Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do. -Ecclesiastes 9:7
My application from Bible Study today was Enjoy Life, Every Day!
That's what I believe Paul was refering to when he said
"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say: Rejoice!" -Philippians 4:4
and when the Pslamist said
"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!" -Pslams 118:24
Those commands are supposed to be freeing, and yet I never felt free after hearing Paul say we must rejoice always; it was the sort of command that I saw as another Christian-to-do!
"Man, I have to find joy in suffering" = "Man, I have to put on a good face, go through the suffering, and let it show like it's affecting me"
I guess I realise that my Christian life up to this point has been somewhat puritan, because I've denied myself of alot of pleasures and in so doing, denied myself of alot of the joys of life.
But man, am I wrong!
I believe God never meant for us to live life joylessly, stretching and challenging ourselves daily so that we are tired for God (take up your cross daily, that life seems like it would be a hard one!). Alot of Christians don't hate the life they live, but they don't enjoy it as much as they should. I guess that's what makes non-Christians think twice about wanting to be Christian. Heck, it makes me think twice about asking my friends to be Christian, I mean, i know God is good to me, I know heaven is a great place, and as a Christian, we have a place in heaven, but heaven's still some time away, what's the point of subjecting them to this busy, challenging life that we are called to live?
Here's the answer. Christian life is enjoyable. Period. God gives us things in life to celebrate and enjoy (hey, what else are tastebuds for?) family, friends, good results, marraige, children; even the little things, like a glimpse of your favourite flower blooming in your garden, like a beautiful sunrise, like an old friend calling, like your favourite song on a radio.... (I could keep going). Those things are presents from God, things that God knows will bring us Joy. Our response should be to enjoy them.
The problem occurs when we start thinking that those things are the things that bring us joy. We think that we will be happy once we have a family, once we get that good job, if we eat enough chocolate, if we are skinny enough. Those things will never bring us joy apart from God. The little joys of life are part of the bigger joy of God, given to us so that we understand God's love better, so that we understand God better! Also, joy just helps us to live life easier, they are enouragements from God on our Christian journey that isn't always easy, but isn't supposed to be as arduous as we make it out to be!
What are some practical things we can do, to enjoy life? (After living this puritan Christian life for so long, I actually have to stop and relearn how to enjoy life! I've been wrong a long time!)
1) Be thankful!
2) Be positive - wake up in the mornings expecting to be surpised, expecting that God has planned your day with little joys along the way!
3) Do the things you enjoy, so that you can enjoy the things you do on a day to day basis! (great philosophy with trying to find the right major/career path)
4) Find things you can enjoy about the things that you must do (I'm willing to study now, even though the classes are tough, knowing that I'll be able to get a job that allows me to helps people who have AIDS around the world. Knowing that brings me joy!)
5) play with kids!
6) Slow down! Stop rushing around! because rushing causes you to do things mechanically and hence forget what you once enjoyed about the things you do!
The point of the joys in your life is to allow you to enjoy God, and help you love Him more. Our God is a good God, enjoy Him through the daily things, today.
This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
ahhhh!!
Because i have to let it out there, because i'm so excited, because I know that somewhere in the near future I am going to forget this, forget this moment.....
I just want to say....
I love preparing Bible Study. I love it when I'm preparing Bible study and the Word just comes alive, and things that never made sense before, suddenly make sense, and are applicable to my life. I get so excited, my mind races with a thousand thoughts and my hand can't keep pace with it. (this is how excited I am, it's 1am, i'm tired, and jetlagged, but i just want to keep reading the Bible. How often does that happen???? ). Wow, the Word is great!
(you won't catch me saying that too often.......)
By myself, I am inadequate, not enough love, not enough wisdom, not enough knowledge, not enough charisma, not enough interpersonal skills. Inadequate on my own, but made adequate, emopwered by Christ, so that I can fulfil His ministry calling for me.
Man.... the Bible is great! Man... loving others is great!!!! Ministry is great!!!!!!!!!!!
I just want to say....
I love preparing Bible Study. I love it when I'm preparing Bible study and the Word just comes alive, and things that never made sense before, suddenly make sense, and are applicable to my life. I get so excited, my mind races with a thousand thoughts and my hand can't keep pace with it. (this is how excited I am, it's 1am, i'm tired, and jetlagged, but i just want to keep reading the Bible. How often does that happen???? ). Wow, the Word is great!
(you won't catch me saying that too often.......)
By myself, I am inadequate, not enough love, not enough wisdom, not enough knowledge, not enough charisma, not enough interpersonal skills. Inadequate on my own, but made adequate, emopwered by Christ, so that I can fulfil His ministry calling for me.
Man.... the Bible is great! Man... loving others is great!!!! Ministry is great!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, November 06, 2006
Amazing Grace
Before church yesterday, Sharon and I stopped by at the grocery story to pick up something for pastor Matt. As we were standing in the drinks aisle, I was approached by a man. “Excuse me ma’am, can you spare a dollar? I just got out of prison and I want to buy food for my child”
How was I suppose to respond? On the one hand, I had heard many stories about not to give them money (and living in sheltered Singapore, I never really encountered beggars) and on the other hand, I was preparing to go to church! I stared at Sharon, at a loss and hoping for some suggestion (she didn’t have cash so the decision was all on me). Under her breath, she said I could buy the items for him.
“I buy your eggs for you. You can just go get them and I’ll pay” I mean, eggs don’t cost that much, and I had the money anyway, and what better day to show compassion than the Lord’s day?
