"OF ALL THE COMMANDMENTS, WHICH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT?"

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' - Mark 12:29-30

loving God requires our ALL -
our heart. our soul. our mind. our strength. /our feelings. our emotions. our intellect. our body.

do i love God, really?
- may my ALL show it.

LIKE THE REST, WE WERE BY NATURE OBJECTS OF WRATH

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in trangressions - it is by grace you have been saved. - Ephesians 2:4-5

hallelujah! thank you, God, for Your great love!

i am alive in Christ! so stop acting like i am dead in transgressions!

indeed God gave us the best Christmas present ever... salvation.

thank you for Your grace.

HOW CAN A YOUNG MAN KEEP HIS WAY PURE?

..By living according to your word. (Ps 119:9)

How to not sin? ..By hiding your word in my heart.

I do not want to stray from your commands, let me seek you with all my heart.


I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
- keeping the Lord's commands is reason to celebrate!

let's have some carrots and lesser sticks.

Why - Nicole Nordeman Song

I was very touched by this song. I experienced the fresh touch from the Holy Spirit. I know His Love is so real for me. And I know why, why Jesus had to die. I know why I must Tell the World why Jesus died and still lives...

Let the Power of the blood, destroy all of the lies of the evil one.

Jesus died for You. He knew You before You were even born. He had You in His mind all the time. It was the love for You and Me that He was willing and able to go through the Cross.

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All this took place to fulfill what the Lord has said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" - which means, "God with us." - Matthew 1:22

God endured it all, just to be with us.

He didn't have to do it, He wanted to.

God loves us so much, He would do anything so He could be with us.

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Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor. - Isaiah 55:5

The Story of His Amazing Grace

"The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God who called me here below
Will be for ever mine"

These are the words from the last verse of John Newton's poem that became the famous hymn Amazing Grace. The one that we know more familiarly - "When we've been there ten thousand years..." is actually a change to the song made in 1909. Edwin Excell, a composer of hymns replaced it with a verse from the hymn "Jerusalem, My Happy Home."

How this last stanza is once again featured back in the song is another interesting story to be told. Chirs Tomlin was approached by a friend who was working on the film "Amazing Grace" to do something for the show. The film itself is based on the real-life story of William Wilberforce who as a Member of Parliament, navigated the world of 18th Century backroom politics to end the slave trade in the British Empire. As Chris thought about what to do with a precious song that was already a classic in itself, the Lord led him to write the extra refrain - "My chains are gone, I've been set free..." Hear it for yourself below.

More on the life on John Newton. Though he started out as a captain of a slave trading ship, the Lord came to him one day and he gave his life to Christ, finally, becoming a clergyman (a minister of Christ). It was during this time that he constantly encouraged William Wilberforce in his push to put an end to the slave trade. Watch this to find out more.

What really touched me about this entire story was how the Lord's redemptive purpose for John Newton's life shown through as God used the former slave trader to be an encourager to the person who would subsequently be instrumental in bringing an end to the British slave trade in 1807. As I read more about the history of John Newton and William Wilberforce, I could not but stand amazed before our God who orchestrated the freedom of his people. Indeed, we are greatly blessed to be found within His Amazing Grace. Be blessed by the song.

Find out more about the story of the Amazing Grace here.
Find out more about the movie here.


Joshua Teo

A LACK OF COLOUR

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(10 days to exams.)

Isaiah 48:1
stubbornness. am i?
invoking the God of Israel, but not in truth or righteousness. am i?
what is truth? what is righteousness?
am i truthful? am i righteous? maybe i ought to do some introspection.
have i become stubborn in the name of psuedo-righteousness? worse still - self-righteousness?
hmm. it is time to apply some correction fluid. to make some changes. to die to myself again.

Full Assurance

Want to share a devotion book i was reading. Its a very old moody press book. Compiling readings from Christian Giants such as D.L Moody, Charles Spurgeon, George Mueller, F.B Meyer and the list goes on. This was written by Henry Ironside.

The Unhappy Backslider

Peter speaks of some who through waywardness have gotten so far out of fellowship with God that they have forgotten that they were purged from their old sins. This is a sad state to be in. It is what is commonly called in the old testament "backsliding". "The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways" (Proverbs 14:14). An old preacher I knew as a boy used to say, "Backsliding always begins in the knee." And this is very true indeed. Neglect of prayer will soon dull the keen edge of one's spiritual sensibilities and make is easy for a believer to drift into worldliness and carnalities, as a result of which his soul's eyesight will become dimmed and he will lose the heavenly vision.

Lord i pray that you will draw me close to you each and everyday so that i will not fall into the traps of the world and sour our relationship. Help me always to remember you in everything i do and may my actions and speech be pleasing in your sight.
Amen!

2 Videos about the Rubik

Remember how we were talking about Rubik's cube? Well, here's a great Christmas gift idea. The post is taken off my blog.

Now, don't you think this will make a really cool Christmas present? You could mass make a couple and give it out to all your friends! It would be a great hands-on project to do with that special person of yours too... if you have one, that is. Ha ha. Aside from that, KS, Daniel, Narash, what say you??? Sounds fun doesn't it?

And here's something else - probably the world's fastest attempt to solve the Rubik's Cube.

A quote that I was reading

"I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended."


(Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, born 1918, South African lawyer, statesman and 1993 Nobel Peace Prize winner, from Mandela's inspirational 1994 book, Long Walk to Freedom.)

