Hey my dearest ROR..
sorry for my lateness.. yup this is the notes for Session 9.. thousand apologies!! -- (Rachel)
_____________________________________________________
Set down individual short term (ST) goal and long term (LT) goal before the start of discussion.
1) What is our perception of death before receiving Christ:
- Influenced by Taoist beliefs:
o People go to hell after death
o the concept of reincarnation
o spiritual bondages
- influenced by other false teaching
- current system: to earn their way towards good life (heaven) after death (similar to the Jewish Sadducees)
2) Then how Christianity differs from the current world system in viewing death?
- There is hope after death ( eternity)
- And this hope is assured in Christ
3) How can we then share this assurance and hope with non Christians?
- Take the initiative to share and invite them to find out about God (to have the personal experience with God)
4) How do you live a life that is in the hope of Christ return daily?
- It’s always a struggle; we must set our vision on God daily
- Is’t necessary must be in the circumstances of suffering?
- To die to ourselves daily – to be still and to be in His presence; it does not need to be a session of conversation but rather we can always be quiet in His presence.
- If we know Jesus is coming in a later time we will plan life according to our way, seeking earthly treasures before His coming.
We should look back at Jesus’ life, his close intimacy with God allows Him to have the hope and drives him in his ministry. He sets His vision on things that are eternal not that of temporal.
2 Cor 5:1
2 Cor 5:9-10
The true reward of heaven itself is the true intimate relationship with God, the restored kingship and worshipper relationship.
Philippians 3: 13
We may be crippled in the past or let things cloud our vision towards God’s true calling. We need to have an upward perspective in our life. So we then should set our goal in perspective of Christ return.
5) Look back at the ST and LT goals we set ; how then should the hope of Christ’s return affect the way we measure opportunities, set priorities and use our resources?
For example: to bless children that are suffering
Realign our goal from God's perspective.
6) Reflection: Is our goal more self centered rather than God-centered?
There could be increased ‘worldly appetite’ in people, especially Christians and it has become a distraction to live a life for God. It is then only through God can He reveal to us how we can realign back to Him.
We agreed that material things cannot satisfy our heart desire. If we used the resources that God bless us with for God’s glory and ministry, then the void in our heart can only be fulfilled by God.
7)Reflection: Is it wrong to have worldly craving? Or should we ask rather what is the intention behind these craving?
We should then come in humility to lift our goals into God’s hands and ask Him to help us re-align ourselves to His purpose.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Session 12: Spiritual Boy Scouts
1 Nov 2009 Cell group meeting (Leader: Serene)
Last lesson of 1 Thessalonians Part 2 book!
Recap of last 5 lessons:
YX, Paul & Sarah (Lesson 7 & 8)
Lesson 7 (1 Thess 4:1-8):
- Recognizing that our body belongs to God
- Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, which dwells in us
- 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20 “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
- Decide who we are going to live for
- Decide against any kind of sexual immorality
- Decide to learn self-control
- Decide it’s not worth the price
Lesson 8 (1 Thess 4:9-12):
- Lead a quiet life, MYOB, Work with your hands
- Application: Upcoming Mission Trip to Karimun!
- Reach the dying world for Christ!
Wilson, Jon, James & Derrick (Lesson 9)
Lesson 9 (1 Thess 4:13-18):
- Jesus will come back!!!
- Re-evaluate life’s priorities: Put God first!
- Do not be sucked into the world so much… (Satan’s ploy to distract us from God!)
- Re-affirm our faith about God that He will come back for us!
- We have HOPE in Christ
Susan, Emma & Kenny (Lesson 10 & 11)
Lesson 10 (1 Thess 5:1-11):
- Live like Sons of the Light & become more Christ-like
- Our purpose & calling are different when we become reborn in Christ
Lesson 11 (1 Thess 5:12-15):
- Pay for cell leaders to go for Hawaii trip! Juz kidding!
- Follow our leaders!
- Cell group is just like family life: Need to get along with each other.
Values of our cell group:
1. Clear Purpose – fellowship & spiritual growth
2. Group Attendance – give priority for cell group
3. Safe Environment – where ppl can be heard & feel loved
4. Be Confidential – keep anything shared strictly confidential within the group
5. Spiritual Health – give each other permission to help us lead a healthy spiritual life
6. Welcome Newcomers – invite others & warmly welcome them
7. Building Relationships – get to know each other & pray for each other regularly
Lesson 12 (1 Thess 5:16-24):
Spiritual Partnership between us & God
1. Our Part (v. 16-20) – we have the free will to choose and the responsibility to do so
2. God’s Part (v. 23-24)
My Part in Preparing for Christ’s Return (v.16-20)
1. Be joyful always – remember that we do not deserve anything, but view everything as a gift from God.
(Paul: Also manage our expectations, because we are nothing apart from Christ, we are all sinners. Who are we to treat others with contempt when they don’t meet our expectations? Susan: So should we have expectations of others? Paul: Nothing wrong in having expectations, but must learn to be ready to forgive & accept when they fall. Serene: Have expectations but leave everything to God, and accept God’s will & plan for us & whatever He decides to give us. Paul: We can expect things from God, but we must learn to trust in Him & learn to hear from Him before we expect, not expect out of what we think)
2. Pray continually – carry a running conversation with God like you would a friend. Tell Him everything, there is nothing too small for Him. Be specific & tell God exactly what you want. Learn to be silent at times.
(Emma: Being aware of God & can pray at any moment. Paul: Can be in the context of speaking in tongues. Live a life of speaking in tongues. Attune your spirit & won’t be limited by English vocabulary.)
3. Give thanks in all circumstances – not for all circumstances, when we have gratitude & thanking spirits, people will listen! Believe, claim & embrace Romans 8:28 in order to have a spirit of gratitude!
4. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire – by being rebellious against God, self-centredness vs. God-centred life.
(Serene: Any other things that we can quench the Spirit’s fire? Or what does it mean to quench? Emma: Impedes His work in & thru’ us. Being unteachable. Serene: One way is to reflect on how we have been leading our life. Doing things according to our own plans or spending time to listen from God to what He wants to do in us. Jon: 2 examples to “pssst” the Holy Spirit. One is to fail to be disciplined to do QT by choosing to do something else eg. Play computer games. End up feeling dry. Second is to take care of your health, because it affects the spirit & soul. Emma: We do things with purpose. But we need to qn ourselves what is this purpose. Jon: Know the purpose but don’t hv discipline. Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.)
5. Do not treat prophecies with contempt – be open & have a teachable heart to what God wants to do in & thru’ you
6. Test everything – we need to discern what we hear by examining their teachings & lifestyle with scripture & if it aligns with the Word of God, check if what he say is what he does
(Serene: From today’s sermon, look at the fruits. But first thing is that we must know the Word of God to know if what others teach is aligned with the Word. Emma: media is scary because it propagates such things. Jon: Even false prophets can use the bible to quote. Every verse has to have another verse to support in line with it. Serene: Taking things out of context. Jon: Does fruit always mean the fruit of the spirit or also the by-product eg. their actions? Paul: We are the fruit of the spirit & good fruit will point & draw ppl to Jesus and not anything else and not even themselves. James: We need to spend a lot of time with others to know their fruit. Paul: Tele-evangelists in the past preached about God but drew ppl to themselves. Kenny: Purpose of fruit is to propagate more trees with fruit.)
7. Hold on (aggressively) to that which is good – love, purity, grace, etc.
8. Avoid every kind of evil – fend them off every day with the power of the Holy Spirit, not by our own power
God’s Part in Preparing Me for Christ’s Return
1. God’s power to sanctify us & set us apart for His purposes
2. He has fashioned us and shaped us for His purposes
3. God is faithful & will do it (v.23)
Power verses:
1. Deut 7:9 - God keeps his covenant to a thousand generations.
2. Lamentations 3:22-23 - His compassions never fail. His mercy is new each day.
3. 2 Tim 2 - God remains faithful (because of His character) even when we are unfaithful
4. Philippians 1:6 - God who started a good work & will sustain us & see it through to the very end.
Last lesson of 1 Thessalonians Part 2 book!
Recap of last 5 lessons:
YX, Paul & Sarah (Lesson 7 & 8)
Lesson 7 (1 Thess 4:1-8):
- Recognizing that our body belongs to God
- Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, which dwells in us
- 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20 “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
- Decide who we are going to live for
- Decide against any kind of sexual immorality
- Decide to learn self-control
- Decide it’s not worth the price
Lesson 8 (1 Thess 4:9-12):
- Lead a quiet life, MYOB, Work with your hands
- Application: Upcoming Mission Trip to Karimun!
- Reach the dying world for Christ!
Wilson, Jon, James & Derrick (Lesson 9)
Lesson 9 (1 Thess 4:13-18):
- Jesus will come back!!!
- Re-evaluate life’s priorities: Put God first!
- Do not be sucked into the world so much… (Satan’s ploy to distract us from God!)
- Re-affirm our faith about God that He will come back for us!
- We have HOPE in Christ
Susan, Emma & Kenny (Lesson 10 & 11)
Lesson 10 (1 Thess 5:1-11):
- Live like Sons of the Light & become more Christ-like
- Our purpose & calling are different when we become reborn in Christ
Lesson 11 (1 Thess 5:12-15):
- Pay for cell leaders to go for Hawaii trip! Juz kidding!
- Follow our leaders!
- Cell group is just like family life: Need to get along with each other.
