#3 - Heart on the Battle, The Warrior's Heart
Source: Powerhouse, Rissa Singson's Talk, A Warrior's Heart
WORK vs VOCATION
Vocation is what ministry is all about. You'll do it even if you're not paid for it. Other people are already paid to something, and yet they don't want to do it.
Reflect on the things that you'd do gladly for free.
THINGS YOU NEED TO HAVE A WARRIOR'S HEART
Hebrews 12:1-4
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
4Â In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
 Peter Xu Yongze
Founder of one of the largest religious movements in China
Jailed five times in China
He saw in prison what there was a guy who was dropped from the ceiling many times until he died because he was seen praying.
Another girl was beaten to death because she was seen handing out bibles.Â
These didn't happen in the New Testament days in the bible.
We are so spoiled. When you live in a country where you are allowed to practice your faith freely, you take it for granted.
The quality of our faith is very water down.
We should move from being a bunny Christian to a tortoise Christian. Because when the honeymoon stage is done, will it still be there?
The fact that you're up there means that there's a lot of responsibility that comes along with it.
Do you have your own story where you take your relationship with God for granted? How far can you see yourself fighting for God?Â
Mark 12:30
30Â Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.â[a]
Passion in worshipping in church vs videoke
We need to worship him with all our hearts--feelings all out.
Don't be too technical. Focus on the relationship with The Lord.
Save your strength for God. :)
(Story of the guy in the small group of Rissa who suddenly stopped joining dinner outs. "I can't join. I need to go home so I I can sleep early. If I sleep late, I won't get to wake up early enough for my prayer time.)
What steps do you plan to take to strengthen your relationship with God and how do you think can you keep the fire burning?
Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devilâs schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lordâs people.
Breastplate of righteousness
Loins gift about with Truth
Shod with the Gospel of Peace
Only one weapon. Everything else is for defense.
Gun vs Knife. At a short distance, the knife is faster than a gun.
If you don't know how to use the sword, you'll lose. If you don't know how to use the Word of God, you'll lose.
If you stand in front or if you are an identified Christian, you preach the word. Find a way to always inspire people and lead them to the right path.
If you start today and read three chapters a day, you're done with the new testaments in a year.
Can you commit to God to listen to what He has to say? How many chapters can you commit to Him?
Hebrews 12:1-3
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, or else something will come along the way.
What are the other things, people and activities that are distracting you from your focus on God? How do you plan to keep them away?
These are what it takes to be a warrior and to win. :)
Psalm 96:1
"My strength is made perfect in weakness."