by Max Lucado
Something is awry—we feel disconnected. We connect with a career, find meaning in family, yet long for something more.
We feel the frustration I felt on Christmas morning, 1964. I assembled a nine-year-old’s dream gift: a genuine Santa Fe Railroad miniature train set, complete with battery-powered engine and flashing crossing lights. I placed the locomotive on the tracks and watched in sheer glee as three pounds of pure steel wound its way across my bedroom floor. Around and around and around and . . . around . . . and around . . . After some time I picked it up and turned it the other direction. It went around and around and around . . .
“Mom, what else did you get me for Christmas?”
Similarly, our lives chug in long ovals, one lap after another.
First job. Promotion. Wedding day. Nursery beds. Kids. Grandkids. Around and around . . . Is there anything else? Our dissatisfaction mates with disappointment and gives birth to some unruly children: drunkenness, power plays, eighty-hour workweeks, nosedives into sexual perversions—all nothing more than poorly disguised longings for Eden. We long to restore what Adam lost. As someone once said, “The man who knocks on the door of a brothel is seeking God.”
Where and when the brothel fails, Jesus steps forth with a reconnection invitation. Though we be “dead in [our] transgressions and sins (Eph. 2:1) and separated from the life of God (Eph. 4:18), whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God (I John 5:1). Reborn! This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan—this rebirth comes from God.” (John 1:13.)
Don’t miss the invisible, inward miracle triggered by belief. God reinstates us to Garden-of-Eden status. What Adam and Eve did, we now do! The flagship family walked with God; we can too. They heard his voice; so can we. They were naked and unashamed; we can be transparent and unafraid. No more running or hiding.
“Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now!” (1 Pet. 1:3–4 MSG).
bookFrom 3:16, The Numbers of Hope
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2007) Max Lucado
Thursday, 22 October 2009
On the Road to Reconciliation
Thousands of people experience marital separation every year. Many of them sincerely want to know, "What should I do, as a Christian?" First: Don't assume that separation equals divorce. Separation may lead to a restored, enriched, growing marriage. The individuals involved will determine the outcome of separation. Separation is not permanent. It either leads to resurrection or death. The Christian must always seek resurrection. This week, let's explore the possibilities of seeking reconciliation.
Separation calls for intensive care, much like that given to those in grave physical danger. The condition of the marriage is "critical". Proper mediation is essential. Surgery may be required. That will call for the services of a counselor or pastor.
What you do in the weeks following your separation will determine the quality of your life for years to come. Separation is not the time to capitulate. The battle for marital unity may just be beginning. Be assured, God is concerned about the outcome. You can count on Him for supernatural help. He will not abandon you in this time of pain.
Separation means that a marriage is in desperate straits. Healing will require listening, understanding, discipline, change. But hard work can result in the joy of a restored marriage. I know that some of you are saying: "It sounds good, but it won't work. We've tried before. Besides, I don't think my spouse will even try again. I'm not even sure I want to try."
I understand your feelings, but don't assume that the hostile attitude of your spouse will last forever, or that your own feelings are permanent. One of God's gifts to all of us is the gift of choice. We can change. Your spouse may be saying: "I'm through. It is finished. I don't want to talk about it." But three week or three months from now your spouse may be willing to talk.
Much depends on what you do in the meantime, and much depends on your spouse's response to the Spirit of God. You pray. You work. You leave the results to God.
When we chose to work on our marriages, we have all the help of God. God will not force your spouse to deal with issues and return to the marriage, but He will give you wisdom and strength as you seek to follow His will.
Where do we turn for help when we are separated? For the Christian, there is one stable source to which we turn when we need guidance. That source is the Bible. In the Bible we find not only what we ought to do, but also the encouragement and power to do it. The words of Paul become our own: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).
When we turn to the Bible for guidance, we discover that the Bible calls us to seek reconciliation. Divorce is not God's desire. It is true that ultimately you cannot keep your spouse from divorcing you. Even God had to grant Israel a divorce because she refused to turn from her sinful ways (Jeremiah 3:8). But that was after years of seeking reconciliation. And even yet, God has not given up on Israel - there will be future reconciliation.
So we must seek reconciliation. Even if our spouse ultimately refuses our efforts, we will have the satisfaction of knowing that we were faithful to the biblical ideal.
Adapted from Hope for the Separated: Wounded Marriages Can Be Healed
by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Dr. Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Separation calls for intensive care, much like that given to those in grave physical danger. The condition of the marriage is "critical". Proper mediation is essential. Surgery may be required. That will call for the services of a counselor or pastor.
What you do in the weeks following your separation will determine the quality of your life for years to come. Separation is not the time to capitulate. The battle for marital unity may just be beginning. Be assured, God is concerned about the outcome. You can count on Him for supernatural help. He will not abandon you in this time of pain.
Separation means that a marriage is in desperate straits. Healing will require listening, understanding, discipline, change. But hard work can result in the joy of a restored marriage. I know that some of you are saying: "It sounds good, but it won't work. We've tried before. Besides, I don't think my spouse will even try again. I'm not even sure I want to try."
I understand your feelings, but don't assume that the hostile attitude of your spouse will last forever, or that your own feelings are permanent. One of God's gifts to all of us is the gift of choice. We can change. Your spouse may be saying: "I'm through. It is finished. I don't want to talk about it." But three week or three months from now your spouse may be willing to talk.
Much depends on what you do in the meantime, and much depends on your spouse's response to the Spirit of God. You pray. You work. You leave the results to God.
When we chose to work on our marriages, we have all the help of God. God will not force your spouse to deal with issues and return to the marriage, but He will give you wisdom and strength as you seek to follow His will.
Where do we turn for help when we are separated? For the Christian, there is one stable source to which we turn when we need guidance. That source is the Bible. In the Bible we find not only what we ought to do, but also the encouragement and power to do it. The words of Paul become our own: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).
When we turn to the Bible for guidance, we discover that the Bible calls us to seek reconciliation. Divorce is not God's desire. It is true that ultimately you cannot keep your spouse from divorcing you. Even God had to grant Israel a divorce because she refused to turn from her sinful ways (Jeremiah 3:8). But that was after years of seeking reconciliation. And even yet, God has not given up on Israel - there will be future reconciliation.
So we must seek reconciliation. Even if our spouse ultimately refuses our efforts, we will have the satisfaction of knowing that we were faithful to the biblical ideal.
Adapted from Hope for the Separated: Wounded Marriages Can Be Healed
by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Dr. Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Dating Can Cause Discontentment with God's Gift of Singleness
The Seven Habits of Highly Defective Dating
Sometimes we see children who are more impressed with the gift-wrapping than the gift itself. I can't help but think that God views our infatuation with short-term dating relationships much as some children's love for gift wrapping. A string of uncommitted dating relationships is not the gift!. God gives us singleness - a season of our lives unmatched in its boundless opportunities for growth, learning and service - and we view it as a chance to get bogged down in finding and keeping boyfriends and girlfriends. But we don't find the real beauty of singleness in pursuing romance with as many different people as we want. We find the real beauty in using our freedom to serve God with abandon.
Recreational dating causes dissatisfaction because it encourages a wrong use of this freedom. God has placed a desire in most men and women for marriage. Although we don't sin when we look forward to marriage, we might be guilty of poor stewardship of our singleness when we allow a desire for something God obviously doesn't have for us yet to rob our ability to enjoy and appreciate what He has given us. Dating plays a role in fostering this dissatisfaction because it gives single people just enough intimacy to make them wish they had more. Instead of enjoying the unique qualities of singleness, dating causes more people to focus on what they don't have.
