9. Some people of faith argue that total trust in God means it is never right to defend oneself against the charges or attacks of the wicked. What do you think about this argument and about Mordecai’s decree?
This is an intriguing question. And it will not do to have a glib answer. For this reason some believers are pacifists. So, does Esther teach self-defense?
Esther simply describes God’s ability to protect His people through providential intervention. Other parts of Scripture describe God’s ability to defend His people supernaturally (eg Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego). Yet others describe submission to the point of death (Stephen the first martyr). Scripture also described Paul's appeal to Caesar and to Rome in his own defense.
The key word in the above examples cited is "describe". These are narratives that describe how God's people have responded and how God has responded in the past. They do not explicitly teach what response to make. They do seem to illustrate the various responses are valid depending on the occasion.
Perhaps the key words in the question is “of faith”. Faith that would seek God before choosing its response – defend ourselves as opportunities arise, let God act on our behalf, submit passively. Each response become right when it is in faith, each response becomes wrong when it is of our own thinking.
Further examples include Joseph in jail (Gen 39) – he submitted to circumstances on the one hand but took the opportunity when it came. So did Nehemiah (Neh 1:4-2:8). These are examples of responses to circumstances after the initial response of faithful prayer.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Study of Esther
Qn 9 Some people of faith argue that total trust in God means it is never right to defend oneself against the charges or attacks of the wicked. What do you think about this argument and about Mordecai's decree?
Hmm.. The phrase that came to my mind was "I don't know."
Honestly, I have no idea what is right and wrong for such situations and I don't have a set of scenarios and list of correct things to do when I meet with them. Usually, when in doubt, I think what would Jesus do. Jesus did not retaliate or fight back when he was being ridiculed but instead prayed for God's forgiveness on them (Luke 23:34). In the book of Acts, the apostles were persecuted but they did not defend themselves. Instead, they "rejoiced because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." (Acts 5:17-41)
Following pastor's sermon last sunday on peacemakers, I am reminded again that our goal and what we live for is the gospel and the coming of Jesus. So whether we stand up and defend or stay low and allow ourselves to suffer disgrace, it should be founded on our goal as a Christian, and that is to be peacemakers. Does our defensive act glorify God? In Esther, the defence of the Jews converted many Gentiles into Jews, so I think its justified.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Yin Ting- An email I received
Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man?
That's ridiculous!
There was once a man who didn't believe in God, and he didn't hesitate to let others know how he felt about religion and religious holidays.
His wife, however, did believe, and she raised their children to also have faith in God and Jesus, despite his disparaging comments.
One snowy Eve, his wife was taking their children to service in the farm community in which they lived.
They were to talk about Jesus' birth. She asked him to come, but he refused
"That story is nonsense!" he said. "Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man?
That's ridiculous!"
So she and the children left, and he stayed home.
A while later, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blizzard. As the man looked out the window, all he saw was a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening. The! n he heard a loud thump.
Something had hit the window.
He looked out, but couldn't see more
than a few feet.
When the snow let up a little, he ventured outside to see what could have been beating on his window.
In the field near his house he saw a flock of
wild geese. Apparently they had been flying south for the winter when they got caught in the snowstorm and couldn't go on. They were lost and stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter. They just flapped their wings and flew around the field in low circles, blindly and aimlessly. A couple of them had flown into his window, it seemed.
The man felt sorry for the geese and wanted to help them. The barn would be a great place for them
to stay, he thought. It's warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm.
So he walked over to the barn and opened the doors wide, then watched and waited, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside.
Bu! t the geese just fluttered around aimlessly and didn't seem to notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them.
The man tried to get their attention, but that just seemed to scare them, and they moved further away.
He went into the house and came with some bread, broke it up, and made a bread crumb trail leading to the barn. They still didn't catch on.
Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried to shoo them toward the barn, but they only got more scared and scattered in every direction except toward the barn.
Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be warm and safe.
"Why don't they follow me?!" he exclaimed.
