Reflection: Pull out the weeds!!

Uncle Jeffrey mentioned that all the thorns (and perhaps weeds too) are all the worldly desires that will eventually choke us and kill us, and separate us from God.

What he said had caused me to really think about my life. Much as I will like to say I'm the good soil, but I'm sad to say that I'm not. In many ways, I've been caught up in all the worldly ways, conforming to the nasty ways of this world - work, relationships, school, behaviour even!
I reckon I was much more involved in school alone, and was definitely really rash and disobedient to God's commands, and was also acting more ungodly.

Even now, I know I'm bad...but I'm changing...or at least, I do see myself changing...

God is slowly, but surely, pulling out all these weeds and thorns that are killing me and sucking the life out of me. I want to bear fruits!!
Also, with the help of the Holy Spirit that God has given to me, I'm seeing things in God's ways, and also having more self-control over my actions.

The weeds are still there...they will continue to sprout out. And I will continuously lean on God's strength and help to remove them.

Reflection: 3 little pigs

During the sermon on Sunday, I was reminded that we have to have a strong foundation in our faith, so that when any trials and tribulations that come our way, we can stand firm

it's like the story of the 3 little pigs...
if we build our house out of straw, it will definitely topple when the wolf huffs and puffs
however, if we build our house out of bricks, no matter how the wolf huffs and puffs, this house stands firm!

upon reflection, I was also reminded that to have a strong foundation, we need to have Jesus as the cornerstone of our this house, and I have to continually read the Bible and know more about this great God and what His ways are, so that when Satan huffs and puffs, I won't get blown away

Is Your Heart Quiet?

Read Isaiah 30- 1:15 (especially vs. 15).
Personally, I dont. I'm anxious, worried and sometimes irritatated. You will know if your heart is quiet or not. Are you pre-occupied, worried, anxious or agitated?

So what's keeping you from having a quiet heart?
Studies? Choosing your career path? Choosing the stream/subjects you would like to do in school? Relationship issues? Deadlines from work?

The passage in Isaiah chapter 30 started with how the people of Isreal wanted nice pictures of everything rather than to hear the hard truth. Verse 15, talks about how we can have a quiet heart. It detailed how we can do it.

I guess the first few questions to ask are:

1) Have we ever pursue plans that God did not approve of?
If so, how can our heart be quiet? I think all of us have been through that route and each time, we feel distanced from God. And like the people in verse 10, we rather hear the pleasant stuff than the hard stuff making it even harder for us to have a quiet and calm heart. Think of Jonah!

2) Did we ever make a decision without consulting God?
If yes, then our hearts will never be quiet. How can it be if we are trying to meet our needs without using God-focused ways? If it is not God-focused, it will backfire. I totally agree with this because whenever I make a decision without consulting God, i failed miserably. I also feel unsettled as if something is not complete.

Also, we tend to forget that God is in control, especially when we are not. He is the GOD ALMIGHTY. Should we be anxious or worried or preoccupied when He is in control? One of my favourite verses says:

"Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the PEACE of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your HEARTS and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6.

I guess I always like that verse because it constantly reminded me that God is in control and He will not put me through this without a reason. And if so, then I'm going to pray and let Him be in the driver's seat. I still struggle with letting Him having control sometimes, but I will continue to try.

So how do we achieve a quiet heart?
Isaiah 30:15
"This is what the SOVERIGH Lord, the Holy one of Isarel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it."

In Repentance- In turning to God
In Rest- Depending on God.
In Quietness- In resting in God, there is a peace that is free of strifle and agitation.
In Trust- Believing that GOd and His promises are the truth.
In Strength- It is the strength to stand up to whatever difficulty that comes our way.

The price of disbelief is HIGH- we forfeit peace and contentment.

Most of all read Psalm 91. I cried when I read it.


This week, I sincerly hope that all of us will have a quiet heart.

Daphne
Adapted from a sermon by Pastor Steve Schoof of Westminister Presbyterian Church, Perth, Western Australia.