BelovedSouthies

yahweh (:

2011-02-16T15:57:00.002+08:00

christ has risen !

2010-06-07T22:08:00.002+08:00

What a joy to be in southies ! It's all about celebrations ! ☺

Johannah's 22nd!

2010-06-03T15:09:00.010+08:00

Fearless !

2010-06-02T23:51:00.002+08:00

"Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul" Matt. 10:28

The disciples needed this affirmation. Jesus had just told them to expect scourging, trials, death, hatred, and persecution. v. 17-23 Not the kind of locker room pep talk that rallies the team. To their credit none defected. Perhaps they didn't because of the fresh memory of Jesus' flexed muscles in the graveyard. Jesus had taken his disciples to "the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, where two man who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way. And they cried out, saying, 'What business do we have with each other, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time? " Matt. 8:28-29

The most dramatic and immediate reactions to the presence of God on earth emerged from demons like these - the numberless, invisible, sexless, fiendish djinns of satan. These two men were demon possessed and, consequently, "extremely violent." People walked wide detours around the cemetery to avoid them.

Not Jesus. He marched right in as if he owned the place. The stunned demons never expected to see Jesus here in the devil's digs on the foreign side of Galilee, the region of pagans and pigs. Jews avoided such haunts. Jesus didn't.

The demons and Jesus needed no introduction. They had battled it out somewhere else, and the demons had no interest in a rematch. They didn't even put up a fight. "Have you come to punish is before our time?" v.29 Backpedaling. Stuttering. Translation? "We know you will put it to us in the end, but do we get a double trouble in the meantime?" They crumpled like stringless puppets. Pathetic, their appeal: " Please send us into those pigs!" v. 31

Jesus did so. "Move," he exorcised. No shout, scream, incantation, dance, incense, or demand. Just one small word. He who sustains the worlds with a word directs demonic traffic with the same.

And through this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

The contest between good and evil lasted a matter of seconds. Christ is fire, and demons are rats on the ship. They scurried overboard at first heat.

This is the balance on which Jesus writes the check of courage: "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul" Matt. 10:28 You indwell the garrison of God's guardianship. "Can anything separate us from the love Christ has for us? Can troubles or problems or sufferings or hunger or nakedness or danger or violent death? ... Nothing above us, nothing below us, nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" Rom. 8:35, 39

Evildoers have less chance of hurting you if you aren't already a victim. "Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety" Prov. 29:25. Remember, "his angels ... guard you" Ps. 91:11. He is your "refuge" Ps. 62:8. , your "hiding place" Ps. 32:7, your "fortress" 2Sam. 22:2-3. " The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" Ps. 118:6. Satan cannot reach you without passing through him.

Then what are we to make of the occasions Satan does reach us? How are we supposed to understand the violence listed in Hebrews 11 or the tragic end of someone? Or, most supremely, how are we to understand the suffering of Jesus? Ropes. Whips. Thorns. Nails. These trademarked his final moments. Do you hear the whips slapping against his back, ripping sinew from bone? Thirty-nine times the leather slices, first the air, then the skin. Jesus clutches the post and groans, battered by wave after wave of violence. Soldiers force a thorny wreath over his brow, sting his face with slaps, coast it with saliva. They load a beam on his shoulders and force him to march up a hill. This is the condemned sharpening his own guillotine, tying his own noose, wiring his own electric chair. Jesus shouldered his own tool of execution. The cross.

Cicero referred to crucifixion as "a most cruel and disgusting punishment." In polite Roman soldiers were exempt from the crucifixion except in matters of treason. It was ugly and vile, harsh and degrading. And it was the manner by which Jesus chose to die. "He humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" Phil.2:8.

A calmer death would have sufficed. A single drop of blood could have redeemed humankind. Shed his blood, silence his breath, still his pulse, but be quick about it. Plunge a sword into his heart. Take a dagger to his neck. Did atonement for sin demand six hours of violence?

No, but his triumph over sadism did. Jesus once and for all displayed his authority over savagery. Evil may have her moments, but they will be brief. Satan unleashed his meanest demons on God's Son. He tortured every nerve ending and inflicted every misery. Yet the master of death could not destroy the Lord of life. Heaven's best took Hell's worst and turned it into hope.
What man meant for evil, God, yet again, used for good. (:
-- Fear of violence; Fearless by Max Lucado

Meditation for the Day

2010-06-01T10:54:00.003+08:00

Hi Southies:) Praise the Lord for His mercies are new every morning! I just felt the desire to start posting back at our blog, and i think that it will also help me in my daily walk as it will give me the opportunity to reflect on His word, as well as to decide on what verses to meditate on for the day. It will be like a game and it will be fun! After all, God speaks the most when the bible is open, and I need all the help I can get to consistently read the bible.. haha.. Not that I have to, but i want to:)

Today's Daily Devotional is fabulous. Not only has God forgiven you and me, Jesus also took the punishment, so that we are also free from the consequence that sin has on us, as well as total forgiveness of sins. If God has said that He will no, not ever, remember my sins and lawless deeds, how can I still be punished for sins? It is not possible. Hence, the verse I will choose for today is

Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

I just feel so contented, knowing that He will never leave me, and never forsake me. May God's heart be revealed to me and you more and more.

Love,
Wuxin

year of restful increase

2010-01-14T13:12:00.007+08:00

Dearest southies :)
this year, as pastor said is the year of restful increase.
my thoughts for it is that this has always been 'applicable' all the years,
but for this year, it's special because the rewards for this 'application' is x100000000 and more.

so do YOU personally want it ??

THEN FIGHT VERY HARD FOR IT !!

and be amazed by the results that super abounds your expectations.
Be very blessed this 2010 (:

Watch the Lamb

2009-09-16T14:59:00.002+08:00

by Ray Boltz

relive one of our church's special items =)
have a blessed Christ-filled week, basking in His love and favour always!

ONLY GRACE

2009-07-17T21:44:00.002+08:00

by Matthew West :))

No More Lies

2009-05-06T13:14:00.000+08:00

I felt angry at a negative thought that came to me today and after a while I realized that ultimately, I was angry at the devil's lies; it's like a veil was covering my eyes from really seeing the fullness of God's love.

I spent a few years in NCC hearing that the ultimate display of God's love was shown when God sent Jesus to die on the cross. I heard that without understanding what that really meant.

More often than not, if something bad happens, or things do not turn out well, I would know to remind myself of the cross and say, "It's ok. I know God still loves me and the cross is the proof." It became an excuse. Whenever things do not turn out well I would look back at the cross as if it was just something of the past and just accept the natural circumstance that was happening in the present. Now I realize that that was not seeing the fullness of the glory of the finished work of Jesus.

Jesus' death on the cross is not just an ancient historical event, it is THE EVENT. It is the proof that we should be reigning in life. I do not want to stop short by just looking to the cross and feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I want to start believing that the cross is the proof that God has, can and will come through in my situation. It is a declaration of victory and no matter how bad things may get, I will stand on God's promises. I do not want to allow the natural things of this world to have the final say because God's word always, always, ALWAYS has the final word in every situation.

Jesus death on the cross is the marker of God's love but it does not end there. Jesus died on the cross and because of that I know that God's love is so great and not only that, Jesus rose again to show that even death is not final. Even if my natural circumstances scream, "It will not be so. It's impossible. There's no way in hell. It's a dead-end. DEATH!" I can simply say the one and only name that is above everything - JESUS!

I really want to hold on to God's Word and not allow this natural mind to hinder me from believing by showing me what is natural. How can we who are in Christ remain natural? If Christ is in us, then we can only be supernatural. Supernatural is the default mode.

I've heard enough of the lies that have seeped in so subtly and I choose to believe in God's Word. No matter how long this journey may take, I know that God's Word will out-live, out-last, out-class and out-everything that the world can throw.

It's time to really run with this no matter what others say and not be apologetic of this undeserved supernatural life that has been paid for in full by Jesus' blood. No more lies. No wonder Jesus also came as the truth that sets people free.

Even as I write this I get thoughts that it will be a long journey and I believe that's the natural mind thinking again. Thank You, Daddy, that you meet me at my level of faith. I will not think naturally but believe in acceleration and even if I may come across bumps, I will continue to trust in you.

My natural circumstances are not proof of God's love for me. There may be ups and downs but I can trust God that because of His love, the down times will be short and the high times will be long-lasting. God's love for me is not subject to my natural circumstances but my natural circumstances are certainly subject to God's love for me!

The Father's Heart

2009-04-20T12:46:00.002+08:00

Heyz Southies,

Just want to share this post taken from my blog. I know I have not been updating so I thought the least I could do is import some of my posts to share with you all too.

-----

I am just so amazed at the nature heart of Daddy God's heart. He is really such a generous and loving father. Throughout the past few months I felt like He was revealing more and more of Himself. This is a culmination of some stuff that has really showed me how awesome (and that is still an understatement) Daddy God really is.

I used to think that tithing and giving offerings were ways in which we can honour God. Albeit, that is true, but I thought that was the main purpose for tithing and giving offerings. I thought it was a chance to "pay back" God for His goodness (although everything is His to begin with). Yet, even in our giving, God multiplies what is given. Like the boy who gave his bread and fish to Jesus, more was given to him. Jesus showed the Father's heart when he multiplied the little that was given and was enough to feed thousands of people. God uses our giving as a chance to bless us further! When we are able to give, God is able to give us much more. When we let go of our tithes and offerings to Him, He takes it, and through a divine cycle, the blessings find a way back to us many times over!

I remember Pastor Prince mentioned the widow of Zarepath a few months ago. Pastor asked God why was it necessary for Elijah to go to the widow. Surely He knew that the widow only had so little flour left and He even asked her to feed Elijah. God could have sustained Elijah at the brook where the ravens brought him bread and there was a supply of drinking water. God was revealing Himself in this story. It was precisely because the widow's supply was about to be exhausted that God wanted to supply her and He did it by allowing the widow to give. Whenever God has a chance for us to give, it is because He is preparing His supply to overflow into our lives. It was never God's intention to have the widow feed Elijah alone and have her and her son die of starvation. All along He was planning to increase her supply and the man of God was especially sent to her and she and her son were blessed with enough supply to last through the famine. God's heart is always to give. Even when it seems that we are giving Him something, He has already something better to give to us!

And if that was not enough, God wanted me to change the way I thought of another thing - worship. Now, it is common to think that worship is for God. It is our chance to give Him glory and proclaim His goodness and truly, God enjoys it when we praise and worship Him. But as much as worship is a time of intimacy with Daddy it is also for our benefit. Pastor Benjamin shared about worship in the month of February and that really further enhanced my worship experience. He shared that worship (which is also known as the fear of the Lord) carries with it blessings.

Blessings of Worship:
Proverbs 1:7 - Knowledge, which is to ascertain by observing. Basically, the power of observation.
Proverbs 9:10 - The wisdom here is "skillful wisdom", skills for living.
Proverbs 10:27 - Prolonged life; longevity.
Proverbs 14:26 - Confidence. The confidence that is of God and not of self.
Proverbs 22:4 - Riches and honour and life.

And there I thought worship was a one-directional thing which is from us to God. Even as we give God our worship, He gives us all these blessings. Not only is worship enjoyable, its good for you too! (Kind of like playing Wii sports.)

I was thoroughly reassured that my God is good but God still wanted to change the way I thought about another thing - prayer. I used to think that the only benefit that I can get through prayer is if I pray for my own personal well being. It was during the prayer meeting held recently that Pastor Henry shared a little bit about Job and through that I saw God's heart once more. The prayer meeting was to pray for a lot of things, a lot of great things, a lot of things outside of my own self (although technically some of them can affect me e.g. praying for the government). We prayed for Singapore and for other nations, for our church, and for other churches, for Christians all over the world. Pastor Henry shared that when Job prayed for his friends, God turned his situation around (Job 42:10). Pastor Henry encouraged us that even as we came together and prayed for others, God was turning our own situations around for the better. And there I was thinking that I was making the world a better place and making God happy in the process but God's heart was to turn my own situation around.

Through all these things, tithing and giving offerings, praise and worship, and prayer, I was able to see that God's heart is really so generous. When it seems like all these things are for God's own benefit or for others, it also benefits myself. Daddy God really knows how to give, give and give. If my cool new hairstyle was not keeping my head together, I think my mind would have been blown away already at the sheer love that Daddy has for us. He gave us all these opportunities with the intention of blessing us much more!

-----

For those who managed to read through all that, you will be rewarded with a funny little story.

When titles and positions change, it takes some time to change the way we address the people involved. It took a while to get used to call Deaconess, "Deaconess" when I was so used to calling her, "Coach".

I was finally getting the hang of it and have been calling her Deaconess as I should.

It was in the second day of the retreat and since most of the people around were from church, it was not unusual to just greet them when we see them. A simple, "Good morning!" or, "Hello, so and so," was apt.

What's not cool is when JG greets a male Deacon in this manner: "Good morning, Deaconess!"

*exit stage left*

God of this City - Chris Tomlin

2009-03-25T23:32:00.001+08:00

I LIKE THIS HEH HEH xD

From: In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado

2009-03-10T10:59:00.002+08:00

February 15, 1921. New York City. The operating room of the Kane Summit Hospital. A doctor is performing an appendectomy.

In many ways the events leading to the surgery are uneventful. The patient has complained of severe abdominal pain. The diagnosis is clear: an inflamed appendix. Dr. Evan O'Neill Kane is performing the surgery. In his distinguished thirty-seven-year medical career, he has performed nearly four thousand appendectomies, so this surgery will be uneventful in all ways except two.

The first novelty of this operation? The use of local anesthesia in major surgery. Dr. Kane is a crusader against the hazards of general anesthesia. He contends that a local application is far safer. Many of his colleagues agree with him in principle, but in order for them to agree in practice, they will have to see the theory applied.

Dr. Kane searches for a volunteer, a patient who is willing to undergo surgery while under local anesthesia. A volunteer is not easily found. Many are squeamish at the though of being awake during their own surgery. Others are fearful that the anesthesia might wear off too soon.

Eventually, however, Dr. Kane finds a candidate. On Tuesday morning, February 15, the historic operation occurs.

The patient is prepped and wheeled into the operation room. A local anesthetic is applied. As he has done a thousand of times, Dr. Kane dissects the superficial tissues and locates the appendix. He skillfully excises it and concludes the surgery. During the procedure, the patient complains of only minor discomfort...

Dr. Kane has proven his theory...

But I said there were two facts that made the surgery unique. I've told you the first: the use of local anesthesia. The second is the patient. The courageous candidate for surgery by Dr. Kane was Dr. Kane,

To prove his point, Dr. Kane operated on himself!

A wise move. The doctor became a patient in order to convince the patients to trust the doctor.

... The story of the doctor who became his own patient is mild compared to the story of the God who became human. But Jesus did. So that you and I would believe that the Healer knows our hurts, he voluntarily became one of us. He placed himself in our position. He suffered our pains and felt our fears.

Rejection? He felt it. Temptation? He knew it. Loneliness? He experienced it. Death? He tasted it.

And stress? He could write a best selling book about it.

Why did he do it? One reason. So that when you hurt you will go to him-- your father and your physician-- and let him heal.

Our beloved Blog 2009

2009-02-16T02:21:00.003+08:00

Dear Southies,
I have to say... wow, we have come a long way since our first post! And we're still alive. PRAISE THE LORD.

Heres just a little note ... something i wanna say for 2009... Let's continue to update this blog!!!haha. WE CANNOT LET IT DIE LIKE OTHER CG's ;) It really helps us to keep in touch! (dont't u think so?)

And also, A GREAT BIG THANK YOU FOR ALL THE POSTS WRITTEN AND EFFORT TO THIS BLOG! (EVEN THE TAGBOARD! HAHA) I always check back and it ROCKS to have something new to read! :D

So heres what we can all do:
- Post pics of events. (even small ones, ANYTHING) Bday celebrations/sendoffs... ANything!
- Any song you LOVE to the core. haha.
- Sermons that you LOVE.
- Excerpts from books. (thx Sheryl for doing it so often, it really spoke to me)
- Verses that you've been meditating on, and whats soo cool/amazing about it.
- Biblical movies you've watched maybe?
- Testimonials
and the list goes on...

Well, I just thought I'll share a very common verse that we all know, but it's the verse of my season. haha. and it never hurts to be reminded...

"6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:6-7 (New King James Version)

Lets just REST in our Lord and trust that whatever we are asking from the Lord will come in His time... Especially in this Miracle Seed Season. (loved the sermon, btw) Chill, don't worry, think about it too much. Pray, read the amazing love letters from God (the bible) and be rooted in the Love of God! (And don't forget to share your testimonials then! haha)

AMEN!

xoxo
Yan

2009-dektos

2009-01-28T13:57:00.000+08:00

Hey my fellow commando southies! Blessed Acceptable new year!! haha=D since all of us are still in the "Chinese-New-Year festive" mood, i've some stuff to share with you guys! regarding this year's theme- THE ACCEPTABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.=D bear with me for the long post, cuz it has been brewing on my heart already!=D

Have you all ever wondered what doest it mean by ACCEPTABLE ? (even though in greek, the word ACCEPTABLE denotes, the MOST BLESSED time when the salvations and FREE favours of God PROFUSELY ABOUNDS.) like one of the many curious peepos like you guys, i asked Abba what does it mean by acceptable year of the Lord? why acceptable and not anything else?

Furthermore, remember sheryl's post on the sms her aunt sent to her and also subsequent sermons,both Pastor Prince and Pastor Benjamin actually preached and prophesied more on this. so in short here's the summary of what they have prophesied on.

Pastor Prince said that year 2009 is gonna be:

1)A year FULL of God's TURNING POINTS in our lives

2) A YEAR of REST for the beloved child of God (and that's us)

Pastor Benjamin said year 2009 is gonna be:

3) a FRUITFUL and POWERFUL year

4) and a year whereby Daddy GOd is setting us up on a NEW DIRECTION- HIS WORD.

so all these word spoken through pastor's mouth sort of answered my question. But i went home asking The Lord more, like to show me in His word this all these are true. And guess what, HE DID!!! and Jesus is SO MIRACULOUSLY ACCURATE!! He used the the very passage that pastor prince preached to speak to me!! wow, and you guys take a look at how Jesus PROVE His WORD preached through the bible, it's amazing mans i tell you! hahaha=D

Isaiah 61:1-2 (this is the portion pastor preached)

1 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me,
Because the LORD has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,
And the day of vengeance of our God;

As we all know, the day of vengeance is fulfilled when Jesus was at the cross!! and whatever comes after that can ONLY BE GOOD!! so look at the next few verses, AWESOME i tell you!=D

3 To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”

wow, from ashes to beauty, mourning to joy, heaviness to praise! Doesn't this fulfilled what Pastor Prince said- the THIS YEAR IS A YEAR OF TURNING POINTS? =D=D=D

And remember what pastor benjamin preached at the first arrow service of the year? He preached tt we'll be like the trees of psalm 1, planted by the rivers of living waters (which is God's Word), and that our leaves will not wither and we'll MOST DEFINITELY BEAR FRUITS we wanna see in our lives? the brown portion fulfills what pastor benjamin said- that tis year, 2009, is gonna be a year Daddy is setting each of us on a NEW DIRECTION!!! a direction of HIS WORD. when Jesus aligns us according to what His word says, how many mistakes can we make? how bad can our lives get? Our lives can only be BETTER and BETTER, our paths can only shines BRIGHTER and BRIGHTER!! AMEN=D=D=D

Isaiah 61:4

4 And they shall rebuild the old ruins,
They shall raise up the former desolations,
And they shall repair the ruined cities,
The desolations of many generations.

