Interesting Green: Reflection - God's doing in our life

Source (book): "In The Beginning", Tracing The Gospel Story In Genesis, Chapter 6, "When People Lived for Centuries (Genesis 5)", Question 3, "God's doing in our life", Page 49.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012

PHOTO: Thomas à Kempis asked why we live so long and improve so little. Reflect on what God is doing in your life. How much are you aware of it and cooperation with God?

Thomas à Kempis once famously asked why we live so long but change so little for the better. In Chapter 6 of his book In the Beginning, former Singapore Methodist Bishop Dr. Robert M. Solomon points out that the long lifespans in Genesis 5 were supposed to give people more time to walk with God—yet humanity still ended up deeply corrupted.

This reflection helps us examine how much we notice God working in our own daily lives and whether we are actually cooperating with Him:

🫣 Are You Aware of What God is Doing?

Too busy, no time: Many of us are so "kanchiong" (anxious) and caught up with the daily Singaporean grind—running after deadlines, family duties, and material things—that we completely miss God's quiet presence.

Wrong focus: We always look out for huge, dramatic miracles. Because of this, we fail to notice God working in the ordinary things, like a peaceful moment during a stressful MRT ride or a timely word from a cell group friend.

The solution: We need to intentionally slow down, pause, and set aside daily quiet time. Journaling or praying helps us look back at our day and see exactly where God was guiding or protecting us.

🤝 How Well Are You Cooperating with Him?

Stop playing "Control Freak": True cooperation means letting go of our own stubborn way of doing things. Instead of rushing to execute our own perfect life plans, we must surrender and ask God what He wants first.

Simple obedience in small things: God usually doesn't ask us to do massive things right away. Cooperating with Him starts with small daily choices—like choosing to be patient with a difficult colleague, forgiving someone who hurt us, or being honest when it is hard.

Changing your heart, not just your routine: Following God is not about blindly ticking checkboxes (like just attending church or reading the Bible out of duty). It is about letting His Holy Spirit transform your bad habits, pride, and attitude over time.

(Answers are provided by Google AI Mode).

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Thomas à Kempis asked why we live so long and improve so little. Reflect on what God is doing in your life. How much are you aware of it and cooperation with God?

Thomas à Kempis once famously asked why we live so long but change so little for the better. In Chapter 6 of his book In the Beginning, former Singapore Methodist Bishop Dr. Robert M. Solomon points out that the long lifespans in Genesis 5 were supposed to give people more time to walk with God—yet humanity still ended up deeply corrupted.

PHOTO: Thomas à Kempis once famously asked why we live so long but change so little for the better. In Chapter 6 of his book In the Beginning, former Singapore Methodist Bishop Dr. Robert M. Solomon points out that the long lifespans in Genesis 5 were supposed to give people more time to walk with God—yet humanity still ended up deeply corrupted.

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This reflection helps us examine how much we notice God working in our own daily lives and whether we are actually cooperating with Him:

🫣 Are You Aware of What God is Doing?

Too busy, no time: Many of us are so "kanchiong" (anxious) and caught up with the daily Singaporean grind—running after deadlines, family duties, and material things—that we completely miss God's quiet presence.

Wrong focus: We always look out for huge, dramatic miracles. Because of this, we fail to notice God working in the ordinary things, like a peaceful moment during a stressful MRT ride or a timely word from a cell group friend.

The solution: We need to intentionally slow down, pause, and set aside daily quiet time. Journaling or praying helps us look back at our day and see exactly where God was guiding or protecting us.

PHOTO: 🫣 Are You Aware of What God is Doing?
Too busy, no time: Many of us are so "kanchiong" (anxious) and caught up with the daily Singaporean grind—running after deadlines, family duties, and material things—that we completely miss God's quiet presence.
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PHOTO: 🫣 Are You Aware of What God is Doing?
Wrong focus: We always look out for huge, dramatic miracles. Because of this, we fail to notice God working in the ordinary things, like a peaceful moment during a stressful MRT ride or a timely word from a cell group friend.
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PHOTO: 🫣 Are You Aware of What God is Doing?
The solution: We need to intentionally slow down, pause, and set aside daily quiet time. Journaling or praying helps us look back at our day and see exactly where God was guiding or protecting us.
Picture posted by Faith and Wellness - Don't Give Away Your Joy | Protecting Your Inner Peace
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🤝 How Well Are You Cooperating with Him?

