February 27, 2011
Christ is the head of the church. We are His body. We are ONE because of Christ.
All of us are different – in personalities, gifting and upbringings. Coming from different backgrounds and cultures, we are called into a family to belong to upon salvation in Christ.
We are already one in Christ but we are now called upon to preserve this unity in Him. We preserve and build unity by focusing on three things – truth, love and trust. All three must be present in order for the church to be united.
Truth is our foundation for unity. God’s word is truth. It determines what is the truth and not our feelings and experiences. Valid as they may be, our feelings must be interpreted according to the truth highlighted in the Bible. God’s teaching is the common gel that holds all our different ethnicities, cultures and experiences together.
Love is our action on truth in unity. Love is a commitment. It dares to confront our sisters and brothers when they are wrong. It takes risk. Love rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts and never fails because it is tough love. Love also keeps no record of wrongs. It forgives, forgoes and with time, forgets and heals. Unity does not mean that there will be no conflicts but it means that reconciliation is possible.
Finally, trust holds truth and love together which seals unity. A misrepresentation of truth or a casting of doubt is enough to separate friends. That has been Satan’s strategy since the Garden of Eden. He is a Con-Master that specialises in distorting the truth, creating suspicion and his aim is to grief the heart of God and to topple His kingdom work. Satan’s work is always to deceive, divide and destroy the body.
May we anchor ourselves in truth, live out in love and trust each other to build BHLC together.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The Hour of Darkness
February 24, 2011
Read Luke 22:39-53
Luke 22:46
“Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
In intense warfare and difficult journeys, you need loyal and trusted friends.
One of my favourite characters in the movie, “Lord of the Rings” is Sam, the faithful companion of Frodo. The importance of Sam’s role is captured in Frodo’s words, “Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam.”
As the “hour of darkness” drew near, Jesus was perplexed by his disciples’ inability to stay awake and pray. There was imminent danger and the oppressive air was suffocating him but alas, his companions were oblivious to the intensity of the warfare. Their leader was going to be arrested but the followers were clueless.
Jesus struggled with the Father over what was about to happen. Why? Was he disobedient? Was he unprepared? No.
He had forewarned his disciples of the coming suffering, of the betrayal, of the denials, of the cross and all. So why did he pray for the cup to be removed from him, if possible?
I believe Jesus’ struggle is more of a mental and emotional struggle – the darkness that is going to envelop him, a darkness whereby the utter sense of being forsaken by God overwhelmed the Saviour.
That sense of God-abandonment with the unceasing questionings of ‘did I read God’s will wrongly”, “was there another way”? Doubts assailing his mind and that momentary but intense fear of misreading and misunderstanding God’s will.
We all have those moments – moments whereby we waver and ask if what we are doing is really what God wills. And if we are the leader, or the stakes of what we read as God’s will are high, we will experience that questioning. In that moment of overpowering darkness, our faith in God is not shaken, our desires to do God’s will is there but our fears of misinterpreting God’s desire is also real.
In times like these, we must wrestle through with God. The stakes are high. Our fears are real. Don't skip the process. Don't try to cut short the process.
Wrestle and work through it.
But be assured - the hour of darkness will pass.
Read Luke 22:39-53
Luke 22:46
“Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
In intense warfare and difficult journeys, you need loyal and trusted friends.
One of my favourite characters in the movie, “Lord of the Rings” is Sam, the faithful companion of Frodo. The importance of Sam’s role is captured in Frodo’s words, “Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam.”
As the “hour of darkness” drew near, Jesus was perplexed by his disciples’ inability to stay awake and pray. There was imminent danger and the oppressive air was suffocating him but alas, his companions were oblivious to the intensity of the warfare. Their leader was going to be arrested but the followers were clueless.
Jesus struggled with the Father over what was about to happen. Why? Was he disobedient? Was he unprepared? No.
He had forewarned his disciples of the coming suffering, of the betrayal, of the denials, of the cross and all. So why did he pray for the cup to be removed from him, if possible?
I believe Jesus’ struggle is more of a mental and emotional struggle – the darkness that is going to envelop him, a darkness whereby the utter sense of being forsaken by God overwhelmed the Saviour.
That sense of God-abandonment with the unceasing questionings of ‘did I read God’s will wrongly”, “was there another way”? Doubts assailing his mind and that momentary but intense fear of misreading and misunderstanding God’s will.
We all have those moments – moments whereby we waver and ask if what we are doing is really what God wills. And if we are the leader, or the stakes of what we read as God’s will are high, we will experience that questioning. In that moment of overpowering darkness, our faith in God is not shaken, our desires to do God’s will is there but our fears of misinterpreting God’s desire is also real.