Recreational dating causes dissatisfaction because it encourages a wrong use of this freedom. God has placed a desire in most men and women for marriage. Although we don't sin when we look forward to marriage, we might be guilty of poor stewardship of our singleness when we allow a desire for something God obviously doesn't have for us yet to rob our ability to enjoy and appreciate what He has given us. Dating plays a role in fostering this dissatisfaction because it gives single people just enough intimacy to make them wish they had more. Instead of enjoying the unique qualities of singleness, dating causes more people to focus on what they don't have.
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
STAY FAITHFUL & BE GRATEFUL
A Christian
Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas.
Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.' Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet.'
When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said,
'Here, you gave me too much change ' The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher in town?'
'Yes' he replied.. 'Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday.'
When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.'
Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians, and will put us to the test! Always be on guard -- and remember -- You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself ' Christian.'
Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not PROTECT you...
Stay FAITHFUL and Be GRATEFUL
Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas.
Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.' Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet.'
When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said,
'Here, you gave me too much change ' The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher in town?'
'Yes' he replied.. 'Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday.'
When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.'
Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians, and will put us to the test! Always be on guard -- and remember -- You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself ' Christian.'
Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not PROTECT you...
Stay FAITHFUL and Be GRATEFUL
Monday, 19 October 2009
YOU DON'T HAVE TO GUESS!
Many Christians stress out about making a decision because they wrongly believe they have to find God's one "right" answer to the problem. They spend countless hours struggling to determine God's "perfect will" for their lives--something God never told them to do.
"Perfect will"--the idea that God has a specific plan for us and that if we miss it, then we're living "Plan B"--is not a concept that's supported by Scripture. Our responsibility is to make sure we follow God's moral standards. Beyond that, we're free to choose the path for our life.
That's a difficult concept for many Christians to grasp. We want to believe that God must green-light all of our decisions--that he has a perfect will for each of us--one that we must find for ourselves. But is that really consistent with God's character and his interactions with us?
Throughout Scripture God presents himself using the analogy of a good father. Even if you don't have the best biological dad in the world, you know what a good father should be like.
I feel blessed because I do have a great father. My dad is an architect by trade, and his personality suits his chosen career. He's a very orderly, structured, and intentional person. If he weren't, then it would be hard for him to get anything built. (And if he weren't meticulous, then the buildings he designed would most likely fall down.) I see my dad as a significant creator who possesses many of God's attributes of orderliness, purpose, and imagination.
Yet as good a father as he is, my dad doesn't expect me to depend on him to make every decision for me. Can you imagine what my life might be like if he did?
"Hi, Dad, it's me. My friends want to go to lunch. Should I go with them?"
"Yes, son, you should."
"Where should we go?"
"You should go to Wendy's."
"What should I order?"
"You should order a Spicy Chicken Sandwich meal."
"Should I biggie-size it?"
"No, son, you must not biggie-size it."
I think you get the idea. It would be ridiculous to expect my father to have a firm opinion on all of those decisions. My father taught me how to tell right from wrong and how to make good choices. Therefore, I'm free to make decisions within those parameters without getting into trouble.
God, the best Dad we could ever hope for, has done the same thing for us. He's given us the boundaries of his moral standards and the freedom to make our own decisions within those boundaries.
**
stories@heart4teens.com
Taken from "Wisdom On... Making Good Decisions" by Mark Matlock, copyright 2008, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Release date January 2008.
"Perfect will"--the idea that God has a specific plan for us and that if we miss it, then we're living "Plan B"--is not a concept that's supported by Scripture. Our responsibility is to make sure we follow God's moral standards. Beyond that, we're free to choose the path for our life.
That's a difficult concept for many Christians to grasp. We want to believe that God must green-light all of our decisions--that he has a perfect will for each of us--one that we must find for ourselves. But is that really consistent with God's character and his interactions with us?
Throughout Scripture God presents himself using the analogy of a good father. Even if you don't have the best biological dad in the world, you know what a good father should be like.
I feel blessed because I do have a great father. My dad is an architect by trade, and his personality suits his chosen career. He's a very orderly, structured, and intentional person. If he weren't, then it would be hard for him to get anything built. (And if he weren't meticulous, then the buildings he designed would most likely fall down.) I see my dad as a significant creator who possesses many of God's attributes of orderliness, purpose, and imagination.
Yet as good a father as he is, my dad doesn't expect me to depend on him to make every decision for me. Can you imagine what my life might be like if he did?
"Hi, Dad, it's me. My friends want to go to lunch. Should I go with them?"
"Yes, son, you should."
"Where should we go?"
"You should go to Wendy's."
"What should I order?"
"You should order a Spicy Chicken Sandwich meal."
"Should I biggie-size it?"
"No, son, you must not biggie-size it."
I think you get the idea. It would be ridiculous to expect my father to have a firm opinion on all of those decisions. My father taught me how to tell right from wrong and how to make good choices. Therefore, I'm free to make decisions within those parameters without getting into trouble.
God, the best Dad we could ever hope for, has done the same thing for us. He's given us the boundaries of his moral standards and the freedom to make our own decisions within those boundaries.
**
stories@heart4teens.com
Taken from "Wisdom On... Making Good Decisions" by Mark Matlock, copyright 2008, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Release date January 2008.
Developing an Attitude of Service
Before marriage, I dreamed about how happy I would be when we got married. I had visions of all the wonderful things my wife would do for me. Sausage and eggs together in the mornings. Candlelight dinners at night. Holding hands all day long and sex every night. I assumed that she had the same visions.
But, after marriage I found out that my wife didn't do mornings. So much for the sausage and eggs. She anticipated that I would take her out to romantic restaurants for dinner, not as a prelude to sex, but simply because I loved her.
I expressed my disappointment with her and she expressed her disappointment with me. We succeeded in being utterly miserable. Our marriage didn't turn around overnight, but it did turn around. And so can yours. I want to share the secret. It all has to do with attitude.
Jesus' life and teachings focused on sacrificial service to others. He once said, "I did not come to be ministered to, but to minister." It is a theme that all truly great men and women of the past have affirmed. Life's greatest meaning is not found in getting, but in giving. This profound principle made a significant difference in my marriage. Developing an attitude of service is not easy but the rewards are overwhelmingly positive. Few people will run away from someone who is serving them.
My wife was no exception. When I reached out to serve her, it wasn't long before she was reaching out to me. Jesus had it right! Why did it take me so long to learn?
How would a wife respond to a husband who sincerely sought to serve her? In my desperation I was determined to find out. I set myself to discovering her needs and desires and sought to fulfill them. I began quietly and slowly to do some of the things she had requested in the past. You see, by now we were too estranged to talk about our relationship, but I could choose to take action on some of her previous complaints.
I started washing dishes without being asked. I volunteered to fold the clothes. It seemed to me these where the kind of things Jesus might have done had He been married. When she made specific requests, I determined to respond cheerfully and if possible to do them.
In less than three months, my wife's attitude toward me began to change. She came out of her shell of withdrawal and began to talk again. I think she sensed that my days of preaching were over and that my attitude toward her was changing. Genuine acts of service seldom go unrewarded. Before long, our hostility was gone, and we began to have positive feelings toward each other.
You see, if I believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive; that serving my spouse is more important than being served; that my best end is found in making her life better, then it will affect the way I treat her. When she sees this attitude expressed in my behavior she knows that something has changed. If I am consistent, then service becomes a lifestyle.
Most wives and husbands are attracted to someone who shows genuine concern for them. The person who follows the example of Jesus - in serving others, is on the road to greatness and to a growing marriage relationship.
