Builders Of Generations

me farting my views.

2009-09-10T04:13:00.002+08:00

Yo. Joel here. I just came back from sending a friend off at the airport.

Here are the basic facts.

The guy’s name is Bao Long. (BL)
He’s 23 this year.
I knew him thru a badminton senior of mine called weiluo(WL).
WL, BL and a few others have been good friends since sec 1. But for the last 3 years or so, BL missed almost every outing due to his busy schedule.
And he’s going UK for a 4-5 year course and will probably stay about another year or so to work.

Here's the long story.

Ok. So it was like any other goodbye session at the airport. We went there, talked to him and his family. And sent him off. Im just gonna skip to what I was thinking about the whole time.

Firstly, I felt really different when talking to BL’s family. All this while, I was brought up to think how impt education is. How it would bring about “happiness” thru status, wealth and other comforts. But seriously, when I looked at them, I don think they are any less happy than Bill Gates. Neither do I feel that Bill Gates is any happier than them.
And the sister said something like, “money is not so impt, if you really cant study then just come back.” And the mum added, “we don wanna send a healthy son there and welcome anything less back when you return.” Sounds pretty ‘understood’ I suppose? Maybe it was because BL wasn’t from a particularly rich family, but it seriously felt different today. I felt that sending him to UK to study for more than 4 years would probably cost their life savings and they are so willing to ‘invest’ in something which not only does not guarantee anything back, the ‘investors’ themselves are more than willing to forfeit everything that they have/had, just in hope to see their son succeed. It struck me that this is like the UNCONDITIONAL love that God wants to demonstrate thru Jesus. He knew that He would not get everyone’s love. But still, he chose to die the worst death ever recorded in history, for us. Just (and only) because we are His creation, nothing more and definitely nothing less. Wah. If every parent could demonstrate such a level of love, it would probably lower the suicide rate, the number of youths with low self esteem, and those who desperately seeks to gain everyone’s approval.

Next was when we were walking towards the entrance where we had to say our goodbyes. Wah. It was only then that the full weight of not-gonna-see-BL-for-the-next-4-to-5-years really fell upon me. What made it really worse was that I was reminded of my grandma. I wished at that point of time that my grandma was like BL, leaving us only temporarily. The feeling of things not being in your control was really difficult to deal with, esp for someone like me. But well my grandma had moved on, BL has the opportunity to pursue his dreams and I’m reallllllly happy for him.

And when we said our final goodbyes, someone said “once a bro, always a bro”. Actually, I really didn’t expect them to be so close as BL have not been in contact with them for such a looooooooong period of time. (BL only turned up once in the last 3 years of outings.)

And on my way back, I was just thinking about how stupid it is for people to think that the pasture’s always greener on the other side. Clearly!!! Today’s lesson shows that life is not about what is thrown at you but what you make of the things thrown at you.
1. We hear on the news and from friends all the time about how really poor people make it big and become doctors and lawyers. But at the same time, we hear about how children are not able to study because of the environment they live in which are not as conducive.
2. For those who have always been striving for wealth… I have seen with my own eyes really happy people who are less than average financially and I’ve seen people who are filthy rich but yet are not at all happy/satisfied.
Really, when I take a step back and look at the bigger picture. I see that there’re always 2 extreme outcomes to a very similar scenario. Actually, I felt reminded of one of the Ten Commandments which states that we should not envy others. i felt that there was a new understanding as it can also be paraphrased as “don’t point your fingers and push responsibility.” More often than not, people blame everything around them for the bad things which happen (e.g oh man, I cant run as fast because my shoes are 1 gram heavier than Usain Bolt’s) . Although I must say that some are really not within their/our control (e.g the passing of my grandma), I still make my stand and say that we have the freedom and ability to choose our response. And that (our response) would pretty much make up our character and determine our future…...

God bless BL and anyone who reads this.

Reflections on G12 Conference.

2009-03-17T11:22:00.004+08:00

Just a short reflection from G12 conference.

I think this year's G12 conference to me is more of equipping us with the skills and more understanding of the G12 system. After attending for about 4 G12 conferences, i feel that i have understand abit more on how the vision works and applies. Those previous conferences were more of restoring hearts and about the Father's Love but this year's conference was more like having the skills to run the cell and how the cell should be run. Apart from still being unsure how the cell intern and stuff works other that its more understandable.

p.s. next year's G12 conference i cannot fall asleep anymore. =)

Facing The Giants!

2009-02-28T22:26:00.003+08:00

hey guys, a note to encourage all of us.

as i watched "Facing The Giants" on my ipod today, i felt that God is really speaking to me. In life we all have giants that tear, pin or push us down, but God allow it to happen so that He can show how great and mighty is He. One phrase i heard on the movie when David's father was talking to him and this was what David asked: "why did God made me so small and weak?" and this was his father's reply: "to show how Great and Mighty is He." When i heard that it just boost me! now i know why God have made me this way, so that he can show how Great and Mighty is He! and i never realised it!

And before i started off the basketball game today, i was telling God to help us and whether we win or lose, or how good or bad i play in this game, i'll still praise you. And God indeed have us to pull us through. Even though we lost, they are the giants for us in this game, they are experienced, big in size and this was their 6th season. The first time we played against them, we lost close to about 50 pts, but when we faced them today, the score was 50-71, we lost only 21 pts! 21 pts! and i believe this was God helping us because most of their players are not here and the strongest one is not there too. We are outnumbered with 6 players to 9 players, its the same when Shirlon Eagles against the oppositing team with Shirlon players at 32 and the oppositing at 85. It was indeed a true miracle at the end when we lost with a gap of 21 pts.

And from this, i have a dream. Which i believe God can use all of us and to be the true Overcomer of Giants. My dream was to have a sports group form from our cell, with the talents and gifts God have given us, we must not let it go to waste, if not, God will take it away. We have basketball, badminton, soccer, bowling etc, let us all use this as a platform for God to be shown in our lives and where He can be make known to all.

I hope this note of mine will encourage all of us. =D God bless!

2009-02-16T09:50:00.008+08:00

Bro! We just chatted last week! hahaha Finally u do know how i feel when i was in NI. I only have a 100 pounds a month and without internet connection! Well Bro, I believe you will be able hang on and be even stronger when u come back!

So bro it is just a few more months that u need to be there! next time lets go for backpacking at taiwan!

Updates from family.

2009-02-15T22:19:00.004+08:00

Hey dal, everyone is doing fine man. Everyone is missing ya. =D esp Audris.

Teen cell is growing at a rapid pace, faster than young adults and campus/ns cell. Probably becaues its TEENS. LOL just kidding, but they are indeed growing. =D thank God for that.

Suet Ming is going to aussie to study too. She's gonna be there for a few years. Looks like everyone is going overseas either for months or years. hahaha.

Anyway, this is the recent picture.

During CNY reunion dinner at Bugis La Mei Zhi

Hello guys..

2009-02-15T17:23:00.003+08:00

.
Hello guys.

How have you all been? I know some of us have finish army. Some of us moving on to a different phrase of our life. Different school. Different classes. Things must have been a change for all of us. =)

Just to update you guys on my life? i realized i'd be losing contact with everyone if i don't blog my life. So please? Do remember to blog and read the post..

Let me first start with my trip to Taipei.
I started this trip alone guys. I went backpacking alone =) i made arrange to go to taipei and stayed in a hostel throughout my trip. =) reason why i did this? I wanted to spend my time alone. And try to understand myself and how i function... Also, i wanted to spend my time with God. Alone.

hahah actually i dont even know where to start. Lets see.. i think i will blog and entry totally on my trip. This entry will just be too long and naggy if i go on =)

Anway.. the reason why i am blogging is cos.. i miss you guys. i hope you guys miss me too. Living alone away from family and you guys aint no easy thing. It must have been hard for yang to stay alone in US.

