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Hi guys, I got this photo from Yixin, which was taken during the Real 2 Life concert.
C u guys during Easter !
Friday, March 31, 2006
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
The SEED story - A Little Mustard Seed
The Parable of The Mustard Seed.
Another parable put He(Jesus) forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field; Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. (Matthew 13:31-32)
These five passages, all brief, include the following: Matthew 13:31; 17:20; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19; and 17:6. Of these five, only two make mention of the physical minuteness of the mustard seed, these being the Matthew 13:31-32 passage and its parallel in Mark 4:31.
Much has been written concerning the identification of this plant, although it has generally been agreed among Bible scholars that the mustard tree of Scripture is the common black mustard (Sinapis nigra L.) since in New Testament times its seeds were cultivated for their oil as well as for culinary purposes. The seed of this plant is about the size of a pin head and was one of the smallest known to the people of Galilee, and likely the smallest cultivated seed. Others have identified the mustard of Christ's parable with the white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) a closely related species. The remarkable phenomenon of these mustard plants is that, though they are really herbs, they may grow to be ten or twelve feet in height, with a stem the size of a man's arm. Thus they become a resting place for the smaller varieties of birds. Depending upon climatic conditions in their native semi-arid land, both the black and white mustard varieties have been reported to grow to a height of about 15 feet, although they do not normally exceed four feet at maturity. The wild plant has been known to grow as tall as a horse and rider. If then the plant may grow to such a height in the wilds, it stands to reason that the same might, in a cultivated garden, grow at least to the same or even greater heights, even as a small "tree." The common varieties of mustard plants that grow in our own country tend not to grow as large as those varieties found in the middle east.
This parable is a further development of the characteristics of the present spiritual kingdom of God. The point is that the seed of the gospel message will produce phenomenal growth. From small beginnings, the Kingdom which had only drawn near in the person of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:14-15), grew by reason of its own inner and supernatural vitality, to tremendous proportions, including multitudes of redeemed persons who through the years have come to swell its ranks to phenomenal size.
(By J. Timothy Unruh, copyright 1996.)
Did you know...?
Description: Mustard seeds are from the mustard plant, which is a cruciferous vegetable related to broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. While there are approximately forty different varieties of mustard plants, there are three principal types used to make mustard seeds: black mustard (Brassica nigra), white mustard (Brassica alba) and brown mustard (Brassica juncea). Black mustard seeds have the most pungent taste, while white mustard seeds, which are actually yellow in color, are the most mild and are the ones used to make American yellow mustard. Brown mustard, which is actually dark yellow in color, has a pungent acrid taste and is the type used to make Dijon mustard.Mustard also yields an oil similar to colza oil.
Uses:Medical: Shown to help reduce the severity of asthma, decrease some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and help prevent cancer; helps to lower high blood pressure, to restore normal sleep patterns in women having difficulty with the symptoms of menopause, to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, and to prevent heart attack in patients suffering from atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease; seeds also qualified as a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as a good source of iron, calcium, zinc, manganese, magnesium, protein, niacin and dietary fiber.
So...what can we learn from planting seeds in our lives and the lives of others today?
Let's commit again to plant seeds. 5 seeds over the next 5 months.
Seeds to bless, to encourage.
Seeds of hope in the dark places, seeds of care in your family.
Seeds of love within your social circle.
Sow your small mustard seed today and watch it grow!
We are planting the Kingdom of Heaven right here on earth.
Another parable put He(Jesus) forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field; Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. (Matthew 13:31-32)
These five passages, all brief, include the following: Matthew 13:31; 17:20; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19; and 17:6. Of these five, only two make mention of the physical minuteness of the mustard seed, these being the Matthew 13:31-32 passage and its parallel in Mark 4:31.
