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!
Showing posts with label sharing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sharing. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Monday, June 2, 2008
Narnia : Prince Caspian
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.
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
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.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Prince Caspian
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
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
Sunday, May 18, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
My little insights
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!
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!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Cluster Activity Sharing
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!
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!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
19th April 2008 IN THE ZONE SERVICE
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.=]=]=]
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.=]=]=]
Monday, April 14, 2008
Why do i go to Church?=]
hello peepos! haha it's my turn now.=]
As most of you know, i am not a born-Christian. But somehow, my journey with God began ever since young. Even though my parents are "freethinkers" so when i was a child, they brought me to the temple ocassionally. And before entering the temple, my mom and dad would always tell me not to point at the statues or say anything offensive to the "gods" lest they punish me for my disrepect.
Even though i was really young and was really afraid then, i kind of questioned the existence of God because of whatever i have heard. In my heart i was thinking to my self "well, since they are gods, besides being all powerful they should be ALL-LOVING as well, isnt it? because even my mom and dad who are humans can forgive me even when i've done wrong. Why cant the gods be as big-hearted as they are? this doesnt make sense at all!" So i did not believe in the existence of God or gods from then on.
But Daddy God was still really really gracious to me. For some reason when i enter primary school, i was surrounded by many Christian friends. And they would they me about sunday schools, and their church friends yada yada. Jesus was not mentioned at all, but that alone interested me. It sounded really fun to me.
However, i still wasnt quite sure if Christianity was the right "religion" because all religion sounds the same to me! they're all holy moly and they bind us to their set of beliefs, which is what i hate.It was until i met charlene and many other christian friends from my secondary school. On 6th of june 2004, my friends and i decided to go for Festival of Praise. guess who was performing? HILLSONG!!! AND guess who was preaching on the pulpit? PASTOR JOSEPH PRINCE!! haha well that was when i received Christ and the rest is HISTORY!! hahaha=]
OK BACK ON TRACK. THE REASONS I GO TO CHURCH.
i used to go to church for the purpose of socialising.not for friends, but socialising, get what i mean? but as i attended more and more services, Daddy God somehow just took over my heart. and the reasons i go to church now change too!!
SO NOW I GO TO CHURCH BECAUSE :
- i really really wanna know more about Jesus and His heart for me. He's like a drug can!?( in a good way haha) Once you get hooked onto Him, you cant help wanting more and more of Him=] And it just take ONE touch,ONE, for you to get hooked on FOREVER=]=]=] so ya. I guess deep in every believer's heart, whether they know it or not, they really wanna know more about Jesus. so going to church is the BEST way cuz you dont have to interpret the bible yourself!!! =]
-And not to forget, my LOVELY JC SOUTH AND BELOVED JC CLUSTER AND MY IM TEAM!!! It's the people that makes going to church and attending services an enjoyment. even though i may not know everyone in the cg or the cluster and for some of you i hardly ever talk to or share my heart out with, or some i find it so hard to clique with, THERE IS STILL THIS REALLY SPECIAL BOND BETWEEN ALL OF US. it's unexplainable. i can only say Jesus is the One holding us together!! you guys may not be my best friends or my closest friends or my good friends BUT you are DEFINITELY my KINGDOM FRIENDS. And kingdom friends are the most special out of all because i know you guys are the one who will stand by me, pray in faith with me in times of trials, love me as who i am even though i'm like "so jo". i know deep in my heart you southies are the people i can really count on, not just as a whole, not just the cg leader, but EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.=] It simply thrills me to get to know each one of you more-who you truely are, your likes and dislikes, your desire and your walk with jesus yadayada, as the journey goes on!!=]
And for this reason alone, YOU PEEPOS ROCKS!!!=D=D=DLOVES
As most of you know, i am not a born-Christian. But somehow, my journey with God began ever since young. Even though my parents are "freethinkers" so when i was a child, they brought me to the temple ocassionally. And before entering the temple, my mom and dad would always tell me not to point at the statues or say anything offensive to the "gods" lest they punish me for my disrepect.
Even though i was really young and was really afraid then, i kind of questioned the existence of God because of whatever i have heard. In my heart i was thinking to my self "well, since they are gods, besides being all powerful they should be ALL-LOVING as well, isnt it? because even my mom and dad who are humans can forgive me even when i've done wrong. Why cant the gods be as big-hearted as they are? this doesnt make sense at all!" So i did not believe in the existence of God or gods from then on.
