Perhaps a little time for myself and some space for my thoughts..
Today’s sharing from Rev Ong from NTUCCF was really great. It’s been a long time since my thoughts is triggered into thinking for things that perhaps I have been missing..
Or should I say that I have been missing a lot of things that I should be thinking in depth with regards to my daily life. Perhaps I have taken too much for granted? Think about it..
Towards the end of Rev Ong’s sermon, he asked –
1. ‘Are you a happy Christian?’
If not, what is the reason why we aren’t? Are we doing things for the sake of doing? Are we doing things just to please others? Are we doing it to ‘show off’ ourselves?
If we are not doing it for Christ regardless of anything and everything, we wouldn’t be happy and sooner or later find it to be like a chore of doing and thus losing the joy in it and gradually stop doing. There are lots more to it than what is mentioned.
2. ‘Is your prayer being answered?’
There are a few reasons why prayers are not answered in the first place (Yet).
First, Not for you. We wouldn’t know what is good or bad for us in the beginning. And that is why God make the decision for us by giving, withholding or preventing us from having certain things we are asking in prayers. A child wouldn’t know sweets will cause tooth decay if he/she eats too much, but the parents know and prevent them. Likewise for the opposite, we might not like what we are going through but God sees it good when it is over – rainbow after a rain, spiritual growth after trials or suffering may illustrates this.
Second, God’s timing. We have to understand and eventually (due to our weakness) acknowledge that God’s timing is Perfect. Anytime before or after isn’t His will for anyone of us. Therefore, there wouldn’t be any benefit in receiving it. For example choosing a partner isn’t like changing clothes. We need to see (inwardly,spiritually and with God’s view), choose (wisely and God-ordained), try out (through fellowship and sharing) than pay the price to buy it. It’s definitely not as easy as abc.
Third, Attitude. Is our attitude sincere? Why would God answer your prayers if its a selfish prayer? Of course I am not saying God wouldn’t answer it totally but our attitude should be right before God. In this way, we will create a pathway for God to work in.
Fourth, Willingness. Are we willing enough? We have been asking this and that, but having an unwilling heart does not get you anywhere. Praying for a good result without putting in effort in studies is an example. Be willing to be willing is a good attitude.
Agape
Eugene
Today’s sharing from Rev Ong from NTUCCF was really great. It’s been a long time since my thoughts is triggered into thinking for things that perhaps I have been missing..
Or should I say that I have been missing a lot of things that I should be thinking in depth with regards to my daily life. Perhaps I have taken too much for granted? Think about it..
Towards the end of Rev Ong’s sermon, he asked –
1. ‘Are you a happy Christian?’
If not, what is the reason why we aren’t? Are we doing things for the sake of doing? Are we doing things just to please others? Are we doing it to ‘show off’ ourselves?
If we are not doing it for Christ regardless of anything and everything, we wouldn’t be happy and sooner or later find it to be like a chore of doing and thus losing the joy in it and gradually stop doing. There are lots more to it than what is mentioned.
2. ‘Is your prayer being answered?’
There are a few reasons why prayers are not answered in the first place (Yet).
First, Not for you. We wouldn’t know what is good or bad for us in the beginning. And that is why God make the decision for us by giving, withholding or preventing us from having certain things we are asking in prayers. A child wouldn’t know sweets will cause tooth decay if he/she eats too much, but the parents know and prevent them. Likewise for the opposite, we might not like what we are going through but God sees it good when it is over – rainbow after a rain, spiritual growth after trials or suffering may illustrates this.
Second, God’s timing. We have to understand and eventually (due to our weakness) acknowledge that God’s timing is Perfect. Anytime before or after isn’t His will for anyone of us. Therefore, there wouldn’t be any benefit in receiving it. For example choosing a partner isn’t like changing clothes. We need to see (inwardly,spiritually and with God’s view), choose (wisely and God-ordained), try out (through fellowship and sharing) than pay the price to buy it. It’s definitely not as easy as abc.
Third, Attitude. Is our attitude sincere? Why would God answer your prayers if its a selfish prayer? Of course I am not saying God wouldn’t answer it totally but our attitude should be right before God. In this way, we will create a pathway for God to work in.
Fourth, Willingness. Are we willing enough? We have been asking this and that, but having an unwilling heart does not get you anywhere. Praying for a good result without putting in effort in studies is an example. Be willing to be willing is a good attitude.
Agape
Eugene
