No Frown

Sacrifices That Please God

2009-12-21T17:08:00.003+08:00

Sacrifices That Please God

Hebrews 13:15 "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise- the fruit of lips that confess and give thanks to his name."

It got me thinking about the sacrifices that God had established in the Old Testament with His chosen people, Israel. As you may remember, Exodus and Leviticus give many different types of sacrifices for many situations- all given so that sin could be forgiven and right relationship with God restored. These animal sacrifices brought about the revelation of a holy God and sensitized the people to their sin

Thank God that Jesus came to bring fulfillment. No more do we need to offer these sacrifices. It was accomplished once for all by Jesus' ultimate sacrifice.

But the question is: What sacrifices are we to bring to God today?

First of all, it would be best to define what a sacrifice is, offered in the context of today. I believe the sacrifices we offer now are a response to the sacrifice Jesus made for us! We approach God now because Jesus made the access possible. Also, a sacrifice is an offering made to God that costs us something.

In 2 Samuel 24:24, David said, "I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing."

Sacrifices today may cost us time, money or extra effort, but it pleases the Lord when you purposefully come before Him with what you have.

You might be thinking, "What could I possibly offer that God would want?"
Well, you do have much to offer Him.

Here is the list of some of the sacrifices that please the Lord today!

1. Praise
Hebrews 13:15 Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise... Praise is the continuous attitude of gratitude. Praise is intentional and must be verbalized.

2. Do Good and Share
Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Sharing with others and nurturing friendships and fellowship with one another requires time and effort.

3. Your Bodies
Romans 12:1 ...offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God...
Your body is the temple of the living God. Voluntary surrender allows God to use us for His purposes. Aren't you glad he asks us to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice!

4. Your Financial Gifts
Philippians 4:18 ...the gifts you sent from Epaphroditus... are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
Your financial giving to further the Kingdom is a sacrifice that pleases God.
It partners you with the ongoing work.
It not only blesses the receiver, but also blesses the giver.
It releases God's blessing upon you!

5. Your Heart Attitude
Psalm 51:15-17 The sacrifices of God are a broken... and contrite heart... Any sacrifice not done from a right heart of sincerity and humility means nothing to God. What grieved God about the old system was the ritual it had become. Don't fall into a casual observance of praise. Let it be fresh and honest.

These sacrifices touch on the core issue of our life - our tongue, body, money and motives.They are pleasing to God!That is why God has favoured in Abel's Offering over Cain's offering in Genesis. Abel has offered just the right and the very first of the best of his.

As we approach a new year, may the Lord grant to us a renewed passion for worship and zeal in service to the glory of our God.

Merry Christmas And Happy New Year!

We were the Reason

2009-12-14T13:53:00.005+08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BriKRukACgA

We were the Reason

As little children we would dream of Christmas morn
Of all the gifts and toys we knew we’d find
But we never realized a baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives

*We were the reason that He gave His life
We were the reason that He suffered and died
To a world that was lost He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

As the years went by we learned more about gifts
The giving of ourselves and what that means
On a dark and cloudy day a man hung crying in the rain
All because of love
All because of love

*Chorus
I finally found the reason for living
It’s in giving every part of my heart to Him (every part to Him)
And all that I do every word that I say (you know I’ll be saying)
I’ll be giving my all just for Him, for Him (every thing for Him)

We are the reason that He gave His life
We are the reason that He suffered and died
To a world that was lost He gave all He could give (all that he could give all)
To show us the reason to live

#He is the reason to live(don’t you know do you know the reasonthat he came,
oh he came to save uswhen he gave his life for us) he suffered and died
To a world that was lost He gave everything (everything that He had He gave)
To show us the reason to live

*chorus + # together
Don’t know how I could thank Jesus all that he had all..
*chorus + # together

Fruit of the Spirit

2009-11-26T14:34:00.004+08:00

Every relationship is a ministry and you are the minister. The word minister means to serve. You must forget about what other party is and is not doing, and do what your Heavenly Father requires of you.

Start ministering today by demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Minister to them when they've gotten on your last nerve, minister to them, when you've had it up to here. Minister to them when your flesh is screaming they don't deserve you.

By taking this approach, it would please your Heavenly Father. Now, isn't that what it's all about? Pleasing your Heavenly Father. And all this time you thought it was about you.
Our Heavenly father's love always continue and never cease despite we are hard, stubborn and difficult to Him at times.

Came across this message on the last Sunday service hand out:
“ Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary storm. No matter how raging the billows are today, remind yourself: this too shall pass!

Found(Hill Song)

Verse1:
Amazing love,now what else shall I need
Your name brings life,it's more than the air I breathe

Verse 2:
My world has changed,when Your life You gave for me
My purpose found and all that You want for me

PreChorus 1:
And I've found myself in You, Lord
And I've found myself in You

PreChorus 2:
And I've found myself in You, Jesus
And I've found myself in You, Lord

Chorus:
So take me to a place where I can see You face to face
and all I wanna do, all I wanna do is worship You
So take me to a place
where I can see You face to face
and all I wanna do, all I wanna do is worship You

Get Connected with God's People

2009-11-13T19:00:00.006+08:00

Get Connected with God's People

09-11 Nov
Away for Training. Have few days of fantastic stay and connected with people who do not recognize God. Being surrounded by people without God and living in eventful schedule for few days, which has little connection with God, i get carried away by the overwhelming lifestyle. I was very timid to make prayer before meal with people around, and sometimes i even forgot that i need to, and of course, i sacrified time alone with God. At the end of the stay, i felt spiritually dry.

12 Nov
Was back to office. Was exhausted and weary after a long day work. I could not figure out how i could able to re-gain spiritual freshness. I went on to meet with SK after work. After dinner, we had quite a long chat and sharing, and we focus on God. In the midst of the sharing, i felt my spirit get re-freshed. It was just great! i felt enpowered by the Holy spirit again! Only then, i realized that whenever we get connected with God's people with God as our centre of focus, our power of Holy spirit get edified and we get encouraged!

That's why care cell is important to you and me. In care cell, power of encouragement easily spread like a "Influenza X". I am glad that i belong to a care cell!
Are you having one yet?

Revelation

2009-11-06T14:56:00.001+08:00

It is said that Satan once called his demons and said he wanted to send one of them to earth to aid women and men in the ruination of their souls. He asked which one would want to go. One creature came forward and said, “I will go.” Satan said, “If I send you, what will you tell the children of men?” He said, “I will tell the children of men that there is no heaven.” Satan said, “They will not believe you, for there is a bit of heaven in every human heart. In the end, everyone knows that right and good must have the victory. You may not go.”

Then another came forward, darker and fouler than the first. Satan said, “If I send you, what will you tell the children of men?” He said, “I will tell them that there is no hell.” Satan looked at him and said, “Oh, no; they will not believe you, for in every human heart there’s a thing called conscience, an inner voice which testifies to the truth that not only will good be triumphant, but that evil will be defeated. You may not go.”

Then one last creature came forward, this one from the darkest place of all. Satan said to him, “And if I send you, what will you say to women and men to aid them in the destruction of their souls?” He said, “I will tell them that there is no hurry.” Satan said, “Go at once!”