Relationship and Friendsip

This song from The Fray - How To Save A Life. Sometimes Relationships and friendships are not simple. But what everyone needs is a true FRIEND. There's so much that can go on. But in every relationship there needs to be friendship.

In this song, it say 'how to save a life'. But I reflected on John 15. How a man would lay down His life for His own friend. Jesus gave His life to save OURS...

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Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Soverign and Lord. - Jude 3-4

do i take His grace for granted?
do i use it as a license to sin? "aiya, He's already forgiven me anyway.."
those are not God-given thoughts. they are godless thoughts. they are from the devil.
may i not give in to temptation. may i not give in to sin. may i not cheapen his grace.

Lord, i need Your grace. to make it past the bar. i want to be presented without fault and with great joy. amen.

Oooosh!

I've been going thru a change in my ns life due to my injury. was asking God why did he allow something like that to happen. while i was having cell group last week with zhi hao and george, i was sharing with them abit of my life story and how God changed my life and allowed circumstances to direct me into specific places at different times of my life.
Then i remember Proverbs 16:4

The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil

As i was expounding upon it. i felt the Lord speak to me. God has made everything for its own purpose. The oceans, trees, animals, insects, cockroaches?.... so i was sharing with them. who do you think God loves more... You or the monkey? its rhetoric.

If God has made everything and we are part of that everything then SURELY, it is God's faithful promise to us.


So. what is your purpose?

The Crying Need of the Hour

So the truth is reaffirmed: God has given us prayer because Jesus has given us a mission. We are on this earth to press back the forces of darkness, and we are given access to headquarters by prayer to advance this cause. When we try to turn it into a civilian intercom to increase our conveniences, it stops working, and our faith begins to falter. We have so domesticated prayer that for many of us it is no longer what it was designed to be-a wartime walkie-talkie for the accomplishment of Christ's mission.

We simply must seek for ourselves and for our people a wartime mentality. Otherwise the biblical teaching about the urgency of prayer and the vigilance of prayer and the watching in prayer and the perseverance of prayer and the danger of abandoning prayer will make no sense and find no resonance in our hearts. Until we feel the desperation of a bombing raid or the thrill of a new strategic offensive for the gospel, we will not pray in the spirit of Jesus.

The crying need of the hour is to put the churches on a wartime footing. Mission leaders are crying out, "Where is the church's concept of militancy, of a mighty army willing to suffer, moving ahead with exultant determination to take the world by storm? Where is the risk-taking, the launching out on God alone?" The answer is that it has been swallowed up in a peacetime mentality.

We are a "third soil century." In the parable of the soils, Jesus says that the seed is the Word. He sows his urgent Word of kingdom power. But instead of taking it up as our sword (or bearing fruit), we "are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful" (Mark 4:18-19).

This is why Paul says that all of life is war----every moment. Before we can even engage in the mission of the church, we have to fight against the "the deceitfulness of riches" and "desires for other things." We must fight to cherish the kingdom above all "other things"-that is our first and most constant battle. That is the fight of faith. Then, when we have some experience in that basic battle, we join the fight to commend the kingdom to all the nations.

Let The Nations Be Glad! by John Piper
The Supremacy of God In Missions through Prayer: page 51www.desiringgod.org/

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powerless christians in a dark world - also was i pondering over this matter.
i thought, wouldn't it be cool if today someone could be performing miracles on Moses' scale? why isn't it happening?
has God turned His face from us? or is it us?

But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him. - Exodus 3:19

1. When God wants something done, God will stretch out His mighty hand.
- the problem is not with God; when there are kings of Egypt, God wants to deliver His people.
100% God.

2. When God wants something done, God can use anyone.
- All it takes is a willing man, a man who says, "Here I am."
100% man.

3. When God wants something done, God will be faithful to His vessel.
- Signs and wonders accompanied Moses wherever he went, and he performed some of the greatest miracles known to man.
100% miracle.


ARE there people to be delivered?
WILL I stand in the gap?
AM I willing?

Lord, speak to me. Show me Your heart; send me signs. Here I am, may You lead me to do Your will.
Amen.

^ Man of God

2TIM 3: 1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

There are 2 kind of people stated here : 1. Ungodliness and 2. A form of Godliness without power.
Who are Jannes and Jambres ?
Although they are not identified by name in the Old Testament, Rabbinic tradition holds that Jannes and Jambres were, or were among, the magicians who opposed Moses and Aaron at the time of the Exodus. The tradition would certainly be valid, otherwise Paul, while writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, would not have made it a part of the New Testament record.
Jannes and Jambres obviously had "miraculous" powers, but unlike Moses and Aaron who were empowered by God, the Pharaoh's magicians were fraudulent and/or Satanic.

And the 3rd Kind of person is described : Godliness
2Tim 3:10You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Tim 4:1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word

Yes, a Godly man. Paul is referring to himself. In the end times, there would people groups that would arise. Which one of the people group I am? That's the main question.

Group 1. Ungodliness

Group 2. People claim that there is a God but they actually live their lives as if God does nothing supernatural on the earth and can do nothing outside of natural laws and the works of man. They keep the God of creation in some box in the heavens where He can accomplish nothing in His own creation. Most in religion today have a form of godliness but they live as if God does nothing supernatural. They live as if God can do nothing outside of the efforts of man. Their God is no God at all.

Group 3: Godliness calls forth suffering.


So which one do you want to be?

sobering truth

I was reflecting upon Second Timothy 3. Verse 5 stands out tall.

...holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power.

