CFC - Champions for Christ

2006-09-30T11:47:00.000+08:00

To all visitors: This blog is being 'time-capsuled' and will not be regularly updated anymore. We will be setting up new blogs for the new groups that we are in.

Thank you for visiting. God Bless! =)

2006-09-09T14:58:00.000+08:00

West Area YFC Meeting, 9/9. Speaker: Pastor Sim Kay Tee, RBC Ministry

Topic: How much do you Love me? (Adapted)

Why do we spend our time, energy and money on Christian stuff, like going for Prayer Meetings, Church Services, and Evangelism when all that time could be used for something more "useful" Every hour which we spend in church is time which could be used to say, study or relax or do a number of other worthy causes. And if we search in us, all of us would probably be able to say that its because we love God.

Passage used: John 12, Parallel Passage: Mark 14.

The story is not unfamilar to us. Jesus was having dinner with Simon the Leper when Mary came and broke an Abalesta Vase of Perfume made from Lard on Jesus and let down her hair. The back drop is equally familar. Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead and the Pharasees are now plotting to kill Jesus. There is even a reward for those who gave information regarding where to find Jesus.

So lets examine a 3 characters in the story. First, there is Simon the Leper and Lazarus. They were risking much by having dinner with Jesus, because Jesus was wanted. It may seem to be a stupid thing to do, but they were willing to pay the price for following Christ.

But the main story is about Mary. It is said that the flask is worth about a year's wages. Translated to today's terms, it could mean about $12 000 on a conservative estimate. We should also note that it is probably Mary's most precious possession (in all sense of the word, Monetary value, emotional value etc). This is because a young girl like her probably don't have much. This could be what was prepared for Mary's wedding. Yet she gave it up for Jesus. Now the question is, are we prepared to do the same? What is your Abalesta Flask?

The other thing which Mary did was to let down her hair. This provoked strong responses. Judas for example, said that the money could be put to better use. Judas is a classic example of a person who knows the price of everything but the value of nothing. Yes, the Flask may be worth a year's wages, but when it was given to Christ, it is priceless. One worthy question we should ask is perhaps Is there a Price to Love? How much are we willing to pay to follow Jesus? We had already started to pay the price by going to church, by giving offering and etc. But what is our limit? Perhaps we should consider the passage in Matthew 10:37 which says :" He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. " (MKJV). Following the footsteps of Jesus will inevitably lead to the cross.

Mary was able to see this opportunity to bless Jesus because she was sensitive to Christ. After this dinner, there is little chance to do such things again, for Jesus was swiftly betrayed and crucified. The other diciples did not realise that Christ was about to go to the cross. Peter for instance, said that he would not allow Jesus to be taken. But Mary understood that the cross was where Christ had to go to. Activity is not a mark of spiritual Maturity. We may have many ministries and still miss the point. Rather, it is the sensitivity to what Jesus is telling us that is important. Which is why our daily devotion and relationship with Jesus is so important. Are we sensitive to what Jesus says?

Be Thou my Vision (Part)

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

Really? Are we prepared to heed not riches? Who among us is ready to go full time or into mission work the moment Jesus Calls? That question is perhaps a little less relavant to me as a student. But upon some reflection, I realised that there is at least one Jar of perfume I am quite unwilling to pour out. It may or may not be the most precious, but it is what comes to my mind. If Christ calls me to leave my education and do something else, I don't think I would be able to do so. I would rationalise, and promise to be more active in school, and church and so on, but I don't think I would be able to go. I know, I know, and I know that God has a plan if He calls me in such a way. But there is a difference between knowing such a plan and actually trusting in it. (Please note that I am not saying that God had called me to do something like that, its just an example of something I will not give up on yet).

As such, I hope we would not be so quick to say that we are ready to give our all to Jesus. That may be true for some, and well and good; but among the rest of us, it will just be a mark of pride or ignorance. What is the most dear, most treasured in your life? Will you give it up if Christ tells you to do so? Will you give it up even if there seems to be no explicit plan after that?

Count the cost. Then hopefully, we will decide to pay it anyway.

Lord, please give us Faith.

2006-09-02T23:53:00.000+08:00

Night Cycling 06 was a success! Praise God! =)

This was our zone's 3rd ever night cycling 'tour', and it was testimony of God's goodness and many answered prayers once again. From East Coast Park to Changi Airport to SAF Ferry Terminal to Changi Village to Tampines to Bedok Reservoir to Kaki Bukit to Marine Parade and back to East Coast, I believe that God was with us all the way.

Thank God for all the answered prayers: The weather was good. I noticed that there were huge rain clouds forming far out at sea when we were back at East Coast in the morning, so thank God for keeping those clouds back. Everyone returned safely too, so we maintained our '0 accidents, 0 injuries' record for the 3rd time running! =) Many invited friends came too. Finally, I want to testify that God answered prayer and healed me! Cyrus would know about this because I sms-ed him to keep me in prayer. I actually had a headache after work yesterday and it was one of the last things I wanted since I was supposed to be the front rider last night. It would have been dangerous. It got better before leaving the house but I still brought along panadol as a precaution. As it turned out, the headache was fully gone when I reached East Coast and it didn't return for the entire night. I didn't need to take the panadol at all. Praise God! =)

Finally, just wanna say 'Well done!' to Cyrus and Joel for organizing the event!

31 riders + 6 helpers at Bedok Reservoir

P.S.: If you're reading this and you're from Bethesda Cathedral's youth group, we were the other big group of cyclists at East Coast Recreation Centre heh.

2006-08-31T14:51:00.000+08:00

Happy Teacher's Day!!

Daniel 12: 3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

2006-08-29T00:45:00.000+08:00

Hope everyone had a good start to the week today! I did =) We had a a professional imaging course in the office =p Everyone picked up quite a number of important pointers on personal grooming. Maybe we should have something similar in church someday soon, hee. It might be more appropriate to call it a 'Church Imaging Workshop', haha. I found out today that I need to wear a tie in my office everyday... arghhh =p

Anyway, the new cell structure was announced on Saturday. I'm not sure if it has sunk in fully for everyone yet... but the reality is that some of us will regularly be in new cell groups very soon. I am thinking of what to do with this blog, since our new cells will probably have new blogs. I have considered some options, but if you have any suggestions, please let me know by the end of this week k?

In the meantime, here's an advertisement for the night cycling outing! =)

2006-08-27T21:36:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone!

I'm back from Penang! I thank God for a pleasant 5 days there =) We had lectures in the day for the first 4 days and our evenings were free. As such, we would tour the city in our self-organized groups once the day ended at 5.30pm. My table won the Logo & Cheer and Presentation competitions heh. The only one we missed out on was the technical knowledge competition, for which we came in 2nd. The food was good and plentiful (buffet breakfast and lunch, and 2 tea breaks a day with food. In other words, we ate ALOT, haha). I got to try some of the well-known Penang dishes too, of which the 'Penang Char Kway Teow' was the yummiest. Must try if you get to visit Penang!

Here comes the best part heh. I managed to share the Gospel with a new colleague, and I actually got to do so on the monday morning flight to Penang! =) She's open to Christianity, but would prefer to remain a Buddhist at the moment, partly because her whole family is Buddhist too. I hope to share more with her soon. I got to meet unchurched believers among my colleagues also during the trip, and I hope to invite them to join us for cell/service soon. Last but not least, God also gave me a few opportunities to engage in a spiritual conversation with me roommate, who is also open to Christianity but not ready to follow Jesus yet.

It was a memorable trip and I can confidently say that prayers were being answered throughout the 5 days, praise God! =) If you had been praying for me, I wanna say THANK YOU! This thought kept ringing through my mind while I was there, and I hope we'll all think about it too. Here's the thought: "I am a Christian first, and everything else is second."

Team AXECEL: My table-mates and I with our winning logo. Its quite simple, so we were actually quite surprised that we won. The bosses seemed to like it though, possibly because its meant to communicate that 'we want to excel in everything that we do'.

That's me in my 'street-fighter' attire for the skit heh. I'm wearing the bath-robe from the hotel room, haha (its clean and unused hoh!). In the foreground are some props that we used.

2006-08-20T23:37:00.000+08:00

Hey everyone! I'll be away from Mon morning till Fri night this coming week for company training =) Yup, starting work liao! =p

Please keep me in prayer over the following areas:
1. Travel safety;
2. Leave a gd impression;
3. Chances to make good friends;
4. Opportunities to share the Gospel.

Thank you! I will praying for you guys too with the requests that you sent in! Take care and see all of you again soon! =)

P.S.: I would still be reachable via e-mail at least I think.

2006-08-17T14:51:00.000+08:00

Here's a reminder that we'll be having indoor games during zone time this week! *Yayyy!* hehe.
Please note that Zone will start at 4.45pm this Saturday, 15mins earlier than usual. Please remember to send me your weekly spiritual journey update by Friday night too, latest Saturday morning. Thank you! =)

Here's the schedule for the coming 3 weekends:
19/8: Indoor Games
26/8: MasterLife Introduction
1/9: This is on a Friday night. We'll be going Night Cycling!!! *Grinz* No Zone the next day.

The 3 Hallelujah-works remain. We'll all have another week to fulfill them! Time extension. So good right? hehe. Let's share during the meeting on 26/8 if possible :

1. Show 'love in action' to a friend who's a pre-believer.
2. Prepare your Personal Life Testimony (Before, During, After).
3. Think about the most significant experience or incident that has shaped your Christian life (something other than how you received Christ).

For the benefit of everyone, here are the 2 verses I shared at cell last weekend. Please meditate on them:

2 Peter 3:9
9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

1 Timothy 2:4
4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Jesus wants all the lost to be saved!
Hell empty (except the devil and his evil angels), Heaven full!
Hallelujah! =)

2006-08-17T14:27:00.000+08:00

I'm glad in a way to hear that praying for 15min a day feels like a challenge because if it doesn't, then maybe we haven't been praying enough heh.

Praying for 30mins a day has been challenge for me... hee... =p and I have been trying to be more and more consistent too. I think its normal for some of us to take a little while to get used to praying 15 or 30mins each day =) It'll be awesome as we witness God answering our prayers.

To help all of us along, here are the prayer requests for the cell this week:

James - I am leading worship at youth service this Saturday. Pray that I will lead as the Spirit directs and pray that hearts will be touched and lives changed.

Cyrus - Time management; Work (research project results).

Yizhen - Her cousin will accept the invitation to attend the inter-generational evangelistic meeting on 1st October and for her salvation.

Marilyn - Strength to carry on without complaining, etc. and for opportunities among her friends to save the lost.

