We often hear of personality clashes. If we are going to understand each other, we must identify our personality differences.
The Peacemaker
Let's take a look at the peacemaker. This is the calm, slow, easy-going, well-balanced personality. This person is typically pleasant, doesn’t like conflicts, seldom seems ruffled, and rarely expresses anger. The peacemaker has emotions, but does not easily reveal them. In a marriage the peacemaker wants calm, tends to ignore conflicts, and avoids arguments at all costs.
The down side of this personality is that conflicts are often left unresolved. If they do get into an argument, the peacemaker will try to calm the other person by giving in even if he does not agree. They are kindhearted, sympathetic and want everybody just to enjoy life.
The Controller
What about someone who has a controlling personality? The controller is the quick, active, practical, strong-willed person. They tend to be self-sufficient, independent, decisive, and opinionated. Finding it easy to make decisions for their self, they often make decisions for other people as well.
Problems are seen as challenges to the controller. They have dogged determination and do not sympathize easily with others. The controller does not easily express compassion or warm emotions. While controllers typically accomplish much in life, they often run over others who stand in their way. If one has a strong controlling personality, he or she will likely need help in understanding how their actions affect others.
The Party Maker
Next, let's look at the party maker. This is the warm, lively, excited personality. For this person, all of life is a party. The party maker enjoys people, does not like solitude, and is at their best when surrounded by friends.
The downside of this personality is that others often see them as undependable and undisciplined. They are so much into the moment that they often forget previous commitments. If you are married to a party maker – enjoy the ride – and, ask your spouse how you might help them keep life on track.
The Journey Toward Harmony
The reason it is so important to understand personality types is that we tend to seek to meet our psychological and spiritual needs in keeping with our personality. If we understand the role that personality plays in motivating our behavior, we will understand each other better. Understanding leads to greater harmony in relationships.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from Desperate Marriages by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Thursday 30 July 2009
Tuesday 28 July 2009
Hindrances to Emotional Intimacy
Emotional intimacy has its roots in sharing passions, emotions, thoughts, experiences, desires and frustrations. We want someone who will be interested in knowing us and sharing life with us; someone who will take time to ask questions and time to listen to our answers.
Past Pain?
I am often asked, “Why won’t my spouse share their feelings with me?” One reason some husbands and wives do not share feelings is that they are not in touch with their emotions. For others, the pain of parents separating, the memory of physical or sexual abuse, the grief over the untimely death of a parent, or other experiences of emotional pain was never processed as a child. Years ago, the person stopped feeling because the pain was so intense. They separated their intellectual life from their emotional life and are no longer in touch with how they feel.
For this person to find health and healing, it will likely require the help of a trained counselor. It does not help for the spouse to condemn them for not sharing their emotions.
Emotions are Not Sinful!
Another reason some people do not share their emotions is that they have been taught that certain emotions are sinful. If we believe that it is wrong to feel anger, fear, and depression, then naturally we will try to deny these emotions rather than discuss them with a spouse. The Bible does not condemn emotions, but challenges us to process these emotions positively. “When I am afraid,” the Psalmist said, “I will trust in the Lord.” He does not deny the emotion, but rather chooses his response.
Reaching Out To overcome such fears, we must first acknowledge them. The next step is to share this information with our spouse in a non-condemning way. “I’ve been thinking about us and I have realized that I often do not share my feelings with you because I am afraid that it will stimulate anger in you, so I keep my feelings inside. I know this is not good for our relationship. I need your help in overcoming this."
The Center of It
Because the desire for marital intimacy is so deeply rooted in our psyche, it greatly affects all other aspects of family life. Time and effort spent in developing emotional intimacy in your marriage is time wisely invested. Emotional intimacy is at the heart of what marriage is all about.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from The Family You've Always Wanted: Five Ways You Can Make it Happen by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Past Pain?
I am often asked, “Why won’t my spouse share their feelings with me?” One reason some husbands and wives do not share feelings is that they are not in touch with their emotions. For others, the pain of parents separating, the memory of physical or sexual abuse, the grief over the untimely death of a parent, or other experiences of emotional pain was never processed as a child. Years ago, the person stopped feeling because the pain was so intense. They separated their intellectual life from their emotional life and are no longer in touch with how they feel.
For this person to find health and healing, it will likely require the help of a trained counselor. It does not help for the spouse to condemn them for not sharing their emotions.
Emotions are Not Sinful!
Another reason some people do not share their emotions is that they have been taught that certain emotions are sinful. If we believe that it is wrong to feel anger, fear, and depression, then naturally we will try to deny these emotions rather than discuss them with a spouse. The Bible does not condemn emotions, but challenges us to process these emotions positively. “When I am afraid,” the Psalmist said, “I will trust in the Lord.” He does not deny the emotion, but rather chooses his response.
Reaching Out To overcome such fears, we must first acknowledge them. The next step is to share this information with our spouse in a non-condemning way. “I’ve been thinking about us and I have realized that I often do not share my feelings with you because I am afraid that it will stimulate anger in you, so I keep my feelings inside. I know this is not good for our relationship. I need your help in overcoming this."
The Center of It
Because the desire for marital intimacy is so deeply rooted in our psyche, it greatly affects all other aspects of family life. Time and effort spent in developing emotional intimacy in your marriage is time wisely invested. Emotional intimacy is at the heart of what marriage is all about.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from The Family You've Always Wanted: Five Ways You Can Make it Happen by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Monday 27 July 2009
Song Story: Give Thanks
From Don
05.06.09
Because Give Thanks is one of the most recognizable songs that I sing, many people think that I wrote it. However, it was written by Henry Smith.
The year was 1978, and Henry had a lot to be thankful for. Recently graduated from seminary and soon to be married, he found himself deeply touched when his pastor preached about 2 Corinthians 8:9. In this verse the apostle Paul explains how Christ, though rich, became poor for our sake in order to help us understand and receive the true and eternal riches He offers us. Henry remembers being filled with peace when he heard this, and amazed at the depth and completeness of Christ’s love.
A seed was planted in him that soon blossomed in Give Thanks. Eight years later, he discovered that the song had “sung” its way into congregations across America.
“I consider what I did to be totally unremarkable,” says Henry. “But what God has done in carrying the song around the world and into people’s lives is incredible. He could have chosen anyone. I’m just thankful to be in His flow and a part of things He’s doing.” I am blessed to sing this song!
- Don
05.06.09
Because Give Thanks is one of the most recognizable songs that I sing, many people think that I wrote it. However, it was written by Henry Smith.
The year was 1978, and Henry had a lot to be thankful for. Recently graduated from seminary and soon to be married, he found himself deeply touched when his pastor preached about 2 Corinthians 8:9. In this verse the apostle Paul explains how Christ, though rich, became poor for our sake in order to help us understand and receive the true and eternal riches He offers us. Henry remembers being filled with peace when he heard this, and amazed at the depth and completeness of Christ’s love.
A seed was planted in him that soon blossomed in Give Thanks. Eight years later, he discovered that the song had “sung” its way into congregations across America.
“I consider what I did to be totally unremarkable,” says Henry. “But what God has done in carrying the song around the world and into people’s lives is incredible. He could have chosen anyone. I’m just thankful to be in His flow and a part of things He’s doing.” I am blessed to sing this song!
- Don
Sunday 26 July 2009
Live Responsibly Today
Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. - Matthew 6:34
Trusting God for tomorrow is a question of our worth. Jesus said, "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they read, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more then they?" (Matthew 6:26). Birds are not created in the image of God. We are! Birds will not inherit the kingdom of God, but we shall. Birds are mortal; mankind is immortal. If God takes care of the birds, so much more will He take care of us. That's why the apostle Paul could write, "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philip 4:19).
Matthew 6:30,31 states: "If God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Do not be anxious then." God lays His own reputation on the line. If we trust and obey, He will provide. This is a question of God's integrity. "For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things ... Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:32,34)
God's will is that we live responsibly today and trust Him for tomorrow. Are we people of little faith, or do we really believe that the fruit of the Spirit will satisfy us more than earthly possessions? Do we really believe that if we hunger and thirst after righteousness, we shall be satisfied? Do we really believe that if we seek to establish God's kingdom, God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory? If we do, then we will seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to us. Most of all, we will stop worrying about the tomorrows and let each tomorrow worry about itself. We thank our Lord, for His faithfulness in caring for us. We gladly cast all our cares on Him. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 7:33-34).
- Neil Anderson
Trusting God for tomorrow is a question of our worth. Jesus said, "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they read, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more then they?" (Matthew 6:26). Birds are not created in the image of God. We are! Birds will not inherit the kingdom of God, but we shall. Birds are mortal; mankind is immortal. If God takes care of the birds, so much more will He take care of us. That's why the apostle Paul could write, "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philip 4:19).
Matthew 6:30,31 states: "If God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Do not be anxious then." God lays His own reputation on the line. If we trust and obey, He will provide. This is a question of God's integrity. "For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things ... Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:32,34)
God's will is that we live responsibly today and trust Him for tomorrow. Are we people of little faith, or do we really believe that the fruit of the Spirit will satisfy us more than earthly possessions? Do we really believe that if we hunger and thirst after righteousness, we shall be satisfied? Do we really believe that if we seek to establish God's kingdom, God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory? If we do, then we will seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to us. Most of all, we will stop worrying about the tomorrows and let each tomorrow worry about itself. We thank our Lord, for His faithfulness in caring for us. We gladly cast all our cares on Him. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 7:33-34).
