IGNYTE I will ignite the kingdom life within you,a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out -Matthew 3:11-

1 Peter 4

Has there ever been a time when you offered service or hospitality, but you did so with a poor attitude? How do you think God felt about your service at that time?

How, in a practical sense, can you begin to practice hospitality and serve others with the attitude of Christ?

Write a prayer of surrender to God, asking him to help you serve your "unwritten list" of people, as well as anyone else he sends to you, with the attitude of Jesus.

Luke 14

SCRIPTURE

Jesus said, "When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed."

Most of us have an unwritten list of people we'd prefer not to serve. Jesus invites us to widen our circle of service to include those on our unwritten list.

Who are the people on your "unwritten list"? Why is it so difficult for you to serve these people?

In what ways do you think God might bless you for your hospitality to these particular people?

Luke 17

It may naturally offend us to think of Jesus asking us to take on the attitude of a slave. Unfortunately, he does exactly that.

In most groups, families, or workplaces, there are usually some persons who think of their duties ahead of their rights - who defer to others, who listen, who serve. There are also those who think of their rights ahead of their duties - who strive to get their own way, who are happy to let others carry the heaviest load, and who may even take advantage of others.

How do you usually relate to members of the first group? To members of the second group? How would Jesus relate to these people?

Into which group do you fall?

What can you do to ensure that you consistently belong to the first group?

Write a prayer asking God to help you consistently think of others before yourself.

John 14

The Holy Spirit longs to guide us in many areas - to know Christ more intimately, to love him more deeply, to serve him more fully. However, when we seek wisdom from our Counselor, we are often most interested in guidance that will make our own lives easier or more pleasant. "If I take this job, will it lead to financial success?" "Which potential marriage partner will make me the most happy?" The Holy Spirit is generally more focused on God's agenda. He wants us to ask questions such as, "Where is God at work around me?" and, "How can I contribute?" Prayerfully consider these questions, and then ask the Lord, "How can I serve you?"

What is one current area in your life in which you need the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit?

Now back to our devotion.

Mark 6

Compassion is the ability to feel or see another person's need - along with the decision to address that need through action.

Who are the sheep without shepherds around you? What about them or their lives causes you to consider them in this way?

What can you do to demonstrate Jesus' compassion - love in action - to these people Be specific.

Please pray for this encounter. I am believing God for a powerful weekend. So far we have about 26 youths registered for the retreat. It is going to be a power packed weekend, both physically and spiritually.

Today we continue our devotion on ministry.

READ

James 2

SCRIPTURE

"Show me how anyone can have faith without actions. I will show you my faith by my actions." TEV

Faith and action go hand in hand. Our service flows out of our commitment to Christ.

If someone were to determine your level of faith strictly based in your outward actions, what would be their conclusion? Why?

How difficult or easy is it for you to "back up" your faith with action?

What are the obstacles that stand in the way of your combining your beliefs with your behaviour?

What actions is God currently pressing on your heart to do? What will it take for you to be obedient?

Write a prayer asking for God's help to overcome these obstacles and his strength to put your faith into action this week ( this week is Chinese New Year - time to catch up with loved ones, friends, and relatives - show them your faith in action)

Luke 14

Jesus said, "Everyone who tries to honour himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be honoured." Luke 14: 11 TLB

Have you ever tried to honour yourself, but ended up being humbled? Or have you humbled yourself, but ultimately were honoured? Describe the situation.

In what current situation of your life do you need to practice servanthood and humility?

Mark 10

Service is often unglamorous. But for those who desire to follow Christ, no act of service is beneath them, because they've acquired Jesus' servant heart.

When you think of the word success, what sort of ideas usually come to your mind? How are these ideas similar to or different from Jesus' definition of success?

What would it look like for you to be successful in Jesus' eyes?

Matthew 6

What day-to-day needs concern you today? Write a prayer to your heavenly Father, asking him to meet your needs as you place his kingdom first in your life.

In what practical ways can you put God's kingdom first in the upcoming week?

What "treasures in heaven" have you recently "stored up"?

Luke 6

SCRIPTURE:

Jesus said that the wise person puts his words into practice habitually, before a storm hits. How do you make obedience a habit in the "calm" times? When has this helped to see you through a more difficult time in your life?

We need to be like Christ in his quiet moments and in his active obedience to his Father. For Jesus, deep obedience came naturally because he knew his Father's love.

Unless we trust God to have our best interests at heart, we will obey him fearfully, if at all. What motivates you to obey God - fear, or his love for you? Why?

1. How does your obedience to what Jesus has told you to do demonstrate the quality of your own faith?

2. In what areas is Jesus asking you for your obedience?

3. What can you do to surrender those areas over to his control?

You all did a fantastic job organizing the Friend Day. We all enjoyed ourselves so much! Thanks to Sue Jane, Deric, Fiona, Eunice, Mun Teng, Emily, Melanie and all the musicians, Raymond, Reynard, Ken Ee, Mabelyn (hope I did not miss out anyone)

About 19 newcomers came for the Friend Day. It was a tremendous success. Awesome. The next project will be Easter. Then next we will plan for a youth concert to be held in a public hall.

What say you guys? (when I say guys, I also mean gals). Give me your comments.

Matthew 6:9

SCRIPTURE:

Matthew 6:9: Jesus said to them, "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name."

Jesus wanted his disciples to pray from hearts of love to a Father who loved them.

1. What past experiences have helped or hindered you in viewing God as a loving Father?

2. What are some challenges you are currently facing in your prayer life?

3. What are some practical ways you can overcome these challenges?

4. Take some time out of your busy schedule and spend a half an hour with God in prayer. write a letter to God, expressing whatever is on your heart.

Psalm 46

"Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God." Psalm 46:10

Hurry is a disease in our culture. But your number one priority should be: Love God with everything you've got and love others as yourself.

Is it typically easy or difficult for you to take time out of your schedule and spend it in solitude and prayer? Why or why not?

What changes would you see in your life if you were able to spend more quiet time with God? Are these changes worth the sacrifice that it might take to do so? Why or why not?

In what situations do you most need the quiet solitude and peace of God? What can you do to take a step back and experience his rest?

Write a prayer of commitment to the Lord, to begin or maintain a personal quiet time alone with him. Describe for him why you enjoy spending time with him.

Thanks for helping out at the Carnival Food and Exhibition Fair and Praise the Lord to the SCC Fountain of Joy. You danced with great "semangat.' Keep it up! And more to come!

We continue our devotion on Luke4: -11 on the temptations of Jesus.

"If you are the Son of God, turn these stones into bread" (see Luke 4:3). Jesus was hungry. the devil asked him to fulfill his physical needs in an inappropriate way. Can you relate to this temptation? If so, how?

"If you bow down and worship me, I will give you the kingdom of the world" (see Luke 4:7). Jesus was the true and rightful King, but Satan offered him the "fast track" to what was already his. Have you ever been tempted to forcefully take something that rightfully belonged to you? Have you ever been tempted to act on a promise of God - but out of his timing?

If you are the Son of God, throw yourself off the pinnacle of the temple, and the angels will catch you" (see Luke 4:9-10). Have you ever been tempted with the desire of fame? How about looking good in front of - or even more righteous than - other people?

Jesus was able to stand strong against the temptations of Satan because he had spent time fasting and he was full of God's Word. List some ways that you can prepare ahead of time for whatever temptations the devil might bring into your life.