Our walk together as one

2010 Virgin Post ;p

2010-08-29T16:14:00.001+08:00

Before the post starts proper:
Congrats to the SOT grads, they've done something
that i've been thinking of, just thinking of, for a long time.

So its another CG outing, or most of it.
Chris, Chris Bro, Jacky, yrreT, Kenneth, Jael, Esther, Agnes.
And the guest appearance of Robin, the dentist friend.

We went to Oasis for dinner.
The chef must have been crying very badly at the point
of time when he/she was cooking our food.
we also speculated the price of salt crashed overnight
on the commodities market.
nuff said about the taste of the food which was a tad disappointing
since its never happened before.

THEN, we headed to Udders Ice Cream @ Siglap.
We also note a few poltergeists that were around.

though not being physically there.
but they're loved nonetheless haha

Firstly, lets talk about the crowd:

actually, the word "crowd" does not suffice to
describe the multitudes of people squeezing into
that small space.
but i guess the stat board did get it right by
realizing we do have one of the highest
population densities in the world ><

The cookies and cream was really nice,
the Tiramisu ice cream, unless you want to get high from ice cream.
its totally laden with alcohol. can't taste the tira from the misu.
and makes "i" wanna "scream" gahh~
not bad for a forfeit penalty to punk your friends with though.

So the evening went well, with lots of banter.
Though the place was too cramped for my liking.
Agnes's "please please pleaseeee" will never be forgotten, hahahhaa.
The really nice boy waiter.
Fervent exchange of flavors.
A colored shirt.
A colored blackboard.
An incessant craving for cider (perhaps only me...)
and before we knew it, it was 1130pm and time to go.

Here's the rest of the pics:

The End~!

2009 Virgin Post

2009-07-12T15:17:00.002+08:00

Ephesians 5:22~33
Wives and Husbands
(JQ's Version)

22.Christina, submit to your husband Damien as to the Lord.

23.For Damien is the head of the family as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.

24.Now as the church submits to Christ, so also Christina should submit to Damien in everything.

25.Damien, love your wife Christina, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

26.to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,

27.and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

28.In this same way, Damien ought to love Christina as his own body. He who loves his wife loves himself.

29.After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church

30.for we are members of his body.

31"For this reason Damien will leave his father and mother and be united with Christina, and the two will become one flesh."

32.This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.

33.However, Damien also must love Christina as he loves himself, and Christina must respect her husband Damien.

Congrats to you both for finally getting engaged. Christina! If Damien ever bullies you, let us know alright? We'll give him a good spanking.....

And Damien! If Christina bullies you, let us know too... We'll laugh at you =)

*Group Hug*

Be Safe, not proud.

2008-10-23T14:35:00.001+08:00

"Are you afraid?" I asked. "Of course," she replied, "that's what keeps me safe."

Much of life poses moral danger for us. We should never assume in any situation that we're incapable of falling. "Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). Given the opportunity and circumstances, any of us are capable of falling into any sin. To believe otherwise is sheer folly.

We must watch and pray and arm ourselves for every occasion by putting our total trust in God (Ephesians 6:13). "God is faithful" (1 Corinthians 10:13), and He will give us the strength to keep from falling. — David H. Roper

The hand of God protects our way
When we would do His will;
And if through danger we must go,
We know He's with us still. —D. De Haan

God provides the armor, but we must put it on.

-taken from www.rbc.org

My heart is a-tugging

2008-09-16T09:24:00.003+08:00

I know things have been happening.

So let's see it visually:

Hey guys, even though you're all busy...

somehow i feel this post is needed.

I wonder if it'll help you,

and also this was what came to me when i prayed for you:

We all want to bring light and salt to the world

so we brave the facades and bring our true hearts in.

Yet some forget that at the same time

the world brings its darkness and enticement to us

with their sincere and subtle ways,

so, where have our true purpose gone?

Love you all loads,

Sher

Birgin Post =)

2008-09-10T22:35:00.002+08:00

Hey Fellas, I was reminded of this poem/short story which I read some time ago when Pastor Tan was preaching about how we always look at things negatively. So here it is:

___________________________________________________________________

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job.

Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.

Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can feel honored because the Lord has provide shelter for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today will be like is up to me.