Here are some updats too. Please pray for me. I am having a hard time with the training and trying to get rest. I try to train on my own too.. so physically please pray i get better time management and discipline to rest. Spiritually.. please pray. =) its really hard hanging on. So i am hoping you guys would just.. that.. the church is a place where we should be grateful for. I miss my shelter.

Happy valentine's day guys

love dalston

Events coming up! + SOL schedule.

2009-01-18T01:21:00.004+08:00

23th Jan : Gh's and Mel's cell Reunion Dinner at La Mei Zi, Bugis.
26th - 27th Jan : Chinese New Year
31st Jan : Chinggay Parade
12th - 14th March: G12 Conference

for those who have not sign up for SOL, here are the schedule for the classes.

School of Leaders (SOL)

SOL Level 1 (English)::8, 15, 22 Feb, 1, 8, 22, 29 Mar, 5, 19 & 26 Apr (Sun)1.00pm – 3.30pm @ Omega Rooms 3 & 4 View: Class schedule

SOL Level 2 (English):8, 15, 22 Feb, 1, 8, 22, 29 Mar, 5, 19 & 26 Apr (Sun)1.00pm – 3.30pm @ Omega Rooms 1 & 2 View: Class schedule

1st dance training for the year 2009.

2009-01-09T00:42:00.002+08:00

Today was the 1st dance training for the year 2009. I think it will be a great year ahead, working with the adults and youths together. Everyone were grouped in different groups. I'm in the group with quite a few familiar faces, but sooner we'll get to know each other. We are one of the groups with the most youth and our first project will be in march, hokkien service.

When we were given hokkien service to dance for, my mind was thinking "iyo". But later at the end of the training where we were having free worship..God once again reminded that His the One who created dance, His the One who gives the talent and strength to dance. And also i was thinking how can the genre of dance i'm trained in, be use in worship? once again, the same sentences reminded me again.

And i began to realised, it doesn't matter what genre of dance you are doing or are trained. As long as your heart is worshipping God, its focus on God..YOU ARE WORSHIPPING!

Truly God will revealed more as the days comes by. =)

- Gabriel

work out regime

2009-01-07T22:02:00.002+08:00

=) hi guys. just to blog

i have been doing the spartan workout.

30 pull ups
50 squats ( 50kg)
50 dead lift (40kg)
50 floor washer
60 sit up
50 push up
30 pull up

this was Monday regime

30 pull ups
50 squats ( 60 kg)
50 dead lift ( 50 kg)
100 bench push up
60 sit up
30 pull up

this was Tuesday regime

10 mins of 30 kg row
110 bench push up
60 sit up
50 raised leg lift
30 pull ups

this was wed regime

i am 165 cm
i am 63 kg

trying to account for my regime. =) i will get my spartan body!

btw bros please pray for me. =) remember me during cell group k?

love you all

dalston

THANK YOU BROS and SISTERS!

2009-01-04T17:18:00.004+08:00

Hey bros =) how are things in Singapore? Good? How is everyone? Pa are you well? =)

=) I never knew such love is available to me and such warm from the family would be showered onto me. I never expected the kind of care and concern you guys shown. You guys should know that ever since i knew i was coming over to Taiwan, you guys had treated me so well. I know its not just a matter of event that's why you guys are loving me so much but i can slowly feel the love of each one of us growing.

We care more for each other. We love more for each other and we are more giving to each other then before. The world may slowly fade into "love for one another grows cold" but i am sure as a family, we will continue to show the world and the people around us that there is really true brotherly love.

Indeed i am sure God is smiling down upon us as the bible said, " how good when brother love one and another, it is like oil flowing down on Aron's bead. =)

Honestly i hope you guys know how much i love you guys. =) i am proud to be every single one of you guys brother. And i have been missing the cell a whole lot. I miss going out at night to 85 and cheeky's choc. i miss just hanging out and talking nothing but rubbish. Most of all, i miss being among you guys, it always feels like home when i see you guys.

Years have passed and we all grew older. i just pray that as the relationship as brother grows older we continue to function as a family and continue to walk closely like a band of brothers walking and fighting for the Lord. =) Sorry if my post seem very inadequate enough to express my love for you all. Just know that i love every single one of you and pray for the best to happen to you all.

To Mel and her girls( i hope they read this)

Hey ma thanks for giving me advice and affirming me all the time. =) you have really showered me with unconditional motherly love. Its always nice to have one more motherly figure. i hope you and ah pa are doing well.

Hey all the chio bu-es
Thanks for being a great bunch of sisters to me. The joy and laughter you all brought to the cell. The kind of balance you brought to the atmosphere in our cell. I can't thank you all enough. i wish i can name one by one and thank you all but i would be an old grandfather so.. i'll just like to tell you all, that all the actions and love you girls showed is really warming my heart ( since its so cold over here, haha ) and i am just happy to have a good bunch of sister as part of the family. I hope i will be able to resipocate the same brotherly love to you all. May the Lord favour be on every single one of you and may you girls continue to be succsessful in all that you do. =)

Love
Dalston
from Tawain

2009-01-02T00:15:00.001+08:00

HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY TO OUR DEAREST BROTHER

DALSTON PUNG JIAN KAI

who is now in taiwan training. =)

God is INDEED REAL!

2009-01-01T23:10:00.002+08:00

I just wanna thank God for appearing to me when i'm down in the confuse state of mind. This was what happened.

I wanted to read somebody's blog and without my knowledge, i typed the URL wrongly. This was what i typed: "www.........blogpsot.com" and for those who have blogs knows that this page will not show up and the most amazing thing that was..it appeared to me as a bible study website. I was like stunned! because usually it does not appeared anything! This is how God appeared REAL and show how He loves me!! WOAH! this was my first time experiencing this and i wanna experience more of GOD!!

And there's alot of more from that page which i know that God is speaking to me.

IN ALL AWE AND GLORY, I GIVE THANKS TO GOD!!!

Your Name by Paul Baloche

2009-01-01T22:14:00.002+08:00

1 of my favorite songs, always touches my heart. Esp when I hear this song over the services, before Gkidz Services on Sunday. :)

CALEB

Training in taiwan

2008-12-30T21:56:00.002+08:00

hi guys,

How have you been? Nic and lirong is about to ORD eh? hahah isn't that the best thing in life now ah. Started to clear leave and off already? How are you ah John, daniel and ryan? =) i miss you 3. SAMUEL, MANFRED, GABRIEL! guys.. i was thinking about the past since samuel and i had a chat. I really thank God thati have good buddies like all.. i just pray that we continue to play liek kids and think like adult. Remain close to HIS heart and always be teachable. =) Hope we can start to expand the cell and look outwards. Dan! thanks for being a great brother. haha sometime we disagree but i think we'll have a good time thinking about sec school and church together as the years go by. =) i am grateful for the brothership i have with you. hahah JOEL! JOEL! haha REC how are you? love the army life? there are many things i wanna say but i guess the best thing i can ever do for you is to just say... Bro.. i know you will cover my back when anything happen. thanks for always trying to solve conflict when we have. Love you guys.

Hey wanna share my regime with you guys.. i have been trying to shed fats and be lean... this are the results

!65cm
63 kg
Fat test 23%
BMI 23

=) not good at all

this is my aim ah.
167cm ( i still hope i can grow tall- i am praying)
62kg
Fat test 8%
BMI 22

=) i have been running 5 clicks 4 time a week

Today i tried the spartan 300 regime.. Boy it was a killer

30 under grip pull up
50 push up
50 dead lift
50 floor washer
50 squats
30 over grip pull up

By right you are suppose to finish this in 15min! but i took 40 min with help too

hahah if you think this is easy haha go try it out...

i am posting so i can keep track my work out and ask you guys for encouragement...

