1. The need to listen to the voice of GOD and the consequences of wanting your own way.
Remember the game we played in the field when all of us were blindfolded and had to run from one end to the other end of the field? The only thing that guides our way is the voice of the partner, that’s all we have, nothing less, nothing more.
I witness a very interesting learning that happened to Wei Peng, it was kind of hilarious, but beyond that it lies a vitally important truth.
Wei Peng was running faster then his ‘Voice’ and the ‘Voice’ was chasing after him shouting ‘STOP! STOP! STOP!’ somehow, I’m not sure if he chose to ignore it or he couldn’t hear the ‘Voice,’ He kept running and running and BANG! He hit his head right on the grill of the gate!!! Ouch!
My friends, lets learn to listen and follow the voice of GOD. Wanting things our way hurts GOD because that’s sin, and more than that, it hurts us when we are left to face the consequences of our ‘Own ways’
2. The family is around when someone falls
The campfire finale when one spark was passed on to light up the whole tribe’s individual candle was a magnificent sight wasn’t it? Somehow, the strong winds were blowing and hard as we try to guard the flame from being extinguished, some of our flames did. . The moment when mine went off, I felt as if my effectiveness of shining was gone. But thank GOD for the many lights from my family members, they re-kindled the candle light by passing their flame to me. Yes my family will be there to pick me up when I fall.
3. Our pastors Up lah!
As we were approaching the closure of the camp, I was like ‘huh’ and ‘How does celebrating Ps Joe’s dad’s birthday got to do with us?’ But when I finally saw how far our pastors went to bring across the message to us about honoring and respecting our parents, I was like “Respect and salutes.” They don’t have to do that, but they leave aside any reasons of trouble or fear that we will make noise to show us how we should respect our parents. That really showed me to go all the way to seize the opportunity to want to impart my lives to others. Thank GOD for our pastors who seize every opportunity to want to teach us!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
The Prayer
hey brothers.. just wanted to share this with u guys... on my way back from Taiwan on Monday, God put me in between two interesting characters on my return flight to Singapore. Initially I was disappointed to not be able to sit with either Joshua Lau/Chong or Angus and Camy.. but I believe God put them next to me for a reason.. the man on my left was a taoist "Tao Zhang".. not exactly sure what role that is.. but he's someone who does work in the temple.. and on my right was an old retired doctor from Taiwan.. a Christian man with lots to say! I was intending to just sleep my flight home but Doctor Lee wouldn't stop chatting with me.. which was good as well... because amongst other trivial things, we talked about the churches, Christians in our countries, and God.. Along the way, we talked about a verse in 1 Chronicles and discussed about it and he shared some interesting views on it and so i went back to read and pray about it... We were talking about the prayer of Jabez..
1 Chronicles 4:10
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.
I believe all of us have come across this verse because it has been preached on at service but having come to read it again.. along with Dr. Lee's comments on it... I have renewed thoughts about it and how to apply it to my life. Dr. Lee suggested I try drawing the meaning of Jabez's prayer to God from the last words to the first... so reading first that..
I will be free from pain
I do not believe God ever intended to tell his people that believing in Jesus would mean a life without pain.. However, although we will feel the pain that is caused by the injustice of this human world, it is only short-lived. Because we have a God that is above all the struggles that we will face.. and therefore, we can ask God to..
keep me from harm
God's love and grace for us has often shielded us from the disasters that our sin and pain would've caused us.. Being children of God, we pray for covering from Jesus, that the pain in this world will not lead to our disaster and our downfall... How is this possible? In order to be free from the devil's schemes to destroy us, we must pray...
Let your hand be with me
That God's hand will be with us to shield us and to cover us with his anointing. This part of Jabez's prayer is pivotal, in the sense that it is so important, that we pray for God's presence and action to be asserted and displayed in our lives. Often we view God's hand only as a source of provision... but it is so much more than that! It covers us from the harshness of the penalties of our sins... yes it provides bountifully... and it also desires to discipline us into being more and more like Jesus Christ..
enlarge my territory!
