這一生最美的祝福 The most beautiful blessing in my life

 

這一生最美的祝福 

The most beautiful blessing in my life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPf7Ig1ebL4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDR95WDj5os&list=RDGMEMCMFH2exzjBeE_zAHHJOdxg&index=22

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gLLVAJ3ZtY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndg4fOmVEa4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6Xh_mkcGGo

這一生最美的祝福 The Gift of Knowing You

詞：李信儀 Jessica Le

曲：游智婷 Sandy Yu

© 2003 Stream of Praise Music / BMI. CCLI # 3977895

讚美之泉版權所有

[Verse]

在無數的黑夜裡 我用星星畫出祢

祢的恩典如晨星 讓我真實的見到祢

在我的歌聲裡 我用音符讚美祢

祢的美好是我今生頌揚的

[Chorus]

這一生最美的祝福 就是能認識主耶穌

這一生最美的祝福 就是能信靠主耶穌

走在高山深谷祂會伴我同行

我知道這是最美的祝福

A Life Lived by the Grace of God

TOPIC : A Life Lived by the Grace of God - Testimony of Stephen Fung

Text : Jeremiah 29:11-14 

Bro. Stephen Fung 

14 JULY 2019 

Our lives are seasonal and each season brings different touches of God in our lives. The picture of the flowing river depicts a live lived by the grace of God, with us as the stones and God the water. The water may move the stones gently or aggressively, depending on the time and season. The illustrations of cyclists cycling down a slope in a peloton, the runner going down a hill, and the rafters paddling with the flow of the current, seem to show the people exerting minimal effort. However, the participants in these activities still have to exercise care, caution and discipline, and do their part so as to avoid any mishaps or accidents. In the same way, although we know that God has a plan for us in our lives, we have to do our part and live our lives (whether in the workplace, in the family or in finances), faithfully trusting and believing, under the grace of God. 

1. God will provide your needs (Mathew 6:33) I graduated in 1987 when the country was facing recession, yet I was determined to come back to serve God and my country. I was provided with a job under the government’s ‘unemployed graduate scheme’. At the end of the scheme, I was given a contract post in the civil service. From zero income, to a few hundred ringgit, I knew that God honoured my desire to serve Him and my country 

2. Walking in humility and integrity (Micah 6:8 & Ps 41:11-12) When I reported for duty, my section head told me that I had to work under a Technical Assistant. In the same breath, he advised that although the TA may not have the same level of education, he was very experienced and I could learn a lot from him. It was the first lesson in humility. And that was God’s providence in providing me with good mentors that set a good foundation of my career. There were tough situations that challenged my integrity as an engineer. I was threatened and I had to make a police report. And I was transferred to another section (cold storaged) and in times like this, I felt like a failure in my career. But that act of integrity led me to a better job. A public listed company sought me out as they needed someone they could trust and I was recommended as such. 

3. Believe in divine appointment (John 4:4-9) I was unhappy and discouraged in the situation I was put in and I was looking for different career options. One day I decided to drop in at a colleague’s place, whom I had previously shared the office. At that moment, the phone at my previous desk rang, and I picked it up. It was a friend. He asked me to meet up with his colleague who was looking for someone to fill a vacant position. It was a divine appointment for me! Likewise in our lives, believe in divine appointments for God loves to surprise us with the good things we have been praying for. The encounter of the Samaritan woman with Jesus was by divine appointment. Jesus chose to take the route through Samaria and that the Samaritan woman came out at that certain time to draw water from the well. Her life was changed after this encounter with Jesus. 

4. The discipline to tithe (Malachi 3:10) I was taught the principle of tithing while still in the university and I choose to be obedient and adhere to it from my 1st paycheck. As time goes by, as a wage earner, I sometimes question those verses. I asked God, ‘How come your flood water of blessing has not inundated me yet?” God answered me in a Christian Financial Seminar, whereby the speaker shared the story of a Christian farmer in USA, whose wheat fields were spared from locust attacks. God had honoured his faith in tithing by preserving his livelihood. In 1997, at the time of another financial crisis, many of my friends lost their jobs or suffered pay cuts. My boss refused to cut the pay of his staff. It settled upon me, once and for all that the discipline of tithing had preserved and protected me from the financial crisis. 

5. The Word of God in our lives (John 21:11) A few years ago, I was stressed out by the accumulated workload that it caused me sleepless nights. One day, at a Connect Group meeting, John 21:11 was read and after hearing the verse, I felt peace and assurance and believe that God has used this verse to encourage and assure me that I would be able to contain the abundant blessings that He has bestowed unto me. The Connect Group was one of the places where I was ministered to during this time. I urge those who are yet to join a CG to be a part of God’s extended family. 

