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The Bible in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 points to parents and grandparents as the primary disciple makers of their children, not the children’s church or youth ministry. In fact, Scripture views the multiple generations of God’s family as interdependent and necessary for disciple making (Psalm 71:8).

A life of devotion that lasts is built on the firm foundation of the Word of God. It is the only foundation that can withstand all storms of life. As I reflected on Pastor Ben’s sermon on Luke 6:46-49, I am reminded to continually build my life on the rock – the Word; and not on sand – like programmes, status, power or fame (rlc.sg/wkly41). I would like to share some key elements that have kept me going:

God calls us to biblical discipleship (Matthew 4:19). Accordingly, we as a church call you to a life of discipleship. This is rarely a linear process. Movement in this journey of discipleship happens in cycles rather than in linear fashion. It can sometimes feel like two steps forward followed by one step backward. It is certainly a long obedience in the same direction, sustained by the grace of God.

When Jesus was twelve, He went with His family to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of the Passover. After the feast ended, Jesus remained behind and his parents were not aware. When they found Him three days later, Jesus said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:29)

I grew up in a family in which every of our Chinese New Year (CNY) visitation and reunion dinner were planned around my mum’s work shift. Her job as a chambermaid meant no off days on CNY, not even on the eve. I envied those families who were able to gather for reunion dinner and keep the tradition of CNY visitation together. Nonetheless, watching my hardworking parents and receiving their love and the fruit of their labour made me want to honour them whenever there is an opportunity to do so.

When I was an overseas student in Singapore, I would look forward to going back to Sabah during holidays. However, there was one year when I did not go back during Chinese New Year (CNY). Fortunately, that year, Aunty Mui Lan invited me and my international student friends over to her place to celebrate CNY. It was a simple gesture, but for us, her place felt like a home away from home.

RiverLife is turning 30 this year! We are entering a significant milestone of adulthood, and it is appropriate to inspect our foundations as we come of age. There will be areas to reinforce, renovate or rebuild for the next 30 years.

On 10 May 2020, I was reading 2 Chronicles 28-31 on the reign and reforms of King Hezekiah, when I felt the Lord impressing upon me what He desires for RiverLife when she turns 30 this August.

The goal of our cell group is to spur one another on in pursuing God, growing in our understanding of who He is and obeying Christ’s Great Commandment and Great Commission (Matthew 22:35-40, Matthew 28:19-20). This can only take place in the context of loving, healthy relationships.

Welcome to a new year in 2021! I believe this season is about developing and enriching the foundations of disciple making in RiverLife. This really involves 3Ms.