Adapted from The Family You've Always Wanted: Five Ways You Can Make It Happen
by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Dr. Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
But, after marriage I found out that my wife didn't do mornings. So much for the sausage and eggs. She anticipated that I would take her out to romantic restaurants for dinner, not as a prelude to sex, but simply because I loved her.
I expressed my disappointment with her and she expressed her disappointment with me. We succeeded in being utterly miserable. Our marriage didn't turn around overnight, but it did turn around. And so can yours. I want to share the secret. It all has to do with attitude.
Jesus' life and teachings focused on sacrificial service to others. He once said, "I did not come to be ministered to, but to minister." It is a theme that all truly great men and women of the past have affirmed. Life's greatest meaning is not found in getting, but in giving. This profound principle made a significant difference in my marriage. Developing an attitude of service is not easy but the rewards are overwhelmingly positive. Few people will run away from someone who is serving them.
My wife was no exception. When I reached out to serve her, it wasn't long before she was reaching out to me. Jesus had it right! Why did it take me so long to learn?
How would a wife respond to a husband who sincerely sought to serve her? In my desperation I was determined to find out. I set myself to discovering her needs and desires and sought to fulfill them. I began quietly and slowly to do some of the things she had requested in the past. You see, by now we were too estranged to talk about our relationship, but I could choose to take action on some of her previous complaints.
I started washing dishes without being asked. I volunteered to fold the clothes. It seemed to me these where the kind of things Jesus might have done had He been married. When she made specific requests, I determined to respond cheerfully and if possible to do them.
In less than three months, my wife's attitude toward me began to change. She came out of her shell of withdrawal and began to talk again. I think she sensed that my days of preaching were over and that my attitude toward her was changing. Genuine acts of service seldom go unrewarded. Before long, our hostility was gone, and we began to have positive feelings toward each other.
You see, if I believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive; that serving my spouse is more important than being served; that my best end is found in making her life better, then it will affect the way I treat her. When she sees this attitude expressed in my behavior she knows that something has changed. If I am consistent, then service becomes a lifestyle.
Most wives and husbands are attracted to someone who shows genuine concern for them. The person who follows the example of Jesus - in serving others, is on the road to greatness and to a growing marriage relationship.
Adapted from The Family You've Always Wanted: Five Ways You Can Make It Happen
by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Dr. Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Themes for November & December
been thinking about:
since November is White Fields Assembly's Anniversary Month..
why don't we sing praise & worship songs about family and thanksgiving..
and..
since December is Christmas Month..
it would be great to include some carols into the song list in advent of Christmas Day..
-
Christmas Celebration Service:
25 December 2009
Friday
10am
-
Sunday Service on 27th December will go on as usual..
since November is White Fields Assembly's Anniversary Month..
why don't we sing praise & worship songs about family and thanksgiving..
and..
since December is Christmas Month..
it would be great to include some carols into the song list in advent of Christmas Day..
-
Christmas Celebration Service:
25 December 2009
Friday
10am
-
Sunday Service on 27th December will go on as usual..
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Walking According To The Spirit
"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." - Romans 8:1
Excerpts from the letter of Paul to the Romans have been mentioned in this bulletin over the past 3 weeks to draw the attention of God's family in WFA toward His purposes for our lives. Paul's message and mission were based on 2 simple things. First, he was grateful for his salvation and went wherever God sent him to tell him to tell what Christ had done for him (Acts 22:21). Second, his heart's desire was "to do the will of Him that sent"him at all times, and at all cost (John 7:38, Acts 21:13-14).
The Epistle of Paul to the Romans reflects Paul's keen understanding of the wisdom and knowledge of God and is considered the greatest revelation of Christian doctrine or foundational principles in the Bible. This is important to us even in this day in Seremban if we are to walk according to the Spirit in order that we "may dwell in the secret place of the Most Hight" and "abide under the shadow of the Almighty".
The mercy seat covered the ark which contained the three emblems of man's rebellion: the golden pot of manna - man's rebellion against God's provision, two tables of stone on which God wrote the Ten Commandments - man's rebellion against God's standard and Aaron's rod - man's rebellion against God's authority. Once a year on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would sprinkle the blood of a sacrificed animal on the mercy seat in order to make propitiation for the sins of Israel.
For us it's no longer the blood of animals that makes propitiation for our sins, but the blood of Jesus as seen in Romans 3:25 where the word for propitiation in the original text is 'hilasterion' which means "mercy seat" in Greek. Therefore Christ is our mercy seat and His blood speaks for us and results in God being on our side. God no longer sees our rebellion - He sees the blood of His Son and thereby accepts us, allowing us to abide in Him. This is how we can approach the secret place of the Most High in Christ, feeling secure that we have been given the right to be in God's presence. We can boldly approach Him to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
We are under God's protection because of Jesus Christ is our mercy seat and covers us with His blood. We are in the secret place of the Most High, abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:9,10 tells us that no evil will befall us, nor will any plague come near our dwelling; we are protected by God and kept safe from all harm when we walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
It’s Going to Be Okay
by Max Lucado
Bill Tucker was sixteen years old when his dad suffered a health crisis and consequently had to leave his business. Even after Mr. Tucker regained his health, the Tucker family struggled financially, barely getting by.
Mr. Tucker, an entrepreneurial sort, came up with an idea. He won the bid to reupholster the chairs at the local movie theater. This stunned his family. He had never stitched a seat. He didn’t even own a sewing apparatus. Still, he found someone to teach him the skill and located an industrial-strength machine. The family scraped together every cent they had to buy it. They drained savings accounts and dug coins out of the sofa. Finally, they had enough.
It was a fine day when Bill road with his dad to pick up the equipment. Bill remembers a jovial, hour-long trip discussing the bright horizons this new opportunity afforded them. They loaded the machine in the back of their truck and secured it right behind the cab. Mr. Tucker then invited his son to drive home. I’ll let Bill tell you what happened next:
“As we were driving along, we were excited, and I, like any sixteen-year-old driver, was probably not paying enough attention to my speed. Just as we were turning on the cloverleaf to get on the expressway, I will never ever, ever forget watching that sewing machine, which was already top-heavy, begin to tip. I slammed on the brakes, but it was too late. I saw it go over the side. I jumped out and ran around the back of the truck. As I rounded the corner, I saw our hope and our dream lying on its side in pieces. And then I saw my dad just looking. All of his risk and all of his endeavor and all of his struggling and all of his dream, all of his hope to take care of his family was lying there, shattered.
“You know what comes next don’t you? ‘Stupid, punk kid driving too fast, not paying attention, ruined the family by taking away our livelihood.’ But that’s not what he said. He looked right at me. ‘Oh, Bill, I am so sorry.’ And he walked over, put his arms around me, and said, ‘Son, this is going to be okay.’
God is whispering the same to you. Those are his arms you feel. Trust him. That is his voice you hear. Believe him. Allow the only decision maker in the universe to comfort you. Life at times appears to fall to pieces, seem irreparable. But it’s going to be okay. How can you know? Because God so loved the world. If God can make a billion galaxies, can’t he make good out of our bad and sense out of our faltering lives? Of course he can. He is God.
The Great House of GodFrom 3:16, The Numbers of Hope
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2007) Max Lucado
Bill Tucker was sixteen years old when his dad suffered a health crisis and consequently had to leave his business. Even after Mr. Tucker regained his health, the Tucker family struggled financially, barely getting by.
Mr. Tucker, an entrepreneurial sort, came up with an idea. He won the bid to reupholster the chairs at the local movie theater. This stunned his family. He had never stitched a seat. He didn’t even own a sewing apparatus. Still, he found someone to teach him the skill and located an industrial-strength machine. The family scraped together every cent they had to buy it. They drained savings accounts and dug coins out of the sofa. Finally, they had enough.
