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| Photo courtesy: Anthony S. Choi aka selfie-god "Leaders at the Father's Heart retreat 2015 (few are missing)" |
"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel," (2 Timothy 2:8)
1. Remember Jesus Christ
(1 Cor 4:16 - 17; Heb 3; 1 Cor 15:25; John 16:7; Heb 7:25; Psalm 89)
We have to remind ourselves Jesus all the time. Paul is telling our brother, Timothy, to be proactive in searching Christ; in which, call to mind intentionally in Christ. Remember the birth, the perfect life, his word, his revolutionary death, his triumphant resurrection, and his beautiful ascension. In and out of sin, remember Christ. In victory and in defeat, remember Christ. Discouraged or encouraged, remember Christ. All who believe, remember Christ, always.
2. Remember each other (counselors) in prayer
(1 Thess 5:25; 2 Thess 3:1; Col 4:3; John 15:17; Philemon 4-7)
Pray without ceasing. I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't get the chance to ask each and every one of you your prayer requests. However, duly note, there's someone (me) that's praying for you. My encouragement and hope is that you, leaders and counselors, pray for each other as well. Pray that Christ and his divine words will always be a remembrance, a tablet of our hearts (Prov 3:3), and our daily bread (Matt 6:11).
Also, take the time to hang out with each more. I personally love one-on-ones over coffee.
Also, take the time to hang out with each more. I personally love one-on-ones over coffee.
3. Remember your students in prayer
(2 Tim 1:14-15)
Pray for your students. Reach out to your students. Encourage your students. Think about your students. Challenge your students. Intercede for your students. Remember your students in Christ. Just as Paul remembered Timothy in prayer (2 Tim 1:2 - 7), counselors and leaders remember your students.
Pray for your students. Reach out to your students. Encourage your students. Think about your students. Challenge your students. Intercede for your students. Remember your students in Christ. Just as Paul remembered Timothy in prayer (2 Tim 1:2 - 7), counselors and leaders remember your students.
Yet, we are bound to forget; after all, we are of flesh. Might I remind you, it's okay, do not be dismayed by your forgetfulness. Our God is faithful and gracious, and He ordains and is in control.
4. Remember your gifts
(James 1:17; 1 Cor 12:7 - 11; 1 Pet 4:10; Rom 12:6; 2 Cor 9:15)
Despite Christ being our ultimate gift, we are blessed with unique gifts and talents. Use your gifts to glorify Christ in all stead. Which, to say, a perfect opportunity to volunteer for the upcoming planning events. I have to say, volunteer and seek to take position. Do not wait to be asked, that's prideful sin in disguise. If you're earnestly wanting to help, you will search and take up responsibility (ie: Parable of the Talents - Matt 25:14-30)
5. Remember it's not over
(Matt 25:21; Rev 22:4; 1 Tim 6:12 - 15; Psalm 17:15)
(Matt 25:21; Rev 22:4; 1 Tim 6:12 - 15; Psalm 17:15)
Our righteousness and diligence is never over. Our faithfulness to Christ will never be over until we see his face. Therefore, continue to discipline yourself (1 Tim 4:7; Rom 13:14), guard your heart from sin (Prov 4:23), keep his words in your heart (Prov 3:3), and search for His kingdom (Matt 6:33). Our race will be over when we see the divine Triune God and hear him say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant..."