"Can't they see this is the only
place where they can survive the storm?"
He thought for a moment and realized that they just wouldn't follow a human "If only I were a goose, then I could save them," he said out loud.
Then he had an idea. He went into barn, got one of his own geese, and carried it in his arms as he circled around, behind the flock of wild geese.
He then released it. His goose flew through the flock and straight into the barn -- and one-by-one, the other geese followed it to safety.
He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in his mind: "If only I were a goose, then I could save them!" Then he thought about what he had said to his wife earlier. "Why would God want to be like us? That's ridiculous!"
Suddenly it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese--blind, lost, perishing.
God had His Son become like us so
He could show us the way and save us.
As the winds and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and pondered this wonderful thought.
Suddenly he understood why Christ had come.
Years of doubt and disbelief vanished with the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer:
"Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the storm!"
That's ridiculous!
There was once a man who didn't believe in God, and he didn't hesitate to let others know how he felt about religion and religious holidays.
His wife, however, did believe, and she raised their children to also have faith in God and Jesus, despite his disparaging comments.
One snowy Eve, his wife was taking their children to service in the farm community in which they lived.
They were to talk about Jesus' birth. She asked him to come, but he refused
"That story is nonsense!" he said. "Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man?
That's ridiculous!"
So she and the children left, and he stayed home.
A while later, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blizzard. As the man looked out the window, all he saw was a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening. The! n he heard a loud thump.
Something had hit the window.
He looked out, but couldn't see more
than a few feet.
When the snow let up a little, he ventured outside to see what could have been beating on his window.
In the field near his house he saw a flock of
wild geese. Apparently they had been flying south for the winter when they got caught in the snowstorm and couldn't go on. They were lost and stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter. They just flapped their wings and flew around the field in low circles, blindly and aimlessly. A couple of them had flown into his window, it seemed.
The man felt sorry for the geese and wanted to help them. The barn would be a great place for them
to stay, he thought. It's warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm.
So he walked over to the barn and opened the doors wide, then watched and waited, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside.
Bu! t the geese just fluttered around aimlessly and didn't seem to notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them.
The man tried to get their attention, but that just seemed to scare them, and they moved further away.
He went into the house and came with some bread, broke it up, and made a bread crumb trail leading to the barn. They still didn't catch on.
Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried to shoo them toward the barn, but they only got more scared and scattered in every direction except toward the barn.
Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be warm and safe.
"Why don't they follow me?!" he exclaimed.
"Can't they see this is the only
place where they can survive the storm?"
He thought for a moment and realized that they just wouldn't follow a human "If only I were a goose, then I could save them," he said out loud.
Then he had an idea. He went into barn, got one of his own geese, and carried it in his arms as he circled around, behind the flock of wild geese.
He then released it. His goose flew through the flock and straight into the barn -- and one-by-one, the other geese followed it to safety.
He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in his mind: "If only I were a goose, then I could save them!" Then he thought about what he had said to his wife earlier. "Why would God want to be like us? That's ridiculous!"
Suddenly it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese--blind, lost, perishing.
God had His Son become like us so
He could show us the way and save us.
As the winds and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and pondered this wonderful thought.
Suddenly he understood why Christ had come.
Years of doubt and disbelief vanished with the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer:
"Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the storm!"
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Wen-Wei's Applications
12. As you look around and see unbelievers who do not honour God and yet seem to be prospering in life, how can (and should) this passage from Esther alter your attitudes?
Great sympathy for them, gratitude to God for saving me – this is the Beatitudes again – blessed are the merciful. “There but for the grace of God go I.”
13. How is Mordecai’s life a challenge to you to be faithful no matter what the circumstances?
The belief in sovereign or divine protection – the belief that help WILL come whether through Esther or somewhere else. This allows him to be steadfast in the circumstances. We may debate whether his faith was in God or something else, whether we believe in the ethics or morality of the man, the lesson of belief in a higher authority than even the law of the Medes and the Persians is worth emulating. In our case, in God.
