What I've learned after CLIP.....

Since this is a new post from now on, I think I'm going to change the blog title soon but not sure what is it. As for now, I just want to share something I read from a book given during the Cell Leaders Internship Program (CLIP) in March 2012. This short summary done by me. Got my marks  =) Praise God. In fact, don't even bother about it.

I know my English is not good. But at least I understand what I typed on Microsoft Word. The assignment required me to summarize two chapters and the application of the learned lesson to my ministry.

Book: Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders 

Lessons from both chapters:

Chapter 10: Above All Else

Spirit filled is indispensable. Without spirituality, he/she is incapable of giving truly spiritual leadership.  The result of the Spirit filled work, the church will be blessed. One of the examples, Philip became an evangelist and was used by the Spirit to lead the great revival in Samaria. This is a success from the work of the Holy Spirit, so that His work may be glorified. Leaders who are faithful in the exercise of their gifts prepare the way for promotion to greater responsibilities and usefulness.  

In order to fulfill the great commission in Matthew 28; I need to surrender my own life and will in order to let the mighty Counselor/Teacher to take control/charge. Learning from Paul’s mission in the book of Acts, he obeyed the Spirit’s restraints and constraints. In other word, submissive to the Spirit to use me to bring the gospel to my neighbors.  

In Asian countries, where the Spirit is giving us a new missionary vision and passion. It’s the opportunity for me as a servant of God to obey His call to missions. By divine appointment, that God has created me to become a leader. I’m not only accountable to the people (church) but also to the Holy Spirit. I think I’m accountable to God in everything I do. It is also by faith; my personality will then be filled, mastered, and controlled by the Spirit. It is also mean my mind, emotions, will, and physical strength all become available for the Spirit to use and guide.

Under His control, natural gifts of leadership are lifted to highest power, sanctified for holy purpose. Through the work of the now ungrieved and unhindered Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit starts to grow in my life as a leader. I should not pretend to be filled, or hold back on my willingness to let the Spirit control me. 

Natural and spiritual gifts given by God that must be used effectively and be enriched by spiritual grace in the warfare against evil. In other word, I need to shape my gifts given by Him, to let Him use me to the fullest for his service (Obeying His commandments and great commissions).

     

Chapter 11: Prayer & Leadership

Prayer is vital part in a Christian life (breath and native air). Even though it is hard to pray at times when problems seem to be impossible to solve. I learn that I need to strive and endeavor to pray, because God is in control in every matter of my life. Mastering the art of prayer, takes time. Self discipline has a role to play in this area, and I need to take ownership of prayer lifestyle in my daily life. I believe prayer will keep my moral vision sharp and clear. Like Jesus, prayer is not a hasty add-on, but a joyous necessity. As mentioned by Oswald, the intellectual problems associated with prayer are met in the joy of answered prayer and close fellowship with God. 

To be like Jesus (in Hebrews 5:7), true prayer is a strenuous spiritual exercise that demands the utmost mental discipline and concentration. Romans 8:26-27 also tell me that the Spirit join us in prayer and pours His supplications into my own. Effective in praying by Spirit, when according to the same things, lines, same name with Him. 

It is important to pray in Spirit because we are in the realm of Spirit, for the Holy Spirit is the sphere and atmosphere of the Christian’s life. Spiritual prayer is deeper, which requires the cooperation of the mind, and moves in the supernatural realm of the spirit. I need to pray in the power and energy of the Spirit. As written in Eph 6:18, it demands more than human power. Praying in Holy Spirit also releases supernatural resources. As we grow in trust and submission, the Holy Spirit leads us to the blood of Christ, which cleanses us.

We have a heavenly ally against the supernatural foe knows as spiritual warfare. The devil is not happy about my relationship with God. But the good news is that we can overcome all the power of the enemy because Christ has given His authority to us in Luke 10:19. Therefore, I can confidently trust in Him.

 Intercessory prayer is a divine ordinance. It is my responsibility to pray when God commands me to pray. I can also know the Father and His will when I pray by faith. In order to move people, I must be able to move God with a condition that I have a correct relationship with Him. A closer relationship with my Father who loves me. It is through prayer we can glorify God. His name will be lifted up, and made known to other people to the end of this world.

How to apply into the ministry?

To build a deeper relationship with God, through His Word and also fervent in prayers help me to find my identity in Christ and purpose of living in this world. I’m willing to let the Holy Spirit to mold and change me into Christ likeness day by day. Also, to fill me with the fruit of the Spirit.

It’s a long term process to see people transform into Christ-like characters. I must live as an example of Christ if I want move and lead people. Prayer is the most powerful tool that can bring heaven to earth. Love God, shine for Him in this world by loving the neighbors even my enemies, and going beyond my comfort zone to serve God. 

To build and encourage brothers and sisters in the cg. A cell group that will be moving into community, touching other peoples’ life. Surrender my life and all to Him every day, and let the Spirit to take hold of my life.

It is also to be involved in the Church mission, to evangelize the Klang Valley and to send missionaries to unreached people groups worldwide, to disciple every believer into maturity in Christ and to be effective in the service of God and to establish community services in our nation bringing God's love and justice to a needy society. 

I have confident in God (whom I trust dearly even when bad times happened). I think He is shaping me to be more patient and humble towards people he sent. I’m thankful I can serve in the Church right now. I will keep on learning and running the race for His glory. Praise Him forever. 

Hope I can finish reading the book soon. I bought too many books, and I'm struggling to read each book. By sharing my thoughts in this blog, I can learn to share His word and help myself to grow in knowing Him better.