___________________________________________________________________

So don' t ever flood your mind with negative thoughts but try to look at things the way this author did! =)

growing old or growing up?

2008-08-04T17:03:00.003+08:00

Growing old or growing up?

-> the key is taking responsibility
over your life
your family
your friends
your career choice

and over the cell group. =)

2 more days

More vids!

2008-07-15T14:57:00.001+08:00

Rock Band!

2008-06-24T05:21:00.002+08:00

enjoy!

Faith, Hope & Love

2008-06-17T23:44:00.003+08:00

Hi everyone, just wanted to share a little log and revelation I've had today while praying and its much about a different way to look and Faith, Hope and Love.

I usually hear people, tired and burdened with a weary continence hanging these words on their lips without really grasping the really deep meaning of each word as their expressions and actions just don't carry the luster of what they profess. Its almost like self hypnotism incognito.

Then again, i'm not an exception so :) just hope the below-mentioned will provide a little inspiration to everyone in their short walk on this earth before our time.

Unknown Day: In the train and in the evening prayers.

When we ask our Father “what can we do?” in reference to our dreams, wishes and problems. He will probably say "Everything", for we can do all things in Christ if we have faith, ask in supplication and prayer, and seek first his righteousness and kingdom.

Isn't it written that even evil men will give their children good things? IF so, shouldn't we trust in the Lord that he reserves the BEST for his children and in all things that we seek Him first and set out upon in Faith?

That we can interpret faith, hope, and love in so many ways. That in all things we do and ask for, in our paths we take, if we have faith, no weapon formed again us will prosper, and all things we ask in righteousness will be added to us. Our paths are guided as we walk in Him, what should we be fearful about apart from falling off the narrow path. There is no fear when God shines His light into the darkness for us. Such belief is faith, from hearing, from the Word of God.

Hope, refers to trust in God’s promises. That we carry an optimistic outlook; there is no excuse for Christians to be pessimistic when we believe in a God of Hope. Hope is the silver lining and in every difficulty and added strength in every opportunity. Hence if we verbally claim to believe in Him whose Grace is sufficient and omnipotent is watching over us, what pessimism can we carry in us if we truly believe. If any, then it would be our natural self in which we should let go for "more of You and less of me."

And Love being the greatest of the 3, if we cannot have faith and hope; how do we sow into another’s life without burning out as we rely on our strength and not the promises of God in true Hope and Belief?

So in order to love effectively and not in futility, shouldn’t we always seek the way of He whom has loved us first and hence we love others in turn? His way, is found in Faith and Hope in God’s will, in God’s perfect plan, in God’s salvation; in God’s grace, in God’s providence, in God’s perfection! That we have been made whole through Christ, through the Cross, through the Word and then can we love effectively as workers of His kingdom.

Let’s walk this journey of faith, hope and love with the Lord. With a smile.

Amen.

come out from among them

2008-05-30T01:38:00.002+08:00

Come out from among them and be separate...
2 Cor 8:17

Hey guys!

I was just meditating on the Word today, and came across this verse. I just felt very compelled to share it.

I don't know about you guys, but this verse really came at the right time for me.

You know, when Sherin asked us to share with one another about our goals, our desires and dreams during cell group, I found myself blurting out, without much thought, about my career path, my purpose in life, my studies... etc. you know, that sort of stuff.

On reading this verse, you know, it really struck me. I thought to myself: yes, I know God wants to bless me with a good career, His thoughts for me are for good and not evil, I know God wants to bless me financially, with lots of money, I know God desires that I get good grades.

But above and beyond that, there must be more to life than just that. There must be more to life than just a blind pursuit of money.

I started asking myself: what does it mean to be a Christian? What does it mean to live a life that is pleasing to God, and to do His will, instead of ours?

In short, it is really boils down to this: how can I come out from among the rest, and be separate?

I think that as we approach the 21-day prayer season, let's not be like the rest.

Let's be separate, set ourselves apart, and really take this seriously.

And the most beautiful thing, comes from the preceeding verse:

I will dwell in them.
And walk among them.
I will be their God.
And they shall be My people.
Verse 16.

The Joy of Daddy God~

2008-05-25T15:27:00.004+08:00

I used to think that my mood flows according to my level of sales. Higher sales, better mood. But these days, something changed.

This month’s sales figure is at my all time ‘high’ but

I feel different now.