But Daddy God was still really really gracious to me. For some reason when i enter primary school, i was surrounded by many Christian friends. And they would they me about sunday schools, and their church friends yada yada. Jesus was not mentioned at all, but that alone interested me. It sounded really fun to me.
However, i still wasnt quite sure if Christianity was the right "religion" because all religion sounds the same to me! they're all holy moly and they bind us to their set of beliefs, which is what i hate.It was until i met charlene and many other christian friends from my secondary school. On 6th of june 2004, my friends and i decided to go for Festival of Praise. guess who was performing? HILLSONG!!! AND guess who was preaching on the pulpit? PASTOR JOSEPH PRINCE!! haha well that was when i received Christ and the rest is HISTORY!! hahaha=]
OK BACK ON TRACK. THE REASONS I GO TO CHURCH.
i used to go to church for the purpose of socialising.not for friends, but socialising, get what i mean? but as i attended more and more services, Daddy God somehow just took over my heart. and the reasons i go to church now change too!!
SO NOW I GO TO CHURCH BECAUSE :
- i really really wanna know more about Jesus and His heart for me. He's like a drug can!?( in a good way haha) Once you get hooked onto Him, you cant help wanting more and more of Him=] And it just take ONE touch,ONE, for you to get hooked on FOREVER=]=]=] so ya. I guess deep in every believer's heart, whether they know it or not, they really wanna know more about Jesus. so going to church is the BEST way cuz you dont have to interpret the bible yourself!!! =]
-And not to forget, my LOVELY JC SOUTH AND BELOVED JC CLUSTER AND MY IM TEAM!!! It's the people that makes going to church and attending services an enjoyment. even though i may not know everyone in the cg or the cluster and for some of you i hardly ever talk to or share my heart out with, or some i find it so hard to clique with, THERE IS STILL THIS REALLY SPECIAL BOND BETWEEN ALL OF US. it's unexplainable. i can only say Jesus is the One holding us together!! you guys may not be my best friends or my closest friends or my good friends BUT you are DEFINITELY my KINGDOM FRIENDS. And kingdom friends are the most special out of all because i know you guys are the one who will stand by me, pray in faith with me in times of trials, love me as who i am even though i'm like "so jo". i know deep in my heart you southies are the people i can really count on, not just as a whole, not just the cg leader, but EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.=] It simply thrills me to get to know each one of you more-who you truely are, your likes and dislikes, your desire and your walk with jesus yadayada, as the journey goes on!!=]
And for this reason alone, YOU PEEPOS ROCKS!!!=D=D=DLOVES
Saturday, April 12, 2008
why i go to church..
hi guys! its been quite a few days since people blogged about this, so i guess ill do it then! (:
ANYWAY, this is my FIRST blog post on this blog..so YAY!
hokay hokay..moving right along.. why do i go to church? hm..when i was young, my parents would bring me to this church and i totally see no point in going. i remembered i will wake up very early on sunday mornings and sneak out of my room to watch cartoon shows without waking my parents up so that by the time they woke up, we would have been late for church so we didnt have to go... it wasnt until i went to to praise kids in primary two that i really enjoyed church services ever since..probably because of the nice songs that we will sing and because of the company and stuff..
but as i grew older, going to church didnt just become a i-go-because-my-parents-wants-me-to or because i have to thingy, but it was really in that i know that there IS a God out there and there've always been a void in my heart in which deep down, i know that only God can fill it..and pastor messages have indeed taught me a lot a lot..sometimes i will feel that the whole world have failed me (when actually they did not) and it seems as though everything in this world have disappointed me..and it is at this point of time that im really thankful that i know that God has never and will never give up on me..even when i feel/think that i've reached the lowest moments in my life.
that would be the main reason because i know that im quite a emo person and am pretty easily affected by my surroundings like my peers and stuff BUT sometimes for me, the hardest problems i encounter is when my mind battle against itself..its like i could be having world war two inside my mind..thats why i know that i need God in my life to save me and to teach me and also for me to stay rooted in what His Word says about me and not what the world say/think about me..and going to church to feed on His Word and to be filled with His Love all over again is really what meant a lot to me.
