Tuesday, August 28, 2007
This is taken from one of Dr. Robb Thompson's e-newsletter...
Enjoy and hope it inspires. :)
Sacrifice Is The Road Travelled On The Journey To Your Divine Destiny.
“Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.’” Matthew 26:42 (NKJV)
No one understood the principle of sacrifice more than Jesus. As you see in the verse stated above, Jesus’ only road to His divine destiny was the cross, with the ultimate sacrifice – His life! God calls us to imitate Christ and rely on Him as our divine example. God has a plan for every one of us…but that plan is only fulfilled as we willingly surrender our lives. Jesus does not allow anyone to follow Him without them first being willing to give up their life.
Along with several thousands of Palestinian Jewish volunteers, Moshe Dayan (who served as liaison officer with the British in Jerusalem) helped organize a daring mission during World War II. Sacrificing all comfort and ease, these volunteers (clearly risking their lives) successfully parachuted German Jews into occupied countries, aiding in the return of downed British pilots. A great sacrifice—a wonderful mission: extremely hazardous, nonetheless.
Everything worth pursuit requires you to pay a price. Abraham became a friend of God, but it did not happen until he was willing to sacrifice his son. Paul is known as one of the greatest apostles of all time, but he was harshly beaten, hideously whipped, stoned nearly to death, and brutally persecuted. We all want to reach the destiny God has for us, but only those willing to pay the sacrificial price ever experience it.
DAILY CONFESSION
Father, I thank You that You placed within me the same spirit that dwells in Jesus. I understand that the road to my divine destiny requires a sacrificial life. I willingly give up my life to serve You all my days.
Cheers,
Cheryl
Saturday, August 18, 2007
After hearing about the long media-scrutiny and subsequent slam-bamming, I finally went to watch Sun's China Wine video on youtube.
When I first saw her appear, I understood why the media would blast her like that - their little legalistic, closed-up biased minds would never accept such an "outrageous" outfit to be seen on anyone they think should be conservative and prudent - much less dance around like Coco Lee/Britney Spears. But as I sat through the video, there was little more than pride for Sun welling up inside - at the end of the video all I could think about was "I'm so proud of her". She exutes the Oriental beauty in the video, and her voice resonates power.
Like Sherin, I'd never been personally near Sun and her circle (except my 6-month working stint in Skin). But unlike Sherin, I'd honestly never felt much of an urgency to pray for her, except when it comes to corporate prayer and when Pastor talks about her work. I love Sun and I'm proud of what she's doing in the world, yes, but its hard to love someone when I'm not personally acquainted with her. But that, i realise, is the world's way of thinking. I should've risen above that and loved her God's agape way.
But watching the China Wine video really made me think about what Sun's been doing away from home. She really is like a Daniel in so many ways. In exchange for upward mobility in Babylon, Daniel took on the education of the Babylonian's Science, Arts and Culture to gain the power of knowledge he later utilised for God, and he was even willing to change his name to something that completely refutes the God he believes in and look like something the Jerusalem media would happily have slandered and slammed the way they did to Sun (Dan 1:1-7). To gain a foothold so that she can influence the world and bring the gospel to them, Sun willingly learnt the necessary culture (language, if you will) of the world and changed the way she looked (ala the fashion; hair etc) to be relevant. But like Daniel, Sun fed on the Word and entrusted her values to the living God she serves, so amidst the exterior, Sun is still the God-loving, people-serving Sun.
But how many people in Singapore can see that?