Have i denied the power of God? denied the power of H.S. ? undermined the importance of prayer?

On monday. my platoon had to go down to this place near my house for a wake. a army fren's mom died from cancer.
it was very interesting as when the family asked for people to attend the service, a few of my non-christian frens joined in. and before the service started, while waiting for the pews to be filled up, the pastor gave out tracts. one of which was entitled. "THE END TIMES"
as i read it. i am absolutely reminded that indeed the end times are coming.

I ask myself what am i doing with my life?

The ministry team training indirectly gave me the answers on how i should be living my life as a Christian even in times like this.

Finally its our WALK that matters most to God.

How is our walk brothers? Let the light pierce through the darkness of our soul and out into the world.

Day 1 Ministry trng

Today Ps Senglee started asking us "Must ALL 144 be able to minister?".
- Isaiah - Yes, all believers are called to be able to minister.

- Mark 16: 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Question here is - Why is it our Christian experience differnt from the scripture? When is the last time you cast out a demon or spoke in new tongues or people recover when you prayed for them....

Darkness exists because the Light is gone.
Who is the light? - Us (The Church)
The problem is that the Light does not shine in the darkness.

2Tim 3
- When is the last days
- Who are these people (who are lawlessness)
- Did you experience the power? - Godliness without power. Poundless christians to Powerful christians.

verse 10 - Appropriate response
verse 12 -
verse 16 - Live by the word only grantee for a POWERFUL Christian life.

The man is able to stand through persecution if you the one whose foundation

John welsey's prayer : May I be mastered be one book - The book of God

Powerless Christians
- Sins; not living by the word
- Strongholds; denying the word
- Seasons; internalizing the word

The question is Are you willing to pay the price - 2Tim 3:10
Outwardly you die, inwardly you produce life to others....

Do you Know Your Saviour?

This was written by Diven Laxman, a friend who is a pastor in East Africa. I got to know him many years ago when he came for one of the first few G12 conferences and was attached to us at the then Zone A (under Pastor Yo) for 6 months I think. I thought it was very insightful and a reminder to check our lives and reflect on how we are living for God. May your hearts be convicted by this.

The wisdom of the world would have us to believe that all the religions of the world are basically the same, that all roads lead to heaven, regardless of what or whom we believe in. But is this true?

Jesus said, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

Acts 4:12 says Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Today, my friends, I must be very blunt. If you do not have Jesus in your heart, you cannot be saved! Without Jesus, there is no Salvation. Period. I'm sorry! But somebody has to love you enough to tell you, and today, I am committed to telling you that truth.

But, you say, Im already a Christian! I was raised in a Christian home. We aren't Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish or Hindu and we go to church on Easter and Christmas, therefore we are Christians!

Did you know the Bible doesn't say anywhere! that you can earn Heaven and eternal life by calling yourself a Christian?

Okay, you answer, but I went to Christian parochial school. I attended Catechism classes (or Sabbath school or Sunday school classes) all my life. I wear a cross (or a St. Christopher) around my neck!

Thats cool, but did you know the Bible doesnt say that you get to go to Heaven and have eternal life by going to church, Catechism, Sabbath or Sunday school classes or by wearing a cross or St. Christopher around your neck?

Well . . . I read the bible and I pray everyday!

Im really glad you do! And since you do, you will already know that the Bible doesnt say you can get to Heaven and have eternal life through prayer and Bible study alone!

Okay. But I love God!

Thats terrific. But did you know that the 19 terrorists who flew the airplanes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, also said they loved God?

Did you know that the Bible doesnt say anything about getting to Heaven and obtaining eternal life through your love for God alone?

But someone told me once that if I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, I can go to Heaven and have eternal life.

May I again be blunt? The Bible says that even DEMONS believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God (James 2:19), and that SATAN himself believes Jesus is the Son of God! The Bible says that Jesus has prepared an eternal lake of fire for the devil and his angels (Matt 25:41)! Their belief in Jesus certainly isnt going to bring them eternal life in Heaven!

But I have kept all of the Ten Commandments my entire life!

That's great! But did you know the Bible doesnt say that keeping the Ten Commandments will earn you eternal life? My friends, it simply isnt in the Book!

Lets consider the story of Nicodemus for a moment. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a strict observer of the law. He memorized the Scripture, sang the Scripture and taught from the Word of God in the Synagogue every Sabbath. One would have thought that when Nicodemus came to Jesus, the Lord would have patted him on the back and said, Well done, Nick! Heaven awaits you!

But that isn't what the Lord said to Nicodemus at all. Instead, He tells Nicodemus that unless he is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.

He told Nicodemus, YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN (John 3:3). What does this mean to you? It means you must be born again to go to heaven and have eternal life!

So what does it mean to be born again?

It means that you must give Jesus all of your heart and all of your life. Its that simple! If you have never done so, then you are not saved. (Again, Im sorry! But somebody has to love you enough to tell you.)

From the Genesis 1:1 to the maps at the back of the Book, the Word of God never changes! You must give God all of your heart and all of your life. This means Jesus must be the Lord of your life. It means that you make Him your Boss! If you have never made Him Boss of your life, then you are not saved. It is that simple.

But I prayed that Salvation prayer at a Billy Graham Crusade (or a Harvest Crusade)! I answered an altar call at my church once!

Thats great! But did your life follow the prayer?

Did you know that the Bible doesnt say anywhere that praying a prayer will get you to Heaven?