that aside, the other reason why i go to church is because of YOU GUYS. you know i may not be very very very very x1000000000 close to everybody..but there's just this peaceful and happy feeling in knowing that we have something that we all believe in and He's REAL. and i just know that i can come to you guys even in my ugliest moments (like my sore eyes ha ha) and you guys will still care and love me..but the thing i like the most is, you guys always point me back to the cross and His love for me whenever im going through some trials in my life.. cause whenever i face problems in my life, i tend to forget that He still loves me so its really really really cool that when i forget, i have commando friends like you to point me back to God and im really really thankful for that. (count the number of 'really's)
so yeapppp thats about all..haha God bless! cheers! :D -winks-
-clarice(:
ANYWAY, this is my FIRST blog post on this blog..so YAY!
hokay hokay..moving right along.. why do i go to church? hm..when i was young, my parents would bring me to this church and i totally see no point in going. i remembered i will wake up very early on sunday mornings and sneak out of my room to watch cartoon shows without waking my parents up so that by the time they woke up, we would have been late for church so we didnt have to go... it wasnt until i went to to praise kids in primary two that i really enjoyed church services ever since..probably because of the nice songs that we will sing and because of the company and stuff..
but as i grew older, going to church didnt just become a i-go-because-my-parents-wants-me-to or because i have to thingy, but it was really in that i know that there IS a God out there and there've always been a void in my heart in which deep down, i know that only God can fill it..and pastor messages have indeed taught me a lot a lot..sometimes i will feel that the whole world have failed me (when actually they did not) and it seems as though everything in this world have disappointed me..and it is at this point of time that im really thankful that i know that God has never and will never give up on me..even when i feel/think that i've reached the lowest moments in my life.
that would be the main reason because i know that im quite a emo person and am pretty easily affected by my surroundings like my peers and stuff BUT sometimes for me, the hardest problems i encounter is when my mind battle against itself..its like i could be having world war two inside my mind..thats why i know that i need God in my life to save me and to teach me and also for me to stay rooted in what His Word says about me and not what the world say/think about me..and going to church to feed on His Word and to be filled with His Love all over again is really what meant a lot to me.
that aside, the other reason why i go to church is because of YOU GUYS. you know i may not be very very very very x1000000000 close to everybody..but there's just this peaceful and happy feeling in knowing that we have something that we all believe in and He's REAL. and i just know that i can come to you guys even in my ugliest moments (like my sore eyes ha ha) and you guys will still care and love me..but the thing i like the most is, you guys always point me back to the cross and His love for me whenever im going through some trials in my life.. cause whenever i face problems in my life, i tend to forget that He still loves me so its really really really cool that when i forget, i have commando friends like you to point me back to God and im really really thankful for that. (count the number of 'really's)
so yeapppp thats about all..haha God bless! cheers! :D -winks-
-clarice(:
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Why i go to church?
Harlowharlow! my story would be long long ago, since young, my dad would bring us all to church. at dat time, i din really understand wat was going on, but simply to attend church coz my dad wanted us to. n we wouldnt want to disappoint him. even Praise kids din seem to have any effect on me n my sister. yep, n to go up to receive Christ, honestly, it wasnt much to talk bout. i only felt i think i want to go up. ya lor. like for me, nth much changed. coz i still din noe Jesus personally. den over the years, we still attended church, n i really thank my dad for dat. so slowly i got to noe Jesus n learn to trust in him. but dat wasnt really enough but i din do much bout it since life went on.
It was not until in JC, dat i met Charmian who brought me to then called campus. N to noe Charmian in school, i really think its God planned lor. i mean. it would really be impossible to noe her at school since we were quite different. yep! though the start was still quite rocky n shaky coz not noe-ing much ppl can really put u down, i feel. ya, but im glad i did hang on n dat Jesus was with me throughout. so Thank You so much, charmian! lol. i noe i learnt so much more bout Jesus at arrow n cg. yay! Praise God.
N also also, it was not till i broke up with my previous bf, did i not want to noe Jesus more n even trust completely on Him. i mean i could feel e difference. i would even look forward to services n not dread it like in the past. yep, so im so glad for my christ life happenings. though i noe it seems kinda slow to actually really personally noe Christ Himself, but im glad i did n is still noe-ing more bout Him each day.=)
so bout y i go to church? it would be a long list of reasons, but definately not e 'coz i have to' reason. one would be to personally feel God's love to a greatt extent n be encouraged despite all the worries of the week. Though all these could be done on our own at home, but its really a different experience altogether at church. The annointing n God's love juz flow n flow when believers come to praise our Almighty God.