14. God had placed Esther in her unique position of influence “for such a time as this.” What unique opportunities or platforms has God given you? List 2-3 specific things you could do this week to use your position for the glory of God and the good of Christ’s church.
This is a hard one. Not because there aren't any opportunities, but because there are so many. Where I live, where I work, ministry areas, family - these all represent areas I can intentionally make a difference for God.
But I will choose 1 area to focus on this week: I will have a unique opportunity this week to speak more deeply with some key managers in their roles. I will be alert for openings to the gospels and take them as they come up. Pray with me please for such opportunities in our conversations.
Great sympathy for them, gratitude to God for saving me – this is the Beatitudes again – blessed are the merciful. “There but for the grace of God go I.”
13. How is Mordecai’s life a challenge to you to be faithful no matter what the circumstances?
The belief in sovereign or divine protection – the belief that help WILL come whether through Esther or somewhere else. This allows him to be steadfast in the circumstances. We may debate whether his faith was in God or something else, whether we believe in the ethics or morality of the man, the lesson of belief in a higher authority than even the law of the Medes and the Persians is worth emulating. In our case, in God.
14. God had placed Esther in her unique position of influence “for such a time as this.” What unique opportunities or platforms has God given you? List 2-3 specific things you could do this week to use your position for the glory of God and the good of Christ’s church.
This is a hard one. Not because there aren't any opportunities, but because there are so many. Where I live, where I work, ministry areas, family - these all represent areas I can intentionally make a difference for God.
But I will choose 1 area to focus on this week: I will have a unique opportunity this week to speak more deeply with some key managers in their roles. I will be alert for openings to the gospels and take them as they come up. Pray with me please for such opportunities in our conversations.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Esther Application
My application ... (:
Continue to do what is right... because my audience is God... it has really nothing gotta do with what others do are right or wrong, but really, whether what i do is right or wrong before my God...
How do I keep doing what I think will make God happy?
Continue to walk with God... by praying, studying the Word, fellowship and sharing His Word... not just 3 out of the 4, but really to hold God to His Word... walk with Him... not doing work, not just serving, not appearing to be doing His Will... it is not just doing the right thing, but also doing things right...
Continue to do what is right... because my audience is God... it has really nothing gotta do with what others do are right or wrong, but really, whether what i do is right or wrong before my God...
How do I keep doing what I think will make God happy?
Continue to walk with God... by praying, studying the Word, fellowship and sharing His Word... not just 3 out of the 4, but really to hold God to His Word... walk with Him... not doing work, not just serving, not appearing to be doing His Will... it is not just doing the right thing, but also doing things right...
Application from Esther!
I struggled honestly to come up with this... (:
guess there isnt much application i can draw from. however, there is a repeated reminder that God is in control of all things, be it big or small.
as many know, i have plan to leave the current job and waiting for opportunity to. keeping all my options open, including serving Him full time - not sure when but it is surely what i will want to do in the future.
As i look back at my family (esp my parental consent) and the many things i have to consider, sometimes it bring fear to me to take the simple step of faith. I have always thought serving Him full time is easy till now i am seriously sitting down and consider.
The studies on Esther just reminded me that God is in control. He will path the way for me, according to His will. it is the trust that I should place in God.
sidetrack a little, as i was doing this i was reminded of Isaiah as well, his all time famous, "Here I am, send me" (:
is comforting... (:
Jami
guess there isnt much application i can draw from. however, there is a repeated reminder that God is in control of all things, be it big or small.
as many know, i have plan to leave the current job and waiting for opportunity to. keeping all my options open, including serving Him full time - not sure when but it is surely what i will want to do in the future.
As i look back at my family (esp my parental consent) and the many things i have to consider, sometimes it bring fear to me to take the simple step of faith. I have always thought serving Him full time is easy till now i am seriously sitting down and consider.
