Today I listened to Pastor Edmund Chan’s sermon from the Sermon on the Mount series.
The topic: Dealing With Retaliation. Scripture: Matthew 5:38-42 (NASB)
Pastor closed with a quotation from George Mueller.
He said the day George Mueller discovered himself was the day he died to self.
In surfing the net to know more about George Mueller. I came cross the same quotation in
http://realheroes.net/reformers/George_Mueller.html
His quote:
There was a day when I died, utterly died: died to George Mueller, his opinions, preferences, tastes and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends. And since then, I have studied only to show myself 'approved unto God.’
The link give valuable inputs on prayer.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
CG connect on 22 Jan 2010, Friday
Recently, I went through the Sermon on the Mount series that Pastor Edmund Chan preached on year 1997. I learnt from him that on Genesis 1 and 2, God did not just institute marriage, He also institute community. It is in God's community that we grow in loving God and one another despite of our differences.
On last Friday night, these little God's community went for outing together in China town. We intent to soak ourselves in the Chinese New Year mood. We had a sumptuous dinner at a Chinese restaurant in China Point. There were 18 of us. Out of which, 6 of them are new to some of us. We are glad that they can join us.
It was interesting to get to know the two colleagues of CH over the dinner table. One of them is a Saint... His name has the word Saint. Another has the name like the character in the Chinese Sword novels. It is in two characters.
After the dinner, we went for a walk in China Town. There is a lot of Chinese new year goods being sold. Quite a number of stalls are selling the same things. When we were to take group photos, a kind lady offered to take for us. So all of us are in the pictures. Looking forward to see the photos in Facebook.
My mobile battery was flat on that night, so I off my mobile phone. During the walk, I got attracted to sample some goodies in a stall and nearly lost the group. Thankfully brother Mature waited for me. He shared that sometimes even when we got lost from the group, some how there seen to be a leading within us to bring us back to the group. I agreed with him as this experience is not unusual to me. I know it is the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding our path.
After the walk, we decided to go for dessert. As it was around 10pm, the stall that we intended to go is closing. So we decided to check out on another stall. Ms Cheerful offered to go before us to check it out. Least we all walk unnecessary to another stall that is closing. Mr Patience offered to accompany her. Thankfully, the stall was still opened.
The dessert stall also sell some Chinese delicacy. Brother Mature brought some for his flat mates. I praised him for caring for his flat mates. He said in a way that mean it should be a natural act of thoughtfully since they are staying together.
Ms Speedy brought a Chinese lotus cold dish for her mother. She offered to let us try it. After seeing the positive response toward the dish, she decided to order one more extra for her mother. We are thankful for her generosity.
It was a simple and heart warming night. We are a group of ordinary people going for an ordinary outing. But our extra-ordinary God makes a different in our midst.
I just joined this group for about 2 months (started on mid Nov 2009). Their friendship and acceptance warms my heart. Without God, we are strangers who path may never meet. But because of Lord Jesus Christ, we received the promise of Heaven that we can never earn by ourselves (John 14:6), and a spiritual family who God is our Father.
On last Friday night, these little God's community went for outing together in China town. We intent to soak ourselves in the Chinese New Year mood. We had a sumptuous dinner at a Chinese restaurant in China Point. There were 18 of us. Out of which, 6 of them are new to some of us. We are glad that they can join us.
It was interesting to get to know the two colleagues of CH over the dinner table. One of them is a Saint... His name has the word Saint. Another has the name like the character in the Chinese Sword novels. It is in two characters.
After the dinner, we went for a walk in China Town. There is a lot of Chinese new year goods being sold. Quite a number of stalls are selling the same things. When we were to take group photos, a kind lady offered to take for us. So all of us are in the pictures. Looking forward to see the photos in Facebook.
My mobile battery was flat on that night, so I off my mobile phone. During the walk, I got attracted to sample some goodies in a stall and nearly lost the group. Thankfully brother Mature waited for me. He shared that sometimes even when we got lost from the group, some how there seen to be a leading within us to bring us back to the group. I agreed with him as this experience is not unusual to me. I know it is the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding our path.
After the walk, we decided to go for dessert. As it was around 10pm, the stall that we intended to go is closing. So we decided to check out on another stall. Ms Cheerful offered to go before us to check it out. Least we all walk unnecessary to another stall that is closing. Mr Patience offered to accompany her. Thankfully, the stall was still opened.