Zhuang Mao - Evaluation of Material. May it be done well. The Carpenter’s Tools are performing. Hope that NJ will have non-Christians going for the garage/ concert.
Physics Olympia training. It is incomprehensible.

Its been great reading what you guys and gals have to thank God for =) On your own, and as the Spirit leads you, please post up and testify of God's goodness in your life.

2006-08-17T14:05:00.000+08:00

I love the song titled 'Still' too! It's a song that has really ministered to my heart time and time again... =)

Just in case any of you don't know where in the Bible it is from, here it is:

Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Thank you for the sharing on Moses bro. Its an eye-opener heh. Yup, let's always remember to remain faithful. If there are times when we might feel faithful, its good to remember that God will always remain faithful, so long as we do not disown him (this would mean that we continue to believe and confess that Jesus is our Lord and Savior).

2 Timothy 2:10-13
10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

2006-08-13T15:11:00.000+08:00

The Lord works wonderfully.

You know the feeling you get when you are working for God. And yet, things don't seem to go right. When people don't respond. When you work and you pray and you get little results. Its all very well to say that we do the watering and planting, and God is the one who makes the seed grow. Thing is, its discouraging not to see any growth. And I wonder why. Afterall, God loves these people far more than I love them.

So, somehow, I did not go for Saturday Service yesterday. And I went for today's service. And somehow, Pastor Mark spoke about disappointments during serving. And somehow, there was an answer in the message. Read Matthew 8:18-22. Who is more qualified than the teacher of the Law? Yet, Jesus sort of discouraged him, because he had not counted the cost enough. Read Exodus 15:22-27. Doesn't that sound like disappointments? That even after God had shown himself to be mighty (Red Sea experience), we meet up with problems. Just 3 days later, there was no water. And when they reached Marah, the water was bitter. How would Moses feel? Moses who had been leading the people, Moses whom the people grumbled against. How? Why on earth did the Lord bring his people to Marah.

And it is here that the Lord spoke. For it is to test your Faithfulness. When things don't seem to be going right, what then? What can we say? And the Lord says, I have prepared Elim for you. Carry on. Be faithful, and you will see the fullness of the Lord.

Isn't the Lord nice to give me an answer? How wonderful is our God.

PS: Praying for 15 minutes is difficult.

2006-08-12T23:36:00.000+08:00

i found verses about the complaining

Philippians 2:14 (Whole Chapter) In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing

or you can check it out here!! hehe

http://bibleresources.bible.com/keywordsearchresults.php?keyword=complain&multiplemethod=all&version1=51&numpageresults=25&sortorder=bookorder&page=1

erm. the webpage a little long yah? hahaha

2006-08-12T14:03:00.000+08:00

I watched 2 movies recently... and both were pretty good. The first one was Helen the Baby Fox, a Japanese movie shot in Hokkaido. It has an interesting storyline, and some parts were really funny.

I watched the second movie, Click, on National Day. Lewd jokes aside, I thought that it was a good movie actually! =) It looks like another one of Adam Sandler's goofy movies on the trailer, but as it turns out, this one is very meaningful too and worth watching.

2006-08-09T21:48:00.000+08:00

Hi all! We'll be having normal cell at 5pm this Saturday! =) We'll do the Bible Study closure during that session too so please bring the page with the prayer. If you have any outstanding questions from the previous sessions, please ask this Saturday. This means that you should look through the previous sessions to refresh your memory.

Do remember to email me your completed Weekly Spiritual Journey form and the cell evaluation form too =) Have a blessed week!

2006-08-07T01:05:00.000+08:00

Thank you for uploading the pic so quickly Yizhen! It was really nice to see it up so soon... and I really felt like.. 'Wow!' heh =)

I've sent you guys the Power Pack already. Please check your emails.

Here's the testimony of the ex-NTU Buddhist Society President who became a Christian. You gotta read it! =) And share it with your friends too especially if they're Buddhists.

http://www.everystudent.com.sg/ntu/testimonies

2006-08-06T23:51:00.000+08:00

hi peeps!

i've been missing from the cyber world for like eons years....

so many new posts.... and got assignments to do too.... ahaha....

shall blog more when my eyes are open....

so tired... cos i just came back from dinner with my extended family members....

photo from today... not clear..... but at least the moment was captured down... it was a great gathering....

2006-08-05T20:24:00.000+08:00

I wonder how many of you love freebies... well, I certainly do heh! Especially when they're as good as those found here:

http://content.simplyyouthministry.com/freebies/freebies.asp

Download them and be blessed! *WiNkz* =)

2006-08-05T19:32:00.000+08:00

Please note that the correct reference for the verse is Romans 10:9 heh.

9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

I like the re-look at Philippians 4:13 too! Often we see it as God just giving as more earthly 'physical' or maybe even 'emotional' strength to do things, but I believe that God wants us to tap into His 'heavenly strength' and this suggests depending on Him to take our service for Him to a higher level. The Lord might be revealing to some of us that there is more than we can offer to Him, and I think that He will only truly be delighted when we faithfully multiply the talents that He has given us (Matt 25:14-30). =)

2006-08-05T19:13:00.000+08:00

Thank you for the testimony sharing Marilyn! I love to hear/read the testimonies of others not just because its faith-strengthening and encouraging, but more so because we are giving glory to our good Lord! =) I am certain that it delights Him when we share with others how the Lord has blessed and helped us.

One of the most powerful testimonies that we can give to others is not with what we speak or write, but with the lives that we live. Your ah-beng friend's life is truly a powerful testimony of a life transformed by Jesus and the power of His Word. You haven't told us how he became a Christian, but I believe that someone had shared his/her testimony with him (either directly with the testimony of Jesus from the Bible or with a Christ-centred life lived) and that helped him to make the decision to follow Jesus.

So to all of us, let's be a good testimony with the lives that we live as much as we can in a Christ-centred way. Good morals is a must, but in addition to that, show love to all around you with your actions in particular =) I hope that we will have life-transformed ex-ah-bengs as new members in our cell in time to come heh!

As such, all of us will have 3 Hallelujah-works for the coming week:
1. Show 'love in action' to a friend who's a pre-believer and we'll share what we did at the next cell meeting.
2. Prepare your Personal Life Testimony (I will explain to you guys how to do so).
3. Think about the most significant experience or incident that has shaped your Christian life (something other than how you received Christ). We'll all share this at the next meeting too.

Somebody shout 'Hallelujah!!!' =) hee...

2006-08-05T12:58:00.000+08:00

So Amazing, you have named the stars
Of the deepest night
Still you loved me
You had called my name
I will follow you.

There are different aspects of God that awe people. For me, it is the great I AM. The Lord who is totally in control of everything. The Great God. No idea why, but there you go. Which aspect of God touches you the most?

So when we have Great events like FOP, GDoP, Fire Conference, Radical Conference, and so on, I think of the provider of all these. We who are so insignificant are able to do all these events for Him, and by Him. How Great must our God be!

Whee... Songs are the best ways to express what I feel. Then sings my Soul, my saviour God to thee... How Great thou art, how Great thou art...

Therefore, in the presence of Him, I will be still, and know that he is God.

Does not mean that my fears are gone. Does not mean that I will not be sad. But it means that despite my sadness, despite my fears, and despite all the uncertainty... I will be still. I will be lying if I say that there is no fear. But by confessing my fear, I confess my need for God. And if my Lord listens to me, then is there anything that is out of control?

These are written in times of mostly peaceful circumstances. But I hope that they will carry me through the harder times as well. The Lord will provide. He has plans to do what he will. Who can stop these plans? Who can take stop the Lord from loving me?

Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover Me
Beneath your Mighty Hands.

When the Oceans rise, and Thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still, know you are God

Find rest my Soul
In Christ alone
Know his Power
In Quietness and trust.

PS: This post is less organised than the others. But... Oh well.

2006-07-31T19:03:00.000+08:00

i'm back here for another testimony. haha. seems like God is really blessing me a lot these days. in fact much much more than i myself realised. i even had to be reminded of how blessed i am through others *guilt striken* hahaha.

anyway here goes.... i was feeling really stressed yesterday as i was asking everyone online and collating the results to my project work survey. long due for about 3 weeks? however, due to the inefficiency of my group,we didn't get things done. i had a target and a goal to go towards and had to reach it no matter what. that is to get 100 people to do my survey within a period of 3 days. all by myself... its horrible but by God's grace I DID IT!!!

but one thing, i felt horrible. i felt stressed. as i had a lot of homework untouched for the whole weekend due to my commitments to my project work. i had a maths paper/worksheet to complete by yesterday. a chinese compo. Literature test, chemistry test. which i haven't touched any of it AT ALL. and by the time i finished my project work. it was about 1130. i told myself i was finished. *bad bad*. until one of my friend from another church msn-ed me and started talking to me. he asked how was i. i told him i was stressed and everything blurted out.

i have to admit his life to christianity was one of the most amazing ones i've actually witnessed. He was once an ah-beng, had lots of girlfriends...etc. but now he is one of the strongest christians i've known. He told me many things i never thought of myself. i told him i needed more time...24 hours isn't enough for me to finish all my work. and he called me up anyway. telling me. his was no better but he believed he could go on. by then i was crying out of stress. den he asked me a question which surprised me,"are you working by God's strength or your own strength?"

that caught me by surprise, i've never thought about that before. i said i don't know. den he said. if i don't know. it means i'm working all this by my own strength. i should have faith in God that he will give me the strength to go through all this. he study from 8-4pm den 5-7pm he host his poly's prayer meeting. den 730pm-9? he had to work. by the time he reached home he had to start on his projects and only get to sleep 3 hours a day. yet everyday is so refreshing to him cause he is moving by God's strength. God can expand our capabilities, allowing us to do more than what we ourselves can expect.

I can do all things through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

i felt so much better. and was reminded that if God brings me through all this, he will bring me out of it. with a reason for bringing me through it.everything has its reasons.

today i woke up realising that i haven't really gone through my chemistry for the test today. sat for it. surprisingly. i think i was able to smog through it! hahaha. not good but at least i went through it. the maths teacher was ok with my work. the chinese teacher didn't come so we didn't nid to hand in the compo. literature test was posponed to thursday. SEE? haha. its a lesson learnt within a day.

P.S cyrus, i'm still studying that verse you asked me to read about. haha. matthew 3:11. I CAN DO IT! at least i know its not baptism of the FORK. haha

+lyn
* If you confess with ur mouth that "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart, You will be saved Romans 9:10 *

2006-07-22T13:35:00.000+08:00

Here are some verses the Lord has spoken to me through recently, from the book of Amos, chapter 5. Would like to share them with you guys.