Values of our cell group:
1. Clear Purpose – fellowship & spiritual growth
2. Group Attendance – give priority for cell group
3. Safe Environment – where ppl can be heard & feel loved
4. Be Confidential – keep anything shared strictly confidential within the group
5. Spiritual Health – give each other permission to help us lead a healthy spiritual life
6. Welcome Newcomers – invite others & warmly welcome them
7. Building Relationships – get to know each other & pray for each other regularly
Lesson 12 (1 Thess 5:16-24):
Spiritual Partnership between us & God
1. Our Part (v. 16-20) – we have the free will to choose and the responsibility to do so
2. God’s Part (v. 23-24)
My Part in Preparing for Christ’s Return (v.16-20)
1. Be joyful always – remember that we do not deserve anything, but view everything as a gift from God.
(Paul: Also manage our expectations, because we are nothing apart from Christ, we are all sinners. Who are we to treat others with contempt when they don’t meet our expectations? Susan: So should we have expectations of others? Paul: Nothing wrong in having expectations, but must learn to be ready to forgive & accept when they fall. Serene: Have expectations but leave everything to God, and accept God’s will & plan for us & whatever He decides to give us. Paul: We can expect things from God, but we must learn to trust in Him & learn to hear from Him before we expect, not expect out of what we think)
2. Pray continually – carry a running conversation with God like you would a friend. Tell Him everything, there is nothing too small for Him. Be specific & tell God exactly what you want. Learn to be silent at times.
(Emma: Being aware of God & can pray at any moment. Paul: Can be in the context of speaking in tongues. Live a life of speaking in tongues. Attune your spirit & won’t be limited by English vocabulary.)
3. Give thanks in all circumstances – not for all circumstances, when we have gratitude & thanking spirits, people will listen! Believe, claim & embrace Romans 8:28 in order to have a spirit of gratitude!
4. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire – by being rebellious against God, self-centredness vs. God-centred life.
(Serene: Any other things that we can quench the Spirit’s fire? Or what does it mean to quench? Emma: Impedes His work in & thru’ us. Being unteachable. Serene: One way is to reflect on how we have been leading our life. Doing things according to our own plans or spending time to listen from God to what He wants to do in us. Jon: 2 examples to “pssst” the Holy Spirit. One is to fail to be disciplined to do QT by choosing to do something else eg. Play computer games. End up feeling dry. Second is to take care of your health, because it affects the spirit & soul. Emma: We do things with purpose. But we need to qn ourselves what is this purpose. Jon: Know the purpose but don’t hv discipline. Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.)
5. Do not treat prophecies with contempt – be open & have a teachable heart to what God wants to do in & thru’ you
6. Test everything – we need to discern what we hear by examining their teachings & lifestyle with scripture & if it aligns with the Word of God, check if what he say is what he does
(Serene: From today’s sermon, look at the fruits. But first thing is that we must know the Word of God to know if what others teach is aligned with the Word. Emma: media is scary because it propagates such things. Jon: Even false prophets can use the bible to quote. Every verse has to have another verse to support in line with it. Serene: Taking things out of context. Jon: Does fruit always mean the fruit of the spirit or also the by-product eg. their actions? Paul: We are the fruit of the spirit & good fruit will point & draw ppl to Jesus and not anything else and not even themselves. James: We need to spend a lot of time with others to know their fruit. Paul: Tele-evangelists in the past preached about God but drew ppl to themselves. Kenny: Purpose of fruit is to propagate more trees with fruit.)
7. Hold on (aggressively) to that which is good – love, purity, grace, etc.
8. Avoid every kind of evil – fend them off every day with the power of the Holy Spirit, not by our own power
God’s Part in Preparing Me for Christ’s Return
1. God’s power to sanctify us & set us apart for His purposes
2. He has fashioned us and shaped us for His purposes
3. God is faithful & will do it (v.23)
Power verses:
1. Deut 7:9 - God keeps his covenant to a thousand generations.
2. Lamentations 3:22-23 - His compassions never fail. His mercy is new each day.
3. 2 Tim 2 - God remains faithful (because of His character) even when we are unfaithful
4. Philippians 1:6 - God who started a good work & will sustain us & see it through to the very end.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Group Life
Notes for Cell 25th Oct 2009-10-25
Group Life. (road map)
1) Follow the Leader (lesson of submission, Hebrews 13:17)
2) Get along (Thess 5:13B, promoting harmony)
3) Do your part (warn those who are idle, Epn 4:16 as each part does its work)
4) Help each other (Before i can help you, i must know you)
5) No payback (make sure nobody pay back wrong for wrong but repay with blessing)
Small Group = Family
1) Group agreement
2) Common ground rules
Relationship
1) How well we manage
2) Consist high and lows (we need each other and we needle each other)
Discussion
1) Sense of responsibility for everyone
2) Meet up more often
3) Being humble and sensitive to each other
4) Right mix right click
Group Life. (road map)
1) Follow the Leader (lesson of submission, Hebrews 13:17)
2) Get along (Thess 5:13B, promoting harmony)
3) Do your part (warn those who are idle, Epn 4:16 as each part does its work)
4) Help each other (Before i can help you, i must know you)
5) No payback (make sure nobody pay back wrong for wrong but repay with blessing)
Small Group = Family
1) Group agreement
2) Common ground rules
Relationship
1) How well we manage
2) Consist high and lows (we need each other and we needle each other)
Discussion
1) Sense of responsibility for everyone
2) Meet up more often
3) Being humble and sensitive to each other
4) Right mix right click
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Your Body Belongs to God
John 17 contains the longest report of Jesus.
As we live our lives, we will be in tension: there are different set of values that we have in conflict with the values around us.
James 4:4: Friendship with this world become enemies of God
Living in this world is counter cultural. We don’t take cue from polls, but from his word. To obey, not negotiate.
Christian life: practical. You life will please and glorify God.
Good Life: Not how happy or healthy we are, but the measurement of good is how well we live for God’s purposes, not our own.
4 decisions that lead to sexual purity:
1. Decide who you are going to live for. You belong to God, now live like it. Do not be “out of control sexually”. Not just “Don’t do it”, but “You belong to God”. Spiritual and Sexual purity are some things that you don’t need to ask or pray for. God already made it very clear.
2. Decide against any kind of sexual immorality – a sin to your own body.
3. Decide to learn self control: “God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
4. Decide it’s not worth the price. 1 Thessalonians 4:6. You cannot afford the price, walk away from it. One night can lead to years of pain in you and your family’s life. It will grieve God’s name, lose self respect, form memories and flashbacks that will impact your spouse, children...
More thoughts.
1. Every single one of us is susceptible.
2. There is forgiveness and restoration.
At a greater picture, God is looking for obedience.
What is counter-cultural? Counter the norms. 20 yrs ago: Sex was a hush hush thing. How should we educate our youths? What are the norms for them?
Practical ways in everyday life:
1. Feed on the word of God
2. Surround yourself with believers who have the same beliefs – encourage you and keep you accountable
3. Having people who you are accountable to: Mentors, disciples
4. Make the right choices – avoid pornography, don’t temp ourselves (e.g. movies, music, advertisement, newspaper)
5. Letting people know that you are Christians
What ought to distinguish Christians in our generation as being “set apart for God”? The norms nowadays can change and “evolve”. Culture around us will change and people compromise. It is not clear what is right and what is wrong. It is more difficult for them. Hence, it is important for us to know what the truth is. Truth from the bible does not change. Face confrontation and “false” accusation. As the world grows darker, we should shine brighter.
Sexual education now has become different from the past: Must have safe sex instead of cannot have sex?! Homosexuality?
Warn people about the wrath against God. One should not preach as people hear what they want to hear.
Listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit, be sensitive to it and obey in it. Don’t just hear our own voices.
Related verses:
Micah 2:6
Proverbs 16:9
Matthew 28:20
2 Corinthians 7:1
1 Samuel 21:5
Hebrews 13:4
Romans 1:18
Romans 8:13
As we live our lives, we will be in tension: there are different set of values that we have in conflict with the values around us.
James 4:4: Friendship with this world become enemies of God
Living in this world is counter cultural. We don’t take cue from polls, but from his word. To obey, not negotiate.
Christian life: practical. You life will please and glorify God.
Good Life: Not how happy or healthy we are, but the measurement of good is how well we live for God’s purposes, not our own.
4 decisions that lead to sexual purity:
1. Decide who you are going to live for. You belong to God, now live like it. Do not be “out of control sexually”. Not just “Don’t do it”, but “You belong to God”. Spiritual and Sexual purity are some things that you don’t need to ask or pray for. God already made it very clear.
2. Decide against any kind of sexual immorality – a sin to your own body.
3. Decide to learn self control: “God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
4. Decide it’s not worth the price. 1 Thessalonians 4:6. You cannot afford the price, walk away from it. One night can lead to years of pain in you and your family’s life. It will grieve God’s name, lose self respect, form memories and flashbacks that will impact your spouse, children...
More thoughts.
1. Every single one of us is susceptible.
2. There is forgiveness and restoration.
At a greater picture, God is looking for obedience.
What is counter-cultural? Counter the norms. 20 yrs ago: Sex was a hush hush thing. How should we educate our youths? What are the norms for them?
Practical ways in everyday life:
1. Feed on the word of God
2. Surround yourself with believers who have the same beliefs – encourage you and keep you accountable
3. Having people who you are accountable to: Mentors, disciples
4. Make the right choices – avoid pornography, don’t temp ourselves (e.g. movies, music, advertisement, newspaper)
5. Letting people know that you are Christians
What ought to distinguish Christians in our generation as being “set apart for God”? The norms nowadays can change and “evolve”. Culture around us will change and people compromise. It is not clear what is right and what is wrong. It is more difficult for them. Hence, it is important for us to know what the truth is. Truth from the bible does not change. Face confrontation and “false” accusation. As the world grows darker, we should shine brighter.
Sexual education now has become different from the past: Must have safe sex instead of cannot have sex?! Homosexuality?