It was a fine day when Bill road with his dad to pick up the equipment. Bill remembers a jovial, hour-long trip discussing the bright horizons this new opportunity afforded them. They loaded the machine in the back of their truck and secured it right behind the cab. Mr. Tucker then invited his son to drive home. I’ll let Bill tell you what happened next:
“As we were driving along, we were excited, and I, like any sixteen-year-old driver, was probably not paying enough attention to my speed. Just as we were turning on the cloverleaf to get on the expressway, I will never ever, ever forget watching that sewing machine, which was already top-heavy, begin to tip. I slammed on the brakes, but it was too late. I saw it go over the side. I jumped out and ran around the back of the truck. As I rounded the corner, I saw our hope and our dream lying on its side in pieces. And then I saw my dad just looking. All of his risk and all of his endeavor and all of his struggling and all of his dream, all of his hope to take care of his family was lying there, shattered.
“You know what comes next don’t you? ‘Stupid, punk kid driving too fast, not paying attention, ruined the family by taking away our livelihood.’ But that’s not what he said. He looked right at me. ‘Oh, Bill, I am so sorry.’ And he walked over, put his arms around me, and said, ‘Son, this is going to be okay.’
God is whispering the same to you. Those are his arms you feel. Trust him. That is his voice you hear. Believe him. Allow the only decision maker in the universe to comfort you. Life at times appears to fall to pieces, seem irreparable. But it’s going to be okay. How can you know? Because God so loved the world. If God can make a billion galaxies, can’t he make good out of our bad and sense out of our faltering lives? Of course he can. He is God.
The Great House of GodFrom 3:16, The Numbers of Hope
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2007) Max Lucado
25 OCTOBER 2009
CM: Liong KC
WL: Peggy Tan
BU: Kenneth Lai, Shankar R., Siew Pin
P: Chris Lai
S: Jason Lai
G: Chew Weng Ern
D: Kai Yew
LCD: Tian Sia, Colleen Chang
PA: Manjit Singh, Hiew FF
-
WL: Peggy Tan
BU: Kenneth Lai, Shankar R., Siew Pin
P: Chris Lai
S: Jason Lai
G: Chew Weng Ern
D: Kai Yew
LCD: Tian Sia, Colleen Chang
PA: Manjit Singh, Hiew FF
-
1 Nov:
CM: Tom C.
WL: Terry C.
BU: Tian Sia, Gigi Lim, Peggy Tan
P: Lydia Sim
S: Jocelyn Lee
G: Kenneth Lai
D: Anna Sim
LCD: Moses Tan, Timothy Chang
PA: Tommy Q., Manjit Singh
What Man Could Not Do, Jesus Did
What Man Could Not Do, Jesus Did
By Victor King
A story of how the amazing grace of God changes everything
You are about to read the Great manifestation Works of Jesus Christ………
From a gangster to an ambassador of the gospel.
I just want to share with you what the grace of God has done for me in my life.
I was a born in a Christian family. Despite hating to go to church, I was forced to by my parents. They sent me to a Christian school but that didn’t help. When I reached secondary school, that’s when I was influenced by my friends and got myself involved in gangsterism, smoking and skipping school. Things were turning from bad to worse as it became a lifestyle and a bondage to me.
I started stealing, vandalizing, drinking and getting into fights. My folks got to know about it and tried to talk me out of it but it didn’t work as I was very rude, hot-tempered and vulgar. My teachers, the school staff, my relatives, good friends and even counselors tried talking to me but none of them got through me.
My parents wanted to send me to the boys’ home but I was expelled from school because of my attitude and attendance. I became a school dropout at the age of 17.
Being a dropout did not really matter to me. Rather, it gave me more reasons to become a ‘full time’ gangster. I frequented pubs with my gang members daily. I became a heavy smoker and I got hooked on alcohol. I was full of obscenities and I got addicted to pornography. I started womanizing and stayed away from home most of the time.
There were times I got involved in armed robberies. Most of my friends were drug addicts and ex-convicts. It became a bondage to me as I started living this ‘troubled life’. Sometimes, I would worship idols and visit temples to pray with my friends. I was so lost. I became the worst guy in my family. Nobody could change me not even the army.
Many of them thought that I would change for the better when I was drafted into the Singapore Armed Forces but unfortunately, no. I managed to get myself into the army prison (detention barracks) for going A.W.O.L and my bad attitude. I was also brought back to the police station a couple times and my parents had to come and bail me out. I was a burden to them but I didn’t care!
But during those moments, there was a cry within. My lifestyle headed me to the prison many times, but I would always escape without getting caught. I believe God preserved me.
This whole bondage of the devil came to an end just few years ago. I had quite a number of girlfriends in the past and most of them were unbelievers. 5 years ago, I got to know this girl who was a Christian and she brought me to her church at Suntec City called the New Creation Church. It was the third time I felt Jesus touched me in a church, and this time I felt warmth all over me and I started crying. I felt so in love and loved but I didn’t know with whom. All I knew was that it was a love beyond a human’s love. That day, I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
Life Transformation
One thing I know, that my life was not the same after that. As time went on, Jesus delivered me from so many bondages. Nine years of heavy smoking was gone, six years of alcoholism was gone and as time went by, God supernaturally took me out of the gang, delivered me from vulgarities, anger, womanizing and many more bad habits like pornography and lust. The Lord made me see women in a different way.
I became a new creation. I was also healed of a 10 year urinary bladder problem. Before this, I would go to the toilet for as many as five to seven times in the night, but by the grace the God, I don’t have this problem today. Now, I can just sleep through the night. Amazing grace! The people around me were shocked. With man it may seem impossible but with God, all things are possible.
For sin shall has no dominion over us for we are not under law but under grace.
I believe that God blessed me to be a blessing. I want to spread this Good News that only Jesus can make a difference in our lives and Jesus died for all our sins. He is merciful to our unrighteousness, sin and lawlessness. He remembers no more and there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!
People are going to the world and things for answers but truth is, Jesus is the answer.
Not only has the grace of God transformed my life, I now have a great relationship with Jesus. Whenever I’m going through problems, the grace of God makes me run to Him. He has delivered and carried me through and from all my problems.
There were times when I felt like giving up and the problems were too big and overtaking me (even to the point of suicide) but He carried me through my storms. Even when I fell in my failures and sin, the Holy Spirit in me Always reminds and convicts me how Righteous I am in Christ and that my sins and lawless deeds GOD does not remember anymore because of the Finished Work of Jesus.
What Jesus did for me is priceless and beyond human strength. Jesus loves you too much and what He did for me by His Grace, He can do the same for you.
Now, I have a good problem, I can’t stop talking and preaching about Jesus. Jesus is so real.
Thank you so much for reading the wonderful Works of Jesus Christ.
Shalom
By Victor King
A story of how the amazing grace of God changes everything
You are about to read the Great manifestation Works of Jesus Christ………
From a gangster to an ambassador of the gospel.
I just want to share with you what the grace of God has done for me in my life.
I was a born in a Christian family. Despite hating to go to church, I was forced to by my parents. They sent me to a Christian school but that didn’t help. When I reached secondary school, that’s when I was influenced by my friends and got myself involved in gangsterism, smoking and skipping school. Things were turning from bad to worse as it became a lifestyle and a bondage to me.
I started stealing, vandalizing, drinking and getting into fights. My folks got to know about it and tried to talk me out of it but it didn’t work as I was very rude, hot-tempered and vulgar. My teachers, the school staff, my relatives, good friends and even counselors tried talking to me but none of them got through me.
My parents wanted to send me to the boys’ home but I was expelled from school because of my attitude and attendance. I became a school dropout at the age of 17.