I say Singapore because it is an open fact that people around the world love Sun. If you watch the China Wine video on youtube, take a look at the comments that follow - i scrolled through 4 of the multiple pages of comments, and out of the many less than 1/2 hurled insults at her (undoubtedly from our own lil' island). Everyone else either praised her beauty or singing (or both); there are people from Taiwan saying "Sun please come back to Taiwan soon", another comment that said "wow she is great is she from China?". I can't help but wonder why - but of course we all know that a prophet is not received in his own home - thank God for Sun's home within a home (the church). But yet, for all the gripes and whines Singaporeans choke up about foreign talent "invading" our precious soils and robbing us of our jobs and resources, here we have a homegrown talent tapping into the biggest market of the world - the USA, and our local media and people reject her. With no ground for our local talents to shine, is it little wonder that they seek a higher calling elsewhere in the world? And with such an unjustified gap, no wonder there is an influx of less than local talent and more of the foreigns.
I am really quite impacted by Sun's courage and willingness to step out of her comfort zone and fulfill God's calling for her life. It must be tough. But thank God that now, through the video, I have a revelation of a real-life Daniel to look up to and learn from. She is a practical, 21st century life example of what we are to be in the world. Immersed completely in the culture, persecuted for the calling of God and still strong in her values and carrying the Spirit in her... it is a whole renewed perspective. And I want to be just like a David, an Esther, a Daniel, a Sun for God.
Here's the link to her China Wine video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Twxf2LraoEE. And in case you're wondering what Sun looks like in China Wine, here she is:
Isn't she beautiful? This is the more modest one though. Check out the video if you wanna see the "gasp-out-loud" one.
Cheers,
Cheryl
Monday, August 13, 2007
hey guys! I'm just bored from studying, so I just decided to drop by to post my 1st message!
heartfelt ramblings:.....
A university education is really different from poly.
To start off with, the students are REALLY REALLY REALLY much smarter! Especially the PRCs. Though they may smell and look otherwise, they literally OWN us when it comes to maths, science even economics. The Singaporeans here are so much more motivated than those in my polytechnic. I believe none has entered NUS to graduate with a mediocre degree; all are here to score, to soar and to be above the rest.
Man, tat makes life so much tougher.
Why can't they just slack so I'll have a higher chance of getting a better grade (NUS works on a bell curve grading system)? Why can't these PRC scholars just go back to their own country and make me feel less inferior?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not bemoaning their presence or the competition. It's just this trepidation, this uncertainty. Mounting pressures from within, and without, of not getting the grades that I so desire. My parents have placed lots of hopes on me, and I do not want to fail them. My ambition to enter public service later in my life requires me to have much more than stellar results. I've not read economics - the subject I want to major in - in A levels, unlike many of my peers, some of whom have even taken S paper and have gotten distinction. I've not touched maths for God knows how many years, which is rudimentary for an econs grad student.
I'm reminded of what dr AR Bernard said on Sunday. "You cannot lead a culture you're afraid of."
Am I afraid of the culture in my school? Well, a little. Students are either cranky like the PRCs or cranky like some of my hall seniors. Too much books or too much booze ... I want to find a balance in all this mess. I want to rise up above my fears and do the best I ever can for my future.
I do not want to let my parents down. I do not want to disappoint those who believe in me more than I can ever believe in myself. And ultimately, I do not want to let myself down.
Two years of preparation. In my heart, I know God has placed me here for a reason.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Hi All this is your outing person posting for the first time.
Newae, this is a notice for bowling just in case i can't get everyone
on the phone or something.
Venue will be at:
Marina Square Cathay Bowl.
Time: 6pm to 8pm.
Date: 9/8/07.
I have booked 3 lanes which can accomodate like 18 people at once.
Kindly use the comments link to confirm your attendance if you see.
this post.
Better still. Just humour me by saying something. And oh ya...
Psssst.....S h e r i n's orders.
Bring a buddy ;p
Cheers all and God Bless~!
Damien
The thing I really enjoyed during FOP07 was the sermon.
Pastor Phil really knew what and how to deliver the word to the people.
If that isn't wisdom from the Holy Spirit, what is!
Above is a painting of his, entitled 'Dream together'.
I think its wonderful to have dreams. More awesome if you share that dream with God.
Tonight and tommorow, I shall be making room for God, got to get connected once again.