Warn people about the wrath against God. One should not preach as people hear what they want to hear.
Listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit, be sensitive to it and obey in it. Don’t just hear our own voices.
Related verses:
Micah 2:6
Proverbs 16:9
Matthew 28:20
2 Corinthians 7:1
1 Samuel 21:5
Hebrews 13:4
Romans 1:18
Romans 8:13
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Session 8: Loving insiders & reaching outsiders
1 Thess 4:9-12
- They love those inside the family.
Holy Spirit dwell in us when we receive Christ into our life and part of the Holy Spirit’s job is to inject love in our hearts.
Jesus commands us to love each other.Cell group should be a place where you can be the real you.
Fellowship: being committed to each other just as you are committed to Jesus.
-They cared about those outside the family.
Live in such a way that will draw people to Christ.
There should be a balance to grow those in the family and reach out to those outside the family.
Assignment for this week: Read Luke 15
Lead a quiet life: Be reliable, simple and pure life
Mind your own business: Do with commitment
Work with your hands: Idleness -Don’t be idle, lazy and leave job half done
=> RESPONSIBILITY
Win the respect of outsiders – Setting a role and be an example to other Christians
No need to depend on others – Not being a burden to others
How do we love unlovable people?
· Speak the truth with love.
· Be willing to resolve conflict.
· Reconcile and close the chapter
· We love because Jesus first loves us.
· Draw from God’s love pool not your own.
· Don’t let Satan sow discord among fellow Christians.
· Remind ourselves that Christ wants us to love each other.
· Avoid being in situation where Satan can amplify the dislike.
· You can love the person but doesn’t mean you like the person???
· Be emotionally responsible: Have enough rest so that you won’t have outburst of rage.
In order for a group to grow, it is necessary to go through conflict reconciliation.
Live a spirit filled life!!!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Crying Out for God's Presence (CG on 13 Sep 09)
Dear all,
Sorry for the late upload of the notes :P
Be blessed and see u all on sunday!
In Christ always,
Paul
Sorry for the late upload of the notes :P
Be blessed and see u all on sunday!
In Christ always,
Paul
Crying out for God's presence
2 possible reasons for spiritual dryness
- Not spending time to cultivate His presence
- God allowed us to go through time of testing and growth
Seeking God's presence = Seeking His face = Setting of mind & Heart on God (Psalms 105:4)
8 Challenges to help you draw near to God
Challenge 1: Admit your needs & cry out to Him
Challenge 2: Make a date with God
- Assign a fixed time and venue to meet up with Him privately
Challenge 3: Public Worship
- To fulfill His will
- To see unity in His children
- To see the body of Christ manifest His power (Heb10:25)
Challenge 4: Build your faith & place your hope in God
- Heb 11:1, Rom 10:7, 1 Cor 15:18-20
- When we have hope, we will do more having eternity in mind.
Challenge 5: Remember God's goodness and faithfulness
- Give thanks to God continually is communicating with Him
- Diary your testimonies
- Matt 28:20
Challenge 6: Remove distractions
- TV, Laptop, ipod, etc
Challenge 7: Mutual Encouragement
- Join a cellgroup!
- Be accountable to each other
- Spending time in godly fellowship
- Seeking godly advice from leaders and siblings-in-Christ
Challenge 8: Praying in the Spirit
- Speaking and singing in tongues will stir up rivers of living water and faith
- Jude 1:20-21
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Session 5: Developing God's Heart for People
16 August 2009
ROR Cell: Session Five – Developing God’s heart for people
1 Thessalonians 2:13 – 20
Three lessons about developing God’s heart for people:
- Look for ways to encourage and praise people.
- Have to be observant in order to encourage people; challenge: praise 5 ppl per day for the next 7 days
- Tenaciously protect those you love from spiritual harm.
- Develop a personal passion for people.
- Intimacy and relationship
Questions/take-away from video:
What are the barriers that stop the group from developing the relationships deeper?
What are the steps we can take to deepen the relationship?
It is in relationship that we experience the richness of life
What is the difference between authentic praise and flattery?
Discussion:
- Are we an encourager? > spiritual
- Serene: is there difference between encouragement and praise?
- Encouragement > is something for the person to move forward/and make something happen
- Praise can serve as an encouragement and is two-ways. (Encouragement may not be praise)
- Sharon: What is spiritual encouragement?
- Serene: To grow in our walk with God.. comes with a deep relationship.
- Emma: cannot categorise what is spiritual encouragement, but it is the values that we hold that encourages others.
- James: help to turn people’s attention to God
- Sets the environment > ref previous cell material: how to create a safe environment for sharing.
- Belle: Encouraging non-christian friends may sometimes be harder because the relationship may not be as deep, Emma: it takes time to invest in the friendship and before they trust and be willing to open up for us.
- What are the barriers/fear that keeps us from opening up?
a) Level of relationship
b) With non-christian friends – afraid that we may give the wrong impression and cause them to stumble.
c) Trust – abused trust and will not believe again.
d) James: When you share openly, it makes you vulnerable, if the group doesn’t have openness or vulnerability then we don’t share, Emma: but we should also have some courage. Rachel: sometimes the vulnerability is necessary. Emma: sometimes it’s a pride issue.
- How is our cell doing? Serene: we’re doing good, growing. (multiplying?)
- How can we improve?
- More organised activity outside of weekly cell. Ladies’ night? Men’s night?
- Commit to our prayer partners.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Happiness
Cell notes for 24 may 2009
Cell activity:
“Think about one thing for the past one week (or month) that you have made happy.”
- Mmm...interesting activity for us to do during QT? =)
Bible Verse: Psalm 1: 1 - 6
1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Verse 1:
Progression: Walk, Stand, Sit.
Walking: Something like following. Counsel: Work of advice, a thought, not action yet.
Stand: You pause. Way: Following the way which is more behavioural and involving more action.
Sit: You join their cam and become more like them. Seat: Permanent already.
Verse 2:
Law: Knowing God and his ways and Knowing Jesus as Lord God;
- It takes time and patience to learn his commands.
Meditate:
- Being aware and having God in mind could be a way of meditating.
- Focusing on God himself.
- Think, understanding, Remember, Live and do it “day and night”.
What are some creative ways we can come up with to engage deeper with God’s word?
- Discovering delight in following his ways.
- Use different ways that appeals to different people to enjoy the presence of the Lord, like listening to music if you enjoy music, or if you want to memorise, write verses and paste everywhere as a constant reminder.
- Depend on the Holy Spirit. Let it help guide you and teach you. Hebrews 10: 15. Reading the bible to confirm what the Holy Spirit deposited in our minds. When we read the word, the Holy Spirit will open our hearts to the words of Jesus. One way to awaken the Holy Spirit is to pray in tongues.
- Start with psalm or paragraph of scripture.
- Read repeatedly until you can memorize
- Summarize the main point
- Summarize the principles
- Think through and ask god to apply truth of our life
- Apply the truth and watch the difference God can make
Verse 3:
Uses simile: “Like a tree...”
“A tree planted by streams of water...” will naturally grow and prosper, just like when a person follows the word of God, he will “naturally” and eventually prosper.
The tree is used to represent the “Cross”. The water is used to represent the “word of god”. When we are in Christ, we will prosper in his word and yield the fruit. “Planted” also refers to the roots or washing our feet regularly with the word of God.
Verse 4 - 5:
Reference to Malachi 3. Chaff: Like raw rice or wheat covering. It’s easy to be blown away without firm roots grown into the grown.
Wind: Holy Spirit? Acts 2:2-4: A strong wind came and they began to speak in tongues. Well, may or may not be in this context.
2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled
the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of
fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4All of them were filled
with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled
them.
Think of people you know who may be like the chaff. What do their lives seem to be rooted in? How contented are they? What about us?
Joy is without context, despite circumstances. Happiness is based on the circumstances. Happiness can be based on the things that they think they like to do. Usually, it is after that they achieved happiness that they aim for that they will find that it is so empty. The real challenge is realigning to what it the purpose of what you want to do.
Verse 6:
Matthew 5:13-16: Good summary of those who are blessed. Us being salt and light for the earth.
13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Are these verses are those that stand out to us, that at first appear opposite to happiness, but now have a deeper meaning?
Are we cheerful or weary that God is watching our ways? Mark 14:28. God goes before us.
More applicable is how others can see the delight and joy that we are based on.
We have to be real to share about our fears, but still also say our delight in the God. Even the bible says that we have to weep with the weep. We should not be hypocritical and we are not perfect.
Further reference: “The Blueprint for Happiness” by Greg Laurie.
"Hee, this time updated earlier! =) Enjoy!!"
Best regards,
Yi Xian
Monday, June 1, 2009
Jesus rewards our obedience
“There is a difference between obeying someone to earn their love or respect and obeying someone because you love them or respect them."
Hey All! Here's the cell notes from 30th Nov 2008! =) Haha, know this took a long time to "hatch", but well, here it is!! I have included some questions that I noted down during our GG that time. There were not much responses during that time and was somewhat left hanging, but still felt that it is good to put it here.. hee... food for thoughts? =)
Best regards,
Yi Xian
Message bible version of John 14:15-24, 23 “Loveless world is a sightless world...” Written by one theologen, but disagreed by many scholars.
Relationship between loving and obeying
Obedience is
· the proof of love.
· the response to love.
· FLG: “love and obedience are proportionally related” Which comes first, is like the chicken and egg?
· Obedience, by definition, is the act to obey or the willingness to obey. The more you love, you understand more why he love and then the more willing you will obey.
· FLG: “Keep his commandment is the basic act in response to love” So love comes first, and because you love him, you will obey.
Some people obey but don’t mean they love, just like they obeying societal expectations or for something that they are after.
