The Heart God Revives (Part 2)- Nancy Leigh Demoss

Shared this at our weekly office room devotion today...Part 2 of my previous sharing...

Article of True Brokeness by Nancy Leigh DeMoss at a Campus Crusade for Christ Staff Conference in 1995  (Part 1)

In recent weeks, God has been reminding me on what it means to be going back to that first Love of Christ. If you have grown up in church one would probably know the principles of what it means to lead that christian lives in our minds, but do we truly allow God to convict our hearts?

The last few months after YM CAMP 2011, there was times I felt I was going on a "Spiritual High". Everything on the outward was good. I was doing my daily quiet time, doing diligently my Disciple 1 readings, doing my small group roots & weeks homework. Leading bible studies. Keeping to my sabbath. And doing a lot of good things on the surface of what I know a good christian should live by.

But deep down if i truly touch my heart, I fear I will get complacent one day, I fear spiritual pride might seep in and I fear that it was just the outward appearance of "looking righteous" on the surface and all these expectations to be met as a good christian leader in church. 

And as I share this short devotion from personal thoughts and extracts of passages from Nancy Leigh Demoss on Chapter 5 of her book. Hope it speaks to you as it speaks to me. :)

 Extracts of Chapter 5- The Blessing of Brokenness)

Every time I read the passage below I wonder if we are really like the church describe in Ephesus...

Revelation 2

To the Church in Ephesus

 1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:

   These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.
5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

   7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. 

Are we like this Church of Ephesus doing a lot of good deeds on the surface, but deep down in our hearts we have lost that first love?

Recall a moment right now, imagine that scene in your life when you last felt this deep intimacy of that love from Christ.

"Most Churches are like a bag of marbles- all hard and clanging up against one another. Instead, we ought to be like a bag of grapes- squished together so that the juice of His Spirit may flow out through us.” – Pastor Ray Ortlund

John 12:23-25

23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

What does this kind of death mean? It means that we must be willing to die to our own interest, die to our own reputation, die to our own rights, die to our own ways of doing things; die to our own comfort, convenience, hopes, dreams, and aspirations. To “die” means to lay it all down. To give it all up. To let it all go.

The only way to gain your life is to give it up. The only way to win it is to lose it. We think we are giving up so much by dying. But in reality, it is those who refuse to die who are giving up everything.

When we choose the pathway of brokenness and humility, we are choosing to receive new life- His supernatural, abundant life- flowing in us and through us.

Isaiah 57:15

For thus says the High and Lofty One

Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:

“I dwell in the high and holy place,

With him who has a contrite and humble spirit,

To revive the spirit of the humble,

And to revive the heart of the contrite ones. 

Having said that, let's look at the condition of our own church today...

Why is it so hard for us to express love and worship?

Perhaps it is because we still have the roof on and the walls up. Pride causes us to erect barriers between ourselves and God, and walls between ourselves and others.

 “When our personality is surrendered to the Holy Spirit, He will express the heart of God through us. We will no longer be self-conscious but entirely God-conscious” 

True worship begins with brokenness and humility over whatever God reveals to us in His Word.

Lets look at Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith. He set the perfect example of brokenness. 

“This is My body which is broken for you” 1 Corinthians 11:24

When His body was broken on Calvary, eternal life was released for the salvation of the world. Revival is really nothing more than the release of God’s Spirit flowing through broken lives.

Do you need a fresh encounter with God?

Are you ready for Him to pour out His grace on the dry, thirsty ground of your heart?

Listened to the lyrics of this song "Surrender- Lincoln Brewster" right now. Acknowledge the first love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Open up your hearts and let our Sovereign Lord just minister to your hearts as you response to our Lord in Surrender.