Satan has successfully duped the church and the world into believing that there is really no hurry. He has robbed us of a sense of urgency. As believers we assume that we can get serious about Christ once we have grandkids and retire. Unbelievers have been led to believe that, if they need to, they will be able to trust Christ at will, when they are old and decrepit and in some rest home. What a mistake! We must realize that our day of reckoning with the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent. Final accountability is on the horizon. We must urge believers and unbelievers to prepare to face the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. There is a hurry. Revelation is relevant. Prepare for eternity TODAY.

Time Alone with God

2009-11-02T10:35:00.002+08:00

Getting close to God – A Quiet Time Alone With God

What is a Quiet Time Alone With God?

The Biblical Perspective
Now that you have your own view of what a daily time alone with God is, now let’s compare it with what the Biblical perspective is of it means to spend time alone with God. Read the following verses and write down what they teach you about developing a quiet time alone with God.

The example of Jesus; Mark 1:35 Time alone with God

A call in Psalm 119:15, 23, 48

A call to Joshua, Joshua 1:8

David’s example, Psalm 5:3

A call of James, James 5:17-18

These verse are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what a quiet time alone with God should be.

Why Should We Have Quiet Time Alone With God?
Having a time alone with God is one of the most important aspects of the Christian walk, but it also one area of the Christian walk that is most neglected. From the verses we looked a t so far you should have a pretty good idea of what makes up a quiet time with God. We will go over a couple of these areas in a little more detail alter. For now we need to look at why we need to spend some time alone with God

1) We need to eat
Just as your body need food to keep it going. We need to spend some quality time with God for our soul. Through prayer and a daily meal of God word we will grow and prosper in our walk with God
Read Matthew 4:4 and 1 Peter 2:1-3 and in your own words describe what these verses say about God’s Word.

2)We need to listen
It is hard to hear God speaking to you when the reception is fuzzy. You need to make a clear connection to God so you can hear what He is telling you and the only way to do that is by eliminating all distractions so you can hear his still quiet voice. This means you must find a quiet place in order to listen His voice and only His voice. Effective listening also means coming before God with an obedient heart a willingness to listen so you will be able to hear His insight for your life.

Read James 4:8, What does this verse tell us about our relationship with God?

Read Psalm 5:3, What should our response once we talk to God in prayer?

Read Psalm 143:10, From this verse give two reasons we should wait to hear from God?

3)We need closeness
A quiet time allows us to draw closer to God as we shut out the world around us and focus on His Word and His voice. We will sense His presence as we lift our hearts and bare our souls to Him. As Christians we should always desire to worship and obey God and see Him more clearly. We must draw need to God with our hearts, not only with our words. Remember where your heart is there also will be your affections.

James 4:8 tell us that if we “ come near to God…He will Come near t us” .

Read the following two verse from Isaiah and decide for yourself if the first or second verse describes you.
Isaiah 34:1
Isaiah 29:13

4)We need protection
As Christians we are in a battle and our weapon of choice is God’s Word. Satan cannot stand against when we call on Jesus and use the Word of God to defend ourselves. A quiet time allows not only tio study the Word of God but also to call on God for our daily protection.

Ephesians 6:13-17 Details a list of the Armor of God. Take the time to read these verses and list for yourself each piece of that armor. As you right them down meditate on how God is our strength and shield. Also think about the times you have tried to stand alone without God’s protection and what the outcome was.

5)We need correction
A quiet time allows us to get right with God. Even thought our salvation is secire we are still going to sin. After all we are only perfected the moment we open our eyes and stand before Jesus.

Part of falling into temptation and sinning is correction. None of us likes to be corrected or told when we do something wrong but we need it in order to learn and move on. God always corrects us out of love but we must be willing to confess our sin before Him.

Read Psalm 139:23-24 and then ask yourself when was the last time you said the words “God correct me?

Part of developing intimacy with God is in knowing when we need to come clean and ask for forgiveness

Read Jobs call to God in Job 6:25- Again is this your call to God or do you need to humble your heart?

6)We need comfort
No one can make it through the Christian life without someone to encourage and comfort us. We need to know that God cares for us and knows exactly what we need in the midst of trials. In our quiet time we go to God in prayer and read His word in order to find the comfort and encouragement we need

Read Psalm 10:17-18 and describe what this verse means to you.

Read 2 Timothy 4:2 Even though this verse is about the way Christians are to deal with each other, it can give us a great insight into the way God deals with us. What does this verse teach you about God and how He handles us in all situations?

Does this give you comfort?

What is involved in a quiet time with God?

Bible Reading - Pick a passage of scripture, book of the Bible or even a devotional and read it. If you want get one of those Bible study books at your local Christian Book Stores to help you work through a topic or book of the Bible

Bible Journaling – As you read each passage of Scripture or each book of the Bible jot down in a journal or diary your thoughts about the passage or something God ahs revealed to you as you read it. You could also keep track of your prayer requests.

Prayer - How can you have quiet time alone with God if you do not pray and ask God for guidance. As you read each book, each passage pray about what is in the passage and ask God to reveal what he wants you to know. Each time I read a passage of Scripture God reveals to me all manner of new information.

Listen – Take time to sit back and listen for God to speak to you in His still quiet voice.

A quiet time alone with God is an important aspect of your Christian walk. It is one way in which we can draw closer to God and become more intimate with Him. If you want to know what someone is like you have to get to know them so set a quiet time now and get to know God.

Loving as Jesus Loved

2009-10-29T10:41:00.001+08:00

"But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying out after us."
--Matthew 15:23

When the disciples were walking through the city with Jesus one day, a Canaanite woman came clamoring after him yelling, "Have mercy on me! Have mercy on me!"

The disciples saw this woman as an annoyance and someone to avoid, as we see in today's verse, when they basically said, "Jesus, make her go away; she's a crazy lady!"

There's a reason God allows us to see the disciples' bad attitude here. You see, this same attitude can be found in many churches today.

Too often, the church doesn't want to be bothered with sinful, desperate people. The church isn't comfortable around the lost. These people have baggage. They can be rough around the edges!

Yet we should never look with condemnation at those who struggle with unhealthy behaviors or bad life decisions.

Instead, as Christ-followers, we should bless and encourage those seeking hope and bring them to the feet of our Lord... the same place where we found our own salvation.

Will you be this kind of Christ-follower? Remember the grace you received, and be generous in spirit with those who desperately need his touch.

(From crosswalk)

Loving like God loves

2009-10-15T16:47:00.001+08:00

(from crosswalk)

Loving like God loves

"For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?"
--Matthew 5:46

Have you ever wondered exactly why Jonah resisted going to Nineveh as God had told him to do?

We don't know the exact reason, but it seems fairly clear that Jonah took issue with the people of Nineveh. Perhaps he believed they were somehow undeserving of God's love.

Do we make that mistake today with the lost? I think we do. The fact is, a lot of believers simply don't like lost people. I know that's a harsh statement, but it's true. I know people who don't even like their neighbor, much less love them.

But as you speak out against the evil in society, as you and I are called to do, it is important that we never confuse the sin with the sinner. After all, sinners are just doing what sinners do on a natural basis: they sin. And God is calling you to do what he does. Love the lost!