Regarding Judas’s question about why the Lord do not intend to show himself to only his disciples, John 14, earlier, he healed and preached to the people so he has shown physically to other people. Probably Judas is asking regarding the spiritual aspect, what is the contrasting part of revealing this to the disciples and the world?
Paul: Is seems that in that he will send the Holy Spirit when he is away, but it is impossible for him to show to the rest, and that he is facing crucifixion. It is like how he commissioned his disciple to preach the gospel. It is the Holy Spirit that he decided to reveal to the world.
Physically, he may not be able to guide them, but the Holy Spirit will remain to help and guide them and to connect them with God. They will continue to work inwardly in them to help them. From scripture, Holy Spirit is supposed to reside in Man to guide and teaching you and tightening the mind with the knowledge of the word. It has the utmost knowledge of whatever that we lack. Verse 17: Everyone experience the works of the Holy Spirit in us. It is different from what Jesus used to do outside of us, that the world will believe through seeing. But his disciples possess the Holy Spirit to experience him from within.
The Holy Spirit is against the flesh and not the personal spirit. Paul, your mind is to connect with the Holy Spirit, and the mind is trying to connect with the Holy Spirit and to obey the flesh, so it is in a constant war. So it is that we have to continue to renew our mind to obey the Holy Spirit. “So does the Holy Spirit replace the spirit man?” “What about the spirit of the flesh?”
Emma: In the past, others can only see Jesus is a physical form. However, now, He given everyone 100% attention and 100% help through the Holy Spirit, everyone of us, and it is a gift from Him.
Why do we so often disobey? Paul: The story that Ps. Matthew shared about the “coats”. People seem to be putting on different masks everyday in fear of rejection, in fear of pride, in fear of man rather than God. Reasons are probably due to our sinful nature, greed. Sometimes, we did not do to the full teaching of Christ. Sometimes, we are ignorant, or due to inconvenience or laziness or we did not see the importance of obeying him totally. 1 Samuel 15 v19. v72, obeying is more important, and rejected the word of God is as good as rebellion.
Emma: Burnt offering is to cleansing and asking for forgiveness. But people may become taking it for granted. However, God may be looking at the attitude for us in doing things.
Emma: What are some of the feelings that we have when we disobey god?
The Holy Spirit may trigger you off, so we may feel guilt. Holy Spirit vs our own conscious?
Emma: Would you condemn yourselves? Paul: would God want us to feel condemned?
Sarah: Whether Satan will use our fear and guilt to attack us? Emma: Rom 8 v1. From Peter’s story, when Jesus tell Peter, the guilt and condemnation when Peter seems to overwhelm Peter. However, all the 3 times that Peter betrays God, everytime God asked him for the 3 times, it is to cleanse him and break down the feeling of guilt.
Emma: Do you think it is your choice of what you feel, and to decide what you want to do after that?
1st is to bring your sins to light to God and only through that, a choice to move, so that you can be forgiven and freed from the guilty feeling. Sarah: If you think that your sin is so big that you cannot forgive yourself even after you repent to God, you seem that you are greater than God!
Paul: Can we “outsin” God’s forgiveness?
Paul: If children sin, how would parents feel?
Kenny: Psalms 30 v4-6: God will get angry but not overnight, but he will still love us.
Serene: Natural for children to feel guilty, not worthy of God’s love, but God is a gracious God, and knowing his character will help us truly repent and it should come with action and to depend on God’s strength to not do it again and be stronger in our walk with God.
Emma: God knows that based on our own strength, it’s difficult for us to overcome. But through his grace, we can do all things. Amen!
Sarah: Knowing how much you are forgiven, the more you will learn to love. The more you sin, the more you will learn about the greatness of his forgiveness and love him more?
Paul: However, do not go into condemnation along the way, if not, you are taking things into your own hands and not trusting God and seeking God’s forgiveness.
Sarah: I really felt the peace of God throughout the Bangkok trip really.
Kenny: there are so many products of HP. And there are so many issues with HP products, but it still manages to arrive at the balance point/ target point. There are many issues with the line, overdrawing, and so on, but it still manage to go back to target point.
Emma: Work was terrible! Realising how others take your credit does not feel good. I’m glad that the Holy Spirit reminded me not to gossip and try to control and not to just walk off so that you don’t get into the mess which you will need to clear up later.
Sarah: It’s may be different to say just share, or to say bad things about the situation. Of course, choice of someone to confide to is also important.
“Ji jiao” boss, God created everyone differently. For some, they may seem over, but it is valuable in some sense, like delivering quality work.
Kenny: Jeremiah 29 v 11-14. Some encouragement.
Mark 14 v20.
1 Samuel 15 v74 – Linked to the fear of Man.
Get into groups of twos. Choose one statement below and finish it:
• Without the love & presence of God in my life, I would…..
· Not be who I am today
· Seek love in the wrong place
· Be nothing
· Be lost
· Sin more
· Not speak with boldness and security
· Be afraid
· Be very afraid
· Not have meaning in my life
• I do not sense God is present in me when…..
· I’m stubborn.
· We are suffering.
· I place other things as higher priority than God
· When I worry.
· When I’m angry.
· Lost faith in times of fear, worry, sickness, and becoming insensitive to God
· Walk away from God
·
• I am struggling to obey the teaching of Jesus because he is asking me to…
• I have renewed confidence in God’s presence in me because…
· He lives
· His grace is sufficient in me
· His strength is made perfect in my weakness
· Of the promise of the Holy Spirit
· Of His unfailing love
· He loves me
Love him and obey His commandments, from the project to reach out to make disciples.
Encourage each other to grow in our walk with God and in our knowledge of the word
Being more transparent with each other, being accountable and to encourage each other to obey.
Blog is helpful to incur spiritual growth, daily bread.
Meet more outside, other than Sundays.
Conclusion
Serene: Through our obedience, there will be more revelation of who God really is, and to allow knowledge to come into reality.
Emma: rewards of our obedience come from obeying commandments.
*FLG: From the LDR Guide
Relationship between loving and obeying
Obedience is
· the proof of love.
· the response to love.
· FLG: “love and obedience are proportionally related” Which comes first, is like the chicken and egg?
· Obedience, by definition, is the act to obey or the willingness to obey. The more you love, you understand more why he love and then the more willing you will obey.
· FLG: “Keep his commandment is the basic act in response to love” So love comes first, and because you love him, you will obey.
Some people obey but don’t mean they love, just like they obeying societal expectations or for something that they are after.
Regarding Judas’s question about why the Lord do not intend to show himself to only his disciples, John 14, earlier, he healed and preached to the people so he has shown physically to other people. Probably Judas is asking regarding the spiritual aspect, what is the contrasting part of revealing this to the disciples and the world?
Paul: Is seems that in that he will send the Holy Spirit when he is away, but it is impossible for him to show to the rest, and that he is facing crucifixion. It is like how he commissioned his disciple to preach the gospel. It is the Holy Spirit that he decided to reveal to the world.
Physically, he may not be able to guide them, but the Holy Spirit will remain to help and guide them and to connect them with God. They will continue to work inwardly in them to help them. From scripture, Holy Spirit is supposed to reside in Man to guide and teaching you and tightening the mind with the knowledge of the word. It has the utmost knowledge of whatever that we lack. Verse 17: Everyone experience the works of the Holy Spirit in us. It is different from what Jesus used to do outside of us, that the world will believe through seeing. But his disciples possess the Holy Spirit to experience him from within.
The Holy Spirit is against the flesh and not the personal spirit. Paul, your mind is to connect with the Holy Spirit, and the mind is trying to connect with the Holy Spirit and to obey the flesh, so it is in a constant war. So it is that we have to continue to renew our mind to obey the Holy Spirit. “So does the Holy Spirit replace the spirit man?” “What about the spirit of the flesh?”
Emma: In the past, others can only see Jesus is a physical form. However, now, He given everyone 100% attention and 100% help through the Holy Spirit, everyone of us, and it is a gift from Him.
Why do we so often disobey? Paul: The story that Ps. Matthew shared about the “coats”. People seem to be putting on different masks everyday in fear of rejection, in fear of pride, in fear of man rather than God. Reasons are probably due to our sinful nature, greed. Sometimes, we did not do to the full teaching of Christ. Sometimes, we are ignorant, or due to inconvenience or laziness or we did not see the importance of obeying him totally. 1 Samuel 15 v19. v72, obeying is more important, and rejected the word of God is as good as rebellion.
Emma: Burnt offering is to cleansing and asking for forgiveness. But people may become taking it for granted. However, God may be looking at the attitude for us in doing things.
Emma: What are some of the feelings that we have when we disobey god?
The Holy Spirit may trigger you off, so we may feel guilt. Holy Spirit vs our own conscious?
Emma: Would you condemn yourselves? Paul: would God want us to feel condemned?
Sarah: Whether Satan will use our fear and guilt to attack us? Emma: Rom 8 v1. From Peter’s story, when Jesus tell Peter, the guilt and condemnation when Peter seems to overwhelm Peter. However, all the 3 times that Peter betrays God, everytime God asked him for the 3 times, it is to cleanse him and break down the feeling of guilt.
Emma: Do you think it is your choice of what you feel, and to decide what you want to do after that?
1st is to bring your sins to light to God and only through that, a choice to move, so that you can be forgiven and freed from the guilty feeling. Sarah: If you think that your sin is so big that you cannot forgive yourself even after you repent to God, you seem that you are greater than God!
Paul: Can we “outsin” God’s forgiveness?
Paul: If children sin, how would parents feel?
Kenny: Psalms 30 v4-6: God will get angry but not overnight, but he will still love us.
Serene: Natural for children to feel guilty, not worthy of God’s love, but God is a gracious God, and knowing his character will help us truly repent and it should come with action and to depend on God’s strength to not do it again and be stronger in our walk with God.
