Christ’s love as an example to us
“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19, NIV
Note here, that the verse instructs us to love. Not “love specific people who have been good to you” or “love those who are convenient to love”. The verse says be loving, for He loves us.
Christ’s love is sacrificial and unconditional. Our love should be the same, but as loving as we can be, many of us don’t live up to these expectations most of the time. Our love is conditional, and not always sacrificial.
Keeping with this month’s theme of loving thy neighbour, look at those around you, your church, class, CG or MG. Is there someone you haven’t spoken to or caught up with for a while? Start by striking up a conversation with them, ask them how you can pray for them, and do so.
Be loving, because he first loved us.
Adjunct Faculty: Why Sisters In Ministry Toolbox?
Mrs Josephine Li conducting an online workshop
Mrs Josephine Li, an EAST Partners in Ministry Adjunct Faculty, has been instrumental in conducting online workshops for ladies in ministry. She is the wife of Resident Faculty Rev Jacob Li and mother to Josiah (11) and Jesse (7). Through her “Sisters in Ministry Toolbox” workshops, over 200 participants across Asia have been impacted. These workshops seek to creatively and holistically integrate the biblical/theological perspectives in the context of present day reality of living, working, and ministering in the world. Below is an interview where Josephine shares her vision and passion for this ministry.
What prompted you to start the Sisters in Ministry Toolbox workshops?
Through this pandemic, I saw God create many new opportunities in theological education. This is such an EXCITING time for us. To be able to reach out to the world with a press of a button and at the comfort of our home! In many ways, I feel burdened with the resources that we have and how am I going to share with others. What can I do to reach out to the world with the gifts, experiences and education that He has given me in light of our current situation?
Prayer Pointers – 9 September 2021
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8, ESV
Saint Augustine wrote, “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.” Micah 6:8 is a timely reminder for us to restore relationships, to show lovingkindness, and to absolutely depend on God in such endemic times: to watch out for and help one another stay safe and healthy—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
8 Life Hacks on Online Education and Facilitation
EPISODE 1: HACK #1 – CHUNK CONTENT, is out today!
Learn about the “8 Life Hacks on Online Education and Facilitation” by EAST Resident Faculty, Mr Jacob Li with A sequenced release on EAST Instagram.
It is happening every Tuesday and Thursday for the next 5 weeks beginning 9/9/2021. Each video is only 4-8 mins. long but packed with great tips and treats.
All on Instagram TV (IGTV) – https://www.instagram.com/tv/CTmR1CZiKcN/
Being Loving
As Christians, we are told to love and be loving towards those around us. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 details just what that love should entail. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Patience, kindness, humility, honour, selflessness, forgiveness, honesty are some of the core values of Christian love. It is very possible to excel in one aspect but falter in others. Are you selfless, yet hold an old grudge? Or perhaps humble, but not always entirely honest with your loved ones.
Often, we are blinded to our own shortcomings or have justified them to ourselves. Seek the help of a member of your community, to find out what aspect of love you may be lacking, and work on improving it.
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