Thursday, March 31, 2011
man of prayer
This is from Francis Chan, Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love: A Personal Journey. Very cool, as I am reminded the importance of prayer. It is so easy for me just to go ahead and do all these things for God, but am I really getting to know God more. Am I abiding in Him? Am I loving God more?
Going back to Nehemiah, we can see many elements of prayer that we can learn from: confession, sincerity, humility, persistence, recognizing God's mightiness, claiming promise that believers are entitled to. It seems that Nehemiah knows much about prayer, and that's possible when a man walk with God in prayer.
It is interesting to note that from chapter 1 (month of Kislev) to chapter 2 (month of Nisan), they are four months apart. That is like a school or coop term. What was Nehemiah doing during this time? The bible doesn't say, but one can infer from chapter 1 that Nehemiah could have spent more time praying and fasting since there were not any clear directions from God. Perhaps he also spent time planning and preparing his next course of action.
Also, in chapter 2 verse 4, before Nehemiah answers to the king, he prays to God for help! It shows that Nehemiah really draws strength from prayer, and that He relies on God.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
man of vision
In the anime Gurren Lagann, mankind is suppressed to live underground because there are "monsters" living on the surface. Mankind is powerless against the constant hunting from the surface monsters. Therefore, humans were not able to enjoy the beauty of the skies and the refreshing gentle morning breeze. But, a man named Kamina did not conform to this hopeless reality. He saw the possibility of doing something about it, he saw the place that he can reach, he saw that mankind can strive to overcome this situation by piercing to the surface! And because of him, the "Dai Gurren" movement was born to free mankind from the suppression of the monsters.
Kamina is one my favorite male anime characters. Besides that fact that he likes to say "who do you think I am?", he sees things that not other people can see. He is able to perceive the place that his followers and himself should head towards for a better tomorrow.
As I read Nehemiah, chapter 1 talks about the great distress in Jerusalem because of the walls are broken down. Historically, the walls of Jerusalem holds a great significance of the prestige and greatness of Israel. But because of sin, outsiders were able to invade and break these walls, creating an environment of hopelessness and disgrace. This is Nehemiah's reaction:
"The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah:
In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.
They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said:
“O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s house, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
“Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’
“They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”
I was cupbearer to the king." - Nehemiah 1
Nehemiah was a man of vision. He saw things as God saw them and was convicted deeply in his heart even to the point of fasting and prolonged mourning. It was not a trivial matter that his nation, God’s chosen people were in shambles because of sin. He took to task, planning and praying for a good time to act when the God would grant him the king’s favor.
Kamina is one my favorite male anime characters. Besides that fact that he likes to say "who do you think I am?", he sees things that not other people can see. He is able to perceive the place that his followers and himself should head towards for a better tomorrow.
As I read Nehemiah, chapter 1 talks about the great distress in Jerusalem because of the walls are broken down. Historically, the walls of Jerusalem holds a great significance of the prestige and greatness of Israel. But because of sin, outsiders were able to invade and break these walls, creating an environment of hopelessness and disgrace. This is Nehemiah's reaction:
"The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah:
In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.
They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said:
“O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s house, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
“Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’
“They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”
I was cupbearer to the king." - Nehemiah 1
Nehemiah was a man of vision. He saw things as God saw them and was convicted deeply in his heart even to the point of fasting and prolonged mourning. It was not a trivial matter that his nation, God’s chosen people were in shambles because of sin. He took to task, planning and praying for a good time to act when the God would grant him the king’s favor.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tangent
Gonna sidetrack a bit.
So I was surprised yesterday morning to read the news from the Guatemalan (where I was born) newspaper that the current president is divorcing his wife, so that she can run for the presidential election this coming September (more info). Basically, the constitution forbids any blood-relative from the current president to run for president. Actually, the president thinks it is ok for his wife to run since she is not a "blood-relative", but that they are united by a "signed paper". But due to pressures, they decided to sacrifice their marriage for the sake of the country.
It sounds kind of heroic, sacrificing one's happiness for the sake of many people. Without going into the hidden intentions of politics, I question, it is really alright to sacrifice one's marriage for the good of more people? In a Christian context, it is ok to sacrifice one's marriage for ministry and church?
To further generalize, it is ok to sacrifice one's family for the church? In my early years, when I was a recently converted to Christianity (grade 10), I have this big desire to serve in the church. And I volunteer of many things, offer help to brothers and sisters, attended many meetings, and spent most of my time with fellowship people. It felt very good. Like I was doing something good. At the same time, I neglected to spend time with my parents and my brother. Especially, the relationship between my brother and I was affected quite a bit. He went through a lot of common teenager's problems (rebellious, disobedience, don't want to study, etc), and I was not there when he needed me the most. Since it has been difficult for me to talk to him.
