感 T.H.O.U.G.H.T.S 想

2012-01-29T15:33:00.001+08:00

2012-01-29T15:31:00.002+08:00

2012-01-29T15:19:00.001+08:00

Some Encouraging Verses…

2010-11-14T11:06:00.001+08:00

INCLINE YOUR EAR TO ME, AND COME TO ME. HEAR, AND YOUR SOUL SHALL LIVE; AND I WILL MAKE AN EVER-LASTING COVENANT WITH YOU.
ISAIAH 55:3, NKJV

SET YOUR MIND ON THINGS ABOVE, NOT ON THINGS ON THE EARTH.
COLOSSIANS 3:2, NKJV

FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE
YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO.
LUKE 12:34

THOSE WHO LIVE ACCORDING TO THE FLESH
SET THEIR MINDS ON THE THINGS OF THE FLESH, BUT
THOSE WHO LIVE ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT, THE
THINGS OF THE SPIRIT. FOR TO BE CARNALLY MINDED IS DEATH, BUT TO BE SPIRITUALLY MINDED IS LIFE AND PEACE!
ROMANS 8:5-7

THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS THROUGH
FAITH.
EPHESIANS 3:17

TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO DO EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL THAT WE ASK
OR THINK, ACCORDING TO THE POWER THAT WORKS IN US, TO HIM BE GLORY IN THE CHURCH BY CHRIST
JESUS TO ALL GENERATIONS, FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.
EPHESIANS 3:20-21

THE PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN IS POWERFUL AND
EFFECTIVE.
JAMES 5:16 *NIV

DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANY-THING, BUT IN EVERYTHING, BY PRAYER AND PETITION, WITH THANKSGIVING, PRESENT YOUR REQUESTS TO
GOD.
PHILIPPIANS 4:6

THE LORD IS FAR FROM THE WICKED BUT HE HEARS THE PRAYER OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
PROVERBS 15:29

BE JOYFUL ALWAYS; PRAY CONTINUALLY; GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR THIS IS GOD'S WILL FOR YOU IN JESUS CHRIST.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

“…never feel that God doesn't hear your
prayers because a prayer isn't answered immediately, or because it isn't answered the way you would like. For your Heavenly Father always knows what is best for you, and; HE WILL NOT LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU. ( DEUTERONOMY 31:6 )”

“…remember to always; GIVE THANKS TO
THE LORD, CALL ON HIS NAME, for He will always hear the prayers of those who love and adore Him!
( 1 CHRONICLES 16:8 )

BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE; DO NOT BE
AFRAID, NOR BE DISMAYED, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD
IS WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.
JOSHUA 1:9 * NKJV

THE LORD, HE IS THE ONE WHO GOES BEFORE YOU. HE WILL BE WITH YOU, HE WILL NOT LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU; DO NOT FEAR NOR BE DISMAYED.
DEUTERONOMY 31:8

WHEN YOU PASS THROUGH THE WATERS, I WILL BE WITH YOU; AND THROUGH THE RIVERS, THEY SHALL NOT OVERFLOW YOU. WHEN YOU WALK THROUGH THE FIRE, YOU SHALL NOT BE BURNED, NOR SHALL THE FLAMES SCORCH YOU.
ISAIAH 43:2

"YEA, THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL; FOR YOUR ROD AND STAFF, THEY COMFORT ME.
PSALM 23:4

THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION; WHOM SHALL I FEAR? THE LORD IS THE STRENGTH OF MY LIFE; OF WHOM SHALL I BE AFRAID? Amen!
PSALM 27:1

LET HEAVEN AND EARTH PRAISE HIM, THE SEAS AND
ALL THAT MOVE IN THEM.
PSALM 69:34 *NIV

PRAISE THE LORD, O MY SOUL; ALL MY INMOST BEING, PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME. PRAISE THE LORD, O MY SOUL, AND FORGET NOT ALL HIS BENEFITS.
WHO FORGIVES ALL YOUR SINS AND HEALS ALL YOUR
DISEASES, WHO REDEEMS YOUR LIFE FROM THE PIT AND CROWNS YOU WITH LOVE AND COMPASSION,
WHO SATISFIES YOUR DESIRES WITH GOOD THINGS
SO THAT YOUR YOUTH IS RENEWED LIKE THE EAGLE'S.
PSALM 103:1-5

COME, LET US BOW DOWN IN WORSHIP, LET US KNEEL BEFORE THE LORD OUR MAKER; FOR WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF HIS PASTURE, THE FLOCK UNDER HIS CARE.
PSALM 95:6-7

MY DEAR CHILDREN, I WRITE THIS TO YOU SO THAT YOU WILL NOT SIN. BUT IF ANYBODY DOES SIN, WE HAVE ONE WHO SPEAKS TO THE FATHER IN OUR DEFENSE, JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS ONE. HE IS THE ATONING SACRIFICE FOR OUR SINS, AND NOT ONLY OURS BUT ALSO FOR THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD.
1 JOHN 2:1-2 *NIV

IN HIM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH
HIS BLOOD, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE.
EPHESIANS 1:7

FOR I WILL CLEANSE THEM FROM ALL THE SIN THEY HAVE COMMITTED AGAINST ME AND WILL FORGIVE ALL THEIR SINS OF REBELLION AGAINST ME.
JEREMIAH 33:8

"I WILL FORGIVE THEIR WICKEDNESS AND WILL REMEMBER THEIR SINS NO MORE."
HEBREWS 8:12

IN HIM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE.
EPHESIANS 1:7

FOR I WILL CLEANSE THEM FROM ALL THE SIN THEY HAVE COMMITTED AGAINST ME AND WILL FORGIVE ALL THEIR SINS OF REBELLION AGAINST ME.
JEREMIAH 33:8

For God has said: "I WILL FORGIVE THEIR WICKEDNESS AND WILL REMEMBER THEIR SINS NO MORE."
HEBREWS 8:12

Our Savior said: "EVERYONE WHO SPEAKS A WORD AGAINST THE SON OF MAN WILL BE FORGIVEN, BUT ANYONE WHO BLASPHEMIES AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL NOT BE FORGIVEN."
LUKE 12:10

BLESSED BE THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE FATHER OF MERCIES AND GOD OF ALL COMFORT, WHO COMFORTS US IN ALL OUR TRIBULATION, THAT WE MAY BE ABLE TO COMFORT THOSE WHO ARE IN ANY TROUBLE, WITH THE COMFORT WITH WHICH WE OURSELVES ARE COMFORTED BY GOD.
2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4 *NKJV

God has said; "CALL UPON ME IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE; I WILL DELIVER YOU, AND YOU SHALL GLORIFY ME." Also our Savior Jesus Christ said; "LET NOT YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED; YOU BELIEVE IN GOD, BELIEVE ALSO IN ME."
PSALM 50:15 & JOHN 14:1

HE WHO IS IN YOU IS GREATER THAN HE WHO IS IN THE WORLD.
1 JOHN 4:4

PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU, MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU; NOT AS THE WORLD GIVES DO I GIVE TO YOU. LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED, NEITHER LET IT BE AFRAID."
JOHN 14:27

"I WILL BOTH LIE DOWN IN PEACE, AND SLEEP; FOR YOU ALONE, O LORD, MAKE ME DWELL IN SAFETY.
PSALM 4:8

THE PEACE OF GOD WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, and may it, GUARD YOUR HEART AND MIND THROUGH JESUS CHRIST.

PHILIPPIANS 4:7

THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THE LOVE OF GOD, AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BE WITH YOU ALL.
2 CORINTHIANS 13:14

WHAT DOES IT MEANS TO HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST?

2010-09-26T20:59:00.001+08:00

Scripture Text: Philippians 2:1-11; 4:1-2

Speaker: Ps. Peter Chng

Date: 26 September 2010, Sunday

Philippians 2:1-11

¹If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: ⁶Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, ⁷but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.⁸And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!
⁹Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 4:1-3

¹Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! ²I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. ³Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

1. WHAT DOES IT MEANS TO HAVE A MIND OF CHRIST?

(a) Having an attitude of lowliness (humility)

In the John 13 – Jesus’ washes the disciples’ feet.

Jesus wash the feet of the following disciples:

(i) Peter – who is going to deny Him;

(ii) Judas Iscariot – who is going to betray Him and;

(iii) the remaining 10 disciples – who are going to forsake Him.

(b) Having a servitude of loveliness

- serving people with gentleness &

lovingness.

2. HOW TO HAVE A MIND OF CHRIST?

Philippians 2:1-4

(a) We must be willing to die to self-centredness

Self-centredness means having high regard of oneself and always wants the attention from others (even though they never say it out, but will think in his/her mind. Eg. if this person attends a birthday party, he will think within himself and says “how i wish i am the birthday boy / girl…”).

How to die to self-centredness?

Philippians 2:2 “…then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose….”

(i) Incorporation of others
     - by accepting others in your life;
     - the recognition & realisation that God
        uses others and;

     - realise that you can’t do it all by yourself
       but need to work with others.

(ii) The appreciation of others in Christ

Philippians 2:3-4 ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Note: a self-centred person never appreciates others.

- A consideration of others in Christ.

(b) You must be willing to die to self-consciousness

Die to self-consciousness means die to your self-reputation and also you’re forever concern about what others think or say about you.

Don’t worry about what people are saying about you but be more sure about WHAT GOD IS SAYING OR THINKING about you! This is because what people approve of your ways may not be correct in God’s sight.
People may be happy with your performance but is God happy with you? Is your life pleasing/transparent before God?
Philippians 2:6-8 ⁶Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, ⁷but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.⁸And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!
If we take care of our CHARACTER, God will take care of our reputation.

(c) You must be willing to die to self-occupation.

Self-occupation means you are so caught up with your position / status in life. You feel good when others know that you are a CEO or a Manager or someone who has big career name.

Jesus took upon Himself as a “bond-servant”.
People are so conscious of “occupation”.
Regardless of your occupation, as long as you earn a decent income, you are okay.

(d) You must be willing to die to consciousness of self-dedication.

Self-dedication means how oneself serve God. Like taking into account how much effort or time you put into the Kingdom of God.

If you have no heart for people, you are not serving God in your life.
Philippians 2:7-8 “…but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.⁸And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
Jesus died to the consciousness of self-dedication.

IF WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST, NO ONE COULD INTIMIDATE US.

The Book of Job in the Bible

2010-02-16T00:03:00.001+08:00

(Picture source: http://www.theseason.org/job/jb.jpg)

Recently i started to read my Bible chronologically again, according to the guide, i need to read the Book of Job after a few chapters of Genesis and some other Books of the Bible. Actually i quite dread to read this Book because i don’t understand why God need to answer Job in a way that is so profound when HE was the One who allows Job to be tested or went through a very painful trial. Well, its the Word of God, so i can’t just skip it, so i read it again. This time i began to see in another perspective. I find it so amazing was that even though we do not know who was the author of the Book of Job, what amazed me was that every single conservation that Job and his friends had was being pen down!

A lot of times we were being reminded that God hears our conversation, but somehow we know it but it just not so impactful to us that God is really hearing our conversation! Imagine that if the Book of Job have a record of the conversation between Job and his friends, how much more God can compile books of our conversations with others – be it words that were good or bad! Well my point of jotting down this reflection is not to bring fear to anyone who is reading this, but to act as a reminder that we need to think before we speak as words have power. It can lift, encourage someone or hurt and tear the spirit of the receiver.

Truly God’s Word is perfect is teaching us to guard our mouths.

PROVERBS 21:23 “HE WHO GUARDS HIS MOUTH AND HIS TONGUE KEEPS HIMSELF FROM CALAMITY”

EPHESIANS 4:29 “DO NOT LET ANY UNWHOLESOME TALK COME OUT OF YOUR MOUTHS, BUT ONLY WHAT IS HELPFUL FOR BUILDING OTHERS UP ACCORDING TO THEIR NEEDS, THAT IT MAY BENEFIT THOSE WHO LISTEN.

JAMES 3:10 “OUT OF THE SAME MOUTH COME PRAISE AND CURSING. MY BROTHERS, THIS SHOULD NOT BE.”

PSALMS 19:14 “MAY THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH AND THE MEDITATION OF MY HEART BE PLEASING IN YOUR SIGHT, O LORD, MY ROCK AND MY REDEEMER. AMEN.”

May God helps us in our speech and in our actions.

Encouragement cards

2010-02-15T17:00:00.001+08:00

The reason i reflect on this topic is because since the day i decided to send my boss an e-card, i began to realise that it has been a long time since i send someone an e-card.

I remembered that more than 10 years ago when the internet was made available to the world, the time when we got so excited when we receive an email as suddenly things got so convenient. Besides receive emails, e-cards was the next hit item on the web. People sending e-cards to wish their friends and loved one having a happy birthday to happy holidays or for some simply disturbing others.