4 This is what the LORD says to the house of Israel: "Seek me and live;
5 do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not journey to Beersheba. For Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will be reduced to nothing."
6 Seek the LORD and live, or he will sweep through the house of Joseph like a fire; it will devour, and Bethel will have no one to quench it.

14 Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is.

We need to move beyond just 'doing' Quiet Time, or just 'reading' the Bible, if that has been the case for us. We need to 'seek the Lord', and one way to do this would be to spend quality time talking to Him in prayer. We also need to 'seek to do what is good' all the time. Amen? =)

2006-07-22T13:23:00.000+08:00

Hi Yo Hey Ah!

Sorry that its been so long since I last posted. I'm back and will be posting regularly again! I've got some calender updates and prayer pointers for all of us. Here they are... =)

July
22 - Sharing on Faith
29 - Cell Bible Study (I would like to hold this at lunch time if possible because I have Convocation Dinner later that evening.)

August
4, 5, 6 - Festival of Praise! (Let's all go on Friday night, 4th)
6 - Cell lunch and Bible Study Closure
8 - Day of His Power! (Let's go for this too. Its a time of intercessory prayer for our country, 7pm Indoor Stadium)
12 - Cell time (More details to be announced)

Prayer Pointers
1. Marilyn's at OBS this weekend. Please pray for safety, opportunities to share the Gospel, and so on.
2. Pray for yourselves. For boldness to invite friends to church and/or share the Gospel with them, for opportunities, and for sensitvity.

God Bless!

"The church is not a pleasure boat, but a life boat." - Reinhard Bonkke

2006-07-09T00:24:00.000+08:00

to zhuang mao's little qns....

hmmm... i pondered awhile on tat... "What do you do when parents wants you to do something that is not right?"

we are suppose to obey our parents aren't we.... but then.... since i know tat it's something not right, i guess i would not do it cos i can choose not to commit wat is not right.... but but..... a small part still wonders if i would do as it's wat my parents want me to do for example....

so hard to answer....

*

okie....

now let me just update you guys on my life through our bloggie....

i've left my previous job at CPF cos my contract ended....

(here's a pic taken with some of my colleagues.... nice ppl....)

and it's time for me to move on.... cos i've started my first perm job at another company.... new environment... new colleagues.... new rules.... new industry....

it's kinda tough i would say.... the training.... getting use to the whole new concept of express service.... a whole new working environment.... everything is so fast pace..... no time to wait for you to ponder.... you've to be real independent to learn on your own... cos the company's pretty shorthanded... so there's no proper trainer.... and tat results to a tired me.... especially when i'm sick the whole of last week... still am.... so keep me in prayer ya.... having cough and flu/cold now...

2006-07-04T11:35:00.000+08:00

What do you do when parents wants you to do something that is not right?

2006-06-27T15:03:00.000+08:00

hey everyone.. something happened yesterday that i really really want to praise God despite bringing me through this. yes. it was something real horrible and it happened during the examination.

yesterday morning. i was already feeling real real horrible when i was about to go to school. felt really really sick but i didn't want to miss any of the examinations as it will affect my promotional grades. and think about it. if i took it all alone. with the teacher staring right at me. i'll be super stressed that i can't even think. But thank goodness God brought my THROUGH it. haha.

had literature paper in the morning. a 3 hr straight paper. was horrible. ok the paper was fine. my brain was thinking and my brain juices were flowing. had a slight headache during the paper but i was still able to bear with it so i had to keep going on for 3 hours. no toilet no water. was a mental and physical torture .

that wasn't the worst.

then came general paper. i was feeling all miserable during the 2 hr berak in between the papers. really all miserable. i had a horrible stomach pain. and headache. i couldn't even revise my notes as i planned to do. i felt like i was about to faint any moment. and i'm serious. literally FAINT. but as mentioned, i didn't wanna leave the school missing any paper. i have to really thank my friends (remember i said most of them are believers,catholics,anglicans..etc.) they prayed for me before we proceeded to the auditorium . and to our surprise. that wasn't our venue for the examinations!!! it was supposed to be at the AVA room which was at the other END of the passageway!. i had to run with my miserable headache and stomach pain. which made me felt worst after that. i felt REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY miserable. my classmate, dawn, was saying "you must have faith!! have faith God will answer our prayer" haha. i thank God for such friends to keep me going. for a minute i was asking God what was happening. the first paper was 1.5 hr. i felt miserable the whole time. that after 15 mins i started lying on the table to write my composition. with an AWFUL AWFUL handwriting. and after 45 mins. i was hurting till i (surprisingly) start whispering a little prayer in tongues there and then. after that i was half asleep and half in pain. however, I MANAGED TO FINISHED THE PAPER! and after that paper. i had another one after that by the way. i felt much much better. i even had the time to correct a few "un-readable" words before the time was up. THANK GOD.

after that i breezed through paper 2 for GP. THANK GOD.
when was the last time u tested your faith? yesterday afternoon.

after the paper. when i was home. didn't felt all that good but much better. i was unable to revise my economics for today's paper. and guess what. i managed to write 4 essays in 1.5 hrs. which i thought was an impossible task throughout the 17 years of my life. hahaha.

God is good, all the time
So when was the last time u tested your faith? =))

+lyn

2006-06-25T12:05:00.000+08:00

Hi all

This would be my schedule for now.

26 Jun, Mon, 815-1145: General Paper

27 Jun, Tue, 815-1115: Chemistry
1130-1230: Chemistry H3 selection Test
1400-1700: Mathermatics

28 Jun, Wed, 815-1115: Physics
1130-1230: Physics H3 selection Test
1400-1530: History

30 Jun, Fri, 815-1130: Chinese Language

4 Jul, Tue, 815-915: Chinese Listening comprehension

10 Jul: Track and Field Nationals (Straight Finals)

13 Jul: Chinese A-Level Oral

17 Jul: Piano Exam (Sis as well)

19 Jul: NJC CIP Day.

Wonderful time for the Lord to show his soverignity.

2006-06-17T10:38:00.000+08:00

Hello,

I have taken some time to consider Zhuang Mao's question to my previous question, which considers why we pray if God has known and pre-destined everything.

Indeed, God created the world at its beginning. But perhaps we fail to see that God has also created the end. In fact, the whole of existence can be considered to have existed all the while. In this sense, God has pre-destined everything, since there is nothing that can change what God has already known. It is worth thinking about this - Did God cause everything to happen?

The answer is probably 'No'. As Zhuang Mao has noted, God has allowed us to have free will, to choose as we will and as we please. He did not want us to sin, but Adam and Eve did; He did not want the Israelites to fade from the splendor of David's reign, but they gradually disintegrated. But God, being all-knowing, has already forseen this, and through His Old Testament prophets He had already predicted the salvation that is to come from our Lord Jesus Christ. He knows exactly how we are going to make the next decision, because He is all-knowing.

So why do we pray? We pray because we need to communicate our petitions and intercessions for others to God. He knows our hearts, but He wants us to communicate with Him, for our own good, not His (how can we possibly benefit God in any way? He is omnipotent!). In prayer, we come into the realisation that we have a God who answers our prayers, and it strengthens our faith. This in turn assures our salvation, lest we fall from grace. Does He benefit from all these? Far from it! Why does He need to grieve His heart for the sake of Man? Why, because God is love, and He loves His creation! He stands to gain nothing from our salvation and our comfort, because He owns everything.

Does God pre-destine our prayers? This is a contentious point, but I believe that prayer is as much a personal decision as any other, i.e. He does not pre-destine it. But even before we pray, He knows if we will pray, and what we will pray. In fact, the whole of history and the future is laid out before Him as a map is laid out on the table, plain for Him to see. Remembering that God exists outside of time, it is therefore possible to accept that God does not follow our pattern of making plans and decisions. To Him, everything laid out in terms of the four dimensions (3 spatial dimensions and 1 temporal dimension) - in much the same way that we can give the exact coordinates of Mount Everest, so too can He indicate with precision every decision that every living thing makes at every point in time.

As part of Creation we can never quite understand how to predict decisions. This fact is most clearly brought out if one plays chess. In the game of chess, the objective is to be able to predict each decision that the opponent will make after each of your pre-planned move. It takes a very good player to pre-empt the opponent by 8-10 moves; it is impossible to predict a whole game before the other person has made a single move. But God being the Creator is able to see all our decisions. Think of God as the BEST chess player in the whole world, and so much more. Not only is He able to forsee your chess moves, He can predict everything you will do, without needing any limitations on your decision-making freedom (in chess, the decisions are limited by the moves that each piece can perform, as well as the turn-by-turn nature of decision-making). This means that He has not compelled you to act in any manner, which is of course in line with our point that God does not cause everything to happen (although He can).

God does not need to wait for us to make a decision before He makes His move, because He knows all our moves. He does not need to wait till we decide whether or not we will pray before He can respond (by answering our prayers if we do pray, and by not answering if we don't). But let us never fall short of His commands, and do not wonder for one second if we should pray!

The conclusion of the matter is this - that God knows everything, but does not pre-destined everything, despite frequent confusion to the contrary. Some people lump God's omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence and propose that God must therefore have pre-destined everything, that free-will is nothing but an illusion. This can be no further from the truth, for does God delight in grieving for a sinful world? That is a strange proposition indeed. God's good plan includes our prayers and petitions, so let us not tarry further. Living in God's will requires that we communicate with Him, for how can one man please another except if he knows the desires of the one he is trying to please? Therefore, I urge you to pray, and pray often. For our God is a prayer-answering God!

Cyrus

2006-06-13T20:40:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

Firstly I have to apologise for the relative lack of activity on the block these past week, since I am quite busy at work. I promise to get things running again soon.

Next, some housekeeping issues. We will be having our cell Bible study this Saturday at 5pm, Chancery. Do remember to come! Zhuang Mao I have not received your confirmation yet, so do get back to me soon. Also, for the Radical Conference, Marilyn has confirmed that she cannot attend. As for Yizhen and Zhuang Mao, try to reply asap too. Finally, some prayer requests:

1.) Yizhen - She's having her wisdom teeth removed this Friday!

2.) Melanie - She's having her exams!

3.) James - He is not feeling well!

4.) Bing Hong's Mum - She's been diagnosed with breast cancer, in its intial stages. The tumor has been removed, and she's currently receiving treatment. Pray for her too!

Remember that prayer moves the Hand of God!