6. The Potter’s hands on my life (God has a plan in your life) (Jeremiah 29:11) In 1997, I attended a God Encounter retreat. I felt I had not given myself to God as I should have. I wept uncontrollably as the minister prayed for me.. In the flood of tears, I heard God’s gentle voice assuring me that “it was all right and He understands”. A burden was lifted from my heart and there was hope and life to be lived out again in Christ. But God was not done with me yet. He knew there were areas in my life that needed to be addressed. From 2000, for the next 3 years, I went through a series of events that would be spiritual milestones in my life. Like a potter, God was molding and shaping me. My career took a turn for the worst. I was emotionally and financially strained, I was living in a rudimentary site accommodation, away from my family. I was verbally abused by my employer. The pride in me had to be stripped off. I borrowed and read every book related to intimacy with Christ. Throughout this time, my CG was there to support me. At the end of the 3rd year, God brought me out of my spiritual tutelage. I set up my own consultancy, starting from scratch. God had chastised me through this period so that I can contain the blessings He is to bestow on me later. (Like the painting of “The Prodigal Son”, I felt I was not worthy but God’s chastising hand and gentle loving hands were there to enfold me in His loving embrace.) 

7. Conclusion Living a life by God’s grace is like to us as stones in the river. The water is God’s grace over us. It moves and align us according to the direction of His flow. In the process, as we come in contact with other stones in the river, the abrasion will smooth out our rough edges as we continue in the journey of discipleship. God has our best interests in His heart. His plan is good and His burden is light. “Jesus loves you, Jesus died for you, He gave himself up for you. If you have been the only person in the world, Jesus would have died for you. God loves you unconditionally, wholeheartedly and continually.” God is calling you to return to your first love. The invitation is still on as it always has been for He longs to restore us to the plan that He has for us. 

Questions : 

1. The above B to G, please share one of the area that God is currently teaching you in your life. Share your struggles, and / or lessons learnt in this experience. 

2. If you are facing challenges or difficulties in your life (discipleship journey), are you able to share your burden freely with your CG, for them to support you in the process. How can they share your burden? If not, what is preventing you from doing so?   

Make My Mouth a Fountain of Life

Topic: Make My Mouth a Fountain of Life

 Pr Lo Yi Ping 

24th Sep 2017

Proverbs 10:11 “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.”

Galatians 6: 7-8  “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

The content of the spoken message is just as crucial as the skill it was delivered, for the spoken word can bring life or death. A word spoken can change lives, history and destiny. In a marriage proposal, a positive response will bring a new destiny for the couple from being single to a family unit, a successful job interview gives hope and income for the family where the opposite brings despair.

1. Fountain or Cistern? 

Proverbs 10: 11 “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life…..”

Who are the righteous? Those who have faith in Jesus and our righteousness is from God. God is the one who gives us the fountain of the living water and He refreshes us and gives us life. The illustration of the Niagara Falls as a fountain where its endless flow of water generates hydroelectricity which enhances lives. In contrast, in Jer 2: 13 “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”,  Jeremiah rebuked the people for forsaking God who gave life but chose to depend on the works of their hands ie dug up cisterns that are broken and do not hold water. The original usage for a cistern is to store water to give life to a community but when it is broken it can be used for a different purpose like holding captives converting it from a life giving vessel to something negative. The choice is ours, to be a fountain or a broken cistern.

2. Is your mouth and your heart in sync?

Matt 12 :34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Matt 15 :18 But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.

Our heart and mouth are closely related for what we feel is also expressed accordingly. When they are not in sync, we are not at peace resulting in frustration.

Psalm 19 “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

This reinforces that out of the abundance of our heart the mouth speaks. How our heart feels are often released through our mouths. There will be times when we allow our mouths to speak our hearts but there will be times where we must speak forth the truth of God, superseding the feelings of our hearts. We must trust God and declare and claim it first and in time, our heart and mouth will be in sync allowing God to teach us. This was illustrated in the testimony of sister Winnie where she declared Rev 12: 11 and Isaiah 43: 1-3 on her life during a period of her life and family which was very challenging.

 3. Making your mouth a Fountain of Life

Sowing and reaping

Gal 6: 7- 8 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 

When we sow to the flesh, we reap destruction, we sow to the Spirit, we reap eternal life. Speaking life is a daily habit that can be cultivated. We can seek out opportunities to speak words of life and affirmation on all occasions such as birthdays and farewells where we hear from God and as the Lord reveals, the released words into the person will bring forth life. The example of the Golden Joy group where sharing of wisdom gained speaks life to all who receive the testimonies.

Speak out 

Proverb 13 14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

Speak out of correction so that will turn from the snares.

Ecclesiastes 7: 11-12 Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it. When we speak out it is not just for encouragement and affirmation but there will be situations when we need to speak out for correction so that the snares of death is avoided. Other words for wisdom are insights or perception and when it is released will preserves the lives of those who receives and possesses it.The testimony of the son speaking words of affirmation to those who have contributed to his character and spiritual wellbeing, brings forth life to those whom he affirmed and confirmed what God had placed in their hearts then.The sister who testified of how majestic it was to declare life for those whom she prayed for during her walk up the Bukit Padang hill.In conclusion, Nicky Gumble sums it up that it is with our mouth we speak life or otherwise.“I believe God is using us to heal people, He wants to use you to heal people, I encourage you to be someone who brings healing in your family, among your friends, your work place and community, who prays for the sick and binds up the broken hearted, wipes away people’s tears, lift up the fallen, breaks down division and brings healing wherever you go.”