So yeah, in the bible there is this passage about the qualifications of an elder:
"Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect." - 1 Timothy 3:1-4
Besides the specific character attributes, it includes stuff like "husband of one wife" and "manage his own family well". Perhaps, if those two statements are true, then a lot of character issues are dealt with. The idea is like, if I can't take care of my family (which is small number of people, and should be close to me), how am I gonna care for the church that is made of more people and there are people who might not be close to me.
Perhaps, this passage might not be as applicable in my case, as it specifically targets to elders, but I think the idea carries that we should work in our relationships with our immediate family, since they are likely to be close people to us, and probably the ones who can hurt us the most. So having good relationships with them is generally a sign that godly character is abounding.
Here is a Mark Driscoll's sermon to pastors, about marriage.
So I was surprised yesterday morning to read the news from the Guatemalan (where I was born) newspaper that the current president is divorcing his wife, so that she can run for the presidential election this coming September (more info). Basically, the constitution forbids any blood-relative from the current president to run for president. Actually, the president thinks it is ok for his wife to run since she is not a "blood-relative", but that they are united by a "signed paper". But due to pressures, they decided to sacrifice their marriage for the sake of the country.
It sounds kind of heroic, sacrificing one's happiness for the sake of many people. Without going into the hidden intentions of politics, I question, it is really alright to sacrifice one's marriage for the good of more people? In a Christian context, it is ok to sacrifice one's marriage for ministry and church?
To further generalize, it is ok to sacrifice one's family for the church? In my early years, when I was a recently converted to Christianity (grade 10), I have this big desire to serve in the church. And I volunteer of many things, offer help to brothers and sisters, attended many meetings, and spent most of my time with fellowship people. It felt very good. Like I was doing something good. At the same time, I neglected to spend time with my parents and my brother. Especially, the relationship between my brother and I was affected quite a bit. He went through a lot of common teenager's problems (rebellious, disobedience, don't want to study, etc), and I was not there when he needed me the most. Since it has been difficult for me to talk to him.
So yeah, in the bible there is this passage about the qualifications of an elder:
"Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect." - 1 Timothy 3:1-4
Besides the specific character attributes, it includes stuff like "husband of one wife" and "manage his own family well". Perhaps, if those two statements are true, then a lot of character issues are dealt with. The idea is like, if I can't take care of my family (which is small number of people, and should be close to me), how am I gonna care for the church that is made of more people and there are people who might not be close to me.
Perhaps, this passage might not be as applicable in my case, as it specifically targets to elders, but I think the idea carries that we should work in our relationships with our immediate family, since they are likely to be close people to us, and probably the ones who can hurt us the most. So having good relationships with them is generally a sign that godly character is abounding.
Here is a Mark Driscoll's sermon to pastors, about marriage.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
magnets
Now I want to transition from serving to leadership (an appropriate topic since it is CCF committee elections!).
What is leadership? I let some experts define it:
Dave Kraft on Leadership
Here Dave Kraft mentions the existence of a "vision". Furthermore, Blackaby defines spiritual leadership as "moving people on to God's agenda".
When I first served in committee, an older spiritual brother introduced to me John Maxwell, a Christian author who writes book about leadership (his audience aren't only Christians, but also general corporate leaders). So I read Developing the Leader within You. And on my following work term, I read Spiritual Leadership by Blackaby.
Definitely, I learned a lot from these experienced Christian authors about what leadership is all about. And as of now, I define leadership as "influence to move people to a place described in a vision". In the Christian context, this vision is given by God.
So yeah, leaders are like magnets that exerts a magnetic field which cause atoms to be aligned in the same direction and creates an attraction force (I am forgetting a lot of this stuff learned from school!). To a certain extent, I think everyone should be a leader in a certain area (relationships, small groups, ministries, fellowship, leading someone to faith, etc).
The first bible study I helped write is about the book of Nehemiah, which brings back interesting memories. And I want to go through it, to dissect what the bible tells us about leadership, which I really like to talk about.
What is leadership? I let some experts define it:
"Leadership is influence" - John Maxwell
Dave Kraft on Leadership
Here Dave Kraft mentions the existence of a "vision". Furthermore, Blackaby defines spiritual leadership as "moving people on to God's agenda".