Love you guys
dalston

dalston from taiwan

2008-12-24T23:04:00.003+08:00

Merry Christmas to my brothers and sister. (Bros please get the Mel's girls to read this post)

Let me blog
I bought a cake for Jesus (as you can see above), Since i cant celebrate with anyone over here i thought this year i will wanna make things special for HIM. Since young Christmas had always been about the party, food, booze, fun and joy but i seldom celebrate it with HIM. But this year.. i thank God for all the things HE has done for me. Dying on the cross, washing my sins, loving me, taking me in, forgiving me, being there in my trials and... most of all.. calling me a son. Thank you DAD for always loving me. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS=)

at the bottom are some picture i wanna share with you guys =)

This is what it looks like when you climb into my bed. (double deck)
My table top!
Where i put my books and stuff

lovingthecellgroupfromtaiwan
dalston

reply to dalston

2008-12-20T09:47:00.001+08:00

bro. God is with you.... stay strong in Taiwan. we all miss ur butt... see u soon(6-8 mths). haha. God bless you.

From taiwan

2008-12-18T20:52:00.002+08:00

Hi guys =) i am blogging from Taiwan.

Few things i need to settle before i share my days over..

Dan, i am sorry about the Standard chartered run..

okay done.. =)

Well when i left you guys at the airport, i was full of mixed feelings. I miss you guys but i was looking forward to seeing Taiwan too. When i walk pass the gate.. there was a split second that i regret my decision of coming over here. I certainly miss you guys. From the church to the cell , from playing with you guys to hanging out till wee hours.. OF COURSE I MISS AUDRIS TOO =)

well its cold over here and there is a lot of work to be done. There is 5km run everyday. Gym.. and alot of other responsibilities. BUT i thank God that i have good officers and specs over here. They treat me nice and help me along my daily work.

Lord i wanna give thanks for you. You have been a great God that provides. I pray that i will stand with you not only when things are going my way but when all are turning bleak too.

Well guys please rememeber to take care of each other. No more criple cross ball la hahah .... pray that my 3 promise will come true too.. love you guys.. we communicate thru blog and msn k?

love you guys
dalston

2008-12-11T22:26:00.002+08:00

So these are my feed backs as a whole..

3 question that was asked:

1) What talents can you contribute to the cell/combine cell?

We feel that we are a very sporty cell.

We excel in them and we are able to reach out to people who are in strong in this area.

We are also strong in music, like Yokie and Manfred. Ryan fan would like to contribute to the worship singers.

Our cell are generally good with girls. Being in a mix group may allow us to help bring girls to church.

Lastly we are quite people person. we enjoy going out in groups and feel that we can work well as a cell to reach out.

2) what are the possible challenges that you may face or encounter in the combine cell?

Miscommunication

No accountablility

Unwilling to forgive

3) What are some ground rules that we can set so that we may minimize the problems encountered?

Some gave ground rules like "being yourself" while others gave answers about us taking the initiative to be accountable to out leader.

Not to gossip and would learn to hold their opinion to themselves either than confiding in you.

15 November 2008 | GH and Mel's Wedding

2008-12-09T11:39:00.006+08:00

Union of Guanghan's and Melissa's cell

we never failed to to make the any picture look funny! =D

GuangHan and Melissa's Wedding 15th November 2008

2008-12-07T01:55:00.003+08:00

The answers to the 3 questions which was posted during the combine cell:

1) What are the talents you can offer to the cell group.
Ans: I can only play the guitar. Don't have much of a talent.

2) What are the possible challenges in the cell group.
Ans: Poor communication within the cell.
Unable to adapt/accept to each other.

3) "Ground Rules" to overcome challenges in the cell group.
Ans: Words of affirmation/encouragement
Prayers.
Clearing the doubts from each other.

By Manfred

1) What are the talents you can offer to the cell group.
Ans: I can play the drums and able to teach the basic.

2) What are the possible challenges in the cell group.
Ans: Sensitivity towards each other and to the other party.
Some actions we do might be mis-leading/stumbling.

3) "Ground Rules" to overcome challenges in the cell group.
Ans: Think before we speak of anything at any point of the time.
Be sensitive to each other.

By Gabriel

Upcoming Events!

2008-12-02T13:26:00.003+08:00

13th Dec - MyHope Party
20th Dec - GH and Mel's combined Christmas Party
21st Dec - Christmas Party
31st Dec - YouthNet Countdown Party

GH and Mel had left for malacca for soccer trip with GH soccer team. Continue to pray for a safe journey for them and the soccer team.

9 Nov - Nick Vujicic

2008-11-10T15:40:00.005+08:00

9 Nov - Nick Vujicic

http://www.fcbc.org.sg/faith_sermons.asp

Reading the Word of God

Acting with Courage

Be a miracle to someone else

[FAITH = For Assurance In The High]

Less is More!

[ FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real]

Jeremiah 29:11
encouragement = courage
Psalm 139
Romans 8:28
Matthew 14:22-33
Opposite of FEAR is FAITH

when we're disable that is when God is ABLE!

GO DISABLE = GOD IS ABLE!

We are made to be a miracle to someone else.

1 Nov - Establishing God's Economic Order

2008-11-10T15:27:00.002+08:00

Establishing God's Economic Order Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:44-47 & 4:32-35

Apostle Lawrence Khong

Genesis 11:4

Greed - build a city for ourselves instead a city for God.
Control & Fear - a town that reach to heaven
Pride - make a name for himself

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

a) God's Kingdom - with one heart & one mind

Acts 4:32-35
Matthew 6:19-20
Genesis 11:6
[one heart and one mind are powerful]

b) God's stewardship - no one claims that any possession are of its own.

Acts 4:32-35

c) God's glory - the name of Jesus was glorified

Acts 4:32-35

d) Community Living - Eradication of Poverty

Application

Repent of our Greed
Renounce our Fear

Where are you now?

2008-10-07T20:25:00.002+08:00

051008 - The Character Of The Kingdom

2008-10-07T11:50:00.002+08:00

The Character Of The Kingdom - Living The Privileged Life Rev Mevlyn Mak Matthew 16:13-19

Mark 16:15
Matthew 6:33
Acts 1:3, 28:31

[How Can We Live THIS PRIVILEGED LIFE Effectively?]

1. KNOW YOUR POSITION - The Way God Sees You

- Matthew 16:15-18
- Do i really know this God for who He is?
- Love is centered in the Will not Emotion

2. KNOW YOUR PURPOSE - The Work That God Sends You To Do

- I have the key to freedom or losing it.
- Luke 12:32
- I have the authority to bind and bound
- Acts 17:28
- Joel 2:28

140908 - The Conquest of the Kingdom

2008-09-14T23:11:00.003+08:00

The Conquest of the Kingdom Matthew 13:31-32 Apostle Lawrence Khong

- Being Bold For The Kingdom

Matthew 11:12
The Kingdom of God is the work of small amount of people, but the impact is immeasurebale

[ 4 Keys that gives us Boldness]

A Revelation of God's Heart & Truth
A Fear of being unfit & losing the battle
A love fo God & others
Living Life in a community

[A Revelation of God's Heart & Truth]

John 8:32
2 Cor 10:3-5
The devil likes to deceives us with half-truth.
Exodus 4:22
Matthew 24:14
Matthew 28:18-20
John 18:36, 18:33, 18:35
Ephesians 1:7-10
Habakkuk 2:14
Revelation 11:15b
Luke 17:21

[Response] What God wants us to do:

Repent - Mark 1:15
Renew your mind - Romans 12:2

Presentations by Os Hillman

2008-09-14T22:43:00.000+08:00

RECLAIMING THE 7 MOUNTAINS OF CULTURE

http://www.reclaim7mountains.com/pages.asp?pageid=67580

FUNNY CLIP!

2008-09-11T01:36:00.003+08:00

WE ARE WANNA-BE!

