A life given, to give life.

Recommended sermons on biblical manhood and womanhood

2012-01-31T13:04:00.002+08:00

Hi guys,
As I told some of the guys over lunch on Sunday, I've been listening to some sermons by John Piper on what Biblical manhood and womanhood means, and it has really taught me a lot about the way God created gender and how He intended for it to be, until the Fall happened. Piper also talks about marriage, and it has really changed my perspective of it - marriage is not simply a man-made institution that our society has grown to loathe, but it is a metaphor for the way that Christ loves the church. Seen that way, it adds a lot more meaning to marriage than just the union of 2 people! This series is also particularly useful for the guys, as it talks about what a Godly guy should be and the kind of role that he has to play. But I also encourage the girls to listen to it cos it will help to shape your worldview about feminism too.

So anyway, here's the link to the series of sermons on Biblical manhood and womanhood. It's only about 35 mins per sermon, but full of wisdom and totally worth your time! Enjoy! :)

Jess

2011-02-26T12:55:00.000+08:00

I came across this story in a daily devotion for small kids.

Debbie and her daddy had a special daily habit. She would sit on his knee when he came home from work, and he would say, " Debbie, do you love me?" Debbie would say, "I love you, Daddy." Then she would reach into his coat pocket and find a little gift. It might be a quarter, or a piece of gum, or candy-just a little treat.

One day, Debbie's daddy said, as usual, " Debbie, do you love me?"

As usual, Debbie answered, "I love you, Daddy." Reaching into his pocket she found a little ring he had bought from a discount store. " Oh, Daddy," exclaimed Debbie, " it' s just so beautiful! I'm going to wear it and never take it off." And after that, Debbie wore that ring everywhere. She wore it even though it made a green mark on her finger.

When Debbie's daddy realized just how much the ring meant to his little girl, he decided to buy her a real gold one. And that afternoon, as always, Debbie sat on her daddy's knee. "Debbie, do you love me?" he asked.

"I love you, Daddy," answered Debbie.

"Then give me your ring," her father said with a twinkle in his eye.

But Daddy didn't notice the twinkle. "Oh Daddy, I do love you but please let me keep my ring," she pleaded. Daddy still out held his hand. As Debbie gave him the ring, she was trying not to cry.

"Now reach into my pocket," said Daddy with a smile.

Debbie could hardly believe her eyes when she pulled out the shiny gold ring. "Oh Daddy," she exclaimed. "It's so much prettier than the other one, If I had only known, I'd have given you that one right away.'

Will you let go and let God?

On gossip

2011-01-26T11:03:00.002+08:00

I stumbled upon this blog post by a Christian blogger called Bianca, and she has this really humorous piece on gossiping in church. Haha very short only watch the video!

Jess

Fellowship on board

2010-08-21T21:12:00.002+08:00

Hi guys, here is what my friend posted on facebook about Max Lucado's point on unity in the church. It's a great analogy, albeit a little long. But sit through it and see what he has to say. Enjoy! :)

Rocking the Boat

God has enlisted us in his navy and placed us on his ship.The boat has one purpose – to carry us safely to the other shore.

This is no cruise ship; it's a battleship. We aren't called to a life of leisure; we are called to a life of service. Each of us has a different task. Some, concerned with those who are drowning are snatching people from the water. Others are occupied with the enemy, so they man the cannons of prayer and worship. Still others devote themselves to the crew,feeding and training the crew members.

Though different, we are the same. Each can tell of a personal encounter with the captain, for each has received a personal call. He found us among the shanties of the seaport and invited us to follow him. Our faith was born at the sight of his fondness, and so we went.

We each followed him across the gangplank of his grace onto the same boat. There is one captain and one destination. (Ephesians 4:5)

Though the battle is fierce, the boat is safe, for our captain is God. The ship will not sink. For that, there is no concern.

There is concern, however, regarding the disharmony of thecrew. When we first boarded we assumed the crew was made up of others like us.But as we've wandered these decks, we've encountered curious converts with curious appearances. Some wear uniforms we've never seen, sporting styles we've never witnessed. "Why do you look the way you do?" we ask them.

"Funny," they reply. "We were about to ask the same of you."

The variety of dress is not nearly as disturbing as the plethora of opinions. There is a group, for example, who clusters every morning for serious study. They promote rigid discipline and somber expressions."Serving the captain is serious business," they explain. It's no coincidence that they tend to congregate around the stern.

There is another regiment deeply devoted to prayer. Not only do they believe in prayer, they believe in prayer by kneeling. For that reason you always know where to locate them; they are at the bow of the ship.

And then there are a few who staunchly believe real wine should be used in the Lord's Supper. You'll find them on the port side.

Still another group has positioned themselves near the engine. They spend hours examining the nuts and bolts of the boat. They've been known to go below deck and not come up for days. They are occasionally criticized by those who linger on the top deck, feeling the wind in their hair and the sun on their face. "It's not what you learn," those topside argue."It's what you feel that matters."

And, oh, how we tend to cluster.

Some think once you're on the boat, you can't get off. Others say you'd be foolish to go overboard, but the choice is yours.

Some believe you volunteer for service; others believe youwere destined for the service before the ship was built.

Some predict a storm of great tribulation will strike before we dock; others say it won't hit until we are safely ashore.

There are those who speak to the captain in a personal language. There are those who think such languages are extinct.

There are those who think the officers should wear robes,there are those who think there should be no officers at all, and there are those who think we are all officers and should all wear robes.

And, oh, how we tend to cluster.

And then there is the issue of the weekly meeting at which the captain is thanked and his words are read. All agree on its importance, but few agree on its nature. Some want it loud, others quiet. Some want ritual, others spontaneity. Some want to celebrate so that they can meditate; others meditate so they can celebrate. Some want a meeting for those who've gone overboard. Others want to reach those overboard but without going overboard and neglecting those on board.

And, oh, how we tend to cluster.

The consequence is a rocky boat. There is trouble on deck.Fights have broken out. Sailors have refused to speak to each other. There have even been times when one group refused to acknowledge the presence of others onthe ship. Most tragically, some adrift at sea have chosen not to board the boat because of the quarreling of the sailors.

"What do we do?" we'd like to ask the captain. "How can there be harmony on the ship?" We don't have to go far to find the answer.

On the last night of his life Jesus prayed a prayer that stands as a citadel for all Christians:

I pray for these followers, but I am also praying for all those who will believe in me because of their teaching. Father, I pray thatthey can be one. As you are in me and I am in you, I pray that they can also be one in us. Then the world will believe that you sent me. (John 17:20)

How precious are these words. Jesus, knowing the end is near, prays one final time for his followers. Striking, isn't it, that he prayed not for their success, their safety, or their happiness. He prayed fortheir unity. He prayed that they would love each other.

As he prayed for them, he also prayed for "those who will believe because of their teaching." That means us! In his last prayer Jesus prayed that you and I be one.

The command of Acceptance

Of all the lessons we can draw from this verse, don't miss the most important: Unity matters to God. The Father does not want his kids to squabble. Disunity disturbs him. Why? Because "all people will know that you are my followers if you love each other" (John 13:35). Unity creates belief. How will the world believe that Jesus was sent by God? Not if we agree with each other. Not if we solve every controversy. Not if we are unanimous on each vote. Not if we never make a doctrinal error. But if we love one another.

Unity creates belief. Disunity fosters disbelief. Who wants to board a ship of bickering sailors? Life on the ocean may be rough, but at least the waves don't call us names.

Paul Billheimer may very well be right when he says:

The continuous and widespread fragmentation of the Church has been the scandal of the ages. It has been Satan's master strategy. The sin of disunity probably has caused more souls to be lost than all other sins combined.

Nowhere, by the way, are we told to build unity. We are told simply to keepunity. From God's perspective there is but "one flock and one shepherd"(John 10:16) Unity does not need to be created; it simply needs to be protected.

Examine the Fruit and the Faith

What do you do when you see great works done by folk ofother groups? Not divisive acts, not heretical teachings, but good works thatgive glory to God? Let's return to the conversation between Jesus and the disciples.

Before you note what Jesus said to John, note what he didn' tsay.

Jesus did not say, "John, if the people are nice, they are in." Generous gestures and benevolent acts are not necessarily a sign of a disciple. Just because they are feeding the hungry does not mean they are the honored ones of God. Jesus doesn't issue a call for blind tolerance.

Nor does he endorse blanket rejection. If unanimity of opinion were necessary for fellowship, this would have been a perfect time forJesus to say so. But he didn't. Jesus didn't hand John a book of regulations by which to measure every candidate. Were such a checklist necessary, this would have been the ideal time to give it. But he didn't.

Look at what Jesus did say: "Don't stop him, because anyone who uses my name to do powerful things will not easily say evil things about me"(Mark 9:39)

Jesus was impressed with the man's pure faith ("... who uses my name") and his powerful fruit ("... to do powerful things"). His answer offers us a crucial lesson on studied tolerance. How should you respond to a good heart from a different religious heritage?

First, look at the fruit. Is it good? Is it healthy? Is he or she helping or hurting people? Production is more important than pedigree.If the person is bearing fruit, be grateful! A good tree cannot produce bad fruit(See Matt 7:17), so be thankful that God is at work in other groups than yours.

But also look at the faith. In whose name is the work done? Jesus was accepting of this man's work because it was done in the name of Christ. What does it mean to do something "in the name of Jesus"? It means you are under the authority of and empowered by that name.

The Master says examine the person's faith. If he or she has faith in Jesus and is empowered by God, grace says that's enough. This is an important point. But there are believers in many different heritages who cast their hope in God's firstborn Son and put their faith in the cross of Christ.If they, like you, are trusting him to carry them to the father's castle, don't you share a common Savior? If their trust, like yours, is in the all-sufficeint sacrifice of Christ, aren't you covered with the same grace?

You mean they don't have to be in my group? No.

They don't have to share my background? They don't.

They don't have to see everything the way I do? Does anyone?

Is God asking us to do anything more than what he has already done? Hasn't he gone a long way in accepting us? If God can tolerate my mistakes, can't I tolerate the mistakes of others? If God allows me, with my foibles and failures to call him Father, shouldn't I extend the same grace to others? In fact, who can offer grace except those secure in the grip of grace? If God doesn't demand perfection, should I?

"They are God's servants," Paul reminds us, "not yours. They are responsible to him, not to you. Let him tell them whether they are right or wrong. And God is able to make them do as they should" (Rom 14:4 TLB)

God's ship is a grand vessel. Just as a ship has many rooms,so God's kingdom has room for many opinions. But just as a ship has one deck, God's kingdom has a common ground: the all-sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Will you pray with me for the day when Jesus' prayer is answered?

Will you pray with me for the day when the world is won because the church is one?

Will you pray with me for the day when we come out of our rooms and stand together to salute our captain? When clusters cease and the chorus commences?

Jesus' final prayer before the cross was for the unity of the followers. Would he offer a prayer that couldn't be answered? I don't think so either.

And also, if you're interested, here's the link to the video I screened. Cry your hearts out again! :D

Cheerss

Jess

To be a shining light - easier said than done?

2010-07-04T19:56:00.003+08:00

During a soccer match yesterday, i came across this pretty hostile player from the opposition. He went in for every challenge with malice and even used vulgarities that will make Marco Materazzi proud.

After talking to some of my friends, I realised that the team we are playing against are christians! Imagine how i felt? A couple of my friends who are pre-believers also expressed the same sentiments.

The thought of living to glorify Him in this world came to my mind immediately. It is not easy. There are so many instances, circumstances that make this calling hard to follow. We are to put to death our earthly attitudes and embrace the higher life, even though at times reacting in the earthly way does indeed satisfy our natural need for 'revenge' or pay-back. The widely understood 'turn the other cheek' is often tossed far back behind our brains when we face such situations.

This is just something that occured to me that sparked this question, hopefully it has sparked some questions for you too..

norms

Song of Encouragement

2010-06-20T00:46:00.002+08:00

Hi all,

A month or so ago, I was on Youtube searching for a song and chanced upon this. I didn't think much of it till the chorus blew me away. The lyrics are beautifully written and impactful. This song has been of great encouragement to me of late and I hope you'll be blessed by it too! Share it with your friend or anyone in need. Thank God for these people who through their music/talents have reached out to so many!

The Words I Would Say-- Sidewalk Prophets

Three in the morning
And I'm still awake
So I picked up a pen and a page
And I started writing
Just what I'd say
If we were face to face
I'd tell you just what you mean to me
I'd tell you these simple truths

Be strong in the Lord and
Never give up hope
You're going to do great things
I already know
God's got His hand on you so
Don't live life in fear
Forgive and forget
But don't forget why you're here
Take your time and pray
These are the words I would say

Last time we spoke
You said you were hurting
And I felt your pain in my heart
I want to tell you
That I keep on praying
Love will find you where you are
I know cause I've already been there
So please hear these simple truths

Be strong in the Lord and
Never give up hope
You're going to do great things
I already know
God's got His hand on you so
Don't live life in fear
Forgive and forget
But don't forget why you're here
Take your time and pray
These are the words I would say

From one simple life to another
I will say
Come find peace in the Father

Be strong in the Lord and
Never give up hope
You're going to do great things
I already know
God's got His hand on you so
Don't live life in fear
Forgive and forget
But don't forget why you're here
Take your time and pray
Thank God for each day
His love will find a way
These are the words I would say

Love,
Cheryl Tan

Upcoming event by PCF

2010-06-04T13:13:00.002+08:00

This is confirmed, in SP at least, but its a Musical Event made by the former/current members of Polytechnic Christian Fellowship, and its foreseen to be a blast !

Its to be held around September/October this coming year, and the title is - What is Love.

I do not know every detail yet, but i'm booking you who read this, YES, YOU, okay you cant escape now XD. So a heads up on this, and lookin forward to it :)

Announcements

2010-06-04T10:51:00.002+08:00

It's finally Friday! To all those who are working/studying, the weekend beckons! =] Just a few announcements, so bear with me..

Reachlight: Service will be next Friday (11th June 2010) at 7.45pm at Lighthouse Evangelism Tampines

1-year Bible Reading Plan: This is completed and I will pass them to you on Sunday!

Ok, that's all folks! Have a wonderful and blessed day ahead..

norms

Updates!

2010-06-01T10:11:00.003+08:00

Hello cell!

It's great to see some action finally on this blog! =] Nice work Jon!
I've also found a pretty cool 1-year bible reading plan that is chronological, meaning we can read the Bible as its events occurred in real time! If you do not like this style, please feedback under comments and I will make other arrangements for you; otherwise, we're doing this! =]

On another note, please be informed that the cell chalet is postphoned as chalets are unavailable for booking. We might be exploring the idea of a short trip somewhere.

In His love and mine,
Norms

2010-05-31T14:56:00.002+08:00

hi friends!

haha i think this is my 2nd time posting wooohooo :D anyw! i've just had a very lucid post while blogging just now and thought i'll share these 2.1 cents (inflation la, no more 2cents hoho) with cell :)

www.cream-cookies.blogspot.com hehe used to be a shared blog with pris, but now it's largely been abandoned by her haha

be blessed loves! :)

May 31st Updates

2010-05-31T01:08:00.005+08:00

-Added Pages Tabs Widget
-Moved 'About Me' to Page as 'About Us'
-Created 'Parallel Bible' Page which houses a parallel bible search engine fron StudyLight.org; swapped the previous single version bible search to this
-Changed Blog Archive from 'List' to compact 'DropDownMenu'
-Resized embedded YouTube player to fit panel centrally
-Slight re-ordering of widget elements on the left panels

Note:
-Clicking on the page links (Blog, About Us, Parallel Bible) will send a request to load a different blog page and therefore reset the embedded YouTube player to its original state. Open the links in a new Tab (Hover mouse over link, RightClick + Open in New Tab) to avoid this.

===========================================================

Jon Li

MediaBox- YouTube Stream Working!

2010-05-03T23:02:00.004+08:00

All looks good for the YouTube Stream for now.
Disadvantages:
-Fixed sequence, cannot shuffle music
-Cannot see playlist, as I've resized the player and thus the buttons were removed automatically
-Cannot Maximise to full-screen, as I've resized the player
-Cannot Loop through entire playlist without tweaking or external scripting solutions

Will check from time to time to see if the MixPod player works.

Anyways, I''ll remove all these periodical update posts when everything's done up.

Jon Li

Media Box Issues

2010-05-03T04:26:00.002+08:00

Hi peeps!

Apparently there are several issues bugging the MixPod media box from streaming YouTube, even switching to direct streaming from YouTube became futile. (Not a coding/embed error, Will not go into the details.)

For now, I'm leaving both media boxes there to see if the situation can change for the better.

Meanwhile do reply to this post if you would like to add a song into the playlist.

Do post your comments in the tagbox too.

Jon Li

The good shepherd and his dumb (?) sheep

2009-09-16T11:20:00.002+08:00

Hey guys, I remember telling you all about this before last time, but I guess no harm hearing it once more, this time straight from the horse's, or rather, shepherd's mouth. It's a bit long, but it's a joy to read and understand who God is to us, and what we are to Him! :)

Jess

_____________________________________

Psalm 23 - A Shepherd's Perspective
"Shalom my friends. My name is Yeshua ben Yosef. I am from the ancient land of Palestine and I’m a
shepherd by trade. It is an honor for a man of my occupation to be allowed to stand here and speak with you today.
You see in my nation shepherding is not looked upon with favor. For most of my countrymen it is a job to be avoided rather than sought.
The hours are long.The work is dirty and backbreaking. You should see the thick calluses on my feet.
And the pay ... well let’s just say you’ll never get rich tending sheep for a living.
I learned the trade from my father and I continue the family tradition.

Your pastor thought it would be helpful for me to come and speak with you
today about my lowly occupation. I’m not really sure what a humble man
such as I could teach you, but I’ll tell you everything that I know.

Did you know that in the Bible you read, God refers to his people, you
and me, as sheep nearly two hundred times? You may have never considered
the significance of that comparison but I have because I work with sheep
day and night. Let me tell you it’s not a compliment to be called a
sheep. Why not rather eagles - majestic, swift and beautiful? No, God
calls us his sheep. Why not lions - strong, fearless, terrifying? No,
instead, God calls us his sheep. Oh they’re unique, but to be compared
to one is nearly an insult. A sheep is perhaps the stupidest animal on
the face of the earth. Have you ever seen a trained sheep in the circus?
You’ll see elephants, horses, bears, seals even hippos, but not sheep.
They’re too stupid to train. Sheep are also quite filthy. The wool
that you see in clothing has been cleaned thoroughly. The fluffy white
sheep that you view on your television sets didn’t get that way on
their own. Sheep will not and cannot clean themselves. The shepherd or
his hired hands must do it for them. Not only are they dumb and dirty,
sheep are utterly defenseless. They have no claws, no fangs, no wings.
They can’t run fast or scare an enemy off with a loud roar or spray a
predator with a noxious scent. All they can do is bleat.

Sheep are completely reliant on their shepherds. Their lives and
well-being depend on the person who oversees them each day. If God calls
us his sheep I wonder just what he’s trying to say?

Maybe you would understand God a little better if you spent a day with
me. Come with me on a journey shepherding sheep.

The day begins early, before dawn. It is my job to provide food and
water for my sheep. This is not an easy task. You see in my country the
land is parched and dry. We have nothing like the vast green pasture
lands that your sheep and cattle enjoy here. You can just turn your
animals loose and they have all the food they need. But not in my
country. Oh no. Grass can be found only in narrow strips separated by
long stretches of rock and dust. Except during the rainy season, water
is provided by natural springs or wells spread out here and there. I
sometimes have to lead my sheep
miles just for a few yards of grass or a quick drink of water. It is for
that reason that we arise early. It takes all day to find the
nourishment my sheep need.

I know the area like the back of my hand. I’ve walked every square
foot of it many times. This is how I’m able to lead my sheep. You may
have imagined that shepherding is like those old Westerns you’ve seen
where the cowboys, riding their horses behind the herd, drive the cattle
forward. Shepherding is somewhat different. I walk in front of the herd
and they follow me. Wherever I go they go. If I were unfamiliar with the
land or the sheep were left on their own they’d starve to death. But I
lead them. I know where the grass is. I’ve been there beforehand.

We spend the entire morning traveling from pasture to pasture. By
mid-day the sheep are exhausted and thirsty. They need refreshing or
they will die. Along the route I know the location of several oasis.
These places have shade and lush pasture for the sheep to rest. I make
they lie down and drink. Speaking of which, did you know that sheep
won’t drink from just any water source. Oh no. They will only drink
from quiet still pools. They have a natural fear of fast moving water
and for good reason. If a sheep should slip into a river or stream its
wool would soon soak up the water and become completely saturated. Sheep
are poor swimmers anyway, but the weight of the water in their wool
would cause them to sink and drown. That’s why the waters must be
gentle and still. If I can’t find a pool I have to create one by
diverting water from a stream. Now you’re beginning to understand what
hard work shepherding is.

My sheep will be fine and have everything that they need as long as they
follow me. I lead them along well-worn paths where I know we will find
food and water. They need my guidance.

My sheep also need my protection. The land where we travel is fraught
with dangers. Predators like lions and bears stalk the herds. There’s
the occasional pack of wild dogs. Some harmless looking plants, though
tasty, prove to be poisonous. A sheep might easily stumble over a cliff
or fall into a ravine and die. But my sheep have no need to fear. I
watch out for them. If they begin to wander off in the wrong direction I
have my trusty shepherd’s staff to prod them back in the right
direction. If they should fall into a pit or a ravine I use the other
end of my staff to reach down and lift them to safety. I carry two
sticks, though. One is a staff, but the other is a club. The staff is
for my sheep, but the club is for predators. My sheep may be dumb, but
I’m quite attached to them. I’ll fight tooth and nail for their
lives. Some of the hirelings and other shepherds I’m acquainted with
have seen me battle a few of those big carnivores. They laugh and joke
and tell me that some day one of those lions or bears will have me for
lunch. That may be true, but I can tell you that I won’t look the
other way or run the other way like those cowards. No, that’s the
difference between a good and a bad shepherd. A good shepherd will lay
down his life for his sheep.

As long as they follow me I guide and protect my sheep. It’s tough
work, but I always make sure my sheep have food to eat. I always check
out the fields before I allow them to graze. If there are poisonous
plants in the area and go through and weed out everyone by hand. I also
check the ground for snake holes. I told you it’s dangerous in my
land. We have tiny little vipers that live underground in some of the
pasturelands. When they sense the sheep grazing, they pop their ugly
heads out of the ground and bite the sheep on the nose. The infection or
venom from the bite could kill them. But I have a remedy for those
viscous little enemies. I walk off the entire area looking for snake
holes. When I find them I pour a little olive oil into the entrance of
the hole. Then I anoint the head and nose of each sheep with the same
oil and allow them to graze. The oil prevents the slick bodies of the
snakes from crawling out of their holes. They’re powerless to harm my
sheep. It makes me laugh to watch my little lambs have a picnic in the
very presence of their enemies.

By evening we return to the sheepfold. One by one I examine each of
them. If I find any cuts or scraps on their bodies I apply healing
ointment to their wounds. I make sure they have water to drink. If I
find one nearly overcome with thirst I have a special cup-shaped bucket
and let him drink by himself. Sometimes those sheep are so thirsty that
they stick their heads in too fast and too far and the water overflows
and wets their heads.

Before bedding down for the night I always count my flock. Occasionally
one of the lambs will stray, and there’s nothing more vulnerable than
a sheep without it’s shepherd. I go immediately to find it and bring
it back to the sheepfold.

Every once in a while one of my lambs will develop a habit of straying.
I remember one little fellow. I named him Jake. He came from a fine
family. His grandfather was one of my very first sheep. I called him Old
Abe. Jake’s father was Isaac. Both Old Abe and Isaac faithfully
followed me and stayed on the path, but not that little rascal Jake. He
turned up missing more times than I could count. Sometimes he was in
search of greener pastures while at other times I found him chasing
butterflies. He never realized the danger he in, but I understood it
clearly.

Something had to be done. We shepherds have developed a technique
guaranteed to prevent straying. It is used only as a last resort -- when
a sheep refuses to stay with the flock. The last time I caught him
straying I used it on little Jake. No doubt you will think that it’s
cruel, but it saves the life of my sheep. At the end of the day I found
little Jake wandering dangerously toward a steep gorge. I picked him up,
put him on my shoulders and carried him back to the sheepfold. He
didn’t struggle. Jake just looked at me with only trust in his eyes. I
sat him down and quickly placed his right front leg across my staff.
With one swift motion I pulled down of the long bone of his leg and
broke it. Wild-eyed, Jake struggled to get away. He immediately fell to
the ground in pain. He couldn’t understand. The one who provided for
him and rescued him, the one who he trusted was inflicting the most
excruciating suffering he’d ever endured. I didn’t want to, but I
had to do it to save his life.

Over the next few days, little Jake could barely get up. As the flocks
moved from pasture to pasture I carried him every step of the way. I
held him close in those days. He was suffering with that broken leg, but
all the while I carried him close to my heart. I sat him down to eat and
drink. Gradually he was able to walk again, but the smallest hill looked
like a mountain to him and the shallowest stream like a mile-wide river.
Whenever he encountered and obstacle all he could do was stop and look
to me. Then I’d pick him up and help him over. Jake learned to trust
and to follow. I had to break him to save his life. It worked. Jake is
still with me today and one of my most loyal sheep.

