Rejoice! We Are His Beloved Children!
BRD REFLECTIONS:
(Philip Yuen, SGM Zone Leader)
READ:
The verses that stood out to me were 1 John 3:1 and Psalm 47.
OBSERVE:
I was deeply touched when I read in 1 John 3:1 –
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
It dawned on me that it’s such a great privilege to be called a child of God. It is such a joy to sing and dance in the presence of our Lord God Almighty as shared by the Psalmist in Psalm 47!
I echo the following words of the Psalmist:
“Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.” (v1)
“For God is the King of all the earth…” (v7) and “God reigns over the nations…” (v8)
APPLY:
Our Pastor-in-charge regularly makes an effort to greet and thank duty watchers (church security volunteers) and ushers. I think this is one way we can build up our community of God’s children. As a Zone Leader, I believe that I should do the same and ‘touch base’ with the 14 Small Groups in Zone 15. I am reminded by these words of the apostle John, “…let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18 NIV).
At every opportunity, I try to call, meet or keep in touch with members and leaders. I value each person’s positive response and believe that this is due to the God-centred relationships built through years of authentic care and prayers. It is only when relationships are centred on our loving and forgiving God that love abounds, and we as God’s beloved children are able to truly “Clap our hands…(and) shout to God with cries of joy!”
DO:
At our quarterly Leaders-to-Leaders sessions, leaders often share that they are greatly encouraged when their members participate positively and spontaneously in activities and programmes.
Thus, I wish to “not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18 NIV) and strive to support my church and local faith community to reach out to the lost, the least and the last.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, it’s absolutely mind-boggling that we ARE Your children! May we REJOICE to live to Your praise and glory. Help me to encourage our church leaders by actively participating in the Small Group, Zone and church programmes. AMEN!