Much has been written concerning the identification of this plant, although it has generally been agreed among Bible scholars that the mustard tree of Scripture is the common black mustard (Sinapis nigra L.) since in New Testament times its seeds were cultivated for their oil as well as for culinary purposes. The seed of this plant is about the size of a pin head and was one of the smallest known to the people of Galilee, and likely the smallest cultivated seed. Others have identified the mustard of Christ's parable with the white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) a closely related species. The remarkable phenomenon of these mustard plants is that, though they are really herbs, they may grow to be ten or twelve feet in height, with a stem the size of a man's arm. Thus they become a resting place for the smaller varieties of birds. Depending upon climatic conditions in their native semi-arid land, both the black and white mustard varieties have been reported to grow to a height of about 15 feet, although they do not normally exceed four feet at maturity. The wild plant has been known to grow as tall as a horse and rider. If then the plant may grow to such a height in the wilds, it stands to reason that the same might, in a cultivated garden, grow at least to the same or even greater heights, even as a small "tree." The common varieties of mustard plants that grow in our own country tend not to grow as large as those varieties found in the middle east.
This parable is a further development of the characteristics of the present spiritual kingdom of God. The point is that the seed of the gospel message will produce phenomenal growth. From small beginnings, the Kingdom which had only drawn near in the person of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:14-15), grew by reason of its own inner and supernatural vitality, to tremendous proportions, including multitudes of redeemed persons who through the years have come to swell its ranks to phenomenal size.
(By J. Timothy Unruh, copyright 1996.)
Did you know...?
Description: Mustard seeds are from the mustard plant, which is a cruciferous vegetable related to broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. While there are approximately forty different varieties of mustard plants, there are three principal types used to make mustard seeds: black mustard (Brassica nigra), white mustard (Brassica alba) and brown mustard (Brassica juncea). Black mustard seeds have the most pungent taste, while white mustard seeds, which are actually yellow in color, are the most mild and are the ones used to make American yellow mustard. Brown mustard, which is actually dark yellow in color, has a pungent acrid taste and is the type used to make Dijon mustard.Mustard also yields an oil similar to colza oil.
Uses:Medical: Shown to help reduce the severity of asthma, decrease some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and help prevent cancer; helps to lower high blood pressure, to restore normal sleep patterns in women having difficulty with the symptoms of menopause, to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, and to prevent heart attack in patients suffering from atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease; seeds also qualified as a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as a good source of iron, calcium, zinc, manganese, magnesium, protein, niacin and dietary fiber.
So...what can we learn from planting seeds in our lives and the lives of others today?
Let's commit again to plant seeds. 5 seeds over the next 5 months.
Seeds to bless, to encourage.
Seeds of hope in the dark places, seeds of care in your family.
Seeds of love within your social circle.
Sow your small mustard seed today and watch it grow!
We are planting the Kingdom of Heaven right here on earth.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Water in the Desert
From our GROW Sharing, L.O.V.E series:Feb 2006.
Thirsty, hungry, tired in a dessert, you found a bottle of water on the ground. Its ice cool, its clean and nicely sealed in its container. Yet at the moment you pick it up, you saw another traveler in a distant. This traveler saw you picking the bottle up. Having in mind that he is nonchalant about this bottle of water, but you can see that he is as thirsty, hungry and tired as you, and he is unwilling to acknowledge it. Will you give your bottle of water to him? Or even share?
Matthew 22:35-40
One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
What do the great commandments mean to you today? How much do you love God, and how much of God’s love can you show to the individuals that our sovereign God place everyday in our paths as we walk through the journey of Life?
Many of us pondered on how lately we have been loving God, how much more else can we love Him. Basing on this Love that God has for us, we found that the Great Commission to be a reflection of the 2nd greatest commandment.
Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
“Love your neighbor as yourself”. The very heart of God towards his people is shown here: we are to love one another just as he loves us. And from this heart sprang forth the Great Commision.
The impetus for the Great Commission springs from the heart of God. He loved us and gave his Son or us (John 3:16). The disciples are sent out to accomplish what God had started in the sending of his Son (John 20:21). The Great Commission is thus linked to God's words to Abraham: that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Gen 12:3).