The studies on Esther just reminded me that God is in control. He will path the way for me, according to His will. it is the trust that I should place in God.
sidetrack a little, as i was doing this i was reminded of Isaiah as well, his all time famous, "Here I am, send me" (:
is comforting... (:
Jami
Monday, March 9, 2009
Yin Ting - God's love
Last Sunday and last last Sunday, the main messages I brought home from service were God's love. Last last Sunday, the one and only line that truly stuck with me was this: Only Jesus would love me so much to die for me." In reality, who would? I think about everyone I know and asked myself if I would die for him/her, and the answer is no. Jesus loves me so much.
From the past Sunday, this song stuck with me:
No Greater Love by Don Harris and Martin Nystrom
You loved me, when I was so unlovely
You sought me, when I was lost
You showed me, how much You really loved me
When You bought me, at the highest cost
Chorus:
There’s no greater love than this
There’s no greater love than this
That a man would give his life for a friend
There’s no higher sacrifice
That a man would give his life
You have paid the precious price for me
Verse 2:
You chose me, when I was so unworthy
You cleansed me with Your own blood
You clothed me, with righteousness and mercy
And You crowned me, with Your steadfast love
I imagine the mighty Creator coming towards Earth (google about the universe to get a feel of how immense it is), reducing Himself in size and proportion, born as a helpless babe and wash me clean with His own blood, and my heart starts to ache with longing and i-dunno-wat-feeling-that-is.
As Mr. Chiang shared, I got an idea of how little I love Jesus, because I only felt for the words of the lyrics slightly, not even enough to move me to tears. For how much He loves me, my love for Him is like an atom compared to a giant.
I guess these thoughts of His love are really appropriate as we journey towards Good Friday.
From the past Sunday, this song stuck with me:
No Greater Love by Don Harris and Martin Nystrom
You loved me, when I was so unlovely
You sought me, when I was lost
You showed me, how much You really loved me
When You bought me, at the highest cost
Chorus:
There’s no greater love than this
There’s no greater love than this
That a man would give his life for a friend
There’s no higher sacrifice
That a man would give his life
You have paid the precious price for me
Verse 2:
You chose me, when I was so unworthy
You cleansed me with Your own blood
You clothed me, with righteousness and mercy
And You crowned me, with Your steadfast love
I imagine the mighty Creator coming towards Earth (google about the universe to get a feel of how immense it is), reducing Himself in size and proportion, born as a helpless babe and wash me clean with His own blood, and my heart starts to ache with longing and i-dunno-wat-feeling-that-is.
As Mr. Chiang shared, I got an idea of how little I love Jesus, because I only felt for the words of the lyrics slightly, not even enough to move me to tears. For how much He loves me, my love for Him is like an atom compared to a giant.
I guess these thoughts of His love are really appropriate as we journey towards Good Friday.
Application from Esther 7:1 – 8:2
And I thought I will be the first to post my application (last checked around 3pm and there was no entry!)
My application is actually from question 13. Here goes:
Trusting God's promises
Mordercai was ultimately exalted after going through an intense period. There isn't explicit information that God gave him a specific promise but chap 4 ver 14 suggested that He may have remembered the Lord's promise to Abraham.
Throughout the Bible, God offers us general and specific promises that we can claim. Times when I feel God isn't answering me, bringing forth improvement to my situation, it is times like this that I will hang on to the general promises and trust in His goodness E.g. Jeremiah 29:11 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
When I do have a specific promise from God, I will refrain from the urge to run ahead and try to fix things myself. Very much adopting the posture of the servants at the bridal party in John 2:1-11, I will trust in His provision - that the water will turn to wine when it reaches the host's lips.
Sharon
And I thought I will be the first to post my application (last checked around 3pm and there was no entry!)
My application is actually from question 13. Here goes:
Trusting God's promises
Mordercai was ultimately exalted after going through an intense period. There isn't explicit information that God gave him a specific promise but chap 4 ver 14 suggested that He may have remembered the Lord's promise to Abraham.