Also, Pastor's msges are like omgosh awesome lar. haha. as in they really r revelations after revelations which can carry u thru the weeks ahead. They r dat strong can. yepyep! i love going to church, no doubt. even arrow services. n another reason would be to meet up with ppl from cgSouth lar. of cox! lol. lol. =D
It was not until in JC, dat i met Charmian who brought me to then called campus. N to noe Charmian in school, i really think its God planned lor. i mean. it would really be impossible to noe her at school since we were quite different. yep! though the start was still quite rocky n shaky coz not noe-ing much ppl can really put u down, i feel. ya, but im glad i did hang on n dat Jesus was with me throughout. so Thank You so much, charmian! lol. i noe i learnt so much more bout Jesus at arrow n cg. yay! Praise God.
N also also, it was not till i broke up with my previous bf, did i not want to noe Jesus more n even trust completely on Him. i mean i could feel e difference. i would even look forward to services n not dread it like in the past. yep, so im so glad for my christ life happenings. though i noe it seems kinda slow to actually really personally noe Christ Himself, but im glad i did n is still noe-ing more bout Him each day.=)
so bout y i go to church? it would be a long list of reasons, but definately not e 'coz i have to' reason. one would be to personally feel God's love to a greatt extent n be encouraged despite all the worries of the week. Though all these could be done on our own at home, but its really a different experience altogether at church. The annointing n God's love juz flow n flow when believers come to praise our Almighty God.
Also, Pastor's msges are like omgosh awesome lar. haha. as in they really r revelations after revelations which can carry u thru the weeks ahead. They r dat strong can. yepyep! i love going to church, no doubt. even arrow services. n another reason would be to meet up with ppl from cgSouth lar. of cox! lol. lol. =D
Why I Go to Church.
The earliest memories I have about the things of God was when I was four. I still remember riding in the backseat of the car on my way to school one day. My dad was driving and he was telling me about Jesus.
Even then my parents always took me to Sunday school and I was studying in a Christian school but my dad still shared Jesus with me. At first I thought it weird that he asked me whether I wanted Jesus to come into my heart. I thought that I already was a Christian then, but I agreed and followed him while he lead me in a prayer.
It took me a few years to learn to appreciate that moment. Just because my parents were Christians and they sent me to Sunday and Christian school that did not make me a Christian.
Throughout the years I grew up a Christian. I loved Sunday school because I could play with my friends and I loved it when the "grown-ups" had caregroup at my place because the other kids would come over and play.
As I came into my early teens and increased in understanding I began to understand more of what was taught and preached in church. That understanding brought fear into my life; I wondered whether I was really saved, I wondered whether if I would be with Jesus in Heaven if I died. I doubted the assurance of my salvation. I remember hearing a preaching saying that if I don't even remember the exact date of when I asked Jesus to come into my life then I'm not saved. That really terrified me because I do not even remember the exact date.
I thought of asking Jesus to come into my life again so that I could have a date to remember. I wrote the date down on my Bible but I forgot the date again and that Bible is long gone. I was not sure of my salvation.
I remember crying one night for fear that Jesus would come back and leave me behind (watching the Left Behind Series did not help at all).
It was only until we moved to Singapore that I began to know Jesus in the way that he wants everyone to know Him - the true and living Saviour.
I praise God for bringing me under the teaching of God's grace. After hearing about the power of Jesus' blood and how it has surely washed me as white as snow, I began to lose any doubt of my salvation. I was fully assured that my salvation is forever and no moment of weakness and failing can ever take that away.
(Gosh this is really long and a little out of point.)
At first I just attended main service and refused to go for the youth service. I had my own "rebellion" against my parents because I was still angry that we moved to Singapore. I remember telling them, "Why should I make friends if I'm going to lose them anyway?"
But I loved the preaching from Pastor Prince's ministry and so I always went for Sunday service. At that time it was December and Teenzeal camp was coming. My mom signed me up much to my displeasure.
That camp changed my life. I've been attending youth services ever since. I made a lot of friends and learned a lot about friendship over these past few years.
I love how the Word has changed my life so much. I wish everyone and even other Christians could know Daddy God the way we know Him.
