Shing Fuh on 300305

Luke 24, Isaiah 47,48

Scripture
Luke 24:25-16
He said to them,"How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"

Observation
The dream of Jesus's followers died along with their leader on the cross. The dream of "the one who was going to redeem Israel". That was why they were slow of heart to believe all Jesus have spoken. When jesus speak to them as a stranger, Jesus speaks life into his two followers. So much so that, they asked Jesus to stay for dinner.

Application
Sometimes when I read the bible and hear what people have to say about Jesus, my heart is slow to believe. It is the same as Jesus's followers. Why is this so? I believe it is due to the mere fact that what Jesus has been doing its just so unbelievable. From his resurrection to what he is doing in my life now. Ironically, what Jesus is doing now in my life, only made my faith grew stronger. What he did in the past is unbelievable, but what he is doing now is just as powerful and meaningful.

Prayer
Lord, as I come before you today, I just ask for stronger faith Lord. What you did seem so impossible for us human being to comprehend Lord. So Lord, I just pray to see bigger picture in my life Lord. Let me see how you want to use me father. Father, fill me up, father if Im down, lift me up father. Father I just prayed for renewed strength, renewed power to go about doing your work father. Father, I thank you for this easter break, thank for the rest that you have gave to each and everyone of us father. Father, I pray for self discipline father, pray that I know what things to do at that paticular time father. Father, as I leave this week in your hand, father I just pray that my bunch of friends will continue to receive blessings that you had showered upon them. Pray all these in Jesus name. AMEN.

Jonathan on 280305

Scripture:
Luke 22
31"Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. 32Simon, I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start." 33Peter said, "Master, I'm ready for anything with you. I'd go to jail for you. I'd die for you!" 34Jesus said, "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, Peter, but before the rooster crows you will have three times denied that you know me."

54Arresting Jesus, they marched him off and took him into the house of the Chief Priest. Peter followed, but at a safe distance. 55In the middle of the courtyard some people had started a fire and were sitting around it, trying to keep warm. 56One of the serving maids sitting at the fire noticed him, then took a second look and said, "This man was with him!" 57He denied it, Woman, I don't even know him." 58A short time later, someone else noticed him and said, "You're one of them." But Peter denied it: "Man, I am not."

59About an hour later, someone else spoke up, really adamant: "He's got to have been with him! He's got "Galilean' written all over him." 60Peter said, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about." At that very moment, the last word hardly off his lips, a rooster crowed. 61Just then, the Master turned and looked at Peter. Peter remembered what the Master had said to him: Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." 62He went out and cried and cried and cried.

Observation
This is the popular tale of Simon Peter denying Jesus. Jesus pin-pointedly predicts Peter’s denial and sure enough, 20 verse later, when Jesus was arrested Peter does that very thing which Jesus warned him he would do. How easily Peter fears for his own safety that he dare not be known as a follower of Christ for even a few hours after Christ is captured. He violently protests against his accusers, as passionately as he had declared his allegiance to Jesus just moments earlier.

Application
I can always identify with Peter. His life is full of ups and downs. One moment he is the Rock and the next he is a tool of the enemy. In this episode, he is full of life, passion, conviction and loyalty to Christ but even before his master is judged guilty, he denies Him. I can only imagine the look on our Lord’s face when the rooster crowed. Peter and Jesus must have been caught in a gaze of deep sadness, disappointment and horror that as a man, Peter really was that weak.
And then I wonder how many more times I’ve missed the look on my God’s face when I’ve let him down. In such a time, what else can you do but cry and cry and cry.

Prayer
Lord God, I am Peter. I am the one who alternates between postures of promise and passion before slumping into denial and destruction. Forgive me, help me, teach me to be faithful. You know my future and I know how your heart aches to endure my unfaithfulness. And for that I
cry. Give me the endurance to be a stable foundation in the big things and the little things, upholding the work and people you are moving through in this world, today. In the precious name of Christ I pray, Amen.

Victor on 280305

Scripture
Isaiah 43, 44

Observation
God is telling us through his prophet Isaiah that he is the one and only God. There are those that have made idols from wood and metal. People are lovers of emptiness, they worship pieces of wood and don’t have the brains to realize how crazy it is.

Application
Why are we so easily entrapped into the things of the world? We know that the idols we have aren’t real, yet they seem to be at the top of our list of priorities. My desires go against the things that God wants for me. I am a lover of emptiness, the things I do have no substance. God would give his entire creation for me, and yet I ignore him and place him in a hidden corner in my heart. I want to live for him.

Prayer
God thank you for your grace, so many times I’ve found myself taking it for granted. I’m sorry that I ignore you and can’t hear you calling out to me. Help me be sensitive to your voice. Help me to realize that things of substance can only come from you. Give me the desire to go after those things. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Vince on 280305

Scripture
Luke 22:25 “In this world the kings and great men order their people around, and yet they are called friends of the people.”
Luke 22:26 “But among you, those who are the greatest should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant”


Observation
Passover dinner is drawing near and the twelve disciples are to prepare the meal. They are told to greet a man carrying a bucket of water where he will take them to a large room for them to prepare their meal. At the time Judah is planning to betray Jesus, helping the captains and leading priest to arrest him. It is at the table where Jesus proclaims that there is a betrayer here at this table. Arguments arise up at the Passover supper and Jesus proclaims he will die and will not return until the Kingdom of God has come. After Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives to pray and as he return found his disciples sleeping. It is here that the mob arrives, arresting Jesus.

Application
What is it to be a friend? What is it to be a friend of Jesus? Questions went through my mind of the people around me of what ‘friend’ am I to my brothers and sisters of Christ. I think some of us tend to live a life of friends of hierarchy – “my best friends” “my girl friends” and would place them on the highest rank. This scripture spoke to me of the people in my life, the people I see each day in ACCF and in Uni. Am I really being a ‘friend of Christ’ to them? On Sunday’s to sit, to have lunch and to talk to everyone in the community is quite difficult. As I was reading this scripture, for me I feel that I should be taking the lowest rank. And not place hierarchy in my life but be an awesome servant for them. And I feel Jesus wants me to be his friend and take the lowest rank and serve him.

Prayer
Heavenly Father thank you for this glorifying day that I am able to wake up early and seek you. Thank you for bringing friends in my life. Lord, leach me to be a friend to you. Not to be a great man who will order his people around but a friend of the people who will bow down to his own. Let me lead like a servant as I continue to grow your kingdom. In Jesus name.
Amen

Shawn on 270305

Luke 21, Isa 41, 42

Scripture

(MkJV)
Isa 41:4 Who has planned and done it, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, Jehovah, am the first and the last; I am He.

(Message)
Isa 41:4 "Who did this? Who made it happen? Who always gets things started? I did. GOD. I'm first on the scene. I'm also the last to leave.
Isa 41:8 "But you, Israel, are my servant. You're Jacob, my first choice, descendants of my good friend Abraham.
Isa 41:9 I pulled you in from all over the world, called you in from every dark corner of the earth, Telling you, 'You're my servant, serving on my side. I've picked you. I haven't dropped you.'
Isa 41:10 Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.

Observation

The prophet Isaiah spent so many chapters on God’s judgement and now we move into messages of comfort. God, after talking about about vengence and hardness (done out of good heart and pure intentions) shows his other face; one of firm kindness.

I parallel this to a father who disciplines the child not by being overly harsh or soft but someone who rebukes out of love then reassures with promises that were planted from early days.

God through Isaiah is talking to the people of Israel and their descendents (US!) and is reassuring us that we’re a CHOSEN people. He pulled us from all over and keeps us steady…wow. He’s asking us to be reassured by His promises in a world that worships so many other Gods and false idols.

Application

Modern prophets…people on the radio and tv, vie for our attention with flashy words and easy promises. But God’s word through the Prophets of the Old Testament stand the test of time.
Why? It’s because He’s the I AM. His Word is Him. And that Word will therefore withstand and outlast all other false prophets that seek to bring across a message that’s different from what God intended.

I need to rely on this reassurance. And meditate on God’s love song to us.

Prayer

Father. Thank you for Prophets who were obedient to your call and word. Who gave their lives for a belief. Who clung on to a faith that wasn’t cheap or easy at all. And whose divinely inspired words withstand all the ravages of time.

May your promises inspire and reassure us. If we are feeling lost and low, let your word and promise lift us up. WE are your chosen people and because of that, we never lack. We will never want. Our souls are satisfied. We are held safe and steady in your strong grip.

May you hold us firm and propel us along a course that can only be guided by You.

Amen.

Shawn on 220305

Luke 18, Isa 25, 26

Scripture
Luke 18, v15-16, 39-43

5 Some of the people were bringing even their babies to Jesus, for him to touch them; but, when the disciples saw it, they began to find fault with those who had brought them.
16 Jesus, however, called the little children to him. "Let the little children come to me," he said, "and do not hinder them; for it is to the childlike that the Kingdom of God belongs.
39 Those who were in front kept telling him to be quiet, but he continued to call out the louder. "Son of David, take pity on me!"
40 Then Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. And, when he had come close up to him, Jesus asked him. 41 "What do you want me to do for you?" "Master," he said, "I want to recover my sight." 42 And Jesus said. "Recover your sight, your faith has delivered you."
43 Instantly he recovered his sight, and began to follow Jesus, praising God. And all the people, on seeing it, gave glory to God.

