jesus said "Go" - sending us in twos as sheep among the wolfs.
He said "go" and It is not to be comfortable.
Jesus said "Go" - sending us in twos as sheep among the wolfs.
He said "go" and It is not to be comfortable.
HOW to apply Creativity?
1. Prayer
"God unleash the creativity".
2. Be willing to go through labour and delivery
3. Make time for the faded waves
We are busy. Over-committed. Over the top.
Dive into things that match God's rhythm. "Breaks" our schedule that is important.
4. Install the confusion principle
Change your workout every month - with that principal it confuses the muscle so that it grows.
Same way. Creatively pray, do QT, do something else.
Application: To be creative in the way I run cell. How????
Friday, July 20, 2007
Pride must die
Isaiah 6: 1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
Isaiah sees angles. And he heard them calling ‘holy holy holy’ In Hebrew language, when they want to emphasize they would stated it twice. In this passage, it shows the highest degree of emphasis. It has been only used in this manner twice. Once in Isaiah another in Rev 4: 8. When they were crying the inner parts of the door which is stable and throne room of God shook. Wah how loud would that have been.
Isaiah Saw. Isaiah6 :5- He realizes who he is in the glimpse of the Glory of God. Angles bring cleansing. Then God speaks. Just like Isaiah all of us need a fresh vision of Jesus. But Stop how was it possible. Lets go back into how this passage started. King Uzziah died. 2Chron 26:1-5 – So long he sought after the Lord he prospered. He restores Judah (2Chron 26:16-19). PRIDE enters Uzziah. A spirit of pride and a spirit of religion comes along hand in hand. They strengthen ach other.
Pride keeps you from admitting you have become religious and religion covers up your pride by spiritual behaviour.
Leprosy – A type of judgement for an outward manifestation of a inward problem. Usually sexual sin is Pride (inward) problem. Pride must die. To the degree PRIDE dies will be the degree you will see God.
Paul in Phil 3:4-6 says that whatever Doctorate in theology (Hebrew of Hebrews) or a Pharisee (Spiritual and Political leader), he counts it to be dung (Phil 3:8). And he would press on meaning there are oppression and resistance to achieve the high goal. What is the Goal of our High Call? (Phil 3:10) So that we might know Him. Primarily it is not to cast out demons or heal the sick or preach the gospel to the nations (although these are good). “ But one thing I do, and forgetting these things behind.
4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
Isaiah sees angles. And he heard them calling ‘holy holy holy’ In Hebrew language, when they want to emphasize they would stated it twice. In this passage, it shows the highest degree of emphasis. It has been only used in this manner twice. Once in Isaiah another in Rev 4: 8. When they were crying the inner parts of the door which is stable and throne room of God shook. Wah how loud would that have been.
Isaiah Saw. Isaiah6 :5- He realizes who he is in the glimpse of the Glory of God. Angles bring cleansing. Then God speaks. Just like Isaiah all of us need a fresh vision of Jesus. But Stop how was it possible. Lets go back into how this passage started. King Uzziah died. 2Chron 26:1-5 – So long he sought after the Lord he prospered. He restores Judah (2Chron 26:16-19). PRIDE enters Uzziah. A spirit of pride and a spirit of religion comes along hand in hand. They strengthen ach other.
Pride keeps you from admitting you have become religious and religion covers up your pride by spiritual behaviour.
Leprosy – A type of judgement for an outward manifestation of a inward problem. Usually sexual sin is Pride (inward) problem. Pride must die. To the degree PRIDE dies will be the degree you will see God.
Paul in Phil 3:4-6 says that whatever Doctorate in theology (Hebrew of Hebrews) or a Pharisee (Spiritual and Political leader), he counts it to be dung (Phil 3:8). And he would press on meaning there are oppression and resistance to achieve the high goal. What is the Goal of our High Call? (Phil 3:10) So that we might know Him. Primarily it is not to cast out demons or heal the sick or preach the gospel to the nations (although these are good). “ But one thing I do, and forgetting these things behind.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Eternal rewards
2John1: 8Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.
This talks about a full reward. And rewards has to be earned. 'Rewarded fully' the word fully highlights to us that there must also be a NO and PARTIAL reward.
In 2Cor 5: 8We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Jesus will judge us. Yes, our sins wont be judged. Rather how we live our Christian lives would be judged.
Judgment- A decision resulting from an investigation.
Decision - outcome would be Reward/ Loss
Hebrews 6: 1Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,[a] and of faith in God, 2instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
Eternal Judgments or Decisions will stand forever. The way we live as believe determines how we will spend eternity.