The Christian soldier would take on this war cry with much vigor and fervor.. taking this request for a bigger ministry and bigger influence to touch the world to God as very much an outward bound prayer.. However, I believe that God also wants us to enlarge the territory for God not only in the market place.. or where we are planted or sent or commissioned.. but also to enlarge the boundaries we have set for God in our own hearts.. No matter how much of "God's work" you do, it is more important that as you do all these, God's territory is not only expanded around you, but within you... allowing more of Jesus into every area of our lives, that we will be fully summited unto Him.
bless me
These words would then speak for themselves. If we can endure the pain in our lives because of God's love... and avert the disasters of our sins because of His Grace.. Keeping God close to us and enlarging God's territory in our hearts and around us... we would surely be able to proclaim God's blessings in our lives!
1 Chronicles 4:10
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.
I believe all of us have come across this verse because it has been preached on at service but having come to read it again.. along with Dr. Lee's comments on it... I have renewed thoughts about it and how to apply it to my life. Dr. Lee suggested I try drawing the meaning of Jabez's prayer to God from the last words to the first... so reading first that..
I will be free from pain
I do not believe God ever intended to tell his people that believing in Jesus would mean a life without pain.. However, although we will feel the pain that is caused by the injustice of this human world, it is only short-lived. Because we have a God that is above all the struggles that we will face.. and therefore, we can ask God to..
keep me from harm
God's love and grace for us has often shielded us from the disasters that our sin and pain would've caused us.. Being children of God, we pray for covering from Jesus, that the pain in this world will not lead to our disaster and our downfall... How is this possible? In order to be free from the devil's schemes to destroy us, we must pray...
Let your hand be with me
That God's hand will be with us to shield us and to cover us with his anointing. This part of Jabez's prayer is pivotal, in the sense that it is so important, that we pray for God's presence and action to be asserted and displayed in our lives. Often we view God's hand only as a source of provision... but it is so much more than that! It covers us from the harshness of the penalties of our sins... yes it provides bountifully... and it also desires to discipline us into being more and more like Jesus Christ..
enlarge my territory!
The Christian soldier would take on this war cry with much vigor and fervor.. taking this request for a bigger ministry and bigger influence to touch the world to God as very much an outward bound prayer.. However, I believe that God also wants us to enlarge the territory for God not only in the market place.. or where we are planted or sent or commissioned.. but also to enlarge the boundaries we have set for God in our own hearts.. No matter how much of "God's work" you do, it is more important that as you do all these, God's territory is not only expanded around you, but within you... allowing more of Jesus into every area of our lives, that we will be fully summited unto Him.
bless me
These words would then speak for themselves. If we can endure the pain in our lives because of God's love... and avert the disasters of our sins because of His Grace.. Keeping God close to us and enlarging God's territory in our hearts and around us... we would surely be able to proclaim God's blessings in our lives!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Nong Nong Ago
This is a long overdue post. I had a cell outing 2 weeks back and the mighty warriors, Nathan, Jonboy, Timothy, Daniel Lee and Angus Sham headed for the East coast Bike rental shop and challenged their physical limits towards Old Changi Hospital at Changi Village. Upon completion of the Nongest Bike Journey in the world, they were presented with the Red beret at Hendon camp just down the road of Old Changi Hospital where CPL(NS)Hailer Chong rewarded them by sending them back to the bike rental shop in his seafood van.
I had a great day out with you! It was great to get to know the guys in a way I have never expected. Never did I expect Timothy to be so lame and crazy. I was worried that Jonboy would throw a tantrum and get emo pissed off when fatigue sets in but he proved me totally wrong and was joking and chatting with me throughout the journey!and never will I know that Nathan will stay so cool and composed when he flew off the bike when he rode right into the lamppost!!!!