Sure, the prayer is important, but did you give Him all of your heart and all of your life when you prayed the prayer? Did you make Him Boss of your life? Or was it just some sort of fire insurance that gave you confidence to live your life as you pleased without the fear of going to hell?

Can I tell you something? It simply doesn't work that way. It is an ALL or NOTHING relationship with God. Either you give Him all of you heart and all of your life, and you make Him Boss over your life, or you're NOT saved! (And somebody must love you enough to tell you the truth.)

My friends, now is the time to check up on yourselves! Today is YOUR day of Salvation. In just a moment, Im going to give you the opportunity to become right with God, to give Him all of your heart and all of your life, and to obtain the assurance of life eternal in Heaven.

And just who should respond to this call?

Let me answer by asking you some questions:

Have you ever given Jesus all of your heart and all of your life? If not, then today is your day of Salvation!

Have you ever made Jesus the Boss of your life? If not, then today is your day of Salvation!

Have you been living your life for yourself and not for Jesus? If so, then today is your day of Salvation!

Have you been running from God instead of to God? If so, then today is your day of Salvation!

Do you have Jesus in your head instead of your heart? If so, then today is your day of Salvation!

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Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. - Hebrews 5:13

spiritual infants cannot tell right from wrong, or good from evil.
they lack discernment due to their inexperience, or lack of constant use.

WHAT is discernment? - knowing good from evil.
WHO is discerning? - the spiritually mature.
HOW to be discerning? - through constant use.

DOES anyone want to be discerning? - we have to start with constant applications of discernment. it is a growing process. and we cannot discern well unless we rely on God's wisdom. which calls for a close walk with Him.

so let us grow in the Lord and in discernment.
and for goodness' sake, respect the discernment of our spiritual leaders, for most of the time, they are indeed right.

Who is God looking at?

Psalms 34: 18-19

"But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine"

Indeed. God is looking out specially for people who fear him and who do not put their hope in the things of the world. but puts their hope in his unfailing love.

I ask myself after reading these verses. Do i really fear God? in what way am i showing that? and what do i put my hope in? do i rely on my own strength?

Pray that the word of God will take root and go deep in my heart and well as yours dear brothers!

CHiong ah!!

blessing continously

This 100k challenge has really set me thinking about the motivation to bless others. I thank God that we had this whole 100k campaign. I felt on hindsight this has been a WAKE UP CALL for me. Wakie Wakie. What is my motivation behind blessing others. Shall it be not just hitting the targets set before us. But the right spirit is truly truly one of blessing others.

I was reading Matt 25:40 and reflecting. I found that the Righteous and Cursed asked the same questions - They didn't know as to WHY they were either being rewarded or punished. And secondly the bigger question - HOW was Jesus involved in this?

Firstly, I believe the Lord is asking me 'when I am in the capacity of being able to bless another person, did I?
Second is that of seeing. Both the righteous and the cursed didnt know when did they see the Lord. I see it as an issue of pespective. Do we see others who needs a blessing or do we shut our eyes to them? Jesus puts it that the act of blessing to others is like worship unto Him.
Lastly, the question is what am I doing about it? I must continue blessing others.


Matthew 25: 31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

I BELIEVE THOSE WERE MOUSE DROPPINGS

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Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked? - Ecclesiastes 7:13

do not try to change what you cannot.
who are we to challenge God's working? if it has been done, then so be it.
no point in whining or complaining, instead we should ask ourselves
why did it turn out that way?
God cannot be wrong, it must have been us.

therefore,
BE CONTENT. and maximise your happiness.
BE AWARE. and realise your mistakes.

Jesus Loves Me This I Know

I was just thinking about during the week while on the rooftop in camp just worshiping along with my guitar. and this song came to my mind. so i was stun when we sang it for cell group.

And Psalms 139 is a passage of scripture that always reaffirms that.

How it talks about us not being able to run away from His presence. And how he formed us right before we knew we existed. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. as i thought about it. we always recite that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. but wad exactly does it mean that we are fearfully made? hmm. mum mum for thought.

I end with the last part of the Psalm which is a prayer:

Search me O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there are any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.

We are all a chunk of clay that needs to be shaped into something beautiful. and without the potter we are just spinning lump going round and round.
May he search all our hearts today!

Amen.

PANDEMONIUM NOW

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Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name. - Malachi 3:16

many today neglect the reality of God. even while acknowledging His existence, they conveniently chuck Him away, supposing they can live their lives without Him, and apparently so - they seem to be doing ok.. or are they?

does fearing the Lord these days have any worth? it may seem a futile effort, but do not despair, for the Lord hears and the Lord remembers those who fear and honour His name.

am i fearing the Lord? - be righteous
am i honouring his name? - be excellent


for a true son fears and honours his father.

TRY HARDER FASHION IS FUTILITY

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He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. - Isaiah 53:2

flesh is contrary to the spirit.

what really matters in life? it definitely isn't about beauty. or dressing up.
not that we have to dress down, we just shouldn't be too concerned over it.

am i chasing after the right things?
am i placing importance on things that matter?

why are we so caught up with ourselves?
the pride of life chucks the reality of God away into a corner, forgotten.

may i cling to the things that matter. worldy things are peripheral. they are but temporary possessions.