Well that’s a day in the life of a shepherd. It’s not glamorous, but
it’s a living.

As undignified as my profession is it still amazes me that God compares
himself to a shepherd and his people to sheep. I can see the truth in it
though. After all he meets our needs by providing the necessities of
life, by guiding us each day and by protecting us. I guess we would be
as content and at peace as my sheep if we’d just learn to trust and
follow him. Even if we don’t understand where he’s leading or what
he’s doing in our lives, if we’d just trust him and follow him
we’d be satisfied.

Thank you for listening. I’ve got to get back to work. This
shepherding is a never-ending job if you know what I mean?"

Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I
shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the
still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for
his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort
me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou
anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I
will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

beautiful, scandalous night

2009-09-05T17:35:00.002+08:00

I used to think that I'd already known all I needed to know about Christ's dying on the cross. How difficult is it to understand? He was born of a virgin, lived a spectacular life, sentenced to death on the cross, became a replacement for our sins and rose again on the third day to defy death.

Yet now, the more I think about it, the less I feel I understand it. It's beautiful in an unexplainable way, it's way bigger than my mind can ever take.

jess

Choosing a Path

2009-08-30T22:53:00.001+08:00

[Another note i wrote on facebook, and one which i prayed for guidance, that it flows correctly.]

The man lay silently across the ground.
Inches from his hand, the sword with a silver blade.

The Sword of Light.

Behind him, a village lay still. No signs of life, no activity. Not even a random movement in the darkness.

It lay deserted.

As the clouds parted, the Moon shone down on the man.

The Sword shone, a beacon in a dark place, chasing all signs of despair which lingers in the darkness.

The man lay still.

When the light shone on him, he hardly stirred.

The man lay dying.

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

A boy watched on. Long after the battle ended, he still looked on.

Finally, when he could bear no longer, the pain of conflicting ideals in his heart, he ran forward.

Looking for answers, looking for that sword.

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

[How long has it been...] The man wondered. Two hours? Three? Surprised to be able to draw breath, the man simply looked up at the night sky, treasuring the last minutes of his life.

The sound of footfalls caught his attention. Turning his head slightly, he made out a figure. Not too old, maybe seventeen or so, he thought.

The figure, a boy, it turned out to be, slowed down as they made eye contact. Slowly but surely, the boy approached the man.

The boy looked at the figure infront of him. Inhaling deeply, he let out a single name, which only made the situation all too real.

["Silvan."]

The man blinked, and a smile formed on his pale face. In the moonlight, the boy could see the blood that flowed from wounds which covered Silvan's body. Wounds that were allowed to happen.

["Why, Silvan. Why did they come and do this to us?"]

His answer came out in a coarse whisper...

[Because we were different.]

----- 2 Hours ago -----

Silvan stood alone, facing an armed mob.

Behind him, the village lay empty. Its inhabitants long fled into the mountains.

Silvan allowed it to happen.

A sword thrust came at him, and with a bright flash, the dark blade shattered into nothingness.

No matter how many weapons were brought to bear against him, the Sword of Light shattered each and every one of them. That nothing would ever penetrate his defence.

Silvan fought true, not willing to harm his attackers. The black swords wielded by his opponents stood widely in contrast with the shining weapon in his hand. On and on they came, trying to get this nuisance away from them, trying to extinguish the fire in his eyes.

Silvan fought on and on.

Until time took its toll, and finally, his sword arm wavered, and fell.

The opening was seized by a dozen blades.

-----Present-----

["You didnt kill any of them. Not even a single cut on them!"]

The boy exclaimed as he recalled the scene in a flash.

[No... I didn't.]
["Then why, why did they come and attack you, what did you do? You didn't do anything bad did you?"]
[No... It happened, because of our differences.]

Stumped, the boy looked on at the figure.

["Differences?"]

[Yes. Our beliefs.]

The clouds moved on, blocking the Moon, that everything became darker.
Tilting his head for a more comfortable position, Silvan muttered on.

[You saw, didn't you, a single silver blade, among the others?]

Nodding, the boy looked on as Silvan continued.

[Because they didnt like what i was teaching, the old ways of tradition, of how we used to live by Honour and a code of morals.]
["I looked up to them, they seemed to be so cool in life, but now, this ? Why did they have to reject you?"]

[Well, one cant live with two surfaces. It drains us. Before i stepped onto this path, my sword was jet-black, until i faced true adversaries, thats when i realised, how different we are today, than from the past.]

["But they can simply ignore you cant they?"]

[No, with every person who changes to follow the path, they fall in popularity. No one will suffer to see himself being ignored because of an outcast.]
["I had admired you too, for your swordwork, i believed that none of them would still be standing when they attacked. Why did you let them do this to you?"]

A slight grimace crossed Silvan's face, as the pain came back.

[Its because, they do not know the truth of their actions. There is still time for them to change. Should they really see, it will happen. Just in Time...]

["I want to... I believe in your morals, but now, how can i learn?"]

Silvan looked at the boy. Beckoning with a bloodied hand, the boy leaned forward, close to the man.

A movement to the other side caught his attention. Silvan's hand came up, and with it, a sword.

["Your sword?"]

Nodding, Silvan passed it on to the boy, and slowly closed his eyes as he continued.

[Yes, the Sword which pulled me out of my darkest times, when all else seems to fail, it shone the way, for me to follow, instead of simply wallowing in the darkness...]

He looked up to the boy.

[Its your time now. Thats why, the blades cut into me. I have found peace, in allowing another, to follow in its values...]

The boy looked at the blade. As the moonlight shone on it through a break in the sky, the edge glittered. Raising it high, he could feel its strength as it connected with his heart, forging a bond with with sword and wielder.

Looking back to say something, the boy halted.

Silvan lay on the ground, eyes closed, as if he was in a sweet dream.

["Thank you, brother, for giving me this chance to redeem myself, from all the evils which i have caused you and others..."]

By the village, another teenager watched the exchange in silence. By his side, the dark blade could be seen reflecting some light from the moon...

The Sword of Light

2009-06-04T19:42:00.003+08:00

[Man... oh man...]

Stumbling through the valley, the man hobbled on.

Badly wounded, with no hope of escape, he looked at what he held onto this whole while.

His sword.

Silver in the moonlight, the blade retained its edge throughout the fight he had fought, and lost badly, to an opponent whom he had no knowledge of.While his opponent knew his every strength and weakness.

[I never stood a chance...]

The taunts echoed through his mind, the laughter of his enemy, as every effort the man made was countered, and he faltered.

He turned tail and ran.

Now, sitting on a rocky outcrop, exhausted from the numerous battles he fought, with each one getting tougher...

...and tougher...

...and tougher...

[Its no use]

His opponent blocked the way, theres no way for him to proceed on.
The valley is deep, and turning back will only end up in the failure of what he set out for.

[No use...]

He stood, with grim determination, not to turn back, neither to face his enemy again.

He will take his own life. Mark his defeat with his own hands.

[Now... slowly...-]

"[What are you doing?]"

The man looked up. He saw nothing. But he heard the voice.

"[What are you doing? Giving up?]"
[Theres nothing left for me to do.]
"[Oh? Theres a challenge waiting for you up ahead.]"
[Dont talk about it.]
"[Why shouldn't I? After all, you still got to get past him.]"
[Its NO USE!]

With that, the man swung his sword against the wall. Sparks flew, and the weapon fell him his hand as he fell weeping.

[Its no use, i lost, its too hard for me to overcome it. Theres no one to help me here.]
"[Of course, why involve others into fighting your struggles?]"
[You've said it.]
"[I've said nothing about them not supporting you from behind.]"
[Huh?]

He looked up. The sword shone against the moonlight. Lines of silver ran along the blade.

"[I've never, ever, let you down in all your previous fights. Even when you felt hopeless, i was there, to hand you the victory, as long as you put your trust in me.]"
[...]
"[What will your decision be? For all the other people who care about you, who look to you, they're all across this valley, cheering you on, if only you will take time, and listen to them, you shall hear.]"
[I do...]
"[They are across this valley, its only a hundred feet more, will you give up now?]"

Eyes widened in surprise, the man immediately got to his feet.

[Hell no, i've come MILES to this point, and theres only a hundred feet more?]
"[Yeah, just a little bit more. If you will put your faith in me, and let me aid you in your fight, let me be your sword in times of trouble.]"

Eyes on the sword, the man picked it up. The edge sparkled, as if the blade was calling out to him.

Looking ahead, he saw his opponent. Imposing as it was, the man did not feel the fear when he first fought it.

[Here goes, lets do it.]
"[Knew you would get back up. This guy here is called Discouragement, and hes the Enemy's elite. Once he got to you, you will feel nothingness, and will falter. However he has a weakness.]"
[Which is?]
"[Encouragement. The perfect counter. Recall all the words your people gave you, and know in your heart, that they ring true to this day.]"

Nodding, the man steeled his gaze upon his enemy.

[I have it. I have faith in my people, and in You. Be my Sword in times as these.]

The man ran forward... determined... to defeat his enemy.

Too much of a coincidence

2009-04-27T16:57:00.003+08:00

The first thing on my list to thank God for is the change of interview dates. He shown me how imperfect man was at planning. Despite knowing my interview would clash with chemical defence and doing all sorts of things to prevent it, the two activities still clashed. This happened not once but 2 times repeatedly. By right my interview would be on wed but theres fire fighting on wed. See what I mean? All he needed to do was give us a mon off. Ta da! I have the whole mon to go for the interview. No rush at all.

Why do I say too much of a coincidence? Victor went through chapter 2 of John. There in that passage, Jesus revealed himself as the perfect planner. The ''time'' was not yet ripe when Mary asked about the wine. He shows that he has a time for everything and he will provide when the time comes. Theres no need to worry. Just trust in Him and he will provide. Provide not only enough to meet our needs but to the overflowing. Just like how the 6 stone jars were filled with top grade wine. This allows me to relate to the awesome God who planned the universe into being and it also encourages me to trust in him especially during tough times like my upcoming fire fighting. Hope this serves to motivate you.

Sam Low

what's real these days?

2009-04-17T23:16:00.000+08:00

It is only all too obvious - what I see and know and have learned has to be real. Yet, if it were that simple, arguments and wars wouldn’t occur, would they? It’ll be all candy floss and lollipops. A quote says, “There are no facts, only interpretations.” Many times we’ve known that to be true, in conversations like these - “ooh he’s cute!” “Where got!?! You bat jiu ta stamp ar!”

There is such obvious proof of eternal and pervasive subjectivity before me, manifested best in wars between religions over a piece of land that is said in their Holy Scriptures to be THE place where XXX was born/prayed/died. So now we subscribe to the attitude of tolerance - “believe what you want, it’s cool! Just don’t interrupt my beliefs and force yours upon me.”

But I cannot swallow this because it means that what I can’t see, and what I don’t know, doesn’t exist as a truth. Rene Descartes famously said, “I think, therefore I am“, and this means that thought precedes all things - acknowledgement of existence, and hence, action that is intended towards this existence. And this thought is of course determined by the things we absorb, and believe to be true. It sounds perfectly logical, but only if we all truly believe ourselves to be the centre of the universe.

And this is where it is flawed. Because evidently, we aren’t, and nothing, not even Obama, can say that all things are, because “I am”. When a heartbreak, or a tragedy, or a bad grade strikes, don’t we all tend to ask -Why ME? But as I’ve learned from a video about a woman struck with terminal stage cancer, the question should be why not me? What’s so special about me that makes me exempt from disease and sadness and a phenomena called death that has hounded mankind since forever?

Our realities are greatly determined by what we choose to be relevant to us. “Eee, history. I’m psychology major I need to know all this for what?” or “oh, I’m a Christian so I don’t need to know about Hinduism/Buddhism/Islam. Nothing to do with me.” No matter how hungry one is for knowledge, nobody can claim to knoweverything. Unfortunately, our disinterest in something doesn’t negate it’s existence, and its reality to someone else! It’s so simple yet we hardly see it. Drawing lines around ourselves makes the differences more stark, and therefore can only result in apathy or extremism .

The point of what I’m saying is probably best summed up in this riddle - If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? The answer may be a resounding YES!, because I am here and the tree is there - even if I don’t know it it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Yet, strangely, this isn’t the philosophy we apply to our own lives. We are content to live within our self-contained bubbles, and if anyone tries to introduce new ideas that we presuppose to be untrue or subjective to individual experience, we immediately shout, “INTOLERANCE!” Secularism has become a convenient excuse for our discomfort. Though outwardly we have access to more sources of knowledge than ever before, inwardly we are becoming suffocatingly narrow-minded.

(This is what’s happening in UK, a “Christian” country. A nurse lost her job because she offered to pray for a patient. Another was given a warning for wearing a cross necklace.)

Do we not realize that we are but a piece of a giant Jigsaw Puzzle? That there is a greater reality that transcends and unites all our differently sized and shaped realities - ‘the one ring that rules it all’? Just as the laws of Nature, backed by science, show that when something as big as a tree falls, it is impossible that it doesn’t make a sound, so there has to be a similar law of something, or Someone, greater than these little homo sapiens trapped in their time and space. I think you know what I’m driving at.

Just some thought these past week :)

Jess

Sun Cell Queries

2009-03-30T21:18:00.002+08:00

Hi Everyone.. This is my first post since joining this cell. Attached below are the questions pondered during cell last Sun on John 1: 19 to 34

Verse 19 - 28
1. Who are the Levites?
2. What's Prophet? What's Elijah? What's prophet?
3. Who's Isaiah?
4. Why quote from the prophet?
5. Why only the 3 people stated can baptise?

Verse 29 - 34
1. How does John's water baptism reveal Jesus to Israel?
2. How does Jesus baptise with the Holy Spirit?

:)

2009-03-29T19:24:00.002+08:00

Here's questions posed today on John 1: 19-34

Day 1 & Day 2 :P

Why did they ask John whether he is Elijah?
Why doesn't John answer to the point?
Who does the Prophet refer to?
What is the underlying assumotion in v25 that only Christ can baptize?
v26: Why didn't John gave a straight answer?
Shouldn't John know beforehand that Jesus was the Christ when Elizabeth already know that Mary was pregnant with Christ when she first conceived?

After a whole month of not coming to cell, i really really missed cell. Today's cell made me realized how integrated you all have been in my life and it won't be the same anymore without a single one of you. Truthfully, i've been rather off recently and i finally finally felt normal after spending one whole day with God and all of you. :) :) it's really heartwarming to know that you guys will always be there and after knowing you all for like 6 years, you are really like my family to me. :) I really thank God for blessing me with this cell. :)

van

Everything is in His hands

2009-03-28T18:05:00.002+08:00

Sometimes you get really worried when faced with the uncertain. Sometimes you complain.
Yet when you realise you are so much more better off then others, you begin to think, why?

When I was posted to the navy, I dint even know what it meant. A platoon mate called me a lucky boy. I was like the only 1 from my company who was posted in. From what I read, the navy offered optimistic prospects. After a week of contact with my previous platoon mates, I realised, God was good to me. I could enjoy Muslim food, sleep longer, dorn a smart looking white uniform. Even transport was provided from tanah merah right to my doorstep. Everything is in His hands. I believe that my posting to the next vocation which I will specialise in, is also in His hands and so is my uni application. If He can do that for me, an unfit soldier, He can do so for you too.

Be Thou My Vision...

2009-01-28T13:41:00.003+08:00

Be Thou my vision O Lord of my Heart
Naught Be all else to me save that thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping thy presence my light

Be thou my wisdom and thou my true
WordI ever with thee and thou with me Lord
Thou my great Father and I thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and i with thee one

Riches I heed not nor man's empty praise
Thou mine inheritance now and always
Thou and Thou only first in my heart
High king of heaven my treasure thou art

Be thou my vision O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me save that thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light

High king of heaven my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joy, Bright heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision O ruler of all

Still be my vision O ruler of all----

4Him - Be Thou My Vision

Really cool huh, best if you hear it live ;)

-Dino
Hymms

2009-01-09T13:28:00.003+08:00

Hey RBC!

Here's a reminder to pray about your accountability partner yea. Basically someone you can entrust your secrets to, or at least feel like you can be very honest with. You'll keep tabs on each other and help each other to grow, so I highly encourage it! The person need not be within cell, can be outside too, from another cell or from school.

Also, I think it'd be good if we could fix our prayer groups. if you have any preferences for prayer partners please inform me by next friday, 16th Jan! If not I'll just assign randomly.

Cell stuff aside, thought it'd be cool to check this out, Days with My Father.

Anyway I don't know why the tagboard is down, anyone has any idea how to fix it?

Thanks Sam Low and Dino for your posts!

Dino: we are all always in need of God's grace, but people's eyes need to be open, and they need to be shown the way to God. Are you willing to pick up the pieces for your neighbour, wherever you are, whatever it takes?

Sam: It's great to hear of your healing! :) Stay strong in camp yea, keep walking with Him! Tell us where and how we can support you k!

:),
Jess

A touch from the Lord

2008-12-31T19:21:00.008+08:00

A late post but God deserves the glory.

Guys dun cry easily.
Yet at that moment I couldnt help it.
I really couldnt.
Tears juz dropped.
(Thankfully I was wearing a cap)
This Christmas service, like no other, was really good.
I could sing. Freely. Comfortably.
During the weeks ahead, I had been coughing.
Always coughing.
Here in his sanctuary, I dint cough.
Not once.
Even my mum who was beside me recognised that.
All the discomfort, all the pain, gone.
It came to mind that God does wonders.
He is capable of anything.
Hes the healer.

Now, I thank God that my cough is no longer troubling me.
I can eat anything: chocolates, chips, cold drinks, ice cream.
Indulging myself in everything.
Thanks to those who kept me in prayer.

Sam Low

I Made A Pact, I'll Not Turn Back.

2008-12-28T22:49:00.003+08:00

Aye, its the end of my holidays, and the start of the Exam Week.

Praise God for giving me an average score in a test i screwed up, although i'm still trustin Him with the other test, in which prospects look darker...

Anyways, this break i had, three weeks, was spent mostly on camps and going back to school to do practical, so its pretty 'hyphenated' in a sense.

Looking back at the camps, i would say its pretty worth it to actually push myself to attend them. For all the doubts planted before them, the duration within them actually showed me good cause to go for what i paid for.

W.A.N.T.E.D - Group Leader

Its easy to understand how bad the shortage of leaders can be yeah, if each group is gonna take the 13 / 17 kids originally stated, i guess half of the new leaders may be kaput at the end of the camp... o.o ...

So when Rachel called me for the second time during class, its just - Yes, i am willing to be a leader. So thats it, an agreement between me, who wanted to try being leader again for experiences, and a camp which is completely unpredictable.

One thing that is unique about this year's camp... its before it even started. Ever since school started i've literally been going out everyday, to the Leader's Retreat, to the weekends spent on planning devotion, to the Sunday before camp proper, and finally, the cell dinner on monday.

The experience which kicked everything off was actually during Leader's Retreat [Wednesday], i brought a leader to ECP in the morning, took off to SP for my test, and came back... and needed to walk [ Avg 2km ] to the meeting place. By the time i reached home, it was 10. Tiring indeed, but Thursday is an important and exhausting day [Presentations, 4-Hour Practical], so tahan bah!

Friday i could have gotten a break, but theres a chance to meet a friend whom i nvr seen since dunno how long. So i happily skipped off to tampines after a night of rest. The day carried over to Reachlight, after which i knew i was exhausted.

Saturday, met my co-leader, Crystal, and Kelvin for devotion discussion. Ended up Kelvin's co-leader couldent make it, so its 3 of us in starbucks going through what we were presented in the small notebook. Soon enough, its done, so was the design of our group tags. In the late afternoon we just packed and went off... tired...

Sunday, i just realised that i havent contacted the guys in my camp group [ alamak ]. Morning, spam smses and phone calls. Probably its Sparklight time, so its hard to reach all of them...
During cell i asked Sam Low to help me pray over this problem, for its obvious what the consequences would be if i didnt get to them on time. However, by His Grace, all expected SMS replies came to me during Speedlight.

However, even if this has been a victory, i didnt feel it. Somehow i felt hollow, like, how could i ever forget to do such an important task ? And so, with my tired state, my mind was open to doubts, which came to me, about my real capabilities to lead my people in the group. Even so i half-dreaded going to the camp. However, one thing struck me - Last year i took the group alone, it was hard, except that i had 3 exceptional members who helped support me throughout. This year, i do not know any of my group members, neither did Crystal. So, instead of just wallowing in self-pity i decided to drag myself to the camp and face what i brought into my life.

What i have decided the year, and month before, whether i will have victory, i will do my best.

Indeed, i guess one trait i get from games is that the enemy dont simply let us poke them into submission.

W.A.N.T.E.D Camp - Day 1

When i woke up that day, it seemed different. The first thing i thought of is - Camp. So its a normal day, lugging my pack to church and the first thing i saw in there - A mass of parents and campers all lined up along the porch. Amazingly, not a single camp leader / commitee member was there, and i was -> O_O

Everyone soon came, and i had a chance to catch up with some co-leaders during last year's Step-Out Camp. Notably those whom i never saw for ages, its refreshing to see them well, and participating in the Wanted Camp too.

The day passed quickly with games and Sam Phua sabo-ing MY GROUP on our very FIRST game with a water bomb. In the evening we had a time to rest before Underground Church, and during the game itself, i guess the kids had a chance to actually have a very basic 'feel' on what its like to be a Christian in the former Soviet Union and China and stuff. A couple of my kids got hurt as its dark and there are unintentional traps on the ground, and 2 of my kids got 'tortured'. When they came back its hard to just tell them 'Its okay' and act like nothing happened cos one of them was going T_T alr, and its confusion as we wont be getting any rest anytime soon, so... sorry guys, but i guess we have to just keep going for now.

After all thats done, after UC, debrief, and a dry throat, finally managed to sit down with a couple of fellow group leaders to help them in devotion. During that time i realised something... that what i shared with them, its not coming from my conscious mind, and what i am telling them, i am telling myself too. What was just a simple sentance revealed its true meaning to me, which in turn, led me to greater discoveries within His Word.

I guess as a final form of humour, i returned to my tent to find the 4 dudes inside sleeping... and my space is... not wide enough for me, and not long enough for me... sheesh...

W.A.N.T.E.D Camp - Day 2

Wake up. You got a long day ahead. How good you want it to be, it depends on yourself.

Just like Last Year.

My throat hurts, my jacket stinks, and the tent is bloody hot with the sun, cooped up air and 5 people's body heat radiating it. A hundred other complains simply disappeared when i crawled out of the tent... A bad way to start my day, but i guess i'll have to make do.

Before devotion started i asked God - Can i really do this ? After all, you seen my fall leading to this camp.
I realised the importance of this camp... one decisive factor is that it could either lead me back to God in the greatest of miracles, or simply doom me until revival somehow comes into my life.

However, i realised that God helps. We taught during the devotion, and somehow, every word that i say out in a hoarse tone came back to me. What i previously didnt know, was revealed, and the once - difficult devotion - became one which is made easy through the guide itself. And for the first time, it makes perfect sense.

Its amazing how fellowship can bond a group together. Former strangers truly bonded during the games which were played. Since we had an odd number, i simply hopped back and became an observer [and temporary game-master XD] to see how my group performed. Although there are still personality clashes, i realised that its not a desire, but its a stage of being young. Sometimes there are kids who wanted to go all the way while others are still behind [with painful results], and others who wont cliche with the rest [eg. boys and girls].

On that night, we had a testimony from Enrico Ventura. Its moving, and it probably reflected what had happened in my life. During that time of prayer, it probably gave me back my sense of self-worth. That i could actually make a difference, whether big or small. That God really does have a plan for me. Its only whether i will accept it, Carry the Cross, and Follow Him. That said, the first step we all did, camp leaders and camp comm alike, was to pray for our people. To me, its as long as they had the prayer, its enough. They are young, they may already be exposed to the world. But its not too late.

Camp theme - Wanted by Law, Saved by Grace.

Yes, we are wanted by Law. We are born sinners through Adam, and the penalty of sin is death. But, its not too late. It never was too late, and the reason lies on the second part of the theme - Saved by Grace. That God will send His son to be a sacrifice for us, to cleanse our sins and take it upon Himself, thats one thing i had trouble getting to grips with at first. However, its through His works, that i can see clearer.

I'll admit, the interaction this year wasnt as good as last year, most probably its packed to the max with activities. At least theres time for devotion, and I really thank God for making it happen.

What is typed out on top, it will not be possible if i had just given up. Its not possible if i simply said - "I'm sorry, i cannot do this. Its too tough for me and its bad not just for the camp but for the kids as well." Apart from gaining all these experiences, the camp directly strengthened my faith. Through all the experiences, and stuff i chatted about with the other leaders, it confirmed what i hoped to do since the start.

I hope for change. I'm sick of seeing people ruin their lives. Even Christians who simply take God for granted. I can see that, even during the camp. But still, i pray for change. I may not be the one to change them, for all my strengths i am only a rookie, but i do pray, that someday, a fellow sibling in Christ will pick those who are lost, and change them anew.

I do pray for us all, that although we may have differences with one another, let us just support each other in our walk with God.

Thank You Lord.