  

Surrender- Lincoln Brewster

VERSE 1:

I'm giving You my heart, and all this is within

I lay it all down, for the sake of You my King

I'm giving You my dreams, Laying down my rights

I'm giving up my pride, for the promise of new life

CHORUS:

And I surrender, all to you

All to you

And I surrender, all to you

All to you

VERSE 2:

I'm singing You this song, waiting at the cross

All the world holds dear, I count it all as loss

For the sake of knowing You, for the glory of Your name

To know the lasting joy, even sharing in Your pain

CHORUS (to ending):

And I surrender, all to you

All to you

And I surrender, all to you

All to you

Biblical Foundation

Finally our small group have come to the last core curriculum of our roots & wings discussion today!

Tchoukball- Best sportsmanship game ever!

Wesley Team B vs Bethesda Depot Walk Team B... Sharing before the game. We were definitely outplayed by a much stronger team today losing to them 40-50. 

Just came back from an amazing Tchoukball game today! Was reflecting after the game that the amazing beauty about the Spirit of this game is we can be opponents on the same court yet we still can be friends encouraging one another during the game! Still recalled how we encouraged is other if we made a good shot or good catch even though we are opposing teams, and even once the ref called for a frame shot but we knew we made a lost point, we admitted it. This is probably the most sportsmanship game I've ever played! :)

Values & Sporting Lessons from Jeremy Lin!

Prepared this sharing for the recent Crossroad Sports Tchoukball League before our game last sunday and thought these are valuable values and sporting lessons we can learnt from this recent raising star of the NBA scene!

Who here have heard about the recent NBA basketball superstar Jeremy Lin?

In early February, a friend of mine posted a game that he just played on my Facebook wall.  He was apparently an undrafted player who got miraculously chosen to be part of an NBA game. I’m not really a basketball fan, but when I saw the highlights of that game and how he scored that massive 38 points against the LA Lakers, I was wondering, who in the world is this Chinese boy playing at a high level NBA game with the Americans. He was a total odd ball of what a usual NBA player would be, his was a Harvard Graduate, He was Chinese and his a devout Christian.

Jeremy Lin 38 points vs Lakers full highlights (2012.02.10)  

Soon his videos and story flooded face book. If you haven’t heard about this boy you should catch his video and his powerful testimony.

So it intrigues me to search more on what was his “secret formula” for his success. Read a few of his articles and decided to share some lessons learnt from him. 

An Interview with Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, and led his basketball team at Palo Alto High School to the state championships in his senior year.  At Harvard University, Lin has built a national following, has been hailed as one of the finest point guards in the nation, and stands poised to enter the NBA as a high draft pick and the first Asian-American to achieve prominence in the NBA.

Lin is among those receiving the highest number of votes for the Bob Cousy award, given annually to the nation's most effective point guard.  He has been profiled in Time, Sports Illustrated and ESPN: The Magazine, as well as countless basketball magazines and newspapers from the United States to China. 

He once said that if he could get more than just a 10 day contract in the NBA, he would write an autobiography. Why?So that he could use it to share his faith.

1) He was Humble

One of the greatest lessons Learnt from Him, is he is someone who is truly humble.

Kobe Bryant said before his game against Jeremy Lin's New York Knicks.

"I know who he is, but I don't really know what's going on too much with him," said Bryant of the Chinese-American sensation. "I don't even know what he's done.  Like, I have no idea what you guys are talking about. I'll take a look at it tonight though."

Soon, one of NBA's greatest would be silenced in the following game where Jeremy Lin outgunned Kobe with a startling 38 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds in his first game nationally syndicated by ESPN.

Lin said he did not have to prove himself. He did not have to boast about himself. He just played to His best and allowed God to use him.   

2) He had Discipline  

Lin has been described by commentators as a smart player and a "student of the game". His high school coach said that in high school, Lin studied game videos of Magic Johnson playing for the LA Lakers. Even during the half time of the Lakers game, he was watching the tape of the first half to figure out how to play better against the LA defence which the commentators were startled to hear!  

3) He was Team Player

Unselfish people are loved more

Philippians 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Lin has captured the imagination of the watching world, not just because he is successful, but because he is unselfish. In each game that he played, he had a serious number of assists. He was not looking for his own glory but seeking to help the rest of his team to lift. He has become a phenomenon but unlike many other phenomenon’s, not too many people are getting jealous over him, but are celebrating with him. Everyone loves unselfish people and that is something that Lin has demonstrated.