WITH MUCH APLOMB I VERILY SUBMIT

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Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron's staff swallowed up their staffs. - Exodus 7:12

the world has cheap imitations, and lo - some of them work!
but do not be deceived, for the genuine work is superior.


am i intimidated?
maybe the pressure in NUS is high. everyone's so hardworking. why are they so driven?

should i be intimidated?
maybe i could succumb to peer pressure and be extra studious, but i don't think that's the way i was built. study i still should - but with God - and by faith, the results shall be excellent.

will i be intimidated?
by all means, no. God's agenda is number one. a degree pales in comparison. the idea of reward through hard work just doesn't cut it for me, because i believe in a God of the impossible.

exercise

during my exercise last week i managed to have time to take out the gideon bible from my sbo and read for a little while!
so while in prone position i read psalms 66.

it declares:

"Shout with joy to God, all the earth!...

verse 9. he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance."

I really thank the Lord for that word he impressed upon my heart. i felt this was the best exercise so far. the weather was really really miraculous and i testify to God's graciousness towards me throughout this exercise.
indeed He is our fortress and refuge and tho he brings us into hardships but He in his awesome might will show us the way. and we emerge STRONGER!


Amen.

STICKS AND STONES CAN BREAK MY BONES BUT WORDS THEY SURELY KILL

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But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. - James 3:17

Godly wisdom is qualified by such.
lots of attributes. lots and lots of it. it would take forever to ponder through each of them.
that is why Godly wisdom must come from God. man cannot attain it himself.
but it requires a Godly man.
Solomon asked for wisdom, above all things.
won't i, too?
i could use a little Godly wisdom now.
please, God, thank You.

Friend of God

Many people know/heard of this song.

" I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend"

But how many people actually knows how big a deal this is? Actually, this is one of those songs that I would need to think further before singing because of the immense implications that I declare when I sing it.

To begin with, when one says "I am a friend of so and so", immediately a few things must be true for this statement to be true. A very broad definition of friend is someone whom you know, likes and trusts, and probably enjoy each other's company. Furthermore, declaring each other as friends immediately brings one to the same level as each other. Declaring "I am a friend of God" simply means that I am on the same level / talking terms as God! I cannot emphasize how great a deal this is!!

However, is it true that every believer is a friend of God ? Last I read or from what I know, God only ever declares Abraham to be His friend in Isaiah 41:8, and James 2:23. Of course other good guys like Noah, Moses (who happens to be on direct talking terms) and Job are surely friends of God as well, just not recorded only. Anyway the key question here is, what does it mean to be a friend of God?

And this is what Jesus says in John 15:9~17 (emphasis mine)

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other."

And this is what I learnt:

God calls me His friend if:

1. I do what He commands
2. I remain in His love (since obeying His commands = remaining in His love)
3. Love each other as He loved us. (This is a command!)
4. I know and is deeply involved in His business

Furthermore, God is the one who calls me friend, not the other way round. (I am chosen!)

The double emphasis of the command "Love each other" must be very high up in God's heart and so this shall be my application. Obey Him and to love each other as He has loved us.

Truly, will I be His friend.

WHAT WENT WRONG WHERE WHEN HOW WHY

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As has just been said: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." - Hebrews 3:15

do i want to hear the voice of the Lord?
then am i willing to obey? or is my heart hardened?

A SOFT HEART is a heart that:
is open to challenge. - let God offend my mind.
is willing to change. - let go of my stubbornness.
is ready to act. - i will be a doer after i hear.

speak to me, Lord.

WATCH THE WORLD TURN ON

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When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. - Hebrews 9:11

Christ was perfect. blameless. even by perfect standards.

how much so will the blood of Christ cleanse our consciences, so that we may serve the living God!

NOTHING ABSOLUTE

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They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will be an unclean thing. Their silver and gold will not be able to save them in the day of the Lord's wrath. They will not satisfy their hunger or fill their stomachs with it, for it has made them stumble into sin. - Ezekiel 7:19

everyone desires to be rich. nothing wrong with that.
but sometimes riches causes us to stumble into sin.

sometimes,
riches seem to solve our problems;
- we turn less to God.

riches seem to empower us;
- we rely less on God.

riches seem to give us joy;
- we seek less of God.

} riches lower our dependence on God.


an intended blessing could cripple us if we let it disillusion us.
come back to the fact that God is LORD of all.

A Time for Everything

Lord, what TIME is it in my life now? I guess Time never waits for anyone. Its either you seize the moment or it just passes you by. From one time to another time, its called a Transition. I can be caught up in time. Thats when i become a slave in time. 'Oh no, i dont have enough time.' Become a Master of your time. Jesus never said he was too busy. He effectively managed it.

Lord, give me wisdom on how I should spend my time.


Ecclesiastes 3

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Rest

So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience.

Hebrews 4:9~11

Rest. It is something that almost everyone I know wanted. Everyone is seemingly always tired. I know I am. Many of us so often tried to find rest by sleeping more, hanging loose with friends, watch tv and even play computer games, and yet we do not find rest. So what can we do about it?

The bible tells us in Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. What does it mean to come to Jesus for rest? How to rest?

Well, it is interesting what this passage in Hebrews had to say about rest.

Hebrews 3 mentioned that God's wrath with the israelites' disobedience and unbelief caused them unable to enter His rest. Similarly, God warns us in Hebrews 4:1 that while a promise of entering His rest is true for us, we should fear that we may come short of it. Rest comes only with faith and obedience.

Later on in the passage, our rest is likened to how God, Himself rested on the 7th day after finishing His works of creation. Furthermore, we are to be diligent in entering that rest, lest we also fall away like the Israelites due to disobedience.

hmmm...so how? what then is rest? Is rest just the recovery from bodily fatigue or does it entails something more than that?

well...