In His Love
Dino

His song

2008-12-14T00:32:00.004+08:00

Hi guys! I'm back from Cameron Highlands! It was really fantastic. When we alighted the bus it was like stepping from the fridge to the freezer. for the first 2,3 days I had to wear triple layers to keep my insides from shivering, but as I became able to appreciate the cold I was like superman on the emergency rescue mission!

It was a great one week of meeting new people, discovering new things about myself and God, and simply getting away. Every morning was a different morning. One day I woke up to find the orange of the sun’s rays reflected on only one side of the hotel opposite ours, like a tinge of gold on a plate of silver. Then another morning a heavy mist descended upon us, and the air was so fresh it was like breathing cold water but not choking. The best time of the day was stepping out of the hot shower, feeling fresh and clean, and warm but cool.

Anyways, back to the camp, I had a workshop on how to study Psalms. It was spread over 4 days and it was always a joy to go. It was much more fun and enlightening than it was technical, because the speaker was always telling us jokes and introducing new songs and lyrics in the midst of teaching us life principles. One thing he made us do was to write a personal psalm, and I thought it was really meaningful. I tried and I really enjoyed it a lot, cos in the process of writing it, I learnt how to look through God’s eyes, at ourselves, His own creation.

You see, as I wrote the psalm I wanted it to encompass all my thoughts and feelings sufficiently, and yet be expressed with beauty. As I wrote I tweaked it endlessly, changing what I thought was not good to something better. I wanted it to be me, and to accurately portray what I know I can never express spontaneously in a conversation.

“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them… God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.”

Gen 1:27,31

Being the creator of my own psalm I finally understood what we mean to God. In us, He wanted Himself to be seen. We were His poem or psalm, His work of art that was supposed to reflect His character. He created us, His psalm, and saw that it was all “very good”.

Yet something happened that caused us to fall from this peace. It was as if the letters started to move about on their own, demanding their place in the poem, some even wanting out. Imagine writing your essay, with your keyboard screwed up. The effect is not what you desired it to be - very good.

So, no matter what the world tells you of what you feel, you are as God intended for you to be. Be still and know that God has created you in His image, and He loves you simply as you are :)

Beauty… is the shadow of God on the universe. ~Gabriela Mistral, Desolacíon

___________________________________

Amanda and Dino, thanks for your sharings! :) I am encouraged by them and I'm sure everyone else is too. Indeed we always tend to rely on our own strength to even love God, but all things come from God, and to do anything, nothing but God is sufficient. After the camps in December are over, think about how to sustain this renewed relationship with God, and what you are going to do with the convictions that He has placed in your heart! More often than not, we let these lessons slip away all too easily. In December and January we are on fire, but by November we are dry as a desert land. Take time off daily to be still before God, so that your awe of Him will never fade!

Jess

Whose Strength are you using ?

2008-12-07T23:06:00.003+08:00

Okay... finally got some break time... school is stressful and holidays come with an extra " " by its sides T_T... anyway, lets get down to business... :s

Well, i've been thinking about whats happening for the past term. To be honest i haven't really been spending much time with God, mainly because i come home from school tired, over-use the com and just sleep after a small prayer and so-called 'thanks', if i see it from my current point of view. So.. well, since the past week its been an effort to get back, especially with the Wanted camp just 33 hours away from now. But thank God, yeah, thank Him that i am allowed to draw back, to really set aside all the screw-ups, internal stress and frustration which tends to build up everyday in school.

Okay, its time to finally share something which i had learnt through this experience, from my complacent start leading to how i've actually allowed myself to go drained, and back now...

[ This is a situation which i remembered from a game i played 10 years ago. ]

Once during the Medieval Age, soldiers trained extensively for any threats, be it internal rebellions, or from the threat of invasion by a neighbouring state.
In Antioca [ some random country =x ] , legions of well-equipped soldiers stood by in their forts, training regularly for the day where their expertise will be needed.
However, the soldiers noticed one problem - their swords broke easily after several months of vigourous usage.

For all its might, Antioca lacked raw metal deposits by where her citizens can mine the precious metal to supply their local troops. Thus, they have to import large quantities of weapons from foreign traders.

In a particular month, an offer to teach individual soldiers the art of metal-working came around the country. Some took it, and some didn't.

So the months passed, where a part of Antioca's troops spent their time making their own weapon using the skills they have learnt, while the others continued their daily routine, replacing imported weapon, with imported weapon.

One year later, an unknown army of raiders descended upon Antioca. Taking the call to arms, the well trained legions set off from their forts to do battle against the enemy.

Individually, each soldier has his own feelings about the war.

Soldier Endern - A person who does not believe in allocating training time to forging swords.

Before the battle...

Knowing that his weapon has been used for several weeks, he decided to carry a spare sword into battle, with the precaution of having another weapon 'just in case' of any situation in the chaos of the battle.

During the clash...

Squaring off with his opponent, Endern's first weapon broke under the pressure of his opponent's sword. Expecting this to happen, he drew his second blade in a swift motion and struck back at his enemy.
However, the invader was expecting this to happen. Regaining his balance, he used his momentum to bring about a more powerful strike than before, meant to finish off Endern and move on to the next opponent...

As the invader struck, Endern brought his sword up to deflect the strike. However, the added weight of the superior weapon simply snapped Endern's blade cleanly into two... the duel is decided.

Before the invader finished him off, Endern shot a question - Who forged your sword ?

The reply - I made it myself. I made it specifically to break what inferior weapons the world has comfortably offered your pathetic army.

The killing blow came...

...But was stopped in a resounding clash...

Soldier Selven - One who believes in forging a bond with what he has.

After completing the course of metal-working, Selven immediately set upon the task of forging his own weapons from the metal brought in by the instructors.

Spending several months in the forge, the soldier finally completed not own his weapon, but a complete suit of armour as well. Taking pride at his work, he made gave a prayer of thanks to God for blessing him with such knowledge for self-improvement.

Before the battle -

Selecting only his personal belongings, Selven immediately marched off to join his company in the defence of his country.

During the clash -

Wave after wave of invaders came crashing upon the human wall which is Selven's company. As the line wavered and broke into a series of skirmishes, Selven found an invader with a deadly axe charging his way.

Knowing that it is madness to use a sword to parry an axe, Selven threw his shield up, trusting in its strength to deflect the blow.

The axe came down, and away, as it bounced off the heavy shield. Taking the chance, Selven struck at his attacker, swiftly ending the duel.

By the side, a fellow soldier is being hard pressed by his opponent.

As the invader stood to land the finishing blow, Selven's outstretched sword caught the strike in mid-swing. Jumping from the unexpected arrival, the invader faced Selven and struck.

However, Selven was ready. He swung his blade with similar ferocity, and their swords met each other in a bonebreaking clash...

Selven dropped his sword, arm aching from the ferocity of the strike. Looking at his opponent, he realised that he has won the skirmish.

His opponent's sword was shattered... not just broken, but shattered into a thousand pieces... all because of a difference in quality...

Okay, well, i guess that the message was pretty clear eh.

Whose strength are you using ?

Endern's Path - Your own strength with what the world has given you ?
Selven's Path - Accepting hardship in order to break convention with the world ?

Endern chose to stick with his daily routine, swinging swords and laying by the side. Sure, that maybe easy, hes been doing that for years that it has become a habit.

Selven chose to change, seeking ways to improve his resources to engage in a war. Its not easy straying from your routine to do something hard and tiring, but he took the step.

The scenario in our lives is this - Which soldier are we? That when our minds and bodies come under spiritual attack, whose path have we taken?

Will our defences crumble just like the Walls of Jericho ? Or will we stand strong against the forces of darkness, just like Israel stood strong against the Arabs ?

Will we take the step to break our worldly routines ? To take the step to absorb what oppurtunities the Lord has given us in order to further prepare ourselves for the End Times ?

When exams are over, when holidays and free time is abundant, comes a new danger, of over-indulgence in the time which was given to us. Will the time we had set for the Lord be overcome by our worldly desires ? Or, will we be able to maintain what we have forged with the Lord during our Times of Troubles ?

It is hard for me. Even now, it is hard to take myself away from what i can be doing for self-interests. And i believe that faced with the same situation with each person's different desires, it will be hard as well. With many distractions in this world that we live in, its no wonder why the only time when i can take a proper breather is during the standard 5-6 hours every sunday as well as when i gathered enough strength to counter what distractions the devil has planted in me.

Hmm, its late, but as an ending note, i pray that, should the above scenario be brought to life, we all will be able to stay strong with God's strength.

Be strong, the final wave has yet to come.

In His Love

Dino

OUTING!

2008-12-05T10:14:00.015+08:00

ok another post to confirm outing!

we are going to have dinner for samlow as he is serving the nation soon... on the 11th dec rite? those not involved in WANTED can go down and send him off at tekong. lol. ok here are the details!

Date: 8th December 2008 (monday)
Time to meet: 1700 hrs
Venue: Kallang Airport¹. (you all know how to go?)
Activity: Eat. and talk. and eat. and fellowship. and eat. and last but not least, let sam enjoy our marvelous ever enjoyable company. =))

any enquiries on how to get there and stuff can always call or msg me or norman since it was his idea. lol. can indicate on the tagboard if you are gg! see you there!

God bless =)
manda

----------

p.s.
Kallang Airport¹ actually refers to:
'Old Airport Road Market and Food Centre'
(Located along 'Old Airport Road', hence the landmark's official name)
-Quote 'Old Airport Road' when asking for directions

View Locality Map Here
(Star in map marks 'Old Airport Road Market & Food Centre')

Ways to get there
Note: 'Stage' in SBS terms identifies Distance travelled by the Bus along the route, hence can also be used to identify a bus stop etc.

For those living in the East:
-Make your way down to Bedok Interchange
-Board bus service 33
-Alight at 'Brodarick Secondary School'(Stage 8.5), just opoosite the Food Centre

Note: Avoid boarding Service 31 from Tampines Interchange as the 'Brodarick Secondary School' bus stop is at Stage 18.5.

For those coming Eastwards from the East-West(Green) Line:
-Alight at 'Lavender MRT'
-Transfer to Bus Services: 32,33

-Alight right in front of the Food Centre
(Service 32: Stage 17 or 17.5)
(Service 33: Stage 22 or 22.5)

Note: Either way, there are two ideal bus stops along the road- if you miss the first one right before (17/22), this stop is right in front of the Food Centre(17.5/22.5)

View Locality Map Here
(Star in map marks 'Lavender MRT Station')

-----

Anyways, I enabled 'Compose Mode' so that it's easier to see the actual formatting when posting. Do check out the additional formatting features.

Also, the Tag Board is in a new Panel ------------------------------------>

His grace is sufficient for me.

2008-12-05T10:12:00.002+08:00

hello! just some things to share... =)took it from my blog la, thought it'll be encouraging. =)

one of my prayers is actually for God to prepare me for the WANTED camp, as i don't wanna be a stumbling block to the kids, and want them to grow as much as possible during the camp. i know it's not by my own efforts but looking at my stifling spiritual walk i wasnt at all fit to be a leader to them.

and He answered, and this is in accordance to my other prayer of Him not letting me go. ahhh God You are in indeed faithful. it started with the talk i had with my best friend at the bus-stop, and i knew i had to stop being freaking lazy and do sth. but i was still kinda holding back, but yet trying to force out the words, "i will do it".

then came the leaders' training, esp during yan da's sharing on how to facilitate, my attacks of doubt as to whether i'm saved came back. so at that point, if you were to talk to me about God or about the cross or wad ill feel really uneasy. but i looked at the sky and the sees and the swaying palm trees, in my heart i knew God was there somehow but i was still troubled.

then it came to us playing some game and 2 girls from my group got picked to try to facilitate. yupp, and i rmbr this line "the game is about communication, when we face doubts we mist communicate with God...." that's it, lol i prayed and i felt much more peace.

den it came to the night message, alvin was speaking, and i was still a little apprehensive. and i dunno through it all, through alvin's, kenny's sharing and the worship, God sorta revealed sth to me, mebbe it was a still small voice. Amanda, you've been relying on your own strength to believe in Me. and i found it so true! and another voice goes this is the easy way out and im trying to deceive myself, but no, i believe that it was from God, if not i had asked Him to show me otherwise le. lol.

yupp. our righteousness comes from Christ, our own is just like filthy rags. and we cannot rely on ourselves for much, must rely on God. i kept asking myself do i believe enough to get saved, it's not whether i believe enough that will save me.. it is the grace of the Sovereign loving God who set the stars in their place, who made leaves with photosynthetic abilities and the entire ecosystem which was perfectly going to last until man screwed it up... yupp, that great God, who, yet being so great still chose to die for all of us. see if you wanna accept that or not. that's all. i accept and im gonna meet with Him one day in heaven! =)

ystd i met with mrs cheng to have dinner and we talked abt alot of things, she gave me alot of direction in alot of areas, for qt, for uni... lol. i'm not gg to sign up for usp le. i thank God for her. haha. and she shared with me a passage Ephesians 6:10 i think. about the amour of God. we need not fight. we just needed to STAND our ground. and the 1st verse of the passage alrdy says we rely on God's strength, not our own. we just need to stand for the victory has already been won through Christ.

-manda =)

how bad can you be?

2008-11-13T17:05:00.003+08:00

While walking home last night, Sufjan Steven’s John Wayne Gacy, Jr. was playing on my iPod, and the lyrics struck me. Awhile back I Wiki-ed John Wayne Gacy Jr. and basically he’s one of the most notorious serial killers in America, not least because he raped and killed 33 boys and men, under the disguise of a clown, but also cos he stored those bodies beneath the floorboards of his house. So yeah, the song was about him, until the end,

And in my best behavior
I am really just like him
Look beneath the floorboards
For the secrets I have hid

It’s something that’s been on my mind for quite awhile now, but which I struggle to put adequately into words (as with many other things as well). Generally, I’m quite a good person, I guess. Rather good schools, rather stable family, many friends I would trust my life with, no drugs, no piercings except my ears, hardly curse, etc. Most importantly, no criminal record, cos as much as the government advocates the Yellow Ribbon Project, we all know it will remain a myth for a long time coming.

We all have a rough consensus on what constitutes crime - murder, rape, drugs, drink driving, assault, even petty crimes like shoplifting should not be spared. We have been warned from young to stay away from these things, because they are bad and if we commit them, we become evil. But just because I haven’t done these things, and others have and are now incarcerated, does that make me guilt-free? Does that make me a better person?

There have been many moments in my life, that in my mind’s eye, I have committed some of these crimes. On hindsight, some of these thoughts really scare me, cos it shows the worst of me. Other times, it may not be that bad, but it's still not good. Like, being so angry with someone that I have seriously imagined getting rid of him/her forever. Even with my parents. Other instances too, where I took a few notes from my dad’s wallet and conveniently ‘forgot’ to tell him. How about the times when I spoilt someone’s property but never owned up for fear of being chided, or being disliked? You may say these are really trivial matters, everyone does it - it’s only human.

First, just cos majority of the people have gone through it does not make it okay. Second, the intention to hurt is there, the same intensity of emotions. Perhaps the only difference between these inmates and myself is that their crimes are labelled as crimes, and they got caught. Mine weren’t. They remain the skeletons in my closet that, luckily for me, do not have drastic consequences on my life. But more than that, I’m convinced that if I were put in the same situation as them, and went through the same life they did, I’d have done exactly the same thing. We may not be so different after all. This thought humbles me.

There is no crime of which I do not deem myself capable. - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe.

Jess

Amazed by the Lord

2008-10-16T12:04:00.002+08:00

Ever wonder how far God is from you at times? Seems very far huh?
Yet he never fails to be there to offer you his hand, if you sacrifice your time to hear his still small voice. I should have posted this earlier but preparing for mocks were a hassle, not that they are over.

Last sunday after many 2nd thoughts, I finally after so long, went for speedlight. The week before I was feeling really angry over certain relationships with classmates so when the sermon was about love, to love your neighbour, to forgive, I was really surprised. I mean it was so apt. One of the sermons that seem so directed towards me. I felt that God was speaking to me. At that moment I dint regret turning up.

Then monday came along. It rained juz when I wanted to leave school. A few weeks back the day before Hari Raya, I actually got a flu and fell sick becoz of leaving school in the rain. So I had a little phobia that the same thing might happen. Anyway I left school after the rain seemingly got smaller. When I reached home, I had to cross a road in the open and realised the rain had ended. Even through small things, God provides, so lets trust in him that as we study, he will work a miracle.

Sam Low

Lopsided justice?

2008-09-21T01:14:00.002+08:00

Hey RBC, this blog has been pretty dead for awhile! I really pray that this isn't a reflection fo your spiritual life now..... Hopefully, after all your exam fevers have been cured, there will be more activity going on around here!

Anyway, I apologize for my super shag behaviour last Sunday. I was not really thinking as I thought that day, and was a bit overwhelmed by your fast and coming questions (maybe too long never teach you all already) so I felt I gave slipshod, incomplete answers. One that really bogs me is why God chose Israel as His nation. Is He then showing partiality? So I will try to address it here. If there's any other you have that I have not answered, bug me to give you an answer! :)

Here goes: Is God partial??

The Origin of this choice

I believe that in everything concerning God, there is a top-line blessing, which comes with obedience to a bottom-line command. In John 15:14 “You are my friends (top-line blessing) IF you do whatever I command you (bottom-line command).” Matt 6:33, Luke 12:31 – both passages say to seek first the kingdom of God (bottom-line command), THEN all these things shall be added unto you (top-line blessing).

The same happened here in Gen 12:1-3. God told Abram to leave his country (command), and in v2-3, promises to “make you a great nation… and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” We have no idea why God wanted Abram to leave (Abram didn’t know as well!), nor why God only spoke to Abram. For all we know, He could have asked others, but they might have rejected Him. After all, it is no easy feat to abandon everything you have and own to go into a foreign land and a completely uncertain future. The point is, Abram responded, and this promise to bless ‘ALL the families of the earth’ through him is the reason why Israel has been chosen as THE nation. And as we would recall, Israel is the God-given name of Jacob, Isaac’s son, Abraham’s grandson.

Deut 7:7-8 “The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery.”

Thus, it was not by any merit of Israel, or any partiality on God’s side, that Israelis the chosen nation. It was simply a promise fulfilled, made to a man who was fully obedient to God. Luckily for us, God takes promises very seriously, and will keep it to the very end. As we know today, Israel is nothing like what we would expect a Christian nation to be. In fact, we can’t even call them Christians at all! But God made a promise to Abraham, and He will not revoke it even though Abraham’s descendants have not been faithful to Him, and have even failed in being an ambassador to the rest of the world.

His choice of Israel came was the blessing that resulted from Abraham’s obedience to God. We should give praise then that we have a God who is unchanging!

The Role of Israel given to us

Since the promise was said, God has placed special focus on Israel. He has chosen them to be a nation of priests, and a holy nation, so that through them all the earth will be blessed.

Deuteronomy 7:6 For thou art a holy people unto the Lord thy God; the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself above all the people that are upon all the face of the earth.

Isaiah 42:6 “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand; I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people, as a light unto the Gentiles.”

However, since Christ’s last words on earth (Matt18:18-20), the onus has fallen on us Christians to BE light of this world, not merely the one who sees the light.

Why it is not favouritism

1. There is no distinction in God
Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

2. Partiality = double standards.
But God does not show double standards! We are all subject to the same judgment, and the same law. A simple test is this: do you love/show more kindness to the smart/able/kind goodlooker more than the slower/not-so-able/rude plain jane/joe?

3. Partiality = no grace
But God’s grace is free for all, with no strings attached! There is no such thing as a first-class grace or second-class grace, or a streaming test that we are put through to see how much grace we should be allowed. Partiality means that we He loves one more than the other, and this concept denies the workings of grace.
He chose us because He loves us. All that is left to do is to love Him back.

4. Partiality = breaking the law of love
Matt 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Simply, if you love one more or less than another (implying different levels of love) when you have been explicitly told here to love your neighbour as yourself, i.e. having one standard only, then you have not fully obeyed this second commandment.

In other words, partiality is contrary to God, and He has never, nor will He ever, love one more than the other.

Another reason for this choice

“for you were the fewest of all peoples.”

It is often God's way to take the smallest, the outcasts of the world, those who are downtrodden, those whom the world deems as worthless, the people who have little to offer, to work his wondrous miracles!

1 Cor 1 :27-29 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.

God has chosen all people, even from the beginning of Creation, to be a people unto his name, but each person much choose back.

As Israel is, we are the weak, imperfect, the downtrodden of this world, who though undeserving, were able to receive mercy through the grace of God, so that we are unable to boast in ourselves, but in the Lord.

I hope this has helped!

Awakening Spark

2008-09-15T21:53:00.003+08:00

Just came to me suddenly, a viewpoint to look at these 3 quotes from the Bible:
-'Ask and you shall receive'

-'Seek and you will find'

-'Knock and the door will be opened'

All 3 do share a common concept if perceived from another angle:
-Ask the question, and you shall receive the answer

-Seek the answer, and you'll find it(the answer)

-Knock and the door will be opened(answered)

Yeap, you'd have guessed my viewpoint- what's common isn't the 'objective' per se, be it the physical, intellectual or spiritual aspects in which we seek in prayer and out. Simply, it comes down to an 'answer'.

"Experts have maintained for more than 25 years that we speak to ourselves at a rate of more than 10,000 words per minute."- not always true, but amidst all the self-talk, there'll bound to be questions we pose to ourselves during certain occasions.

Point here is:
1. Asking the right question
2. Seeking the right answer
3. Knocking the right door

Ask, Seek, Knock- but don't get carried away by the pursuits alone, Luke 12:31- "But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you".

Questions in Cell

2008-08-15T14:22:00.003+08:00

Hello! Just addressing some questions that were raised in cell on Sunday. A bit late but I hope will help!

Jo's Question: v1 - What does 'know' mean?

John 15:18, 21.

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.

To refresh your memory, Lu said that the main difference between the world and us is our values, and so we are called to be the salt of the earth. I couldn't agree more, but let's dissect it further. We've actually talked about this a lot in chapter 2, so this is really just reiteration.

Coincidentally, in main service on Sunday, Pastor Rony talked about being the salt of the world. Don't worry, I'll summarize as much as possible! There are 3 function of salt:

1. Salt creates thirst.
We are thus to create a thirst for the Living Water. This should be done by i. having an exemplary conduct, 2. extend a hand to help, and 3. pray.

2. Salt preserves.
Gen 18:23-33 In this passage we see Abraham interceding for Sodom & Gomorrah (which hereafter will be renamed S&G, to sound cool), for the sake of Lot! Although Abraham only bargained until 10 righteous people,
["Then he said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?" He answered, "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it."], the principle here is that God will never judge the righteous together with the wicked. Even if there is just ONE righteous person, God wouldn't destroy S&G.

As the story famously goes, S&G eventually got destroyed because
(i) Abraham wasn't a citizen in S&G
(11) Lot wasn't worth his salt.

Compare this to Moses' intercession for Israel. Now his prayer worked because he was part of the Israelites, and he was "salty".

This shows the importance of being the salt of the earth and the light of the world, where we are placed especially when there is none around you to be found, because for your sake, multitudes will have that glimmer of hope that prevents God's judgment upon them.

We all know what Lot's wife turned into when she looked back, defying God's orders - a pillar of salt. Isn't it ironic? It serves as a reminder as what we should be while living like on earth. Lot and his family just weren't worth their salt.

So, be salty!

3. Salt gives flavour.
2 levels at which we can spice up the life of others
a. We make our life more meaningful to those around us. Can you think of how this applies to us?
b. we make the earth acceptable to God. 2 Thess 2:3-7.

______________________________________

Cheryl's question

Remember the long debate about Satan in heaven? Well I don't claim to know all about it, after all, I don't think anyone will know for sure since no human beings were alive then. I also don't remember the question exactly, but I know what I wanted to say about this then: I believe that heaven was all it should have been before Lucifer fell. It was precisely because such a foreign thing called sin, in the disguise of pride, could enter Lucifer's mind and overcome him when he was even in the presence of God, that makes it a grave offence. That is why Satan and his minions have been given the death sentence.

So, if that was possible then, is it possible in the future, when the new heaven and earth are created? I believe not, because we have all gone through this mortal life, and hell, as we will know it in eternity, will serve as a grave reminder of sin against God, such that none of us will ever dare to rebel against Him anymore. This is what I read somewhere.

But of course, these are just hypotheses, and we can never ever know for sure.

________________________________

Okay I have 'talked' a lot,and in this time of typing this, 2 flying cockroaches took a tour of my room, FREAKING scary. And BIG. Thank God I can even calm myself down to write this. Phew.

Jess

the memory span of an Israelite

2008-08-13T02:22:00.003+08:00

Recently, it seems like I’ve forgotten how good God is, and now that I’m reminded of it, through little things, it drives me to tears and regret over things I’ve said to Him in the dark of the night, and the thought of abandoning Him that surface every now and then.

The past weeks haven’t been easy. It was hard to find something to thank God for. Just when I thought I was picking up on prayer, I slumped into recession of faith. My family learnt last week that my uncle is terminal, cancer of the liver, and has only 3-6 months to live. Last week, I honestly thought he’d be gone by this weekend. His kidneys started to fail, water entered his lungs, and his mind was exhausted from the operation and from the fight to stay alive, to keep breathing. Mid-week, my mom said some stuff that made me, at that point of time, really hate her. Then I turned my anger to God. I’ve been praying for my family, and there haven’t been any results, or improvements. I was angry at Him for not doing anything, for allowing things to happen this way. But, reluctantly, I was forced to submit it to His sovereignty again.