Observation
People closest to Jesus, his disciples, rejected people who wanted to call out to Jesus for healing and aid. Why? These were people who walked so close to Jesus should know His heart (they have previously seen him heal, cast out demons, perform miracles, etc), yet when people
came to Jesus, they acted as 'barriers'. They wanted to 'police' Jesus and in doing so, decided who could get close to Jesus and who couldn't/shouldn't.

Yet Jesus always stepped in and takes hold of the situation with much firmness. His character; steadfast, big hearted, compassionate, tore down all the pride and pretensions and sheer 'stupidity' of the disciples.

Application

I don't EVER want to behave like the disciples did. The personal and intimate knowledge of God and Jesus is to be shared and not policed. Yes, I have such a privilege being a 'christian'. And that shouldn't translate to pride. There are times where (no thanks in part to man-made structures in the church) positions of leadership gives a false sense of 'headiness' and power. We become mediators between people who want to know God and God Himself. In doing so, we may end up limiting what God really wants to do.

Prayer
Lord. Lord. God. Cut away all pretensions to 'power' and to 'authority'. Let me not limit your desires, your heart and your work in the world. Let me work in the way YOU want me to work. Let me catch the essence of your being; of Jesus' steadfast character. I want all aspects of your son to be assimilated in my character and I want it to burn out every selfish, evil and ugly parts of my person. Soften my heart and let it be of Christ. God, I am yours to wield. I look forward
to your continuing work in my life. In your most powerful name, Amen.

Shing Fuh on 220305

SOAP DEVOTION
Luke 17, Isaiah 33,34

Scripture

Luke 17:4
If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says,'I repent,' forgive him."

Luke 17:15-16
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him- abd he was a Samaritan.

Observation

Temptions that made people sin are everywhere. However, these misfortunes will come from the person himself. Jesus know everyone will sin, but if the person is willing to repent, forgive him. Jesus was on his way back to Jerusalem, when he travelled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.He came across ten people who have Leprosy, they begged Jesus to save them. Jesus did, but only one return to thank and praise Jesus.

Application

Sometimes, I cant even forgive myself for the things I do. But beacause of the grace of God, people can forgive us. Forgiveness has never been an easy task for people. However, from this passage, what I get out is not about how he should learn to forgive but for myself learn how to repent. Not to repent and forget about it, but repent and know for the grace of God that he forgives. Even with so much temptions around us, learn never to give in, and always remeber for he is so graceious how can we always do wrong and go back to him.

God made prayer such a powerful thing. For as long as we ask, he will give. He made it so power that we sometimes take it for granted. Busy as our life can be, we neglect the fact that we should always be grateful. This just serve as a reminder for me to be grateful and never forget to thank our all mighty God!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I sit in front of my computer, I just want to thank you. Thank you for forgving all our wrong doings. God, we are gladly of your graceiousness. Lord, I just pray that we will never take you for granted, and will always remember you are the one that brought us this far. Lord, with so many temptions around us, Lord I just pray that you take them away from us. Take away rivalries, take away perverted thoughts, take away lust. God take away all temptions that caused us to sin. Lord, even if we commited any wrong doings, help us learn how to repent, help us forgive and forget. Lord, just want to pray for my bunch of friends who are journeying with me, Lord I pray that you will give them strength, give them the motivation to go on and do your work, give them the precious time even to take a rest Lord, so that they can go on to do your mighty work. Lord I just want to put the remaining week in your hands, and pray all this is Jesus most precious name.

Amen.

Vince on 210305

Scripture: Isaiah 30:18
But the Lord still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is faithful God.

Observation: The warning for the rebellious Judah. People are refusing to listen to the Lord’s instructions. Refusing his prophets and tired of listening. He tells the people by only in returning to me and waiting for him then you will be saved.

Application: Much of journey seems to involve with searching for Gods will. We search for his will/presence through out jobs, home, school, church and relationships. And this week I felt that I was getting frustrated alot with those things. Yesterday during the service I found that when I get frustrated I feel that God is silent. This passage showed me in my heart that God is not silent. It is his Word that reveals our purpose for today and it is the same as for every past generation.
Its SO SO hard to remain by His side when being pressed down from all directions and when the pulls of the world seem relentless.
But as I press down no matter how bad the situation may appear or how difficult it is, its so wonderful of how he can reveal his plans to me. HE is in Control!
Maybe he is just waiting for me to follow him.
There is no greater challenge to our faith! And the question of Who is control? Our attitudes or our beliefs.


Scripture: Luke 15: 31
His father said to him ‘ Look dear son, you and I are very close and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!.
Observation: The story of two sons and his father. Where the younger son had moved out of his family taking all the money his parents had saved for him, trying to start a new life. Soon he had no more money left & starved. He returned home thinking that he was no longer of being called their son. But instead his father bringing the youngest son the finest servants, killing the finest calf and bringing him the finest robe and slippers pronounce that his son has come back. The oldest son questioned his father asking him these questions of why all these valuables went to the youngest brother. He himself has worked hard and stuck with his family.

Application: Im so blessed that I am able to have this chapter to share with you guys. I sense that this story touched me a lot with my family. Knowing that my parents love me and my brother a lot I can sense of how these brothers can feel envious of who gets treated better or not. I can still remember when I was young my brother would get all the cool toys and I would get his reject ones ( I didn’t mind). To myself I asked, where am I to my parents and what do I need to do to get new toys. Seeing when I was young, I would take all his toys and never share. I guess I have grown a lot of that day =P and from reading the scripture I get to sense celebrations of returning back to Christ. I would give up everything that I own today for my brother to come back to Christ and live a life of freedom, joy and thanks.

Pray
Lord I pray that we live each moment with thanks and joy regardless of our situation. It is here & now that I pray that you reveal yourself to me. Let me see the real God. Let me continue seek you and pursue you, harder & stronger. I pray for my family that you bless them with strength, wisdom and wealth. I pray that one day i can celebrate by giving up my finest cattle, my best clothes and my belongings to see you do your work in my friends & my brother.
Let me walk in a journey starting from today that is perfect in Gods will with faith n love. Amen

Jonathan on 210305

Scripture

18But GOD's not finished. He's waiting around to be gracious to you.
He's gathering strength to show mercy to you.

GOD takes the time to do everything right--everything. Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.

19Oh yes, people of Zion, citizens of Jerusalem, your time of tears is over. Cry for help and you'll find it's grace and more grace. The moment he hears, he'll answer. 20Just as the Master kept you alive during the hard times, he'll keep your teacher alive and present among
you. Your teacher will be right there, local and on the job, 21urging you on whenever you wander left or right: "This is the right road. Walk down this road." 22You'll scrap your expensive and fashionable god-images. You'll throw them in the trash as so much garbage, saying, "Good riddance!"
23God will provide rain for the seeds you sow. The grain that grows will be abundant. Your cattle will range far and wide. 24Oblivious to war and earthquake, the oxen and donkeys you use for hauling and plowing will be fed well 25near running brooks that flow freely from mountains and hills. 26Better yet, on the Day GOD heals his people of the wounds and bruises from the time of punishment, moonlight will flare into sunlight, and sunlight, like a whole week of
sunshine at once, will flood the land. 27Look, GOD's on his way...

Observation

I have found Isaiah to be a very difficult book to read. The passages so far seem to depict a vengeful God, who seems to be left with no choice but to punish a disobedient Israel. Isaiah seems to just go on and on about all the bad things that must happen to bad people. But
this passage reveals the other side of the almighty God, the side of His grace. God has a well-rounded personality and we must learn to know him in his anger and his wrath as well as in his loving kindness.

Application

I've been struggling to wake up in the mornings and it worries me. I pride myself in waking up early, attacking each day with vigour and passion but this last week I have felt rather lifeless. I have found myself remaining in the warm comforts of my bed, not wanting to leave.
I'm embracing sleep as if there's nothing better going on in the world, nothing great in the day worth getting up for. That's worrying. I know that something's not right but I'm struggling to pinpoint what it is. I have so many people to serve and uphold, so many responsibilities to fulfill with school, with work, with ministry and with family, and so many relationships to foster and nurture, and yet my bed seems hold me much tighter than any of these. Perhaps all my busyness has cut me off from God.

Prayer

Father I am lost. There are so many things you have placed before me, so much you have entrusted me with but that's not enough to give me the will to live. I long to live for you. I long to know you more, through a direct connection, no intermediaries. I throw away the things that
merely remind me of you. I forsake the tasks that have become too important. I scrap it all for one day and say "Good Riddance" and I cry out for the grace of your presence.

Give me a day today Lord when I can sense your presence, interact with your Spirit and learn to love your Son again. Give me a day to reconnect with the Almighty, The Holy of Israel, God of the Angel Armies, that I may rediscover my passion for living. In the precious name of Christ I pray these things, Amen.

E-Gene on 140305

SOAP Devotion

Luke 8, Isaiah 15, 16
Scripture

Luke 8:4 As they went from town to town, a lot of people joined in and traveled along. He addressed them, using this story:
Luke 8:5 "A farmer went out to sow his seed. Some of it fell on the road; it was tramped down and the birds ate it.
Luke 8:6 Other seed fell in the gravel; it sprouted, but withered because it didn't have good roots.
Luke 8:7 Other seed fell in the weeds; the weeds grew with it and strangled it.
Luke 8:8 Other seed fell in rich earth and produced a bumper crop. "Are you listening to this? Really listening?"

