We all get caught up in them.
(Without me realizing it has been awhile since I've posted anything on here)
Some good, some bad - sure it helps fix a sense of (often much needed) responsibility and independence into our lives, helps give us a sense of direction and purpose, perhaps a little more organized? That would help, wouldn't it?
But when routines become such an integral part of our lives we often find ourselves missing out on everything else that is life. I'm sure when God said He has a purpose for us, he didn't mean a rigid pattern of wake up, study , classes, more study, food, and sleep. Certainly not! We might tell ourselves it's alright to fall into routines, but all it is doing is lulling us into false senses of security, that everything is going well, when indeed it couldn't be further away from the truth.
Where is that sense of freshness, the kind we always experience when doing something new for the first time? Isn't every new day the first day of the rest of our lives? We need to rediscover that childlike admiration and awe when faced with the mundane possibilities (or lack thereof) day in, day out.
Do something different, do something new, do something fresh. Like blogging this down in anticipation of a hectic exam week a few days away. It helps keep a fresh perspective on things. I really need that.
Prayer : Dear Father, I guess I have turned away once more. Forgive me. I need freshness in my life Lord, I need clarity, I need renewal. Only You can give me those things. Amen.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Day #40
Final day of fasting! Actually, we broke fast today =)
I guess I'm going to miss all this journalling and blogging. I'll post from time to time, I think.
Anyways the final framework in which we took Ephesians in was this :
4. WHAT ARE OUR PASSIONS, AND OUR POSITIONS IN RESPONSE TO THEM?
Ephesians is a rather instructive book, albeit in a fatherly-advice kind of way.
Not everyone has a clear picture of what they want to do with their lives. Even more so their passions. How do we identify what our passions are?
To attempt to understand that, we have looked into several questions, such as 'who are we really living our lives for? Ourselves or God?' and 'What are we destined to be?' And since no one can serve two masters, we have to be absolutely sure where we stand.
For our first and foremost passion should be for Christ. It is only by His grace that we are saved, and by His truth we have been set free. And now He calls for us to follow after Him, to be fishers of man. God's plan for us has always been, and will always be because of love, in love, and for love.
But as mentioned many times before, realizing we have a passion is one thing, and actually doing something about it is another. It is not he who has a dream who succeeds; it is he who acts on it.
And acting on it first takes a response. A simple step, but a necessary one. How are we, as sons and daughters of God, responding to our Father's call?
Perhaps we have not been paying attention.
Perhaps we have been distracted by the wrong noises, or are just not concentrating hard enough.
Or maybe we haven't even started learning to listen. Are our ears open?
But whatever it may be, Ephesians is pretty clear about it. It is us who have to take the initiative with God, not the other way around. So why not we get started today!
Prayer : Dear Father, even as this period of fasting draws to a close, we just want to thank You for everything you have been doing, are doing, and will do in our lives. We thank You also, for using this space that we have intentionally opened up to continue changing and molding us to who You want us to be, Lord. We want to be like You; as Your children we long to worship and adore You. I pray for blessings and grace on me, my friends, my family, my relatives, and everyone else, God - You continue to watch over each and everyone of us as we place our hope and trust in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
I guess I'm going to miss all this journalling and blogging. I'll post from time to time, I think.
Anyways the final framework in which we took Ephesians in was this :
4. WHAT ARE OUR PASSIONS, AND OUR POSITIONS IN RESPONSE TO THEM?
Ephesians is a rather instructive book, albeit in a fatherly-advice kind of way.
Not everyone has a clear picture of what they want to do with their lives. Even more so their passions. How do we identify what our passions are?
To attempt to understand that, we have looked into several questions, such as 'who are we really living our lives for? Ourselves or God?' and 'What are we destined to be?' And since no one can serve two masters, we have to be absolutely sure where we stand.
For our first and foremost passion should be for Christ. It is only by His grace that we are saved, and by His truth we have been set free. And now He calls for us to follow after Him, to be fishers of man. God's plan for us has always been, and will always be because of love, in love, and for love.
But as mentioned many times before, realizing we have a passion is one thing, and actually doing something about it is another. It is not he who has a dream who succeeds; it is he who acts on it.
And acting on it first takes a response. A simple step, but a necessary one. How are we, as sons and daughters of God, responding to our Father's call?