We opened the outing with a word of prayer. “God, show us your reality in our time together”And he did. When we reach our destination @ OCH, all of us know that it would be too tiring and taxing to go back the same way we have came from. I remember Jonboy shouting, “God please help us!!” And HE did. God sent Joshua Chong to call me while he was at Pasir ris delivering some seafood and he offered to send us back to East Coast in his lorry. At this moment, I paused and turned to our guys, 'This is not a coincidence, but this is God’s blessing, and his love to us so real and tangible.' Yes, my friends, carry on looking out for GOD. There is no such thing as an accident or a coincidence if you’re a child of GOD!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
STYROFOAM PLATES CAFETERIA TABLES
theTWENTIETHofjunetwoohohseven
sometimes we are so used to the image of our loving God that we forget how fearsome our God can be. woe is he who is the object of God's wrath.
and what does God hate? sin. he loves us, but hates the sin; loathes it, abhors it - God cannot tolerate sin. God and sin are polar opposites.
these post-resurrection days, sin almost seems to bear no consequence. we are now objects of his grace, spared by God's mercy, yet we don't seem to appreciate it. if only we knew better God's intolerance to sin and his powerful wrath - i doubt there'd be as much sinners then. it is because we have taken his grace for granted.
fear of the Lord - is it still relevant? yes, i think it still is. i would suggest that it is exactly due the lack of it which is why people go on sinning so freely these days. if sin had warranted an instant death penalty, i don't think any of us would dare to sin. BUT, obedience out of fear should not be our focus.
we are privelleged to be living in post-resurrection days - we now revel in God's grace given so freely. but it is the terrifying severity of his wrath which magnifies his grace. he did not just forgive us a few petty sins. he has forgiven us countless death penalties, over and over and over and over again. what remarkable mercy. we cannot choose to ignore it.
the absolutely terrifying wrathful God, versus the infinitely wonderfully graceful God. they are the one and the same. to fully appreciate the graceful God, we need to fully comprehend the wrathful God. if only we fully understood the stark contrast, we would never live the same way again.
MY APPLICATION: to instill a Godly fear inside me. not to cripple, but to empower me to be holy for God. for it is only through this fear that i understand his grace.
I will cause many peoples to be appalled at you, and their kings will shudder with horror because of you when I brandish my sword before them. On the day of your downfall each of them will tremble every moment for his life. - Ezekiel 32:10
sometimes we are so used to the image of our loving God that we forget how fearsome our God can be. woe is he who is the object of God's wrath.
and what does God hate? sin. he loves us, but hates the sin; loathes it, abhors it - God cannot tolerate sin. God and sin are polar opposites.
these post-resurrection days, sin almost seems to bear no consequence. we are now objects of his grace, spared by God's mercy, yet we don't seem to appreciate it. if only we knew better God's intolerance to sin and his powerful wrath - i doubt there'd be as much sinners then. it is because we have taken his grace for granted.
fear of the Lord - is it still relevant? yes, i think it still is. i would suggest that it is exactly due the lack of it which is why people go on sinning so freely these days. if sin had warranted an instant death penalty, i don't think any of us would dare to sin. BUT, obedience out of fear should not be our focus.
we are privelleged to be living in post-resurrection days - we now revel in God's grace given so freely. but it is the terrifying severity of his wrath which magnifies his grace. he did not just forgive us a few petty sins. he has forgiven us countless death penalties, over and over and over and over again. what remarkable mercy. we cannot choose to ignore it.
the absolutely terrifying wrathful God, versus the infinitely wonderfully graceful God. they are the one and the same. to fully appreciate the graceful God, we need to fully comprehend the wrathful God. if only we fully understood the stark contrast, we would never live the same way again.
MY APPLICATION: to instill a Godly fear inside me. not to cripple, but to empower me to be holy for God. for it is only through this fear that i understand his grace.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
His grace
2Cor 12: 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
What a powerful mindset? "I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties". I want to learn what it means to live out this truth. This morning I heard the Lord saying, "My grace is more than sufficient for you". I guess I have not learnt to lean on God's strength for me. I dont delight. I actually suffer through it. Its painful, defensive and sorrowful at times.
"For Christ's sake" - what does this mean?
To spread the gospel with my life in everyTHING that i go through every weakness, insult, hardship, persecution, difficulty. I must spread the gospel because God's love for me is so real. His love for me is so so amazing. What can i say? I must be like paul - delight in all of that. I guess as i delight- He's power will rest on me.
Yea, I must pray that I'll delight in the things like Paul.
Happy birthday - Kong Meng... May the Lord bless you to be strong in Lord and give you good gifts.
