S28 cool peeps! :D

quote

2010-08-12T19:52:00.000+08:00

“True greatness is not the act of one decision but is the result of the secert life of someone who has yielded their soul to the Almighty in the hidden years of obscurity only to find themselves as the main act on world stage of crisis ready to make history!” – Kris Vallotton (Bethel Church, Redding)

Welcome!!

2010-05-21T02:56:00.003+08:00

Sorry for late updates!!
*whoooo..

We wanna welcome MICHELLE, AIWEI, GERMAINE & XIANG LONG to S28's family!!

Thanks for the love, joy,ups/downs and fun we shared!! :))

don stop watching, keep watching

2010-04-11T21:16:00.002+08:00

no matter what u do, watch the video till the end to get the real meaning.

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world..." (Ephesians 2:1-2)

"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus..." (Ephesians 2-4-6)

EVERYTHING HAS BEEN REVERSED!

The hidden message

2010-03-28T14:21:00.003+08:00

"Never judge a book by its cover"

How much do you know about the bible? The book that you have been carrying it around every now and then? And when people ask you about the holy book of God, are you well equipped with the words, so that you could answer the question ?

Just hours ago, a few christian appear outside my house. And said would like to share with me about the wonderful message of the bible. And i simply asked some question, and they went

stunned..

Do you know?

Wycliffe began the first translation of the English Bible which was finished by John Purvey in1388 A.D.
In 1228 A.D., the Bible was divided into chapters by Stephen Langton.
In 1448 A.D., the Old Testament was divided into verses by R. Nathan.
In 1551 A.D., the New Testament was divided into verses by Robert Stephanus.

There are 31,173 verses in the Bible...( 23,214 in the O.T. 7,959 in the N.T.) There are 27 Books, 260 chapters, 181,253 words and 288 pages (relative size) in the New Testament. There are 39 Books, 929 chapters, 593,493 words and 993 pages (relative size) in the Old Testament. The largest book is Psalms, The shortest book is 3 John. The longest chapter is Psalm 119 ... .The shortest chapter is Psalm 117 ... The longest verse is Esther 8:9. The shortest verse is John 11:35. ..The.Center Chapter of the entire Bible is Psalms 118... There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118 ... There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118 ...Psalms 118:8 is the center verse in the Bible.."It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."The name "Jesus" occurs 770 times in the N.T and the title "the Messiah" 300 times.

The most accurate english Bible is the King James, The 17th Century King James Version was rated the most accurate english Bible. And now the Modern 21th century King James Version(updated and reviewed) was release and was believe to be the most accurate english Bible yet.(Supported by the Central Bible College/ CNN/CBN)

As you start reading of the bible, do you just read 1 version? Or do you compare the bible with other version to verify the words? It has been said by CNN that many bible of today have been edited not according to the word of god, but to favor the people in order to make the author rich. (supported by Central Bible College)

The bible may contain only nearly 500,000-700,000 words, but the meaning behind it is limitless. How much do you know about the word? Every single verse in the book contain limitless meaning. It just that how much time are you devoting to the words, and how much have you prayed to God, asking him to reveal the purpose and the meaning behind it to you.

And just reading the words is not enough , praying is not enough . Some people may have read the bible over and over and over again. But their revelation is limited. Because they just isn't really serious about reading it. In order to sense the heart of the word, we have to use a true heart, a similar heart that is being used to write the bible.

As we enter the Easter week, and nearing the time where God will come down. More and more people are interested in the word, don just stop at inviting friends to come, it not enough. Knowing the word, showing them that you are able to answer them. Answer their doubt. Telling them the truth or should i say, showing them who is the truth.

It time for each one of us, to really go study about the bible, learn every single meaning about it. It not going to take just months or years to complete it. It going to take us more than a life time to do it.

what is truth?

2010-03-27T09:30:00.005+08:00

"Truth isn't a message. Truth is a Person."

Have anyone ever told you "i am searching for the truth". And whenever people try to search for the truth, they will always come to no avail due to the fact, truth is not a message but a person named Jesus Christ.

King Of Glory. Creator of the Universe. Lord of the Lord. Alpha and Omega.

Revelation 1:12-18 (King James Version)

¹²And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

¹³And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

¹⁴His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

¹⁵And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

¹⁶And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

¹⁷And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

¹⁸I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

And think about it, what people want the most? Or should I say what we want the most? A clean slate. A new start. To be forgiven. To forgive themselves. Righteousness isn't it so?

And music is often being used to capture the heart of the generation, every now and then come a band or a song that is the unspoken heartbeat of a generation.

God may be saying that will you be listening? Music is relevant, emotional and emotive. It no longer just music, it is substance.

Listen to it, use your heart to sense the heart, let your heart be moved by the heart. Moved to pray for this generation, your generation, my generation, the generation to come.

"So let mercy come,

and wash away

what i've done

I've faced myself

to cross out what i've become

erase myself

and let go of what i've done"

This chorus is powerful, and familiar isn't it? It by a non-christian rock band- Linkin park, what i've done.. Isn't it amazing what God can do with people of this generation?

His mercy and his sacrifice erase all of our sin, so we can let go and move on clean and new. Jesus paid the price for forgiveness.

Just read about Colossians 3:1-4, 3:10

God does not hold our past against us. What we've done is part of who we WERE not of what we ARE now.

Colossians 1:21-22 You used to be far from God. Your thoughts made you his enemies, and you did evil things. But his Son became a human and died. So God made peace with you, and now he lets you stand in his presence as people who are holy and faultless and innocent.

Jesus is calling. Speaking. Will we stand up and speak for him and with him so that these generation know the hope we have. The reality we have of forgiveness and love and life.

i/we are his child

2010-03-24T00:02:00.003+08:00

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:12-13

i am a child of God.

i am His child.

He is my Father

.not born of flesh but born by His choice and His will.i belong to Him.

i am just so amazed at this afresh.

He is my Father – He gave me the right to become His child. simplicity. reality. this is my family, my standing.

i enjoy His love, protection, provision, care.

i am aware He is with me, always, has a plan for my life, transforms me, challenges me, convicts me, encourages me, loves me.its simple.

yet we can make it so complicated.and sometimes we forget that. sometimes we get entangled in life and sin and we forget that God makes us His child

you know, it continues to amaze me and humble me and leave me in awe that God says;

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me…. Revelation 3:20

how personal is that.i long for God to come in.

i open the door to His love and grace.

i open the door to relationship. i open the door to walk with Him.

not to obey ritual or to wear the badge that i’m a christian, but to know Him and be known.

He is the creator of the universe, breathing out stars, seeing all that is unseen and uncomprehenable.

how wonderous are His ways and His works.and i get to call Him Father. not just God Almighty. but Father.

Counting down to Easter!!

2010-03-22T01:42:00.002+08:00

Hey Guys,
The services we're banging on. We'll try not to touch Sunday if possible & try to invite them for the another 2 services. Believing their lives will be greatly touched! Let's believe for fruits that will remain as well, 5 added in Jesus' name! :)) Counting on each of everyone to bring in the HARVEST!!

1 Jurong West St. 91

2 Apr 2010 (Fri), 3 p.m.

Singapore Expo Hall 1
3 Apr 2010 (Sat), 3.30 p.m.
4 Apr 2010 (Sun), 12.30 p.m.

Sealed with love

Purpose and Proof

2010-03-21T01:09:00.003+08:00

"Some people go to church just to gather, and some people go to church "to grow". Why do you go?"-Rev.Dr.A.R.Bernard

People around us are hungry for a REAL God. not a dead boring God but one who has power and loves and can “do stuff in their lives” – like God does. Dont box God but let Him be Lord of your life and shine for Him. Live and adventure with God. Have faith.People want proof – sometimes we are the proof God gives them – that he is real and loving and amazing and at work. We are called to reveal God – to be His witnesses to this generation around us.

Eater week is coming!

2010-03-21T00:15:00.004+08:00

Since the easter week is coming, we should post something and read some stuff that is related to easter isn't it? So let us all be faithful in the reading.

However reading the word of God isn't enough, we have to study it, and learn about it. Letting the words become part of our life. And prepared to answer question and not stumble when asked. (If you think the stuff i post might contain wrong info, don worry, All the debating/news/research I posted are from reliable source such as CNN,CBN,BBC,New York Times which are accepted internationally by many)

HOLY WEEK
Did the Resurrection Really Happen?
By Ralph Muncaster
Guest Writer

CBN.com - The crucifixion of Jesus was especially well documented and accepted as fact. The crucial question then becomes, "Did Jesus rise from the dead, proving His claim to be God incarnate? Or did something else happen with His body? Or was He never dead at all?"....(read more)(read more)(read more)

hehe i am evil...If u want to read more..do press read more to be redirected to the actual page, or else people will complain i am spamming! (which i think i am )

Happy birthday-Jasmine!

2010-03-20T23:16:00.005+08:00

(time to update all the birthday already)

Happy birthday to Jasmine Liew, ok la 18 year old liao , very old already. Adult/auntie already, no longer a teen. Different already. But still need to work hard.

"I know this photo will bring you some "special memories", or maybe some screaming.. But don worry the rest of the photos are kept password protected in my Computer. =)"- Guo Hao

If anyone got special message to Jasmine do post on the tag board, it will be transfer to this post, yup!

Arise and Build !

2010-03-20T21:16:00.002+08:00

Guys, do remember it the arise and build season! For those that could't made it for service or short of cash. Do remember you can give online(so long you have a debit/credit card). And do check your arise and build campaign page to ensure the amount are reflected.

Easter production: Life-book

2010-03-20T21:08:00.008+08:00

As the world grows bigger and smaller at the same time, online social networking has become the modern day “Tower of Babel” that brings people together from all across the globe.

This year, join us for our drama “life-book” as it shows how success …
… is not about what you know but who you know,
... is not about what you own but who owns you.

Do invite your family and friends to come along for our Easter celebration this year!

What are you waiting for? "Time wait for no tides nor man" it time to take action(Click on the banner to be directed to the e-mail invitation page).

"Your name, once engraved upon His hands, has never been erased, nor will He ever blot it out of the Book of Life." - CH Spurgeon

Psalm 55:22

2010-03-19T21:03:00.001+08:00

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. (Psalm 55:22)

Music and song is a great way to memorize scripture. This catchy song will be bouncing around in your head all day...

The heart of the gospel

2010-03-16T21:57:00.000+08:00

The heart of the Gospel is the pierced heart of the Son of God. It is all there, at the cross. God, horrified and assaulted by our sin, our clenched fist in His face, and His breathtaking act of turning that same cross into the instrument of redeeming love, reconciliation and salvation. He died for those who killed Him. By His blood He forgave those who spilled it. That is the Gospel story (John 3,16). Evangelism is to tell it like it is. Greetings, REINHARD BONNKE.

who can god use?

2010-03-14T17:11:00.001+08:00

think God only uses perfectly qualified people? think again…

moses, abraham, jonah, rahab, jacob, noah, peter, david…

angry murderer, too old, ran away from God, a prostitute, liar, drunk, loud mouth denier, adulterous murderer….

quote

2010-03-14T14:32:00.000+08:00

A thought on choices, habits, and daily Bible reading.

"...the most significant patterns in our lives usually don't come as a result of one big decision. Rather, they come from a series of little choices that eventually shape us at the deepest level. And if those little choices are not in sync with God's priorities they gradually drain the life from our relationship with him." (from "Refreshing Faith" by Whitney T. Kuniholm)

The barber

2010-03-13T20:02:00.000+08:00

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation and talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer.

"Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things."

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber.

"I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me."

"Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! Because people do not look to God for help is why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

In god we trust

2010-03-12T00:51:00.001+08:00

A woman of modest means and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. The boss was very wealthy, with an estate home and several cars costing more than the average house.

The woman delighted to experience first hand the life of the extremely wealthy. The boss indulged his guests both at home on his estate as well as out as exclusive dining establishments.

On one occasion as they were about to enter an exclusive restaurant, the boss was walking slightly ahead of them. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.

An awkward silence folllowed. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, a few cigarette butts and assorted litter. Quietly, the rich man reached down and picked up the penny.

He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have of a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?

Throughout dinner, the penny bothered her. Finally, she causally mentioned that her son once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been rare.

A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see.

"Look at it." He said. "Read what it says." She read the words "United States of America."

"No, not that; read further."

"One cent?" "No, keep reading."

"In God we Trust?" "Yes!" "And?"