Observation

Jesus is telling the people the parable of the sower. A parable is an illustrated story that Jesus uses very often to bring the point across to the people. As the people listening to Him at that point were probably most familiar with farming, He uses this illustration to explain to them about how we should be "listening" to the word of God.

He them explains what the parable means in the following verses

Luk 8:11 "This story is about some of those people. The seed is the Word of God.
Luk 8:12 The seeds on the road are those who hear the Word, but no sooner do they hear it than the Devil snatches it from them so they won't believe and be saved.
Luk 8:13 "The seeds in the gravel are those who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm doesn't go very deep. It's only another fad, and the moment there's trouble it's gone.
Luk 8:14 "And the seed that fell in the weeds--well, these are the ones who hear, but then the seed is crowded out and nothing comes of it as they go about their lives worrying about tomorrow, making money, and having fun.
Luk 8:15 "But the seed in the good earth--these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there's a harvest.

Application

I guess for me, after reading these verses, though it was something that I've read before and am suppose to be familiar with, the explanation that Jesus gives about the different categories of people started to hit me again. The question for me is, where am I? And the last bit in verse 8 is really taunting me " Are you listening to this? Really listening?

How many times have I read the word of God without really listening to it? How many times have glazed through the passages which are the Living Breathing Word of God, without really opening my heart to receive it. Even now as I'm reading it, I really pray that His words are carved into my heart.

I do not want to be the category of people in verse 13 which I think that has been the way it is for most of my life, there'll be times when I get really excited about the word and then it dies off the first chance I get.

I WANT for the words to fall on "good-hearts", on my heart that will seize it and hold on to it, no matter what, sticking to it until there's a harvest.

Prayer

Lord I pray for a soft heart that will learn to open itself to you. A heart that will receive your word in not only with temporal enthusiasm, but a heart that will stick to it till the time of your harvest. Lord that I ask for an attentive heart, I ask for a heart that will crave your word, a heart that will recognise it's maker's voice, a heart that will beat to the rhythm of your heart. I pray for a teachable spirit. Lord I ask to be thirsty for your word. Let your agenda run my life and not my own. Amen

Charles on 190305

Reading from Luke 13 Isaiah 25, 26.

Scripture

Luke 13:6 - 9
6 And Jesus told them this parable--"A man, who had a fig tree growing
in his vineyard, came to look for fruit on it, but could not find any.
7 So he said to his gardener 'Three years now I have come to look for
fruit on this fig tree, without finding any! Cut it down. Why should it
rob the soil?' 8 'Leave it this one year more, Sir,' the man answered,
'till I have dug round it and manured it. 9 Then, if it bears in
future, well and good; but if not, you can have it cut down.'"
Luke 13: 18 - 21
18 So Jesus said. "What is the Kingdom of God like? and to what can I
liken it? 19 It is like a mustard-seed which a man took and put in his
garden. The seed grew and became a tree, and 'the wild birds roosted in
its branches.'" 20 And again Jesus said. "To what can I liken the
Kingdom of God? 21 It is like some yeast which a woman took and
covered in three pecks of flour, until the whole had risen."

Observation

Jesus spoke about the the parable of the fig tree, but did not end with
a moral or concluding lesson - rather unusual for me as there's usually
a nice wrap up at the end where it is clear what the parable aims to
teach. As it hung in the back of my mind, another parable-like passage
came up a few verses down - Jesus describing the Kingdom of God with an
organic metaphor - yeast and mustard-seed. These metaphorical uses
spoke of potential.

I have heard many motivational speakers speak on the subject of
potential and the positive future. They have this to say, "You are not
your story yet". It is easy for us to look at our own lives, our
problems and the closing walls and allow them to implode and conclude
that that is all there is to our lives, story, or situation. The
Kingdom of God is a kingdom not bound by static circumstances but by
his perfect will. His perfect will is for our abundance and He has
already built it into our DNA to grow and flourish. This helps me
understand what the earlier parable is about. The fig tree represents
us who at some stage of our lives look barren and dry. The negatives
are quick to take it at face value and decide that it is taking up
space (aka good soil). However, those who have the Kingdom perspective
sees the vision of the potential within. It is interesting to note that
the gardener did not just speak up on his philosophical beliefs but
puts them to action. He makes a decision to give the tree a hand to
help it bear fruit.

Application
This passage is thick with many levels of wisdom. On one hand I can
appreciate the gratitude it brings me as I look back in my life when it
took me a while to bloom. There were people around me, believers of my
potential in Christ, who were patient with me and allowed me the space
and time to find my footing in life to become fruitful & abundant. In
fact, some of them did not get a chance to see me bear fruit and moved
on to where God has called them. God bless their souls and may our
paths cross again. My life is so filled with adventure and abundant
living because they never gave up on me and got down to my level to
give me the boost I need. Those days of "digging and manuring" must
have been quite an experience for them.

So what am I doing to plow into the lives of people? Have I made
conclusions about people and thus stifled their potential? This new
kingdom perspective ought to challenge me to live differently and seek
to use every moment I can to invest in the souls of men - one of the
two things that will last forever. One of my goals this year is in line
with this perspective and isn't it so divine that God is sealing it in
today!

Prayer
My Lord, how wise are you! You span time and space and you see the past
and future of our being. Thank you for imparting this wisdom today and
for sealing in the reason for the desires on my heart. Now I need to
get myself some tools to dig deep. So I am asking you to provide me
with the right tools to burrow into the hearts of men. Help me find the
grooves and quantize them according to your big picture, your kingdom
which I am constantly witnessing. Keep reminding me when I get
disappointed with people of why I am doing all this. For your kingdom's
sake and in your name I ask this. Amen!

Jonathan on 170305

Scripture
Luke 11:2-4
Father,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.

Luke 11:9
"Here's what I'm saying:
Ask and you'll get;
Seek and you'll find;
Knock and the door will open.


Observation
Eugene Peterson's translation of the Bible is phenomenal. No "thy," "thine," or "thou."

In this passage in Luke, the Disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray and he provides two illustrations. First, he prays what we have come to know as "The Lord's Prayer." It is clear, concise and very profound. Second, Jesus recommends sincere persistence in what one prays for.

Application
Why is it I always feel that for a prayer to be worthy, it must command respect. It must be eloquent but not wordy, passionate, climactic, Biblical, timely and relevant. Jesus on the other hand prays a simple prayer, something that would not get much applause or approving Amens.
In fact, the prayer is completely unimpressive. Some people might even scoff at it. But the more I read it, the louder it resonates with the essence of God and what he's up to in this world.

I replace the consistent heartfelt longings of my heart with long fancy one-off prayers. Simplicity and consistency are what I need, above all, in my prayer life.

Scripture
Luke 11:23-28
"This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you're not on my side, you're the enemy; if you're not helping, you're making things worse.

"When a corrupting spirit is expelled from someone, it drifts along through the desert looking for an oasis, some unsuspecting soul it can bedevil. When it doesn't find anyone, it says, "I'll go back to my old haunt.' 25On return, it finds the person swept and dusted, but vacant. 26It then runs out and rounds up seven other spirits dirtier than itself and they all move in, whooping it up. That person ends up far worse than if he'd never gotten cleaned up in the first place."

While he was saying these things, some woman lifted her voice above the murmur of the crowd: "Blessed the womb that carried you, and the breasts at which you nursed!"

Jesus commented, "Even more blessed are those who hear God's Word and guard it with their lives!"

Observation
I believe this is Jesus' encounter with a heckler. Here He is, speaking the truth of who we are and what we do and there she goes blessing Mary's mammaries.

Christ makes a powerful comment on the way we try to suspend our lives. It is true a man cannot serve two Gods, but he also cannot serve no God. An empty heart will eventually be found. This is a powerful warning to the spiritual spectators of our generation; we may think
we'll just kick back, relax and see how things work out but the truth is either we follow him whole-heartedly, or some other unclean spirit will take the Holy Spirit's place.

Prayer
Father, I don't want to be a spectator but I want to take part in your divine plans for this world. And my first step is to pray simple prayers without ceasing.

Reveal who you are. Set the world right. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
In the name and leadership of your son Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

Guojin on 18 March 2005

Scripture:

Luke 12: 47-48
The servant who knows what his master wants and ignores it, or insolently does whatever he pleases,will be thoroughly thrashed. But if he does a poor job through ignorance, he'll get off with a slap on the hand. Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsbilities.

Observation:

Jesus was telling to Peter the parable about the 2 steward's attitude when the Master went away for holidays. One was really quick to do and finish up all the duties he was appointed to while the other assumed the master would take his time so this steward went on making merry. When the master returns, he gave the 2 steward different responses ie thus follows verse 47-48.