4) He was Single- minded

In the sports you play, are you single-minded? What drives you?

Colossians 3:23

“ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters...”Similar for Jeremy, he wasn’t focus alone on winning. His perspective was totally different.

When asked whether he felt pressured having to play for the Christians, the Asians in America and also on behalf of Ivy League graduates.

He said this to the reporters. “I’m not working hard and practicing day in and day out so that I can please other people. My audience is God".  

That was what drives him to where he is today. So what drives you?

A couple of his live testimonies recorded before he became a superstar...

Jeremy Lin Testimony (Part 1)

Jeremy Lin Testimony (Part 2)

References

http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/well-the-white-christians-support-this-christian-athlete-like-they-support-the-white-football-player/question-2455579/

http://www.patheos.com/Resources/Additional-Resources/Faith-and-Fate-of-Jeremy-Lin?offset=0&max=1

Ping Pong, Soccer, Tchoukball!

Sports I grew up playing with over the years! Started playing quite abit of ping pong leisurely in my childhood days with my dad, then gave my whole heart to soccer from primary to secondary days, and now dedicated my season playing Tchoukball with my church. :) And from today till this Sunday will be playing all this 3 sports at once one after another! :) 

My heart-felt prayer

Discussion on Session 8: Biblical Priorities of Roots & Wings in Small grp today. How can you cultivate true godliness. 

"Dear Lord, Teach me to walk humbly to your ways daily. Break my self-centered will, my self pride, my self ambitions. I truly desire to walk in full total submission to your sovereign will daily. Teach me and grow me to produce the kind of godly character that you desire us to have. Allow your Holy Spirit to empower and lead me as you know best. In Jesus Name. Amen."

Great day for Wesley Tchoukball! =)

It's amazing at how much the Wesley Tchoukball Team has grown over the past 4 years! Ever since we had our first introductory session with the crosstrainers in 2008. It has now grown quite abit! And have 4 strong teams taking part in this year Crossroads Tchoukball League 2012. And with all 4 teams playing today, we came in with 3 wins, 2 from the men's team and as the girls team were playing each other, one had to lose still. And it was one hard fought much from what I heard!


Below are some of the action! :)

My sharing with both team before the game, about the amazing Testimony of Jeremy Lin. 

Wesley Team A Men's Team winning The Going Church by quite a margin

Wesley Team B Men's Team winning YGOS (AMK) by 59-37

Wesley Team A Girls vs Wesley Team B girls! Hard fought match with one another! 

Ended the day, seeing a nice rainbow outside ACS International :)

Tchoukball, Pre-Poly Forum, Top Secret Surprise!!!

It sure has been another eventful week past! As Crossroad tchoukball league kick off! And a few other side events!A farewell to an old friend,first ever pre-poly forum on sunday and Tiff Epic birthday surprise!


Saturday!



Friendly match- Wesley Tchoukball VS Bethesda Depot







Post Warm game lunch at botak jones! :)



Farewell for good old friend Asriel. He only told us he was flying off few hrs before his flight! And we all cancelled our plans to meet him was last time before he starts school in aussie


Sunday



My good old friend, Jacob coming down to share from a Christan Lecturer perspective what it means to be a Christian Student on campus!



The Pre-Poly Forum panel



The attendees! :)

Crossroad Tchoukball League 2012


Yangshen devotional sharing before the game



Wesley Team A guys team!







Wesley Team B girls team

EPIC TOP SECRET BIRTHDAY SURPRISE(6 March 2012)

10.40pm- Everyone rendezvous at the playground

10.56pm- Police stopped by and approach us as we were gathering in a large group and making quite a lot of noise.

11.04pm- Final briefing-co-ord briefing

11.06pm- Started sneaking in to tiff house, after collaborating with her sister and
parents.

11.15pm- MEGA surprise only to realised she wasnt in that room we opened! Epic fail!!!! But in the end she appeared! :)

11.20pm- Second surprise to Ian Fong!