Indeed, Christianity is about relationships, relationship with God and with others as well.sometimes it is possible for us to be caught up in many things and yet forget the main thing.
Therefore, just as now we know the 2 greatest commandments and understood how Jesus derived the great commission is derived from there. Do be encouraged to keep on praying and believing, to also eagerly position ourselves to be there for our people.
Today, as Followers of Christ, having tasted His goodness of Christ, of the unconditional perfect love, sovereign providence; experiencing how real he is,his faithfulness, having able to testify of how real His Living Water is, Will we share our bottle of water?
Jaena
Thirsty, hungry, tired in a dessert, you found a bottle of water on the ground. Its ice cool, its clean and nicely sealed in its container. Yet at the moment you pick it up, you saw another traveler in a distant. This traveler saw you picking the bottle up. Having in mind that he is nonchalant about this bottle of water, but you can see that he is as thirsty, hungry and tired as you, and he is unwilling to acknowledge it. Will you give your bottle of water to him? Or even share?
Matthew 22:35-40
One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
What do the great commandments mean to you today? How much do you love God, and how much of God’s love can you show to the individuals that our sovereign God place everyday in our paths as we walk through the journey of Life?
Many of us pondered on how lately we have been loving God, how much more else can we love Him. Basing on this Love that God has for us, we found that the Great Commission to be a reflection of the 2nd greatest commandment.
Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
“Love your neighbor as yourself”. The very heart of God towards his people is shown here: we are to love one another just as he loves us. And from this heart sprang forth the Great Commision.
The impetus for the Great Commission springs from the heart of God. He loved us and gave his Son or us (John 3:16). The disciples are sent out to accomplish what God had started in the sending of his Son (John 20:21). The Great Commission is thus linked to God's words to Abraham: that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Gen 12:3).
Indeed, Christianity is about relationships, relationship with God and with others as well.sometimes it is possible for us to be caught up in many things and yet forget the main thing.
Therefore, just as now we know the 2 greatest commandments and understood how Jesus derived the great commission is derived from there. Do be encouraged to keep on praying and believing, to also eagerly position ourselves to be there for our people.
Today, as Followers of Christ, having tasted His goodness of Christ, of the unconditional perfect love, sovereign providence; experiencing how real he is,his faithfulness, having able to testify of how real His Living Water is, Will we share our bottle of water?
Jaena
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
SEED: Sow and you will Reap (Cell: 21 March 06, Shirley's birthday)
Some shared that we have sow seeds of simple love such as buying a pie for a neigbour and seed of peace, eg. reconcilating a relationship and we have discussion on some scriptures and how we apply in our personal life.
2 Principles:
♣ If we sow, we'll reap in joy
-2 cor 9:10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
Sow your seeds, don't eat it! The fact is God has given us seeds to sow. Your seed is your source of miracle and God will always do his part to multiply the seeds. Love is not love till you give it away.
-Psalm 126: 5-6 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
Sowing seeds takes effort and sometimes pain. But take heart that though it cost us we will reap with joy!
♣ We will reap if we perserve
I Cor 15:58 ..know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
As human beings, we get tired in doing good and God knows that but do not let tiredness stops you instead ask God to refill you with strength and he will do it as promised - Isa. 40:29 ESV ..to him who has no might he increases strength.
Sometimes we get tired easily because we depend on our strength but know that God's renewing strength empowers us to continue the journey. We need God's strength. Doing good is supernatural and God's strength enable us to do the supernatural.
Dear brothers & sisters, let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Gal 6:10)
If we just keep sowing deligence into our job, God sees it and will reward you with a promotion. What great returns it will be if you just keep investing in your child's life so that they grow hoslistically! What great joy it will be if we were to keep PUSHing and sowing into oikos' life(Pray Until Salvation Happens) so that eventually they will be saved.
You can sow into someone's life by inviting them to The Doctor's Journal. Do your best and God will do the rest. Allow God to speak to them!