Rest is a geographical blessing in the land of Canaan during the old testament times where there is permanence and security.

Rest is the end goal of creation, since God Himself rested on the 7th day, and is promises us that we too can enter into His rest, even from Joshua's time till now. By faith and obedience of course.

Rest is absence of work.

Rest requires effort and diligence to enter into. Not hardening your hearts, and with faith and obedience.

In this light, I think true rest is spiritual rest in our souls, where we believe God in faith that Jesus has taken away our restlessness due to sin. In Him, we can truly rest from worries from work, struggles knowing that there is eternal rest in heaven.

Be rested my dear brothers, physically and spiritually. =)

A Promise

Romans 10:11-13 (New American Standard Bible)11For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED."

I so often have said that I have been disappointed. Disappointed because of people, of how things work out, of other situations I cant control. But this simple scripture points me to WHOM I put my trust in?
Then comes the next part, WILL NOT BE. Easy to understand. In other words, will never be disappointed. Wow! Its an absolute statement that applies to whoever.

1. In Him - Promiser
2. Will not be - Promise

In the Amplified version it says, 11 The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed.

Why do I feel disappointed? Another way to ask the question is: Whom did I put my trust in? Is it on myself or people or what???!

I want to believe and live this out in my life.

Growing Up

2 weeks ago, part of our G-12 meeting was to go down to ‘visit’ our brothers who were in star encounter. However, when we finally arrived at our destination, pasted on the 2 sides of the door of TESS hall with font size 99 were these words
‘NO ENTRY FOR VISITORS OR LEADERS’
As good Christians who submit to authority, Wei Peng, Miah, Nicholas and I walked around Marine Parade in search of some ‘exciting’ activity (LAN game, Pool) while waiting for the encounter session to end.

As we walked past some of the popular hang out areas (Macdonalds, Parkway builders, dolphin pool hall, roxy, parkway parade) Nicholas and Jeremiah were orientating Wei Peng ‘This was the place we were hanging out when we escaped from cell group last time’ ‘This was the LAN shop where Joshua and Narash came in and caught us red-handed, we had no where to hide!’ ‘This was the coffee shop table where we always got our lectures.’

I saw Nicholas and Jeremiah giggled and laughed in reminiscence of the past. Not because it was ‘fun’ and a cool thing to do! but looking back, they were glad because they have ‘grown up’ physically and spiritually definitely. I hope you're glad that you're not the same person as before too! Remember what Joshua said in our previous meeting. 'If we remain as the same person as before, not only have we backslided, we have wasted the journey that GOD has brought us through!'

Well back to the guys.
Yes, many a times it was hard, frustrating and painful in gathering these ‘punks’ But because You (Joshua, Luke, Narash) never gave up on them, they’re learning, growing in the LORD and loving Jesus today.

What does it mean for us then? Press in for your sheeps no matter the cost, the pain and the time! Remember, God’s heartbeat is the transformation our lives and their lives!

‘I see a generation
Rising up to take the place
With selfless faith, with selfless faith’

‘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’ – lyrics ‘Hosanna’- All of the above

his love endures forever

another well-loved psalm of mine would be psalms 136.

so every morning i make it a point after coming back from breakfast to read the word of God or just take my guitar and go to the roof top in camp and have a time of solitude. psychologists says 6 weeks is the time needed to make something a habit so im really trying my best to be strict about this time with the lord.

anw if there is any psalm that you would consider cheong hey ( 'naggy' ) in that sense. it would have to be this.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever...


Now it rings bells isn't it and i bet a song is playing in your head right now.
this psalm is an awesome expression of God's undying promise to us! that no matter what! His love endures forever.
i used to think that God in the old testament is more of an just, disciplinary God compared to the new testament.

but this psalms hits home the truth. that God's love for his people, for us is still the same.


yesterday

today

forever



Charles
P/S: be praying for me that even as i go back to camp and suffer for another 7weeks that the Lord will strengthen me and keep me safe from harm and that i will be that salt and light to the people around me.

love you guys.

Of Forgiveness

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord. On the contrary:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

- Romans 12:17-21


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


Recently I felt betrayed by a friend of mine.
I was utterly disappointed and angry with him.
My blood was boiling.

But

I decided to make peace with him by talking things out.
It went well... on the surface.
But deep inside there is still anger.
The forgiveness wasn't genuine.
It started not to feel right.

But.

Jesus forgives us.
We can forgive because Jesus first forgives us.
I prayed and forgiven him.
I felt released from the resentment I had.

Thank you Jesus for your love.

FURRY LITTLE BUGS

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My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. - Job 23:11

being righteous is an intentional effort.

it means keeping up with the Lord's pace and His standards.
FOLLOW: our walk with the Lord gives us PACING.
do not go our own way, at our own pace. the Lord is the leader; we follow.

it means focusing on the Lord's direction and not being distracted.
FOCUS: our eyes on the Lord gives us DIRECTION.
do not be distracted by worldy things. the Lord is the only good thing worth focusing on.

Earth shakes

Matthew 24:6-8
6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains.9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.

Mark 13:7-9
7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
9"You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.

Luke 21:10-12
10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
12"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.

Currently are we experiencing the birthpains? A good question to good think about but not to dwell on it.
A great question to think about - If Being a Christian were a crime, would there be enough evidence in your life to convict you?!

1King 19:11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.

Everyone is caught up in the tremors of this world but what is Lord saying... Have you sat down to hear Him today?