- Neil Anderson
2 AUGUST 2009
2 Aug 09
Caleb R.
Peggy Tan
Tian Sia, Jun Fhui, Siew Pin
Grace Lee, Jocelyn Lee
Darren
Kai Yew
Meng Fhui, Timothy C.
Tom C., Hiew FF
Caleb R.
Peggy Tan
Tian Sia, Jun Fhui, Siew Pin
Grace Lee, Jocelyn Lee
Darren
Kai Yew
Meng Fhui, Timothy C.
Tom C., Hiew FF
Friday 24 July 2009
Sunday 19 July 2009
The Holy Spirit Guidance
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. - Romans 8:14.
A young pilot had just passed the point of no return when the weather changed for the worse. Visibility dropped to a matter of feet as fog descended to the earth. Putting total trust in the cockpit instruments was a new experience for him, for the ink was still wet in the certificate verifying that he was qualified for instrument flying.
The landing worried him the most. His destination was a crowded metropolitan airport he wasn't familiar with. In a few minutes he would be in radio contact with the tower. Until then, he was alone with his thoughts. His instructor had practically forced him to memorise the rule book. He didn't care for it at the time, but now he was thankful.
Finally he heard the voice of the air traffic controller. "I'm going to put you on a holding pattern," the controller radioed. Great! Thought the pilot. However, he knew that his safe landing was in the hands of this person. He had to draw upon his previous instructions and training and trust the voice of an air traffic controller he couldn't see. Aware that this was no time for pride, he informed the controller, "This is not a seasoned pro up here. I would appreciate any help you could give me."
"You've got it!" he heard back.
For the next 45 minutes, the controller gently guided the pilot through the blinding fog. As course and altitude corrections came periodically, the young pilot realised the controller was guiding him around obstacles and away from potential collisions. With the words of the rule boo firmly placed in his mind, and with the gentle voice of the controller, he landed safely at last.
The Holy Spirit guides us through the maze of life much like that air traffic controller. The controller assumed that the young pilot understood the instructions of the flight manual. His guidance was based on that. Such is the case with the Holy Spirit: He can guide us if we have a knowledge of God's word and His will established in our minds.
- Neil Anderson
A young pilot had just passed the point of no return when the weather changed for the worse. Visibility dropped to a matter of feet as fog descended to the earth. Putting total trust in the cockpit instruments was a new experience for him, for the ink was still wet in the certificate verifying that he was qualified for instrument flying.
The landing worried him the most. His destination was a crowded metropolitan airport he wasn't familiar with. In a few minutes he would be in radio contact with the tower. Until then, he was alone with his thoughts. His instructor had practically forced him to memorise the rule book. He didn't care for it at the time, but now he was thankful.
Finally he heard the voice of the air traffic controller. "I'm going to put you on a holding pattern," the controller radioed. Great! Thought the pilot. However, he knew that his safe landing was in the hands of this person. He had to draw upon his previous instructions and training and trust the voice of an air traffic controller he couldn't see. Aware that this was no time for pride, he informed the controller, "This is not a seasoned pro up here. I would appreciate any help you could give me."
"You've got it!" he heard back.
For the next 45 minutes, the controller gently guided the pilot through the blinding fog. As course and altitude corrections came periodically, the young pilot realised the controller was guiding him around obstacles and away from potential collisions. With the words of the rule boo firmly placed in his mind, and with the gentle voice of the controller, he landed safely at last.
The Holy Spirit guides us through the maze of life much like that air traffic controller. The controller assumed that the young pilot understood the instructions of the flight manual. His guidance was based on that. Such is the case with the Holy Spirit: He can guide us if we have a knowledge of God's word and His will established in our minds.
- Neil Anderson
Sunday Sermon 19 July 2009
Speaker: Pastor David Rajaiah
St. Mark's Church, Seremban
http://www.fileqube.com/file/YOtpopYhD206254
St. Mark's Church, Seremban
http://www.fileqube.com/file/YOtpopYhD206254
26 JULY 20009
26 July 09
Barnabas P.
Peter Long
Gigi, Jacquelina, Richard
Jun Fhui, Meng Fhui
Terry/Weng Ern
Ken Fhui
Moses Tan, Tian Sia
Tommy, Tom C.
Barnabas P.
Peter Long
Gigi, Jacquelina, Richard
Jun Fhui, Meng Fhui
Terry/Weng Ern
Ken Fhui
Moses Tan, Tian Sia
Tommy, Tom C.
Friday 17 July 2009
Service in Your Family
In Bill Bennett’s bestselling The Book of Virtues, he lists work as one of the top ten virtues. Most historians agree that Western culture was built on the work ethic. In the family, much work needs to be done. Clothes must be washed, beds need to be made, food has to be prepared, trash must be stashed. Animals must be fed, cars must be washed, and grass must be mowed.
Who does all of this work in your family? Ideally it is shared by the husband, wife, and children. But the more important question is “With what attitude do you work?” If the road to greatness is serving others, then such work gives me a chance to aspire to greatness.
The Desire to Serve
In a healthy family, members have the sense that as they do something for the benefit of other family members, they are doing something genuinely good - almost noble. Individuals have an internal desire to serve, and an emotional sense of satisfaction with a job done for others. In a highly functional family, there develops the sense that service to others is one of life’s highest callings.
I believe that such an attitude of service must begin with the parents. If Dad is doing things to make Mom’s life easier, and Mom is serving Dad, it won’t be long until the kids want to get in on the fun. For those who don’t know where to start, let me suggest the following question: “What could I do for you this evening?”
The Hallmark of Greatness
In every vocation, those who truly excel are those who have a genuine desire to serve others. The most notable physicians view their vocation as a calling to serve the sick and diseased. Truly great politicians see themselves as “public servants." The greatest of all educators seeks to help the student reach his or her potential.
It is no different in the family. It is in giving our lives to each other that we all become winners. The scriptures say, “Give and it shall be given unto you.” They never say, “Demand and people will do what you demand.” The fact is, most people do not respond well to demands. But few people will reject loving service.
The hallmark of greatness is not the accumulation of wealth, nor the gaining of powerful positions. The hallmark of greatness is service to others.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from The Family You've Always Wanted: Five Ways You Can Make it Happen by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Who does all of this work in your family? Ideally it is shared by the husband, wife, and children. But the more important question is “With what attitude do you work?” If the road to greatness is serving others, then such work gives me a chance to aspire to greatness.
The Desire to Serve
In a healthy family, members have the sense that as they do something for the benefit of other family members, they are doing something genuinely good - almost noble. Individuals have an internal desire to serve, and an emotional sense of satisfaction with a job done for others. In a highly functional family, there develops the sense that service to others is one of life’s highest callings.
I believe that such an attitude of service must begin with the parents. If Dad is doing things to make Mom’s life easier, and Mom is serving Dad, it won’t be long until the kids want to get in on the fun. For those who don’t know where to start, let me suggest the following question: “What could I do for you this evening?”
The Hallmark of Greatness
In every vocation, those who truly excel are those who have a genuine desire to serve others. The most notable physicians view their vocation as a calling to serve the sick and diseased. Truly great politicians see themselves as “public servants." The greatest of all educators seeks to help the student reach his or her potential.
It is no different in the family. It is in giving our lives to each other that we all become winners. The scriptures say, “Give and it shall be given unto you.” They never say, “Demand and people will do what you demand.” The fact is, most people do not respond well to demands. But few people will reject loving service.
The hallmark of greatness is not the accumulation of wealth, nor the gaining of powerful positions. The hallmark of greatness is service to others.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from The Family You've Always Wanted: Five Ways You Can Make it Happen by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Wednesday 15 July 2009
God Speaks: Physical Touch
The language of physical touch demonstrated by Jesus and His followers did not end with a physical healing. The physical miracle was to validate Jesus’ claims and convince people to respond to His love—-to establish an eternal spiritual relationship with God. This is evidenced by what Peter said after the crippled man was healed. He urged his listeners, “Repent...and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—-even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything.”
Glowing From God's Presence
Moses also encountered God in a way that affected him physically. When he descended the mountain after God had given him the Ten Commandments, his face was radiant, although he didn’t realize it. But it was clearly evident to other people—so much so that he had to place a veil over his face.
Jesus' Public Ministry
The biblical account of the life of Jesus shows that He frequently used physical touch as a love language. As He taught in the villages, parents would bring little children to have Him touch them. His disciples first rebuked the people, thinking that Jesus was too busy for children. But Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Then He took the children in his arms and blessed them. It has always been true that some people are skeptical when others claim to be “touched by God.” But the greatest skeptics become the greatest believers when they personally experience God’s touch.
After Jesus returned to His Father, God continued to work through the believers in the early church. They gladly carried on the serving, touching, and healing ministry of Jesus. Since the first century, thousands of men and women have been touched by God. They, in turn, have touched others as representatives of Christ. They work in hospitals, giving baths and wiping fevered brows. They are in rescue missions, kneeling beside the homeless with an arm draped around the shoulder of a needy person. They serve as “greeters” in their churches to smile, extend a hand, and give an affirming pat on the back as people enter the house of worship. They are channels of God’s love, speaking fluently the love language of physical touch.