I remembered that i used to print out those e-cards messages and stick it onto my journal book. This is because those words that my mentor or friend wrote to me are so meaningful and uplifting. I find acceptance, hope and love. I thank God for those special memories.

Yesterday, after Sunday Service, one of my cell member talked to me and told me how she was being ‘bullied’ and face some injustice at her attachment. She also shared with me that she found strength and encouragement when she chance upon a card that i wrote to her years ago while she was packing her room to prepare for Chinese New Year. The card that i wrote to her have the title “leave it to God” and through these words she began to resolve in her heart and mind that she will do her best at work and let God do the rest.

Well…i shall make a point to write encouragement cards again to my cell members and my friends.

Note: The birthday card was made by me.

Chinese New Year Spring Cleaning

2010-02-14T20:57:00.001+08:00

As usual Chinese New Year (CNY) is a time for my family to spring clean the house with my mom’s help. My brother will take care of his room and i will take care of my room plus the washing of the toilet, bathroom, sweep and mop the floor.

Before i spring my home, i spend some time with God and prayed that HE will helped me to finish the cleaning early and of course, thank God, HE did. He not only helped me to pack and tidy up my room quickly, i believe HE also helped me to realise that i kept too many things and unwilling to give away those that are in good condition.

Usually when it comes to packing my wardrobe, i don’t feel good in giving away some of my clothes. Most of the time i will have the thinking that “humm…this one i like it, but i seldom wear, but let’s wait and see, maybe i need this some day…” With this mentality i end up having a wardrobe full of clothes and took a long time to pack.

This time while i was packing and sorting my clothes, i realised that i have 2 fleece jackets, 4 wind-breaker, a few clothing that are nice but not so fitting (big) for me. I began to think “do i need so many fleece jackets and wind-breakers and since those clothes did not bring out the best of me why should i keep it, it so nice and by donating out, someone who needs it can wear it.” Without second thoughts, i packed those that i think others can own it to a plastic bag which meant for donation.

Not only giving is a “problem” for me, throwing away old stuff also. This is because i have a “i can’t bear to throw away” mentality. But this time i took out those items, i see the condition and find it even if i keep it, i will not use it and even i give it away, it is too old for others to wear…so i made up my mind, i threw it away.

Praise God for breakthroughs.

Not only that i managed to pack my home wear, outing clothes (for work and for leisure), packed my study table (which clutter with lots of CDs and books and notes…) in no time, thus i can helped to clean the bathroom, toilet, sweep and mopped the floor and after dinner, i ironed my clothes. Finished all these including breaks for dinner by 11pm plus (if i don’t remember wrongly).

Hummm… that’s all….

Thank God for all blessings flow…

2009-12-31T20:23:00.001+08:00

Final blog before the close of Year 2009 and usher in the Year 2010.

It’s been an eventful and fruitful year for me, experiencing God’s love and His grace. Truly it is His grace that brought me through this year.

Firstly, I have learnt to trust God and also see how HE leads and guides me into a whole new career and the moment i was accepted to work in JIL Management & Consultancy Pte Ltd, i knew and so sure of God’s promise in my life that HE truly has a plan for me, a plan that will prosper me and not to harm me. It is through this job i began to realise that how my 3.5 years in Zion Gospel Mission really helps. Helps me to submit and to the authority above me and how to plan in the area of my work.

My boss allows me to ask questions and by asking a lot of questions, i learnt a lot. I also signed up for a course to gain knowledge in the area of corporate laws and those business stuff.

Really thank God for helping me to secure this job. Imagine that no experience, no formal qualifications in this field as a Company Secretariat, the boss is willing to employ and train me.

The best part, i got my increment after my probation and my dad is willing to pay for my executive diploma study. Praise for His provision. Truly He is our Jehovah Jireh.

Secondly, I graduated from Bible School after 5 years of part-time study. When i stand and pose for my Bible College graduation photos, i felt proud and honoured that at last this day has come, i am graduating with a Certificate in Theology! Even though i did not manage to graduate with a Bachelor in Theology, i am happy because this is one of the heart desire that i have reached. Besides getting the paper, through the education system, learning how to do research and writing term paper is really a challenge for me, especially i am not good in writing.

Every time when i reflect back from January 09 to now, i will always thank God from the bottom of my heart. God is good, HE truly is my Shepherd who leads me to green pasture and still waters, HE restores my soul and teach me to rest in Him.

Thirdly, my first time organising a cell event – Thanksgiving Dinner on 26 Dec 09. It is like a finale cell meeting before the begin of the new year. As this is quite a last minute event, i thank God for the cell members who put in their effort to attend and also brought sumptuous food with them (it is a pot-luck event). Praise the Lord that all went well, the food, the songs and most importantly the testimonies that we shared on how good God is.

Okay need to stop her now as i need to prepare myself to go for the thanksgiving service in church.

Thanks for reading….

Happy New Year!

Blog Reflection: Biblical Interpretation Module (BS500)

2009-07-31T11:31:00.001+08:00

This is a very special blog entry as this is my first time blogging about my learning experience on my Bible School module on Biblical Interpretation, that is of course required by the Lecturer, Rev. Casey Ng as part of the learning requirement.

Below are some of my learning experiences that I have gleaned when I attended the module:

Interesting Ideas

Submitting our assignment via a wiki and blog. This is my first time submitting my assignments through these means. I agreed with the lecturer that this is the 21st century and we need to be update with the latest technology. We may not be very expert in using blogs or wiki, at least we can get a ‘feel of it’ by trying out. Now i can tell the youths in my church that my lecturer wants us to submit, post and discuss our project work via a wiki and not just emailing to him the final paper as most institution do.

Practices

There is a saying that goes like this: “Practice makes perfect”. After i attended this module, i agreed with my ex Pastor, who was a teacher of the Word. He used to teach us on Bible Study methods and he told us that “Practice don’t make perfect, unless we practice with the right methods”.

The same here with when we exegete a Bible passage or even to get the real meaning out from a parable, if we do not follow the rules stated, we will not get it right and worst, we will teach the wrong things to our members and even ourselves!

During one of the lessons on how to study a parable, the lecturer taught us the rules and gave us "The Parable of The Good Samaritan” in Luke 10:30-37 to try out. All of us got the understanding of passage’s teaching is about “Loving your neighbour”. But to our surprise is not, as we missed the point and followed the diversion. It is actually means “God is gracious”. Jesus answered the question posted by the Teacher of the Law on “What must i do to inherit eternal life"?” or in other words, “How can i be saved?” So the answer is “ Just accept the grace of God.”

Interestingly, after i learnt the steps and rules of studying the parable, i read the required textbook. The author also commented on the Parable of the Good Samaritan, however his understanding is still on “loving your neighbour”.

Concept

Besides we learn how to exegete the passage using structure diagramming, we also learn about how to write a story. I learnt that to write a good story we must have SETTING, PLOT and CHARACTERS.

The PLOT consist of either physical, moral or character conflict – as the lecturer said, if there is no conflict then the story will not be interesting to catch the reader’s attention.

The CHARACTERS consist of round, flat and functionary characters.

As i listened to the lecture, how i wish i learnt that last time when i was young. If i did, then my composition will not be that poor or even struggle to get my composition done.

Now when i watch a drama or a movie, i watch it with a new perspective, understanding the concept of a good story line.

The lecturer also touched on the Eastern and Western perspective on things. Example: we read about dragons in the Bible, i learnt that dragon to the western people is bad or evil, but to the Eastern (Chinese), dragon is a symbol of good luck, prosperity, etc.

So one day, while i was watching a movie show – MUMMY 3, that was being broadcast over HBO, with my brother, he commented how come Jet Lee, acted as the King (a mummy that became alive), turned into a dragon during a fight. Then i began to show forth some knowledge about the westerners perspective of dragons. As Jet Lee is a bad king character, they use dragon (and is a three headed dragon) to portray the bad character. My brother then mentioned that the dragon is so different from our usual Chinese dragon. Then i told him that it could be the script writer did not do enough research, as they only knew that the China Emperor had dragons motifs on their clothes and other items but they failed to understand what type of dragon, so the producer will use their imagination to make a film.

Interaction with others during discussion

As our assignment was project based, we need to get into our groups to discuss. For those who have worked in project groups before will know that we will somehow rubbed shoulders with each other, as all of us have different personalities.

As the project leader, i need to be the mediator too when one or two members have some differences with each other. Thank God my group don’t have members who walked out of discussions or scold one another, but they deal with the situation biblically but approaching the ‘offended’ person and talk it out to try their best to understand their position.

Even though the time is limited, resources are few, i want to thank God for Olivia, who took her initiatives to borrow a lot of reference materials like Bible Dictionaries and Concordances from her church friends. Thus this helps to expedite our search and save us some precious time.

It is during the class projects, i realised that i have improved in dealing with different types of people or it could be God is so gracious to me that the dynamics of my group is still under the ‘easy’ level. No matter what, i still thank God for the tough training that i received when i was working in a local church.

My Response

After attending this module, i have learnt that as a Christian, a church leader, a Bible School student, i need to study the Bible correctly using the right method. Beside using the right method to do Bible exegesis, i need to obey the truths of the Bible and follow God’s way. Let HIS will be done and not my will be done. Amen.

TAKE OFF THE LID AND STEP-OUT

2009-06-14T17:51:00.001+08:00

Scripture Texts: Joshua 5:1-3; 6:1-6
Speaker: Ps. Chia Beng Hock
Date: 14 June 09

INTRODUCTION:

(1) Investment: $950 per franchise – selling
hamburgers.

Ray Kroc: Macdonald’s

Ray Kroc took the step of faith to join the franchise and now he has the Macdonald’s chain and earn billions of dollars.

(2) A “C” grade business concept plan

Fred Smith: Federal Express

Fred Smith, invested his life savings to start the delivery business from small and now his company is one of the top delivery company.

Both Kroc and Smith took risks.

TAKE OFF THE LID AND STEP OUT

3 things required:

(1) Commitment Established

Joshua 5: 1 –3 (Israel Is Circumcised)
1Now it came about when all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the sons of Israel until they had crossed, that their hearts melted, and there was no spirit in them any longer because of the sons of Israel. 2At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make for yourself flint knives and circumcise again the sons of Israel the second time.”3So Joshua made himself flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.

(a) Evaluate our relationship with God

Putting aside risk (circumcision involves pain on the men and as they just cross over Jordan, they need to defend themselves from the enemies), God wanted them to put right their covenant relationship with Him

(b) Repent and Renew our commitment

Change of mind, heart and direction: turn back to God.

(d) Get right with God so that we can take off the lid and step-out.

(2) Consider the risks

(a) What keep us from taking off the lid and step out?

Fear of uncertainty
Fear of failures
Fear of embarrassment
Not wanting to step out of our comfort zone

Joshua 6:1-6 (The Conquest of Jericho)
1Now Jericho was tightly shut because of the sons of Israel; no one went out and no one came in. 2The LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and the valiant warriors. 3“You shall march around the city, all the men of war circling the city once. You shall do so for six days. 4“Also seven priests shall carry seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark; then on the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5“It shall be that when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people will go up every man straight ahead.” 6So Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests carry seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the LORD.”

Calculated Risk: Based on our conviction that God can be trusted.

When we take risk, we are stretching beyond what we think are our limits to achieve desired results.

(3) Consider the results

Joshua & Caleb (went into the promise land)
Ruth (followed Naomi)
Peter (walked on water)
Paul (risked his life to preach the Gospel)
Sta (or Santa) Barbara Church, Philippines (situated among the staunch Roman Catholics, threw stones and blast their music at them when the Service start, survived persecution and grew to be one of the strong church)
Bethel Community Outreach (TCM, Film Outreach, etc.)
Mentoring (Youth, Young Adults, Young in faith).

Calculated Risk: Based on our conviction that God can be trusted.

Consider the results: The blessings HE has prepared for you!

Trusting God – Our Heavenly Father

2009-06-08T22:35:00.001+08:00

Scripture Text: Proverbs 3:5-6
Speaker: Ps. Patrick Lau
Date: 7 June 09

Proverbs 3:5-6
⁵Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your
own understanding.
⁶In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

(1) WE CAN TRUST GOD, OUR HEAVENLY
FATHER because HE is a good Heavenly
Father.

Our Heavenly Father is completely different from our earthly father.

Characteristics of God, Our Heavenly Father…

1st – HE is our HEAVENLY FATHER

Matthew 6:9 "Pray, then, in this way:
'Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.

2nd – Our Heavenly Father is in-charge of all the affairs of this world.

Matthew 6:10 “'Your kingdom come Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.”

3rd – Our Heavenly Father is our provider

Matthew 6:11 'Give us this day our daily bread.’