In year 2008, the year of manifested blessings, some expectations i trusted Daddy for like family salvation, handling of finances etc didn't come to pass. i was quite affected so i asked Abba to give me a SURE word this year so that my dreams wont burst like bubbles again. And you know what, THE ACCEPTABLE YEAR OF THE LORD IS ALSO A YEAR OF RESTORATION!!

Jesus Himself promised me that He will RISE UP and build and RESTORE to me things that i've lost my hope in trusting Him for!! and truely, i've seen His hands work SO MUCH in this new year already!! (will share with u guys again!! if not this will be 3000 word essay hahahaha) so ya for those of you trusting Daddy God for some things close to your heartbut have yet to come to pass,take this Word as your own too and DON'T GIVE UP BELIEVING because OUR GOD IS ABLE!!=D=D=D

Isaiah 61:5

5 Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks,
And the sons of the foreigner
Shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.
6 But you shall be named the priests of the LORD,
They shall call you the servants of our God.
You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles,
And in their glory you shall boast.

Remember start of the year pastor preached on praying in tongues to enter THIS YEAR OF REST?Here is the evidence that this year is TRUELY gonna be A YEAR OF DIVINE REST for all of us, His beloveds!!

in this verse, everything is done for us! people "feed" our flocks and p"plow"our land for harvest and "prune" our vines for us!! this means, WE REST!! our friends may study alot or do the major parts of our project, but they are actually studying and doing our projects for our benefits!! don't ask me how, but know that GOD CAN!!=D

and for army people, all of you guys may go for combat shoot and stuff, you may not fare as well as the others, but you still get to enjoy the 200 bucks reward when all your other friends do well!! we just need to REST and SPEAK ( cuz you're king priest!!)!! hahaha

even in the times it seems as though other people are winning their fights of life and it seems as though they are doing well and getting better results and stuff, remember our inheritance that is ALREADY PAID at the foot of the cross. we're not winners-in-the-making or striving-to-be-the-best. WE ARE ALREADY CHAMPIONS IN CHRIST!! and a CHAMPION's life can ONLY be GOOD and nothing else!=D

and the last part!!this is the verse for pastor benjamin's prophesy-that year 2009 is gonna be a FRUITFUL AND POWERFUL YEAR!

Isaiah 61:7

7 Instead of your shame you shall have double honor,
And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion.
Therefore in their land they shall possess double;
Everlasting joy shall be theirs.

it is one thing to have a restored portion, but it is a MUCH BETTER PORTION to know that we have DOUBLE THE ORIGINAL!! isn't that the meaning of FRUITFUL and ABUNDANCE!!??( how can we lose with this kind of promises in the bible? moreover ALL the promises of God are YES and AMEN in Christ!! haha=D)

Also, the bible actually did say in nehemiah 8:10 that the JOY of the Lord is MY STRENGTH!! knowing that Daddy God delighting over us as His beloveds in Christ actually gives us the POWER to stand against the devil EVEN WHEN THINGS SEEM TO BE AGAINST US.and the POWER Abba gives us last FOREVER( because the verse says everlasting!!=D)

And the amazing thing is, Daddy only gave us the POWER to STAND, not fight, because the FIGHTING part belongs to Him!! we just need to stand firm on the word of God and speak it forth and Jesus will be The Word made manifest in our lives as our blessings!! just like how He became flesh from heaven to earth to save us!!=D

So that's about it! thanks for bearing my long post!! Just wanna end off by saying,

GOD'S WORD IS EVERYTHING.

His word is the MIRACLE you need, the breakthrough you've been waiting for. simply because

JESUS CHRIST is THE WORD BECAME FLESH. if Jesus can manifest as flesh to save us from our sins and establish us in His righteousness and His grace, he can manifest as our breakthroughs and miracles as well!! so SPEAK FORTH God's word from the bible(don't know what to speak, just read out loud whatever the bible says=D), b because whenever we speak forth The Written Word,we're speaking forth Jesus into our lives and He manifests as our blessings!! that's why Jesus is ALL we need and in Him ALL things consist and are HELD TOGETHER=D AMEN.

love you peepos loads!! you guys are the BEST bunch of friends ever!!!=D

A Close Call

2009-01-26T19:57:00.005+08:00

Hi Beloved Southies,

I'd like to share a testimony because it's really not my testimony, but rather, God's testimony of His love for me, and for all of us. It's not about how confident (or unconfident) I am in my faith or how many chapters of the bible I read everyday, or even how much I think about Him (which, to be honest, is not a lot. Many a time, I simply forget that He's with me). But He stayed with me, and saved me. So I'm typing this to thank and glorify Jesus for giving me a second chance (and so many more to come) at life, and to encourage those reading that there is a God out there, in here, and He loves you. He gave His Son so we will never have to experience pain, loss, death, sickness, failure, shame or strife.

It's all about Jesus.

It happened yesterday, the eve of Chinese New Year, 25th January 2009, close to 4 o' clock. My sister had my dad's car and took my mom and I out for a short joy ride to Pierce Reservoir. We were on our way home when we came across a huge junction directly underneath the Upper Thomson Flyover, where we would have taken a smooth right turn onto SLE. Having let her guard down slightly, my sister sped up to beat the yellow light when she should have halted at the stop line of the junction to wait for the green arrow to come on. It was an honest mistake. Right at that moment, when we were already three-quarters of the way diagonally across the junction, two cars - one black, one silver - came whizzing towards us, having beaten the amber light on their side of the road. Maybe it was adrenaline, I have no idea, but everything went into slow motion, like in the movies. Only this time, latched in the front passenger seat, I was literally a few inches from death.

But thank God! My sister stepped on the brake pedal just as the black car flew past in front of us. And then before I could blink, from my window I saw the silver car a short distance away - and swiftly closing the gap. I didn't even have the time to think about the bloodied mess that would have covered the road if my sister hadn't released the brake and stepped on the accelerator just in time for us to miss the silver car. All three of us emerged unscathed, not a scratch on any of the cars involved. There were screams of terror, but it was so quiet. I heard none of it. Throughout the whole episode, there were no honks, no screeching of tires; all the drivers and passengers were shocked out of our wits. It was a silent ride home. But we made it. God made it, for us.

Even now as I recount the almost-accident, I shudder inside. The memory of what could have happened haunts me sometimes. The image of that silver car hurtling itself towards my door. I wouldn't be here typing this. I can hardly believe what happened. Thinking about it, it was really God. It could not have been anyone else. My sister was too stunned to have switched pedals the way she did, and at those precise crucial moments, without God. There was a tiny pocket of safety then, and He led us right into it. It was truly Jesus' blood that surrounded our car like a shield.

Daddy God has given me a second (and unlimited) chance at life. He will for you too. He already has.

Happy New Year

- Hui Yi

Finally.. My aha moment!

2009-01-17T23:57:00.005+08:00

I've finally got the link between Rom7 and Rom8..

Ok for those of you who have got it already I thank God that you are mature and deeply rooted, but take this as maybe a revision? or maybe comment on it if you think something else is missing or wrong..

You only understand what Paul is writing in Rom7:7-25 if you have truly experienced it; the things you do not want to do, you do and the things you want to do you do not.. I'll tell you what led to me experiencing this..

Friday 16/01/09 I was late for my parade.. cos we fall-ed in at 0530 and I was still sleeping in bunk.. so on the bus I was like Jesus when I've fallen soooo badly I really need you abundance of grace now to restore me.. well I went back to camp and got punished.. punishment is a consequence not that there's no grace for the situation.. there was a lot 'cos this offense warrants at least 2/3 days extra duties.. so I had to remain in camp for the whole day and couldn't secure early.. so I got the chance to share with this friend of mine, who I'm believing to get saved, say amen, the difference between sinful nature and flesh.. he understood 'cos he's been attending another church just waiting for a time to get saved.. which I also believe will be 23rd Jan Friday our Chinese new year service!

so the flesh is the part of us that is compelled to sin.. our sinful nature was what we were before we died to sin and became alive to Christ.. now you have a Christ-nature / God-nature..

so let's look at Rom 7:21-8:1

So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

It's different when you remove all the numbers 'cos I don't think Paul intended his letter to have numbers segregating each sentence..

so it says my God-nature wills to do good but I see my flesh compelled to do evil.. and he says who will deliver me from this flesh: the Lord Jesus Christ.. not what, but who.. so if you look at indwelling sin, it's like cancer in our body.. but we are not the cancer.. so because i am not the cancer, I am not condemned.. because I did not sin, but the cancer in me.. it's a shallow way of putting it, but to say it this way because I am not the sinner I will not be condemned by God.. because I have been made alive and free from the law of sin and death..

how to battle the cancer is another thing, but the link between Rom7 and 8 is not how to battle with the cancer, but who you are when you see the cancer manifesting.. (the eradication of the cancer is like 8:9 and further when it says you are dead to your flesh and alive in Christ, oh yes and Rom 8:3-8 is why you are no longer condemned also explains 7:25-8:1)

because I used to condemn myself even after sitting under Pastor's ministry long enough.. i used to condemn myself as: I'm a Christian and Jesus set me free from sin how come I'm still sinning.. And then I feel bad about my sin.. yes I confess: thank you Jesus you are my righteousness and I've been washed, forgiven, but the self-condemnation creeps in silently.. until I realised finally it is NOT me who has sinned, but my flesh and I should not be saying I am a Christian and I sin, but the indwelling sin that is manifesting..

I hope you get it cause I realised I've been condemning myself enough stealthily without my knowledge..

Be Blessed and see you all in church! Shalom

its-all-connected

2009-01-09T16:19:00.002+08:00

Hey guys(:

going to share something here. its way much easier than saying it out. haha. It has really opened my eyes to many things I thought were just there, and it has truly blessed me; and I believe it will bless you too.

You know how last year 2008 was said by Pastor to be a year or manifested blessings right? And this year 2009 would be the ‘acceptable year of the LORD (Luke 4:19)’ – the most blessed time when salvation and the free favour of God profusely abound (dektos).

And on the first service of the year, Pastor Prince shared about how rest should be a priority in our lives. Then he went on to show us how to get that rest too – that is through tounges.

11 For with stammering lips and another tongue
He will speak to this people,
12 To whom He said, "This is the rest with which
You may cause the weary to rest,"
And, "This is the refreshing"; Yet they would not hear.
13 But the word of the LORD was to them,
(Isaiah 28:11-13)

----------------

okay. So going back to last year, after I heard about how this year was supposed to be a year of all these good blessings from Deuteronomy 28, I was really glad. Because just nice that year I was taking my A levels. heh.

But 1) strangely enough, all through the year, God led me to focus more about resting instead of blessings. Now when I say that ‘God led’, I don’t mean it in an audible voice. It is more of an inner knowing that God will take care of my stuff for me. like there is a sense of comfort and assurance and peace that God is always by my side all the time, and that everything is going to be alright because of that. it was a time where I was so much more aware and conscious about the fact that I can leave my problems and worries to God, instead of trusting in my own efforts. I believe this awareness did not come from human willpower, but I believe it really was supernaturally given by God. And this sense just constantly came back to me time and time again, always reminding me whenever I forget.

And when I say rest, I do not mean inactivity in the natural. when I told my Christian Fellowship friends about how this year (2008) I would rely on rest, I think they saw it more in its literal form. They sort of smiled and joked about a ‘magic pen’ that would help me write words as I just sat there. Now don’t misunderstand, but they are good friends who love God and are quite grounded in the finished work of Jesus already. but just that I don’t think we were exactly on the same page there.

I believed it more along the lines of how rest is not inactivity, but rather Holy Spirit-directed activity (its from a sermon). and… I’ve clean forgot what was said in that sermon already. I believe that Pastor would have shared about praying in tongues somewhere in the sermon, but at that point in time I still did not really practice tongues as often as we could la.

Now, if you ask me how I rested, I also seriously cannot remember exactly how :/ I just would merely say to God ‘this thing I’m gonna leave it to You’, or ‘I cannot handle this on my own, You know. I let You take charge of it.’ . All this regardless of my ability or inability to handle a matter. Initially as far as I can remember, there was hardly much awareness of the power/frequent practice of tongues at that time at all – (even though I was aware that there was such a thing as tongues la). Yet while I did that, so many blessings came to me. how friendships fell into place, how there was a supernatural ease when I did my CCA and school stuff, and how theres just this peace even though things did not work out the way I want them to.

And the best part here is that God isn’t petty about how well I perform towards Him, or whether I am doing it the so called right way or not. He still favours me even though I did not pray in tongues like Pastor Henry. That He does not withdraw His grace or favour just because I don’t do regular ‘intensive quiet time’, or do deep Hebrew bible study, or even if I flip to the contents page of the bible :/ heh. (Now those things are good, but not in a legalish way.) and moreover I can so easily believe Him in my own personal way, that I can even talk to Him in singlish privately. And there is just so much security in that.

So this was how it was like for about the first one third of the year.

----------------

and 2) strangely enough, at the beginning of the year, when I was on the bus on the way home, something inside me said that ‘tongues is the key to all your blessings’. Now at that time somehow my mind focused more on the word ‘tongues’ only, and I did not see the full picture la. How it ties in with the blessings. So I asked God, saying ‘how come Pastor Prince talk about blessings, and then You come and lead me towards tongues? Shouldn’t I be sort of in line with the rest of the Church?’

*from here you can tell that at that point in time, I didn’t know much about tongues la. Head knowledge-wise and heart knowledge-wise.

Anyway after that, I tried to practice praying in tongues for a few days. I only succeeded in doing it (as a routine) about 10 mins for 5 days I think. Then after that it died down. heh. Then it was back to the same life where I prayed in tongues only sometimes.

But somehow the desire towards tongues came back to me again after awhile, like after the first one third of the year part. And it was all especially because I wanted to pray something really badly about friendships. And I remembered somewhere that Pastor said that tongues is the perfect prayer that you can ever pray. And that’s good stuff. So I began to listen to the sermon series about tongues by Pastor Prince. Like really pay attention to listen those kind. As I listened to those sermons, (there are loads of them), I began to get more and more rested, in many many ways.

One example is by how we ‘work out your own salvation’ (Philippians 2:12). From there I don’t have to be bothered about how I should have the right kind of faith or what is the proper attitude/mindset when it comes to loving God, or the correct way we should worship and stuff like that. I just tell God that all this I leave to Him, and as I pray in tongues these things that I want will be ‘worked out’ from inside of me. that means that it is not me who makes this relationship with God work, but rather it is the Spirit, or God Himself, that makes it all work in the end. how this example links to my prayer for friendships is that, I knew that I didn’t have to count on my natural efforts to make things work. I knew that He should be our first priority – and not the blessings that we all desire. Then after that I can leave all the rest to Him; whether the outcome is what we desire or not.

Okay. At this point in time, its towards the end of the year already. this is when we heard what Pastor Henry showed us about praying in tongues during one meeting. And I was really glad that whatever things I believed about praying in tongues, was grounded again in the Word. Like a reminder again of the significance of what I was practicing; cos we cannot remember every word that was said in sermons that we’ve heard before.

----------------

alright. this part would be the conclusion to what I said just now. It might seem kinda out of link categorically with what was mentioned above, but this part is the more important one.

I used to think that there are different stages in our walk with God. Like we should categorize different aspects of this walk, and focus on these different aspects all the time. perhaps you all have realised it already and I’m just slow :/ but I just realised that everything that was showed in church is all actually linked together.

I used to think that for example:
Stage 1 – grace/finished work/righteousness/favour/love
Stage 2 – speaking as a king and priest
Stage 3 – anointing oil, tongues, supernatural healing
Stage 4 – genuine heart understanding of the bible
Stage 5 – super intimacy with God

And stuff like that. Like everything should be categorized. Like only in 2007 will we see more acceleration, and only in 2008 we will see more manifested blessings, and only in 2009 we prioritize our rest.

But in a profound scheme of things, I feel that all these things cannot be divided and focused on individually. (I don’t have bible reference for this part though) Rather, all these things above like His love, healing, anointing oil, rest, and stuff like that, all boils down to ONE thing – that is the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

I really don’t know how to explain this, but everything is linked together.

From the finished work,
- righteousness that we have in Christ (1 Cor 1:30)
- blessings through righteousness. (Romans 4:8)
- how we get peace through His death. (John 14:27)
- how we have the authority to speak as kings and priests. (Ecclesiastes 8:4)
- how we have the Holy Spirit to guide us/ ability to speak in tongues/ sword /fruits of the spirit (John 7:39), for example.
- and many many many more of the things that we learn in church during service.

Bascially, everywhere in the bible is centered around the finished work! I mean, I’ve heard this before many many many times, but I’ve never actually realised what it actually means. Not that I fully do now la.

So when I was listening to the sermon on rest this year, in my mind I was thinking ‘God, I’m one year earlier than all of them?’ And I was believing that this year would be a year that I will be on a whole new level in being conscious of His work, apart from how well I do or how badly I fall. But the thing is, even though last year I was led more towards rest and tongues, doesn’t mean that this year I neglect them and focus on this ‘new one’ instead.

In any case, it would be impossible to focus on rest without involving all the other stuff, because they are all linked together. And the thing that links them all together is ultimately the finished work, and His love for me. It does not matter whether I fall or not, whether I do right or wrong, whether I sin or not. I do not mean it in a perpetual lifestyle of the flesh or evil hurting others kind of sin.

But ultimately really, even if one does live in a perpetual state of drugs or vice, but he is saved – he is still ‘righteous apart from (his) works’ (Romans 4:6). It does not mean that what he is doing is good and acceptable and should be continued, but he is still righteous by the blood of Jesus and he will get to heaven. (only faster ). By the same token, if he is compared to another man who is super intimate with Jesus, like our Pastors, or even the Pope for that matter. The first man is no less righteous than the pastor, nor is the pastor more righteous than any other person around – simply because of what Jesus did on the cross. And from that belief we would then live ‘right’. Yeah(:

So with the so many things that we hear and learn in the Church every week, or the so called ‘themes’ for every year, it would be difficult to focus on each of them individually all the time. all these things that we learn from our church are really really great Truths – since its all from the Word. but instead of trying to use my own effort to wrap my mind around all of them, and focusing on each of them individually, it would be better to just continually speak in tongues and rely on Jesus, allowing Him to work out everything that is needed for us – even in our own personal relationship with Him.

yup

-----------

if you managed to read until here, it surely is God who gave you supernatural endurance and comprehension to read and understand this. Heh. I’ve no idea how to organize these personal thoughts. they just float as 'concepts' in my head. Which is really apt in my need to rely on Him to write this out :/

Sorry for being long winded though. Haven’t written essays in a long while(: but I reallly hope this has spoken to you.

Stay loved,
George.

YEAR 2009 =)

2008-12-29T11:44:00.002+08:00

The year 2009 is a year of God's delight, favor & acceptance.
A change of hands in wealth & a transition period. The most acceptable year of the Lord.
The most blessed time when your family's salvation and the free favor of the Lord is profusely abounding.
This is the word from the Lord:
Pastor prince mentioned ''turning point'' being emphasized for this coming year. A year of transition.
Every area of your life will turn around. Some quickly, some slowly, but surely. There is a turn around coming.
Even for those you love, there is going to be a turn around for them, Amen.
This coming year, a year of transition, transits into a better place, to a larger place, into a good and green pasture beside still water. Amen!

Let the Lord be your shepherd.
He will lead you beside still water.
You will not see war.
You will experience still water.
He will lay you down on the green pasture.
In the midst of evil, we can experience the presence of the Lord covering over us.
We will be able to stand in the evil day.
Have a bright future mentality.
Put on a helmet of hope, positive expectations of good.
May God's favor hit you from behind when you least expect it.
When you go to work or school, remember you are God's favorite.
Say 'Amen' which is an act of faith reaching out to receive God's shower of blessings!
God wants us to see good days.