I can feel His Love overflowing in my heart EVERYDAY.

I can feel the BoUnCe in the steps I take.

The joy of the Lord fills me every where I go, especially at work

I don’t pull a glum, dead panned face while working hard anymore.

And I find myself smiling at my colleagues, even those who I don’t particularly like.

Then suddenly, I am nicked, “The Frees-Spirited One.” -_-”

I think I have found back my First Love. =)

Hope everyone of you will experience His overflowing Joy ~ Psalm 5:11

Always with you

2008-03-31T03:40:00.004+08:00

Aww guys... did you really think i'll miss out on this fantastic dinner?
I'm always with you... in spirit and in truth...

Love, sher

kenny's birthday celebration

2008-03-30T15:09:00.006+08:00

to kenneth:

the always-nonchalent one whose face scrunches up everytime he laughs, the one who warmly opens up his house for cell group every week, and whose house has a '5 loaves and 2 fish' never-ending supply of CNY goodies on the coffee table, and the resident dentist (till the other one graduates)...

happie 26th birthday!

love from the cell at Central's Manhattan Fish Market.

WE LOVE YOU!!!

I couldn't resist.

2008-02-26T02:24:00.001+08:00

Was just browsing through, and this photo cheered me up. Here's to greater times!

2008-01-20T22:51:00.000+08:00

man...

i'm still reeling in shock!

love is in the air!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANUARY BABIES!

2008-01-18T12:30:00.000+08:00

Here's to all our wonderful Jan Babe and Hunks,
Wishing that all your wishes come true,
and that you will all be wonderfully blessed this year...

To Vincent, Christina, Darryl and Alex!

ok... side post: Darryl in action during the Christmas Drama!!!

Cheers guys

2008-01-15T11:32:00.000+08:00

Asia Conference!
Code Sessions Dates Start Ends
S01 Session 1 19 Nov (Wed) 1900 2200
S02 Session 2 20 Nov (Thu) 900 1300
S03 Session 3 20 Nov (Thu) 1900 2200
S04 Session 4 21 Nov (Fri) 900 1300
S05 Session 5 21 Nov (Fri) 1900 2200
S06 Session 6 22 Nov (Sat) 900 1300
S07 Session 7 22 Nov (Sat) 1900 2200
S08 Session 8 23 Nov (Sun) 900 1300
S09 Session 9 (noon) 23 Nov (Sun) NA NA
S10 Session 10 23 Nov (Sun) 1900 2200

tis the season to be jolly

2007-12-12T19:46:00.000+08:00

some little announcements before we embark on an awesome season of christmas

- our official target this christmas as a cell group is 109 (Let's go out all to bring our friends and families this season and let them know that we care)

- there is a prayer meeting this sunday 1pm at expo with Pastor Kong (Let's all try to be there and pray together as a cell for miracles this christmas!)

For when I'm weak, I'm strong, strong in Christ

2007-11-26T00:01:00.000+08:00

Procrastination can be a killer... I have wanted to share with you guys via this blog since forever but work has been so busy that I can’t seem to find time, or rather, I cant afford to sacrifice my sleep to blog. Haha! In any case, Holy Spirit’s prompting is finally getting into me, that’s why this VERY LONG LONG post today, makes me wonder how many of you will read the WHOLE of this post. hah! In any case, BEWARE!

Basically I just want to share how God has seen and helped me through my entire job search and enfoldment into my current circle of colleagues. To recall back, I think all my past worries were pretty unfounded because God has proven himself once again to be faithful and true to all His love ones.

Before I began my job hunt in September, I remembered praying really hard for a good career ahead, a career that would be in His will for me so that I could be a step closer in fulfilling my destiny. I was worried, worried about my incapability and incompetence. Although the prayer didn’t make me feel any better emotionally, I did held God’s promises by faith somehow.

As I have shared with some of the cg people, interviews are my worse obstacles in life. Since secondary school, I tell you I dreaded the day of interview. I hated being scrutinised, stuck in my speeches and then rejected. I don’t think I have a lot of credentials to show for either, hence my almost non-existent self esteem. (I’M NOT KIDDING) But I believe my OCBC interview was a God anointed one. In the end, I did manage to elude a sense of confidence, though definitely not from me, but from the spirit of God IN ME who was at work. That interview was only my second interview and I secured it amazingly ON THE SPOT. It’s something that I could not ask for more since I had expected to go through a job hunting period of 2 months and not just 2 weeks! To make things more dramatic, I discovered my interviewer is actually a CHC member too! She even reminded me to pray over Sunday banking so that I could enjoy a good timeslot for service when I expressed my concern over 24/7 sales and church. Cool man!