Being a dropout did not really matter to me. Rather, it gave me more reasons to become a ‘full time’ gangster. I frequented pubs with my gang members daily. I became a heavy smoker and I got hooked on alcohol. I was full of obscenities and I got addicted to pornography. I started womanizing and stayed away from home most of the time.
There were times I got involved in armed robberies. Most of my friends were drug addicts and ex-convicts. It became a bondage to me as I started living this ‘troubled life’. Sometimes, I would worship idols and visit temples to pray with my friends. I was so lost. I became the worst guy in my family. Nobody could change me not even the army.
Many of them thought that I would change for the better when I was drafted into the Singapore Armed Forces but unfortunately, no. I managed to get myself into the army prison (detention barracks) for going A.W.O.L and my bad attitude. I was also brought back to the police station a couple times and my parents had to come and bail me out. I was a burden to them but I didn’t care!
But during those moments, there was a cry within. My lifestyle headed me to the prison many times, but I would always escape without getting caught. I believe God preserved me.
This whole bondage of the devil came to an end just few years ago. I had quite a number of girlfriends in the past and most of them were unbelievers. 5 years ago, I got to know this girl who was a Christian and she brought me to her church at Suntec City called the New Creation Church. It was the third time I felt Jesus touched me in a church, and this time I felt warmth all over me and I started crying. I felt so in love and loved but I didn’t know with whom. All I knew was that it was a love beyond a human’s love. That day, I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
Life Transformation
One thing I know, that my life was not the same after that. As time went on, Jesus delivered me from so many bondages. Nine years of heavy smoking was gone, six years of alcoholism was gone and as time went by, God supernaturally took me out of the gang, delivered me from vulgarities, anger, womanizing and many more bad habits like pornography and lust. The Lord made me see women in a different way.
I became a new creation. I was also healed of a 10 year urinary bladder problem. Before this, I would go to the toilet for as many as five to seven times in the night, but by the grace the God, I don’t have this problem today. Now, I can just sleep through the night. Amazing grace! The people around me were shocked. With man it may seem impossible but with God, all things are possible.
For sin shall has no dominion over us for we are not under law but under grace.
I believe that God blessed me to be a blessing. I want to spread this Good News that only Jesus can make a difference in our lives and Jesus died for all our sins. He is merciful to our unrighteousness, sin and lawlessness. He remembers no more and there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!
People are going to the world and things for answers but truth is, Jesus is the answer.
Not only has the grace of God transformed my life, I now have a great relationship with Jesus. Whenever I’m going through problems, the grace of God makes me run to Him. He has delivered and carried me through and from all my problems.
There were times when I felt like giving up and the problems were too big and overtaking me (even to the point of suicide) but He carried me through my storms. Even when I fell in my failures and sin, the Holy Spirit in me Always reminds and convicts me how Righteous I am in Christ and that my sins and lawless deeds GOD does not remember anymore because of the Finished Work of Jesus.
What Jesus did for me is priceless and beyond human strength. Jesus loves you too much and what He did for me by His Grace, He can do the same for you.
Now, I have a good problem, I can’t stop talking and preaching about Jesus. Jesus is so real.
Thank you so much for reading the wonderful Works of Jesus Christ.
Shalom
Saturday, 17 October 2009
Dating Can Distract Young Adults from Their Primary Responsibility of Preparing for the Future
The Seven Habits of Highly Defective Dating
We cannot live in the future, but neglecting our current obligations will disqualify us for tomorro's responsibilities. Being distracted by love is not such a bad thing - unless God wants you doind something else.
One of the saddest tendencies of dating is to distract young adults from developing their God-given abilities and skills. Instead of serving in their local church, instead of equipping themselves with the character, education and experience necessary to succeed in life, many allow themselves to be consumed by the present needs that dating emphasizes.
Maintaining a relationship takes a lot of time and energy. Spending countless hours talking, writing, thinking and often worrying about their relationship steals enegry from other pursuits. The relationship could swallow up time that could have been spent developing skills and exploring new opportunities.
Dating may help you practice being a good boyfriend or girlfriend, but are these the skills we need for marriage? Even if you're going out with the person you will one day marry, a preoccupation with being the perfect boyfriend or girlfriend now can actually hinder you from being the future husband or wife that person will one day need.
One of the saddest tendencies of dating is to distract young adults from developing their God-given abilities and skills. Instead of serving in their local church, instead of equipping themselves with the character, education and experience necessary to succeed in life, many allow themselves to be consumed by the present needs that dating emphasizes.
Maintaining a relationship takes a lot of time and energy. Spending countless hours talking, writing, thinking and often worrying about their relationship steals enegry from other pursuits. The relationship could swallow up time that could have been spent developing skills and exploring new opportunities.
Dating may help you practice being a good boyfriend or girlfriend, but are these the skills we need for marriage? Even if you're going out with the person you will one day marry, a preoccupation with being the perfect boyfriend or girlfriend now can actually hinder you from being the future husband or wife that person will one day need.
Friday, 16 October 2009
Dating Often Isolates a Couple from Other Vital Relationships
The Seven Habits of Highly Defective Dating
By it's very definition, dating is about two people focusing on each other. Unfortunately, in most cases the rest of the world fades into the background. If you've ever felt like a third wheel when hanging out with two friends who are dating each other, you know how true this is.
Now, in a relationship where both people are prepared to move toward marriage, giving the relationship primary attention is not wrong. To make a wise choice about marrying someone, it's important to focus on getting to know that person well. But even in serious relationships it's not wise to isolate yourself from others.
For people who are't ready for commitment, this dating tendency can be especially detrimental. Christians need to take this seriously. Why? First, because when we allow one relationship to crowd out others, we lose perspective. In Proverbs 15:22 we read:
Of course we can make this same mistake in any number of non-romantic relationships. But we face this problem more often in dating relationships because these relationships involve our hears and emotions. And because dating focuses on the plans of a couple, major issues related to marriage, family and faith are likely at stake.
And if two people haven't defined their level of commitment, they're particularly at risk. You put yourself in a precasious position if you isolate yourself from the people who love and support you because you dive wholeheartedly into a romantic relationship not grounded in commitment. In Passion & Purity, Elisabeth Elliot states:
Perhaps you've done a similar thing. Or maybe you know the pain and frustration of being put on the back burner for the sake of a friend's boyfriend or girlfriend. The exclusive attention so oftne expected in dating relationships has a tendedncy to isolate them from the friends who love them most, family members who know them best and sadly, even God, whose will is far more important than any romantic interest
Now, in a relationship where both people are prepared to move toward marriage, giving the relationship primary attention is not wrong. To make a wise choice about marrying someone, it's important to focus on getting to know that person well. But even in serious relationships it's not wise to isolate yourself from others.
For people who are't ready for commitment, this dating tendency can be especially detrimental. Christians need to take this seriously. Why? First, because when we allow one relationship to crowd out others, we lose perspective. In Proverbs 15:22 we read:
22 Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.If we make our decisions about life based solely on the influence of one relationship, we'll probably make poor judgements.
Of course we can make this same mistake in any number of non-romantic relationships. But we face this problem more often in dating relationships because these relationships involve our hears and emotions. And because dating focuses on the plans of a couple, major issues related to marriage, family and faith are likely at stake.
And if two people haven't defined their level of commitment, they're particularly at risk. You put yourself in a precasious position if you isolate yourself from the people who love and support you because you dive wholeheartedly into a romantic relationship not grounded in commitment. In Passion & Purity, Elisabeth Elliot states:
Unless a man is prepared to ask a woman to be his wife, what right has he to claim her exclusive attention? Unless she has been asked to marry him, why would a sensible woman promise any man her exclusive attention?How many people end dating relationships only to find their ties to other friends severed?