Questions

1.     Everyone to share an example or situation in the Bible whereby a word is released and it brings forth life, or it tear another person (nation) down.

2.     Share an account where your mouth speak what your heart do not mean, or you kept quiet when you're meant to say something, how did that experience affected you or others?

3.     What are some of the deliberate steps you plan to take to make your mouth a Fountain of Life?

Easter Sunday : I Am The Resurrection And The Life

Easter Sunday

Title : I Am The Resurrection And The Life

Text : John 11:1-44

Pr Lo Yi Ping

16 April 2017

Introduction

Last Friday, many of us gathered at the church to embrace Christ's suffering. On that morning, the bulletin we received printed, "Friday is the road to Sunday. There is no Easter Sunday without Good Friday. There is no Resurrection without the Cross." Indeed if Jesus had not suffered and died, there will be no resurrection. Or if Jesus died but did not resurrect, we would not be here celebrating Resurrection Sunday either. It would be pointless and hopeless for us to come together Sunday after Sunday. The apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:13-14 that "If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." If Christ has not been resurrected, we have believed the gospel in vain and our faith is futile. Christ's resurrection is the foundation of Christianity! To demolish a skyscraper, engineers would strategically place explosives at the point where the support structure of the building is, so that when the explosives are set off, the building would collapse into a heap of rubble in no time. The same goes for the Christian faith. You only have to set the explosives at one point to bring Christianity down. Blow up the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the whole Christianity would come tumbling down. In the movie "Risen", we saw that many people disapproved of Jesus' teaching and tried to disprove His resurrection. Had Jesus not been resurrected, there would be no hope. If Jesus really did not resurrect from death, our faith today is hopeless and we would still be in sin. There would be no salvation for us and no eternal life. However, Jesus did resurrect from death and is now seated on the right hand of our Heavenly Father. And the time wiIl come when Jesus will return for us, to judge the living and the dead. Do you believe? Jesus has resurrected and defeated death. But how are we to understand His claim about being the resurrection and the life? 

People like to use or quote from this verse in newspaper obituaries. John 11:25-26 - "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." When and under what circumstances did Jesus make this claim? Let the Word of God in John 11:1-44 minister to us. 

John 11:1-44

 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

27 "Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."

Martha interpreted Jesus' message of "rise again" as in the resurrection of the last day. Both Martha and Mary said the same thing to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Jesus is the master of time and distance. His ability to perform miracles would not be restricted by time and space. Jesus had actually resurrected others before He resurrected Lazarus. In Luke 7, He resurrected a widow's son and was seen as a Prophet. In Luke 8, He resurrected Jairus' daughter and His identity was as a Teacher. The resurrection of Lazarus is Jesus' last miracle on earth, in which He wants to be seen and known not only as a Teacher and Prophet, but also as the Son of God.

1. Jesus' ability and identity

- Lazarus (John 11:1-44) - Son of God

- A widow's son (Luke 7:11-16) - Prophet

- Jairus' daughter (Luke 8:49-56) - Teacher

Risen from death and the crowd addressing Jesus as:-

During Lazarus' case  - they called Him Son of God

A widow's son Case - they called Him Prophet

Jairus daughter Case - they called Him Teacher

Father, I thank you that you have heard me, you always hear me, 

He said it for the sake of the people around him. For the first time, Jesus made it known that He is the son of God. 

2. Three "types" of resurrection

- Physical

- Resurrection of the last day

- Spiritual.

We are spiritually dead and spiritually asleep until the point we are made alive in Christ and accept Him as Lord and Saviour. 

1 Corinthians 15:51-58 - "Death has been swallowed up in victory."

3. Die in order to gain life. Have life in order to defeat death.

- Death must come or happen first before resurrection. We do not like to talk about death. Death bounds people. We fear death. In Christian perspective, death is not necessarily a bad thing. Death to certain things in life can set us free and bring resurrection to our spiritual life. Hebrews 12:1. Romans 6:4. We must die to sin that so easily entangles. John 12:24-25. We must die to sin to gain life in Christ. Jesus told them to "take off the grave clothes" from Lazarus. The grave clothes can symbolise sin which so easily entangles. All 3 of them responded to Jesus' call and gained life to defeat the grip of death. We need to break free from death to come back to life. Jesus told them to "give her (Jairus' daughter) something to eat." We all need to eat in order to regain strength and to continue to have life. Spiritually how do we understand that? We need to eat and feed ourselves with the spiritual food from God to be strengthened in our spiritual life. We need to abide and remain in Him and to bear fruit. We need to remain in the Lord and allow the Lord to remain in us. 

We need to die to certain things in order to be set free.

Hebrews 12:1

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

We need to break free from death in order to come back to life.

Conclusion: 

Jesus is the resurrection and life. He who believes in Jesus will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Jesus will never die. Death has been swallowed up in victory. Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the Lord. We celebrate the cross and the empty tomb.

Questions:

1. Share an occasion where you prayed for something/someone and expected God to do it your way. What was the outcome?

2. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life"; what do these words mean to you?

3. What are some of the things you need to die to in order to gain life?