4th – Our Heavenly Father is the One who can forgives us and forgives us without hesitation. As long as we go before Him in repentance, He forgives.

Matthew 6:12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.’

5th – Our Heavenly Father is a Father who delivers, watches over us by letting us know where are the pit falls and temptation so that we can escape.

Matthew 6:13 'And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]'

All power and glory belongs to HIM. No other powers can stay before HIM.
Because of HIS characteristics, no matter what we go through, we can trust in HIM.
Don’t doubt HIM when HE asks you to go to do something or go to some places or do something that seems ridiculous to you.

Example: God ask Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac and Abraham did it and before Abraham can kill his son, GOD intervened and stopped him from doing so. Abraham was willing to obey because he knows who GOD is – Abraham trusted God 100%.

(2) GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SHOULD BE
TRUSTED

We may have failed to trust God in our past and thus made some mistakes and now living in regrets, but God doesn’t wants us to live in regrets in our lives, that's why we need to trust HIM (because of our relationship with HIM through Jesus Christ).

Example: King Saul who did not learn to trust God in HIS timing. HE took over the Prophet Samuel’s role to offer sacrifices when King Saul didn’t see Prophet Samuel, he began to get anxious and want to please the people instead of God. Thus he lived in regrets the rest of his life.

God is gracious, He will gives us chance again to learn to trust in HIM, if we failed the last time.
We need to be humble before God.

(3) GOD MUST BE TRUSTED

When we understand the characteristics of God that HE can be trusted, this will lead to HE should be trusted and must be trusted.
We must trust God to lead us, guide us in life.

Example: H1N1 Flu

Matthew 24:8 "But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

Luke 21:26 men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Conclusion:

God can be trusted, should be trusted and must be trusted.

THE LOST GENERATION

2009-05-31T17:27:00.001+08:00

Scripture Text: Matthew 24:9-14
Speaker: Ps. Bernard Foo (Harvester Singapore)
Date: 31 May 09 (Mission Sunday)

All Scripture texts are quoted from New American Standard Bible

Matthew 24:9-14

⁹"Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. ¹⁰"At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. ¹¹"Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. ¹²"Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. ¹³"But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. ¹⁴"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

3 Main clusters of people living in this end times:

(1) The LOST Generation
(2) The LUST Generation
(3) The LORD’S Generation

(1) The LOST Generation
Three causes

a) Foolishness
    - Aimless, getting caught up in the world system,
      lost.
    - Luke 15:1-7

Luke 15: 1-7

The Lost Sheep
¹Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. ²Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, "This man receives sinners and ^(B)eats with them."³So He told them this parable, saying,⁴"What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? ⁵"When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. ⁶"And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' ⁷"I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

b) Careless
- Luke 15:8-10

Luke 15:8-10

The Lost Coin
⁸"Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? ⁹"When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!'¹⁰"In the same way, I tell you, there is joy ^(D)in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

c) Wilfulness
- Luke 15: 11-24

Luke 15:11-24

The Prodigal Son

¹¹And He said, "A man had two sons.

¹²"The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me ' So he divided his wealth between them.¹³"And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living.¹⁴"Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished.¹⁵"So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.¹⁶"And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him.¹⁷"But when he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!¹⁸'I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight;¹⁹I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men."'²⁰"So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.²¹"And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'²²"But the father said to his slaves,
'Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet;
²³and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; ²⁴for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.' And they began to celebrate.

(2) The LUST Generation
Two Causes

a) Lawlessness
- Matthew 24:12 “Because lawlessness is
increased, most people's love will grow cold.”

- Genesis 6:11-13, 17-22

¹¹Now the earth was ^(N)corrupt in the sight of
       God, and the earth was ^(O)filled with violence.¹²God looked on the earth, and behold, it was
       corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way
       upon the earth. ¹³Then God said to Noah, "The
       end of all flesh has come before Me; for the
       earth is filled with violence because of them;
       and behold, I am about to destroy them with
       the earth.

¹⁷"Behold, I, even I am bringing the flood of
        water upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in
        which is the breath of life, from under heaven;
        everything that is on the earth shall perish.
        ¹⁸"But I will establish My covenant with you;
        and you shall enter the ark--you and your sons
        and your wife, and your sons' wives with you. ¹⁹"And of every living thing of all flesh, you
        shall bring two of every kind into the ark, to
        keep them alive with you; they shall be male
        and female. ²⁰"Of the birds after their kind,
        and of the animals after their kind, of every
        creeping thing of the ground after its kind, two
        of every kind will come to you to keep them
        alive. ²¹"As for you, take for yourself some of
        all food which is edible, and gather it to
        yourself; and it shall be for food for you and for
        them."²²Thus Noah did; according to all that
        God had commanded him, so he did.

b) Lovelessness

Because of adversity Christians are not willing to preach the Gospel.
The Great Commission belongs to ALL BELIEVERS.

(3) The LORD’S Generation
Two Distinction Characteristics:

a) Watchfulness

not deceived; prayerful; endurance
know that the coming of the Lord is sure.
keep awake spiritually
wants to hear what God is saying and not what the world is saying.

b) Gratefulness

Grateful people are faithful people, faithful to the plan of God.

Sunday Service @ HIS Sanctuary

2009-05-24T20:07:00.000+08:00

Sermon Title: 5 Jewels of Spiritual Transformation
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 22:1-2; Isaiah 45:3;
Ps. 34:1-7
Speaker: Ps. Monte Lee Rice

Introduction:

1 Samuel 22:1-2 ¹So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam; and when his brothers and all his father's household heard of it, they went down there to him. ²Everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him; and he became captain over them. Now there were about four hundred men with him.

Picture source: http://christianity.about.com/od/symbolspictures/ig/Israel-Tour-Pictures/19IsraelCaveAddullam800x600.htm

Cave of Adullam: This is the cave where David hid from King Saul when Saul sought to kill him. It is a large & deep dark cave.

Isaiah 45:3 "I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden wealth of secret places, So that you may know that it is I, The LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.

We can find treasures in the darkness.

1 Chronicles 12:8 From the Gadites there came over to David in the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for war, who could handle shield and spear, and whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as the gazelles on the mountains.

Habakkuk 3:19 The Lord GOD is my strength, And
He has made my feet like hinds' feet, And makes me walk on my high places.

It is during the ‘dark period’ we are being changed and transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
Don’t get too quick to get out of the darkness. But learn to seek out the treasures.

5 Jewels of transformation

Ps. 34:1-7
(The LORD, a Provider and Deliverer.
A Psalm of David when he feigned madness before Abimelech, who drove him away and he departed).

¹I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
²My soul will make its boast in the LORD;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.
³O magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
⁴I sought the LORD, and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
⁵They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces will never be ashamed.
⁶This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
And saved him out of all his troubles.
⁷The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.

What is Church all about?
It is about becoming more like Jesus and Christ is being formed in us.

The 1st jewel: The Altar of Sacrifice (Worship)
Ps. 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

What is worship?
It is about sacrifice.

Hebrews 13:15 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you mayprove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Offer your dreams & aspirations to Jesus Christ.

2nd Jewel: Humility

Ps. 34:2 My soul will make its boast in the LORD;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.

How do i live my life in this world?

By being humble, just like David who was willing to share his cave with others.
God gives grace to the humble.

3rd Jewel: Seeking the Lord

Ps. 34:3 O magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.

SEEK and you shall find; ASK and it shall be given to you; KNOCK and the door will be opened for you.

4th Jewel: Discipleship (following Jesus)

Ps. 34:5 They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces will never be ashamed.

When comes to discipleship we tend to look for so and so to be our mentor, but is Jesus your teacher or coach?
Jesus wants to disciple us and teach us to be like Him.

1 Peter 2: 21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps

Read, observe and meditate on Jesus Christ in the Gospel.
To become like Jesus Christ, we must be willing to pay the cost of discipleship.

5th Jewel: Fear the Lord (Reverence)

Ps. 34: 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.

What it means to fear the Lord?
By giving God the space to be God.

Ps. 46: 10a "Cease striving and know that I am God…”

It means that we take our hands off in our situation and let God do the necessary.
God is the God of surprises.

Really thank God for this message that HE reminded me on how to apply Ps. 34 in my life. I remembered this Psalm was given to me by my friend on my 22nd Birthday and i asked God what it means. At first, He did not say anything, so i told God that i will read until i get the ‘answer’.

God is gracious. HE knows when to ‘appear’ in action. I flipped my study bible and in front of me is Ps. 34 and the explanation for this Psalm. It says “What ultimately matters in life is not one’s power and position, but one’s attitude and response to God.” When i get to know of this, i became angry at God because during that age, i want to be famous, status and position are very important to me. But after about two minutes, i calm down and began to told God that HE is right and ask Him to help me to apply Ps. 34 in my life.

Thank you Father God for your grace and mercies upon my life. You not only reminded me and help me on how to grow in Christ and also help me to realise that i can find treasures in deep darkness and hidden wealth of secret places.

Father God, help me to grow stronger in You. Transform me to be like Your Son Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Waffle Time@Gelare on Wed, 6 May 09

2009-05-06T21:42:00.001+08:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

2009-03-01T21:00:00.001+08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Loved by God

2009-02-22T19:32:00.004+08:00

Week after week, every Thursday i will attend my church prayer meeting. However on 19 Feb 09, it is very special. I just sensed that God is asking me in my heart to attend prayer meeting and not to worry about preparing my Friday cell lessons. Inside my heart i have such peace and also feelings of being "missed" (as i skipped prayer meeting last week to prepare my cell lesson), like God is thinking of me kind of feeling. Besides that personally i also felt a longing of getting done with my work and quick go to church to meet up with God.

I really thank God for ministering to me through a song that HE helped me to memorise when I was a young Christian. The song is “I come into this Holy Place”. I felt loved by God, that as if HE is telling me that I won’t be left alone or I will not be left out. Is like telling me that He is watching over me and He will never leave me nor forsake me.

Prayer meeting ended and I went home. As usual I will check my emails and one of the subscribed scripture verse of the day is “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Thus this really assures me that God truly is looking out for me and also He takes note of me attending Prayer Meeting.

Thank You Father God for being so loving, gracious and merciful to me. Not only that, thank You for your Faithfulness even when I am unfaithful.

28 Jan 09 Morning pic

2009-01-28T07:00:00.001+08:00

This snap was taken after i adjusted my camera phone camera's settings. Little did i know or rather realise that a train is coming by. I knew it when the train head appearred right in front of me and that i know it's time for me to board the train and it will take me a 41 minutes ride. :)

Lunar New Year Day 2

2009-01-27T15:40:00.003+08:00

Today is Lunar New Year Day 2 and as my grandma stays at the Kwong Wai Shiu elderly home, my family went to pay her a visit. When we reached there, we met our 4th aunty and stayed their for a while before we went for lunch at Ban Heng Restaurant at Bendemeer Road.

While having our lunch, my brother noticed a girl's standing outside the restaurant, her side view looks like Fann Wong. I take a look also and commented that "yah..really leh..." and happened that she turned her face and i said that she actually is Fann Wong herself. Moments later, she and Christopher Lee walked into the restaurant and greet the waiter and waitresses before walking towards a table where all her relatives are.

That's all for a special day.

Looking forward and reflecting the year 2008

2009-01-26T19:23:00.010+08:00

"Church let's count down to welcome the New Year 2009! ....10, 9, 8......3, 2, 1! Happy New Year 2009!" Balloons float down from my church balcony and all the children and those who are young at heart rush to pick the balloons or hit the balloons to the front as they followed the instructions given by the emcee. This is one of the scene in my church during last Watchnight Service 08 where members attended to welcome the New Year and also to testify of God's goodness.

Year 2008 ended with a bang on the whole world's financial / economy crisis - banks went bust, people were being retrenched, uncertainty creep in...but yet i chose to resign and leave my post as a church administrator by the end of Year 2008 after much prayers and consideration plus with the shalom peace of God in my heart and mind.

God is really good. HE gave me promises to cling on and assured me with His peace and His presence that HE understands my feelings and anxieties...thus when the Year 2009 was being ushered in, is really a new step for me - like re-learning to trust in the Lord, cling on His promises and see how He provides for me along the way. It is not the re-learning that excites me but is the process of me going through the faith upgrading road, seeing how God will provides for me, encouraging me, leading and opening door(s) for me and of course not only me but also blessing others through my testimony.

