Oct 28, 2015
Of the many things I have learned at School of Discipleship so far, I think the most precious is the sweetness of prayer! It has been well said that GFA was founded by prayer, continues through prayer, and will die without prayer. How true I have seen and experienced this to be over the past 7 months of being here. It is an unexplainable privilege that I have often overlooked, and am learning to be more thankful for….. being united together as His people in Spirit with a heart cry for God and His kingdom to be established in our sinful world. God is ever-faithful in answering the pleas of His little children and because of it many precious souls are coming to life in Jesus Christ! Glory be to God who alone is worthy!
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…” Matthew 6:9-10
—School of Discipleship Student
Oct 21, 2015
I am so blessed to serve with a Body of Believers who are really like the Church in Acts. We are all here for two purposes: to grow closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and to proclaim His name and His glory to those millions who haven’t heard His name.
The reason I write this post is because I have been struggling with headaches consistently everyday for the past… 7 months? And when I walked down the hallway today, someone stopped me to see how I’m doing. When I mentioned the headache, they stopped what they were doing and prayed for me right then and there. This is not an uncommon occurrence, actually it happens all the time. We are a people who pray together constantly, are transparent with one another as the Body should be, we are there to encourage and give of ourselves (out of the strength of God) to help others, we love others even when its hard to do. The staff here at Gospel for Asia are living out what it means to be the Body of Christ. And I am so encouraged by it.
I’m sure there are other places out there that are similar. But I am so blessed to be a part of this family. 🙂
—School of Discipleship Alumni
Oct 14, 2015
In School of Discipleship, we recently have finished the book called The Calvary Road by Roy Hession. Wow! This book is truly a book that consists of hard truths that challenged by walk with the Lord.
The main theme of the book is brokenness. It talks the absolute importance of brokenness in God’s people; that brokenness is the opening to revival. Well, when I think of revival, I think huge, thousand and thousands of souls coming to Christ rather than experiencing revival personally! Well, both are revival! Revival is also personal! It is the supernatural, amazing outpour of the Holy Spirit in our lives as we shape in humility through brokenness. Genuine brokenness is not included in our nature, but is a completely a work of the Holy Spirit! Oh, how the Lord has granted much patience as I learn this amazing journey with Him, learning from His amazing example of brokenness!
“Oh Lord, Please Lord…. Break me for what breaks you”
—School of Discipleship Student
Oct 7, 2015
com·pel– force or oblige to do something
“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died.” 2 Corinthians 5:14
God has been challenging me with this question. What is it that compels me to follow Him? What is it that compels me to pray for my neighbour, or even have a song of praise on my lips? Is it my circumstances, emotions, or even pride?
One thing that humbles me is how I can manage to do things for Christ, being motivated by anything but Him. Often, I can be compelled by so many things! I can go on my merry way thinking I making accomplishments, yet not realize that my service to God is being marred by my prideful attitude in which I do them.
Oh to simply and wholly be compelled by the unfathomable love of Christ where with He has loved and lavished on His people. I wonder how my life would be so radically different if my motivation for all I did was fueled by His amazing love alone. Surrender would perhaps become joyful; sacrifice would become a privilege, and loving and forgiving others an absolute delight.
I pray that the Lord would be the receipt of all my affection and devotion, and that it would be Him alone that would compel and govern my entire life!
—School of Discipleship Student
Sep 29, 2015
It appears to be mid-September already! That is the 8th month of the Discipleship program and I find myself asking the question “where has the time gone?”
Christmas is coming, graduation is just around the corner and it feels like I just got here. However I do feel like I have learned so much in the past 8 month despite it feeling so short. Through many trials the Lord has always remained faithful and in times of need God has been my great provision. Through this my love for Christ has really grown.
I praise the Lord that He called me to School of Discipleship. Here I have gained another family, have learned and continue to learn to live as a true disciple as well as have had many fun events and activities.
With only 3 months left I look forward to what the Lord will all teach me yet in my time here. I already can say that this is a year that has changed me forever and I will never forget.
PRAISE THE LORD!!!!
Sep 2, 2015
The opportunity to pour your efforts on something bigger than yourself is more than an incredible blessing; it is an inexplicable phenomenon in which you witness your own change of heart.
There have been many instances where I find myself sad about a personal matter and get to express these emotions in prayer for a nation or a people who does not even have the freedom to worship Jesus in public. It is never easy to enter a time of prayer this way, but God taps on something inside me that only enlarges my heart each time.
A very tangible realization of God’s greatness occurs and it does require proof of my commitment to know God’s heart; but more so, with the little faith I have to persevere, God reveals the truth that I am made in His image because I can reflect His trait of choosing the higher road— in the case of the example I’ve given, this would be committing to pray for the nations anyway.