Final Coordination before sneaking in to Tiff's place


Sneaking in!



SURPRISEEEEEEEE!!!!


Second Surprise to Ian Fong!!!! 

Prophecies?

Prophecies at "soaking" 1 march 11pm


Visited this "Soaking" prayer worship session today, And this are just some of the prophecies that I will take note first.

Alex-

A pastoral and sherperding gift. The gift that can gather many Sheeps in green pastures.

To change The Systems where God directs.

Sean low- holding a sword and shield leading many into battle

Jeff- numbers??

Two Strange Dreams in One Night!

Woke up this morning, remembering a couple of strange dreams quite vividly and decided to just record the story in my notepad in my iPhone immediately.

The First Dream

Was apparently at a trip to Australia with my small grp. Arrive at the airport and realized that I didn't turn off my 3G on my iphone all this while.

After that we entered the streets of an unknown location of Australia, somehow it was like a De Ja Vu kind of place. Where I recalled being there before. We were looking for some western food place to eat recommended by some friends who dine there before Hernshung and Andrew.

Another scene, was in like a indoor stadium with a lot of campus students, it seem to be like some conference where Nancy Leigh Demoss was preaching. After the conference remembering seeing Justin from my small group.

The Second Dream

Somehow the other dream started with looking at map of a place looking like down under "aussie" there was some island overseas where we had to prepare a defense mission at some "plum plantation" like place. Figured this would be the best location where we are covered. And somehow prevention against arty strikes across the sea?

"Fort" at higher ground 

Next scene at the location of the plantation, thought my role is to just focus on the infantry soldiers as we prepare our defense line under covering of the fruit plantation. Suddenly some higher commander asked me to check on the entire battalion defense on that island. And suddenly I who was still only a "2 bar", Lieutenant was told to somehow lead this whole entire battalion defence. So went round looking for other experience officers or specs who could show me around the defense. This senior specialist came to my aid and brought me around the defense line as I asked where the higher armory and fire power was located. He brought me to different locations and soon to higher ground which was like some urban area and " white risers" which act as the defense overlooking the lower ground. Look like those kind of "fort" at fort canning. (something like the images on the left)

Plantation from the fort 

Looking from above took out my iPhone wanting to take a nice photo overlooking the lower ground of the plantation. And it hit me that I wasnt suppose to have an iphone with me and was wondering how I forgot to declare it at the guard house and so hid the phone in my pocket in my shorts inside my pants.




Such a strangeeeee dream!

Woke up soon after when my alarm rang!!

Brokenness: The Heart God Revives...What Is Brokenness?

(Revised) Feb 09, 2012

Was suddenly reminded to share on this topic on "True Brokenness" for my office room devotion today. Finally read this book last night after having it collecting dust on my shelf  for the longest time and to get fresh insights by listening to Nancy Leigh Demoss sermon on this topic too.

Download the actual sermon here (True Brokeness by Nancy Leigh DeMoss at a Campus Crusade for Christ Staff Conference in 1995)  

The last time I recalled of this sermon was 4 yrs ago at a TP crusade SM meeting in 2008. And it has deeply impacted me till today. The actualization of what brokenness truly means to me has become so much more apparent  and real to me after YM Camp 2011. After personally encountering a deep moment of "Brokenness" with a realization of God's Sovereignty & man's depravity.

2 Chronicles 7:14

New International Version (NIV)

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

And these is was when I saw God reviving my heart. When we are in absolute surrender to the Sovereignty of God. Is when we our hearts are so open to Him. Is when His Holy Spirit can just fill us! And this is how we can lead that Empowered Spirit Filled life daily in the note I wrote last week.

Are we truly living that Empowered Spirit-Filled Life?

Flashback to Thursday, August 07, 2008

http://benlau89.blogspot.com/2008/08/brokenness-heart-god-reviveswhat-is.html

Today during crusade SM meeting, Irene shared with us a very insightful message from an excerpt from a book and a video sermon base on brokenness by Nancy Leigh Demoss... At first glace read the heading... brokenness is where God can sent revival? I had some questions if thats true... i believed that it's not necessary for revival to come only from a broken heart right?