So that'sbasically how I started going to church. =)
Even then my parents always took me to Sunday school and I was studying in a Christian school but my dad still shared Jesus with me. At first I thought it weird that he asked me whether I wanted Jesus to come into my heart. I thought that I already was a Christian then, but I agreed and followed him while he lead me in a prayer.
It took me a few years to learn to appreciate that moment. Just because my parents were Christians and they sent me to Sunday and Christian school that did not make me a Christian.
Throughout the years I grew up a Christian. I loved Sunday school because I could play with my friends and I loved it when the "grown-ups" had caregroup at my place because the other kids would come over and play.
As I came into my early teens and increased in understanding I began to understand more of what was taught and preached in church. That understanding brought fear into my life; I wondered whether I was really saved, I wondered whether if I would be with Jesus in Heaven if I died. I doubted the assurance of my salvation. I remember hearing a preaching saying that if I don't even remember the exact date of when I asked Jesus to come into my life then I'm not saved. That really terrified me because I do not even remember the exact date.
I thought of asking Jesus to come into my life again so that I could have a date to remember. I wrote the date down on my Bible but I forgot the date again and that Bible is long gone. I was not sure of my salvation.
I remember crying one night for fear that Jesus would come back and leave me behind (watching the Left Behind Series did not help at all).
It was only until we moved to Singapore that I began to know Jesus in the way that he wants everyone to know Him - the true and living Saviour.
I praise God for bringing me under the teaching of God's grace. After hearing about the power of Jesus' blood and how it has surely washed me as white as snow, I began to lose any doubt of my salvation. I was fully assured that my salvation is forever and no moment of weakness and failing can ever take that away.
(Gosh this is really long and a little out of point.)
At first I just attended main service and refused to go for the youth service. I had my own "rebellion" against my parents because I was still angry that we moved to Singapore. I remember telling them, "Why should I make friends if I'm going to lose them anyway?"
But I loved the preaching from Pastor Prince's ministry and so I always went for Sunday service. At that time it was December and Teenzeal camp was coming. My mom signed me up much to my displeasure.
That camp changed my life. I've been attending youth services ever since. I made a lot of friends and learned a lot about friendship over these past few years.
I love how the Word has changed my life so much. I wish everyone and even other Christians could know Daddy God the way we know Him.
So that's
the reason i go to church :)
Okay, im more than happy to start first. ( pls dont let me be the last too!haha.)
Heres the gist of it.. theres so much to it, cant really put into words. But, i think on the surface, it sounds like this...
Why do i attend church?
i dont know, i guess it was influence from my aunt, who shared the same room as me when i was young. she was a catholic who would lit a candle every night and pray. i was curious so i joined her. then, i went to a catholic church for some time. I guess, from then, i just got a sense that God existed.. and i talked to God too. and, i havent told anyone this before, but in (i think pri 3), i made a pact with God, like, if you give me good grades i promise to go to church(in the future, cos at that time my mom didnt allow me to)! haha.
Being barred fr church i still continue to talk to God and all, cos, you cant dismiss the feeling that theres someone up there looking after you. and, my grades were actually good. So, i felt like God really kept his promise, and i needed to keep mine. (actually for many other thigns too) so, in sec sch my friend invited me to teenzeal and i went in secret. yups. did that ever since.. initially it was also bcause she was really cool and it was all for the company.
But then one day, i had this realisation.. even blogged abt it. http://missy-y.blogspot.com/2007/09/new-revelation.html. from then on my faith was like.. going up up up..
basically, i was struck by how superbly blessed my uncle is. ( i knew him when he was still in uni and courting my aunt, and basically saw his life go from student to my idea of a good life) i asked how he got to where he is.. and the whole story is just grace, grace, grace.. every step of the way. It was brought before my eyes how you can let go and let God! a-m-a-z-in-g! and i asked myself, How? How can i have that too?? so i saw how he and my aunt would dedicate lots of time in church, and how strong believers they were since young. they are people i admire a lot. character-wise and all. and i'd like to be like that too. and i realised that, it was all from the bible. its full of STUFF, know. It can teach you to be the best person u can be. and the best thing was that i could have it too!