What's your love language? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from God Speaks Your Love Language by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about his resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Glowing From God's Presence
Moses also encountered God in a way that affected him physically. When he descended the mountain after God had given him the Ten Commandments, his face was radiant, although he didn’t realize it. But it was clearly evident to other people—so much so that he had to place a veil over his face.
Jesus' Public Ministry
The biblical account of the life of Jesus shows that He frequently used physical touch as a love language. As He taught in the villages, parents would bring little children to have Him touch them. His disciples first rebuked the people, thinking that Jesus was too busy for children. But Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Then He took the children in his arms and blessed them. It has always been true that some people are skeptical when others claim to be “touched by God.” But the greatest skeptics become the greatest believers when they personally experience God’s touch.
After Jesus returned to His Father, God continued to work through the believers in the early church. They gladly carried on the serving, touching, and healing ministry of Jesus. Since the first century, thousands of men and women have been touched by God. They, in turn, have touched others as representatives of Christ. They work in hospitals, giving baths and wiping fevered brows. They are in rescue missions, kneeling beside the homeless with an arm draped around the shoulder of a needy person. They serve as “greeters” in their churches to smile, extend a hand, and give an affirming pat on the back as people enter the house of worship. They are channels of God’s love, speaking fluently the love language of physical touch.
What's your love language? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from God Speaks Your Love Language by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about his resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Monday 13 July 2009
19 JULY 2009
19 July 09
Dr. Siow KW
Terry C.
Siew Pin, Joycelyn C., Richard,
Lydia Sim, Jocelyn Lee
Anna Sim
Jaemy C.
Colleen, Ken Fhui
Manjit, Tommy
Dr. Siow KW
Terry C.
Siew Pin, Joycelyn C., Richard,
Lydia Sim, Jocelyn Lee
Anna Sim
Jaemy C.
Colleen, Ken Fhui
Manjit, Tommy
Worship Conference on 25 July (Sat)
9am - 2pm
RM15/pax (include 118pgs handbook, lunch & other material)
Breakout classes offered - Five classes for musicians:
> Worship Keyboard
> Wind Instruments
> Drums & Percussion
> Worship Vocals
> Acoustic Guitar
* Music Theory Made Easy - beginning music reading crash course
* Worship Software – exploring free software for use in worship
* Bible Study for non-musicians
(For those who accompany a musician friend/spouse that have no interest in the musical/technical classes)
* Q&A Session hosted by Senior Pastor, Tim Stutts and Worship Pastor, Kenny Lamm (Particularly for worship leaders and pastors.)
* For those who come with spouses/friends,you can choose to buy 1 handbook and your spouse only need to pay for the lunch RM6!!
Choice of fees with handbook (RM15) OR lunch only (RM6)
We look forward to see you soon!!
Please contact Bro Peter Long by this Sunday 19 July 2009
WFA is sponsoring - especially those who are still studying..
If you are willing to pay your way, do inform us..
.
RM15/pax (include 118pgs handbook, lunch & other material)
Breakout classes offered - Five classes for musicians:
> Worship Keyboard
> Wind Instruments
> Drums & Percussion
> Worship Vocals
> Acoustic Guitar
* Music Theory Made Easy - beginning music reading crash course
* Worship Software – exploring free software for use in worship
* Bible Study for non-musicians
(For those who accompany a musician friend/spouse that have no interest in the musical/technical classes)
* Q&A Session hosted by Senior Pastor, Tim Stutts and Worship Pastor, Kenny Lamm (Particularly for worship leaders and pastors.)
* For those who come with spouses/friends,you can choose to buy 1 handbook and your spouse only need to pay for the lunch RM6!!
Choice of fees with handbook (RM15) OR lunch only (RM6)
We look forward to see you soon!!
Please contact Bro Peter Long by this Sunday 19 July 2009
WFA is sponsoring - especially those who are still studying..
If you are willing to pay your way, do inform us..
.
Sunday 12 July 2009
How Do I Get To Know God Through Prayer
If we are not close to God as we were yesterday, who moved? A cute question, but also a practical one. They keyword is moved. We cannot shift into neutral in our relationship with Christ and coast through life. Each decision we make moves us closer to or farther from God and His perfect will for our lives. How can prayer move us forward?
We do not get to know a person without spending time with him or her, sharing in conversation, activities, even conflict or difficulties. God desires the same attention we give to other important relationships in our lives. Prayer is an opportunity to express ourselves to the Creator, with whom we are building a personal relationship.
Periodically I have the front wheels on my cars aligned. With good tires, the car would actually do fine without the extra expenses. But with the alignment, my car handles better and the tires last longer.
I like to think of prayer as a daily alignment. Without it we can roll through life and try hard to be a Christian examples. We can try to overcome difficult situations and feel good about our relationship God. But in the process we often feel slightly misdirected and maybe chewed up around the edges.
The answer to this tough question, then is do it? The expected and simple answer, yet we often neglect regular prayer. We miss the opportunity to tune in to God and get on the right track. We started the day without renewing our burden for others and offering our availability to God so that he can count on us if an opportunity to use arises.
The Bible encourages us to pray about everything. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6,7)
Prayer reduces anxiety in our Christian walk. We can see God work through us instead of feeling like the lone Christian taking on the universe. The question of knowing God implies knowledge about Him, but also feeling as if He is really there. Philippians 4:7 is tremendous reminder to us that spending time with God regular, specially including prayer, will bring God's peace. Note the snowball effect: those close to God get continually closer through an active prayer life. "Come near to God and he will come near to you" (James 4:8)
According to Philippians, His peace 'will guard' our hearts and minds. As we go about our daily business, our feelings and thoughts will be aligned with Christ's so we are able to please Him. Relying only on feelings is sure to cause us to be misaligned and sent on the wrong track. Regular prayer can 'guard' our feelings by keeping in balance with our minds, or what we know about God.
Need a prayer alignment? Commit yourself to a daily prayer life with specific requests and goals for your relationship with Christ. Write down special people and needs and pray faithfully for them.
- Trent Bushnell
We do not get to know a person without spending time with him or her, sharing in conversation, activities, even conflict or difficulties. God desires the same attention we give to other important relationships in our lives. Prayer is an opportunity to express ourselves to the Creator, with whom we are building a personal relationship.
Periodically I have the front wheels on my cars aligned. With good tires, the car would actually do fine without the extra expenses. But with the alignment, my car handles better and the tires last longer.
I like to think of prayer as a daily alignment. Without it we can roll through life and try hard to be a Christian examples. We can try to overcome difficult situations and feel good about our relationship God. But in the process we often feel slightly misdirected and maybe chewed up around the edges.
The answer to this tough question, then is do it? The expected and simple answer, yet we often neglect regular prayer. We miss the opportunity to tune in to God and get on the right track. We started the day without renewing our burden for others and offering our availability to God so that he can count on us if an opportunity to use arises.
The Bible encourages us to pray about everything. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6,7)
Prayer reduces anxiety in our Christian walk. We can see God work through us instead of feeling like the lone Christian taking on the universe. The question of knowing God implies knowledge about Him, but also feeling as if He is really there. Philippians 4:7 is tremendous reminder to us that spending time with God regular, specially including prayer, will bring God's peace. Note the snowball effect: those close to God get continually closer through an active prayer life. "Come near to God and he will come near to you" (James 4:8)
According to Philippians, His peace 'will guard' our hearts and minds. As we go about our daily business, our feelings and thoughts will be aligned with Christ's so we are able to please Him. Relying only on feelings is sure to cause us to be misaligned and sent on the wrong track. Regular prayer can 'guard' our feelings by keeping in balance with our minds, or what we know about God.
Need a prayer alignment? Commit yourself to a daily prayer life with specific requests and goals for your relationship with Christ. Write down special people and needs and pray faithfully for them.
- Trent Bushnell
Sunday Sermon 12 July 2009
Speaker: Elder Lim Swee Boon
White Fields Assembly, Seremban
http://www.fileqube.com/file/wDujtAJy205386
(6MB 48 minutes 16Kbps 16Khz MP3)
Note: Audio download link is available for only 30 days from date posted.
White Fields Assembly, Seremban
http://www.fileqube.com/file/wDujtAJy205386
(6MB 48 minutes 16Kbps 16Khz MP3)
Note: Audio download link is available for only 30 days from date posted.
Saturday 11 July 2009
God Speaks: Acts of Service
God expressed His love for humankind by sending His Son, Jesus, who in turn expressed His love by the supreme act of service: giving His life for people’s sins. When Agnes Bojaxhiu responded to that love as a young teenage girl, she began a life course of faithfulness and distinction. Her transformation into Mother Teresa seems incredible to many people, yet the God she worshiped is more than capable of such a change. The Bible declares Him to be “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” He fluently speaks the love language acts of service.
Jesus' Life as Service
Clearly, the God of Israel expressed His love by acts of service to those who called upon Him. And while many people accept this fact about God, a significant number are reluctant to believe the same about Jesus. Yet when we examine the life of Jesus of Nazareth, we find Him identifying with the God of Israel. The claims are so clear and so woven into Jesus’ concept of Himself that many have found them incredible and have concluded that Jesus was a man with delusions of grandeur, one not to be seriously considered as a creditable religious leader.
