Wow, today's surmon by Rev Philip Huan was so good and perhaps so timely - common blocks to Christian Growth.  

1. Difficult times and discouragement that are undealt with 

I came back from Europe after 1.5 years of having my faith being tested by difficult circumstances... family financial difficulties; stress of being unable to find a job for months; later got one but feared losing it from a delayed visa; extreme loneliness in Bonn during early days, insecurity about my own work ability; now working as an intern...  

I surprised even myself that through it all, though I might have questioned many times "Why God?", I didn't reject Him or my faith, however poor the circumstances or outlook.  Perhaps like my friend told me in Germany, my faith is stronger than I think! 

2. Wrong motivations and deep thirsts

He talked about the needs for security, to feel valued and significant, to which many turn to performance, control and social relationships.  But to make the connection to God, often the first thing is to worship.  Wow...  that's also how I resolved to turn back to a stronger faith this year in January - start to serve and worship!

How should we respond?

Perhaps 90% of the time, we can determine certain outcomes because of our responses.  If your daughter accidentally spills a cup of coffee on your shirt at breakfast, what will your response be?  Snap at her?  Or gently tell her its ok and be careful next time? If the first response was chosen, it could result in you being late for work after scolding her, spoiling her day and yours.  Who caused the bad day?  Daughter? Your response?  

This was such a timely and "out of the box" reminder of God's solution to anger management, something I was thinking about last night.  I thought of marking out flashpoints,  setting 48hr cool off periods, etc.  But indeed God's ways are higher!  Perfect love casts away fear, and it can do likewise to anxiety and anger.

An MV I recently watched had in its ending just a simple picture of Jesus and the text "I Love U".  That made my day :)