AYE BE SEE AXE WHY ZEE

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But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation - if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. - Colossians 1:22-23a

because of Jesus' death,
we are now holy in God's sight. without imperfection. free from accusation.

but there is a condition.
all that is only possible.. IF:

we continue in our faith
press on in our faith in Jesus Christ. faith in that it was all finished on the Cross.
do not give up and harbour doubt.
be simple.

established and firm
mature and deeply rooted in Christ. a growing and deep relationship with our Father.
do not be superficial, blown about by the wind.
be steadfast.

not moved from the hope held out in the gospel
undaunted, clinging on to the hope of the gospel. never say die. unwavering hopefulness.
do not lose hope, for the gospel promises.
be sure.

My Skydive Experience in Sydney

1. The prep phase - Key to the experience. Strap yourself and learn the key moves. One of the move is called " Do the banana".

2. The take off phase - Having all the mixed emotions as the plane was rising higher and higher. But the path was being laid for the experience itself.

3. The Leap off phase - Red - Yellow- GREEN. Single mindedly getting ready to jump off to a totally new experience. The only way to taste it. Open your eyes and ENjoy...

4. The Freefall phase - AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Heart in my mouth. Clouds beneath my legs. I am flying without wings. I am falling actually. When is it going to end. The wind is uncomfortably rushing at my face. Oh ya the parachute! I trust it would open. Well, its a beautiful sight anyway.

5. The Open Parachute phase - What a relieve, it opened. But the gravity is still pulling me down. Lets go to our landing phase. More time to enjoy the scenery.

6. The Landing phase - It would nice and smooth with the proper posture and catching the right wind. Phew! Awesome. Will I do that again?! hmmmm to be answered again.

Clarence's and My (Generalised) reflection:

- Every Cause requires a Cost.

- The Cost can deter you from the Course.

- But the Cause can bring you through the Cost and Complete the Course.

- Conviction to the Cause or Calling is very impt.

Carrot or Stick

2John1: 8 Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.

Reward has to be earned.
The word rewarded fully also means can be rewarded partially or no rewards.

2Cor5: 8We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

This is definately speaking to the Believers. "for things done while in the body" emphasizes that Paul is talking to the believers. Yes, Jesus will judge us. Not our Sins. Then what.....

Judgement/ Decision - Outcome resulting from an investigation.
A decision which would result in Reward / Loss.

Heb 6: 1Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And God permitting, we will do so.

And these Eternal decisions will stand forever. The way we live as believers will determine how we will spend eternity.

Believers are Judged:
1. Our involvement in building the kingdom of God
2. How are built individual lives

God wants to reward us. The only thing we can take with us is the people and not material things.

Matt 25:14-28
The story of 3 servants and what they did with the talents they were given.
Servant A: 5 talents ------ 10 talents
Servant B: 2 talents ------ 4 talents
Servant C: 1 talent ----- 1 talent
"talents" is interpreted as gifts.
~ And both servant A and B were equally rewarded.

Luke 19:11-27
The story of the Minas whereby each Servant (10) was given 1 mina to start out with.
Servant A multipies it to 10 minas ----- 10 cities
Servant B mutiplies it to 5 minas ----- 5 cities
And minas were taken away from those who didnt multiply. And were punished.
~ In this story the servants were not rewarded equally.

2Peter 1: 2Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
The key word is through...
What does Grace do: God empowers us to do beyond what we can do.
More Grace means: More than what you can do.
Through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord - Relational relationship. That is why we need to do QT, pray and spend time in solitude with him.
Proverbs 9: 10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. "

Therefore we can multiply through the Grace of God. And there 3 ways we can multiply ourselves to build the kingdom of God and people's lives.

1. Through Giving
2Cor 8: 1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
2Cor 9: 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

2. Through Partnership
Luke16: 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
Phil 4: 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.

"your account" is referring to the account to Jesus. Yes, you can impact more lives by partnership.

3. Through Prayer
Yes, praying for the Leaders/ Pastors / Evangelical Events / Reach outs... Just by praying, you are building His Kingdom.

4. Through Serving in Ministries
1Sam 30: 24 Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike." 25 David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.

Anyone who is a part of a team will get the same reward. Meaning every life that is saved is credited to everyone on the team, not just the Pastor/ Preacher. You have touched the same number of lives as the Preacher that preaches even as you serve Him in any small way.

- John bevere

HAVE THEY THEIR RELIGIONS

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Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. - James 3:13

HOW do u spot a wise man?
it is by the good deeds he has done in humility.

wisdom produces humility;
humility is demonstrated through humble deeds;
humble deeds exemplify a good life.


on DEEDS
again and again it is shown Biblically that genuinity is demonstrated by deeds.
if you truly were, it would show.
actions speak louder than words.

on BEING
why do deeds? it is to mould us into the Christ-like beings that God desires.
we need to move one step further than just doing Christ-like things - we need to become Christ-like.
focus on the BEing rather than the DOing.

on DEEDS and BEING
why do deeds? simply because we only learn when we try.
we cannot start BEing unless we start DOing.


want to BE wise?
maybe we should start by being humble.

