Focus on three things!
Acts 1:1~8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (8)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #183 There Shall be Showers of Blessings (#172 in previous version)
Who am I? Who is God? I am a child of God who has received salvation, an evangelist who will save the age, and a Remnant responsible for the future. Therefore, we must not utilize our own strength, but pray for the filling of the Holy Spirit that God has promised. If we receive the power of God, amazingly enough, everything will be fulfilled according to God’s plan, and we will see God’s answers. However, when we enjoy our identity in this manner, there are a few problems that will invariably arise. At those times, what must we do?
1. Approaching problems
Many problems come in our direction. At church, there are numerous things to do, and as you work, conflicts and trials are bound to come. Also, in our lives, there are people who bring us hardship, people who help us, and people who bring us conflicts and trials. In this way, there are many problems that come as a result of people. Especially, the problems of the family line will go down to the future generation if left alone. What do you when such problems approach you? You must firmly hold on to your identity and make a confession of faith, and then all these problems will become prayer topics and answers. If a problem appears, you can pray, “I am a child of God. God, may You fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I can change these problems into blessings.” When you enjoy your identity and pray in this fashion, the accurate answer will surely come.
2. Focus on three things!
When a problem approaches, hold on to your identity firmly and focus on three things; then answers will undoubtedly begin to come. Focus on the prayer to enjoy your identity in your everyday lives. Rather than going to the mountains to pray, or fasting and staying up all night, enjoying prayer in your everyday life is important. At that time, your ears will be opened to hear the Gospel and you can focus on the Word. Also, the doors to answers and evangelism will naturally be opened within the context of your life. When these answers come, you can comfortably evangelize. If you can focus, then discovering today’s Word, prayer, and evangelism is fairly easy; however, without it, these things are difficult to do. Undoubtedly, Christ has solved all problems. It is a sure fact that we are the saved children of God. Then in everything we do, we can succeed, and no one and nothing can take away these blessings. Therefore, with all problems and situations, we must meditate before God.
- How much time do I use in a day to meditate upon the Lord? In the midst of problems, meditate upon your identity.
New Believer Retreat Lecture 4 / 2010.11.16