However, despite all the signs God has given, part of me was still toying on the possibility of ‘coincidence’. “Ah, its just heng. CHC so big! Surely a lot of people from there wat…” or “OCBC so big, sure hires a lot of people.” So, I continued to worry loh! It’s my second nature anyway. FYI, the picture did not turn rosier after the job offer. Instead I was informed that I had to clear FOUR financial papers to start work; otherwise I would be terminated from the offer. But God knows my heart, He continued to show me that He is with me and He is GOD in this entire career. =/ So to cut the long story, I passed ALL the papers and now I am finally a confirmed staff of OCBC, purely by God’s good grace! =D

Looking back, the whole of October was filled with immense anticipation and anxiety. Being the faint hearted Christina, I spent a lot of time worrying and whining in prayers to Him. But ironically, it was also the period of time I began growing very close to God’s heart through all the verses during my quiet times and prayers and even DURING the exam itself. I remembered vividly, during one of the papers, I never stopped praying in tongues coz I was so afraid that God’s spirit would just leave me alone. So coward right! I can’t stand myself too. But then suddenly, God spoke, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” “So don’t worry! You will pass! Not just for this paper, but for the REST of the papers.” Just like that, right smack in the middle of the exam. And there after, I felt a great deal of peace and assurance, because when I’m weak, then I’m strong. =) Right time, right place!

Coming November, the start of work in an unknown world of unfamiliar faces, just when I thought all the good stuffs were over, God placed a fellow Christian in my circle of colleagues to edify me, constantly building me up and reminding me about God’s presence in my work. This colleague has been such a blessing that work is no longer a dread because at least, I know of someone else who shares the same value as me. Last Wednesday, she said during her prayers for me, she felt God urging her to assure me that I will prosper and reign in this job. Just remember to walk behind Jesus, not beside, not in front of Jesus, but behind, so that He will be able to guide me correctly. A lot of times, being Mary seated at Jesus’ feet is all that He requires of me. Then she was reminded of a song, which was very apt, which goes;

This is your destiny; it will be fulfilled.
This is your destiny; on a city hill.
This is your destiny; it is not an empty wish.
This is your destiny

I was awed…. What can I say?

After so many awesome encounters, I can now confidently declare about my conviction that Christ is with me EVERYDAY of my life, no such things as coincidence, really. A thought like this only comes from the devil. I am Christ’s beloved. Now everyday is a new battle for me, facing different faces every hour, digesting new information every second. I don’t deny my fears and worries. In fact, still have lots of them. But now, I finally learned how to claim the PEACE of God and control my raging fears because Christ has overcome THE WORLD, my world, your world. Believe it, because Jesus says it.

Culture of N389

2007-11-09T18:41:00.000+08:00

Most people would think,
that cell groups' cultures should be:
Prayer... Worship... Holiness...

I beg to differ

The culture that should exist in every cell group is hospitality.

Jesus was hospitable. to strangers. to sinners. to me and you.
Welcoming to people who may feel, look or even sound strange.

Hey i'm sure we look, feel or sound strange to others in the world.
we use funny religious jargons "fellowship", "revelation"...
and have strange activities "speaking in tongues", "bind the devil"...

So its not about them becoming more like us. Its not about them at all.
If we want to see our fathers, mothers, cousins, sisters, brothers, friends, collegues, enemies have an open heart towards Jesus.

Its us thats gotta change.
Lets stop praying for God to change them.
and start praying for God to change our attitude towards them.

Hospitality. A dinner. A warm smile. A helpful hand.

It can change a life.

2007-11-04T11:52:00.000+08:00

after pledging in faith yesterday for this year's Arise and Build,
there was a sudden implanting of a desire to tidy up the rest of my life
to honour God - in more than just giving to His house.