Rid of all the restlessness and impatience within me.
Peace of and with God.
This is the vast difference between the world and us.
We all have struggles, victories, hurts, love and life's experiences.
Yet only when we are connected with our creator, does peace come in.
Happy Birthday Jiaqing!!! N389 is so so blessed to have you~ May the Lord bless you in your final year, and take you deeper in Him and further with Him!
Monday, August 6, 2007
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way....He will make a way
Oh God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way.....He will make a way
By a roadway in the wilderness He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain
And He will do something new today
Oh God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way...He will make a way
A simple song yet it exudes so much meaning and it encompasses what God can do and will do.
Of the 2 nights I spent in this year's festival of praise, the one thing that is etched in my heart and mind would be simply this song...
For me, the presence of God was exceptionally strong whenever this worship song was sung. And I felt God was telling me to hold onto this message that truly God will make a way. And indeed He did. He brought me back to the years where I was struggling as a dental student, the times when i want to quit and the times I feel like the biggest loser in the world....But everytime I never fail to praise God in the midst of trials and tribulations. Like I said before on my previous blog, the one thing I have learned the most from dental school is to be able to sing praises to God when i am at the deepest of the valley. And God did not fail me as I held onto the vision that He gave me right in the beginning of year 1 that I will graduate on time. And I did. Praise God!!!
Singing that song at FOP brought me memories but more importantly God is assuring me that come what may in the future, He will make a way...And He will not just do it for me but He will do it for whoever believes in Him.
Peace.
Kenny
Sunday, August 5, 2007
How long has it been since you last came before God -
and spoke words of love to Him from your heart?
When was the last time you broke your heart before Him -
and really loved Him above your own desires?
What were the last words of exaltation you whispered to Him -
that touched Him and pleased His heart to hear?
It'd been a long time since I really walked with Jesus. Sure I did my quiet time and yes, I feel His presence - but that is always at the end of the day and rarely during the day itself. I'd always wanted to walk close to Jesus and be His friend, but I seldom found the time and effort to seek Him mid-day; mid-activity; mid-self. I knew that my days centered around myself and how much fun I had (since it's the holidays), and I always repented from this me-axle spinning on my me-axis, but then the next day it is the same all over again. Like that, for 2 months.
I sought Him just now, and as always I told Him that I love Him. But it isnt until I told God that it is Him and not His blessings that I desire did His presence and peace really fill my heart and assure me that this was what God had been waiting for every night in all my quiet time. The habit of praying had preceded the quality of my prayers, but thank God that He never stops waiting for me to wait on Him so that He can speak to me.
After mending my own relationship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit told me that we as a body need to build up on our own personal relationship with Jesus once again. Thank God for the great fellowship every week, but we need more than just fun and games to have meaningful fellowship. God has given Pst Kong a word that all the cell groups are going to grow by the end of this year, and Sherin has shared her desire to grow n389 at the end of 2007 - but until our hearts are right with God and it is truly Him that we live for, we can't experience the fullness of His glory and what He wants to do in our lives and cell group.
Benny Hinn, Mike Connell, and upcoming AR Bernard and Joyce Meyer... we can't just let these people of God keep coming and going - and the miracles and works keep on passing us by without our lives really being transformed. What's the point? We really need to have a heartfelt, urgent desire for personal growth to the next level in our side-by-side walk with Jesus, and from there on a fire for the cell group. Quality prayers and real heart-to-heart love and communication is what Jesus wants and what we need to grow in our love for Him! Keep on growing, n389! I really love this cell group, and I want to experience a full-on fire burning in us!
And share, people. This blog is actually a great avenue for us to share our thoughts, revelations and encouragements. And it is the first place I thought of to share whatever I did above. Love you all! :)
cheers,
cheryl
Thanks to all the blogs i referred to(countless) for html code help :) (esp.cyn'and sixseven)
Adobe Photoshop Elements for supernatural abilities
