Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
School starts this Sunday, 6 Apr 08!
Every stallion first started out as a wild rookie. It's kind of the same as a Christian. We need God to tutor our hearts in a way that will allow us to be transformed into the fullness of who has created us to be, so that we can reflect His glory. That's what we hope to share with and impart to you in our Ladder Of Success classes. That's why after a season of prayer and fasting, SCHOOL STARTS THIS SUNDAY! Mark the 6th of April 08 down! Lessons start at 10am but do come at least 15 min earlier to get your registration done and to prepare your hearts to receive of the Lord. Come and be transformed by the renewing work of Christ in your lives today!
1) LOS Class Schedule (Apr-Jun 2008) 17 years and below
2) LOS Class Schedule (Apr-Jun 2008) 18 years and above
*SOC class will commence only in September 2008.**Image used is adapted from an ad for Minichamps.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
THROUGH IT ALL
stumbled upon a testimony and song by Andrae Crouch, a really gifted man.
it has blessed me, may it bless u too.
if i never had a problem, i'd never know that God could solve them, i'd never know what faith in the Word of God could do.
i thank God for the mountains, i thank God for the valleys, i thank God for the storms. through it all, i've learnt to trust in Jesus.
it has blessed me, may it bless u too.
if i never had a problem, i'd never know that God could solve them, i'd never know what faith in the Word of God could do.
i thank God for the mountains, i thank God for the valleys, i thank God for the storms. through it all, i've learnt to trust in Jesus.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Please take time to read
My reflections on tribe blog.
Your Spirituality & Your Prayer Life
No Testimony Without the Test
Is One Hour Really Too Much?
Joshua Teo
Your Spirituality & Your Prayer Life
No Testimony Without the Test
Is One Hour Really Too Much?
Joshua Teo
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Psalms 73
Hurray-ness. We have completed the first 2 books of Psalms and we're going on to the III book today.
"Whom have i in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever"
May we be able to make that our prayer today boys!
I simply love this verse. Partly also when i read it there is a hillsong tune that comes to my mind. I'm sure you know it too. But i think this psalm is a prayer that i want to pray every single day for the rest of my life. That my flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Earth has nothing i desire but you. I pray that God will help me to mean that because we all know that by the things we do and the things we spend our time in, we jolly know that we don't desire GOD!
we probably desire good grades in our studies. the new iphone. a new mac book. a girlfriend la. this and that. there are so many of our desires. not saying that its sin to want those, i'm sure God's desire is to bless us! but the good test is if we don't get what we want, do we get impatient or frustrated?
we probably desire good grades in our studies. the new iphone. a new mac book. a girlfriend la. this and that. there are so many of our desires. not saying that its sin to want those, i'm sure God's desire is to bless us! but the good test is if we don't get what we want, do we get impatient or frustrated?
May we be able to make that our prayer today boys!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
SUFFERING - BY JOHN PIPER: A REFLECTION
a wise man once said, "If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men."
deep words. deep implications. this wise man was Paul, an honourable disciple of Christ (1 Cor 15:19). what made him say what he said? what were his underlying beliefs?
to paraphrase him, he had basically implied that a Christian's life ought to be one that was pitiful. and that the only hope we have is that in the afterlife, some good would be wrought from our suffering. (if there were no afterlife, our efforts are in vain, to be pitied.)
goodness gracious me, what does that mean?
to put it harshly,
this means that as Christians, suffering is expected of our job scope.
this means that a Christian life is not going to be as comfortable as we hope.
this means that Christian living comes with challenges that will cost us.
this means that God didn't just want us to be prosperous and healthy and comfortable and happy and NOT DO ANYTHING OUTSIDE OF OUR COMFORT ZONE.
ouch.
that is honestly hard to swallow. it is indeed very tempting to dismiss it all as radical heresy. extremist. heretical. unfounded.
i wonder how. i wonder why.
let's consider the reverse: if God simply existed to prosper us and bless us and make us happy, wouldn't life be just great? in fact, it would be too great. then what would be different from us and the rest of the secular world? would God then just be a genie-in-a-bottle? something isn't right here, either.
so what is it?
if we follow the life of Paul as an example, we would catch a glimpse of what he meant. he endured hardship to preach the gospel. he suffered for the sake of the gospel. he was even martyred because of it. he was truly a radical. and it was because he understood the weight and significance of Jesus' crucifixion well. the people saw the love of Christ exemplified in his suffering.
simply put, if Jesus means so much to us; is so real to us, then it would definitely be something worth suffering for. if our friends saw that it mattered that much to us, then our God surely must be of some substance.
we don't all have to fly to some far-off country to be martyred (though that would be something, wouldn't it), but are we even willing to risk "losing face" to share God's love with someone? a friend, a loved one? the homeless guy sleeping on the bench?
the question is, what are we doing about it? do we make light of Christianity? are we simply trying to maximise our comfort -- tapping from the best of both worlds?
weighty questions. weighty reflections.