Believers are judged based on
1. Our involvement in building the kingdom of God
2. How we built individual lives
John 4: 36Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true.
God wants to reward us. The only thing we can take is people and not material things.
Matt 25: 14- 28 ~ 5 talent multiplied into 10 talents, 2 talents into 4 talents and nothing more for the one with 1talent. Both of them doubled what they had. Therefore they were equally rewarded. Talents are 'gifts'.
Luke19: 11-26 ~ Each one given One mina. One with 10 minas was given 10 cities, 5 minas with 5 cities.
They were not equally rewarded.
Minas are associated with "annointing ".
2Peter 1: 2Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Wrong way of understanding God's grace. Grace- God empowered us to do beyond what we can do. More Grace, More you can do.
'in the knowledge'- relational knowledge. That is why we pray and Do QT.
Prov 9: 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
Mulitply ourselves through the Grace of God.
3 ways we can multiply ourselves.
1. Through giving - my offering
2Cor 8 :1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,
2Cor 9: 9As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
Poor - those who are desperate for the Kingdom of God.
Luke 16: 9I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. ~ How do we do this?
Through partership. Phil 4: 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.
'credited to your account' means we can impact more lives by partnership.
2. Through prayer. By praying for Leaders, organization, ministries, movements.
3. Through serving Ministries. 1Sam 30: 24 Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike." 25 David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.
Acts 1 -5 ~ More were added but from 6 onwards they were multiplied on.
This talks about a full reward. And rewards has to be earned. 'Rewarded fully' the word fully highlights to us that there must also be a NO and PARTIAL reward.
In 2Cor 5: 8We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Jesus will judge us. Yes, our sins wont be judged. Rather how we live our Christian lives would be judged.
Judgment- A decision resulting from an investigation.
Decision - outcome would be Reward/ Loss
Hebrews 6: 1Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,[a] and of faith in God, 2instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
Eternal Judgments or Decisions will stand forever. The way we live as believe determines how we will spend eternity.
Believers are judged based on
1. Our involvement in building the kingdom of God
2. How we built individual lives
John 4: 36Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true.
God wants to reward us. The only thing we can take is people and not material things.
Matt 25: 14- 28 ~ 5 talent multiplied into 10 talents, 2 talents into 4 talents and nothing more for the one with 1talent. Both of them doubled what they had. Therefore they were equally rewarded. Talents are 'gifts'.
Luke19: 11-26 ~ Each one given One mina. One with 10 minas was given 10 cities, 5 minas with 5 cities.
They were not equally rewarded.
Minas are associated with "annointing ".
2Peter 1: 2Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Wrong way of understanding God's grace. Grace- God empowered us to do beyond what we can do. More Grace, More you can do.
'in the knowledge'- relational knowledge. That is why we pray and Do QT.
Prov 9: 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
Mulitply ourselves through the Grace of God.
3 ways we can multiply ourselves.
1. Through giving - my offering
2Cor 8 :1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,
2Cor 9: 9As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
Poor - those who are desperate for the Kingdom of God.
Luke 16: 9I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. ~ How do we do this?
Through partership. Phil 4: 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.
'credited to your account' means we can impact more lives by partnership.
2. Through prayer. By praying for Leaders, organization, ministries, movements.
3. Through serving Ministries. 1Sam 30: 24 Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike." 25 David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.
Acts 1 -5 ~ More were added but from 6 onwards they were multiplied on.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
His grace
2Cor 12: 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
What a powerful mindset? "I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties". I want to learn what it means to live out this truth. This morning I heard the Lord saying, "My grace is more than sufficient for you". I guess I have not learnt to lean on God's strength for me. I dont delight. I actually suffer through it. Its painful, defensive and sorrowful at times.
"For Christ's sake" - what does this mean?
To spread the gospel with my life in everyTHING that i go through every weakness, insult, hardship, persecution, difficulty. I must spread the gospel because God's love for me is so real. His love for me is so so amazing. What can i say? I must be like paul - delight in all of that. I guess as i delight- He's power will rest on me.
Yea, I must pray that I'll delight in the things like Paul.
Happy birthday - Kong Meng... May the Lord bless you to be strong in Lord and give you good gifts.
What a powerful mindset? "I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties". I want to learn what it means to live out this truth. This morning I heard the Lord saying, "My grace is more than sufficient for you". I guess I have not learnt to lean on God's strength for me. I dont delight. I actually suffer through it. Its painful, defensive and sorrowful at times.
"For Christ's sake" - what does this mean?
To spread the gospel with my life in everyTHING that i go through every weakness, insult, hardship, persecution, difficulty. I must spread the gospel because God's love for me is so real. His love for me is so so amazing. What can i say? I must be like paul - delight in all of that. I guess as i delight- He's power will rest on me.