Emma: God knows that based on our own strength, it’s difficult for us to overcome. But through his grace, we can do all things. Amen!
Sarah: Knowing how much you are forgiven, the more you will learn to love. The more you sin, the more you will learn about the greatness of his forgiveness and love him more?
Paul: However, do not go into condemnation along the way, if not, you are taking things into your own hands and not trusting God and seeking God’s forgiveness.
Sarah: I really felt the peace of God throughout the Bangkok trip really.
Kenny: there are so many products of HP. And there are so many issues with HP products, but it still manages to arrive at the balance point/ target point. There are many issues with the line, overdrawing, and so on, but it still manage to go back to target point.
Emma: Work was terrible! Realising how others take your credit does not feel good. I’m glad that the Holy Spirit reminded me not to gossip and try to control and not to just walk off so that you don’t get into the mess which you will need to clear up later.
Sarah: It’s may be different to say just share, or to say bad things about the situation. Of course, choice of someone to confide to is also important.
“Ji jiao” boss, God created everyone differently. For some, they may seem over, but it is valuable in some sense, like delivering quality work.
Kenny: Jeremiah 29 v 11-14. Some encouragement.
Mark 14 v20.
1 Samuel 15 v74 – Linked to the fear of Man.
Get into groups of twos. Choose one statement below and finish it:
• Without the love & presence of God in my life, I would…..
· Not be who I am today
· Seek love in the wrong place
· Be nothing
· Be lost
· Sin more
· Not speak with boldness and security
· Be afraid
· Be very afraid
· Not have meaning in my life
• I do not sense God is present in me when…..
· I’m stubborn.
· We are suffering.
· I place other things as higher priority than God
· When I worry.
· When I’m angry.
· Lost faith in times of fear, worry, sickness, and becoming insensitive to God
· Walk away from God
·
• I am struggling to obey the teaching of Jesus because he is asking me to…
• I have renewed confidence in God’s presence in me because…
· He lives
· His grace is sufficient in me
· His strength is made perfect in my weakness
· Of the promise of the Holy Spirit
· Of His unfailing love
· He loves me
Love him and obey His commandments, from the project to reach out to make disciples.
Encourage each other to grow in our walk with God and in our knowledge of the word
Being more transparent with each other, being accountable and to encourage each other to obey.
Blog is helpful to incur spiritual growth, daily bread.
Meet more outside, other than Sundays.
Conclusion
Serene: Through our obedience, there will be more revelation of who God really is, and to allow knowledge to come into reality.
Emma: rewards of our obedience come from obeying commandments.
*FLG: From the LDR Guide
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Fireproof Message by Pst David Lim
" Never leave your partner behind"... quote from the movie
4 points that were preached by Pastor David Lim that night on marriages:
1. Work
- constantly work together in marriage (i.e: as the marriage vows state - for better or for worse, for sickness or in health, for rich or for poor)
- study each other like you do when you first try to win each other's hearts. (it is a constant learning process)
2.Warfare
- always be on a look for each other on spiritual/physical attacks that sabotages marriages.(i.e: verbal attacks during arguments)
3. Worship
- everything lift up in prayers to the Lord together ("couples that pray together rarely fall apart")
- worship the Lord together.
4. Word of God
- build your marriage on the foundation of the word of God
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey guys, I can only remember this much from that night.. those who remembers more can add in to the pointers. Thanks! : )
Monday, May 18, 2009
Thanks be to God
Hi all, just an update, the day before we went for our photoshoot, it was thundering and raining, the morning of our photoshoot it was raining, the day after our photoshoot it was super hot outside. I think God is marvellous. The weather on the day of our photoshoot was very good, it wasn't too hot and not rainy.
As for our hdb balloting, we got 2284 out of 10,000+ applicants, but for only 438 flats, so we don't think we'll get it. But it's ok, because God already has the best flat in mind and arranged for us. So we'll just keep looking around for resale flats. Keep praying for us. Thanks!
-Sarah and Paul
As for our hdb balloting, we got 2284 out of 10,000+ applicants, but for only 438 flats, so we don't think we'll get it. But it's ok, because God already has the best flat in mind and arranged for us. So we'll just keep looking around for resale flats. Keep praying for us. Thanks!
-Sarah and Paul
Monday, May 11, 2009
We need your prayers
Hi all,
Please pray for Paul and myself as we go for our photoshoot this Thursday. It's raining and thundering outside now as I write this, so please pray for good weather for us!
Also, our hdb balloting results will be out this Wednesday. There were more than 10,000 applicants for 438 flats all over Singapore. Out of the 438, there is only 1 in CCK that we are looking at. So please pray for favour and God's will to be done.
If you're reading this after these have passed, no worries, because God works beyond the boundaries of time!
Thanks in advance!!
-Sarah
Please pray for Paul and myself as we go for our photoshoot this Thursday. It's raining and thundering outside now as I write this, so please pray for good weather for us!
Also, our hdb balloting results will be out this Wednesday. There were more than 10,000 applicants for 438 flats all over Singapore. Out of the 438, there is only 1 in CCK that we are looking at. So please pray for favour and God's will to be done.
If you're reading this after these have passed, no worries, because God works beyond the boundaries of time!
Thanks in advance!!
-Sarah
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Please pray for my cousin
Hi guys, my mum just informed me that one of my cousins (her brother's son) got an overdose on panadol and was admitted to hospital. They suspect that he is having depression because he's still waiting for university results and some of his friends already have been accepted. He took 35 tablets of panadol. His parents might refer him to a psychiatrist. His family is Buddhist.
I was very disturbed and upset upon hearing this, not only because he's my cousin. Actually we aren't close at all, because of some family problems earlier, so the extended family isn't as close. But even if we're not close, it is still upsetting to hear that my cousin is in depression. But more disturbing is because I don't see why he should be in depression. Is it that society places too much pressure on all of us, that there is no room for failure at all? Is it his parents that have been pressurizing him too much? Or is it simply just a lost boy without God, without any meaning in life or achievement to place his identity with, and without his possible university education, life has no meaning for him?
It's so depressing. It's probably a combination of reasons. Low self esteem, lack of family support or encouragement, too much pressure, and others. But all rooted in the fact that God is not in his life. And it's so sad. That when I compare my life in God, I feel so immensely blessed. It's not that I have found God, but that God has chosen me. My blessings are many and countless. But yet, there are people out there who are lost and without hope in their life. And they need God.
It may be easy to say, what is a university education in Singapore? At most don't study university lor. Just start work or do a diploma. But then it's different for everyone, people with different circumstances and pressures and expectations.
Anyway, just want to share this, hope that when you read this you could also pray for my cousin and his family, that they will get to know God and be saved, and hope that God will use my family and also bring other people to reach out to them.
-Sarah
I was very disturbed and upset upon hearing this, not only because he's my cousin. Actually we aren't close at all, because of some family problems earlier, so the extended family isn't as close. But even if we're not close, it is still upsetting to hear that my cousin is in depression. But more disturbing is because I don't see why he should be in depression. Is it that society places too much pressure on all of us, that there is no room for failure at all? Is it his parents that have been pressurizing him too much? Or is it simply just a lost boy without God, without any meaning in life or achievement to place his identity with, and without his possible university education, life has no meaning for him?
It's so depressing. It's probably a combination of reasons. Low self esteem, lack of family support or encouragement, too much pressure, and others. But all rooted in the fact that God is not in his life. And it's so sad. That when I compare my life in God, I feel so immensely blessed. It's not that I have found God, but that God has chosen me. My blessings are many and countless. But yet, there are people out there who are lost and without hope in their life. And they need God.
It may be easy to say, what is a university education in Singapore? At most don't study university lor. Just start work or do a diploma. But then it's different for everyone, people with different circumstances and pressures and expectations.
Anyway, just want to share this, hope that when you read this you could also pray for my cousin and his family, that they will get to know God and be saved, and hope that God will use my family and also bring other people to reach out to them.
-Sarah
Monday, May 4, 2009
Online Spiritual Gift test
Thanks Jonathan for sharing with us the powerful sermon on spiritual gifts. Indeed God created us each uniquely and has given us gifts and talents to help us fulfil our purpose and destiny in Christ. I must say that I have been encouraged by the sharing yesterday to always reflect on my heart condition when serving God because it's all about the heart of service. It is not how much you can offer but how much are you willing to offer. I hope you were touched by God too in some way or another yesterday. :)
Thanks Emma too for posting up the notes too! Haha, the comic so cute!
Anyway, I have found a free online spiritual gift test which I feel gives a better evaluation in terms of highlighting the area of service we can look into after knowing what our gifts are and also cautioning us of areas we might overlook and hence resulting in us misusing our gifts. Check it out! You can send me a soft copy after you do it and I can help consolidate everyone's analysis. :) http://www.churchgrowth.org/cgi-cg/gifts.cgi?intro=1
Not forgetting the...
5 basic steps to discover your gifts:
I. Be open and explore all possibilities. Break out from all self impose limitations.
II. Experiment with all the gifts (Never know till you try)
III. After trying, examine your feeling (If it is something God wired you to do, you will enjoy it. It will not be a duty but an enjoyment/fulfillment doing it)
IV. Evaluate the effectiveness of what you doing. (What you enjoy doing may not be what others enjoy it – ensured others are ministered)
V. Expect confirmation; God’s confirmation. [(1) Feedback from people (2) Prophetic exhortation]
Cheers,
Serene
Thanks Emma too for posting up the notes too! Haha, the comic so cute!