"And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it!

God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by?

When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!"

Arise and build 2010!

2010-03-09T18:46:00.001+08:00

Are your ready to build your God a new house?

Footprint.

2010-03-08T17:03:00.004+08:00

Deep in his slumber, one night a man had a very real, yet surreal dream. He dreamt that he was walking along the beach with God. As he looked up at the sky, he saw all the scenes of his life flash by along with two sets of foot prints: one set for himself, and another for God.

After all the scenes had flashed before him, he looked back at those footprints and noticed something quite disturbing: at the most difficult times in his life, he saw only one set of footprints.

This deeply troubled the man, so he turned and said to God: " you said that if I followed you, then you would always walk with me through thick and thin. Looking back, I see that during the most painful times there is only one set of footprints. Why did you leave me when I needed you the most?"

"Son, I love you and would never leave. It was during those times when you suffered the most that i carried you"

Author-Unknown

Deuteronomy 7:9 (King James Version)
⁹Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

walk by faith not by sight

2010-03-08T00:41:00.005+08:00

Patience to others is love, patience to self is hope, patience to God is faith!"

We might not see God in physical form right in front of us, but that doesn’t mean He isn’t at work…

I once heard a anaology that makes it make sense – that life is like a tapestry and all we see is the “messy side” but it wont be till we pass into the other side of eternity that we see the incredible picture that God was designing with our life… we will see what He was doing and what was happening – we only see in part, but one day we will see clearly where God was at work.

2 corinthians 5:7 says We live by faith, not by sight.

We live believing in God and that He is at work, even though we may not see sign writing in the sky or angelic deliverers or stuff like that… sometimes God may use those things, but sometimes His work is more hidden and supernatural.

So guys are you ready? let all walk by faith and not by sight.

Arise and Build 2010!

2010-03-06T18:59:00.010+08:00

Are you ready? Arise and build season is here. Have you pledge? The new building is actually Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Unbelievable isn't it? And most amazing of all we are moving in 11months time!

By then it doesn't matter which service you belong too, which ministry you serve in. Because we will all be together as one in the magnificent temple of God worshiping, praising and serving him.

17,300,000SGD for this season, unequal amount, equal sacrifice we can do it! Because with God all thing are possible! Let all arise and build for the temple of God.

1 Chronicles 22:19
Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.

Nehemiah 2:20
Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

Remember those who sow in tears ....(psalm 125:5a)

1 Kings 3:4-6
⁴And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.
⁵In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
⁶And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.

1 Kings 8:63
⁶³And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the LORD, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD.

Shall reap in joy

Psalm 126:5-6
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

1 Kings 10:23-29
²³So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.
²⁴And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.
²⁵And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.
²⁶And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.
²⁷And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycomore trees that are in the vale, for abundance.
²⁸And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
²⁹And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means.

Faith in the unseen almighty god.

2010-03-05T23:34:00.002+08:00

“that faith is expressed by how we live and that faith isnt a WHAT – it is in a WHO – our unseen almighty God” – so i guess that is TWO main things…

faith… one of the first passages that jump into my head when i hear the word faith (apart from Hebrews 11!) is James 2:17-18

James 2:17 says: In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

James puts it even more black and white in the next verse:

James 2:18 Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

i love his attitude – he’s going for a slap down!

You say you’re a christian, you wear the right clothes, have the right music on your ipod, have a wwjd wrist band and a bible the size of a small house… but show me the real evidence of your faith… show me how you are living it…

Faith is more than outward appearnce living – it should influence who we are and how we think and what we do in every area.

what you believe will leak out into your life.

in all of life there are 2 choices: a response of faith or a response of the flesh. choose FAITH. FAITH trusts almighty powerful able God.

when u see the Red Sea there are 2 responses u could make: “whose stupid idea was this way?” or FAITH – choose FAITH & walk THRU the sea. when faced with the Red Sea Moses could of thrown a pity party, but instead he parted the Sea by the power of God

when u see a giant there are 2 responses u could make: “mummmy!” or FAITH – choose FAITH – faith overcomes & delivers. when david faced down the gaint he wasnt phased by the size of the gaint cos he had faith in the “size/power” of his God

when the law days deny God you choose faith and face the fire and encounter the power of God.

when surrounded by enemy forces you choose faith and see God at work.

you see faith is about choices.

we make the choice to believe in WHO God says He is, or the choice to give in to our own earthly feelings.

faith shaped the realities and destinys of the guys i just talked about – it influenced who they were, what they thought, how they saw the world, how they saw hard times, what they did, how they lived.

they believed that God was who He says He is and they expected Him to “live” accordingly, to act accordinly.

so lets do a quick recap of who God is and who He says we are too:

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.¹⁰This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 john 4:9-10

GOD LOVES US AND SENT JESUS SO WE MIGHT HAVE LIFE

revelation 17:14 but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings

GOD IS ALL POWERFUL

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth. Psalm 33:6

AMAZING CREATIVE POWER

For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does. Psalm 33:4

TRUE<>

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

UNCHANGING

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, ²⁰which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, ²¹far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:18-21

JESUS REIGNS NOW

THERE IS GREAT POWER FOR US AS CHRISTIANS

YOU CAN KNOW GOD’S HOPE AND HE LAVISHES RICH GLORIOUS INHERITANCE UPON US

JESUS IS ABOVE ALL OTHER POWERS!

If God is for us, who can be against us? ³²He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?³³Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” ³⁷No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

GOD GAVE EVERYTHING FOR US TO KNOW HIM:

NOTHING CAN SEPERATE US FROM HIS LOVE:

JESUS PRAYS FOR US RIGHT NOW:

our faith doesnt grow in some airy fairy way. our faith grows because we see WHO GOD IS and we get it all the way in – that we believe it enough to stake our lives and our reputation on it.

faith is not a WHAT it is in a WHO and the only way to increase it and make it the dominant influence in our life is to see and understand and know who that WHO is!

this is why reading your bible is so important – because you are getting an accurate picture of how big and awesome and amazing and for you and with you God is.

you read his promises and you can stand upon them because if He said them He lives them.

you see the how God works in hard times and good times. You see how He is faithful and just, merciful and compassionate. You learn how to pray and how to have faith in the darkness.

life is more than breathing.

we are children of God – citizens of a heavenly kingdom – called to live by faith, called to holiness, called to be transformed, called to go and make disciples, called to demosntrate hte love and grace to those around us, called ambassadors and ministers of reconcilliation, called, empowered, filled iwth the Holy Spirit who dwells within us to reveal God the Father and fill us with His power to do amazing supernatural acts that we could never do in our own abilitys or gifts.

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

What you belive about God – what you belive about WHO HE is is what your faith grows on… How big do you see God? Do you believe He loves you, right here right now? Do you belive He forgives you and will forgive you? Do you belive He has a plan and a purpose for your life? Do you believe He is near and personal? Do you belive He can intervine in your life like “snap”?

check your faith gage… God hasnt changed. He is still on the throne, almighty as ever.

examine yourself. have you filter faith out and let doubt, worry, insecurity, fear and other stuff take over.

Faith declares that God is exactly who He says He is.

faith LIVES secure that God is exactly who He says He is…

Word Power Challenge- Will you take up the challenge?

2010-02-25T16:32:00.006+08:00

Points to note:

- Verses are to be tested on NKJV only. Please strictly follow this piece of handout.
- Preliminaries will be conducted at Cell Group level. Dates: 2 - 7 March, 2010.
- General Bible knowledge will also be tested during the Semi-finals and the Finals.

Verse #1: Genesis 8:22

“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.”

Verse #2: Genesis 15:1

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”

Verse #3: Numbers 14:24

But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it.

Verse #4: Deuteronomy 11:1

Therefore you shall love the Lord your God, and keep His charge, His statutes, His judgments, and His commandments always.

Verse #5: Joshua 1:8

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Verse #6: 1 Chronicles 4:10

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.

Verse #7: 2 Chronicles 7:14

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Verse #8: Job 23:10-11

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside.

Verse #9: Psalms 16:11

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Verse #10: Psalms 77: 11-12

I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds.

Verse #11: Psalms 84:10

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Verse #12: Psalms 133: 1

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Verse #13: Isaiah 40: 31

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Verse #14: Isaiah 58: 11

The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in

drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

Verse #15: Lamentations 3: 22-23

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

Verse #16: John 14:21

“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

Verse #17: Acts 1:8

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Verse #18: Acts 2:46-47

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the churchdaily those who were being saved.

Verse #19: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Verse #20: 2 Timothy 1:6-7

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Why S28 should be in?

-It will increase your knowledge of the word of God.

-It will strengthen your prayer life & be more effective in prayers.

-Attractive PRIZES to be won. (Eg. Mini notebook, IPOD.. )

From now, MEMORISE 2 verses a day.. Dream of owning it or blessing others, it is not far from us!!

S1 CNY lao yu sheng celebration!!

2010-02-24T15:41:00.006+08:00

Huat ah! (means get wealth) Giving out "Ang Baos"
to chosen members through blessing dips.

(left) From Cyn: I wish all of you guys a very happy chi new yr.
Hope you guys have a great tiger year!! *ROAR*

(right) From Jas: Hey S28! I'm here to wish everyone a happy chi new yr.
The 15days aren't over yet, so continue to visit one another &
experience the cny spirit:) A new year has gone by, forget the past & look into
the present positively! Most importantly, lets step into the new yr filled
with God's love & peace & start this yr right for His glory!
Happy Lunar New Year guys!!

S28 wishes you a HAPPY & PROSPEROUS CNY!!
It's a season to spread the love, joy & be blessed.
Count every lil blessings, smiles..
We are just happy &
Thank you for being part of this family!!
+Jelyn, Joanne, Cassie, James, Kai Quan, Erin, Sze Ling, Jia Hui etc...
Loves!!

The route is long and dark ...but i see light...at the other end

2010-02-20T07:39:00.002+08:00

"The route you have picked is long. What will you do? Stop walking and sit down or walk as if you are being force. Or run toward the end? The choice is your...Don forget at the end of the route is a light...that guide you on your path, a light that will your feel peace..."

2010-02-20T02:21:00.004+08:00

1 John 4:11-12

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us,

and His love has been perfected in us.

Being loved is a joy. Being able to love is a far greater joy. Loving people fervently is the key to unlock God's presence and many great things! We're a cellgroup that love, love, love.

Like what the current song sings:

" Never gonna be, Never gonna be; Living, living less than what You want from me; Living all my life to the one and I'll worship You "

Let's live for God T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R!

Happy Belated Valentines' Day!

watch the lamb

2010-02-19T23:40:00.002+08:00

Imagine with me. It is a hot dusty day in a hot dusty land. The wind rises, blowing hair into the eyes of a young man. All around him are the noises and smells of the market and temple. The air is filled with the bleating of sheep, the lowing of oxen and the shouting of people. Each step he takes he is bustled and pushed by those around him. They all are heading to the same destination. The temple.

The young man presents his lamb to the levite priest before him.

The priest examines the lamb thoroughly. He opens his mouth. Checks the lambs hooves. Runs his hands up and down each leg. He checks for flaws, defects.

The priest nods solemnly. Relief floods the young man’s heart. His offering was perfect. Acceptable. A weight lifts off his shoulders. He is forgiven.

Did you notice?

Did you see?

The priest didn’t look the young man up and down. He didn’t glance his shoes, look in his eyes, or ask for a record of how he spent his time in the last week. There is no third degree or scrutiny of the mans heart and character. The young man did not have to be perfect or acceptable to be forgiven.

The sacrifice needed to be perfect and acceptable. The sacrifice needed to be blemish free.

The Bible says “you must bring to the Lord as the penalty for your sin a female from the flock, either a sheep or a goat. This is a sin offering with which the priest will purify you from your sin, making you right with the Lord.” Leviticus 5:6

The Old Testament sacrificial code is a shadow and a foreshadowing. It shows us how we are forgiven. It shows us how we become acceptable with God.

Just as the young man had his sin covered by the blood of the acceptable lamb so too we come before God covered and made acceptable by an offering. The offering of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

1 Peter 1:1-19 And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.

And just as the priest didn’t examine the young man to see if he was blemish free God doesn’t look at us, he only looks at the Lamb of God who takes away our sins. The blood of Jesus, the Lamb, covers us and makes us acceptable.

Did you see that?

Did you feel that?