Application:

I somewhat sense that i'm the state where i'm the 2nd steward, making rationals of things saying that "the master will take his time" , so i could play my lil' games first and i would still of heaps of time, ie controlling my lil world make sure its in place. I felt like i knew what i was suppose to do, however, i chose to do the other. I could sense God reminding me that there God is very particular on my attitude to approach things that come way, instead of justifying myself saying i could do it a "different" way as long i get it done. I starting to realise there's a different between pushing boundaries with the wrong attitude and doing the ordinary with the right attitude. Reminds me that God is more concerned of my obedience
not my sacrifices that i could churn out using the wrong attitude.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for Your ever so timely words. Father God, i ask that You deal with me to the core of being. I'm not content just to walk through this life making really good sacrifices but forgets to learn the lesson of obedience to You.Lord, give me the discernment and wistom to know when i'm playing games to rationalise my wrong doings with Your work. Holy spirit, convict me thoroughly when i do as i dont want to be a servant that "knows what his master wants and ignores it, or insolently does whatever he pleases" and forgive me as i've done it many times in the past. Lord, i want to be a servant thats obedient and responsible to what's given. Lord,
be my reward. In Jesus' name, Amen

Shing Fuh on 18 March 2005

Luke 12, Isaiah 23,24

Scripture
Luke 12:19-20

And I'll say to myself,"you have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."

But God said to him,'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who wil get what you have prepared for yourself?'

Observation

After good harvest, the rich were talking about how they should store their grains and goods. One of them said that, 'good' things will be laid up for many years to come. Living in a comfort zone; eat and drink well adn get richer. But God said and asked, what if we die tonight, who is going to get the things that we prepare for ourselves.

Application

In this modern society, there are so much emphasis on financial security. In order to live a 'better' life, people will save up, will work so hard to get more money and so on. But, what if one day, misfortune occur, accident happened. What and where will our storage of financial possession become or go to? As a christian, we know that God is going to come back one day, but we never know when is that going to happen.

What if, what if he comes for us all tomorrow, will we still bother about how much money we have, how good we look, how impressing our personal status is. I certainly will not. So why not do something for other people, do something more useful so that even if when we are not around, the society will still benefit from our past doings. Personally, I know my purpose of going to ocf is to help my housemate learn about
christ( Im 'dragging' them there now). They are still learning about christianity.. I just feel that God is challenging me now. What if one day Im not attending ocf. Is my housemate still going to go? Can I make them stay there even if Im not around?

Prayer
Lord, I just feel so fulfilling whenever I do devotion. And Lord, I just want to thank you Lord, thank you for letting me see bigger picture in my life Lord. Lord, I know at times i might get so involved in pursuing earthly possesion that I forgot about the most important thing in my life Lord. Lord I forget about you Lord. Lord, for now I just want to do something for you Lord. So that whenever you come for me Lord, Im ready Lord. I just want to uplift my housemate to you. Lord I just pray that one day Lord, whenever my housemate go to ocf or go to church Lord,they dont go there for company, but they go there for YOU Lord. Lord I thank you for the challenges you set before me and I just pray them you continue to shower your blessing in our community Lord. I pray all this in Jesus name. Amen

Steven on 18 March 2005

Scriptures:

Luke 12: 8-12
8. ‘ I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. 9. But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God. 10. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven , but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
11. When you are brought before the synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.

Observation:

In this chapter of Luke, a crowd of many thousands of Pharisees faces Jesus and his disciples. Jesus tells his disciples that they should not fear anything or anyone , but only fear the One that has the power to throw you into hell.

Application:

In today’s society, which is filled with materialism and distractions, it is easy to lose sight of who really is the true ‘supreme being’. God is trying to deliver to us through this parable, that as long as you have the faith and trust in the Lord, it doesn’t matter what you may come up against in life, whether it be Uni, work or even your enemy’s. With God, who is for you, there is nothing that may come up against you.

Bob Larson’s powerful words about having the confidence in deliverance and speaking publicly, last week were hammered into my brain. This scripture demonstrates that we don’t have to worry about what we are going to say or even how we want to say it. With God and the Holy Spirit in your life the words will flow from your mouth and the word of God will be delivered to those who listen. All we need to do is over come the boundaries and barriers of how we will be perceived and judged by people and just put our faith in the Lord.

Prayer:

Dear heavenly father, I pray that as I grow both physically and spiritually that you will teach me to become more and more like you. Give me the strength to deliver the word of God to those that I may come into contact with, so that they to may experience the unconditional love of God. Lord thank you for giving me the opportunity to share your word through Life*TV and ACCF, I just pray that you will give me the strength to continue on doing so in the future.
Amen.

Jonathan on 17 March 2005

Scripture
Luke 11:2-4
Father,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.

Luke 11:9
"Here's what I'm saying:
Ask and you'll get;
Seek and you'll find;
Knock and the door will open.


Observation
Eugene Peterson's translation of the Bible is phenomenal. No "thy," "thine," or "thou."

In this passage in Luke, the Disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray and he provides two illustrations. First, he prays what we have come to know as "The Lord's Prayer." It is clear, concise and very profound. Second, Jesus recommends sincere persistence in what one prays for.

Application
Why is it I always feel that for a prayer to be worthy, it must command respect. It must be eloquent but not wordy, passionate, climactic, Biblical, timely and elevant. Jesus on the other hand prays a simple prayer, something that would not get much applause or approving Amens. In fact, the prayer is completely unimpressive. Some people might even scoff at it. But the more I read it, the louder it resonates with the essence of God and what he's up to in this world.

I replace the consistent heartfelt longings of my heart with long fancy one-off prayers. Simplicity and consistency are what I need, above all, in my prayer life.

Scripture
Luke 11:23-28
"This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you're not on my
side, you're the enemy; if you're not helping, you're making things
worse.

"When a corrupting spirit is expelled from someone, it drifts
along through the desert looking for an oasis, some unsuspecting soul
it can bedevil. When it doesn't find anyone, it says, "I'll go back to
my old haunt.' 25On return, it finds the person swept and dusted, but
vacant. 26It then runs out and rounds up seven other spirits dirtier
than itself and they all move in, whooping it up. That person ends up
far worse than if he'd never gotten cleaned up in the first place."

While he was saying these things, some woman lifted her voice
above the murmur of the crowd: "Blessed the womb that carried you, and
the breasts at which you nursed!"

Jesus commented, "Even more blessed are those who hear God's Word
and guard it with their lives!"

Observation
I believe this is Jesus' encounter with a heckler. Here He is, speaking the truth of who we are and what we do and there she goes blessing Mary's mammaries.

Christ makes a powerful comment on the way we try to suspend our lives. It is true a man cannot serve two Gods, but he also cannot serve no God. An empty heart will eventually be found. This is a powerful warning to the spiritual spectators of our generation; we may think we'll just kick back, relax and see how things work out but the truth is either we follow him whole-heartedly, or some other unclean spirit will take the Holy Spirit's place.

Prayer
Father, I don't want to be a spectator but I want to take part in your divine plans for this world. And my first step is to pray simple prayers without ceasing. Reveal who you are. Set the world right. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
In the name and leadership of your son Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

E-Gene on 14 March 2005

Luke 8, Isaiah 15, 16

Scripture
Luke 8:4 As they went from town to town, a lot of people joined in and traveled along. He addressed them, using this story:
Luke 8:5 "A farmer went out to sow his seed. Some of it fell on the road; it was tramped down and the birds ate it.
Luke 8:6 Other seed fell in the gravel; it sprouted, but withered because it didn't have good roots.
Luke 8:7 Other seed fell in the weeds; the weeds grew with it and strangled it.
Luke 8:8 Other seed fell in rich earth and produced a bumper crop. "Are you listening to this? Really listening?"


Observation
Jesus is telling the people the parable of the sower. A parable is an illustrated story that Jesus uses very often to bring the point across to the people. As the people listening to Him at that point were probably most familiar with farming, He uses this illustration to explain to them about how we should be "listening" to the word of God.

He them explains what the parable means in the following verses

Luk 8:11 "This story is about some of those people. The seed is the Word of God.
Luk 8:12 The seeds on the road are those who hear the Word, but no sooner do they hear it than the Devil snatches it from them so they won't believe and be saved.
Luk 8:13 "The seeds in the gravel are those who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm doesn't go very deep. It's only another fad, and the moment there's trouble it's gone.
Luk 8:14 "And the seed that fell in the weeds--well, these are the ones who hear, but then the seed is crowded out and nothing comes of it as they go about their lives worrying about tomorrow, making money, and having fun.
Luk 8:15 "But the seed in the good earth--these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there's a harvest.

Application
I guess for me, after reading these verses, though it was something that I've read before and am suppose to be familiar with, the explanation that Jesus gives about the different categories of people started to hit me again. The question for me is, where am I? And the last bit in verse 8 is really taunting me " Are you listening to this? Really listening?

How many times have I read the word of God without really listening to it? How many times have glazed through the passages which are the Living Breathing Word of God, without really opening my heart to receive it. Even now as I'm reading it, I really pray that His words are carved into my heart.

I do not want to be the category of people in verse 13 which I think that has been the way it is for most of my life, there'll be times when I get really excited about the word and then it dies off the first chance I get.

I WANT for the words to fall on "good-hearts", on my heart that will seize it and hold on to it, no matter what, sticking to it until there's a harvest.

Prayer
Lord I pray for a soft heart that will learn to open itself to you. A heart that will receive your word in not only with temporal enthusiasm, but a heart that will stick to it till the time of your harvest. Lord that I ask for an attentive heart, I ask for a heart that will crave your word, a heart that will recognise it's maker's voice, a heart that will beat to the rhythm of your heart. I pray for a teachable spirit. Lord I ask to be thirsty for your word. Let your agenda run my life and not my own.