Jesus' Miracles as Service
The miracles that Jesus performed were never capricious. They were always expressions of His love for people. Healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, calming the storm, casting out demons—those were not only supernatural feats that identified Him with God, but also expressions of His love. On three occasions He even brought a dead person back to life. Such acts of service were reflected in His statement, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.”
Jesus' Death as Service
Jesus framed His own death as an act of service when he said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” His love was further evidenced when He said from the cross as He was dying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
For all who examine the life of Jesus, He becomes a fork in the road of life. Many choose the path of submission—they bow the knee, submit the heart, and arise to walk humbly as His servants.
Many testify that what ultimately won their hearts was His love expressed by miraculous acts of service, from the humility of His human birth to His sacrificial, voluntary death that paid the penalty for their sins. And serving a God who speaks through acts of service is ample motivation for them to serve one another as well.
What's your love language? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from God Speaks Your Love Language by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about his resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Jesus' Life as Service
Clearly, the God of Israel expressed His love by acts of service to those who called upon Him. And while many people accept this fact about God, a significant number are reluctant to believe the same about Jesus. Yet when we examine the life of Jesus of Nazareth, we find Him identifying with the God of Israel. The claims are so clear and so woven into Jesus’ concept of Himself that many have found them incredible and have concluded that Jesus was a man with delusions of grandeur, one not to be seriously considered as a creditable religious leader.
Jesus' Miracles as Service
The miracles that Jesus performed were never capricious. They were always expressions of His love for people. Healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, calming the storm, casting out demons—those were not only supernatural feats that identified Him with God, but also expressions of His love. On three occasions He even brought a dead person back to life. Such acts of service were reflected in His statement, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.”
Jesus' Death as Service
Jesus framed His own death as an act of service when he said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” His love was further evidenced when He said from the cross as He was dying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
For all who examine the life of Jesus, He becomes a fork in the road of life. Many choose the path of submission—they bow the knee, submit the heart, and arise to walk humbly as His servants.
Many testify that what ultimately won their hearts was His love expressed by miraculous acts of service, from the humility of His human birth to His sacrificial, voluntary death that paid the penalty for their sins. And serving a God who speaks through acts of service is ample motivation for them to serve one another as well.
What's your love language? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from God Speaks Your Love Language by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about his resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Love is a Choice
The Five Love Languages has helped hundreds of thousands of couples rediscover warm emotional feelings for each other. Now, this did not happen because someone decided, “I’m going to have warm feelings toward my spouse again.” It began when one person decided, “I’m going to express love to my spouse in spite of the fact that I don’t have warm feelings toward her or him.” Emotional love can be rediscovered. The key is learning the love language of your spouse and choosing to speak it regularly. Warm feelings are the results of loving actions. Love is a choice.
A Powerful Weapon
How can we express love to our spouses when we are full of hurt, anger, and resentment over past failures? Remember the words of Jesus: “Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you.” Why would Jesus say this? Because love is the most powerful weapon to change the heart of the other person. Love doesn’t erase the past, but it makes the future different.
The Full Tank
If I know my wife's primary love language and choose to speak it, her deepest emotional need will be met and she will feel secure in my love. If she does the same for me, my emotional needs are met and both of us live with a full “love tank”.
How do you create this kind of growing marriage? It all begins with the choice to love. I recognize that as a husband, God has given me the responsibility of meeting my wife’s need for love. I choose to accept that responsibility and learn how to speak her primary love language. What happens? My wife’s attitude and feelings toward me become positive. Now she reciprocates and my need for love is also met. Love is a choice.
It May Be Unnatural
What if speaking your spouse’s love language doesn’t come natural for you? The answer is simple: “You learn to speak it!” My wife’s love language is "acts of service". One of the things I do for her regularly as an act of love is to vacuum the floors. Do you think this comes naturally for me? You couldn’t pay me enough to vacuum the house. There is only one reason I do it: LOVE. You see, when it doesn’t come naturally to you, it is a greater expression of love.
The Key to Emotional Warmth
Your spouse has a primary love language, and if you learn to speak it, you will see a radical change in your spouse. The five love languages are words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, physical touch and gifts.
Learn your spouse’s primary love language and you will have the key to unlocking warm feelings. You don’t have to have warm emotions toward your spouse to speak their language. Love is a choice.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
A Powerful Weapon
How can we express love to our spouses when we are full of hurt, anger, and resentment over past failures? Remember the words of Jesus: “Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you.” Why would Jesus say this? Because love is the most powerful weapon to change the heart of the other person. Love doesn’t erase the past, but it makes the future different.
The Full Tank
If I know my wife's primary love language and choose to speak it, her deepest emotional need will be met and she will feel secure in my love. If she does the same for me, my emotional needs are met and both of us live with a full “love tank”.
How do you create this kind of growing marriage? It all begins with the choice to love. I recognize that as a husband, God has given me the responsibility of meeting my wife’s need for love. I choose to accept that responsibility and learn how to speak her primary love language. What happens? My wife’s attitude and feelings toward me become positive. Now she reciprocates and my need for love is also met. Love is a choice.
It May Be Unnatural
What if speaking your spouse’s love language doesn’t come natural for you? The answer is simple: “You learn to speak it!” My wife’s love language is "acts of service". One of the things I do for her regularly as an act of love is to vacuum the floors. Do you think this comes naturally for me? You couldn’t pay me enough to vacuum the house. There is only one reason I do it: LOVE. You see, when it doesn’t come naturally to you, it is a greater expression of love.
The Key to Emotional Warmth
Your spouse has a primary love language, and if you learn to speak it, you will see a radical change in your spouse. The five love languages are words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, physical touch and gifts.
Learn your spouse’s primary love language and you will have the key to unlocking warm feelings. You don’t have to have warm emotions toward your spouse to speak their language. Love is a choice.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Thursday 9 July 2009
God Speaks: Gifts
Throughout the Scriptures, from beginning to end, God reveals Himself as a giver of gifts. Moses said of God, “He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land—your grain, new wine and oil—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land that he swore to your forefathers to give you.”
Throughout history, thousands of individuals whose primary love language is gifts have been drawn to God because He stands not as a judge to condemn, but as a Father who bestows forgiveness and eternal life to those who will receive His love.
True Joy
The message of Jesus was clear. One of the ways of expressing love to God is by giving gifts to those who need them. It is this truth that deeply motivates followers of Jesus. As one man said to me, “I never feel more joy than when I am giving to others. I feel like this is why God has given to me, and it is the way I can express my love to Him.”
Receiving to Give
How does someone receive God’s gift of love? Some gifts are given indiscriminately by God to everyone, such as the rising and setting of the sun, the gentle rain, spring flowers, and the seasons. God’s abundant gifts to us are yet another expression of His love, and we reflect that love by loving others. We receive the gifts of wisdom, insight, experience, expertise, and material possessions to enrich the lives of other people. God’s gifts are never given because we deserve them; they are given as expressions of His love for us. Thus, our gifts to others are not based upon the person’s performance or what the individual has done for us, but rather flow from our love for the person.
Ministry to Others
In a proper relationship with God, our desire is to receive gifts from Him that will enable us to give to others. Thus a pastor asks for wisdom in shepherding his flock; a parent asks for emotional and physical strength to support his or her children. If we ask for material possessions (which is not discouraged in the Scriptures), it is for the purpose of using them to enhance our ministry to others. Sincere followers of Jesus always ask, “How may I use what God gives me to minister to others?”
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from God Speaks Your Love Language by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about his resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Throughout history, thousands of individuals whose primary love language is gifts have been drawn to God because He stands not as a judge to condemn, but as a Father who bestows forgiveness and eternal life to those who will receive His love.
True Joy
The message of Jesus was clear. One of the ways of expressing love to God is by giving gifts to those who need them. It is this truth that deeply motivates followers of Jesus. As one man said to me, “I never feel more joy than when I am giving to others. I feel like this is why God has given to me, and it is the way I can express my love to Him.”
Receiving to Give
How does someone receive God’s gift of love? Some gifts are given indiscriminately by God to everyone, such as the rising and setting of the sun, the gentle rain, spring flowers, and the seasons. God’s abundant gifts to us are yet another expression of His love, and we reflect that love by loving others. We receive the gifts of wisdom, insight, experience, expertise, and material possessions to enrich the lives of other people. God’s gifts are never given because we deserve them; they are given as expressions of His love for us. Thus, our gifts to others are not based upon the person’s performance or what the individual has done for us, but rather flow from our love for the person.
Ministry to Others
In a proper relationship with God, our desire is to receive gifts from Him that will enable us to give to others. Thus a pastor asks for wisdom in shepherding his flock; a parent asks for emotional and physical strength to support his or her children. If we ask for material possessions (which is not discouraged in the Scriptures), it is for the purpose of using them to enhance our ministry to others. Sincere followers of Jesus always ask, “How may I use what God gives me to minister to others?”
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from God Speaks Your Love Language by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about his resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Distorted Anger
Satan has used many strategies to mischannel God’s intention for human anger. One of the most powerful is to make us think that all of our anger is of equal value; that is, that all of our anger is valid. Two kinds of anger exist: definitive and distorted. Definitive anger is born of wrongdoing. Someone treats us unfairly, lies about us or in some other way does us wrong. This is valid anger.