John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world...." This verse is so well known that it could almost sound cliché. But it is the heart of God revealed in Scripture! He loves the world! And God is calling you to love as he loves.

Today, ask God to show you the world through his eyes. You can begin by recognizing the unfailing love and compassion that God has shown you. Let his compassion work through you!

1) Willing to be Barnabas 2) Encouragers

2009-10-13T14:03:00.005+08:00

Extract from crosswalk

1) Willing to Be a Barnabas?

Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.--Acts 9:27

You would think that upon returning to Jerusalem after his conversion that Paul would have been greeted as a her "Can you believe it? Our worst enemy has now become a follower of Jesus! Isn't this glorious? Isn't this wonderful? God has saved the notorious Saul, and he is now a fellow believer!" But that is not what happened at all. In fact, when Paul returned to Jerusalem, the church didn't believe that he was really converted. They thought it was some kind of trap. Here he was, a new believer, and they didn't think he was even converted.

Enter an unsung hero, Barnabas. Effectively the believers were saying, "You can't come to our worship service, Saul. We don't trust you." But Barnabas essentially said, "Paul, you come with me." Then he took him and brought him to the apostles.

That is what we need to do with new believers. We need to take them to church with us, because the greatest danger a new believer faces after making a commitment to Christ is falling through the cracks and going back to their old friends and their old ways. They need a brother or sister in Christ, an Ananias or a Barnabas who will take them and say, "You are coming with me to church."

Everyone wants to be a Paul or a Simon Peter, but who will be a Barnabas? It doesn't matter whether you are a hero or an unsung hero; just don't be a zero. Just do something, and realize that God has a place for each of us to be used for His glory.

2) Encouragers

For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means "Son of Encouragement"). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus.--Acts 4:36

Acts 9 tells us that it was Barnabas who brought the newly converted Paul to the apostles in Jerusalem. The name Barnabas means "son of encouragement," and his actions reveal that he was an encouraging guy. We all know a Barnabas--the one who always has an encouraging word. When you are down, that is the person you want to call, because you know he or she will encourage you.

You may not be called to preach and teach like Paul did, but you can be an encourager like Barnabas was. You can do your part, because right now, you probably know someone who needs some encouragement--someone who has failed in life, someone who is hurting, or someone who is a brand-new believer. They need someone like you to stand in the gap. You don't have to know every verse in the Bible. You don't have to have the answer to every theological question. You just need to be a real Christian who can show them what it is like to live in the real world.

You can be a Barnabas, an encourager, because everybody needs encouragement. And everyone needs help. Everyone stumbles and falls in some way, shape, or form. Everyone has their down days, even the heroes of life. They may wake up on the wrong side of the bed, be feeling a little cranky, or don't always have the perfect answer for every question. They are human like you are. They need someone to just encourage them. So be an encourager.

Thank God for the Barnabases of the world who help those in need--and all of us need it at one time or another. These are the unsung heroes who play an important part in the lives of great men and women of God.

Wrestling with God

2009-10-02T12:23:00.002+08:00

As I approaching the very end two chapters of the book “purpose driven live”, suddenly I have these questions back into my mind again:

Why in the first place God create mankind?

Ah ha..These questions seemed like brought me back to the starting point.
As I learning to submit and surrender to God, at times, I struggle with the relationship. There are doubts and confusion that I tensed to deny. Worse is when I feel guilt about the struggles and try to acknowledge them as unimportant or insignificant.

In learning to love God, I hope to carry out the service to people to serve God in obedient way. This is no short cut and no fast track. I was thrown into struggles and wrestles.

And I was wrestling with God “greatly” for the past two days and two nights, in sleeps also.

Questions arise in my head: Am I the faith is built on the surface or am I just not too ready yet for the cross? If to go with the heart, I feel I want to fall back to spectator’s terrace. Things seemed a lot simpler and uncomplicated to be placed there.

Again I was reminded of who we are serving and who is that our eyes should fix on. Circumstances took place for shapping the character and carving the mind into the trait of single minded for God. Praise the Lord! For the truth is revealed!

God gives us life; create us in the image of Him. He is the potter and we are the clay. We are the result of His creation. Just as children resemble their human parents, so do all humans resemble our Creator. We are born to become one of God’s children and to be a member of the very family of God.

We are created to have relationship with our heavenly Father. He has a plan for everyone of us, a perfect and purpose driven plan.

We just need breath and walk in faith to move forward and know that we are becoming everything that God wants us to be!

“Be still, and know that I am God” ( Psalm 46:10)

Taking up the cross

2009-09-10T18:00:00.002+08:00

The phrase of "Taking up the cross / carrying the cross" has crossed my mind about a month plus ago in a morning when i was carrying my keyboard to the car.

I was talking to myself that maybe the weight of the keyboard on m shoulder could be similar to the cross that Jesus carried( proportionally). And then, that thought strucked my mind that, oh ya! i got a cross to carry aslo! and i question myself, am i carrying it?

yaya..and that night(It's friday cell), i post that question to "zone sup"(supervisor) of what does that implicates? Of course i gained some clues from him..but then, i still got a lot of questions in my mind..like what's going to happen? and Why i thought of that? What is God speaking to me about? Will i be going thru a tough time after this?? How long it's going to be???

And the next few days after, challenges came..tough situations and tough circumstances pops up.. from time to time..

I am not saying that tough situations or circumstances did not happen in past, just that, those cases just seemed so appearing and significant to me and drained the spirit. However, God's grace was great in every single "cases"! God walk with me thru every single cases but yet i fall after every case back to spiritually dull.That's human sinful nature.(excuse!)

Today i had a very long talk with my working superior. I boldly share with him about my expectation in working in term of continuous learning and rewards. well.well..i started that because he started first.

He called me in and talk about his expectations, his visions towards the team and department, and his recognition towards the contirbutions from the team and people and bla bla bla ..all his and his..but then i dont feel i am growing wealthier or advancing(official recognition) in the team for the past over year.

This feeling has drained my spirit somehow and make me spiritually dull in working life for the past one month. And finally today i have the opportunity and guts to share with my superior about it and the discussion end up very positive.

I feel my spirit has been uplifed once again. Praise the Lord!

"Christ was crucified for you and for me, and that God wants us to realize that Jesus' sacrifice at Calvary was enough to take care of all our problems, and restore us no matter our spiritual state. It is enough to cleanse us and restore our spiritual edge. In fact, it is the only thing that has the power to do it."

Taking up the Cross (extract from crosswalk)
Then He said to them all, "If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me." Luke 9:23

When Jesus addressed His disciples, He warned them that each one must, "take up his cross daily, and follow me."
Christ's message was clear: in order to follow Him, Christ's disciples must deny themselves and, instead, trust Him completely. Nothing has changed since then.
When we have been saved by Christ, we can, if we choose, become passive Christians. We can sit back, secure in our own salvation, and let other believers spread the healing message of Jesus.
But to do so is wrong.
Instead, we are commanded to become disciples of the One who has saved us.

Do you seek to fulfill God's purpose for your life? Then follow Christ. Follow Him by picking up His cross today and every day that you live. Then, you will quickly discover that Christ's love has the power to change everything, including you.