Apparently, being ‘forced to’ wasn’t good enough for Him. He wanted to make me to see that He didn’t want me to be forced into trusting and loving Him, but He wanted to make me do it out of my own accord. And today’s cell opened my eyes to this, and now I happily and willingly trust in Him to answer my prayers. They may take years to realize, but God is my strength.

In the Bible God says that He will answer prayers when,

1. they are in God’s will,

2. they are according to faith,

3. they are asked in Jesus’ name, and,

4. they will glorify God.

In other words, complete God-centredness, which requires us to look away from our needs to the needs of the people around us, at the big picture. And I believe that what I’m asking for, reconciliation in my family first, then their salvation, is fully in His will and all of the above, so I have full faith it will happen.

I thank God for restoring my uncle’s health such that he can even converse with us and tell jokes now.

I thank God for taking care of my bidding for me, so even though I missed the announcement of the cancellation of lecture and went to school for nothing, I got all the mods I want for 1 point each only!

I thank God for friends who have been there to tide me through - Alina, Vic, Amanda, Van, Cheryl, Joanna.

And finally I thank God for other things that I cannot say here publicly, but assures me of His plans. :)

So, if you're like me, feeling lost and helpless, don't be an Israelite who keeps forgetting God's goodness to you before. Know that He has helped you through, and He will carry you through the present and future!

-Jess

Watch this!!

2008-08-05T14:38:00.008+08:00

It's amazing how God left His fingerprints and signature on each and everyone of us human beings. We are indeed His creation, people, doubt no more. =] Watch and be amazed at how awesome and magnificent is our God!

norms

P.S.-PostScript(by Jon Li)
Went for a 'dive' and found some images for you guys! In order not to bump norm's post down, I'm adding them in P.S..
*Rmb to click image to view in full size(Opens in new window)

-Wallpaper, Dimensions 1024x768 pixels-

-Structure-

-Electron Microscopic-

End Note
-Background coding for images to quote source(on MouseOver) & make them open in new window(on Click).
-Validity of P.S. will be decided by norm.

Signed Wed Aug 6, 3.30am

Seeking the Light

2008-07-14T01:02:00.001+08:00

   After today's(Sun, Jul13) SpeedLight message, I was inspired to capture and develop the concepts being put across.

   A fundamental concept that bugs many Christians is 'Hypocrisy'- We praise the Lord on Sunday.. but ironically for the rest of the week we might lash out hurt and destruction with our tongue and hands. No one can be perfect: pure,sinless as Jesus- However, we should make a distinct effort to steer clear from sin, to avoid sinning habitually; an extent whereby conviction and guilt doesn't exist anymore.

   'The World' presently is exponentially going downhill, and we witness this downfall with our very eyes via the media, though 'News' that opens our visions and scopes to the size of the World. Everyday struggles has been about Oil, Stock Markets, Environment, Politics, Conflict and a endless myriad of other issues with or without inheritance¹. The end times are coming...

   We live in a World whereby preachers of all forms dictate their doctrines to us, every single day. 'Christianity' and 'The World' may be 2 different entities- However, we Christians cannot deny 'The World'. We have to be peculiar in the process of co-existing: not indulging in worldly pursuits; maintaining our Christian personalities.

   God has placed us on this Earth for a purpose, he has given us a life, a talent and a destiny. We have the Word, which has been with us since we were little children². We must never give up the Word of God, nor the Gospel. Being a Christian isn't about all the blessings that God can shower upon 'Us'- we pray for guidance in our lives, we call out His name in times of need. But over time have we shifted the focus to 'Us', away from 'Him'?

   If we ask ourselves: 'What is my purpose?'. It can be very worrisome to find an answer in our state of uncertainty. 'After the university degree, the peak position in that field of work, our spouse, the house and car, the money.. then what?'. Let us place our trust in the Lord, that all things will fall into place, that we will know of the perfect plan He has for us. We have ongoing things in life that we cannot escape from, be it from school or work.. But we must never lose the faith that God is walking with us, Jesus is in our hearts and the Holy Spirit guides us along.

   The end times are coming, let us prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus Christ, while not forgetting our unsaved loved ones and friends. 'The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.'

¹ with relations to, inheriting attributes
² new Christians

saved

2008-07-09T21:31:00.003+08:00

"the fact that you're struggling means you're saved".

just listened to a sermon by paul washer again. my couz sent me the link. the last part really encouraged me. i was scared for the rest of the 1 hour. like what was good enuff to be a Christian, i know there's a lot of ppl out there who call themselves Christian but arent really Christians. and i really dont wanna be like them. anyway recalling back on my walk with God this year. it has really been interesting. and i really can't say where i am now, i just can say i really wanna know Him, and trust Him and love Him. but i guess being about 7 months away from the hunger camp, 4 days set aside to seek Him, im starting to drift away into the world, and it's choking me. im struggling, and im praying that God will not let me choke to death. i hear the sermon, and it makes me wanna go out there and preach the word, to just give my all for God, then my questions of doubt come in, and then my life now comes in. how to live for Christ now? it used to be, how to have the best of both worlds, but that is like so wrong, i really meant, how to live for Christ now...

i asked God today to help me live joyfully and peacefully, and He sort of answered it, or at least i grasp abit of what He's trying to tell me through His word, and the sermon. Christianity, though God promises joy and peace, it is a by-product. and then they say the walk with God is not easy. last time i used to ask, how can it be not easy if you have the Almighty God on your side, and joy and peace to keep you happy. The fact is we live in the world, in the flesh, and day by day we have to continually ask God to purify us, sanctify us, and deny the flesh, even though we are born again. Hence, it is a struggle, and it is really not easy. and if you know me, i dont like struggles, dont like hard work, im someone who has been pampered for a rather big part of my life. heh. i admit, and i know God wun pamper me cuz He wants to mold me.

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, i would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if i go to prepare a place for you, i will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know." John 14:1-4

hey rbc!, just wanted to post this up as an encouragement and a check lah. yupp. and im just thankful to God that we have moved up to reachlight, and it's not coincidental that the book we are studying on is 1John. yupp. we should all take this opportunity to grow, to dig deep into His word, know Him more esp we are growing up to be men and women of God (jess norman, hehh, you all got much less time! LOL. kidding) lol jia you!! and lets look forward to the life God has planned for us, and the fellowship we have on Sundays!

manda

part 2

2008-07-08T23:52:00.002+08:00

Thanks manda, for sharing! I for one totally understand how you feel. Been there countless times man!

Anyway this is going to be a continuation of my last post. Didn't finish the second part that discussed faith/works cos I was too tired then! haha.

3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4 The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. - 1 John 2:3-6

First thing to note, in this context, it discusses the Gnostics, who claim that "inner spirituality" is divorced from the physical. So what John is saying here is that essentially countering these claims, and reinstating that faith and works are both important, and one cannot just look at works alone as a judgment of faith. He is NOT talking about believers vs non-believers (eg. the Hindu Gandhi, Catholic Mother Theresa, and countless Buddhist do-gooders), which is another level altogether.

This passage can be quite difficult to explain and I may not be able to explain it fully in all its glory, so before proceeding, I would highly encourage you all to read John chapter 13-15, and James 2:14-26. These will give you much insight into what John is really saying!

Historically, this question of whether faith or works (ie. obeying God's commandments) is the primary component of our "salvation" grade has great value. It is the reason our church is here today. This was one of the bones Martin Luther picked with Roman Catholic church, which caused the breakaway Protestants to form. The 5 main things that his theology differed was:

1. Sola Fida - "Faith Alone"
2. Sola Scriptura - "Scripture Alone". Even today, the Pope has the last say on many issues, such as abortion or gay marriages.
3. Sola Gratias - "Grace Alone"
4. Solus Christus - "Christ Alone"
5. Soli Deo Gloria - "For the glory of God alone"

But our focus here is only on Sola Fida, Faith alone.

Basically, our faith is fundamental to everything. If we personally have no faith, we would not even be discussing this right now. the difference is what you do with this faith!

For us Protestants, our faith should lead to us (in no order of merit) 1. loving God and/or 2. obeying His commands. Many times in the Gospel of John Jesus is recorded saying "If you love me, you will obey my commandments." It is not a threat, but it is only natural, and therfore a sign of whether one is walking right with God! For example, if someone professes to be a Christian, but revels in luxury and has no heart for charity - basically the antithesis of all Christ teaches - you would say that he is "not really a believer" right?

So, our faith (step 1) leads to a love for God and obedience (step 2a) to His commandments (step 2b), and these two mutually feed each other (as in love --> obedience and obedience --> love). Step 3 is when, out of the outflow of the Spirit's working in us, we produce fruits, of which one aspect may be the works that we do. All this is pretty clear cut, and I can analogize it to the growth of a tree, where our faith is a seed, that grows into a fruitful tree when watered with love and obedience, and the result are the fruits which spring forth from the branches!

But, for other fellow believers with whom we do not agree with doctrinally (Catholics, East Christians, Mormons) in this aspect specifically, I would kind of liken their spiritual growth to that of a seed that is dormant (unable to grow/ not growing), but these people show their fruits by plucking them from other trees, putting them in a basket, and treating them like their own. (If I sound contemptuous or accusatory here, I don't mean it! Just an analogy!) They skip the whole of step 2 and jump from 1 to 3!

But in the end, we all know that we are going to have to account for our fruits. How did it come about? If it didn't come from our faith, then it doesn't matter to God. It's not like taking exams - God doesn't look at the end-product only, He also sees the whole process, right from the planting of the seed to its growth.

Once, a famous tightrope walker walked a tightrope across Niagara Falls and back again. The crowd cheered. Then he asked the crowd if they believed he could walk across pushing a wheelbarrow. “Yes! Yes!” the crowd shouted. So he pushed the wheelbarrow across the falls and back again, and the crowd cheered.

Once again, he asked the crowd if they believe that he can do it again, and the faithful crowd shouted "Yes! We believe you can do it!"

Then, the walker pointed to the most enthusiatic person in the crowd and asked, "Then why don't you come up here and sit in the wheelbarrow?"

Faith is the primary thing, but works are necessary to make the seed grow. Do you believe God can wheel you across the Falls on a tightrope?

2008-07-08T22:15:00.005+08:00

i've been drifting away. but im coming back Lord. anyway this encouraged me, my couzin gave me the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4yTNBIZ8as&feature=related

and i dunno, i think God has opened my spiritual eyes to alot of things, that i dont know i know, until i actually have to say it out when someone asks. been very hungry for the truth, and i think the real reason why i've been drifting away is not cuz of distractions or wad, more like im lazy, i dont wanna work so hard, get that horrible feeling of doubting, of digging hard at the hard ground with my nails for that treasure i know is there. i know, but the pain, and the agony, the hardwork makes em lose sight of it. sorry Lord, i only look to You and smile at You when i feel like i can seek You, when i feel im up to it. but no more, help me, i know this period sure got more than ever times that i will drift away even more, but thank You, and i trust You're forever so gracious, thanks for sending friends who really care, dat's wad a best friend is really for.. to pull me back to my Friend, my Lover, my Father, my Lord God Jesus Christ.

yupp, anyway that video made me think abt 1 John. the first 2 chapters talk about true Christians, that they ought to to living in the light, and be in the knowledge of God. and many ask, how do we know God, we obey His commandments first, or issit really like the verse, when we obey we know Him, like its a symptom. i really believe it's both! and this video confirms it. when we accept Christ, asking Him to change us, we are born again. and this faith, it is the work of God, and it is an act of our will to accept it. He then transforms us, and gives us a new Spirit, that new Spirit is placed in us, by the power of the living God, and because of our will to accept it. and thus, we obey, cause we are new, no more bound by the power of sin, but we still have to choose. hence the false Christians John talks abt in 1 John is those that are totally blind to this truth, those that totally dont feel dirty or unworthy when they sin, that they are of darkness, not in the light, not transformed. yupp. know my phrasing not good lah, if anyone disagrees or wad can clarify with me. yupps.

remember, God is always there, whether You feel Him or not, whether You like it or not, and He loves You. pour all your doubts, confusion and whatever nonsense to Him, yupp, and ask Him to purify ur heart. yupp just sth to encourage u all and stuff

have a victorious week!

manda

Notes on 1 John 2:1-6

2008-07-07T15:07:00.002+08:00

Hello how's everybody! It's great to see most people back at cell again after the CTs, let's keep it up alright! And keep encouraging each other cos the upcoming end-year exams will eat at our heels.

Anyways, just thought I'd share some of what my group talked about on Sunday. Basically 2 things: Jesus our atoning sacrifice, and Faith/works.

1. Jesus our atoning sacrifice/propitiation for our sins.

1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

Definition of 'propitiation' = the act by which God becomes appeased by our offering of sacrifice.

Propitiation is something that is seen commonly in pagan worship, and in the OT, when animals were sacrificed by men to atone for their sins. But in the Christian context, it is a tad different because not only is God the object of the propitiation (the one to be appeased), but God is also the origin of the sacrifice.In other words, God initiated the sacrifice by sacrificing Himself (or His Son, rather the same thing) to appease Himself.

So then, Jo asked, if He is the origin and the object, then why doesn't He just cancel it out or forget it anyways? Sounds quite boliao right, its like being angry, and thne buying something to appease my anger. I might as well not be angry and forget the whole incident in the first place!

Here, we need to understand the holiness of God. God's wrath, or anger, is a function of His holiness. He is so perfectly holy, that when He sees sin, His just, and morally perfect nature requires of Him to condemn that sin to death.

At this point it would be appropriate to address the phrase, "God loves the sinner but hates the sin.' It is not biblically true! This suggests that God's wrath is "nothing personal". If this stands, then God's love is "nothing personal" as well, because as is mentioned above, His love and wrath cannot be separated from each other. The more I love you, the more hurt or angry I will be when you hurt me. So when we sin, Justice demands our lives, nothing less.

But you see, God loves us so much that He doesn't want us to have to pay for our sin at the cost of our lives! Yes, He died for us before we were born, and we may not even feel that we love Him in the slightest, but as C.S.Lewis writes, His love for us never changes. It "is not wearied by our sins, or our indiffernece, and therefore, quite relentless in its determination that we shall be cured of those sins, at whatevr cost to us, at whatever cost to Him.'

It was necessary that God died for Justice to be done, because none of us created beings are ever going to be a sacrifice worthy enough for Him. In Narnia 1, Azlan came back to life after He was sacrificed for Edmund's 'sin'. He said,

"though the Witch knew the deep Magic, there is a magic deeper still which she did not know. Her knowledge goes back only to the dawn of Time. But if she could have looked a little further back, into the stillness and the darkness before Time dawned, she would have read there a different incantation. She would have known that whena willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor's stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backwards."

So, only Jesus, who has been tempted in all ways and never been shot by any of the arrows the devil shot at Him (think Matrix!) is able to stand in our place in the court of Justice.

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).

How do I know I love You?

2008-07-05T23:46:00.003+08:00

Some writers use the word charity to describe not only Christian love between human beings, but also God's love for man and man's love for God. About the second of the two, people are often worried. They are told they ought to love God. They cannot find any such feeling in themselves. What are they to do? The answer is the same as before. Act as if you did. Do not sit trying to manufacture feelings. Ask yourself, 'If I were sure that I loved God, what would I do?' When you have found the answer, go and do it.

- C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

This book has encouraged me a lot in many ways and aspects, and this is just one of the many chunks of wisdom Lewis spouts. I know this is a problem that many of us face - the inability to feel that we love God as we would a person. But there is no time to sit on the fence and figure out whether we really love Him. Here is the answer, take that step of faith, and act as if you really love Him! It'll be draining at first, but later, you'll see how God reciprocates, and then you'll really grow in your love for Him.

Try and experience it for yourself :)

Jess

Festival Of Praise 2008

2008-07-02T14:53:00.004+08:00

Yeah man, its here again.

DETAILS !! Of the FESTIVAL OF PRAISE !

Date and Time : 1-3 August 2008, 7.30 pm.
Venue : Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Cost : FOP is always FOC =)
Singers : Parachute Band, Reuben Morgan (Hillsongs), Rev Mark Connor, the Audience.

Description - An annual Christian Event organised by a host of churches. A concert for all denominations, and for all brothers and sisters of Christ to praising and worshiping as one voice.

Okay, the 'usual' plan for me is to go on a Saturday. Friday is out because theres Reachlight on that day,(First friday of the month) and i'm sure nobody wanna be caught in a traffic jam while theres school on Monday yah(Sunday's out).

Then on Saturday, me and maybe a couple of my friends will be there early, say about 3-4 PM ? I hope you guys can join us too, and please do not come too late, say around 6pm ? So we dont have to plead with the ushers to allow us to retain the seats.[Come on we have ushers too, understand their feelings !!]

So, this is generally what there is, hope to see you there =)

In His Love
Dino

SNOW.. & Life

2008-06-21T00:32:00.003+08:00

About SNOW today(Fri), I felt that it was the first time I really 'worshiped' God. How weird, being a Christian for many years I simply slumbered through time.. stagnant and not growing- Until recently, I seriously felt that I have to seek a change..

I want to step out of my comfort zone and learn more about God.. And also use my talents to expand His kingdom. Being spiritually refreshed after SNOW, I do hope to survive through life this week.. Projects, School etc.. In my disorientation with life currently, I ask God for strength to overcome my fears & uncertainty..

Well, thx for reading all the way here. Noticed that there's some music playing? And yea, I do know about the Blood Red Cells Background, so around what you're reading(meaning the background) is something more balanced. =)

Jon Li

2008-06-21T00:17:00.002+08:00

let's just say SNOW was A.W.E.S.O.M.E!! HAHA! Seriously, i really think it's the best among the past few SNOW! HAHA. It's simplicity really magnified God, Jesus. Since the start of service, the Spirit was there. The sweet sweet spirit lingering in the sanctuary. It's just so good. During worship, the God just kept pouring non-stop. Seriously, NON-STOP! It was so much to the extent that i actually told God that He is overwhelming me. LOL. It's really to the overflow. What's amazing was i always have problems being still and waiting on God, but i had no problem keeping still today! It's just so serene and peaceful. I mean can you actually be overwhelmed by the Spirit? LOL. Yupps, it's really really a great session other than the distracing sight on stage. >< HAHA! Yupps, GOD IS SOOOO WONDERFUL!

On high now and with much love,
VANNNN!<=

2008-06-11T17:22:00.002+08:00

Hosanna
Verse 1
I see the king of glory
Coming down the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes, the whole earth shakes
I see his love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing, the people sing

Chorus
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest

Verse 2
I see a generation
Rising up to take the place
With selfless faith, with selfless faith
I see a new revival
Staring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees, we're on our knees

Bridge
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for what is yours
Everything I am for your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

Hosanna

After listening to this song, i was wondering how much we probably have missed with all the mugging and being occupied with so many gazillion things at the moment. I couldn't help but wonder when was the last time i asked God what He wants me to do? And when was the last time i told God what He needs to do for us? I'm guessing the latter will be the more recent one. It's my prayer then that He will open our eyes to the things unseen and we will no longer be blinded by the busyness of our schedule.

Lord, help us to put You first in all we do and please give us a nudge when we fail to do that.

many loves from wherever I am!

2008-06-06T22:06:00.002+08:00

surprise guys!
I'm now writing this in Ho Chih Minh cos I miss you all. Being away has given me a chance to take a break from everything, but at the same time it has helped me to realize the importance of being in a church community and also serving Him! More of that when I come back...

How are you all!!!!! Holidays now right? I hope everything has been good, that norm hasn't been bullying you all and vice versa, and that megacell has been proceeding well too. While I wish I could be back in church every Sunday, I'm still having the time of my life here. I can totally be a kampong girl la! Love how the kids plucked random leave aand asked me to eat it, and how we bathe with well water and can never feel really clean.

oh but on the 2nd week of the trip I fell ill with a fever and diarrhoea, and I think the highlight of the trip has been just that la - shit. More than two-thirds of my team got diarrhoea you know! One friend even had to go to the toilet more than 20x at the peak of her suffering. Thank God this backpacking trip it has been good so far, and my stomach hasn't been giving me much problems.

ok more on myself when I come back, but I wanna hear from you guys!!! The blog seems so dead :( I'll be leaving for Hoi An tomorrow and will probably only reach on Sunday morning (it's a 24hr bus ride hahaha), but don't know if can get internet there. So I'll check the blog again when I'm there or in Hanoi next week, and there'd better be something ar! haha. Take care you guys! :)

Jess

Cell Group this Sunday 080608

2008-06-05T09:08:00.002+08:00

Brothers and sisters of our beloved Red Blood Cell! This week we're having megacell@Golden Pines! =] Whoots. Do be there early, time to start will be 1055hrs, this case, the people serving in Speedlight wil not miss out on any teaching materials. =]

I've already sent out a very detailed e-mail to ALL of you, so do go and take a look and prepare! For those who expressed the interest in stepping on for IBS, I will be contacting you shortly. Meanwhile, happy mugging and drink lotsa water!! =]

In His love and mine,
norms

Something to restart the fire!

2008-05-30T12:41:00.003+08:00

People of RBC! How are you guys doing so far?? =] Well, I can really sense that everyone is kind of feeling spiritually dry right now..Just a feeling..Ok, to start things off, I want to share a testimony =] It's kinda delayed but well, better late than never..

God is really super amazing lah. A few days before my triathlon at Bintan, my injury sustained due to the collision with the car had some swelling, and the pain got more intensed. It is really sucky lah..However, I still decided to go ahead with the triathlon considering the fact that I paid for everything already, don't want to waste money sia! So I went ahead with it. Reached Bintan on a Friday, and after that night's sleep, the next day, the swelling was better and kind of subsided. Secondly, at the start of the event, it rained heavily..but the moment I took to the seas, teh rain subsided and the rest of the race was dry, no rain. Just after the race, it started to rain again. Praise the Lord man! If there had been rain, the cycling leg would have been very dangerous, with numerous accidents! =]

Also, I wish to impress upon you all the importance of doing up a time-table for your mugging, and sticking to it! Sometimes mugging is like start a run, you have to really force yourself to do it, then once you are in it, you will find the momentum to carry on from there. So do take this advice from your senior and chiong towards the 'A's man! You can do it!! =]

Lastly, if ANY, ANY of you have ANY, ANY problems regarding spiritual dryness or problems with your mugging subjects or even schlorships/overseas uni applications, do look me up, I will do my utmost best to assist you! =] I understand how you all feel sometimes, thinking that there's no one out there that can help =]

God bless you guys loads and do keep the flame burning! =]

norms

Darren's ROM

2008-05-11T20:05:00.001+08:00

No, he's not getting married, he's organizing a rock concert for the cause of malaria! Let's support him if you can, I'll paste the email below for your convenience. I'll probably be there! :)
___________________________________________
Hey,

This is Darren Ho from Victoria Junior College. I'm organizing a rock concert, Rock Off Malaria (ROM), to help alleviate the malaria epidemic in Africa with a group of friends. The malaria epidemic in Africa is very severe, and a child dies of malaria every 30 seconds. A malaria net, which only costs $10 can protect an entire family from malaria and death.

17th May, Saturday, 1830 (doors open 1745)
Fort Gate, Fort Canning Park
THE FIRE FIGHT
ALLURA
CARDINAL AVEUNE
STELLASTORY
REDEEMING THE RIOT

$10 for VJC students, ex-students, staff, ex-staff
$12 for members of the public
$15 at the gate

All proceeds will be donated to Nothing but Nets, a UN-endorsed organisation that is one of the largest fighters against the Malaria disease all around the world. We are the first international group that will be helping out in this worthy cause and we hope that you too would be inspired to help out.

PLEASE DO COME AND SUPPORT US BY:

1) Coming down for the concert!
email to vjc.rockoffmalaria@gmail.com
Those from VJ, you can come down to our booth to get your tickets or you could approach/msg me at.
To those from other schools, just drop us and email and we will get back to you asap! We will try our best to go down to your school to pass you guys the tickets :)

2) Get a group of friends to come with you!

3) Volunteer to help sell tickets at your school!
If you are really keen on helping out, you could do us such a great favour by selling tickets to your friends or even people in your school who you may not be familiar with. Just drop us an email and we will pass you the tickets and posters!

I sincerely hope that you will be able join us in combating this global disease.

You may contact me at 97490268. Your help is vital and will be greatly appreciated. Please do reply if you have any queries! Thank you so much! Hope to see you at Rock Off Malaria!

Cheers,
Darren

P.S. Could you please help us forward this to as many friends as you may have? The more the merrier!

Division games and fellowship!

2008-05-05T08:51:00.002+08:00

Hello guys! As promised, here's the details for the division games day! =]

Meet at 230pm at Pasir Ris Mrt Control Station on Saturday, 10 May 2008.

Things you should bring:
1. water bottle
2. extra set of clothes
3. Wear comfortable shoes as we are playing sports
4. Bring sufficient money to have dinner at Downtown East

That's all for now, have a victorious week ahead in school! God bless =]

In His love and mine,
Norman

Answer the Call

2008-04-28T22:29:00.003+08:00

Man, how has this simple idea of a blog grown.
So edifying ,so many testimonials from our brothers and sisters, and another stepping stone of faith in our Lord, and another pillar of strength for our souls in this world.