We don’t need to be perfect to come to God. The perfect sacrifice was given in Jesus. When we first come to God (pre-Christian) we are totally blemished and defective because of sin. The Bible says we are dead to God. We are made acceptable by trusting in the sacrifice of Jesus. This is what faith is.

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” Romans 5:1

Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. Ephesians 3:12

Our life as Christians and right standing with God continues to depend upon this sacrifice. It is not by our own effort or goodness that we can know God. We can never measure up or become unblemished by working for it. When God looks at us He sees the righteous record of His Son. We are right now acceptable to God.

“He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” Ephesians 1:7

We are instructed and encouraged to walk out our faith by living lives that are pleasing to God but this is a process that takes a lifetime. As we “clean our lives up” though we don’t need to feel far away from God or not good enough to know Him. . If we are a Christian there is no limitation or separation between God and us. Jesus gave His life so that we can know God and be called a child of God. We can know God.

This should give us freedom and joy and gratitude and a sense of awe – the WOW response. Let’s live like this. Let’s live in this freedom and forgiveness. Lets live responding to the grace of God.

The sacrifice has been paid. We are forgiven.

Onepassiononedevotion.wordpress.com

no matter the obstacle

2010-02-07T03:00:00.001+08:00

If you have to go to war, you may find yourselves facing an enemy army that is bigger than yours and that has horses and chariots. But don’t be afraid! The LORD your God rescued you from Egypt, and he will help you fight. Deuteronomy 20:1

no matter what the obstacle is in the battle, no matter what opposition you face REMEMBER the Lord is with you and rescues you and fights for you.

TRUST HIM. TRUST HIM. TRUST HIM.

God is big enough to deal with teh obstacles and the oppostions.

he holds the universe in his hands.

the universe is tucked into his hand and he can see all and know all and is with us.

he is refining and transforming us – and part of that process is for us to learn to trust him in the fire. but in that fire we can trust that God is with us.

the enemy may be bigger than us and better equipped. they may have better technology and more manpower. but we are children of the most High God.

learn the lessons of faith.

and be still and know that God is God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and the Universe, the one who sent His Beloved Son to die for us that we might know him and be pure and holy and redeemed.

loves does.

2010-01-25T22:29:00.003+08:00

Matthew 22:36-28 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

This is one of those verses we can skip over “cos we know it.” you know what i mean eh, verses we read and skim over without thinking about because we may of thought about them 5 years ago… things that are simple and so we’ve worked it all out… i know i am like that… and i am trying to change!

but it is worth taking a look at again and exaiminng our life.

does our life reflect these two MAIN THINGS – loving God and loving people?

are our priorities influenced and inspired by loving God and loving people?

does our time reflect our committment to these commandment

our neighbour is not just the person who lives next door…. it is anyone. anyone who lives and breathes. and it isnt just a christian or church member… it is anyone… it isnt just the nice people we call friends… it is anyone… including those we dont “click” with… get me….?

PRACTICAL LOVE IN ACTION:

smile at people (serious!)

open doors

phone someone you might know is feeling a bit lonely

make a meal for someone who is sick or busy or something!

take a friend out for coffee and a chat

babysit for someone

lend a book or cd

pay for a doctors visit

drop off a bag of groceries

pick up someone and take them to church

sit with the person no one sits with at church

include someone in your circle of friends when you go out (ie invite them)

send an encouraging email

pass on your kids clothes that they have grown out of to a family that needs things like that

mow someones lawns if they cant

pray

….

you get the picture… this is in no way a definiative or exhausted list… but it is a list of action. Love does. it doesnt just think about it – it is ACTION. love does things. love is action. love is expressed. love makes a difference. it draws people to God. it makes there day brighter. it makes life easier. it meets a need. it encoruages. it loves.

how are you making loving people and loving God real in your life?

how can you love those around you more?

Keep your eyes on jesus!

2010-01-24T22:55:00.001+08:00

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, LOOKING to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right of the throne of God.

I love this verse – it may seem to be a challenging verse(about sin, which we so easily fall into), but I find it majoring in the encouragement and hope.

It encourages me to Look To Jesus – the author and perfector, finisher of my faith. It encourages me to remember all he has done for me, that he died on the cross to purchase my forgivenness and wholeness and freedom from sin.

It encourages me to then desire to walk a life that makes Him smile, so thus I desire to throw off the sin that so easily entagles me… I look to him and I see what is holy, pure and wonderful. I look to him and see him looking at me with love and grace – his arms open wide, as they were on the cross in welcome.

Look to Jesus. In Him you will find peace, security, love, wholeness, freedom. He is the way to the Father. The way to heaven.

We all make mistakes and trip and fall. We all have issues and weaknesses. We all have sins that so easily entagle us. BUt look to Jesus, Look at Him. Picture him on the cross. Picture his blood shed for you. Picture him robed in glory as he is rise and alive and victorious. Look to Jesus.

Limitless love

2010-01-24T09:33:00.000+08:00

“No means of measure can define His limitless love”

God showed his love for us when he sent his only Son into the world to give us life. Real love isn’t our love for God, but his love for us. God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven. 1 John 4:9-10

Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death? I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love–not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future,and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord! Romans 8

I kneel in prayer to the Father. All beings in heaven and on earth receive their life from him. God is wonderful and glorious. I pray that his Spirit will make you become strong followers and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love.I pray that you and all of God’s people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep. I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Ephesians 3:14-19

The Kingdom of Heaven Suffers Violence…

2010-01-23T08:24:00.000+08:00

You cannot give place to the world, to your passions or your laziness. Words are not enough to claim the kingdom of God. It takes strength and courage and violence. You must violently resist the tides of the world. Violently give up all that holds you back from God. Violently turn your will over to God to do His will alone. This violence is what I pray you will come to know, for how else will you know anything of the life of the Lord Jesus? Fenelon from 100 days in the secret place

The violence that Francis Fenelon is talking about in this above quote is not about arrogant rough hit and punch violence. it is not the voilence we see on tv or read about in the news. it is not filled with swearing or expressed with fists. It is the passionate pursuit of ones goals – in our case – the Kingdom of God. With force and decision and resolve we must resist the desires of the flesh and hold onto the course before us – the narrow path of holiness and surrender. It takes guts to follow Christ. Jesus himself said:

Matthew 16:24-25 If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life shall lose it, and whoever desires to lose his life for My sake shall find it.

Sometimes following Jesus isnt all happiness and roses… it is loneliness and suffering, discipline and sacrifice. There are times when God works on our character that just arent pleasant… when we feel like we are walking through the fire and flame, and feel like we are walking those paths alone. God seems distant and prayers unanswered.
i was watching Rob Bell’s Nooma dvd NOISE today and i was again stirred by Elijah meeting with God on the mountain top – not Mt Carmel, but a forgotten, hidden mountain where he had run away too. he had run away from his ministry and the people and the opposition – he was running away from life. While on the mountain there was an earthquake, a mighty wind, a raging fire – but God was NOT in the fire or the wind or the earthquake. he was not in the loud demonstration. he was in the small quiet voice… Rob Bell pointed out that this really means SILENCE. God was in the silence. God is in teh silence we face in our lives, when he seems far away he is so near. do we hold on and hear him and find him or do we continue to run?
Take hope in the words of the Bible, that say that God IS with us through the fire and the flame (Isaiah 43) and that He does hear our prayers always.
1Peter 1:6-7 in which you greatly rejoice, yet a little while, if need be, grieving in manifold temptations; so that the trial of your faith (being much more precious than that of gold that perishes, but being proven through fire) might be found to praise and honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Our faith is regarded as being much more precious than gold to God. It does go through the fire of refinement as we are shaped into the character of Jesus.
We must be committed to following God, to allowing His way in our lives and to walking one step at a time forward. We must be committed to making God-decisions, not just good ones, and to rejecting the things we must reject. No one ever said it would be easy, just worth it. Eternally. we must press on, as Paul said.

Ordinary prayer.

2010-01-18T16:14:00.001+08:00

When ordinary people pray, EXTRAordinary things happen!

Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. James 5:17

so often we feel so ordinary and unspiritual. so natural and normal.

but our normalness and ordinaryness doesnt disqualify us from the supernatural and extraordinary.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

we are just clay vessels. well not really “just” in the sense of that is all we are – because WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD!

Our Father is God Almighty, the great I AM, the everlasting king of kings! He is the one we pray to, the one we seek, the one we worship, the one we surrender to. He is the one who hears our prayers and answers our prayers. He is the one who changes the world, who moves mountains, who provides, who delivers, who comforts, who saves.

When ordinary people pray – God moves and extraordinary things happen because we pray and seek him!

dont think you are too small to pray. know your God is big enough to hear and respond.

dont think of yourself as too ordinary, just normal – believe you are a child of God and know that you can boldly enter the throne of God and find grace and help at your time of need (hebrews 4:16)

pray, and expect God to respond, have faith in Almighty God, have faith in his love and grace and power. put your hope in God and believe for extraordinary answers. keep praying. dont give up. keep seeking God!

leaps of faith.

2010-01-17T21:40:00.001+08:00

“Faith is a leap into the light, not into the darkness. It is a leap out of the unknown and into the known, out of not knowing Christ Jesus into knowing Him. Believing is like a child standing where it is not safe, but without any fear because his father is waiting to catch him. He falls on purpose to be caught.

Each of us is important to God. We are far more important to God, than all the stars of the universe. He wants us to trust Him totally. He made us, and will take pains with us. Faith allows Him to see us through until we rest in Him. Aren’t you glad?” REINHARD BONNK

Was God Lost????

2010-01-17T00:04:00.001+08:00

In our lives we sometimes wonder if God is aware of where we are on the journey….

Exodus 17:1-2 The Israelites left the desert and moved from one place to another each time the LORD ordered them to. Once they camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for them to drink. The people started complaining to Moses, “Give us some water!” Moses replied, “Why are you complaining to me and trying to put the LORD to the test?”

The Lord led the people. When he moved, they moved. Where he stopped and stayed, they stopped and stayed. He commanded their moves.

Did God not realize they had no water there?

Did he not check his map or google earth before stopping the cloud of his presence?

Did he forget to check the list of required “stuff” at this location?

Was God not aware of the needs of the poeple?

God sees all and knows all.
He needs no GPS to know where he is and the resources there.
He was fully aware of where HE was and where the people were.

He totally comphended the needs of the poeople.

He knows OUR needs and sees where we are in life. He knows the desire of our heart.

He led them to a place with no water. He stopped and he stayed there.

There was a bigger picture at work – a purpose for the poeople to stop at Rephidim.

God was teaching them to have faith in him and to trust him and to follow him and to see the wonders he could work. He is the almighty God who parted the sea and provided manna and quail. He is the God who delivered them from Egypt and slavery.

How did the people respond? With faith and prayer?

No – they complained and dissed God. THey did not trust him.

Where are you at in your journey? Are you in a place with streams of water? Are you in a dry and thirsty place? Do you have a job? Are your relationships going well? Are you healthy? Are you feeling fulfilled?

Are you trusting God?

Are you fixing your eyes upon Him and His might rather than looking at your circumstances?

Trust in the Lord Your God wth all your heart, all your mind, all your strength, all your understanding and dont rely on your own understanding of life.

If God leads you to a dry place – fix your eyes upon him and request substance from Him. He is the ONLY ONE who is able to make the dry place flow with nourishment.

what did u hear????!!!

2010-01-11T00:09:00.001+08:00

Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. ²⁸Father, glorify your name!”

Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” ²⁹The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. John 12:27-29

some heard God.
some heard thunder.
some heard an angel.
interesting.
God spoke and some heard Him, and others attibuted “the noise” they heard as the weather being wild and others said they heard something spiritual, an angel perhaps.
are we listening to God? tuned in? listening for Him to speak?
if He spoke would we hear His voice? or know something spiritual was happening but think it was an angel? or would we think it was just somethng natural, perhaps thunder or the wind?
are we misinturpreting God? are we distorting what we hear?
are we ignoring his voice full stop.
Lets be people that listen and RECOGNISE the voice of God when He speaks!

S28 library

2010-01-10T01:43:00.002+08:00

Hi. Here are the rules and regulations for the library. :)

#1 Take care of the book that you have borrowed like your own, because the owner spent money to buy it. So treasure it ^^

#2 Please inform me if you want to borrow any book, then I'll inform the owner.

#3 Books must be returned 1 month from the date of loan. If you wish to extend the date line, you MUST inform me. Or else, You'll be fined $0.10 every day delayed. The fine collected would then be put into the cell group fund.