So thats why i go regularly, cos i want to know more. What reaffirmed me, was that while serving at rock kidz, i was introduced to this "mana theory", like, if you take care of God's business, he wil take care of yours. In a sense like if you just keep him in the centre of your life, everything around you will fall into place. Then i realised, hey, i did that ever since i was young!( naturally, even b4 i knew it as a 'theory') my whole life, God had a hand in it. and since god wrote the bible, i believe theres a lot more answers in there, things i can learn.. going to church helps me understand it better, or uncover things i didnt notice. Its hard to list down exactly WHY i do it, i just feels right, know.. yeah. thats why. it feels right...
Heres the gist of it.. theres so much to it, cant really put into words. But, i think on the surface, it sounds like this...
Why do i attend church?
i dont know, i guess it was influence from my aunt, who shared the same room as me when i was young. she was a catholic who would lit a candle every night and pray. i was curious so i joined her. then, i went to a catholic church for some time. I guess, from then, i just got a sense that God existed.. and i talked to God too. and, i havent told anyone this before, but in (i think pri 3), i made a pact with God, like, if you give me good grades i promise to go to church(in the future, cos at that time my mom didnt allow me to)! haha.
Being barred fr church i still continue to talk to God and all, cos, you cant dismiss the feeling that theres someone up there looking after you. and, my grades were actually good. So, i felt like God really kept his promise, and i needed to keep mine. (actually for many other thigns too) so, in sec sch my friend invited me to teenzeal and i went in secret. yups. did that ever since.. initially it was also bcause she was really cool and it was all for the company.
But then one day, i had this realisation.. even blogged abt it. http://missy-y.blogspot.com/2007/09/new-revelation.html. from then on my faith was like.. going up up up..
basically, i was struck by how superbly blessed my uncle is. ( i knew him when he was still in uni and courting my aunt, and basically saw his life go from student to my idea of a good life) i asked how he got to where he is.. and the whole story is just grace, grace, grace.. every step of the way. It was brought before my eyes how you can let go and let God! a-m-a-z-in-g! and i asked myself, How? How can i have that too?? so i saw how he and my aunt would dedicate lots of time in church, and how strong believers they were since young. they are people i admire a lot. character-wise and all. and i'd like to be like that too. and i realised that, it was all from the bible. its full of STUFF, know. It can teach you to be the best person u can be. and the best thing was that i could have it too!
So thats why i go regularly, cos i want to know more. What reaffirmed me, was that while serving at rock kidz, i was introduced to this "mana theory", like, if you take care of God's business, he wil take care of yours. In a sense like if you just keep him in the centre of your life, everything around you will fall into place. Then i realised, hey, i did that ever since i was young!( naturally, even b4 i knew it as a 'theory') my whole life, God had a hand in it. and since god wrote the bible, i believe theres a lot more answers in there, things i can learn.. going to church helps me understand it better, or uncover things i didnt notice. Its hard to list down exactly WHY i do it, i just feels right, know.. yeah. thats why. it feels right...
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Faith fuelled by the father's love
i thought today's message was awesome. 'cos when you're in the army, faith takes a backseat. It's great having daddy God remind you that each and every person has a measure of faith already placed in him and it's not you trying to work-up that faith but to let God's love.. the sense of God's love just permeate through.
In the army faith takes a backseat, especially when in training. Whatever the Sergeant says, you have to do. And the whole idea is that they want you to learn it the hard way. So it comes with lots of threats and punishments. Of course everyone wishes to have a peaceful and 'slack' training, but well it doesn't always happen. So more or less u don't see any miracles or breakthroughs. you really feel discouraged and small. No feeling of GOD's love. And I can tell that in the workplace, when all the paperwork and deadlines start popping up like dandelions, it's really deflating on your faith.
I like the idea of activated and energized. it's like faith alone has power, no doubt, but faith with love is ENERGIZED and ACTIVATED. I think why we don't see things happening is that the faith is not ACTIVATED. so it's time to put the spotlight on GOD's love for us: Jesus on the cross for our punishment and redemption. we're back to 1 Jn3:16 tt Christ is the perfection of GOD's love. faith, being activated by the sense of GOD's love. it's like putting the magnifying glass over a sheet of paper. it's like pastor's analogy of ATM and pin-code.