A Call to Perservere

2008-04-15T17:04:00.002+08:00

Hebrews 10:19-38

19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

26If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"^[a] and again, "The Lord will judge his people."^[b] 31It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. 33Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

35So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37For in just a very little while,
"He who is coming will come and will not delay.
38But my righteous one^[c] will live by faith.
And if he shrinks back,
I will not be pleased with him."^[d]

I've been kinda busy for the past month and hadn't had many opportunities to sit down and seriously spend time with God. I've realized how enriching spending time with God has been, finding out how much I had taken time spent with God for granted in the past. Day by day passed by with each day filled with activities that tire me out. Time tends to test relationships. But lets not let time test our personal relationship with God - treasure God's friendship. Your walk is your walk, my walk is my walk. Your leader can only guide you so far, but in the end, it will still be your own legs walking the journey of life, until we see God face to face.

I am sure many can relate to the passage above as if it were your life story. Fiery arrows of persecution and condemnation being shot at you from all angles about your religion. It's quite unthinkable and definitely unbearable. Constant stares, constant murmurs behind your back, people spouting nonsense about you, making a mountain out of a molehill. Personally, I have experienced this before. People question your religion, question your loyalty to God. etc. Deep down, it is hurtful being questioned about your God. But I pray, should you still be experiencing this, that you take heart from the passage above.

The writer of Hebrews found the readers tempted to pull away from Christ. Hebrews attempted to call them to God and to fellowship with one another by describing a veil by which all believers could enter God's presence. This veil symbolized the life of Jesus presented to God when He suffered for our sins. (1 Peter 3:18). Because Christians had complete access to God, they could draw near to Him with an inward and outward cleansing. They also needed to consider how to stimulate one another to good works by meeting together. In no instance should Christians fall into a pattern of neglecting fellowship with one another. The author warned his readers that turning away from Christ would expose them to divine judgment. He insisted that readers show genuine faith by continued commitment to Christ. They had already suffered for their faith, but they needed to demonstrate stamina in obeying God.

Today, I bless you to know that God will receive what he has promised. You will be richly rewarded for your faith. Bless you to stay strong in the Lord and not let anything (whether big or small) stumble you, but always stay on track, persevere and strive towards the goal.

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2008-04-01T20:16:00.000+08:00

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Faith

2008-03-15T11:49:00.003+08:00

Mark 4:35-41

Jesus Calms the Storm

35That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." 36Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"

39He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

40He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

41They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

In the passage above, Jesus demonstrated absolute trust in God by sleeping (soundly) through the storm on Lake Galilee. The disciples mistook Jesus' trust for apathy(absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement). Strangely, their fear is not mentioned until Jesus had quieted the storm. Here, faith is courage based on trust in God's care no matter the situation/circumstances. The disciples were extremely puzzled with who this man really was.. This suggests their awe stemmed from the realization that their Teacher did what only God would be able to do - command the winds and the waves.

Similar to the previous post about David having been armed with the power of God was able to defeat the Giant Goliath. David had the total trust and confidence in God that God would deliver him. David had faith.

The disciples did show a certain "lack of faith" in God when they had felt helpless and turned to their Teacher for direction. Of course, in circumstances like the boat on the verge of capsizing, it would be trying to pause and have quiet confidence in God. A normal instinctive reaction would be to alert people around you and try to salvage the situation. However, these are the moments we need God our Lord the most.

If one has faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for the person. This is the highest form of faith that one could have; that even in cruel and hard times, he/she can still place his/her faith in God. The Disciples were unable to do so as they reacted the way a normal person would have. But we as believers, must trust God. It will be hard, with thoughts like "Sure a not, He will save us?"

Just like the Lord's Prayer,

9"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.

the Lord's Prayer. In it He models all the elements of proper prayer in an appropriate sequence. He presented the elements such as praise and adoration, leaving room for God's sovereign will to override ours; appeal for kingdom priorities to be manifest on the earth; personal petition and pleas for forgiveness contingent on our practice of forgiving others; and prayer for strength to avoid the tempter and his snares.

Lets pray that God will increase our capacity of FAITH in Him. Lets trust the Lord with our dear lives!

Blessed week ahead. :)

David And Goliath

2008-03-11T13:40:00.002+08:00

1 Samuel 17:1-58.

Summary:

The Philistines were at war with Saul. Their greatest champion Goliath taunted the Israelites for their cowardice. No Hebrew had the courage to take on Goliath. Jesse's older sons were in the battle lines and Jesse sent David to the field with provisions. David heard of the defiant words of Goliath and was ready to defend the name of the Lord by challenging the giant to combat. With the weapon of a shepherd but armed with the power of God, he killed Goliath and the Philistines scattered in defeat.

36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."

45 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."

David overcame a giant 9 feet tall. It was as if a battle between an ant and a human. I can hardly imagine myself in David's shoes.. Would I have this kind of courage EVEN THOUGH I know that God was with me? Would I dare to risk my life EVEN THOUGH I know that God was beside me?
David definitely had the highest form of faith, trust and confidence in God. Honestly, if I were to face this kind of situation, I'm not too sure if I would go EVEN THOUGH I knew God is beside me.

This passage is a telling reminder that with God we can overcome anything. With God, David overcame and defeated Goliath, causing the Philistines to leave in disgrace. However, for most of us, we let go of this chance to even overcome giants in our life with God simply because we did not have to faith, trust, confidence in God that He would do so. Take heart from this testimony from David; he, overcame all odds stacked against him to take on the challenge of facing Goliath and defeated him triumphantly without the use of a sword/spear or the clothings of tunic, armor and helmet, but just simply armed with the power of God.

Today, lets learn to tap upon God's power. But, to do so, we must first have quiet confidence in God. Faith, trust to know that He will deliver you. Lets follow the excellent example of David, who had no qualms at all about taking on Giant Goliath, simply because he knew in his heart, God will empower and be with him. So if you are facing any "giants" and challenges in your life, slow down take time and pray about it. Settle your hearts at ease to know that God will deliver you. Remember, no problem is too large for our Lord.

God Bless. :)

Spartanize Yourself

2008-03-02T21:56:00.001+08:00

Loving our Neighbours

2008-03-01T18:49:00.003+08:00

Matt 22:39
"And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'"

"It is really so hard for me to love the people around me. At times, I feel very burdened and obliged as a Christian to "show love" to people I dislike. It's as if the Devil is constantly shooting arrows back at me for my actions against my neighbors, the people around me. The problem is that I'm only able to love people in my circle of friends; Which means, they must fill certain criteria before I bill them as 'friend'." Have you been in this kind of situation?

The above thoughts have happened to me before, and it is so true. We, naturally as humans, find it hard to LOVE our neighbors. We can only Love them when they are our friends. However, today, can we get rid of this kind of mentality? The world out there is all about first impressions. Imagine if we do not express Love through our actions to the world, we have lost the battle. Can we, no matter who it is, as instruments of peace and love, express it to the world? The world has no LOVE. They only find love in materialistic things that are temporal. Lets be the sources of love; and be everlasting and constant.

Lets start today by doing simple but strong actions filled with LOVE.

Romans 15:2
"Each of us should please his neighbour for his good, to build him up."

We can't Force people into the Kingdom of God but we can lead people in by touching them with actions of love and concern. Lets sow the seeds for the future, but make sure we exhibit LOVE to everyone around us without prejudice, for everyone is God's Child, just that they have been blinded by the things of this world. There is certainly a reason for where God has placed you. Most likely he wants to use you to touch his children who are unaware but around you. Today, LOVE your NEIGHBOUR.

Bless you!

Your Heart

2008-02-23T20:27:00.003+08:00

9 The heart is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?

Jeremiah 17:9 is so true. The heart of man is poisonous. With our heart we commit our lives to God, but with our heart we knowingly fall into sin. How hypocritical is that? This is something that we at some point in our life are guilty of. Today, what is the condition of your heart? Is your heart beating for God? During cell, Ah pa shared 3 Characteristics that our hearts should possess.

A Pure Heart to See Him
A Simple Heart to Follow Him
An Undivided Heart to Serve Him

23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.