A minute later, he returns with a carton of 1.5 dozen eggs. I was a little annoyed, because I expected him to get eggs that were under a dollar, a 12-egg carton. I sent him back to switch to a 1 dozen carton of eggs. He returns with a carton of Jumbo eggs (the largest and hence most expensive size). At this point, I was running late anyway, and I was too annoyed to really care anymore.
As we approach the checkout counter, he gives me his 2 dollars and asks me to pay for his other purchases of bread and sausage. I was really annoyed now, because I knew that they would cost about $2.50. This guy was trying to milk my kindness, he was trying to get the most out of me, to get as much money out of me as possible. What audacity.
I just ended up paying for all his purchases in the end, costing me more than the $1 he originally asked me for.
_________________________________________________________________
What’s the point of this story? It isn’t meant to be a complaining blog. It was my reminder about Grace that Sunday morning.
How often are we like that man. We’re “good” people, Christians, who go about their day not doing “bad things” like committing crime. And then we ask God to bless us, to give us His best for our lives because we trust Him, because we serve Him/the church.
It’s not that I didn’t want to help the man, I did, $1 was definitely something I could easily afford. It’s not that God doesn’t want to bless us, love and blessing is definitely something that God cannot wait to give.
What annoyed me was that this man was never grateful for my charity. This man acted like it was something I should do, like he deserved my charity and sympathy.
Thankfully God doesn’t get annoyed when we aren’t grateful for his love. We so often act like God must bless us, like we deserve His love and blessing.
We don’t. We have absolutely no right to even ask God for his forgiveness, much less love and blessing!
“For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God..” Romans 3:23
I was taken back to the cross where One died so that I could experience God’s love, a costly sacrifice that cost me nothing, and that I don’t deserve.
It was an object lesson in Grace, because God’s grace in my life, especially at this point when I am trying to seek His will out, is that He does want the very best for me in my life. God’s grace is that He loves me so much that He wants me to become all that He made me for. The good things that God wants for you in your life, that’s GRACE! BUT I have no right to demand His best for my life.
Instead, in all humility I must ask God to direct my paths, because I want to please and worship Him, not because I want His best for my life.
The correct response to grace is humility, thankfulness, worship, praise, reciprocation of love, obedience.
How was I suppose to respond? On the one hand, I had heard many stories about not to give them money (and living in sheltered Singapore, I never really encountered beggars) and on the other hand, I was preparing to go to church! I stared at Sharon, at a loss and hoping for some suggestion (she didn’t have cash so the decision was all on me). Under her breath, she said I could buy the items for him.
“I buy your eggs for you. You can just go get them and I’ll pay” I mean, eggs don’t cost that much, and I had the money anyway, and what better day to show compassion than the Lord’s day?
A minute later, he returns with a carton of 1.5 dozen eggs. I was a little annoyed, because I expected him to get eggs that were under a dollar, a 12-egg carton. I sent him back to switch to a 1 dozen carton of eggs. He returns with a carton of Jumbo eggs (the largest and hence most expensive size). At this point, I was running late anyway, and I was too annoyed to really care anymore.
As we approach the checkout counter, he gives me his 2 dollars and asks me to pay for his other purchases of bread and sausage. I was really annoyed now, because I knew that they would cost about $2.50. This guy was trying to milk my kindness, he was trying to get the most out of me, to get as much money out of me as possible. What audacity.
I just ended up paying for all his purchases in the end, costing me more than the $1 he originally asked me for.
_________________________________________________________________
What’s the point of this story? It isn’t meant to be a complaining blog. It was my reminder about Grace that Sunday morning.
How often are we like that man. We’re “good” people, Christians, who go about their day not doing “bad things” like committing crime. And then we ask God to bless us, to give us His best for our lives because we trust Him, because we serve Him/the church.
It’s not that I didn’t want to help the man, I did, $1 was definitely something I could easily afford. It’s not that God doesn’t want to bless us, love and blessing is definitely something that God cannot wait to give.
What annoyed me was that this man was never grateful for my charity. This man acted like it was something I should do, like he deserved my charity and sympathy.
Thankfully God doesn’t get annoyed when we aren’t grateful for his love. We so often act like God must bless us, like we deserve His love and blessing.
We don’t. We have absolutely no right to even ask God for his forgiveness, much less love and blessing!
“For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God..” Romans 3:23
I was taken back to the cross where One died so that I could experience God’s love, a costly sacrifice that cost me nothing, and that I don’t deserve.
It was an object lesson in Grace, because God’s grace in my life, especially at this point when I am trying to seek His will out, is that He does want the very best for me in my life. God’s grace is that He loves me so much that He wants me to become all that He made me for. The good things that God wants for you in your life, that’s GRACE! BUT I have no right to demand His best for my life.
Instead, in all humility I must ask God to direct my paths, because I want to please and worship Him, not because I want His best for my life.
The correct response to grace is humility, thankfulness, worship, praise, reciprocation of love, obedience.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Missions Testimony
A Life Surrendered
I’m writing to share with you how God led me to go on Missions. I started where most people started -- I never thought I would go on a mission trip, ever. I had selfish reasons for not wanting to go. Going on a mission trip would mean spending a lot less time at home with my family, and since my home in Singapore is so far away, I don’t get to go home that much. The time commitments were also daunting, training during the course of the semester and intensive training for over a month in Summer. I was worried going on the mission trip would cost me my GPA (CAP), because I would have to sacrifice study time to train. Lastly, I get really squeamish about needles, I was (and am still, a little) scared of getting my shots!
So what changed?
God used external factors to show help me see His plans for my summer.