The dessert stall also sell some Chinese delicacy. Brother Mature brought some for his flat mates. I praised him for caring for his flat mates. He said in a way that mean it should be a natural act of thoughtfully since they are staying together.
Ms Speedy brought a Chinese lotus cold dish for her mother. She offered to let us try it. After seeing the positive response toward the dish, she decided to order one more extra for her mother. We are thankful for her generosity.
It was a simple and heart warming night. We are a group of ordinary people going for an ordinary outing. But our extra-ordinary God makes a different in our midst.
I just joined this group for about 2 months (started on mid Nov 2009). Their friendship and acceptance warms my heart. Without God, we are strangers who path may never meet. But because of Lord Jesus Christ, we received the promise of Heaven that we can never earn by ourselves (John 14:6), and a spiritual family who God is our Father.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
CG on 15 January 2010, Friday
Testimonies
Praise be to God who is with us. To Him who blesses us with His bountiful blessing. On last Friday, we had a great time gathered together to worship God and testified of His goodness.
The Bible discussion was base on last week sermon on “Transforming your values”.
Scripture: Philippians 3:4-21.
A question was posted on what we consider lost. And to share our testimonies.
Many Testimonies of God's provision was being shared. Our faith was lifted up and we praised God for His unchanging character of providing for His children.
One sister shared that she came from a poor family. Money was important to her. When God told her to give her saving to the church building fund, she cried for few days. Her husband was convicted and urged her to obey God. She finally did and she was glad that she obey. Her heart no longer tight fisted on money. That prepared her when God called her into full time church work with a much lower salary. And God was good to her. In that year she answered the call, her husband got 3 times salary increment in his company, which was rare. Recently, when God told her to give up her work to be a homemaker, she was ready to obey.
Another sister testified God's provision when she needed to forgo her degree holding job to become a homemaker to take care of her 3 young children for more than a decade. God provided on her husband single income. Now she is back to work force doing a meaningful job on part time basis.
And another sister shared on God challenged her to give all her bonus to the church building fund. That was her first bonus after few years not having bonus in her previous job. She struggled but she was glad when she obey. God poured His abundant blessing upon her. Blessing upon blessing. The blessings was not just in monetarily term, but also in other areas.
I experienced God blessings and provisions in many ways in my life. I can testify our God is no men debtor. When God wants us to "lost" something, it is for our own good. We need to release the things we hold tight in our hands so that God can pour his better blessing to us. Pastor Edmund preached about this last year; about a little girl that needs to trust her father's love; to give him the fake pearl, so that he can give her the real pearl.
God is good. And we can sing Thank You Lord (Don Moen Worship Video w/lyrics)
Truly in Him, we have the fullness of joy.
A brother shared that Philippians 3:7-8 is his favorite verse.
Philippians 3:7-8 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.
He and his household are ready to "lost" what they have in Singapore, to uproot themselves to a foreign land if God called them to.
As we lay ourselves at the feet of Jesus, it is okay to give up things for God.
In this specific season in life, what do God want you to do? in your quiet time, think about it.
Long time in Covenant
During our time together, we learnt that someone in our midst have been with our church, Covenant EFC for 22 years. Another 2 person have been with Covenant for 20 years. Covenant is truly a wonderful spiritual home.
Worth it to serve God?
Someone shared his struggles in serving God. Whether it is worth it to serve God.
A word of encouragement from the Bible; that it will be all worth it.
Hebrews 6:10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
Coming events
Next Friday, 22 Jan 2010, we will have CG connect – a fun outing.
And in Feb 2010, we will have zone connect – another fun outing.
Yes! We are a fun CG. Come and have fun with us.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Jesus: A Purpose Driven Life
John 4:34 (NIV)
"My food", said Jesus, "is to do the will of him (Father God) who sent me and to finish his work.
Short, Sweet and Simple Statement.
This is food. This is life.
"My food", said Jesus, "is to do the will of him (Father God) who sent me and to finish his work.
Short, Sweet and Simple Statement.
This is food. This is life.
Prayer Watch
Focus: Praying with our Hand
Thumb's Up - "Thanksgiving!"