Perhaps we have not been paying attention.
Perhaps we have been distracted by the wrong noises, or are just not concentrating hard enough.
Or maybe we haven't even started learning to listen. Are our ears open?
But whatever it may be, Ephesians is pretty clear about it. It is us who have to take the initiative with God, not the other way around. So why not we get started today!
Prayer : Dear Father, even as this period of fasting draws to a close, we just want to thank You for everything you have been doing, are doing, and will do in our lives. We thank You also, for using this space that we have intentionally opened up to continue changing and molding us to who You want us to be, Lord. We want to be like You; as Your children we long to worship and adore You. I pray for blessings and grace on me, my friends, my family, my relatives, and everyone else, God - You continue to watch over each and everyone of us as we place our hope and trust in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Day #39
And Count down!! One more day till fast ends, having a corporate break fast with the whole church at 10 am tomorrow morning.
Onto the third concept we thought about throughout our fast.
3. WHAT IS THE LAND THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US?
After thinking about ourselves as heirs, as children of destiny, we then looked at attempts to identify the Kingdom of God. And now, we turn to a more personal subject. What, indeed, is the land that our Father has given to us?
We are all different; and God's purposes for us are equally unique. But are we really clear on what those purposes are? For God does not create man for the land; He creates the land for man. And it is then our responsibility to ensure that this land we have been entrusted with does indeed grow, that we are indeed working out what God wants us to do with our lives.
Ephesians is rather adamant about the response we should have towards God's calling. God is calling out to us, but we MUST take the initiative and respond, and reply. We might think we are not suited for the job, but if our Father deems us qualified, then we are qualified, regardless of what we or other people might think.
We all have to start somewhere (usually small), and there is no task discrimination in the Kingdom - no task is 'better' than another, and no task is more important than the rest. However it IS in our human nature to compete, compare and complain (the 3 Cs) amongst our peers. And the bible tells us to put off that old behaviour, and instead treat everyone equally, with love.
It is also important to remember that even as we go about working in the space we have been given, that we are ultimately serving God, not man. Nothing else should be used as a reason or an excuse to do / think otherwise.
In community especially, there is a need for tolerance and love, for in cultivating our land we usually engage with other individuals who are doing the same. And when differences in opinions occur, they result in strife and unnecessary social tension. How do we handle such situations? With sound judgement, discernment from the Holy Spirit, and through love. Forgive and forget, very meaningful ideas to live by.
For if we understand what the land God wants us to have is, and actively set aside our individualistic mindsets to follow after Him, surely He will pour His abundant blessings upon us, that we may become a blessing for others.
Prayer : Dear Father, help us to correctly recognize the lands You have planted us in, and equip us with the necessary tools to cultivate and develop them, that Your name will be glorified through our faith in You, and that more may come to know the saving grace and power of Your name. Amen
Onto the third concept we thought about throughout our fast.
3. WHAT IS THE LAND THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US?
After thinking about ourselves as heirs, as children of destiny, we then looked at attempts to identify the Kingdom of God. And now, we turn to a more personal subject. What, indeed, is the land that our Father has given to us?
We are all different; and God's purposes for us are equally unique. But are we really clear on what those purposes are? For God does not create man for the land; He creates the land for man. And it is then our responsibility to ensure that this land we have been entrusted with does indeed grow, that we are indeed working out what God wants us to do with our lives.
Ephesians is rather adamant about the response we should have towards God's calling. God is calling out to us, but we MUST take the initiative and respond, and reply. We might think we are not suited for the job, but if our Father deems us qualified, then we are qualified, regardless of what we or other people might think.
We all have to start somewhere (usually small), and there is no task discrimination in the Kingdom - no task is 'better' than another, and no task is more important than the rest. However it IS in our human nature to compete, compare and complain (the 3 Cs) amongst our peers. And the bible tells us to put off that old behaviour, and instead treat everyone equally, with love.
It is also important to remember that even as we go about working in the space we have been given, that we are ultimately serving God, not man. Nothing else should be used as a reason or an excuse to do / think otherwise.
In community especially, there is a need for tolerance and love, for in cultivating our land we usually engage with other individuals who are doing the same. And when differences in opinions occur, they result in strife and unnecessary social tension. How do we handle such situations? With sound judgement, discernment from the Holy Spirit, and through love. Forgive and forget, very meaningful ideas to live by.