What a powerful mindset? "I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties". I want to learn what it means to live out this truth. This morning I heard the Lord saying, "My grace is more than sufficient for you". I guess I have not learnt to lean on God's strength for me. I dont delight. I actually suffer through it. Its painful, defensive and sorrowful at times.
"For Christ's sake" - what does this mean?
To spread the gospel with my life in everyTHING that i go through every weakness, insult, hardship, persecution, difficulty. I must spread the gospel because God's love for me is so real. His love for me is so so amazing. What can i say? I must be like paul - delight in all of that. I guess as i delight- He's power will rest on me.
Yea, I must pray that I'll delight in the things like Paul.
Happy birthday - Kong Meng... May the Lord bless you to be strong in Lord and give you good gifts.
DREAM DREAM DREAM CAUSE I WANT YOU
theNINETEENTHofjunetwoohohseven
oh no, i've become lazy to post my devotions..
argh.. FIGHT ON!
the Lord speaks to us in dreams, as with Joseph.
and Joseph was obedient to the Lord's voice.
imagine if Joseph had dismissed that dream;
then baby Jesus and his mother would have been in peril.
it took one man's obedience to instruction to fulfill God's plan.
Lord, give me a dream.
I want to hear your voice.
I want to be used by you.
I will be obedient.
so give me a dream, Lord.
oh no, i've become lazy to post my devotions..
argh.. FIGHT ON!
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." - Matthew 2:13
the Lord speaks to us in dreams, as with Joseph.
and Joseph was obedient to the Lord's voice.
imagine if Joseph had dismissed that dream;
then baby Jesus and his mother would have been in peril.
it took one man's obedience to instruction to fulfill God's plan.
Lord, give me a dream.
I want to hear your voice.
I want to be used by you.
I will be obedient.
so give me a dream, Lord.
Monday, June 18, 2007
^ Brokeness
James 1:4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
I guess today I felt God was telling me that He is developing perseverance in me. Trials after trials. My heart is weak. My emotions run wild. God is strong. His love for me never fails. Isnt that simple. Although it hurts, I need to mature and be complete, no lacking in anything... I must be Christlike.
My prayer: Lord, strengthen my feeble knees and arms. Give me wisdom, and faith that i can keep on running the race you set for me.
Narash (Lion of God)
I guess today I felt God was telling me that He is developing perseverance in me. Trials after trials. My heart is weak. My emotions run wild. God is strong. His love for me never fails. Isnt that simple. Although it hurts, I need to mature and be complete, no lacking in anything... I must be Christlike.
My prayer: Lord, strengthen my feeble knees and arms. Give me wisdom, and faith that i can keep on running the race you set for me.
Narash (Lion of God)
Sunday, June 17, 2007
TRIBE CAMP 2007
TRIBE CAMP DETAILS
Date: 15-17 June 2007
Venue: Northbrooks Sec School
(Take Bus 804 from Yishun Interchange - beside Yishun MRT)
Reporting time: Friday, 9 am Sharp
End of Camp: Sunday, 5pm
Are you ready to become a Warrior of Light...
Sign up for Tribe Camp immediately!
Download your Tribe Camp Package now for more info!
(List of things to bring and map included!)
pdf version | word version
See you at Tribe Camp!
Joshua Teo
Tribe Camp PC
Date: 15-17 June 2007
Venue: Northbrooks Sec School
(Take Bus 804 from Yishun Interchange - beside Yishun MRT)
Reporting time: Friday, 9 am Sharp
End of Camp: Sunday, 5pm
Are you ready to become a Warrior of Light...
Sign up for Tribe Camp immediately!
Download your Tribe Camp Package now for more info!
(List of things to bring and map included!)
pdf version | word version
See you at Tribe Camp!
Joshua Teo
Tribe Camp PC
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
HOLD YOURSELF UP TO THE LIGHT AND SEE WHAT YOU'RE MADE OF
theELEVENTHofjunetwoohohseven
was just having a conversation with someone when we lamented on the fact that none of us drove. we were sour over the numerous missed opportunities of fun - with a car and a licence we could watch dvds till way past 12, then drive out for supper before heading home. each new opportunity of convenient late night entertainment seemed to mock us about not having a licence to drive.
alot of what if's flew about our head:
what if we could drive..
what if we had a car..
what if we could drive over to so-and-so's place for a late night dvd...
what if after that we could head for supper..
what if what if what if..
