Sunday, 1st May 2022
Rev Daniel Xi An Poon
We see and hear negative news everyday, but when we are willing to count blessings everyday, we will see more of God’s grace in our lives. We must live out this life, which is no longer the same from our old lives. God gave us grace through His Words, despite of the negative news of the world, we must breakthrough all difficulties and see God’s blessings.
We want to go back to to the lives before COVID-19, but the world pushes us to keep on going. Many people would choose to enjoy all the entertainment today and not think about tomorrow. But as Christians, we have hope and we know God will protect us to the end. Everyday He will give us new anointing, new direction and new blessings.
II Corinthians 4:7-10 says, ‘But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.’
1. A Different Life
II Corinthian :26-28 says, ‘in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.’
Paul us been through many difficulties but he was still living his life to the fullest that pleased God. If we want a blessed and joyful life, we cannot fake it, but to live it out. First we must repent and return, do not finger-point to others, but to see our own problems in lives. When we continue to examine ourselves and continue to repent and return, we will be more like Jesus and come closer to God.
2. Breakthrough the Trap
What is the truth? Even after we believe in Jesus, we will still come across difficulties and challenges in life. It’s not about living a smooth life, but how we can face life with freedom. Do not be trapped in the problems of this world, but to renew our mind everyday, continue to trust in God.
Romans 8:31 says, ‘What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?’
God has given us the ability to fight the good fight, are we willing to use this ability to live a life no longer the same, do not let lustful words come out from our mouth, but to be careful of what we say. Live by the grace of God and have faith.
3. The Power of the Resurrection of Jesus
The resurrection of Jesus should not only be on our mouth but also in our actions. We want freedom but what are true freedom? It does not mean we can do anything we want to do. Jesus willing went on the cross because He humbled Himself and obeyed the Father. When we know that Jesus died and resurrected for us, we just also die and live with Him.
How can we die for Jesus? To live under the fragrance of the Tree of Life, to see God’s Work in our lives. Let go of what we hold onto and be willing to fulfil the will of God.