(1 Thess 5:16-18)
Index Finger - "Leaders"
Let's PRAY for the leaders in our lives. E.g. Husbands, fathers, church leaders, employers, teachers to have the Fear of the Lord & Wisdom (Prov 1:7), Salvation (1 Tim 2:4) and the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).
Middle Finger - "Significant People"
PRAY 1 Cor 15:58 over those who have greatly blessed us by name. E.g. parents, mentor, friends, ... etc
Ring Finger - "Those in need"
PRAY Isa 41:10 for the elderly, the abandoned, prphans, divorced, abused, etc, that each one will earnestly seek the Lord, and be found by Him.
Little Finger - Self
PRAY and BELIEVE Isa 41:1-7 for yourself & for all of God's People.
Verses
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
16 Be joyful always;
17 pray continually;
18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
1 Timothy 2:4 (NIV)
who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 4:1-7 (NIV)
1 In that day seven women
will take hold of one man
and say, "We will eat our own food
and provide our own clothes;
only let us be called by your name.
Take away our disgrace!"
2 In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. 3 Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. 4 The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. 5 Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over all the glory will be a canopy. 6 It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.
Source: Covenant EFC
Thumb's Up - "Thanksgiving!"
(1 Thess 5:16-18)
Index Finger - "Leaders"
Let's PRAY for the leaders in our lives. E.g. Husbands, fathers, church leaders, employers, teachers to have the Fear of the Lord & Wisdom (Prov 1:7), Salvation (1 Tim 2:4) and the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).
Middle Finger - "Significant People"
PRAY 1 Cor 15:58 over those who have greatly blessed us by name. E.g. parents, mentor, friends, ... etc
Ring Finger - "Those in need"
PRAY Isa 41:10 for the elderly, the abandoned, prphans, divorced, abused, etc, that each one will earnestly seek the Lord, and be found by Him.
Little Finger - Self
PRAY and BELIEVE Isa 41:1-7 for yourself & for all of God's People.
Verses
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
16 Be joyful always;
17 pray continually;
18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
1 Timothy 2:4 (NIV)
who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 4:1-7 (NIV)
1 In that day seven women
will take hold of one man
and say, "We will eat our own food
and provide our own clothes;
only let us be called by your name.
Take away our disgrace!"
2 In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. 3 Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. 4 The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. 5 Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over all the glory will be a canopy. 6 It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.
Source: Covenant EFC
Sunday, January 03, 2010
First Sunday Service of year 2010
Sunday Service
Communion
Today is our monthly holy communion.
Pastor Kai shared Deuteronomy 6:4-6 to us.
Deuteronomy 6:4-6
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
It is okay to be honest with God that we do not love God as much as we want to. But pray to God to help us to love Him.
Communion is not about how much we love God, but reminds us, our God loves us so much.
Communion Song: Wonderful merciful Saviour
Membership Acceptance session
Today is a joy for me to see my good friend become a member of our church.
She grows progressively from a new believer 2 years ago, faithfully went through her new believer lessons, water baptism, involve in a CG, and now commit herself as a member of our church. Her life is a constant encouragement to me that it is all worth it to share Jesus with others. And to walk through the journey with them.
Pastor Kai shared that Covenant is not a perfect church. But he encouraged us to consider the 3 “C”s on whether to join the church as members:
1. C - Is Christ preached / exalted in the church?
2. C - Is there a Community that will love me and I can love
3. C - Is there a Calling for me to come to this church
Testimony
We heard an amazing testimony today shared by a pair of married couples.
They have 2 lovely children.
Husband story
The husband shared that he went for 8 Break through weekends (BTW) conducted by our church.
For the last Men BTW, God touched him and he cried everyday. God revealed to him that he had made his wife an idol in his heart. He seek the decisions of his wife instead of God. As God works in his life, God raise him up as the head of his house. Now, he will discuss with his wife, they will pray, and he decides.
For a man who willing to take leave and time off to go for so many BTW, to some degree, he is a man after God's own heart. This is admirable.
Wife story
His wife is a woman of courage to shared her story in order to give glory to God. In the last Marriage BTW, God convicted her heart when Pastor Edmund Chan post the question “Can a man loves two women at the same time?”.