Anyway, I have found a free online spiritual gift test which I feel gives a better evaluation in terms of highlighting the area of service we can look into after knowing what our gifts are and also cautioning us of areas we might overlook and hence resulting in us misusing our gifts. Check it out! You can send me a soft copy after you do it and I can help consolidate everyone's analysis. :) http://www.churchgrowth.org/cgi-cg/gifts.cgi?intro=1
Not forgetting the...
5 basic steps to discover your gifts:
I. Be open and explore all possibilities. Break out from all self impose limitations.
II. Experiment with all the gifts (Never know till you try)
III. After trying, examine your feeling (If it is something God wired you to do, you will enjoy it. It will not be a duty but an enjoyment/fulfillment doing it)
IV. Evaluate the effectiveness of what you doing. (What you enjoy doing may not be what others enjoy it – ensured others are ministered)
V. Expect confirmation; God’s confirmation. [(1) Feedback from people (2) Prophetic exhortation]
*Courtesy of Emma's notes. :)
Cheers,
Serene
Sunday, May 3, 2009
SQUARE PEGS IN SQUARE HOLES
Audio preaching by Pastor Benny Ho
Story: Pastor at a dining event and the lady that dish out chicken. (1 piece per person)
Romans 12:6-8: Then having gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, in the ministry; or he who teaches, in the teaching; or he who exhorts, in the encouragement; or he who shares, in simplicity; or he who takes the lead, in diligence; or he who shows mercy, in cheerfulness.
(1) We have different gifts as …
- God has design everyone differently
- To have less friction. God creates square pegs to be placed in square holes and not square pegs in round holes.
- Our gifts that are given by God compliment each other to fulfil our potential inChrist bringing the church and community to greater heights.
Sadly we live in our self impose limitations and never live to our potential, above and beyond.
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us..
(2) Purpose determines potential.
- Purpose always begins in the mind of the creator.
- Purpose precedes production.
- Purpose creates the design.
- Everything begins with purpose in the mind of the creator and ends with purpose fulfilling its destiny.
- Everyone is created with a purpose. Hence if you and I are not living to our potential, not fulfilling our purpose, we are abusing it.
If we are the child of the most high, then our potential is most high.
Ephesians 2:10: For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.
(3) We need to get to our fullest potential by being in your STRENGTH zone. (Do less for more)
Acts 6:1-6
- in the early church the apostles are the one taking care of everything in a church as there is no blueprint for them to follow.
- the apostles discovered they are called to teach the word, they realized they should not spend too much time on the widows. (Verse 1)
- they focus on their calling and the Word of God is increasing and the number of disciples multiple exceedingly, resulting in a breakthrough in the church (Verse 7)
Therefore:
- Take note of your strengths and deploy them accordingly to edify others
- Focus on your strengths and not shortcomings
- Always remember that God will not call you to do something that He did not giveyou the talents to do it.
5 basic steps to discover your gifts:
I. Be open and explore all possibilities. Break out from all self impose limitations.
II. Experiment with all the gifts (Never know till you try)
III. After trying, examine your feeling (If it is something God wired you to do, you will enjoy it. It will not be a duty but an enjoyment/fulfillment doing it)
IV. Evaluate the effectiveness of what you doing. (What you enjoy doing may not be what others enjoy it – ensured others are ministered)
V. Expect confirmation; God’s confirmation. [(1) Feedback from people (2) Prophetic exhortation]
Remember: GOD WILL ONLY ASK OF YOU WHAT HE HAS GIVEN YOU.
Battleship versus Cruise ship
Everyone in the battleship has a purpose/ duty. They each have a function to perform. Unlike a battleship, a cruise ship has 500 people lazing on the ship.
1 Peter 4:10: each one as he received a gift, ministering it to yourselves as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
(4) God is pleased if we use our gifts with the right heart and motive.
- God looks into the heart.
- Note that a ministry is a platform to glorify God not to glorify self.
- Is not for the world to see and for God to see.
- Do not give God a mediocre half hearted effort, do it with heart.
- It is not the size of the task but the size of the heart we put in the task
- Striving excellence with simplicity
Discussion - Our take home ...
(a) Everyone should be given an opportunity to discover their gifts. Every one of us can give opportunities to people around us. (Yi Xian)
(b) 5 steps to discover your gifting (Sarah)
(c) Purpose determines potential. It takes close walk with God to discover God’s purpose in you and obedience to fulfil the destiny. (Paul)
(d) Confirmation from others takes a lot of humility to accept feedback from others. (James)
(e) Everyone has their purposes and potential and everyone compliments one another. (Serene)
(f) The great white shark story putting it in an aquarium instead of putting in the sea - Self impose limitation. Pushing yourself to the limits (Kenny)
(g) Every greatest potential that is brought out, comes with a great mentor and humility to accept people’s feedback. Every service requires the heart to edify others. God looks at our heart when we serve. (Emma)
(h) If not from the heart is not worth doing it. Do less for more (Jonathan)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Thanksgiving!
Hey all, remember the student I was talking about on Sunday? God is really amazing. I still have not met her this week for tuition and has yet passed her the cd but God has already started blessing this family in his very own special way. God loves them... :)
So the story goes... This student of mine is really really week in Amath (and that explains why she is so stressed out hehe) and everytime when I have to leave after tuition my mind goes... "Crap think this time maybe will fail again". I know that's very bad of me but honestly, she is that weak in Amath. As I always felt helpless towards this student, I have been praying for wisdom for her and miracle to happen. Cut the long story short, last night her mom msged me and said Melissa passed her Amath and she got a B4! Her mom sounded really pleased and encouraged. When I recieved this msg, I knew it was God! Nobody (not me, not Melissa, not her family) could have caused this to happen. God is working in this family...
All I wanna say is that God just wants us to obey what He has called us to do and He takes cares of everything else. I basically took the step of faith and say yes God I will reach out to this family and before I can do anything, God is preparing the way for me and helping me gain favor from the family! And also God answers our prayer, so let's continue to pray and stay close to God. :) We serve an amazing God right?
I am going to pass her the cd this sat as a gift of encouragement. Continue to pray with me that her family will be touched by the songs inside and more opportunities will be given to share words of spiritual encouragement to the family!
Serene
So the story goes... This student of mine is really really week in Amath (and that explains why she is so stressed out hehe) and everytime when I have to leave after tuition my mind goes... "Crap think this time maybe will fail again". I know that's very bad of me but honestly, she is that weak in Amath. As I always felt helpless towards this student, I have been praying for wisdom for her and miracle to happen. Cut the long story short, last night her mom msged me and said Melissa passed her Amath and she got a B4! Her mom sounded really pleased and encouraged. When I recieved this msg, I knew it was God! Nobody (not me, not Melissa, not her family) could have caused this to happen. God is working in this family...
All I wanna say is that God just wants us to obey what He has called us to do and He takes cares of everything else. I basically took the step of faith and say yes God I will reach out to this family and before I can do anything, God is preparing the way for me and helping me gain favor from the family! And also God answers our prayer, so let's continue to pray and stay close to God. :) We serve an amazing God right?
I am going to pass her the cd this sat as a gift of encouragement. Continue to pray with me that her family will be touched by the songs inside and more opportunities will be given to share words of spiritual encouragement to the family!
Serene
Monday, March 23, 2009
Team Building (Prime Time with God)
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman03-22-2009
"...you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
Building a good team is key to the success of any enterprise. Jesus chose twelve unique individuals to build His world-changing enterprise. He intentionally chose several who had similar backgrounds—Peter, James, and John were fisherman. Matthew and Simon the Zealot came from opposing political views. Matthew came from an industry considered corrupt—he was a tax collector. It is clear Jesus chose those who had a skill set first, then changed the character of the individual. He mentored each one.
A good team needs to have team members with different viewpoints as well as those who are specialists in a particular area. It is noteworthy that Jesus chose someone expertise in handling money. Taking a team of twelve around the country required money and the ability to manage it. I'm sure Jesus spent a great deal of time with Matthew mentoring him on the proper use of money. He had to reshape his thinking about money.
Once the team was formed Jesus spent time molding His team into a cohesive unit to operate in unity. He corrected them when correction was needed. He taught them what it meant to love one another. He washed their feet. He taught and modeled servant leadership. Before you put a team together sit down and make a list of the skills you want represented on your team. Then recruit and invest spiritually into your team. Who knows, your team might just change the world, too!
Resource from Prime Time with God (Daily Bread)
"...you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
Building a good team is key to the success of any enterprise. Jesus chose twelve unique individuals to build His world-changing enterprise. He intentionally chose several who had similar backgrounds—Peter, James, and John were fisherman. Matthew and Simon the Zealot came from opposing political views. Matthew came from an industry considered corrupt—he was a tax collector. It is clear Jesus chose those who had a skill set first, then changed the character of the individual. He mentored each one.
A good team needs to have team members with different viewpoints as well as those who are specialists in a particular area. It is noteworthy that Jesus chose someone expertise in handling money. Taking a team of twelve around the country required money and the ability to manage it. I'm sure Jesus spent a great deal of time with Matthew mentoring him on the proper use of money. He had to reshape his thinking about money.
Once the team was formed Jesus spent time molding His team into a cohesive unit to operate in unity. He corrected them when correction was needed. He taught them what it meant to love one another. He washed their feet. He taught and modeled servant leadership. Before you put a team together sit down and make a list of the skills you want represented on your team. Then recruit and invest spiritually into your team. Who knows, your team might just change the world, too!
Resource from Prime Time with God (Daily Bread)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
ROR after a year
Hi hi hi!
Think I've been the one taking the most pictures of our cell. But seems like nobody really asked for it hahaha.. anycase, I tried to pick out some of the highlights to share! Enjoy..!
Bday celebration!