God is good. He truly sticks to His Word when He told me that He will open a way for me when there is no way. I got a job as a temp data entry clerk. I just simply asked my friend if she has any news from her friends that their company needs any data entry clerks let me know. The next thing she said was that her company needed some temp workers to take over those students who will be leaving in mid Jan'09. Little did i know that this job even though is very far, at Jurong Port, is a blessing in disguise. This is because one temp worker those me that his graduates friends find it difficult to get a $7 per hour temp job and yet i am able to get one. Praise the Lord! This really proves that God is in control of every situations, even in economic downturn. (Actually a lot of people who are very concern about me and told me that i leave at the wrong time...any way no time is the right time...as long as you have the peace of God after prayers and His promises...i guess it is the right time bah....)

Year 2009 started with change that i did not expect myself to take up - i went to my friend's workplace to work at a temp worker. The venue is at Jurong Port! A distance from where i stay. Imagine that i need to travel an hour's journey from Marine Parade to Lakeside daily. Now i need to wake up at 5.30am every working day, need to get out of my home by 6.30am to catch a bus to the nearest MRT at Eunos to catch a train by 6.54am to reach Lakeside, so that i can take the company bus by 8am to reach my workplace at 8:15am. Woo! Really a big change in my travelling schedule!

The above pic was taken while i am waiting for my bus at 6.35am.

One week have past since i started work on 19 Jan 09, Monday. Actually i find it okay to wake up super early as compared to last time the latest i can wake up is 7:15am. Somehow i find that i am more alert when i wake up early and going to work super early seeing how God paint each morning with the orange glow or crimson red before it turns bright at 7am.

This pic was taken at 6:50am while awaiting for my train.

Just like The Straits Times, one journalist took picture at 7:59am daily and write some comments on what he saw during that time. I also want to take daily morning pictures at 7:50am every working day to see how God paints His daily morning.

Since i taken up this temp job, i find that i am more sensitive to God. More easier to enter into His presence. Maybe my big load of responsiblities has been taken away and now left with a small part of responsiblity to just enter data and make sure it is correctly entered.

Okay lah..need to stop here and will continue...

My First Blog Post for Year 2009

2009-01-25T17:01:00.005+08:00

On Wednesday, 14 Jan09, while having dinner with a friend, he happens to asked how come I did not blog anymore? The reason he asked was because did visit my blog and finds that no new post entry. (Actually i am happy that at least my blog is / was being read by my friends).

The reason i din't write for a while was because of procrastination and afterall blogging is not as important to me as other things. I will not loose my salvation over not updating my blog...haha...it is actually an avenue for me to brush up my writing skills or jot down some things that i have reflected over the period.

Half a year just flew by and today is Chinese New Year Eve and we will usher in the month of February 09 - another month where most of the business will try their best to do some catching up in their sales and profit by introducing lots of gift ideas for Valentine's Day.

This year Valentine's Day will be a special one for me. Not that i am attached, but i am celebrating in my heart that my good friend is attached and now have a good life partner. :) I am really happy for them. This is really special is because i sensed in my Spirit they will be together and even told my friend that the guy will made known to her after our Mission Trip in Aug'08. PRaise the Lord! He did. He proposed to my friend to be his girlfriend during Christmas 08. Wow! what a Christmas gift! hahah....i am so glad and happy....hummm...i think i will make a gift for the two of them....

God's Assurance and Re-assurance

2008-06-30T13:58:00.002+08:00

I've been struggling recently. Emotionally and mentally. Really thank God for His assurance that His love for me is still there.

On Friday, 27/6/08, as usual i went for my cell meeting and was being told by Eunice that the song leader couldn't make it for cell, so i was asked upon to lead songs. I chose 3 songs - Blessed Be the Name of the Lord, Thine is the Kingdom and No Higher Calling. Really thank God that Darius came for the meeting that night and helped to be the guitarist. I began the meeting with a Word of prayer and i prayed that God will make that night meeting a special and impact one. HE did. As we could not sing well the song "Thine is the Kingdom", i asked the Cell members to skip it. Darius then proposed that each member to lead a song, a song they will sing to God during their devotion time. It worked! We praise and worship God in a beautiful manner and i sensed His gentle love and ministering in my life - assuring me that HE still loves me and I am still accepted by Him. Thank you God.

On Sunday, 29/6/08, Ps. Peter Lui preached a Messaged on "God Make Everything Beautiful in His Time" through his message i learnt that:

God's timing is perfect
God has a plan for me
All things works for good to those who loved Him

Thank you God for a re-assuring message.

Sacrifice-Bob Fitts- With lyrics.

2008-03-27T14:34:00.001+08:00

2007-12-30T20:21:00.000+08:00

To take this pic, I was being asked to prostrate myself on the floor by the camera man

and this picture really turned out great!

Hummm.... i forgotten how i posed this pic, anyway it looks beautiful too!

Yesterday, 29/12/07, Saturday, i went for a complimentary photo shoot at a studio that is located at Beach Road. The first shoot was taken using my own clothes and the second shoot was taken using their studio gown or costumes. As most of the gowns are either too small for my frame or will increased my age after shooting, i decided to wear a nice Korean han-bok (hope i spelt it correctly) I loved the light, crisp and refreshing green colour, but the photos turn out not up to my expectation. So in the end out of the almost 40 photos, i chose these two.

This photo shoot really open my eyes that my eyes are beautiful!

From God's Minute dated 20 Dec 07, Thursday

2007-12-26T22:46:00.000+08:00

HE WHO HEEDS THE WORD WISELY WILL FIND GOOD, AND WHOEVER TRUSTS IN THE LORD, HAPPY IS HE. ( PROVERBS 16:20 *NKJV )

Never let the enemy still your joy and leave you downcast! Instead enjoy what God has given to you, for; HAPPY ARE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE IN SUCH A STATE; HAPPY ARE THE PEOPLE WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD! ( Psalm 144:15 )

Now when we have negative thoughts it draws negative results into our lives. Likewise, when we think positive thoughts we draw positive results in as well!

After all when we are downcast it brings on depression, worry and anxiety. All of those things are known to cause health problems. So always think positive for: A MERRY HEART DOES GOOD, LIKE MEDICINE, BUT A BROKEN SPIRIT DRIES THE BONES. ( Proverbs 17:22 ) Now I know that: MANY ARE THE AFFLICTIONS OF THE RIGHTEOUS, BUT THE LORD DELIVERS HIM OUT OF THEM ALL. ( Psalm 34:19 )

So again, do not let the enemy steal your joy on any day. For you know that: YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL WALKS ABOUT LIKE A ROARING LION, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR. ( 1 Peter 5:8 )

Enjoy what God has planned for you, and show that beautiful smile of yours. For when you smile it shows God's joy within you! Amen.

From God's Minute dated 19 Dec 07, Wednesday

2007-12-26T22:42:00.000+08:00

BE KIND AND COMPASSIONATE TO ONE ANOTHER, FORGIVING EACH OTHER, JUST AS IN CHRIST GOD FORGAVE YOU. ( EPHESIANS 4:32 *NIV )

It is easy for us to ask God for forgiveness, but we often find it very difficult to forgive others. Therefore when you find yourself angry with someone and thinking about revenge, remember that it is written: DO NOT TAKE REVENGE, MY FRIENDS, BUT LEAVE ROOM FOR GODS WRATH, FOR IT IS WRITTEN: "IT IS MINE TO AVENGE; I WILL REPAY, SAYS THE LORD!" ( ROMANS 12:19 )

After all our Savoir Jesus Christ gave us this warning as well: "FOR IF YOU FORGIVE MEN WHEN THEY SIN AGAINST YOU, YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILL ALSO FORGIVE YOU. BUT IF YOU DO NOT FORGIVE MEN THEIR SINS, YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILL NOT FORGIVE YOUR SINS." ( MATTHEW 6:14-15 )

Therefore, FORGET THE FORMER THINGS; DO NOT DWELL IN THE PAST. ( ISAIAH 43:18 ) For the past is gone and no one can change it anyway! All we can do is make today the best that we can by forgiving our enemies, just as God has forgiven us!.

So why not make peace with those who may have angered you, remembering the Words of our Savior Jesus Christ: "BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS: FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD!" Amen. ( MATTHEW 5:9 )

An attempt in baking ginger breadman

2007-12-09T21:54:00.001+08:00

Today is my first attempt to try to bake the ginger breadman. As for looks it's great. As for the piping of the icing disaster. But in the end i still can consume the cookies. Hmm will improve on it.

Sermon on 28 Oct 07

2007-12-05T22:57:00.000+08:00

Sermon by Ps. Chia Beng Hock
28 Oct 07, Sunday
Ephesians 6:5-9

5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, in singleness of heart, as you obey Christ; 6not only while being watched, and in order to please them, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. 7Render service with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not to men and women, 8knowing that whatever good we do, we will receive the same again from the Lord, whether we are slaves or free. 9And, masters, do the same to them. Stop threatening them, for you know that both of you have the same Master in heaven, and with him there is no partiality. Ephesians 6:5-9, NRSV

SLAVES
· They are owned by rich people.
· They are treated badly and owner don’t care about them.
· Paul wrote to them and tell them to obey their master. (To listen to their boss with a right attitude).

1. Employee – Attitude of Obedience

How to have a right attitude?
We must RESPECT our Master as they’re being placed there by God to be our Boss.

Respect: in fear
Excel: do your best
Sincere: in what you do (your heart must not be divided. Eg. Daniel)
Personal Conviction: not to tell lie for boss.
Exuberant: Serve wholeheartedly.
Christ Representative: Serving Jesus in your place of work.
Tenacious: do your best even when boss is not around.

2. Employer Attitude

Encourage employees: Don’t threaten them.
Apply the golden rule:
Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Treat them well.
Submit to the greater Master: God who is the ultimate boss.
· 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NRSVA) Therefore, my beloved,£ be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Impartial: to be fair to employees.

Sermon on 21 Oct 07

2007-12-03T23:33:00.001+08:00

God’s Mission For Everyone
Ps. Pang Ek Kwan
21 Oct 07, Sunday

A message with TWO COMMANDS and ONE INVITATION.

The mission of every local church is MISSIONS!

Matthew 9:38, ASV “Pray ye…” (1st Command)
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest.

a. Cry out to the Lord for pre-believers.
b. God’s compassion is Love & Truth in action.
· Compassion means God’s deepest yearnings for the poor and the afflicted and flowing from these yearnings, compassion is the release of God’s power to transform lives and situations that look otherwise impossible to change.
c. More Purposeful Bending
· We tend to bend to do the things that we like.
· Purposeful Bending means to bend of our own will, ways, our self-dependence to God.

An Invitation by Jesus to Peter to “Come!” (“你来吧！”)

Matthew 14:29, ASV And he said, Come. And Peter went down from the boat, and walked upon the waters to come to Jesus.

a. God allows us to go through heavy storms because He wants us to learn a lesson of faith, putting our trust in Him.
b. May the Lord help us to exercise our faith.

Obey Him absolutely, and even to do the ridiculous! (2nd Command)
Mark 16:7, NRSV But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.”

Summary:
1. “Pray ye…” to the Lord of the Harverst.
2. Come (invitation)
3. Go & Tell!

That in essence is God’s mission for each and everyone of us.

Sermon on 14 Oct 07, Sunday

2007-12-03T23:12:00.000+08:00

Today is Mission Sunday, Rev. Dr. Robert Lim do more sharing then preaching. But two things that caught my attention:

1. His (Rev. Dr. Robert Lim) persistent trust & prayers in the Lord to provide for $1.4 million to pay off the building loan (Day & Night he “pester” God).

2. He quoted 1 Sam. 25 – the account of how King David’s men went to ask for food from Nabal. Instead of getting some food, Nabal sneered at them saying “who is David?” It is just like in the current times where people say to us “who is Jesus?”

3. Always remember that we cannot out give God.

An inspiration story to share...

2007-11-18T19:31:00.000+08:00

One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah the beauty of God’s creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work. As I sat there, I felt the Lord’s presence with me. He asked me,
“Do you love me?”
I answered, “Of course, God! You are my Lord and Savior!”
Then He asked, “If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?”
I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn’t be able to do, the things that I took for granted. And I answered, “It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You.”
Then the Lord said, “If you were blind, would you still love my creation?”
How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation. So I answered, “Its hard to think of it, but I would still love you.”
The Lord then asked me, “If you were deaf, would you still listen to my word?”
How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God’s Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts. I answered, “It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word.”
The Lord then asked, “If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?”
How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me: God wants us to sing from our very heart and soul. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words of thanks. So I answered, “Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name.
And the Lord asked, “Do you really love Me?”
With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, “Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one and true God!”
I thought I had answered well, but God asked, “Then why do you sin?”
I answered, “Because I am only human. I am not perfect.”
“Then why in times of peace do you stray the furthest? Why only in times of trouble do you pray the earnest?”
No answers. Only tears.
The Lord continued:“Why only sing at fellowships and retreats?Why seek Me only in times of worship?Why ask things so selfishly?Why ask things so unfaithfully?”
The tears continued to roll down my cheeks.
“Why are you ashamed of Me?Why are you not spreading the good news?Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on?Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?”
I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give.
“You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all.”
“Do you truly love me ?”
I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? When my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, “Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child.”
The Lord answered, “That is My Grace, My child.”
I asked, “Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?”
The Lord answered,“Because you are My creation. You are my child.I will never abandon you.When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you.When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you.When you are down, I will encourage you.When you fall, I will raise you up.When you are tired, I will carry you.I will be with you till the end of days, and I will love you forever.”
Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done? I asked God “How much do You love me?”
The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Savior. And for the first time, I truly prayed.