She broke down and cried. In her 11 years of marriage, she had another man in her heart. Before her husband, she had an ex-boyfriend. That man meets all her requirements. But they did not proceed to marriage because that man cannot accept this woman’s mother. She constantly had this thinking, if that man come back to her, she will leave her husband for that man. God knows. And she repented. She kneeled before Pastor Edmund and her husband. She seek forgiveness from her husband and he forgave her. Now, he is the only man in her heart.
From the wife testimony, again we learn that the Lord knows the condition of our heart. The testimony is to encourage us; especially for those who need it. We can have 30+ of written and unwritten requirements of what we look for in a husband. And when we found such a man, everything we see in him is such a delight. But it is not God’s will! Oh, this truth may be like a sword that pierce your soul (idea from Luke 2:35) but nevertheless, it is still the truth.
To understand the heartbeat of God, God does not condemn the sin of this woman, but that the Lord has compassion for her. (John 3:17) Can you image the pain that she carry all this years? To hear the truth that is being preached so often on being faithful to your spouse, and yet inside her heart, she loves another man. When we know God and love God, we will know what is in our heart is wrong. So she is carrying at least two pains. One pain of not being with the man she loves. Another pain of the guilt of being unfaithful in her thoughts towards her husband.
The Lord has compassion for her, when the Lord convicted her of her sin, it is to deliver (save) her from her pains. That she can move on with her life, to do what is right, and to fully embrace the love that her husband is shower upon her.
God loves us and know what is best for us. Her husband may not meet all her requirements, but as shared during our lunch time by one sister, it is obvious that her husband really loves her.
In an “ideal” situation, a woman would marry because she loves the man. Correct? Why does she marry someone when her heart still love another man? So I seek the counsel of a wise mature lady that is in the HD (Healing and Deliverance) ministry. She would have see many cases and have some insights.
After talking to her, I learn 3 points:
1. Yes, the woman may have decided to move on and thus she married her husband.
2. And yes, it is wrong for her to have two men in her heart. Thus God deals with her on the issue.
3. And yes, for women in the similar situation, when you decided to have a relationship with another man that lead to marriage, when you decided to marry this man, you also decided to love and respect him (Ephesians 5:33). And let him be the head of you (Ephesians 5:23).
I feedback to Pastor Tony that the few testimonies that our church started to have during Sunday Service is encouraging. He said yes, every week, we will have testimony to give glory to God. So do send in your testimony to church if you have any.
Bulletin
This week bulletin has some great stuff and information.
In the section “Heartbeat this week”, Pastor Kai wrote “3 Questions For Personal Revival”. It is link to the Psalm 84 that he shared on dawn prayer.
Sermon
Hee… no sermon being shared in here. Buy or borrow the Sermon CD.
$5 per CD from the Resource center.
Lunch – catch a fish?
We had a great time laughing and sharing during our lunch in Causeway point.
Ms Sanguine said to one of the brothers that he is a good catch.
She said it is not a joke, it is a fact.
The brother said he is a Melancholy-Phlegmatic. I think he is a spirit-filled one. So he has the good sides of the temperaments and less of the bad sides of the temperaments.
As CGL is not in town, I have to submit to our ACGL. I can’t tell you which brother is Ms Sanguine refer to. Come to CG this Friday to check it out.
My Thanksgiving
IDT daily devotion has trained me in writing to God.
But I don’t write as often for others to read.
First, I don’t see myself good in writing.
And it takes time to write for others; with concern in language structure, formatting of the words. And to ensure the readers know what you are writing. I don’t have an editor to help me.
Thus it is a challenge for me to be a CG Scribe.
When sister S told me it is my turn to be CG Scribe on Jan 2010.
I asked what am I suppose to do.
I am thinking how much time am I suppose to put in to do this writing stuff.
If people miss the happening in the CG events, is that an issue?
Without knowing much in details, Holy Spirit told me, “Just say yes.”.
Lately, I start to realize one aspect of the heart of God. He brought events to happen in my life to reveal the condition of my heart. And yet He knows ultimately I will still say “yes” to Him.
Whatever God asks us to do, He will also provide the resources.
I thank God for providing me a helpful part-time maid. While I am writing, she is cleaning.
A lot of us are busy people.
We don’t have time to read long writing.
Holiday is over. At least for me…
I thank God for my busy and yet fulfilling job.