And our occasional guest! =)
That's all for now folks =)
Think I've been the one taking the most pictures of our cell. But seems like nobody really asked for it hahaha.. anycase, I tried to pick out some of the highlights to share! Enjoy..!
First Cell in G2, Jan 08
Cell @ YX & Serene new home, Jan 09
Bday celebration! Introducing our very own ROR worship team!
Our post-combine cell supper, Feb09
Emcees preparation for YX & Serene's wedding
Sharon & Yingwei
And our occasional guest! =)
That's all for now folks =)
Susan
Monday, February 23, 2009
Food for Thought
"Use every letter you write, every conversation you have, every meeting you attend, to express your fundamental beliefs and dreams. Affirm to others the vision of the world you want. You are a free, immensely powerful source of life and goodness. Affirm it. Spread it. Radiate it. Think day and night about it and you will see a miracle happen: the greatness of our own life." --Robert Muller
Came across this quote, just some food for thought....
Are we revealing our beloved Jesus Christ in every letter we write, every conversation we have, every meeting we attend? Have we affirm, spread and radiate the gospel through our lives? Are we ever acknowledging God's presence in our lives everyday??
If like what Robert Muller stated, that miracles will take place...
WHAO!!! We are a mighty tool made by God...
Emma
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Transforming Nation; Glorifying God
"What do you envision the world will be like in the last day- when the Lord comes as a judge?" Paul asked. In groups of four we used our own imagination and incorporate with the scenes mentioned in Revelation to craft our own ‘LAST DAY’. These are our masterpieces:
Transforming Nations; Glorifying God
Rev 7:9-12
Introduction
Mission is not the ultimate goal of church. The glory of God is.
Some say mission exists and worship doesn’t? What does it mean?
Mission sometimes is like an organization goal (church) which emphasize on the number of people and lack of element of worship.
However if we don’t have mission, the body of God can’t grow even though we worship.
True worshipper will understand the true meaning of God’s mission.
Rev 7:9-12
Introduction
Mission is not the ultimate goal of church. The glory of God is.
Some say mission exists and worship doesn’t? What does it mean?
Mission sometimes is like an organization goal (church) which emphasize on the number of people and lack of element of worship.
However if we don’t have mission, the body of God can’t grow even though we worship.
True worshipper will understand the true meaning of God’s mission.
Discussion
1) World mission- Rev 7:9 states mission is for every nation, every tongue and every tribe.
2) Goal of mission-Rev 7:2 says it is to give God glory
3) Practical steps to take: Build and invest in relationship with people around us, with genuine and sincerity despite they accept the Lord or not. It is also important that we do post-salvation follow-up (discipleship)
4) Matthew 28: 19-20 The great commission – pray and persevere in sowing seeds, personal conduct (testimony), also can let people know that we are constantly relying on God for His strength and grace.
5) Reminder: 1 Cor 1: 27-31 This verse serve as a reminder that it is all because of Him that we are in Christ Jesus, not because of our own strength
Rachel
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Worship – Empowering Your Personal Growth
Worship has to do with who God is, and the book of Revelation is not just a road map of the end times,
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
In reply to Susan
I thought Susan's blog entry was really interesting! And although I know nothing about tennis, I think that her thoughts and the way she related it to prayer is something we can all relate to. And incidentally, when Pastor George Westlake came to preach, he spoke on prayer and why we should pray at the Friday P&P meeting. So I thought I'll share what I can remember, which probably isn't much, so please add on if you have any thoughts...
George Westlake said that we should not be afraid to ask something from God, because James 4:2 says "You do not have, because you do not ask God." And when we ask something from God, we should not just ask once and think that if we ask more than once, it shows that we do not have faith. Because Matthew 7:7,8 (NLT) says "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. "
He also talked about how God has given power to man, that what we bind on Earth would have been bound in Heaven, and what we loose on Earth will have been loosed in Heaven. So he talks about how God chooses to be limited by our prayers, and that God does nothing on Earth but move in action to answer prayers. I am a bit confused about this bit, but his point was about how important prayer is, not only to build ourselves up, but also to accomplish God's will. To me, I guess that we have to pray, prayer does us a whole lot of good, and God instructs us to pray. But is God's will limited by our prayers? I believe He will give us the faith and desire to pray in order to fulfil His will.
And just to add something I just read, prayer can be about asking God for something, to thank Him for what He has done, to praise Him and adore Him for who He is, to confess our sins, and to complain to God. Yes we can even complain to God.
-Sarah
George Westlake said that we should not be afraid to ask something from God, because James 4:2 says "You do not have, because you do not ask God." And when we ask something from God, we should not just ask once and think that if we ask more than once, it shows that we do not have faith. Because Matthew 7:7,8 (NLT) says "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
He also talked about how God has given power to man, that what we bind on Earth would have been bound in Heaven, and what we loose on Earth will have been loosed in Heaven. So he talks about how God chooses to be limited by our prayers, and that God does nothing on Earth but move in action to answer prayers. I am a bit confused about this bit, but his point was about how important prayer is, not only to build ourselves up, but also to accomplish God's will. To me, I guess that we have to pray, prayer does us a whole lot of good, and God instructs us to pray. But is God's will limited by our prayers? I believe He will give us the faith and desire to pray in order to fulfil His will.
And just to add something I just read, prayer can be about asking God for something, to thank Him for what He has done, to praise Him and adore Him for who He is, to confess our sins, and to complain to God. Yes we can even complain to God.
-Sarah
Monday, February 2, 2009
Thoughts about prayers from watching tennis grand slam
To ROR: Hey there, this is rather random, and if you guys think it’s not too appropriate, can pull it down the blog, or just give comments on it. Haha.
1 Feb 2009, Australian Open Grand Final – Rafael Nadal (1) vs Roger Federer (2)
Thought #1: When I pray, I expect God to answer my prayers according to what I want and to see instant results, but God sees the big picture and has set further sights. 2nd set in the game, Fed was up 2-1 in the set, having lost the first set 5-7, so I started praying that God will continue to let Fed to win. But Nadal went on to win the next two game and the score became 3-2 in his favour. I was devastated. Come on God, you can’t do this, he was still winning before I started to pray! Disappointed and tired, I fell into a nap while bargaining and somewhat blaming God. When I woke from my slumber, Fed was up 6-3 and won the second set!! Woohooo. Thing is, I didn’t get to see Fed’s action in his winning set, because I expected God to respond immediately when I prayed, I thought if he didn’t win that point in that game, he was going to lose it completely. How often in our prayer life do we stop trusting God to know better, because he didn’t give in to our requests now, it doesn’t mean He’s not in control.
Thought #2: Pray together. You draw strength and prayers get reinforced when you pray with someone. I refreshed myself and though still seated on the edge, I went online and was so comforted to see my tennis kaki online. She’s not in Singapore, so we don’t call each other often, but she was on skype, and been watching the match since it started too! This is an extract of our conversation:
Friend: what.. did you see that
???
Me: unforced error.
that previous match.. all that deuce just made me scared
Friend: lolz
Me: nadal is so fit..
Friend: yeah. .. heart attack.
Me: argghh
Friend: my knees went weak
YESSSS
hahaha
Me: i think i'm learning a lesson in prayers and faith while watching this!!!!
it can prob fill a blog entry
Friend: lolzz
you know
you know i was thinking
I know our God's arm is not shortened
but i kept pondering if it's the right way to pray and ask God to make a person win in a game
Me: you know.. i had the SAME thought!
i was like.. 'god, i know this sounds ridiculous, but do you think you can let him win'
Friend: and then i decided to pray (IN SPITE of my support for the swiss)
that God, let the HUMBLE man win
Me: HAHAHAHA
Friend: so well, we'll see who's the humble one
Me: after that i went, 'god, you already know who will win, if it's your will, pls let him win!'
wahahahahaha
Friend: YESSS
meanwhile
the Holy Spirit knows who we're supporting
hahahha
That isn’t exactly biblical at all. But you see our struggles. I had greater confidence God heard our prayer, although I didn’t know what results He had planned.
Thought #3: I wondered, if I’ve already prayed once, and God has heard me, then do I have to pray again? If I do, does it mean that my faith is not big enough? I don’t have a ready answer for this. There are TYS answers to this, much as I hate to admit, I don’t always comprehend them. But I do believe being persistent in our prayers is an important aspect of a Christian’s life (Parable of the Persistent Widow Luke 18: 1-8). In faith I pray, yet there’s sometimes a nagging bubble in my head still asking ‘so God what’s going to happen’, an obvious display of lack of faith.
Thought #4: If I knew the ending from the start, would I have prayed as hard? In earlier matches that I was unable to catch live cause I’m at work, I always recorded the matches and will play back when I’m home. But the excitement is watered down since I already know the final results. Then I thought, but if I drew a parallel and knowing that Jesus had won and the work is ‘finished’ when he paid with his life on the cross for my sins, then why do we have to pray so hard? I don’t remember the theology or the sermon pointers on why it’s important to pray (although I did google it and found some resources to remind me later). But personally, in prayers I have found comfort and strength especially when I’m going through tough times. In prayers, I’ve had joy and peace of mind when struggling with decision. In prayers, I’ve found a connection to a big God who cares for the little me. In prayer, I’ve talked to God and He hears me. Whether it’s in praise, thanksgiving, confession, supplication or intercessory, the hallmark of a Christian life is his relentless prayer to a God who listens.
And, today, although it’s been a ridiculous prayer journey in support of a tennis sportsman, I’m glad I did pray this hard.