An sms from my auntie Christina. =D looking forward to the new year!! May we all grow more strongly in the Lord =) happyy new yearr!!

SOUTHIE FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTYYY

2008-12-16T13:01:00.001+08:00

*ahems* HELLO EVERYBODY!!

I'm sure you guys are enjoying your holidays yeah? okays, here's the updates for the southie family christmas party! =)

DATE: 23rd DEC 2008 (TUESDAY)
Time: 5pm - 930pm
Meeting Place: 5pm at Serangoon MRT station! (try not to be late! if you're going huiyi's house straightaway please let us know too!)
Location: Huiyi's house (huiyi has very kindly sent us a map of her house and i've already attached the file here)
Theme: WINTER PARTYYY (so come dressed in winter accessories!!)

Okays, here's something to take note of! For FOOD (yum yum) we'll be having potblessings!! SOOO, please let huiyi (97837453) know what food you'd like to bring OKAYS! :D

We'll also be having gift exchange! (YAYYY) so just buy a present (budget the most 15 dollars, preferably if the gift is suitable for guys and girls yeah?) and we'll have gift exchange at huiyi's house!

Here's roughly the programme for the night!
We'll all have dinner first, followed by playing some games, then have gift exchange, before ending the night with probably some Praise and Worship and a time of sharing.

YES YES, so PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDENCE ASAP even if you're not going can just reply? haha yeah you can reply here or you can drop me clarice-91069455 or jo-91889625 a text. Feel free to ask any questions too.

Lastly, here's something that YOU MUST BRING to the party - YOUR EXCITEMENT PLUS ENERGY!! I'm really looking forward to seeing all of ya! so yeap, I'll see you guys there! GOD BLESS YA RICHLY!! :D

His beloved CLARICE.

14th Dec

2008-12-14T11:33:00.004+08:00

Today I just wanna blog about some nugget I got from Pastor's rabbit trails.. it was his last phrase:

In Christ all prayers are answered. Christ is the reason every prayer is answered

I thought it was awesome 'cos i was on the 147 bus after George and I got down the 133 bus. I wanted to recap what Pastor said today and the 1st thing I saw was this line I wrote in my notebook. Immediately daddy nudged me to go study it and see why Jesus was the reason every prayer is answered 'cos honestly I doubted in my heart when I prayed for someone over the phone. like will God really answer my prayer.. I believe therefore I speak but.. erm yeah.. so this is what I wrote in my notebook

Daddy loves Jesus so much that he WILL grant whatever the son asks

Matt 18:19-20
v.19 if 2 shall agree it shall be done
v.20 when 2 or 3 are gathered in my name there I am in the midst

Jn11:42 Jesus: you ALWAYS hear me..

Jn16:23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father Will give you whatever you ASK in MY NAME.

Because I am in Christ the prayers I pray are prayed by Christ. Jesus takes all my prayers removes the self-centered-ness and excess unneeded stuff and adds HIS beauty perfection and perfume so that everything I pray in Jesus name is perfect and holy!

Be blessed! and stay adorable [boss' favourite line (: ]

Something that really blessed my heart=D

2008-12-14T04:18:00.001+08:00

Hey southies!! long time no see!! i miss each of you alot alot!! haha=D anyways here's something to share with you guys that has really really blessed my heart. it is an article featuring my favourite band-big daddy weave and what they do in life, which is worship. though it is about music, worship (like what pastor daniel preached) is really about life, a lifestyle. the article is really cool, especially for people who have a desire to serve Abba, in every which way they want to.=D check it out!=D

Mike Weaver doesn’t really know how he got to where he is today. As one-fifth of Big Daddy Weave, one of Christian music’s most endearing bands, he readily admits, “I don’t think we’ve ever known what we were doing.”

A bold statement for the lead singer, songwriter and acoustic guitarist of a band that has sold nearly a half million records, released three No. 1 singles and toured with some of the biggest names in the industry since making its national debut over six years ago.

But Weaver insists it has been that simple. “We’ve always said, ‘God, if this is what you want us to do, you have to make it happen. Wherever we go, we’ll make it plain who you are—that Jesus is God and Jesus has changed our life.”

Expressing the greatness of that change in a musical format comes naturally for the melody-driven quintet. On its fifth release, What Life Would Be Like (Fervent), Big Daddy discovers and explores a new perspective of living, one that engages the miracles of God as not only possible, but real.

“When we went to Ecuador and saw what God was doing through World Vision, it challenged our hearts. We felt like there was not a lot happening through these little dollars that we were giving for child sponsorship. But once we got there, what seemed like a little bit was really changing entire communities in this country,” Weaver explains. “We visited one place where the crime rate had literally dropped from 80 percent to 20 percent in just a matter of years.”

Returning home self-aware, the band members began to question their own personal doubts and views of God. “The truth is, what we feel like is insignificant. What we feel like is not enough. In the hands of Jesus, He does the miraculous,” Weaver professes. “It increased this ability to dream again.”

Incorporating the effects of Ecuador into their next creative output, the men based their writing and recording on a fresh reality of God. “I feel like this record is about expectations: our expectations of who God is and what He’s capable of doing through the messed up people that we are.” The first to admit his shortcomings, Weaver, the band’s unofficial spokesman, replaces systematic sound bytes with true confession: “I think we have sold Him so short.”

Big Daddy injects the same vulnerability into the title track’s opening line: “I wish I was more of a man . . . What if I could fix myself/Maybe then I could get free/I could try to be somebody else/Whose much better off than me.” Even Weaver notices the openness of his own lyric. “Listening down the record, I don’t know if we’ve ever said anything that completely honest. I think there’s a level of transparency with this record that’s deeper than before.”

In what has become a mission for the guys, ministry takes first place when interacting with the audience. “We want to be real people in front of real people, as much as you can do that with making music. We’re finding out He wants to use what’s offstage maybe even more than onstage,” the personable front man realizes, continuing to administer the band’s priorities of people over music and music over media attention.

“We aren’t the coolest looking dudes. We don’t have the coolest music there is. Maybe the entire reason we were [at a concert] wasn’t because we needed to play this set of radio songs or have this moment of worship as much as it was that one really weird guy that wouldn’t leave us alone, and honoring the Lord by taking some time out of [our] day and loving him.”

After 10 years together, the original five members of Big Daddy Weave are the same five fellas that step on stage night after night, a rare feat in today’s evolving music scene. Weaver makes no qualms that the guys “fight like brothers.” But at the same time he acknowledges, “There’s a depth in our relationship because of the time we spend together that is unlike any other friendship I’ve ever had before.”

Weaver understands the seemingly divine call on their lives though the band, but he still wonders, “Do we need to get it more together than this?” They are learning it is not the work from their feeble hands, but the graces of a very big God.

“Over the past couple of years, what God has shown us more than anything else is [to] allow everybody to be who they are. Give permission for people to be messed up. We all have problems. It’s about grace.”

To learn more about Big Daddy Weave, visit the band’s website at bigdaddyweave.com.

MOST ANTICIPATED EVENT OF THE YEAR.

2008-11-24T16:07:00.002+08:00

hello beloved jc south family! i know some of you are having your exams now (way to go!), while some of you have already finished your exams (way to go too!) and some of you probably don't have exams (way to go three!). but just wanna let ya know that you all have been missed dearly!

AS SUCH, we have decided to have our annual CHRISTMAS PARTY on 23nd DECEMBER 2008 (tuesday).

Mark it down in your calendar!! and please reply us if you can make it on 23nd dec ASAP okay? So that we can make changes if any needs to be done! you can either text me (Clarice - 91069455)or (Jo - 91889625) more details will be given in time! =)

AND, let us know if you'll be free to help out for this christmas party! confirm got things to do! part of the joy of parties is the planning part! hehe, alrights await to hear all your replies! WHAT'S A PARTY WITHOUT THE PEOPLE RIGHT? :D i'm really looking forward to meeting up with ALL of you! and one thing that this party's definitely gonna need is - YOUR EXCITEMENT! LOVES! =)

-clarice.

22/11 את

2008-11-22T10:28:00.003+08:00

Hey guys I've got something super to share with you all.. I was doing quiet time this morning and I just google-ed bible and typed in prosperity.. one of the verses that I got was Psa 25:13.. it's beautiful

12 Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD ?
He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.

13 He will spend his days in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land.

14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.

But that's not the main thing I got.. You remember Pastor preached about the Aleph Tav? That Jesus is the AlephTav the beginning and the end?

22 Redeem (פּדה (את Israel ישׂראל, O God אלהים,
from all their מנּי מנּי מן כּול כּל troubles צרה!

Psa 25:22 I checked my e-sword. Strong's literal had these 2 letters after the word redeem.. wow!! I'm telling you wow!! פּדה את yeah it's amazing omg!!

okay now I went to look up more about את and I found Jesus just all over the old testaments.. this is amazing God hid his son everywhere in the Old testaments and I'm so honoured as a King to dig up these secrets.. Beloveds I encourage you to dig up his secrets too not just את but many many other secrets.. be blessed

Prov25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

Of child-like innocence

2008-11-12T16:15:00.004+08:00

Hello you guys! I couldn't help but smile throughout watching the video which sheryl has put up in the previous post. This is another short clip featuring God's children talking to Him in writing when told to. Children are really so precious amen? (haha yang yan look at this!) Let us not forget to approach our Daddy God with hearts like those of children :)

I personally like this version from the New Living Translation:

"Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children."

Luke 18:16

Jesus please answer them and let me know the answers too!
Thank you for hearing me.

From your precious gem of a child.

I see grace

2008-11-10T19:21:00.001+08:00

See this really nice video. super cute. posted by John Gabriel's mum in facebook.

One saturday morning 2 year old boy Joshua heard the song "I See Grace" from his bedroom, then he stopped playing and started to sing from his pure heart... watch and be blessed by a 2 year old boy singing, praising and worshiping our living God. ...

Behold....

2008-11-09T01:02:00.008+08:00

Ok, i know ive been telling people that the new church is building really near my house but i havent really been sure where it exactly is. But.. recently, they've finally put up the barriers and.. ITS RIGHT OPPOSITE MY HOUSE. :O OMG!

i know ive been saying it alot but i'll say it AGAIN: ITS SO SURREAL I CANT BELIEVE IT... !! its friggin at my doorstep...

Ive seen them fell the trees (im still mourning over the loss of greenery when i look out my window), and started work and all.... So, i decided to take some pics for u'all to seee.. :D

[from my living room window]

And how do i know if that plot of land IS for the church building? Cos i saw this while i was waiting for the bus to go to school. (yeah my bus stop is opp this. i can totally watch the church grow, oops i mean build. haha.)

I feel this is like a pregnant woman going for her first scan.. where u cant really see anything but something is there. haha. But im sure as time passes, it'll look more impressive! And its so awesome i can share this with u guys. I doubt this priviledge anywhere else! hehe! u blessed southies!

All the best for ur exams! :D The lord is with you!! all the wayyy!!!

amazing?

2008-10-28T23:32:00.002+08:00

Hi! I would like to share sth dat happened I felt was quite very amazing. haha. so u see, I haven't really been attending caregroup lately, cox it didn't really worked out. n i noe dats a stupid excuse. but i have been wanting to attend, juz e ppl there din contact me, so i din really felt like carrying on (like asking for the details myself), although i noe somehow deep inside, i wanted to go join in the fun and all. but i guess i juz let it go n tot probably next year i will go. so i din really tot bout caregroup for some time.

but juz last week, my aunt at my ah ma hse suddenly mentioned about her friend living nearby who was having her place open up for her niece to one of the arrow caregroup, n so she asked me bout it. but i juz shrugged it off n we both agreed dat there were so many caregroups in arrow. so it must be one of them.

Den just last sunday, after church, i was to meet yl at suntec, but instead change of plans to meet at toa payoh cox his bus goes there. haha. so anyway, while there, i unexpectedly met my new cg friend, Yu Hua . we exchanged no.s n i asked bout e cg venue anyhow. n she told me they moved to tanjong pagar, cantonment there, where my ah ma hse is. oh my. lol. was i so surprised.

so now Im going for cg, not going to miss this opportunity, n i can walk from my ah ma hse too! haha. Praise Abba. He definitely nv does miss out anyone who's left behind. ya, n with him, nv feel left out or lonely, coz his only concern and attention is all to you. =) yay

Having it the right way

2008-10-24T22:29:00.002+08:00

To be a Christian is, in a sense, to be a man without a country. If you truly are obedient to Christ-if you take the scriptures to heart and attempt to live them-you will inevitably come into conflict with the world. You belong to no one but Christ, while those in the world give themselves to people, possessions, institutions, and idols other than to Christ. To be a Christian is to stand apart yet to remain within-to dare to be different. You look at everything through the prism of Scripture, and things look different when viewed biblically.

Success in the world means power, influence, money, prestige. But in the Christian world, it means pleasing God. This quest for obedience may lead you to do things that are wholly contrary to what the world wants and rewards...

Obeying his commandments means reading and understanding Scripture, then determining that you are going to live exactly as Scripture teaches. I don't believe anybody can do that, because it is almost impossible not to be caught up every day in the ways of the world. But you can make an effort to live biblically. That is how the process of sanctification works- learning how to obey God, how to listen for his commands in your life. It is reading the Scripture and allowing it to soak into you. It is understanding the requirements of God's commandments and then gradually, day by day, in large ways and small, allowing that understanding to control the actions of your life...

If i had to pick the one thing... that has caused the most failure in obeying God, it would be that we figure God's time is our bible study, our prayer time, the meeting with our prayer group, and Sunday morning church service. That's just not true. God's time is every moment of our lives. Bible study and church simply prepare us for the moments of our lives... If we would "wear" him all day long, we would discover obedience becoming a reflex reaction.

(From "The Quest for Obedience" by Charles Colson in Practical Christianity)

Let every moment of our lives be filled with Abba's presence and love.

I got a question that my brother asked. "If God speaks to Pastor Prince about the gospel and everything, how come he doesn't speak to the other pastors?" or its cox they are not listening?

10/10 Friday..

2008-10-10T07:11:00.003+08:00

Wah.. look at today's date.. wahahas.. so lawful.. ok I claim GRACE over it!!! haha.. times 1/2 lol!

Erm I don't know but I think something's interesting 'cos I get the Friday Saturday Sunday "spiritual" stuff haha..

Anws.. I'm on off and my mom's alarm woke me 7:02am.. guess her alarm? My redeemer lives.. so cool right.. I thank God I've got a hip mother!!! this is even cool-er

remember what pastor preached? yeah wow!

I know he rescued my soul
His blood has covered my sin
I believe
I believe

My shame His taken away
My pain is healed in his name
I believe
I believe

I'll raise a banner
'Cause my Lord has conquered the grave

My Redeemer Lives
My Redeemer Lives
My Redeemer Lives
My Redeemer Lives

You Lift my burdens
I'll rise with You
I'm dancing on this mountain top to see your kingdom come

remember our standard Jesus Christ!! 'cause my Lord Jesus Christ has conquered the grave.. isn't the grave anything negative.. death war sickness or just the Devil and all his little minions? our solution to our end-time troubles is JESUS the banner over our lives.. His banner over me is love!

But interestingly what went on through this week brought 1 line to my attention.. I BELIEVE

sounds easy to say and sing.. but does it really really seem that easy? How do I let go of every circumstance in my life and choose to say Daddy I believe in you Yeshua..

my Salvation is secure in your hands because Jesus can never be shaken..

Daddy I don't feel your love or hand today, but yet I choose to believe..

But what do you believe in? I choose to believe in good.. JUST BELIEVE! not that easy but declare it and "act" it if you will.. take your mind off that situation.. set your hands to do what you claimed and keep rehearsing in your head that Jesus loves you even if you really don't understand what it means.. don't worry no one knows the fullness of his love either.. neither have I, but I pray like Paul did that you will catch a glimpse and slowly understand the height, depth, breadth and length of his love..

Beloveds, imagine what you're singing.. it's so powerful the devil trembles when you sing and listen to anointed praise! hallelujah! cya all @ CG! (:

kinda weird actually I've heard that song soooooo many times and even more times since it became my mom's alarm.. but it's only until now that I've actually fed on the words.. haha okay I'm gonna do that for EVERY NCC song haha.. ciaos (:

04/10 Saturday..

2008-10-04T08:13:00.003+08:00

Hey beloveds just thought I'd like to share with everybody my bible study this morning.. hey it's rare these days I actually get a chance to do research and everything haha..

I was reading 2 Sam 23:20-23 you know the part about David's mighty men? yeah I thought I'd wanted to learn and see more for myself.. what struck me was that I was Googling names of these mighty men and this appeared in one of the site-ref http://www.growingchristians.org/dfgc/mighty.html

I didn't agree to some parts of it 'cos spiritual warfare is not tiring.. It is easy and light.. cos Jesus has already won the victory.. the part where he quotes the devil comes as a roaring lion.. cast your cares onto Jesus.. it's easy.. the struggle that may be tiring is turning your eyes to see yourself actively throwing your cares upon Jesus.. that's hare for someone who was hidden his cares in his heart for at least 18 years wow!

Hanyway.. Benaiah's name means God has established

20And Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many notable acts, slew two lion-like men of Moab. He went down also and slew a lion in a pit on a snowy day.

21And he slew an Egyptian, a handsome man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but Benaiah went down to him with a staff, snatched the spear out of the Egyptians hand, and slew the man with his own spear.

22These things Benaiah son of Jehoiada did, and won a name beside the three mighty men.

23He was more renowned than the Thirty, but he attained not to the [first] Three. David set him over his guard or council.

1 thing I noted was that He killed lion-like men and a Lion.. sounds familiar huh.. David himself killed a lion and Goliath whom David himself claimed was not as lion-like as a lion.. I mean if David could say I have killed a Lion and a bear.. which means he placed Goliath on par with lions and bears (: is that why David had higher regard for him than all his other 30 men to place him charge over his council?

2 when fighting the Egyptian he went down with a staff.. what kind of staff?maybe a shepherds staff? hmm sounds familiar I think? 1 Sam 17:43 "Am I a dog that you come at me with sticks?"

what was Davids reply? I'm sure David must have prayed.. and he did he prayed in fact earnestly like what pastor preached..

46This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will smite you and cut off your head. And I will give the corpses of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

47And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands.

He declared his victory and he knew where his victory lay.. it is the Lord's battle and his victory.. I'm sure David knew He already had the victory.. that's why he had so much courage.. I mean he could have thought what if my stone misses? I only have 5? his armour is so thick how am I supposed to penetrate it?

back to benaiah..

where did he find his strength this strength and courage? remenber, those who were at Adullam cave were distressed in debt and discontented.. how would a distressed man with all the cares in the world fight a lion and even go into the pit to destroy it.. it's like walking into the gates of hell.. singling the devil out and spraying him with a water pistol till he surrenders..

So beloveds.. I want you to remember that Jesus is our David.. to do these wondrous exploits is not easy naturally, but knowing that a fellowship with our heavenly David removes your cares worries and burdens gives you the strength to kill lions, slay demons and terrorise the devil!!!

Shalom! and don't worry especially at this time where it is the most crucial study period.. don't worry about what results you want to get for it is the Lord's exam and it is his victory.. can God fail? neither will you just keep trusting in his favour and grace.. keep studying with the peace inside you! Jesus is faithful to his word and whatever you ask in his name you SHALL receive AMEN!

