Golden Nuggets

Another benefit from being a part of IFES World Assembly 2015 was the privilege of hearing fresh perspectives on God's Word. The way that the Bible sessions were presented made the scripture come alive. It would be difficult to share all that we heard, but here are some truths which stood out to me:

Light shaft in the middle of a cave

Luke 5:1-11
Jesus used His power to create fullness where there was emptiness, though His Word

Matthew 8:23-26
Our lives are not free of difficulties, but Jesus is always with us in the midst of them. Difficulties come to teach us a lesson, and we should not hesitate to call on Jesus when we feel overwhelmed.

Ancient pyramid

Philippians 1:1-26
Paul's prayers are full of joy and thankfulness instead of anxiety, despite the Philippians' suffering, and his own imprisonment. He saw God's good work in their lives in the past, and trusted that it would continue to the future.

Paul didn't pray for circumstances to change, but that fruit would grow

The gospel of Christ gives us a reason to live, despite the circumstances we may find ourselves facing.

With Jesus at the center, both life and death have reason. We can live more freely because we have no fear of death.

At the Botanical Gardens

Daniel 1
In the midst of difficult situations, we may be tempted to think that God has abandoned us, but in reality, He is not missing in action. He is in the midst of our crisis, and is able to move the hearts of even pagan kings to accomplish His purposes.

We should be prepared to engage with our culture in order to demonstrate the wisdom of God, instead of choosing the ease and comfort of blending in.

Orchids of every shape and color

Acts 4:29
They did not pray that the threats would stop, but that they would be bold enough to witness in spite of them. The One we pray to is worth living, and dying for.

Daniel 3
God did not just deliver Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - He stood with them in the midst of their most difficult experience.

The faithful do not always escape the fire.

God may not always deliver in the way we expect, but He will always be with us.

Japanese garden

Philippians 1:27 - 2:18
A radically transformed attitude is what enables us to live as citizens of the Kingdom. We must cultivate and practise humility of the mind.The meaning of your life is determined by the thinking to which we belonged. A radically transformed attitude is what enables us to live as citizens of the kingdom.

Philippians 4:10 – 21 

The ‘all things’ that Paul referred to which are possible through Christ was being content in every situation. We must learn how to live in difficult or joyful circumstances. In his time of need, Paul did not think about himself, but the needs of others. We must be generous in our relationships, demonstrating our care and concern in tangible ways. It is not about the size of the gift to those in need, but the attitude of the heart.

Paul realised that he had to rely on God, rather than people, to meet his needs; his joy was not dependant on their gift. He had to learn to have a lifestyle based on contentment – it did not come naturally. In a society that excludes God, contentment is very difficult, as there is always a desire for more.

Italian gardens

Philippians 2:25-20

Christian ministry must be done in love. The stewardship of affection transcends cultures. It makes the gospel attractive to outsiders, as we reach out to them.