Today's Prayer
Help me, Lord, to understand what cross I am to bear this day. Give me the strength and the courage to carry that cross along the path of Your choosing so that I may be a worthy disciple of Your Son. Amen

***apologies for broken gramma if there is any

2009-09-01T13:26:00.004+08:00

Some may have heard this joke:

Man ask God : What is one thousand years to You, Father?
God : One day
Man ask God : What is the value of one million dollars to You, Farther?
God : One dollar
Man ask God : My Lord, since one million dollars is only one dollar to You, can You let me have it?
God : OK, wait for One day.
Man : ....... (Be PaTiEnt!!)

Psalm 46 verse 10
"Be still, and know that I am God."
In time of trouble in our life, in time of challenging seasons in our life, are we able to be still and draw closer to God?

Still (Hill Song)

Hide me now under Your wings
Cover me within Your mighty hand

(Chorus)
When the ocean rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father You are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God

Find rest my soul in Christ alone
Know His power in queitness and trust

Who loves you baby?

2008-05-22T13:18:00.002+08:00

I used to think if I could just love God more, I would...save more souls, spend more time in prayer, hear His voice more often, do great and mighty deeds, etc. That I can't and don't do these things could only mean I didn't love Him enough. Why else would I rather play Posh Boutique (thanks for the download Kay!) than read Psalms? Or watch CSI instead of crying out to God? And what kind of Christian is that anyway?!

Inevitably I would feel condemned and since I'm feeling so unholy, I might as well continue watching CSI because how can I meet with the King of Kings now that He knows my first choice was not Him but Grissom and his team?!

But recently, I got a new point of view from Pastor Joseph Prince's sermon series and I'm just blown away.

Remember when Jesus said the first and greatest commandment in the Law is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Does anyone realise that this commandment is from the Law and we could never live up to the Law? It was given to show us precisely that fact. Which means, try as we may, we could never love God with ALL our heart, ALL our soul and ALL our mind. Sure it's easy to think you can on Sunday but what's your love tank on Wednesday or Thursday?

Our love is bouncier than a yo-yo but God's love isn't. It's consistent as the day He made us, the day He sent His son to die for our sins, the day He reached down and drew us near to Him. So why do we focus on that which is not constant instead of that which is eternally unchanging?

When you start focusing on how much God loves you, when you really take the time to meditate on the magnitude of that love...you will want to spend time with Him, save souls, do great and mighty deeds. But we could never create that genuine desire when we focus on our love for Him because who knows what's going to be TV tonight?! I'm not saying we don't love God madly. I'm saying we need to love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

I hope this some how helps you feel less crappy and more aware that you are God's beloved for whom He sent His only son to die for - yes, even the you who prefers to learn about finger-printing technology than heavenly truths. It's really more profound when you hear Pastor Prince say it.

Fresh Fire seminar

2008-05-20T22:55:00.001+08:00

Yours truly was ecstatic about the AOG prayer seminar held last week because the main speaker was Susan Tang.

I knew of Susan Tang through the books she wrote. To me, she has been a great mentor. I remember the first Susan-Tang book that I bought – Increasing in the Experiential Knowledge of God – having ministered to me greatly. From then on, my spiritual journey has been accompanied by almost all her books.

Susan Tang has always given me the impression that she is a very thin woman. Pardon my ignorance because I had never seen her before – not in pictures, and definitely, not in person – until last week. She is a very presentable lady who carries herself well.

And I had always have this impression that she was a very serious and stern pastor. Well, no, she was funny!

Susan Tang moves in the apostolic anointing and runs a “station of life” in Lahad Datu. You can check out her website at http://www.station-of-life.org/ from which you can even download some of her books.

And for the benefit of those who missed the prayer seminar, here’s the gist of what was taught.

Warning to the Ephesian church (and us)

Most of us are familiar with God’s admonition to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-17.

It is basically about this church (or us) being very successful and powerful in the eyes of men. Perhaps one that is fast-growing, with big congregation, beautiful buildings, active in ministries and good works… you know, whatever that denotes a “successful” church or a “highly spiritual” person.

But the Lord sees that church as fallen because she has left her first love, and unless she repents and returns to the first works, the Lord would come and “remove her lampstand from its place”.

If the church loses the “light”, how can she see? Similarly, if the “light” is taken away from us, how then can we see?

That explains why some people are moving in the “dark anointing” as in some of the so-called prophets of old (if not mistaken, in the book of Ezekiel – sorry, I didn’t note this down) who preached about peace and prosperity when disaster is looming.

Return to the first works

To know what the “first works” are, we have to go back to the Book of Ephesians to understand how it was in the initial stage. In this book many a time, the words – works, workings and workmanship – are mentioned.

Paul spoke of the works the Lord has done in his life, and that he is the Lord’s workmanship, and his life is marked with the continuous workings of God.

The first works are the continuous work of God in our lives. We have to allow the Lord to work in us first before we “work out” or serve.

Prevailing in His Presence

Going back to the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus asked His disciples to keep watch. Oh, the disappointment of the Lord when they failed to keep watch for just one hour, and this heartache of the Lord continues through the generations even as we have not “kept watch and pray”.

We need to learn how to prevail in His presence. Regardless of whether or not we “feel” His presence (our feelings have nothing to do with it).

Prayer is also not about the words we use. Some of the most powerful prayers contain just one word, and that one word could carry so many words in it.

We especially need to pray for Malaysia. God uses our prayer to shape a nation. The politicians have no power to control a nation; only those who pray, the pray-ers, have. But we need to first be a watchman before we become an intercessor. We therefore need to keep abreast of what’s happening around us.

A New Malaysia

Malaysia has entered a new exciting era, with the opposition making major inroads into the parliament. We also see disunity among our “neighbours”.

While some may regard the new developments in the Malaysian political scene as signals of instability, we should see it as a divine intervention which will ultimately lead to the glory of the Lord. Doors of opportunities to minister and spur the growth of the Lord’s kingdom are wide open.

We need to pray for our “neighbours” that Jesus would raise up this generation as believers of the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Indeed, the Lord would do just that. History is unfolding before our eyes.

But don’t just sit back and watch. Let’s get involved – let’s put our hands to the plough and not turn back.

How does God speak?

2008-04-26T17:24:00.004+08:00

God speaks to us all the time through....

...answered prayers
Some weeks back I was praying about the long-term sustainability of my career. Freelancing allows great flexibility but there's also little certainty and poor cash flow. Amazingly, within 1 week I confirmed 2 projects that ensured I had fixed income for the next 3-6 months. Plus it was more than what I was making in my last full-time job!

...His word
About a month back I was dealing with a scary client who gave me nightmares. In my anxiousness God impressed Roman 8:15a in my heart :"For you did not inherit a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear but the Spirit of sonship." I was instantly reminded that being a child of God comes with authority and there's no need for fear if we walk right in the Lord.

...the prompting of His Spirit
Simple story. My sister buzzed me one day on Messenger and the moment the window popped up, the Holy Spirit told me she had a prayer request. And she did! It felt a bit like magic. Haha.

...His peace
Every Christian can definitely testify to a moment when God's peace calms the storm within. We should never take it for granted because the world searches desperately for some measure of peace but can't find it yet God gives it to us generously. Jesus said in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

...His creation
Psalms 19:1 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

This post is in response to yesterday's cell lesson on 'Listening to God'. Posted by Elaine.