Sunday's sermon then reminded me:
God has a place and purpose for us.
we are exactly where God has intended us to be.
God has intended things to happen for a purpose.
why are we complaining? why are we grumbling? why are we regretting?
we are missing God in the picture.
God let me see your purpose in my life.
let me live a life of no regrets.
where i know your purpose is directing my life.
where i know there is only good, better, or best.
amen.
was just having a conversation with someone when we lamented on the fact that none of us drove. we were sour over the numerous missed opportunities of fun - with a car and a licence we could watch dvds till way past 12, then drive out for supper before heading home. each new opportunity of convenient late night entertainment seemed to mock us about not having a licence to drive.
alot of what if's flew about our head:
what if we could drive..
what if we had a car..
what if we could drive over to so-and-so's place for a late night dvd...
what if after that we could head for supper..
what if what if what if..
Sunday's sermon then reminded me:
God has a place and purpose for us.
we are exactly where God has intended us to be.
God has intended things to happen for a purpose.
why are we complaining? why are we grumbling? why are we regretting?
we are missing God in the picture.
God let me see your purpose in my life.
let me live a life of no regrets.
where i know your purpose is directing my life.
where i know there is only good, better, or best.
amen.
THE SKY MEETS THE HORIZON SOMEWHERE
theFIRSTofjunetwoohohseven
imma doing backdated entries.
we should put no confidence in the flesh.
for anyway the flesh is sinful, and
salvation comes NOT from the circumcision of the flesh,
but the circumcision of the heart.
men may look at the flesh but the Lord looks at the heart.
when people ask me, "do u think so-and-so is saved?"
i will tell them that i really don't know.
who are we to judge men's deeds?
i cannot give a definite answer except to reply, "i hope so."
because only the Lord knows.
salvation is a heart issue.
we do not become 'holier' when we do good things and we do not become 'unholier' when we do evil things - they do NOT fluctuate in the measure of eternity.
what really matters is: do our hearts belong to Jesus?
if we say yes, it calls for a CHANGED LIFE -
a circumcised person cannot live the same way again!
circumcise your heart today.
you will never be the same again.
imma doing backdated entries.
" though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: " - Philippians 3:4
we should put no confidence in the flesh.
for anyway the flesh is sinful, and
salvation comes NOT from the circumcision of the flesh,
but the circumcision of the heart.
men may look at the flesh but the Lord looks at the heart.
when people ask me, "do u think so-and-so is saved?"
i will tell them that i really don't know.
who are we to judge men's deeds?
i cannot give a definite answer except to reply, "i hope so."
because only the Lord knows.
salvation is a heart issue.
we do not become 'holier' when we do good things and we do not become 'unholier' when we do evil things - they do NOT fluctuate in the measure of eternity.
what really matters is: do our hearts belong to Jesus?
if we say yes, it calls for a CHANGED LIFE -
a circumcised person cannot live the same way again!
circumcise your heart today.
you will never be the same again.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
A Pure Heart
"Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave." (Ps 86:11-13)
This is my personal verse that im thinking about. Indeed i pray that the Lord will teach me his way.
Cheers.
IT'S HOLDING THE LOVED ONES.. ONE LAST TIME
theNINTHofjunetwoohohseven
ok! i'm back from Hong Kong.
'twas a very blessed trip indeed it was.
for surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous. as surely as you destroy the wicked.
righteous men are blessed with favour.
refugees in the Lord find joy.
but do we forget the Lord?
do we take our favour and joy for granted?
no. we shall thank the Lord. with our lives.
cuz that's the greatest gift we can offer him. our full-fledged gift of sacrifice and offering.
here is my life, Lord. it is my gift to you. use it as you desire. may i be a vessel to carry out your good work.
and what to do with all the wicked men?
we offer them refuge in the Lord. that they may find joy unspeakable, too.
ok! i'm back from Hong Kong.
'twas a very blessed trip indeed it was.