When I first served in committee, an older spiritual brother introduced to me John Maxwell, a Christian author who writes book about leadership (his audience aren't only Christians, but also general corporate leaders). So I read Developing the Leader within You. And on my following work term, I read Spiritual Leadership by Blackaby.
Definitely, I learned a lot from these experienced Christian authors about what leadership is all about. And as of now, I define leadership as "influence to move people to a place described in a vision". In the Christian context, this vision is given by God.
So yeah, leaders are like magnets that exerts a magnetic field which cause atoms to be aligned in the same direction and creates an attraction force (I am forgetting a lot of this stuff learned from school!). To a certain extent, I think everyone should be a leader in a certain area (relationships, small groups, ministries, fellowship, leading someone to faith, etc).
The first bible study I helped write is about the book of Nehemiah, which brings back interesting memories. And I want to go through it, to dissect what the bible tells us about leadership, which I really like to talk about.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Double Fish-O-Fillet
So yeah, according to wikipedia, double fish-o-fillet is usually available during lent (makes sense for those giving up red meat). It's good stuff, double the goodness, very enjoyable. Everyone should go and get one!
Serving God is a great privilege, and God does not need us, but still He gives us a new life, and molds us and chooses to use us to do His work. Also, serving does take time, and we usually need to either cut our lesser priorities or work harder. So it is not easy, some people who serves are already very busy with school and many other responsibilities, but out of obedience they jump into serving.
Even though, the motivation to serve comes from a grateful heart to the work of God in us, and that we usually serve in an area where matches our strength, and probably a ministry that we enjoy. But that does not take out the fact that serving requires responsibility, discipline, and hard work. So serving is adding load to a believer (filling up his plate), and leaders usually have big loads.
Let's look at the fish-o-fillet, a single fillet is really good, but not satisfying and filling enough since it is kind of small. But, when you eat a double fillet, it's very satisfying. Similarly, a person who is not keeping his hands busy for the Lord, might not be "satisfying" the potential for what he/she was created for. But someone who actively keeps him/herself in the Lord's affairs, using his/her time for the Lord, is satisfying the purpose of the abundant life in Christ (John 10:10).
I am not advocation that the more you serve, the busier you are, the more holy you are. By no means! My point is that every believer should first seek God, deepen his/her relationship with Him, and be sensitive to what He desires, and fill your plate to what He entrusts you with. And when your plate is full, it might busy, it might be harder to handle everything else, but if that is what God is calling, He will provide and His grace is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9). On the other hand, worshiping "serving" is bad, as the focus is no longer on God, and your plate might break leading to burn out.
My desire is that everyone go in pursuing what God is entrusting each of you, out of obedience. That you can become one who the Lord can say "well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).
Common obstacles
I am inadequate
Undoubtedly, the realization of our sinfulness is important to realize how vast God's grace is. But satan can use it to attack our sense of worth and self-esteem. The sense of guilt of sin can be so big that we are deterred from wanting to do anything for God because we feel so unworthy.
The important thing is to know and be convinced that Jesus' blood has cleansed us from all sins. Hebrews 4:14-16 and Hebrews 10:22 are powerful verses that reminds us that we have a great priest, Jesus, who understands us, and is interceding for us, and that through Him we have access to the Father.
In a sense, we are all unworthy, but because of the costly blood that Jesus shed for us, we find our worth and identity in Christ, and is in Jesus where we put our trust in.
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins." - 2 Peter 1:5-9
It's intimidating
I agree. I was afraid of public speaking, and serving in certain positions, I have to stand up to say something to the fellowship. And in the first bible studies I led, there was definitely fear in me. In committee, there were many moment of fear...
Obviously, as I grew closer to God, and got more experience, the fear tends to dissipate. But I am a weak man, so I am still afraid.
The key is to know how to react to that fear. Matthew 14:30 is a good example of how our first response should be to seek help from our Lord. Ultimately, we have to realize that it is not through my power that I serve, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. If we understand that we are vessels that allows the Spirit to work in us, we are able to find strength.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9
I don't know enough about Christianity
Well, I think no one will ever know and understand 100% of the bible. It's amazing how every time I read a familiar passage, I am able to get new revelations. The Word of God is so rich!
So what is enough? I think some roles might require some matured Christian knowledge, but there are plenty of roles that do not require Christian theology expertise. Also, you need to start from somewhere. I would placed more priority in the desire to grow and learn vs threshold of knowledge.