On separate occasions throughout last year, 4 different people asked me whether I would be going on missions this year. I’m not sure how you would interpret that, but I believe it was God prodding me and making me think about going on missions this summer.
So when I went home over winter break, I spoke to a lot of my friends and told them that I was considering missions. I just remember them telling me over and over again what a privilege this opportunity to go on mission was.
Thirdly, God also used my parents to help me see that He wanted me to go on missions. All this while, I told God that if I He wanted me to go, then my parents would have to agree to let me go. When I brought up summer missions with my parents, they nodded and told me to do what I had to do. Not only did my parents allow me to go but they were really supportive and encouraging.
All these external factors lead to an internal change, which happened through prayer. Throughout most of December, I had been praying that God would raise up role models in GMC, people willing to deny themselves, lay down their lives, take up the cross and live fully for Christ. It was a sobering realization, but I came to see that through the JCA summer mission program, God was answering my prayers – God was changing me to be one of those role models, someone who would deny her selfish desires for summer, go to India and live for God.
I made up my mind to go for missions on January 9th, 2006. During service, we had a guest speaker come and talk about world evangelism and he quoted John Piper - "Missions exists because worship doesn’t." It was the cherry on top of all the things that God had been trying to tell me in the past month as I was praying through missions.
In my journal entry for that Sunday, I wrote "Having decided to go on missions, there are still concerns like raising money and my studies but I know that in choosing to be in the centre of God’s Will, He will provide."
I am going on missions because I know God wants me to go, and I know that is God’s will for my life this summer. God has shown me, through the course of this semester, a little glimpse of what life is like when we’re in God’s Will. God provides. Over the course of this semester, God has miraculously given me enough time to study, serve at church and train for missions. Also, who would have thought that this semester and this summer, even though I'm spending less time in Singapore, God would grow the relationships with people at home the most. In sharing my prayer requests and having them support me through prayer, God has allowed them to get involved in my life.
Our privilege as we walk in the centre of God’s Will, is that we see little miracles of answered prayers, and we see how God accomplishes amazing perfect things through ordinary imperfect people. Thank you for this opportunity to share with you.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
prayer request
Please pray for me!
I'm giving a testimony at church tomorrow, a missions testimony explaining how i decided to go on a mission trip this summer. My hope is that God will use it in a powerful ways to touch lives out there, (kinda the same way He used Siwei's testimony) and i have a feeling He will... Pray for me tho!
Also, it's no coincidence that I am sick this weekend. No coincidence!
Lastly, i realised that someone reading this blog gets a really unrealistic picture of who I am. It's cos I choose to only write when there's good stuff to write about. My normal every day life isn't reflected here. My daily struggles and failures i tend not to write about, so this is like an unreal image of who i am!
Anyhow, that's kinda related to the testimony i'm sharing tommorrow, that I'm just a normal person, obeying God, that's why He chooses to use me, because i'm obeying, and because I'm normal... not extraordinary!
Yup, I'll post the testimony up here after I've given it tomorrow. Along with a brief about how it went...
Pray for me!
I'm giving a testimony at church tomorrow, a missions testimony explaining how i decided to go on a mission trip this summer. My hope is that God will use it in a powerful ways to touch lives out there, (kinda the same way He used Siwei's testimony) and i have a feeling He will... Pray for me tho!
Also, it's no coincidence that I am sick this weekend. No coincidence!
Lastly, i realised that someone reading this blog gets a really unrealistic picture of who I am. It's cos I choose to only write when there's good stuff to write about. My normal every day life isn't reflected here. My daily struggles and failures i tend not to write about, so this is like an unreal image of who i am!
Anyhow, that's kinda related to the testimony i'm sharing tommorrow, that I'm just a normal person, obeying God, that's why He chooses to use me, because i'm obeying, and because I'm normal... not extraordinary!
Yup, I'll post the testimony up here after I've given it tomorrow. Along with a brief about how it went...
Pray for me!
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Easter
God keeps painting a more vivid picture of the cross and the meaning it holds for me...
(this follows the whole fear of the Lord post)
As I stare at my Saviour dying on the cross, I hear His anguished cry,
"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani"
(which means My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?) - Matt 27:46b
My proud heart, my unrepentant spirit, and my selfish nature just looks on unmoved. It is at that exact moment when Jesus cries out and gives up His spirit, that I feel a hand on my shoulder. I know, without having to turn back and look, that it is the hand of God, comforting me, loving me as i watch His Son die. The scene up to this point reminds me about how God is always there to love us and guide us, even when we don't think we need Him. Thankfully our God knows much better than we do, and is more faithful than we ever are.
I am broken. The God of all the universe is standing behind this wretched sinner, one who has sinned through and through, and often doesn't realise or acknowledge her sin (those are the worst kinds, the kinds we don't acknowledge). Beginning to tear, I ask why? why me? Who am I, that the God would send His Son to die for me? Who am I, that I would inflict on God and Jesus so much pain when They had to endure separation of the worst kind - the separation of death? Who am I, that Jesus, God's righteous, perfect, unblemished Son would endure such physical pain and torture and death on the cross? Who am I to deserve all of this?
The message of Easter and Good Friday is not one of guilt and shame. It is a message of love, victory and hope. The great love of the Father, the victory over death, and the hope of a new life, a purposeful, meaningful, joyful, abundant, amazing life in Christ. The cross is not only a reminder of our sinfulness and God's righteousness, it is also an invitation to love and be loved.
Christ died for you, Christ rose from death. My redeemer lives.
That's why I live, love, change, sing, praise and serve.