Dear Beloveds

2008-09-29T18:39:00.003+08:00

hey Beloveds,
i really really enjoyed myself on saturday :) just realised that some of the photos i look abit stone... yeah... its not like i got no feelings... haha. I was genuinely surprised.. when you all were singing happy bday... i thought how come joel pronounced clarice name wrongly... CHARLES and CLARICE very different spelling leh... only realised when i saw the names on the cake.. haha

Didnt have the guts to say to you all in person but just wanna let u guys know that i really love you all too... and i definetly feel loved by you all :) Daddy God is so amazing... my first CG in new creation and he placed me in JC south. i definitely see God's love through u all in so many ways, like how u all encourage and take care of one another... haha... i still remember all the reservations i had when i thought if i should join Arrow and a CG... cos of last time in my old church.. but thats the past :)

Thank you so much for everything manz... May we continue to walk in Abba's favour and love for us! Happy Birthday KAILIN, CLARICE AND YEUKEED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Birthdays!

2008-09-28T15:04:00.006+08:00

Dear Charles, Yeu Keed, Clarice & Kailin,

Blessed Birthday!

Love,
The Southie Family

Saturday, 27th sept, JC southies outing!

2008-09-21T23:13:00.002+08:00

HarlowHarlow!!! =)
This sat 27sept, we will be meeting out to grab some ice cream at Island Creamery, Serene Centre.
We understand dat this period of time is a crucial studying time, so in view of dat, we could go to HuiYi's house for a mass study session tgt after ice cream if you want.
All JC southies are welcomed to join us. Do try to make it! =)

Details are as follows:
Meeting: Toa Payoh MRT
Time: 12.30pm
(If u can get there straight on your own, greatt! we will see you at 1pm!) But do let us noe.
Also, do get a light lunch on your own before meeting.

lastly, do confirm ur attendance and whether u will be meeting at TP MRT by either replying to this post or contacting HuiYi at 97837453, or Sheryl at 98469882. Thank you!!! =)

Don’t work. Avoid telling the truth. Be hated. Love someone.

2008-09-21T20:05:00.002+08:00

Read if you have the time.interesting.no link though.

The following text, a speech presented to graduating WKWSCI students in the recent Convocation. The speaker, Adrian Tan, is a litigation lawyer, who wrote the popular The Teenage Textbook which was later made into a film in the late 1990s.

Life and How to Survive It

I must say thank you to the faculty and staff of the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information for inviting me to give your convocation address. It’s a wonderful honour and a privilege for me to speak here for ten minutes without fear of contradiction, defamation or retaliation. I say this as a Singaporean and more so as a husband.

My wife is a wonderful person and perfect in every way except one. She is the editor of a magazine. She corrects people for a living. She has honed her expert skills over a quarter of a century, mostly by practising at home during conversations between her and me.

On the other hand, I am a litigator. Essentially, I spend my day telling people how wrong they are. I make my living being disagreeable. Nevertheless, there is perfect harmony in our matrimonial home. That is because when an editor and a litigator have an argument, the one who triumphs is always the wife.

And so I want to start by giving one piece of advice to the men: when you’ve already won her heart, you don’t need to win every argument. Marriage is considered one milestone of life. Some of you may already be married. Some of you may never be married. Some of you will be married. Some of you will enjoy the experience so much, you will be married many, many times. Good for you.

The next big milestone in your life is today: your graduation. The end of education. You’re done learning.

You’ve probably been told the big lie that “Learning is a lifelong process” and that therefore you will continue studying and taking masters’ degrees and doctorates and professorships and so on. You know the sort of people who tell you that? Teachers. Don’t you think there is some measure of conflict of interest? They are in the business of learning, after all. Where would they be without you? They need you to be repeat customers.

The good news is that they’re wrong.

The bad news is that you don’t need further education because your entire life is over. It is gone. That may come as a shock to some of you. You’re in your teens or early twenties. People may tell you that you will live to be 70, 80, 90 years old. That is your life expectancy.

I love that term: life expectancy. We all understand the term to mean the average life span of a group of people. But I’m here to talk about a bigger idea, which is what you expect from your life.

You may be very happy to know that Singapore is currently ranked as the country with the third highest life expectancy. We are behind Andorra and Japan, and tied with San Marino. It seems quite clear why people in those countries, and ours, live so long. We share one thing in common: our football teams are all hopeless. There’s very little danger of any of our citizens having their pulses raised by watching us play in the World Cup. Spectators are more likely to be lulled into a gentle and restful nap.

Singaporeans have a life expectancy of 81.8 years. Singapore men live to an average of 79.21 years, while Singapore women live more than five years longer, probably to take into account the additional time they need to spend in the bathroom.

So here you are, in your twenties, thinking that you’ll have another 40 years to go. Four decades in which to live long and prosper.

Bad news. Read the papers. There are people dropping dead when they’re 50, 40, 30 years old. Or quite possibly just after finishing their convocation. They would be very disappointed that they didn’t meet their life expectancy.

I’m here to tell you this. Forget about your life expectancy.

After all, it’s calculated based on an average. And you never, ever want to expect being average.

Revisit those expectations. You might be looking forward to working, falling in love, marrying, raising a family. You are told that, as graduates, you should expect to find a job paying so much, where your hours are so much, where your responsibilities are so much.

That is what is expected of you. And if you live up to it, it will be an awful waste.

If you expect that, you will be limiting yourself. You will be living your life according to boundaries set by average people. I have nothing against average people. But no one should aspire to be them. And you don’t need years of education by the best minds in Singapore to prepare you to be average.What you should prepare for is mess. Life’s a mess. You are not entitled to expect anything from it. Life is not fair. Everything does not balance out in the end. Life happens, and you have no control over it.Good and bad things happen to you day by day, hour by hour, moment by> moment. Your degree is a poor armour against fate.

Don’t expect anything. Erase all life expectancies. Just live. Your life is over as of today. At this point in time, you have grown as tall as you will ever be, you are physically the fittest you will ever be in your entire life and you are probably looking the best that you will ever look. This is as good as it gets. It is all downhill from here. Or up. No one knows.

What does this mean for you? It is good that your life is over.

Since your life is over, you are free. Let me tell you the many wonderful things that you can do when you are free.

The most important is this: do not work. Work is anything that you are compelled to do. By its very nature, it is undesirable.Work kills. The Japanese have a term “Karoshi”, which means death from overwork. That’s the most dramatic form of how work can kill. But it can also kill you in more subtle ways. If you work, then day by day, bit by bit, your soul is chipped away, disintegrating until there’s nothing left. A rock has been ground into sand and dust

There’s a common misconception that work is necessary. You will meet people working at miserable jobs. They tell you they are “making a living”. No, they’re not. They’re dying, frittering away their fast-extinguishing lives doing things which are, at best, meaningless and, at worst, harmful.

People will tell you that work ennobles you, that work lends you a certain dignity. Work makes you free. The slogan “Arbeit macht frei” was placed at the entrances to a number of Nazi concentration camps. Utter nonsense.

Do not waste the vast majority of your life doing something you hate so that you can spend the small remainder sliver of your life in modest comfort. You may never reach that end anyway.

Resist the temptation to get a job. Instead, play. Find something you enjoy doing. Do it. Over and over again. You will become good at it for two reasons: you like it, and you do it often. Soon, that will have value in itself.

I like arguing, and I love language. So, I became a litigator. I enjoy it and I would do it for free. If I didn’t do that, I would’ve been in some other type of work that still involved writing fiction - probably a sports journalist.

So what should you do? You will find your own niche. I don’t imagine you will need to look very hard. By this time in your life, you will have a very good idea of what you will want to do. In fact, I’ll go further and say the ideal situation would be that you will not be able to stop yourself pursuing your passions. By this time you should know what your obsessions are. If you enjoy showing off your knowledge and feeling superior, you might become a teacher.

Find that pursuit that will energise you, consume you, become an obsession. Each day, you must rise with a restless enthusiasm. If you don’t, you are working.

Most of you will end up in activities which involve communication. To those of you I have a second message: be wary of the truth. I’m not asking you to speak it, or write it, for there are times when it is dangerous or impossible to do those things. The truth has a great capacity to offend and injure, and you will find that the closer you are to someone, the more care you must take to disguise or even conceal the truth. Often, there is great virtue in being evasive, or equivocating. There is also great skill. Any child can blurt out the truth, without thought to the consequences. It takes great maturity to appreciate the value of silence.

In order to be wary of the truth, you must first know it. That requires great frankness to yourself. Never fool the person in the mirror.

I have told you that your life is over, that you should not work, and that you should avoid telling the truth. I now say this to you: be hated. It’s not as easy as it sounds. Do you know anyone who hates you? Yet every great figure who has contributed to the human race has been hated, not just by one person, but often by a great many. That hatred is so strong it has caused those great figures to be shunned, abused, murdered and in one famous instance, nailed to a cross.

One does not have to be evil to be hated. In fact, it’s often the case that one is hated precisely because one is trying to do right by one’s own convictions. It is far too easy to be liked, one merely has to be accommodating and hold no strong convictions. Then one will gravitate towards the centre and settle into the average. That cannot be your role. There are a great many bad people in the world, and if you are not offending them, you must be bad yourself. Popularity is a sure sign that you are doing something wrong.

The other side of the coin is this: fall in love. I didn’t say “be loved”. That requires too much compromise. If one changes one’s looks, personality and values, one can be loved by anyone.

Rather, I exhort you to love another human being. It may seem odd for me to tell you this. You may expect it to happen naturally, without deliberation. That is false. Modern society is anti-love. We’ve taken a microscope to everyone to bring out their flaws and shortcomings. It far easier to find a reason not to love someone, than otherwise. Rejection requires only one reason. Love requires complete acceptance. It is hard work - the only kind of work that I find palatable.

Loving someone has great benefits. There is admiration, learning, attraction and something which, for the want of a better word, we call happiness. In loving someone, we become inspired to better ourselves in every way. We learn the truth worthlessness of material things. We celebrate being human. Loving is good for the soul.

Loving someone is therefore very important, and it is also important to choose the right person. Despite popular culture, love doesn’t happen by chance, at first sight, across a crowded dance floor. It grows slowly, sinking roots first before branching and blossoming. It is not a silly weed, but a mighty tree that weathers every storm.

You will find, that when you have someone to love, that the face is less important than the brain, and the body is less important than the heart.

You will also find that it is no great tragedy if your love is not reciprocated. You are not doing it to be loved back. Its value is to inspire you.

Finally, you will find that there is no half-measure when it comes to loving someone. You either don’t, or you do with every cell in your body, completely and utterly, without reservation or apology. It consumes you, and you are reborn, all the better for it.

Don’t work. Avoid telling the truth. Be hated. Love someone.

You’re going to have a busy life. Thank goodness there’s no life expectancy.

random.

2008-09-18T23:11:00.002+08:00

hello JC south peopleeee!

Just wanna tell you all here that: I MISS YOU ALL VERY MUCH!!! yup, i hope everyone's doing good eh? yups im sure you are cause you're God's child! yeah sorry for this very random post here, but i just wanna tell ya all that I MISS YOU! (:

hope to see ya all around during arrow this sat, if not then on the 27th for ISLAND CREAMERY!! im very excited excited! yay!! yozzz God bless ya all in everything that you set your hands to do and yup, JESUS LOVES YOU!!!! (but He loves me the most muahahas)

CHEERSSSS! <3

From Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life by Charles Swindoll

2008-09-09T10:44:00.000+08:00

I fear our generation has come dangerously near the ''I'm-getting-tired-so-let's-quit'' mentality. And not just in the spiritual realm. Dieting is a disciple, so we stay fat. Finishing school is a hassle, so we bail out. Cultivating a close relationship is painful, so we back off. Getting a book written is demanding, so we stop short. Working through conflicts in marriage is a tiring struggle, so we walk away. Sticking with an occupation is tough, so we start looking elsewhere....

Ignace Jan Paderewski, the famous composer-pianist, was scheduled to perform at a great concert hall in America. It was an evening to remember- black tuxedoes and long evening dresses, a high society extravaganza. Present in the audience that evening was a mother with her fidgety nine-year-old son. Weary of waiting, he squirmed constantly in his seat. His mother was in hopes that her boy would be encouraged to practice the piano if he could just hear the immortal Paderewski at the keyboard. So- against his wishes- he had come.

As she turned to talk with friends, her son could stay seated no longer. He slipped away from her side, strangely drawn to the ebony concert grand Steinway and its leather tufted stool, staring wide-eyed at the black and white keys. He placed his small, trembling fingers in the right location and began to play ''chopsticks.'' The roar of the crowd was hushed as hundreds of frowning faces turned in his direction. Irritated and embarrassed, they began to shout:

''Get that boy away from here!''
''Who'd bring a kid that young here?''
''Where's his mother?''
''Somebody stop him!''

Backstage, the master overheard the sounds out front and quickly put together in his mind what was happening. Hurriedly, he grabbed his coat and rushed towards the stage. Without one word of announcement he stooped over behind the boy, reached around both sides, and began to improvise a counter melody to harmonize and enhance ''chopsticks.'' As the two of them played together, Paderewski kept whispering in the boy's ear:

Keep going. Don't quit, son. Keep on playing... don't stop; don't quit.

And so it is with us. We hammer away on out project, which seems about as significant as ''chopsticks'' in a concert hall. And about the time we are ready to give up, along comes the Master, who leans over and whispers:

Now keep going; don't quit. Keep on... don't stop; don't quit.

Is there a project in your life that you've given up on because of discouragement? No matter how great the task, God promises to help us through if we are obedient to him. Today, get back on track with your project and hold fast to the promise that God will see you through it.

Being obedient to God means allowing God to help you. Don't rely on your own strength and effort. He is God, trust in him. For he will never fail you. And for God, a promise is a promise. He will see you through. =)

Just feel like expressing my thoughts

2008-09-01T20:37:00.003+08:00

Hey dear friends,
Now can feel the work pilling up... I'm trusting Abba to bring me thru day by day... just feel like writing something and i'll be quick.
Just wanna say that I really feel that confessing God's word and speaking God's promises really helps me to go thru the day. if there is anything to be stubborn about, it is to know that God's Word is true, even if we dont see the manifestation yet. Continue to claim God's promises for our life. Dont let other people's experiences or even our own experiences dictate what we can recieve from Him. Pastor said before, the Word of God shouldnt be brought down to our level of experience but we should let our experience measure up to God's Word. Meaning that if we have been believing God for something but we still cant see the results, doesnt mean the promises of God is not true for us or only a selected few can recieve them. If you have a sickness that has affected u for a long time already, Daddy God wants you to be well and whole. For me its my sweaty palms and my pimples.. haha.. dont laugh... Whatever your need, Jesus will supply. Claim it, everyday in faith.
His favour is upon you and because He dwells in you, u are a success! Amen! Blessings will chase after u because of Christ in you. Jesus is the fifth cubit, He is everything that we try to achieve based on our works/flesh but cannot.
Jesus, you are my saviour. I cannot but u can... I have to depend totally on u already cos im at a lost as to what to do. I cannot cope with my studies, You'll have to save me.. I cannot cope with my peers, they are so much smarter than me, Dad, u are my wisdom. When im lonely, u are there. When i am afraid, u comfort me. Jesus, you are more than enough for me.
watch what Jesus will do... our situation will start to turn around for good before we even realise. Jesus, I trust in your Word. After all, He has already brought us so far....
Sorry, what i write is in a mess :) Share a song that i like :)

Healer

2008-08-25T13:28:00.003+08:00

hey beloveds,

i came across this post by this amazing guy concerning afterthoughts about the whole mike guglielmucci saga, his illness being fake and all.

its really sad, cause i know that so many of us (myself included) had drawn strength and leaned on Him in the midst of singing that very song.

but despite the confusion and some faint, odd sense of betrayal, maybe we could just take a step back and listen to a whole new view, a whole new perspective.

http://www.chrisfromcanada.com/?p=710

read the post on that link. (okay, its not working as a link and i don't know why. well, just copy and paste it into your browser)

grace is bigger. and even for mike, there is grace enough for him.

amen.

THIS is KINGDOM friendship=D

2008-08-14T09:00:00.001+08:00

Hey peepos!! sheryl's post is really really awesome. I'm blessed not just by her journey but, actually the heart of gratefulness she has towards Daddy for for placing her in JC south. And this stirred me on to really wanna pen down some stuff here.=D

you know, JC south to me is SOOO SOO SOO PRECIOUS. It is not just a caregroup caregroup, but LITERALLY MY FAMILY!! It all started out with us not knowing each other and to some extent disliking or hating each other and stuff(maybe it's just me haha). some of us used to hate going for cg because we didnt know anyone here, we didnt even know if we belong here, we found the people here are weirdos, either that we couldn't clique at the same frequency and stuff.. yada yada and the list goes on. And there are other people busy studying for their A's , busy with their ccas , their other commitments. And there are even some who have yet to know Christ yet.

BUT as each of us at some point in time, (i don't know when, but you know cuz it's between Daddy and you=D), took a step of faith because Daddy guided us to, giving us divine appointments to come for cg, everything gradually changes.=D

We're ALL like SO DIFFERENT. (some of us may be alike but not one of us are the same=D)

we look different.

We come from different family backgrounds- some grew up in christian families while others are from traditional families. some come from "well to do, everything taken care of" family while others are trusting Abba for provision, for restored relationships with mom and dad etc.

We come from different schools- some guy schools or girl schools all the way, while others were in in co-ed institutions all their lives.

We have different interests - from shopping to PSP to playing guitar, taking to soft toys, cracking jokes, liking trishaw man, imitating cartoon characters, bickering, eating at subway, playing frisbee, munching on ice cream, playing guitar, making a joke out of themselves to bring joy and laughter, changing their names on msn just to do surveys etc.

We have different personalities - some talk alot, some love to laugh out loud, some are really witty and super smart, while others are quiet yet observant, laugh with a little chuckle, and there are those who just cant get the essence behind the jokes yet they are full of wisdom. hahaha

And we have different characters- some can be very focused and determined, some are just loving and kind, some are competitive yet compassionate, some are just solid and stable, while some are wise beyond there age, looks, actions etc. Indeed we're all like SO DIFFERENT.

BUT there this something that we are all COMMON in.=]

That is ALL of us, in each and every one of our lives, we have a God. And His name is JESUS=D And this is the very One that holds ALL of us together,though it all.=D A family is made up of people, and where there is people there bound to have conflicts. there will be times 'omg i'm so pissed off with so and so" "mans, i cant stand so and so" or "mans i cant stand the changes, why like that." or "Daddy , i don't feel so close to jc south now, i feel left out and so alone.*sad face*".