Lord, i need compassion; stir my heart, move me. may i be willing to be used by You -- change my heart. use me to do great things for You, Lord, and may Your joy forever be with me. this is your servant, checking in.
deep words. deep implications. this wise man was Paul, an honourable disciple of Christ (1 Cor 15:19). what made him say what he said? what were his underlying beliefs?
to paraphrase him, he had basically implied that a Christian's life ought to be one that was pitiful. and that the only hope we have is that in the afterlife, some good would be wrought from our suffering. (if there were no afterlife, our efforts are in vain, to be pitied.)
goodness gracious me, what does that mean?
to put it harshly,
this means that as Christians, suffering is expected of our job scope.
this means that a Christian life is not going to be as comfortable as we hope.
this means that Christian living comes with challenges that will cost us.
this means that God didn't just want us to be prosperous and healthy and comfortable and happy and NOT DO ANYTHING OUTSIDE OF OUR COMFORT ZONE.
ouch.
that is honestly hard to swallow. it is indeed very tempting to dismiss it all as radical heresy. extremist. heretical. unfounded.
i wonder how. i wonder why.
let's consider the reverse: if God simply existed to prosper us and bless us and make us happy, wouldn't life be just great? in fact, it would be too great. then what would be different from us and the rest of the secular world? would God then just be a genie-in-a-bottle? something isn't right here, either.
so what is it?
if we follow the life of Paul as an example, we would catch a glimpse of what he meant. he endured hardship to preach the gospel. he suffered for the sake of the gospel. he was even martyred because of it. he was truly a radical. and it was because he understood the weight and significance of Jesus' crucifixion well. the people saw the love of Christ exemplified in his suffering.
simply put, if Jesus means so much to us; is so real to us, then it would definitely be something worth suffering for. if our friends saw that it mattered that much to us, then our God surely must be of some substance.
we don't all have to fly to some far-off country to be martyred (though that would be something, wouldn't it), but are we even willing to risk "losing face" to share God's love with someone? a friend, a loved one? the homeless guy sleeping on the bench?
the question is, what are we doing about it? do we make light of Christianity? are we simply trying to maximise our comfort -- tapping from the best of both worlds?
weighty questions. weighty reflections.
Lord, i need compassion; stir my heart, move me. may i be willing to be used by You -- change my heart. use me to do great things for You, Lord, and may Your joy forever be with me. this is your servant, checking in.
Friday, March 7, 2008
the drought
dry season. in our little hometown we have been facing the dry season. army boys are happy. they dont need to have foot rot. recently it has been starting to rain again. i love rain. i like that gloomy feeling that makes me feel 'emo'. that makes me in a thinking frame of mind that causes me to think of what i am living for.
think ive been really down and out this season. running away from God. as in this season where everyone is fasting and praying i took myself on a guilt trip because i cant do it. just goes to show my love that has gone cold in every sense.
narash msged me just now and say: "pls put in your inputs in our blog... keep it alive"
and i didnt know what to write. my walk with God has simply been monotonous. think it boils down to my lack of discipline.
pray with me that the rain will come again. and rain down hard on me. wake up.
Dear Lord send your rain. Realign my heart will you?
Charles
think ive been really down and out this season. running away from God. as in this season where everyone is fasting and praying i took myself on a guilt trip because i cant do it. just goes to show my love that has gone cold in every sense.
narash msged me just now and say: "pls put in your inputs in our blog... keep it alive"
and i didnt know what to write. my walk with God has simply been monotonous. think it boils down to my lack of discipline.
pray with me that the rain will come again. and rain down hard on me. wake up.
Dear Lord send your rain. Realign my heart will you?