For example, when I first led bible studies, I wasn't too well nourished with biblical knowledge. I understood the basics of my faith and knew some familiar books of the bible. I remembered in one member's meeting, there was a concern that bible studies were a bit shallow, and I thought the bible studies were so deep!
But as I continued to lead bible studies, God really showed me many things about how powerful His Word is, and this transformed my life. It is actually through serving that I learned the most about Christianity.
I don't have enough time
Everyone has 24 hours. Of course, people have different priorities and commitments. The main question is, what are your priorities? Is Jesus your number one? Because if God is up there, then I would want to prioritize my time for what God wants me to do.
Honestly, there are many ways I can make time. I personally like to read manga and watch anime. Sometimes, I abuse of it and it ends up taking a lot of my time. It is not good. We live in a very distractive world. There can always be improvements for my time management.
The important thing is to know the size of your plate (as my last blog post). Make sure to full it up with what God is entrusted to you, so that you can use your full potential to serve Him.
Conclusion
Let's examine ourselves carefully, as I had used some of these reasons myself. When I think about it, they are just excuses of my lack of willingness to serve. It really boils down to either me being selfish and me having a lack of faith (of the effectiveness of the blood of Christ and the power of God). Faith can be explosive. Do we really believe God?
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" - Hebrews 11:6
Monday, March 14, 2011
training chamber
In many fighting anime like Dragon Ball Z, there is a lot of growth in power in the main characters. They usually undergo different seasons of training to get themselves stronger to fight new powerful enemies. Usually, they like to hack it, and use a "training chamber" in which time runs slower. So one year inside the chamber equals to 1 day of real time. Therefore, they can take advantage of this chamber to get themselves a lot stronger in no time. Many other anime follow the same idea... Good childhood memories :)
I personally see CCF has a training ground. University is a very critical time, and for myself it was a time to develop my character, mature mentally and spiritually, commit seriously to my faith... many things that will probably impact the rest of my life.
And particularly serving has been one aspect of my Christian faith that has mold me and developed my character, and convicted me that I need to commit seriously to the faith I profess. If I didn't serve, I wouldn't have been able to integrate into the CCF community and get challenged to grow in Christ.
The usual question, where can I serve? Within CCF, there are many different ministries: worship, caring, outreach, av, bible studies, prayer, discussion leader, committee, personal initiatives, etc. Since there is only so much time, what factors should determine where I spend my time serving?
I started with welcome team (now part of caring ministry) in my 1B term. One of my main struggles during 1A is that CCF is twice the size of my home church, so it was very intimidating for me. So in my 1B I decided to join welcome team was my choice because I found an issue with the welcoming aspect of CCF, so I want to do something about it, and I am also able to understand how newcomers feel when coming to a big fellowship. That was a good experience as I got to know many of the members of the fellowship.
On 1B work term, a brother challenged me to lead bible study, and I said yes just because I thought this is a good area for me to explore and learn from. The first few experiences were slightly tough and difficult, but I really learned a lot, and discovered that I was able to handle small groups decently well.
Later on, I served on other areas like coordinating serving team for coffeehouse, stage crew for Lifesong, and coordinated a Lifesong. Many of these experiences developed my organizational and interpersonal skills. Eventually, the opportunity to run for committee came, and I took the step of faith to do it. And the role I was more affinitive is Program Coordinator, because of my liking for organizational stuff.
Based on my experience, there are a few things that I look at when deciding where to serve:
I can't say that all the answers will be crystal-clear, but they are good guidelines. We might not always get a clear answer, but the beauty of life is to trust in our God in midst of uncertainty.
Even though there is a lot of "I" in all these paragraphs, it's all God. Is He who pushed me into these ministries, is He who equipped me, is His power who prepared and enabled me to be effective, is He who sustained me. All glory goes to Him.
I personally see CCF has a training ground. University is a very critical time, and for myself it was a time to develop my character, mature mentally and spiritually, commit seriously to my faith... many things that will probably impact the rest of my life.
And particularly serving has been one aspect of my Christian faith that has mold me and developed my character, and convicted me that I need to commit seriously to the faith I profess. If I didn't serve, I wouldn't have been able to integrate into the CCF community and get challenged to grow in Christ.
The usual question, where can I serve? Within CCF, there are many different ministries: worship, caring, outreach, av, bible studies, prayer, discussion leader, committee, personal initiatives, etc. Since there is only so much time, what factors should determine where I spend my time serving?
