In the army faith takes a backseat, especially when in training. Whatever the Sergeant says, you have to do. And the whole idea is that they want you to learn it the hard way. So it comes with lots of threats and punishments. Of course everyone wishes to have a peaceful and 'slack' training, but well it doesn't always happen. So more or less u don't see any miracles or breakthroughs. you really feel discouraged and small. No feeling of GOD's love. And I can tell that in the workplace, when all the paperwork and deadlines start popping up like dandelions, it's really deflating on your faith.
Gal5:6
(NIV) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
(Amplified) For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.
(NIV) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
(Amplified) For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.
I like the idea of activated and energized. it's like faith alone has power, no doubt, but faith with love is ENERGIZED and ACTIVATED. I think why we don't see things happening is that the faith is not ACTIVATED. so it's time to put the spotlight on GOD's love for us: Jesus on the cross for our punishment and redemption. we're back to 1 Jn3:16 tt Christ is the perfection of GOD's love. faith, being activated by the sense of GOD's love. it's like putting the magnifying glass over a sheet of paper. it's like pastor's analogy of ATM and pin-code.
BELOVEDS, focus on GOD's love for this week beloveds, and you'll see that how little your faith may be, it will spring forth miracles in your life. Jesus is the author and the finisher of our faith. Jesus is faith. the father's love is Jesus on the cross. It's just Jesus. look to him and find the love you need in him. not only from your colleagues, parents, siblings, peers or even leaders and cg-mates. sense his love this week and let his faith in you take over (:
A little thing to add on, for those of you who like to read on and go deeper into scripture...
Actually if you read on in 1Jn3:18-20 it goes on to talk about doing.
18Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity).
19By this we shall come to know (perceive, recognize, and understand) that we are of the Truth, and can reassure (quiet, conciliate, and pacify) our hearts in His presence,
20Whenever our hearts in [tormenting] self-accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us. [For we are in God's hands.] For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts), and He knows (perceives and understands) everything [nothing is hidden from Him].
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6For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.
see the words EXPRESSED and WORKING. the love for others in 1Jn3:18-20 is not about us and us trying to love (as a work) again. It's about faith. All to do with Jesus' faith in our lives. The more you sense Jesus' love, the more you see yourself working and walking in faith, leading to works of and in love. Beloveds, Shalom.
1 comment:
heyyyyy joel. thanks for blogging abt the service!
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