That's all for now. :)
If you have any enquiries, feel free to ask me ^^

♥cyn

s28 library

2010-01-03T20:00:00.002+08:00

hey guys, the library have once again been update, i understand that it look rather plain. But I promise that i will come out with a better design soon!. so stay tune.

For those who wish to borrow any of the books, please contact cynthia or leave a tag on the tagboard. Thank you very much

God Always have a plan

2010-01-01T14:05:00.002+08:00

Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick. Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Feast was near.
When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. John 6:1-6

God always has a plan. Always has a provision. Always makes the way.

Nothing is impossible for God.

All things are possible for God.

God has all the details of our lives and the world in hand.

Jesus asked the disciples to feed the crowd, but he already had in mind what he was going to do. He was teaching the disciples a lesson in faith and the power of God.

Philip answered him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”
Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” John 6:7-8

Jesus had a plan. He already had it worked out, in the boys lunch box. In times when Jesus is calling us to accomplish the impossible he isnt asking us to naturally accomplish what only HE can do. He is asking us to align ourselves with him and his power and provision and plan. It is not by our might or our power our our natural ability but by the power of the Holy Spirit that anything miraculous and supernatural can occur. We do not possess the natural resources for miracles. Jesus is the miracle worker. He has a plan.

We can see this played out also in Ezra 1.

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing:
“This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:

” ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of his people among you—may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the LORD, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem. And the people of any place where survivors may now be living are to provide him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’ “
Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. All their neighbors assisted them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to all the freewill offerings. Ezra 1:1-6

First we see the heart of Cyrus, a heathen king, being moved by God.

Then the people are moved to return and build in Jerusalem.

and the staying people are moved to give and provide for those going.

God had a plan. A plan that may have seemed impossible on paper. But all things are possible iwth God. God moves the hearts of kings and stirs the spirits of people to do his will and carry out his plans. He moves and prepares and provides.

We can be confident that if he calls that he will equip and empower and provide whatever we need, be it resource or wisdom or compassion or the right words or power.

2009 personal testimony

2010-01-01T01:05:00.000+08:00

2009 have really been a long and rocky road for me. And facing so many challenge like -family, studies, work, financially, emotional, physically, spiritually.

For family as i come from a huge and well being family, and each of my cousin seem to do well in their own area of life, and success in the area they do or work in. While for me, I hold nothing in my hand but only as a student. And having aunties and uncle who are very old-minded, it really hard to be part of them or even join in their conversation, and soon i start to avoid them if possible and even shut all connection with them. even for my parents, my relationship with them start to fade.

For studies I was facing my 1st national exam in my secondary school year and only the 2nd in my life time and I really don have confident in this at all. And was facing breakdown after one and other. from all the stress I having from all areas. And sometimes i think " i am only 15 year old, why should i bear all this?" And even though of giving up on this national exam and just walk away from it.

Financially i was trying to be independent, and having to pay my own bills and stuff. It really hard at time, thinking ahh why should i also bear this. And when i over spend, it will affect my next weeks spending limit and stuff.

Physically i was getting sicker and sicker and become a body full of sickness, having to depend on medicine to live on is really painful. Due to doing so many thing, and overtired my body is just next to a stage of breakdown. And soon i think why should i live on?

Spiritually i enter in to many time a stage of stopping the walk with god, having negative and immature thought of why should i waste my time walking on without having any sight given by god.

But as i carry on walking on, i totally repent on everything and try to change, and soon god is really good turning negative to positive.

For family, more of my family members turn to Christ, as they may have wealth in this world, but they lack peace in their heart which can only be found in the Christ. Although some of the elder in the family will reject this thought as they had the old mindset, but god is good to those who are faithful. The elderly in my family know they can't do anything to stop us from doing our thing, and what religion we are in. They would even wan to join us just to see what is so amazing in this god we serve. And without knowing it, my family have almost all turn their life for Christ.

Even my relationship with them start to grow closer, for we have a mutual topic to talk about, and common hobby which is serving the lord. And even my parents, they would try to put themself in my shoes and i would try to do the same too. And we reach a stage where we once were.

For studies, thank god for good friend around me. They never fail to encourage me and give me the very push that is needed to make me walk on in this life to study on. And i am really touch by all this, and took the national exam, and now pass with a acceptable score of 13. But i know in god anything is possible therefor i shall not settle for just 13. i believe for more!

financially i gain a lot of blessing in life, and even job offer that could come up of 15$ per hour and more. And at time when i really financially poor, there will always be blessing coming from all area allowing me to make it thought the hard period. God really provide in time of need

Physically i start to get better, and less dependent on medicine and stuff. And indeed the lord heals all sickness, i believe soon i be totally cure in his name.

spiritually i stay firm on the words " when u feel like leaving, the more you should stay on" and indeed i stayed on . By staying on, the lord gave me vision after vision. And i really thank him for all this vision that he shown. He have proven to me this god that i serve is a real god!

2009 really have been a year of change. And it all because of Him. he gave me vision, he gave me hope, he gave me happiness. It may be my first year walking with him but it have really been great!

My Name Is Written On The Palms Of His Hands

2009-12-28T18:02:00.001+08:00

there is a powerful verse in Isaiah, in the Old Testament that says:

Isaiah 49:16 Behold, I have carved you on the palms of My hands;

When you read that in the context of this picture….

it makes you catch your breath… or it does me…

God is personal. not indifferent or far away, but close and near and here and right with us and for us and his love is everlasting. the Isaiah 49 verse goes on, after saying our names are written on teh palm of his hands, to say that we are continually and always before him. always and continaully. all the time. forever. now. 5 minutes ago. in 3 days. when we are awake and asleep. a

ll the time.

and he loves us. he loves us. he loves us.

the verse right before the one i have shared above (Isaiah 49:16) reads like this:

Isaiah 49:15 Can a woman forget her suckling child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, they may forget, yet I will not forget you.

as hard as it is to imagine forgetting ones child it CAN happen. people neglect their children, they abandon them, they give them up, the reject them. but as a mother of 2 lovely children they are always in my heart and thoughts nad i carry a photo of them with me always. when they are at school and kindy i relish my time alone, but part of me misses them. i cannot forget them. i cannot help but love them and have compassion for them. but some mothers do. that is their life and this is not to judge or condemn. it is to contrast that God is not like that.

His love is everlasting. his love is constant. when all else fail and fade, he is there. he is secure. always. his love and mercy are forever.

Retro fillia 2009!

2009-12-28T17:49:00.002+08:00

30 Dec, Wed
Zone Appreciation @
Roland Seafood Resturant
Time: 6.30pm – 10pm

are you ready? Be there or be square.

God LOVES me

2009-12-27T09:34:00.000+08:00

i am sure you have heard people say God loves us cos he made us. i kinda always took that as of course he did, he made us, just like he made the rocks and the birds and the fish etc. just like i love my children because i “made them” – they came from me. you know, it was a given that God would love me, cos that is kind of what he is like…

BUT then i “got it”.

God loves us because he MADE us.

my dna contributed to my kids and they c grew within me and came from me. i love them. but i have no real power over what they look like, who they will be, what personality they will have, whether they will be bold or bashful, sporty or scholarly… i have some influence but that isnt the point. i dont MAKE them. i birth them. God MADE my kids.

He MADE me. He had full control over whether i am bold or bashful. Full control over what colour eyes i have. How tall i will grow. Whether i like the taste of fish or not. If i can run fast, or not. If i want to run fast or not. You get me??? God MADE me. He made my personality. He made my “heart”. He MADE me. And He MADE me in such a way that he would LOVE and LIKE me. I am designed and created to love and be loveable to God.

You get me???

God MADE me with a purpose and that was to be loved by Him and to love Him back and to shine for Him.

Source: WWW.onepassiononedevotions.wordpress.com

2009 Cell Group Appreciation

2009-12-26T21:10:00.008+08:00

Hey guys, the CG appreciation 2009 have been great right? A lot of heart warming tears were dropped, but still it a joyful event and we all had a joyful time. Isn't it?

The one who change the most!

The one who say yes to all thing!
The most friendly person!
The one who bear it all!

Congratulation to all the winner and indeed they truly deserve it right? But let us not forget about the rest. Every single one is unique and surly they would have done something great in your life, and deserve to be appreciated.

So start sending every single one of them a message or a card, or if you wish to share with everyone how much you appreciate the person, then send in a e-mail saying you would like to share with everyone. And it will appear on this very holy yet full of love blog. So go for it! spread the love!

And if you miss 2009 cell group appreciation, don be sad! Because there are more to come eh.

Was jesus rich or poor?

2009-12-25T22:31:00.002+08:00

i saw this as the headline while i was reading CNN on Christmas day. It really make a lot of sense. But it up to you to be the judge in the question of "was jesus poor or rich"

Relationship with God

2009-12-24T00:26:00.002+08:00

“Genuine relationship starts when we see that the Father wants us desperately regardless of our choices in life. Regardless of our behavior. When we see His love is greater than our mistakes, we will trust Him. We won’t fear Him because His love is perfect. And we know that perfect love casts out fear” Lydia Joy

a Candle.

2009-12-22T21:01:00.000+08:00

Just mins ago, my house black out when i was doing some serious work trying to rush everything by christmas. Hoping everything will meet dateline. And what a time to black out, quite angry by it i went to grab some candles as i can't find my torchlight . As i light it up i could feel the warmth and light this very candle that does not seem amazing gave off.

And it set me in to thinking, didn't God created each one of us to be like a candle? each one carry a duty to spread your warmth(care) and light( love) to every single candle(person) around us?

But what happen if you do not carry out this duty and be selfish wanting to keep everything to yourself? most likely you burn yourself, by flipping the candle over, you prevented others from getting the heat and light. But at the very same time, you are burning yourself by being selfish. And in just matter of times, you will be totally gone with nothing left of yourself.

In the candlelight service, Pastor Kong lighted up the first candle and spread the flame across the hall, lighting up the whole hall filled with warmth and light. in the very same concept. God is the source of the love(romans 8:39,Gal 5:6,1John 3:26, 1John 3:16,1John 4:9-10), using each one of us as a vessel to spread his love to people among us, and to the nation. in order to light up the world(Isaiah 60:1-3).

So will you be the one that carry out His mission to you in this very lifetime, to spread the care and love of his to every single around you? Just like how others have spread this very unconditional love to you.

But as you spread this very unconditional love(fire) to others, will you too ensure that this fire will be spread on and is well taken care of (numbers 19:15) and it will not be gone with the wind?

And remember god is always ready to give you a task , to go out and do something. But are you ready when the task come? For god to be able to use someone, and you to do god's work, it doesn't mean you have to be perfect. Sometimes god use people you will never expect to be doing his glories work, but somehow he feel they are more ready to serve and carry out his duty.

God uses willing vessels, not brimming vessels. Throughout the Bible, in order to fulfill His plans for the earth, God used many people from all walks of life. He used:

1. Matthew, a government employee, who became an apostle.
2. Gideon, a common laborer, who became a valiant leader of men.
3. Deborah, a housewife, who became a judge.
4. Moses, a stutterer, who became a deliverer.
5. Jeremiah, a child, who fearlessly spoke the Word of the Lord.
6. Aaron, a servant, who became God's spokesman.
7. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, who became a defender of the faith.
8. David, a shepherd boy, who became a king.
9. Hosea, a marital failure, who prophesied to save Israel.
10. Joseph, a prisoner, who became prime minister.
11. Esther, an orphan, who became a queen.
12. Elijah, a homely man, who became a mighty prophet.
13. Joshua, an assistant, who became a conqueror.
14. James and John, fishermen, who became close disciples of Christ and were known as "sons of thunder."
15. Abraham, a nomad, who became the father of many nations.
16. Jacob, a refugee and a deceiver, who became the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
17. John the Baptist, a vagabond, who became the forerunner of Jesus.
18. Mary, an unknown virgin, who gave birth to the Son of God.
19. Nehemiah, a cupbearer, who built the wall of Jerusalem.
20. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Hebrew exiles, who became great leaders of the nation of Babylon.
21. Hezekiah, a son of an idolatrous father, who became a king renowned for doing right in the sight of the Lord.
22. Isaiah, a man of unclean lips, who prophesied the birth of God's Messiah.
23. Paul, a persecutor, who became the greatest missionary in history and author of two-thirds of the New Testament.

All God needs to use YOU is all of you! though him all thing are possible!