BELOVEDS, focus on GOD's love for this week beloveds, and you'll see that how little your faith may be, it will spring forth miracles in your life. Jesus is the author and the finisher of our faith. Jesus is faith. the father's love is Jesus on the cross. It's just Jesus. look to him and find the love you need in him. not only from your colleagues, parents, siblings, peers or even leaders and cg-mates. sense his love this week and let his faith in you take over (:
A little thing to add on, for those of you who like to read on and go deeper into scripture...
Actually if you read on in 1Jn3:18-20 it goes on to talk about doing.
18Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity).
6For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.
see the words EXPRESSED and WORKING. the love for others in 1Jn3:18-20 is not about us and us trying to love (as a work) again. It's about faith. All to do with Jesus' faith in our lives. The more you sense Jesus' love, the more you see yourself working and walking in faith, leading to works of and in love. Beloveds, Shalom.
In the army faith takes a backseat, especially when in training. Whatever the Sergeant says, you have to do. And the whole idea is that they want you to learn it the hard way. So it comes with lots of threats and punishments. Of course everyone wishes to have a peaceful and 'slack' training, but well it doesn't always happen. So more or less u don't see any miracles or breakthroughs. you really feel discouraged and small. No feeling of GOD's love. And I can tell that in the workplace, when all the paperwork and deadlines start popping up like dandelions, it's really deflating on your faith.
Gal5:6
(NIV) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
(Amplified) For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.
(NIV) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
(Amplified) For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.
I like the idea of activated and energized. it's like faith alone has power, no doubt, but faith with love is ENERGIZED and ACTIVATED. I think why we don't see things happening is that the faith is not ACTIVATED. so it's time to put the spotlight on GOD's love for us: Jesus on the cross for our punishment and redemption. we're back to 1 Jn3:16 tt Christ is the perfection of GOD's love. faith, being activated by the sense of GOD's love. it's like putting the magnifying glass over a sheet of paper. it's like pastor's analogy of ATM and pin-code.
BELOVEDS, focus on GOD's love for this week beloveds, and you'll see that how little your faith may be, it will spring forth miracles in your life. Jesus is the author and the finisher of our faith. Jesus is faith. the father's love is Jesus on the cross. It's just Jesus. look to him and find the love you need in him. not only from your colleagues, parents, siblings, peers or even leaders and cg-mates. sense his love this week and let his faith in you take over (:
A little thing to add on, for those of you who like to read on and go deeper into scripture...
Actually if you read on in 1Jn3:18-20 it goes on to talk about doing.
18Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity).
19By this we shall come to know (perceive, recognize, and understand) that we are of the Truth, and can reassure (quiet, conciliate, and pacify) our hearts in His presence,
20Whenever our hearts in [tormenting] self-accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us. [For we are in God's hands.] For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts), and He knows (perceives and understands) everything [nothing is hidden from Him].
---
6For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.
see the words EXPRESSED and WORKING. the love for others in 1Jn3:18-20 is not about us and us trying to love (as a work) again. It's about faith. All to do with Jesus' faith in our lives. The more you sense Jesus' love, the more you see yourself working and walking in faith, leading to works of and in love. Beloveds, Shalom.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Practising God’s Presence
Heyz, Beloved Southies!
Today's daily devotional really struck me today. It's about, "Practising God’s Presence". See the link if you haven't read it. http://www.newcreation.org.sg/resources/dailydevotion/dailydevo.asp (read it today or it will be different tomorrow)
Resting in His Love and Practising His Presence,
John Gabriel
Today's daily devotional really struck me today. It's about, "Practising God’s Presence". See the link if you haven't read it. http://www.newcreation.org.sg/resources/dailydevotion/dailydevo.asp (read it today or it will be different tomorrow)
Somehow it just struck me that practising His presence is something that I did not really try. The devotional gave a lot of practical examples and it just inspired me to try.
Even while eating my cereal I imagined Jesus was across the table smiling as I ate.
I was running late and needed a taxi and I saw Him already at the street helping me flag a taxi.
Can you imagine how many cabs will be attracted to that place because Jesus is there? It's like the boat-sinking, net-breaking load of fish that was attracted to Peter's boat.
It's really cool. Today even as I am on duty I will imagine Him in the island making sure that everything is alright so I'm looking forward to a relaxed duty.
I'm on duty on Sunday again (see my blog for details on that) so I will not be able to see you all on Sunday.
Have a blessed weekend, people!Resting in His Love and Practising His Presence,
John Gabriel
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