Cyrus

2006-06-12T21:37:00.000+08:00

following marilyn's entry, i shall say something.......

sorries for not being able to reply to all the questions posted here.... haven got the energy to come online for weeks....

and finally....

i'm here to update everyone..... i'm approaching the end of my contract with CPF... so right now i'm looking for a permanent job tat i hope to do for a year while i plan my education route tat i wanna head towards....

am going for an interview tml afternoon.... the place is pretty far..... but i kinda like the job scope and it's something i think i can handle most importantly.... and wat's better... the pay is far better than my current one.... hope tat this entry is not too late.... do keep me in prayer.... thanks....

and ya..... i'm going to take out maybe 3 or 4 of my wisdom tooth this friday, 16th june.... tat's a friday..... pls pls pray for me..... hope tat everything will be well.... cos i'll be going through general anaesthetic.... and taking most/all of my wisdom tooth together.... day surgery....

okie.... tat's my update....

p.s. mar-li-lian (read: marilyn)... study hard k... will pray for you... and not forgetting evan as well.... and cyrus... wat a coincidence to see ya on the train this morning... haha.... and also hi to zhuang mao (mao mao! Oops!) and also to james and arlene who are both in japan.... i heard from cyrus tat you are not well... will pray for you too.... take lotsa care k everyone...

till we meet again....

luv,
yizhen.....

2006-06-08T21:17:00.000+08:00

hey peeps. so sorry about my sudden disappearance activity in the blog and maybe even online. have been studying and going to school every single day. *rahhh*. anyway here are my examination dates.please do keep me in prayer as this will be 30% of my promotional results. *shivers in fear*.oh yah anyway. i've put evan's examination dates there as well. so do keep her in prayer too!!

26 June -
H2 Literature 0800-1100
H2 Physics 0800-1020 (Evan's)
H1 General Paper 1300-1600*

27 June -
H2 Economics 0800-1045
H2 Chemistry 1400-1630 (Evan's)

28 June -
H2 Mathematics 0800-1100*
H1 Chinese 1300-1600*

29 June -
H1 Chemistry 1300-1500
H1 Economics 1300-1445 (Evan's)

* - Both me and Evan having the same paper. so do keep us in prayer!! :)

+lyn

2006-06-06T19:50:00.000+08:00

Hi Zhuang Mao,

Thank you for replying. I will address your latter comment in this post. I shall get down to studying your first comment shortly.

Indeed, the reliability of the Bible is very important. As we always say, the Word of God is complete. It has every instruction for every situation. This is why we always verify information against the Bible - if it is contrary to the Bible, we have to reject it, because we are Christians and we must have faith in God, no matter what (this is the very basis of Christianity, the ipse dixit of our Lord). Yet, I would like to know, where exactly in the Bible does it say, explicitly, that Jesus was not married? You may find the answer harder to locate than expected. In fact there is a lesson to be drawn from this - sometimes we take traditional beliefs and assume it is in the Bible (a less consequential example is that of Jonah and the "whale"). However, we have to always remember that no matter what tradition says, it is the Word of God that must prevail at the end of the day!

Cyrus

2006-06-06T15:36:00.000+08:00

Somehow, I feel that God does not predestine everything - which is where free will comes in. He knows everything, but does not necessarily cause it to occur. Everything is pre-known but not predestined.

This is how someone once explained it to me. Prayer is a like a way which God "forces" us to have a relationship with him. The analogy drawn is that of a grandfather who holds some coins in his hands. The grandchildren are on his lap, trying to get him to open his hands. In the end, the coins given are inconsequential. It is the time spent with the grandfather that he wants. The analogy is perhaps imperfect, but, thats that.

There is this other little thing. Although we say that even if Jesus was married, he is still God, this does have one other implication - the reliability of our Bible. In other words, it is consequential if it is different from what the Bible describes.

God bless those who are at the church camp.

2006-06-04T21:55:00.000+08:00

Hello Cell Members!

I have another question for all of you, seeing how the previous one ended with no follow-up. =P

God knows everything and has pre-destined everything. Somehow, He still asks us to pray, as if praying will make any difference. At the same time, we know that Man has free will, and has chosen to sin (Adam!). Yet if we have free will, how is it possible that God will know everything right from the beginning? If He has created everything exactly as He wanted it to turn out, whence comes the free will? Why do we even pray? Hasn't everything already been decided?

Cyrus

2006-05-28T21:51:00.000+08:00

My final entry for the day will focus on Zhuang Mao's 2 questions.

Q1. Firstly, if all were to be saved, surely many will enjoy eternal bliss, rather than suffer for eternity? In this sense, we do not know just how many people will actually be saved. How then can we say that God's creation has caused the suffering?

Secondly, we can never fathom existence outside of time, in the same way that a 2D object (hypothetical living thing, for the sake of illustration) will never understand the concept of volume, perspective and 3D trigonometry. Therefore, we do not know God's plan, at least not in its entirety. The ending has not been revealed. However, one thing we know for sure - we hold the key to His Kingdom in our hands, as co-inheriters of Christ's legacy. Our job, then, is to ensure that God's promised eternal bliss will be shared with as many as possible. By our very limited nature, we can never fully comprehend the ways of our Lord, unless He tells us (and even then we may be confounded).

Rest assured that our God will explain these things to us eventually. Also, God is a righteous and just God. No deserving person will be denied a place in Heaven. His judgement will surely be beyond our imaginings, and will definitely be above reproach!

Q2. From the perspective of a Christian, the answer is as follows. Link up with the Lord, and listen to His voice. God's Word (the Bible) is a useful resource. His Word is complete, meaning all the answers one needs lies therein. People will always deceive and be deceived. Yet, by testing information against the Word of God, we can ascertain the veracity of the information. If there is no way to verify certain facts, then perhaps we want to ask ourselves this - is this piece of information critical to the foundations of our faith? Will the uncertainty associated with it cause any real problems? If we were to confront these things critically and not based on our preconceived notions or romanticised imageries of reality, then we realise that at the end of the day the information is probably NOT important. Take, for example, the question of whether Jesus was married. Honestly, is it a problem? If Jesus were married (which is not to say that He was. I personally believe He wasn't), does it detract from His holiness? No. Getting married is a God-ordained ritual. Is it foul? Is it sinful? Perhaps only in the hearts of the wicked is sexual intercourse a thing of taboo (how do the first humans multiply if they did not perform intercourse?). There is nothing dirty about it, except that which we choose to associate with it. Numerous examples I can cite to you, but they are really the pursuits of the worldly man. This is probably the type of wisdom that the Teacher in Eccelsiates calls meaningless - knowledge and information without a focus on God!

There are so many other things that can be said of the second question, but we remember a few keypoints. 1.) The truth will not contradict God's Word (there is of course the problem of metaphorical expressions); 2.) Pedantic approaches to God's work and His Word will result in meaningless pursuits. Instead, focus on the spiritual aspects which are often neglected; 3.) A faith based entirely on knowledge and information is akin to a house built on sandy ground; it will not stand when the waves come against it. Build the house on a foundation of stone, which is grounded in the Truth and based on a spiritual relationship with God, doing His will as He commands us.

I am sure there are more things to talk about with regards to these two questions. Feel free to comment! I think this is a good chance to clear up doubts!

Regards,
Cyrus

2006-05-28T21:33:00.000+08:00

Hihi!

I shall now attempt to reply to Zhuang Mao's response. Indeed, I believe that you have several of the key ideas in the question sorted out, namely - 1.) we deserve nothing; 2.) we should not always pray only for mundane things (the keyword is, of course, ONLY); 3.) we should never limit God.

Now here are some thoughts I have. Firstly, how do we limit God? Is asking for small things limiting God? Have you ever thought this way before, "This is so trivial, I better not bother God with it"? If you have, then perhaps you will immediately recognise now that God can be limited by us in many ways. We seem to perceive God as a very busy person - too busy to bother about little things. Yet, we often forget that God does not need to conform with the limitations of time. He exists outside of it and He knows all things and has accomplished everything according to His perfect plan, even as the world was created. The bottomline is this - while everyone knows that nothing is too great for our God, we often forget that nothing is too small for Him too.

Secondly, when our Lord Jesus Christ was tempted by the devil He replied thus, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test." Once again we must take care that even as we ask of things from the Lord we must not fall into the trap of testing God. God's Word and promises to us is sufficient. By faith, we ask of Him; by lack of faith, we test Him. Therefore, prayer should not be a tool to affirm our lack of faith.

Thirdly, nothing shall be sought except that which is in the will of the Lord. For many, this is something that is very clear and obvious on paper, but close to impossible to accomplish in real life. This is because many people really don't know the will of the Lord. Therefore, like Marilyn says, we have to constantly maintain a relationship with the Lord, lest we fall into the trap of asking out of our own desires. The biggest danger is that this may become a foothold for the devil, with which he will cause us to contend with our Lord's will.

I will reply asap to any further comments. I hope we have all learned something from the exchange! :)

In His Love,
Cyrus

2006-05-28T21:16:00.000+08:00

Hello!

I will attempt to reply to Marilyn's answer in this post.

Firstly, I would like to thank Marilyn for a very prompt reply. Next I would like to note that your first paragraph is very true indeed. There is nothing that we deserve. Everything that we have comes from God, as a gift. However, suppose we were to take it a step further, and consider this. Now, God has given us talents and abilities. We can quite safely say that although one may or may not excel if he/she were to depend wholly on these, he/she will have some level of capability to achieve something. So using this something as the basis of what we term deserving, is one justified in asking for more than this something? As a more concrete example, suppose I were to work with 50% effort on a test. I expect myself to get a B+ for it. Is it necessary to ask God to give the B+ to me? Is it justified to ask for an A+ from God?

Also, Marilyn is right to note that communication forms the core of our relationship with God. Indeed, it is impossible to maintain a relationship with someone whom one has never spoken to, or with whom one has not spoken to for a long time. To ask of God is to communicate with Him, and that can strengthen our faith. But it may not necessarily stretch our faith, since there is no real test of it. On the other hand, if one were to go beyond mere communication, but were to ask for something impossible or unlikely, and if this prayer were actually answered, then the faith will indeed be stretched (not so much after it is answered, but when one is praying for it) and increased.

Finally, I would like to challenge Marilyn to think about God's gifts to you, deserving ones as well as underserving ones, and to ponder on our Father's goodness. Do you dare to ask more than what you deem you deserve (based on your abilities, efforts, as well as relationship with Him)? Is it right to do it?

Rgds,
Cyrus

2006-05-27T18:01:00.000+08:00

I have 2 questions as well. These were asked by a friend of mine. And I feel quite unable to answer them.

Firstly, it is the question of why God will create people whom he knows will not accept him. I know, God foreknew but did not predestine. We have the freedom of choice. But still, by their creation, they had been caused to suffer for eternalty. Why can't God just not create them in the first place?