(this follows the whole fear of the Lord post)
As I stare at my Saviour dying on the cross, I hear His anguished cry,
"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani"
(which means My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?) - Matt 27:46b
My proud heart, my unrepentant spirit, and my selfish nature just looks on unmoved. It is at that exact moment when Jesus cries out and gives up His spirit, that I feel a hand on my shoulder. I know, without having to turn back and look, that it is the hand of God, comforting me, loving me as i watch His Son die. The scene up to this point reminds me about how God is always there to love us and guide us, even when we don't think we need Him. Thankfully our God knows much better than we do, and is more faithful than we ever are.
I am broken. The God of all the universe is standing behind this wretched sinner, one who has sinned through and through, and often doesn't realise or acknowledge her sin (those are the worst kinds, the kinds we don't acknowledge). Beginning to tear, I ask why? why me? Who am I, that the God would send His Son to die for me? Who am I, that I would inflict on God and Jesus so much pain when They had to endure separation of the worst kind - the separation of death? Who am I, that Jesus, God's righteous, perfect, unblemished Son would endure such physical pain and torture and death on the cross? Who am I to deserve all of this?
"You are Cheryl, whom I love" -God
The message of Easter and Good Friday is not one of guilt and shame. It is a message of love, victory and hope. The great love of the Father, the victory over death, and the hope of a new life, a purposeful, meaningful, joyful, abundant, amazing life in Christ. The cross is not only a reminder of our sinfulness and God's righteousness, it is also an invitation to love and be loved.
Christ died for you, Christ rose from death. My redeemer lives.
That's why I live, love, change, sing, praise and serve.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Are you HOT?
Sermon today was good, a reminder of the stuff God was telling me before I left for the US this spring semester. God spoke to me during Undignified 2006, and He reminded me once again of His promises and my commitment...
H- Humility
That's going to be what keeps us in the faith. We need to constantly admit that we need God, humility, otherwise we will fall away
O- Obedience
John 15:10
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
We obey in full confidence that God is good!
T- Trust
Eph 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us
We trust because we know God know's better. In our lives and experienced, we've seen that there is nothing better than to be in the center of God's will for our lives. Yes, it takes sacrifice, yes it hurts sometimes, but In Christ we have a future and a hope. God never fails us.
Yeah, and during the Sermon today, I was reminded to remain a child in my faith. To believe with the same purity, innocence, dependence, joy, simplicity, as a child.
Hope that's encouraging!
Cheryl
H- Humility
That's going to be what keeps us in the faith. We need to constantly admit that we need God, humility, otherwise we will fall away
O- Obedience
John 15:10
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
We obey in full confidence that God is good!
T- Trust
Eph 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us
We trust because we know God know's better. In our lives and experienced, we've seen that there is nothing better than to be in the center of God's will for our lives. Yes, it takes sacrifice, yes it hurts sometimes, but In Christ we have a future and a hope. God never fails us.
Yeah, and during the Sermon today, I was reminded to remain a child in my faith. To believe with the same purity, innocence, dependence, joy, simplicity, as a child.
Hope that's encouraging!
Cheryl
The nails in Your hands
I really really really like this song... I thought it would be a good reminder during this Lenten Season leading up to Easter...
The Nails in Your Hands
The nails in your hands
The nail in your feet, they tell me how much you love me
The thorns in your brow, they tell me how, you bore so much pain to love me.
And when the heavens pass away, all your scars will still remain,
and forever they will say, how much you love me.
Forever my love,
Forever my heart
Forever my life, it's yours, it's yours.
Copyright MercyMe Lyrics
The Nails in Your Hands
The nails in your hands
The nail in your feet, they tell me how much you love me
The thorns in your brow, they tell me how, you bore so much pain to love me.
And when the heavens pass away, all your scars will still remain,
and forever they will say, how much you love me.
Forever my love,
Forever my heart
Forever my life, it's yours, it's yours.
Copyright MercyMe Lyrics
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Spring break! (incomplete and incoherent, oh well. i'm a lazy bum)
Spring break thus fas has been good, and I'm really really glad i went on this trip. We had an amzing night tonight and i want to write down some of the stuff that was shared, but only to remember it, not in a way that makes my head swell everything time i'm reading this post.
We shared about our insecurities and then we went around and said encouraging stuff about each other. I shared about how i am insecure about the way other people think about me.
Here are some of the things i got about me
consistency
50 years down the road, still running
caring for others, concerned that others are being looked after
love for family
unselfishness (?) in the room? with others
thoughts for others and praying for them
proving first impressions wrong- good friends, trust
how and why it's encouraging (family thing!)
saying stuff about others was great too, because i thought about what they did
also the people who shared that stuff too, people whom i didn't think knew anything about me!
We shared about our insecurities and then we went around and said encouraging stuff about each other. I shared about how i am insecure about the way other people think about me.
Here are some of the things i got about me
consistency
50 years down the road, still running
caring for others, concerned that others are being looked after
love for family
unselfishness (?) in the room? with others
thoughts for others and praying for them
proving first impressions wrong- good friends, trust
how and why it's encouraging (family thing!)
saying stuff about others was great too, because i thought about what they did
also the people who shared that stuff too, people whom i didn't think knew anything about me!
Sunday, February 26, 2006
the Fear of the Lord
Hmm.. this is somewhat of a follow up of my last post, about the fear of the Lord.
I figured it out, or gained some insight anyway. It was a Friday JCA Large group (Quest). Pastor matt was teaching about Envy from Proverbs and the verse had something about fear of the Lord and how that was how to counter Envy.