Sunday Sermon Notes dated 7th Oct 07

2007-10-08T11:59:00.000+08:00

Speaker: Ps. Chia Beng Hock

Ephesians 5:1-21
1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2and live in love, as Christ loved us£ and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 5:3But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints. 4Entirely out of place is obscene, silly, and vulgar talk; but instead, let there be thanksgiving. 5Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be associated with them. 8For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light—9for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; 13but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Sleeper, awake!
Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
15Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, 16making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, 20giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.

As Christians we are to walk in love.

“Walk”
· the way we conduct ourselves & lives: “Be imitators of God, as beloved children.” (verse 1)
· “Be” is a command
· “as beloved children” – dearly loved by God.
· there’s progress when we walk

“we are to walk in love”
· Because our God is love and we’re God’s children.

1. How do we walk in love?
· Giving – love is about giving (to build others up)
· Serve one another – give time to God
· Don’t take advantage of others
· Show little kindness to people to let others know that you care.

· Love is not a chemistry but a choice to choose to love those who are unlovable.

1.1 What does it means to walk in darkness?

Verses 3 – 7 says: “5:3But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints. 4Entirely out of place is obscene, silly, and vulgar talk; but instead, let there be thanksgiving. 5Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be associated with them.

· Sexual immorality
· Course jesting
· Greed / Covetousness
· Impurity in our lives
· Empty words

2. How do we walk in the light?

Verses 8 – 11 says: “. 8For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light—9for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

· Let the Spirit of God to work in us.
· Find out what pleases God and do those things.
· Do not be partners with Gentiles

3. Walk in wisdom

Why?

Because the days are evil:
· meaning of the words changed (eg. gay used to mean happy but now homosexual people)
· morals changed (sex before marriage is accepted; pre-nuptial contract; no commitment in
marriages, etc.)
· blame others when you do wrong things (eg. a sex offender when being charged told the
judge why he commit the crime was because someone sexually abused him when he was
young and grew up with a psychology defect that cause him to commit crime. Because of
this reason, he was let off or got a lighter sentence).

We walk in wisdom by:
· Taking responsibility of our weakness or sin, recognize it, seek help (talk to a Pastor) and
overcome it.
· Know the season of the Lord and take opportunity to do it. (Eg. CCIS)
· Know what the will of the Lord is.
· Let the Holy Spirit take control of our lives.
· Speak to one another in Psalms, hymns & Spiritual Songs.
· Submit to one another – respect them because everyone is being made in the image
of God.

Sunday Sermon Notes dated 23 Sept 07

2007-10-08T11:05:00.000+08:00

THE ETHIOPIAN PRINCIPLE – REDISCOVERING EVANGELISM
Ps. Nicholas Choo

Acts 8:26-40
26Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south£ to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness road.) 27So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” 30So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. 32Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:
“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter,
and like a lamb silent before its shearer,
so he does not open his mouth.
33In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”
34The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. 36As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?”£ 38He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

The greatest reviva Al in the New Testament is when God sent a great persecution. (Acts 8 & after). Where the church members brought the church to the people (non-believers).

The Four-Fold Framework:

1. “Get-up” (Arise)
· If you don’t get up, you do nothing.
· The Bible talks about it 160 times (in NASB)
· When you get up, it will lead to the call of destiny (Gen. 12 shows us that Abraham left his comfort zone)

3 key terms associated to the word “arise”
a. Call of destiny
b. Call of miracle (Mark 12) – the four men who carried the sick men and broke into Peter’s house and ask Jesus to heal their friend.
c. Call of commission (Matt. 28)

2. “Get out and Go”
· Some need the alarm to wake up
· Some need the ALARM to wake up
· Never hear ALARM

· But God wants us need no alarm to get-up and get out.
· In the midst of what we’re doing, our ears must be sensitive to God’s voice. As God is the One who sets the opportunity for the saints to meet the sinner.

“Behold” (verse 27) – close enough for Philip to see

3. “Get Near”
· Only when Philip get close he saw a stranger, who is a seeker, a sinner with an eternal soul, who needs to be saved.

4. “Get Into”
Verse 30b says: “…“Do you understand what you are reading?”

· Convince
· Convict
· Confess
· Commit

Sunday Sermon Notes dated 16th Sept 07

2007-10-08T10:57:00.000+08:00

VICTORY OVER OUR HANDICAPS
Ps. Peter Chng

1 Chronicles 4:9-10
9Jabez was honored more than his brothers; and his mother named him Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” 10Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from hurt and harm!” And God granted what he asked.

3 things Jabez did to overcome his handicap

1. He faced his handicap

- He didn’t live in self-denial.

- He didn’t run away from his handicap, problems or struggles (by running away does not help you but is killing you)

- He faced his handicap manfully by not pushing the blame to others.

- He faced it spiritually by crying out to God to bless him in his life.

- He faced it courageously

2. He fought his handicap
Verse 10 says: “10Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from hurt and harm!” And God granted what he asked.”

- Jabez called upon the God of Israel – fight it with real (relevant) prayer in his life. He didn’t beat around the bush.

3. He forgot his handicap
- By overcoming it and not sweeping it under the carpet.
- If sweep under the carpet it’ll surface one day through dust or smell.
- Refused to let others or the devil distract him (you).

God works through people with the following qualities:
Faithful
Available
Teachable

Sunday Sermon Notes dated 9th Sept 07

2007-10-08T10:38:00.000+08:00

LOOSING TO GAIN or DYING TO LIVE
Ps. Peter Lui

John 12:20-28
20Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. 27“Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”

1. The Process: The Lesson of the grain
Verse 24 says: “…unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

A grain (Kernel): a very small & insignificant seed.
- It must be willing to fall off from the plant to the ground and stay, even when it meant to be trampled upon (even death).
- Deny rights & own desires – “not my will but Your will be done.”
- The kernel must be buried (must be willing to be hidden completely from view).
- “Let go & let God”

2. Product
Verse 24b says: “…but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
- At the end of death, is a product that is new and able to reproduce itself.
- Unless you follow this principle – “life through death” or “die to self”, you will not be fruitful.

3. The Proposition
Verse 25 says: “Those who love their life lose it (destroy), and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

“Life” represents the desire of who you want to be yourself.
- Don’t be what you want to be but what God wants you to be. Surrender your life to God’s disposal, it will not be lost but will live.
- We must follow Christ’s example.
- Don’t selfishly hold it, but give it up for God to reproduce it, the things that please God.

4. The Promise
- On our part we need only to be willing to fall onto the ground, be buried (shows ourselves as the servant of God).
- Final destination: God is pleased with us.
- Only one life will soon be past, only what done for Christ will last.
- Don’t live as though earth is forever but heaven is about eternal, everlasting & forever.

Conclusion
Would you give up your personal desire to be who you are, who you want to be? Let go & let God make you to be what He wants you to be.

September 07 Memo

2007-09-27T22:56:00.001+08:00

Sept 2nd - Bethel Family Day at Jurong Bird Park. I enjoyed the trip despite the early bus ride from Geylang East Central to Jurong. The church also provided us with a goody bag that consists of wet tissues, tissues, a fan, a pair of sunglasses (which i gave it to my colleague's son), a bottle of water, umbrella. In the middle of the programme, sweets were passed to us. After the whole programme, me and Fioeve walked round the park and went home at 2pm using Church transport.

Sept 4th - Celebrated Weiling's birthday. Both of us went to Parkway to have Japanese dinner and she gave me a bag for my birthday on the 5th. Thank God for the blessing.

Sept 5th - My colleagues celebrated my birthday. Grace gave me a bouquet of flowers, they brought me to "Botak Jones" at Toa Payoh to have a sumptuous lunch. See the pictures below:

the bouquet of flowers

my leftover lunch - too big portion of turkey sandwich - it's US size.

My present from my colleague is a hot coral red sling bag.

I ended the day by going shopping! Get two new tops from Club Marc at 70% discount! So worth it! Hmmm...actually i want to buy a pair of shoes but did not find one that i like...it's okay...who knows when i chance upon a good comfy pair it will be on sale. Yeah...better pray...

Prayer Meeting Sharing by Ps. Jack Theva on 30th Aug 07

2007-09-26T23:50:00.000+08:00

Notes from the exhortation:

Unanswered prayers maybe the best thing for us. For God knows us and loved us too much. He only gives us enough.

1. We cannot pray selfishly ---> "I want this..."

Selfish prayers are dangerous - be care of God's permissive will.
James 4:3 (NLT)" And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure."
Pray for the will of God and accept it.
When we pray, there must be a change of character.
We must come before the Lord to guide us and to convict us of our sins so that we will not repeat it again but be changed.

2. Prayer must change our character

Israel was in worse shape spiritually after they got what they waited.
Numbers 11:31-34 (The Message) says:" Then Moses and the leaders of Israel went back to the camp. A wind set in motion by God swept quails in from the sea. They piled up to a depth of about three feet in the camp and as far out as a day's walk in every direction. All that day and night and into the next day the people were out gathering the quail—huge amounts of quail; even the slowest person among them gathered at least sixty bushels. They spread them out all over the camp for drying. But while they were still chewing the quail and had hardly swallowed the first bites, God's anger blazed out against the people. He hit them with a terrible plague. They ended up calling the place Kibroth Hattaavah (Graves-of-the-Craving). There they buried the people who craved meat. "
The Prodigal son "Father give me..." - ruined him. When he said "Father make me..." his character changed.

3. We must always pray for God's will.

"Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven..."

26th Aug 07 Sunday Service Sermon

2007-09-26T22:55:00.000+08:00

Work Together towards Unity of Christ

Ps. Chia

Ephesians 4:17-24

Eph.4:24 "and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. "

A new person (born again Christian) must live out the new life to bring forth the image of God.

How?

1. Thinking must be different

Be imitator of God.

Don't go back to the old thinking

Romans 12:2 says: " And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

2. Should not follow the ungodly

They are separated from the life of God.

They are ignorant due to the fultility of their mind (Eph 4:17b - 18 says: " the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart..."

Romans 2:14-16 (The Message) says:"When outsiders who have never heard of God's law follow it more or less by instinct, they confirm its truth by their obedience. They show that God's law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within them that echoes God's yes and no, right and wrong. Their response to God's yes and no will become public knowledge on the day God makes his final decision about every man and woman. The Message from God that I proclaim through Jesus Christ takes into account all these differences.

3. Live according to the teaching of the Word of God

Eph 4:21-24 (NLT) says:"21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

The Word of God Sanctify us

The WOrd of God keeps this new life in us.

Don't grief the Holy Spirit/God. (By disobeying God and not being sensitive to God).

3 areas we need to watch out:

(i) Speech

Put off falsehood but speak the truth in love to build and not to hurt one another.

No unwholesome talk - words that'll tear down people; talk that don't glorify God or dirty jokes.

Be quick to listen and slow to be angry.

Before you speak, ask yourself:

N - Neccessary? (Think Carefully)

E - Does it emancipate? (free the person?)

E - Does it energise people?

D - Does it dignify people? (Make people feel significant, someone in Christ, life is worth living)

(ii) Surge of emotion

Do not sin in your anger. This is because you'll speak rashly.

Anger will lead you to think "how I wish I didn't see you"

Suppressed anger will lead u to brew over it, hold it in your heart and becomes depressed or even bitter.

(iii) Stealing (pilferage)

Eg. steal office time to do shopping or from Christian counsellor by not changing your ways (for those organisation that do not charge a fee).

Conclusion:

Get rid of all bitterness, brawless anger.

Learn to control our tongue.

Be kind & compassionate to one another.

That's me with my friend's sunglasses. I looked so cool! :)B-)

2007-09-16T22:24:00.001+08:00

Continuation of Aug'07 significant events

2007-08-23T23:32:00.000+08:00

As promised, continuation of some of the significant events in Aug'07:

17th Aug 07 - has a minor disagreement with my colleague. Regretted of my actions. Ps. Irene -gave me three verses. They are:

2 Timothy 2:24-25 says "24The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged 25with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth..."

James 3:17 says "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy."