Stop playing "Control Freak": True cooperation means letting go of our own stubborn way of doing things. Instead of rushing to execute our own perfect life plans, we must surrender and ask God what He wants first.

Simple obedience in small things: God usually doesn't ask us to do massive things right away. Cooperating with Him starts with small daily choices—like choosing to be patient with a difficult colleague, forgiving someone who hurt us, or being honest when it is hard.

Changing your heart, not just your routine: Following God is not about blindly ticking checkboxes (like just attending church or reading the Bible out of duty). It is about letting His Holy Spirit transform your bad habits, pride, and attitude over time.

(Answers are provided by Google AI Mode).

PHOTO: 🤝 How Well Are You Cooperating with Him?
Stop playing "Control Freak": True cooperation means letting go of our own stubborn way of doing things. Instead of rushing to execute our own perfect life plans, we must surrender and ask God what He wants first.
Picture posted by Mercedes Thibodeaux, Spirit-Wired✞
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PHOTO: 🤝 How Well Are You Cooperating with Him?
Simple obedience in small things: God usually doesn't ask us to do massive things right away. Cooperating with Him starts with small daily choices—like choosing to be patient with a difficult colleague, forgiving someone who hurt us, or being honest when it is hard.
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PHOTO: 🤝 How Well Are You Cooperating with Him?
Changing your heart, not just your routine: Following God is not about blindly ticking checkboxes (like just attending church or reading the Bible out of duty). It is about letting His Holy Spirit transform your bad habits, pride, and attitude over time.
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PHOTO: "Dear Lord, thank You for giving me this life and for always working behind the scenes, even when I don’t notice it.

Lord, You know how fast-paced my life is in Singapore. I am always rushing, planning, and getting stressed over so many things.

Forgive me for the times I am too busy to notice You. Please open my spiritual eyes. Help me to slow down so I can see Your hand guiding me—whether it is in a quiet moment, a difficult situation, or through the people around me.

Lord, I don't want to just live a long life without ever changing or growing. I want to cooperate with You. Please break my stubbornness and my need to control everything.

When You speak to my heart, give me the courage to obey You immediately, even in the small daily things. Teach me to love others, to be patient, and to choose Your way over my own.

Transform my heart, Lord, so that my life will truly bring glory to You.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen."
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Reflection - God's doing in our life
Source (book): "In The Beginning", Tracing The Gospel Story In Genesis, Chapter 6, "When People Lived for Centuries (Genesis 5)", Question 3, "God's doing in our life", Page 49.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012

Footnotes

Other Books (Links)

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html

"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html

"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html

"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html

"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html

"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html

"He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God", © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Shelly Beach

Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html

"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-1-45.html

"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 24 October 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-46-90.html

"Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Making All Things New, Chapter 1 - 28 (Links), posted on Saturday, 04 August 2024
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2024/08/reflection-making-all-things-new.html

"Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Making All Things New, Chapter 29 - 52 (Links), posted on Saturday, 15 March 2025
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2025/03/reflection-making-all-things-new.html

"My Soul Thirsts For God", Reflections on the Psalms from Our Daily Bread, Copyright @ 2009 by Discovery House Publishers

Reflection - My Soul Thirsts For God, Verse 1 - 46 (Links) on Monday, 25 August 2025
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2025/08/reflection-my-soul-thirsts-for-god.html

"My Soul Thirsts For God", Reflections on the Psalms from Our Daily Bread, Copyright @ 2009 by Discovery House Publishers

Reflection - My Soul Thirsts For God, Verse 47 - 92 (Links) on Tuesday, 27 January 2026
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2026/01/reflection-my-soul-thirsts-for-god.html

Reference

[1] From "In The Beginning", Tracing The Gospel Story In Genesis, Copyright @ 2009 by Robert M. Solomon, Chapter 6, "When People Lived for Centuries (Genesis 5)", Question 3, "God's doing in our life", Page 49.

Links

Other Books (Links) - https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/10/reflection-books-links.html

Genesis 5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%205&version=NIV

Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV