(Adapted from my cell group leader's sharing on 13 November 2009)
Spiritual maturity is not a matter of Age, Appearance or Achievement.
The 5 marks of spiritual maturity are:
1. Staying Positive under Pressure
Our true grit shows up, or shall i say, "Throws up" when we come under pressure. This is the real us when the pressure cooker of life heats up. Can we take the heat or as James 1:2,3 says to count it all joy when our faith is tried? The refining fire will accomplish its work, burning away the chaff so that only the gold will remain.
2. Sensitive to the Needs of Others
Are we growing in our capacity to consider and/or care for the needs of others? As they say, all men are brothers. We may belong to a singular race, but is compassion or indifference our modus operandi? Consider 1 John 3:17 (KJV), "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother hath need, and shutteth his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? "
3. A Peacemaker and not a Troublemaker
Let the Peace of Christ abides in us and let us hold up God's word as a mirror to our soul. So, please stop comparing ourselves with others and stop coveting that which belongs to another man. Afterall, all that we have comes from God and we cannot receive anything which has not been given to us by God. In gist, Walk in Love and Humility.
4. Patient
A mature person is patient; he has learnt to endure and keep trusting God. He has eyes of faith (vision) and a courageous heart (hope). Ultimately, as James 5:7, 8 tells us, we are to be patient unto the coming of the LORD.
5. Prayerful
Do we fret over our health, relationships, finances and other issues of life? Or, do we as a matter of faith in action pray through the things that matter to us so that the kingdom of God may be established in our sphere of influence?
Life is more than just earning good marks and scoring points. When we cultivate spiritual maturity by allowing God to mold and shape us for His glory, we are merely doing what our Maker already knows is the best plan He has for us.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
What to look for in a husband #2
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A HUSBAND
One of the scarcity of life is time -- we've only so much time left to live before we call it a day, so to speak. Given that time is relatively short in the history of humanity, it doesn't really make much of a difference whether we're thinking short-, medium- or long-term.
Notwithstanding the aforesaids, we are wise to make the most of the little time that we have (and go get a husband in the process). And, wise is the husband who numbers his day; mindful that his life is in God's hand. Like a candle whose time is pre-determined; a time to be born, and a time to meet one's Maker.
The book of Proverbs imparts to us that the fear of the LORD our Maker is the beginning of wisdom and pride comes before a fall.
So, I would think that HUMILITY is a critical value to look for in a husband. To put it mildly, you don't want him to be proud or prideful so much so that he 'hastens' his own earthly departure. Rather, he would live his life circumspectly; knowing his speck-space in this vast universe of God, and esteeming others better than himself, just like Jesus Christ.
You would want him to be rich towards God and have a purpose that is beyond his self-centredness. A man who live for your betterment and much more, besides, because he has the attitude of serving His God and his fellows.
One of the scarcity of life is time -- we've only so much time left to live before we call it a day, so to speak. Given that time is relatively short in the history of humanity, it doesn't really make much of a difference whether we're thinking short-, medium- or long-term.
Notwithstanding the aforesaids, we are wise to make the most of the little time that we have (and go get a husband in the process). And, wise is the husband who numbers his day; mindful that his life is in God's hand. Like a candle whose time is pre-determined; a time to be born, and a time to meet one's Maker.
The book of Proverbs imparts to us that the fear of the LORD our Maker is the beginning of wisdom and pride comes before a fall.
So, I would think that HUMILITY is a critical value to look for in a husband. To put it mildly, you don't want him to be proud or prideful so much so that he 'hastens' his own earthly departure. Rather, he would live his life circumspectly; knowing his speck-space in this vast universe of God, and esteeming others better than himself, just like Jesus Christ.
You would want him to be rich towards God and have a purpose that is beyond his self-centredness. A man who live for your betterment and much more, besides, because he has the attitude of serving His God and his fellows.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Inspirational Quotes #1
"A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do." -- Bob Dylan
Will Smith commenting on the movie, Seven Pounds:
"Well, the difference between depression and joy is purpose, right? That you have a reason beyond yourself to wake up in the morning. Somebody's life is going to be better because you woke up. And if you can find that purpose, that is the elixir for depression. That pushes you closer to joy. And, you know, this movie so revealed that to me."