Don’t Waste A Moment!

2009-12-22T20:10:00.001+08:00

In the glimpse of eternity there are no wasted days, does not matter what age you are. Your destiny is always there waiting to be picked up, to be put into action. So when years and years have gone by and you feel like that your life has not accomplished much or anything know that everyday that you feel that you have wasted away, your talents hidden under a rock, so simply redeemed by a God that does not think in hours days or years.Nothing is impossible. from SOS:1910

so often we think that time passes us by – that we’re “just working in a job”, or “just at school”, or “just a stay at home mum” – that right now today we’re not really doing anything to build the kingdom of God and change the world…

BUT right where you are is where you are. USE IT and BE USED by God to change the world around you and the people around you who are lost and broken.

You might not be a paid pastor – but you can pastor those around you.

You might not be a paid missionary to India – but the lost people around you need to know the love and grace and gospel message of salvation and Jesus.

You might not be a paid children’s church pastor – but you can care and support the kids around you.

You get the picture. We are ALL called to shine and serve and speak and teach and evangelise and care and love and BE christians!

I read a quote one day that you have to be sure that you have a call to STAY – instead of a call to GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES. i know my call is to stay. to stay in New Zealand, in suburn Auckland (or wherever) and to be a light to those around me. To know God and make Him known. I was blessed to work in the customer service area of a national concrete company. yes i know, concrete. riviting stuff. but i worked with a team of awesome people – most who were backslidden christians. my job may of being to talk concrete and educate the public how to use our product, but my real job and mission was to love my team and demonstrate God to them. when i left because i was having my son i left a changed world and changed eternities.

Dont waste any opportunity. Dont waste where you are right now.

YOU can make a huge difference in someone’s life and eternity.

You are the light that shines people to God!

Dont wait for a degree or sky writing – step out now and know you are qualified by the power of the Holy Spirit!

Nothing is impossible for God. He uses us, everyday people, ordinary people, to do extraordinary things – to demonstrate Himself and His love to the world!

“But speaking of angels, in Scripture God never sent an angel with a Gospel proclamation. The closest was the Annunciation. Gabriel the archangel declared Mary would have a son and His name would be Jesus, “because he will save his people from their sins.” Matt.1:21.

Nevertheless, wouldn’t they do the job of evangelism better than us, being such impressive personalities, ‘greater in power and might’ than any mortal? (Psalm 103:20, 2 Peter 1:11). If Gabriel led a host of dread celestial powers to descend on our cities wouldn’t he soon compel the world to receive the Gospel? Five hundred times they are mentioned in Scripture, often as bringing messages. So couldn’t they come with the Gospel?
The answer is no – for very good reasons which we will look at further along, but the fact is that God has always called earthlings to spread the word, not heavenly intelligences. “The LORD announced the Word and great was the company of those who proclaimed it. In front are the singers, after them the musicians. With them are the maidens playing tambourines. Praise God in the great congregation. There is the little tribe of Benjamin leading them, there the great throng of Judah’s princes and of Zebulun and Naphtali.” Proclaimers. Those are the servants God depends upon. I like the wide variety but equality of the proclamation, from young girls with tambourines to princes. It certainly implies that carrying the Word is a responsibility to be taken very seriously.

Now it is Christmas and that day itself spells out even more clearly, in global, even cosmic language, that the Word is for the whole world. What a word it is! God the Son breaking into human affairs! It eclipses all news, and is something to be talked about, everywhere for ever.” Rienhard Bonnke

Author:Claire McLean

choose hope

2009-12-21T04:06:00.002+08:00

When i think of HOPE i am reminded of a verse in Romans 15 that says “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

I want to point out the first phrase – the God of HOPE – God is a God of HOPE, he gives hope, he inspires hope, he fills us with hope, he IS hope. one of his very characteristics – his very essence – is HOPE. hope is found in who God is and in what he does.

Hope gives life to peace and trust – as we hope we have peace that there is a brighter day, that there is a tomorrow, that God cares and is with us and that he has a plan and a purpose. We put our trust in Him who cares for us and is our heavenly Father – we have hope. hope, faith, trust and peace go together, growing each other, encouraging each other.

Hope is a gift from God that we can choose to accept or reject. Sometimes it is uncomfortable to have hope – it stretches our spirits because we choose to have faith and trust and peace and hope in the face of what circumstances may say. choose hope.

choose hope over hopelessness.

chose peace over restlessness.

choose faith over unbelief.

choose trust over doubt.

choose God

my awesome friend has an awesome post on HOPE – swapping my hope - that i encourage you to read. she puts life into perspective… “My HOPE is in God. It is in Him I make my decisions, around Him I centre my dreams and visions.”

and there is a whole bunch of awesome chicks posting on hope over at(in)courage – go there and be inspired!

If i need hope there are a few places i look: my family – my encouraging husband who makes me laugh, who supports me, and keeps me grounded… my kids who wrap their arms round me and say “youre the best mummy i’ve ever had” and love me iwth all they are and can do (wet kisses and all!) – and the Word of God. the Bible is filled with hope and encouragement and couraging giving life – as God speaks his love and hope to us – and as we choose to follow His words and his ways and to believe and trust in Him and his provision for us and his power to work in our lives. Today if you need hope, turn His pages and read for yourself and find hope. choose hope.

ISAIAH 61

The LORD has chosen and sent me

to tell the oppressed

the good news,

to heal the brokenhearted,

and to announce freedom

for prisoners and captives.

²This is the year

when the LORD God

will show kindness to us

and punish our enemies.

The LORD has sent me

to comfort those who mourn,

³especially in Jerusalem.

He sent me to give them flowers

in place of their sorrow,

olive oil in place of tears,

and joyous praise

in place of broken hearts.

They will be called

“Trees of Justice,”

planted by the LORD

to honor his name.

⁴Then they will rebuild cities

that have been in ruins

for many generations.

⁵They will hire foreigners

to take care of their sheep

and their vineyards.

⁶But they themselves will be

priests and servants

of the LORD our God.

The treasures of the nations

will belong to them,

and they will be famous. ⁷They were terribly insulted

and horribly mistreated;

now they will be greatly blessed

and joyful forever.

⁸I, the LORD, love justice!

But I hate robbery

and injustice. My people, I solemnly promise

to reward you

with an eternal agreement.

⁹Your descendants will be known

in every nation.

All who see them will realize

that they have been blessed,

by me, the LORD.

¹⁰I celebrate and shout

because of my LORD God.

His saving power and justice

are the very clothes I wear.

They are more beautiful

than the jewelry worn

by a bride or a groom.

¹¹The LORD will bring about

justice and praise

in every nation on earth,

like flowers blooming

in a garden.

Come Holy Spirit

2009-12-21T04:03:00.000+08:00

It is extraordinary power from God, not talent, that wins the day. It is extraordinary spiritual unction not extraordinary mental power, that we need. Mental power may fill a chapel but spiritual power fills the church with soul anguish. Mental power may gather a large congregation. but only spiritual power will save souls. What we need is spiritual power.” – Charles. H. Spurgeon

you know, i reckon people dont want to play church. people who havent grown up in church see church as just a sunday cultural club thing. but oh it is so much more.

we need the power and demonstration of God, to open their hearts and minds to the truth and reality of who He is and His love and grace and power and salvation.

people dont need new friends. i didnt when i became a christian.

i became a christian because all of a sudden i knew God was real and that i had to follow Him and know Him.

let us be people not well talented in speaking and “performing” but let us be well talented in seeking God and connecting with His heart and His ways – let us know Him and make Him known!

people are thirsty for truth and for God’s love.

they are hungry for His grace and salvation.

source: http://onepassiononedevotion.wordpress.com/

verse.

2009-12-20T00:42:00.000+08:00

Isaiah 41:13 I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand so dont be afraid. i am here to help you

now isnt that amazing. wow. close. encouraging. strengthing. empowering. inspiring. loving. awesome.

It may be short, but surly it powerful enough.

Candle light Service.

2009-12-19T23:54:00.003+08:00

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Truly when i see this verse last night it really touch my heart. And today even though my heart may be solid on the outside and broken on the inside. But today i feel the healing of my heart and the softening of the outer wall in my heart.

After seeing all the people that have cancer and how they fought though their life, my pain is nothing compare to them. If they can be at such an age, and have sure strong will of wanting to live on, why can't I? And my heart almost tears for them. and now i made a promise to my self, if one day i shall make it in life or even now. I shall not only bless the Lord with what i can, but also bless his people of this world, having the spirit of giving.

The lord have indeed strengthen me again and again, giving me hope when i am hopeless, giving me faith when i am faithless, giving me financial blessing when i enter debts and of cause allowing me to grow more in him.

For faith can move mountains, I shall not settle at this point of life. I shall not just move on, but i shall push on in life. Doing what I can while keeping in mind, the lord is my strength and i can do all thing through Him who strength me. Nothing shall be able to stand in my way.

If i can gain this faith and trust in the lord, so can anyone else. Will you trust in this god that you serve?

Our Foundation Is In The Lord

2009-12-19T03:13:00.001+08:00

1 Corinthians 3:11-13 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each ones work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each ones work, of what sort it is.

During these difficult economic times that many are facing, it is not uncommon to read stories of wealthy people committing suicide. It is so tragic that these things happen. Suicide affects families, communities and everything else that the person has left behind.

While many of us are going through trying times, it is comforting to me to know that to everything there is a season. Winter does not last forever, and it too shall pass.

Are believers exempt from financial crisis, difficulties and bankruptcy? No, not at all. But what we do have, or at least should have during these times is a sure foundation, and that foundation being Jesus Christ.

There are many verses in the Bible regarding our foundation, and I am sure you may know some of them, One popular verse is 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.(NKJ)

We are to take heed how we build our foundation. But how do we build the right foundation?’ The answer is simple. We read the word, attend church, fellowship with others of the faith, and our foundation in Christ becomes stronger over time.

There are many ¨foundations¨ out there. Most of them rely on your own ability and willpower to succeed. We rely on Jesus and his ability, not ours. Did you know that when we build our foundation on the rock, that we are blessed?

Read it for yourself in this verse: Haggai 2:18-19 ’Consider now from this day forward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day that the foundation of the LORD’S temple was laid– consider it: ‘Is the seed still in the barn? As yet the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have not yielded fruit. But from this day forward I will bless you.’”(NKJ)

From the day we start to build proper spiritual foundation, God will bless us . What a wonderful promise!

Does that mean we will not go through difficult time? No, not at all. But rest assured, since our foundation is built on Christ, we will stand and not be shaken by the things around us.

When the fire comes and burns everything around us, we shake off the dust and get back on our feet. It is then we will find out what we are made of, and obtain obtain spiritual maturity.

Blessings in Him.

author-

Mining For God

2009-12-18T02:25:00.002+08:00

Gold and silver are mined,

then purified;

²the same is done

with iron and copper.

³Miners carry lanterns

deep into the darkness

to search for these metals.

⁴They dig tunnels

in distant, unknown places,

where they dangle by ropes.

⁵Far beneath the grain fields,

fires are built

to break loose those rocks

⁶that have jewels or gold. ⁷Miners go to places unseen

by the eyes of hawks;

⁸they walk on soil unknown

to the proudest lions.

⁹With their own hands

they remove sharp rocks

and uproot mountains.

¹⁰They dig through the rocks

in search of jewels

and precious metals.

¹¹They also uncover

the sources of rivers and discover secret places.

Where Is Wisdom Found?

¹²But where is wisdom found?

¹³No human knows the way. ¹⁴Nor can it be discovered

in the deepest sea.

¹⁵It is worth much more

than silver or pure gold

¹⁶or precious stones.

¹⁷Nothing is its equal–

not gold or costly glass. ¹⁸Wisdom is worth much more than

coral, jasper, or rubies. ¹⁹All the topaz of Ethiopia and the finest gold

cannot compare with it.

²⁰Where then is wisdom?

²¹It is hidden from human eyes

and even from birds.

²²Death and destruction

have merely heard rumors

about where it is found.

²³God is the only one who knows

the way to wisdom,

²⁴because he sees everything

beneath the heavens.

²⁵When God divided out

the wind and the water,

²⁶and when he decided the path

for rain and lightning,

²⁷he also determined the truth

and defined wisdom.

²⁸God told us, “Wisdom means

that you respect me, the Lord,

and turn from sin.”

Job 28

i only discovered this passage this year, despite having read the bible several times. and it excites me so!

i believe and get really excited by 1 Corinthians 2:9-11 “However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”— ¹⁰but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.”