Similarly, everyday I’m in the office, though I constantly become weary of looking at a computer screen, I know I’m not “missing out in life” because I’m a part of bringing forth the gospel of Christ to a lost and dying world.
These may all sound like a feel-good realization but they aren’t because the difficulties do not cease in their coming. I’m learning that this isn’t about suppressing emotions or valid concerns about my daily life and close relationships—for these do matter to the Lord. But something in my soul is awakened or maybe reawakens when I choose a different outlet that the Lord provides for my worries and despairs—that is, crying out to Him for his kingdom come.
Coming to Gospel for Asia is the first time I have been exposed to the world of missions and the sobering call of the Great Commission of Christ. I have learned to pray for many hours and have become more aware of the world’s need for a Savior. But more than these practical skills, each waking hour I am here, I further recognize that I’m not the same person I was because I get to experience a little more of God’s heart and His love for mankind.
I am blessedly changed and so blessedly challenged.
Aug 26, 2015
A couple of weeks ago, we had a time of solitude. During that time, God directed my attention to the second epistle of John. In this epistle, John reminds us that it is not a new commandment, to love one another but the original that was from the beginning. He immediately brings up that this is in opposition to the deceivers who teach that Jesus did not come in the flesh. What correlation do these two teachings have? It deserves a closer look.
Let us gather the context first. In the first part of the book John’s excitement for the truth is almost overwhelming. He uses the word five times in the first four verses. This culminates in his statement of joy that some of the children of the elect lady were walking in truth.
With this premise of excitement about truth, He naturally flows into the commandment to love one another. Defining love as walking according to the Father’s commandments, he states that loving one another has always been the commandment even from the beginning.
It came to mind that if this truly is the case I should be able to find it in the books of Moses. Looking at Genesis we learn that in the beginning God created the earth as a place to put man to dwell in unity with one another. A place where they could love one another, within the protection of God’s garden. However, man refused to live in love.
Having rejected the ideal place that had been provided for them, they were without hope. God, however, in the book of Exodus through His servant Moses, demonstrated that would not give up on them. He, in His mercy, gave them a law to show to everyone what love looks like in daily life. As I was reading Exodus recently, I noticed everything that is in the law is about either loving God or loving others and what this looks like in practical terms. Man, sadly, did not have the ability to live in this way of love.
God therefore had to become flesh and demonstrate that the life of love can only be lived by the power of the Holy Spirit. Now because He rose again, Jesus imparts the Holy Spirit to all who believe on Him. If He did not come in the flesh and be tempted in every way as we are, He could not give us the power of the Holy Spirit to live this way. Denying Jesus’ deity, therefore, is not just some random theological point. It is rejecting the means God has given us to live the way we are commanded i.e. through Christ and is thus intrinsically connected to loving one another.
Aug 19, 2015
Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. James 4:14
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
in·vest·ment = time, energy, or matter spent in the hope of future benefit.
The Lord has been challenging me in examining my heart for its true investment. These verses arouse a soberness that causes me to ask myself, what am I ultimately striving to treasure and invest in?
We have all heard the saying, “Life is precious”. Yes, without a shadow of a doubt, I believe it surely to be true. But what is it about life makes it to be so uniquely precious? The answer is Christ.
As a part of my curriculum this year, I have the great privilege to read the book Character of God’s Workman. Even though I am just a ways into it, this book has made me examine my own life in regards to God’s love for all humanity. There is a part in the book where Nee writes, “Many who would work for God have a serious deficiency, which is, that they are totally lacking in the love of humanity. They lack the proper respect towards men, and they lack as well knowledge of the value of man in God’s sight. Indeed, each and every life on earth has been uniquely designed and created by an absolute wonderful Creator. And in each life is a soul, a soul that needs to hear and know that Love Himself has come to give more than this life ever could provide–eternal life through Jesus Christ alone!
To invest in the lives and souls of others seems like the toughest, yet greatest possible investment on earth. To think about this investment forces me out of my comfort zone, yet it seems like the only possible and worthwhile investment when reflecting on the amazing redemptive plan that Christ has for all the world. Oh to simply invest in a precious soul! This is an eternal investment! The benefits, being eternal ones, are of unimaginable value, as we anticipate to soon gather around the Lord’s Throne to worship Him forever and ever!
So, with life having that much of value, I pray the Lord would make me mindful of His love for all humanity. As we as God’s children, have been huge beneficiaries of His amazing grace, may the Lord use us in the lives of others for whom He has also died and cherishes greatly. As each life is compared to a mere vapor that disappears as quickly as it appears, I pray the Lord might continue to reveal the true purpose and meaning of life on earth. May our hearts be consumed with Christ Himself as our Treasure, and thus have an outflow of a love for mankind.