[Source: TODAY, 31/12/2008, "How Will Smith ruined my year" by Genevieve Loh]
"it's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice". -- John Cassis
[Source: TODAY, 31/12/2008, "The importance of being nice" by Koh Poh Tiong]
"You've got to say, 'I think that if I keep working at this and I want it badly enough I can have it.' It's called perseverance." -- Lee J. Iacocca
"The idea behind One Foundation is simple: think big by thinking small. Starting in China, Li (Jet) has set out to raise one yuan (15 cents) from very person each month. He likens it to one big family helping each other out.
'All too often you see people expecting others to dip into their pockets,' he says. 'They blame their government. They say corporations with their big profits should be more generous. I believe helping each other starts with the individuals. It is everybody's responsibility to give. If everyone gives one yuan every month, it will add up to billions of dollars.'
[Source: page 42, Reader's Digest (January 2009), "The Power of One" by Sonia Kolesnikov-Jessop]
"Why do people go to work? Because they're hungry. But that's not the reason Christians are to go to work. They are to work for the reason set forth in Ephesians 4:28, 'Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.'
In other words, you don't work for yourself; you go to work for the person next to you.
That's why you never have to get upset about your job or despise what you do in the workplace. After all, when you go to work, you're going there for someone else. You can therefore go through your workday, confident that Jesus will meet your needs as you labor to meet someone else's needs through your sowing."
[Source: page 49~50, "Excellence in Seed, Time and Harvest" by Robb Thompson]
Will Smith commenting on the movie, Seven Pounds:
"Well, the difference between depression and joy is purpose, right? That you have a reason beyond yourself to wake up in the morning. Somebody's life is going to be better because you woke up. And if you can find that purpose, that is the elixir for depression. That pushes you closer to joy. And, you know, this movie so revealed that to me."
[Source: TODAY, 31/12/2008, "How Will Smith ruined my year" by Genevieve Loh]
"it's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice". -- John Cassis
[Source: TODAY, 31/12/2008, "The importance of being nice" by Koh Poh Tiong]
"You've got to say, 'I think that if I keep working at this and I want it badly enough I can have it.' It's called perseverance." -- Lee J. Iacocca
"The idea behind One Foundation is simple: think big by thinking small. Starting in China, Li (Jet) has set out to raise one yuan (15 cents) from very person each month. He likens it to one big family helping each other out.
'All too often you see people expecting others to dip into their pockets,' he says. 'They blame their government. They say corporations with their big profits should be more generous. I believe helping each other starts with the individuals. It is everybody's responsibility to give. If everyone gives one yuan every month, it will add up to billions of dollars.'
[Source: page 42, Reader's Digest (January 2009), "The Power of One" by Sonia Kolesnikov-Jessop]
"Why do people go to work? Because they're hungry. But that's not the reason Christians are to go to work. They are to work for the reason set forth in Ephesians 4:28, 'Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.'
In other words, you don't work for yourself; you go to work for the person next to you.
That's why you never have to get upset about your job or despise what you do in the workplace. After all, when you go to work, you're going there for someone else. You can therefore go through your workday, confident that Jesus will meet your needs as you labor to meet someone else's needs through your sowing."
[Source: page 49~50, "Excellence in Seed, Time and Harvest" by Robb Thompson]
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Car-grooming
A famous person once said famously to the effect that going to a garage doesn't make one a car, much like going to church doesn't make one a Christian.
Well, I was attending a housegroup meeting last Friday when I received this revelation that we are like a car coming to the Presence of God for routine re-conditioning and fine-tuning, and much more besides, if need be!
A car can't enjoy a good sprint if its tyres are flabby. It's also not road-worthy if the gas tank is near empty or the brakes are faulty. The engine oil needs to be replenished and be rid of old skeletons in the carburettor. Time also to top-up with coolant for tempering the hot engine.
To look real nice, its body has to be washed regularly lest the dirt stick fast. Then, for that extra shine, it would be treated to a polish-and-wax makeover. And, finish off by vacuuming the car interior and boot, and grooming of the seats.