" You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the Lord abhors. ... But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. " - Psalms 5:6/10-11
for surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous. as surely as you destroy the wicked.
righteous men are blessed with favour.
refugees in the Lord find joy.
but do we forget the Lord?
do we take our favour and joy for granted?
no. we shall thank the Lord. with our lives.
cuz that's the greatest gift we can offer him. our full-fledged gift of sacrifice and offering.
here is my life, Lord. it is my gift to you. use it as you desire. may i be a vessel to carry out your good work.
and what to do with all the wicked men?
we offer them refuge in the Lord. that they may find joy unspeakable, too.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Unfamiliar grounds
I had tuition with George today. Towards the last 20 minutes of our lesson, I’ll sometimes teach him some guitar techniques. What I observed was, whenever I get him to do some new ‘boring guitar drills,’ he would first attempt to do it, after a few minutes, he’ll go back to play stuff he already mastered which I taught him previously.
This was very similar to my own journey. I felt that I stagnate in my guitar playing for the past few years. It is because every time when I attempt to play new and more difficult stuff, I get bored and go back to playing things I already know or am comfortable with. Thus, the rate of improvement is ground zero.
How does that relate to our spiritual journey? Sometimes, we get so good at doing things we’re good at, even the previously uncomfortable become comfortable. The danger is as we get familiar, we get complacent, and we begin to consciously or unconsciously do everything thinking that its by our own might, by our own strength.
It is only when we have the ‘spirit of excellence’ to want to break out, put in sweat and blood to improve, throw ourselves in unfamiliar ground that we are able to progress. As you are faced with challenges, things that are unfamiliar to you, you’ll learn to depend on God, and the more you depend on him, the closer you are to him only if you choose to rely on him.
My friends, my prayer is that you’ll get off your familiar warm seat and throw yourself to somewhere new, somewhere where you know you would be desperate to call for help, and there you’ll find God as you seek him. But I’m not advocating you to throw yourselves in areas of temptation!
This was very similar to my own journey. I felt that I stagnate in my guitar playing for the past few years. It is because every time when I attempt to play new and more difficult stuff, I get bored and go back to playing things I already know or am comfortable with. Thus, the rate of improvement is ground zero.
How does that relate to our spiritual journey? Sometimes, we get so good at doing things we’re good at, even the previously uncomfortable become comfortable. The danger is as we get familiar, we get complacent, and we begin to consciously or unconsciously do everything thinking that its by our own might, by our own strength.
It is only when we have the ‘spirit of excellence’ to want to break out, put in sweat and blood to improve, throw ourselves in unfamiliar ground that we are able to progress. As you are faced with challenges, things that are unfamiliar to you, you’ll learn to depend on God, and the more you depend on him, the closer you are to him only if you choose to rely on him.
My friends, my prayer is that you’ll get off your familiar warm seat and throw yourself to somewhere new, somewhere where you know you would be desperate to call for help, and there you’ll find God as you seek him. But I’m not advocating you to throw yourselves in areas of temptation!
Monday, June 4, 2007
Good Catch?
I was having lunch with Joshua Lau and Joshua Chong this afternoon when hailer told us an interesting conversation between his mother and him early this morning.
I’ll attempt to put it in a speech format.
Mama Chong: Joshua Lau and Angus are very good catches, why you never introduce
them to Joy (Joshua Chong’s sister)?
Hailer Chong: Eh… But Angus got girlfriend already…
Mama Chong: Camy is also a good girl, why didn’t you ‘Jio’ her earlier????
Hailer Chong: Huh????
What I was happy about is NOT the fact that all of us are good catches. But it’s the fact that Mama Chong saw Jesus reflected in our lives. My friends, continue to reflect Jesus in your lives. When the world see Jesus alive through your very own life, that’s the very best testimony to point people to Jesus.
Want to be a good catch? The more you reflect Jesus, the better catch you are! That’s why Peter and James caught so many fishes!!!- Okay.. Not funny…
I’ll attempt to put it in a speech format.
Mama Chong: Joshua Lau and Angus are very good catches, why you never introduce
them to Joy (Joshua Chong’s sister)?
Hailer Chong: Eh… But Angus got girlfriend already…
Mama Chong: Camy is also a good girl, why didn’t you ‘Jio’ her earlier????