The second kind of anger, however, is not valid. It is triggered by a mere disappointment, an unfulfilled desire, a frustrated effort. No wrong was committed. This is distorted anger, and learning the difference between definitive and distorted anger is the first step in handling anger in a godly way.
Dirty Dishes
In distorted anger, a perceived wrong leads to the anger. Picture this. I eat dinner and leave for a meeting. I return three hours later to find the dirty dishes still on the table and my spouse on the couch watching TV. I am angry. Why? I perceive that they have been lazy, thoughtless, irresponsible. But If I pause and ask what happened that the dishes are still on the table, I may learn that my spouse has been sick and unable to wash the dishes. My anger is distorted.
Are You a Perfectionist?
Two questions are important in determining the validity of anger. The first is, “What wrong was committed?” The second is, “Am I sure I have all the facts?”
The perfectionist has high expectations not only for himself, but for others. When people do not live up to these expectations, he will often get angry. Such anger is distorted. Don’t allow your perfectionistic personality keep you angry with your spouse. Let your spouse be who he or she is - a little less than perfect.
Get the Facts
Often in marriage we get angry because something our spouse says or does embarrasses us. Something they fail to do irritates us. We start thinking, “I can’t depend on her for anything. She doesn’t love me. If she loved me, she would not let this happen.” When you are angry, think before you act. Make sure you have all of the facts, and pray for wisdom. You may discover that your anger is distorted.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from Anger: Handling a Powerful Emotion in a Healthy Way by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
The second kind of anger, however, is not valid. It is triggered by a mere disappointment, an unfulfilled desire, a frustrated effort. No wrong was committed. This is distorted anger, and learning the difference between definitive and distorted anger is the first step in handling anger in a godly way.
Dirty Dishes
In distorted anger, a perceived wrong leads to the anger. Picture this. I eat dinner and leave for a meeting. I return three hours later to find the dirty dishes still on the table and my spouse on the couch watching TV. I am angry. Why? I perceive that they have been lazy, thoughtless, irresponsible. But If I pause and ask what happened that the dishes are still on the table, I may learn that my spouse has been sick and unable to wash the dishes. My anger is distorted.
Are You a Perfectionist?
Two questions are important in determining the validity of anger. The first is, “What wrong was committed?” The second is, “Am I sure I have all the facts?”
The perfectionist has high expectations not only for himself, but for others. When people do not live up to these expectations, he will often get angry. Such anger is distorted. Don’t allow your perfectionistic personality keep you angry with your spouse. Let your spouse be who he or she is - a little less than perfect.
Get the Facts
Often in marriage we get angry because something our spouse says or does embarrasses us. Something they fail to do irritates us. We start thinking, “I can’t depend on her for anything. She doesn’t love me. If she loved me, she would not let this happen.” When you are angry, think before you act. Make sure you have all of the facts, and pray for wisdom. You may discover that your anger is distorted.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from Anger: Handling a Powerful Emotion in a Healthy Way by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Wednesday 8 July 2009
Song Story: God Will Make A Way
From Don
05.01.09
(From the devotional book God Will Make A Way)
Late one evening, Don Moen received a phone call with devastating news: his wife’s sister had lost her oldest son in an automobile accident. Craig and Susan Phelps and their four sons were traveling through Texas on their way to Colorado when their van was struck broadside by an eighteen-wheeler truck. All four boys were thrown from the van.
Craig and Susan located their sons by their cries, one boy was lying in the ditch, another in an area wet from melted snow. Nearby was his brother who landed by a telephone pole. All were seriously injured, but when Craig, a medical doctor, reached Jeremy, he found him lying by a fence post with his neck broken. There was nothing Craig could do to revive him.
When Don received the news of this tragedy a few hours later, he recalls, My whole world came to a standstill, but I had to get on a plane the next morning and fly to a recording session that had been scheduled for several weeks. Although I knew Craig and Susan were hurting, I couldn’t be with them until the day before the funeral.
During the flight the morning after the accident, God gave me a song for them: God will make a way where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see. He will make a way for me. The song was based upon Isaiah 43:19 NASB Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.
This song would bring comfort to Craig and Susan when all hope seemed lost. It touched the hurt in their hearts with hope and encouragement. Don received a letter from Susan in which she quoted Isaiah 43:4 NASB: Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.
Susan wrote, We’ve seen the truth of the scripture. When Jeremy’s friends learned that he had accepted Jesus into his life before he died, many of them began to ask their own parents how they could be assured of going to heaven when they died. The accident also prompted Craig and Susan into a deeper walk with the Lord as well as into new avenues of ministry. Craig began teaching Sunday school at their church and Susan became active in Women’s Aglow, sharing with various groups her story and the Lord’s provision in her time of sorrow.
She has since said, “The day of the accident, when I got out of the van, even before I knew our son was dead, I knew I had a choice. I could be bitter and angry or I could totally accept God and whatever He had for us. I had to make the decision fast. I’ve seen fruit come as a result of that choice. If I had to, I’d do it again. It’s worth knowing others will go to heaven because of what happened to Jeremy. God really did make a way for us!”
05.01.09
(From the devotional book God Will Make A Way)
Late one evening, Don Moen received a phone call with devastating news: his wife’s sister had lost her oldest son in an automobile accident. Craig and Susan Phelps and their four sons were traveling through Texas on their way to Colorado when their van was struck broadside by an eighteen-wheeler truck. All four boys were thrown from the van.
Craig and Susan located their sons by their cries, one boy was lying in the ditch, another in an area wet from melted snow. Nearby was his brother who landed by a telephone pole. All were seriously injured, but when Craig, a medical doctor, reached Jeremy, he found him lying by a fence post with his neck broken. There was nothing Craig could do to revive him.
When Don received the news of this tragedy a few hours later, he recalls, My whole world came to a standstill, but I had to get on a plane the next morning and fly to a recording session that had been scheduled for several weeks. Although I knew Craig and Susan were hurting, I couldn’t be with them until the day before the funeral.
During the flight the morning after the accident, God gave me a song for them: God will make a way where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see. He will make a way for me. The song was based upon Isaiah 43:19 NASB Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.
This song would bring comfort to Craig and Susan when all hope seemed lost. It touched the hurt in their hearts with hope and encouragement. Don received a letter from Susan in which she quoted Isaiah 43:4 NASB: Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.
Susan wrote, We’ve seen the truth of the scripture. When Jeremy’s friends learned that he had accepted Jesus into his life before he died, many of them began to ask their own parents how they could be assured of going to heaven when they died. The accident also prompted Craig and Susan into a deeper walk with the Lord as well as into new avenues of ministry. Craig began teaching Sunday school at their church and Susan became active in Women’s Aglow, sharing with various groups her story and the Lord’s provision in her time of sorrow.
She has since said, “The day of the accident, when I got out of the van, even before I knew our son was dead, I knew I had a choice. I could be bitter and angry or I could totally accept God and whatever He had for us. I had to make the decision fast. I’ve seen fruit come as a result of that choice. If I had to, I’d do it again. It’s worth knowing others will go to heaven because of what happened to Jeremy. God really did make a way for us!”
Tuesday 7 July 2009
God Speaks: Quality Time
The idea that the eternal God desires to spend quality time with His creatures is one aspect of faith unique to Christianity. The gods who have been created by the imagination of human minds have always been far removed from people’s daily lives. The gods of the ancient Greek and Roman myths had to be placated or feared. The idea of having a close personal relationship with those deities did not exist.
Jesus' Prayer
Jesus indicated that the desire of the entire Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—was to “abide” (make a home) with anyone who responds to God’s love. Jesus promised never to leave His followers, and told them that He would be with them forever. In one of Jesus’ prayers, He said, “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” Clearly, Jesus desired quality time with all of those who responded to His love.
Love Expressed
The Psalms often speak of God’s love for those He created and His desire to draw near and spend quality time with them. For example, “The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” The New Testament describes a similar relationship with God as James promises, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Do You Desire Quality Time?
When someone’s primary love language is quality time, uninterrupted times of communion with God are not difficult, but joyous. They are not burden-causing, but burden lifting. Recently a woman told me, “I feel closest to God when I have my daily quiet time with Him. It is the most important part of my day. When I miss that time, my whole day seems empty and I don’t feel as close to God. It is in those personal times with Him that I feel His love.” Not everyone would echo this woman’s sentiment, but it is certainly true of those individuals whose primary love language is quality time. Those who seek time with God will discover that He is ready and waiting to meet with them. Quality time is a love language that He is always prepared to speak.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from God Speaks Your Love Language by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about his resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Jesus' Prayer
Jesus indicated that the desire of the entire Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—was to “abide” (make a home) with anyone who responds to God’s love. Jesus promised never to leave His followers, and told them that He would be with them forever. In one of Jesus’ prayers, He said, “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” Clearly, Jesus desired quality time with all of those who responded to His love.
Love Expressed
The Psalms often speak of God’s love for those He created and His desire to draw near and spend quality time with them. For example, “The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” The New Testament describes a similar relationship with God as James promises, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Do You Desire Quality Time?
When someone’s primary love language is quality time, uninterrupted times of communion with God are not difficult, but joyous. They are not burden-causing, but burden lifting. Recently a woman told me, “I feel closest to God when I have my daily quiet time with Him. It is the most important part of my day. When I miss that time, my whole day seems empty and I don’t feel as close to God. It is in those personal times with Him that I feel His love.” Not everyone would echo this woman’s sentiment, but it is certainly true of those individuals whose primary love language is quality time. Those who seek time with God will discover that He is ready and waiting to meet with them. Quality time is a love language that He is always prepared to speak.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from God Speaks Your Love Language by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about his resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
What Love Really Means
What does it mean to really love your spouse? If you took a survey among your married friends and asked what it means to really love your spouse, you’d get many answers.