Throughout the Bible, God offers us general and specific promises that we can claim. Times when I feel God isn't answering me, bringing forth improvement to my situation, it is times like this that I will hang on to the general promises and trust in His goodness E.g. Jeremiah 29:11 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
When I do have a specific promise from God, I will refrain from the urge to run ahead and try to fix things myself. Very much adopting the posture of the servants at the bridal party in John 2:1-11, I will trust in His provision - that the water will turn to wine when it reaches the host's lips.
Sharon
Yin Ting's Esther application
Hi guys, think I have shared really honestly about qn 12. I thank God for the courage He gave me to expose my hidden ugly self to everyone. Rung 5! haha. Anyway, I think I should put the important points here. More importantly, it is to convict of myself and to keep it in mind.
12) As you look around you and see unbelievers who do not honour God and yet who seem to be prospering in life, how can (and should) this passage from Esther alter your attitudes?
Mordecai had his just desserts, being hung in the very gallows he constructed for another man. The story shows that ultimately, God wins. God is good, so good triumphs over evil. I described my struggles as a believer and seeing nonbelievers and their unrighteous ways bring them success and fame so I'll just skip that here. Not all unbelievers are unrighteous though.
Truth is, I want to prosper in this life too. My parents expect me too, since they have put in so much money for my education and well-being. I guess it's an investment to them. When they grow old, they want a good life too. Their hopes aside, I want to have something to show for all my years of studying too. Also, as I was from a top 5 JC, many people around me expect that I am intelligent, successful and at the end of the day, rich. My college friends expect that too, so are all the teachers and mentors I have had. Others' expectations of me aside, I have very high expectations of myself too. All in all, I want to prosper in this life.
However, I dare say that I am different from people around me who want to prosper. (I have battled with this for a long time, and this is what I believe in and will keep working on clinging on to it in my life)
1. My ultimate goal is to glorify God and please God. I will not sin to gain my way to prosperity. The Bible is my guide as it provides plenty of advice on conduct and attitude.
2. When choosing between righteousness and success, I choose righteousness.
3. Ephesians 6: 5-8 God does the rewarding, I am in charge of the effort. So, whether I prosper or not in this life should come from the manifestation of my trust in and love for God, and my diligence to labour for Him. I don't seek prosperity deliberately, I seek God first in all things. (I mean, I strive to and want to.)
I believe that God will give me prosperity in this life when I choose to honour Him. Prosperity can be the reward as many Christians prosper too! That's not the focus though! And it's dangerous ground to tread on. (If God does not give me prosperity at the end of the day, I pray for humility and faith to accept it too. This is my struggle. So I guess it all boils down to my faith in my Lord.)
Qn: What unique opportunities and platforms have God given you?
1. In school. My lecture mates are non-christians, so I seek to be a beacon of light for God.
2. To the youths in church. I thank God that I have been able to involve myself with the lives of some of the kaleo youths. I pray that the advice I give and the attitude I portray displays my love and obedience for the Lord. I have had great mentors so far as a Christian, so I understand the impact young adults and mentors have on youths.
3. My tuition kids. They are all unbelievers. When I teach Science, I incorporate (subtly) knowledge of God. Being a Life Sciences undergraduate has put me in a good position to tell of God's amazing creation. Also, I share my values and attitudes of life with them, knowing full well that they are taught in the Bible.
All in all, I am thankful for the amazing opportunities that the Lord has given me to display of His goodness and to allow me to know more about this world He has created. Knowing more makes one lean in two possible ways. One towards putting all hope in science, the other towards acknowledging the wonders and beauty of His creation and bowing down to worship the One who created all things fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 119!)
Finally, my encouragement for myself is:
Continue to live like a beacon of light for Him. No excuses like I'm too young or anything! "12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Tim 4:12
12) As you look around you and see unbelievers who do not honour God and yet who seem to be prospering in life, how can (and should) this passage from Esther alter your attitudes?