But you know, our Jesus is SO BEAUTIFUL and SO GRACIOUS?=D even with all this found in the family, HE STILL HOLDS US TOGETHER. Despite our differences, our conflicts, disagreement with one another, our weaknesses, HE STILL HOLDS US BY HIS GRACE!!=D and At the end of the day ,He makes everything beautiful!! the anger, the irritating feeling and negative emotions we have towards anyone or everyone in this family cant stay forever!! Simply because His love is IN CHARGE. At the end of the day, we grow strong closer, loving one another more intimately simple because Jesus pours out HIS love into our hearts by the Spirit, to love each of us through all of us.=D

In each of our individual lives, we can move on with life .(like those that have moved up to uni and even those like me having exams, those working and stuff) And we can rejoice with moving on in life, simply because My God, Your God, Our God (Jesus Christ) is always with us. And through each of our journey with Him , He brings us CLOSER and CLOSER to Him and with Him around, it is not that there are no sucky moments but just that after the sucky moments we'll definitely enjoy this SUPER SWEET happiness that no one can give except our dear Jesus=D

But one thing that is SO PRECIOUS about FAMILY that Daddy GOd has ordained is that, ONCE A FAMILY MEMBER, ALWAYS A FAMILY MEMBER. We can never choose which family we wanna be in, NEITHER CAN WE EVER BE OUT OF THIS FAMILY. We didnt choose JC south, Abba PLACED us here by the JC we enter. We couldn't choose which schs we wanna form a cg with , but Daddy put CJ and SA together, not us .yes, those who have moved up right, you guys have a new journey and a new family. Well, to me, that just means Daddy is MULTIPLYING in your life because you have ONE MORE FAMILY- your uni cg.=D but for THIS family- JC SOUTH is ALWAYS FOR YOU!! As in Our journey together as a family doesn't just ends here, because i really believe relationships are meant to be eternal, just the the one we have with Jesus=D

Even though for some of us uni stuff, uni cg,may take priority (because this is our appointed season), we can always still have this sense of trust that 'Abba this kingdom friendships i've made in JC south, this kingdom family, they are still here for me, and will stand by me all the way, because You love me and You brought us together."=D During Arrow services, cluster dinners, jc south still meets up as a cg and do things as a cg in JC cluster.

BUT BEYOND THAT, we can and WILL meet up and eat ice cream together,pig out together, play frisbee together, go sentosa together, chill at huiyi's or whosoever'splace together, do stupid stuff together, come together to worship Jesus with our voices and instruments, share our lives our journey with Abba, our weaknesses, our doubts, our joy our sorrow together and watch each other grow in the Lord together. And we do all this together NOT JUST AS A CG, BUT AS A FAMILY- THE JC SOUTH FAMILY!!!=D ( i hope and i want! In Jesus name amen!)

And maybe 5 to 10 years down the road we can attend each other's weddings. 10 to 20 years down the road our kids hang out together!!!=D wahahaha and we'll ALL get raptured holding hands together!! hahahaha

I used to dream of this but in the end because of some personal journey i lost this dream- that kingdom friendships can actually last not just within the seasons, but for life, for eternity.And i came to accept the fact and live under the fact that seasons change people change. because of the changes, because of the different lives we're leading, because of all the differences we have and we don't share anything common anymore, i just have to say bye bye to my once-closed friends my "once-commando" friends and accept the reality that we can ONLY be hi-bye friends already.

BUT, being with the current JC South, with you peepos (each and everyone of you), Daddy REKINDLED this dream!!=D Because Daddy used you peepos to put back the common denominator that i have long forgotten-Jesus=D=D=D And NOW, i would REALLY love to see this becoming not just a dream but a REALITY. And i pray by the grace of God we'll ALL have the heart to keep this family together!!!=D

And to me,This family- JC SOUTH FAMILY will LAST THROUGH eternity!! Simply because My Jesus is the God of eternity. yups.=D

LOVE YOU PEEPOS MY JC SOUTH FAMILY =D=D=D

awesome gathering!=) 08/08/08

2008-08-10T13:34:00.012+08:00

My heart, your home

Harlow, everybody! last friday was really greatt, n i really was blessed by each one of e sharing. so i would like to share my experiences too, which i din really do so dat day. yep!

firstly, there is something really amazing i want to share. currently my ah ma is in e hospital coz she had quite a bad stomach upset a few days ago, so she had to stay in for further checkups. tml she have to check e inside of her intestine which is quite scary. so i was planning to ask for a prayer request dat day after everything ends. but unexpectedly, during praise n worship, Ireen asked if any family members were unwell, dat we can ask God at dat time for healing n protection, sth lidat. ya, i felt so loved n touched. Like God, he noes wat i need n want n i din have to ask. ya, dat was real cool. haha.

About my experience, during my JC cluster life, i started to be more firm in Christ. n more aware of his presence dat has always been there with me. sometimes, it doesnt matter if im alone. ya lor, u juz noe he's there with u. also, i began to see the little little good things and thank God for them. like last time it would be 'hey so lucky lei, i cant believe it'. now i would smile to myself 'God, ur so good.' =)

Also, i realise im fighting each day only juz to be at rest and at peace which is quite very impt nowadays, becoz outside in this world when we r out of church, its so easy to fall n flow with the world, like coz its very hard to see God in situations. like u have to be constantly reminded of God's love no matter wat. n keep going to him, no matter how difficult it is, or busy u get. n not juz go to him when trouble arises, which sometimes i do.

Bout Jo's sharing, i can relate to myself also. i learnt from pastor prince dat we have to do the natural so that God will do the supernatural. like if ur sick, though u can dun take medication but its not 'must not take medicine, u must trust God, dun do anything.' but actually do normal things but expect crazily good results. haha. ya lor, like previously, my reason was 'but God is God ma. i mean he is God ma. n he loves me ma. surely i can slack at home alr.' haha. ya, but Jesus is not honey-flavoured nice, he's loving, he noes wat's best for us.

Another thing which i see a change in me would be dat now i so look forward to church services n arrow. n really expect huge awesome things to happen. ya, dat would be quite a big difference from den n now. haha. sth i like bout WeiLing's sharing was dat she said nth can cause u to fall from God's plan. ya lor, every path u take, every decision, every situation, they were and are alr in God's plan. haha. nth else matters. ya lor. so 'so wat if i din get good grades? so wat if i din make it to local uni? so wat if my school doesnt have activities going on like everyone else?' uh huh. i have God. =)

''Are u living the rich and victorious life now? despite negative circumstances or happenings. And not in the future which is possible to be never. Why not live it now and it would last till foreverr.''~Ireen's qn which got me thinking.

oh ya, den after all e graduates talked bout their cg, i cant wait to meet my new cg. haha. also, many thanks to Huiyi for opening up her home for us, n her parents for providing dinner n driving us. Thanks Jo for planning also n thanks everyone for taking e time. really really greatt n awesomE time. n so i wana end off with this:
=) JCsouthies young n young, continue to be CHAMPIONS of the champions!!!

His provision

2008-07-31T02:05:00.004+08:00

i received this in an email, thought i'd share it with all of you :)

This story was written by a doctor who worked in South Africa.

One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died leaving us with a tiny premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive; as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator).

We also had no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in.

Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates). 'And it is our last hot water bottle!' she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways.

'All right,' I said, 'put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm.'

The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.

During prayer time, one ten-year old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. 'Please, God' she prayed, 'send us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon.' While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, 'And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?'

As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say, 'Amen'? I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything, the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever received a parcel from home.

Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator! Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door.

By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there, on the veranda, was a large twenty-two pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes.. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children. Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. From the top, I lifted out brightly colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend. Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the.....could it really be? I grasped it and pulled it out - yes, a brand-new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could.

Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, 'If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly too!' Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted! Looking up at me, she asked: 'Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?'

That parcel had been on the way for five whole months. Packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it 'that afternoon'.

isn't Jesus just wonderful? i really like the part where the little girl prayed, asking God to send a hot water bottle in the afternoon - because it'll be no good later. she really saw Him as a big God that can do big things. sometimes we all get scared that we're asking for "too much" - but maybe we should ask Jesus, do we honestly think we're being greedy or is it that we're "paiseh", or that we think we're "pushing it"? how do we measure His love? it really made me think, this testimony.

like Jesus said to the blind beggar in Luke 18, "What do you want Me to do for you?" He knows what we need, He know what we desire - but what would we ask of Him?

Re-live Arrow Student Camp

2008-07-28T21:14:00.002+08:00

Hey Beloveds! The following post is just for fun :)
This is similar to the video that we were made to imitate... haha

Insane Japanese Aerobics - Zujkin Gals

July Arrow Recap

2008-07-28T19:43:00.003+08:00

Heyz Beloveds,

I think the past July Arrow Services were super good. Here's a recap:

5th July - What is True Love?

Qualities of True Love vs Attraction (or Infatuation). The points are meant to be seen in parallel comparison.

True Love is...
- Patient
- Kind
- Completes and celebrates
- Respectful
- Forgiving
- Lives by the truth of God's word
- Believes the best in truth and maturely accepts one's imperfections
- Constant and enduring
- Works through conflicts
- A decision as much as it is a feeling

Attraction is...
- An instant desire
- Given because of perceived value
- Jealous and competitive
- Demanding and rude
- Petty and keeps accounts of wrongdoings
- Lives solely by feelings
- Chooses to be blind and disregard the flaws that one sees in reality
- A rollercoaster of emotions
- Shuns conflicts and confrontations
- Nothing more than feelings

When God wants to bless us He sends a person. Just as He sent Jesus to bless us when God wants to bless us at the appointed time, He will send a person (in some cases persons). It is a blessing so it's not something that we can earn. Sometimes we might try to "earn" a person and the relationship because of its perceived value and even though we might succeed in getting that relationship we will be the one who has to maintain it. Personally I would rather God bless me at the right time and He will be the one to keep the relationship together because if it is from Him, He will definitely keep it intact.

As such, love is more than a feeling. It is a person. That person is Jesus. When we become so full of His love for us loving others will be from an overflow. I would rather draw love from God and let it overflow than give love out of myself, His supply is never-ending. Get this: If your future life-partner has God as the first priority, you are blessed! Some people actually see this as a negative thing because they want to be the first priority in the other person's life but that is trying to draw from a well that has limited supply. Draw from the bottomless well of God's love and both parties will be satisfied.

References:
I Corinthians 13:4-8
I John 4:8-10
Ephesians 3:19-21

Random notes:
God does not want us to react to every attraction.
In relationships, begin with the love of God as foundation.
Love never fails because love died on the cross. Jesus is love personified.
Emotions are real but it does not mean we should act upon them.

Hero

2008-07-21T13:44:00.008+08:00

Hey MY DEAREST SOUTHIES! im just posting for fun :)

On sunday in suntec i was early and bored so i walked past this exhibition on Singapore's heroes. You guys heard abt it? or saw it? basically a little campaign by the heritage board to promote the history of singapore through singaporeans who accomplished something great or made a great impact. so there were names of yishun, or elizabeth choy, etc.. gold medal winners.

Then i saw this little board where people are encouraged to write who is their "HERO". and i was quite amused.

Cos there were a lot of 'right' answers. like.. 'my mother', and a lot of 'LKY'. and i also expected a lot of names that were shown at the exhibition.

BUT i saw lots of these too...

it is quite a happy thing to see. haha. i wonder if they are written by the children from rock kidz.. haha

Keeping score

2008-07-12T10:36:00.006+08:00

Thanks, Huiyi for uploading e pics. haha. all our activities. wahaha. ya, i also wan to say to all those going to uni soon. ya, dun worry bout it, instead be super excited bout it becoz Daddy God is going with u. ya, for me, i started my classes alr, n my greatest fear was i was going to be alone all e way, as in no friends coz its juz classes after classes, there's no interaction. ya, but recently, someone talked to me, so i got a friend. lol lol. okay, so i learnt actually i could juz go out there to make friends. lol. ya. not very funny but, at least i feel better. also, Daddy God was with me thru out also. hahaha. n for e rest who's in for exams, u will be in for an even better time. Expect God's glory n favour all over u. Yep, He will never never leave u, n ur always on his mind. =) likewise for everyone else. =)=) There's this article i wana share, though no link, but quite interesting. Also related to grace grace. wahah. enjoy!

No keeping Score
by Phyllis Kersten

Keeping score and getting even -- that’s what enemies do. Time after time the Tutsis and then the Hutus have waited their turn to get even with each other in Rwanda. In the last outbreak of violence, loyalty to tribe even outweighed allegiance to religious vows for some clergy.

Sacred sites in Jerusalem separate rather than unite. Each side believes it a sign of weakness to permit any violence to occur without a retaliatory response. So the body count increases, and the promise of peace is more of a mirage with each passing day.

In such a world as this, what do we make of "the ethics of the kingdom"? You know the words: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. Forgive."

Maybe the first thing to say about these teachings is that they’re largely ignored. We catch glimpses, however, of how Jesus’ teachings could provide a new way for us to live together: in the U.S. Marshall Plan’s assistance to former enemies following World War II; in the recent work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa; in the World Bank’s partial forgiveness of the debts of poor nations at the urging of church coalitions.

The second thing to say about this section from Luke is that it is a dangerous text and has often been misused in the past, especially by the church. It became a word preached to slaves and others in abusive relationships in order to keep them in their place. Jesus did not intend his words to be applied against the oppressed. Instead, he tells the disciples:

"You know the system this world runs on? It is all based on keeping score. If anyone injures you, you retaliate and injure him.

"And what about the positive relationships in your lives? There, too, it’s all about keeping score. Someone gives you a gift, you give one in return. Someone invites you to his house for dinner, you reciprocate. But what credit is there in that for you?" Jesus asks.

Three times Jesus asks, "What credit is it to you if you love someone who loves you, if you do good to someone who does good to you, if you lend to someone who will later lend something to you?" The Greek word translated as "credit" is charis, which most often is translated as "grace." So we could paraphrase these verses to ask, "What grace is that of ours to love just those who love us, or do good to those who do good to us, or lend to those who can lend us something back in return?"

What Jesus calls on his disciples to do is "keep score no more." To trust the God who pulled a paradigm shift on the cross, settling a whole world’s "old scores" then and there, and then tearing up the ledger.

Most of our worship services include public confession and forgiveness. Yet in our individual lives, in our families and in our congregations, there are often unresolved rifts of long duration. Siblings who haven’t spoken to one another for years and who, like Joseph, don’t even know if a family member is still alive. Parishioners and pastors who hold on to their grievances and can’t seem to get beyond them.

Reconciliation is always tough to come by, but especially difficult when someone has taken away something that can never be given back. The life of a young person with a promising future snuffed out by a drunk driver or a random act of violence. Children whose innocence is forever taken away by rape, torture or abuse. A congregation in Colorado seemingly unable to minister both to the victims of the Columbine High School massacre and to the parents of one of the attackers.

How does reconciliation or forgiveness happen? It is not something that well-meaning bystanders can legislate. To be forgiven and to forgive are always gifts of grace that come from some place beyond ourselves.

What Joseph does is simple: he "keeps score no more. As Walter Brueggemann puts it in his Genesis commentary, Joseph breaks from the past and "invites his brothers to put that pitiful past behind them" as well.

"Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because of how you treated me," Joseph says to his brothers. "For God sent me here before you to preserve life." Somehow Joseph could see God at work not only in the good things that happened in his life, but also in the evil done to him by others. Joseph’s decision to keep score no more creates the possibility of a new future for himself and his family Otherwise they would all still be controlled by and captive to the past.

It is important to remember, however, that no one else could say to Joseph, "God has brought you here." Until Joseph discovered that for himself he was unable to see good coming out of evil. Nor can we tell someone who has suffered a great evil at the hands of others that God is bringing good out of the tragedy. If it is going to happen at all, the victims must discover for themselves that God has somehow created something new out of their suffering, that out of their survival God’s grace can even provide food to save someone else from famine.

In Joseph we see a foreshadowing of Jesus our brother, who says, "Come closer to me. You needn’t be paralyzed by your fear or tortured by your guilt any longer. For I was sent by God to give you life, and to be the bread of life for you. To lend you all the grace I have, that you might be a sign in the world of my new measure for giving and living, ‘pressed down, shaken together, running over.’ And so that you can enter a new future, where once and for all, keeping score is no more."

Phyllis Kersten is associate pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest, Illinois. This article appeared in The Christian Century, January 31, 2001, p. 11. Copyright by The Christian Century Foundation; used by permission. Current articles and subscription information can be found at www.christiancentury.org. . This material was prepared for Religion Online by Ted and Winnie Brock.
http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=2154
(Gen. 45:3-11,15; Ps. 37:1-12, 41-42; I Cor. 15:35-38,42-50; Lk. 6:27-38)

~awesome......

Badminton! (18 June)

2008-07-08T13:18:00.006+08:00

And while you had camp...

2008-07-08T13:06:00.004+08:00

Games & Movie Day (31 May)

2008-07-08T11:42:00.020+08:00

Moving On.

2008-07-06T11:47:00.003+08:00

For those who are moving up from the JC Cluster to the varies varsity clusters I want to encourage you all to really trust Daddy for the favour to surround you as you enter into unknown territory.

I've been gone through a lot of changes even in my short 21 years of existence and I can tell you that God's favour has always put me in the right place at the right time.

I've transferred to many different elementary schools (equivalent of primary school) due to some reason or another, I went through some years of homeschooling and then to high school (equivalent of secondary school) and probably the biggest change for me was leaving all that was familiar to me and moving here to Singapore.

Looking back I can really say that His favour was upon guiding me to where I am now and I know that He will do the same for you.

I would also encourage you all to keep this link with JC South alive. "Once a Southy, always a Southy." When you start experiencing university life do share with your juniors here what's it like. We're all still under the same family, ministry, church. I'd still want to hear from you all.

Titles and positions may change but relationships do not. As you have been a blessing to JC South I believe that you will be a blessing to your varsities (and I believe they will be a blessing to you as well).

See you around!

Desert Song - Hillsong

2008-07-04T16:02:00.008+08:00

hi guys, i came across this song just today, when i went to watch the video on the jc cluster multiply site put up by edwin on the awesome sharing by one of hillsong's worship leaders - do check it out, what she said was so amazing really, i can''t describe it but really, in spite of what she was going through, Daddy God is such a big God.

Desert Song - Hillsong // This is Our God

VERSE 1
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that’s within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

VERSE 2
This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame

CHORUS
I will bring praise, I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

VERSE 3
This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I’ll stand

BRIDGE
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

VERSE 4
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favour and providence flow
I know I’m filled to be emptied again
The seed I’ve received I will sow.

2008-07-03T22:47:00.002+08:00

heya everybody! i'd like to share these two videos with ya all. you know for me, everytime i hear a song, i want to know about the song. not only about the lyrics. BUT i want to know when was the song written, under what circumstances was it written etc..to me, knowing that is so important because it adds a whole new meaning to the song that i'm listening to. although i don't know how to play any musical instruments, music to me, is definitely a part of my life. =)

While watching these two videos, i was crying like crazy like a small girl. Especially the first video (I chanced upon it one night when I was feeling really down and I couldn't get to sleep)..I don't know how to express how I felt..But I would say that if there's any turning point in my life, this would definitely be part of it. You know the night where I came upon this video I felt like I have hit the rock bottom of my life and I don't see anymore hope and my future seems so unknown, and believing seems so hard and everything just goes down...But as I watch the video, I just kept crying and crying..Because I just thought to myself that despite the circumstances that other people are in, they never give up because they know their God. And in my heart, I was really really crying out for that. I told daddy I don't believe He's finished with this yet. He's not done with the good works in my life. And the first video really really touched my life. And when I listened to the second video, can I tell you I've never heard this song like I've heard before in ALL services.

Although I really can't see anything good out of this yet, I believe I will in the time to come and He will just show me. And I really really want to share it with ya my beloved cg..Hope it'll bless ya all! =)

You are All I Need

2008-07-01T12:00:00.005+08:00

Hey Beloveds.

I got some stuff that I wanna share from my heart.

Before I came to New Creation, I was never sure of my salvation. I really did not know if I would go to heaven or hell. You see, I thought that whenever I sin, I would be cut off from God's presence. It is only if I confess my sins and truly repent that I would be forgiven. But the thing is, after I confess my sins, I always commit those same sins again! I would feel condemned! Because I want to obey God, to keep His laws, but I was falling short. So I just try not to think about it... after all, I'm still young, I got a lot of years before I grow old. However, this made me fear death. (Like maybe while walking in the HDB estates I would get hit by killer litter... I don't like to walk under the windows, walk under the building, more safe) Sometimes, I would imagine what it is like to be dead, to not exist, to disappear and be in nothingness for eternity... And boy, It scared the hell out of me.