Divine Humour

2008-04-08T18:31:00.000+08:00

Who said God doesn't have a sense of humour?! Last Friday David did ice-breaker for the first time. During the week he had already ominously warned Maddie that he was going to be 'chan yan' (cruel). Okay...well, bring it on!

It was a classic 'boys' ice-breaker - all about punishment. Everybody had to draw a card and the one who gets the joker card will have to pick a forfeit (from folded pieces of paper), which ranged from having your legs waxed to smelling dirty socks...erm, now you know how David's mind works!

God proved that He is one funny Divine Fella when David drew the joker two times in a row! His forfeit? The first was to wear a teeny rubber band over his head and then let Kay snap the rubber band against his forehead! The second was the dreaded leg waxing! (The day after he claimed he lost some strength due to his Samson-like loss)

You have to be there to appreciate how hilarious it was! Maybe someone should have told David the game master doesn't have to play the game...

Esther and Mordecai's testimonies

2007-11-23T18:29:00.000+08:00

My first attempt

My very first blog entry, thought I share with you what I’ve learned from the Book of Esther. I have been truly blessed by our recent journey in reading, understanding and meditating on the Book of Joshua both in cell and in church. Follow on was the “People of venture” series embarked by the church for cell’s sharing every Friday and also during service on Saturday.

God has truly blessed me with the book of Joshua and Esther. The recent “step out of the boat incident” of getting involved in preparation for sharing on Esther over Saturday and Youth services, God has used to engrave deeper understanding of him in and his working in our lives. Yes, yes I didn’t preach (“phew”) during the services however, I definitely have gained and learned much from the preparation and as I listened to God through Kim-Ann, Karen and Ps Julie.

Selfishness and Selflessness

I can’t forget Victor’s facilitation of the word on Esther three Fridays ago. One thing he shared and highlighted which sticks to me till today and I believe forever was the key difference between Haman and Esther lives.

Haman the Agagite who worked up the rank and became 2nd to King Persia “King Ahasuerus or King Xerxes”, he had so much but was still not contented and wanted more power. He wanted people including Mordecai to bow down to him. He was selfish, not contented and was greedy for power, in the end he lost his life. A selfish life leads to death.

Esther = selflessness = life

Whilst Esther after much comtemplation was willing to risk her life to try to save her people “the Jews” from annihilation (instigated by Haman by the way). Esther said in Esther 4 :16b “If I perish, I perish”. She was willing to sacrifice her life for people. Esther was selfless, just like Jesus, and at the end she has life (her life was spared despite breaching protocol). In addition, she saved Mordecai and all Jews in Persion from being eliminated. Mind you, Esther’s life was not only spared, she remains to be Queen of Persia and found favor from the King. Wow, what more can we ask for?

What does this tells us ?
Selfishness leads to death
Selflessness leads to life

And the above became more apparent as a scripture in the new testament came to my mind. Matthew 16 : 25 :For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Esther was willing to lose her life to be obedience to God and avail her life as a vessel for God to use to fulfill his purposes, in this case to deliver her people.

Book of Joshua – Israelites entered and conquered the promise land; how did they land up in Babylon for Daniel and in Persia for Esther?

A little background on how the Jews landed in a foreign land or in Persia in this case. Remember in the book of Joshua, the Israelites finally entered the promise land / Canaanland. Under the leading of Joshua, each tribe in all 12 was allotted their portion of land. So what happened, how did the Israelites land up in foreign lands with no more possessions and in most cases being minorities and ruled by foreign Kings.

This is just a very basic history, pls correct me if I am wrong or incomplete. Thereafter, Israelites requested for a King, hence we had King Saul, King David, King Solomon…etc…. of course in the midst of it the Israelites separated into two Kingdom – Northern Kingdom and Southern Kingdom (Kingdom of Judah, in which this is where the Jews originated). Of course, Israelites continue to sin against God, including King Solomon, whom allowed foreign Gods to be brought into the Kingdom. Hence, because of continued disobedience among the Israelites, God allowed them to be defeated and fall into the hands of the Assyrians and Babylonians. So the Assyrians attacked the Northern Kingdom and subsequently the Babylonians attacked the Kingdom of Judah. Of course we know when God is not on our side, both Kingdoms were defeated and the Israelites was exiled, deported and assimilated among the Assyrians and Babylon (for Kingdom of Judah).

Then you have people like Daniel, exiled to Babylon and Esther, in Persia (I think subsequently Babylonians were attacked by the Persians). That’s when reading Book of Daniel, he was deported there - working & ministered in the midst of the Babylonians.

There you have above some history…..super interesting right…

ESTHER AND MORDECAI’S TESTIMONIES
As for me, I realize the Book of Esther was Esther and Mordecai’s testimonies of God in their lives

The book of Esther testifies of how GOD
1) delivered the Jews from annihilation (destroyed completely, end of existence)
2) promoted Mordecai the Jew (was only a Jew staying among the Persians, a foreigner. He was probably only a minor official in the Persia Kingdom) second to King Ahasuerus. Mordecai was well received by his brethren and he seek the good of his people and spoke peace to all countrymen
3) appointed Esther the Jew as Queen, wife to King Ahasuerus. God used Esther to plead to the King against annihilation of the Jews. At the end, both Mordecai and Esther became the King’s two closest counsels (by the work of God). We have two Jews at the side of the Persia King, King Ahasuerus.

Point One – God of Esther, Mordecai & the Jews is our God too. God will do the same for us too

From the very testimonies above, God clearly reveals that he is into every detail of our lives, he will fashion everything to accomplish his purposes, which end-all works together for the Good of his people and those who proclaim he is God. This is the very same for you.

The God of Esther, Mordecai and the Jews is our God too. Our God is unchanging (“Yahweh”). God is the same yesterday (in the days of Esther), today (in our days) and tomorrow (in the days of our children).

If he will provide, protect, elevate Esther, Mordecai and the Jews many years ago (486-465 B.C.). Today, he will do the same for you, IN YOUR VERY SITUATION (no matter how tough, how challenging, how difficult, how big the odds are against you).

Point Two – God puts us in a position for a bigger reason than just for ourselves

Esther - From Jewish orphan to royal position. Can you imagine the grandeur of it from ordinary citizen life to be chosen among so many women and some of them Jews as well (chosen not just by the King but ultimately and actually by God). It’s a 360% change.

We are just like Esther - we are all born as ordinary people but by the grace of God, now redeemed and given a position as a Bride of Christ and child of God - Prince and Princesses of God, given a royal position by the grace of God.

The change from ordinary to royal was not without a purpose and for self-benefit only (Esther’s own benefit). Although there will be blessings that come with the elevation in position, especially for Esther’s case. The elevation of position has increased Esther’s level of influence for the accomplishment of the purposes of God, in actual fact for the protection of her own people.