Hailer Chong: Huh????
What I was happy about is NOT the fact that all of us are good catches. But it’s the fact that Mama Chong saw Jesus reflected in our lives. My friends, continue to reflect Jesus in your lives. When the world see Jesus alive through your very own life, that’s the very best testimony to point people to Jesus.
Want to be a good catch? The more you reflect Jesus, the better catch you are! That’s why Peter and James caught so many fishes!!!- Okay.. Not funny…
WHERE DOES HAIR GO WHEN THEY FALL TO THE GROUND?
theFOURTHofjunetwoohohseven
thank you, God.
1. we were all by nature far away.
2. we have been brought near by Jesus' sacrifice.
3. DO we believe it?
we were all the same, living in far far away land.
there is no 'i am holier than thou'.
there is no 'great sinners'.
self righteousness is nought.
we are all the same.
we were all far away from God.
Jesus died for one and all. sinners and 'holy' people. Jew and Gentile.
redemption. one way. Jesus.
by no other way can we attain holiness, or nearness, or closeness.
nearness cannot be attained. it is a given.
when we sin, we do not become far from God.
do not let Satan deceive you that you are a miserable loser whom God hates.
do not let your 'far-ness' cripple you from doing big things for God.
yes, God hates sin. but he has already forgotten them all, because Jesus has paid the price.
therefore, we will always and forever be near to God.
hurray for Jesus!
all it takes is for us to BELIEVE.
DO we believe it?
believing calls for a changed life.
" But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. " - Ephesians 2:13
thank you, God.
1. we were all by nature far away.
2. we have been brought near by Jesus' sacrifice.
3. DO we believe it?
we were all the same, living in far far away land.
there is no 'i am holier than thou'.
there is no 'great sinners'.
self righteousness is nought.
we are all the same.
we were all far away from God.
Jesus died for one and all. sinners and 'holy' people. Jew and Gentile.
redemption. one way. Jesus.
by no other way can we attain holiness, or nearness, or closeness.
nearness cannot be attained. it is a given.
when we sin, we do not become far from God.
do not let Satan deceive you that you are a miserable loser whom God hates.
do not let your 'far-ness' cripple you from doing big things for God.
yes, God hates sin. but he has already forgotten them all, because Jesus has paid the price.
therefore, we will always and forever be near to God.
hurray for Jesus!
all it takes is for us to BELIEVE.
DO we believe it?
believing calls for a changed life.
A Call to 'Intentional Living'
I used to think that the phrase ‘Intentional living’ is overused and ‘da pai’
But today, I lift both my hands to promote you this phrase
‘Live your life intentionally!!!!’
I’m very thankful for what Joshua shared with us after service today.
In fact, it was so divine that I shared it 2 days before on Friday when I met my G-12.
I told my guys that every Friday when we meet, I’ll ask them a ‘forever question’
‘In your journey in school, at work, at play, in relationships and in everything, what is God teaching you?’ ‘What is something new you learn about God this week?’And how do you do that? Only by living your life intentionally.
What I meant by living your life intentionally is, you live everyday in such a way that you look out for God in every journey, in every happening and in every moment.
Its not that God wants to purposely hide from us, but it’s the ATTITUDE of telling God, I’m serious in seeking you, I’m serious in wanting to find you.
That’s what God take delight in, so make him smile ok!
Don’t retire the day and missed out on finding God today, it was a wasted day.
But today, I lift both my hands to promote you this phrase
‘Live your life intentionally!!!!’
I’m very thankful for what Joshua shared with us after service today.
In fact, it was so divine that I shared it 2 days before on Friday when I met my G-12.
I told my guys that every Friday when we meet, I’ll ask them a ‘forever question’
‘In your journey in school, at work, at play, in relationships and in everything, what is God teaching you?’ ‘What is something new you learn about God this week?’And how do you do that? Only by living your life intentionally.
What I meant by living your life intentionally is, you live everyday in such a way that you look out for God in every journey, in every happening and in every moment.
Its not that God wants to purposely hide from us, but it’s the ATTITUDE of telling God, I’m serious in seeking you, I’m serious in wanting to find you.
That’s what God take delight in, so make him smile ok!