Lets have a heart that is Pure, Simple and Undivided. Many a time, we are busied by our commitments that we have and God just slips off our mind. Has it ever occurred to you that your heart is cold and hardened towards God? Have you lost your sensitivity towards the Holy Spirit? Well, it all boils down to your heart.

Recently, I was involved in CIP at a society for the handicapped. I encountered people who are handicapped. Honestly, no one in the right frame of mind would ever choose to be handicapped. I was touched and guilty of being nonchalant and ignorant of the difficulties they faced. Some had no limbs, no arms, no legs, others were wheel-chair bound for life. Life for them is really tough and hard. I started thanking God that I am born without any problems. I started claiming that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

It is the same as our hearts. Lets not wait until we are "woken up" by God or by a situation. The same goes for the 40 day fast. A symbol of our hunger and love for Him. Pastor doesn't want us to wait for sanctification week to enter that period but instead, we have to change the attitude of our heart and prepare ourselves for it.

Reminders:
1. A Psalm a Day
2. Fasting A Meal
3. Fasting Computer Games and TV.
4. Prayer / Time with God 1 Hour a Day.

Lets ENJOY and SOAK in His Presence!!

Characteristics of God from Psalms

2008-02-14T18:13:00.002+08:00

Thank God, I've stayed true to reading a psalm a day. Reminder that although it is a "corporate project", it is just a significant act that we put God first everyday. First moments in the morning goes to the time spent with God and rightly so. I'm glad to say, my spirit is so much more joyful and assured every morning as I go to school. I find myself enjoying everything I do and I thank God for that.

Through Psalms, there is so many characteristics of God that we can find. What I remember the most are:

Psalm 5:11 - Protector
11 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.

Psalm 6:4 - Loving
4 Turn, O LORD, and deliver me;
save me because of your unfailing love.

Psalm 11:7 - Righteous
7 For the LORD is righteous,
he loves justice;
upright men will see his face.

Psalm 23:1 - Shepherd
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

Psalm 28:1 - God is our Rock
1 To you I call, O LORD my Rock;
do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent,
I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.

Psalm 40:5 - Miracle Worker
5 Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare.

As you read Psalms daily, do make it a point to read with a heart that wants to know God more and more, including His characteristics. I am sure many more characteristics of God will surface as we read psalms with an attentive and willing spirit, let the Holy Spirit reveal more to you! Bless you!

1 Month into Yr of Sabbath

2008-01-31T22:24:00.000+08:00

Hey family,

We are 1 Month into the Yr of Sabbath, so have you been resting well (in the Lord)? Haha. Personally there has been some form of breakthrough for myself. I've definitely grown in the aspect of discipline; that is, waking up earlier than normal and spending the precious moments with our Maker, reading his Word in Psalms. Psalms is the Bible's book of personal devotions.

Following is something interesting that I read,

Type of Psalms.
When studying a psalm, one should ask the following questions.
1) Was is sung by an individual or congregation?
2) What was the psalms' purpose (praise, cry for help, thanksgiving)?
3) Does it mention any special theme?

I think we should focus more on question 2. What is the real purpose of every psalm that we read? Once we recognize the purpose of what is, we can use the psalm as our own personal cry out to God. Lets not see this as a chore or a obligation on our part to commit ourselves to reading psalms but really, lets see this as an extended time with God. A time where we see what were the needs/cries of the Christians before us. A time to just cry out to God in your hearts as you read the psalm.

From every psalm that we read, there is something new we learn about God. I leave you with Psalm 23, which is one of the most beautiful revelations of God.

Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Lets continue reading His Word in the Month of February, every morning before food. God Bless you!

Psalm 16

2008-01-16T10:15:00.000+08:00

this morning i asked GOD, what can He teach me from Psalm 16.

Here are what He have spoken to me:

Psalm 16:2 : I said to the LORD, "You are my LORD; apart from you i have no good thing"
-> Without GOD we are nothing, without His blessings we will not have what we had today.

Psalm 16:4 : The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods
-> We cannot serve both GOD and money. The pleasure are temporal, there will still be sorrow down deep in their heart. Only GOD can give the everlasting pleasure.

Psalm 16:5-6 : 5 LORD, you have assigned my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely i have a delightful inheritance.
-> GOD have given us a place in heaven
-> He have placed for us blessings ready for us to be poured out onto us.
-> We will have a wonderful blessings and inheritance

Psalm 16:10 : because you will abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One See decay.
-> Resurrection of Jesus. But it also means those who come back to GOD and those who trust in the LORD will not see the grave but a path of life GOD have prepared.

please keep in prayer for me. I'm still sick from yesterday, had flu and quite an irritating sore throat..haha so please keep in prayer. =D

Psalm 15

2008-01-15T08:31:00.000+08:00

1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

2 He whose walk is blameless, and who does what is righteous, who speaks truth from his heart
3 and has no slander on his tongue, and who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,
4 who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,
5 who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

this morning as i read Psalm 15, i asked God what can He teach me from today's chapter. Then as i continue to read on, God showed me Proverbs 3. It's about "Further Benefits of Wisdom" and some of the verses are link in a way that it will help us understand better.

Psalm 15:2-3
2 He whose walk is blameless, and who does what is righteous, who speaks truth from his heart
3 and has no slander on his tongue, and who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,

Proverbs 3:34
34 He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.

Psalm 15:5
5 who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken

Proverbs 3:29-30
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse a man for no reason-when he has done you no harm.

Psalm 15:4
4 who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts

Proverbs 3:7
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear of the LORD and shun evil.

Brief review of recent events

2008-01-06T22:55:00.000+08:00

Salt and Light / Yr of Sabbath

2008-01-06T20:18:00.000+08:00

Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)

13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

How does it feel to be different in and among your friends when you hang out? Have you ever wanted to follow their ways? No, lets not go down that path but instead claim the fact that you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. As it is, there are always two sides to a coin and two extreme ends of a road. Have you been so worn out by this race you have been tirelessly running that you have lost your saltiness, or rather, is your light is getting dimmer? I pray this is not so. Why? Because as His disciples, He wants us to provide illumination for a lost and dying world. But, even if you are feeling breathless in the race that you have been running for Him, fear not because it's the Year of Sabbath!

Do you recall the 3 Key Indicators for the Year of Sabbath that pastor shared?

1.Intimacy - Remembrance and Reliance upon the Lord

2.Interdependence - Restoration and Rebuilding of Relationships

3.Integration - Rest and Recreation of the Land

I just sense that in this Year of Sabbath, God is yearning for many of us to grow mightily in Him. We'll grow strong in the Word, learn more about our Saviour and spend more quality time with our Friend. Lets take this opportunity to rewind, reflect and recharge.

Rewind - Lets look back on the past years and remember God's goodness in our lives. Something that Pastor said that really speaks a lot to me, "God's faithfulness to us in the past stirs up our faith in Him for the future." Today, lets recall all the great, might works that God has done in our lives. (It's quite similar to my previous post about giving thanks to God.) We know that God has been faithful to us and let us allow his faithfulness to increase our faith in Him for more things to come in the years ahead.

Reflect - I think we need to reflect on how our time set aside for God is spent. Was it for the sake of something in return? Or, just for the sake of your ministry (cell group)? I think we have to change our attitude of QT(Quiet Time). Lets not always come before God and keep asking asking asking, but lets come before God and dwell in his presence. Do you know that God delights in our time that we spend with Him? Something pastor said, "Your devotional life is about how much God is blessed, not how much we are blessed." I think this is so true. I remember myself doing QT for the sake of it, or even for the sake of asking for something in return. But as His followers, lets learn to bless God with each and every time that we come before Him in our devotional life.

Recharge - The Year of Sabbath is also a Year to recharge our spiritual batteries. If your light is getting faulty or your salt is losing its saltiness, then take this Year to regenerate your energy and get things back on track. I feel that the camp verse for end last year speaks so much about re-charging. Isaiah 40: 28-31.