Charles
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
MARCH THE FIFTH
The grasslands of the desert overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing. - Psalm 65:12-13
the Lord is a Lord of goodness, of abundance, of blessings; not of poverty. let all the Earth shout for joy and sing. glory to God!
the Lord is a Lord of goodness, of abundance, of blessings; not of poverty. let all the Earth shout for joy and sing. glory to God!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Sunday, March 2, 2008
THIS IS THE TRUTH
a clever video my friend sent me.
there can be hope... if we do something about it.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
^Gift of brokenness
Was brokenness a sad thing? I believed it was far from that. In my prayer time, all I did for one hour was to ask God for the Gift of brokenness.
I asked at my office table. I asked at my home. Ask and I did receive...
All of a sudden, things that broke His heart started breaking mine. No more hardness, just tenderness before the Lord. And I experienced what it meant to live a life of brokenness.
Time flew - I cried - Lord came.
I asked the Lord 'Is this all what it means to be broken before you' ?
I felt the Lord saying its the Opposite of Pride. Pride goes into our heart WHEN we start NOT depending on the Lord for the SMALL things. That's when the Lord prompted to msg a person and when I was msging the person. I just felt so broken as the Lord spoke through. And that person too was broken before the Lord. I thank God for opportunity to speak into the brokenness. God used to me to be a blessing to another person the very moment I asked Him to teach me what brokenness means. He spoke to me that through my brokenness, He will bless many others.
Just something I felt as I was typing this entry.
Who said Life was all EASY but Jesus said come to me and I'll make your yoke EASY.
Sometimes,
when Life is not easy, we easily forget God.
when Life is easy, we dont easily remember God.
ALL I can ask of the Lord is MORE!!!
I asked at my office table. I asked at my home. Ask and I did receive...
All of a sudden, things that broke His heart started breaking mine. No more hardness, just tenderness before the Lord. And I experienced what it meant to live a life of brokenness.
Time flew - I cried - Lord came.
I asked the Lord 'Is this all what it means to be broken before you' ?
I felt the Lord saying its the Opposite of Pride. Pride goes into our heart WHEN we start NOT depending on the Lord for the SMALL things. That's when the Lord prompted to msg a person and when I was msging the person. I just felt so broken as the Lord spoke through. And that person too was broken before the Lord. I thank God for opportunity to speak into the brokenness. God used to me to be a blessing to another person the very moment I asked Him to teach me what brokenness means. He spoke to me that through my brokenness, He will bless many others.
Just something I felt as I was typing this entry.
Who said Life was all EASY but Jesus said come to me and I'll make your yoke EASY.
Sometimes,
when Life is not easy, we easily forget God.
when Life is easy, we dont easily remember God.
ALL I can ask of the Lord is MORE!!!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
DRAWING NEAR
picked up a rather timely book in our focus on intimacy -- i'm currently reading "Drawing Near" by John Bevere, in which he encourages us to know God rather than just know more about God.
some notable points in the book worth pondering about:
am i seeking Him for what i want? (Lord, bless me with this and that..?)
"Over the past twenty years of ministry...i've discovered two major groups within the church...the first are those who seek God for what He can do; while the second seek Him for who He is."
"The only way we can create and maintain a hunger for God is to protect our soul by choosing what we fill it with. ...if your soul is filled with...the desires of this world, you'll be full and actually despise the sweet honeycomb of God's fellowship."
am i full and contented with worldly things? (no wonder i don't hunger for Him..)
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
we bring a smile to God's face.
Salvation is wrought because men of God pray; prayer moves the hand of God.
God is the God of the rain. the winds of change is blowing; the end of the drought is nigh. there is water for the seeds; revival is at hand.
God is moving.
welcome, God.
Salvation is wrought because men of God pray; prayer moves the hand of God.
God is the God of the rain. the winds of change is blowing; the end of the drought is nigh. there is water for the seeds; revival is at hand.
God is moving.
welcome, God.
Monday, February 25, 2008
^ Brokeness
My answer to LUKE WARMNESS is BROKENNESS
My responses to today's sermon:
It is a desperation concerning 3 areas
1. Concerning the Condition of our hearts
Only when we see the emptiness of our hearts can we draw near to the Lord.
Last time, when I sinned, there's always a sense of condemnation in me. Yes, I know God died for me and I am forgiven because of the cross and my confession. I would still feel discouraged that I have committed the sin willfully. Now, after this new understanding, I have come to a realization that it only shows a NEED FOR GOD in my life. I must thirst after Him in this dry and weary land. That's the appropriate response. I will sin NO MORE.