The fear of the Lord is worship, it's standing in awe and wonder of God because He is so Awesome and worthy to be praised and worship. But it's standing in awe and wonder of God in a way that produces change in our lives because we realise who God really is.
Then this image popped up in my mind about who God is...
I'm standing on the hill at Calvery seeing Jesus cry out to God above. He's looking to Heaven, so desperate to see the One He loves and the One who loves Him. His head and His whole body wants to reach up to heaven and feel the touch of God. But He cannot. He's nailed cruely to the cross, experiencing the evils of the Roman Crucifixion. But that isn't what prevents Him from seeing the Father. It's the sin. my sin, your sin nailed and hammered into every part of His being. With the sins of the Father on Him, the Father cannot but turn away, leaving his dying Son with not even a glimpse of His back.
What's going through my mind? I'm just standing there, not really wanting to look at the gory scene before me. Unmoved probably, untouched and unchanged. Sometimes, we see that image so often we (as Christians) fail to grasp the message of the cross and the power of the cross and it's meaning and implication in our lives.
Then, i feel a distinct presence behind me, two hands placed on my shoulder. I've been a Christian long enough to know that its The Holy Spirit, and the Presence of God. I turn my eyes away from the cross and hide myself in the embrace of the Spirit, of the Father, because I cannot bear to watch Jesus suffer. Then it hits me.
The cross is so painful for Christ, because as He suffers alone, as He breathes His last breath, I feel and touch the Spirit. I meet God. That's the contrast of the cross. THe One so deserving of help, in His time of greatest need is turned away, so that the one who doesn't deserve even a chance enjoys the presence of God. That's grace.
What's my response? I run to the cross, fix my eyes on Jesus nailed to the cross and I touch Him. I want to give Him the comfort that the Spirit gives me. But it was done.. Jesus breathed His last.
the next thought that comes to my mind though, is Jesus' words in matthew 25
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Matt 25:34-40
The fear of the Lord is being in awe and wonder of God, His love, His sacrifice, His holiness, His awesomeness, but not just standing there, but having that awe and wonder in a way that produces permanent life change.
I figured it out, or gained some insight anyway. It was a Friday JCA Large group (Quest). Pastor matt was teaching about Envy from Proverbs and the verse had something about fear of the Lord and how that was how to counter Envy.
The fear of the Lord is worship, it's standing in awe and wonder of God because He is so Awesome and worthy to be praised and worship. But it's standing in awe and wonder of God in a way that produces change in our lives because we realise who God really is.
Then this image popped up in my mind about who God is...
I'm standing on the hill at Calvery seeing Jesus cry out to God above. He's looking to Heaven, so desperate to see the One He loves and the One who loves Him. His head and His whole body wants to reach up to heaven and feel the touch of God. But He cannot. He's nailed cruely to the cross, experiencing the evils of the Roman Crucifixion. But that isn't what prevents Him from seeing the Father. It's the sin. my sin, your sin nailed and hammered into every part of His being. With the sins of the Father on Him, the Father cannot but turn away, leaving his dying Son with not even a glimpse of His back.
What's going through my mind? I'm just standing there, not really wanting to look at the gory scene before me. Unmoved probably, untouched and unchanged. Sometimes, we see that image so often we (as Christians) fail to grasp the message of the cross and the power of the cross and it's meaning and implication in our lives.
Then, i feel a distinct presence behind me, two hands placed on my shoulder. I've been a Christian long enough to know that its The Holy Spirit, and the Presence of God. I turn my eyes away from the cross and hide myself in the embrace of the Spirit, of the Father, because I cannot bear to watch Jesus suffer. Then it hits me.
The cross is so painful for Christ, because as He suffers alone, as He breathes His last breath, I feel and touch the Spirit. I meet God. That's the contrast of the cross. THe One so deserving of help, in His time of greatest need is turned away, so that the one who doesn't deserve even a chance enjoys the presence of God. That's grace.
What's my response? I run to the cross, fix my eyes on Jesus nailed to the cross and I touch Him. I want to give Him the comfort that the Spirit gives me. But it was done.. Jesus breathed His last.
the next thought that comes to my mind though, is Jesus' words in matthew 25
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Matt 25:34-40
The fear of the Lord is being in awe and wonder of God, His love, His sacrifice, His holiness, His awesomeness, but not just standing there, but having that awe and wonder in a way that produces permanent life change.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Thought of the Week
What does it mean to fear the Lord?
I was doing this for quiet time, and I couldn't quite grasp the full meaning of the phrase.
Anyone?
Cheryl
I was doing this for quiet time, and I couldn't quite grasp the full meaning of the phrase.
Anyone?
Cheryl
Thursday, February 16, 2006
about me? not quite
I'm beginning to realise that this life is increasingly less about me and more about God. It's funny how we mere humans think everything, even God almight revolves around us. From our petition prayers, to our service at church, to even our quiet times (what has God got to say to me today?). But this life is not about you or me. Thankfully.
Today during prayer meeting, God was really gracious in giving me the inspiration to write my support letter. I tried writing it on monday or tuesday, and i got super sian about it, because i didn't know how to write, and i didn't know how it would even be possible to raise that sum of money.
Matthew 19:26 (NIV)
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
(coincidence that this passage is in Matthew which the GMC peeps are studying? i think not...)
Anyhow, God showed me tonight that this mission trip really really really isn't about me. Yes God asked me to go, yes, i had to give up stuff important to me, and yes, eventually i'll have to rough it out in India. Yes, this is an opportunity to KNOW God, and experience Him intimately.