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

I just feel that God knows so many of us are growing tired and weary, or even stumbling and falling. I personally have felt this way before. But God doesn't want us to give up. I believe in this year, God will re-ignite the passion of every heart that longs to shine for Him, every fire that wants to burn just for Him because he is preparing us for rapid growth in the build up to the year of Jubilee. He doesn't want us to be tired and weary in the most exciting times ahead, but he wants us to soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint, when the time comes for massive revival.

Just wanna bless you with my personal devotion. Cheers.

Give Thanks

2007-12-31T03:02:00.000+08:00

Wow, time really flies, its amazing. 2007 (Yr of Victory) is about to be over as we welcome in 2008 (Yr of Sabbath). There are many things we have went through this year, be it victories/breakthroughs or setbacks/defeats. But in everything, let us learn to give thanks to God for it is by grace and mercy that we can even call him Abba Father.

From the Word of God

John 1:14 (The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.)
-Resulting in blessing after blessing! John 1:16 (From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.)

Acts 15:11 (No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.)

Romans 6:14 (For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.)

Ephesians 1:7 (In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.)

Ephesians 2:5 (made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.)

Ephesians 2:8 (For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.)

My encouragement to you as you read this is that we not only thank God at a certain point in time, (end of week, end of month, end of yr etc.) but that we learn to give thanks to Him, for his grace upon our lives. Indeed, our salvation, our lives in the Lord was a gift from Him. My prayer is that every morning when we wake up, we will give thanks to God for something He has done in our lives.

Another point that I would like to make is that we thank God for everything, not just our victories or breakthroughs, but I would like to put it that we give thanks to Him for everything including our defeats and setbacks. Why? Because He has wonderful, amazing and spectacular plans for us. (Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.)

Lets learn to recognize that everything is God-ordained/orientated and we can never comprehend it because His ways are higher than ours. Which is why in defeat/setbacks, give thanks for God has a reason for everything. We are assured, from the bible, that the Lord our God has much, much greater plans for us. It is truly by grace that we can be called children of God. Lets start giving thanks today!!! Finally, I would like to leave you with the lyrics of this song, "Give Thanks". This is probably a familiar song to all but lets really learn to Give thanks with a heart that is ever so grateful to our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Bless you!!

GIVE THANKS
WITH A GRATEFUL HEART
GIVE THANKS
TO THE HOLY ONE
GIVE THANKS
BECAUSE HE'S GIVEN
JESUS CHRIST, HIS SON

AND NOW LET THE WEAK SAY
I AM STRONG
LET THE POOR SAY
I AM RICH
BECAUSE OF WHAT
THE LORD HAS DONE
FOR US

GIVE THANKS...

GH+RH Retreat Dec 2007 (28th-30th Dec)

2007-12-26T07:26:00.000+08:00

GH+RH Retreat is this weekend!

VERY Important items to bring: Sleeping bag, TOILET roll, sports attire and
shoes, Youth Service Attire

Day 1 (28^th Dec)

2pm – Meet at Tampines Interchange

3pm – Check in @ Changi Aloha Netheravon Chalet

6pm – Dinner

8pm – Session 1

11pm – Games

12am – Wash up and Zzzzzz

Day 2 (29^th Dec)

7am – WAKE UP and Breakfast

9am – YCYPAO Cluster Meeting (Chartered Bus @ 0815)

12pm – Return to Changi Aloha Netheravon Chalet + Lunch

2pm – Solitude

5pm – Session 2

630pm – Special Dinner Treat

8pm – Session 3 : Movie Treat

Day 3 (30^th Dec)

7am - WAKE UP and Breakfast

830am – Session 4

11am – Pack up and set off for Youth Service @ Expo

Wait wait.. another important item to bring....

A heart to seek the LORD! Do prepare your heart!

Rememberung the PAST-- all look so cute!!

2007-12-24T13:08:00.000+08:00

Lirong Nic n Daniel Baptism!!
Samuel n Dion ( so cute right? )
Sentosa Outing ( almost 3 yrs ago..!! )
Daniel's birthday (remember when was it )
ULTIMATE MACHOS!!

Pastor Khong in the NEWPAPER!

2007-12-18T10:49:00.000+08:00

ELECTRIC NEWS

Middle-aged, but at the top of his game

By Teh Jen Lee in Korat, Thailand

December 16, 2007

HE WEARS many other hats, along with his polo helmet.

Mr Lawrence Khong (seated), shakes hands with his coach while his family and friends gather around. -- Picture: TEH JEN LEE

Mr Lawrence Khong, 55, the oldest in the Singapore national team, had a jam-packed schedule three weeks before the SEA Games.

He is the senior pastor of Faith Community Baptist Church, chairman of the board of directors of Touch Community Services (which recently won the Outstanding Non-profit Organisation Award from the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre), and also a master illusionist.

BUSY SCHEDULE

He shuttled back and forth between Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand between 15 Nov and 6 Dec.

His activities included going for polo training and competition in Thailand, performing magic for charity and corporate shows in Tokyo and attending a church conference in Manila.

And then he played a fine game on Thursday at Bangkok's VR Sports Club, helping his team trounce the Philippines 10-1.

The next morning he flew back to Singapore to attend an award ceremony. He is to fly back to Bangkok today for the final match against Malaysia.

Polo team manager Ali Namazie, a physicist with the National University of Singapore, said: 'Lawrence has been playing polo with us for 10 years and he always makes time to train.'

Whenever Mr Khong travels, he makes it a point to go to the gym at least every other day for 90 minutes, doing cardio exercises, weight training and working on his leg muscles.

'SPACE-MAKER'

On Thursday, he was elated at being the 'space-maker' for the match.

The commentator was heard saying he 'played a great game', shutting out one of the Philippines players.

Mr Khong, who started playing polo 15 years ago, said it's an 'addictive, exciting game'.

'Once you get into it, you're hooked because it's a blending of several disciplines - it involves horse-riding, hitting the ball with precision, riding off other players as in a contact sport and using strategies to play as a team.'

He is grateful to his wife, Dr Nina Khong, for being his space-maker - she helps to manage his tight schedule by arranging his flights and lending a hand with the packing.

Dr Khong, who was a medical doctor before she became a full-time pastor, said: 'Although his schedule was very tight, it all seemed to fit.'

Does she ever worry her husband would hurt himself in polo because he is tired from keeping his intense schedule?

After all, she has broken her wrist, and he his collarbone while playing polo.

She said: 'I don't worry, but I do remind him: Safety first. It's good to play well, but don't be rash.'

He said: 'It is an honour to play for Singapore in this SEA Games.

'So for this whole year, I take every opportunity to play polo competitively. We're going to go for gold on Saturday.'

Nicholas and Yongjian's birthday on the 2nd Dec!

2007-12-18T09:54:00.001+08:00

My Quiet Time

2007-12-13T22:45:00.000+08:00

MY VERY 1st POST! Will post on what I have learned from the quiet time I spend just now. (Luke 11:1-4)
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
He said to them, “When you pray, say:
“Father,
Hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us And lead us not into temptation."

Notice the order in the prayer? 1stly, Jesus praise God, then He made His request and needs. I believe Jesus did that by praising God 1st is to put God in the right frame of mind to tell God about our needs. Often when we pray, we just usually straight away pray and get on our needs, more like a shopping list than conversations with God. So brothers/Sisters, DO REMEMBER to praise God 1st!

"Give us each day our daily bread" I believe this statement or prayer is said means God's provision is daily, not all at once. We cannot store it up for once and then cut off communication with God. If you are running low on strength, ask yourself this, "How long have I been away frm the God?" If we daily claim from God our bread, there will be no reasons why we will be tired and weary!