The Holy Spirit lives within us and one of the blessed “things” He does is to reveal to us who God is and the heart of God. God calls us to draw near and seek Him. though seeking Him may take time and pursuing. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2 God hides himself in a way, He hides His truth and we have to find it and seek it.

We are like miners, delving into the Word of God and seeking His ways and His revelation.

Miners carry lanterns

deep into the darkness

to search for these metals.

They dig tunnels

in distant, unknown places,

where they dangle by ropes.

i love the imagry. seeking God sometimes isn’t the easiest task, but oh how rewarding it is! it may take stepping back from circumstances and friendships and “stuff” to take the time to seek God and to walk in His ways that please Him, but it is worth it. We fearlessly seek God. We put Him first. We seek Him by faith.

With their own hands

they remove sharp rocks

and uproot mountains.

do you see the analogy? do you hear my heart here?

Dont you want to be one who ” uncover the sources of rivers and discover secret places.”

Author-Claire McLean

Broken Ugly Hearts Made Beautiful

2009-12-17T02:17:00.001+08:00

It is the nature of each of us to be rather base, proud, ambitious, full of a great deal of appetite, judgments, rationalizations and opinions. If something does not come into our lives to humiliate us then surely all these things will undo us.

You must believe in the fineness of the Divine mercy… even when that mercy humbles, afflicts and tries you. Even if these times are caused by the devil, you are nonetheless in the sovereign hand of God, and these things will turn out for your gain and your spiritual profit.”

Molinos from 100 Days in the Secret Place

Its true. We are all ratbags. We all make mistakes and have mistakes written into our personality. Be it pride or insecurity. Selfishness or envy. We all have things in our lives that need the hand of God to work on or else left to our own fleshly desires we could be distracted away into sin, and undo ourselves. God works on us to make us more like His Son, and thus more effective in His service. As we are more and more refined we should thus have less and less to detract from the glory of God. Our desire for service should be more pure. Our hearing more clearer. This may seem naive… There is always till the day we die issues and sinful desires that God is working. We must continue to surrender to Him, deny ourselves, keep our eyes on God and make conscious choices to obey God and be a godly person.

In the misdt of whatever we face we msut have a constant trust in God. We must remember that he is indeed Good and Merciful and Wise and Loving. We must remember that in all things God is at work and is working to outwork them for good for the purposes and glory of GOd. We must remember he walks through the valley of the shadow of death with us, as well as the flame and fire and the hard times. We must know that God is good so we are content in his presence. we must know that God is gracious so that we can find peace in his presence while everything else feels like it is in turmoil. We must know that God is loving so that we will find refuge and shelter in His arms.

it is the graciousness of God that he refines us. it is the graciousness of God that he disciplines us. it is for the sake of his church and his lost and his plan (and our call and our families and our friends!) that we are not left broken and ugly and sinful and selfish. it is the nature of all of us to be rather base, proud, ambitious, full of a great deal of appetite, judgments, rationalizations and opinions. If something does not come into our lives to humiliate us then surely all these things will undo us. that something is the Lord God, who loves us and transforms us. he uses the fire of testing and trial. he uses the flood of life to wash us and transform us. but he is with us in the whole process. transformation and discipline and change isnt usually easy. but worth it.

God is the one who begins a work in our lives, redeeming us and making us righteous and holy and new and clean. He will continue to take that inward work from the inside out. He makes broken ugly hearts, motivated by selfishness and sin and ambition and pride and fear and anger, into beautiful hearts motivated by love and grace and hope and joy.

author-Claire McLean

my life testimony

2009-12-17T01:42:00.003+08:00

I used to lead a life that have no purpose, sometimes could be loiter around the arcade/malls. Or when people asked me to help them does stuff, I would find it hard to say no, and went ahead. It more like “live 1 day, pass 1 day” life style while neglecting studies. And soon start to wonder, what purpose in life do I have? I won competition after competition, enjoying life, having everything I wanted, what more can I have?

And began readings books about life, 1 after another, knowledge gain one after another. And soon I start to know quite a lot of things and became a jack of all trade, which lead me to dead end thinking, I got so many choices but which one should I go for? And soon incident after incident lead me to shut all doors of my heart. After being betrayed, lost in competition and stuff.

And often feeling down, sad, depress and empty. Because living an aimless life is not what I wish for and want for, but what else can I really do, having no goals in life sometimes too lead me to great sins. And at time I would even use work to cover up everything hopping everything will be fine, and soon more like a workaholic, and health starts to deprove. And have to depend heavily on medicine.

Then came one day, when I was busy preparing for the next CIP outing, and jelyn asked me out of the blue if I wan to go church with her. I cancel my cip outing and went out with her. Not knowing if it was the right choice in the first place, although my first visit did not end me up in the church, but I went to a cell group at Amelia house. My first ever cell group, thinking oh my legs hurts and I wonder what they are doing.

But most of them are very open to me and I feel the outgoingness of them, but secretly I don’t really enjoy this kind. As I prefer being alone and stuff. And start to feel why they are like that and dislike them, but one person which I find easy to relate to, clement. And soon open part of it to him.

And soon the following week I enter the church, thinking hmm just another church. Nothing special even the main hall did not interest me which some might feel impress, as I have seen much bigger building and stuff. Although there were a lot of altar called, but I did not dare to step down to the front. Thinking back how silly of me, having done so many stuff in the past, how bad can stepping down and walk to the front be?

After 1-2months in cg and service, I accepted Christ on 20dec 2008 on the 4^th altar call, but still have some doubt about this lord and god I worshipping of. And could think of question that is endless, senseless and stuff. Often asking clement question after question. But after a few months with the lord, he shown me some revelation saying that he is real, and he is lord. And even answer all of my question and telling me what I have done wrong and stuff. And I tears as his presence filled me, and I know truly if I wan the answers I should follow his way and listen carefully. I slowly tried to change myself leading a spiritual filled lifestyle, and trying to do well in any area I do.

Having slowly changing my mindset, action, life style. While attending bible study and learning to pray really help me to relax myself when I feel burden and teaching me value in life. Knowing my knowledge is nothing as compare to god’s knowledge. I slowly have an aim in live – to use what i know to impact the society, and help the society in any area possible, and of cause trusting more in this god that I serve, knowing that my decision to step out was not wrong.

And after 1 year now I live with faith of the lord in me, allowing me to trust him follow, knowing he is my source of faith and strength. Accepting whatever he gave to me, and follow his path, while preparing to enter a ministry to serve him as he guide me toward the realm of heaven, knowing my life ahead will never be the same. And able to be happier then the past not needing a mask anymore, while my health starts improving. Glory and success is what ahead for me,

And it his plan for me, I know it. And I shall do it. Indeed the lord has impact me and change my life totally. The Lord is always good! Bless him name.

Author: Guo hao.

11/12/09

"No eye has seen... No mind percieved what God has prepared for those who love Him...

BUT GOD HAS REVEALED TO US BY HIS SPIRIT. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10"

My Life Testimony

2009-12-15T23:41:00.003+08:00

I was invited to church by my netball senior, Yihui on 24 November 2007.

At that point of time when she invite me, it was my darkest period. I didn't do well for studies, I broke up with my boyfriend, my mum and dad kept quarreling which affects me alot and i thought that my life is like gone case and had suicidal thoughts. I carve myself often (not on the wrist but on my hand because at that time - OH THANK GOD - as i don't know where do people carve as carving is just being introduced to teenagers). i'm also someone who is very pessimistic and have major mood swings.

Besides that, when people think about me, they will think about me being a " devoted buddhist " as i go to temples often and helped out etc. Because of that, i began to have more faith in Buddhism and rejects other religion.

So one fine day, my netball senior invited me to her church, Y-Hope. I was like thinking, " Since I have no plans for Saturday, I shall go there and see see how does a church really looks like. " So i went and was amazed by the music and the preaching. After listening to what the Pastor preached, I felt touched as it was about "Enjoying your life to the fullest" which leads me to think about my life and how much more can i do with it. During Altar call, I'm still very touched with the preaching and the first worship song that I sang, " Trusting you and not myself. Will always lead to blessing..." - I'm Forever Yours, Planet Shakers

This is how I gave my heart to Jesus. And I told myself that I will do my best to know more about this God.

After giving my heart to Christ, I didn't stop here. Every night, I will read the book of John and memorize those important verses. Those verses strengthen my faith and helps me with my attitude towards seeing things and doing things. Now, i'm no longer pessimistic and emo. Friends realised the changes in me and began to befriend with me again. I didn't live my life according to mood anymore. I wasn't as straightforward as I used to be. I find acceptance from the people there and stayed on.

4 Months later, I stop going to Y-Hope church as I faced many difficulties.

But 1/2 a year later, I got to know Herman through some friends from CCK, where we play basketball together. Herman then invited 2 of his friends- Amelia and Clement- and both of them gave me bible study before joining CHC. They invited me to their church service the next day and once again, i renew my heart for Christ.

God is faithful and God is good. Even though I didn't have a complete family, I still felt love all around. I've lost my earthly father but gained a heavenly Father. Everyone is looking for acceptance. Likewise, me too. I find acceptance in church and people loved me for who i am. Hearing God's words have changed me to become optimistic, happy-go-lucky and cheerful. Praying + Studying hard helps me to get good grades. Today, my grades have improved greatly. During Sec 1, my overall result was 50% (after adding up all subjects). But now when I'm sec 3, my overall result improved by 10%.

I'm now known as a "devoted Christian" to my friends. Many were surprised by the change in me and one of my friends, Jiaying commented that I've improved alot in attitude wise, study wise etc.

Knowing God is not a coincidence, but a decision.

I've make a decision that I've never regretted. What's yours?

Psalm 118:6
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

Jelyn.

Life changing testimony

2009-12-15T21:49:00.002+08:00

How do i come to Christ?
i am born in a family with 2 different religious view.
My mum is a buddhist and my dad is a christian.

Since young, i've been going to temple with my mum and seldom went to church with my dad, since i always got an eerie feeling about church and it's kind of boring too.
I have a mindset of other people when i was young, thinking that praying to idols will be better than praying to 'some thing' that u can't even seeing it and not sure whether is there really God.

My walk with Christ started this year, when a girl named Jelyn came and just sms me saying, "are you free? can i invite you to church this weekend?"
I hesitated for a while, but in the end went for service since i got nothing to do on that saturday too.
I still remember the the feeling when i stepped into the main auditorium for the first time. I was like "WOW!", is this really a church? Because it seems so much different from any other churches, looks like the church is having a concert!

And without knowing the true meaning of praise and worship that time, i sang with the others. But it was a fun experience.
After that service, i found that christian and church does not seem to be as boring as i thought before, so i went on and on...
on the 2nd week, i receive salvation and till now i didn't regret my choice.
The most unforgettable thing is when i saw the power of God for the first time, it was when Rev. Mike Connell came.
I felt so amazed when i see how people fell under the power of God and been healed from their sicknesses. And he really proves to me that God really exists and I decided to stay in church and till now, i still haven't regretted my decision!

After coming to church, i found some of my characters changing, i mean for the better.
I used to scold vulgarities at others and think that it's cool, but coming here made me feel like not scolding anymore and i also learn that it will grieve the Holy Spirit.
I used to beat people up, no matter whether there's a reason or not. But coming to here, i learnt that we must love people fervently and understand people's needs.
Other things like punctuality, obedience, discipline and sensitive to others, which i do not have last time, also came to me during the walk with Christ and i really sense a huge change in my heart. This even shows that i didn't make a wrong choice in coming.
And through this walk, i learnt quite a lot of things in bible study classes, like the different kinds of gifts and fruits, speaking in tongues and praying. I found out that praying is really effective, because last time i felt that why do Christian pray? Does God really receive what we are praying for?
and thorugh praying, it really calms me down in a lot of things, during oral exams, theory exams, when i'm angry etc.

And till now, i based on Proverbs 3:5-6 in my walk, as we really need to trust in the Lord before we can do anything great for Him and for His glory.
This is my life changing testimony and overall, i want to say that coming to church really makes me a better person and it's really a life-transformation experience for me, i really felt loved and cared for in church and the people in CHC! You all are the one who made me think that i should look at the bright side of my life and walk out of my darkness!

Author- Dennis

In Luke – Teach Me To Pray

2009-12-14T15:02:00.000+08:00

When Jesus had finished praying, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his followers to pray.”