Luke 10, Isaiah 19,20

Scripture
Luke 10:1-3

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.

He told them,"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest,
therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.

Observation

There are so many people out there who can do so much more for the Lord, yet there are not many people who are ready to go out there and work. Maybe, thats why Jesus only sent out 72, 2 by 2 disciples to places he is about to go. Jesus knew and warned of the vulnerability.

Application

I just felt so blessed to journey with you guys. We are all lambs among the wolves. In the society that we are living in, there are just so much distractions and temptation. Its good to journey together, just like Jesus sending his disciples 2 by 2. Often, with someone around we know that there will be someone taking care of you. There will be accountability, motivation and even inspiration. All this will only contribute to God's will. God's kingdom will advance with or without me, but I want to be send out like workers. I want to be send out, to work in the harvest
field, want to see that one day, Jesus's followers will not be send out 2 by 2, but workers will be sent out in tens, hundreds or even so much more!

Scripture

Luke 10:18-19

He replied,"I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

Observation

The 72 disciples returned with joy and told Jesus about demons submitting to the Lord. Jesus replied, telling the disciples that he had saw Satan fall and Jesus is the one who gave the disciples the power to overcome all odds.

Application

This passage reminded me of last Sunday's Sermon. Bob Larson said that, for we are christains, there is nothing for us to be afraid of. We can boldly go about doing God's work. I just felt the affirmation that there is no need for us all to hold back. Talk to people, tell people about God, go to work in the harvest field. Even Satan is defeated, what is there to be afraid of. Rejoice for we are followers of Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, I thanked you for this day. Lord even in such busy day that I find time to communicate with you. Lord, I thanked for affirmation that we all are mighty men who can be send to do your work. Lord, I know you are shouting out to people like me to go about doing your work. Lord I just pray for strength and wisdom as i go on to do your will. Lord, use me. Lord,I know you can use me, you can even use my faultiness to do great things and Im willing to serve you. I pray for my bunch of friends, pray that together we can help advance your kingdom. I pray all this in Jesus name. Amen

Jonathan on 15 March 2005

Scripture

Luke 8:8-10

“Are you listening to this? Really listening?”
His disciples asked, “Why did you tell this story?”
He said, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom – you know how it works. There are othes who need stories. But even with stories some of them aren’t going to get it:
Their eyes are open but don’t see a thing.
Their ears are open but don’t hear a thing.

Luke 8:16-21
No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a washtub or shoves it under the bed. No, you set it up on a lamp stand so those who enter the room can see their way. We’re not keeping secrets; we’re telling them. We’re not hiding things; we’re bringing everything out into the open. So be careful that you don’t become misers of what you hear. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoversihes.
His mother and brothers showed up but couldn’t get through to him because of the crowd. He was given the message, “You mother and brothers are standing outside wanting to see you.”
He replied, “My mother and brothers are the ones who hear and do God’s Word. Obedience is thicker than blood.”

Observation And Application

Usually when I read this passage about the different types of soil, I put myself in the place of the hearer of the Word. I desire, and make it a point to be as fertile a soil as possible. I try my hardest to catch the Word of God and plant it in the fields of my heart.

I have never noticed the other side of the parable, which emphasises not the condition of the heart, eyes, or ears of a person, but God’s sovereignity in the acceptance of his message. We have no control over how our closest friends respond. There is a very limited amount of what we can to to prepare a loved one’s heart for God’s Word. We can do little to know or control the soil conditions of the heart of people, even for the people who God calls us specifically to witness to.

We spend so much time and effort trying to prepare a person to hear and receive the Word of God, continually delaying the message of Christ as the way, the truth and the light. In the work of farming, we don’t realise that the farmer cannot wait for the perfect season. When the time comes, we have to be bold and faithful to plant the seeds and wait and see how God grows his people.

This message is made clear in Jesus’ analogy of the lit lamp. We shield the people from the light, afraid that it will be too bright, too strange, too hot or too spooky. Otherwise we worry about our own condition; that we’re not bright or clear enough. When we fail to realise God as the divinely powerful God of the harvest, we keep Christ a secret until we become god over the situation.


Prayer

Dear God, I realise that I cannot do everything. I cannot create the ideal environments nor find the perfect words. Most of all I cannot prepare another person’s heart to be receptive to your Message. All I can do is to be faithful in planting and harvesting. As according to the season in our community, help me to be a hard-working harvester, tending your fields with dilligence and excellence. May I be more like Christ, boldly proclaiming your kingdom not worried about where the seeds fall, but sharing it generouslyto any within earshot. In His name I pray. Amen.

Vince on 16 March 2005

Scripture

Luke 10:3 - 4
Go now, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Don't take along any money, or a traveler's bag, or even an extra pair of sandals. And don't stop to greet anyone on the road.


Isaiah 19:21
In that day the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians. Yes, they will know the Lord and will give their sacrifices and offerings to him. They will make promises to the Lord and keep them.

Observation

The Lord had chosen seventy - two other disciples and sent them on ahead in pairs to all the towns and villages. They were given instructions to harvest great and pray to the Lord asking to send out more workers for his fields. God's people are growing and there is nothing that can stop the Kingdom from coming true.

Application

The Lord's name will make himself be heard and I want to be a part of it. Just like the Egyptians I feel that I need to sacrifices a lot of things to see His promise come true. Sacrificing my time, money and my life to the lord is something im strongly working on. A lot of people that I am friends with (wolves) can see that I am always busy with Life TV or with Leaders or even with Sundays. Sometimes it can feel that there is a pack of wolves surrounding me about to pounce. But there is something so clear to me that the Lord is doing, something so great working in me that I will not stop for anything on that road.

Prayer

Lord I pray for your blessings with what you are doing in me and ACCF. Let me be a part of your work as I am willing to sacrifice my life for you. Let me not just be a helpless lamb surrounded by wolves but let it be a pack of lambs surrounding them. Lord I pray for strength that you will keep me on this road and that nothing can stop me from walking into your arms.
Amen

Charles on 15 March 2005

Scripture
Luke 9 : 12 - 17
12 As the day was drawing to a close, the twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away to the neighboring villages and farms so they can rest and get some food, for we are here in a deserted place.”

13 But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.”
They replied, “We have nothing more than five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all these people.”

14 Now there were about 5,000 men. So he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty.” 15 They did this and got all of them seated. 16 Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed them. Then he broke the loaves in pieces and kept giving them to the disciples to pass on to the crowd. 17 All of them ate and were filled. When they collected the leftover pieces, there were twelve baskets.


Observation

We are all familiar with the iconic history of Jesus feeding the 5000 with only two fishes and five loaves of bread. It is a miracle, no doubt. One thing I noticed was that this happened right in the middle of his tour of healing, casting our demons, etc. Just before this, he was healing the sick.

I believe Jesus had in mind what to do exactly when he fed the poor. He was meeting a need. Many people have heard about this Jesus and was speculating his identity - some went as far as to believing he is the resurrected Elijah or John the Baptist. We need to remember that this is the generation who witnessed the beheading of John the Baptist - the one revolution that threatened the authorities. The execution of John at that time sent shocks through the nation and served as a warning against anything radical. Jesus seems to follow in that pattern, ignored the warning and drew a lot of attention - people were intrigued and fearful at the same time. Spectators followed to see what this Jesus was all about. I guess he quite aptly surprised them by feeding them - meeting their basic need. And when he got their attention and softened their hearts, he started teaching about the Kingdom of God.

Application

Sometimes we get caught up with the spiritual aspects and forget the basics. Jesus demonstrated that there is a time for everything. If feeding is needful then feeding it will be. This reminds me of Bob Larson when he was here. Instead of attempting to find out if Barry had any demons, he fed him and met him at his basic needs before anything else. I think this is the essence of love. What does it mean to love? To love is to feed and keep. We cannot keep anyone's trust if we do not first feed. Seems the cliche is so true now - "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach!"

Prayer
Dear God. Help me not be the spiritual arrogant that only operates in the spiritual realm of prayer, warfare and all things "wow". But give me eyes to see and meet the needs of my fellow men. If giving a hug, a cloak or food is the only thing that will matter, then help me place that as a priority in my heart. Teach me to give when there is a need. For I know this will breed trust for their ears to be open to the saving grace of your word. Amen.

Shawn on 15 March 2005

Luke 9
Isa 17, 18

Scripture
Luke 9: 57-62
Luk 9:57 On the road someone asked if he could go along. "I'll go with you, wherever," he said.
Luk 9:58 Jesus was curt: "Are you ready to rough it? We're not staying in the best inns, you know."
Luk 9:59 Jesus said to another, "Follow me." He said, "Certainly, but first excuse me for a couple of days, please. I have to make arrangements for my father's funeral."
Luk 9:60 Jesus refused. "First things first. Your business is life, not death. And life is urgent: Announce God's kingdom!"
Luk 9:61 Then another said, "I'm ready to follow you, Master, but first excuse me while I get things straightened out at home."
Luk 9:62 Jesus said, "No procrastination. No backward looks. You can't put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day."