2 Principles:
♣ If we sow, we'll reap in joy
-2 cor 9:10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
Sow your seeds, don't eat it! The fact is God has given us seeds to sow. Your seed is your source of miracle and God will always do his part to multiply the seeds. Love is not love till you give it away.
-Psalm 126: 5-6 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
Sowing seeds takes effort and sometimes pain. But take heart that though it cost us we will reap with joy!
♣ We will reap if we perserve
I Cor 15:58 ..know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
As human beings, we get tired in doing good and God knows that but do not let tiredness stops you instead ask God to refill you with strength and he will do it as promised - Isa. 40:29 ESV ..to him who has no might he increases strength.
Sometimes we get tired easily because we depend on our strength but know that God's renewing strength empowers us to continue the journey. We need God's strength. Doing good is supernatural and God's strength enable us to do the supernatural.
Dear brothers & sisters, let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Gal 6:10)
If we just keep sowing deligence into our job, God sees it and will reward you with a promotion. What great returns it will be if you just keep investing in your child's life so that they grow hoslistically! What great joy it will be if we were to keep PUSHing and sowing into oikos' life(Pray Until Salvation Happens) so that eventually they will be saved.
You can sow into someone's life by inviting them to The Doctor's Journal. Do your best and God will do the rest. Allow God to speak to them!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Valentine Day Special : Choosing a Life Partner God's way
We expressed our opinions on MWR (Man Woman Relationsip) related issues. Questions such as: What is marriage? How would you express your love? What qualities do you look for in a life partner? Would you make the first move? Would you marry someone with a physical disability or life long illness?
Some of us do not find age a boundary, some would cook for their love. What is one thing we should consider in a life partner?
♥ Passage: Genesis 24-66 Issac & Rebekah ♥
Abraham send Eliezer his servant to get a wife for his son, Issac. With camels, the servant throdded off and made a stop near a well at Nahor Town in Aram Naharaim. Then evening came, several woman came to drew water and the servant asked God for a specific sign to show him the chosen one for Issac. A beautiful girl named Rebekah drew water for him as well as for the camels..
♣ Ask for God's guidance (v. 12)
- Eliezar asked God for guidance and wisdom in such an important task
♣ Look for character (v 12, 15, 16)
- Eliezar was simply asking God to show him a woman with an attitude of service- someone who would go beyond the expected. An offer to water his camels indicate that kind of attitude
- Rebekah had physical beauty but Eliezer was looking for a sign of inner beauty. Appearance is impt and we spend money & time improving it. How much effort do we put into developing our innner beauty? Patience, kindness and joy are beauty treatments that aid us become truly lovely on the inside.
-look for character over emotions, emotions should only follow but never lead
♦ Interesting facts:
The pots used for carrying water were large and heavy. It tooka lot of water to satisfy a camel's thirst- up to 25 gallons per camel after a week's travel.
Some of us do not find age a boundary, some would cook for their love. What is one thing we should consider in a life partner?
♥ Passage: Genesis 24-66 Issac & Rebekah ♥
Abraham send Eliezer his servant to get a wife for his son, Issac. With camels, the servant throdded off and made a stop near a well at Nahor Town in Aram Naharaim. Then evening came, several woman came to drew water and the servant asked God for a specific sign to show him the chosen one for Issac. A beautiful girl named Rebekah drew water for him as well as for the camels..
♣ Ask for God's guidance (v. 12)
- Eliezar asked God for guidance and wisdom in such an important task
♣ Look for character (v 12, 15, 16)
- Eliezar was simply asking God to show him a woman with an attitude of service- someone who would go beyond the expected. An offer to water his camels indicate that kind of attitude
- Rebekah had physical beauty but Eliezer was looking for a sign of inner beauty. Appearance is impt and we spend money & time improving it. How much effort do we put into developing our innner beauty? Patience, kindness and joy are beauty treatments that aid us become truly lovely on the inside.
-look for character over emotions, emotions should only follow but never lead
♦ Interesting facts:
The pots used for carrying water were large and heavy. It tooka lot of water to satisfy a camel's thirst- up to 25 gallons per camel after a week's travel.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Are you Low on L.O.V.E ?