Until it was explained more, in her context of "True Brokenness"... Many of us has the misconception of brokenness as being sad,gloomy and like the world is falling on you and other times where we have this sense of false humility, where we just put ourselves down, than there are others who view it has shedding of tears, having a deeply emotional experience, and many who equate it with being deeply hurt by tragic circumstances.  

"TRUE BROKENNESS"

Brokenness is not a feeling or an emotion. Rather, it requires a choice, an act of the will... Its is the shattering of my self-will- the absolute surrender of my will to the will of God.

Isaiah 57:15 

For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:

“ I dwell in the high and holy place,With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble,And to revive the heart of the contrite ones. " 

Dictionary meaning.

Contrite- caused by or showing sincere remorse, brokenness, crushed into small particles.

Psalms 51:17

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

Further elaboration from book..."True Brokenness" is the breaking of my self will, so that life and spirit of the Lord Jesus may be released through me. It is the Stripping of self-reliance and independence from God, it is the softening of the soil of my heart.

While reading the excerpt of this book, it reminded me of the song, Hosanna by Hillsong "..."break my heart for what break yours..."

PLEASE READ ALL from 1 - 35 SLOWLY to understand it fully.

YOU ALL SHOULD READ SLOWLY line by line to really let it sink in.

When we each took turns to read each line.... I WAS IMPACTED so much by it, Sometimes I really feel that pride has crept into my life and I really want to lead that life of true humility.

Attitudes Towards Others

1. Proud people focus on the failures of others and can readily point out those faults.

Broken people are more conscious of their own spiritual need than of anyone else's.

2.Proud people have a critical,fault finding spirit. They look at everyone else's faults with a microscope but view their own with a telescope.

Broken people are compassionate- they have the kind of love that overlooks a multitude of sins; they can forgive much because they know how much they have been forgiven.

3. Proud people are especially prone to criticize those in positions of authority- their pastor, their boss,their husband, their parents- and they talk to others about the faults they see.

Broken people reverence,encourage, and lift up those that God has placed in positions of authority, and they talk to God intercession,rather than gossiping about the faults they see in others.

4. Proud people are self-righteous; they think highly of themselves and look down on others.

Broken people think the best of others; they esteem others as better than themselves.

5.Proud people have an independent,self-sufficient spirit.

Broken people have a dependent spirit; they recognized their need for God and for others.

Attitudes About Rights

6. Proud people have to prove that they are right- they have to get the last word.

Broken people are willing to yield the right to be right.

7. Proud people claim rights and have a demanding spirit.

Broken people yield their rights and heave a meek spirit.

8. Proud people are self-protective of their time, their rights, and their reputation.

Broken people are self-denying and self sacrificing.

Attitudes about Service and Ministry

9. Proud people desire to be served- they want life to revolve around them and their own needs.

Broken people are motivated to serve others and to be sure others' needs are met before their own.

10. Proud people desire to be known as a success.

Broken people are motivated to be faithful and to make others successful.

11. Proud people have a feeling- conscious or subconscious - that "this ministry (or this organization) is privileged to have me and my gifts". They focus on what they can do for God.

Broken people have a heart attitude that says, "I don't deserve to have any part in this ministry". They know that they have nothing to offer God except the life of Jesus flowing through their broken lives.

Attitudes about Recognition

12.Proud people crave self-advancement.

Broken people desire to promote others

13.Proud people have a drive to be recognized and appreciated for their efforts.

Broken people have a sense of their own unworthiness; they are thrilled God would use them at all.

14. Proud people get wounded when others are promoted and they are overlooked.

Broken people are eager for others to get credit, and they rejoice when others are lifted up.

15.Proud people are elated by praise and deflated by criticism.

Broken people know that any praise of their accomplishments belongs to the Lord and that criticism can help them grow into spiritual maturity.