-Susan-
'You can't go through your whole life regretting matches you almost win.' -Roger Federer-
1 Feb 2009, Australian Open Grand Final – Rafael Nadal (1) vs Roger Federer (2)
Thought #1: When I pray, I expect God to answer my prayers according to what I want and to see instant results, but God sees the big picture and has set further sights. 2nd set in the game, Fed was up 2-1 in the set, having lost the first set 5-7, so I started praying that God will continue to let Fed to win. But Nadal went on to win the next two game and the score became 3-2 in his favour. I was devastated. Come on God, you can’t do this, he was still winning before I started to pray! Disappointed and tired, I fell into a nap while bargaining and somewhat blaming God. When I woke from my slumber, Fed was up 6-3 and won the second set!! Woohooo. Thing is, I didn’t get to see Fed’s action in his winning set, because I expected God to respond immediately when I prayed, I thought if he didn’t win that point in that game, he was going to lose it completely. How often in our prayer life do we stop trusting God to know better, because he didn’t give in to our requests now, it doesn’t mean He’s not in control.
Thought #2: Pray together. You draw strength and prayers get reinforced when you pray with someone. I refreshed myself and though still seated on the edge, I went online and was so comforted to see my tennis kaki online. She’s not in Singapore, so we don’t call each other often, but she was on skype, and been watching the match since it started too! This is an extract of our conversation:
Friend: what.. did you see that
???
Me: unforced error.
that previous match.. all that deuce just made me scared
Friend: lolz
Me: nadal is so fit..
Friend: yeah. .. heart attack.
Me: argghh
Friend: my knees went weak
YESSSS
hahaha
Me: i think i'm learning a lesson in prayers and faith while watching this!!!!
it can prob fill a blog entry
Friend: lolzz
you know
you know i was thinking
I know our God's arm is not shortened
but i kept pondering if it's the right way to pray and ask God to make a person win in a game
Me: you know.. i had the SAME thought!
i was like.. 'god, i know this sounds ridiculous, but do you think you can let him win'
Friend: and then i decided to pray (IN SPITE of my support for the swiss)
that God, let the HUMBLE man win
Me: HAHAHAHA
Friend: so well, we'll see who's the humble one
Me: after that i went, 'god, you already know who will win, if it's your will, pls let him win!'
wahahahahaha
Friend: YESSS
meanwhile
the Holy Spirit knows who we're supporting
hahahha
That isn’t exactly biblical at all. But you see our struggles. I had greater confidence God heard our prayer, although I didn’t know what results He had planned.
Thought #3: I wondered, if I’ve already prayed once, and God has heard me, then do I have to pray again? If I do, does it mean that my faith is not big enough? I don’t have a ready answer for this. There are TYS answers to this, much as I hate to admit, I don’t always comprehend them. But I do believe being persistent in our prayers is an important aspect of a Christian’s life (Parable of the Persistent Widow Luke 18: 1-8). In faith I pray, yet there’s sometimes a nagging bubble in my head still asking ‘so God what’s going to happen’, an obvious display of lack of faith.
Thought #4: If I knew the ending from the start, would I have prayed as hard? In earlier matches that I was unable to catch live cause I’m at work, I always recorded the matches and will play back when I’m home. But the excitement is watered down since I already know the final results. Then I thought, but if I drew a parallel and knowing that Jesus had won and the work is ‘finished’ when he paid with his life on the cross for my sins, then why do we have to pray so hard? I don’t remember the theology or the sermon pointers on why it’s important to pray (although I did google it and found some resources to remind me later). But personally, in prayers I have found comfort and strength especially when I’m going through tough times. In prayers, I’ve had joy and peace of mind when struggling with decision. In prayers, I’ve found a connection to a big God who cares for the little me. In prayer, I’ve talked to God and He hears me. Whether it’s in praise, thanksgiving, confession, supplication or intercessory, the hallmark of a Christian life is his relentless prayer to a God who listens.
And, today, although it’s been a ridiculous prayer journey in support of a tennis sportsman, I’m glad I did pray this hard.
-Susan-
'You can't go through your whole life regretting matches you almost win.' -Roger Federer-
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Worship In Spirit and Truth -- John 4:19-26 --
False Worship
· Playing religious games
· Focus on Ritual and not reality
· Playing religious games
· Focus on Ritual and not reality
Jews: Know God but do not worship in spirit. For them worship must take place in a specific place, more outward form not inwards (V20)
Samaritans:Do not know what they worship (V22) (Who are they actually worshipping?)
We must identify what is false worship and false worship
Worship is NOT:
· Defined by its location
· The worship service
· The music
· A form
· A practice
True Worship
The absolute of Christian worship – must
The action of Christian worship – worship
The aim of Christian worship – spirit
The attitude of Christian worship –spirit
The authority of Christian worship - truth
· True worship is when you know who you are worshipping; allow the Holy Spirit to work in us.
· When we worship, we worship in corresponding with the nature of God.
We need to know God by reading His word.
· Be aware of His presence in your everyday life, believe and acknowledge him. (V13,14)
· Every little thing you do, you mean it in your heart to give glory to God. (Colossians 3:17)
· There is no doubt that the truth is the word of God. (John 17:17)
· Be real to God, engage your heart and your mind in true worship.
Worship is an experience of the heart and it engages your thoughts
5 items of Worship
1. Singing: 1 Corinthians 14:15
(When we sing songs, it is not just about singing the words but we need to reflect on the words and put it into action. Worship is a commitment and it is life changing. )
2. Praying: Acts 2:42(Praying in the spirit; you may not know God’s will at that time and you are praying the things of God. This is an act of yielded-ness towards God. Acknowledging that you are surrendering your life and situation to God and praying according to the spirit and His will.)
3. Preaching: Acts 20:7
4. The Lord’s Supper: 1 Corinthians 11:20-30
5. Giving: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Note: The above are not exhaustive.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Desiring God
Paul recently introduced me to this website by John Piper. It's www.desiringgod.org and I find it amazing that there are so many resources on their website! And it's all free! I personally enjoy and find his messages very very powerful. There are even free online books you can download. So check it out. =)
Sarah
Sarah
Monday, January 12, 2009
Spiritual Growth Is Not a Private Matter
I received today's devotional from The Purpose Driven Life and thought it's a nice encouragement even as we start the new year.
-Susan-
2009/01/12
-Susan-
Spiritual Growth Is Not a Private Matter Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT) *** *** *** *** Some of us hesitate to commit ourselves to developing an intentional plan of growth that requires accountability or relationship with others because we believe spiritual growth is a personal and private matter. We choose to believe each person develops in his or her own way at his or her own rate. This is an aberration from the truth.The idolatry of individualism has influenced even the way we think about spiritual growth.So much of the teaching on spiritual formation is self-centered and self-focused without any reference to our relationship to other Christians. This is completely unbiblical and ignores much of the New Testament. The truth is that Christians need relationships to grow. We don’t grow in isolation from others. We develop in the context of fellowship. Over and over again in the New Testament we find this basic truth: Believers need relationships with each other to grow! Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another …” (NIV). God intends for us to grow up in a family.
by Rick Warren
© 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy New Year everyone!
Hi all...
Just a reminder not to let this blog waste away. =) Can always post anything that you glean from your devotions, or anything that you have questions about or want to share with us.
7 things Pastor mentioned we should do this year:
1. Count your blessings
Instead of saying "I'll be happy if..." we should be counting our blessings! Give thanks in all that you do. Now is a great time to look back as the last year and see how God has been faithful and give thanks to Him.
2. Read the Bible everyday (if you are a couple, try to read the Bible together too)
Be disciplined to spend time with God each day, and to read His word. It will help us to grow and give us wisdom and insight on our daily lives.
3. Fast and pray
Pastor said he fasts and prays at least twice a week. When we are weak from fasting, we can depend more on God and learn of his strength and goodness in a deeper way.
4. Build our families
We need to ask God for unconditional love to give to our families and loved ones. Spend more time with your family if you haven't been. Support them, be with them when they need you. Shower them with God's love and they will be touched and blessed.
5. Get out of debt
Owe no man anything. "Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." Romans 16:7-8
6. Worship in spirit and in truth
Let us worship God with our lives. "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24
7. Serve faithfully
Be faithful with the gifts and talents that God has given you. We are all called to be ministers. If we are not serving in church, we should be serving our families in God, we should be serving in our marketplace. Service should be a lifetime offering to God. I read a joke somewhere before that God didn't say we can take sabbatical leave from serving God. God wants us to serve Him all our days. Think about how you can serve Him more this year.
Blessed New Year!
-Sarah
Just a reminder not to let this blog waste away. =) Can always post anything that you glean from your devotions, or anything that you have questions about or want to share with us.
7 things Pastor mentioned we should do this year:
1. Count your blessings
Instead of saying "I'll be happy if..." we should be counting our blessings! Give thanks in all that you do. Now is a great time to look back as the last year and see how God has been faithful and give thanks to Him.
2. Read the Bible everyday (if you are a couple, try to read the Bible together too)
Be disciplined to spend time with God each day, and to read His word. It will help us to grow and give us wisdom and insight on our daily lives.
3. Fast and pray
Pastor said he fasts and prays at least twice a week. When we are weak from fasting, we can depend more on God and learn of his strength and goodness in a deeper way.
4. Build our families
We need to ask God for unconditional love to give to our families and loved ones. Spend more time with your family if you haven't been. Support them, be with them when they need you. Shower them with God's love and they will be touched and blessed.
5. Get out of debt
Owe no man anything. "Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." Romans 16:7-8
6. Worship in spirit and in truth
Let us worship God with our lives. "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24
7. Serve faithfully
Be faithful with the gifts and talents that God has given you. We are all called to be ministers. If we are not serving in church, we should be serving our families in God, we should be serving in our marketplace. Service should be a lifetime offering to God. I read a joke somewhere before that God didn't say we can take sabbatical leave from serving God. God wants us to serve Him all our days. Think about how you can serve Him more this year.
Blessed New Year!
-Sarah
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