But then one really must stop and think, when it comes to knowing and experiencing God, growing and maturing in Christian living, its not about us and our small lives, it's about God, and His plans, His Will in our little lives and how that fits into His ultimate plan for the World. It's about giving God fully glory, as we grow in Christ likeness, it's about experiencing God, so that we can worship God more, and then share with others around us, so that God gets more glory.
Tonight, God showed me that this mission trip, which is a big part of my life, is not about me. He gave me the inspiration to write my support letter, even tho i didn't deserve it, because i just wanted to quit writing. This life is about Him.
ANother thing to share, that i hope helps those who need it. Why is it such a relief that life is not about us, but about God? Because this life is about God and not us, we get what we often don't deserve (grace) so that God can do what He wants to do. It helps put things into perspective, that as we walk in God's Will, He will provide the strength, means, grace and everything necessary so that His Will be done.
Did the small stone kill Goliath? nope. It was God, all God and one small believing David.
Today during prayer meeting, God was really gracious in giving me the inspiration to write my support letter. I tried writing it on monday or tuesday, and i got super sian about it, because i didn't know how to write, and i didn't know how it would even be possible to raise that sum of money.
Matthew 19:26 (NIV)
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
(coincidence that this passage is in Matthew which the GMC peeps are studying? i think not...)
Anyhow, God showed me tonight that this mission trip really really really isn't about me. Yes God asked me to go, yes, i had to give up stuff important to me, and yes, eventually i'll have to rough it out in India. Yes, this is an opportunity to KNOW God, and experience Him intimately.
But then one really must stop and think, when it comes to knowing and experiencing God, growing and maturing in Christian living, its not about us and our small lives, it's about God, and His plans, His Will in our little lives and how that fits into His ultimate plan for the World. It's about giving God fully glory, as we grow in Christ likeness, it's about experiencing God, so that we can worship God more, and then share with others around us, so that God gets more glory.
Tonight, God showed me that this mission trip, which is a big part of my life, is not about me. He gave me the inspiration to write my support letter, even tho i didn't deserve it, because i just wanted to quit writing. This life is about Him.
ANother thing to share, that i hope helps those who need it. Why is it such a relief that life is not about us, but about God? Because this life is about God and not us, we get what we often don't deserve (grace) so that God can do what He wants to do. It helps put things into perspective, that as we walk in God's Will, He will provide the strength, means, grace and everything necessary so that His Will be done.
Did the small stone kill Goliath? nope. It was God, all God and one small believing David.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Complaining
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may becomeblameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depravedgeneration, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out theword of life- in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that Idid not run or labor for nothing.- phil 2:14-16
I'm studying Ecclesiastes right now, and the complaining thing is sorta in line with what I read today. Firstly, after reading the passage 2:17-26, I was convicted to not complain today. But i realised how tough that was, because, like selfishness, complaining is second nature to us. The other thing i realised is that we complain because we fail to see God in the things that we do, that's why we complain. Solomon talks about how life is meaningless apart from God, and in chapter 2, he is basically complaining. We complain because we don't see God, or don't realise that we are doing the daily, mundane, busy tasks (required of us from our teachers, bosses, and superiors, even church elders), we don't realise that we do these things for God. So to combat complaining hearts, do what you do as though doing it for the Lord!
I'm studying Ecclesiastes right now, and the complaining thing is sorta in line with what I read today. Firstly, after reading the passage 2:17-26, I was convicted to not complain today. But i realised how tough that was, because, like selfishness, complaining is second nature to us. The other thing i realised is that we complain because we fail to see God in the things that we do, that's why we complain. Solomon talks about how life is meaningless apart from God, and in chapter 2, he is basically complaining. We complain because we don't see God, or don't realise that we are doing the daily, mundane, busy tasks (required of us from our teachers, bosses, and superiors, even church elders), we don't realise that we do these things for God. So to combat complaining hearts, do what you do as though doing it for the Lord!
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
losing one's life
Okay, I know this is somewhat backdated but i guess i'm going to continue talking about the things i learnt over retreat.
Well, one big thing that was really bugging me during the retreat was this: What's to stop me from becoming exactly the same as before the retreat? Nothing. I could really still be as selfish as i was before the retreat, because i mean, I'm sinful and I can try really hard to not be selfish (and to not sin) but it's not going to work, because I am human and sinful. So, there's really nothing I can do to stop sinning. Instead, I look to the only One who had a good sound response to sin, Christ who died and rose again, kicking sin in the butt! So God's daily portion of grace, enough to last me through the day and Christ's resurrection power will give me hope against sin each new day. Hope that I will move towards Christlikeness daily. So don't focus on yesterday's failures or successes, know that each day is a new one with a new portion of grace awaiting us to face the new challenges of the day.
Another important lesson that i learnt over the past 2 days is this:
Matthew 16:25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it
On monday, first weekday after the retreat, I was fasting for my church prayer walk. I also did a bible study on John 15 and spent the day(or stray thoughts during the day) figuring out what God was trying to say when he told the disciples to abide in Him, not because i was trying to be Holy, but because i genuinely didn't know what he meant and i really wanted to know. So without sounding proud, it was a relatively un-selfish day. Surprisingly, i managed to find time to do all that needed to be done that day (yes, this despite barely touching work during the weekend because of the retreat), and even got to talk to my family and watch bits of 24.
Tuesday however was a selfish day. I was selfish. I basically planned my day out and knew what i had to do and when to do them. Of course, I didn't do so well, ended up sleeping later than i planned and not really finishing everything that I had to do, even though I had more time than the day before!
I have no idea where all that time went, and how even though i had less time, i managed to do more on Monday. It really just goes to show that God is a better planner than I ever will be.