Attitudes About Themselves

16.Proud people feel confident in how much they know.

Broken people are humbled by how very much they have to learn.

17.Proud people are self-conscious; they worry about what others think of them.

Broken people are not preoccupied with what others think of them.

18.Proud people are concerned about appearing respectable; they are driven to protect their image and reputation.

Broken people are concerned with being real; they care less about what others think than about what God knows-they are willing to die to their own reputation.

19. Proud people can't bear to fail or for anyone to think they are less than perfect. This can drive them to extremes-workaholic tendencies, perfectionism, the tendency to drive others or to place unrealistic expectations on themselves or others.

Broken people can recognize and live within God-given limitations.

Attitudes About Relationships

20. Proud people keep others at arm's length.

Broken people are willing to take the risks of getting close to others and loving intimately.

21.Proud people are quick to blame others.

Broken people accept personal responsibility and can acknowledge where they were wrong in a situation.

22. Proud people wait for others to come and ask forgiveness when there is a misunderstanding or a breach in a relationship.

Broken people take the initiative to be reconciled, no matter how wrong the other party may have been.

23. Proud people are unapproachable or defensive when corrected.

Broken people receive correction with a humble, open spirit.

24.Proud people find it difficult to discuss their spiritual needs with others.

Broken people are willing to be open and transparent with others as God directs.

25.Proud people try to control the people and circumstances around them- they are prone to manipulate.

Broken people trust in God- they rest in Him and are able to wait for Him to act on their behalf.

26.Proud people become bitter and resentful when they are wronged; they have emotional temper tantrums; they hold others hostage and are easily offended; they carry grudges and keep a record of others' wrongs.

Broken people give thanks in all things; they are quick to forgive those who wrong them.

Attitudes About Sins

27. Proud people want to be sure that no one finds out when they have sinned; their instinct is to cover up.

Broken people aren't overly concerned with who knows or who finds out about their sin- they are willing to be exposed because they have nothing to lose.

28. Proud people have a hard time saying, "I was wrong; will you please forgive me?"

Broken people are quick to admit their failure and to seek forgiveness when necessary.

29. Proud people tend to deal in generalities when confessing their sin to God (Dear Lord, please forgive me for all my sins...") or expressing spiritual need to others ("I need to be a better Christian...")

Broken people are able to acknowledge specifics when confessing their sin; "Lord, I agree with You that I love myself more than I love my mate;I confess that I am addicted to television;I'm a glutton; I have a critical spirit; I am an angry mother...."

30. Proud people are concerned about the consequences of their sin. They are disturbed over the problems caused by their sin-from example the financial bondage created by their overspending,or the problems in their marriage that have resulted from selfishness and immoral choices.

Broken people are grieved over the cause, the root of their sin. They are more concerned about how their sin has grieved and dishonoured God than about the problems it has created in their lives.

31. Proud people are remorseful over their sin- sorry that they got caught or found out.

Broken people are truly repentant over their sin, and the evidence of their repentance is that they forsake the sin.

Attitudes about their walk with God

32. Proud people are blind to the true condition of their hearts.

Broken people walk in the light and acknowledge the truth about their lives.

33. Proud people compare themselves with others and feel worthy of respect.

Broken people compare themselves with the holiness of God and feel a desperate need for His mercy.

34. Proud people don't think they need to repent of anything.

Broken people realize that they need to maintain a continual heart attitude of repentance.

35. Proud people don't think they need revival, but they are sure everyone else does.(In fact , right now, they are making a mental list of the people they think need to read this book!) 

("I was laughing at this line as I was making a mental list of people")

Broken people continually sense their need for a fresh encounter with God and for a fresh filling of His Holy Spirit.

-Nancy Leigh DeMoss (excerpt of book Brokenness: The Heart God Revives)

After reading all this, we were given some time with God alone to confess our sins and pray. I felt God ministering to me and a deep conviction to surrender everything to Him as I can't do it alone with my own strength. I need His grace to pursue this life of holiness! And to overcome pride that can come in to us so easily from our flesh.