You know, I had a bad habit that stuck with me for really really REALLY long time. Haha. habit sounds like such a nice word... It was an addiction. I hated myself for always committing this same sin. I would try to control my desires... even though I know I would be sinning, I couldn't control myself. The desire to sin is very strong. So I would go into sin, knowing that it is wrong. And after that I would feel extremely condemned. Next step is to confess sins lah... THEN also dunno whether God will forgive anot. Why? Because its the SAME sin I ask for forgiveness for the thousandth time. Which means that I did not truly repent for my sins for all the previous attempts of confession. Which I can conclude that God did not forgive me for all the sins I committed last time! (Ok, just to be sure, I was not a catholic, in case you are wondering. But I was very sin conscious from all the teaching in my previous church). I would imagine the day when i would be freed from my addiction and think that i is almost impossible for that day to come. I never had the guts to tell anyone of what i was doing either so that they can pray for me or whatever.

Praise God! Hallelujah! Glory to my heavenly Abba. Jesus died on the cross for my sins, once and for all! I have ETERNAL salvation. Jesus conquered death, so that I will not die! The most important thing in life, salvation from death, and i have it! It's like the ultimate reward. To live forever, and see Daddy God, the God that created me, the universe. This totally removes the fear of death! And praise God, not only this, as if its not good enough! He even cause us to reign in life, He wants us to be healthy, prosperous and enjoy life! Hallelujah! You know, when i have my worries, sometimes I just look at the clouds in the sky, at the setting sun and at the trees in the distance, how God's creation is so glorious, that He is my God and He takes care of me... the worries just fade away. Cos He is all I need. Good exam results to get into good uni to get good honors to get good job to get high pay to buy nice things don't seem so important anymore. It just put things in perspective.

The addiction that I told u about? Haha. When the evil desire disappeared sometime ago, it is like, ok, cool, God's Grace works. It is so sutle that I can just overlook it. But now that I actually think back and write about it, I realise that, wow, it is really a miracle, and I'm so grateful to knowing the truth of Jesus, that it has set me free. It is not about self, but everything is about You, Lord. Even while i was in the act of committing the disgusting sin, I confessed that I AM THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD THROUGH CHRIST. I tell you, we are blessed to know the abundance of God's grace, Amen? It just set me free, to know that whatever I do, how bad, God is FOREVER with me, pleased with me. Does that cause me to want to go out and sin more? Haha... (Rhetorical question)

One last thing. Yeah, I have doubts. Sometimes, it just creeps into me that maybe the bible is not real? All my beliefs are hinged on this, that the bible is accurate. Ok, its a little embarrassing, but i have doubts when i hear people say things like "I don't believe Jesus was nailed to the cross on His hands and feet, cause it is proven scientifically that the bones there can't support the weight, more likely he was nailed to the wrists"... which implies that the Bible is not accurate, it is flawed. Or, the devil just play mind games with me "You sure there is a God? God said that He will bless you, but your non-christian friend gets better marks than you?"

Whenever I have doubts, feeding on the Word, listening to Pastor Prince preaching on Sunday, getting the revelation knowledge causes the doubts to just disappear. I can't really explain, its just like that. The fact that all the Bible prophesies are fullfilled and that it is so consistent throughout Old and New, escapes me sometimes... haha. How foolish I am. Its like, oh it must be proven by science then I believe. That the Romans had been crucifying criminals the same way for so long escapes me, that it doesn't say that the criminals could have been pierced in the hands with ropes tied to the wrists... Daddy God, give me more faith. I would equate success with exam results... haha... People can be so rich on the outside but empty on the inside. Daddy God, You are my success.

Writing all these down blessed me... I hope it blessed u too. I recently went out with my JC classmates... It just feels so different when I am with u guys, my caregroup, and when I go out with other friends. I think Its because we all have one thing in common, Daddy God. I really can't explain this.... I feel at ease and peaceful in the company of u all, even though i may have worries at that time or am preoccupied with self... When we come together and share about not only Jesus but our what we did during the week, when we are real to each other, feels like we are family. Thank God for JC South, everyone in it. The first caregroup that I feel at home with.

Yup. This is from my heart.

From He Still Moves Stones by Max Lucado

2008-06-30T22:45:00.003+08:00

Be honest. Are we glad he says no to what we want and yes to what we need? Not always. If we ask for a new marriage, and he says honor the one you've got, we aren't happy. If we ask for healing, and he says learn through the pain, we aren't happy. If we ask for more money, and he says treasure the unseen, we aren't always happy.

When God doesn't do what we want, it's not easy. Never has been. Never will be. But faith is the conviction that God knows more than we do about this life and he will get us through it.

Remember, disappointment is caused by unmet expectations. Disappointment is cured by revamped expectations.

I like that story about the fellow who went to the pet store in search of a singing parakeet. Seems he was a bachelor and his house was too quiet. The store owner had just the bird for him, so he man bought it. The next day the bachelor came home from work to a house full of music. He went to the cage to feed the bird and noticed for the first time that the parakeet had only one leg.

He felt cheated that he'd been sold a one-legged bird, so he called and complained.

"What do you want," the store owner responded, "a bird who can sing or a bird who can dance?" ...

We need to hear that God is still in control. We need to hear that it's not over until he says so. We need to hear that life's mishap and tragedies are not a reason to bail out. They are simply a reason to sit tight.

Corrie ten Boom used to say, "When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out? Of course not. You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through." ...

Next time you're disappointed, don't panic. Don't jump out. Don't give up. Just be patient and let God remind you he's still in control. It ain't over till it's over. =)

My own personal experience.

2008-06-26T12:54:00.003+08:00

Thanks, Jo for sharing dat wonderful post! Made me wana share mine too.

Yep, juz ytd i was listening to Shout To The Lord Kids album songs. Those songs reminded me of my journey with God as a little girl, the familiar feeling juz rushed back to me. so awesome. =)

In secondary school, every time there's a netball match, without fail on the bus trip to the match, i would juz pull out my disc-man (at dat time) n listen to these songs. The anxiety would be so great dat u cant sleep e last night or eat food dat day, esp if it was a crucial match. But the songs really gave me peace n calmed my heart before the game. But really, it was juz God's presence with me, whispering soft words of assurance n love. It reminded me how much i relied on God for strength n wisdom on how to move on court. ya, n im really sure most of e time when i was there at the right place n right time to intercept the ball, its really e holy spirit that guided me there.

Another thing was dat there were times when i wonder how come my parents never wanted to see any of my matches or how i play. Since i was really into netball, how come they din seem to be interested? But of coz i dun blame them, as in probably e lack of time. Once, juz b4 i left for dat day's games, i asked my mum for some good wishes juz for fun, but she told me she hoped my team wouldn't make it to round 2, so i could go back earlier to study. Though it could be a joke or sth meant well for me, but it really hurt me a lot.

Dat's y i understand when our heavenly father can cover up the void or empty-ness which ur earthly parents cant, even though they dun mean it. I believe my heavenly father was there with me for every single match, jumping up n punching the air with a super wide smile everytime i intercepted a ball or when our team scored. Even smiling at me, n mouthing the words, 'its gonna be alrite' when i fail to be fast enough or tall enough. His presence n support really meant a whole lot to me. =) It's like our own close relationship, juz me n him. awesome.

ARROW CAMP 2008 HITTING THE MARK-FLASHBACK SERVICE

2008-06-26T12:04:00.004+08:00

Hey beloved southies, hmmm i was kind of hestitant as to whether i should post this up here. Cuz it's taken from My IM team blog. But it's better to bless than to keep everything inside of me right? haha so here's the post=D

For last arrow service. i can only describe the deco in 2 words- SIMPLY MIND-BLOWING.
the deco was really simple. photos and captions that's all. but what that really came out of each photo was the TANGIBLE presence of Daddy God!. As i was putting up the pictures, i cant help but to look intently at each of them. Each picture SOOOOO precious because each of them spoke of a PERSONAL INTIMATE journey our Daddy has with each of His beloveds during the camp. Especially the ministering ones whereby people were worshipping, crying and some were hugged. And somehow i'm not just touched by their journey with Abba, but i got reminded by Abba Himself of the PERSONAL journey He took with me during the camp as well. And that's really really precious! because when all else fades,when everything in my life is fulfilled and has ended, Jesus remains.=D

As much as the people around us making a difference for our time in camp, as much as seeing our lives transformed and our relationships with our friends and family being blessed, as much as we're excited about the future seeing miracles and wonders, seeing our calling coming to pass, at the end of it all when we have all come to a place where all our desires and dreams fulfilled, all these dont matter at all, not anymore.

What that is and will be TRUELY special and SOOOO precious in our hearts, is actually the journey Our Abba took with us.All the bitterness, all the sweet moments, everything. It is just that journey we cherish deep and hold close to our hearts , simply because we EXPERIENCE HIm at such a personal, such a intimate level, that only Jesus and i understand, and it's only between the both of us.=D And that's the sweetest thing to a human heart - The EXPERIENTIAL LOVE of GOD=D

And for last arrow service, i got reminded of that as i served. i believe you peepos did as well. SIMPLY MIND-BLOWING=D

ICE SKATING!!!

2008-06-25T21:34:00.003+08:00

Hi all,

Jacq and I are planning this week's cg activity on Saturday and we are going ICE-SKATING!
Please give us your comments on this suggestion and MUST reply whether you are coming.=) help spead this message.

For those of you who don't know how to skate; don't worry, it's easy and most people pick it up fast.
There will most probably be a few in the group who know how to skate and we'll try our best to catch you when you fall.
If not, we'll trust the lord to make it hurt less.

Meeting place: Jurong MRT. we'll be skating at Jurong entertainment centre (fuji palace).
Meeting time: 11.45am
There isn't a canteen in the skating and once you leave the area you can't get back in without having to pay again.
At this point I'm cursing the managers of the place but we could meet for an early lunch at 12pm then skate till dinnertime. Then, we can have dinner together!

One more thing; there is a promotion package for a group of 4 people. You get unlimited time to skate if you go in as a group of 4.
So we'll try to meet early as a group to see if we can organise ourselves into groups internally and go in together.

ATTIRE:
Try to wear dark jeans so when you fall, it wouldn't be obvious and you wouldn't be embarrassed.
Those of you who have gloves, please bring them. You can also buy them at the skating place for $2.
Please dress warmly, I think a normal sweater would be enough over your top/ t-shirts. Please wear socks.

If you have any questions or other suggestions you can contact me (HP: 98469882) or Jacq (HP:96936107).

Arrow Camp

2008-06-24T23:38:00.021+08:00

Day 3!! (sorry took so long! the thought of uploading the pics for the most eventful day was overwhelming. haha)

quiet time in the morning. i think its a brilliant idea to instill such "godly habits". i actually like it, and still try to keep that habit even after camp. u guys should try it, wake up early in the morning to read the bible.. etc. you cant help but be reminded about god's love and grace throughout the day..

Breakfast!! as usual, the spread of good stuff..

kailin is not hungry. haha.

awesome service then its lunch!! this is how well fed we are. eat and eat and eat. haha

yay Games in the afternoon..

the clues and instructions as to where to go. and on the right, out first station.

didnt take pics for the very wet second station. but i learned a lot from that. the act of physically shielding the quotes from the bible that was kept close to the body instill the need to also keep the word of god close to oneself and not let it be attacked and destroyed. very good game!!

hunting for jewels in the sand!

the soapy lemony dizzy game. fun. haha.

the 'holy spirit' game.

while walking to the next station i was so impressed as i saw them preparing for the night. what a beautiful setting!! by the pool..

the game that we actually finally won!!! hurrah!!

off to shoot at the target..

tada! it reveals this poster. then we had sharing on the games at quite a scenic place. (i mean, compared to other grps who did so in the outdoor shower next to the pool? haha wayy better)

back to the room to get ready for the night! thats my next door room mate.. its great to open the connecting door! cos they were like.. the only new ppl i met.

cant believe we actually went along with the idea.. sushis?!

after the food and performance, we went for service, but not without chilling in the rooms for a little while first. haha.

joanne was suppose to bring her jacket, but brought her pants by accident instead. haha!!

very late night sharing. good to end the camp with..

- end of day 3-

From God Came Near by Max Lucado

2008-06-23T12:58:00.003+08:00

Jesus. The man. The bronzed Galilean who spoke with such thunderous authority and loved with such childlike humility.

The God. The one who claimed to be older than time and greater than death.

Gone is the pomp of religion; dissipated is the fog of theology. Momentarily lifted is the opaque curtain of controversy and opinion. Erased are our own binding errors and egotism. And there he stands.

Jesus. Have you seen him? Those who first did were never the same.

"My Lord and my God!" cried Thomas.

"I have seen the Lord," exclaimed Mary Magdalene.

"We have seen his glory," declared John.

"Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked?" rejoiced the two Emmaus-bound disciples.

But Peter said it best. "We were eye-witnesses of his majesty."

His Majesty. The emperor of Judah. The soaring eagle of eternity. The noble admiral of the Kingdom. All the splendor of heaven revealed in a human body. For a period ever so brief, the doors to the throne room were open and God came near. His majesty was seen. Heaven touched the earth and, as a result, earth can know heaven. In astounding tandem a human body housed divinity. Holiness and earthliness intertwined.

This is no run-of-the-mill messiah. His story was extraordinary. He called himself divine, yet allowed a minimum-wage soldier to drive a nail into his wrist. He demanded purity, yet stood for the rights of a repentant whore. He called men to march, yet refused to allow them to call him King. He sent men into all the world, yet equipped them with only bended knees and memories of a resurrected carpenter.

We can't regard him as simply a good teacher. His claims are too outrageous to limit him as one of many prophets sent to reveal eternal truths. His own claims eliminate that possibility.

Then who is he?

Let's try to find out. Let's follow his sandal-prints. Let's sit on the cold, hard floor of the cave in which he was born. Let's smell the sawdust of the carpentry shop. Let's hear his sandals slap the hard trails of Galilee. Let's sigh as we touch the healed sores of the leper. Let's smile as we see his compassion with the woman at the well. Let's cringe as we hear the hissing of hell's Satan. Let's let our voices soar with the praises of the multitudes. Let's try to see him.

Has it been a while since you have seen him? If your prayers seem stale, it probably has. If your faith seems to be trembling, perhaps your vision of him has blurred. If you can't find power to face your problems, perhaps it is time to face him.

One warning. Something happens to a person who has witnessed his Majesty. He becomes addicted. One glimpse of the King and you are consumed by a desire to see more of him and say more about him. Pew-warming is no longer an option. Junk religion will no longer suffice.
Sensation-seeking is needless. Once you have seen his face you will forever long to see it again.=)

Arrow Camp DAY 2!

2008-06-17T11:02:00.035+08:00

DAY 2!

thats breakfast. =D

Then we had service. Clarice there (in orange) in the pre-service games.

LUNCH TIME!!! like, we just ate before service. so kinda full..

decided to eat something. haha.

wanted more cakes but they temporarily ran out of it so we took cookies instead.

afternoon! it was " interaction and fellowship" so i played bridge with my next door roommates then came together with the cg for sharing.

And.. we took some pics!!! haha.

again with more ppl!

Then it was dinner time, before the women's and men's meeting.

-end of day 2! -

ARROW CAMP DAY 1 !

2008-06-16T23:52:00.025+08:00

Hey all heres a mini-photo blog. pictures require a lot less explaining. hahaha!

DAY ONE!

Morning! 10am at harbourfront. with luggages and all. so exciting!

the whole boarding- the- ferry process was soo smooth! and we got the open air part of the ferry. quite disappointing at first cos it was hot and smoky. but, it turned out to very very nice!! (once it started to move and the smokers left. haha)

very nice ride. anw, at one point we saw some mini island and everyone was like.. "pedra branca pedra branca!" lol. causing a big commotion. and in the end, we werent even certain if it really is. haha! so funny.

BATAM!! and the very short bus ride to the resort.

Lunch. quite a spread, but i have to say meals after this one got better and better!

After lunch, everyone got together, started camp proper.

THEN, (didnt take pics for the afternoon) we had a prayer and sharing session on our expectations and priorities, quieten our hearts, minds... i have to say this helped a lot. cos after this i lost my bag full of problems i carried from singapore. haha.

check in! FINALLY. the resort was better than i expected.

the view from my room. not that spectacular cos its only 2nd floor. Then, we had dinner!!

again, it was quite a spread.

and there were this band! omg. they were so lively and sang awesomely too. love how they created a very happy atmosphere. then we had awesome!! praise and worship and service.. quite impressed by the sound system, it was just as good as back in sg!

very nice first day!!

-end of day one!-

( feel free to add more pics of your own at the right places or add more comments, esp on the service part, like what was preached)

A Badminton Affair

2008-06-15T22:30:00.005+08:00

Hey Beloveds, I booked TWO badminton courts at Toa Payoh central from 4pm to 6pm on wednesday, 18th June. If you wanna come, please let me know, just leave a comment. Its gonna be fun! See ya all soon!

Haha... We'll be having dinner together after the game :)

Hey, If you think that u don't know how to play badminton, I don't care, just come. We'll teach you. Can learn one. Never try will never learn. There's always a first time. Somemore can burn calories the fun way ;)

UPDATE!!
We'll be meeting at ToaPayoh MRT 3:30pm. It will be a 10 to 15 min walk from the MRT to the TPY Community Club. For those who will be going there on your own later, i've attached a map below for your convenience.

CG dinner

2008-06-10T01:13:00.003+08:00

[posting on behalf of Huiyi & Wanling]

Hey everyone,

In view of the upcoming arrow students' camp, we're thinking about having a CG dinner for those who are not going. Maybe God has something really great in store that He wants us to stay here for, so let's believe that =) Campers are definitely welcome, but if u guys are too tired it's alright.

It'll be held this coming Saturday, June 14, around 6pm until whatever time u all wanna stay so if u can make it do try to come =D

As for the place, we're open to suggestions so do include them in ur replies ya?

So if u're interested, or not, please let us know via email at splatofpurple@hotmail.com and huiyi39@hotmail.com. Thanks! God bless!

Friend of God

2008-06-08T02:02:00.004+08:00

we have quite a few videos around already but i REALLY like this one! its called "Friend of God". This song is always played at rock kids where i serve and when the kids all sing this song its really nice! their soft innocent voices and all...

[ BTW rock kidz is recruiting!! so if you're thinking of serving, do consider rock kidz!! :) you may think that ur just there to teach them or ur not the 'kids' kind of person but u can be surprised how you could end up loving kids!! (like me now) or how much you can learn from them and be greatly blessed too! ]

enjoy!

Who am I that You are mindful of me?
That you hear me When I call
Is it true that You are thinking of me?
How You love me It's amazing

~Chorus~
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend

God Almighty
Lord of Glory
You have called me friend

You make all things new!

2008-06-06T18:09:00.002+08:00

I love this song! The lyrics is so wonderful... you can enjoy it while u work, study or just surfing the internet, just create new tab :)

Arrow Service!

2008-06-05T19:18:00.001+08:00

My Miracle Seed

2008-06-04T20:15:00.004+08:00

Hey Beloveds. God is awesome yeah! I can't believe how much He blesses us... I have alot to express but i'm not good at it so bear with me dear friends...

I went for a scholarship interview on 13th May, and u know its not my first. For the past two years i applied for DSTA, CAAS, Nanyang scholarship(twice) and i didn't get any of them. So i went for the interview, told Daddy God that i just want to be myself and that he will take the nervousness away... cos u know me, i'm not really good at speaking one esp in front of an audience... The awareness that i'm a Son of God gave me the confidence. u know interviews are so subjective, and because its such a short time, you really don't know what the interviewers are looking for or how they size you up... Anyway they told me that they will email me if i get selected the following week. I felt that i was ok in the interview cos its the first which i didnt feel intimidated by the interviewers (and start speaking gibberish)!