Lastly, Jesus taught his disciples to pray, He made forgiveness the cornerstone of their relationship with God. God has forgiven our sins, we must now too forgive those who have done wrong to us. To remain unforgiving shows we have not understood that we ourselves are deeply need to be forgiven too! Family, think of some people who have wronged you. Have you forgiven them? How will God deal with you if he treats you as you treat others?

I pray that as you read this, renew ur prayer and always recall "WWJD"

This clip Daryl ask me to post it here. It speaks alot. Have a blessed time watching :)

Faith and Deeds

2007-12-12T00:30:00.000+08:00

James 2:14-26

14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.

16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?
21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.
23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend.
24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?
26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

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

Faith in this context means “trust and confidence in God”. In this passage, we see 2 clear instances of “faith and actions working together”. Firstly, Abraham (Genesis 22:1-19) and Secondly, Rahab (Joshua 2:1-22).

At times, we just feel that we are incapable, unable and of no use. Feelings of inferiority and even jealously may result from these negative feelings. I can assure you that we can seek our identity, security and assurance in God, which is only possible if we have faith. If we have that little faith as seen in Matthew 17:20 and Luke 17:6, it will spark off wonderful revelations.

On the other hand, some of us do have the faith, but we lack the action. This will most likely leads to unfruitfulness in the area that we have the faith in. Family, it is made extremely clear that without the action, faith is considered dead. You will find that the salvation of your family and friends depends wholly on you. Yes, we have to pray heartedly for it. But they will come to nought if we lack that very action of stepping out of your comfort zone into the battle zone of the world. Without this action, your faith and mine, is considered dead, unfruitful, and unproductive. No doubt, in the ministry, the process will take time and effort on your part. But, we have hope in God, that our actions combined with our faith, will touch and move the people around us, James 5:19-20.

Nothing can be accomplished without the action. Family, I pray that from today on, we’ll be constantly troubled, in the sense that we’ll never be in our comfort zone again. Let’s step into the battle zone, where the harvest is plentiful and the workers are but a few. Remember, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Bless ya.

Ah Gong Wedding Pictures

2007-12-11T18:01:00.000+08:00

2007-12-07T09:32:00.000+08:00

hey guys, my first post for the blog..haha anyway just gonna upload some pictures taken a few months back.

adrian yang's birthday
remember where is it celebrated at? ( dan's lips is identical to adrian yang's)

Countdown Party 2006! Where retro meets modern!
guess whose the modern one?

erm upload this few first..haha till i learn how to make it nicer, then more to come. =)

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD

THE TIME HAS COME

Members from YCYPAO sending praise to GOD
recording courtesy to RYAN LAW HAN YANG!!

Family Trip to Genting Highland 23-25th Nov

2007-12-05T14:26:00.000+08:00

*Abstracted from my sister's blog - bonkersbaobao.blogspot.com*

Historical Moment

FIRST EVER FAMILY TRIP!
fr 23-25Nov 07'.

The Onglets paid and brought Mr and Mrs Ong to Genting.

Some really funny and interesting photos/happenings:

1) Caught Enchanted @ Genting for RM11.00
Great movie, GO WATCH!

2) Notice the "TMD" wording on the dustbin?
SO FUNNY.
Isit The Malaysia Dustbin?
Or Ta Ma De ?
wahahahahahhaa.

3) Yeah. Welcome to her world.
The world of monsterssssss!

4) Mr (Tua) Ong looked pretty nervous huh?
HAHA.
We were on the skytrain.
Cos Brobro wanna bring us down for some cheap food.

5)And so, we walked..

And walked..
And walked..

(brobro is PE teacher leh)

6) And walked.
Until my mom started to push my dad to walk.
HAHA!

7) The Onglets had fun @ the outdoor theme park!
WOOHOOO!

8) STOP!
Wana see more photos?
Its below!

Precious memories of yesteryear
are treasures that we all hold dear
there were tears of joy
and tears of pain
but look at all
that I have gained.

No one loves me as much
As they know how to love me.

Sign Up For Christano Aguila NOW!!! AND get special treatment!!

2007-11-27T17:47:00.001+08:00

Hey bros..

Don't worry this is not a spam message/email which contains any virus..

BUT!!

PLS sign up thru ur leaders asap as the sign ups are limited

Being part of this yrs committee, i urge u all to sign up asap cause we have over 120people signing up and only have 110 spaces avaliable. however special treatment. join now and get a place immediately!!

p.s Leaders pls get back to me by thursday 6 Dec.

ForHIMalone,

Nicholas

Dare To Dream!

Snowy Boys

2007-11-27T17:47:00.000+08:00

Ever seen the chinese boys?

This version is the snowy boys

Cast : Nicholas (Left)

Shuan (Right)

Family Time Photos

2007-11-26T22:18:00.000+08:00

1st attempt to get a group photo

2nd attempt.

3rd attempt thwarted by John

This is the LATEST trend to eat McNuggets!!

2007-11-22T21:08:00.000+08:00

Eeeeeekkk!!! WHAT type of sauce is that?

This is probably the 1st kind of macdonald sauce in Singapore...

Creatively mixed by us!

Believe it or not... its really delicious.. go try it! =)

Oh ya.. this is another way to eat it.. added 'flavouring' ! =D

If your interested in the recipe... do email us for enquiries!

Barnabas Club Encounter Weekend

2007-11-21T21:57:00.001+08:00

Some photos taken during the barbabas encounter, I went there as a guide to 1 of my kidz...
We are gather together again to worship you!

Win! Consolidate! Disciple! Send! The G12 Vision, sending the children out...

Children it's ministry time...

Praise the Lord, thru this encounter weekend I have been touch by the Lord, the cross is being symbolize by the love of God. At some sessions God keep reminding my of the Love of God, it always touches my heart to tears...

Indeed God is love, without love we will not be living here. God always remind my of this picture which is deep in my heart, the cross=love.

CHILDREN MUSICAL DRAMA: BORN TO SHINE

2007-11-15T20:18:00.000+08:00

A children musical drama that promises sheer Christmas delight and entertainment, BORN TO SHINE, is based on a riveting story of a pair of children, Betty and Zack, who embark on a journey to find the Christmas star. Special highlight is its 60-strong singing Christmas tree that is not to be missed! Exciting games and attractive door gifts (for first-time visitors) also await its audience on that day! Send an e-card to start inviting the little ones of your loved ones and friends to this special FCBC children's Christmas with a twist today!

DATE: 23 December 2007 (Sunday)
SHOW TIMES: 9am, 11.15am & 1.30pm
VENUE: Singapore Expo Hall 9

Note:
The musical is open to all children aged between 2 and 12. Parents with kids aged 2 years old and below are welcomed to accompany them for the musical. Parents with older children are invited to celebrate Christmas at our main Celebration Services on that day.

Pastor Adrian's 1st 144 meeting

2007-11-15T08:34:00.000+08:00

Pastor Adrian's 1st 144 meeting on the 30th April 2005..

Do you still remember? =)

We even celebrated 3 persons birthday.. who are they? make a guess. =)

TRIBE FUND!

2007-11-15T03:05:00.001+08:00

The above picture looks funny. haha. Drawn by our very own artist in our midst.. guess who is it? Its time to pay for tribe fund ya. Lets be good steward and give on time. =)

Few Important Questions

2007-11-07T23:51:00.000+08:00

Dear family, here are the questions that were previously brought up to prepare us for the Year of Sabbath. Do spend some time thinking about it and pen down your thoughts for processing on friday =)

In the Year of Sabbath...

1. How do you want to know God more?
2. How do you want to make God known?
3. What is Servanthood to you? ( Practical applications to grow )
4. What are your plans to reach out to Sec sch students? ( Outings, Events etc. )
5. Family Transformation ( How? )

Reminder to all, this family time is for everyone under GH. Spiritual fathers please inform your sons =)

Family Time On Friday 9th Nov @ TCT Bukit Merah 7.30pm

The Armor Of God

2007-11-03T09:27:00.000+08:00

God spoke to me through this vision. I saw thousand of people in the kingdom of God however only a few put on their WHOLE armor of God. I ask God why!? Why only so little people only put on their set of armor? I guess cause not all of them put on every armor of God which means equals to not proper dress as they only put some peieces of armor.