Observation
There are so many things happening in this chapter of Luke. Jesus and his miracles (the casting out of demons, the multiplication of the 5 loaves and 2 fishes), the seemingly sheer ‘sillyness’ about the way his disciples behaved (v.33: Wanting to build a tabernacle to glorify Moses, Elijah and Jesus, v.46: arguing about which disciple was the greatest, v.54: wanting to abuse God’s power by threatening to call down fire from heaven to burn the village of the Samaritans).

But what perhaps stood out for me are verses that I had never really noticed or perhaps wanted to notice before. In verses 57-62, Jesus had 3 encounters with people who wanted to follow Him. Yet each of them had ‘baggage’ they needed to get rid of before they gave themselves to Jesus.

The first was told by Jesus that the journey wasn’t going to be ‘nice’ and comfortable. The second wanted to bury his father and the last wanted to say goodbye to people at home.

Application

Yes, there may be miracles along the way. Yes, there will be ‘disciples’ of all shapes and forms along the way. But I suspect that Jesus wants people whose hearts are ready to really drop everything and go His way. To do His will without any regrets or distractions.

The recent string of events that happened at ACCF recently, starting with the Leaders’ Intensive leading to Apostle Alidi’s visit and then Bob Larson: it becomes clear that God is working out something Grand and big. A masterplan that involves us all. And I want to get on board and not leave myself behind because of my own selfish desires.

I want not to be like the ‘followers’ who wanted so much to go with Jesus yet hemmed and hawed when it came to crunch time. I want to be ready for action.

Prayer

Dear Lord. Father of the Heaven and Jesus, Lord of all creation. You are so many things to me: lover of my soul, provider, healer, creator of my very being. As your child, I submit myself to your plan and will.

Father, I know that your work is accelerating in ACCF and in Melbourne. Thank you for showing us your plans through people and their prayers. And now that I know a little more of where you want us to go, I pray that you use me mightily to help take us where you want us to go.

I put aside my flesh and my distractions and lusts and desires and lay them at your feet. Father, remove them and fill me instead with a burning passion for you. Ignite a burning passion for you that can NEVER be quenched. Use me Lord. Use me. In your most powerful name I pray. Amen.

Vince on 14 March 2005

Scripture

Luke 8: 5 – 7

A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across the field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds came and ate it. Other seeds fell on shallow rock. This seed began to grow, but soon it withered and died for lack of moisture. Other seed fell among thorns that shot up and choked out the tender blades.

Observation

Jesus touring the nearby cities and village had announced the Good News concerning the Kingdom of God. One day Jesus told a story to a large crowd that had gathered from many towns to hear him.

Application

As most of you guys know. At the end of high school I placed myself in ACCF. Most of my friends from school were Non – Christians and not once during the time of High school did we ever talk about a God who is awesome & powerful. As I started serving in ACCF with Terence and the team I managed see bigger pictures in my life. During that time, I only manage to see my high school mates a couple of times that year. I think this scripture caught my eye because it sensed of a calling to what God has planned for many of us. For my high school friends to understand & see the secrets of the Kingdom of God would be awesome (cant even explain how I would feel). There is something in me for my close friends, calling me to guide these growths of seeds into unfamiliar territory.

Scripture

Luke 8: 25

Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?”

And there were filled with awe and amazement. They said to one another, “Who is this man, that even the winds and waves obey him?

Observation

One day Jesus and his disciples wanted to crowds over to the other side of the lake. A fierce storm developed that threatened to swamp them, and they were in real danger. Fearing that they would drown, woke Jesus. So he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. The stormed stopped and all was calm.

Application

I think the Question ‘Where is your faith’ is always planted in me as i go by my days/weeks. Last night as we were talking about Bob Larson and as Guo Jin was telling the 3 hour story, I could really sense and feared that our God is almighty powerful. For me this scripture brought me out of how strong my faith is. Having the image of being one of his disciples in that boat & not to have one single worrying thought about giant waves pounding, lighting striking and a storm that could tear the boat apart, challenges my life today of what faith am I holding on to.

Prayer

Father lord,

I pray for your power in me to have faith sitting in a boat with you, through storms and challenges. Help me learn to live a life of un-failing faith & love. Bless my high school friend’s lord, that have closed eyes. Re-open their eyes and let them see you. Let them fly lord into your arms and live free. I pray that you just use me, through your words and actions to journey through together with them. Let them see a life of power, glory & awe. Let these scriptures be fulfilled and the secrets of your Kingdom be unleashed in our faith in you. May you prepare and equip me with your heavy armory. In Jesus, I pray for these things.

Amen

Jonathan on 14 March 2005

Luke 4, Isaiah 7 & 8

Scripture

Deut 8:3 It takes more than bread to live.

Deut 6:14 Worship the Lord your God and only the Lord your God. Serve
him with absolute single heartedness.

Deut 6:16 Don't you dare tempt the Lord your God.

Isaiah 61:1
God's Spirit is on me; he's chosen me to preach the message of good news to the poor,
Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind.
To set the burdened and battered free,to announce, This is God's year to act!

Observation

The first three verses were Jesus' responses to the craftiness of the
Devil. Satan approached Him at a point of great need attacking Jesus'
hunger in his physical body, for human achievement and social acclaim.
Jesus responds pointedly with Scriptures from Deuteronomy. It just goes
to show how much the laws God sets for us aids us in breaking free of
the games we play. The Devil retreats to try again another day.

These are the same attacks face as men living in the 21st century.
Firstly, the world forces onto us a lifestyle of hedonism through the
stimulation of our senses and fulfillment of our appetites in almost
everything we do. The wealthy seek their more refined pleasures while
the poor enjoy day-to-day living; we all fight to survive.
Secondly, when our bodies are contented, we try instead to satisfy our
ambition by climbing some ladder, corporate, virtual, high-score or
otherwise. Finally we fight to belong and be accepted by our peers, our
families, our country and our church.
As Christians we get so caught up in this 'game' we even try to
recruit God on our team, not realising that he has his own plans and ideas. We
ought to be a part of his grand symphony for the world rather than
inviting him to play in our pathetic sand-box of an existence.

Application

I don't want to play these games. I want to be able to respond as
Jesus responds, accurately cutting through to the heart of the situation.
Indeed it is so true that God's word has the power to separate flesh
and marrow, soul and spirit and Jesus does so like a real Spirit-filled
image of the Creator God.

Prayer

God, don't let me play games with myself. Don't let me hurt myself
and never let me harm those around me for the sake of survival, society or
success. I want to live a dream, but not just any dream; your dream.
May I proclaim in all truth and honesty that indeed your spirit is upon
me, anointing me to speak the message of your Son and His kingdom to
the bankrupts and convicts around me. God, let this be your year to
act! Amen.

Guojin on 13 March 2005

Scripture

Luke 7:43-47
......" Do you see this woman? I came to your home, you provided no
water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her
hair.
You gave me no greeting, but from the time i arrived she hasn't quit
kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but hse has soothed my
feet with perfume. Impressive, isn't it? She was forgiven many, many sins,
and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the
gratitude is minimal."

Observation:
Jesus was explaining to Simon Peter why this woman was having just a
big fuss anointing Jesus' feet. This woman, according to the passage had a
very bad reputation in the village and no the type person they would expect
"The son of God" to associate with. But Jesus explains her actions with
simple truth: " if the forgivenesss is minimal, the gratitude is minimal."

Application:
Wow, read this many times but the timing of this reading really gives a
different light. I was wondering for awhile, why are some people so
fired-up for God, some just do their things in church. Why are some hopping
around like insanely undignify people and declaring the praises of God, and i
cant seem have that kinda of excitement or relevance at specially when i not
putting on the " serving ministry cap" and be myself. It's true. I felt like
Simon Peter, walking with the Lord for awhile and could not comprehend
the sheer joy and hype of some people with God. I mean i love God and all,
but something's missing, errmm....different. Today, as i was reading, it
seems like Jesus is telling me like how he told Simon Peter, " Your gratitude
towards God is proportional to the forgiveness you received." I sense that
at times, i'm just too full of myself, being in church and serving and all
that i cease to remember that I was once lost and i was found. I forgot how
God save me and His many many grace over my life. Not living a life of thanksgiving.
May it be every breath i draw, i'll remember the mercies of the Lord and His Faithfulness throughout my life and give thanks for another breath.

Prayer:
Lord, God, Abba Father,bring me back to the first love i had for you.
When i was living in the gratitude for you. Lord, i want to live every waking
moment my life remembering that i was save by You.Teach me to be
mindful of your grace and mercies and continue to anticipate your constant
blessings upon my life. I give thanks and give You praise for ALL that you have
done thus far. Its amazing how your a God that continueally pours into my
life even when i forgot all about You.Thank You God. Have Your way.

In Jesus name, Amen

Shawn on 13 March 2005

Scripture
Isa 13: 1, 11
Isa 14:12, 19
Luke 7: 47

Observation
In Isa 13, the Prophet Isaiah saw a vision of the power of the time: Babylon, falling from her wickedness and immorality under the Power of God Almighty.
In Isa 14, Isaiah spoke about how the Lord has cast down the devil to hell (Sheol) and the devil has lost his power on earth (v12: You have been cut down to the earth...v19 But you have been cast out of your tomb like a rejected branch…)

Many generations later, Jesus has come to the earth as a man and is coming to tear down the power institution of the time: the Pharisees and their organised religion. Earlier in Luke, he already overcame the devil. Now, he proclaims himself the Messiah, here to save, heal and forgive.

