John 4:4-26
(MP3)

Sometimes, to grow spiritually, we have to be willing to let go of what was ignorant or even harmful growing up in order to take hold of what Jesus really intends for us in our relationship with God and in our family lives. Be aware of an all or nothing thinking.
 
Biblical Text: John 4:4-26
 
Jesus’ Encounter with the Samaritan Woman

1. Jesus asks for a drink. (4:7) At homes our children are thirsty for spiritual, emotional support, safe environment, loving care, etc.
2. Jesus reveals that she has a deeper problem. She should be asking him for what he can give her. (4:10-11) She didn't know who Jesus was but her family heritage only. Have you or your children ever received what Jesus wants to give you.
3. Jesus explains that what he has to offer is greater than what she thinks she needs. (4:15-18) The more we know the depth of our need, the more we know what to ask God for. Without that knowledge, we may come to God looking for something we want or think we need but miss out on receiving what we most need. God uses the, sometimes agonizing, questioning process to help us to get to a deeper place of self-awareness and spiritual readiness. Jesus asks the questions not to make her feel bad, but to rethink through how her past and present choices resonate with her belief.
4. The Father wants believers to worship in Spirit and Truth. (See John 3; 4:25-26; 14:6.) It is a life changing experience with God, not just head knowledge or religious tradition.
5. What does all this have to do with our families of origins and current families and relationships? We have to discontinue the judgmental mindset.

 
Conclusion
Look at your own faith, beliefs, and relationship with God. Are they based on the truth of the Gospel? Are they truly Jesus-centered? Are you experiencing streams of living water flowing up from within from the Spirit of God? Do you have the courage to call out what is not healthy or sound? Do you have the strength to chart a course based on what is most true and most Spirit-led?

Come worship with us at our English service of the International congregation in Yangon!

Series of "The Call to Undivided Intimacy"
The 5th Commandments
“A Life of the Supernatural Love” (Exodus 20:12)

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. (Exodus 20:12)"
The purpose of this commandment is to release us from the negative chain, and make us a fountain of God’s love and righteousness. It gives us a life of the supernatural love.
Honor your parents because this is a covenant relationship that lasts forever. Honor them to learn how to be an honorable parent, or to be an honourable person for the following generation. The most important and most difficult one: honor your parents to learn how to forgive people, and how to be graceful to yourself.
Read more...

For Lifenet groups and personal reflection
1. Most of family histories include disappointment. Name a couple of ways this has been true for your family. Where do you see sin’s hold on generations in your own family?
2. What is your prayer for your relationship with your parents, children if you have? What faith do you have regarding what God will do?
3. Talk about the valuable lessons you’ve learned in your family.
4. What have you learned about death through the ways of your parents’ living?
 
NLIF is an international church in Yangon. Come and join our English Sunday worship service.

“Remember who you are”
(Exodus 20:8-11)

God created everything out of nothing. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good, on the sixth day. God had finished the work of creation, so on the seventh day he rested. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy. (Genesis 1:31- 2:3)
God had finished all his work of creation and rested. It doesn’t mean God stopped working. He is still ruling this universe with order and laws. In that sense God is very active.
And he is inviting us to join in his shalom, he wants to share his rest and peace with us. As he finished his work and is in control, we can just depend on him. That is the heart of the Sabbath rest.
Read more...

For LifeNet groups and personal reflection:
1. Have you ever felt tired of being a Christian? Why did you feel so? Describe your Christian life in those days. Why did you do so?
2. During 400 years of slavery in Egypt, Israelites not only learned the pattern of life as slaves, but they also internalized a slave mentality down to their bones. What is a slave mentality like? Can you see any of them in society, in your mind? How dose practicing the Sabbath work for restoring human dignity?
3. Where do you find your value usually? How does that kind of thinking shape your life style? How dose practicing the Sabbath help you to remember who you are?
4. Some ideas about how you can practice the Sabbath are introduced. When and how will you have the Sabbath this week? What preparation is necessary in order to do it?

NLIF is an international church in Yangon. Come and join our English Sunday worship service.

Daniel 1:8

The book of Daniel began with the tragic fall of Judah and the Jews into the hands of their Babylonian captors. Daniel as a young lad was taken captive into Babylon.
How much reason for Daniel as a captive would have been there to hold on to God? As a slave to the Babylonian officials there seemed to be no much future for him?

1. Daniel "resolved not to defile himself".  He seized the opportunity of 3 years of training to allow God to work and remain faithful to his faith in God.  That creates pace and space for God to work God's way. What would you resolve to accomplish or actively pursue for 2019?
   
2. Methods of respect, humility and diplomacy: He asked the chief to test him and his peers. Gently handle/ respond by explaining your own limits/boundary.
   
3. Fate in God's hand/ God works through the chief official: God has the last word and is in control (1:9).
   
4. Testimony - Give glory to God: He testified God's sovereignty over even the gods of his captors (2:27-28), not taking the credit for himself.  Where there's opportunity speak of God.
   
5. Faith of Nebuchadnezzar: While his political power and military victory made him the world's super power and king of kings, King Nebuchadnezzar had the faith to acknowledge Daniel's God as the God of gods and the King of kings (2:46-49).
   
6. Daniel's promotion - God orchestrated it. We're called to do everything as unto the Lord. Eventually, it's all about God and in his hand. Whatever 2019 brings it will be God that leads us.
   
7. Being faithful: Daniel remained faithful to God in the midst of false accusations and attacks. Even his ungodly rivals failed to see any fault with him (6:1-5).
   
8. Having prayer routine: Daniel kept doing the right thing as he prayed as usual against the new decree. Daily prayer routine is not just a one-time act. We need to build a routine of some godly practice for 2019.
   
9. Not intimidated: Daniel stood firm on his personal resolution and daily routine against pressure.
   

Come join our English service of an international congregation in Yangon!