I will set my heart to focus and study hard
and honour God in my studies.
I will keep myself fit
and honour God with my physical health as His holy temple.
I will read and meditate on the Word
and honour God in my thoughts and speech.
I will manage my finances well
and honour God by being a blessing to others.

I'm sharing this cos it really struck a chord in me
and I really want to keep to what I said above.
need you all to help and remind me
whenever you see that I am lacking or forgetting to do what I promised.
I'm actually quite excited for this round of Arise and Build
cos I really believe that we're gonna be seeing miracles happen
like they've never happened to N389 before.

keep praying, trusting and exhorting each others peeps..
you did it for me last cell group though you may not know -
i was discouraged about the store and all ready to throw in the towel,
but lovely Peter, Darryl and Sherin encouraged me
through their honest words and helpful suggestions.
i actually went to cell group with a heavy heart and immense frustration;
but before the prayer meeting started my spirit was already lifted by you
and then it was good.
thank you guys.
n389 really is the very very best.
=)
Love y'all!

- Cheryl

Let God

2007-10-19T08:44:00.000+08:00

It's hard for someone like me to have someone control my destiny, my decisions, my path....it has always been a constant struggle to let God. Before receiving Christ, I have always believed in being in control...so even after salvation, let God is just at the back of my mind as a biblical theory until when I was at the lowest point of my life in dental school....let God did come into play.....But then again it is easy to let God let when you are at the valley drown with sorrows and troubles cos what other solutions have you got?

However, let God should always be a daily thing...

Let God be your decision maker
Let God decide how much you should pledge
Let God help you with your studies even though you think you don't really need Him
Let God help you with the relationships of your colleagues or classmates...

Simple things might be overlooked by us as humans but by letting God in every decisions that we make, we are telling Him that He is first in our life and if we put Him first, we all know what's going to happen....

I am still learning to let God...............

power

2007-09-30T22:47:00.001+08:00

watch the vid to the end. it's phenomenal.

Zig Ziglar Power Points

2007-09-26T18:59:00.001+08:00

1. No individual can rise above the pictures that have been painted in his mind.

2. Change where you are by changing what goes into your mind.

3. If you do the things you ought to do when you ought to do them, the day will come when you can do the things you want to do when you want to do them.

4. Regardless of your past, tomorrow is a clean slate.

5. You can have everything you want in life if you help enough people get what they want.

6. You were designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with Seeds of Greatness.

7. The greatest enemy of excellence is good.

8. When you are tough on yourself, life is easier on you.

9. If you don't like the output, then change the input.

My favourite one is Point 3.
What's yours?

:)

Fellowship

2007-09-25T04:42:00.001+08:00

This post is dedicated to Damien. *sniggers*

Never alone

2007-09-25T03:44:00.000+08:00

Partnerships, Relationships, Marriage, Families, Gangs, Communities.
We are all connected.

Connecting with each other is so important.
Nothing is ever accomplished when you choose to stand alone in this world that is inter-connected.
Isolation, many times, brings forth death.

The people that we are too busy to care for, our families that require too much effort.
The friends that we put aside for a season, our God that requires too much commitment.

A fatal trap to fall into.
- being too busy with ourselves.

When the relationship/connection dies. You spend triple the effort to bring it to life again.

SO
as much as we can say 'I'm an introvert.'
We must constantly take care of every connection that God placed in our lives.

Let's build up lives.
So we can truly live.

Martina McBride - God's Will

2007-09-12T14:00:00.001+08:00

I met God's Will on a Halloween night
He was dressed as a bag of leaves
It hid the braces on his legs at first

His smile was as bright as the August sun
When he looked at me
As he struggled down the driveway, it almost
Made me hurt

Will don't walk too good
Will don't talk too good
He won't do the things that the other kids do,
In our neighborhood

[Chorus:]
I've been searchin', wonderin', thinkin'
Lost and lookin' all my life
I've been wounded, jaded, loved and hated
I've wrestled wrong and right
He was a boy without a father
And his mother's miracle
I've been readin', writin', prayin', fightin'
I guess I would be still
Yeah, that was until
I knew God's Will

Will's mom had to work two jobs
We'd watch him when she had to work late
And we'd all laugh like I hadn't laughed
Since I don't know when

Hey Jude was his favorite song
At dinner he'd ask to pray
And then he'd pray for everybody in the world but him

[Chorus]