Hm, since the transition to Reachlight i've not been attending Speedlight often anymore, like, since the first cell reachlight, i've only attended speedlight once. Not because of any normal circumstances, i'll admit, but, more of a calling.

I dunno, was having split minds of whether to satisfy a spiritual hunger by going to speedlight and checking things out [ Felt a lil odd not going there for some time. ], meanwhile, another part wants to fill the growling stomach [ while walking to church stomach was alr growling o.o ]

Finally electing to go for speedlight with Tim [ he proposed speedlight, thank God ], saw that the sermon was by Pastor Pacer, so, ah crap, kinda forgot what it was about.. but i know, theres a show of this 9-year old kid preaching in Indonesia.

YES ! YES ! 9-year old !! While he was preaching in that age i was still playing around with what, plastic swords, watching bro play his PS, no computer to play at that time [I admit i overloaded the hard drive while trying to install a game, and it sorta went kaputt inside the comp... my bad =X], and whatsoever, but lets not look to my life, we can handle that in forum or APC, but at this little kid.

Preaching to the masses in a town, where Islamic Jihad extremists are carrying out attacks against the Christians living in there, this one boy and his sister[i think] of the same age became beacons of light in these dark times.
Led by a pastor of a local church, they preached to the masses about the love of Christ and having peace between the two major religions. Many miracles have happened, a Muslim being converted after being a witness that the 'blind can see, and the lame can walk'.

Although i cannot recall the whole sermon, it is the video of this young boy that impacted me most of all. It is said that, only during times of War and Strife, that seperates the boys, from the men. How is it that we are left in this place, with little opportunities to reach out to people in other countries?

We all know that at this stage of life, we cannot make such decisions by ourselves. However, what i can call this phase, is where we improve ourselves, and step-up for opportunities to try and help others whenever we can. Although its tough during certain circumstances, especially like, an opportunity during an exam period ? Thats hard, and i'm sure all understands.

Well, i've faced a few difficulties in life, like when sec4 and 5 is like stepping into living Hell every weekday, treading on thin ice, not knowing when my resolve would just break and fall away, and in danger of any breakdown ? Sure, many people experiences that, and some survives, some falls, some pull away with scars, but battle-hardened and ready to face against anything that has happened in the past.

[Class in NASS late-game is a total opposite from Cell Group. A ticking time bomb strapped to your back, to a safe haven held with pillars of support.]

This kid, he grew up in a battle zone, somewhere like Israel, where you dont know when a car bomb is gonna blow up in your face, or when Iran gets a lil 'high' and throws a nuke at them. He pulls away from the chaos to bring a message from the Lord, and though his efforts, the area in Indonesia has settled down since, i would assume some random shootings at best given the climate there, but lets all pray that there would be a period of calm and peace for them.

About this heading "Answer the Call", well, i felt a tug inside of me, went, and learnt and received whole package of stuff, FOC, and left satisfied, Very Satisfied. How did this start ? A little encouragement, and a sense of mystery surrounding me heart.

Although this is a personal statement, i would like to ask everyone reading this, be it RBC912 members, fellow church people, fellow Singaporeans or the person stumbling here in search of spiritual support, ask yourself this question, ja ?

Have you answered the Call ?

InthenameofJustice
Dino Ding

2008-04-28T21:23:00.001+08:00

God does work in unpredictable ways, doesn't He? I'm just thankful that He's always there watching, even when we don't understand His ways and can't comprehend why certain things happened and end a certain way. But all i know is that all it requires of us is trust. Just trust.

Even if the ground were to fall off, i will never never let go off Your hand because i can't live a day without You. You are my all, Jesus Christ. You are and no one else.

2008-04-25T23:05:00.002+08:00

Avalon- Cant Live a Day Without You
I could live life alone
And never feel the longings of my heart
The healing warmth of someone's arms
And I could live without dreams
And never know the thrill of what could be
With every star so far and out of reach
I could live without many things
And I could carry on,

but I couldn't face my life tomorrow
Without Your hope in my heart I know
I can't live a day without You
Lord,
there's no night
and there's no morning
Without Your loving arms to hold me
You're the heartbeat of all I do
I can't live a day without you

I could travel the world
See all the wonders beautiful to me
They'd only make me think of You
And I could have all life offers
Riches that were far beyond compare
To grant my every wish without a care
Oh, I could do anything
(And I could carry on, oh yes)
But if You weren't in at all...

Oh, Jesus, I live because You live
You're like the air I breathe
Oh Jesus, oh, I have because You give
You're everything to me

RedBloodCell Forum

2008-04-24T22:29:00.002+08:00

Hello all! Its past the first week of sch & life has been quite slack for me, but i mus thank jess for bringing up e forum idea- it gave me an area to channel my energy to, instead of games.
That being said, I really want to give thanks to God for giving me e guidance in life, being with me every moment & answering my prayers when i'm in doubt. I'm still learning to live with Him everyday, not just on Sunday..
Orite,now for e forum details... The RedBloodCell forum is up n running =) Drop by at: http://s1.zetaboards.com/redbloodcell/index/ to take a look. Jess will pass e login details to everyone via SMS. Its still in beta stage but all comments r welcome so tt we can improve e forum together!
Lastly, I would like to give thanks to the Lord for the wonderful ppl arnd me! Which is you guys =)

Jon Li

to love and be loved

2008-04-20T23:07:00.002+08:00

GOD LOVES ME! AND HE LOVES YOU TOO! that He sent His Son to die for us so we might be set free! today was when God reminded me of this very impt fact, which i lost focus off these few weeks.

ystd i was very poked again. on whether i was saved or not and stuff. sian lehh. den i asked God to show me. I was flipping thru the bible to a verse, but in btwn i caught sight of this commentary in my study bible on 3 diff types of Christianity. 1) Jewish Christianity that focuses on the law 2) Christianity that believes that once u're saved, no matter wad you do you'll be saved. 3) True Christianity that acknowledges and accepts the love of God, and because of the transformation and to outpour or love for God and others we serve Him.

den today pastor rony talked abt absence of revival, and i rmbr he said the bible says we are a royal priesthood, and we must enter into that role, and dat our heart must be anchored on the love of God.

pastor pacer talked abt being called by His name. dat He made us, to love us, and we are children of God!

during worship in 9am. i told God i wanted to love Him, and i felt this longing to wanna reach out to Him, to hug Him. haha. i <3 hugs.
den during the alter call thing in spd, pastor pacer said the bible said that God opens His arms to reach out to us, cuz He loves us. and it really dawned on me, i am reaching out to Him, He is reaching out to me, i just have to believe it, and it kinda seemed like a spiritual hug wif my heavenly Father. =) i was not overwhelmed overwhelmed, but tears just came.

but after spd i dunno why, mood swing, mebbe i still dint get it enuff. jerome says im trying too hard, and it kinda made sense. i needed a mentor, and my dad came into my mind when i was shopping, he was like the best person to ask.

this is what my daddy told me, and what my heavenly Father showed me as well.

Accept His love first, you don't have to do anything. Acknowledge HIM! claim that He loves you, claim that He died for you and bought you on the cross as the bible says so.

Believing is accepting. Like a rich man tell you he has cleared ur debt, den you dont believe, you cannot slp whole nite. but you believe and accept it, you can sleep so peacefully. dat's salvation and how it transforms. get the analogy?

Doubt is not the opposite of faith. Fear is. Doubt are just questions, and builds ur faith as you choose to hold on and trust God to ans them in His time. Even if you believe cuz of fear, you fear God. and when you fear God, WHO LOVES YOU, you friggin have nothing to fear. Fear is like an emotion, sometimes it's a defense mechanism dat is built in. just make sure you're not slave to ur emotions can le.

I was focusing too much on whether i love Him or not and whether i was pleasing Him. but my focus should be, HE LOVES ME. cuz only His love is perfect, your love can NEVER be perfect. He gives us blessings cuz He loves us, and we obey and do His will cuz we acknowledge dat He is sovereign and God and we love Him, and in that way we avoid all the stupid mistakes and consequences. and we preach the gospel, cuz we want others to know this good news, and be set free, and cuz we love them. God love us, God bless us, we love others and bless others cuz God loves them. Love begets love, it's a perfect cycle and dat's how the Kingdom of God operates, on LOVE cuz GOD IS LOVE.

WAH i feel and think so much better after asking the person who was there all along, my earthly daddy whom my heavenly Daddy has given authority and the onus to raise me up on this earth.

Lord, i'm gonna trust in You, and focus on Your love. You want me to grow in You and Your want this personal r/s too, and Your ways are way above mine.

in His love and mine, manda

red blood cell on the move! (:(:

2008-04-20T22:18:00.005+08:00

HELLO MY BELOVED RED BLOOD CELL!!

Seriously, i mean it when i said beloved. You guys are really awesome and i absolutely ADORE and LOVE you all. Really, you guys are the bomb! I don't think my life will be the same without you all. I really love you, jess, although i spent half of my time suaning you big time. Haha. Really,i'll be so sad and miss you so dearly when you're gone for 5 weeks. heh. I know it sounds nuts but i just had this urge to tell you all how much i appreciate this cell. It has been in my heart for a long time and i've been meaning to say it but don't know why, i just didn't get down to it. But right now, the words are bursting out of my heart and i feel like if i don't say it, i'll just explode and die. so there. I LOVE YOU!

Thank you, Joanne, for always lending me a listening ear and knowing how i feel and for giving me awesome reactions, advice and encouragement. <= i don't need to elaborate. heh.
Thank you, Sam Phua, for being so approachable and dependent always. You're still the best co-leader i ever worked with! XD
Thank you, Norman, for making the effort to talk to us personally and finding out what's going in our life, as well as encouraging and believing in us. (:
Thank you, Jun Qiang, for sharing with us your life and tolerating our nonsense when we get out of hand. (:
Thank you, Sam Low, for your constant encouragement and being enthu at times. (I really don't want to jump down the building. I haven't finish irritating you. ;P)
Thank you, Dino for being so easygoing, so giving and selfless. You really gave a lot whenever we go for camps.
Thank you, Timothy for wowing us with your beautiful music and giving us clear and logical advice whenever things get out of hand.
Thank you, Amanda for rescuing me from the hands of evil bio whenever i get stuck and die and for your willingness to listen and enthu-ness and craziness. :D
Thank you, Alethea for being so friendly and open about your life as well as being so enthu and cheerful all the time. I've never seen you without a smile! :D
Thank you, Brittany, for loving me as a sister and showering us with your witty little comments that always rouse laughter.
Thank you, Cheryl for just knowing me so well and allowing me to be so super transparent before you. I don't have to say much. Haha.
Thank you, Lenard for being so fun, easy to bully, super nice and approachable! haha. Your ego is really much appreciated. HAHA.
Thank you, Jon Ho for being so super funny and cheerful at all times. <:
Thank you, Clare for being so easygoing and going everywhere with a sweet smile that brightens people's life. (:
Thank you, Jess for being so sensitive to our needs and showering your abundant love on us. We can really feel it!<: <=
Thank you, Serene for being so spontaneous and sharing your gift without restrain.(:
Thank you, Jon Li for putting in so much effort whenever you've to share and doing your best. You're always so cheerful. (:
THANK YOU LORD JESUS, FOR BLESSING OUR CELL AND WATCHING US GROW. FOR DYING ON THE CROSS SO THAT WE MAY HAVE LIFE IN ABUNDANCE AND FOR LOVING US DESPITE OUR MISTAKES AND FLAWS. Father, i ask that you will continue to use this cell to do mighty things for You and bring Your children back to Your kingdom, Lord. Help us to cement our friendships on You, the Rock and let You be the bond that holds us together as one. God, we're Yours and we're ready for Your work.

HAHA. i must be nuts. I don't know why. But i just feel that life is so short and we have to grab hold of the time we have with each other. HAHA.

I LOVE ALL OF YOU!!

WITH MUCH LOVE,
van. <3

My Daddy will take action!

2008-04-20T20:00:00.002+08:00

Hey! Here’s a lil something I wanted to share with you all.
When Vanessa suggested to me that I tell my parents my problem, I’d said immediately
“ My daddy will take action!”
And then during Speedlight, it struck me
My Daddy will take action!
If I know for sure that my earthly daddy will help me, how much more so will my heavenly Father!
THANKYOU MY DADDYGOD! :D

I know that He will cleanse me, take away all the filth
I know that He will protect me, keep me safe from evil
For He gives me the assurance so.
I’ll not be alone, ever.
So there, you ______! Take that.
My Daddys are for me. =)

-cheryl!

And oh how wide You open up Your arms
When I need Your love
And how far You would come
If ever I was lost

Hee. Me loves this song:D

What matters is that He knows us

2008-04-15T22:25:00.001+08:00

Please take time to watch this. It's something we ALL need to hear, and it's gonna be worth it :)

Jess

as promised

2008-04-13T21:15:00.001+08:00

what was the significance of the barley harvest?

Barley ripens first. Firstfruits of all crops. Promise of more to come, signifies abundance and plenty.
That first cutting of the sheaf of grain in spring was the beginning of the harvest season with the barley harvest. The Feast of Weeks, Pentecost, marked its culmination with the wheat harvest - a true harvest festival. Bible readers probably pass over some texts related to the Festival without putting them in context.
In sum, those who `follow the Lamb' are a firstfruits spiritual harvest. The symbolic fifty days from the first of the firstfruits - the resurrected Jesus - until the 'first resurrection' (Revelation 20:5) represents the nearly two thousand years since that first Christian Pentecost (Acts 2) until the resurrection of all true Christians at the return of Christ.

for a detailed study of barley..... Click here, Barley Harvest People

2008-04-06T20:12:00.003+08:00

HELLO MY BELOVED RED BLOOD CELL!! :):):)haha.

So many things can happen in such a mere few hours isn't it? Althea, tiffany, eunice, cheryl and i had this crazy idea when we reach interchange after lunch. We went to this place beside kfc to worship God. Althea led worship and a couple of songs. It was super cool! It's like right down to the basic and worshipping wihtout thinking about anything. Worshipping in the nature, seeing the trees sway and feeling the wisp of wind. It was as if nature was singing praises to God as well! It was really awesome! Powerful yet simple. We felt really refreshed. The burdens and baggages we carried in our hearts earlier on just went poof! That 50mins waslike 15 mins and we can really feel God's presence. After that, we prayed for God's will and His hand to move in speedlight. I think we all truly believe that God will stir up a revival in speedlight now. I believe that the transition for our division will work out according to God's plan because no problem is too big for God to handle.

Thank You, Father for meeting us today.

Lord, my heart has grown cold
There Your love will unfold
As You open my eyes to the works of Your hands
Jesus, open my eyes to the work of Your hands

Ocean will part
Nations come
At the whhisper of Your call
Hope will rise
Glory shown
In my life
Your will be done

Present suffering may pass
Lord, Your mercy will last
As You open my eyes to the works of Your hands
As You open my eyes to the works of Your hands

Ocean will part
Nations come
At the whhisper of Your call
Hope will rise
Glory shown
In my life
Your will be done

God, thank You for being so good to us. For being so real and for being who You are. We love You.

Have a blessed week and i hope that you will be amazed by what God can do through simple things!

Things to highlight..

2008-03-31T00:07:00.002+08:00

=] Hello people of RBC! Just a few things to highlight here regarding the cell.

Firstly, I thank God that we are progressing even further and hopefully deeper into His Word by doing IBS and moving into Reachlight. Take this opportunity to plunge into His Word and apply it into your lives, let Him mould you!

Secondly, i understand that living a Godly life is really tough, but at least let's try. Plan your time well so much so that you can do quiet time everyday, and that you set aside at least 1.5hrs to prepare for IBS on cell on Sunday. I think you can do without the TV and the computer games (i realised one day that all these are just a killer waste of time, there are things more important and productive to be done with that time!). As i stressed it before, the more people who prepare, the more discussion we can have, and the more things ALL of us can take back after a session on Sunday!

Thirdly, since now that we are going to join Reachlight, i hope that all of you can make it to the service on every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month at 8pm at Lighthouse Tampines. It has come to my knowledge that a large number of our cell is not attending Speedlight, and some are even not attending Main Service. It is a pretty sad sight to see so little of our cell strength in the services. A total of 14 of you all attended cell today, and only 5 went to Speedlight! Cell group alone ain't enough i'm telling you..Placing all things into perspective, i think that one day a week on Sunday that we spend maybe 2 hours in cell ain't going to sustain the spiritual man in you. It needs to be fed, and on a daily basis!

Fourthly, i really believe with all of my heart that the things happening around you are not coincidental, but are killer opportunities provided for you by God to share the Gospel. Alethea - V.Day friends issue, Amanda - Guy/girl friends can't get over issue, Timothy and Jun Qiang - friends who are ostracised, Lenard and Cheryl - inviting class to the Hillsongs concert, and the list goes on..Look people, these are the times when you can seize the opportunity and share the Gospel with your friends. All you have to do is SHARE, conversion of faith or religion is NOT REQUIRED of you. Leave that to God. Your job is just to share the Gospel, so obey His command and do your job! You are all placed in a time as this for the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are bloody darn few!

Lastly, i really hope with all of my heart that all of you can experience for yourself the wonders of God's blessings upon your life so real and so greatly that you just stand in awe and in amazement. I also wish that our cell can be the one that really takes the revival thing seriously and to be an example and model for others to adopt! Let us attack and before we do so, put on the full Armour of God!

Believing in God means not only to acknowledge the existence of Jesus, but also to obey His will and His Word.

-norman

Speedlight Sermon

2008-03-30T20:23:00.009+08:00

Hey pple! Today's sermon by WeiHao(?) was awesome so I'm here to share it with you. It's gonna be a longg one.

Mark 5:1-20 Account of Jesus' deliverance of the demon-possessed man

Many people feared and avoided the dp man because
1) He fulfilled all conditions for being mad.
- Apparently, there's this 5 Ways-You-Can-Tell-A-Person-Is-Mad list. I'm not really sure abt it.
2) He was supernaturally scary.
- Need I elaborate? Anyone who went ard day and night screaming and hitting himself with stones, with strength that even chains and shackles could not bind would scare the living daylights out of me. And he stayed among the tombs! WEIRDD.
Pause. I need to clarify here that he wasn't insane. In verse 7, the demon called Jesus 'Son of the Most High God' which reveals supernatural knowledge. The man was aware of both Jesus' human and Deity's name although it appears it was his 1st encounter with Christ. Cool hah. It shows he was possessed by demonic powers who knew the true identity of Christ.

Another thing i wondered too is why Jesus had to ask twice to get the spirits out (vs 8). The question "What is your name?" is addressed to only one unclean spirit (demon) while in contrast all of them speak in vs 12. The one demon was spokesman for the many that had possessed the man. Therefore, first time ard Jesus cldnt get just the one demon to leave, because there were still the rest. I guess?

First Qns: Why did Jesus cross the lake to this place?

Tired and wanted to withdraw from the crowds? Nope, Jesus was both man and God and knew what was happening/ going to happen. Evidence is when He told Peter that he will betray Him thrice before the cock wld crow and it did. Jesus left that huge crowd to save that one demon-possessed man. We'll see later the great consequences of His actions. =)
AQ: How do we as present day Christians react to people around us who needs help, but we are too caught up with the things of the world to stop and help/hear them out?

Second Qns: Why did the pple of the region become afraid and pleaded for Jesus to leave after they found that the demon possessed man had been delivered?

Afraid means 'phobia'. In counseling, the Theory of Stability [so physics!] states that everyone needs an amt of it in their lives, be it from good or bad avenues. When Jesus came and delivered the dp man, he changed everything the town pple knew. He rocked the stability of the town? Or was it the monetary loss? The large herd of pigs wld have cost them a lot. Perhaps it is because they cldnt deal with the power of Jesus? What supernatural power that chains and shackles cldnt bind, he had conquered. Then again it cld be a combination of all three factors.

There's this part that WeiHao said Jesus shld not only be our Saviour, but our Lord as well. To not choose to see some parts of Him only, but follow all of Him wholeheartedly.

Third Qns: Why did Jesus respond in this way to the man in vs 19, asking him to go back and tell of what Jesus had done for him?

In the last verse of Mark 5, we see that He didnt want pple to know of the miracle- that he'd revived the man's dead daughter. At that time too, Jesus didn't think the Apostles were ready yet. So why did He ask the man to tell his friends 'what wonderful things the Lord has done' for him? Did Jesus think the man was up to it?

What was so special abt this man?

1) The location was Decapolis (Ten Towns) where it was mainly Greeks, Gentiles. And the Gentiles without having any Bible knowledge will react most to these signs and wonders (similar to present day unbelievers). This man would be a living testimony for God (with his changed life that wld leave a great impact on the pple who knew him best) where it'd be much easier to evangelise unlike the Apostles who had to undertake the difficult task of erasing the ingrained Jewish teachings in their land.

2) Let's ask ourselves 'Why did this man react so differently to Jesus as compared to his own community? They wanted to chase Jesus away while he wanted to follow! The man had nth to lose so it was easy for him to give up whatever he had to follow Jesus. He had everything to gain. The town pple in contrast (and perhaps, us too) had things to lose. Also, he was the only one to have seen in Jesus not someone to fear, but to love.
AQ: What is our reaction to whatever happens in life? Do we take the viewpt of the ex-dp man or the town pple?

The results of the dp's testimony to Decapolis (undoubtedly stemming from Jesus' decision to cross the lake just to deliver him) were fantastically amazing. In Mark 7:31-37, when he went back to Decapolis, they brought all the sick pple for him to heal. Wow. This also foreshadows (Lit!) what God can do for us! :D

Phew! I'm done. If I've made any mistakes, left out anything, feel free to edit k. Seeya pple and take care! Have a blessed week!

-cheryl =)

Survey

2008-03-26T21:40:00.001+08:00

hello guys, I don't mean to exploit the cell blog, but I don't know how to otherwise get your attention. PLEASE help me to do this survey, it's for my psych project and I need it asap. So if you're reading this, please click here to do a goodwill to me. It will take only 5 mins!!!!!! Please please please please please.

Thank you very much! :D

2008-03-23T20:48:00.002+08:00

hello dears! this is like my first post haha so appreciate the monumental honour it is! ((: haha yep so the questions from today's awesome discussion! sorry if the phrasing doesn't encapsulate the meaning of the questions yall were asking >< just uhh read between the lines k heh (:

oh and abbreivations here! cause i was too lazy to type mahlon and chillon ten million times :D
m - mahlon
c- chillon
dil- daughters-in-law
n - naomi
r - ruth
o - orpah

1) Why did m and c marry the Moabite women?
2) Why was there a famine?
3) why is the land of Moab fertile?
4) were the deaths (m, c, elimelech) a part of God's judgements?
5) why did elimelech die?
6) would marriage between an Israelite and a non-Israelite be condoned? (ref Levirite marriage)
7) why/how did m and c die?
8) did m and c die at the same time/ due to the same reasons?
9) why did m and c die after 10 years? (significance of time frame)
10) how was the famine in Judah resolved? through divine intervention or through plentiful harvest?
11) how did naomi survive without a breadwinner in the family?
12) what was the significance of Naomi urging her dil to return to Moab DURING the course of the journey and not before?
13) why were the dil so insistent on staying with Naomi?
14) is it imperative for women to be married?
15) was Orpah really sincere about staying with naomi? why did orpah leave naomi after repated persuasion from the latter?
16) why was ruth so insistent on staying with Naomi?
17) what were the implications of the dil converting religions and naomi's corresponding little emphasis on her dil returning to their prior religions?
18) what was the rationale for the Levirite marriage?
19) why was n welcomed back even though she left Judah during hard times?
20) why was n so bitter and full of complaints?
21) why didnt n ackonwledge her own faults in causing her misery? (ie marrying her sons to non-israelite women, leaving judah etc)
22) what should be our views on suffering?
23) what should n have done in place of complaining and harbouring bitterness?
24) what was the significance of the barley harvest?

YAY! tadahhh! today's discussion was reallyreally fruitful and i thought it was awesome having everyone participate and just ask questions without qualms (: yay so fun so fun! remember to do homework ah or else jess will uh hang you upside down by your toes and make you recite the whole of ruth 1. :D k have an awesomebrillinatfantabulous week!

-joanne

pinky and the brain, one is a genius, the other’s insane.

2008-03-17T23:01:00.002+08:00

A second entry in succession, because God's just everywhere. Sorry it's quite long!!!

Before mid-sem I totally felt like I wasn’t in the mood for school yet, but now that’s gone into full swing I’m totally enjoying it. Psych has been great as usual.

For one personality psych tutorial we conducted an in-class experiment, and it was on the introversion/extroversion personalities. Basically all of us were given two drops of lemon juice to swirl around our mouths, and while we salivate we place a piece of cotton wool in our mouths to collect the saliva. Finally, we weigh it. So apparently introverted peopl tend to salivate more, because both the rate of salivation and ex-/in-troversion are related to this part of the brain called ARAS (in short). So right, everyone was going up and reporting like 1g, 2g and occasionally 3g, and suddenly i weighed mine and it was like FOUR grams la.