What i got from the message preached on that sunday was to expect good from Daddy God...and that it was not wrong to expect harvest from our sowing... Well, one week pass with me checking the email enthusiastically everyday but no reply from NTU... haha... after two weeks i also know that i didn't get the scholarship... God won't hold back anything that is good for us, Amen?

Fast forward to last Sun, my family went for dinner together at toa payoh, and dunno why my parents suddenly ask me abt the outcome of the scholarship(i thought they had forgotten abt it and i was hoping they did so i dont have to tell them i didnt get it). Anyway, i told my father they didnt give me the scholarship. he asked me what i thought and if i asked God abt it (I thought he was disappointed with me, but he wasn't... Even till now i'm learning to have a good opinion of my earthly papa too). He told me that if I didnt get the scholarhship it just means that God has something even better than that for me.. It was hard to believe him but i just accepted it...

This tue, i checked my email... I really couldnt believe it lah... I got the offer to the NTU scholarship. Praise and Glory to Daddy God... Its really a miracle for me to get a scholarship lah... My miracle seed!! Harvest!!! Oh man, all glory to Daddy God! I cant help but to be surprised even though as sure as the sun rises there is seed time and harvest.

Hallelujah that we have Daddy God's favour and you better watch out! cos surely goodness and mercy shall pursue and chase after us... If you;re not careful, you'll be smacked left right up down with God's blessings!

game movie bday!

2008-06-03T00:30:00.002+08:00

Hey all! heres the pics (altho they're also on facebook plus comments and ;) haha ) for our "board games day".

Thanks to Hui Yi for opening up her place! and for planning lots of things..and Jacqueline for getting the movies (sure rocks that u work at a movie rental store!) and kailin for the cake!! plus myself for umm, overseeing this. hahaha. THANKS!! and thanks to all of you who came down!! (even for a while!) =D

while some of you were getting ready/still deciding to attend, the two miss yangs went shopping for cake stuff! haha.

Kailin and i and huiyi(taking the pic) baking b4 u all came. i love the kitchen btw. flameless stove and a very cool oven...

CHOCOLATE!! & gamE. p.s. we will stick to the rules if we ever play it again!! seriously!

finally sheryl came and we could celebrate jo's bday and sheryl's belated!

(tks for the icing kailin!)

After the movie.. it was chompchomp!!!

great food and sharing there.. i mean it.!!! who can second this comment make urselves heard!! haha.

the end :)

Narnia : Prince Caspian

2008-06-02T15:05:00.005+08:00

greetings to my dearest JC South! its my first blog post here, yippee :)

mmm what i'll be sharing here, i had actually shared with some of you before, but hey, i think that just as we can receive different revelations from Pastor's messages each time we hear them, likewise when we all come together and share - different views and revelations of Jesus come to mind.

for myself, there were a few instances where i was really floored by what the movie had shown.

first off, my heart had really jumped when Lucy, after searching alone in the forest had finally come face to face with Aslan, towards the end of the movie. if you can recall, Lucy had said something along the lines of "Aslan, i knew you were here, i knew it, but no one believed me." and Aslan's response was, "well, why should that have stopped you from coming to me?"

i think that just painted the picture of the believer before me. especially at times when everyone mocks our beliefs, laughs when we say that God is here with us, that Jesus is on our side. but even in those times, even in those moments when we are alone, it doesn't change the fact that Jesus is there nonetheless. and we shouldn't let what others think cause us to refrain from pressing in to Jesus.

another thing i'd noticed (which someone had reminded me that Pastor had preached on before when i'd brought it up) was Lucy said "Aslan, you've grown!" and Aslan had said, "As you grow bigger each year, so will I."

we all know that since the beginning, Aslan had lived for a long time, even before the four children had gone into Narnia. i believe that Aslan had not "grown" so to speak, but rather, as Lucy grew up, she was more ready to behold more evidently, how big Aslan really was, and as her perception matured, Aslan unveiled more of himself to her. Aslan hadn't grown, her perception of him had.

For those of us who had watched the first Narnia movie as well, most of us notice how much Edmund had changed. the thing that really jumped out here to me was an illustration that Pastor Prince had used before. Let me explain:

for example, if there are two girls, suppose girl A was from a broken family, flunking at school, had done many things she regretted, was despised by many and had let's say, multiple piercings and tattoos (not that i'm condemning this, its just an example). now, let's say girl B is from an average family, has decent results and some close friends. both of them come to know Jesus. and of course, we know that in Christ, they will both be redeemed, exalted and become of equal standing in Christ - King and High Priest!

yet how many of us realise that girl A has gone through more with Jesus? that the space (think vertically) she was lifted up in Christ was more than girl B because she had started from a position far below that of girl B? they had come to the same final destination, so she was "moved" more than girl B, but does that mean Jesus loves her more? NO. but does she know that Jesus loves her more than the other girl? possibly, in fact, likely.

i guess this all wraps up in that the one who knows that they have been forgiven of much, loves much. and i felt that was very evident in the character of Edmund. he knew he'd messed up before, and we see throughout the movie that he did not try to exalt himself above his station. he served, often in the background, even as a messenger to the enemy forces, though he was a king. and he was aware of that - that he's not "prince" Edmund, but King Edmund, as he had pointed out to the enemy in the tent.

but when push came to shove, those who had been so "in control", in power - Peter and Caspian, had forgotten why they were doing it all. they, tempted by the lure of the white witch had nearly sold all of Narnia to her once more. but the one who has walked that path before with Aslan, had been there, at the right place, at the right time, and did the right thing, shattering the illusions of the tempter and revealing the glory of the Lion of Judah.

likewise, Peter, who had been so wrapped up in what he had been trying to achieve that he'd lost sight of Aslan, had then come awake to his actions when he had seen Aslan revealed and his battle cries had changed - from the first battle to the latter - from "for Narnia" to "for Aslan!"

and we all know the victory wasn't make by the four children, nor Caspian. they had realised later, that the true victory could only come by the presence of Aslan, and their true role was only to hold on to the hope of Aslan's salvation as they fought, all that held them up was "has Lucy gone? is she back? is Aslan here?" and that had brought them the victory.

finally, the scene that had touched my heart had been the part where Aslan had told the five kings/queens to arise, but Caspian had remained kneeling. Caspian, in the beginning, had been pretty full of himself, and had appeared to be in some sort of struggle for power with Peter. but what he said at the end was very revealing of himself, that he "did not think he was worthy". for when he truly beheld Aslan, he saw how futile his self-justification had been, his efforts to count himself amongst the worthy. he had truly come to know that even with all his struggles, he was unworthy.

but the response of Aslan had been doubly beautiful. He'd said, "and that disqualification is the very thing that qualifies you."

doesn't that just ring of the love of Jesus? knowing that we are unworthy, coming to the end of ourselves, we truly see how glorious and beautiful Jesus is, how little we actually are. but as we truly see this, see that the only thing that qualifies us is Him, we can draw near and truly say, "Thank You, Lord.", for then we truly see His grace, that nothing of ourselves had given us the right to be a King - whose word holds power in the land, and a High Priest - who stands closest to the Lion of Judah. that we can truly appreciate that nothing else, but His sacrifice had attained us the right to stand in His presence.

Afterthoughts for Prince Caspian.=D

2008-06-02T07:45:00.001+08:00

Oh wells, i've decided to pen down about Prince Caspian because i really dont wanna forget everything i had received from that movie. And a huge thanks to weiling who brought out the topic at Chomps! thanks for inspiring me to share because Daddy God has really revealed Himself in this movie! and it's really AWESOME=D i shall talk about the 4 characters first and my 3 favourite scenes later (if i have the time)=D

The characters (Peter,Edward or edmund, Susan and Lucy) is a picture of the BENJAMIN GENERATION. and this so beautiful because each of them possesses a characteristic of OUR generation- The BENJAMIN GENERATION!! The characteristics that God sees in His benjamin davids!

Lucy was a picture of the BELOVED of the Lord.=D She knew Aslan's heart, and she was the one who kept insisting on persuing Aslan's heart, kept believing in Aslan, despite all other objections! She carries the characteristic of this end time generation- a generation with people whose heart are ONLY and SOLELY for Jesus alone, a generation with people who is running after the heart of Jesus JUST LIKE DAVID, despite of whatever bad they see, whatever good they fail to see. Lucy believed Aslan by faith and not by sight,. And because she has a heart ofor her Alsan, she was the only one who could see Alsan. She is also parallel to benjamin and David in the bible- the only two people who is called the Beloved of God besides Jesus. And the common denominator between all 3 of them? Lucy David and Benjamin happen to be the YOUNGEST, and the youngest will rise up as the STRONGEST=D=D=D

And after Lucy, as i was thinking about other characters, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that Susan holds a characteristic of this end time gerneration should possess as well!!=] She was a woman of VALOR. a woman FEARLESS and COURAGEOUS in battles against the evil. today we do not defeat the devil again, but to enforce our victory by going against the devil with the power of the cross. and this is spiritual warfare!! And in Ephesians 6:1 i think, Daddy God says BE STRONG in the Lord and in the power of His might. hewants us to be FEARLESS and COURAGEOUS to wage spiritual warefare against the devil, He wants us to be FEARLESS and COURAGEOUS DURING the warware itself as well! and Susan fully displayed that God sense of fearlessness when she was the one who kept calm and instructed the archers during the second war, even when the walls of their fortress were destroyed. And she was the one who VOLUNTEERED to send lucy into the woods on her own. That is God-inspired courage, the VALOR of the benjamin generation!!=D And guess what weapon she is using? the bow and arrow.In the bible, guess which tribe uses bow and arrow as their weapon?( see below=D)

1Chronicles 8:40

The sons of Ulam were brave warriors who could handle the bow. They had many sons and grandsons—150 in all.
All these were the descendants of Benjamin.

Prince Caspian

2008-05-30T00:16:00.002+08:00

Watched Prince Caspian with alot of ppl from New Creation.. okay pls don't call Joel a Holy holey freak okay.. it's not always that I see something in a movie okay..

For those Christians who have watched Prince Caspian.. here's some beautiful truths..

Lucy was the only one to see Aslan 1st.. during the night Susan asked why only Lucy saw Aslan.. It struck me: only if you become like these little children can you enter the Kingdom of Heaven.. It's like wow! If you have this kind of child-like faith to believe, you know.. you see God in everywhere where ppl can't see him..

And Aslan called Lucy twice! WOW! adding on, Lucy remarked that Aslan had grown bigger and Aslan said every year you grow, I grow.. It's like the bigger you grow in the Lord, the bigger God will be to you.. it's maturity in Christ.. like the more you mature, the more you are able to see God there to help you to strengthen you and give you strength..

There was this other part where they tried to summon the white witch.. and when Edmund broke the ice, behind was this carving of Aslan.. it's like they turned to the world for answers and blocked out the true answer that was behind the veil that they erected and it blinded them from seeing their breakthrough.. and also when the whte witch said only a drop of your blood.. it's like will it be your blood or Jesus' blood? and you know what the white witch did in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.. If you turn to the world and work, symbolised by your blood, all the self effort, you will be blinded and you will end up in a lot of trouble..

why turn to the world when you should turn to GOD

my experience.

2008-05-28T11:23:00.002+08:00

Harlowharlow! juz wan to tell u all wat juz happened, which i still feel quite weird on the inside. coz rite, today i happen to stay at home to check out the uni stuff. den e doorbell rang ma. somehow duno y, i had a bad feeling. but it could be the newspaperman or sth. But there was these 2 ladies whom one of them started by saying, have you wondered y there have been so many disasters, or have y ever wondered y the food prices r going up? things lidat. den i duno how to reply ma. so i juz shrug as usual. so she went on to say like den i want to refer you to the bible. so i quickly juz mentioned im also a christian. but they still ask if they can share things with me. Den they brought me to verses which mention the last days. things like nations will be against nations, kingdoms against kingdoms, n great earthquakes, which she refer to the example of the china earthquake. somehow wat i got from them was actually fear. like they din really mention much but make it seems like its really scary lor. den i was wearing new creation church shirt ma. so e other woman ask me wat the verse on my shirt says, as though testing me. but i cant really ans. den she went on to say i should read more into the bible, so i would noe if wat my church teach is really from the bible n not juz listen to ppl. sth lidat. ya lor. as in honestly inside of me was anger. i mean i do read e bible but i dun read it as much as u doesnt mean i learn less than u or have to feel bad bout it or is less loved by God. so anyway, i was really juz wondering y God brought them to me.

Board Games Day!!!!

2008-05-27T00:25:00.002+08:00

YAY. im excited for the next board games day cos ihadsomuchfun the last time and i think the next one will be better!!!

i believe u would have received JG's email.. so heres just reminding you to check it.. or else just read below..

place: Hui Yi's house
Date: this saturday 31 may 2008
meeting time: 1.30, at bishan bus interchange. (charles arent u the most lucky) hahaha.
bring: yourself and games plus junkfood.
what we're doing: playing games and watching movie, etc.

we might be having dinner together around the area too for those who can make it.

just come for a while if you can!!

do rsvp asap. thx!!!!

My favourite bible characters!=] EDITED=]

2008-05-20T01:22:00.019+08:00

Hey beloved southies, i'm back with the edited version of my post.Reason being, i cant share my favourite bible characters without giving my all. Previously when i was blogging, i was trying to withhold some things that are very personal to me.i was just blogging plainly for the sake of it. But after i blogged i felt so dry about it because it was this journey Jesus took with me that made me love both David and Benjamin so much! So here is the uncensored version.=]

Here's the reason why i like David so much-because i see myself(not just a part of me, but WHOLE ENTIRE ME) whenever i read the story of David in the bible! There was this passage in the bible that King Saul's servant described David as.(see below)

1Samuel 16:18
Then one of the servants answered and said, “Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the LORD is with him.”

As we all know, the "handsome goodlookin part" describes all of us. haha. BUT what really struck me was David was SKILLFUL in playing the harp. He was a MIGHTY MAN OF VALOR and a MAN OF WAR. to me, that describes me SO PERFECTLY. As a person who loves to worship Daddy God with songs and music, it has always been in my heart to sing my best with the best my voice can give, for the Lord. and i must say i'm not there to be called skillful yet, but each step of the way i saw my vocal skills improving , when i desire to not to make mistakes simply because i want to give my best to Daddy God. And i really believe this is not coincidental because the Scriptures did say

1samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

So i really really believe it's Daddy God who sees my heart and answers my slient prayer!=]

Secondly, David was described as a man of VALOR. Valor means to have COURAGE and BOLDNESS in battles! David was a man with COURAGE AND BOLDNESS IN BATTLES. HE WAS FEARLESS!!.=] that really really rings in my heart because i really believe Daddy has created ME and EACH of YOU here to be BOLD and COURAGEOUS, to be FEARLESS in life!!=]i'm not saying i have courage and boldness in every area of my life here. there are many areas which i still need Daddy God to cast out the fears in my heart. But knowing me, you'll know i'm the kind of person whom when i'm entrusted with something, or involved in things that i'm really passionate about and i really really like, i'll go all out for it with full steam of energy, life and enthusiasm. i wouldnt care what are the obstacles i'm just gonna knock them down one by one.and this is only by the grace of God that i can do so because He is the one who created me to be like that and He is the one who puts His POWER in my passion. and this power of His cause me to be FEARLESS to go all out and do my best! So this part about David really resembles a little bit of me.=]

As if that has convicted me enough, the third description of David literally drove me high on the spirit. when i saw it i cant help exclaiming 'OH MY GOD, GOD!! David is SOOOOOOOOOOO like me!". David was a man of WAR. tell you guys something, ever since young i'm super duper competitive. whatever i take part in, be it games or events or competitions, i'll wanna win. not just win but i wanna be the FIRST!i wanna beat the rest! Even when i fought with my brother and he gave me a punch on my arm which nearly dislocated my arm, i still fought back by scratching him with my long nails till he bled. I grew up with an attitude of "i want all my enemies and rivals defeated and all UNDER ME!"

But as i grew up seeing how other girls behaved, i've always wondered if i were a mistake from God, even up till recently! i felt like i was a guy trapped in a girl's body simply because i was so competitive. Because "Daddy God! where on earth girls are so competitive!? arent they suppose to be demure? that's so not me lah!" But thanks be to Daddy God that He 's so gracious! As i was reading this book called Captivating, the author actually describes women of God as WARRRIOR PRINCESSES!She mentioned that women are made to be warriors of God too!! not just men alone!! That SOOO comforted me because Daddy God actually confirmed what he told me in the Spirit- that He has given me a WARRIOR SPIRIT just like David!! A SPIRIT that DARES to wage war with the wimpy devil through worship and His Word!! DARES to come against it with Jesus's finished work ON THE CROSS!!This Warrior Spirit gives an attitude that cause me to desire to REIGN above my enemies, REIGN above my circumstances and be the one IN CHARGE instead!! =]=]=]and trust me, the person who is reading this right now, YOU have that too=]

So i'm really really convinced right now that Daddy GOd has made me a WOMAN DAVID!!=]=]=]

And not just that, David is the bible character Daddy God uses to show me who He wants to mould me into!He wants to mould me into a REAL person, a REAL woman to be exact. A person who is REAL is when he or she shares, you'll find credibilty in them. Simply because, whatever they share is OUT OF THE HEART,out of their own journey with the Lord and revelations which The Lord has convicted them of. When they share, you'll feel their excitement, you feel what they feel.You sense stablity, you sense strength and you can sense POWER coming forth from their words, simply because they speak OUT OF CONVICTION.

That's why i like David!! David is a person SO SO SO REAL wth God!! When you read his psalms, you'll find him coming to God AS REAL AS HIMSELF! He goes into God's presense, to God's holy throne JUST AS HE IS - ALL VULNERABLE and NOTHING HIDDEN. And that TRUELY speaks of INTIMACY with Jesus! no wonder he is called "the man after God's own heart" by God Himself (Acts 13:22).

The reason why so is because David KNEW God's tender heart of mercy. He KNEW what God desires and he met it, by simply DRAWING NEAR to Daddy God JUST AS HE IS- as the forgotten shepherd boy (1 samuel 16:11), as the youth with much zeal with he met goliath (1samuel 17:45,46), as the hunted-down- stressed out wanted man (1samuel21:10), as the failed leader of his mighty men (1 samuel 30:6), the sinner who committed adultery with Uriah's wife(2samuel 11:4). David came to God just as David Himself, with a FULL WRECKAGE of his emotions. But above all, he came to God knowing God's heart! He is REAL with God!! You CANNOT know God's heart without being REAL with God!!!

And because David was real with God, that was the reason why he could call on GOd so BOLDLY and SPEEDILY when he met goliath!(1samuel 17:45) that's why he could strengthened himself in the Lord when he lived as though he had NO God for one and a half years in Zig Lag (1 samuel 30:6). that is the reason why David could DARINGLY pleaded with The Lord after realising his mistake to commit adultery. (2samuel 12:12,16) and after which when he received his punishment, he could put away his sack cloth and immediately worship the Lord still! (2samuel 12:30).

David KNEW God's heart is a heart of tender mercies and loving kindness!(Psalm 103:4).And this knowing came out of the quiet times, most trying times he spent with the Lord. (Psalm 23 and Psalm69). Because he was REAL and vulnerable to God, God became REAL in his life and God was able to touch David's heart and impart STRENGTH to him in his time of weaknesses.
As a result David was able to be REAL before men, when he danced before The Lord with ALL his might, DESPITE the opinions of others!(2sam6:14)

And that is the kind of person i've always endeavoured to be!! The Beloved of The Lord who is REAL with a ZEAL for her Abba Father!!!=]=]=]

Be blessed peepos!!!