Application

Each of these two great men were fully aware of the voice of God concerning their mission for the time they lived in. They were obedient and sharply attuned to the voice of God and proclaimed this in prophecies.

They were up against the reigning power in their times; men, women and organisations, cultures that were proud and all controlling in their power. Yet they boldly went about doing things; with the full knowledge that the devil, the evil, had already lost his power and been cast to the pit of hell.

And what a difference they made in the lives of people around: Jesus and his superb logic (so well balanced with compassion) that must surely have made the Pharisees speechless, unable to disagree with Him. I see his response to the woman who used her hair to anoint his feet with perfume (v47: For this reason I say to you, her sinces, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much but he who is forgiven little, loves little) and I am moved by his compassion, the sureness of his Words and character. Wow.

Prayer

Dear Lord. Even as I struggle to articulate your work through the ages through great men like Isaiah and Jesus, let me be fully aware of your plan and work for mankind in this time and age. Your word is unchanging: the devil has been defeated but you also call us to come against all the proud ‘religious’ power of the time.

God use my life to break out of the mould of the ordinary; to not be satisfied with institutionalised religion and ethics and standards. You have called us to be extraordinary people speaking out the true word of God in Faith.

This age we live in has all its distractions and lures: but keep my feet firmly planted on your path. Let me not stray AT ALL. Let me be bold and obedient. Living a full victorious life that will change the lives of the people around me. Let my heart and words be full of wisdom and compassion. Let me live in holy fear and reverence of you.

Give me opportunities to speak out your plans and purposes for your people. Let me be so very sensitive to your voice and live a life that’s completely FREE! I want big dreams of changing the world and I want YOU to be the voice of reason behind it. Strengthen my character: like Isaiah and Jesus who gave so much to live a life that’s fulfilling and filled with power.

Make sense of my poor articulation. See through all the falseness and weakness of my flesh and shape my heart. Destroy everything that’s not pleasing to you. God, use me.

I walk this earth with the full knowledge of your Holiness. Thank you for your sacrifice through your Son. I give my heart and life to you all over again. Amen.

Terence on 12 March 2005

Scripture
Luke 6:2/ 5
Some of the Pharisees asked, "Why are you doing what is unlawful on the
Sabbath?... Then Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is the Lord of the
Sabbath."

Isaiah 11:2-4
"The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him- the Spirit of wisdom and
understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of
knowledge and of the fear of the Lord- and he will delight in the fear
of the Lord.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he
hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth."


Observation
In Luke, we observe the Pharisees and their great interest in the
strict observation of the Torah set out by God through Moses. They
believed that in the keeping of Torah, they would begin to fulfil their
calling as true humanity, reflecting the image of Yahweh on the earth.
Out of their zeal for the keeping of God's commandments, they set out a
whole bunch of other rules and corollaries that determined what was the
ideal and appropriate lifestyle of a human being, pleasing God.

In Isaiah, we seem the same zeal for the ideal human being, except
framed in very different terms. Whilst with the Pharisees, we saw this
zeal expressed through the observation of the Law; with Isaiah, it
would seem that the "Spirit of the Lord" is the key factor in a truly
human person, reflecting God's image on earth.
We see wisdom and understanding, counsel and power, knowledge and
faithfulness to God. We see perfect judgement marked with righteousness
and justice for others (particularly for the underdog who have no means
of defending or helping themselves).

Application
Like the Pharisees, I find myself often attracted to the prospect of
living my life from a list of rules; a list of formulas. Whilst I might
rail against the religious rules and regulations and cry out for
liberty and freedom of the Spirit, the truth is, left to my own
devices, I end up trying to formulate up new rules from which to live
my life- formulas for becoming the ideal human being, reflecting His
image on our planet (Worse still, I impose them on others as the means
to 'good Christians'- the ideal humanity).

What does it mean that the "son of man" is the Lord of the Sabbath?
What does it mean that the "Law" (Sabbath) doesn't sit as lord over
man, but that man presides over the law as lord?

Isaiah gives us a picture of this- instead of rules and formulas; it's
the Spirit of God that 'governs' the truly human one. And better yet,
it is he who presides with righteousness and justice.

Prayer
Father, give me the courage to live in relationship with you and with
others; and to the extent that these relationships require 'law and
order', may it be that I keep them. But help me live with the constant
awareness that each person is unique and different, to never to elevate
these rules above people, and to keep in consideration at all times
that they are the very reason why the rules exist in the first place.
Governed by your Spirit, not by formulas, would you work in me and
through me, that your people may grow up to be trees of righteousness,
the planting of Jesus; that the nations of the earth may be blessed.
Amen.

Charles on 12 March 2005

Luke 6, Isaiah 11,12

Scripture
Luke 6:2-5
2 Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is not lawful on
the Sabbath?”
3 Jesus answered them, “Haven't you read what David did when he and
his companions became hungry? 4 How was it that he went into the house
of God and took and ate the Bread of the Presence, which was not lawful
for anyone but the priests to eat, and gave some of it to his
companions?” 5 Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the
Sabbath.”

Observation
Jesus did something completely radical outside the boundaries of law -
outside the law of the Pharisees. He "worked" on Sabbath - the day of
rest. According to Jewish tradition in those days, you keep the Sabbath
by not working. Jesus was clearly breaking the law in this case. Jesus
is above the law. The law that set boundaries are meant to protect.
However, Jesus came so we can operate under Grace. We live in a new
world order of Grace and not under the law.

Application
Do I allow legalistic attitudes to rule my daily decisions? I realize
many times I have operated under the law in the past and allowed them
to become a filter to how I view God. Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth
- that God is counting the "sins" and "sin-lets" that we might have
committed. The truth is God doesn't look at our outward duties or even
service. He looks at our hearts. He looks at our intentions and
attitudes - the whys that undergird our decisions. Nothing escapes him.
Knowing this does provide a deeper sense of freedom - knowing that His
Grace is what we operate under - a license that could easily be abused.
And even then, He still gives it to us. This is the kind of God that
loves us enough to let us have complete freedom. This love, I am always
learning to comprehend. This is perhaps the beginning of understand the
Father heart of God.

Prayer
Dear God. Living under Grace can be so free-ing, yet the nature of man
tends to see us abuse this liberty. When I abuse it, the consequences
of the law come into effect. I am amazed at how clever this is - you
seem to have given us back the Garden of Eden, with all the human-ness
of cause and effect. I am learning each day to use this Grace you have
given me to live free in my mind and heart. Yet many times my old set
of thinking becomes a stumbling walkway when I least expect it. Help me
to operate with wisdom, your wisdom, to be an excellent steward of this
liberty I have found in the Grace you have given to us.

E-Gene on 10 March 2005

Luke 4, Isaiah 7, 8

Scripture

Luke 4:2 For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by the Devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when the time was up he was hungry.

Luke 4:13 That completed the testing. The Devil retreated temporarily, lying in wait for another opportunity.

Luke 4:14 Jesus returned to Galilee powerful in the Spirit. News that he was back spread through the countryside.

Observation

Jesus was tempted by the devil for 40 days in the desert and He did not waiver at all. I'm sure that it wasn't easy for Jesus to resist the temptation of the devil but He did and not only that, because He was able to resist the temptation, He returned to Galilee "powerful in the Spirit". How easy would it have been for Him to take what the devil was offering, but instead Jesus knew His purpose on this earth and He knew that He would not be fulfilling His purpose if He had taken the devil's bait.

Application

I find it really hard when I'm faced with temptation, but having read how Jesus was able to do it and come out from it stronger than before is a real encouragment to me. Sure, He is the Son of God but when He was on this earth, He was as human as I am. If I were to be out in His shoes, I wonder what my decision would have been.

So often we make decision based on personal gratification and we don't tend to look very long term at all. I realise that my time on this earth is only temporal and that the 50-70 years that I'm on this earth is nothin compared to eternity, so why am I making my decision based on what will profit me tomorrow?

In saying that I wonder how often I think about my purpose on this earth and how often do I make decisions based on that? Do I really want to live the rest of my limited time on this earth seeking personal gratification? I think not...

Prayer

Lord, I ask that each time I'm faced with temptations, that you give me the strength to turn away, cos I know that each time I'm able to say no, my Spirit grows stronger. I also know that each time I say yes to temptation, my Spirit grows weaker as well. Teach to listen to you and more important, teach me to follow you. Make my ears sensitive to your voice and my heart soft to be able to be shaped into your likeness. Fill this God-shaped hole in my heart as I continue to seek you.

Amen.

Shing Fuh on 11 March 2005

Luke 5, Isaiah 9,10

Scripture
Luke 5:5, Luke 5:12, Luke 5:19
"But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
"Lord if you are willing, you can make me clean."
When they could not find a way to do this... they went
up on the roof and lowered him.. right in front of
Jesus.

Observation
Having not caught fishes for all night, Simon kept
faith with God when asked to throw down the nets to
catch fish.
A man with Leprosy, saw Jesus, went down his knee and
said to Jesus, if you are WILLING you CAN make me
clean. And the man is healed.
The paralytic's friends showed remakable
determination to get him to Jesus. Their faith moved
Jesus.