In an uniform organization if a person forgot to wear his beret or his cap, he is counted as improper attire. So are you in proper attire for God by putting the WHOLE Armor of God and not some parts of it???

The Whole Armor of God

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we^[c] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.^[d] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.^[e] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.^[f]

Nick Vujicic - From no limbs to no Limitations

2007-11-02T23:33:00.000+08:00

Dear family, this video is for those who haven't a clue about what ah pa was saying during family time just now =)

Its really amazing to see how God moved in his life. All of us were wonderfully and fearfully made but yet in his current state, he is able to praise the Lord and give glory to Him. It is evident that God can use us no matter what we are.

As humans, we continually put limits on ourselves for no reason at all! What's worse is putting limits on God who can do all things. We put God in a "box".

The awesome thing about the Power of God, is that if we want to do
something for God, instead of focusing on our capability, concentrate on our availability for we know that it is God through us and we can't do
anything without Him. Once we make ourselves available for God's work,

whose capabilities do you think we rely on?

If we think our problems are big, think about his for a second. Like what he mentioned, we shouldn't be comparing sufferings. Do watch this video and may God speak to you through him =) God Bless.

Spiderman

2007-11-02T12:08:00.001+08:00

Do you see a similarity? our very own spiderman in FCBC!!

Question for reflection: Do you see Jesus in your mirror each morning? =)

The Year 2006 through my handphone

2007-10-26T11:23:00.000+08:00

I have been taking pictures with my handphone for the past 2 years and i have not been uploading them for people to see.. These are pictures in year 2006.. enjoy!

Daniel's Birthday!

Jinwei's Birthday

Tree Top Walk in May 2006

Ronghui ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Parents Appreciation Dinner 2006

Cute daniel!

Pastor Adrian and Chris Tan in EJ288 Re-encounter 2006

Bangfa ZZZZZzzzzzz

Dy ZZZZzzzz

JX ZZZZzzzz

Dan is about to sleep lor!

Dinner with G12 grp back then....

Roar in EXPO!

GH Tribe Meeting ...

Xtreme Kids...

More pictures to come.. still storing power..haha!

My 19 Birthday pray

2007-10-24T19:04:00.000+08:00

The Narrow Gate

13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell^[f] is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Mat 7:13-14 - NLT

My prayer is that I will enter this narrow gate, through the road WILL be difficult, but I will find it...

13Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it.

14But the gate is narrow (contracted ^[k]by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it.^{(A) Mat 7:13-14 - Amplified Bible}

Being and Doing

13-14"Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention

(The Message)

Month of October

2007-10-23T13:25:00.000+08:00

Pastor Victor in Singapore!

Lirong's Birthday Celebration

Why i do not have present for my birthday last month? Hmpf! I dun wan to celebrate!

Nicholas is sleepy..haha.. Lirong's birthday present!

Is nicholas weird today? why ah? Dun touch me!

GH: Hehe.. nice cheese cake!

Manfred: Oh my gosh! Cheese cake...

2 handsome 19 year olds..haha!

GH tribe

GH tribe again.. wei! wrong direction la!

Weird present.. what could it be?

More to come........

What do you see daily?

2007-10-23T12:59:00.000+08:00

This is the first thing i see when i begin my day in school...

How about you?

Year of Victory

2007-10-13T01:09:00.000+08:00

2007 is a Year of Victory
and it has not ended yet!
80 days to go...
With God, nothing is impossible!Luke1:37

Don't Quit On GOD !

2007-10-13T00:25:00.000+08:00

First things 1st, wanna thank God for the family time we had today. Had alot of fun but the best thing that happened for me was God speaking to me. While i was watching the Movie "Facing the Giants", God spoke to me. Certain scenes and truths hit me so hard that it compelled me to share. There's too many to share so i'll split it into a few posts. My own "FINAL LAP SERIES" !!! . Ngek Ngek Ngek !

As we all know, we are currently running the FINAL LAP of a Year Of Victory. Do you still remember the promise you made to God to give your very best when you set your faith goals?

Here are a few questions that we should reflect and ponder.

1) Have you given your very best to God?
2) Have you given up on God?
3) Will you still love God if you did not fulfil your faith goals?

Here is a short clip from the movie which i felt bore significance in our spiritual walk. It reminds us that we MUST keep pressing in and give our very best to God. The blindfold plays a great part in bringing us this message because FAITH means Believing in the things unseen. God can always bring us further than we can expect. In this clip, Brock ( the guy crawling ) expected himself to hit the 20 yard mark. His limit was 50 yards WITHOUT having carry a load. With the blindfold on (Which leaves him NO room to negotiate or compromise with his flesh), he managed to give his best and to his team's amazement, he managed to get into the End-Zone ( >100 yards ).

Henry Ford

2007-10-11T19:00:00.000+08:00

Coming together is a beginning

Keeping together is progress

Working together is success

Down memory lane...

2007-10-09T18:54:00.000+08:00

Faith Goal! Power of focus.. God is faithfull!

2007-10-08T21:12:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

As was just reading the blog, Manfred's blog. God reminded me of some of the visions and dreams that he gave me for the past years.I think I should start blogging and keeping track of all the visions and dreams that I have.

Here are some of it as I went back and read my old blog:

This is what I have blog:

My Vision while on earth

I saw in heaven, there were not many people there..God says my objective on earth is to make sure myself and the people around me will be able to get into heaven on Jesus second coming..

Indeed that is 1 of my objective as I disciple people I am trying to do that...

Interesting Dream - Do I love FCBC and Graduate from SOL2

Then I ask myself, how come I dreamed that I graduate from SOL2, there is no such thing...
Is God telling me that is time for me to start a open cell or that I can start to disciple people??

Would like to complete SOL 2 by next year 2008 3rd Quarter!

MOL Trip 3-9 Oct

Getting to know my passion... in bringing smiles to others...Through Project Smile (PS), I found that I enjoyed doing magic tricks and bringing laughter and joy through them to the spectators. I then discovered my passion in doing magic tricks through PS

Want to be an cutting-edge to penetrate... maybe going back to magic tricks? It really brings joy to me when I see people are very happy.

Why do I want to create a Blog?
I saw this Vision, on 27 July 2006 during the Prayer for the Nation, night prayer meeting.

Objetive? / Vision?: Create webpages that people can be saved and know Jesus Christ through the Internet.
I have long forgotten this, sometimes is at the back of my mind, but did not really do it.

There are still many many vision and dreams that God have gave me, and I want to fulfilled all of it!

Miss you guys

2007-10-07T22:10:00.000+08:00

Hi All I started to miss you and the time I have with you guys. Hmm Is not that I dun want to cum church. Well I dun know how to explain but all I have to said is I'm busy with my work, camp and I need to take care of my dad. Haha i guess I have to stop writing her at the time being. I hope to catch up with u guys soon. cheers

Best Regards

Ryan Fan

Faith Goal!

2007-10-06T23:35:00.001+08:00

Was thinking through recently, what is my faith goal that i will wan to see it coming to past, I think it is to see 5 spiritual children by the end of the year.

So my brothers, what is faith goal that you want to see that it will be done by the end of this year? Family Salvation? Desire in seriving God in some area? Leading Cell groups? What will yours be? Really encouage you to think and ask God for wisdom!

Have a Blessed weekend!

Dream - Family

2007-10-06T08:01:00.000+08:00

Hi Family,

I just dream that as a cell we were fellowshipping together with another cell group. And we were enjoying ourselves. :) And I guess someone need/have to play a Major role in this family... :)

Today..

2007-10-04T22:44:00.001+08:00

is a great day...