For if we understand what the land God wants us to have is, and actively set aside our individualistic mindsets to follow after Him, surely He will pour His abundant blessings upon us, that we may become a blessing for others.
Prayer : Dear Father, help us to correctly recognize the lands You have planted us in, and equip us with the necessary tools to cultivate and develop them, that Your name will be glorified through our faith in You, and that more may come to know the saving grace and power of Your name. Amen
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Day #38
Absolutely freezing today (compared to the average temperature of the week anyway), must be the near 24 hour rain yesterday.
And the second framework we read Ephesians in was :
2. WHAT DOES THE KINGDOM OF GOD LOOK LIKE?
Coming back to the first chapter, is the Kingdom of God where we are destined to be in? It is already here amongst us, for surely we have been abundantly blessed according to His grace, lest we should worry excessively (although we still do, most of the time).
The same element of change exists here as well - in the Kingdom, we will no longer be strangers and foreigners, but fellow brothers and sisters pursuing the same faith, and clinging on to the same hope, the hope of resurrection. We will be part of God's family, which he has always wanted for us to be a part of. There is also the symbolism of putting off the old man and putting on the new one, whereby we cut all ties to our former self, having been born again into the Kingdom.
The Kingdom of God is also a place of worship, of adoration; a place where we come, humbled and broken at the feet at the cross, to just remain in awe in the presence of our God. It will be a place where all of us have varying gifts, tools, to build up a separate part of the Kingdom, but all working together, in unison, towards a common goal. It also implies fellowship, a community, the simple fact that knowing someone else might be right there sharing your joys and your suffering.
But if I were to attempt to sum up the Kingdom in one word, it would be none other than Love.
For if not for love, none of us would even exist, none of this would be here, and nothing else would even matter. But such is the heart of God, our heavenly Father and Creator, whom we serve.
Prayer : Dear Lord, we know it is out of Your love that we are where we are in the world today, and we can never thank You enough for that. Continue to work in us and through us even as we work out in faith, what the Kingdom should be like and is like for us, as individuals, and as a single body in You. Let Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
And the second framework we read Ephesians in was :
2. WHAT DOES THE KINGDOM OF GOD LOOK LIKE?
Coming back to the first chapter, is the Kingdom of God where we are destined to be in? It is already here amongst us, for surely we have been abundantly blessed according to His grace, lest we should worry excessively (although we still do, most of the time).
The same element of change exists here as well - in the Kingdom, we will no longer be strangers and foreigners, but fellow brothers and sisters pursuing the same faith, and clinging on to the same hope, the hope of resurrection. We will be part of God's family, which he has always wanted for us to be a part of. There is also the symbolism of putting off the old man and putting on the new one, whereby we cut all ties to our former self, having been born again into the Kingdom.
The Kingdom of God is also a place of worship, of adoration; a place where we come, humbled and broken at the feet at the cross, to just remain in awe in the presence of our God. It will be a place where all of us have varying gifts, tools, to build up a separate part of the Kingdom, but all working together, in unison, towards a common goal. It also implies fellowship, a community, the simple fact that knowing someone else might be right there sharing your joys and your suffering.
But if I were to attempt to sum up the Kingdom in one word, it would be none other than Love.
For if not for love, none of us would even exist, none of this would be here, and nothing else would even matter. But such is the heart of God, our heavenly Father and Creator, whom we serve.
Prayer : Dear Lord, we know it is out of Your love that we are where we are in the world today, and we can never thank You enough for that. Continue to work in us and through us even as we work out in faith, what the Kingdom should be like and is like for us, as individuals, and as a single body in You. Let Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Day #37
Rained all day today, damp and wet.
Anyways the last of the readings is over, as the 40 day fast draws to a close. Just thought I'd spend a little more time on the 4 main contextual frames we decided to read Ephesians in.
4 days to go, 4 concepts to rethink on. Perfect.
1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HEIRS TO THE KINGDOM?
Ephesians begins by saying we are all children of God, predestined by Him. We all have a destiny, and He has a plan for each and every one of us. We have an inheritance in God, and in His kingdom, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. That's what being heirs to the kingdom literally means - that we are all destined to be part of the kingdom.