²So Jesus told them, “Pray in this way:

`Father, help us

to honor your name.

Come and set up

your kingdom.

³Give us each day

the food we need.

⁴Forgive our sins,

as we forgive everyone

who has done wrong to us.

And keep us

from being tempted.’ “

Luke 11:1-4

when you read it, when you speak it, what Jesus prayed is really very simple, honest, real. It doesn sound overly spiritual, its not filled with repetition or flowerly language. Jesus SPEAKS to His Father. He prays. He communicates. He shares His hearts and His needs.

In the same way we should learn from Jesus – that prayer isnt about sounding spiritual or impressive – but its about connecting and communicating with our Father. prayer isnt about formula and catch phrases. its about conversation its about relationship and bringing honour and glory to His name, its about sharing our needs and our fears and our weaknesses with Him and worshiping Him.

what a privaledge it is that we can come and pray and seek God and call Him our Father – personal and near and close and loving.

source: http://onepassiononedevotion.wordpress.com/page/3/

:)

2009-12-14T11:07:00.002+08:00

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born,

And a time to die;

A time to plant,

And a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill,

And a time to heal;

A time to break down,

And a time to build up;

A time to weep,

And a time to laugh;

A time to mourn,

And a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones,

And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,

And a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to gain,

And a time to lose;

A time to keep,

And a time to throw away;

A time to tear,

And a time to sew;

A time to keep silence,

And a time to speak;

A time to love,

And a time to hate;

A time of war,

And a time of peace.

This Christmas is gonna be a time of harvest and fun! It's a season to celebrate because Christ the Saviour is born! Let's hold on to the promises of Ecclesiastes and if you're discouraged, just go back to Isaiah 41:10 again.

The bible is a book of Promises from God. Believing is the key! Having Faith!

Life changing testimony

2009-12-14T01:47:00.000+08:00

I first came to City Harvest Church upon the request of Jelyn and James. I came not because I wanted to know God, but because I was curious how a church is like. When I first stepped into CHC. I was shocked. Thinking to myself: "WOW. This church is awesome." It is this awesome-ness that made me want to come.

But, I remember clearly, on 14 March 2009. I went down for the alter call. I sensed God. It was the first time I had the "wow" feeling inside of me. Ever since, I told myself no matter what, I must come to church, and attend all the CGMs and services.

Before I accepted Christ, I was still happy, cheerful. Just that I liked to have mood swings. As in, I suddenly become sad. I wanted attention. I also did not have the courage and confidence to look into others' eyes, as if I've done something wrong, but in fact, I have not. I also became emo during a period of time last year. I cut myself, and I am not afraid to admit that, because it is a fact. In some ways, I lacked love, and the sense of security, and often felt that my friends don't like me just by observing their actions

But, after I have accepted Christ, everything changed for the better. I realised that I did not need to have mood swings to attract attention. All I need was to be myself. And I don't need attention to feel good. Slowly, I became more and more confident of myself. I now dare to look into others' eyes! And, I no longer cut myself.

At the same time, I found love and security. The love of God, and the assurance that God will always be there for me. I found a bunch of friends who will always stay by me. Through thick and thin, they'll always stay. God taught me a lot of things. He gave me a purpose in life. He made me even more eager to change myself for the better.

He gave me strength. It was with Him, that I had strength and courage to face my O levels. Without Him, I would never have sat for my O levels without much worries. Without Him, I would not have anything to lean on..

It was Him, that changed everything. :)

Author- Cynthia

Empowered. Called.

2009-12-14T00:12:00.000+08:00

"I am ready to burn out for God. I am ready to endure any hardship, if by any means I might save some. The longing of my heart is to make known my glorious Redeemer to those who have never heard.” William Burns

what will you give?

what will you do?

God has called each one of us to be ambassadors and witnesses – to shine His light into the world so that people will see God in the darkness. it is God who saves and draws people to Himself but He demonstrates His love and grace and lives out salvation in us.

God has qualified and empowered each one of us to do this momentous task. It should be done every day in every converstation in every opportunity. Its not something we turn off or turn on. We ARE witnesses. We ARE the light of the world, unhidden and shinning bright.

we may feel insignificant and unqualified – but remember – We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 – the real power comes from God – we are the vessel and God is the light that shines – we are the life that expresses the power of God and message of God – as we humble ourselves and draw near to God and pray THEN we are usable. God delights to use His children to reach the lost. As we step out in faith His power enables us and gives us the right words.

Be used. Make the choice. Be close and in love with God, know Him and make Him known!

“Missions is the overflow of our delight in God because missions is the overflow of God’s delight in being God.” John Piper

“If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for.” Charles H. Spurgeon

source:http://onepassiononedevotion.wordpress.com/page/2/

The man from george street

2009-12-13T23:55:00.002+08:00

we are all just like jars of clay – the great treasure and surpassing power is of God working in us and through us! (paraphrase of 2 Corinthians 4:7)

let remember that no matter who you bring to christ, the person may not be in the same church, cell group. but it doesn't matter. Because we are still one body in christ, and our mission was to show love to them and salvation for them, not to be in the same church or cellgroup. what matter the most is the person have accepted christ, and have been saved.

Life changing testimony

2009-12-13T19:50:00.001+08:00

I came to chc in 2007 and that begun my journey with God. Before i knew God, i was aimless with everything in life. Simply studying for the sake of doing so, i started to be very lazy and was going through life’s motion. I wasn’t a cheerful person back then. Many a times i will feel sad and depressed with the slightest thing and was very sensitive. Those things caused me to have low self- confidence with myself.

Upon my brother’s invitation, i came to know Christ. It is not an overnight change out of me suddenly but gradually, through the people i met in the cell group, i started to change and be more open. Through this action that i took in accepting Christ, God started to mould my character and ability.

How i picked up the guitar is also a result of God’s plan. I started learning guitar from church and i became a cell group guitarist serving Him in ways i have never thought of. Although many times, life is filled with challenge and heartbreaks, i know that with God, i can overcome and mature out of it. Even when i am down, He picked me up again. And that’s how my life is never the same anymore.

Author- Jason

They all have a life changing testimony to share about, what yours? will you share with the rest too?

Are All Religions Equally Valid?

2009-12-13T02:17:00.002+08:00

HOW CAN CHRISTIANS SAY JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD, AREN'T ALL RELIGIONS EQUALLY VALID?

I have two pills. They look the same. They are both small and round. One is baby aspirin the other is nitro glycerin. Are they the same?

You're in an airplane headed from Chicago to Los Angeles. Thirty minutes into the flight the Captain says, "Hey, there is an airport that looks just like the one in L.A. It's St. Louis! What's the difference, an airport is an airport right? Besides, this one is much closer. I'm going to land there instead." Is that the same?

Your taking a test in college. The professor has been telling you that all truth is relative. What is true for you may not be true for me. There is no such thing as absolute truth. Then he turns around and gives you a failing grade on your paper. What's the problem?

In logic, the law of non-contradiction states that something is either true or it is not, it cannot be both in the same sense at the same time. The law of contradiction states that two antithetical propositions cannot both be true and false at the same time and in the same sense. Philip Johnson explains it this way, ... nothing that is true can be self-contradictory or inconsistent with any other truth. All logic depends on this simple principle. Rational thought and meaningful discourse demand it. To deny it is to deny all truth in one fell swoop.

There are five major religions in our world:

Christianity
Islam
Hinduism
Buddhism
Judaism

Fortunately, they are all mutually exclusive. That is to say each claims to be true. However, they all differ on virtually every major doctrine (the exception being Judaism and Christianity), such as heaven, hell, sin, salvation, and the nature of God.

For example, the Bible which was written by eye witnesses, teaches that Jesus died on the cross. Six hundred years later Mohammed (representing Islam) said that Jesus did not die on the cross. Logically, they could both be wrong, but they both cannot both be right. Because they are all mutually exclusive, followed through to it's logical conclusion either both of them are wrong or one of them is right and the other is wrong you can't have it both ways.

Another example of mutual exclusivity is Hinduism's teaching of karma and reincarnation. Hinduism teaches that after you die, you keep coming back again and again until you reach perfection. If you didn't get it right you come back as a lower form of life such as a cow or a fly. That is why they don't eat meat, because that cow might be one of their relatives! Buddhism also teaches reincarnation. The Bible teaches that we only have one life and after that the judgment. Logically, they could both be wrong but they both cannot be right!

Another excellent example of mutual exclusivity is found in Jesus' claim of divinity. All four of the other world religions freely admit that Jesus was a great moral teacher and a prophet. But, Jesus said He was God. That only leaves you with three choices. As C.S. Lewis, a professor at Cambridge University pointed out, "Either Jesus was God or He was a liar or He was a lunatic." Therefore, if Jesus was right, the other religions are wrong, and if Jesus was wrong, the other religions are still wrong because they say Jesus was right!

Buddha said, "I am a teacher in search of truth." Jesus said, "I Am the truth."

Confucius said, "I never claimed to be holy." Jesus said, "Which one of you convicts Me of sin?"

Speaking of the afterlife, Mohammed said, "I do not know what Allah will do to me." Jesus said, "I Am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me. though he die, yet shall he live."

None of these other men ever claimed to be God. They all said God is this way, go this way. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the father but by Me."

source: http://www.voice-wilderness.org/answers04.php

building the foundation of life

2009-12-13T01:14:00.004+08:00

1 Corinthians 3:10-13 (King James Version)
¹⁰According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
¹¹For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
¹²Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
¹³Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

Be careful of what you have been building in your life, and pay attention to what you are building. Because everything we do or don't do will be put in to the very structure or foundation we are building. plan or design what you are building, or want to build. Do not waste your precious life and time away and build a weak foundation like watching tv and stuff which does not carry any eternal values surly will not pass though the test of flame. But design a foundation that carry a value of eternal and is really worthy.

So will you pass though this trail with everything, something, or nothing?Don delay anymore, start now, at this very moment.

Irresistable Jesus

2009-12-11T11:18:00.000+08:00

Everything Jesus is amazes me. He is the everlasting Lord and King, He is the shepherd of my soul, the one who walks beside me, the one who lives within me, the one who died for me that I might live.

Buddha never claimed to be God. Mohammed never claimed to be Allah.
Yet Jesus Christ claimed to be the true and living God.
Buddha simply said, “I am a teacher in search of the truth.”
Jesus said, “I am the Truth.”
Confucius said, “I never claimed to be holy.”
Jesus said, “Who convicts me of sin?”
Mohammed said, “Unless God throws his cloak of mercy over me, I have no hope.”
Jesus said, “Unless you believe in me, you will die in your sins.”

Can you not be drawn to one so amazing? Can you not want to live and know all you can about him? Is this not more real than any ritual or form? Jesus is the alpha and the omega, the first and last, the coming king, the Lamb of God who has the power to remove the guilty verdict of our life, to make us new, to make us acceptable to God. In Jesus is forgiveness, love, power, grace, compassion, transformation.

This Jesus is worthy of worship. This God is worthy of worship. Worship is more than a song… it is our response and expression of appreciation of God, for all he is and all he does and will do. In many places the Bible links worship with obedience and living a life wholeheartedly following and knowing God – a life that is framed by the call and purpose of God in their life.

Jesus is the one that gives us hope, peace, strength, wisdom, courage, love, confidence, security.

He gives me assurance of eternal life in heaven – i know beyond shadow of a doubt that when i die i will spend the rest of my life in heaven with God face to face.

Jesus is the One who is with me all my days, in all seasons, in all situations. When i am facing a hard time i know that Jesus is with me. In the good times i know the blessing comes from Him.

Make knowing God a priority. Make making Him known your mission. Let’s not keep Jesus a secret. Christianity was never designed to be a secret society – as Christians we should every day shine and demonstrate the love and grace of God to those around us.

Source: http://onepassiononedevotion.wordpress.com/category/god-stuff/

The time of harvest/abundent

2009-12-10T03:41:00.002+08:00

Christmas is coming, which is another season of harvest, but as the season is coming. Many are rejoicing and preparing for the major event. But are you prepared for god's pour of blessing/abundant/harvest? And how ready are you?

Today during prayer meeting, someone shared about 3 type of ground - solid rock hard ground, sloppy ground, grass filled ground. And the blessing god is going to pour down in season is just like the rain.

As the rain pour the water(blessing) will remain on the solid rock hard ground(not welled prepared), and when it evaporate it will return to heaven. And this type of rock have missed the blessing and the harvest season. And most likely will regret and have to wait for the next season to come again.