Apart from it being embarrassing (everyone’s results were gleefully announced. Luckily this wasn’t done in primary school, else I’d probably have been labelled Saliva Girl), it really taught me about how I’ve changed. Cos I totally believe that I’m introverted, like timid and shy, like I was to an extreme extent in primary school. I was always afraid of talking to grown-ups, or actually, just talking in general. But I just truly believe it’s God who made me talk, as trivial as it sounds. it was more than the number of words I spoke but I became braver, less conscious of what people think, all these without which I could never have had the guts to take up captainship in SAJC, or even expeditions.

So, guys, if you have doubts about yourself or your flaws, don't be scared and just surrender it to God!He'll change it 180 degrees..

A while ago, Rachel and I were having just this conversation. Our brains are really fragile. If removed and placed on a table, it could just go SPLAT, whoops, there goes our brain. it can’t stand on it’s own, outside of the skull. Yet, within this cotton-wool strong structure lies everything we are; a slight change could result in a completely different me. So is it really my fault if I’m more susceptible to aggression? Is it really my fault if depression hits me? It’s not fair if God judged me according to all these, because, well, it’s not really me, it’s my brain, and I was made this way!

Our conclusion was, well, these are probably valid excuses, but they’re just that, excuses. Ultimately it’s who you choose to listen to, what you choose to do/say.

So in a nutshell, moral of the story is, sometimes we might be really tempted to think we are who we are because of the way our genes made us, so any defect in personality really isn’t our fault. But as many studies have shown the environment can be a much more stimulating factor in character moulding. Much less God, who won’t be constrained by our genes. If we’ll just allow Him, He could override so much of our flaws.

k refers to the constant

2008-03-17T22:59:00.001+08:00

Finally, a post fom me, not related to any announcements!

Thankfully I went for stats tutorial on Friday, cos not only did I have a whale of a time discussing IVs and DVs and research designs, I got to discover a friend. This girl called Charissa, she’s totally dressed like a Japanese girl, and I’ve never had a friend who dresses Japanese. So imagine my surprise when I found out she’s from my primary school, and RJ, and TJ, and she’s not cheena-pok at all.

Somehow she remembered me. At first she asked, “Are you from RGS?”

Well, thanks, I look smart, but “Nope.”

“TJ?” “Nope.”

“OOHHHHH, Red Swas!”

Okay I’ve always called my school RSS (arr(er)-ess-ess) , and ‘Red Swas’ was quite funny. “YES!”

“You run very fast one right?”

“What the……. Yea.. How you remember this kinda things one!”

“Star runner what. I’m from 6/2. Your neighbour class.”

“How the heck do you remember which class I’m from??”

And it went on with my jaw on the ground. Okay the purpose of this is not to brag about how popular I was in Red Swas (though I’m flattered and I seriously didn’t know about this), but how bad my memory is. No la, it’s just that, I think people from primary school to secondary school remember me for my speed, cos apparently, according to her wonderful memory, half of the trophies in Sports Day went to me. But I don’t really want to be known for that. Cos one day I’m gonna lose all that, my speed, and ability to play anything at all, and people are gonna say, “What happened to her? I thought last time she run very fast one? I think she’s lost it already.”

And I don’t want to think that losing “it” means losing myself, and that reminds me of what Rachel said during cell about home, rest and security. Gleaning from the book of Ruth, who uprooted from her homeland Moab to find her family in a foreign land, also God’s land of Israel, she ultimately found her home/rest/security in God. And the Greek word for these 3 words are the same, which means, they mean the same thing in that culture. So, I don’t want to find my security in what I can do now, in what makes me ’successful’, cos that’s just temporal. Whether it’s my sporting ability or my studies or my friends or family. I could have 15000 friends on facebook, but I’m still gonna lose all of them in the natural process of life. My studies or career isn’t gonna save me if I lose any ability to move or think.

Many times people have said, and is not, then experienced, that change is the only constant in the world. But scratch that, God never changes, and He remains the same forever. Even when other religions change their structure and god’s names and rules, sometimes even the Church does that, but that doesn’t disprove Him. It’s just man’s folly.

And that is why, when the shit hits the fan, I may feel tempted to blame God and get angry at Him, but I will always find my faith in Him again, simply because He is the only constant in this world. What else can be a greater guarantee?

relationships

2008-03-12T15:54:00.000+08:00

how do you know you have a personal relationship with God? always ask this question, but i think i've found an answer. haha. cool, thank You Lord. =) jess told me b4, it's when u treat God like a person, but then i always compare it with r/s i have with other people.

well, here's the ans i got from the Spirit today. I know i have a r/s with God when i can just pour everything out to Him, and i know He hears me and listens, with love. and He ans me, in diff ways, sometimes in a prompting, sometimes in a little voice dat speaks in my heart, sometimes with people, sometimes with situations.

I know i love Him when i do stuff with Him in mind. i know i love Him more when i do more of that, and nothing seems of more importance than doing what i think would please Him.

it's not easy loving someone wholeheartedly all your life, but it's dam sweet and meaningful when 2 people make a vow and commitment to. dat's marriage.. =) and God has already made a decision to love us forever and ever, the ball is in your court now.

manda

The RBC BBQ@EastCoast Park!

2008-03-12T14:06:00.002+08:00

Yo humans of RBC! It's official!!! The BBQ is ON! Whoots..=] Ok, here is the details.

Date: 21st March 2008
Time: to be planned by organising committee
Place: East Coast Park BYOP6 (near Bedok Jetty)
Goal: To foster tighter bonds between members and to reach-out to unsaved friends

Therefore, people, bring your friends! It's a public holiday, and the next day is a Saturday, what better day to invite them down for a day of fun-filled, no-holds-barred BBQ session with the coolest people in town =]SO, go out there and invite them! Edmund, marcus, darren..blah blah blah..There is no preaching, just a whole load of fun. We will use this to try and glorify Him. He will lead us, let's not worry about how to do this or that. =] Hippies!

So, do let me know how many friends you are bringing for the BBQ to facilitate Amanda and Joanne in the food purchase. Also, bring $15 for cell funds instead of $10, Lenard take note, because I reckon $10 ain't enough. Ok, cheers to the long-awaited killer cell outing! Whoohoo!!

Thanksgiving

2008-03-09T19:01:00.002+08:00

Hello! Sam~L here.

I kinda totally forgot about my week after fri passed, since I had to start mugging for GP on mon. Yup, thank you God for seeing me thru a week full of nerve wrecking events:

Started with mon where I went to sch early to find my geo file and it wasnt there, so dark I couldnt even see the teacher's name after 3 times of scanning. Following, was it wed? The bus was like late!!! Thankfully it rained and everything went ok. Then Thur I lost class funds total close to $100. Stupid me decided collecting big amts would be easier. And 1st attempt at $10 each and I misplaced it. Haiz. Well anyway a cleaner recovered it, thank God or else I would have something else missing besides my file and man I hate losing my stuff! I could go mad. Guess when I lost it? Lit lect when I was stuggling to stay awake. No wonder. Ok then fri the release of A lvl chi results. Another nerve wrecking event and yea, I got a 'B'. And also, I went to ask the other geo teacher, since ours was having reservist, and guess what? My file was in his locker, even though I aint from his class. Now I can rest in peace. Lol.

again?!?

2008-03-09T18:21:00.001+08:00

so many questions swarmed my mind again. crap. i told myself. am i beginning to doubt God again?

of course i began to apply wad i learnt. i chose. JESUS I BELIEVE IN YOU. so i shoved thoughts like, are you really there? out of my head. cuz they have alrdy been answered. the many times He showed me He cares for me, supernatural 'coindences' happened. and all the bio stuff i know couldnt have happened as a result of a big bang. so yea i worshipped Him.

but i guess sth's missing. Pastor Pacer talked abt Jesus today, and he said sth like, those of you who are unsure of ur salvation pls step out. and den i asked myself. amanda, are you sure you're saved? are you really sure? siao lah, i am, but i guess there's still doubt. not 100%, and it comes like mood swings you know. crappy

well, the last time i doubted Him, i resolved to the fact dat i really dint know wad i do if there wasn't a God who loves me exist. yea. and well, jess prayed dat we'll all draw closer to Him, so i guess He's doing sth again. these few days cuz of CTs and RCLF havent really been doing solid qt, onli some nites where i feel i really had to and cried out to Him. den i was just thinking alot again. and it was mood swing for 5 min, mood swing back. doubt don't doubt. CRAPPY

finally, i played guitar, and sang praises to Him, and den opened the bible. God what do you want me to read? and den "Case for Christ" came into my mind. wah siao. i dint know my dad had it, found it a few days ago b4 CTs, so told my dad i'd read it after my CTs. somemore today come home so early from church, dint wanna call anyone cuz den i'd be filling up my loneliness/ 'emptiness' with them, n there was no studying to do. so i was bored. and when im bored. my mind goes crazy. somemore im so tired, drained, haiyaaaa....

and den tada! God reveals to me Case for Christ. yea, dat will be my first book in 4 years i am going to complete. yepp. comeon!

-manda

i choose You

2008-02-21T16:49:00.001+08:00

thought i just post this here too to edify and also to let u all noe wad's up. lol

i have come to a conclusion that my mind is really active. i just can't stop thinking about alot of things, and after talking to some close ppl and stuff, my mind really, at times, think too much. and at times i just feeling like plucking out my brain you know, lol, and i ask God like why He gave me a mind like this. ok, i'm blaming it on my mind. LOL

really, these thoughts have caused me to doubt God. i kinda agree with naz's lil theory on the stage one stage two thing. i think im in the stack where i have to continually renew my mind and affirm my faith. of course i need God.and i'm the type of person, when im onto some thing, im REALLY ON to that thing. seriously i just can't shut my mind up. lol. no wonder those thoughts came when i was drawing closer and closer to God during camp and when i could see alot of stuff happening. even now. i thank God for it, really, cause i understand alot of things now.

He taught me about free will. acty i realised i acty really learnt when i was on the phone ystd. lol. like sharing things with ppl really opens my eyes to how much i've learnt lor. haha. why free will? it makes things all the more meaningful. i mean if God just made us believe liddat and took away all the doubts and stuff rites, it won't really be free will. It's when we choose to love Him, choose to believe in Him.. CHOOSE. this lesson started when i was at my grandma's hse one night making nian gao. was really troubled, and cried out to Him. and den He showed in, in the weirdest way ever. through the shou zu drama. LOL. it was smth like the lady was trying to prove her innocence abt not cheating on her husband to her family. and she did all she could, swearing and stuff. but when they asked her to just test the baby's DNA she refused. not cuz she was guilty, but more like she felt there was no meaning and no trust already. dam cool lah. lol

Norman shared this with cell. "Love God and do whatever you want." it's dam true. this world becomes meaningful when we do things to show our love for Him, when we choose Him. because at the beginning He loved us first, He reached out to us.

and He just kept teaching me that day by day. yes, child like faith. during the sermon after the drama i was pondering over children. over their innocence. dat's why Jesus said, let the little children come to me. yes Lord, gimme this child like faith. seriously i dont mind being called suaku or wad lor, i'd rather not be exposed to those worldly things. but then again God will be pleased when you run away from worldly things for His sake.

<3 manda

=]

2008-02-17T22:45:00.002+08:00

Hey people! This blog needs some entries man! So i'm here to try to boost it's entry count. =] Kekes, joking la..Ok, down to serious business. I just wish to address certain things here on the blog regarding our cell, so here goes..

1. I feel really encouraged to see the way you all teach lessons (with the worksheets and all). It is really very professional, and i can see that a lot of thought, preparations and study have been done before the lesson.

2. Also super-duper encouraged by the love you all have been showing to one another! I can feel that the cell is indeed growing closer to one another. Just today itself, after valentines' day, sam low, cheryl, amanda and joanne all brought food stuffs to share with the cell! My goodness, i seriously almost teared. It was so darn sweet man! Love you all!

3. The attendence too has been very encouraging too! Ok, to clarify matters, we (jess and i) do not get any rewards from the church or what if the attendence is full or over a certain quota, but it is just that we really want to see you guys catch the heartbeat of Jesus for this world that we are living in now. I can see that everyone is leaving cell learning new things and having new perspective about matters. I personally also feel that each cell session now is very worthwhile and meaningful to have. So much has been shared and learnt about one another, and i am seriously loving it loads (i don't know about you). I am very thrilled to see what our cell will be like at the end of the year.

Therefore, i sincerely urge everyone of you guys to continue to let this fire burn in redbloodcell, not for the cell, not for the church, not for jess and i, but for our one and only mega-killer-concept Jesus Christ! Continue to pray for the cell and for your friends, and do invite them for SOS sunday! Looking forward to an exploded RBC!! I love you all very much!

-Normz

2008-01-23T22:09:00.000+08:00

John 14:13-14

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Psalms 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalms 130

Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.
Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

And so we shall believe, till the very end of the age.

2008-01-23T20:39:00.000+08:00

Your eye is on the sparrow
Your hand, it comforts me

For Your glory, may You draw all men
As Your love and grace demands.

And i'll run to You
To Your words of truth
And i'll live in the glory of Your grace.

Not by might
Not by power
But by the Spirit of God

Yes, i will run the race
Till i see Your face
Oh let me live in the glory of Your Grace.

God, thanks for winning the victory at the cross.

Time to wake up kiddos..

2008-01-12T13:45:00.000+08:00

Dear Red Blood Cell,

Check out this video. It will give you a wake up call to do what you are supposed to do ALL THESE WHILE.. =] It's really simple. You do not have to convert people, just spread the Gospel, that's all. What could be simpler?

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=1b5bd6e3e034d00b4f73

Norman

2008-01-07T20:22:00.000+08:00

HEY GUYS!!
Okay! First things first, wow! to Dino! That's really inspiring, a really detailed account and i'm sure a very personal account. Thanks for sharing! I'm guessing you have a passion for planes. =D

I just wanna say kudos to all the 18s or (yet to be; but the maturity level is err..haha. XD) in cell.I never really understood the pressures you guys faced until i'm in jcs. Lol. But anyhow, like Dino, i just wanna thank God that He has really seen me through and has been fatithful at all times. :)

I also realised that God has been preparing me for my Jc life through the camps. Most of my og members are non-christian and christianity to them is like a bug that they will never want to get. My major challenge is not to conform to some of their ways that i know God won't want me to indulge in. Boy, was it hard! I really look like some ulu person from outer space. It was there and then, i know what it means to be shamed for Jesus and that is only a spoonful of what is to come. >< I must step out! haha. Be hungry for God even circumstances around me doesn't really increase my appetite for God.

I kept fretting over the friends i will know and stuff. First, it's whether i will get any friends in my og (cos i think i'm anti-social. haha) then now, it's about whther i will get any friends in class[ none of my og friends and st.marg people are in the same class as me] because all my classmates seems to know each other already! ><

During Qt, these words really hit me.
..chains we must permit God to break..then we can receive the sense of confidence and competence He can wants to give us.
God wants you totally helpless-fully surrendered to His authority.

That is when i realised I have no worries. God is there and He has seen me through more difficult times. The victory has already been won at the cross. All fears are dissipated. Gone. Vanquished. Vanished.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

Once again, a big big Kudos to to all those who survived tertiary education, not to forget too, those Dino and Serene who went through the traumatising period of the big horrible O exams. But the biggest kudos to God who tolerated our disobedience and never failing to love us.

Van

Report from Ubin, an Overdue Perspective

2008-01-04T00:48:00.000+08:00

Well, this is a lil overdue i guess, anyway, heres sth which i gotta really thank God for, especially during the Step-Out camp in Ubin, is held on the 13-15 of December 2007.

Oh, and lets relate it back to something i posted, back to my planes. =)

First Meeting

Its sunday night, when we received the e-mail/sms from the camp comm that there will be a leaders training on the VERY NEXT DAY =.= ... okay, then sleep through sunday night, woke up the next day, which came the first test - Diarrhea... must've been something i ate the day before, and well, spent the early morning in the toilet before rushing off to church to make up for lost time. Okay, reached there, happily get acquainted with the other leaders... well, last year in Immerse-Emerge, RBC got the most places among the leaders, while this year... ah well, three from RBC.

[I was considering. One day while i was studying SS in the library i got a message from Jess,"Can you please consider AND reconsider AGAIN ? We really need leaders for the Step-Out camp."]

[So ahh, good game, just go bah...]

Back to reflections - Yeah, then during the briefing i was praying too, "Oh Lord chase this pain away, chase this pain away so i can concentrate on the lesson oh please help me..." So ya, well, thank God he lifted most of the pain away, and was penning down notes... i think we did play some 'electricity' game before the training proper... So, yes, thats the day, on monday...

-In Relation- The Planning of the F-15 Eagle.

Training is always important, like wise is maintainance. In this case each group has 2 leaders working in concert for the good of the group they are going to take in the camp. In this case, we can say, that each leader is the wings of the plane. An aircraft must have proper wings, and each one plays an important role in flight. The campers will be the pilots, in which they put their spiritual learning on the line by signing up, and getting into the plane itself.
Camp comm, is the fuselage, they who join everyone together, and create the group. And they make the commencement of the camp/flight possible in the end.

Calm Before The Storm

Well, looks like i came down with fever through the week, thank God that my stomach is feeling much better, and that when i left to meet Tim for lunch that day of the second training, was feeling better, and although i'm a lil dehydrated, was raring to go. During the second training we learnt to play several group games, Polar bear, 007, the famed shooting game, and i dunno...

Halfway a camper's mum called [crap] and well, i've still gotta settle it first. Seems like the camper cant make it for both the briefing at Woodlands, but luckily theres the camp comm to e-mail her the essential stuff [phew]. Okay, learnt and discussed more stuff, me and my co-leader, a great person called Valerie, in the music ministry i would guess, so yeah, we discussed the topics, actually we were told to prepare like, how we would teach, and how good is our MOI [ method of instruction ].

However, we jus discussed and dug out the important stuff, made plenty of notes, then Valerie decided to do the camp tags via photoshop and stuff while i concentrate on devotion. Things are made complicated by the fact that the P5s are taking a sermon on Salvation, while the others will be taking one on God's Grace... i think... isit ? Tim ? Yeah, left the meeting happily, more prepared to take on the challenges the camp has placed for us =).

-In Relation- In-flight Trials

So trials are made that the plane is airworthy, a wing wont drop off in mid-flight, plane will fly straight and not the other way round. The final preperations has been made for a combat trial, which will prepare the crew and plane for real action should the situation call for it, in which this case it will. The plans have been worked out, all the training has been set, now that the theory aspect is done, its time for the practical session.

Fire In The Hole

Two days before zero hour, Tim and i went to discuss about our devotional materials near tampines interchange. While it started to drizzle, we found a pretty dry spot near the playground and prepared our materials. Praying for the rain to stop, thank God it did. Prayed to God for guidance and slowly searched through the Bible for relevant verses to impart onto the kids. After switching notes and improving on what we had initially, had some small talk. Talked about what would drive us into this camp, talked mostly of what interests us i guess =/. Soon prepared to leave, and went home for a good rest.. dunno why that day was extra-tired.

Home ! Night time, received word that Valerie could NOT attend the camp for she has enzyma... Good Game ? Nah, well, was like, got blasted with this problem, but did my best to remain optimistic. One way to stay optimistic is always, to pray. Still had to meet a long lost friend the next day... anyway, Tim also encouraged me and offered help, for that I am super grateful and thankful. Valeria would have the group tags and her devotional materials passed on to me the next day. Well, looks like this one winger will have to finish the job yes ?

-In Relation- Air-Collision

Once during a combat training session, an Israeli Eagle collided with a Skyhawk. While the Skyhawk exploded immediately, the Eagle spun towards the ground, one wing torn off 2 feet from its main body [fuselage]. The pilot wanted to eject, but was in an awkward position to do so. Thus he increased the speed of the plane, and in the meantime increasing stability in terms of lift generated by the plane. Nontheless, the plane was still in danger of exploding, and is in the air away from home.

Forth Compassion !

Into the camp, i appeared a lil late due to hold-ups at home, but thank God i managed to know my group well and present myself to them. Also had to explain what happenned to Valerie, and thus needed to gain their respect for the camp. Camp comm has agreed to help my group, and i would like to thank David and Louisa for helping out in managing the group despite their roles in the main schedule and the problems faced by everyone. Meeting up with the group is cool, got to know the Woodlands side as well, and my group took off to a good start.

Sure, lunch tastes like kueh, God answered our prayers for no rain, but i guess we forgot to add in the 'clouds' element in desperation to get dry whenever necessary. We had alot of fun, also got to know the leaders even more, as well as the individual kids. They like to talk, like to help each other well, and i guess we had a good start... but due to the tight schedule, i guess we forgot formal introductions, which occured before the worship after dinner.

During the worship-sermon-ministering, God revealed his pressence throughout the entire hall, David took the P5s up so i stayed with the others. Its really good, all was just... feeling good, feeling right, i remembered forgetting all the troubles faced during the line-up to the camp, remembered thanking God with all... Those who went for Immerse-Emerge last year will know the feeling, its an exact replica, if not stronger then before, as was with the sermon given by Alvin Chia.

Night walk was... too short, but a lil fun in the entire duration. Camp comm was 'bugging' us with trials and tests all the way, but it turned out good in the end... Hahas i was half confused as in [Should the leaders participate as well or is this trial only for the campers ?]. Yeah, nothing much after that but, on the way back, i think... heard something non-human for sure, i thought it was a joke-horror sound machine, and when this trio of girls who walked past our column screamed, i turned on the verge of laughing at the sound itself and everything. Guess being at the front spared by the real horror of it =D.

Day 2, i was KO'ed right after lunch. Fever and illness i've been fighting the days before finally caught up to me.. was embarassing, seriously =/.. casualty list has [ Dino Ding - Exhaustion ]. Ah well, David helped to take the group after he rested during the morning activities. It seemed that Compassion was being led like runners in a relay race, with each runner supporting each other by his/her own efforts. Well, funny thing is that when i got up to help lead Compassion back, David has to 'order' me to rest some more till dinner -.-". Evening sermon, more kueh in our bellies, same powerful sermon like the day before, only that now everyone experienced it. Finale night was exciting, Kudos to the other groups and their performances, as well as the other leaders in our combined last-minute performance. Compassion did SUPER ! i didnt even participate in the planning, two of the senior members led the way, creating the storyline and stuff, and thanks to Louisa for cutting out the 'advertisment plaques' for us during our skit.

Man i love my kids ! Sure, the last night was cool, the ending and everything... almost teared, but i'm the sort who gets the feeling but does not show it in the open, even if i wanted to, and thats well, i dunno if its a good thing or a bad one. So, leaders wanted to stay up the night, but werent allowed to. Vanessa's sunburnt shocked me alrs, and well, i made a mistake too, should have told her to leave stuff to Elijah and get some rest, but i guess in the end God knew the best way, that whatever happens, in the end everythings gonna be alright, like now !

Ah well, last day, we dug out Lynn's Bible but can fing Ling Quan's one, sadded about it, but we gotta go.[I still hope that it will be found, even if one day we had to dig up the whole beach, personally i still want it to be found.] Well, said our farewells, i also told them that i'll be seeing them during SNOW this March ya ? Hahas, anyway, once we hit Lighthouse, bye bye kueh, its high time we grab some proper hot chow ! Well, the beehoon problem isnt the fault of the organisers, just some mis-communications through the messenger trail which led to some unhappy stomachs. =p

-In Relation- Flying Not With Your Own Strength

Flying with one wing is no easy business, but through all the troubles, landing at twice normal speed, getting the tail hook in the wrong place, landing unsteadily, bottom line ? the plane landed. Pilot and co-pilot survived, and millions of dollars saved by the decisive reaction of the pilot, and the strong design of the Eagle.

With all thats said, now is the summary.

God pulled me through all the troubles, He pulled me through everything that the devil has thrown at me, and even though i didnt come out of it perfectly okay, in time for the camp, He still held me strong and didnt let me go. He led me as well as the other leaders as we led the campers, and thus, we came out alive. Not perfectly okay, weakened, burnt, exhausted, but we still came out alive.
Looking at the relations of the F-15 Eagle. Why did i choose that magnificent plane ? Not only because its my favourite, that it does best in what it does, which is shooting down bandits which threaten us, just like us now, knocking aside troubles that come our way, and even surviving it when we've taken serious damage. Satan may send his temptations and discouragements, things that make us lose faith and the lot, but no one, nor plane, works alone. Moving in cell groups, as well as squadrons, we provide mutual support to each other, that in times of need, there will be someone by our side, watching out 'six' for anything. Even more than ourselves, we also have the One, which protects us, which pulls us up even if we go down, just like when the Eagle lost its wing, we press forward holding the faith, anf in the end we will know, through our own experiences and testimonies, that He is there, and is always around us, no matter what we feel, or where we are.
Lastly, what i have learnt somewhere, is what the Eagle is made for. Not the fighter plane, but the bird. Eagles are born to kill serpents. To bring them right from the surface of the earth, to the wide open sky, and send them down back to their deaths. Not that we should hold a crusade against snakes, but that in our spiritual lives, we are the eagles. Whatever serpent that comes crawling to kill our eaglets, we strike first, hard and fast, to breed a whole new generation of people to continue the Great Commission, to continue the battle against the devil under God's banner.

Yepp, thats what i haveto post, God Bless ya, Have a Nice Day.