As I start work on Monday (4 Jan 2010), I will try to provide short, sweet and to the point summary for CG.
By the way, for those that is better in writing, feel free to give me pointers to improve my writing. To make it better for others to read
Easy reference
John 3:17 (NIV)
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Ephesians 5:33 (NIV)
However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Ephesians 5:23 (NIV)
For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
Communion
Today is our monthly holy communion.
Pastor Kai shared Deuteronomy 6:4-6 to us.
Deuteronomy 6:4-6
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
It is okay to be honest with God that we do not love God as much as we want to. But pray to God to help us to love Him.
Communion is not about how much we love God, but reminds us, our God loves us so much.
Communion Song: Wonderful merciful Saviour
Membership Acceptance session
Today is a joy for me to see my good friend become a member of our church.
She grows progressively from a new believer 2 years ago, faithfully went through her new believer lessons, water baptism, involve in a CG, and now commit herself as a member of our church. Her life is a constant encouragement to me that it is all worth it to share Jesus with others. And to walk through the journey with them.
Pastor Kai shared that Covenant is not a perfect church. But he encouraged us to consider the 3 “C”s on whether to join the church as members:
1. C - Is Christ preached / exalted in the church?
2. C - Is there a Community that will love me and I can love
3. C - Is there a Calling for me to come to this church
Testimony
We heard an amazing testimony today shared by a pair of married couples.
They have 2 lovely children.
Husband story
The husband shared that he went for 8 Break through weekends (BTW) conducted by our church.
For the last Men BTW, God touched him and he cried everyday. God revealed to him that he had made his wife an idol in his heart. He seek the decisions of his wife instead of God. As God works in his life, God raise him up as the head of his house. Now, he will discuss with his wife, they will pray, and he decides.
For a man who willing to take leave and time off to go for so many BTW, to some degree, he is a man after God's own heart. This is admirable.
Wife story
His wife is a woman of courage to shared her story in order to give glory to God. In the last Marriage BTW, God convicted her heart when Pastor Edmund Chan post the question “Can a man loves two women at the same time?”.
She broke down and cried. In her 11 years of marriage, she had another man in her heart. Before her husband, she had an ex-boyfriend. That man meets all her requirements. But they did not proceed to marriage because that man cannot accept this woman’s mother. She constantly had this thinking, if that man come back to her, she will leave her husband for that man. God knows. And she repented. She kneeled before Pastor Edmund and her husband. She seek forgiveness from her husband and he forgave her. Now, he is the only man in her heart.
From the wife testimony, again we learn that the Lord knows the condition of our heart. The testimony is to encourage us; especially for those who need it. We can have 30+ of written and unwritten requirements of what we look for in a husband. And when we found such a man, everything we see in him is such a delight. But it is not God’s will! Oh, this truth may be like a sword that pierce your soul (idea from Luke 2:35) but nevertheless, it is still the truth.
To understand the heartbeat of God, God does not condemn the sin of this woman, but that the Lord has compassion for her. (John 3:17) Can you image the pain that she carry all this years? To hear the truth that is being preached so often on being faithful to your spouse, and yet inside her heart, she loves another man. When we know God and love God, we will know what is in our heart is wrong. So she is carrying at least two pains. One pain of not being with the man she loves. Another pain of the guilt of being unfaithful in her thoughts towards her husband.
The Lord has compassion for her, when the Lord convicted her of her sin, it is to deliver (save) her from her pains. That she can move on with her life, to do what is right, and to fully embrace the love that her husband is shower upon her.
God loves us and know what is best for us. Her husband may not meet all her requirements, but as shared during our lunch time by one sister, it is obvious that her husband really loves her.
In an “ideal” situation, a woman would marry because she loves the man. Correct? Why does she marry someone when her heart still love another man? So I seek the counsel of a wise mature lady that is in the HD (Healing and Deliverance) ministry. She would have see many cases and have some insights.
After talking to her, I learn 3 points:
1. Yes, the woman may have decided to move on and thus she married her husband.
2. And yes, it is wrong for her to have two men in her heart. Thus God deals with her on the issue.
3. And yes, for women in the similar situation, when you decided to have a relationship with another man that lead to marriage, when you decided to marry this man, you also decided to love and respect him (Ephesians 5:33). And let him be the head of you (Ephesians 5:23).