For some of us God may promote us in the marketplace for a reason and “A time such as this”

Esther’s response to God, knowing her position and arising to her role, allowed God to effectively use her and :
a) Esther, Mordecai and the entire Jew nation within Persia were saved and spared from bloodshed, death, anhilianation…etc
b) Evil plotter (Haman) was killed
c) All others with evil/harmful intention were killed
d) Mordecai, the very man which raise Esther up in Godly manner, in the ways of the Lord and who himself lead a Godly life was promoted as a second man to the King (from a Jew staying in majority of Gentiles he became an influencial person in the Kingdom that rules an entire nation – both his own people and others)

Are you a Mordecai for someone like Esther? Mordecai’s role was as important as Esther’s role

Point Three - Knowing the position we are in and the role God has purposed us to take up and finally taking the role up

And just like Esther, you have a role to play in the position that God has blessed you, place you in and appointed you
– be it in your family, in your workplace, in your cell and in your church

There is something that God wants to do through you? What is it?
What position has God put you in and what role can you take up?
Know your position and role, & grow in it

For some, God is growing your area of influence? What are u doing about it?

Are you going to response like Esther?
Go, gather all the Jews, and fast for me, neither eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maid and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the King which is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.

Point Four – Seek God first, do the business thereafter

How many a times we take things into our own hands, thinking we have control and is able to handle it. When this arises in our lives, when we become all in control, God at times will sent situation and circumstances into our lives to help us realise… HELLO… I’m God and you are NOT.

Haha, the above is not so applicable for Esther’s situation but just a thought that came. In this case, we must remember to pray and fast before we attempt anything…especially BIG things for God

The power of prayer and fasting.

Esther’s very first words to Mordecai in making supplication to the King for the Jews were “Go, gather all the Jews, and fast for me, neither eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maid and I will fast likewise”

Results of Esther, Mordecai and the Jews prayer and fasting (clearly the intervention of God is so apparent) :

a) Esther found favor in the King’s sight when she stood at the inner court, wanting to meet him. The King responded positively (allowed Esther to meet him) to Esther’s visit (despite not being called) and Esther found favor in the King’s eyes.

b) And the King said to her “What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you – up to half the Kingdom”

When we seek God first, seeking his will and upholding a situation and event that we are facing, or upholding a task we are trying to accomplish – GOD will be there and at times changing protocol and the very situation which we see is impossible, he will make it possible.

POWER CONFERENCE NOTES - By Effie

2007-09-07T14:13:00.000+08:00

POWER CONFERENCE: Rev Dr Bernard Blessings

Preparing For – the Greatest Manifestation of God’s Power on Earth (Power of the Holy Spirit)

A Covenant Relationship with God through Jesus Christ
As we commit our lives to Jesus, we can lay hands to heal the sick because the hand does not belong to us anymore, it’s Jesus’.
As we pray, we sound like Jesus in heaven J

We reap what we sow. If we reap what we’ve not sown, we’re stealing or borrowing.

When we face a problem, run to God, tell God (not another person – who also has problems) God is the solution.
How can you run away from problem and expect the problem to solve!
Don’t let the Devil know something which you’ve not talk to God!

God calls us for something He has already finished.

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be.
Pray not to impress people, but to connect to our Saviour!

If you do not have a genuine relationship with Jesus/God, it will reflect in your relationship with others..

Double-minded men cannot expect they’ll receive anything from God.
People tend to put themselves into depression.
The JOY of the Lord, is our strength!
Every aspects of our lives, commit to God, take nothing for granted.
Not faith in faith/fate, but faith in Him J
Set the ONE who sets your free… Free! Let Him think thru your mind, walk thru your legs, see thru your eyes, communicate thru your mouth…

Those who’ve blessed you shall be blessed indeed. Those who’ve cursed you, shall be convicted through Jesus Christ.
Give thanks and rejoice in EVERY circumstances..

4 Enemies of Prayer:
a) Kitchen: excessive food
b) TV
c) Bed (true rest comes from the lifestyle of goodness, not long hours of sleep!)

Grant me a Humble Spirit
Prov 29:23 – A man’s pride brings him low, a humble man/woman retains honour.
Good pride = boast that God’s in me, what He’s done in me..
Bad pride = overestimation (or underestimation) of what God says I am

Humble spirit (meekness)
= submit yourself to God’s estimation
= agree with God what He’s saying
=Also to esteem other people are special to God

A humble person always seek to be a blessing to others… all the time!

If we pray “God, please use me!”, please expect you’ll be used by others…

We cannot have a local attitude and expect an international anointing.

To live an unpretentious and quiet life, no false impression about you.

To have a humble spirit, many times it requires/esteems heavier responsibilities, not running away from it..

Grant me a Sincere Heart
Do not judge others, if you don’t know fully about them
Do not put a fullstop to people you meet, but put a comma, because God is not done with them yet.

Grant me Clean Hands (Job 17:9 Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger)
We may not use our hands to kill, tongue kills.
Do not “kill” people that God raised. Build and edify them.

Grant us a Steward Heart
We don’t own our life, it’s God’s. So, we cannot take life. God wants us to use it to glorify Him.
Our time must be invested into God’s kingdom/ministries.
Our talents must be used for the furtherance of His kingdom.
Our lifestyle must be used to preach to others.

3 tests of faithfulness: with simple things, with temporary things, with other peoples’ things

Grant us an Excellent Spirit (Prov 22:29)
We have to give our best at all times.

Grant us a Generous Soul
Intellect, will and emotion that make a generous soul.
We cannot be blessed in the land that we’re cursed.
Don’t make harsh/stingy decisions.
Only if we give, God can fill our needs/wants.

Grant us a Grateful Heart (1Tim 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst)
In all things, give thanks!

Grant us a Merciful Heart
We aught to extend mercy, as Jesus do..

Grant us a Lifestyle Totally Dependent on God
Failure is a classroom for success.
Don’t give up if you fail, we have to persevere.
Only if you know what God has for you for your life, you’ll live differently..

Galatians 6: 7 – 10
( 7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers)

Causes for spiritual tiredness
1. Deception
Opposite (negative) picture in our mind what God intends/purpose/plan in our lives
Head/mind is the gateway to your heart (= the manufacturing shop), and then reflected in our tongue (the showroom)
So start thinking, memorizing, rehearsing God’s words – send them to our hearts and tongue!
Anything that’s not from God is temporary
Hang on God’s words

2. Delays
We’re thinking of our need being met, while God is thinking of His plan being fulfilled.

3. Diverson
Finish what you’ve started, don’t get diverted.

4. Dryness
Boring, routined…
God is squeezing you to get the juice out of you, to get a better taste of you J
But the harvest is on the way… don’t give up!

Zech 10:7 The Ephraimites will become like mighty men, and their hearts will be glad as with wine. Their children will see it and be joyful; their hearts will rejoice in the LORD

Being drunk in the spirit (not wine):
a) Bold, talking to everybody, sharing the gospel
b) Very generous
c) Don’t discriminate
d) Very united, loyal to their leaders
e) Consistent with what they do, very committed
f) Not involved by what’s on the outside, but by the inside
g) “walk by faith, not by sight”

Growing Pains Star Shines

2007-06-26T10:32:00.000+08:00

For those of us who grew up in the 1980s, and have watched Growing Pains before, we'd surely remember Kirk Cameron who played Mike Seaver in the sitcom.

