sharing my thoughts...yifen~*

Everyone desires different things, be it tangible or intangible. As for Paul, what was his greatest desire? In the book of Galatians, Paul likens himself to be in the anguish of childbirth for the Galatians, and he greatly desires to see Christ formed in them (4:19).

In the light of the Galatians turning to false teachings, Paul can’t help but feel perplexed and can only warn them time and again that it is only through faith in Christ alone which saves them – You started with faith, continue in it. Christ has paid a high price for your freedom, why submit yourselves to law again? A challenge was put forth at the end of the sermon this morning. How great is your desire to see Christ formed in others? That is, to see others growing increasingly in Christ-likeness. This question doesn’t just challenge our time and efforts, but more deeply, our motivation in Christian ministry. Even as I work on being more diligent in my preparation in bible teaching, may my motivation be the same as Paul’s.

Yes, Chinese comprehension can be tough, but comprehending the bible and communicating its truths is definitely not easy. In a recent bible study leaders training session, this challenging task was once again presented clearly to me. The conclusion I came to at the end was that I really fall short of what is needed for a good bible study. Do I really comprehend what the passage really says? I’m afraid I’ve fallen into the trap thinking I do, but in reality, I do not truly comprehend it. Laziness and complacency have crept in. It is only when I was told the importance of writing in a sentence or two the main points of a passage that I realized that I’ve long neglected this very important step. It’s high time I work on this!

One more thing which I really want to give thanks to God also is that I’ve been able to attend the midweek bible study group despite the heavy workload. A good break from the lesson plans and stuff, and getting my mind focused on Christ again. It’s been a challenge spending time reading God’s Word on weekdays, not to mention studying it. There’s always the temptation to get into the hustle and bustle of teaching once I enter the office, with a mental To Do List waiting to be checked off. There are times when I simply gave excuses that I’m in a rush for time or having that feeling of insecurity that my teaching resources and lesson plans are not printed out yet.

On this note, I thank God for rebuking me recently for my lack of diligence in the studying of the bible, and half-hearted preparation in bible teaching. It’s been really humbling. Will share more about it in the next few entries.

Day after day, week after week…It’s been a while since I last blogged (again). Practicum’s fine so far, and time really flies! Fleeting moments on this earth. Heh. It’s so much faster than the first round, and observations come and go so quickly. Getting quite used to the school considering that I’ve been there a couple of times for School Experience and Practicum I. Thank God for sustaining me and giving me the wisdom to plan for the lessons, and by His grace, provided helpful people along the way too. Classroom management is a challenge day by day, especially with regards to my unmotivated and rowdy P5 class. Shall not dwell on it too much here lest this becomes a grievance channel.