Snippet of sermon by Rev Helen Hoe
Background : Paul was in prison but he was able to continue his work. He wanted to get the good news out to the people. When we talk about being strengthened and reach out, we need to begin rebuilding our inner life in 3 aspects:
1. Cultivate a heart of Thanksgiving: 1 Tim 6:17The Love of money is the root of all evil. Things of God will pale in comparison when we cherish this love. We do not want to join the world in our grumblings. While complaining makes us feel better in that it enables us to get our frustrations out, it also giving the devil a foothold to spread discontent and discord. Psalm 77:3 talks about growing seeds of bitterness in each others' lives. Choose rather to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving. While it is true that it is alright to complain to God (psalm of lament), something happens inside us when we give thanks. We need to build that tank of resource: giving thanks. Do we compartmentalize our life or is the Lord the Lord of all aspects of our life? Build that tank of resource. Problem: our daily routine our priorities shifted to look like that of the world. We are to pray without ceasing. We must practise keeping that posture of prayer throughout the day. Many of us discontinue our conversation with God when we close our Bibles after our quiet times.
2. Grow in Discernment: When we lift our hearts to God, we become alert to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Do not quench the spirit, do not despise prophesizing (i.e. declaring the mind of God in the power of the spirit). We must learn to test everything, even the prophecies. Be mindful that we can be so sincerely wrong. It is possible to find someone sharing in all earnestness, yet what he shares does not gel with the Bible. The Bereans Acts 17:11 searched the scriptures daily to check things out especially the conflicting views about God's will. We need to grow in our discernment.
3. Rest in God's Promise. 1 Thess 5:23-24 God is able to minister to our whole being. Until we reach the end point: the coming of the Lord, we look forward to God's kingdom come. Our lives need to tell a different story.
Reflection Questions
1. Have we allowed the seeds of bitterness to grow in our lives? What can you this Advent, to grow the resource of thanksgiving.
2. What would you say about your alertness to the Holy Spirit? Do you run what you hear from prophets through the scriptures to check things out? What would the issue be?
3. What is one promise that I desperately need to stand firm till the coming of Christ?
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