My Favourite Bible Character

2008-05-18T23:58:00.002+08:00

It's cool that Joel talked about David and Pastor Benjamin also preached a little about David.

I think many of you would have the same favourite Bible character as me and it's none other than David.

David is such an amazing person. His life is such an awesome story. From being a shepherd boy to king of Israel his journey was simply amazing.

I love how David has such a heart for God.

There's so much we can learn from David's life. I shall share a little about one of the most significant moments in David's life and throughout the days even after this month I'll keep adding on because it's too much for a single entry.

He was so assured of God's love for him that he could stand before Goliath and proclaim victory over the giant.

And even before facing Goliath David picked up five smooth stones. Not only does it signify that His victory will be because of God's grace but it was also showing how God will bring further victory in David's life. The other stones were meant for the other brothers of Goliath who were also giants.

If they had come after him after he defeated Goliath he would have a stone ready to defeat them as well and he knew that God would give him that victory.

I've shared before that even though the stone was small it took down the giant. God used a small stone from a small sling from that young shepherd boy to defeat the champion of the Philistines. God loves to use the small things of the world to confound the wise.

It's really amazing to know that! More from David in the days to come.

2008-05-18T00:11:00.005+08:00

hello everybody!

I thought today's arrow service was really great! What pastor shared was really powerful and I'd just like to share with ya all some of the things I've personally received.

You know pastor shared about how the fear of man can come in the form of shyness? And its because we're very conscious of ourselves, what others will think about us and all? Personally that's a very real fear in my life. Many a times, i wanted to share with others about my life and about my views on things, but somehow the words get choked just when I'm about to speak. And immediately, I'll draw back because I'd think that what I have to say may not be important at all and what if I say something stupid which will make me look totally like a klutz? But my heart wants to share and more often than not, I go home regretting my actions and this is where self condemnation comes kicking in. But today pastor said something which really struck me. He said, 'My acceptance is not in what I've been in the past, but knowing that I am accepted in the beloved.'

Ephesians 1:6 says, 'to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.'

It made me realized that I do not have to be smart/rich/good looking to be accepted in the beloved, but its just purely by His grace and EVERYONE is entitled to it, despite and in spite of our failures or shortcomings. Because then its really by His grace (undeserved, unearned and unmerited favor) by which He has made us accepted. This really opened up my heart because it showed me that its really not about how much i try to gain His approval, but its a gift from Him simply because He loves me.

Even starting to write this post was quite difficult for me and I pondered about it for quite a while because I would think about whose going to read it, how others will feel after reading it and what are their opinions about it. But I'm just reminded about today's service. It doesn't matter about what others will think about me or about this entry after i post it because I know that no matter what I do in the past, the present or in the future, I'm still accepted by my abba father and that's all that matters. I just felt like sharing so here I am. Small faith steps. It's a small part of what I've received from today's sermon and even though it's not a very long entry, I hope this will bless you.

My little insights

2008-05-17T22:19:00.000+08:00

acceptance is in CHRIST. says it all.

today Pastor Benjamin preached a powerful message.. I took this home, above all the other things he said..

Acceptance is in CHRIST, not self.. do not trust in your self effort.. look at the difference in king Saul and David..

Saul was a person who cared about what others said to him.. He was afraid of what others said.. look at 1 Sam 15:24

24 Then Saul finally admitted, "Yes I have sinned. i have disobeyed your instruction and the LORD's command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded.

but look at David in 1 Sam 17:28-30

28 But when David’s oldest brother, Eliab, heard David talking to the men, he was angry. "What are you doing around here anyway?" he demanded. "What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!"

29 "What have I done now?" David replied. "I was only asking a question!"

30 He walked over to some others and asked them the same thing and received the same answer.

David did not care what his brother said.. He was unafraid because he had God's acceptance and man's didn't matter.. He knew his name meant Beloved! moreover, He had all his time to bask and soak in his destiny while he was tending the sheep..

On a little side note.. Apparently, his father rejected him and so did his brothers.. when Samuel visited Jesse and his sons, David was absent! can you imagine that? A father who called his son beloved forgot about his son? an important sacrifice with THE prophet of God.. kinda shows how much his father cared.. But David was unscathed.. he remembered his destiny and that he was the beloved of God.. tt's why God said David was a man after God's own heart.. He knew that he was the beloved of God.. and that's in our ABBA's heart that we know we are his beloved because of Jesus!

CG shirts

2008-05-13T02:52:00.015+08:00

Helloos. wanling/lulu and i (yan) have come up with some rough designs for our cg shirts. So.. do comment on how you'd like to improve on it, or simply vote for your fav!

note: its rough designs so its really changeable, so do voice your suggestions! if you hate it say so and also say what you like :) tks!

Front designs are on the LEFT, and back designs of the shirt are on the RIGHT.

I think we can mix designs, e.g. the front of design 1 with the back of design 2.

We intend for the shirts to be those with coloured lining on the collar and the sleeves.. seen those b4? so, the colour we pick will depend on the availability.

Design 1

Design 2

Design 3

Design 4

A random design:

-end-

Daddy's love letter for you

2008-05-10T17:00:00.004+08:00

This video is juz amazing. n the little kids all really cute. lol. We will always be Daddy's little precious children. check this out! =)

JC Cluster Meeting

2008-05-07T19:52:00.000+08:00

Heyz, Beloved Southies!

There's Cluster Meeting this week instead of Caregroup.

Date: 9th of May
Venue: Suntec, Level 4 Overflow Room
Time: 7pm. Please be punctual.

The JC Cluster has been through a lot and God is not finished with us yet. Many things are in store for all of us and the past few months have only been the beginning of that. A lot of exciting changes to look forward to. God is moving!

Drop me and Coach Gary an email if you are coming.

Rabbit trails (its the 'in' thing now)

2008-05-06T13:08:00.003+08:00

Side tracking abit from May's theme...
There is this website that gives word for word translation of Bible from Greek/Hebrew to English. I thought it might be useful and i wanna share it with u guys.
For Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament)
For Greek Scriptures (New Testament)
Its pretty cool..

One more thing :)
There is this cool video that I wanna share with u guys. The lyrics says it all. Be Blessed Beloveds!

THEME FOR MAY

2008-05-04T00:12:00.002+08:00

The very much anticipated theme for may!
Thanks to Clarice who came up with the wonderful topic..

"My Favourite Person in the Bible!" (other than Jesus)

Yes, obviously Jesus is our fav person. So, who else do you like?

I like this topic because, well, i dont really know many characters in the bible. So if i read abt this person that you like, its highlighted. not only i learn more about the bible, i also know more about you!

The thing is- i cant start first for now cos, i havent really figured who i like. heehee. So please, share! if you've got this person (e.g. ruth, naomi, joseph, etc...) that really spoke to you or made you realise something that changed you somehow. or whatever other reasons. yup.. Person+reasons. that'll do =D

Start posting!!!

Arrow Students' Service

2008-05-03T08:22:00.000+08:00

Arrow Students' Service

2008-05-01T22:52:00.000+08:00

Heyz, Beloved Southies

Arrow Students' Service is this Saturday! It's the last chance to get tickets for The Zone before they are released to the public.

We'll be meeting outside the Rock at 1630 for pre-service. Come expectant to receive the Word that is for you in your current situation.

The Theme is SEE... I don't think there's a dresscode for that so no worries about being dressed out of theme. =D

See you Beloveds there!

Cluster Activity Sharing

2008-04-29T08:54:00.002+08:00

This time "I'm writing out the plan in them, carving it on the lining of their hearts." from Hebrews 10 of the Message Bible.

This is Daddy God saying that He has a plan for everyone and He will place a vision of that plan in our hearts. It is not something written in paper or stone but it is something very personal. He carves it right into our very being.

I like the word, "carve". It is much more stronger than just writing or printing. Even if Daddy were just to write out His plans it will still not change but He carves it into the lining of our hearts. Carving means shaping. Not only will He give us the vision of His plan for us, He will be the one to shape it; He is the one who will make the vision come to pass. We do not have to worry about our lack of ability or inadequacy because even with all that He still chose to write the vision into us. He will supply the ability and He will pave the way for that plan to come to pass.

For the Year 1s, start having a vision of the results that you will have for your A's. What results do you see on the inside? The results may not be as fantastic as all As but do not feel down or condemned. He has already been to your future and He knows the course that you will take and He will pave that way for you. Now having that vision of the result start birthing a plan. Those results will not come over-night. As you continue to pray to Daddy about it, plan together with Him. Set a vision for the next relevant exam. Let us say for common test you see a result which is better than your previous exams or tests but it is a step towards that vision of your A-Level Results, run with that vision. Start with having "small" faith goals. As you continue to see Jesus' finished work on the cross which has purchased your good results you will begin to see a change in your results as you progress towards the A's.

For the Year 2s, have that vision of your A's as well but start daring to see beyond that; what career do you see yourself having after A's. Draw or write down that vision and see it everyday. Envision it, imagine it.

This applies to everyone even to the graduates and NS men as well; have that lifestyle of prayer. Talk to God. If Jesus who was without imperfection such an advocate of prayer how much more us who need prayer? Jesus did not need to pray about anything for himself. He did not have to come to God and pray for his pimples to be healed. Yet Jesus still prayed.

In John 5:19 it says, Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner."

Jesus prayed because as fully-God as he is even being fully-man he humbled himself to be subject to prayer. He relied on Daddy and not on himself. Everything he could do was because of Daddy God.

And so even for us, Children of the Most High, as we abide in Jesus, everything is through him. As he is so are we in this world. What we are now is because of him and what we will be will also be because of him. Daddy gives us the vision, He will complete it through us.

As we trust God for the manifestation of our vision continue to abide with Jesus. Pray. Prayer is simply talking to Daddy. Be vulnerable to Him. Talk to Him as if He was right there because HE IS!

2008-04-29T02:14:00.004+08:00

hello people! (:

-ahems- since both charles and jo shared their favorite song (or sort of), i..being me..heh would like to share with you all one of my favorite songs too! btw, i think that both songs which charles and jo posted up were great! haha hokay hokay..so let me introduce ya all to one of my favorite songs of ALL times! -drums roll......- its EVERYTHING by LIFEHOUSE!! haha okay whateverzzz. yeah lifehouse is really an awesome awesome band and i really really like them! but this song touched me the MOST. ha ha. if you guys want the song, you can ask me and ill send it to you! i LOVEEEEE this song. ignore the talking at the first part though..i think this is one of the best songs that expresses how i feel towards abba(:

Find Me Here
Speak To Me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place where I find peace again.

You are the strength, that keeps me walking.
You are the hope, that keeps me trusting.
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose...you're everything.

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

You calm the storms, and you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall.
You steal my heart, and you take my breath away.
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now?

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

Cause you're all I want, You're all I need
You're everything,everything
You're all I want your all I need
You're everything, everything.
You're all I want you're all I need.
You're everything, everything
You're all I want you're all I need, you're everything, everything.

And How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

i love every word of the lyrics. haha okay hope you guys like it! have a blessed week ahead! (:

The BELOVED'S THEME SONG

2008-04-28T11:28:00.008+08:00

Hey beloveds,

after Charles posted up his all time favourite song, i felt REALLY EXCITED to share with you guys too!! (Charles, thanks for the video of that song i REALLY REALLY LOVE IT!!=D).

Here's my ALL TIME FAVOURITE from my ALL TIME FAVOURITE CHRISTIAN BAND-Big Daddy Weave!! I call it the BELOVED's THEME SONG. it is not very hillsong or planetshakers or newcreation-like. But DO pay close attention to the lyrics (i've posted them below), because personally i think that a song that truely worships The Lord is not the chords, the tune the dynamics or the melodies. It is the LYRICS that speaks of God's love for you!!=] And the lyrics of this song TRUELY defines the kind of life i want to live IN Him and For Him after knowing His great love for me. yups so enjoy listening cuz there's nothing on the video actually!!=]

I am sure all of heaven's heard me cry
As I tell You all the reasons why
This life is just too hard

But day by day
Without fail
I'm finding everything I need
And everything that You are
To me

Every time I breathe You seem a little bit closer
I never want to leave
I want to stay in Your warm embrace
Oh basking in the glory shining from Your face
And every time I get another glimpse of Your heart
I realize it's true
That You are so marvelous God
And I am so in love with You

Now how could I after knowing One so great
Respond to You in any way
That's less than all I have to give

But by Your grace
I want to love You not with what I say
But everyday
In a way that my life is lived

Every time I breathe You seem a little bit closer
I never want to leave
I want to stay in Your warm embrace
Oh basking in the glory shining from Your face
And every time I get another glimpse of Your heart
I realize it's true
That You are so marvelous God
And I am so in love with You

Wrapped in Your mercy I want to live and never leave
I am held by how humble
Yet overwhelmed by Your majesty
Captured by grace and now I'm finding
I am free

You are marvelous God
And knowing You is everything

blogupdates

2008-04-28T10:57:00.002+08:00

Heyall. Hope you gained much from the weekend at fort canning and at church!
im looking forward to arrow in the weekend alr!
heres some blog housekeeping.

Its nearing the end of April, our "why i go to church month"!
thanks to JG, clarice, sheryl& jo for sharing!
Incase u have not heard, in April, the topic that you can post about is to just tell us all why you go to church! Not only will all of us know you better, it could also inspire those who dont see the point of attending service, joining cgs, etc.
hurry, u have 3 more days to post it! then.. WE'RE GONNA START A NEW TOPIC! (nope, i know what ur thinking, dont wait till nxt month!!)

How to post:
first u have to give me ur email add u use for blogger, if not, just gimme any one. its fine!
then, i'll send u the invite, you accept.
log onto blogger then post! get it?? call me for blogging tuition if u have no idea. haha

thanks to all who have contributed so far, it has been deelightful to read/hear all thats been posted!

Other things u might like to know:
- Jo is designing out CG shirts so if u have any ideas/want to volunteer to help, let her know ok!
- The next own-initiated board games day is in the pipeline! yes, a day of playing. (risk risk! haha) so, do look out for it. anyone owns the game called cranium?? and, im kinda out of touch with the sch hols/exams. let me know if any is coming up so i can plan it better.

Have a blessed week beloveds!!!!

Everlasting God

2008-04-24T13:03:00.003+08:00

God is always for us. He never gets tired of listening to us. Without God, there is no purpose in life. Enjoy the video Beloveds! It's a song that I really like :) :)

Hanging Out (Part 2)

2008-04-23T19:52:00.011+08:00

19th April 2008 IN THE ZONE SERVICE

2008-04-23T11:33:00.004+08:00

Hey beloved peepos!! hmmm i would love to share some of my thoughts with you guys. It's kind of personal so i'm not sure if you gets can relate to it but i'm gonna share it anyways. My heart was jumping out with JOY as i was blogging this post.=] This post is actually written for my IdeaMakers(IM) deco team because after every service we have to share our reflections about serving in Arrow ministry. So here is a glimpse of my after thoughts about SERVING IN THE HOUSE OF GOD. Hope it does inspire those who actually have this desire brewing in their hearts right now. Bear with me for the long post!!=D

This service is the BEST to me out of all that i've served!! It wasnt just the sermon or the worship that spoke to me but it's the ENTIRE SERVICE (worship plus sermon plus the deco plus the fun we had plus my cluster dinner plus plus pls!!)!!

From the start of the preparation to the end of it and even the THEME-IN THE ZONE with the whole idea of the silhouettes DANCING and SINGING and WORSHIPPING GOD. It's AWESOME mans!!

And as i was reading one of the server's post, i cant help but to totally agree that THIS is the kind of house my Abba lives in- the house FULL of His beloveds DANCING and SINGING!!=]=]=] And this is the EXACT kind of worship i've always pictured in my Father's house with each and everyone of us being TOTALLY FREE in the presence of Our King. And i guess that was the message that we wanna bring across to the youths? totally AWESOME!!=]

The silhouettes were LOVELY. Even though they were blocked by the people,i'm sure those who came early were really impacted as they were brought into THE ZONE mood=] i mean just looking at them made me feel like dancing and jumping already ( and that's why we actually DID hahaha=] ), how can the people not be impacted right? =D

The lightings were AWESOME too!! They really brought out the ZONE in a PARTY FEEL!! it's like a glimpse of us dancing in heaven with the rainbow as our party lights!! haha=] and I'm really really happy that i finally get a chance to CLIMB UP THE LADDER( cuz normally the guys do it so i didnt get a chance to haha) !! The feeling is COOL mans, it's like SOARING above the high mountains. teehee=D

But somehow, i STILL prefer arrow service with pre-service!!=] i always remember what ex-leader shared with us about the importance of preservice (even the hosting and the game part). i used to think it was redundant until he said that the whole idea of pre-service games is actually to bring the joy into people's hearts and bring down the tense emotions when they first step in for the service. This is especially true for newcomers and new believers because if we can create an environment whereby they can feel at ease, relaxed (as though they are at home), OR they can laugh out loud, we have actually opened their hearts to receive the worship and the Word from GOd already!

And this is so powerful to me!! because a simple game session can actually do such wonders and make a difference in their lives. It's worth continuing!!=] and of course, i love preservice because i love seeing the laughters the smiles and the joy on people's faces. It's FUN!!=]

and NOW for the BEST PART of serving the 19th April service. Well, it's actually THE PEOPLE!! I'm REALLY REALLY so blessed to be able to serve in such an awesome team that has an awesome purpose, with an AWESOME BUNCH OF PEOPLE!. They are PASSIONATE, DYNAMIC, EFFICIENT, CREATIVE, DEDICATED, FOCUSED and most importantly, i see a tremendous HUNGER TO GLORIFY GOD in every little thing we do!!. The servers have the attitude of "because i'm serving for Jesus i wanna give my best and i want EVERY detail to be perfectly done". Now that's what i call the SPIRIT of EXCELLENCE!!.=]

This is simply why i ENJOY myself so much when i am out there serving because the people really make me feel like giving ALL that i have, giving my best(even though it's not at all best) to Jesus. They are like the manifestation of the GOODNES of GOD around me!=]

And to see how the deco we created could transform an ordinary auditorium into the house of God FULL of life, it is ONLY by the GRACE OF GOD that we are able to do so. =]

It doesnt matter if you're serving as a cg befriender, cg worship leader or musician, or even in JC cluster or other ministries. Every little thing you do, Your Abba remembers EVERY bit of it!! Serving is only about two things.
1)ENJOYING what you're doing cuz that REALLY PUTS A GREAT BIG SMILE ON HIS FACE.
2)AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE PEOPLE'S LIVES.=]=]=]

Cluster Activity

2008-04-23T05:16:00.000+08:00

Heyz, Beloved Southies

below are the details for the upcoming cluster event this Saturday (26th April 2008)

Meeting Time and Place: 3.30pm at Cityhall MRT.

Destination: SMU Business Block

For those who are coming late...
Directions: Business Blocks (located nearest to Raffles City)
- From CityHall MRT, come up the escalator, turn left and walk down straight all the way until you see the SMU Business Block
- Look for the "Concourse exit" at the Li Ka Shing Library. Go to B1 where there is a waterfall. Enter the glass doors where it is air-conditioned (there is OCBC bank inside).

It's not a sports event so dress casually. =D I won't give details on what we'll be doing but expect to be blessed.

Please revert your attendance either through this blog, through email or through sms. Prompt response is greatly appreciated.

Have a consciousness of God's love and favour throughout the rest of the week!