THE Homework

In order to graduate, here is the catch up on homework =P

Week 7 Spiritual Warfare

1. What, this week, has made the biggest impact on your thoughts/beliefs about spiritual warfare?

Before the lecture I expected there will be lots of example of casting out demons or practical method of how to fight a spiritual warfare.

The biggest impact from the teaching is, we should not be impressed by the devil’s scheme. Sometimes we focus too much thinking or observing what the devil is doing, we miss out what God wants to do.

Jesus never go around checking what the devil was doing. When He encountered it, he cast them out. But Jesus did not go around checking where is the devil. That change the perception that I have been having in the past.

2. Isn't it amazing how God values not what we do but who we are?! Through this week and even reaching into last week, how has God been challenging your views of your identity? 

My identity as a daughter of God become very clear over the past few weeks of teaching. During the worship and intercession this week, God said to me I am the chosen one. Having this identity confirm and reconfirm again make me feel empowered.

3. It seems like there is a theme coming from our speakers about filling our mind with the scriptures. From Fiona it was all about having a well to draw from and with Roger it has been about replacing the garbage in our minds with things that are good. Were there any scriptures in particular that stood out to you this week? Maybe a verse that God seems to be speaking directly to you from?

Jeremiah 29:12-13

“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”.

To me it beautifully describe a father-daughter relationship between God and myself. 

Week 6: Foundation

1. What is something that God is challenging you with this week? It doesn't have to be just from the lectures. It can be from any area of your life.

On Sunday before the week started, I learnt that my dad got into hospital. So this is a week of learning to truly and completely rely on God, as there is nothing I can do besides PRAY.

In the description of the giant paper cup phone, I shared about the Power of Prayer and shared Philippians 4:6-7 (Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God)

I was thinking “Hmmm…….I have to mean and practice what I have shared”

And then I experience Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”

After fasting and consistent praying, I felt unexplainable and absolute peace throughout this week, I knew that God would take care my dad.

Once again God brings healing for my dad and he was discharged on Friday. Hallelujah!!

On Friday evening, 12 hours after my dad been discharge, my little nephew (my sister’s son) got into hospital. The spiritual warfare is SO strong, here comes another opportunity to exercise my faith muscle.

2. What are some things you learned about yourself this week through Cory's teachings from the "tree."

When we discussed about the roots, I suddenly realized how much the Chinese culture I grew up with has affected me.  As I shared it was hard for me to accept other people’s compliments and believed God has given me special talents and gifts. Things has been improving in recent years when I walk closer with God. So that is something I “discovered” about myself this week.

3. Mini-Outreach! By now you know where you are going, what are your thoughts, feelings, etc.?

I am gooooooooing to UUUUUUUUUUKRAINE!!!!

I AM

Praising God I got into this team

Praising God my passport permits a 14-days entry without visa (just right for the trip!)

Super excited about the trip

A bit worry about the long hour travel

Little nervous about interacting with the kids

Thinking what to pack for the 2 weeks

Feeling my backpack is too small I should have bought a bigger one

Wondering whether I get to shower there

Planning to go to Penny to stock up for snacks for the team =P

Praying I will remember to pray for the trip everyday

Looking forward as my U-KrayKray team is SO AWESOME!!

Week 5: Sin, Repentance + the Cross

1. What is the gospel? How would you describe the gospel to someone who's never heard it?

Gospel is the good news that God has sent His son to die for us, so our sins are forgiven and we can have eternal life.

Usually I will use the 5-color method to explain the gospel

Yellow – God created the world and all creatures on earth, and He created mankind in His images

Black – We sin, which separated us from God

Red – God sent His only son Jesus to die for us on the cross, the blood of Jesus cleanse our sin so we can return to Father God again

Green – We now have new lives

Purple – we should recognize that Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, our one and only God

2. Have you had any new revelation about sin this week? If so, what?

A new revelation to me is my identity in Christ. I used to think that even though I came to Christ, I am still a sinner because of the human sinful nature.

But by reading the book of Romans I understand that we are dead to sin and Jesus has made us righteous by His crucifixion on the cross. So “sinner” is no longer my identity.

3. What steps are you taking to let go of pride and independence?

Arrow Up, pray, pray and pray.

Week 4: The Goodness of God

1. Have you been inspired this week by hearing the story of Pick-a-Pocket? How so?

In the past I always feel that to do something for social injustice, you need to find an NGO or an ministry that is already there, so you can join them and work with them (meaning that if you cannot find an NGO/ministry that already exist, then there’s nothing you can do), but after this week my perception has completely changed.

After all those testimony sharing, I was very inspired that we should never underestimate our own ability, we can be the one who make changes to situation with the power and authority that God has given us.

2. Was there anything you learned this week from the Pick-a-Pocket members experiences that you think will be helpful on outreach?

I actually like the sharing from everyone of them.

Kristen & Mona – the sharing of Mingi child really broke my heart. But at the same time I need to remember all outreaches are uniquely planned by God, yet sure amazing thing is going to happen to the Jan2012 MOTA outreach.

Uli – there’s a gospel message behind all super heros!! OH how amazing is that!!!

3. It's good to make sure we are not forgetting the things we've learned about God from one week to the next. How are you practicing or using the things you've learned from previous weeks?

After Week 2, now I try to spend more time to just sit still and listen to God (not doing that everyday, but working towards it).

After Week 3, I have reassurance that God is my father so there is no shame in bringing all my sin and guilt before him.

Week 3: The Nature and Character of God & The Father's Heart for Us!

1. During Pete's lectures this week, what is something you learned about God the Father?  Is this something you are struggling with or excited about?

One takeaway about this week teaching is, we should never forget God is our father, or daddy, our papa (whatever you call it). No matter how messy our life is, no matter how much mistakes we make in life, His love will get me home.

I am really blessed I have a very loving earthly father in my life (I describe him as my pink thermo, gentle, kind and be strong for the family). Therefore how I see my godly father is also very personal and caring.

Week 2: Hearing God's Voice

1. In what ways does God usually speak to you?

The most common way that God speaks to me is through devotion. Others way are through scriptures, prayer, or sometimes God just put the idea directly in my heart.

When I specifically ask for confirmation, then God will speak through other people too.  

2. What is something that stood out to you this week in lectures?

What really inspired me was that, you can hear God ALL THE TIME!! (That actually is possible) For sure that is a relationship I need to work on, but the teaching of Lucy made me realized it is not a must to stay quiet for one hour before we can hear from God, He wants to speak to us all the time.

3. What is God speaking to you this week?

Oh, a lot. Refer to the Two Paths and Kitchen Challenge story.