I feedback to Pastor Tony that the few testimonies that our church started to have during Sunday Service is encouraging. He said yes, every week, we will have testimony to give glory to God. So do send in your testimony to church if you have any.
Bulletin
This week bulletin has some great stuff and information.
In the section “Heartbeat this week”, Pastor Kai wrote “3 Questions For Personal Revival”. It is link to the Psalm 84 that he shared on dawn prayer.
Sermon
Hee… no sermon being shared in here. Buy or borrow the Sermon CD.
$5 per CD from the Resource center.
Lunch – catch a fish?
We had a great time laughing and sharing during our lunch in Causeway point.
Ms Sanguine said to one of the brothers that he is a good catch.
She said it is not a joke, it is a fact.
The brother said he is a Melancholy-Phlegmatic. I think he is a spirit-filled one. So he has the good sides of the temperaments and less of the bad sides of the temperaments.
As CGL is not in town, I have to submit to our ACGL. I can’t tell you which brother is Ms Sanguine refer to. Come to CG this Friday to check it out.
My Thanksgiving
IDT daily devotion has trained me in writing to God.
But I don’t write as often for others to read.
First, I don’t see myself good in writing.
And it takes time to write for others; with concern in language structure, formatting of the words. And to ensure the readers know what you are writing. I don’t have an editor to help me.
Thus it is a challenge for me to be a CG Scribe.
When sister S told me it is my turn to be CG Scribe on Jan 2010.
I asked what am I suppose to do.
I am thinking how much time am I suppose to put in to do this writing stuff.
If people miss the happening in the CG events, is that an issue?
Without knowing much in details, Holy Spirit told me, “Just say yes.”.
Lately, I start to realize one aspect of the heart of God. He brought events to happen in my life to reveal the condition of my heart. And yet He knows ultimately I will still say “yes” to Him.
Whatever God asks us to do, He will also provide the resources.
I thank God for providing me a helpful part-time maid. While I am writing, she is cleaning.
A lot of us are busy people.
We don’t have time to read long writing.
Holiday is over. At least for me…
I thank God for my busy and yet fulfilling job.
As I start work on Monday (4 Jan 2010), I will try to provide short, sweet and to the point summary for CG.
By the way, for those that is better in writing, feel free to give me pointers to improve my writing. To make it better for others to read
Easy reference
John 3:17 (NIV)
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Ephesians 5:33 (NIV)
However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Ephesians 5:23 (NIV)
For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Super Saturday: Who Am I
I respect Pastor Edmund Chan very much.
And I value his teaching.
He taught us, it is not the big thing or small thing that we do for God, but the God’s thing; and to do it faithfully.
This is my second January update as CG Scribe.
This afternoon is our first Super Saturday of year 2010.
Women’s plenary
For 2pm – 4pm, it is Plenary session and then break into small group discussion.
For Women’s plenary, our topic is “Who Am I?”
Basically, it is about our identity in Christ.
I will share what is not in the note but it is as helpful in understanding our identity in Christ.
The list is given by Dr. Neil Anderson in his book, Victory Over the Darkness.
He said “The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity!"
Expert advise: Do it in front of the mirror, speak the truth about yourself until the truth sink in to you.
The Twenty Cans Of Success by Dr. Neil Anderson is also encouraging. We “can” not because of who we are; but because He enables.
2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Prayer session
From 4pm – 6pm, it is prayer session.
For the monthly Super Saturday, we will be taught how to pray effectively.
What’s next
The next Super Saturday will be on 6 Feb 2010.
The next Women’s plenary topic is on “Where Do I Belong?”
Pre-believers are welcome to join us.
And I value his teaching.
He taught us, it is not the big thing or small thing that we do for God, but the God’s thing; and to do it faithfully.
This is my second January update as CG Scribe.
This afternoon is our first Super Saturday of year 2010.
Women’s plenary
For 2pm – 4pm, it is Plenary session and then break into small group discussion.
For Women’s plenary, our topic is “Who Am I?”
Basically, it is about our identity in Christ.
I will share what is not in the note but it is as helpful in understanding our identity in Christ.
The list is given by Dr. Neil Anderson in his book, Victory Over the Darkness.
He said “The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity!"
Expert advise: Do it in front of the mirror, speak the truth about yourself until the truth sink in to you.
