Weekly Issue of Devotions

Hey all, this is a new thing that we're doing for prayer. It's a weekly issue of devotions. I believe doing your personal devotions is important to foster a better realtionship with God. Let Him minister to you through devotions and not forgetting the bible also! Throw this challenge to yourselves guys, read your bible everyday! Prepare yourselves for greater things ahead.

Feel free also to send in your prayer request. (may it be poor attendance in CF, weak response etc etc) You are most welcome to do so. I believe we exist to help each other to run the race that God had planned for us. k? you can email, beep, sms, me . I'm Samson, yap.samson@gmail.com or sam_son91@hotmail.com .

Part of the first email sent to us by Samson Yap - Prayer Coordinator

Yes people, weekly devotions will be up on this blog also, so that EVERYBODY can chip in to help make this rally a success. Remember, without prayer, all of our efforts are in vain. We can plan the best rally this year, but without prayer, there'll be a soft spot where Satan can penetrate and try to stop the plans of our Heavenly Father through this year's ISCF Rally. So I really hope that all of you will just take a few minutes off your internet time to just ponder on the points in these weekly devotions. Here's devotion #1. Enjoy.



Everyday life is spiritual
Should churches meet practical needs?
April 16, 2007 - by John Townsend

One of the biggest problems facing the church today is what has been called the sacred-secular division.

This phrase refers to the idea that church is where spiritual life resides, and the secular life is what goes on outside the walls of the building. With this understanding, the church and its activities are religious and spiritual in nature and are meant to support and strengthen people, so they can go out into their lives - the "secular world" - and have success, victory, and hope for themselves.

In reality, there is a clear distinction between what is directly and clearly of God and his ways, and what is not. This is what holiness is about. The concept comes from the Old Testament teachings in which God guided his people to separate from evil and be part of what belongs to him: "Be holy, for I am holy. (Lev. 11:44, NAS). It is a protective structure that God created to keep us safe and away from what would harm us. Holiness is a very good thing.

The idea, however, has morphed over time, so that often it no longer relates to good versus evil, but instead to religious versus everyday. That is, often people think that their personal realities, like jobs, families, relationships, emotions, and bad habits are part of the "real world," but church, worship, Bible teaching, and preaching are part of the "spiritual world."

The problem with this thinking is that it doesn't satisfy the spiritual emptiness and hunger of people. They live in two divided worlds, and there is not a lot of connection between the two. This is often where people begin to suffer from shame and guilt, feeling that their everyday lives and problems are inferior to what goes on at church - and somehow not as important to God.

Sometimes they hide and conceal from others, and from themselves, how they really feel and live because of this division. Sometimes they spiritualize their lives and simply avoid facing their problems, issues, and hurts, hoping that the more they pray, read the Bible, and attend church, the more the problems will be resolved.

Certainly the spiritual disciplines, doctrines, and theologies of the Bible are meant to give us a life that works and is fruitful. But things work better for people when they understand how God really sees things - and it is this way: it's all spiritual.

Our families, jobs, talents, dreams, failures, and past baggage are all parts of life that God cares about, wants to help us with, and has provided resources for. As the old hymn says, "This is My Father's World." He is the One "in whom we live and move and exist." (Acts 17:28) In all the ways we live, in all the places we move, and in all the patterns of life we exist in, God is involved deeply and wants to guide us. That is the spiritual life.

What is the takeaway for us?

Basically, to help people seek God, his presence, and his answers within the contexts of their lives. We in the church need to show them that their careers, finances, dating lives, struggles, and parenting are deeply spiritual activities with spiritual answers and solutions. Provide biblical and practical steps, activities, and small group gatherings for them to discuss and learn all they need to know to get to the next step.

We are never closer to God than when we connect, in his name, with those who need support in their everyday lives. That is the truly spiritual way, the way that involves us in being his hands and feet.

"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" (Matt. 25:40)

God bless you.