Aug 12, 2015
It’s Saturday morning and I’m headed out the road with my friend to do some shopping. We get a weather advisory for a severe storm coming our direction. Heeding the warning, we go back to our houses and wait it out. I grab my Bible, journal and a fresh cup of French vanilla coffee. I make myself comfortable on the back porch and watch the sky. The clouds are getting darker and the thunder starts to roll. It’s incredible to watch! I ask the Lord to speak to my heart, to teach me from His word.
My mind immediately went to Psalm 19: “The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech, night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” The skies are God’s creation. They glorify Him and reflect His majesty. You and I are also His creation – and far more amazing than a cloud or lightning bolt! Something I hear from a lot from folks who say they love Jesus is that their ultimate goal is to glorify their Creator, God. I’ve always felt that “glorifying God” is a wide and general statement. So how do I glorify God in my life? How do I reflect His glory daily? I started thinking about what I see in other believers that glorifies God and points me to Him. Here are a few simple ways I’ve seen God’s glory displayed through others: obedience, thankfulness and humility.
In a world where it is hard to differentiate between grace and tolerance, God’s word is true and perfect. Listen to what David says about God’s law: “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward.” Words like radiance, sweetness, wisdom and joy – he explains God’s law as something wonderful, not staunch or overbearing! We will bring glory to our Creator by obeying His commands.
In an average day, I see far more unhappy people than joyful people in the world. It’s far more likely to hear someone complain or grumble than to hear a genuine “thank you” or “wow, I am so blessed.” Regardless of our circumstances, any hardship or trial, there is always something to be thankful for. (I’m not talking about a hypocritical cheese festival where you say we are happy when we’re not. I’m talking about genuinely being grateful for God and what He has done for us!) And most often, sharing gratitude will encourage someone else as well, resulting in more glory to God! Remember He says thankfulness is a fruit of His spirit living inside of us. Having a heart of gratitude will glorify our Creator!
No one is perfect. David’s life was chock-full of mistakes. The amazing thing is that God often shows His glory the brightest through people’s failures. The Bible says “People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. ” Proverbs 16:2 David asked forgiveness for hidden sins and willful sins, as well as asked God to keep him from walking into sin. Then he says “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, o Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” He humbled himself to please the Lord above anyone else. Life is full of hurts, misunderstandings, and mistakes – and life is far too short to dwell in those. We will glorify God by consistently asking Him to search our hearts and motives, and to purify us.
Just like the heavens declare the glory of their Creator through beautiful sunsets, sunrises and even storms, so you and I can declare His glory in many ways. Obedience to Gods word, thankfulness regardless of circumstances, and constant humility are three simple ways I have personally seen Christ glorified through the lives of Christians here at Gospel for Asia. Being a student in School of Discipleship has also given me ample opportunities to put these things into practice in my own life.
Now, I need another cup of coffee. (And hey, I am truly grateful for coffee! 😊)
Aug 5, 2015
Look around at creation. Think about it. Really try and think about it. Try to comprehend.You can’t. It’s impossible. I look at the sun, the bright blue sky. I feel the breeze, I hear it lightly rustling the leaves. I breath in and taste fresh, crisp, cool air. Where did all this come from? What is it made of? Why is it here? Why so complex? Why so beautiful? How can you not believe in someone who created it all. I don’t have enough faith to believe it was an accident. What utter, absurd, foolishness to explain reality, life and nature, without God. It is a vain and impossible endeavor. All things have their beginning and their end in Him. There is no other logical conclusion.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
—Psalm 19:1-2
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made….
—Rom. 1:20
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
—Rom.11:33-36
Creation tells us much about God. All we have to do is look. I see creativity. Creativity so great that all the creativity mankind has ever mustered to bring us to where we are today is only an iota of a fraction of all the creativity God contains.
I see power and ability as such that the wielder should be feared and worshiped without hesitation. Such ability and power that SPOKE the galaxies, stars, space, sky, water, air, plants, people, cells, materials, dirt, spirits, time into existence. There was nothing then God declared there was and it was there. “What is man that you are mindful of him?”
I see wisdom. Our smartest minds admit that they don’t understand the cell, or DNA, or atoms and molecules. They admit that we have hardly begun to think about scratching the surface of what exists both microscopically and macroscopically. We are such a tiny, minuscule part in this universe that extends forever in all directions around us, in so vast an expanse that we don’t even know how to think about it properly. God is wisdom. He has FULL knowledge and understanding of all that was, is and ever will be in existence.
I am overwhelmed. I can do nothing but worship. There is no other thinkable or imaginable action. My one and only response should be complete, immediate and unrestrained worship. Look at creation, it will knock you flat on your face before the Creator.
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