It sure feels good to drive a well-groomed car. Similarly, how pleasant it would be to meet someone who has been cleansed inside-out -- a temple of God the Holy Spirit.
Now is the time for us to put our house in order and put a smile on God's face. Selah.
Well, I was attending a housegroup meeting last Friday when I received this revelation that we are like a car coming to the Presence of God for routine re-conditioning and fine-tuning, and much more besides, if need be!
A car can't enjoy a good sprint if its tyres are flabby. It's also not road-worthy if the gas tank is near empty or the brakes are faulty. The engine oil needs to be replenished and be rid of old skeletons in the carburettor. Time also to top-up with coolant for tempering the hot engine.
To look real nice, its body has to be washed regularly lest the dirt stick fast. Then, for that extra shine, it would be treated to a polish-and-wax makeover. And, finish off by vacuuming the car interior and boot, and grooming of the seats.
It sure feels good to drive a well-groomed car. Similarly, how pleasant it would be to meet someone who has been cleansed inside-out -- a temple of God the Holy Spirit.
Now is the time for us to put our house in order and put a smile on God's face. Selah.
Among Friends
It took a tiny Helen Exley giftbook (L:5.8cm; W:4.0cm; T:2.8cm) to load me up on the ins and outs of friendship over 368 pages. No mean feat for Ms Exley who has spent 15 years collecting quotes on friendship.
What I like best from this un-tome is the segment on how we can be free to be ourselves among friends. Here then is a highlight of her selected quotes for you to mull over:-
"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may think aloud." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Real friends are those who when you've made a fool of yourself, don't feel that you've done a permanent job." --H.M.E.
"Friend derives from a word meaning "free". A friend is someone who allows us space and freedom to be." --Debbie Alicen
"It is one of the blessing of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
"A friend is someone who knows all about you and love you all the same." --Author Unknown
I believe that the aforesaid insights are crucial for us to become a good friend to another person with application.
What I like best from this un-tome is the segment on how we can be free to be ourselves among friends. Here then is a highlight of her selected quotes for you to mull over:-
"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may think aloud." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Real friends are those who when you've made a fool of yourself, don't feel that you've done a permanent job." --H.M.E.
"Friend derives from a word meaning "free". A friend is someone who allows us space and freedom to be." --Debbie Alicen
"It is one of the blessing of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
"A friend is someone who knows all about you and love you all the same." --Author Unknown
I believe that the aforesaid insights are crucial for us to become a good friend to another person with application.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Buying Milk and Honey Without Money
"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." Isaiah 55:1 (KJV)
The above is an open invitation to treat from the LORD of all creation, and, best of all, it's FREE! There is River of Life flowing from the throne of God, and like any sensible tree which seeks to flourish, we reach out for the waters by staying rooted in Christ, and finding a place to be planted (e.g. vibrant local church)so as to tap a constant stream of refreshing waters to replenish our soul.
It's so good to know that God is no respecter of person; He is fair to all regardless of our financial circumstances as He does not exact any price or consideration.
Water is a basic requirement, but God offers us much more -- the wine and milk. Think of a merry (joyful) heart and all-round nourishment (plus strong teeth for solid food and strong bones for life's activities).
The word of God reveals to us that when we can be drunk with the Holy Spirit and the fundamentals of God's words are like milk (for spiritual babes). Then, there is solid food for the young men and fathers, but that's another story.
Well, if ever there is a good deal, this is ONE not to be missed!
The above is an open invitation to treat from the LORD of all creation, and, best of all, it's FREE! There is River of Life flowing from the throne of God, and like any sensible tree which seeks to flourish, we reach out for the waters by staying rooted in Christ, and finding a place to be planted (e.g. vibrant local church)so as to tap a constant stream of refreshing waters to replenish our soul.
It's so good to know that God is no respecter of person; He is fair to all regardless of our financial circumstances as He does not exact any price or consideration.
Water is a basic requirement, but God offers us much more -- the wine and milk. Think of a merry (joyful) heart and all-round nourishment (plus strong teeth for solid food and strong bones for life's activities).