The importance of change is also much emphasized. From our old self to our new one, from darkness to light. Being saved from the bondage of slavery, of sin, we should actively put to death our old man, our old habits and ways and thoughts, and be renewed in mind and spirit. That includes ceasing our old beliefs, our old methods, our old agendas, and rebuild our faith and our hope in Christ, the cornerstone of the church, and the unmovable rock of ages.
God is ever willing to reveal the plans He has in mind for us, but most of the time it's just us who simply aren't listening. Learn to tune into the same wave length as our Father, and we will soon see that His blessings really are abundant, that His mercies really do have no end, and His love is more than sufficient to meet our every need, according to the riches of His glory.
As heirs, we should therefore strive to be compassionate, just as Jesus was constantly moved with compassion, and to love, just as God has first loved us. For it is out of the heart of God, not by our own strength or understanding, that we have been saved. Never forget that, ever.
And last but not least, God has given different members of the body different and unique skills to use, but it is our responsibility to cultivate those skills, to see the, blossom, and most importantly ensure that they glorify God, and edify the body in the process, that we may continue growing stronger in the Lord.
Prayer : Father God, we thank You once again for bestowing upon us this wonderful privilege to be Your children, and to be heirs to Your kingdom o Lord. We pray and ask this day that you continue to mold and shape us, even as we learn to seek Your face and listen to Your words, in our daily pursuit of You. Keep us safe, and keep us strong in You. We ask of this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Anyways the last of the readings is over, as the 40 day fast draws to a close. Just thought I'd spend a little more time on the 4 main contextual frames we decided to read Ephesians in.
4 days to go, 4 concepts to rethink on. Perfect.
1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HEIRS TO THE KINGDOM?
Ephesians begins by saying we are all children of God, predestined by Him. We all have a destiny, and He has a plan for each and every one of us. We have an inheritance in God, and in His kingdom, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. That's what being heirs to the kingdom literally means - that we are all destined to be part of the kingdom.
The importance of change is also much emphasized. From our old self to our new one, from darkness to light. Being saved from the bondage of slavery, of sin, we should actively put to death our old man, our old habits and ways and thoughts, and be renewed in mind and spirit. That includes ceasing our old beliefs, our old methods, our old agendas, and rebuild our faith and our hope in Christ, the cornerstone of the church, and the unmovable rock of ages.
God is ever willing to reveal the plans He has in mind for us, but most of the time it's just us who simply aren't listening. Learn to tune into the same wave length as our Father, and we will soon see that His blessings really are abundant, that His mercies really do have no end, and His love is more than sufficient to meet our every need, according to the riches of His glory.
As heirs, we should therefore strive to be compassionate, just as Jesus was constantly moved with compassion, and to love, just as God has first loved us. For it is out of the heart of God, not by our own strength or understanding, that we have been saved. Never forget that, ever.
And last but not least, God has given different members of the body different and unique skills to use, but it is our responsibility to cultivate those skills, to see the, blossom, and most importantly ensure that they glorify God, and edify the body in the process, that we may continue growing stronger in the Lord.
Prayer : Father God, we thank You once again for bestowing upon us this wonderful privilege to be Your children, and to be heirs to Your kingdom o Lord. We pray and ask this day that you continue to mold and shape us, even as we learn to seek Your face and listen to Your words, in our daily pursuit of You. Keep us safe, and keep us strong in You. We ask of this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Day #36
Sometimes I just wonder why we feel the way we feel.
Final Chapter of reading for the 40 days. I guess I will miss this after all.
"..praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit..." Eph 6:18
Maybe that's all we need?
But why does it seem so hard for me to actually do it?
Prayer is our instant hotline to God, our communications channel with no breakups, no signal losses, and perfect transmissions. So it should come second nature to us, right? Not for me, though. Why do I feel so helpless?
...
Prayer : "You are my strength when I am weak... You are the treasure that I seek... You are my all in all.... Seeking you as a precious jewel.... Lord to give up I would be a fool... You are my all in all...."
"Jesus... Lamb of God... worthy is Your name.... Jesus... Lamb of God... worthy is Your name."
"Taking my sin my cross my shame, rising again I bless Your name, You are my all in all... When I fall down You pick me up, when I am dry You fill my cup, You are my all in all..."