2. For the Cleansing of the Lord
You can love only God so much because you know how much God loves you. Until you see the sinfulness of your heart, you would not see the greatness of God.
I acknowledge what my heart is capable of, thus appreciate who God is.
3. For a New Creation
There's nothing in us that wills to do God's will. If ever there's willingness to pray/ serve, it is a grace of God. Christian life is not about behavior modification, its about heart transformation.
I was touched by the fact that it is only by the Grace of God that we are able to things that pleases the Lord. I never did see that in the total picture that was described by pastor. I always thought that "I" disciplined myself to pray. Never did I see it that It was only by the grace of God that I was even willing to be disciplined and to pray. What a revelation for me. It was never an "I" in it.
My responses to today's sermon:
It is a desperation concerning 3 areas
1. Concerning the Condition of our hearts
Only when we see the emptiness of our hearts can we draw near to the Lord.
Last time, when I sinned, there's always a sense of condemnation in me. Yes, I know God died for me and I am forgiven because of the cross and my confession. I would still feel discouraged that I have committed the sin willfully. Now, after this new understanding, I have come to a realization that it only shows a NEED FOR GOD in my life. I must thirst after Him in this dry and weary land. That's the appropriate response. I will sin NO MORE.
2. For the Cleansing of the Lord
You can love only God so much because you know how much God loves you. Until you see the sinfulness of your heart, you would not see the greatness of God.
I acknowledge what my heart is capable of, thus appreciate who God is.
3. For a New Creation
There's nothing in us that wills to do God's will. If ever there's willingness to pray/ serve, it is a grace of God. Christian life is not about behavior modification, its about heart transformation.
I was touched by the fact that it is only by the Grace of God that we are able to things that pleases the Lord. I never did see that in the total picture that was described by pastor. I always thought that "I" disciplined myself to pray. Never did I see it that It was only by the grace of God that I was even willing to be disciplined and to pray. What a revelation for me. It was never an "I" in it.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
LUKEWARMNESS
i just sensed that we must guard against lukewarmness in our midst, i realise the dangers if we unknowingly become numb.
i feel that i don't love God enough.
God, why don't i love You enough?
- because i am loving other things of this world. i wanted other things, God was only top priority in my head.
Lord, help me put You first in my life where You belong. i pray that i will desire You more than anything of this world. i pray that You ignite the fire within me. thank You for the things You are doing, i want more of You. more than anything.
Amen.
i feel that i don't love God enough.
God, why don't i love You enough?
- because i am loving other things of this world. i wanted other things, God was only top priority in my head.
Lord, help me put You first in my life where You belong. i pray that i will desire You more than anything of this world. i pray that You ignite the fire within me. thank You for the things You are doing, i want more of You. more than anything.
Amen.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Prayer Buddies
Daniel and I have been praying on Fridays.
A few fridays back, during our time before the Lord, I felt that one of the brothers maybe in danger. So we prayed for all of you.
Then on the next week wednesday (some cny celebrations at Changi Naval base), so I was travelling on a shutter bus to Changi Naval base. Suddenly, the bus veered to the side of the roas (**** super straight road). And it tilted. Scared me for a while. And the bus hit a lamppost and came back on course. Without the lamp, we were gone. We could have toppled over if not for the lamp post...Hmmm lamppost or??? Then I realised WITHOUT GOD, we are gone! A simple thanksgiving for The Lord who saves!
Last friday, Daniel and I felt simply to pray for revival, also deny ourselves and devote ourselves to God. So we just with no agender spent one hour praying in tongues. Awesome TIME... Just very wonderful. And on that day, we came up with a plan, to meet up and to pray together atleast once a month. Of course, all are invited.
This is the thanksgiving part. Then came in the Challenge from Ps Seng Lee to go start prayer meeting everywhere possible. And after came in another heartfelt message and challenge issued by Ps Khong. I can totally see how God is leading us. All in one direction - - - - He is our Shepherd.
A few fridays back, during our time before the Lord, I felt that one of the brothers maybe in danger. So we prayed for all of you.
Then on the next week wednesday (some cny celebrations at Changi Naval base), so I was travelling on a shutter bus to Changi Naval base. Suddenly, the bus veered to the side of the roas (**** super straight road). And it tilted. Scared me for a while. And the bus hit a lamppost and came back on course. Without the lamp, we were gone. We could have toppled over if not for the lamp post...Hmmm lamppost or??? Then I realised WITHOUT GOD, we are gone! A simple thanksgiving for The Lord who saves!