And when it pour on a sloppy ground(not prepared/not follow god's command), the water immediately ran down the slope, and it impossible to catch up to collect the harvest, and have too missed the season.

But when it is being poured on a grass filled ground(welled prepared), the grass immediately absorb the water without any delay, and even trap the extra water, and enjoy the wonderful season of harvest and growth.

This doesn't just apply on the blessing but anything that is being given to you, so which type of ground will you be? And how well prepared will you be? I choose to be the grass filled ground type, and i know i would have to work hard and follow god's command fully, and wait for him to come and pour down his blessing to me.

A nation revival

2009-12-10T02:42:00.005+08:00

Some people think that a nation revival is not possible, but how many people know the amount of christian in Singapore 20years ago when CHC is being set up is less than 8%. Yet today CHC alone is the home of 9-10% of singapore christian out of 14.9% christian in Singapore.

20years ago when CHC is being set up, would Pastor Kong or anyone know that CHC will grow till this size today? NO.

Today during prayer meeting, god gave me a vision of revival, a vision of a nation revival.

If just 20years alone, 1 church alone can be home to 10% of Singapore christian, why can't we be more daring and dream that 5,10,15,20 years later, it impossible to find another person in Singapore to be save. Because the entire nation is saved!

If the event of E1R1(Each 1 Reach 1) is being applied to every single church, it means that every week the number of christian will double. And we can move on to the next nation. Till the world is being saved. Like what Yi Lun said today "be daring, dare to dream of big things" so why not we be daring and dare to dream of it and it will happen.

and like what Rev. Dr. John Avanzini shared his vision during the service, he see asia being a place of revival, a place that shall impact the world. Changing the world in the next few years.

And we must understand that nothing should stand in our way in the race of nation revival, be it age(1tim 4:12), excuse, busyness or any others thing. And also not look down on others church, because we are all 1 body of Christ we can't do thing without them, as we move as one.

And in Luke 10:2 "the harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefor pray the lord of harvest to send out laborers into his harvest" whereby we can say the harvest is the world, the laborers are the people who are reaching out actively, but when Asia is touch, and turn in to laborers, we will harvest the world together as one!

So let us all watch the future with a vision, of not just a nation revival , asia revival, but a global revival.

walking on water

2009-12-10T02:11:00.004+08:00

A farmer's daughter duty was to carry fresh milk to customers in various villages had, one of whom was a priest. To reach his house, the milkmaid had to cross a good-sized stream. People crossed it by a sort of ferry raft, for a small fee.

One day the priest, who performed worship daily with the offering to God of fresh milk, finding it arrived very late, scolded the poor woman. "What can I do?" she said, "I start out early from my house, but I have to wait a long time for the boatman to come."

Then the priest said (pretending to be serious), "What! People have even walked across the ocean by repeating the name of God, and you can't cross this little river?" This milkmaid took him very seriously. From then on she brought the priest's milk punctually every morning. He became curious about it and asked her how it was that she was never late anymore.

"I cross the river repeating the name of the Lord," she replied, "just as you told me to do, without waiting for the ferry." The priest didn't believe her, and asked, "Can you show me this, how you cross the river on foot?" So they went together to the water and the milkmaid began to walk over it. Looking back, the woman saw that the priest had started to follow her and was floundering in the water.

Spiritual Story by Sri Ramakrishna

Proverbs 3:5 (New International Version)

⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

when we read the bible and see this verse, what we think of is just mainly oh, trust in the lord, sure i will. With all my heart? hmm maybe. As times pass, you prayed everyday and trust him, but you receive no blessing yet, starting to lose faith in the Lord, thinking "oh God i have done what you called me to do, trust in you with all my heart. And i have prayed very sincerely, why won't you give me my blessing? do you say that the time is not here? but i waited for a long period of time already lord. Where is the answer to my prayer?"

But ask yourself a question, have you been leaning on your own understanding? Have you fully done what god command you to do? in this verse God ask you to trust in him fully, and based not on your own understanding. In the story above, the milkmaid trust in the lord with all her heart, and not leaning on her own understanding that we can't walk on water. And so she was able to walk across the river.

But for the priest it a total different story, he trust in the lord alright, worship the lord with fresh offering every single day faithfully, But he depend on his own understanding of water can't be walked, and because of that god did not give him what he ask for, to walk on water.

So check yourself carefully, have you done what god asked you to do, before grumbling about god not giving you what you ask for. Because god is a god of all thing, nothing is impossible for him, he can give it to you anytime but are you prepared for it?

Today, during the prayer meeting, i asked God, "god where is the answer that i wanted from you, i been praying so hard toward you, i been faithful to you, i obeyed your command, when don you just give me a answer", and the god flash the verse before me. Saying, "but have you been obeying my command fully?If yes why are you still depending on your understanding and not mine? "

Also next time when you read a verse, don just flip thought it, but read it carefully, understanding what every single word meant before reading on and pray for God's wisdom to fall to allow you to understand even more, and most important the understanding of god. Or else you would have miss what god wanted you to know in the first place. God bless you.

The wooden bowl

2009-12-08T02:04:00.002+08:00

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor". So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed their dinners together.

Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when you get old." The four year old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

author - unknown

Remember this, always treat others the same way, you wanted to be treated.

Expect An Answer

2009-12-07T01:53:00.001+08:00

As a drought continued for what seemed an eternity, a small community of farmers was in a quandary as to what to do. Rain was important to keep their crops healthy and sustain the way of life of the townspeople.

As the problem became more acute, a local pastor called a prayer meeting to ask for rain.

Many people arrived. The pastor greeted most of them as they filed in. As he walked to the front of the church to officially begin the meeting he noticed most people were chatting across the aisles and socializing with friends. When he reached the front his thoughts were on quieting the attendees and starting the meeting.

His eyes scanned the crowd as he asked for quiet. He noticed an eleven year-old girl sitting quietly in the front row. Her face was beaming with excitement. Next to her, poised and ready for use, was a bright red umbrella. The little girl's beauty and innocence made the pastor smile as he realized how much faith she possessed. No one else in the congregation had brought an umbrella.

All came to pray for rain, but the little girl had come expecting God to answer.....

author- unknown

1 Samuel 1:17
Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

Are you prepared when god is going to answer you?

S28 Library

2009-12-04T01:46:00.005+08:00

Hey guys, the spiritual library for S28 is here. As you can see, those books listed above(Click to enlarge)are currently the books that we have, but remember this is not the final list, there will be more and more book listed up, feel free to borrow any books listed.

How do I loan any of the book/I have some enquire?

Either leave a tag on the tagboard and someone will get to you or contact Cynthia.

Who to contact if i wish to list my book up?

Contact Cynthia =).

Any rule and regulation?

Yes, coming soon, stay tunes.

And last but not least, may you be bless by the words. Thank you.

Revelation 1:3
Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

Life right now.

2009-11-21T23:43:00.005+08:00

Today when I just got back home, I talked to one of my friend. He told me that he's going to do community service tomorrow. So his group is supporting this Malay family and the family was quite sad. The family's breadwinner- Father- was in jail, and the mother with another 5 kids live together in a 2 room flat.

So this questions came popping in to my mind, " Are we the ones that is really in need of help? Or are we considered lucky among these people? " Let's love the people more.

Having core strength is also one of the key to be able to love these people, to care for these people and to reveal God's love.

Pastor Casey Treat's preaching was indeed great! I like this sentence that he says, " Are you using your talents for God's will, or for your own achievements? " Anyway, back to what I was saying. Core strength is the key to be able to love people, and to achieve Good health and prosper in all areas.

My son, give attention to my words;

Incline your ear to my sayings.

Do not let them depart from your eyes;

Keep them in the midst of your heart;

For they are life to those who find them,

And health to all their flesh. - Prov 4:20-22, NKJV

How to build Core Strength? You need to " Exercise daily! "

1. Dedicate yourself daily to the will of the Lord and not your flesh.

Luke 14 " Daily take up the cross.. "

2. Choose to obey the word of God and not your emotions daily.

3. Mediate on God's word and will daily.

Meditation brought about direction of life. =)

4. Daily pray with the spirit and with understanding.

Jude 20

Core Strength is important, and it defines success in life =)!

Jelyn :)

P/s- Fellowship was fun. Crystal's scream while driving the car @ arcade was funny!

" why my car like that?! "

PP/s- Elaine is like an arcade girl. she won in everything she play!

PPP/s- James and Huikiat are like pro in bball! They got 539 points in total.

PPPP/s- After going to the arcade, Jiawei didn't feel sick anymore xD

PPPPP/s- We drink COKE without Guohao there. LOL.

PPPPPP/s- We're going to eat roti prata tomorrow! ( woodlands people )

PPPPPPP/s- WE ARE ATTENDING SERVICE 5 TOMORROW! WOOHOO! Pst Casey's treat great word!

Trust

2009-11-17T12:37:00.005+08:00

My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD;
In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.
(Psalm 5:3, NKJV)

Will you entrust your day to GOD like what David had done?

Will you be the one that's willing to do GOD's will and not your will?

Are you willing to serve GOD with all your might, with all your strength, with all your heart and with all your soul?

Are you willing to hand all your weaknesses to GOD and walk this path of victory with HIM?

I'm willing.

- Jelyn.

S28 is a family!

2009-11-13T00:32:00.005+08:00

I love this family of God
So closely knitted onto us
They've taken me into their heart
And I’m so glad to be a part
Of this great family

I love you S28 :)
♥ Jelyn

Recommended Movie!

2009-11-12T01:37:00.003+08:00

It was fabulous! Rating: 8/10.

This movie is about the prediction of the end of world. It's really very breath-taking and thrilling. do go and watch! I do not want to tell you anymore else or i will be a total spoiler :P

Out on 13 November =)

While you're watching the movie or had already watched, think about this question:
- How much does people needs the Lord?

♥ Jelyn :)

Murder Mystery this sat!!

2009-11-11T14:36:00.006+08:00

Are you clueless about this?

Be there or be square

Let's find out now

Murder Mystery is THIS Sat!!

Murder in the house of Wong

Meet-up Venue: Pioneer Station

Meet-up Time: 11am

Time of Game: 11.30am - 8pm

(With service in between)

Things to bring: Your thinking cap,

topped up Ez link Card, note pad, map etc

Yeah finally exams are over,

time for bonding & fun.

Not forgetting E1R1!!

Counting on you :)

Recap time :)

2009-11-09T14:06:00.003+08:00

October
week 3 - The ministry of the tent

In Exodus 40 is where the tabernacle is really built.

In Exodus 33, there was no tabernacle of meeting, but Moses pitched a tent outside of the camp to meet with God face to face( "heart-to-heart").

Q: If weekdays there are no service & cell group, will you go to your "private tent" or "Quiet place" to seek Him? A time with God.

The book of Exodus can be divided into three main themes:
1. The ministry of the word of God.

When the Israelites were in Egypt, there were slaves & do not know Jehovah God.
The very 1st thing God want to reveal is His Word.
God called Moses up to the mount Sinai to give him His Word

- The Word was to help Israel to have a whole new way of life.
- From slave mentality to a new mindset of liberty & freedom that is according to the Word of God.
- God wanted to teach them how to live their life again.
Learn to live a life for the sake of kingdom of God.
Q: It means we can be living the wrong way of life that He initially wants us to have?

2. The ministry of the believers.
- God shown Moses how to build the tabernacle, and Moses had to tell the people what God shown him.
- Coming to church is not all about meeting my own needs; it is about serving others, to build the temple of God for His glory to dwell.
-Let those desire to be 1st, 1st learn to serve.
Q: If Pastor Kong did not learn to serve us, will we be where we are today?
Learn to serve today, God will surely elevate you as well.

3. The ministry of the tent of Moses.
- A place to sort out my heart.
* Every believers need a "small tent" ministry i.e. your personal altar or place of worship before the Lord.
- Like Moses, we can get hurt or offended in the church (camp).
- Therefore, times we need to be alone & resolve our hurts in quiet time with God.
- Learning to be like "bu dao wong", we will come back into the camp again to minister to the people & not to be stumble & fall.
Learn to build "steel" in your life & be a strong witness for Christ. :)

Fellowship w God is our main purpose exisiting for- Our union with God.
*guard it well, it is something that the evil one will try all way to stop you. The place of agreement is a place of power, come into union & agreement with God today.