Galatians 6:1 says: "Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. "

18th Aug 07 - Apologiesed to my colleague for my hurting words

19th Aug 07 - Attend Sunday Service in the Morning and at night attend ZGM 39th Church Anniversary Celebration. (The celebration was a good one, guess what, the Service ended 15mins early. Members loved the food that I ordered).

Today Sermon was preached by Ps. Jack Theva on "Dreams can come true" Below are the sermon pointers that i took down:

God has not forgotten about you (even though you may feel that no one cares). He gives us hope - hope for us as an individual and hope for my family.
God has deposited a dream in each one of us, but this will come to pass when we work it out.
What is your dream?
Any dream that God has placed in your heart - pursue it.

(1) Do you have a dream or vision for your life?

(2) Dreams must be nurtured and build.

Dreams can die
We must make time and effort to nurture and build our dreams
A dream is not a wish - it is something we feel passionate about and needs persistence.
Don't get so busy in life that you ignore the God given dream in your life.

Steps to fulfilling your dreams or vision:

(a) Believe that God can use you! (Philippians 4:13).

Don't let satan condemn you (1 Tim. 1:15)
Even if your dream seems impossible it is because it is untried.
Let us prepare or train and build passion to fulfil our God given dream(s) / Vision(s)

(b) Start with what you have (1 Tim. 1:12)

Be faithful in the little things (Matt. 25:21)
Stop moaning and complaining and get moving (Ex. 14:15-16)
Take risks for God (Acts 15:25-26)

Conclusion: Do you have a dream?

22nd Aug 07: Ps. Irene cooked a wonderful lunch that comprises of Korean Salad, Jinseng Chicken Soup, ginger rice & steam fish. Yummy...but i have diareoa after lunch, maybe i overeat certain things or system not use to certain food.

23th-24th Aug 07: me on course "Initiative & Enterprise" - very refreshing and learnt a lot of things on what's the real meaning of being initiative and creative - being useful and employable.

25th Aug 07: my dad's birthday. Went to Paramount Restaurant to have our dinner. Yummy but couldn't eat much due to diareoa. On the way back home we went to parkway to get a tub of gelato ice-cream and some pastry for breakfast on Sunday.

Okay will post the Sunday Sermon the next round.

God Bless!

The month of August 2007

2007-08-22T23:09:00.000+08:00

Hummm...it's been a while i last updated my blog...let's see what are some significant events that took place in the month of August 07...

5th Aug 07: Nanjing Dance Troupe came to Bethel to perform - an evangelistic outreach entitled "Star of Bethlehem". If i am not wrong all of the dancers (from child to teenagers) are abandoned children or came from a dysfunctional family. Being rejected, they found hope and love in God through a sister. This sister taught them how to dance and led them to know GOD. Even though they are not professionals, but they all did well in the dance item.

Photo of the momentos from "Day of His Power"

(Red pass to enter, Prayer Wave booklet, "Thus far has the Lord helped us" stone and anointing oil for praying for one another.

8th Aug 07: My first time attend the "Day of His power" to conclude the 40 days fast. I got the red pass to sit at the Pastor's arena. whooo...so powerful...they also prepare some items for us to pray and to act as a momento. See photo.

Photo of the drink Blue-Bleu that i order at Tera Cafe, Vivo City

Photo of the notes that i've jot down after reflecting what my friend told me.

11th Aug 07: Met a friend for lunch. I learnt a lot from this Sister after fellowshipping with her. I've learnt about how to really serve the Lord with a Servant's heart - always remember that it's not about my convienience but those whom i serve. Do all things unto the Lord. She also reminded me to be teachable and submissive and not forgetting to be gentle & quiet in spirit. When people edit my work ruthlessly, i need not be afraid. Learn to take it as we all want to be excellence for the Lord. The afternoon was so well spent that after she left after she received an urgent call, i went to Terra Cafe (at Vivo), ordered a drink and jot down what i've learnt.

12th Aug 07: Ps. Peter Chng preached on "Anger & Bitterness" telling us that there are 3 degrees of anger. They are:

(i) 1st degree anger - Malicious anger: just hate or don't like the person for no reason. (Waiting opportunity to harm the person).

(ii) 2nd degree anger - Slanderous anger: use our mouth to speak in front or behind somebody.

(iii) 3rd degree anger - Murderous anger: Shout at the person "you fool" - that's a murder to their soul.

He also shared about:

(i) The sinful potential of unholy anger - Matthew 5:22

- Suppressed anger doesn't means victory in our lives.

(ii) The solemn penalty of unholy anger

(iii) The judgement of the throne of God.

Preventive to unholy anger:

(i) We need to cultivate a sensitive conscience towards God in our life. (Matthew 5:23-26)

(ii) We need to reconcile with the offended person. For obedience is far better than sacrifice.

Reconciliation to be done:

(i) Personally and (ii) Penaltently (gesture must be of regret and sincere) (iii) Immediately - if not heart will harden and find it difficult to say "sorry" or bring it out.

The sermon ended with a prayer.

Okay i also need to end her...sleepy...tomorrow need to go for a crash course....so i'll continue when i am free...

just a note

2007-08-01T00:15:00.000+08:00

29th July 07, Sunday - i was being reminded that I must serve God with a servant attitude. Which means, to serve without thinking of getting appreciated. If people appreciate you, thank God. If people don't - just do it with a smile and unto the Lord.

31st July 07, Tuesday - a thought came to me...is God a part of my life, as in very important, without Him i cannot live or just a gadget in my life, which means, i can do without it.

City@Prayer - High Street Centre 30th Floor

2007-07-25T22:19:00.000+08:00

(These two pics are taken on the 30th storey of

High Street Centre located directly across from

the New Parliament House - taken on my first

attendance on 6th July 07, Friday)

1 July to 9 August 07, as usual most churches in Singapore will participate in the 40 Day Prayer & Fasting - praying for the Nation and also to use this time to wait upon God, seek His face and repent of any sins in our lives so that we will be right before Him.

This year is the 11th year LoveSingapore printed the prayer guide and of course it is the most excited and really heart, soul & spirit penetrating edition. Besides that, i got to join the City@Prayer - a lunch time prayer meeting at High Street Centre. (Try to be there on every Tuesday & Friday together with the Pastoral Staff, unless i am tight in my work schedule).

On my first trip there, i am being mesmerized by the breath-taking view from the huge window...so after the prayer, i took two photos of the view of Singapore. It's like a special momento to me.

Donuts

2007-07-25T21:18:00.000+08:00

(A box of half eaten donuts - my brother cut each
flavours into quarters so that we could try a bit of
each flavour without biting the whole donut)

Donut server: "Yes, mdm, what 6pcs or 12 pcs?"

Me (a bit blur): "give me a 6pcs"

Donut server: "what kind of flavour?"

Me (still blur): "hmmm, 2 dark chocolates, 1 cheese, 1 cinnamon, 1 Oreo & 1 peanut butter."

Humm..that's me in the queue to buy some donuts to try. Suddenly don't know why most of the Singaporeans are crazy over donuts....and me our of curiousity when to Munchy Donuts @ Tanjong Katong to purchase half a dozen to try out. It cost me $6.50. Thank God for the money to buy something a bit pricey to treat myself. I went home and tried it together with my family and of really it worth the cost, it's soft in the inside and it's tasty. But it will be even better if there are chopped peanuts or almond flakes on top of the chocolate coating...too bad...they don't have it. Nevermind...anyway i dun think i will spent money on these...maybe once in a purple moon...

memo

2007-06-28T23:13:00.000+08:00

Just wanna jot down some happy moments...

22nd June 07, Friday Felt relieved and thank God that my cell members opened their mouth to share about God's joy they have experienced through trials, receiving Jesus in their hearts and about the Joy when they see their friends whom they reached out to get saved. Thank God the He helped me in my sharing.

23rd June 07, Saturday Felt loved. My working pastor asked me whether do i want to drink orange juice. I said yes and she squeezed a cup of orange juice for me. Besides that she prepared bread cum sardine snack for me and for those who wants to eat.

24th June 07

Sunday morning Louise asked me "what do you meant by to bless the Lord?" I replied that to me is like focusing on God and not to complain or whine during tough times but to trust in Him. (I did a check and found out that to bless the Lord means to show graditude towards God and to give thanks to Him in the form of praise and songs).
Sunday night don't know why i just felt that there is this joy coming up from within me. The Joy of wanting to work - just simply couldn't wait to get back to ofice to clear my stuff... that kind of recharged energy...wow...

What's my hidden talent?

2007-06-24T20:03:00.001+08:00

Your Hidden Talent

You are both very knowledgeable and creative.
You tend to be full of new ideas and potential - big potential.
Ideas like yours could change the world, if you build them.
As long as you don't stop working on your dreams, you'll get there.

What's Your Hidden Talent?

What kind of chocolate i am

2007-06-24T19:55:00.000+08:00

You are Milk Chocolate

A total dreamer, you spend most of your time with your head in the clouds.
You often think of the future, and you are always working toward your ideal life.
Also nostalgic, you rarely forget a meaningful moment... even those from long ago.

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

What Kind of wine i am

2007-06-24T19:54:00.000+08:00

You Are Merlot

Smooth, confident, and popular - you're the type most likely to order wine for the whole group.
You seem to breeze through life on your intuition and wit. And no one seems to mind!
You're comfortable in any social situation you find yourself in, and you never feel outclassed.
And while you live a charmed life, you never let it go to your head. You are truly down to earth and a great friend.

Deep down you are: Balanced and mature

Your partying style: Surprisingly wild... when you let loose, you really let loose

Your company is enjoyed best with: Some greasy pizza

What Kind of Wine Are You?

My Celebrity Look-alikes

2007-06-18T00:44:00.001+08:00

My cool celebrity look-alike collage from MyHeritage.com. Get one for yourself.

AT LAST AIRCON IS BACK IN WORKING CONDITION!

2007-06-18T00:12:00.000+08:00

10th June 2007, a memorable day in my life - my home aircon fell sick. No aircon for the living room (that's okay as my family don't turn that on often unless necessary). As my room aircon shared the same condenser with my living room one, it affected me as i don't have aircon for almost a week! THank God for a spare standing fan that my parents have in their room so i could use it. But the side effects - didn't really sleep well. Well i am being pampered since after the renovation of my home seven years ago. To cut the story short, thank GOd for His wisdom that's upon the aircon technician, they cracked their brains and found out that one of the wire in the condenser was burnt (thus caused the power trip once the aircon was turn on). They repaired it and the aircon is back to working condition! (My parents need to purchase a new pcb for the condenser that cost $480!)

16th June 2007 back to my cool room for sleeping again....

Reconciliation

2007-06-06T22:38:00.000+08:00

26th May 07, Saturday. Late evening received a call from my colleague asking whether can we talk and settle some heart issues. Actually she wants to settle it face to face but i told her to just tell me what she wants to say. She told me that she would like to sort issues with me. I said okay and both of us started to share out how we felt about each other. We ended the conversation with a prayer of reconciliation and forgiveness. (But i felt troubled after that...not sure why and this feeling linger until Monday, 28th May 07...even after pastor prayed with me i still felt lousy and troubled....)

28th MAy 07, Monday. Late evening...this time i called her and told her what happened, how troubled i felt...i asked her whether can we do a reconciliation enactment once again. She agreed. We both prayed and this time i prayed out with tears flowing....

God is good...HE knows that both of us need time to cool and let our wounds healed...didn't rub shoulders with her for almost a week (29th her dad was critically ill in hospital so she did not go to the Staff Working Retreat, 31st I went for camp until 2 June...received news that her dad went home to be with the Lord on 31st May 07 at 6am.... I went down to the wake on Sunday,
3 June 07)

A Series of Sunset Pics @ Labrator Park

2007-02-20T23:13:00.000+08:00

2007-02-20T23:10:00.000+08:00

Sunset @ Labrator Park

CNY CELL VISITATION @ MY HOME ON 20TH FEB 07

2007-02-20T23:02:00.000+08:00

Sumptuous Abalone / Salmon Lo-Hei , Cold Dish & Deep Fried Sotong Balls prepared by my mum for my cell group to enjoy.
Today my cell group members came to my home for the usual CNY Vistation and my mum prepared a sumptuous dinner for us. It was so yummy that we gobble up the food within 10 mins. All of us loved the Abalone/Salmon Yu-Sheng. The most hilarous part was that during our tossing of the Yu-Sheng, they began to say very positive things like: "salary increment", "those who study have good grades", "girls will get more prettier each day & guys will get more handsome each day", "Ruth to get married early" and "Dennis to quickly have a kid". etc....the way they put it was so funny...anyway we enjoyed every moment in tasting the food.
After dinner, we proceed to Labrator Park to watch the Sunset.

2007-02-17T21:09:00.000+08:00

Cute doggy with a gigantic lollipop.

Cool Ads forwarded by my friend.