This is a one of the 3 L.O.V.E stories we shared during cell on 28 Feb.
The Passenger
We saw radically different attitudes of 2 passengers on board a plane. One whose air ticket was an unexpected, free 1st-class seat. Another Mr Got-To-Have-It-Now have paid for the 1st-class ticket. Mr GTHIN demanded for service. His timing was poor; he could have waited a few moments. His tone was harsh; the flight attendants didn't deserve disrespect. His agenda was selfish. He didn't just want a pillow; he wanted to be the centre of attention. Don't get me wrong... what his requested was understandable... the way he requested it, was not. Mr GTHIN said," I have my rights." Not the writer. His was a free gift. He's just happy to be on board because he knew he didn't deserve this 1st-class seat in the first place.
God calls us to a higher, more noble concern. Not "what are my rights?" but "what is loving?"
Do you have the right to interrupt a conversation with your own selfish agenda? Yes, but is it loving to do so?
Do you have the right to shame and ridicule a person in order to boost your own ego, save some 'face' and gain approval of your friends? Yes, but is it loving?
Issit within your rights to bark at your siblings or snap at your parents becoz you had a hard day at work and you expect to be served at home? Yes, but is it loving?
Jesus always knocks before entering. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." (Rev 3:20). He doesn't have to. He owns your heart. And when He enters, he always brings a gift. Christ brings "the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38). And as He stays, He serves too. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve" (Mark 10:45). He's serving the guests as they sit (John13:4-5). He won't eat until he's offered thanks, and he won't leave until the leftovers are put away (Matt 14:19-20). He's courteous enough to tell you His name (Exodus 3:15) and to call you by yours. He knocks before He enters. He always brings a gift. Thanks are offered. Food is served. The table is cleared. He knows your name and tells you his, and here's one more. He pulls out the chair for you. "He raised us up with Christ and gave us a seat with him in the heavens." (Eph 2:6). Ladies love it when guys pull out their chair. On one occasion, "My," a single mum blushed. "It's been a while since anyone did that."
Has it been a while for you as well? People can be so rude. They accuse us of doing this and not doing that. They expect, and we just didn't meet theirs coz we have our own agenda. Our patience wears thin. We returned tacky with tacky, an eye for an eye. We snap at people on the phone. We interrupt. We fail to show up for appointments. And we take out our frustrations on the ones we loved. Could you use some courtesy? Perhaps it has been a while since someone pulled out your chair. Then let Jesus have the pleasure of doing so.
One day, a church staff was eating lunch at a food centre. It was packed and the heat unbearable. That day, she happened to be wearing a shirt that bear the name of the church. A dish collector walked passed her, juggling a few plates of used plates and utensils for washing and spilled some sauce on her white T-shirt. She fumed and out of her mouth sprung forth like a bullet a string of names like "Stupid, fool... etc". The poor, hunched old man was apologizing profusely. Then she remembered she was wearing the shirt - and she changed her behaviour.
Truth is, we are all wearing a shirt. "All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves in Christ" (Gal 3:27). We wear Christ. And those who doesn't believe in Jesus note what we do. They make decisions about Christ by watching us. When we are kind, they assume Christ is kind. When we are gracious, they assume Christ is gracious. But when we are brash, what will people think about Him? When we unleash our temper, what assumption will an observer make about our Master? "Be wise in the way you act with people who are not believers, making most of the opportunity. When you talk, you should always be kind and pleasant so you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should" (Col 4:5-6). Courteous conduct honours God and His children. "Do you best to live in peace with everyone" (Rom 12:18).
You asked, "Why must I be kind to people who are rude?" Becoz "Love is not rude." (1 Cor 13:5) Just do your best. You can't control their attitudes, but you can manage yours. Ask Him to teach you how.