Avanti Conquistatori ! [Forth Conquerors !]
Avanti Red Blood Cell !

-While we are captains of our 12 individual groups, we will never forget, that we follow the Lord Jesus Christ our God, who is our Captain, throughout everything in our everlasting life. Amen.

Quoted by myself, during a prayer before Step-Out Camp 2007.

Dino of RBC912

By the way, the theme song for both Step-Out and Hunger camps 2007 is:

Centre Of My Life
Jonas Myrin, Natasha Bedingfield

Intro:
(x2)

Verse 1:
Let my walk speak loud
And my words be true
Let my life be whole and my eyes on You
Lord I'm stepping out, from the comfort zone
Letting go of me, holding on to You

PreChorus:
Freedom comes, when I call You Lord
You are Lord, my God

Chorus:
You are the Centre of it all
The universe declares in awe
Your Majesty, I surrender all
I make You the Centre of my life
Lord I respond with all I am
You placed in me the song
Of Heaven's melody
Your Majesty, I live to sing Your song

Verse 2:
I have found Your peace,
it replaces any fear
You have done it all, I can trust in You
Lord I'm stepping out, from the comfort zone
Letting go of me, holding on to You

Bridge:
This is Your song, not mine
It is Your song, that brings healing to this land
This is Your song, not mine
It is Your song, that brings freedom

©2003 Hillsong Publishing (Admin. in U.S. & Canada by Integrity's Hosanna! Music)
All rights reserved. International copyright secured.
CCLI song #4331492

A Prayer I didnt Say...

2008-01-01T16:11:00.000+08:00

Sry for not picking up the courage to say this prayer:

Dear Lord, I commit Norman, Jesselyn, all my cell members and myself unto your hands.

I pray for our talents be it existing or those yet to come, for you have made us and gave us talents to enhance our uniqueness & to do your works.

I Pray that you'll be the guiding light, teach us how to further use our talents for the expansion of your kingdom.

Guide us in all ways, be it to contribute to our cell, or to do other great works out in the World. We are the clay while your are the potter, mould & shape us I pray.

I pray all this in God's most precious name, Amen.

'I give my life to.. the potter's hand'...

<----->

notes

2007-11-18T18:06:00.000+08:00

Hello everybody! while you all revel in your holidays and Sam and I still slug away at our books, remember us, but also wisely make use of your time! here's some websites that you can check out in your free time.

http://www.bible-history.com/
Self-explanatory.

http://www.opendoorsuk.org/
Open Doors, which I told you about! Can hear stories about ordinary Christians being persecuted in extraordinarily bad ways. Keeps you in check, and makes you wanna pray for them too.

http://www.imb.org/main/pray/default.asp
Website for International Mission Board. Info on various countries and prayer needed, and the situation in each country.

k not a lot, but have fun surfing around! :) Take care you guys.

Jonah

2007-11-18T18:05:00.000+08:00

JONAH

Background of Jonah: A prophet.
Background of Nineveh: Assyrian city of great warriors, renowned for their cruelty towards their hostages. History reports that they skinned their prisoners alive, cut off various body parts to instill fear and terror in their enemies (which obviously worked with Jonah). They also pulled out their tongues and displayed mounds of human skulls on the streets. An ancient drawing depicted them putting out the eyes of an enemy king. They led their officials in captivity with hooks on their lips. They were so vicious that 10 tribes of Israel went under their captivity and never re-emerged, as it was the Assyrians’ policy to deport conquered peoples to other lands within the empire. This was so that their sense of nationalism would be destroyed, breaking any pride or hope of rebellion and replace them with strangers from far away.

Why did Jonah run away? 2 possibilities:
i. Feared the Ninevites. After all, there was a high chance that he might not come out of the city alive!
ii. Feared the mercy of God. Ninevites had probably killed a lot of his friends or countrymen, and he wanted them blasted instead of blessed by God.

After being stuck in a smelly, suffocating whale/fish’s stomach for 3 days…

Jonah finally conceded that salvation is the Lord’s, and he will therefore choose to obey (2:9) God gave him a second chance to obey. Had he not, God would have sent someone else in his place (Est 4:13-14). We are not indispensable! God raised us up for such a time as this, so that He may bless us. If we refuse to accept out lot, God will simply send someone else in our place.

3:1 Jonah went to Nineveh and preached God’s impending judgment, then left the city (to be continued in 4:5). Word got around Nineveh to the king, who ordered a time of national confession and repentance. Yet, as we see in 4:1, Jonah wasn’t happy. Why?
Because ‘his’ judgment that Nineveh will be destroyed was not fulfilled. He valued his sense of honour more than the goodness and mercy of God. He cared little whether the 120,000 Ninevites were destroyed or not. In other words, he was self-centred, as he was concerned about how others would perceive him ie. possibly as a liar. Full of pride!

4:5 brings us on a flashback to the point where Jonah left Nineveh after announcing God’s judgment. In Hebrew, this section was written in the past tense, so it’s meant to be understood as a reference to the past, not a narrative about the present.
When he had delivered his message he left the city, and went and made himself a tent, or got under some shelter on the east side of Nineveh, and there he was determined to remain till he should see what remained or became of the city. basically, he was sitting at the sidelines waiting for the big Armageddon show to start. As he left immediately, he did not see the people repent, so he did not expect a national revival of any sort.
Are you also sitting in the sidelines waiting for the action to take place, enjoying the show? Or are you going out there to save these people?

V6a “So the LORD God appointed a plant F28 and it grew up over Jonah to be a shade over his head to deliver him from his discomfort.” We shouldn’t take this literally to mean that the plant shot up overnight, or that Jonah saw the miraculous sprouting of the plant. Instead as God creates all things, and allows all things to happen, so, we can take it that years before Jonah was born, God caused this plant to grow in this exact spot for Jonah n number of years down the road. This speaks volumes of the sovereignty, and the will of God. If God has his eye on this plant, and has a plan for it, what more us? His will is purposeful, not accidental.

What is God trying to tell Jonah in the analogy of the plant? It can be a bit hard to understand in the first reading, but hope this paraphrasing will be useful-
“how much is a city better than a shrub? There are a 120,000 people in that city! Should I destroy them, who are now turned from their sins, now fasting and afflicting their souls, covered with sackcloth, lying in dust before me, bewailing their offenses and supplicating for mercy – shall I rather preserve your shade which makes you comfortable ie. save your face, than make your word of judgment against them fail? Is it not better that a 120,000 lives are saved and your word fail, than that your word comes true, and a 120,000 people perish?”

God will not reject those with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and who trembles at His word. God is here exposing Jonah’s flaw, which is his self-centredness, self-righteousness, anger and unforgiveness towards the Ninevites, and pride. He is not grounded in God’s word as well (he tried to run away from the presence of God, for goodness’sake!). Though God gave him a second chance, he immediately forgot and was unhappy when God gave the Ninevites a 2nd chance as well. Perhaps he thought them, as pagans, undeserving of God’s salvation, and thought himself (as a Jew), deserving.

Application/Reflection:
Before we go on to further criticize Jonah’s egotistical attitude and disobedience, think on our selves. Are we also being a Jonah? Are there areas in our lives that God is calling us to give up, but we choose to shut Him off or run away from Him? Remember who gave you these gifts, and remember the reason why. Do we also really love our enemies as we should? Or do we curse them under our breath?

Remember the question that I asked you all: If you were actually obedient to God in every area of your life, what would that mean? What would change? What would your present look like? How about your future?

This is the 50th post! let's celebrate!!!!!

2007-10-13T16:26:00.000+08:00

Yes we've reached the 50th mark! Let's keep this blog alive yea. I'm guilty also of neglecting it but I will make an effort to post stuff here, like now!

This is random but thanks guys for being a great bunch of people :) I think sometimes as humans we focus too much on the bad side of people, or take them for granted when we see them frequently. So we should all, once in a while, take time off to shower each other with love! Imagine right, each of us just take turns to show love fortnightly, that's enough to last us a year! We never know when someone is feeling sad inside, so let's always come on Sunday with a purpose to encourage each other with our stories of thanksgiving.

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thess 5:11

But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Heb 3:13

Oh yes, and I really really really want to encourage you all to come for Reachlight also cos I've been very blessed by it, and I'm sure you all will too. We've been complaining about Speedlight too long, and people have been praying for almost a decade for a young adults ministry, so let's thank God for hearing the prayers and support the church in this! Anyone wants to make a date with me on the 2nd Nov? :)

Thanks Serene for your post! :) Though I'm supposed to be older/wiser/holier, I'm in no less need of God's grace, and also in no less need of reminders to always go back to God, because He can do such amazing things.

I wanna thank God here for really speaking to me this week. I've always been scared of evangelism, I'm not like Norm who can just talk to a complete stranger about Christ. I think I have a high degree of self-awareness, and this makes it difficult to put aside my feelings and fears to speak to someone about Christ, no holds barred. But recently God has put in my heart burdens for a couple of people close to me (GIRLS), as I've shared a few times I think, and I simply cannot ignore it. So please help me pray that I will have the strength to broach the topic with my friends, and to be a good testimony for Christ, to them. In such times it really makes me realize that I cannot, and will not, be able to do this all without knowing Christ, or understanding His love. And I pray that God will challenge you all in the same way as well! :)

On a last note, I wanna pose this question to you all, and hopefully for everyday of your life as well:
Have you been a Christian today?

Love,
Jess

Take good care of yourselves..

2007-10-09T20:58:00.000+08:00

Darlings! I'm leaving tomorrow..woohooos..last hurdle to clear before I ORD. Time and tide seriously waits for no one.. Therefore, do make full use of the time you have! =] I will see you all in a month's time. In the meantime, do take care of yourselves and do not bully Jesselyn! hahas..even though I'm pretty sure she'll be the one doing all the bullying. =p

Continue to seek God with all your hearts and He will minister to you in a personal way only you will know. God bless all of you loads, especially Serene, Dino, Vanessa and Lynn who are taking the 'O' Levels! Do not forget to pray for them yah? Each individual paper for everyday. To the 4 of you, lean not on your own strength, but rather on Him who freely provides all. Love you all, see you soon..byes

Normz

meow

2007-10-02T20:33:00.000+08:00

this is a very long post.. but spare me.. it is to account for my lack of attendance as well.. ha ha ha. *bows bows*

actually it has only been recently that i have really appreciated god's grace. i myself am amazed that i dare to share this with the cell.. since ive hid myself most of the time in shadows. i was like a ghost appearing when i want to. heh.

the truth is that things only started changing for me after the june holidays. slowly.. it became better and better. and its october now! time has passed really fast!.. ive learnt alot and my perspective of certain things in certain areas has changed. before june i seriously detested school.. no one really understood why and i couldnt really find the help i needed. at that time even walking through my school corridors was a pain.

it started when my best friend left the school this year jan. after she left i went completely out of interest in studies or school. of course.. i did not tell her anything :p .. i tried enjoying school anyway. i was with this group of friends since last year and we could get along quite well with each other. but after march, things didnt really go the right way. i was on mc alot! and most of the times it was because i didnt want to go to school. so when i returned to school my friends couldnt find anything to talk to me about. tada! not much communication.. and it became worse. i didnt go to school more hee hee. i dont really open up to anyone, so! obviously no one knew >_<

long story cut short.. school life became meaningless to me. i did not interact much with anyone. i did not try. i kept going on mc @_@*.. on the other hand, at home, outside, online.. things were as per normal. school was the only problem.

the first day of sch after june holidays i didnt go to school... again! number one was that i was nervous.. second was because i was scared.. and so on.. all the rubbish. i knew i couldnt keep running away.. and thats when i decided to PRAY.. WAH.. AMAZING RIGHT?!.. and so i prayed.. for confidence, help, courage etc to go to school and try to interact and turn things around. the most i asked was for guidance.

RIGHT AFTER i finished that SUPERBLY LONG LONG PRAYER.. i didnt feel scared.. i didnt feel nervous. all those stupid baka baka rubbish lousy feelings all disappeared just like that. i didnt feel anything! and it was good! muahahaha. on that day was the day i started doing my o level art! and the layout that i drew ended up being related to the bible. shiok? god's art.

the next day i went to school. meow. :3 and from that day things went the right way. im having lots of fun in school. my sch friends and i are one crazy group of people now. yes! and so that is all i am going to type! meow @W@

*serene

2007-09-21T18:24:00.000+08:00

HELLO!!

All of you must be super stressed with the exception of Mr Phua. All the best for Your promos and don't worry! YOU CAN DO IT!! DO YOUR BEST AND GOD WILL DO THE REST!!

"..I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews13:5

love you all!! =D

2007-08-21T11:29:00.001+08:00

Hey all!
Hope your week has been great despite the exams coming up for most of you. Just wanna encourage you all to press on!!! Exams will always come and go, but God's always there with you. Even before you go into the exam hall He knows the questions that are gonna come out and the answers that you are gonna write. So just commit it to Him and don't worry!

Now on to more admin stuff, I'll be posting some guidelines as to how to do the Prayer for Nations and Life Stories (lame name but HAIYA! Can't think of anything else).

#1: Prayer For Nations

I think this is rather easy to understand by its own name. So basically the assigned person can choose to either choose a nation to pray for OR pray for a current event (for eg. the upcoming Hungry Ghost Festival or South Korean hostages in Afghanistan).

If you're praying for a nation, you'd have to give us some background on the country, cos if you choose some country like Abu Dhabi which hardly anyone knows about it'll be hard for us to pray with passion. So just give a short background like the population, no. of Christians etc. I will not limit your creativity and discretion by giving you strict guidelines!

Praying for current events is rather straightforward, but for the benefit of those like me who hardly read the papers, you'd also need to give a little background.

#2: Life Stories

As for this, you can choose any famous Christian general (not in the military sense!) or even modern day heroes to tell the cell about. Like that day, I did on Jim Elliot, but I would be really glad if you could go further back then the 20th century heroes to perhaps even the 15th C or 16th C, especially during the Reformation period. There's a whole load of interesting info on the people who spearheaded the Reformation, and if someone like me who doesn't like History can be captivated by this, so can you!

However, to keep drilling ourselves with stories about past great men and women will make it seem like an unattainable feat and that is not the point of this. The point is that we can all draw lessons from these people, to learn from their strengths and weaknesses, so that we can have role models, or rather, role model qualities, to imitate.

By modern heroes I mean people today, living now, who have glorified God in their present lives. It can be well-known people like Billy Graham and C.S. Lewis (who by the way, have passed on already), or people know who are being heavily persecuted but still choose Christ, or people who have given up a lot to dedicate their lives to Christ.

After you've told the story, you can bring the cell into a short time of prayer, like perhaps that God willing, we will be like these men and women.

Once again, these are very flexible guidelines which I will allow you guys to bend here and there. Better still if you can break it (with relevance)and come up with something really unconventional! I'm not a very creative person so if you can think of something else or some other way to better convey the message, go ahead and do it! :) Above all, remember that all this is to the glory of God, and for the glory of God . It is to make us aware of the power of God in our lives when we choose to follow Him, and also to encourage us to be better Christians in today's warped world.

-----------

As for the "format" we will perhaps do this twice a month, once the prayer and the following time the life story. We will start on the 9th of September, so the people I assign will have ample time to prepare! Don't see this as a homework or like "i-pray-it-won't-be-me" kinda thing. It'll lose its efficacy if you dread doing it. So I really pray you will all look forward to it!

Till this coming Sunday when I see you, God bless and take care! Remember Norm and I are just a phone call away! :)

perspectives

2007-08-08T15:38:00.000+08:00

Hello all! There are a couple of workshops going to be held on Friday, at St. Andrew's Cathedral.

Session One - 1 to 3 pm
The Code of Life
What secrets does DNA contain for life? Can man break the DNA code? Why do the scientists who discovered the structure think 'the powers held traditionally to be the exclusive property of the gods might one day be ours.'? Can the hidden codes produce life?

Professor Lin Pin Heng is a lecturer from the Fac of Medicine, at the NUS.

Session Two - 3.30 to 5.30pm
Belief in God - Intellectual Suicide?
With the advancement in Mathematics, Science and Technology, is the belief in God intellectual suicide? Can Jesus be born of a virgin? Can water turn into wine? Can the existence of God ever be proven?

Dr Ng Pak Tee is an Assistant Prof at the Policy and Leadership Studies Academic Group at the NIE, where he teaches school leaders, teachers, Master and PhD candidates.

________________________

If you all are interested (I personally think the second one is interesting), please tell me by Thursday! I don't think I can make it but I'll try if I can. It's on Friday, August 10 at St. Andrew's Cathedral-North Transept hall. And it's brought to you free of charge by Singapore Youth for Christ!

Jess

2007-07-20T12:44:00.000+08:00

Dear Christian Friends,

Three days ago, ten Christian converts from Islam in Bangladesh were attacked by Muslims who beat them with bricks and wooden clubs and threatened to burn down their homes if they did not leave their village in 24 hours.

That deadline expired without incident but Muslim fanatics also issued death threats against two leaders of the new converts.

The attack came after 42 men and women from Muslim backgrounds were baptised in a local river on 12 June.

The mob tied men and women up in their homes and seriously wounded them. Several of them required hospital treatment, and one house was destroyed in the attack.

Police rejected the Christians' attempt to file a complaint, and instead threatened to arrest them for "converting Muslims"!

Now these believers feel helpless. They have no food to eat, and in the current situation it is dangerous for aid workers to take provisions to their homes.

Authorities at the mosque banned Christians from using the village well, so now they have to carry water almost half a mile.

A local lawyer reported: "None of them can go out to work for fear of attack. Some are still in hospital. They need food, medicine and protection. They don't know if they will be forced to leave.

"But incredibly, in spite of this pressure, they have not denied their faith."

You can read more details on our website.

Thank God for the faith and perseverance of these dear ones and please pray with us that:

• They will dwell in the shelter of their almighty Father, rest in His shadow and see Him provide for their every need – spiritually and physically

• They will know the comfort of their Lord's Presence so His love will cast out their fear

• They will be strengthened by His Spirit to triumph over their wounds and discouragements and to forgive and love their enemies

• Muslims involved in the attack will be given a gift of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.

And please pray for Muslim-background believers around the world, most of whom face isolation, threats and deprivation for their decision to follow Jesus.

Thank you for praying with us.

Every blessing

– John
Communications Team
____________________________________________________________

Taken from OpenDoors.uk, 29 July 2007

This is the kind of news that would make the headlines in Singapore. It will cause the internet forums to flood, people will demand justice, countries will be locked in conflict trying to solve such humanitarian problems.

But this happened in Bangladesh, where Christianity is a minority religion. This is the place where when such injustice happens, nobody cares.

Our Christian brothers and sisters are heavily persecuted, even denied the most basic of all human needs - food, water, shelter, safety. Yet they persevere so strongly in their faith, knowing that God alone is God, and there can be no other that they will bow to. Because He is worthy.

Psalms 73 perhaps speaks so painfully accurately about the plight of these believers, and perhaps about their cry to God in the midst of suffering and blatant injustice.

1 Surely God is good to Israel,
To those who are pure in heart!
2 But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling,
My steps had almost slipped.
3 For I was envious of the arrogant
As I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no pains in their death,
And their body is fat.
5 They are not in trouble as other men,
Nor are they plagued like mankind.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
The garment of violence covers them.
7 Their eye bulges from fatness;
The imaginations of their heart run riot.
8 They mock and wickedly speak of oppression;
They speak from on high.
9 They have set their mouth against the heavens,
And their tongue parades through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return to this place,
And waters of abundance are drunk by them.
11 They say, "How does God know?
And is there knowledge with the Most High?"
12 Behold, these are the wicked;
And always at ease, they have increased in wealth.
13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
And washed my hands in innocence;
14 For I have been stricken all day long
And chastened every morning.

15 If I had said, "I will speak thus,"
Behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your children.
16 When I pondered to understand this,
It was troublesome in my sight
17 Until I came into the sanctuary of God;
Then I perceived their end.

18 Surely You set them in slippery places;
You cast them down to destruction.
19 How they are destroyed in a moment!
They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors!
20 Like a dream when one awakes,
O Lord, when aroused, You will despise their form.

21 When my heart was embittered
And I was pierced within,
22 Then I was senseless and ignorant;
I was like a beast before You.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You have taken hold of my right hand.
24 With Your counsel You will guide me,
And afterward receive me to glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27 For, behold, those who are far from You will perish;
You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.
28 But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
That I may tell of all Your works.

Jess

Quarrels- A different perspective

2007-07-14T21:25:00.000+08:00

Hi guys! Well, I decided to make a post to keep this Blog going...

The analysis:
A quarrel is a quarrel?? Not quite... I think of quarrels as a game of chess, one which requires us to put some strategy into use.

In Chess, there are 3 commonly found endings:
-Checkmate (an opponent's king is so grilled it(as in the chess piece) cant escape)

-Stalemate (either player cant move any other piece except the king, and moving the king will put it in check)

-Draw (both players decide that playing chess was kind of lame crap when there is something better to do)

In real life, these 3 endings would mean:
-Checkmate:
Perhaps u can call this a bad ending. If you take the view point of the victor, he would probably have fried his opponent real "good". The results would be a temporary or permanent break in friendly relations.

-Stalemate:
The worst "ending", its a point where both parties cant decide on a victor... That'll probably result in a cold war and/or more chess games in the future.

-Draw:
The best but (sometimes) hardest to achieve way of resolving things. Basically both parties decide that quarreling over something wasn't a good idea, and decide to use a different approach to solve matters.

You, They, God, Satan
What are the results that are intended??

You- Checkmate, Draw(perhaps)
They- Checkmate, Draw(not always)
God- Draw (I think... I'm not God you know.)
Satan- Stalemate

I'll only be talking from the view point of God & Satan...
But first, bear in mind that I am neither of them, and this is an analysis

God-
"Why the draw!? He/She was like so unreasonable and...urgh!!" we might say. But did we(assuming in the situation of a quarrel) consider things like "Love your neighbour as you would love yourself", "Forgive and forget"...
When in a quarrel, we should not think of ourselves as always being right (even if we are)... Of course many would say "DUH!!" but do remember that in a quarrel some of us actually lose our ability to analyse the situation fairly.
"Forgive and forget", it isn't easy but we shouldn't give up- another friend is better than another enemy... It isn't that easy to adopt this approach in all situations, but do remember not to stay in a Stalemate position for too long. When in doubt- seek help from someone that you trust, or pray to God for help (He'll never leave you in the lurch)

Satan-
You are right in the first place!... He/She caused the misunderstanding!... Do you want to prove that you are weak if u give up?... You hate him/her!! Fight back (in words)!... Do you fear to lose?.. Are YOU a loser?

Sounds familiar?? Its HIS work... the ever accusing SATAN! In fact, his aim would most probably to drive both parties into a checkmate through a stalemate. If he wins, everyone who plays into his game loses and would have sinned badly.(after which he would point more fingers to all the worldly people in front of God). Would we crumble to his lies?

*I do not wish to incite hatred towards Satan, my intentions are for us to recognise the source of the voices that ring in out minds when we are faced with such a situation.

Well thats all... note that I,You,He,She,We,Us,They are all used as a general point of view, they do not directly refer to anyone. And please dun fry me for this, i just felt driven to write this topic.

CyBeR

2007-06-28T15:04:00.000+08:00

Hello guys! :) Just some announcements I need to make.. FIRST TIME!

for those who didn't come on Sunday (24/6), we did and exercise and I think it's better if everyone participated! Namely, Sam Low, Sam Phua and Tim. Basically what we did is: everyone had a piece of paper with their name on it, so we passed it around and on the paper everyone wrote something good about the person (like talents or abilities that the person has, or if any insightful views, like what ministry the person should join. ONLY good comments, not even the kind that go around the bush to shoot people. In any case, the Jesselyn Censorship Board will always be there to punish evildoers), and so I collected everything back then I'll compile it and put it all in one piece for each person. yup. So, would really appreciate if EVERYONE you went on Sunday would write some stuff for the 3 of them and also Edmund, Jon Li, Darren and Priscilla. And for Sam P and Sam L and Tim, write for everyone! If you need a list it's Amanda, Brit, Cheryl, Van, Serene, Jo, Len, Dino, Jun Qiang, Jon Ho, Norm, Edmund, Jon Li, Darren, Pris. Okay! Then give to me when I see you all at Speedlight this Sunday. And why Speedlight, not cell?

Brings me to my next announcement : NO CELL THIS SUNDAY! for those who weren't here when I told the rest 2 Sundays ago, new Speedlight policy is that every first Sunday of the month no cell wef from July to give CLs a chance to be taken care of as well. So what you guys will be doing this Sunday, is this - since Sue left we haven't given her any form of appreciation, so it'd be good if we could all just come together to do a small booklet for her, compiling all our notes of thanksgiving. And I'll try to find a book for her also. Amanda and someone else of her choice will be in charge!

One last thing, another new policy in Speedlight is that cell teaching will now be based on Speedlight sermons, so I will need you all to come back for Speedlight, for those who have not been going. Sometimes how much we learn from sermons is very dependent on how much we're willing to listen. Listen means to digest, not just hear the word.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
Compared to Pastor Sam, my knowledge of the Bible is very limited, and P. Sam wasn't ordained a pastor based on nothing! No one here I know attends main service or Miracle Service, so if you're only getting your feeding from cell, it might not be adequate, cos as I said, neither of us are as qualified as Pastor Sam. So please start coming, and devoting your time to Speedlight! It's changing, and hopefully we'll all take heart in this change.