The Twenty Cans Of Success by Dr. Neil Anderson is also encouraging. We “can” not because of who we are; but because He enables.
2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Prayer session
From 4pm – 6pm, it is prayer session.
For the monthly Super Saturday, we will be taught how to pray effectively.
What’s next
The next Super Saturday will be on 6 Feb 2010.
The next Women’s plenary topic is on “Where Do I Belong?”
Pre-believers are welcome to join us.
Friday, January 01, 2010
First dawn prayer in 2010
January 2010 is my turn to be CG Scribe.
Today, a big group of us had a great time starting our 1 January 2010 in attending 6am dawn prayer in our church in BPJ.
Pastor Kai shared on Psalm 84.
He told us to read and to ponder what God spoke to us through this Psalm.
He told us we are not just celebrating a new year but a new decade.
He mentioned that many big events had happened in the past 10 years.
Such as Y2K, 911, Tsunami and earth quake.
He asked us, “Where will you 10 years ago?”
“What will you be like 10 years later? If Jesus does not come back and you are still alive.”
“What do you looking forward to for the next 10 years?”
Then he led us to the message “What does God look for?”
1. Delighting heart (v1-4)
He asked, “Where is our heart?” “Is there an inner hunger for the Lord?”
The opposite of delighting heart is a distracted heart.
2. Determined heart (v5-6)
Christian life is not free from problems and challenges.
We will go through our “Valley of Baca”.
“Valley of Baca” is a painful place, where we have no idea and no answer.
We cannot run away from it. And we cannot avoid them.
But it is through it that we grow the most.
Remember, we are to “pass through the Valley of Baca”, not make your home in it.
We are to “set our hearts on pilgrimage” – God’s destiny for us.
The opposite of determined heart is despondent heart.
It starts by a distracted heart.
So the action plan is to have a delighting heart that will lead to a determined heart.
Tough times will come. Challenges ahead.
But pray that by God’s grace, we set our heart on pilgrimage. That we might appear before God.
3. Decisive heart (v10)
The opposite of decisive heart is disobedient heart.
I would rather be a insignificant, like doorkeeper in the house of my God. Than dwell in the comfort in the tents of the wicked.
You may asked “Isn’t decisive heart same as determined heart?”
“Determined” is on long term.
“Decisive” is on moment by moment, I make the decision to obey God.
Such as not to chose the handsome non-believer.
Three time the Psalm mentioned “Blessed”.
V4, v5 and v12.
Prayer
Make a decision to chose God when I am tempted.
In order to shine in the market place.
Make pure and steadfast decision to obey God.
Super Saturday
Then Pastor mentioned 2 Jan 2010 is our first Super Saturday.
We will meet in WDL from 2pm – 6pm.
Men topic: The journey that all men must go through
Women topic: Who Am I
By the way, our church in WDL sang the song “Who Am I” by Casting Crowns on two Sunday service in year 2009. I blog about the song.
Our first CG breakfast in year 2010
After our prayer meeting, we proceed to BP Plaza for our breakfast.
We had our breakfast in MacDonald where we had a good time taking photos, sharing our life and year 2010 plan.
Broken people
(updated information in 3 Jan 09)
In our breakfast, while 4 of us, all ladies, are chatting. Sister V talked about she noticed there are people in our church that are strange. Their life are not problem-free and yet there are joy in their countenance. And her friend told her many people in our church are broken people.
I don’t quite understand what it really mean.
Sister S said I will know when I am there.
I said I may be there but I don’t know.
She explained it means we had come to the end of our road, no more bright idea and just surrender to God.
I told her, “Oh I know. I am there. (nearly… completely…)”
After our breakfast, we proceed to BP bus terminal to part our ways.
A song from the Lord
At BP bus terminal when all of CG members had left, God brought this song to my mind.
Title: Find Us Faithful, by Steve Green.
The key lyrics are:
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful.
Today, a big group of us had a great time starting our 1 January 2010 in attending 6am dawn prayer in our church in BPJ.
Pastor Kai shared on Psalm 84.
He told us to read and to ponder what God spoke to us through this Psalm.
He told us we are not just celebrating a new year but a new decade.
He mentioned that many big events had happened in the past 10 years.
Such as Y2K, 911, Tsunami and earth quake.