The Passenger
We saw radically different attitudes of 2 passengers on board a plane. One whose air ticket was an unexpected, free 1st-class seat. Another Mr Got-To-Have-It-Now have paid for the 1st-class ticket. Mr GTHIN demanded for service. His timing was poor; he could have waited a few moments. His tone was harsh; the flight attendants didn't deserve disrespect. His agenda was selfish. He didn't just want a pillow; he wanted to be the centre of attention. Don't get me wrong... what his requested was understandable... the way he requested it, was not. Mr GTHIN said," I have my rights." Not the writer. His was a free gift. He's just happy to be on board because he knew he didn't deserve this 1st-class seat in the first place.
God calls us to a higher, more noble concern. Not "what are my rights?" but "what is loving?"
Do you have the right to interrupt a conversation with your own selfish agenda? Yes, but is it loving to do so?
Do you have the right to shame and ridicule a person in order to boost your own ego, save some 'face' and gain approval of your friends? Yes, but is it loving?
Issit within your rights to bark at your siblings or snap at your parents becoz you had a hard day at work and you expect to be served at home? Yes, but is it loving?
Jesus always knocks before entering. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." (Rev 3:20). He doesn't have to. He owns your heart. And when He enters, he always brings a gift. Christ brings "the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38). And as He stays, He serves too. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve" (Mark 10:45). He's serving the guests as they sit (John13:4-5). He won't eat until he's offered thanks, and he won't leave until the leftovers are put away (Matt 14:19-20). He's courteous enough to tell you His name (Exodus 3:15) and to call you by yours. He knocks before He enters. He always brings a gift. Thanks are offered. Food is served. The table is cleared. He knows your name and tells you his, and here's one more. He pulls out the chair for you. "He raised us up with Christ and gave us a seat with him in the heavens." (Eph 2:6). Ladies love it when guys pull out their chair. On one occasion, "My," a single mum blushed. "It's been a while since anyone did that."
Has it been a while for you as well? People can be so rude. They accuse us of doing this and not doing that. They expect, and we just didn't meet theirs coz we have our own agenda. Our patience wears thin. We returned tacky with tacky, an eye for an eye. We snap at people on the phone. We interrupt. We fail to show up for appointments. And we take out our frustrations on the ones we loved. Could you use some courtesy? Perhaps it has been a while since someone pulled out your chair. Then let Jesus have the pleasure of doing so.
One day, a church staff was eating lunch at a food centre. It was packed and the heat unbearable. That day, she happened to be wearing a shirt that bear the name of the church. A dish collector walked passed her, juggling a few plates of used plates and utensils for washing and spilled some sauce on her white T-shirt. She fumed and out of her mouth sprung forth like a bullet a string of names like "Stupid, fool... etc". The poor, hunched old man was apologizing profusely. Then she remembered she was wearing the shirt - and she changed her behaviour.
Truth is, we are all wearing a shirt. "All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves in Christ" (Gal 3:27). We wear Christ. And those who doesn't believe in Jesus note what we do. They make decisions about Christ by watching us. When we are kind, they assume Christ is kind. When we are gracious, they assume Christ is gracious. But when we are brash, what will people think about Him? When we unleash our temper, what assumption will an observer make about our Master? "Be wise in the way you act with people who are not believers, making most of the opportunity. When you talk, you should always be kind and pleasant so you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should" (Col 4:5-6). Courteous conduct honours God and His children. "Do you best to live in peace with everyone" (Rom 12:18).
You asked, "Why must I be kind to people who are rude?" Becoz "Love is not rude." (1 Cor 13:5) Just do your best. You can't control their attitudes, but you can manage yours. Ask Him to teach you how.
YAS 4/03/06
Hey guys, I attended YAS on Saturday, and converted the sermon notes to a Word doc.
The sermon's about making decisions in life's crossroads.
If anyone is interested, I can upload it....provided somebody teaches me how.
I can't seem to upload anything that is NOT an image file.
The sermon's about making decisions in life's crossroads.
If anyone is interested, I can upload it....provided somebody teaches me how.
I can't seem to upload anything that is NOT an image file.
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