"Jesus, Lamb of God.... worthy.... is Your name.... Jesus... Lamb of God.... worthy is Your name."
Amen.
Final Chapter of reading for the 40 days. I guess I will miss this after all.
"..praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit..." Eph 6:18
Maybe that's all we need?
But why does it seem so hard for me to actually do it?
Prayer is our instant hotline to God, our communications channel with no breakups, no signal losses, and perfect transmissions. So it should come second nature to us, right? Not for me, though. Why do I feel so helpless?
...
Prayer : "You are my strength when I am weak... You are the treasure that I seek... You are my all in all.... Seeking you as a precious jewel.... Lord to give up I would be a fool... You are my all in all...."
"Jesus... Lamb of God... worthy is Your name.... Jesus... Lamb of God... worthy is Your name."
"Taking my sin my cross my shame, rising again I bless Your name, You are my all in all... When I fall down You pick me up, when I am dry You fill my cup, You are my all in all..."
"Jesus, Lamb of God.... worthy.... is Your name.... Jesus... Lamb of God.... worthy is Your name."
Amen.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Day #35
Woo! Five more days of fasting to go!
Onto Ephesians 5 for the final time.
"...walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) finding out what is acceptable to the Lord." Eph 5:10
That is one of the positions we should take up.
Walking as children of light. What does that mean to you?
There is a rather noticeable difference between darkness and light. And in the same way, we are very much different from those who do not believe, who do not yet have the opportunity to have such a meaningful and personal relationship with our creator God.
Indeed, as darkness and light can never mix, so holiness and unholiness can never mix as well. And our God is a God who hates sin and who despises unholiness. Yet He has lovingly sent His son to die for us. Knowing so, being obedient and finding ways to please Him is about the LEAST we can do in return, for we will never be able to repay that history making act of love, and for the constant multitude of blessings we receive each day.
Light. It makes the difference between seeing and not seeing. It does not go unnoticed, it does not hide, it does not sneak or creep by. In that same way, even as we let our passions (first for God and then for our desires) plot our paths (with the guidance from God) and walk through them in faith, we should probably bear in mind that we are purposed as the image bearers of our Father.
And in all things, we should never forget to rejoice in Him and worship, for He is the reason we are alive today. Plus, I'm sure God takes great pleasure from our adoration.
Prayer : Dear Jesus, You are the light of the world, sent to lead Your people out of slavery and into freedom. You are the complete and perfect embodiment of the Father's love. We pray that You make each and every one of us small lights in wherever areas we have been planted in, whatever passions we may have been given, so that others may be drawn by the light they see in us, and may come to know Your saving grace O Lord. Make that our passion, we pray. Amen.
Onto Ephesians 5 for the final time.
"...walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) finding out what is acceptable to the Lord." Eph 5:10
That is one of the positions we should take up.
Walking as children of light. What does that mean to you?
There is a rather noticeable difference between darkness and light. And in the same way, we are very much different from those who do not believe, who do not yet have the opportunity to have such a meaningful and personal relationship with our creator God.
Indeed, as darkness and light can never mix, so holiness and unholiness can never mix as well. And our God is a God who hates sin and who despises unholiness. Yet He has lovingly sent His son to die for us. Knowing so, being obedient and finding ways to please Him is about the LEAST we can do in return, for we will never be able to repay that history making act of love, and for the constant multitude of blessings we receive each day.
Light. It makes the difference between seeing and not seeing. It does not go unnoticed, it does not hide, it does not sneak or creep by. In that same way, even as we let our passions (first for God and then for our desires) plot our paths (with the guidance from God) and walk through them in faith, we should probably bear in mind that we are purposed as the image bearers of our Father.
And in all things, we should never forget to rejoice in Him and worship, for He is the reason we are alive today. Plus, I'm sure God takes great pleasure from our adoration.
Prayer : Dear Jesus, You are the light of the world, sent to lead Your people out of slavery and into freedom. You are the complete and perfect embodiment of the Father's love. We pray that You make each and every one of us small lights in wherever areas we have been planted in, whatever passions we may have been given, so that others may be drawn by the light they see in us, and may come to know Your saving grace O Lord. Make that our passion, we pray. Amen.
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