I started with welcome team (now part of caring ministry) in my 1B term. One of my main struggles during 1A is that CCF is twice the size of my home church, so it was very intimidating for me. So in my 1B I decided to join welcome team was my choice because I found an issue with the welcoming aspect of CCF, so I want to do something about it, and I am also able to understand how newcomers feel when coming to a big fellowship. That was a good experience as I got to know many of the members of the fellowship.
On 1B work term, a brother challenged me to lead bible study, and I said yes just because I thought this is a good area for me to explore and learn from. The first few experiences were slightly tough and difficult, but I really learned a lot, and discovered that I was able to handle small groups decently well.
Later on, I served on other areas like coordinating serving team for coffeehouse, stage crew for Lifesong, and coordinated a Lifesong. Many of these experiences developed my organizational and interpersonal skills. Eventually, the opportunity to run for committee came, and I took the step of faith to do it. And the role I was more affinitive is Program Coordinator, because of my liking for organizational stuff.
Based on my experience, there are a few things that I look at when deciding where to serve:
- what is God teaching me recently?
- what areas do I need to improve in my spiritual walk?
- what apparent needs do I see in my fellowship? Is there a way I can be part of the solution?
- what are my strengths, and how can I use these to serve God?
I can't say that all the answers will be crystal-clear, but they are good guidelines. We might not always get a clear answer, but the beauty of life is to trust in our God in midst of uncertainty.
Even though there is a lot of "I" in all these paragraphs, it's all God. Is He who pushed me into these ministries, is He who equipped me, is His power who prepared and enabled me to be effective, is He who sustained me. All glory goes to Him.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Size of the plate
There is a manga called Yakitate Japan which is one of the best comedy I have read. One of the those series that can literally make me roll on the floor. It's pretty interesting to think that a "break baking" anime can be that good.
So in the story (in the Monaco Cup arc), there is this special competition where you're given about 1 hour to get any ingredients you want from the local storehouse to make your bread. But they don't tell you any rules until you're finished with the ingredients. So one of the members of the Japanese team (Kai) decided to go Asian and get all the ingredients he can with the time he has. His rival (a French guy) was very selective and got only a few of his favorites ingredients.
After the hour, they were told to bake a break using all the ingredients they got. Meaning that if you have leftover ingredients, you're disqualified. And that was quite the big shock for the Japanese guy because he got so much on his plate! (btw the French guy knew the rule beforehand, that's why he only selected a few). Somehow, using his never-dying samurai spirit, Kai pulled it off, and beat the French guy!
One important aspect about serving is to know the size of your plate. Each of us are given different gifts and responsibilities, each of us have been entrusted different things from God. Not everyone is able to serve 20 hours a week in a fellowship. There is no norm how much everyone should serve. It boils down to knowing what God is entrusting you with, and how much you can handle. The assurance we have is that God will not give you more than you can handle, and He will always give you sufficient grace and strength.
Knowing yourself (last post) is key to help you know the size of your plate. The point is to fill the plate, not too empty that you're not using your full potential for God, nor too full that the plate will break making you ineffective (eventually burn out).
I probably on the latter end, always wanting to over-full my plate. There are many times when I get really exhausted and been in the border of burn out. So yeah, I need to grow in realizing that I need to do less and focus more on the wonders of God. Need to more like Mary and less than Martha (Luke 10).
For those who are in the other end, I encourage you to fill your plate as God can do wonders, He can show you more of His riches, and how joyful is to serve our Lord Jesus Christ.
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." - 2 Peter 1:5-8
So in the story (in the Monaco Cup arc), there is this special competition where you're given about 1 hour to get any ingredients you want from the local storehouse to make your bread. But they don't tell you any rules until you're finished with the ingredients. So one of the members of the Japanese team (Kai) decided to go Asian and get all the ingredients he can with the time he has. His rival (a French guy) was very selective and got only a few of his favorites ingredients.
After the hour, they were told to bake a break using all the ingredients they got. Meaning that if you have leftover ingredients, you're disqualified. And that was quite the big shock for the Japanese guy because he got so much on his plate! (btw the French guy knew the rule beforehand, that's why he only selected a few). Somehow, using his never-dying samurai spirit, Kai pulled it off, and beat the French guy!
One important aspect about serving is to know the size of your plate. Each of us are given different gifts and responsibilities, each of us have been entrusted different things from God. Not everyone is able to serve 20 hours a week in a fellowship. There is no norm how much everyone should serve. It boils down to knowing what God is entrusting you with, and how much you can handle. The assurance we have is that God will not give you more than you can handle, and He will always give you sufficient grace and strength.