Click on the link below and you can get to watch 3 video clips... the first one is on his personal testimony; the second showing him on a street ministry of sort reaching out to some "thugs look-a-like", and the third is about God-tube :-)

An inspiring quote by Cameron: "I've never had the desire to leave mainstream Hollywood... and still don't think I have left mainstream Hollywood... but what I have done is I have rearranged my priorities."

http://potw.news.yahoo.com/s/potw/41/left-behind

May it inspire you...

May Babies

2007-06-19T11:02:00.001+08:00

May babies from left: J.Ko; Cath Zeta; Ceci Babe

Dinner treat @ Chef & Brew, Bukit Damansara, for May babies...

April Babies

2007-06-15T15:29:00.000+08:00

The cell went to SS2 for buffet to celebrate Effie's birthday which falls on 23rd April. We had a great time of fellowship and here is Effie showing off her pressie from Maddie & JNee :-)
No cake for Effie's birthday, so we went to Svensen's for ice-cream and experienced earthquake!! (yummy....)

FLASHBACK: The Year 2006

2007-05-29T09:59:00.001+08:00

International Charity Bazaar: Wah... our team so "ANG"! Yu Fen, Kuan-cher & Cath working hard here to sell our "Taiwan-themed" food to raise fund for charity

International Charity Bazaar: Our "store keepers" (Yu Fen, Kuan-cher, Cath, Vilin aka Leng-ma & Effie)

International Charity Bazaar: Our "designers" (Kay, Maddie & Kuan-cher)

Our store @ International Charity Bazaar

The happy family - Khoo's

A thorn among the roses (Maddie, Jen Nee, Kuan-cher, Baby Shiki, Vilin, Cath & Effie)

St Jerome Home: All the happy faces... wah... Jay looks so striking!

St Jerome Home: Kenny, Effie & JNee painting the kids' faces

Cell Conference Notes - By EFFIE

2007-05-29T09:32:00.000+08:00

1 May 2007: Plenary 1 – Take the City

The various movements of the church:
Renewal
Prayer
Unity
Cell movement

Church – is called to fulfill the GREAT Commission:
~ make disciples in all nations
~ not just about praying, but doing and going – action, involvement, engagement

How?
Cell-based churches

Cell-based churches in ASIA:
New Life AG (Chennai, India), Ps Mohan
Apostolic Generation Church (Jakarta), Ps Indri

Plenary 2 – GOD is UP to SOMETHING

-Small group movement
-Early church movement – David Cho Yongi’s church, small group principals to disciple members
-All Saints movement – gaining popularity + movement, restore the dynamism + power of the New Testament church

Motivation of CELL Church: make disciples [Matt 28:18 – 20]

Vs. 18
The basis of our ministry authority isfrom God, not man

Vs. 19
“Go and make disciples…”
- a command, mandate, not optional
- make disciples, not believers
- the prior (3 years) the disciples’ experiences with Jesus set the context for ‘making disciples’

Discipleship process = salvation + maturing of faith + reproduction of disciples ~ to inspire one to be like Christ

Vs. 19
…baptizing them in the NAME…

Water baptism
- outward act that shows the inner transformation in my heart (physical)
- public declaration of lordship of Jesus Christ
- old self buried, new self raised with Chirst
- to show the true willingness to become disciples of Christ

Vs. 20
…teaching them to obey everything…
- the content of our teaching must be God’s word ß basis of God’s truth
- not just information dissemination, but life transformation

Biblical Basis for Cells
i) Early churches in HOMES

Acts 2: 46 – 47 Meet together @ temple courts
Broke bread @ home
Acts 5: 42 …from house to house, teaching, evangelizing..
Acts 12: 11 – 12 homes used for gathering, prayer, healing
Philemon 2 …church that meets @ your home
1 Cor 16: 19 …church that meets @ their house

ii) Trinity
God the Father, Son, Holy Spirit – umm but I dunno how it gotta do with biblical basis for cells… :-/

Cell church system structure and paradigm, not all are successful because:
- it focused on number and not the people
- instant success not on longer term yield (‘coz growing people needs time)

2 May 2007 – 3 Concepts of Evangelism

1)Body – everybody plays a part/role
2)OIKOS – connecting + touching lives around every pre-believer (networks of family and friends
3)Servant – serving community with no strings attached

Where I am, is destined by God
I must make territorial commitment
I change the spiritual climate by blessing the community
There is difference between “need” and “felt need”
Sometimes I’m the great obstacle, to be relevant and real, I must change..
When I get to the community, the community gets into me
I see Jesus when I serve those who are in need

Challenges of cell multiplication today: Our reponse to these challenges:
Relevance - so what? The GOSPEL is relevant – we need to show it
(see rather than just hearing the gospel)
Apathy - just to bad… The conscience is always Alive – we just need to wake it
Post-modernism - are you sure? The truth is always there – we just need to live
it (integrity – absolute standards the Lord set
for us)

Evangelism Paradigm
Concern - our community
Connect - neutral activities: child care, learning centers, schools..
Contribute - natural activities: music, games, wives clubs..
Convey - cell, celebration, kids church
Consolidate - MY CHURCH

TWO primary purposes of CELL Group:
Edification – cell members minister to one another
Evangelism – cell members multiply through reaching out

What roles do we (members) play?
1) Tomb stone – ‘dead’ members, doesn’t contribute to cell
2) Rolling stone – rolling from 1 cell to another, from 1 church to another
3) Gall stone – stone which you want to get rid from the cell!
4) Flintstone – still living in the old age, not willing to change/adapt to new
5) Sharon Stone – come to cell to get attention of others, wrong motive
6) Living and precious stone ß let’s be this! Be appreciative and attentive to cell leader, contribute and shine for Jesus

Developing a healthy cell begins with ME
Identity - Enjoy being who you are
Image - First impression counts
Influence - Add value to people

Heb 10: 24 – 25
Let us all consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the DAY approaching..

Importance of Ice Breaker:
P participation
A acquaintance
C communication
E encouraging team work

A Potrait of Love

2007-05-28T17:37:00.000+08:00

The love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13, paints an amazing portrait of love. It says that love is patient and kind. It doesn't insist on its own way. It's not irritable or resentful, and so on.

And it's true: No one has the ability to perfectly live up to this standard. Except for Jesus.

This chapter doesn't just paint a portrait of love; it also paints a portrait of Christ. The fifteen characteristics of love we find there describe Jesus. And if we allow Him to fill our lives, guess what? We can love the way this chapter describes.

If you want to show love to other people, the best thing you can do is empty yourself and ask Jesus to live His life through you.

~By Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Receiving God's Promises

2007-05-22T13:51:00.000+08:00

God delights in prospering us, and He delights in fulfiling our desires.

Hebrew 10:36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

And He Who promised is faithful, He will keep His promises... just as how at the "apppointed time" God fulfilled His promise to Abraham and Sarah.

But there are conditions for God's promises to be fulfilled. So, the next time you want to "claim your promises", do the following checklist: (Can I genuinely, honestly, biblically claim that promise?)

1) Does the promise meet my personal need or desire?
2) Am I asking God to keep His promise in a spirit of being submissive to His will?
3) Will the fulfilment of the promise honour God?
4) Can God fulfil the promise to me without hurting someone else or interfere His will for their lives?
5) Does the Holy Spirit bear witness to my spirit that God is pleased with what I am asking?
6) Does my request contradict the Word of God?
7) If He fulfils His promise in my life, will it further my spiritual growth?