Perhaps you've done a similar thing. Or maybe you know the pain and frustration of being put on the back burner for the sake of a friend's boyfriend or girlfriend. The exclusive attention so oftne expected in dating relationships has a tendedncy to isolate them from the friends who love them most, family members who know them best and sadly, even God, whose will is far more important than any romantic interest
When the Nest Isn't Emptying
The not-so-empty nest syndrome is on the rise. Adult children used to leave home shortly after finishing high school. But times have changed, and today nearly 20 million young adults still live at home with Mom and Dad.
This was not in the script for many of these midlife parents. They were looking forward to having more time for themselves. They expected to feel a brief time of loss after the children left, but they anticipated increased freedom.
The reasons for staying with parents often make sense, but it still creates new stresses. Once they are out of high school, they expect to be treated differently. But they are still living at home and still have expectations of their parents. These differing expectations often create conflicts.
If your high school graduate wants to continue living at home, it's time for a family conference. You thought they would graduate and move out. They did graduate, but the stay at home may be extended. Perhaps they are going to a local college and stay home to save money. Perhaps they want to take some "time off" from school, but aren't ready to "get a job." Perhaps they are emotionally and financially unable to live apart from you. Whatever the reason, it's time for a family conference.
The big issue is to clarify expectations. You cannot do this without open communication. An open forum where each family member can share ideas and feelings and together you can come to an agreement. You as parents need to listen carefully to the thoughts, feelings, and desires of your child. This does not mean that they have the final word, but it does mean that you take their opinions seriously. On the other hand, you need to be honest about your own thoughts and feelings. Without talking and listening you will never be able to clarify expectations.
Certainly emerging young adults should be given more freedom than high school students, but freedom does not preclude responsibility. If they are to live at home, they must assume responsibilities for the welfare and peace of the family. Living under the same roof means that we must respect each other and learn to work together as a team for the benefit of all. Some of the areas that need to be addressed are: finances, chores or household responsibilities, noise levels, and other common courtesies. You may have to negotiate agreement on these matters, but it is essential that everyone get on the same page. Otherwise, conflict will become a way of life and family unity will be destroyed. Balancing freedom and responsibility makes for harmonious relationships.
Frequently the personal values of young adults differ from those of their parents. However, if your grown children plan to continue living in your house, you have the right to ask them to respect your values. It is appropriate for you to insist that they not bring their "lover" into your house for an overnight sexual encounter. It is also appropriate for you to insist that they not use tobacco, alcohol, or drugs in your house, if these are your values.
In doing this, you are not enforcing your personal values on them, but you are expecting your adult child to respect your beliefs and not to violate them while living in your house. A kind but firm commitment to your own values demonstrates your strength of character. Your child would probably be disappointed in you if you failed to maintain the values you have taught them through the years. You may not always have agreement, but you can have harmony in the house.
Clarifying expectations is also a part of making life better for everyone. Don't just continue in your stress. Call a family conference and negotiate understanding. It's good for your health, your marriage, and the well-being of your child.
Adapted from Parenting Your Adult Child: How You Can Help Them Achieve Their Potential Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Dr. Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
This was not in the script for many of these midlife parents. They were looking forward to having more time for themselves. They expected to feel a brief time of loss after the children left, but they anticipated increased freedom.
The reasons for staying with parents often make sense, but it still creates new stresses. Once they are out of high school, they expect to be treated differently. But they are still living at home and still have expectations of their parents. These differing expectations often create conflicts.
If your high school graduate wants to continue living at home, it's time for a family conference. You thought they would graduate and move out. They did graduate, but the stay at home may be extended. Perhaps they are going to a local college and stay home to save money. Perhaps they want to take some "time off" from school, but aren't ready to "get a job." Perhaps they are emotionally and financially unable to live apart from you. Whatever the reason, it's time for a family conference.
The big issue is to clarify expectations. You cannot do this without open communication. An open forum where each family member can share ideas and feelings and together you can come to an agreement. You as parents need to listen carefully to the thoughts, feelings, and desires of your child. This does not mean that they have the final word, but it does mean that you take their opinions seriously. On the other hand, you need to be honest about your own thoughts and feelings. Without talking and listening you will never be able to clarify expectations.
Certainly emerging young adults should be given more freedom than high school students, but freedom does not preclude responsibility. If they are to live at home, they must assume responsibilities for the welfare and peace of the family. Living under the same roof means that we must respect each other and learn to work together as a team for the benefit of all. Some of the areas that need to be addressed are: finances, chores or household responsibilities, noise levels, and other common courtesies. You may have to negotiate agreement on these matters, but it is essential that everyone get on the same page. Otherwise, conflict will become a way of life and family unity will be destroyed. Balancing freedom and responsibility makes for harmonious relationships.
Frequently the personal values of young adults differ from those of their parents. However, if your grown children plan to continue living in your house, you have the right to ask them to respect your values. It is appropriate for you to insist that they not bring their "lover" into your house for an overnight sexual encounter. It is also appropriate for you to insist that they not use tobacco, alcohol, or drugs in your house, if these are your values.
In doing this, you are not enforcing your personal values on them, but you are expecting your adult child to respect your beliefs and not to violate them while living in your house. A kind but firm commitment to your own values demonstrates your strength of character. Your child would probably be disappointed in you if you failed to maintain the values you have taught them through the years. You may not always have agreement, but you can have harmony in the house.
Clarifying expectations is also a part of making life better for everyone. Don't just continue in your stress. Call a family conference and negotiate understanding. It's good for your health, your marriage, and the well-being of your child.
Adapted from Parenting Your Adult Child: How You Can Help Them Achieve Their Potential Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Dr. Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
Thursday, 15 October 2009
What Passion Litmus Test?
What Passion Litmus Test?
By Rachel Chew
Can we ever measure passion or put a finger on what passion looks or sounds like?
By Rachel Chew
Can we ever measure passion or put a finger on what passion looks or sounds like?
They say that if you’re not loud, you’re probably dead. They say that if you’re not giving your loudest shout, you’re not passionate. They say our King deserves it. Our King also, most probably, deserves a lot more things. Yet we find people who have either left or changed churches because of it. Some get disappointed and confused. They’re left speechless, literally.
We hear from friends coming back from a megachurch in a neighbouring (almost) country. We’ve heard it from the pulpit, even lead worshippers (the worship leader is ultimately the Holy Spirit); if it’s loud, bright, and can be seen and heard from a mile away, it’s definitely passion.
What’s that? I can’t hear you. Oh, you’re probably not passionate or *cough* Christian.
Extreme? Maybe. Out of context? Possibly. But haven’t we felt more ’alive’ when everyone sings their heart out and give their all in worship? Haven’t we felt as though we wanted to grow up and be just like them?
We talk about passion and equate it with how much time we do ‘quiet time’ or how many praise and worship songs we know. Lifting our hands at the right climaxes, clapping in beat and jumping all describe a ‘passionate’ person. It’s all rage and hype. Stepping out of our comfort zone means leaving our seats/pews and going upfront to um, rave… or whatever you call it. While we debate over worship styles and congregation enthusiasm in their responses, people’s needs are still not met and the poor are still poor.
True, passion starts with the individual, but it doesn’t have to end there. True passion always flows out, not clogging up within the four walls of ‘church’. Jesus was (and is) passionate. In fact, the word ‘passion’ came from the Latin word passi?, referring to the sufferings of Jesus or a martyr. He gave passion meaning. Today, being that passionate would be masochism. And no, black leather and whips will never be popular within ’churchy’ circles and neither was that what Jesus meant.
Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (Matt 16:24). He calls us to passion, not merely to a passionate worship service, but to a life that follows after Him. It is a life that is uncomfortable, one that shakes us from our little boats and into the water. It means laying down our rights (to a home, money, fame or getting even) and picking up our cross. It’s a divine exchange of your life for His. And it happens daily.
Passion is not passive. Unfortunately, while we are passionate about the idea of passion, Jesus was (and is) passionate because He is compassionate*. We talk about following Jesus, but most of the time, we only follow Him to church and after service, we follow our stomachs. Jesus’ mission on earth was to the oppressed, poor, blind and the prisoners. God is always near the widows and fatherless. We can either take it metaphorically or literally—or better, both. There was a trend back in the 90s when the Christian subculture was famous for the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) bracelets, way before the current silicon bracelet fad. Catchy phrase, but if we really want to take it further, we should be asking what is Jesus doing and where is Jesus now. The present tense makes more sense because He is already here and all we need to do is join Him.
So where is Jesus? Where is He working? You say you have passion, live it. Leave the warm pews and go somewhere your butt will freeze because you have just given your coat to a beggar. Some may say you should start with the ‘small’ things first, i.e. taking out the trash in church or arranging seats before service, but truthfully, do we all think that God sees these acts as small? If all sin is sin to God, then all ’noble’ acts are equal because it is the Christian way of life. A life of love requires some form of self-giving and no service is smaller or more noble than another. Start with something immediate, do something you’d least likely do; whether it’s cleaning up your colleagues used cups and dishes or arming yourself with plastic bags to clean up your town. (Yes, we pay taxes for a reason. But it’s easier for us to give money than time and effort.)
Living selflessly is not easy, neither is it comfortable or ’natural’ in the worldly sense, but it is Christ’s passion, isn’t it? Having nails driven into His body was definitely not comfortable. Worship styles don’t even begin to describe it. Let’s not just talk about passion, let’s live a passion-filled life. Don’t just preach the gospel, be the gospel—the good news—to the poor, the oppressed and the needy. We’re the Church, the body of Christ, not a building. Jesus is all about the people and we should be too. If Jesus never changed His mission, why should we? It’s time we take the backseat, put the needs of others first and break down the walls that separate us from ’them’.
If it’s comfortable, it’s not passion.
*Compassion comes from the Late Latin word, compati; com (together) + pati (to suffer). Look up ‘passion’.
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Changed from the Inside Out
by Max Lucado
When you believe in Christ, Christ works a miracle in you. You are permanently purified and empowered by God himself. The message of Jesus to the religious person is simple: It’s not what you do. It’s what I do. I have moved in. And in time you can say with Paul, “I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).
If I’m born again, why do I fall so often?
Why did you fall so often after your first birth? Did you exit the womb wearing cross-trainers? Did you do the two-step on the day of your delivery? Of course not. And when you started to walk, you fell more than you stood. Should we expect anything different from our spiritual walk?
But I fall so often, I question my salvation. Again, we return to your first birth. Didn’t you stumble as you were learning to walk? And when you stumbled, did you question the validity of your physical birth? Did you, as a one-year-old fresh flopped on the floor, shake your head and think, I have fallen again. I must not be human?
Of course not. The stumbles of a toddler do not invalidate the act of birth. And the stumbles of a Christian do not annul his spiritual birth.
Do you understand what God has done? He has deposited a Christ seed in you. As it grows, you will change. It’s not that sin has no more presence in your life, but rather that sin has no more power over your life. Temptation will pester you, but temptation will not master you. What hope this brings!
Hear this. It’s not up to you! Within you abides a budding power. Trust him!
Think of it this way. Suppose you, for most of your life, have had a heart condition. Your frail pumper restricts your activities. Each morning at work when the healthy employees take the stairs, you wait for the elevator.
But then comes the transplant. A healthy heart is placed within you. After recovery, you return to work and encounter the flight of stairs—the same flight of stairs you earlier avoided. By habit, you start for the elevator. But then you remember. You aren’t the same person. You have a new heart. Within you dwells a new power.
Do you live like the old person or the new? Do you count yourself as having a new heart or old? You have a choice to make.
You might say, “I can’t climb stairs; I’m too weak.” Does your choice negate the presence of a new heart? Dismiss the work of the surgeon? No. Choosing the elevator would suggest only one fact—you haven’t learned to trust your new power.
It takes time. But at some point you’ve got to try those stairs. You’ve got to test the new ticker. You’ve got to experiment with the new you. For if you don’t, you will run out of steam.
Religious rule keeping can sap your strength. It’s endless. There is always another class to attend, Sabbath to obey, Ramadan to observe. No prison is as endless as the prison of perfection. Her inmates find work but never find peace. How could they? They never know when they are finished.
Christ, however, gifts you with a finished work. He fulfilled the law for you. Bid farewell to the burden of religion. Gone is the fear that having done everything, you might not have done enough. You climb the stairs, not by your strength, but his. God pledges to help those who stop trying to help themselves.
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6.) God will change you from the inside out.
The Great House of GodFrom Next Door Savior
Available in Hardback or Paperback
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2003) Max Lucado
When you believe in Christ, Christ works a miracle in you. You are permanently purified and empowered by God himself. The message of Jesus to the religious person is simple: It’s not what you do. It’s what I do. I have moved in. And in time you can say with Paul, “I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).
If I’m born again, why do I fall so often?
Why did you fall so often after your first birth? Did you exit the womb wearing cross-trainers? Did you do the two-step on the day of your delivery? Of course not. And when you started to walk, you fell more than you stood. Should we expect anything different from our spiritual walk?
But I fall so often, I question my salvation. Again, we return to your first birth. Didn’t you stumble as you were learning to walk? And when you stumbled, did you question the validity of your physical birth? Did you, as a one-year-old fresh flopped on the floor, shake your head and think, I have fallen again. I must not be human?
Of course not. The stumbles of a toddler do not invalidate the act of birth. And the stumbles of a Christian do not annul his spiritual birth.
Do you understand what God has done? He has deposited a Christ seed in you. As it grows, you will change. It’s not that sin has no more presence in your life, but rather that sin has no more power over your life. Temptation will pester you, but temptation will not master you. What hope this brings!
Hear this. It’s not up to you! Within you abides a budding power. Trust him!
Think of it this way. Suppose you, for most of your life, have had a heart condition. Your frail pumper restricts your activities. Each morning at work when the healthy employees take the stairs, you wait for the elevator.
But then comes the transplant. A healthy heart is placed within you. After recovery, you return to work and encounter the flight of stairs—the same flight of stairs you earlier avoided. By habit, you start for the elevator. But then you remember. You aren’t the same person. You have a new heart. Within you dwells a new power.
Do you live like the old person or the new? Do you count yourself as having a new heart or old? You have a choice to make.
You might say, “I can’t climb stairs; I’m too weak.” Does your choice negate the presence of a new heart? Dismiss the work of the surgeon? No. Choosing the elevator would suggest only one fact—you haven’t learned to trust your new power.
It takes time. But at some point you’ve got to try those stairs. You’ve got to test the new ticker. You’ve got to experiment with the new you. For if you don’t, you will run out of steam.
Religious rule keeping can sap your strength. It’s endless. There is always another class to attend, Sabbath to obey, Ramadan to observe. No prison is as endless as the prison of perfection. Her inmates find work but never find peace. How could they? They never know when they are finished.
Christ, however, gifts you with a finished work. He fulfilled the law for you. Bid farewell to the burden of religion. Gone is the fear that having done everything, you might not have done enough. You climb the stairs, not by your strength, but his. God pledges to help those who stop trying to help themselves.