Before they moved to California
His mother said, they didn't think he'd live
And she said each day that I have him, well it's just
another gift
And I never got to tell her, that the boy
Showed me the truth
In crayon red, on notebook paper, he'd written
Me and God love you

I've been searchin', prayin', wounded, jaded
I guess I would be still
Yeah that was until...
I met God's Will on a Halloween night
He was dressed as a bag of leaves

Chasing Donkeys

2007-09-04T21:32:00.000+08:00

"...while we are out chasing donkeys, God is setting things up for you to be at a certain place and a certain time where is it called the intersection of life. The place of opportunity where you discover your purpose..." Rev. Dr. A.R. Bernard

That is so true but yet so overlooked. After hearing what Dr. Bernard spoke at the recent Business Breakthrough Dinner (via audio sermon), it has really made me ponder and think.
What is the purpose of struggling with our life? Having a spirit of excellence and striving for greatness? To be honest, there are times even the strong will feel like just giving up. All stretched and seeing no end to this is never ending struggle.

Monday to Friday work. . . then the weekend comes. . . but before anything can be done, it is Monday. . . again. Sounds familiar?

But then, have I overlooked the bigger picture? This brings me to relate to the example shared by Dr. Bernard regarding Saul chasing donkeys (1 Sam 9 & 10). Like Saul, I was chasing my donkeys, career and studies, making a difference in the marketplace and in my friends and family. Never seems to end, problem upon problem. But like Saul we do not realise that God was conspiracy and contemplating something to do us good.

Why all the trouble? Trying to balance and apply Godly principles and spiritual disciplines? Chasing those donkeys? The reason is so simple. To develop character. When this happens, we will be prepared for that opportunity when our life intersects and achieves our destiny. It is through our daily issues and problems, where we do not have to ‘over-spiritualise' such events.

Another basic principle I have learnt to appreciate that even when we might be down and troubled, He is still there and that He has a plan for us. But that plan can only come to pass if we obey. Thus, we just have to chase those donkeys (develop our character) till we receive our purpose and obey. Simplistic yet profound in concept.

This has really motived me to never give up the good fight of faith. Think about it, even at our darkest, God is there just waiting for the moment to change it all. It just takes one moment, one inspiration to make all the difference. But if we never try and just leave it, we will never know and waste it all away.

"... The reality is that people are successful because they believe they have faith, they have passion, they have a sense of vision. But most importantly for us is that we believe that there is a conspiracy out there to do us good..." Rev. Dr. AR Bernard

PS: As usual, If anyone requires to “borrow” the audio sermon, I have converted it to mp3 format. Just drop me a message before Thursday.

Never late, Never early, Just on time...

A Sacrifice for Your Destiny

2007-08-28T23:12:00.001+08:00

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

Sun of God

2007-08-18T11:27:00.000+08:00

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

ramblings in school...

2007-08-13T23:38:00.000+08:00

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.

Bowling outing on 9/8/07

2007-08-07T20:23:00.000+08:00

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

Making Room for God

2007-08-07T01:30:00.000+08:00

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!

God will make a way

2007-08-06T15:45:00.000+08:00

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

2007-08-05T20:36:00.000+08:00

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

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERIN

2007-07-21T12:39:00.000+08:00

Dear Sherin,

Here's wishing you a VERY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! -from your lovelies in N389. May you always be filled with joy and peace, and love and laughter flow from you unceasingly!

2007-07-21T12:30:00.000+08:00

Now our fellowship has been brought online!
Let me post the first pic:

Don't know why Alex and Darryl's dots look photoshopped-on... But the other dotties are adorable! -beams-

By the way guys, beloved me and Jiaqing will be going away to Taiwan on a 6-day trip: starting Monday 23/7 to Saturday 28/7, back at 11-plus-pm. Take good care and miss us lots! -cheers-

loving y'all,
Cheryl

virgin post

2007-07-21T01:27:00.000+08:00

Hey bros and siss, this blog is for us, members of N389 to really share with one another our personal experiences with God. It could be in a form of a testimony that we didn't had the chance to share in our cell group, a revelation from God or simply a post of encouragement. Hopefully through this, we can learn from one another's personal experiences and are able to know what each of us are going through individually in our walk with God.

United we stand, divided we fall....
Cheers and peace

Kenny