Secondly, it is that it is so difficult to tell what is true in this world. My friend quoted the example of "like in DVC the historian guy can say things in such a matter of fact. if ppl dun do more research.. they think that is truth. its the same for the DVC talks/ discussions.. how can u tell if what the speaker says is true." Which is quite true. If Dan Brown can twist facts, what is stopping all those speakers in the DVC code talks from doing the same? David illustrated it that Saturday, right? I know, this problem can be partially overcome by knowing more yourself. But Who can know enough (not even talking about everything) that they can be confident of not being fooled? Who can discern between false teachers and those who teach the truth? Even if a person does not have the intentions of lying, it is possible that the teachers are decieved. What then?

Seek the Truth.

I am the way, the truth and the life.

2006-05-27T17:53:00.000+08:00

"There is no need to pray to God for what you deserve, because you will get it. Be brave and ask for more than you deserve. That will stretch your faith!"

Actually, in a strange sense, there is some truth in it. No, not totally, because it is true that we do not deserve anything. All things are given to us only by grace.

However, it does not seem to be "correct" to be only praying the normal "bless me" type of prayer. It is a little like making sure that our prayers do not fail - such that our faith will not be shaken. We ask God only for little things so that we will not be too worried.

No, I am not saying that we should not pray for little things. Neither should we not pray for things which would most probably happen, because even the most "normal" way of things happening, require God's grace to do so. But at the same time we should start praying for greater things. Let us not limit God by asking small.

2006-05-25T22:59:00.000+08:00

"There is no need to pray to God for what you deserve, because you will get it. Be brave and ask for more than you deserve. That will stretch your faith!"

there's no nid to pray to God for what you deserve? first do we know what we deserve. i don't think we will get it IF we don't pray and ask for it. we are bornt into this world with nothing. everything we have now, to me, is a blessing for God. although i do not deny, we actually might not have prayed for all this, but its a blessing. its God's gift to us. and not what WE DESERVE.

i don't know. but i think. do we deserve to "ask for more than you deserve". isn't asking praying as well? how can we ask if we do not communicate with the Father. and how can we communicate to God without praying and talking to him?

this is not a matter of bravery but whether we deserve to ask? we may do TAG everyday. and worship with all our heart. but if we do not talk to him, do not pray to him. we are jus like pushing God away and not giving a chance for him to talk to us in his special way.

we can stretch our faith by talking to him daily as well.

take it that doing TAG.worship him. pray to him. each hold 1/3 of our "results" by missing out one we are actually throwing 33 1/3 marks away. from a 99.9 we only get 66.6 which is A LOT OF DIFFERENCE. and yes this are not ALL the factors.

yup.its communication between you and God. like..i've come up with an analogy. haha.

if you and your best friend never talked for, let's say, 5-6 years. cause you don't wan to talk to him/her. do you deserve an expensive present from him/her? i noe this sounds lame. but it jus happened to pop into my head. haha.

yup. that's how i feel. haha

2006-05-25T21:47:00.000+08:00

Hello Cell Members!!

Firstly, I would like to thank God for giving me better results than I expected (4A's and a B+).

Secondly, remember to pray for James and Arlene (James' girlfriend) who are on a mission trip to Japan, as well as Melanie who will be having her examinations really soon (for details, check www.mel-anie.blogspot.com)!

Thirdly, I have a question for everyone which I hope everyone will consider and reply to on the Blog. My friend said to me, "There is no need to pray to God for what you deserve, because you will get it. Be brave and ask for more than you deserve. That will stretch your faith!" Comment on the above statement! Pleaaaaase reply to it? Pleaaaase? Otherwise I will reply to it myself, which is quite sad... boohoo!

Rgds,
Cyrus

2006-05-21T23:37:00.000+08:00

Heya everyone,

I will be flying off this Wednesday night to Tokyo, Japan, for a mission trip with Campus Crusade for Christ. The duration of the trip will be from 24th May to 16th June. This means that I will be absent for 3 weekends and the CLCN camp (which I would really want to go for if not for the mission trip).

So far, by God's grace and wonderful provision, I have been able to raise $2380 of the $2700 (revised) needed for the trip. I am humbled by and very grateful to all who have so generously supported. I am trusting the Lord to provide the remaining amount needed for the trip. I am also still seeking for prayer support and I hope that all of you will be able to keep me and my team in prayer on one day every week from 24th May-16th June. This is important because we seek your support in helping us fight the battle against the forces of darkness in the spiritual realm. So far, I already have people praying for me on Thursday and Saturday; there's no limit to the number of prayer supporters each day. Do drop me an email or sms to let me know when you can keep me in prayer =)

If you are free this Monday night, I would also like to invite you for our Commissioning Ceremony. More details can be found here:
http://www.everystudent.com.sg/gen12ii
Do let me know if you're coming k? Thanks! There'll possibly be quite alot of people so please come early.

Here are some additional details:

Team Blog Address
http://tokyo06.blogspot.com/

I am really looking forward to bringing the Gospel to the Japanese people. 120 million of them, but only about 0.7% are Christians. I will be praying for all of you also while I am there and I hope that everything will continue to run smoothly back in church. Till we meet again, take care and God Bless!

In God's Love,
James

2006-05-12T09:40:00.000+08:00

Hello all!

Please note that we will be watching the second half of the Da Vinci Code DVD this weekend. So remember to get your popcorn and soft drinks ready before 5pm! See you all tomorrow!

Rgds,
Cyrus

2006-05-09T11:54:00.000+08:00

Howdie~!

Take note that there is a series of documentaries coming up on Wednesdays, 10pm on ArtsCentral starting tomorrow, on the Da Vinci Code. There are also documentaries on Channelnewsasia on Sundays at 7.30pm starting this week on the origins and veracity of the Christian faith. Be sure to tune in! Don't be caught offguard when you're tested!

Rgds,
Cyrus

2006-05-06T01:51:00.000+08:00

Hiyo da4 jia1! Here's just a reminder that there's cell lunch this Sunday after combined service! Cannot miss k? Just a short one cos I need to return home to transform into a bookworm, hehe. Last 2 papers next Monday and Wednesday! Place to be decided on Sunday itself. It'll be somewhere around Novena =)

2006-04-28T10:29:00.000+08:00

Here's a little snippet for all of you to read and think about =)

THE WORD happiness evokes visions of unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning, strolling hand in hand with the one you love, being surprised on your birthday, responding with unbridled laughter to a comedian, or vacationing in an exotic locale. Everyone wants to be happy; we make chasing this elusive ideal a lifelong pursuit: spending money, collecting things, and searching for new experiences. But if happiness depends on our circumstances, what happens when the toys rust, loved ones die, health deteriorates, money is stolen, and the party’s over? Often happiness flees and despair sets in.

In contrast to happiness stands joy. Running deeper and stronger, joy is the quiet, confident assurance of God’s love and work in our life—that he will be there no matter what! Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Christ.

Philippians is Paul’s joy letter. The church in that Macedonian city had been a great encouragement to Paul.

2006-04-22T01:57:00.000+08:00

Pls note that we're doing Topic 5 this weekend ya? =)

2006-04-20T00:40:00.000+08:00

Heyooozzz!!! =)

My apologies for not posting for quite a while. I've been quite bogged down by school work of late. I have my very last presentation in school coming up tomorrow!

I hope that everyone has been doing well... and very importantly, you've been regularly spending time reading God's Word and praying too! If you haven't been this is an important reminder for you ya? heh =)

We're having Cell Bible Study again at 5pm this Saturday! Let's meet in church. Please download your copy of the material from the yahoogroup. If you're unable to access it, do let me know k?

Seeya all soon... God Bless!

2006-04-17T20:33:00.000+08:00

Cyrus: As I flipped through the Bible, the word "good" seemed to always mean "in accordance to God's purpose and will".

I would believe that good is used in reference to creation. That is, as God says "saw that (it) was good" (Gen 1). It would refer how God wanted things to be, to how he created it. Not so much in the old testament, where it was used differently, but in the new testament, especially Paul's letters (where he said good things, good works, good will, good purposes ect).

Just my little thoughts on a good thing.

2006-04-14T01:49:00.000+08:00

Verse of the Week

John 6:40
"For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."

2006-04-06T22:39:00.000+08:00

thank you for all the b'day wishes.....

i tot i should update everyone on my life cos i've been missing cell and service...... too many birthdays.... too many 21st birthdays.... even though i'm like just turned 20.... Oops....

ohya.... i'm currently working at CPF.... at the main branch at tanjong pagar..... n i can memorise the address very well..... it's at 79 Robinson Road CPF Building S(068897)...

i'm doing call centre job there, as a temp customer service officer..... i'm employed to handle the nationwide project "PROGRESS PACKAGE".... most of you would know wat's tat cos it's money given out by government... and almost everyday, the newspapes/news would feature abt it.... calls have been coming in constantly.....

i dun even haf the time to go toilet or drink.... the moment i open the cap of my water bottle, the call would ring... and i would have to pick up the call within 3 rings.... tough arh...

haha.... i'm getting a little sick physically..... i think i caught a flu... and my voice isn't doing really well with all the talking 9 hours a day...... so... do pray for me k..... thank you everyone...

2006-04-03T15:43:00.000+08:00

Food for Thought

James mentioned in an earlier post that many people in our generation need the gospel to be preached to them. Now, what is considered an adequate sharing? Is the mere knowledge of what Christianity is enough? How about those people who have been preached to, and who have refused to believe? Have they condemned themselves? Do we keep trying? Comments welcomed.

Pondering,
Cyrus

2006-04-01T00:15:00.000+08:00

Quote of the Week

"Knowing the Bible is one thing. Knowing the Author is another!"

Its time to go beyond mere Bible reading...

2006-03-31T14:58:00.000+08:00

Combined Service on Sunday and Fellowship Lunch this Weekend

Heya everyone.. here's just a reminder that there's no youth service this Saturday. Instead, come for service at 10.30am on Sunday and there's Fellowship Lunch for all after that! =)

2006-03-31T14:52:00.000+08:00

Welcome back Zhuang Mao!!! =)

We're really glad to hear that you're back safe. Sorry for taking so long to write... its been a busy week and it doesn't help that I've been down with my injured ankle. Its not easy trying to feel happy when one is injured and hurting.

Thank you for sharing with us what its like over in the Maldives. It was certainly something new to me... the extreme oppression against other religions in that country. I'm doubtful if its 100% Muslim though... on paper perhaps but there's probably a small percentage who believe in other religions, some of whom may be Christians. It may be less than 1% though. It sounds like the situation in China sometime back; thankfully, things have gotten better in the mainland I believe. I think its a good reminder that many people in this generation still need to have the Gospel preached to them. And I think the bigger question for us is whether we would be willing to leave our homeland and familier surroundings to preach the Gospel wherever God calls us to. Is there a burden on your heart for a country or people group that needs to hear about the Passion of the Christ?