2007-02-17T21:03:00.000+08:00

Forwarded by my friend...very posh and high class train....WOW!!!

2007-02-17T20:55:00.000+08:00

Cute Car from Japan forwarded by my friend....so cool...i wonder will it give people a shock when they see the front of the car at night...haha...

"CAKES" Mobile Phone Charm

2007-02-17T20:38:00.000+08:00

Cute "Mini Cakes"

My brother just imported from Japan these cute handphone charms. It is so cute that i bought one from him. Do call 96713670 to order. While stock last! It's also limited edition as there is only ONE design for each "cake".

Not available in Singapore market except from my brother (via online).

Act Quick to avoid disappointment.

Quote my name: Janey Chan to get a discount

Do take time to visit my brother's website: www.massordermobile.com

FRIDAY, 17/2/07 CELL-OUTING: DINNER

2007-02-17T00:33:00.000+08:00

Today my cell-group went to Aerins Restuarant for our dinner. (You may visit their website to find out more about this restuarant at Raffles City Shopping Centre - Basement http://www.aerins.com.sg/ )

All of us loved the ambience. It's our first try at the restuarant and we simply loved it! HAha...We have a great time chatting and catching up with each other.

The most touching thing that happened today was that before i got to reach the restuarant, i called one of the members up and asked where they were located and he told me the place. (As i was still in the bus when i called him up, he wondered how come i still not yet reach the restuarant and began to call me up. I told him i am walking towards the shopping centre and reaching soon). It just warms my heart that someone even bothers to ask whether did i lost my way...guess it's the concern part - the little things that touches and bless my heart.

After we had our dinner, we went over to "THE LOFT" at Odeon Towers to check out the place...it's a pub...but i don't like it because the one who designed the place, placed a lot of wires to deco it and it makes me feel as if i am a "bird" being caged up....anyway we went off after a while.

After that it's go home time and we parted from there to catch our bus or taxi.

Praise the Lord for a wondeful night out.

2007-02-14T23:50:00.000+08:00

Apples - besides eating it and enjoying the nutritious value of the fruit, we could also use it for art purpose. Look at the above pictures forwarded by my friend...i wonder do they have overwhelming harvest of apples that they used it for art purpose??? Any comments?

2007-02-14T23:39:00.000+08:00

Today is Valentine's Day and i received a pleasant surprise from my classmate - Madeline. She gave me a paper heart and a candy stick. Thank the Lord for a sweet day. :)

Happy Valentine's Day 2007

2007-02-14T13:33:00.000+08:00

Today i celebrated my Valentine's Day by taking a day off from my work. I've been so caught up with work, ministry, studies until i hardly have some time for myself....so today i will spend it with God...the ultimate lover of my soul. Thank God for waking me up early, spend some time reading His Word, have breakfast and off i go to the beach at East Coast PArk to do some exercising - good old walking.. Today i took another route and as i walked, i praised God using a guide that i found via the website. After walking for about 1 hour, i sat down and prayed for those items that i have listed down. When i walked back i began to take lotsa photos...it's so nice to see the sea water in 2 or 3 colour tones...so beautiful...i even took a pic of myself..not back leh...very nice..

I am very hot & thirsty from the 1 hour walk and would like to have a drink but i don't have any coins to buy drinks from the vending machine...but thanks be to God who is our provider...the vending machine accepts $2 notes!!! I take a look at my purse and true enough i've a $2 note...just nice to quench my thirst and to hydrate my body...PRaise God for a wonderful morning!

SKY - PINK CLOUDS

2007-02-14T13:19:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, 10th Feb 07, i worked overtime. By the time i reached home is about 7:30PM...still bright...and as i walked back home, i lifted up my eyes to the sky and behold i saw very nice pinkish clouds...i m so happy as if God painted the sky in this pattern just to cheer me up. haha...

I always dreamt of having a good camera phone that allows me to take photo of stuffs that
come across my path which i think it's cute or nice....THank God, my mum lend me her
Sony Ericsson Cybershot Phone that have a 3.2 mega pixel camera feature...i happily snapped the photos...the top & bottom left picture were snapped on a bridge...while the other two were on the ground...(pavement)...it so beautiful....

I am LOVED by GOD

2007-02-07T23:52:00.000+08:00

This afternoon, i prayed and told GOD that i would like to experience back His love for me. Not only His love but also His presence...

I left the office not in a good mood 'cos something happened...i felt sad, disappointed, unjustified...tears nearly stream down.

I smsed my friend on the bus, on the way to Bible School and he blessed me with
2 Cor. 12:10. It says "Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong." (CEV)

Still feeling sad on the way to school.

When the time came for class, one brother led the song "You Are My All in All". This is a meaningful song to me 'cos i learnt to sing it as a young Christian. Therefore i did bring some warmth to me.

YOU ARE MY ALL IN ALL

YOU ARE MY STRENGTH WHEN I AM WEAK
YOU ARE THE TREASURE THAT I SEEK
YOU ARE MY ALL IN ALL
SEEKING YOU AS A PRECIOUS JEWEL
LORD TO GIVE UP I’LL BE A FOOL
YOU ARE MY ALL IN ALL
JESUS LAMB OF GOD
WORTHY IS YOUR NAME
JESUS LAMB OF GOD
WORTHY IS YOUR NAME

YOU ARE MY ALL IN ALL (CONT'D)
TAKING MY SIN MY CROSS MY SHAME
RISING AGAIN I’LL BLESS YOUR NAME
YOU ARE MY ALL IN ALL
WHEN I FALL DOWN YOU PICK ME UP
WHEN I AM DRY YOU FILL MY CUP
YOU ARE MY ALL IN ALL

During break time, my classmate suddenly blessed us with Merci chocs, swiss roll & biscuits...it is so cute seeing her taking goodies for us one after another.

Back to lesson after the break, it just dawn on me that God has just answered my prayers and I have a smile on my face...even though my heart still hurts...

In conclusion, i am LOVED by God.

THANK U JESUS!

2007-01-14T23:31:00.000+08:00

Dear God, I want to thank you for helping me to position the ushers today. I thought some of them forget to turn up but at the eleventh hour they reached church and I managed to position them. Thank You for helping me to praise and worship U in the midst of my serving. Thank you God. I love You!

My new shoes

2007-01-13T22:52:00.000+08:00

Praise the Lord for helping me to get three pairs of comfortable shoes today. I always wanted a pair of stripes high heels but could'nt get a pair that fits but now i did. Thank God!

Bible

2007-01-12T19:28:00.000+08:00

Test

Sunway Lagoon Suspension Bridge

2006-12-30T21:19:00.001+08:00

23 Dec 06 - Celebrate Christmas in Singapore Performance

2006-12-25T22:30:00.000+08:00

Time flies! It's the 3rd year Celebrate Christmas is in Singapore. PRaise the Lord for the opportunity to participate in this year performance. This time as a choir singer, never expected that in my life that i could actually sing! In year 2004, the 1st CCIS i participate as a dancer and to me that too was amazing that i having such a huge body frame could dance before man. PRaise the Lord also for helping me to learn the steps too.

This year performance was very special to me. This is because my two cell-members joined in the choir together with me and thus the three of us has some bonding and some time knowing one another, especially Fioeve. It's really encouraging to see her as a young believer who really took up the challenge to come to church despite her mum's unhappiness over it. Seeing her commit herself for this event really blessed my heart.

After three months of practice, the actual day came. We prayed hard for a good weather, no rain as we are in the raining season right now. PRaise the Lord for answering our prayers. THe day was fine and great. We did well on the actual day by God's grace.

After the performance, we went out - accompanying Andrew for dinner at Starbucks and photo taking along Orchard Road. Later we parted and went home as the next day we need to perform again.

2006-10-18T21:21:00.000+08:00

transparent butterfly

Sunday, 15th October 06

2006-10-16T13:44:00.001+08:00

I want to thank God for...

1. Enough ushers to help out to collect offering at the eleventh hour (as not sure why 2 cell-groups did not send help).

2. I understood the sermon preached by Ps. Peter Lui!

3. speaking to the church as a whole and to me on rededicating my service back to Him. To serve without complaining or despise the small things (sometimes we did not say out but in the heart think like this lah...).

4. helping me to understand what does it meant by to forgive others thru CET Class.

humbled by God

2006-10-09T23:03:00.000+08:00

Today, Dennis asked me via MSN "how am i?" as he was being prompted by God to pray for me while he was in UK working trip. During class, Swee Mun SMSed me and asked me the same question...i am humbled as it dawn upon me that i could sustain until so long spiritually is by the prayer of the saints! Thank God for reminding me this important aspect of prayer. By this reminder, it simply motivate me to let God work in my life and to make God proud by changing my bad attitudes to good ones. I also thank God that i had a good sharing with Swee Mun concerning my struggles and my lethargicness...she prayed for me over the phone before we hang up. THank GOd and to God be the glory.

(Truly it will be "worth it all when we see Jesus...life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ...")

2006-10-08T19:30:00.000+08:00

"Let Your (God) will be done and not my will be done..."
Ps. Jack prayed that for me 2 weeks ago during thursday prayer mtg. (28 Sept 06) he also added that i will bow down and submit to God. Today he prayed for me that there will be "no holding back" for the things of God.

Today i learnt about God's Will (as it what God's will really means) in CET Class "The Lord's Prayer". Today's lesson stretch until 3:45PM but it's very good. I learnt that as a Christian i must learn to think independently and also to learn to handle my emotions so that others could respect me. If i have a yo-yo emotion, to others i am imatured and they will not give me the respect.

Today lessons & preaching is just like God is enfolding His plan and guidance upon my life. Thank You Father God. Hallelujah!

cooking

2006-10-08T19:20:00.000+08:00

I have been cooking for the pastoral staff for the past three days...the first day (Thurs) i cooked steam promfret + tom yam soup, the second day (Fri) i cooked bee hoon soup + steam promfret with eggplant topped with shredded crabstick meat and the third day (Sat) i cooked seafood porridge (batang fish + shredded fish cake + squid).

Really thank the Lord for helping me to cook up a yummy dinner and lunch for them. Saw their hardwork in planning for next year events and think of ways on how to equip, train & encourage the members to grow in the Lord, to cultivate an intimate relationship with God.

I really wonder that is God teaching me something...as if i was being asked to cook for one day then to me it's coincidence, but co nsecutively for three days it's like i am learning something. If i am not wrong, God is teaching me to do things more confidently through the cooking lessons...learn to listen to instructions as i may like certain cooking methods doesn't means that all will it. Especially on the second day when pastor told me not to put any oil to steam fish...my instant reaction is "aiyoh! not nice leh...!" i reasoned out with her but in the end i still need to obey & follow instructions. A thought came to me after i reasoned was that, what happen if God wants me to do something ridiculous and i reacted in a way i think i am smarter than God? I apologised to pastor for being rude and told her that i don't have the confident to do what seems so strange to me or something that seems "not the right way". (Well thank the Lord for the short lesson, and guess what, today's preaching by Ps. Pang on "what a waste!" is about giving our lives to God and allow Him to tell us to do the "riddiculous" and He will do the Impossible when we agreed to it). Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!

"my child...i will love you with an everlasting love...."

2006-10-01T19:23:00.000+08:00

really thank the Lord for His wonderful, gracious Fatherly love. I am not doing well Spiritually.
And because of this, most of the time i am struggling with attitudes problems in my life. I asked God whether can He assured me of His love for me. He did so when Ps. Chia after his preaching, opened the altar for those who wants to be filled by God. (He preached on "Are you thirsty for God?"). I am not sure why others went down to the altar, but myself, i went down is to ask God to teach me how to really have a real relationship with HIM. Sometimes i felt that my relationship with God is like a list of "Do" and "Don't" or "Can" or "Cannot", so pharisical..(dunno how to spell)...it's more to rededicate myself to HIM again. My regional Pastor (Elaine Chua) prayed for me and that's when God told me that HE loved me with an everlasting love, He knows my love for Him, even though I may failed Him, He still loves me. Thank God for answering my prayers and assuring me what He thinks towards me.

my first sermon on yoga & meditation

2006-09-24T18:38:00.001+08:00

the day has arrived...23rd Sept 06, Saturday....it's my turn to speak at zgm youth service...even though the given topic was not new to me, actually my apologetics term paper on yoga...why Christians should not be involved in the practice....thank God for all those who prayed for me as when i stand up to speak, i don't feel "kan-cheong"..it just me..The best part was that Lynn had something to share concerning yoga, how God has revealed to a blur Christian that yoga is not a form of exercise but a cult. Thank the Lord that everything went on smoothly and praise the Lord for confirming that the main thing is drawing near to Him. Humm...too bad no photos taken....

