For those who didn’t catch the “episode” at our congregational meeting last week, here’s what was “broadcasted”.
So! A few weeks ago in the house of our newly appointed GG leader (one of them) the members of Bethel (fed and watered) sat down to discuss the theme for our 2008 church/family camp. With Pastor Aow, an expert in evangelism as our camp speaker, we were having in mind an evangelistic themed camp, but as ideas were bounced off the whiteboard, the words “Passion” and “Love” keeps recurring. To be honest, I THINK we are not so good at the whole oikos thing… YET. (As the congregation in whole) But we always seek to edify one another through our fellowship and worship together.
Looking at the direction of the congregation – what is the church longing for?
As the congregation journeys on towards deeper prayer and intimacy with God with “Give Me 40 Days” by Freeda Bowers, as well as Jaeson Ma’s “The Blueprint” that calls for prayer and waiting on God above all else, it’s obvious that the only thing we are required to fulfill in our Christian walk is to simply – love God passionately.
Simple? But what is “passion”? What does it mean to have passion for God?
When we think about all our other passions and love, it becomes harder to ‘sacrifice’ for God. Passion means ‘to suffer’ in Greek, something you live for, something you’ll DIE for- so, not so simple after all right? No! It is still as simple, just not easy.
From Uncle Hoi Meng and Yung Ling’s sharing during worship two congregations ago, we know we can’t force ourselves to be in love with God. Often times we sing “I love You Lord” thinking about a friend who is depressed and sick. Or that we just had an car accident. Or lunch.
So how la. Only by discovering God’s passion for us FIRST, how God pursued and died for us before we even know Him, then only we can fall in love with Jesus.
We work so hard for God, but how many of us are actually enjoying God?
Why is it more important to love God than to work for God?
So, to quote two writers our members have been reading:
“These… overwhelming works we are to do, are an OUTPOURING of our relationship with Christ, and not a replacement of our time and devotion with Him.” – Freeda Bowers
“Lovers outwork workers” – Jaeson Ma
Lets discover God’s passion for us even now, so that we may be of one heart with God, and share His passion.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
GLOP - Episode 1: Behind the Theme
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
YV Orang Asli Trip 2006
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
Give Me 40 Days - HHS 3rd Feb 08
Beloveds,
Here are the notes from Hok Seng's message on Sunday in conjunction for the launch of 40 days devotion that our church is embarking on base on the book "Give Me 40 Days" by Freeda Bowers.
The mp3 is available should anyone need it. Get from Seng Chor.
| The 1st purpose of the prayer is to move the PRAY_ER |
| Roy L Smith |
| |
| ………………… |
| GIVE me 40 Days |
| |
| INTO GIGAL |
| ………………… |
| •consecrate yourselves Josh 3.5 |
| •cross the river Josh 3.17 |
| •memorial stone Josh 4.5 |
| •circumcision at Gigal Josh 5.2 |
| •meeting “The commander of the Lord’s Army” |
| •instructions to invade |
| •fall of |
| |
| …………………. |
| |
| •return to the primary purpose |
| •learning to wait upon the Lord |
| •develop a mind-set of Faith |
| ………………… |
| 1. Return to the primary purpose of your life |
| ………………… |
| Primary purpose |
| •overloaded life lead to overlook living |
| |
| 1 Zech 3 |
| Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Return to me,' declares the LORD Almighty, 'and I will return to you,' says the LORD Almighty. |
| ………………….. |
| What is the primary purpose |
| Have you ever ask God this question? |
| ………………….. |
| Possessing the Promised Land |
| Return to Him |
| |
| Where is your Ark of Covenant? |
| |
| Where is the Presence of God in this place? |
| …………………. |
| 2. Learn to wait upon God |
| •recondition of the Heart |
| •art of listening |
| …………………… |
| Recondition our Heart |
| •give God the 1st fruits of our day |
| •put God first each day |
| •wake up a little earlier in the morning |
| •let God be the last person you talk at end of day |
| ……………………. |
| wait upon Him |
| |
| A covenant with God Matt 6. 33 |
| •take your commitment seriously |
| •40 minutes each day for 40 Days |
| •refuse to quit |
| •stay on course to see significant changes |
| |
| But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, |
| ………………….. |
| Art of listening |
| •don’t do all the taking |
| •background noises |
| •Fix your eyes on Jesus |
| •learn to wait |
| •how and what to pray |
| |
| Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. |
| …………………… |
| “In prayer it’s better to be heart without words than words without heart” |
| wait upon the Lord |
| John Bunyan |
| ……………………. |
| “In prayer it’s better to be heart without words than words without heart” |
| wait upon the Lord |
| John Bunyan |
| ……………………… |
| 3. Develop a faith mindset |
| •put work to Faith |
| •experiment “ Hit List ” |
| •a secret key |
| •power of intercession |
| …………………… |
| put works to faith |
| •expects God to act Heb 11.6 |
| •experiment on the Hit List |
| •secret key to blessings Jas 5.16 |
| •power of intercession Ezek 22.30 |
| |
| |
| And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. |
| ………………….. |
| “Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance; it is laying hold of His highest willingness” |
| Richard Chenevix Trench |
| ………………….. |
| “Heaven is full of answers to prayers, for which no one ever bothered to ask” |
| Billy Graham |
| …………………… |
| It is not about you .. . . . |
|
|
|
|
| Return to Him |
| |
| |
YL