Do take time to start prayerfully considering the above brothers and sisters =)

Even back here in Singapore, some of us might be experiencing opression, some way or another. If you are, the key to overcoming it would be to pray. Get other brothers and sisters to be your prayer supporters too. Romans 8:28-39 says:

28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[j] who[k] have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."[l]

37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[m] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Be a Champion for Christ.

2006-03-22T16:42:00.000+08:00

I just came back from the Maldives on Sunday. It had been a fun trip. Some of us even made many friends there. The account of the events can be found on this website: http://ohsixasstwenty.blogspot.com/2006/03/well-i-have-been-to-maldives-and-back.html

There is something else bugging me. The Maldives is a 100% Muslim country. It has laws prohibiting people from bringing in items “contrary to Islam”. In other words, if you are found with a bible or a big cross, you could be locked up for 3 months. They are so protective of their religion that they even need all food brought in to have the hala sign.

To me, it is quite normal that most people would not have the courage to openly bring in other religions into the Maldives. I did not have the courage to bring in a Bible either. However, it is quite another thing to be afraid even to say the word Christmas in the country. There were also those who were convinced that prayer would not work there because it is a Muslim country. When singing songs, people censor out parts relating to Christ. Even after we revealed that in Islam, they have Jesus, just that they treated him as a prophet, people still hide their religion. I am not even referring to evandualism. I am referring to everyday conversation. Basically, when I sing any of our Church songs, people say that it is not allowed. No one even brings up the word Christ.

What do I say? Is not he who is in him greater that he who is in the world? Why are we so easily suppressed? Is this how things will be like even with the slightest inconvenience? That when men says “no”, we ourselves will temporally stop being Christians? What can we do to stop this problem?

2006-03-14T17:07:00.000+08:00

*Important Message*

(David addressed to SeTT last Saturday)

Cornelius and Lishan will be on leave from the ministry for a while because of some personal matters. It may be for a few weeks or may even be for a few months. Its a reminder that leaders are not perfect and need your support too. Please remember them in your thoughts and prayers everyone. It would be nice if you can drop them a call or message sometime also.

2006-03-14T17:02:00.000+08:00

Eternal Life

Here's a reminder on what the second concept of eternal life is:

John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

So what should we be doing daily? Spend time to know our Heavenly Father and Jesus better. When you do so, may your life (especially character) be changed and become more like Him.

2006-03-14T16:31:00.000+08:00

March
18 - Cell Bible Study @ 4.45 pm
25 - Zone Outing

April
2 - Combined Service & Cell Lunch
8 - Zone Meeting @ 5 pm
14 - Good Friday Program
22 - Cell Bible Study @ 4.45 pm
29 - Zone Meeting @ 5 pm

2006-03-10T02:39:00.000+08:00

Wah.. quite quiet on the blog this week ah =p

Congrats for getting your second choice Marilyn! Hope you'll really enjoy this new phase of your life and be a shining light for God there! =)

Please keep Zhuang Mao in prayer everyone! He has flown to the Maldives and will only be back next weekend. If you're able to visit this website from there bro... here's a big 'HI!' from Singapore heh! =) Hope it'll be a great experience for you, take care!

SeTT at 5pm this Saturday as usual hoh. Youth service will follow at 715pm. Seeya soon everyone!

2006-03-03T08:26:00.000+08:00

YJC YJC YJC!! YIPEE!! SECOND CHOICE!! HAHAHAHHHAHAHA

2006-03-02T16:58:00.000+08:00

Cell Lunch this Sunday!

Hey everyone! =) Hope the week has been going well so far for all of you... its been really nice to read all your posts. Let's continue to edify one another and grow as a family of Christ.

Jocelyn... its been quite awhile since we last saw you indeed and we certainly miss your presence! Esp. since you've usually got quite a bit to share too.. haha... and that's good! =) Thank you for sharing the verse I thought it was very appropriate. Hope to see you again very soon!

Marilyn & Yizhen... its absolutely wonderful to read your words of thanksgiving to God. Its certainly very important... and its something we don't do often enough sometimes. I love the song 'Give Thanks' by Don Moen alot... and I think the biggest thanks goes to Jesus for dying on the cross for us. I think its a good practise to regularly thank God for the little things too, and let's all do it! =) I believe that we will start to appreciate the things around us more as a result.

I've got a thanksgiving too for today! I had an important quiz on Tuesday that counts towards my final grade for that module... and I did quite well I think! Its above average, and beyond what I expected since I wasn't able to study very thoroughly for it. Praise God! =)

Finally, here's a reminder that there's combined service this Sunday and we'll go for cell lunch after that. Let's go to Magic Wok at Novena Square so that I can treat all of you to yummy Thai dessert!!! Seeya all this Sunday!

*If you haven't done last week's Bible Study, it'll be right after cell lunch.

2006-02-27T00:54:00.000+08:00

it's been a long long long long while since i last blogged here....

i just wanna thank God for being with me throughout the past weeks while i mug for my papers..... it was terrible cos i've the faintest idea of what's going on for my modules.... and i'm glad that i've gone through and done with my exam.....

so right now, i'm unofficially graduated... and i'm feeling so so so happy....

results will probably come out in mid march.... and i really hope tat i will do well for my papers....

but the top priority is to thank God.... for he has always being my pillar of strength when i'm facing with stress or tiredness....

love,
yizhen~

2006-02-26T22:03:00.000+08:00

i was thinking these 2 week or lesser. how much do we thank God for what we have? each day we actually,unknowingly, receiving a little more from him. but have we really thanked him for it? like every lil small things. even giving us another day to live. or having dinner. although sometimes i myself do think that this things are a little too insignificant to us. we don't even take notice of such things but there was once in my "home tutor" lesson aka pastoral care lesson in school (MI), we went through something that can help us go through these things,"thinking", to show how much we appreciate what God has done for us daily.

we can take some time to ponder bout this every night. for me. i do a lot of thinking of what has gone through in the day before i sleep.

as one of the song lyrics:
count your blessings
name them one by one
count your blessings
see what God has done

we should appreciate what God has done for us.
P.S : its becoming a little habit of mine to thank God for little things that happen around me each time it happens. and i also Thank God for giving me this good habit. XD. hahaha

2006-02-26T20:42:00.000+08:00

Hey all!

Sorry I haven't been coming for COSB cell/service. Been kept busy with some matters at my home church (Wesley, for those who don't yet know). But I hope to be able to make time to go to cell soon to get to know Zhuangmao and Marilyn better! =P

When I read Zhuangmao's post, one of my favourite and most lived-by verses immediately popped up into my mind, and I think God's word speaks wonders for itself and serves as a timely reminder for all of us =) Many times I also wish I were "not like that" or "like this", but then when I get close to God and pray, He reminds me to find out if my wanting to be "not like that" or "like this" is according to his perfect plan for me. =)

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Snuggled In His Love,
Jocelyn

2006-02-22T18:48:00.000+08:00

Someone once said that the way to please God is not to try to, but to allow his sprit to work in us. It is not our abilitiy, but God's in us (by Dr DuPlessis). If it were otherwise, then we would be able to boast about all our works.

Yet, we are always called to be different, to change. What then? Should we try to change to live a life that is different? If we say that it is God's responsibility, then what are we even doing?

2006-02-20T22:23:00.000+08:00

Question of the Week

What is eternal life?

Please ponder over this question during the week. We'll talk about it during Bible Study this Saturday! =)

Here's a reminder that Bible Study will start at 4.45pm this Saturday in Chancery. Try answering the questions before coming! =)

2006-02-20T22:11:00.000+08:00

P R A Y

Here are some important prayer reminders, please spend at least one minute praying over each item k? Let's pray like M.A.D. (Make A Difference). If you're afraid of forgetting, save it as a handphone reminder or just visit this blog everyday! hehe *winkz*

1. Yizhen's Exam

22-FEB (WED)
08:30AM - 10:30AM
BM0385PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OPERATIONS MGMT

23-FEB (THU)
08:30AM - 10:30AM
BM0386SERVICES MARKETING MANAGEMENT

2. Marilyn's JC Posting
Scroll down for her list of choices.

3. Mel to adjust back to uni life in Australia

4. PFTL - Pray For The Leaders
This week especially.

2006-02-20T22:03:00.000+08:00

Photos R Up!

Hey everyone... our 'photogenic' group photos are up!!! =)
You'll be getting the full-sized versions in your emails.

There set of 3 photos with the brighter colours were taken using Mel's Panasonic FX9.
The next set of photos were taken with my sister's Ixus 55.

I think I look quite silly in the 'funny photo' (brighter one)... but oh well, it was all in silly good fun heh!

2006-02-20T21:58:00.000+08:00

2006-02-20T21:49:00.000+08:00

2006-02-17T18:05:00.000+08:00

Change in SeTT Schedule

Hi everyone! There's a slight change in our schedule for you to note. Instead of having Bible Study this Saturday, we'll be having regular zone time instead. Cell Bible Study will be shifted to next Saturday. Seeya this Saturday at 5pm in church! =)

2006-02-16T20:42:00.000+08:00

There is this whole issue of secularity, especially with regards to schools. How far does it go? How far should it go? Should religion-biased CCAs be allowed? Obviously if one is allowed, the others should also be allowed, but should there be any in the first place? I personally feel that it is still showing secularity if we have the freedom of the rights to gather like minded people even with regards to religion.

What about gatherings which are not recognised by the school, but within the school campus and with the students involved? How far should they be allowed? Can we say that they are no different from "Physics study groups" organised by students? Afterall, the school and the meetings have a status quo - the school and the rest of the student population are in no way affected. Again, I think that there should be no problem with these groups, even arguing from the secular point of view.

Yet, certain schools had expressed disatisfaction over such activities and there had even been calls to disband such gatherings. Can we still say that these schools are secular? Or are they crossing the line into being anti-Christians?

2006-02-15T11:18:00.000+08:00

hey peeps. haha this will be my very first post in this bloggie. anyway i'm here to tell bout my choices in the JAE(joint-admission-excercise).do pray for me cause i placed a risk in my choices.