Alrightey, any queries feel free to call/message me.

Take care you all!

2007-05-30T16:07:00.000+08:00

Hmm..
Who says life after exams would be happy, carefree or whatever fab adjectives that are appropriate for this time. My gosh. That is so wrong. I am so bored! I miss the days of mugging. LOL. Weird eh? Feel like saying, "I want exams!" but then..don't know..10 things you can do after exams:
1.Watch tv
2.Use the com
3.Go out
4.Play
5.Read

I really can't think of anymore. I just know i am so bored! All these things would lose its freshness after a while. Mymymy,i don't know. Ignore me, i am just bored so i am typing random things.

Ok, i am guessing that the previous post is written by Dino. Just wanna let you know it's part of life. No sweat. Just work harder next time and trust more in God. I guess ultimately it's not really us but God's grace. And priories and time management? trust me, i am even more messed up than you, at least you've identified your problem. Ha. Come on, let's work harder for Os and not dwell on the past. Look forward!

Next, Jesslyn, where are you? I have no idea which part of Macau and oh yay, you are coming back. Yay! You have better miss us. Hope that you have learn some precious stuff there.

erm..ok,i know i am nuts..sorry!

HAHA. Ok back to watching p&p.

van

[I REALLY DIDN'T TAKE ANYBODY'S UMBRELLA. :s Owe up, umbrella stealer and clear my name! ;p ]

Self Reflection

2007-05-20T22:45:00.000+08:00

I've been thinking over this for a long time. i realise that i dont have much courage for many things, that even mysef i think that i have faulted too much, even if i repent i wont be able to keep up my resistance...

i have not done so well for my exams, i have only passed two out of my six subjects, and things are not going so well. i know that i should not make my life full of depressions but the feeling of failure is there, and its already the mid-years. June-July-August-September-October. The only thing thats keeping me away from overcoming my own fear is the fact that only 5 months seperate me from the 'O' level exams had instilled fear and uneasiness in me, even after i close my eyes and fill myself with air to clear my thinking, as well as after the happy moments that i have spent, i laspe back into the mindset that i will not be able to complete my objectives in time. My SS and Geography are the main killers, i can hardly memorize what they really want at all.

I have to say that i have npot been taking myself seriously. I have allowed myself to become overconfident after passing my 'N' levels. Even if i have passed with six points in my best three subjects, i have allowed myself to think that doing well in the 'N' levels is enough, and the time frame between the Ns and Os is still a long way. Neither did i predict that the first 5 months in 2007 will be so fast in my terms, that i wasted my time playing games as well as playing sports that i hardly leave any time for my studies, and more critically, for God.

I have felt myself backsliding these few months. Ever since the start of the year i lost all my time management, as well as my priorities. Although i may put up a front which shows that i still have much faith, many incidents have left me actually shaken in faith, although i try my best to keep myself in God's light. When times are good, i praise Him, when times are bad, i thank Him for allowing it to happen, so as to make me stronger in myself. When i'm with friends, i feel happiness, but when all is over and the day is quiet, i feel failure reaching out to trap me again. Many times have i thought if i'm really into God, i try to get close to Him in my own way, but not the correct way. In the recent months, i felt that i have been a disappointment... i know people who are strong in their faith of God, as well as those who can help, but i always feel myself falling behind, no matter how much i try to deny it, its always haunting inside my thoughts.

I dont know if its demonic attackes or just my own thinking, but i do know after hearing the sermons in church, as well as recalling the meaning to the best of my ability, that the Deciver has something to do with it. Even as i type this, i realise more and more that i have missed, that i have overlooked, things that i should have found out and put down before my life fell into the crisis that i'm experiancing now. I felt distant even from myself, let alone God. I felt that feeling to dwell into the word in some periods of time, but i allow myself to just turn off the lights and sleep. I even realised that i didnt even put in real effort to try and make a comeback. At some times i even found myself frightened by what i have gotten myself into, like not preparing well for exams, not studying at all, falling into temptation which eventually destroys myself in school life.

Before i even started on this text document, i have intended to just uninstall as many things as possible from my com, things that will harm my concentration in things. I also allowed my interests to get the better of me, to allow them to rank first in my priorities instead. Many times at night when i cant sleep i realise that many things which i could do to improve myself, like... studying instead of playing, doing QT instead of tossing and turning around in bed thinking of my past failures. Things have passed, some of which i know is my fault, some of which is indirectly pointed at me, but try as i might to forget them, the Accuser will always form them back into my mind. Examples? many, like not doing so well for my past work, not doing so well in the IE camp for sparklighters, not spreading the Gospel as much as i should, not acheiving stuff which i suposedly could. Even failing to keep God's commandments at times. I even noticed that i ended up blaming myself for such things, feeling powerless to change the outcome. I have told others that whats done is done, but now, who am i to even tell them that when i cant even overcome them myself ?

Just when i feel that i'm all down and out, i finally did a full self-reflection to myself. I clear myself, and finally dawn upon me that i should type this out.

Joshua 1:5-9

No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As i with Moses, so i will be with you.; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Be strong and courageous, because you will leas these people to inherit the land i swore to their forefathers to give them. be strong and courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate in it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Have I not commanded you ? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Amen.

It Is You - Darlene Zschech as performed by Hillsongs Australia

Lamp unto my feet
Light unto my path
It is You
Jesus, it is You

This treasure that I hold
More than finest gold
It is You
Jesus, it is You

With all my heart
With all my soul
I live to worship You and
Praise forever more
Praise forever more
Lord everyday
I need You more
On wings of heaven I will soar
With You
You take my brokenness
Call me to Yourself
There You stand
Healing in Your hands

In His grace we stand

2007-05-12T00:58:00.000+08:00

hello guys! You wouldn't believe how big my eyes opened when I saw the number of posts I missed reading. But yay! Red blood cell is alive!

Amanda: BRAVE *clapclapclap* takes a lot of strength to do what you did! It doesn't mean that things will be rosy posey from now on though, but when it gets rough, you know I'm here for you!

Van: Wah, your post really touched me. Especially since Mothers' day is just round the corner. It really reminded me too of my grandma, who was a non-believer when she passed away, and her life wasn't really good you know. We know all these, yet we still take our parents and grandparents for granted so often. And it's true too, if these people who are so human and therefore imperfect, can love us sooo much, what about our perfect and holy God, who saw us even before the Earth was born, and who created us simply because He loved us?

Sam Low, Cheryl, Tim: Haha, God works in really cute ways eh? =) He's there in the trivialest of things,and thank Him for that! But a point to ponder for ALL of us is that, will/can we still praise Him, when things don't go the way we want them to? How do we give thanks,when all we feel is hurt and disappointment inside?

Dino: I am very AMAZED by your 7-step human-airplane analogy of love. Seriously, I was so amazed I had to make sure that it wasn't kopped from somewhere else. Haha. Did you really come up with this yourself?? If you did it's really good la!

My exams have finally been over, and I've been preparing for my trip next Sunday. So this coming Sunday would be my last week at cell before I disappear for 3 weeks! That aside, I can't begin to express how good God has been to my team. He's taken away all the fear and intimidation we initially felt about the trip, and replaced it with excitement! It's no easy matter for 5 pampered Singaporean kids to be thrown into a land and be made to reach out to people of a virtually different dimension, people from prison, people who don't speak English, people who are born into a culture of broken families, atheism, and gambling. But God has shown us that it is not about us, but about Him, for Him. And when we realize that, and choose to place the burden upon Christ and take upon ourselves His yoke that is easy to bear, we see that wow, God has chosen us lowly, talentless people to tell the Macau people of His glory.

Quoting this book I'm reading, The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges, "faith is merely the hand that receives the gift of God, and God through His Spirit even opens our hand to receive the gift."

It's all about You, Jesus
And all this is for You
For Your glory and Your grace
It's not about me,
As if You should do things my way
You alone are God
And I surrender
To Your Name.

coming clean

2007-05-06T18:42:00.000+08:00

hey guys.. i guess i shuld realli come clean and tell you guys abt my life.. you know, ben has been telling me dat his cell has this life-sharing session thing dat everyone just shares abt his/her life, like personal beliefs ideals history.. and stuff and realli get to know each other.. well. i guess we could try dat =)

anyway.. i guess many of you know i had been involved in a relationship wif a non-Christian. yupp. had is the word.. just broke up last week and i guess i shuld let you ppl know, as my cg members. mmhmm, but im realli realli grateful to God for this, cuz He has realli shown me what He wants. as in i can just come clean and tell the world, including my parents, but when i was in it i felt dat dere was smth bothering me and holding me back from realli giving God my all.

yupp.. so letting you guys know dat im gonna serve Him with my all and dat means channelling this energy into cell.. so u all feel like gg out, feel like chatting anything, call me hor! haha

yupp, if you wanna know more i guess can ask lah, wun type all the details here but i know very clearly dat it was the right thing to do and life will never be the same. well, i guess i need some time to forget him and i'm rather confused abt how to go abt remaining good frens with him. like shuld i contact him often? or give myself and him some time? -shrug- yupp mebbe you all could pray for me in dat area.. okie.. anyways, we were saying smth abt a cell gat this week end right? so please please mag me or post when you're free and ideas please! haha so we could fellowship this coming weekend. i know spa's like coming up this last three weeks but well, it's just spa lah right.. we could study tgthr! haha

2007-04-30T16:52:00.000+08:00

As i laid on my bed, i had a glimpse of God's love. As usual, i'll think of my grandmother, wanting to help her and yet don't know how, unwilling. I told God to just touch her, enveloped her in His love, just hold her in His arms. I told Him i am willing to give all my angels, all my blessings to her if that will make her happy. That's all i wanted. I thought of all the times she took care of me. Never touching english her whole life, she did my english exercises for me when i was p1. it was an awkward process but she did it. I realised how much i love her, so much that i am willing to give my blessings and angels to her. Then it dawned on me, Someone loves us as much. He gave His life for us. Then i asked myself, will i do that for my granmother? It was at the moment, i realised the magnitude of God's love. We know He loves us, but do we really really know? I wonder...

Last night, i laid on my bed once again, this time thinking about my mom. She worked till the wee hours of the night just to go through my chinese with me, to accomodate my timing. An unspeakable love for her filled my heart. I am so afraid of losing her. Again. it's as if God is there, meeting me again. I realised that God looking at a non-believer, a backslidden christian feels searing pain. An undescribable pain that we feel when we lose someone. Only it is deeper, truer, purer.

I asked God why He showed me all these only to realise He is answering my prayer. I asked Him to be more real to me and He put things into perspective. So when we ask God for somthing, do we really mean it?

All for love a Father gave
For only Love could make a way
All for love
the heavens cried
For love was crucified

Oh how many times
have i have i borken Your heart
Still You forgive
If only i ask

Oh how many times
have You heard me pray
Draw near to me

Everything i need is You
My beginning
My forever
Everything i need is You

LEt me sing all for love
I'll join the angel song
Ever holy is the Lord
King of glory
King of all

All for love
A saviour prayed
Abba Father
have Your way
Though they not know what they do
Let the cross draw man to You

van

2007-04-24T22:03:00.000+08:00

Well, got sth to praise God today. Sth also gotta do with Facing The Giants lols.

Its a tuesday, so it means P.E day. 2 weeks ago we had our firswt 2.4km run, and i ended up 10th place with those that ran. i failed by 6 seconds simply by slowing down, sine i had thought that the passing time is 13:20, which was really 14:20. My timing was 14:26.

Today, when i was running the 2/3 round, i felt fatigue overtaking me. Thats the reasoni had not been passing since Sec 1. running the first quarter of the round already sapped me of strength, and i was soon reduced to walking briskly, not that it eased the pain present on my sides.

Reaching the half-point of the 2/3 round, i was soon slowing down to walking, but as i looked up into the sky and gave thanks to God, i remembered - Give Your Best.

With that thought in mind, i realized that, as my mind told God that i will give him my best in the run, i felt strength coming back to me, and the pain easing off. Soon i was back at the speed at which i started off with. Whenever i felt the pain coming back, or the temptation to slow or even stop, i recited the phrase that was mentioned in the movie that we saw last week during cell.

I can show my best, He has already provided the way for me to run, for me to actually pass my run. Cant help but slow during the final half, i even recited what was said in the movie - I aint done yet - and continue my last dash into the finishing place.

Finally, with God's help, i finished with 13:19, passing the timing that i actually thought was the passing mark.

Praise God, he helped me pass, not only the officially NAPFA timing, but the 'timing' that i thought was real from the start.

Dino

The Small Things that God can do For u

2007-04-24T21:05:00.000+08:00

I have seen God working in my life, doing small things that may seem insignificant to some1 else but for me, yes it matters alot.

Ever since i have been taking a bus to school, i have always been worrying about reaching there late, especially since i can only take 1 bus, 39 to school and it takes like 10 mins to come if u missed it. Bus no. 3 is not an option, takes like 30mins to reach, so yup...if i miss a bus i am most likely to panic quite a bit. Juz yesterday I was waiting 4 the bus and guessed what? IT WAS LATE. N the thing about 39 is, its usually crowded to the brim a few stops afetr I got up. But this time, I ended up being 1 of the last to squeeze up the bus. Get the picture? The bus is jerking all the time and taking forever to move on.Thank God however, I was not late, barely reaching on time tho. I was relieved.

Today, something else took place and yes, another bus incident. Tho small and trivial, I see God's presence. I waited for my classmates after PE to change and what not so we could catch a bus back home together. N by the time we got to the bus stop, 39 JUZ LEFT! I was like: argh, i have to take 81, den have to walk, after PE sumemore, since 39 takes 10min, i rather walk in most cases. Consequently I got up 81 wif my classmates and they alighted at White Sands. 81 continued...and guess what I saw? a bus stop full of ppl, so much that I was wondering why. N ahead of the bus stop I saw 39. IT BROKE DOWN!!! If I have gotten up that bus, I would be rather pissed rite now, squeezing wif the crowd for the next bus. But here I was sitting comfortably in 81. I duno abt u but I believe its God working here. Thank God I missed 39! See the difference in missing the bus and not missing it at the appropriate time?

So I do not know how the rest of the week will be like but I do know what we should continue doing, juz like in the movie we watched on sunday, dun fail to give praise even in bad times and God will do wonders in your life. Hope this encourages you guyz.

Sam Low

Romantic-Relationships

2007-04-23T22:36:00.000+08:00

HEY I CAN SIGN IN !!!!!

Well, this'll be me second blog... makes me feel a lil left out i guess :/

anyway, about relationship stuff ? well, there are many stuff to it ie. raging hormones, love bug, whateverinterestyou stuff and idunnowhatthecrap symptoms.. but yeah, alot of couples these days at a young age too, and somemore i've been a victim of its folly before i knew God.. thank Him i gotten over it fast 2 yrs ago.

okay, tim you want to know about how pple kickstart a relationship yes ? well, i've been a crap guy with planes, and have come up with this 'sermon' about how pple can get together like planes... with God as a final victorious destination.

Stage 1

Human - You look at that person, you feel attracted to him/her, why ? cos you feel theres something special with that person yah ? well, nothing wrong with that, its like some natural reaction, but like what the Commandment says, - do not commit adultery, even with your heart - well, know our own limits, and go slow. fast relationships aint gonna work well, unless you get to know the person really well.

Aircraft - There is a ready-made Left and Right wing ready for fitting, cos they are made for one purpose - unity. But if there is even one glitch in the design of the part and pple just weld it together, there'll be a dangerous outcome - failure to achieve flight status. Companies like MCDouglas do check their stuff very well, thats why they are big in the world. If their planes are crap, pple will think them as crap.

[ Each person is a wing, you need to be both good and compatible to each other to work well. You dont have to be identical cos its the left and right wing, then if you rush you may end up screwing about with different wings on each other, or even a screwy aftermath. { imagine a Boeing 747 with F-16 wings -.-" } ]

Stage 2

Human - okay, ask already, going steady ? dunno yet... needs to be a good union of two hearts to one single bond, then there'll be chemistry of C6H12O6 [ Glucose - sweet ] instead of CO [ Carbon Monixide - poison :S ], so, when all is okay with the two of you, go steady into a relationship yeah, but not too early pls..

Aircraft - When the two wings are ready, a suitable chasis is needed to join the two components together. Without a good chasis, the wings are only useful for wakeboarding... so, good union of compatible systems will ensure a good workout of the craft, enabling it to work well, BUT, not for flight, which i would explain soon...

[ A good union of two people is just like a good union of the wings into the bond - aircraft chasis. With all things okay and set to go, we set off in a somewhat unstable thingy which most pple will end up as 'now-what' and thus inviting disaster. ]

Stage 3

Human - Stead liaos ? steady bo.. ? make sure you're all okay leh, some pple actually go into a relationship at mach10 they dont even know what they are looking for or what they want. Usually a couple said 'stead' a few weeks of idling and they ask again 'stead' ? now i tell you in your face THAT SUCKS ! know what you are and balance your life before you go serious !

Aircraft - Gonna fly with two wings ? set, wheres your rear fin stabilizers ? you gonna do hoola-hoops in the air at 400kph ? slowly, add in the rear stabilizers and test. make sure all the flight body is all prepped up and okay, you got your wings, chasis, rear fins and your main outlook is good to go, not to mention the number of closets needed to be built for the designers and technicians.

[ Going steady is simply just the beginning, you cannot jump right into hyper-hiong mode and start spending big bucks at Vivo or Marche without knowing more about that person. Know his/her personality and know them well and incorporate them into your life, but do not become a changed person just for their sake, do not destroy your own personality just for the whimps of another person, learn how to co-exist ! ]

Stage 4

Human - Okay, good relationship, know you pace man, KNOW YOUR PACE ! you cant just go intimate with each other jus after what, 2 weeks ? no way man ! that aint right. Know the other party well, get togerther sometimes with your other priorities on hand, and really work you way when you get the chance, with out compromising your other life-stuff.

Aircraft - 3, 2, 1, Takeoff ! 'Wind Blowing' wheres the engine man ? okay, you need suitable engine for each plane to balance the Thrust:Weight ratio, for good speed and G-turning, as well as good maneuverability. Cant see the logic of putting a Proton-engine into the new F-22 right ? planes are meant for aerial fights, not using it as a new model which fires missile/guns/jamming system, they got tanks for that !

[ Know your pace, thats what i always hear in school. you cant learn moles in sec 1 right ? and you cant learn anti-matter/neutron-acceleration in sec 5 ya ? go slow, theres the world for you. you dont need to fear of another person snatching your precious from you if your stead is as committed to you. Knowing about pace - it was a span of 10 years before a tested plane got into service ! ]

Stage 5

Human - Whats your goal ? wheres your target ? know how to go there ? how you gonna go there ? stupified ? you're all set to proceed on. but, you still need to let your peers know about your relations ! no use keeping it a secret and still letting it get found out in the end right ? let parents know, get advice, then you know better. people talk about power, i talk about experience. Know where you want to go, let your stead know, if its okay, let ya parents know, just dont piss-em too much yeah ?

Aircraft - Should the F/A-18 be a fighter or attacker ? should it be land or carrier based ? Well, decisions... decisions... MCDouglas gotta know what pple want. get the craft ready with all specs all rammed in, and you got a nice beautiful plane ready for take-off. Let the contractors know, some aint gonna be happy, but others will be glad to know that The Hornet will be out to sting people who are 'buay-song' with them hah.

[ You need a way. Pray for a way. Know what you want to be, get the stuff right and ready, then go, tally no longer. Whats worse than a failed plan is no plan. Parents may or will object to you having a fast relationship, mebbe they are right. but do not let mortal judgement control your life. God gave us free will to make decisions that will glorify Him, if you think what you're doing is okay, you can cope, go. Pray for guidance that you wont fall into a drain on the way. ]

Stage 6

Human - Lets go get married ! lol, i dunno why I AM talking about marraige... mebbe cos my eldest bro already have 2 kids ? heh, i'm typing this out for crappy nuts, dont listen to it, but i think its what i think it is. Well, everything is all set, you're going for the BIG EVENT of your life ! dont screw up now, its probably the most important event that you'll ever face in da mortal life yes ? If you two are okay, everything is stabilized, then slowly, know your pace !

Aircraft - Go for your prototype test-run ! Dont screw up ! enough closets are bought by the designers that wedont need closet-designers in the company anymore hah. Fly well, perform beautiful ! know your roles and dont crash ! the first flight for every aircraft is probably its pinnacle in the production status, its the real test after years of hard work for the company. If somthing falls, so will the people.

[ Know your way, marraige is probably the biggest event in life, the only life-changing situation you'll have. Like a test-flight, its your pinnacle. ]

Stage 7

Human - Where we gonna live dear ? if you or the other person cant answer that, good game. A home requires good financial inputs and a balanced financial flow. you need a good sum of cash to get a nice home and all the furniture, then you can settle in. A good life plan is compulsory, like what someone said before - if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. yeah, know yourself, know your partner, and work somthing out.

Aircraft - Okay, lets take this machine to the Atlantic Ocean, we'll be based off a carrier. Planes need a proper home too ! You cant have 100 F-16s being put out in display at Tampines Mall's Nissan Showcase Studio can you ? The plane is ready, bombs and missiles all equipped at the undercarraige and external hardpoints, FLY ! Air Combat Missions also need proper planning as well as payload. You cant expect a what, F-16 to knock out Iraq's nuclear reactor with just a puny machine gun can you ?
Okay, fight in progress, planes armed with 4 MK84 bombs, closing on target... enemy fighters ? whats the plan ? we got no anti-air ! Boom Boom Good Game No Rematch.

[ In life, plans are all around us. Regardless of theme, they all form up a feasible situation that can be changed. Houses are good plans, planes are good plans, even ships are good plans. After you excecute, you need support from others as well as yourself and God. ]

Okay, i'm done... its 10.31PM and i gotta wake and run 2.4 tomorrow... please dont grill me over this in cell group, thanks you guys, God Bless !

Dino

If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable.
Seneca

Catching up!

2007-04-20T21:05:00.001+08:00

Hey pple!

Sorry for not coming last week. School's very hectic now, with lots of ongoing projects and homework. Im surprised we even survived this wk lah!Seriously, my friend termed this wk as International Emo Week. We've had classmates breaking down 1 by 1. So much for the additional year...Ok, so!I have to apologise for not being able to come this wk too. SORRY!! Once the projects are completed, I'll come right away.. Sobs. My weekends are burned. Anyone wanna hold a funeral for my social life?

Anyway, reading tim's post really reminded of God's goodness and i realise i have alot to thank him for:) Thank God for my class. We're top in everything!! haha. 07A1 A Class Above All. So cool right? I have a very supportive group of friends and though life's challenging, we have loads of fun too! Thank God for my econs test results!19/20! Its really God-blessed..:D Im really loving MI alot! So many things happening!!the blood donation drive, CIP day( did u see us in the news? haha!), project runway ( the press's coming down on mon!), sc investiture, debate competitions (in which we beat our class rival) and ProjectEarth Day!etc..On top of hw and projects.. Tiring hah? Thank God for strength and patience throughout this trying time. Honestly, i look back and wonder how i got thru it. Ahhhh!!! I cld go on and on, but to quote tim, i'd be boring u all.

Pls pray for my 2 darling bands. SYF is this coming thurs and i pray they'll do excellently well. Gold for SAC and Gold with Honours for MI. Pray tt somehow i might be able to go? I'll be seeing SAC full dress rehearsal at RGS 2mrw.. Hope they dont let me down..

Ok! take care pple!Im missing you all. Hopefully i can come nxt wk!! In the meantime, love ya! Esp van;)

Cheryl!

A life given, to give life.

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The good shepherd and his dumb (?) sheep

beautiful, scandalous night

Choosing a Path

The Sword of Light

Too much of a coincidence

what's real these days?

Sun Cell Queries

Everything is in His hands

Be Thou My Vision...

A touch from the Lord

I Made A Pact, I'll Not Turn Back.

His song

Whose Strength are you using ?

OUTING!

His grace is sufficient for me.

how bad can you be?

Amazed by the Lord

Lopsided justice?

Awakening Spark

Questions in Cell

the memory span of an Israelite

Watch this!!

Seeking the Light

saved

part 2

Notes on 1 John 2:1-6

How do I know I love You?

Festival Of Praise 2008

SNOW.. & Life

many loves from wherever I am!

Cell Group this Sunday 080608

Something to restart the fire!

Darren's ROM

Division games and fellowship!

Answer the Call

RedBloodCell Forum

to love and be loved

red blood cell on the move! (:(:

My Daddy will take action!

What matters is that He knows us

as promised

Things to highlight..

Speedlight Sermon

Survey

pinky and the brain, one is a genius, the other’s insane.

k refers to the constant

relationships

The RBC BBQ@EastCoast Park!

Thanksgiving

again?!?

i choose You

=]

Time to wake up kiddos..

Report from Ubin, an Overdue Perspective

A Prayer I didnt Say...

notes

Jonah

This is the 50th post! let's celebrate!!!!!

Take good care of yourselves..

*meow*

perspectives

Quarrels- A different perspective

Self Reflection

In His grace we stand

coming clean

The Small Things that God can do For u

Romantic-Relationships

Catching up!

meow