1. Power of believing in Each other
Bro Paul wrote in church's newsletter dd 14/01/07 abt Barnabas who believe in Paul when all others were afraid of him.
Acts 9:25-27
25But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
26When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.
He believed in John Mark when Paul thought it was unwise to bring him along and he even paid a price - "break" off his partnership with Paul so that John Mark has the "platform" to serve once again.
Acts 15 : 36-40
36Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." 37Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.
Footnotes
If no one gave John Mark a chance, will there be only 3 gospels in the Bible?
Have we ever realised that a simple act of believing in someone(who have failed us many times, or hurt us or who we think will never change etc) has such "power" to "energise" or "motivate" or "encourage" that someone? Do we know by believing in this someone means acceptance and love? And it may be they just need this one more dosage of believing from us to see them through that "season" of their life.
2. Power of my opinion/perspective/judgement/past experiences
Often we are misunderstood for our actions. We wish others will see our intentions and our heart. Yet many times, we judge others based on their actions or even "past actions". Our opinion affect how we relate with one another. If we desire to have deep & strong relationship with one another, we need to choose to exercise this "power" carefully.
(NIV)Gen 33:8 Esau asked, "What do you mean by all these droves I met?" "To find favor in your eyes, my lord," he said.
9 But Esau said, "I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself."
10 "No, please!" said Jacob. "If I have found favor in your eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably. 11 Please accept the present that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me and I have all I need." And because Jacob insisted, Esau accepted it.
(NLT)8 “And what were all the flocks and herds I met as I came?” Esau asked.
Jacob replied, “They are a gift, my lord, to ensure your friendship.”
9 “My brother, I have plenty,” Esau answered. “Keep what you have for yourself.”
10 But Jacob insisted, “No, if I have found favor with you, please accept this gift from me. And what a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God! 11 Please take this gift I have brought you, for God has been very gracious to me. I have more than enough.” And because Jacob insisted, Esau finally accepted the gift.
(The Message)10-11 Jacob said, "Please. If you can find it in your heart to welcome me, accept these gifts. When I saw your face, it was as the face of God smiling on me. Accept the gifts I have brought for you. God has been good to me and I have more than enough." Jacob urged the gifts on him and Esau accepted.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Romans 13:8
we nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
3 Power of thoughts...
"As a man thinketh so is he."... cannot remember exactly where the verse is. hmm... have got to really check what i "feed" my mind with...
4. Power of Words
Proverbs 18:21The tongue can bring death or life;those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
May God help me to watch what I say....