So, because I know i'm going to need this again sometime during the semester when the tests come around, I'm going to say it again
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it but whoever loses his life for me will find it Matt 16:25
Well, one big thing that was really bugging me during the retreat was this: What's to stop me from becoming exactly the same as before the retreat? Nothing. I could really still be as selfish as i was before the retreat, because i mean, I'm sinful and I can try really hard to not be selfish (and to not sin) but it's not going to work, because I am human and sinful. So, there's really nothing I can do to stop sinning. Instead, I look to the only One who had a good sound response to sin, Christ who died and rose again, kicking sin in the butt! So God's daily portion of grace, enough to last me through the day and Christ's resurrection power will give me hope against sin each new day. Hope that I will move towards Christlikeness daily. So don't focus on yesterday's failures or successes, know that each day is a new one with a new portion of grace awaiting us to face the new challenges of the day.
Another important lesson that i learnt over the past 2 days is this:
Matthew 16:25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it
On monday, first weekday after the retreat, I was fasting for my church prayer walk. I also did a bible study on John 15 and spent the day(or stray thoughts during the day) figuring out what God was trying to say when he told the disciples to abide in Him, not because i was trying to be Holy, but because i genuinely didn't know what he meant and i really wanted to know. So without sounding proud, it was a relatively un-selfish day. Surprisingly, i managed to find time to do all that needed to be done that day (yes, this despite barely touching work during the weekend because of the retreat), and even got to talk to my family and watch bits of 24.
Tuesday however was a selfish day. I was selfish. I basically planned my day out and knew what i had to do and when to do them. Of course, I didn't do so well, ended up sleeping later than i planned and not really finishing everything that I had to do, even though I had more time than the day before!
I have no idea where all that time went, and how even though i had less time, i managed to do more on Monday. It really just goes to show that God is a better planner than I ever will be.
So, because I know i'm going to need this again sometime during the semester when the tests come around, I'm going to say it again
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it but whoever loses his life for me will find it Matt 16:25
Monday, January 30, 2006
post retreat thoughts
The retreat was really raelly good for me. I enjoyed myself and I was really really blessed from it. There's alot to say, alot that i've learnt over the course of this retreat, so much so that i don't really know where to begin!
First things first, this retreat was good because i think i went with the right heart, prepared and really really wanting to hear God's voice and be in God's presence. I guess one good application then would be for subsequent retreats, may I have that same desire. Camps and retreats shouldn't be about being with church friends, but being with God and meeting God. I also decided that I don't think retreats are much "fun", they can be good, blessing, fruitful, but not really fun.
I'll start with my lesson in faith. Before the retreat, the whole time I was praying though whether or not to go on missions, and even at home I struggled with alot of questions. I'm glad that i struggled through them, and that i even dared to ask myself or others these questions. He who seeks, finds. My conclusion during the retreat is that I didn't find all the answers, but i come away feeling okay, not frustrated. There has to be a point where the questions stop and faith jumps in (or i jump in with faith, as the case may be). I know that God is good, but i'm not thoroughly convinced. Somehow, i believe as i commit, as i surrender, God will show and convince me. Faith.
Another thing I learnt is that if one wants to hear God, or touch God, one only has to listen and feel. DUH right? It was a huge revelation to me at that point because the whole time i was relying on hearing God's voice when the preacher prayed, or praying for God to speak and constantly pleading with Him. I mean i was trying so hard to listen, i wasn't really listening. So I kept quiet, and God said listen and Feel. And I did. And I felt God's presence and heard His Voice.
Two other things i thought about while praying were my selfishness, pride and my lack of courage. I really still need to pray through these things, and i need prayer support for them too.
Yeah. I kinda want to talk about post retreat attitude and behaviour but class starts in abit. so.... gotta run.
First things first, this retreat was good because i think i went with the right heart, prepared and really really wanting to hear God's voice and be in God's presence. I guess one good application then would be for subsequent retreats, may I have that same desire. Camps and retreats shouldn't be about being with church friends, but being with God and meeting God. I also decided that I don't think retreats are much "fun", they can be good, blessing, fruitful, but not really fun.
I'll start with my lesson in faith. Before the retreat, the whole time I was praying though whether or not to go on missions, and even at home I struggled with alot of questions. I'm glad that i struggled through them, and that i even dared to ask myself or others these questions. He who seeks, finds. My conclusion during the retreat is that I didn't find all the answers, but i come away feeling okay, not frustrated. There has to be a point where the questions stop and faith jumps in (or i jump in with faith, as the case may be). I know that God is good, but i'm not thoroughly convinced. Somehow, i believe as i commit, as i surrender, God will show and convince me. Faith.
Another thing I learnt is that if one wants to hear God, or touch God, one only has to listen and feel. DUH right? It was a huge revelation to me at that point because the whole time i was relying on hearing God's voice when the preacher prayed, or praying for God to speak and constantly pleading with Him. I mean i was trying so hard to listen, i wasn't really listening. So I kept quiet, and God said listen and Feel. And I did. And I felt God's presence and heard His Voice.
Two other things i thought about while praying were my selfishness, pride and my lack of courage. I really still need to pray through these things, and i need prayer support for them too.
Yeah. I kinda want to talk about post retreat attitude and behaviour but class starts in abit. so.... gotta run.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
pre retreat thoughts
I thought it might be interesting to see how this retreat affects me, how I change because of this retreat. I'm going expecting to meet with God, expecting to hear God because it's been awhile, because this semester is going to be tough, and because I know I'm right where God wants me to be. I'm going expectant, but somehow, it's not quite enough... what else do i need? desperation?