Sunday Sermon: Effective Worshippers

2006-08-28T23:09:00.000+08:00

THE HEART OF WORSHIP

WHEN THE MUSIC FADES
ALL IS STRIPPED AWAY
AND I SIMPLY COME
LONGING JUST TO BRING
SOMETHING THAT'S OF WORTH
THAT WILL BLESS YOUR HEART
I'LL BRING YOU MORE THAN A SONG
FOR A SONG IN ITSELF
IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE REQUIRED
YOU SEARCH MUCH DEEPER WITHIN
THROUGH THE WAY THINGS APPEAR
YOU'RE LOOKING INTO MY HEART

I'M COMING BACK
TO THE HEART OF WORSHIP
AND IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU
ALL ABOUT YOU, JESUS
I'M SORRY, LORD
FOR THE THING I'VE MADE IT
WHEN IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU
ALL ABOUT YOU, JESUS

KING OF ENDLESS WORTH
NO ONE COULD EXPRESS
HOW MUCH YOU DESERVE
THOUGH I'M WEAK AND POOR
ALL I HAVE IS YOURS
EVERY SINGLE BREATH

I am always amazed at how other bloggers keyed in their thoughts and reflections with so beautiful words and creative ways of writing...but the best part is that they are so enthu about blogging....hmmm..anyway...that's not what i wanna write today...just a thought...what i am going to share is about this song "Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman.

In the first place when this song came out..it was real HOT!...but since last Sunday, this song is more than a song to me...but a song that is close to my heart...this is because I felt that God is encouraging me to spend more time with Him so that I could be more in tune with Him.

This song i picked it out to sing during last cell meeting when God spoke to us five times...truly to be a true worshipper is more than music...is knowing the heart of God...everything we do (eg. serve God) flows out from a love relationship with God, our Heavenly Father...

It is just like we can give without love, but we can't love without giving. It's true...that's why God sent His only begotten Son to die on behalf of our sins. Because He LOVES us so much that HE does not want anyone to perish....but to repent of our sins and receive eternal life....thank GOd that HE is a God of relationship....a God who is not only high and mighty but humble? gentle? i really don't know what word to use...that for those who received His Son, Jesus are being accepted by Him as His children and allowed us to call Him as our "Abba Father" or our Heavenly Father...it's so awesome and amazing...! I am not sure how come i write all these things...not sure whether it really links to what i am supposed to write....but it's okay as who knows one day some one may chance upon it and be encouraged by this few sentences...or who knows...it's myself that get encouraged during sad times...

Come back to the Heart of Worship...
From the words alone, we could sense & see which angle the composer is coming from...from my own understanding is just simply as i am before God...be it when I am weak or strong...just simply come before God and recognise that we need HIM no matter which stage we are in. I agreed with Ps. Chia that in all times or situations praise God....He is worthy to be praised! (What a simple sentence and yet a bit difficult to apply...but no excuse...by God's grace we can and we will). Besides coming to God just as we are...we also come before God with a simple faith...well anything can be complex but not my faith in God...this is my prayer to God. Just simply trusting in God...Today I listened to Ps. Benny Ho's preaching CD entitled "Walking with God" and one of the sentence he said was that if we have faith in God, He is pleased with us...nothing is more important than pleasing God. It's true...and he preached this to break those lies in our mind so that we will not live a live seeking approval from God and wondering is our lives is pleasing with God....we are...as long as we have faith in God. Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

In closing, it's all about HIM...all about Jesus...all about God Almighty....
(Hmmm...God if i didn't get it right please tell me..and for those reading it and felt some thing amiss..kindly let me know...thanks).

Today (25 Aug 06) is my Papa birthday

2006-08-25T22:44:00.001+08:00

Today, is my papa birthday....we went to Paramount Hotel for dinner (Paramount Restuarant, under Tung Lok Group). We ordered steam fish, crispy chicken that comes with keropok, fried fish slices, fried prawns and fried item that i don't know how to named it...it's nice....i also ordered salmon shashimi (hmmm...have been craving for it...the rich, sweet taste of the fish...slurp..), fried udon, lobster soup that comes with a pastry top....

When i looked back, really thank God for the good food that He blessed me with...even though i may not earn much and could indulge in expensive items now...but God in His special ways blessed me with lots of good food...i got good food during my church anniversary last week, 20 Aug 06 and now 5 days later eat at a branded chinese restaurant. Thank you Father God...You are number one!

My papa enjoyed the dinner and i think we over ordered as we did not eat the fried udon, we called them to pack it and brought it back home....PTL...my mum gave it to me for my lunch tomorrow....heeee....save money....hahah....

Praise and thank the Lord that i have "My First Tung Lok Card" that have 84 points and can deduct $84 from the total bill...and deduct another $7 as our "new dinner" gave us some new points...thank God! The total bill cost $51.00 Actual cost: $147.00

:) yummy dinner....praise the Lord, bless the Lord...THank You Jesus!

BTW...today i am spiritually "high"...maybe is the morning praying in the spirit for about 15 to 20mins...hahaha....God continue to fill me again...till overflowing with your presence....AMEN!

2006-08-23T21:51:00.000+08:00

After 50th Church Anniversary...Beautiful girls...

2006-08-23T21:43:00.000+08:00

Durian Feast after cell meeting....see the mini durian on the bottom right hand side of the pictures??? so cute hor...anyway i am not a durian lover...is not that i don't eat..it just that i choose not to...not sure why people are crazy over this fruit...for me i am a strawberry, cherry, apples...etc...hee

An Awesome Cell Meeting

2006-08-23T20:45:00.000+08:00

22nd August 2006. Tuesday....God spoke during cell meeting...He asked:

Where is your heart's condition?
Did we place Him as number 1 in our lives?

He spoke through Vincent during our worship time, while we are singing "Draw me nearer to You"...God is near but are we?

I prayed a prayer to God and dedicated the next song to Him - "The Heart of Worship" (Thank God for the appropriate song)....still felt no good...but thank the Lord that the Word from Luke 9. Eunice asked each one of us what is Jesus meant to each of us. Some says "Saviour", "Lord", "Messiah", etc...

Yesterday the main point from the Word was about "Deny himself, carry his cross and follow ME (Jesus)". We need to follow Jesus at all cost - no excuses. During reflection time, Ruth shared what God had impressed in her heart. I can't recall all but one point she reminded us was that "don't go to hell through Church" & "Hearts on Fire". Our hearts had gone cold. After Ruth shared, Darius began to share what God has impressed on him. He told us that most of us are in church for at least 5 years and some of us knew each other from the Youth Service...when we are young and a lot of times made a lot of covenant with God what we want to be...as i seat on the floor pondering...tears flowed...i began to recall what i want to be when i was spiritually young...i want to serve God full time, to be a Pastor or Preacher with Prophetic giftings...(if any members of mine read this please don't think that i am "how Lian"...)...thank the Lord, He led me into serving Him full time. The sad thing is that i don't think i have that close walk with the Lord...need to buck up...After Darius shared, he led us into a time of worship, singing "Love amazing so divine..."...as we sang, i prayed and told God to flood us with His love again...this is because we need His love to return to that right relationship with Him. Really thank and Praise the Lord for His grace and mercies, God spoke through Vincent again..this time telling us and assuring us that even we have failed Him, He still loves us... God did a good closure for us...forgives us and cleanse us...Eunice prayed a prayer over us and we end the cell-meeting at 10:30pm...we gave a clap to God.

During my walk to the bus stop with Vincent, Andrew and Lorraine...Vincent shared to us that he saw a picture of a water flask pouring out water and some of us are drinking that water...that water is the living water....praise the Lord for His assurance and His Love...

2006-08-20T20:51:00.000+08:00

the last few dishes....for Bethel's 50th Church Anniversary...really enjoyed the whole thing....

Bethel 50th Church Anniversary

2006-08-20T19:57:00.000+08:00

Today, 20th Aug 06 is Bethel's 50th Church Anniversary and I am so honoured that i could help out at the registration counter. I don't know why but i felt very excited, honoured that i could be a part of this significant event in my life. I did not slept well last night, woke up early and dressed myself up.

I need to reach Raffles Convention at 8:45am to prepare for the flood of Bethelites and guest. Thank the Lord that He gave me the peace and the calmness to serve the Bethelites even there are some discrepancy on the tickets.

As i am at the registration counter, i could only enter the ballroom half an hour late (that is 11am) and i missed the opening ceremony....but never mind...the most important was that i could play a part in the Church Anniversary.

The invited speaker preached a sermon that past the appointed time, everyone was hungry and when the food was being served, it was being goppled down in an "twinkling of an eye". THe cold dish was tasty, so was the soup. Normally i don't take too much fried stuff, but i was so hungry that i ate 3 pieces of the fried chicken...it was so crispy.....the chicken dish disappeared once again before our eyes....

Praise The Lord!

2006-08-13T20:09:00.000+08:00

God is faithful. Truly He is the Jehovah Jireh. Those who knew about my lost purse will know that i lost $60+ of cash and $40+ of transport money. But God is faithful, He gave me the inner assurance that i need not worry about money as He will provide. Truly He did provide me the money a week after i found i purse. Thank God that I also have some savings that tie me through the week.

Bless the Lord O my soul! Bless the Lord! He is worthy to be praised!

2006-07-30T20:07:00.000+08:00

Story continued from the baby seal handphone accessory. This is my favouroite purse cum tissue holder...i lost it on Saturday, 29/07/06 around 4.30pm plus after i purchase my hp accessory...i really panicked as all i can recall is that my i/c, credit cards, church anniversary lunch ticket is in my purse...but thank the Lord for wisdom, i went to the info. counter to report lost of my purse...then i called my working pastor, who prayed with me...i went home hoping that someone from plaza sing will call me telling me that they have found my purse...and yes it did..at 11:15pm. Really thank God that he answers prayers and provide me the peace that i need...Thank God for my working pastor and my colleague and friends who prayed with me...To God be the glory! (In the end i lost my cash, about $60 and my ezylink card that have $40 in it).

2006-07-30T19:50:00.000+08:00

This is my baby seal handphone accessory....it cost $2.50 but i need to learn a lesson that cost me $100+ after I purchased this handphone accessory....but on the other hand, it's a time that i see God's protection and faithfulness upon my life....story to be continued...

2006-07-19T23:45:00.000+08:00

so cute...

2006-07-19T23:38:00.000+08:00

so relaxing...

2006-07-19T23:34:00.000+08:00

Thunderstorm

2006-07-19T23:01:00.000+08:00

The clouds are called Mammatus clouds . They do not precede a tornado, or foretell a storm, but are formed when the air is already saturated with rain droplets and/or ice crystals and begins to sink. The worst of the storm is usually over when these kinds of clouds are seen

2006-07-15T20:53:00.000+08:00

Most annoying alarm clock # 3 Floating Around - Will float around the room until you'll catch it.

2006-07-15T20:52:00.000+08:00

Most annoying alarm clock #9 - # 9 Wake Up Puzzle . You have to build the puzzle to make it stop

2006-07-15T20:51:00.000+08:00

Most annoying alarm clock #10 Climbing clock . It hangs above your head and starts climbing while it rings. Don't wake up fast enough, and you won't be able to shut it up without a ladder.

2006-07-15T20:36:00.000+08:00

welll...they are only allowed to have one cup per pax....

2006-07-15T20:32:00.000+08:00

My younger days....cute right...hee

2006-07-02T22:31:00.000+08:00

Forwarded by my friend...the most beautiful insect in the world...i agree...it looked like a flower...

2006-07-02T22:26:00.000+08:00

Bethel Leader's Retreat 2006 - the first night supper...i am so full from the dinner at the hotel that i hardly could drink anything from the makan stall...i did not get to try the otah..but heard from all that it taste better than Singapore. I tried the Satay...but i don't like it as it was too dry...anyway i am blessed by attending the Retreat...Praise and thank the Lord for it!

2006-07-02T22:15:00.000+08:00

Bethel Leader's Retreat 2006
Sis. Alice (left) from Region 2 and Sis. Alice Lai (right) from Region 3
What a coincident...
Both have the same name ~ Alice
Both happened to be Mrs Teo
Both happened to wear the almost same outfit on that day.... (Sis. Alice Lai wore a dark navy blue cardigan instead of a black coloured one)
Both bunk in the same room (it happened that they don't have a partner when they signed up, the committee then place them in the same room without realising the similarity).

2006-06-29T00:08:00.000+08:00

Chinese New Year Visitation (my home) from my Zone, Region 3

"Happy" Obituary - ZGM Pet Fish

2006-06-28T23:45:00.000+08:00

Date Found: Few months ago...
Date Leave Earth: 28 June 2006

Best remembered as: ZGM Office Pet

"Happy" the fish was ZGM office pet. Now breathe it's last. Was well loved by all....sob...sob...and i got the chance to be the "undertaker".....