I've heard one response that said, “Love is the feeling that you have when you have a feeling like you’ve never had before.” There is an emotional aspect to love, but when the Bible says “Husbands, love your wives like Christ loved the church,” I don’t think it’s talking about emotions. Why? Because husbands are commanded to love their wives, and you can’t command emotions. Emotions come and go with the circumstances, but love is to be there no matter what. Love is far more concerned with attitudes and actions.
Can You Control Love?
Couples often come to me in the midst of marriage difficulty. They are at the point of separation. When I ask why, they share their points of contention and conclude with the clincher, “We just don’t love each other anymore.” That is supposed to settle it. Or, “It’s beyond our control.” I don’t believe that.
In Ephesians 5:25, husbands are commanded to love their wives. In Titus 2:4, wives are told that they must learn to love their husbands. Anything which can be commanded, taught, and learned is not beyond our control. You may have lost your warm romantic feelings, but love is another matter.
I Corinthians 13 describes love as being patient and kind, not arrogant or rude. It describes love as refusing to keep a score of wrongs and never holding on to grudges. These words are not describing a feeling. They are talking about the way we think and behave. We can love each other without having the “tingles” for each other.
Love Through Words
There are two basic ways to express love in a marriage: words and deeds. Today we look at words. I Corinthians 8:1 says, “Love edifies.” If I want to love, I will use words that build up my spouse. “You look nice in that outfit.” “Thanks for taking the garbage out.” “I appreciate your walking the dog for me Tuesday night.” All of these are expressions of love.
Proverbs 18:21 says “life and death are in the power of the tongue.” You can kill your spouse with negative words. You can give life with positive words.
I’ve never met a man or woman whom you couldn’t find something good to say about them. When you say it, there is something inside of them that wants to be better. Say something nice to your spouse today and see what happens.
Ways to Show Your Love
Last week I suggested that there are two basic ways to express love to your spouse: words and deeds. Today we look at deeds. The apostle John said, “Love not in word only, but in deed.” Do something to show your love.
Love is kind, the Bible says. So, find something kind and do it. It might be an unexpected gift, or washing the car that they drive. It might be keeping the children while they go shopping or hiking. Or, how about a love letter. How long has it been since you wrote your spouse a love letter? Or, perhaps dinner at a restaurant that doesn’t have a drive through window.
Love is patient. So, stop pacing the floor while your spouse is getting ready to go. Sit down, relax, read your Bible and pray. Love is also courteous. The word means court-like. So, do some of the things you did when you were courting. Do you remember, ladies, how you used to reach over and touch his neck? Do you remember, guys, how you used to open the car door for her? Express your love by your actions.
Loving the Unlovely
Now I want to give you a very difficult challenge. It is found in the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew chapter five, “Love your enemies.” Anyone have a husband who qualifies? “Pray for those who persecute you.” You feel persecuted? Pray for the one who is persecuting you. And I don’t think he means pray that the wrath of God will fall on them.
This is the challenge to love an unlovely spouse. It’s fairly easy to love your spouse when your spouse is loving you. But what if they treat you harshly, take advantage of you, and humiliate you? For this, you will need the help of God. God specializes in loving the unlovely. When I say love, I’m not talking about trying to have warm feelings for the person. I’m talking about choosing to see them as a person of worth, as someone for whom Christ died.
Therefore, I will talk to them and treat them with dignity and respect. In so doing, I may be God’s agent of love. Who knows? They may even begin to reciprocate.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from Dr. Gary Chapman on the Marriage You've Always Wanted by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
I've heard one response that said, “Love is the feeling that you have when you have a feeling like you’ve never had before.” There is an emotional aspect to love, but when the Bible says “Husbands, love your wives like Christ loved the church,” I don’t think it’s talking about emotions. Why? Because husbands are commanded to love their wives, and you can’t command emotions. Emotions come and go with the circumstances, but love is to be there no matter what. Love is far more concerned with attitudes and actions.
Can You Control Love?
Couples often come to me in the midst of marriage difficulty. They are at the point of separation. When I ask why, they share their points of contention and conclude with the clincher, “We just don’t love each other anymore.” That is supposed to settle it. Or, “It’s beyond our control.” I don’t believe that.
In Ephesians 5:25, husbands are commanded to love their wives. In Titus 2:4, wives are told that they must learn to love their husbands. Anything which can be commanded, taught, and learned is not beyond our control. You may have lost your warm romantic feelings, but love is another matter.
I Corinthians 13 describes love as being patient and kind, not arrogant or rude. It describes love as refusing to keep a score of wrongs and never holding on to grudges. These words are not describing a feeling. They are talking about the way we think and behave. We can love each other without having the “tingles” for each other.
Love Through Words
There are two basic ways to express love in a marriage: words and deeds. Today we look at words. I Corinthians 8:1 says, “Love edifies.” If I want to love, I will use words that build up my spouse. “You look nice in that outfit.” “Thanks for taking the garbage out.” “I appreciate your walking the dog for me Tuesday night.” All of these are expressions of love.
Proverbs 18:21 says “life and death are in the power of the tongue.” You can kill your spouse with negative words. You can give life with positive words.
I’ve never met a man or woman whom you couldn’t find something good to say about them. When you say it, there is something inside of them that wants to be better. Say something nice to your spouse today and see what happens.
Ways to Show Your Love
Last week I suggested that there are two basic ways to express love to your spouse: words and deeds. Today we look at deeds. The apostle John said, “Love not in word only, but in deed.” Do something to show your love.
Love is kind, the Bible says. So, find something kind and do it. It might be an unexpected gift, or washing the car that they drive. It might be keeping the children while they go shopping or hiking. Or, how about a love letter. How long has it been since you wrote your spouse a love letter? Or, perhaps dinner at a restaurant that doesn’t have a drive through window.
Love is patient. So, stop pacing the floor while your spouse is getting ready to go. Sit down, relax, read your Bible and pray. Love is also courteous. The word means court-like. So, do some of the things you did when you were courting. Do you remember, ladies, how you used to reach over and touch his neck? Do you remember, guys, how you used to open the car door for her? Express your love by your actions.
Loving the Unlovely
Now I want to give you a very difficult challenge. It is found in the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew chapter five, “Love your enemies.” Anyone have a husband who qualifies? “Pray for those who persecute you.” You feel persecuted? Pray for the one who is persecuting you. And I don’t think he means pray that the wrath of God will fall on them.
This is the challenge to love an unlovely spouse. It’s fairly easy to love your spouse when your spouse is loving you. But what if they treat you harshly, take advantage of you, and humiliate you? For this, you will need the help of God. God specializes in loving the unlovely. When I say love, I’m not talking about trying to have warm feelings for the person. I’m talking about choosing to see them as a person of worth, as someone for whom Christ died.
Therefore, I will talk to them and treat them with dignity and respect. In so doing, I may be God’s agent of love. Who knows? They may even begin to reciprocate.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from Dr. Gary Chapman on the Marriage You've Always Wanted by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Sunday 5 July 2009
You Become What You Worship
All men are worshipers. We are all slaves to worship. We are always worshiping something or somebody. If not, then we are possibly worshiping ourselves. We become what we worship.
It all began when God created all the heavenly beings: the angelic hosts, the archangels, together with one angel called Lucifer, meaning the 'Morning Star'. Lucifer was a very beautiful angel in Heaven. The Bible tells us that Lucifer was created so beautiful that he was the sum total of God's creation. "You were the seat of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty." - Ezekiel 28:12.
But because of his beauty, he forgot who made him so beautiful and so glorious. He questioned why he should lead all creation to worship the Maker, when he himself be should be worshiped. He then declared that he would dethrone the Creator and enthrone himself. That 'self-worship' was the beginning of sin and self-destruction. God cast him down to planet Earth, and then, God took the dust to make man. God said "I will now glorify myself in this creature - man."
When Lucifer fell, worship fell. His name was changed from Lucifer to Satan. Satan means 'the accuser' or 'the slanderer'. Because he cannot stand the beauty of God, and lives in darkness, Satan then accusers and slanders the Light. As he was cast down, he fights for the worship of man. One third of the angelic hosts were deceived by Satan and he led them in rebellion. Because Lucifer was so proud of his body, God disembodied him and all his angels. That's why the Devil (Satan) has to seek a body to dwell in to destroy.
Lucifer, like you and I, was created for worship. As he worshiped God, he began to put on the likeness of God; the beauty of God, the wisdom of God and the perfection of God. You become what you worship. That's why God calls us to worship Him, because when we do, we are changed into His likeness. Here it says that his merchandise - that which he traded, that which he possessed, and that which he had - all began increase, and he become so powerful, so beautiful, and perfect. That's why we should worship God, because we will become like Him, and will put on His likeness. In the midst of our pain and sorrows, God cries out to us, "Worship Me! Worship Me! For when you worship Me, I can minister to you, I can straighten you, and I can heal you. Whenever you are in trouble, worship Me, and praise Me, because it gives Me the legal right to intervene and to interfere in your affairs and lift you up."
It is very easy to tell whom you are worshiping, because you show the same characteristic of whom you worship. Since the early sixties, people idolised the different pop stars, and imitate their dressing and their behavior. They dress like them and had the same hairstyles like them to look like them. Idols distract our worship from our Maker. They cause us to take our eyes away from Him, and to honour, worship and submit ourselves to something other than the Creator. Because we are worshiping something all the time, God had to make Himself visible, took the form of human flesh, so that all our senses can see Him, hear Him, and touch Him. In this ,we can then know how God talks, lives and behaves; and we can then worship Him and imitate Him, so that we become Christians. If we are not following Him and imitating Him, then we are not Christians, though we may call ourselves Christians.
The war is on for worship. As Lucifer worshiped God, he began to put on His likeness and His strength, and God multiplied and increased his merchandise. Then pride came, and he fell. He forgot who created Him.
You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you. - Ezekiel 28:15.
In the same way, many of us also forget who made us. We are all made by God to worship Him. That's why Jesus came into this world - so that we can worship Him.
Praising and adoring God is the noblest part of the saint's work on earth As it will be his chief employ in heaven.
It all began when God created all the heavenly beings: the angelic hosts, the archangels, together with one angel called Lucifer, meaning the 'Morning Star'. Lucifer was a very beautiful angel in Heaven. The Bible tells us that Lucifer was created so beautiful that he was the sum total of God's creation. "You were the seat of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty." - Ezekiel 28:12.
But because of his beauty, he forgot who made him so beautiful and so glorious. He questioned why he should lead all creation to worship the Maker, when he himself be should be worshiped. He then declared that he would dethrone the Creator and enthrone himself. That 'self-worship' was the beginning of sin and self-destruction. God cast him down to planet Earth, and then, God took the dust to make man. God said "I will now glorify myself in this creature - man."
When Lucifer fell, worship fell. His name was changed from Lucifer to Satan. Satan means 'the accuser' or 'the slanderer'. Because he cannot stand the beauty of God, and lives in darkness, Satan then accusers and slanders the Light. As he was cast down, he fights for the worship of man. One third of the angelic hosts were deceived by Satan and he led them in rebellion. Because Lucifer was so proud of his body, God disembodied him and all his angels. That's why the Devil (Satan) has to seek a body to dwell in to destroy.
Lucifer, like you and I, was created for worship. As he worshiped God, he began to put on the likeness of God; the beauty of God, the wisdom of God and the perfection of God. You become what you worship. That's why God calls us to worship Him, because when we do, we are changed into His likeness. Here it says that his merchandise - that which he traded, that which he possessed, and that which he had - all began increase, and he become so powerful, so beautiful, and perfect. That's why we should worship God, because we will become like Him, and will put on His likeness. In the midst of our pain and sorrows, God cries out to us, "Worship Me! Worship Me! For when you worship Me, I can minister to you, I can straighten you, and I can heal you. Whenever you are in trouble, worship Me, and praise Me, because it gives Me the legal right to intervene and to interfere in your affairs and lift you up."
It is very easy to tell whom you are worshiping, because you show the same characteristic of whom you worship. Since the early sixties, people idolised the different pop stars, and imitate their dressing and their behavior. They dress like them and had the same hairstyles like them to look like them. Idols distract our worship from our Maker. They cause us to take our eyes away from Him, and to honour, worship and submit ourselves to something other than the Creator. Because we are worshiping something all the time, God had to make Himself visible, took the form of human flesh, so that all our senses can see Him, hear Him, and touch Him. In this ,we can then know how God talks, lives and behaves; and we can then worship Him and imitate Him, so that we become Christians. If we are not following Him and imitating Him, then we are not Christians, though we may call ourselves Christians.
The war is on for worship. As Lucifer worshiped God, he began to put on His likeness and His strength, and God multiplied and increased his merchandise. Then pride came, and he fell. He forgot who created Him.
You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you. - Ezekiel 28:15.
In the same way, many of us also forget who made us. We are all made by God to worship Him. That's why Jesus came into this world - so that we can worship Him.
Praising and adoring God is the noblest part of the saint's work on earth As it will be his chief employ in heaven.
Sunday Sermon 5 July 2009
Speaker: Dr. Siow Khim Woon
White Fields Assembly Seremban
http://www.fileqube.com/file/njlexKcO204571
(7MB 55 minutes 16Khz 16Kbps MP3)
Note: Audio download link is available for only 30 days from date posted.
White Fields Assembly Seremban
http://www.fileqube.com/file/njlexKcO204571
(7MB 55 minutes 16Khz 16Kbps MP3)
Note: Audio download link is available for only 30 days from date posted.
God Speaks: Words of Affirmation
Reuben taught his congregation the love languages. He taught that giving gifts to God (tithes, offerings, our time and skills in service) is one expression of love, and that people show love to God by serving others. He acknowledged the discipline of meditation and prayer in which one spends quality time with God. But for Reuben, the most natural expression of his love to God was using words both to affirm God and to encourage others.
Are Reuben’s experiences with God unique? Not at all. The Bible is filled with illustrations of God speaking words of affirmation. The Bible itself is often known as the “Word of God.”
God's Words to Us
The God of the Bible is characterized as the God who speaks. The Scriptures consistently declare God’s words of encouragement:
All of these words from God affirm the worth of human beings.
Words to Praise Him
Many individuals testify that a “God connection” resulted from reading the Bible. As a young monk, Martin Luther sought to find peace with God. Sitting alone in his room, deeply concerned about his relationship with God, Luther opened his Bible and began to read Paul’s letter to the Romans. When he came to Romans chapter 1, verse 17, he read, “The just shall live by faith” (KJV). He paused and pondered. Then unspeakable joy flooded his heart.
Thousands of contemporary followers of Jesus can identify with him. Their hearts have been captured by the words of God, and they reciprocate His love by expressing words of praise. They feel closest to God when they sing praise to Him and during praying. Their prayers flow with praise and thanksgiving to God, telling Him how much they love Him.
But for another significant group, their method of worshiping and expressing their love to God does not focus on words, but on quality time. We will turn our attention to that group next time as we examine another love language of God.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from God Speaks Your Love Language by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about his resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Are Reuben’s experiences with God unique? Not at all. The Bible is filled with illustrations of God speaking words of affirmation. The Bible itself is often known as the “Word of God.”
God's Words to Us
The God of the Bible is characterized as the God who speaks. The Scriptures consistently declare God’s words of encouragement:
* “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
* “For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
* “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
* “For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
* “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”
All of these words from God affirm the worth of human beings.
Words to Praise Him
Many individuals testify that a “God connection” resulted from reading the Bible. As a young monk, Martin Luther sought to find peace with God. Sitting alone in his room, deeply concerned about his relationship with God, Luther opened his Bible and began to read Paul’s letter to the Romans. When he came to Romans chapter 1, verse 17, he read, “The just shall live by faith” (KJV). He paused and pondered. Then unspeakable joy flooded his heart.
Thousands of contemporary followers of Jesus can identify with him. Their hearts have been captured by the words of God, and they reciprocate His love by expressing words of praise. They feel closest to God when they sing praise to Him and during praying. Their prayers flow with praise and thanksgiving to God, telling Him how much they love Him.
But for another significant group, their method of worshiping and expressing their love to God does not focus on words, but on quality time. We will turn our attention to that group next time as we examine another love language of God.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from God Speaks Your Love Language by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about his resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Friday 3 July 2009
God Speaks Your Love Language
After almost forty years of counseling couples and families, I am convinced that there are five basic languages of love. There may be many “dialects,” but only five languages. Each person has a primary love language, which means that one of the five love languages speaks more deeply than the other four on an emotional level. When someone speaks my primary love language, I am drawn to that person because he or she is meeting my basic need to feel loved.
The five love languages are more fully explained in my previous books, but let me briefly review them:
(1) Words of Affirmation
(2) Quality Time
(3) Gifts
(4) Acts of Service
(5) Physical Touch
Feeling God's Love
Susan was my first appointment of the day, and I felt like crying when I heard her story. Her father had committed suicide when she was thirteen. Her brother was killed in Vietnam. Six months ago, her husband had left her for another woman. She and her two small children were living with her mother. I felt like crying...but Susan wasn’t crying. In fact, she was vibrant, almost radiant.
Later the same day I had an appointment with Regina. Her parents had divorced when she was ten years old. She saw her father only twice after the divorce: once at her high school graduation and again at her younger sister’s funeral. Her sister had been killed in an auto accident. She was in my office because she was contemplating a fourth marriage. “I don’t want to grow old alone, but I don’t have a very good track record with marriage. My mother keeps telling me that God loves me and has a plan for my life. Right now I don’t feel God’s love, and I think I must have missed the plan. I’m not even sure there is a God.”
Two ladies, each having experienced enough pain for a lifetime. One feels deeply loved by God; the other feels empty. Why do some people claim to experience God’s love very deeply, while others feel so distant from God that they are unsure God even exists? I believe the answer lies in the nature of love itself. Love is not a solo experience. Love requires both a lover and a responder. If God is the divine lover, why do not all of His creatures feel His love?