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6.) God will change you from the inside out.
The Great House of GodFrom Next Door Savior
Available in Hardback or Paperback
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2003) Max Lucado
Dating Often Mistakes a Physical Relationship for Love
The Seven Habits of Highly Defective Dating
When we consider that our culture as a whole regards the words love and sex as interchangeable,we shouldn't be surprise that many dating relationships make physical attraction and sexual intimacy for true love. Sadly, many Christian dating relationships reflect this false mindset.
When we examine the progression of most relationships, we can clearly see how dating can encourage this substitution. First, as we pointed out, most often, dating isn't a pursuit of commitment. For this reason, many dating relationships begin with physical attraction. The underlying attitude is that a person's primary value comes from the way he/she looks. Even before a kiss has been given, the physical, sensual aspect of the relationship has taken priority.
Next, the relationship often steamrolls toward intimacy. Because dating doesn't require commitment, the two people involved allow the needs and passions of the moment to take center stage. The couple doesn't look at each other as possible life partners or weigh the responsibilties of marriage. Instead, they focus on the demands of the present. And with that mindset, the couple's physical relationship can easily become the focus.
Sadly, many couples gauge the seriousness of their relationship by the level of their physical involvement. Two people who date each other want to feel that they're special to each other, and they can concretely express this through physical intimacy. They begin to distinguish their special relationship through hand-holding, kissing and everything else that follows. For this reason, many people believe that going out with someone means physical involvement.
Focusing on the physical is plainly sinful. God demands sexual purity. And He does this because He is holy. He also does it for our own good. Physical involvement can distort two people's perspective of each other and lead to unwise choices. God also knows we'll carry the memories of our past physical involvements into marriage. He doesn't want us to live with guilt and regret.
Physical involvement can make two people feel close. But if many people really examined the focus of their dating relationships, they'd probably discover that all they have in common is lust.
When we examine the progression of most relationships, we can clearly see how dating can encourage this substitution. First, as we pointed out, most often, dating isn't a pursuit of commitment. For this reason, many dating relationships begin with physical attraction. The underlying attitude is that a person's primary value comes from the way he/she looks. Even before a kiss has been given, the physical, sensual aspect of the relationship has taken priority.
Next, the relationship often steamrolls toward intimacy. Because dating doesn't require commitment, the two people involved allow the needs and passions of the moment to take center stage. The couple doesn't look at each other as possible life partners or weigh the responsibilties of marriage. Instead, they focus on the demands of the present. And with that mindset, the couple's physical relationship can easily become the focus.
Sadly, many couples gauge the seriousness of their relationship by the level of their physical involvement. Two people who date each other want to feel that they're special to each other, and they can concretely express this through physical intimacy. They begin to distinguish their special relationship through hand-holding, kissing and everything else that follows. For this reason, many people believe that going out with someone means physical involvement.
Focusing on the physical is plainly sinful. God demands sexual purity. And He does this because He is holy. He also does it for our own good. Physical involvement can distort two people's perspective of each other and lead to unwise choices. God also knows we'll carry the memories of our past physical involvements into marriage. He doesn't want us to live with guilt and regret.
Physical involvement can make two people feel close. But if many people really examined the focus of their dating relationships, they'd probably discover that all they have in common is lust.
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Dating Tends to Skip the Friendship Stage of a Relationship
The Seven Habits of Highly Defective Dating
One-on-one dating has the tendency to move a guy and girl beyond friendship and toward romance too quickly.
Have you ever known someone who worried about dating a longtime friend? If you have, you probably heard that person say something like this: "He asked me out, but I'm just afraid that if wwe start actually dating it will change out friendship." What is this person really saying? People make statements like that, whether they realize it or not, recognize that dating encourages romnatic expectations. In a true friendship you don't feel pressured by knowing that you 'like' the other person or that he or she 'likes' you back. You feel free to be yourself and do things together without spending three hours in front of the mirror making sure you look perfect.
CS Lewis describes friendship as two people walking side by side toward a common goal. Their mutual interest brings them together. Skipping the commonality stage by going on one-on-one dates focuses on the 'coupleness'.
In dating, romantic attraction is often the cornerstone of the relationship. The premise of dating is "I'm attracted to you; therefore, let's get to know each other." The premise of friendship, on the other hand, is "We're interested in the same things; let's enjoy these common interests together." If romantic attraction forms after developing a friendship, it's an added bonus.
Have you ever known someone who worried about dating a longtime friend? If you have, you probably heard that person say something like this: "He asked me out, but I'm just afraid that if wwe start actually dating it will change out friendship." What is this person really saying? People make statements like that, whether they realize it or not, recognize that dating encourages romnatic expectations. In a true friendship you don't feel pressured by knowing that you 'like' the other person or that he or she 'likes' you back. You feel free to be yourself and do things together without spending three hours in front of the mirror making sure you look perfect.
CS Lewis describes friendship as two people walking side by side toward a common goal. Their mutual interest brings them together. Skipping the commonality stage by going on one-on-one dates focuses on the 'coupleness'.
In dating, romantic attraction is often the cornerstone of the relationship. The premise of dating is "I'm attracted to you; therefore, let's get to know each other." The premise of friendship, on the other hand, is "We're interested in the same things; let's enjoy these common interests together." If romantic attraction forms after developing a friendship, it's an added bonus.
Intimacy without commitment is defrauding. Intimacy without friendship is superficial. A relationship based solely on physical attraction and romantic feelings will last only as long as the feelings last
Love Makes the Difference
I really do believe that "love makes the world go round." Why? Because God is love. It is His love for us that makes all of life meaningful. So, what does that have to do with marriage? God made us for each other. Husband and wife are designed to work together as a mutual support team to discover and fulfill God's plans for their lives.
In a word, love is the choice to look out for each other in the same way that God looks out for us. It doesn't require warm feelings, but it does require an open heart.
Spouses become God's agent for helping their partners feel loved. Few things are more important than encouraging one's spouse to accomplish God's plans. Marriage is designed to help us accomplish more for God. Two are better than one in His kingdom.
If we do not feel loved in marriage, our differences are magnified. We come to view each other as a threat to our happiness. We fight for self-worth and significance, and marriage becomes a battlefield rather than a haven.
Love is not the answer to everything, but it creates a climate of security in which we can seek answers to those things that bother us. In the security of love, a couple can discuss differences without condemnation. We discover how to bring out the best in each other. The decision to love your spouse holds tremendous potential.
I believe that love really does make the difference between success and failure in a marriage. Keep in mind that love is not a feeling, but love stimulates feelings. When we learn to love each other effectively, we keep warm emotional feelings alive.
Adapted from The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Dr. Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
In a word, love is the choice to look out for each other in the same way that God looks out for us. It doesn't require warm feelings, but it does require an open heart.
Spouses become God's agent for helping their partners feel loved. Few things are more important than encouraging one's spouse to accomplish God's plans. Marriage is designed to help us accomplish more for God. Two are better than one in His kingdom.
If we do not feel loved in marriage, our differences are magnified. We come to view each other as a threat to our happiness. We fight for self-worth and significance, and marriage becomes a battlefield rather than a haven.
Love is not the answer to everything, but it creates a climate of security in which we can seek answers to those things that bother us. In the security of love, a couple can discuss differences without condemnation. We discover how to bring out the best in each other. The decision to love your spouse holds tremendous potential.
I believe that love really does make the difference between success and failure in a marriage. Keep in mind that love is not a feeling, but love stimulates feelings. When we learn to love each other effectively, we keep warm emotional feelings alive.
Adapted from The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Dr. Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.
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