The word of God reveals to us that when we can be drunk with the Holy Spirit and the fundamentals of God's words are like milk (for spiritual babes). Then, there is solid food for the young men and fathers, but that's another story.
Well, if ever there is a good deal, this is ONE not to be missed!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Ever Heard of a 3rd Space Christian?
Ever heard of a 3rd Space Christian? Neither have I until 19 November 2008, when Rev Dr Kong Hee spoke on it at the inaugural Asia Conference held at Singapore Expo.
In gist, for the longest time, Christians have remained within the four walls of the church, practising a culture of separation and ended up isolating themselves from the world. Truth be told, they are of the world yet not of this world. Nonetheless, the First-mover, God Himself, so loved the world that He sent His only Son to redeem it.
Thus, Christians are not to love the things of this world in their present state which in many aspects run contrary to God's moral laws. At the same time though, Christians are to move out of the four walls of the church into the marketplace of education, business, government, mass media, and the arts/entertainment. So as to redeem them and make God's way of doing things operative in the marketplace --engaging the culture of our days and becoming a 2nd Space Christian.
Once a Christian makes his Christianity relevant in the marketplace where we spend most of our time anyway, the barrier between what is secular and spiritual will be torn down and we will no longer lead a double life; hyper-spiritual on Sunday and downtrodden from Monday to Saturday.
And, we will begin to see that "The Message is sacred but the methods (of conveying it) are not." So, a Christian can dress trendily and live it up everyday without compromising his faith and morality,and reach out to people who are rejected, lost, poor, weak, and hurting.
Also, he will, with God's favour and power, excel in his work and come up higher in all the works that his hands shall lay upon. When he become recognised as a succesful person in a marketplace, he can then find favour with men and be called to be amongst the leaders of the marketplace.
In effect, he becomes a 3rd Space Christian. This was what happened to Paul in Acts 17:19 where the learned philosophers of Athens "took him, and brought Him into the Aeropagus" --where the leading and infuential Athenians would gather; this apex of society is what we call 'The 3rd Space).
Paul was relevant in the 3rd Space and was 'invited' to have an audience with distinguished folks. Paul began by praising them for their devotions and build a bridge, so too speak, before introducing Jesus Christ.
Now, if only more Christians realise that they are do excel in the marketplace and to excel in what they do everyday. To know that it matters to God so that we can take our cities for Christ.
In gist, for the longest time, Christians have remained within the four walls of the church, practising a culture of separation and ended up isolating themselves from the world. Truth be told, they are of the world yet not of this world. Nonetheless, the First-mover, God Himself, so loved the world that He sent His only Son to redeem it.
Thus, Christians are not to love the things of this world in their present state which in many aspects run contrary to God's moral laws. At the same time though, Christians are to move out of the four walls of the church into the marketplace of education, business, government, mass media, and the arts/entertainment. So as to redeem them and make God's way of doing things operative in the marketplace --engaging the culture of our days and becoming a 2nd Space Christian.
Once a Christian makes his Christianity relevant in the marketplace where we spend most of our time anyway, the barrier between what is secular and spiritual will be torn down and we will no longer lead a double life; hyper-spiritual on Sunday and downtrodden from Monday to Saturday.
And, we will begin to see that "The Message is sacred but the methods (of conveying it) are not." So, a Christian can dress trendily and live it up everyday without compromising his faith and morality,and reach out to people who are rejected, lost, poor, weak, and hurting.
Also, he will, with God's favour and power, excel in his work and come up higher in all the works that his hands shall lay upon. When he become recognised as a succesful person in a marketplace, he can then find favour with men and be called to be amongst the leaders of the marketplace.
In effect, he becomes a 3rd Space Christian. This was what happened to Paul in Acts 17:19 where the learned philosophers of Athens "took him, and brought Him into the Aeropagus" --where the leading and infuential Athenians would gather; this apex of society is what we call 'The 3rd Space).
Paul was relevant in the 3rd Space and was 'invited' to have an audience with distinguished folks. Paul began by praising them for their devotions and build a bridge, so too speak, before introducing Jesus Christ.
Now, if only more Christians realise that they are do excel in the marketplace and to excel in what they do everyday. To know that it matters to God so that we can take our cities for Christ.
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