1.Meridian JC science
2.Yishun JC science
3.Meridian JC arts
4.Serangoon Jc science
5.Yishun JC arts
6.Biomedical Engineering NP
7.Chemical Process Technology SP
8.Aerospace Technology NP

anyway. i've heard loads bout people putting Meridian science as their first choice and i mean A LOT OF PEOPLE. mainly students with single digit scores.so in fact i'll be fighting with a lot of students for places in meridian science and worst of all, i did NOT meet their cut off point for meridian science. i've missed by one point. so pray hard for me. i'll be praying hard to get into that school.

love ya all
[lyn]

2006-02-08T15:44:00.000+08:00

Love Is In The Air

This Saturday's sharing will centre on the topic of... LOVE ('mushy', 'mushy'... hehe =p). So please remember to bring some marshmellows along... just kidding! haha.

Arrive in church by 5pm this Saturday...! =)

2006-02-07T01:22:00.000+08:00

Hiyo everyone! Here's the schedule for the coming months. Do take note of all the dates and make it a point to come for every session cos they're all too good to miss! hee =)

SeTT Activity Calender for February - April 2006

February
11 - Zone Meeting @ 5 pm
18 - Cell Bible Study @ 4.45 pm
25 - Zone Meeting @ 5pm (We are the Duty Cell!)

March
5 - Combined Service & Cell Lunch
11 - Zone Meeting @ 5 pm
18 - Cell Bible Study @ 4.45 pm
25 - Zone Outing

April
2 - Combined Service & Cell Lunch
8 - Zone Meeting @ 5 pm
14 - Good Friday Program
22 - Cell Bible Study @ 4.45 pm
29 - Zone Meeting @ 5 pm

Note: All sessions are in church unless otherwise stated. Cell Bible Study venue, date and time can change with what we agree together upon.

2006-02-03T14:15:00.000+08:00

Thank you Jocelyn!

They're both very good articles and I've thoroughly enjoyed reading them! =) I'm still reflecting upon them... I think it'll be interesting to talk about them at cell soon! For those of you who haven't read the articles, do read them asap! =)

I hope that all of ya enjoyed the CNY break. Here's a reminder that there's no youth service again this Saturday but there'll be combined service on Sunday. After service, we can go for CNY visitation.

Seeya all soon! =)

2006-01-21T23:50:00.000+08:00

Okay here's another long overdue post. =P Sorry if I'm flooding all at once. But if I don't get this all done now I'll never ever get it done. Remember last week when David told us that we are blessed for a reason and we have to be disciplined with our blessings? Here's something interesting:

If the apostle Paul had not brought the Gospel to Europe, the foundational principles such as freedom and human dignity would not be part of the American heritage. Because the Holy Spirit instructed him to turn away from Asia and go West, America has been blessed with its systems of law and economics - the principles that made it rich and free.

In addition, American is the only nation in the world founded by believers in Christ who made a covenant with God - dedicating a new nation to god.

Born into affluence, freedom and divine blessings, Americans should be the most thankful people on earth.

But along with the privilege comes a responsibility. The Christian must ask not only why, but what he or she should do with these unearned favors?

I find it very interesting because America was the ONLY modern nation dedicated to God, and it is no wonder that they are so blessed! Read on:

Religion, I discovered, is a multi-billion dollar business in the United States. Many North American Christians live isolated from reality - even from the poor in their own cities. I found that believers are ready to get involved in almost any activity which looks spiritual but allows them to escape their responsibility to the Gospel.

I can't remember who it was that spoke to us during one of our services at Wesley, but it was someone from somewhere that oversees the Churches in Singapore. He was telling us about how much they pray for wisdom for the government such that God's judgement does not fall on Singapore. And I really believe that Singapore is so blessed today because of this community of people who are actively praying and seeking God's will for the nation.

What we discussed this afternoon is very pertinent to this issue, because I think that it is very true and real that we as a nation, and as individuals (I'm guilty of it too!), are succumbing to materialism, as the author above believes that America is guilty of. He has also been urged by God in miraculous ways to warn America as a nation that if there is no change, a huge judgement will fall upon America. (and yes, he is a credible person, not some siao guy on the street.)

C.T. Studd, the famours British Athlete and founder of Worldwide Evangelization Crusade, was one who gave up all achievements in this life for Christ's sake. He was challenged to his commitment by an article written by an atheist. That article in part said:

If I firmly believed, as millions say they do, that the knowledge and practice of religion in this life influences destiny in another, then religion would mean to me everything.

I would cast away earthly enjoyments as dross, earthly cares as follies, and earthly thoughts and feelings as vanity. Religion would be my first waking thought and my last image before sleep sank me into unconsciousness. I should labor in this cause alone.

Earthly consequences would never stay my hand, or seal my lips. Earth, its joys and its griefs, would occupy no moment of my thoughts. I would strive to look upon eternity alone, and on the immortal souls around me, soon to be everlastingly happy or everlastingly miserable.

"Love not the world," says John in his first epistle....

Watchman Nee, an early Chinese native missionary, in his book Love Not the World:

When material things are under spiritual control they fulfill their proper subordinate role. Released from that restraint they manifest very quickly the power that lies behind them. The law of nature asserts itself, and their worldly character is proved by the course they take.

(I have to stop here because I'm feeling quite blur and sleepy now. Hope it was an enriching read!)

2006-01-21T23:31:00.000+08:00

Dear (in alphabetical order) Cyrus, James, Marilyn, Yizhen and Zhuang Mao, =)

This post should have been done last week (or was is two weeks ago?), but procrastination got the better of me.

If you remember, Chunxiang and Cyrus shared with us the results of the survey that we did during the Esword camp. I would just like to share with you guys how different Evangelism is in many other parts of Asia (mostly the third world countries, but including developing countries like China).

While films, radio, television and video are becoming more common in Asia, the most effective methods still sound more as if they came from the Book of Acts!

The more effective evangelism is done face-to-face in the streets. Most native missionaries walk or ride bicycles between villages much like the Methodist circuit riders did in America's frontier days.

Street preaching and open-air evangelism, often using megaphones is the most common way to proclaim the Gospel. Sometimes evangelists arrange witnessing parades and/or tent campaigns and distribute simple Gospel tracts during the week-long village crusades.

Since the majority of the world's one billion illiterates live in Asia, the Gospel often must be proclaimed to them without using literature. this is done through showing films on the life of Jesus, and also using casettes, flip charts and other visual aids to communicate the Gospel.

How different it is indeed and how heartwarming! And if you would recall, street-E and pamphlets/books are the amongst the most unpopular methods in Singapore.

2006-01-17T22:47:00.000+08:00

WELCOME!

Marilyn and Zhuang Mao have joined the cell and I'll like to extend a very warm welcome to the both of you here on the BLOG! =)

Please feel free to post anything that happens in your life... your thoughts, ramblings, photos, drawings, web links, articles, stories, insights, etc. etc., the list goes on. If there's something interesting that you learnt while doing Quiet Time, you can post that too!

Cell Bible Study will be @ 5pm this Saturday at 53 Chancery Lane.
(Marilyn and Zhuang Mao will be having Secell RA at the same time on that day.)

2006-01-12T20:45:00.000+08:00

Wow, that's really advanced notice Yizhen.. hee.. thank u!

*Everyone pls take note of the dates hoh! =D

This is my first post of 2006... so Happy Blessed Bloggy New Year everyone! heh.

Haven't been able to post for quite some time cos I've been so busy with attachment and especially YEP preparation towards the end of 2005. Time flies... cos tmr will be my last day of attachment! =p And that also means... I'm BACK on the BLOG!

Note: Cell as usual at Chancery 5pm this Saturday. Our 'freshies' will be joining us for the very first time so be sure to be around! =) Next Saturday (or a weekday can also) will be our first Bible Study session for 2006.

2006-01-09T00:32:00.000+08:00

The following is my exam timetable.... just received it only....

17-FEB (FRI)
04:30PM - 06:30PM
BM0055
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT & PRACTICES

20-FEB (MON)
08:30AM - 10:30AM
BM0384
E-SERVICES/IT ENABLED SERVICES

22-FEB (WED)
08:30AM - 10:30AM
BM0385
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OPERATIONS MGMT

23-FEB (THU)
08:30AM - 10:30AM
BM0386
SERVICES MARKETING MANAGEMENT

2005-12-24T11:27:00.000+08:00

A Season for Thanksgiving

It's been really quiet here recently. Allow me to give an update. I really want to thank God for a few things these past few weeks.

Firstly, my results. Granted I didn't do fantastically well, but given my performance during the examinations, I am personally quite surprised I did as well as I did. Also, God's presence was keenly felt as the Holy Spirit comforted me when I felt nervous, to the extent that I was calmer than I had ever been in previous semesters, despite this being one of the worst examinations yet.

Secondly, I want to thank God because He has blessed me financially. I say this not because I am doing well in that respect. Indeed, I am now unemployed (no more tuitions!) and I sometimes struggle to keep myself afloat. Yet, I thank God that He has not allowed me to sink further, and my siblings have stepped forward to support me financially. I know this is a stop-gap measure and I will eventually need to get myself employed again. I am confident that He has a better plan, and I do not worry.

Thirdly, I thank Him for giving me an opportunity to participate in His work. The youth camp ended just about a week ago, and I was greatly blessed by it. I learned the heart of a shepherd, if somewhat limited in scope, and I understand Him much better because of that. The Holy Spirit has also strengthened me in my faith, speaking to me in a manner like never before. Although I have always prayed to God, I know that something has changed over this camp and prayer has taken on a whole new meaning for me.

Finally, I thank God for all my brothers- and sisters-in-Christ; for a family that is so special in so many ways. To be able to share my life with all of you has been a source of joy for me. May we all grow together, helping and encouraging each other along the way, and always edifying each other in love. The unity is hard to come by. Let us make every effort to preserve it!

Merry Christmas to all. God bless you!

Henotes,
Cyrus

2005-12-09T10:27:00.000+08:00

just back from children's camp... had a great time there.... n i'm badly sun-burnt.....

as promised, here's my schedule for my test the following week... needs prayers for them:

Professional Operation in Services - Monday [12/12]
Customer Relationship Management - Tuesday [13/12]
Service Marketing Mgt - Wednesday [14/12]

2005-12-06T00:05:00.000+08:00

Prayer Request from Yizhen

Hi everyone! Yizhen has papers for the next two weeks and has requested that we keep her in prayer. It starts with a paper on Tuesday. She'll be uploading the exact dates soon I think. Pray for wisdom, health and whatever else you felt led to pray.

Have a happy and holly week ahead! =) Christmas is coming...!!!

2005-11-21T23:33:00.000+08:00

Verse to share...

Oh yes, here's my key verse for QT on Saturday that I wanted to share but didn't get to.