In times like these, we must wrestle through with God. The stakes are high. Our fears are real. Don't skip the process. Don't try to cut short the process.
Wrestle and work through it.
But be assured - the hour of darkness will pass.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The Servant-Leader
Read Luke 22:24-38
Luke 22:27
For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves it? But I am among you as one who serves.
Imagine yourself as the coach preparing your hockey team for the Stanley Cup. This is the game of a lifetime and you have outlined the strategy for the game. You remind your team to stay focused as they are about to face their greatest enemy on ice. When you stop talking, the team members turn to each other and start squabbling about who is the better player, who has a better track record and who should play in which position.
You stop the bickering and try again to explain that they have come together so far as a team and remind them of the great plans ahead and how they need to be prepared for this big day.
Suddenly, the team captain jumps in and assures you that he is going to lead the team into victory. You know he has missed the point - he has underestimated the enemy and overestimated his capability. You stop him and tell him that before half time he is going to give away two penalties and even be sent-off.
As the coach, you try one last time - it is not going to be an easy game. You have journeyed with them thus far. But on the field, they are on their own. They have to remember everything they have learned and play it out in the field. One of them then says in jest, "It is ok - if it becomes too hard, we will just fight - punch them in the face!!!" The room breaks into laughter.
"That is enough!" You cry out in exasperation.
That in a nutshell was how Jesus felt in his attempt to prepare the disciples for his arrest, crucifixion and death.
We sense his loneliness and how his heart bleeds at being so misunderstood - even by closed friends. Frustration, disappointment and loneliness all roll into one in this scenario.
All who have been entrusted with God's vision and ministry will face times like these; when we have to carry through God's will despite misunderstanding, opposition, doubt and denial, even from close friends and ministry partners. In times like these, reading and re-reading this passage will give us the strength that we need.
In God's kingdom, the aloneness of ministry is a puzzling truth. In all great things that God wants to do through us, it will have to be through the baptism of loneliness and aloneness.
So Jesus went to the cross alone and took on the servant role alone. But the promise of the kingdom came to us because He was willing to go through it.
In times like these, i find it worthwhile to read Isaiah 52:13 to Isaiah Chapter 53 again.
If our leader so does it, we must be willing too.
Luke 22:27
For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves it? But I am among you as one who serves.
Imagine yourself as the coach preparing your hockey team for the Stanley Cup. This is the game of a lifetime and you have outlined the strategy for the game. You remind your team to stay focused as they are about to face their greatest enemy on ice. When you stop talking, the team members turn to each other and start squabbling about who is the better player, who has a better track record and who should play in which position.
You stop the bickering and try again to explain that they have come together so far as a team and remind them of the great plans ahead and how they need to be prepared for this big day.
Suddenly, the team captain jumps in and assures you that he is going to lead the team into victory. You know he has missed the point - he has underestimated the enemy and overestimated his capability. You stop him and tell him that before half time he is going to give away two penalties and even be sent-off.
As the coach, you try one last time - it is not going to be an easy game. You have journeyed with them thus far. But on the field, they are on their own. They have to remember everything they have learned and play it out in the field. One of them then says in jest, "It is ok - if it becomes too hard, we will just fight - punch them in the face!!!" The room breaks into laughter.
"That is enough!" You cry out in exasperation.
That in a nutshell was how Jesus felt in his attempt to prepare the disciples for his arrest, crucifixion and death.
We sense his loneliness and how his heart bleeds at being so misunderstood - even by closed friends. Frustration, disappointment and loneliness all roll into one in this scenario.
All who have been entrusted with God's vision and ministry will face times like these; when we have to carry through God's will despite misunderstanding, opposition, doubt and denial, even from close friends and ministry partners. In times like these, reading and re-reading this passage will give us the strength that we need.
In God's kingdom, the aloneness of ministry is a puzzling truth. In all great things that God wants to do through us, it will have to be through the baptism of loneliness and aloneness.
So Jesus went to the cross alone and took on the servant role alone. But the promise of the kingdom came to us because He was willing to go through it.
In times like these, i find it worthwhile to read Isaiah 52:13 to Isaiah Chapter 53 again.
If our leader so does it, we must be willing too.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
"The Red Sea" Rules
22 February, 2011
Read Exodus Chapter 14.
Exodus 14:1-2
Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon.
A friend sharing of “The Red Sea Rules” from a book written by Robert J. Morgan ministered greatly to me.