Don’t retire the day and missed out on finding God today, it was a wasted day.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
The Race
As i get ready to head back to camp. I go back knowing that I am different. I no longer want to conform to the patterns of the world but i want to be transformed by the renewal of my mind. Thank God for the word today.
Its really heartening to know that each of us have a race marked out for us. Special race. just for us. A race planned divinely. I have to run mine well. No matter what it costs. Maybe its some low profile task i have to do, maybe otherwise but what does it matter.
See all you soon!
WHY DO COWS JUMP OVER MOONS?
theTHIRDofjunetwoohohseven
strong words..
i had an interesting conversation with Tristan yesterday.
and this verse sums up one of the points i was telling him about.
about what it means to truly believe in Jesus.
if we truly really believe that he has died for our sins and has totally forgiven us,
i don't think we can have the heart to continue living in sin.
if we only realised the true greatness of his love for us, we would be touched beyond measure. we would be touched to change for the better.
sometimes it is too abstract to believe, so we need an example, like
if u were on a death penalty waiting to be hanged, and someone innocent came along and took ur place, and then u suddenly find urself free to go, while that innocent man dies in ur place. i think when given a new lease of life, we won't have the heart to dwell in sin anymore.
yes, we will inevitably continue to sin,
but we recognise that there was a Saviour,
who while we were yet sinners, took all our sins away.
and now we are free. if we believe.
MY APPLICATION: i believe i can and will be free from the bondage of sin. i have already been redeemed. i am set free. to sin no more under bondage.
" No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. " - 1 John 3:6
strong words..
i had an interesting conversation with Tristan yesterday.
and this verse sums up one of the points i was telling him about.
about what it means to truly believe in Jesus.
if we truly really believe that he has died for our sins and has totally forgiven us,
i don't think we can have the heart to continue living in sin.
if we only realised the true greatness of his love for us, we would be touched beyond measure. we would be touched to change for the better.
sometimes it is too abstract to believe, so we need an example, like
if u were on a death penalty waiting to be hanged, and someone innocent came along and took ur place, and then u suddenly find urself free to go, while that innocent man dies in ur place. i think when given a new lease of life, we won't have the heart to dwell in sin anymore.
yes, we will inevitably continue to sin,
but we recognise that there was a Saviour,
who while we were yet sinners, took all our sins away.
and now we are free. if we believe.
MY APPLICATION: i believe i can and will be free from the bondage of sin. i have already been redeemed. i am set free. to sin no more under bondage.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Walking through Matthew
i was taking time to read thru matthew. and i think i havent read thru in one reading for a very long time. its interesting how things and new insights that will unfold if you do that!
its like revisiting your old textbook, now that we have grown up more both spiritually and intellectually. it does make that difference.
new questions popped into my mind. like why Jesus always talked in parables. he explained why one of the verses too. reading and reminding myself of the journey that He took, the miracles that he did, the way he challenged the Pharisees in such wit and power!
one of the chapters i am thinking about is in chapter 18 where Jesus met the canaanite woman (woman of great faith)
i felt it was quite controversial at first. how He said he was "sent only to the lost sheeps of ISRAEL" and all. maybe someone could discuss that with me. i have some theological conclusions but i think its interesting to talk about these stuff and then finally conclude that our God is a God of wonder and love and ....
point is. revisit your bible. read it like you would to a nice storybook once in a while. you'll definitely see new things!
cheers bros
its like revisiting your old textbook, now that we have grown up more both spiritually and intellectually. it does make that difference.
new questions popped into my mind. like why Jesus always talked in parables. he explained why one of the verses too. reading and reminding myself of the journey that He took, the miracles that he did, the way he challenged the Pharisees in such wit and power!
one of the chapters i am thinking about is in chapter 18 where Jesus met the canaanite woman (woman of great faith)
i felt it was quite controversial at first. how He said he was "sent only to the lost sheeps of ISRAEL" and all. maybe someone could discuss that with me. i have some theological conclusions but i think its interesting to talk about these stuff and then finally conclude that our God is a God of wonder and love and ....
point is. revisit your bible. read it like you would to a nice storybook once in a while. you'll definitely see new things!
cheers bros
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