3rd week attending Subi church - a pleasurable experience so far. Since Soong Leng has been involved with teaching the kids in the morning, I've had the chance to be at church before the 2nd service starts and kept myself busy with the prayer meeting happening at that time.
It wasn't exactly one of those "well since I'm already here, I might as well join in the prayer meeting" type of decision. While I must say that it has been rather convenient these 2 weeks, I've been thinking more lately about disciplining my prayer life, and thought that joining the prayer meeting would be a good way to start.
The group that meets are primarily of the older generation - while not entirely to my surprise, it drove back the observation that Gordon McD makes:
"Have u ever noticed that most faithful intercessors seem to be older ppl? Why? One reason may be that they have had to simplify their activities. But also note that older ppl may have become aware that intercession is much more effective than hours of unprayerful activity. And of course, experience through trial and error has taught them the wisdom of leaning on the reliable strength of God."
I hope it'd be something I'll learn way before I turn 50!
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The message at church today was an excellent reminder of what we truly value as our treasure. Timon preached from Matthew 13:44-46.
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
It wasn't exactly one of those "well since I'm already here, I might as well join in the prayer meeting" type of decision. While I must say that it has been rather convenient these 2 weeks, I've been thinking more lately about disciplining my prayer life, and thought that joining the prayer meeting would be a good way to start.
The group that meets are primarily of the older generation - while not entirely to my surprise, it drove back the observation that Gordon McD makes:
"Have u ever noticed that most faithful intercessors seem to be older ppl? Why? One reason may be that they have had to simplify their activities. But also note that older ppl may have become aware that intercession is much more effective than hours of unprayerful activity. And of course, experience through trial and error has taught them the wisdom of leaning on the reliable strength of God."
I hope it'd be something I'll learn way before I turn 50!
===============================================
The message at church today was an excellent reminder of what we truly value as our treasure. Timon preached from Matthew 13:44-46.
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
The kingdom of heaven (which refers to our relationship with God) is likened to a man who found a great treasure or pearl, and gave up all he had to gain it. Interestingly, Jesus told this story in context of another point He was making (Matt 13:37-43 & 47-51) - that at the end of time when God judges the world, there will only be 2 destinations for each of us - the realities of either heaven or hell. And a relationship with Jesus is the only way to get us to heaven. In light of this, no wonder Jesus should be treasured!! cos He's our ONLY hope and form of rescue from hell.
Timon then ended with an illustration : Say I gave you a parachute and said "Here, wear this - it'd make your flight more enjoyable." While u're wearing it, u'd probably find that over time, it'd be uncomfortable, a little bit heavy etc.
But if I said to you "Look, this plane that you're on is going to have an engine malfunction in an hour's time. Here's a parachute". You'd be clinging on to it for dear life!! That parachute will be your treasure!
The question is asked about us: Is my relationship with God MY treasure? Or is it just ONE of my treasures? What we value, we spend on - time, money, even life itself! Some food for reflection indeed..
Timon then ended with an illustration : Say I gave you a parachute and said "Here, wear this - it'd make your flight more enjoyable." While u're wearing it, u'd probably find that over time, it'd be uncomfortable, a little bit heavy etc.
But if I said to you "Look, this plane that you're on is going to have an engine malfunction in an hour's time. Here's a parachute". You'd be clinging on to it for dear life!! That parachute will be your treasure!
The question is asked about us: Is my relationship with God MY treasure? Or is it just ONE of my treasures? What we value, we spend on - time, money, even life itself! Some food for reflection indeed..
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