Draw draw

2007-05-10T01:02:00.000+08:00

Shiki's masterpiece.
No frowns.

2006 Wedding Bells

2007-05-05T11:16:00.000+08:00

Danny & Bridget's wedding @ GTPJ Gasing church :-)

Davidic Generation

2007-05-04T14:04:00.000+08:00

Sri Lanka missions in October 2006
Youth Rally

Summary of Pastor Julie's message:
God is calling a Davidic generation. A Davidic generation is one that is bold and courageous to face the enemy, and most importantly, one who knows God (like David who knew who his God was).
Where your heart is, there your treasure will be. David’s heart was with the Lord. He was not afraid of the lions/bears, or the intimidation of his brothers for he knew Who the Great Shepherd was.
If Jesus is truly the Lord of your life, deny yourself… take up the cross and follow Him. God is looking for a “David”, one who will not compromise and one who will pray…

Steps On How To Receive Your Miracle

2007-05-03T11:57:00.000+08:00

Sri Lanka Missions in October 2006
Healing Rally

Summary of Pastor Vincent’s sermon:
Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight (Mark 10: 46-52): Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." 50Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him.The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

1) Stop waiting for the right circumstances. There will never be a perfect time for us. (Eg Bartimeus had been waiting for a miracle of sight. He realised it was his last chance since Jesus was leaving Jericho. So he hurried and called unto the Lord). Now is the day of salvation. The first person to turn to when you have any need/sickness/trouble is JESUS.

2) Take responsibility for your own life. You cannot blame someone else for your condition. Cry out to Jesus. (Bartimeus cried “Jesus, have mercy on me…)

3) Don’t worry about what others may think or say. Other people don’t really care what God wants for you. They don’t know your pain/suffering. If you need a miracle from the Lord, don’t be afraid to shout out to Him.

4) Clarify what you want. The question is, “What do you want Me to do for you now?” If you are serious about what you want, God will really do the miracle for you. Our greatest need is Jesus, and the greatest thing that we need from God is His forgiveness and grace.

5) Believe that change is possible. (All things are possible to those who believe… without faith, it is impossible to please God).

6) Do something that is bold/radical. Bartimeus threw away his clothes even before Jesus healed him. (Those days, blind men could be recognised by the clothes they wore. By throwing away his garment, he is proclaiming that Jesus has healed him). Jesus is calling us now. Like Bartimeus, we must rise up and move forward and claim our miracle.

7) Have faith in God. Those who come to God must believe that He is and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Bartimeus immediately got healed, thanks to his faith in God. Jesus saw Bartimeus’ faith and his faith touched God’s heart).

When you keep following Jesus, your healing will be complete and permanent. When Jesus heals you, don’t go back to your idolatrous ways.
God is not our servant that we can command Him to do what we want. But He is a generous Father Who asks His children – “what do you want Me to do for you”…

Flashback: The Year 2005

2007-04-28T11:08:00.000+08:00

Cell Picnic @ FRIM... choosing the 'NARROW PATH'.... JNee leading the way :-)

Cell picnic @ FRIM... taking a break

Cell Picnic @ FRIM... the 'super bowl' superstars

Cell picnic @ FRIM... relaxing after a 'strenuous' hike

Cell Picnic @ Bukit Jalil Park... worshipping the Lord in the open

Cell Picnic @ Bukit Jalil Park... the good, the bad and the ugly

Cell Picnic @ Bukit Jalil Park... a 'farewell' to Aileen and Bridget

Parents' Day Celebration @ Mont'Kiara serviced apartment... practising filial piety

Flashback: Cell retreat @ Fraser's Hill in Oct 2004

2007-04-28T10:47:00.000+08:00

Some of us stayed up late to celebrate JNee's birthday :-)

Before multiplication....

P-L-A-Y Will Cause You Lose Your Anointing

2007-04-25T12:57:00.001+08:00

Sri Lanka Missions in October 2006
Leadership Seminar: Beyond Your Capacity

Summary of Pastor Julie’s message:
There’s power in prayer. Unless we pray, nothing is going to happen. Prayer moves mountains and prayer moves the heart of God. God answers prayers!

It is not about what we want to do, but what God wants to do through us because the anointing is from the Lord and He has anointed us to do His will.

(Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.)
(Zechariah 4:6 …‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.)

We need to guard the anointing that the Lord has bestowed on us. When we play a fool with our life, we will lose the anointing. So, what can cause us lose the anointing?

P = pride.
Pride will stand in the way of God. (James 4:6 …God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble).
Satan fell because of his pride and he is now using the very thing that caused his downfall to stumble us.

L = lust.
Don’t let lust come in the way of your ministry. Guard yourself against the lust of the flesh and of the eyes.
Respect each other’s ministry. Don’t be jealous of other people’s ministry, don’t lust for positions that the Lord has not anointed you to take.
But take up your cross and follow Jesus, Who did not consider His equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself of everything (Philippians 2:6-7 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.).
No servant is greater than the Master. If Jesus is your Master, be like Him and give your all to Him. Your sacrifices are worth it all.

A = attitude.
Our attitude affects how we feel. We need to have a good attitude. No matter what the price is, let it be “not my will but Yours be done”.

Y = yo-yo (non-consistent).
We need to have a consistent quiet time with the Lord. Jesus was consistent. He never fails to spend time with the Father. He began His life with prayer and ended it with prayer. Maybe we say we do not know how to pray, but hasn’t the Lord said that His Spirit will help us?

A Vision That's Beyond Your Capacity

2007-04-25T10:15:00.000+08:00

Sri Lanka Missions in October 2006
Leadership Seminar: Beyond Your Capacity

Summary of Pastor Vincent's message:
When God gives you a vision, it is BIG vision. So big, it is beyond our capacity to accomplish. Fulfilling the vision that God gives you always involve a lot of pain, struggle and burden.

Just consider the vision God gave to Moses in Mount Horeb - to lead the multitudes of Israelites into the promised land. In Numbers 11:10-15, Moses asked God to take away his life for the burden that the Lord has laid on him was too heavy for him to bear.

(Numbers 11:10-15 Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. He asked the LORD, "Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers? Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, 'Give us meat to eat!' I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.")

The burden of the ministry tends to cause us feel as if it is beyond our capacity. For a ministry to be strong, people support/teamwork is important – the burden of ministry should be shared and not borne alone.

(Numbers 11:16-17 The LORD said to Moses: "Bring me seventy of Israel's elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.)

A vision may be beyond our capacity, but it is never beyond God’s capacity to accomplish. It is beyond our capacity because we try to do it on our own ability. But with God, all things are possible. According to Romans 8:37, we are more than conquerors through Christ Who loves us.

God will bring to pass the vision He has given you. He will anoint you and give you the power to accomplish the task He wants you to do. God will not call us to do something that He does not empower us to do.

(Numbers 11:23 The LORD answered Moses, "Is the LORD's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you.")

Cell photo

2007-04-24T22:54:00.000+08:00

We know we have aged, just by looking at Shiki.