Philemon 1:4 & 6

4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers... 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

Want to have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ? You have the answer above... =)

2005-11-21T23:25:00.000+08:00

First Day at Work

Hiyo peeps! Here's how my first day at work went in chronological order heh. Enjoy...!

7.10am Wake Up, wash up and have breakfast.
7.50am Leave the house and take the MRT.
8.20am Arrive at the office.
8.35am Meet the HR assistant manager.
8.50am Meet the boss of my department and the rest of the staff.
9.30am Work arrives at my desk and on comes Excel.
1.10pm Go for lunch at Bras Brasah.
2.00pm Back at the office and I make a cup of Nescafe.
3.30pm Looks at clock again and keep working.. hehe...
5.00pm 1 hour and 15 minutes to go.
6.15pm Work not complete. Press on... Reminded that its 6.15 =p
6.30pm Home Sweet Home!!!

Overall, I would say that I had a good experience today. I'm somewhat glad I had some work (= about eight thick reference files filled with numbers, haha) to do. It was mainly Excel data entry work and I think I would have felt somewhat uneasy if I had absolutely nothing to do. I'm there to learn, that's why =) Well, something interesting would be that I'm literally surrounded by females heh. I think I'm only one of only 2 guys (the other being full time) in the entire department of 20-30 people.

Till the next episode, take really good care and remember to 'be different'! =)

2005-11-12T23:54:00.000+08:00

By the way, you're welcome to invite a Christian friend along ya! Please let me know in advance if you have a friend who would like to come, thank you!

2005-11-12T23:29:00.000+08:00

Angel-Mortal Game is back peeps!

It'll officially begin next Saturday, and this time round, you need to bring a gift ($2 or less preferably) that fits the theme and give your mortal a verse for encouragement. The theme for next week is 'Something Drinkable'. *glup glup*

Cyrus & Jocelyn > Matz will send you an sms with the name she randomly picks for you.

We'll be having our very first Bible Study session too so meet me at Burger King Novena Square at 5pm k? If you're early, help to reserve the nice red cushion seats. It'll last an hour and a half at most and we can have dinner there before going for service. Please remember to prepare in advance.

Have a blessed week ahead and do also remember to keep those of us having papers in prayer, thank you!

2005-11-07T03:42:00.000+08:00

I just heard today that there's a mistake in the exam dates Mel sent me.. its supposed to be November instead of December. So this should be her last paper:

8 Nov (Management)

Do keep her in prayer.. Remember that she's in a different time zone heh, 2 hours ahead of Singapore time =)

2005-11-04T00:15:00.000+08:00

Live out the Victory!

Dear friends,

In the midst of examinations and project due dates and such, I would like to encourage all of us with a word from the Lord.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Philippians 4:6

This is a familiar passage, but do not let the familiarity mislead you - It is as true as it ever was. God is with us. Run the race in such a way that you'll win the crown, do not give up, and do not be frustrated. Remember: the world is watching you!

Peace be with you! :)

Cyrus

2005-11-03T13:46:00.000+08:00

God is so real

Dear friends,

The Lord has urged me to share this with you.

Because we live in such a secular and scientific world, we often neglect the reality of spiritual warfare, and the concept of 'evil spirits', 'witchcrafts' and the like is so obscure. Many have the impression that it is unreal, that Christianity has nothing to do with these 'native superstitions'. We talk about 'Satan tempting us to sin', but that's as far as we go.

The following is a credible testimony from the man who contributed largely to the third wave of evangelism over Asian and African nations today(the first wave broke over the NT world in the 1st century, the 2nd dated from William Carey's pioneer work in 18th century India which began a flood of missions to the colonies of the great European powers).

Speaking of missionaries he was personally acquainted to, K.P. Yohannan wrote:

...With his wife he set an apostolic pattern for their workers similar to that of the apostle Paul...travelled by bullock cart and foor into some of the most backward areas of the tribal districts of Orissa state. There, working in the intense heat among people whose lifestyle was so primitive that it can be described only as animalistic, he saw hundreds converted. Throughout the journey, demons were cast our and miraculours physical healings took place daily...

...Similar miraculous movements are starting in almost every state of India and throughout other nations of Asia.

Native missionary Jesu Das was horrified when he first visited one village and found no believers there. The people were all worshipping hundreds of different gods, and four pagan priests controlled them through their withcraft.

Stories were told of how these priests could kill people's cattle with witchcraft and destroy their crops. People were suddenly taken ill and died without explanation. The destruction and bondage the villagers were living in is hard to imagine. Scars, decay and death marked their faces, because they were totally controlled by the powers of darkness.

When Jesu Das told them about Christ, it was the first time they ever heard of a God who did not require sacrifices and offerings to appease his anger. As Jesu Das continued to preach in the marketplace, many people came to know the Lord.

But the priests were outraged. They warned Jesu Das that if he did not leave the village, they would call on their gods to kill him, his wife and their children. Jesu Das did not leave. He continued to preach, and villagers continued to be saved.

Finally, after a few weeks, the witch doctors came to Jesu Das and asked him the secret of his power.

"This is the first time our power did not work," they told him. "After doing the 'pujas', we asked the spirits to go and kill your family. But the spirits came back and told us they could not approach you or your family because you were always surrounded by fire. Then we called more powerful spirits to come after you -- but they too returned, saying not only were you surrounded by fire, but angels were also around you all the time."

Jesu Das told them about Christ. The Holy Spirit convicted each of them of their sin of following demons, and of the judgement to come. With tears, they repented, renouncing their Gods and idols, and received Jesus Christ as Lord...

Speaking of his own experiences (which happened in this day and age! Not some obscure era of thousands of years back!), Yohannan wrote:

I can never forget one of the more dramatic encounters we had with these demonic powers...A sizable crowd gathered during one of our street meetings...One young man came up to me ans asked for a book to read. As I talked to him, I sensed in my spirit that he was hungry to know God. When we got ready to climb aboard our Gospel van, he asked to join us.

As the van lurched forward, he cried and wailed. "I am a terrible sinner," he shrieked. "How can I sit among you?" With that he started to jump from the moving van. We held on to him and forced him to the floor to prevent injury.

That night he stayed at our base and the next morning joined us for the prayer meeting. While we were praising and interceding, we heard a sudden scream. The young man was lying on the ground, tongue lolling out of his mouth, his eyes rolled back.

As Christians in a pagan land, we knew immediately he was demon-possessed. We gathered around him and began taking authority over the forces of hell as they spoke through his mouth. " We are 74 of us... .For the past seven years we have made him walk barefoot all over India... . He is ours... ." They spoke on, blaspheming and cursing, challenging us and our authority.

But as three of us prayed, the demons could not keep their hold on the young man. They came out when we commanded them to leave in the name of Jesus.

Sundar John was delivered, gave his life to Jesus and was baptized. Later he went to Bible school for two years. Several native Indian churches have started as a result of his remarkable ministry -- all from a man many people would have locked up in an insane asylum. And there are literally millions of people like him in India.

2005-11-02T12:53:00.000+08:00

Hope that the week has been going on well for all of ya... =) Here's just a reminder that there will be no cell this Saturday, so don't come to church hoh! Cos none of us will be around =p Instead, come for service at 10.15am on Sunday and we'll go for cell lunch after that! =)

Here's an interesting quote that I just made up, 'React quickly when warning signs appear and avoid many disasters.'

It came to mind after watching a bit of a tv show last night investigating the cause of the Columbia space shuttle crash.

2005-11-01T22:46:00.000+08:00

Hey! Thanks for being understanding! =) Yup anything cheap is fine! Kopitiam also can! foodcourt also can! yay!

2005-10-31T19:08:00.000+08:00

Yup, that's right Yizhen.. its THE Uni exam period yet again...! =p Its usually super stressful... cos of so many smart and hardworking people around that you've to compete against. On the bright side though... there's usually a nice long holiday after that to look forward to! =) Anyway, congratulations for the completion of your attachment! Finally can return to normal school life.

(No holidays for me this time though cos my attachment starts on 21st Nov. Its my turn now heh. I'll be attached to Keppel Land at Bugis Junction upstairs, hehe.)

Thanks for the quick post Jocelyn and being open about it. Would Long John Silver's be ok then? I love the chicken pieces there =) Well, the place we eat is actually secondary.. what I look forward to more is a time of quality fellowship with all of ya =)

Haha, we must compile and share with us your list of cheap eats! I thought the NTU chicken rice stall was the the cheapest, but it look like its met its match! =p If any of you have alternative ideas for cheap eats around church, just post here k?

Have a blessed week ahead everyone!

James

BTW: The case for my exam paper this Friday was just posted today... its on IPC... wonder if any of ya bought their computers last time. Its a brand that has faded away already.

2005-10-31T19:06:00.000+08:00

These are Mel's exam dates:

2 dec (Quantiative Analysis n Finance)
8 dec (Management)

Let's all remember to pray for Mel too! =)

2005-10-31T00:04:00.000+08:00

wow... looks like most ppl in uni are having exams....

jia you! jia you!
will be praying for u guys....

carl's junior sounds gd... have not been there yet... but heard tat it's pretty gd....

just a little update: finally finished my attachment.... n it's back to sch for me tml.... hope tat this sem everything would be gd... and i would be able to concentrate and understand wat is being taught... need prayers too!

hope to see u guys soon...

signing off,
yizhen~

2005-10-30T23:55:00.000+08:00

Anyway, James can we go somewhere cheap cheap please please? haha. I'm kind of over-the-budget recently from financing my driving lessons and obligatory birthday presents and I really cannot bear to spend on food (that is going to come out from the other side anyway =P). Which explains the sushi and the fried rice..ahem. haha. And it seems like yesterday that I splurged on Thai express (yes! $7 was a huge splurge for me!)! I feel so guilty! I'm really a cheapo food junkie. I can tell you all the cheapest places for food and entertainment. Like at JE there's this stall that sells chicken rice for $1.50 at this day and age!!! Okay I could go on and on..but. Hee. And if we don't spend time travelling we can save travelling expenses plus spend more quality time together! *hinthint*

2005-10-30T19:26:00.000+08:00

My exam timetable:
28 oct
- Neuroscience
- Community Occupational and Family Medicine
(although its over but can pray..haha. that the examiners don't get annoyed by my handwriting and my lack of organisation)

4 Nov
- Microbiology
- Immunology

18 Nov
- Pathology
- Pharmacology

Thank you everybody!

2005-10-30T19:13:00.000+08:00

CFC - Champions for Christ

Here are my exam dates:

4th Nov Strategic Management
14th Nov Tax
16th Nov International Business Environment, Accounting Business Analysis and Valuation
18th Nov Risk Management