TURNING TO GOD TOGETHER
JOEL 2:12 - 16
Answer GOD’s call. At certain moments in history God summons HIS people to
turn to HIM in order to be forgiven, renewed and used by HIM for HIS purposes.
Returning to GOD because HIS desires to dwell with us; the repentance
Joel describes is not a superficial turning from any particular sinful behaviors.
In fact the gift of repentance is not merely turning from sin; the heart of
repentance is turning to God.
What matters most in the book of Joel is that GOD’s people are dangerously and shamefully distant from HIM, whether by their apathy or because of their sin.
GOD opens HIS heart and calls the people to return to HIM. HIS appeal is focused on the hope of repentance and all the goodness that GOD desires to bring forth. HE is not going to leave thing as they are. Instead, HE’s going to make us like JESUS.
Despite the gloom of mounting evil, HE’s going to heal families, lands, nations and peoples that the earth will be covered with HIS glory, right in the face of darkness.
Isaiah 66:18
I’ll gather all Nations and tongues; and they shall come and see my glory
Rev. Rachel (Senior Pastor)
人生小语
我们不应该让孩子依赖我们，而应该教导孩子自力更生.。孩子自己应该做的事，父母不要替他做。父母也不要事事替孩子做决定，而要给他机会，学习如何勇敢地作出智慧的决定。有人需要你，无疑很有满足感，但是养育儿女，栽培下一代的目的，是培养他们的独立能力。正如基督徒无时无刻不需要上帝，却也同时要有自立的能力，有勇气去面对人生。圣经教导我们：吃奶的婴孩应长大成人，改吃干粮；在灵性上不断操练，心窍通达，有力量分辨好歹 (来 5:13-14)
致：所有为人父母者，并祝双亲节快乐
你岂要定晴在虚无的钱财上吗? 因钱财必长翅膀,如鹰向天飞去. ~ [[圣经.箴言23:5]]
管教你的孩子,他必使你得安息,也必使你的心得喜乐.~ [箴29:17]
Rev. Grace Teo (Chinese Pastor)
Dedicated to All Mothers.....
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
We thank You for our mothers to whom You have entrusted the care of every precious human life from its very beginning in the womb. You have given to woman the capacity of participating with You in the creation of new life.
Grant that every woman may come to understand the full meaning of that blessing,
which gives her an unlimited capacity for selfless love for every child she may be privileged to bear, and for all Your children.
Watch over every mother who is with child, strengthen her faith in Your fatherly care and love for her and for her unborn baby. Give her courage in times of fear or pain, understanding in times of uncertainty and doubt, and hope in times of trouble. Grant her joy in the birth of her child.
To mothers You have given the great privilege and responsibility of being a child's first teacher and spiritual guide. Grant that all mothers may worthily foster the faith of their children, following the example of Mary, Elizabeth, and other holy women who follow Christ. Help mothers to grow daily in knowledge and understanding
of Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and grant them the wisdom to impart this
knowledge faithfully to their children, and to all who depend upon them.
Assist all "spiritual mothers", those who, though they may have no children of their own, nevertheless selflessly care for the children of others -- of every age and
state in life. Grant that they may know the joy of fulfilling this motherly calling
of women, whether in teaching, nursing, religious life, or in other work which recognizes and fosters the true dignity of every human being created in Your image
and likeness.
We beseech You to send Your Holy Spirit, the Comforter, to all mothers who sorrow for children that have died, are ill or estranged from their families, or who are in trouble or danger of any kind. Help grieving mothers to rely on Your tender mercy and fatherly love for all your children.
We ask your blessing on all those to whom You have entrusted motherhood. May Your Holy Spirit constantly inspire and strengthen them. May they ever follow the example of Mary, mother of Our Lord, and imitate her fidelity, her humility, and her self-giving love. May all mothers receive Your Grace abundantly in this earthly life, and may they look forward to eternal joy in Your presence in the life to come.
We ask this through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. AMEN.