Application
In the above, these three examples showed the amount
of faith people have on the Lord. Nothing is
impossible for God, it is only a matter if we did the
right things and his will that things shall be done.
As I'm now sitting in front of my computer doing
devotion, beside is my roomate doing his schoolwork. I
can just feel his uneasiness of me doing devotion from
time to time. I want to be the paralytic's friend,
determined that one day our Lord Jesus will save him,
will show him the way to live our life. I also want to
move God with sheer dtermination and faith that one
day my famliy will come to know him.
For i believe, God can move mountains, our God is the
God of impossible!

Scripture
Luke 5:31-32
It is not the healthy who need a docor, but the sick.
I have not come to call the righteous, but the sinners
to repentance.

Observation
Jesus want to show everyone, regardless the rich or
the poor of his purpose in coming the earth. It is not
just a simple dinner with sinners, rather, he want
people to know that he came to forgive, to give his
life to all those people who sin, all those people who
need him.

Application
This verse, served as reminder to me. It reminded me
of how lucky I am to live a life for God. A reminder
how graceious our Lord father is to me, he gave his
one and only son to die for all of us. I just feel
that no matter what we do, we should not even take
small and simple things for granted. No matter how
good things had worked out in our life, we must always
remain grateful.

Prayer
Dear heavenly God Father, today I come before you and
ask for forgiveness and mercy. I just want to uplift
my family and dear friends to you Lord. I just pray
that one day, they will be saved. Father Lord, no
matter how difficult it is, I will do my part to bring
them closer to you Lord. Lord, I have complete faith
and trust that they will come to know you. Lord, I
also want to pray that in everything we do, we will
always be reminded of your love. We will never take
you for granted. I want to pray for good heath and
concentration for my bunch of wonderful friends, and
they will never grow tire to glorify your name. In
Jesus name I pray. Amen

Guojin on 11 March 2005

Scriptures:

Luke 5:5
Simon answered, " Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets".

Luke 5:19-20
When they could not find a way to do this(laying their sick friend before Jesus) because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw THEIR faith, he said "Friend, your sins are forgiven."

Observation:
At Luke 5:5 , Simon Peter toiled all night and it seems hopeless to work on it. But at the command of Jesus, Simon Peter obeyed and let down the nets citing "because you say so".

At Luke 5:19-20, wow these men were so desperate to lay their sick friend before Jesus, that they went through extreme measures, aka go to the roof, lowering from above.

Application:
Man, i could just recall how many times, i reasoned my way out of God's calling and directions due the plain fact that its not possible, been there done that, its not gonna work, forget it and cease to remember that it God telling me that! The author and the perfector of my faith telling me to act on a move of faith. Truly, spiritual warfare is fighting with myself most of the time.

Wow, as i read on the few men that went through that degree of effort not to save themselves but for a friend?!?! Kept me thinking, how desperate i want to 'lay' my friends before Jesus. I dont even go to that degree sometimes to lay myself before Jesus!

Their faith and desperation for God were so great that the difficulties and effort they went through were deemed worthy.

Prayer:
Lord Father, author and perfector of my faith Jesus, I give thanks for today's word that is serve as a sharp knife piercing on my heart lord. Father, give thanks for the timely reminder. Lord, i ask for strength and faith in obeying your calls and direction. Lord, i do not want to wander through this life of faith myself when the author and the perfector of my faith is actually showing me the way which i sometimes purposely refuse. Forgive me Father. Lord, i ask for a greater hunger and desperation for You Gof. Lord, i can sense is there but Lord, i know at times i'm ignoring it. Father, deal with me as you please. Stir inside my heart with your presence. Thank you Lord for your a God that will not forsake me even when i'm actually the one who left you.

In Jesus name i pray, Amen

Terence on 10 March 2005

Scripture
Luke 3:1-2
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert.

Isaiah 6
In the year that King Uzziah died...

Luke 3:23-38
Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melki, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph...
...the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

Isaiah 5
They make sure their banquets are well-furnished with harps and flutes and plenty of wine, but they'll have nothing to do with the work of God, pay no mind to what he is doing; therefore my people will end up in exile because they don't know the score.



Observation
Luke & Isaiah both reference the historical context of their writings- "in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Ceasar, Pontius Pilate was the governor and Herod, tetrarch of Galilee"; "in the year that King Uzziah died..."
These were real people, in real situations, with real hopes and struggles... Isaiah, deeply frustrated and mournful about the failure of his people to live up to their covenantal relationship with God and doing all he can to cry out against them- full of hope for their restoration and absolutely clear about pending judgement; John in the desert, seeking the Lord, living out his vocation and calling to "prepare the way for the Lord"...

Luke begins this chapter with the historical setting of the situation and finishes this chapter with a genealogy of Jesus that traces all the way back to the very beginning of history. In this way, he now fills the present moment in history (ie, the birth of Jesus with all its surrounding events), full of significance- linking all events past, present and future (as can now be attested in our present moment) together in God's purposes from the very beginning of Creation. Jesus, son of Joseph... son of Adam, son of God.


Application
I don't want to be guilty of Isaiah's cry against God's people, that they "make sure their banquets are well-furnished with harps and flutes and plenty of win, but they'll have nothing to do with the work of God, paying no attention to what He is doing...."
Instead, the challenge the Holy Spirit's laying down before me today, is to embed myself in the present- to be fully sensitive to the real time place and relationships I belong to, and at the same time, fully alive to the unfolding work of God all through history, up to present moment- made alive in Jesus.

What does all that actually mean?
Often times, I find myself guilty of either living so embedded in my present situation, that I am filled only with consciousness of myself and the ailments or lust that press against me; at other times, I am so filled with big picture perspective, that I get lost in the clouds of visions and dreams, totally disconnected from the present reality of persons and place.
God has and is working His purposes since the beginning of time; like Isaiah and Luke, the Holy Spirit's crying out within me, a call to be living fully in the present times, connected to all around me, but shot through with the historical significance of creation even from the very beginning of God's work, which culminated in Jesus.


Prayer
Father, I want to live an abundant life- just as Jesus promised. Not just a busy life, not just a life invaded by the needs of the people around me, but an abundant life that's fully in touch with the reality of You in Creation time. As I dive into my day and the rest of this week; fill my heart and mind with the historical significance of Jesus in all Creation and as your Spirit enables me, to live out my life in His steps. Amen.

Jonathan on 9 March 2005

Luke 3, Isaiah 5 & 6

Scripture
Luke 3:3-6
“He went all through the country around the Jordan River preaching a baptism of life-change leading of forgiveness of sins, as described in the words of Isaiah the prophet: Thunder in the desert! “Prepare God’s arrival!Make the road smooth and straight!Every ditch will be filled in, Every bump smoothed out,The detours straightened out, All the ruts paved over. Everyone will be there to see the parade of God’s salvation.”

Observation

How I admire both John and Isaiah in the way they boldly proclaim good news and bad. These guys had serious guts, or as some would say, balls of steel. They did not speak flippantly from arrogance or a mere moral high ground - as they spewed forth Gods message it came from a rock solid foundation of trust and compelling belief in God and his Word.
These were ordinary men, generations apart, calling out the same uncompromising message of God’s plan for the world. It’s one thing to be like Jesus himself, but even these mere mortals provide for ample aspiration.

Application

The question that has weighed heavily on my heart, mind and soul this season has been, What does it mean to be an evangelist to our generation? When I was in Singapore, God reminded me of the important role of Signs and Wonders in the book of ACTS. Today he is calling me to find the faith that will lead to a boldness, fearlessness, courage, able to match the faith in the hearts of John and Isaiah.

Prayer

Father, give me faith that leads to action. Overwhelm me that I cannot seal my own lips; may your wisdom, your message and your Spirit pour forth from my lazy and gutless voice box. Use my tongue O’ Lord to release the wonders that you reveal to my heart. In the precious name of Christ I pray these things. Amen.

Vince on 9 March 2005

Scripture
Luke 3:16
John answered their questions by saying "i baptize with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than i am - so much greater that i am not even worthy to be his slave. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Observation
John has been preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had turned from theirs sins and turned to God to be forgiven. Everyone is expecting John of being the Messiah.

Application
When reading this i just sensed inside me something so big, something so powerful & fulfilling. it was the way i speak to others about Christ & my leadership qualities. often we can get caught up with the pointing of the finger to others that we want to see grow! 'why didnt u come to church',
'why arent u here', 'where are you' .. but as John showed there is something so much greater out there. A man who will bless us all, and it is not me who will lead these people to Christ but the lord himself.


Scripture
Isaiah 7: 9-10
And he said, "yes go. but tell my people this: 'you will hear my words, but you will not understand. You will see what i do, but you will not percieve its meaning.

Observation
Isaiah has been cleaned and a calling has been offered to him for Israel. The calling of being a messenger for the Lord.

Application
Being a new leader at ACCF - i feel that there is so much more growth that is needed in me. i feel there is is alot to come and alot more words and meanings that i will not understand. its also clear that i am not scared of growing cause there are friends like u guys that are helping me. im so honoured to have the experience of journey with each & everyone of you guys.

Pray
Heavenly Father, thank you for everything that you have brought to me. Friends, family & life. i pray that you will just strap me up with armour and hand me a sword so that you can use me in battles. let me speak thru you & use your words father. let me face up to my growth, knowing there is so much more to go dear father. may every person that i speak to be blessed by your words. thank you for everything father. blessed this week n make us strong. In Jesus name we pray. Amen