Knowing yourself (last post) is key to help you know the size of your plate. The point is to fill the plate, not too empty that you're not using your full potential for God, nor too full that the plate will break making you ineffective (eventually burn out).
I probably on the latter end, always wanting to over-full my plate. There are many times when I get really exhausted and been in the border of burn out. So yeah, I need to grow in realizing that I need to do less and focus more on the wonders of God. Need to more like Mary and less than Martha (Luke 10).
For those who are in the other end, I encourage you to fill your plate as God can do wonders, He can show you more of His riches, and how joyful is to serve our Lord Jesus Christ.
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." - 2 Peter 1:5-8
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Know yourself better
Through serving, I was able to get to know myself more:
- my weaknesses
- my strengths
- how much responsibilities I can handle
- how do I react in midst of difficulties and pressure
- what things I enjoy doing
- etc...
In one of Mark Driscoll's coaching sessions, Prophet, Priest, King (you need to sign up to access it), he mentions that there are 3 main types of leaders: Prophet, Priest, King (related to Jesus' role). Since we are called Christians, the best example to follow is Jesus Himself.
The main characteristics of each type:
- Prophet: good understanding of the truth revealed in Scripture, and gifted with teaching and exhortation.
- King: proficient at planning, executing, implementing, managing initiatives.
- Priest: focused on caring for people, tending people's needs.
I had to privilege to serve in CCF committee, and it is neat to see the different leadership strengths and styles among fellow members. I notice each member is more leaning towards one type.
This does not mean that one person can only be of one type, but I think that as you get to know yourself better, you will find more identified with one type.
The goal is to help you understand yourself, and have more knowledge to discern how and where you can serve God, so that you can maximize your potential for the glory of God.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Why serve?
Last post, I briefly mentioned the contrast of how being a Christian, we are made alive in Christ, while before knowing Christ we are dead in our transgressions (Ephesians 2). To be alive, we are able to do things, to work for the purpose in which we are made us alive in, that is Christ. Also, I linked another post from a brother from Ephesians 4, that states how serving is key to attaining full maturity in Christ.
I remember hearing from some brother in CCF about the definition of serving: "the outward expression of God's goodness in us".
Something similar to the idea of spiritual breathing, in which we seek God through prayer and Scripture, deepening our relationship with Him (inhaling). This leads to signs of character transformation and action (exhaling). The key is that we work relying on God.
Personally, serving has been impacting in my life:
- Allows me to get to know fellow brothers and sisters in a deeper level
- Challenges me to know the Bible more
- Molds my character through experiences, mistakes, difficulties
- "Forces" me to truly rely on God
- Provides knowledge of my gifts, strengths, and weaknesses
- Generates abundant pure joy
It comes down in privilege. God doesn't need us to do His work. But He chose to let us co-partner with Him in His Kingdom work. He called us to be set apart for His work.
I believe I have the gift of service, and I am all for serving God and His people. But in my journey, I have found weaknesses and I learned my lessons:
- I should not serve only out of duty or out of need
- Serving more ministries does not make me superior or more righteous than others
- My identity is not based on the ministry I serve in, but on what Christ did on the cross
- Merciful heart is better than sacrifice
- I need to keep in check my pride when serving
- I should not worship my ministry
Sunday, March 6, 2011
dead vs alive
"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
- Ephesians 2:1-10
This passage has impacted me greatly by pointing me to many realizations:
- salvation is by grace so that no one can boast
- salvation through faith will produce good works
- marvelous grace that saves a dead man
- the contrast of who I was (before knowing God) vs who I am now
I will focus on the last point. Realizing that I was dead and an object of wrath, that there is nothing in me that should attract God, really makes God's grace so much greater and glorious.
And out of his grace, we are made alive in Christ. This is something that I have heart for, to see fellow brothers and sisters to be grasp that we are fully alive in Christ, and therefore our faith should grow, generating fruits and good work.
When we were dead, it's like a dead plant that can't move, can't do anything, decomposes, etc. But now that we are alive in Christ, we can move, we can do things, we can grow, and produce the fruits and results for what we have been made for.
Perhaps, there are many of us who are "passive", believing that doing things for God is only reserved for those qualified, and that attending fellowship and church is enough. I want to challenge that.
I will start a series of posts about serving and leadership, and why this is important for every one who profess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
To start, I want to share a great post by a dear brother (who has encouraged me intensively) about how serving (works of service) is the key to unity of faith, knowledge of the Son of God, and attaining the fullness of Christ.
And also, this article about serving reminds that serving is for everyone.
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