Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
4 years ago, this day
4 years ago, the barren grey concrete floors greeted us as a few of us walked up the dusty staircase to view the site where our sanctuary was to be. Frankly it did not make much impression on me. I stared around at the emptiness, at the dull sunlight filtering in through the grimy windows. But, luckily for us, God gave 2 pastors the vision and the will to pursue a slice of His kingdom. Boy, what a difference that makes!
Now, the dullness of the slabs have been replaced walls resonating with the praise that we offer up, the tiles bouncing off laughter and chatter every week from young people, bursting with energy and youthfulness, and the windows reflecting the people who gather each week to refresh themselves from the weariness of the world.
Just where would some of us be, had we not seen the black and red signboard as we drove pass the row of shop lots? Where would we be, had we not had friends introducing us here? Where would we be had we not had someone who had a vision and followed through, even though in the beginning there was nothing to see from it?
Now, I’m here to give thanks for the birth of GEPC, thankful that I am part of it, and thankful for all the blessings, the friends, the love, the satisfaction of being able to serve though it’s in small ways, thankful even for the heartaches because they make one grow and thankful for the training ground that is provided, thankful for all the years of tears, sweat, hard work that some had put in to nurture, to grow, to bring us to where we are now.
Happy, happy birthday, GEPC! Let’s cheer and push on for a year of exponential growth and abundance, May the good Lord bless and keep us.
Now, the dullness of the slabs have been replaced walls resonating with the praise that we offer up, the tiles bouncing off laughter and chatter every week from young people, bursting with energy and youthfulness, and the windows reflecting the people who gather each week to refresh themselves from the weariness of the world.
Just where would some of us be, had we not seen the black and red signboard as we drove pass the row of shop lots? Where would we be, had we not had friends introducing us here? Where would we be had we not had someone who had a vision and followed through, even though in the beginning there was nothing to see from it?
Now, I’m here to give thanks for the birth of GEPC, thankful that I am part of it, and thankful for all the blessings, the friends, the love, the satisfaction of being able to serve though it’s in small ways, thankful even for the heartaches because they make one grow and thankful for the training ground that is provided, thankful for all the years of tears, sweat, hard work that some had put in to nurture, to grow, to bring us to where we are now.
Happy, happy birthday, GEPC! Let’s cheer and push on for a year of exponential growth and abundance, May the good Lord bless and keep us.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Broken Heart Of Man
A broken heart, it would be a daring statement to say that everybody suffers from one. But it will be true. Some suffer more from this syndrome, some suffer less. In this context, a broken heart does not refer to merely a relationship between a man and woman. But the basic cause of this hurt in our hearts is SIN.
Let’s start the story from the beginning and what place better than to start at the place where the earth and the human race first exist, Genesis.
Man was made in the image of God; therefore we have intellect, emotions, a will and personality. That is why we are able to reason, to have feelings, to have our own quirks and fancies, to be able to develop relationships. Have you often heard there is no perfect relationship in the world? Well, there is one, the relationship that exists between the Trinity.
However we would not be able to understand it. Sin mars the picture. Adam and Eve had no sin when they were created. They were created for eternity. They were supposed to live forever. Sin. When did that happen to Adam and Eve?
Genesis 3:1, The Fall
Shame came into their lives: they were conscious of being naked and sewed fig leaves to cover their bodies.
Fear came into their lives: afraid of meeting with God, they shifted the blame between one another.
Order of the family was put into place.
Death came into their lives.
The Earth was cursed.
Rejection: Adam and Eve were rejected, banished by God from the Garden of Eden.
These wounds if not healed will affect one’s relationship with God and everyone else. If we cannot have a good, clear relationship with God, we cannot have a good one with other people.
Some causes of broken hearts
Childhood Trauma
A child feels the emotions of the mother, even in the womb, for example the mother thought about aborting the child, affecting the child’s emotions.
Dysfunctional Families
Divorce, Remarriage, Affairs
Abuse of any form
Physical, verbal, psychological, sexual
Rejection
Robs one of self-esteem, self worth
Chronic/Acute Illness
Could result in inferiority, wants to be in control of everything.
Physically/Mentally challenged
Affect one’s behaviour, being aggressive or withdrawn.
Accidents/Traumas
Cause unresolved grief.
Abortion
Involvement with the occult
Tarot Cards, Horoscopes, Mediums, Spirits
Unrepentant Lifestyle
If we choose to disobey God in a particular area, we are going to get hurt in this area. We cannot play with fire and expect not to get burnt, in the same manner; we cannot play with sin and hope not to get hurt.
Isaiah 61:1-3
Let’s start the story from the beginning and what place better than to start at the place where the earth and the human race first exist, Genesis.
Man was made in the image of God; therefore we have intellect, emotions, a will and personality. That is why we are able to reason, to have feelings, to have our own quirks and fancies, to be able to develop relationships. Have you often heard there is no perfect relationship in the world? Well, there is one, the relationship that exists between the Trinity.
However we would not be able to understand it. Sin mars the picture. Adam and Eve had no sin when they were created. They were created for eternity. They were supposed to live forever. Sin. When did that happen to Adam and Eve?
Genesis 3:1, The Fall
Shame came into their lives: they were conscious of being naked and sewed fig leaves to cover their bodies.
Fear came into their lives: afraid of meeting with God, they shifted the blame between one another.
Order of the family was put into place.
Death came into their lives.
The Earth was cursed.
Rejection: Adam and Eve were rejected, banished by God from the Garden of Eden.
These wounds if not healed will affect one’s relationship with God and everyone else. If we cannot have a good, clear relationship with God, we cannot have a good one with other people.
Some causes of broken hearts
Childhood Trauma
A child feels the emotions of the mother, even in the womb, for example the mother thought about aborting the child, affecting the child’s emotions.
Dysfunctional Families
Divorce, Remarriage, Affairs
Abuse of any form
Physical, verbal, psychological, sexual
Rejection
Robs one of self-esteem, self worth
Chronic/Acute Illness
Could result in inferiority, wants to be in control of everything.
Physically/Mentally challenged
Affect one’s behaviour, being aggressive or withdrawn.
Accidents/Traumas
Cause unresolved grief.
Abortion
Involvement with the occult
Tarot Cards, Horoscopes, Mediums, Spirits
Unrepentant Lifestyle
If we choose to disobey God in a particular area, we are going to get hurt in this area. We cannot play with fire and expect not to get burnt, in the same manner; we cannot play with sin and hope not to get hurt.
Isaiah 61:1-3
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