Saturday, September 20, 2014

When life is impossible



We take heed to lesson from The Word.

I Samuel 13:19-
               14:23

Faced with impossible odds (in human terms)
3000 Israelites with only two weapons 
Versus Philistines
3000 chariots
6000 charioteers
Soldiers as numerous as the sand on the sea shore...

Options
I FLIGHT
II FREEZE
III FORCE your own way
IV Act in FAITH
V FOLLOW


I FLIGHT
Some flight is appropriate
Sometimes you need to stay and fight
Sometimes it is both.





II FREEZE
Sometimes it is a judicious wait.





III FORCE your own way
Force God to listen to you?
Treat God like a cosmic vending machine?


Versus "I desire obedience not sacrifice"



IV Act in FAITH

Two soldiers and one sword from the bottom of a hill took on 20 soldiers on top
Militarily does not make sense
But when you add God into the equation it does!


V FOLLOW
The teenage armour bearer was willing to follow Jonathan all the way
Do you have a mentor you can trust to lead you?


I don't know what life is throwing at you right now.
I don't know which of these 5 steps is appropriate response in your situation.
But God knows.
Pray and ask him for directions.

I FLIGHT
II FREEZE
III FORCE your own way
IV Act in FAITH
V FOLLOW

This could help you face an impossible situation.
This could help you achieve victory despite impossible odds.



Friday, September 12, 2014

Surrender

Is it the chicken or the egg?

Surrender
The only way to live 

Not a SHOULD do but a MUST do


Paradox
Meekness does not equate with weakness

Surrender to God and experience blessings: peace and rest


Why should we surrender?
God wants to direct our lives
God models sacrifice John 3:16


LET GO ( let God)
Mary was a perfect example 


Surrender
 A daily affair
Be in the presence of the Lird
In the word
Have the mind of Christ
Eg in raising children





Monday, September 1, 2014

When life is unbearable

Rev Dr Kow identified elements of the past few weeks when so many things had been happening in his life: busy busy busy.
He could relate to those who find "when life is unbearable"
What should yiu do?
Turn to The Word.
Bible text: 2 Cor 4:7-18

Th apostle Paul had been in the same place

Paul responded in seven ways, and so should we.

1. Refuse to lose heart.
2. Release burden to Jesus.

3.  Refocus on Jesus


4. Rejoice in The Lord

5. Receive help from others

6. Rely on God's power


7. Reach out to others 

Sermon illustration
Mabel
Very old
Very I'll
Very disfigured
Very happy.
"What do you do all day long?"
"I think about Jesus"
"how good he has been to me"
Singing
  1. "Jesus is all the world to me,
    My life, my joy, my all;
    He is my strength from day to day,
    Without Him I would fall.
    When I am sad, to Him I go,
    No other one can cheer me so;
    When I am sad, He makes me glad,
    He’s my Friend."

Take home message
When life becomes unbearable you should 
1. Refuse to lose heart.
2. Release burden to Jesus.
3.  Refocus on Jesus
4. Rejoice in The Lord
5. Receive help from others
6. Rely on God's power
7. Reach out to others 

If all seven steps are overwhelming, take  at least one of these steps.