Last friday, Daniel and I felt simply to pray for revival, also deny ourselves and devote ourselves to God. So we just with no agender spent one hour praying in tongues. Awesome TIME... Just very wonderful. And on that day, we came up with a plan, to meet up and to pray together atleast once a month. Of course, all are invited.
This is the thanksgiving part. Then came in the Challenge from Ps Seng Lee to go start prayer meeting everywhere possible. And after came in another heartfelt message and challenge issued by Ps Khong. I can totally see how God is leading us. All in one direction - - - - He is our Shepherd.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
fishing buddies
today i went fishing with george again. it was a good time of exercise as well as spending time to seek the Lord. i was just singing and projecting my voice from one end of the shore to the other. i experienced some peace that was very much needed after a day doing relief teaching. ive learnt much these two days doing teaching. Thank God that my arm is well enough to carry out most tasks. pray that God will lead me to spending my time wisely before i enter uni. im feeling quite like a bum. dont want to be sitting around and doing nothing! haha.
Monday, February 18, 2008
WHO FAST WHAT?
i am fasting my dinners. (stomach grumbles)
and from music. (the horror!)
that's where it hurts for me, and more importantly, that's where i can have greater freedom to p-r-a-y!
so what are YOU fasting from?
let's spur each other on.
and from music. (the horror!)
that's where it hurts for me, and more importantly, that's where i can have greater freedom to p-r-a-y!
so what are YOU fasting from?
let's spur each other on.
Fast Fast
Thank you daniel for posting =p
As for me i am fasting from TV/Movies and my lunch.
Today is the first day. i think the hard part is not the forgoing of these but to really pray for 1 hr. and so i am trying to stick closely to it.
=p
As for me i am fasting from TV/Movies and my lunch.
Today is the first day. i think the hard part is not the forgoing of these but to really pray for 1 hr. and so i am trying to stick closely to it.
=p
Sunday, February 17, 2008
3 2 1 GO!
THIS IS THE 400th POST!
.AS WELL AS THE START OF OUR 40DAY FAST.
.AS WELL AS THE START OF OUR 40DAY FAST.
THIS BLOG HAS BEEN SLEEPING IN FOR AWHILE... TAKING ITS SABBATH.
HOWEVER, I THINK ITS TIME FOR A REVIVAL TO TAKE PLACE AND IT STARTS HERE.
HOWEVER, I THINK ITS TIME FOR A REVIVAL TO TAKE PLACE AND IT STARTS HERE.
IT REALLY DOESNT TAKE LONG TO POST SOMETHING.
MAYBE 10MINS. YOU DON'T HAVE TO WRITE AN ESSAY OR ANYTHING. MAYBE IT COULD JUST BE A PICTURE THAT GOD SPOKE TO YOU THROUGH.
LETS DO THIS TOGETHER. IF YOU HAVE ANY REAL DIFFICULTIES PLEASE CONTACT OUR BOSS.
MAYBE 10MINS. YOU DON'T HAVE TO WRITE AN ESSAY OR ANYTHING. MAYBE IT COULD JUST BE A PICTURE THAT GOD SPOKE TO YOU THROUGH.
LETS DO THIS TOGETHER. IF YOU HAVE ANY REAL DIFFICULTIES PLEASE CONTACT OUR BOSS.
IF NOT EVERYONE IS IN.
i think this is just an avenue for us to share what God is teaching us and also to make sure that we are spending time with God. dont do it for the sake of doing it. may the Lord speak to us.
have a good fast.
your brother,
CharlieBird
i think this is just an avenue for us to share what God is teaching us and also to make sure that we are spending time with God. dont do it for the sake of doing it. may the Lord speak to us.
have a good fast.
your brother,
CharlieBird
Friday, January 25, 2008
Sabbath
Daniel and I met for a time of prayer today at Boon lay park...
It is the first time we met this year and I believe it was a key start to the year!
Spending Sabbath with my brother in a significantly interesting way.
The Lord spoke to us in many ways. Yes, spiritual warfare is on! Do less, pray more!
And we would be meeting every fridays - anyone care to join us? hahaa
It is the first time we met this year and I believe it was a key start to the year!
Spending Sabbath with my brother in a significantly interesting way.
The Lord spoke to us in many ways. Yes, spiritual warfare is on! Do less, pray more!
And we would be meeting every fridays - anyone care to join us? hahaa
Sunday, January 20, 2008
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