God's Languages
God Speaks Your Love Language (to release February 2009) builds on the concepts from my previous books and considers the love languages of God. It is my premise that the love languages observed in human relationships all reflect various aspects of divine love. If people are indeed made in the image of God, and if people have five distinct love languages, then we would expect to find all those love languages expressed in the character and nature of God. Indeed, God speaks every language, so it is not surprising to discover that He communicates fluently through each of the five love languages. In the weeks to come, I'll discuss each of these.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from God Speaks Your Love Language by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about his resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
The five love languages are more fully explained in my previous books, but let me briefly review them:
(1) Words of Affirmation
(2) Quality Time
(3) Gifts
(4) Acts of Service
(5) Physical Touch
Feeling God's Love
Susan was my first appointment of the day, and I felt like crying when I heard her story. Her father had committed suicide when she was thirteen. Her brother was killed in Vietnam. Six months ago, her husband had left her for another woman. She and her two small children were living with her mother. I felt like crying...but Susan wasn’t crying. In fact, she was vibrant, almost radiant.
Later the same day I had an appointment with Regina. Her parents had divorced when she was ten years old. She saw her father only twice after the divorce: once at her high school graduation and again at her younger sister’s funeral. Her sister had been killed in an auto accident. She was in my office because she was contemplating a fourth marriage. “I don’t want to grow old alone, but I don’t have a very good track record with marriage. My mother keeps telling me that God loves me and has a plan for my life. Right now I don’t feel God’s love, and I think I must have missed the plan. I’m not even sure there is a God.”
Two ladies, each having experienced enough pain for a lifetime. One feels deeply loved by God; the other feels empty. Why do some people claim to experience God’s love very deeply, while others feel so distant from God that they are unsure God even exists? I believe the answer lies in the nature of love itself. Love is not a solo experience. Love requires both a lover and a responder. If God is the divine lover, why do not all of His creatures feel His love?
God's Languages
God Speaks Your Love Language (to release February 2009) builds on the concepts from my previous books and considers the love languages of God. It is my premise that the love languages observed in human relationships all reflect various aspects of divine love. If people are indeed made in the image of God, and if people have five distinct love languages, then we would expect to find all those love languages expressed in the character and nature of God. Indeed, God speaks every language, so it is not surprising to discover that He communicates fluently through each of the five love languages. In the weeks to come, I'll discuss each of these.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from God Speaks Your Love Language by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about his resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Thursday 2 July 2009
12 JULY 2009
12 July 09
Liong KC
Foong Yee
Hong Lu, Tian Sia, Siew Pin
Meng Fhui, Jun Fhui
Ken Fhui
Nicholas
Jocelyn Lee, Timothy C.
Hiew FF, Manjit
Liong KC
Foong Yee
Hong Lu, Tian Sia, Siew Pin
Meng Fhui, Jun Fhui
Ken Fhui
Nicholas
Jocelyn Lee, Timothy C.
Hiew FF, Manjit
Wednesday 1 July 2009
Balancing Work and Family
Is it possible that we may be working so hard to support our families financially that we end up losing our families? Then money becomes empty compensation. This week we’ll talk about the issue of money and marriage.
What is most important in life? If we are given stark choices, the issue becomes clear. If someone offered you one million dollars for your child or your spouse, would you take it? Any sensible parent or spouse would say, “No”. But do we not sell our families for much less when we spend all of our energy working for money and have no time left to enjoy our relationships?.
Balance
Work is a noble endeavor. In fact the Bible says that if a man will not work, neither should he eat. But can we work too much? Is vocational success worth losing a marriage? The Scriptures teach that life’s meaning is not found in things, but in relationships. It is found first in a relationship with God, and then with family and others.
Family relationships are always in process. If we want to keep our marriages alive, our families healthy, then we must find ways of balancing work and family. Thousands of men and women are finding that a growing marriage and a healthy family requires readjusting schedules from time to time. The key question is, “How does my work affect my marriage and family?” Once I answer that question, I will know if I need to change my work patterns.
Integration & Time Management
The answer is not always less work. Sometimes it is integrating the family into my work. For example, does your work allow the opportunity for you and your spouse to have lunch together from time to time? Such lunches can be an oasis in the midst of a dry day.
If your work requires travel, could you take your spouse or one of your children with you? This allows a mini-vacation which you might not otherwise be able to afford. It also exposes your family to your vocation and gives them a little more appreciation for what you do.
Less work and more time at home is not necessarily the answer. Better use of time at home may make all the difference. Do something different tonight with your spouse or with a child. Get out of the routine. Minimize the television and maximize activity and conversation. Keep your marriage alive and growing.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from Dr. Gary Chapman on the Marriage You've Always Wanted by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
What is most important in life? If we are given stark choices, the issue becomes clear. If someone offered you one million dollars for your child or your spouse, would you take it? Any sensible parent or spouse would say, “No”. But do we not sell our families for much less when we spend all of our energy working for money and have no time left to enjoy our relationships?.
Balance
Work is a noble endeavor. In fact the Bible says that if a man will not work, neither should he eat. But can we work too much? Is vocational success worth losing a marriage? The Scriptures teach that life’s meaning is not found in things, but in relationships. It is found first in a relationship with God, and then with family and others.
Family relationships are always in process. If we want to keep our marriages alive, our families healthy, then we must find ways of balancing work and family. Thousands of men and women are finding that a growing marriage and a healthy family requires readjusting schedules from time to time. The key question is, “How does my work affect my marriage and family?” Once I answer that question, I will know if I need to change my work patterns.
Integration & Time Management
The answer is not always less work. Sometimes it is integrating the family into my work. For example, does your work allow the opportunity for you and your spouse to have lunch together from time to time? Such lunches can be an oasis in the midst of a dry day.
If your work requires travel, could you take your spouse or one of your children with you? This allows a mini-vacation which you might not otherwise be able to afford. It also exposes your family to your vocation and gives them a little more appreciation for what you do.
Less work and more time at home is not necessarily the answer. Better use of time at home may make all the difference. Do something different tonight with your spouse or with a child. Get out of the routine. Minimize the television and maximize activity and conversation. Keep your marriage alive and growing.
There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from Dr. Gary Chapman on the Marriage You've Always Wanted by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Loving Your Child Through Quality Time
Four-year-old Sara is pulling on her mother’s leg. “Mommy, Mommy, let’s go play!” “I can’t play right now,” her mother says. “I’m making potato salad. I’ll play with you as soon as I finish.” Two minutes later Sara returns to ask again.
What can we learn from this scenario? Sara is revealing her primary love language – quality time. What really makes her feel loved is her mother’s undivided attention. However, her mother may see her pleading as irritating. Don’t ignore your child’s irritating behavior. They are giving you valuable information.
Are You Speaking the Right Love Language?
Quality time means giving a child your undivided attention. If you are a parent, do your children feel loved? I didn’t ask, "Do you love your children?" I know the answer to that. It is not enough to be sincere. It’s highly possible that you are not speaking your child’s love language.
If you don’t give them quality time, they will not feel loved even though you are giving them ‘words of affirmation’, ‘physical touch’ ‘gifts’ and ‘acts of service’. If your child is begging you to do things with them, then quality time is likely their love language. If you haven’t read my book The Five Love Languages of Children, I urge you to do so.
How to Give Quality Time
All children love stories. When they are small we read to them, and the story often leads to exciting conversations. Stories often stimulate emotions. Asking a child, “How does that make you feel?” is a way of helping the child learn to express emotions. Children also like to hear you tell stories about your childhood. You can give the child a sense of belonging when sharing your stories.
Reading and telling stories is one way to give a child ‘quality time’. For those brief moments, the child has your undivided attention. If this is the child’s primary love language, then nothing is more important in making that child feel loved. When you meet a child’s need for love, you are laying the foundation for a bright future.
What's your love language? Take the 30-second quiz.
Adapted from The Five Love Languages of Children by Dr. Gary Chapman & Ross Campbell. To find out more about his resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
What can we learn from this scenario? Sara is revealing her primary love language – quality time. What really makes her feel loved is her mother’s undivided attention. However, her mother may see her pleading as irritating. Don’t ignore your child’s irritating behavior. They are giving you valuable information.
Are You Speaking the Right Love Language?
Quality time means giving a child your undivided attention. If you are a parent, do your children feel loved? I didn’t ask, "Do you love your children?" I know the answer to that. It is not enough to be sincere. It’s highly possible that you are not speaking your child’s love language.
If you don’t give them quality time, they will not feel loved even though you are giving them ‘words of affirmation’, ‘physical touch’ ‘gifts’ and ‘acts of service’. If your child is begging you to do things with them, then quality time is likely their love language. If you haven’t read my book The Five Love Languages of Children, I urge you to do so.
How to Give Quality Time
All children love stories. When they are small we read to them, and the story often leads to exciting conversations. Stories often stimulate emotions. Asking a child, “How does that make you feel?” is a way of helping the child learn to express emotions. Children also like to hear you tell stories about your childhood. You can give the child a sense of belonging when sharing your stories.
Reading and telling stories is one way to give a child ‘quality time’. For those brief moments, the child has your undivided attention. If this is the child’s primary love language, then nothing is more important in making that child feel loved. When you meet a child’s need for love, you are laying the foundation for a bright future.
What's your love language? Take the 30-second quiz.
Adapted from The Five Love Languages of Children by Dr. Gary Chapman & Ross Campbell. To find out more about his resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
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