Tonight during the kick-off service, I was super distracted. I thought about so many different things, even about blogging (gosh, i'm addicted, or on the brink of addiction anyway), just not thinking about God. Somehow, the songs didn't really click either, the sermon didn't really speak that much to me, and prayer time wasn't as powerful as I expected. WHY? preparation? desire? spiritual warfare?
And yet on the surface it's so easy to pretend everything's okay.
Here's another paradox. Perhaps my one gripe about churches in general, and Christians, is that people seem so perfect, people are "good" and one feels like one has to be "good" too. I know that the way to get over this whole perfection thing is to be vulnerable, to be honest and well... human. I realise that such change has to start with me. But it's so difficult... what would other people think? I bet though, that their response would be the exact opposite of what i imagine their response to be. Maybe relief, maybe identify with me. That said, i still lack the courage.
Tonight during the kick-off service, I was super distracted. I thought about so many different things, even about blogging (gosh, i'm addicted, or on the brink of addiction anyway), just not thinking about God. Somehow, the songs didn't really click either, the sermon didn't really speak that much to me, and prayer time wasn't as powerful as I expected. WHY? preparation? desire? spiritual warfare?
And yet on the surface it's so easy to pretend everything's okay.
Here's another paradox. Perhaps my one gripe about churches in general, and Christians, is that people seem so perfect, people are "good" and one feels like one has to be "good" too. I know that the way to get over this whole perfection thing is to be vulnerable, to be honest and well... human. I realise that such change has to start with me. But it's so difficult... what would other people think? I bet though, that their response would be the exact opposite of what i imagine their response to be. Maybe relief, maybe identify with me. That said, i still lack the courage.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
GMC just got a new blog site! I'm excited! =)
http://accountenance.blogspot.com/
awesome. I posted something on the site already about how its such a great way to keep in touch and enourage other people and keep others in prayer. I was very very very encouraged by that today. So overall, even though Wednesday is a long day at school, and even though i was fasting, it wasn't bad.... at all. =) By God's grace. God is really providing for me, in small ways and big. I am confident that He will continue to do so as i remain in His will this semester.
Also, during Family group tonight, i realised that God is really in control of all things, alot more than we often realise. We had to share about a person in our life that we wanted to evangelish/reach out to, and he said Will Callahan. It's kinda strange cos i definitely prayed about him before, but never really found the opportunity or setting to even begin to talk to him. To hear Simon's conviction is really encouraging. God, God's plans, are so much bigger than all of us, than any of us. Amen!
The other thing, which I write here, is so that i will be accountable. I want to set aside at least 10 minutes of every day to pray for someone other than myself. Now i have no excuse since i know the prayer requests of the church people from home, and from JCA, and from my family, and from my friends. I really can't say there's nothing to pray about. The other thing, is that something has to change about the way i evangelise. It's easy to do what i've always done, meet up with someone consistently, pray for them quietly, ask them to church events occasionally. I think it's time to take things to the next step. To really begin something active, to actively love them in a real obvious way, but not for my glory but that they may see Christ. Or to actually talk to them, discuss religion, discuss Christ. So, now that i've written it, i actually have to do it!!!
Okay, anyhow, enough blogging. Time to go back to some work! Ah... the life of a student!
I realise tho' that though today was long, the blessing is this... with long busy days, it gives us an opportunity to see more of God's providence!
http://accountenance.blogspot.com/
awesome. I posted something on the site already about how its such a great way to keep in touch and enourage other people and keep others in prayer. I was very very very encouraged by that today. So overall, even though Wednesday is a long day at school, and even though i was fasting, it wasn't bad.... at all. =) By God's grace. God is really providing for me, in small ways and big. I am confident that He will continue to do so as i remain in His will this semester.
Also, during Family group tonight, i realised that God is really in control of all things, alot more than we often realise. We had to share about a person in our life that we wanted to evangelish/reach out to, and he said Will Callahan. It's kinda strange cos i definitely prayed about him before, but never really found the opportunity or setting to even begin to talk to him. To hear Simon's conviction is really encouraging. God, God's plans, are so much bigger than all of us, than any of us. Amen!
The other thing, which I write here, is so that i will be accountable. I want to set aside at least 10 minutes of every day to pray for someone other than myself. Now i have no excuse since i know the prayer requests of the church people from home, and from JCA, and from my family, and from my friends. I really can't say there's nothing to pray about. The other thing, is that something has to change about the way i evangelise. It's easy to do what i've always done, meet up with someone consistently, pray for them quietly, ask them to church events occasionally. I think it's time to take things to the next step. To really begin something active, to actively love them in a real obvious way, but not for my glory but that they may see Christ. Or to actually talk to them, discuss religion, discuss Christ. So, now that i've written it, i actually have to do it!!!
Okay, anyhow, enough blogging. Time to go back to some work! Ah... the life of a student!
I realise tho' that though today was long, the blessing is this... with long busy days, it gives us an opportunity to see more of God's providence!
Saturday, September 10, 2005
first post
Okay,
Normally i don't post things, and i'm not sure how frequent my posts are going to be, but what the heck. I figured i just get a blog anyway. Good way for those who are close to me to find out what's going on in my life.
I'm going to keep this one short. Keep watching this space...
Cheryl
Normally i don't post things, and i'm not sure how frequent my posts are going to be, but what the heck. I figured i just get a blog anyway. Good way for those who are close to me to find out what's going on in my life.
I'm going to keep this one short. Keep watching this space...
Cheryl
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