Mordecai had his just desserts, being hung in the very gallows he constructed for another man. The story shows that ultimately, God wins. God is good, so good triumphs over evil. I described my struggles as a believer and seeing nonbelievers and their unrighteous ways bring them success and fame so I'll just skip that here. Not all unbelievers are unrighteous though.
Truth is, I want to prosper in this life too. My parents expect me too, since they have put in so much money for my education and well-being. I guess it's an investment to them. When they grow old, they want a good life too. Their hopes aside, I want to have something to show for all my years of studying too. Also, as I was from a top 5 JC, many people around me expect that I am intelligent, successful and at the end of the day, rich. My college friends expect that too, so are all the teachers and mentors I have had. Others' expectations of me aside, I have very high expectations of myself too. All in all, I want to prosper in this life.
However, I dare say that I am different from people around me who want to prosper. (I have battled with this for a long time, and this is what I believe in and will keep working on clinging on to it in my life)
1. My ultimate goal is to glorify God and please God. I will not sin to gain my way to prosperity. The Bible is my guide as it provides plenty of advice on conduct and attitude.
2. When choosing between righteousness and success, I choose righteousness.
3. Ephesians 6: 5-8 God does the rewarding, I am in charge of the effort. So, whether I prosper or not in this life should come from the manifestation of my trust in and love for God, and my diligence to labour for Him. I don't seek prosperity deliberately, I seek God first in all things. (I mean, I strive to and want to.)
I believe that God will give me prosperity in this life when I choose to honour Him. Prosperity can be the reward as many Christians prosper too! That's not the focus though! And it's dangerous ground to tread on. (If God does not give me prosperity at the end of the day, I pray for humility and faith to accept it too. This is my struggle. So I guess it all boils down to my faith in my Lord.)
Qn: What unique opportunities and platforms have God given you?
1. In school. My lecture mates are non-christians, so I seek to be a beacon of light for God.
2. To the youths in church. I thank God that I have been able to involve myself with the lives of some of the kaleo youths. I pray that the advice I give and the attitude I portray displays my love and obedience for the Lord. I have had great mentors so far as a Christian, so I understand the impact young adults and mentors have on youths.
3. My tuition kids. They are all unbelievers. When I teach Science, I incorporate (subtly) knowledge of God. Being a Life Sciences undergraduate has put me in a good position to tell of God's amazing creation. Also, I share my values and attitudes of life with them, knowing full well that they are taught in the Bible.
All in all, I am thankful for the amazing opportunities that the Lord has given me to display of His goodness and to allow me to know more about this world He has created. Knowing more makes one lean in two possible ways. One towards putting all hope in science, the other towards acknowledging the wonders and beauty of His creation and bowing down to worship the One who created all things fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 119!)
Finally, my encouragement for myself is:
Continue to live like a beacon of light for Him. No excuses like I'm too young or anything! "12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Tim 4:12
Application for this week's study.
I've learnt quite a few very valuable lessons here.
1. How can this passage from Esther alter my attutides? (Qn 12)
This question reminded me of how worldly I am. And Yin Ting had revealed honestly that she gets envious of those who prosper. I think many of us feel that way too, that when someone gets the fame and fortune without having to put any effort, we cry unfair.
Haman is a clear example that worldly prosperity leads you nowhere, in fact it leads to destruction. But what we have is spiritual prosperity, we have an inheritance from God, an inheritance that never fades or rusts. Why would I need to envy?
And that makes my first application. Joshua 1:8 says "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." To live in obedience to the Word, so that I may gain spiritual prosperity and not focus on worldly prosperity.
2. What unique opportunities and platforms has God given me? (Qn 14)
He has placed me in a class of students who are totally pagan. And I know they are watching my behaviour and words. This sort of whips me into shape, like I better live right or these people have another reason why they wouldn't want to step into church. Perhaps He placed me there so that I may see their darkness and pray for their salvation. I will seek to practice the beatitudes in my life especially in school, so that my classmates may see the love of Christ. This takes priority over my grades.