“In Exodus, God told Moses to take the children of Israel to the Red Sea. When they got there, Pharaoh and his army were not far behind. On either sides were high mountains, the sea was in front of them and their enemies were behind them, well armed with chariots and horses. Notice God had led them there. God “took responsibility for leading them into peril. He gave them specific, step-by-step instructions, leading them down a route to apparent ruin: turn and camp. Camp there,. There, before the entrapping sea. Yes, right there in that impossible place.
The Lord occasionally does the same with us, testing our faith, leading us into hardship, teaching us wisdom, showing us His ways. Our first reaction may be a surge of panic and a sense of alarm, but we must learn to consult the Scriptures for guidance.
So, take a deep breath and recall this deeper secret of the Christian life: when you are in a difficult place, realize that the Lord either placed you there or allowed you to be there, for reasons perhaps known for now only to Himself.
The same God who led you in will lead you out.”
Rule 1: Realize that God means for you to be where you are. Tough as it may seem, God has you where He wants you. He will use this for your good and His glory.
Rule 2: Be more concerned for God’s glory than for your relief.
Rule 3: Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord. God is able to deal with the situation Himself. He wants you to trust Him and leave Him to do His work without your interference. At this time, every time you think of the problem, force yourself instead to look at the Lord. Keep focusing on Him even when you don’t understand and everything looks bleak.
Rule 4: Pray
Rule 5: Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work. God is neither in a hurry nor is He slow.
Rule 6: When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith. There are other needs to be attended to. Sometimes helping others gives us a break from our own problems. It can give us a different perspective as well.
Rule 7: Envision God’s enveloping presence. God came between Israel and Pharoah. The Egyptians were in darkness but God’s light shone on the Israelites and the Red Sea so they could cross over. God is with you. He will not allow anything to harm you or destroy you. He knows exactly what you are going through. He has been there first and will walk you through this. He will put His loving arms around you and comfort you.
Rule 8: Trust God to deliver in His own unique way
Rule 9: View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future. He is preparing you for something bigger in the future and growing you for greater works.
Rule 10: Don’t forget to praise Him.”
May we see God’s glory and power in our Red-Sea situation.
Read Exodus Chapter 14.
Exodus 14:1-2
Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon.
A friend sharing of “The Red Sea Rules” from a book written by Robert J. Morgan ministered greatly to me.
“In Exodus, God told Moses to take the children of Israel to the Red Sea. When they got there, Pharaoh and his army were not far behind. On either sides were high mountains, the sea was in front of them and their enemies were behind them, well armed with chariots and horses. Notice God had led them there. God “took responsibility for leading them into peril. He gave them specific, step-by-step instructions, leading them down a route to apparent ruin: turn and camp. Camp there,. There, before the entrapping sea. Yes, right there in that impossible place.
The Lord occasionally does the same with us, testing our faith, leading us into hardship, teaching us wisdom, showing us His ways. Our first reaction may be a surge of panic and a sense of alarm, but we must learn to consult the Scriptures for guidance.
So, take a deep breath and recall this deeper secret of the Christian life: when you are in a difficult place, realize that the Lord either placed you there or allowed you to be there, for reasons perhaps known for now only to Himself.
The same God who led you in will lead you out.”
Rule 1: Realize that God means for you to be where you are. Tough as it may seem, God has you where He wants you. He will use this for your good and His glory.
Rule 2: Be more concerned for God’s glory than for your relief.
Rule 3: Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord. God is able to deal with the situation Himself. He wants you to trust Him and leave Him to do His work without your interference. At this time, every time you think of the problem, force yourself instead to look at the Lord. Keep focusing on Him even when you don’t understand and everything looks bleak.
Rule 4: Pray
Rule 5: Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work. God is neither in a hurry nor is He slow.
Rule 6: When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith. There are other needs to be attended to. Sometimes helping others gives us a break from our own problems. It can give us a different perspective as well.
Rule 7: Envision God’s enveloping presence. God came between Israel and Pharoah. The Egyptians were in darkness but God’s light shone on the Israelites and the Red Sea so they could cross over. God is with you. He will not allow anything to harm you or destroy you. He knows exactly what you are going through. He has been there first and will walk you through this. He will put His loving arms around you and comfort you.
Rule 8: Trust God to deliver in His own unique way
Rule 9: View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future. He is preparing you for something bigger in the future and growing you for greater works.
Rule 10: Don’t forget to praise Him.”
May we see God’s glory and power in our Red-Sea situation.
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