AMAZING GRACE

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God is a God of second chances.
in fact, i think His chances are limitless.

on Sunday, i was running late for a lunch appointment, and to further my dismay, i saw my bus (no. 24) pulling out of the bus stop just as i was walking out of my gate. i thought, die, i'm going to be super late, as no. 24 doesn't come very frequently. and to my surprise, right at that moment, a second bus 24 pulled into the bus bay. WOW! that doesn't happen everyday! a miracle, in my opinion.

today, i didn't do my assignment, and i was filled with dread as i went for tutorial. in class, i tried asking the tutor if i could hand it in at the end of the day, and she said that she would have to mark it as a late submission. i didn't know what that meant, but i was prepared to get low grades for it anyway, as i had no excuse for being late. but during class, she called me over and told me why not i submit the next individual assignment for grading instead? WOW! that lit my whole face up - it was a second chance!

The next generation!

Palsms 45:16-17
Instead of the Fathers, its the sons

Its about the father building the generations that supersedes them.

Predictability Unpredictable
Father- established, knowing, proven and tried
Son - Unestablished, unknown

To have a commitment to the unpredictable.

There were 2 pastors - 1 of the son had exploded the father's ministry and the other was trying hard to keep going.

Jesus was random (unpredictable)
John 4- A Jew speaking to a Samaritan lady! How was moving into the unknown. Jesus was always talking about the practical stories Through the parables he told- Jesus challenged it towards the unpredictable.

Some areas we need to be Predictable
-Loyalty is not skin-deep
Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. - We cant have everybody as a friend. And therefore Loyalty should be predictable.

- Reliability
The people are gracing by us by being there in Time for the service,
'Time of service' - Punctuality expected and must be followed through. It for the start and the End.

-Believe
i know i believe i am persuaded i am committed- says Paul

-Creditability
Living by your own conscious. Very impt as a leader...

-Commitment
Not only Good starters but GOOD finishers as well.
You are built for great things!

- Vision
Commitment to vision is impt. You know what happens when there is no vision.

Predictability is your enemy therefore commit yourselves to unpredictability such as:

- Spontaneity
Too much predictability becomes your enemy

- Surprise
Some people hate surprises becoz their comfort is rattled
Don't like surprises becoz they want to be in control

-Innovation brings life
Go into the untried and unproven

- Creativity
Being artistic and being creative aren't the same things

We come from our fathers. We honor them. We acknowledge their wisdom.
But dont take things back to the fathers.

- Influence
Don't get influenced by the daily things that is always done before.

- Challenge the structure.
Message is scared but the method must change.
Word of God never changes.
Move things towards the sons. there would be freshness, fresh life, newness..

-Empowering the generation (2Nd phase)
Not setting up the new generation to win. letting go is the harder part.
the idea is one of building princes.

-Experiences cant be our master
We overate experiences.
Experiences and wisdom aren't necessarily the same things.

- Textbooks cant build churches
Some people are always looking for the next book.
Let readers be readers of life of people
Books have to be a servant.

- Structure and Programs
Keep the structure under the surface. Not that its not impt.
We need a certain order so that everything runs.
But must understand which should be the master and servant.

-Culture
Who put culture in charge.
EX: Denmark's culture - Is one that tells its people Not to stand out.
It will stop them from doing what which is unpredictable.
Hey culture has its limitations

-Heritage/ backgrounds
Nv allow heritage to bound you.
Be more loyal to your father than the past
Unpredictability - makes history . Yes, we do learn from history
Predictability - Serves history and repeats history


We honor father. Children must obey parents.
My loyalty is to the father outweighs the loyalty to the father's pasts.

Transformed lives- 'George of the Jungle'

Last Sunday during praise and worship, I caught a glimpse of George praying for Zhi hao and ministering to him at the side of my eyes. That scene was just magnificent, I felt so touched and encouraged. I caught the heartbeat of GOD there and then. Transformed lives. Yes, GOD is looking for transformed lives.

I saw how real GOD was in leading George into our tribe.

1. George Mum hunted for ‘Me’ (tuition teacher) on newspaper.
2. I realized we share a similar background, migrated from Hongkong
3. George and I share the same Birthday!!!!
4. George’s Dad was actually my father’s JC classmate in their JC days!!!

All these WOW coincidence aside. The biggest WOW factor is that beyond these coincidences, GOD blessed us with George, not as a coincidence, but He chose him. I could only say that GOD was at work. Yes! My friends, keep reaching out and testify GOD’s goodness to allow HIM to transform lives.

Lastly I believe all of us have developed that ‘culture’ in always being a blessing. No one taught George how to pray during service. I believe he just simply caught it from some of us, and exercised that faith to be a blessing in ministering to people. George, I pray that you’ll rise up to be a man after GOD’s very own heart and allow him to mould you and refine you to become all he wants you to be!

ALL CREATION POINTS TO A CREATOR

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The angel said to those who were standing before him, "Take off his filthy clothes." Then he said to Joshua, "See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you." - Zechariah 3:4

SOMEHOW SOMEWHERE SOMEONE IS WAITING TO EAT YOU UP

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Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence - continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. - Philippians 2:12-1

in our leader's absence, what are we to do?
work out our salvation? what does that mean?
and why?


WHAT
working out our salvation. means getting to know God better. means deepening our relationship with Him. means developing our walk with Him. means learning how to live as a Christian. it is a lifelong effort.

with fear and trembling. means we need to take it seriously. means we cannot be flippant about our relationship with God; our salvation. it is a dedicated effort.


WHY
for God to act through us. it requires our willingness. to want to know Him better. to want to do His will instead of ours. to want to handle His purposes seriously. it requires a surrendered posture.


lifelong; dedicated; surrendered. to accomplish God's good purposes.
WILL we still be that way in our leader's absence?
may it be all the more.