1. How can this passage from Esther alter my attutides? (Qn 12)
This question reminded me of how worldly I am. And Yin Ting had revealed honestly that she gets envious of those who prosper. I think many of us feel that way too, that when someone gets the fame and fortune without having to put any effort, we cry unfair.
Haman is a clear example that worldly prosperity leads you nowhere, in fact it leads to destruction. But what we have is spiritual prosperity, we have an inheritance from God, an inheritance that never fades or rusts. Why would I need to envy?
And that makes my first application. Joshua 1:8 says "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." To live in obedience to the Word, so that I may gain spiritual prosperity and not focus on worldly prosperity.
2. What unique opportunities and platforms has God given me? (Qn 14)
He has placed me in a class of students who are totally pagan. And I know they are watching my behaviour and words. This sort of whips me into shape, like I better live right or these people have another reason why they wouldn't want to step into church. Perhaps He placed me there so that I may see their darkness and pray for their salvation. I will seek to practice the beatitudes in my life especially in school, so that my classmates may see the love of Christ. This takes priority over my grades.
Lonely
Dear users of this blog, I am the blog, and I have been lonely. I have read very little posts and sometimes I re-read them cos there are no new posts :( Please post whenever you can, whenever God has given you a blessing, whenever you wanna share about your thoughts about God etc. Then I'll be happy and this blog will be a happy blog! :)
Esther Applications Dan
Ha HA! First post FTW ^_^
you guys better remember to post your applications!!! or else its BS leading for YOUUUU
not that thats a bad thing or anything <_< >_>
OK by applications i assume you mean how do I answer question 14: "What unique opportunities or platforms has God given me?"
For this season, i can see 2 clear areas.
The first is my being in DSO, which is a massive blessing in itself. Ive been able to interact with various people and contributed in a ways i've never dreamed of. God's also been teaching me alot about being a witness, and though i admit i'm quite slow to learn, He has really been patient with me.
So I have 3 points for DSO. Firstly, work diligently "as unto the Lord" and not "as an NSF just waiting for my ORD". 2nd, Speak only words of encouragement. I realise that in the group i hang out with, almost every other word they speak is an attempt to poke fun at others or bring them down. I believe just by being edifying in my speech, I can "shine like stars in the universe". Also, to maintain an attitude of integrity, especially in small issues (like not taking more freebies than i'm entitled).
The second area is in Kaleo. Kaleo is another one of those unexpected blessings i've recieved from God since coming to GEFC. The call for me is to be faithful in the work that God has called me to, trusting God that He finish the work that He began. Also, to exemplify Christ to the youth and be a role model to them.
Thanks all
Dan
you guys better remember to post your applications!!! or else its BS leading for YOUUUU
not that thats a bad thing or anything <_< >_>
OK by applications i assume you mean how do I answer question 14: "What unique opportunities or platforms has God given me?"
For this season, i can see 2 clear areas.
The first is my being in DSO, which is a massive blessing in itself. Ive been able to interact with various people and contributed in a ways i've never dreamed of. God's also been teaching me alot about being a witness, and though i admit i'm quite slow to learn, He has really been patient with me.
So I have 3 points for DSO. Firstly, work diligently "as unto the Lord" and not "as an NSF just waiting for my ORD". 2nd, Speak only words of encouragement. I realise that in the group i hang out with, almost every other word they speak is an attempt to poke fun at others or bring them down. I believe just by being edifying in my speech, I can "shine like stars in the universe". Also, to maintain an attitude of integrity, especially in small issues (like not taking more freebies than i'm entitled).
The second area is in Kaleo. Kaleo is another one of those unexpected blessings i've recieved from God since coming to GEFC. The call for me is to be faithful in the work that God has called me to, trusting God that He finish the work that He began. Also, to exemplify Christ to the youth and be a role model to them.
Thanks all
Dan
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)