Yea, I must pray that I'll delight in the things like Paul.
Happy birthday - Kong Meng... May the Lord bless you to be strong in Lord and give you good gifts.
Monday, June 18, 2007
^ Brokeness
James 1:4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
I guess today I felt God was telling me that He is developing perseverance in me. Trials after trials. My heart is weak. My emotions run wild. God is strong. His love for me never fails. Isnt that simple. Although it hurts, I need to mature and be complete, no lacking in anything... I must be Christlike.
My prayer: Lord, strengthen my feeble knees and arms. Give me wisdom, and faith that i can keep on running the race you set for me.
Narash (Lion of God)
I guess today I felt God was telling me that He is developing perseverance in me. Trials after trials. My heart is weak. My emotions run wild. God is strong. His love for me never fails. Isnt that simple. Although it hurts, I need to mature and be complete, no lacking in anything... I must be Christlike.
My prayer: Lord, strengthen my feeble knees and arms. Give me wisdom, and faith that i can keep on running the race you set for me.
Narash (Lion of God)
Thursday, May 17, 2007
^ broken before You
Psalm 18: 1 I love you, O LORD, my strength. 2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
A psalm written by David when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.
He had a heart of submission.
I have a closer understanding how he may have felt.
Is my world ending! No... And now I call on You.
My world is with God. I am weak. I am not asking why. But how can i shine for you? I am not able. I have failed. I am weak. I struggle. Emotions are overwhelming me. I know my purpose. I know my position. This is my race. I have bloody knees. God Help me. I must go on. I will do my best. I must be consistent. I have to press on.
31 For who is God besides the LORD ? And who is the Rock except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.
36 You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.
A psalm written by David when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.
He had a heart of submission.
I have a closer understanding how he may have felt.
Is my world ending! No... And now I call on You.
My world is with God. I am weak. I am not asking why. But how can i shine for you? I am not able. I have failed. I am weak. I struggle. Emotions are overwhelming me. I know my purpose. I know my position. This is my race. I have bloody knees. God Help me. I must go on. I will do my best. I must be consistent. I have to press on.
31 For who is God besides the LORD ? And who is the Rock except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.
36 You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.
Lord, i dunno how. But I'll follow you.
Narash (Lion of God)
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
^ God converts hearts
1 Corinthians 2:4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
Sharing the gospel cant be done by winning the mind. Its not a mind game! But by what the mind cant comprehend. God does what men cannot do. That is why God is God. We do not want to build people based on what we say. But rather based on the power of God.
Demonstration of Spirit's power: Can be done only if I choose to live a life relying of God's power.
Only the Holy spirit can make heart conversion not by the powerful persuasiveness of men. So why do we give up- if its not about us! Because we think we have failed. Because we think that the person is impossible. Because we forget God is in charge.
Applications
Today, I quarrelled with someone at work. Lost my temper. I need more of the Power of Holy spirit. I want my faith to be build on God's power and not resting on men's wisdom. And to renew my mind daily on this matter. And to practise Sanctified imagination before approaching heated up matters. Always 'PAUSE' for the Holy spirit to work within. And not continue with the argument.
And in cell, we prayed for those who havent received the gift of tongues to receive. And it was wonderful as both of them received. Casey and Jeremy! and brandon and dennis prayed for and along with them. oH how Beautiful it was... It was by the power of God alone, possible. So that they would live by the Power of God not by my wisdom...
Narash (Lion of God)
Sharing the gospel cant be done by winning the mind. Its not a mind game! But by what the mind cant comprehend. God does what men cannot do. That is why God is God. We do not want to build people based on what we say. But rather based on the power of God.
Demonstration of Spirit's power: Can be done only if I choose to live a life relying of God's power.
Only the Holy spirit can make heart conversion not by the powerful persuasiveness of men. So why do we give up- if its not about us! Because we think we have failed. Because we think that the person is impossible. Because we forget God is in charge.
Applications
Today, I quarrelled with someone at work. Lost my temper. I need more of the Power of Holy spirit. I want my faith to be build on God's power and not resting on men's wisdom. And to renew my mind daily on this matter. And to practise Sanctified imagination before approaching heated up matters. Always 'PAUSE' for the Holy spirit to work within. And not continue with the argument.
And in cell, we prayed for those who havent received the gift of tongues to receive. And it was wonderful as both of them received. Casey and Jeremy! and brandon and dennis prayed for and along with them. oH how Beautiful it was... It was by the power of God alone, possible. So that they would live by the Power of God not by my wisdom...
Narash (Lion of God)
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