He asked us, “Where will you 10 years ago?”
“What will you be like 10 years later? If Jesus does not come back and you are still alive.”
“What do you looking forward to for the next 10 years?”
Then he led us to the message “What does God look for?”
1. Delighting heart (v1-4)
He asked, “Where is our heart?” “Is there an inner hunger for the Lord?”
The opposite of delighting heart is a distracted heart.
2. Determined heart (v5-6)
Christian life is not free from problems and challenges.
We will go through our “Valley of Baca”.
“Valley of Baca” is a painful place, where we have no idea and no answer.
We cannot run away from it. And we cannot avoid them.
But it is through it that we grow the most.
Remember, we are to “pass through the Valley of Baca”, not make your home in it.
We are to “set our hearts on pilgrimage” – God’s destiny for us.
The opposite of determined heart is despondent heart.
It starts by a distracted heart.
So the action plan is to have a delighting heart that will lead to a determined heart.
Tough times will come. Challenges ahead.
But pray that by God’s grace, we set our heart on pilgrimage. That we might appear before God.
3. Decisive heart (v10)
The opposite of decisive heart is disobedient heart.
I would rather be a insignificant, like doorkeeper in the house of my God. Than dwell in the comfort in the tents of the wicked.
You may asked “Isn’t decisive heart same as determined heart?”
“Determined” is on long term.
“Decisive” is on moment by moment, I make the decision to obey God.
Such as not to chose the handsome non-believer.
Three time the Psalm mentioned “Blessed”.
V4, v5 and v12.
Prayer
Make a decision to chose God when I am tempted.
In order to shine in the market place.
Make pure and steadfast decision to obey God.
Super Saturday
Then Pastor mentioned 2 Jan 2010 is our first Super Saturday.
We will meet in WDL from 2pm – 6pm.
Men topic: The journey that all men must go through
Women topic: Who Am I
By the way, our church in WDL sang the song “Who Am I” by Casting Crowns on two Sunday service in year 2009. I blog about the song.
Our first CG breakfast in year 2010
After our prayer meeting, we proceed to BP Plaza for our breakfast.
We had our breakfast in MacDonald where we had a good time taking photos, sharing our life and year 2010 plan.
Broken people
(updated information in 3 Jan 09)
In our breakfast, while 4 of us, all ladies, are chatting. Sister V talked about she noticed there are people in our church that are strange. Their life are not problem-free and yet there are joy in their countenance. And her friend told her many people in our church are broken people.
I don’t quite understand what it really mean.
Sister S said I will know when I am there.
I said I may be there but I don’t know.
She explained it means we had come to the end of our road, no more bright idea and just surrender to God.
I told her, “Oh I know. I am there. (nearly… completely…)”
After our breakfast, we proceed to BP bus terminal to part our ways.
A song from the Lord
At BP bus terminal when all of CG members had left, God brought this song to my mind.
Title: Find Us Faithful, by Steve Green.
The key lyrics are:
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful.
Start a new year with the promise keeping God
Matthew 1: The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
Verse 1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Lessons learnt:
Verse 1 Show the promise of God, from the line of Abraham, the starter of the Israel nation.
Verse 2 – 6, fourteen generations (v17)
Generations:
1. Abraham – starter of the promise through his tested obedient in willing to sacrifice Isaac, the promised son.
2. Isaac
3. Jacob – broken before God.
4. Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar – Judah sinned against God in his relationship with Tamar, his widow daughter-in-law. But he repented. When Joseph tricked his brothers and wanted to keep Benjamin as slave. Judah was willing to take his younger step-brother, Benjamin, place to be a slave on his behalf. He took responsibility for his word to his old father that he would take care of Benjamin and bring him back to his father safely. (Genesis 44)
5. Perez
6. Hezron
7. Ram, [Greek Aram; also verse 4]
8. Amminadab
9. Nahshon
10. Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab – Rahab was a prostitute, a non-Jew, that believed in God and took her covering under the God of Israel. Her whole family was spared when her country people was being killed by the Israelites.
11. Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth – Ruth, a faithful widow, a non-Jew, who loved her Jewish mother-in-law and took care of her. She brought herself under the shelter of the God of Israel.
She told her mother-in-law, Naomi this golden verse in the Bible, Ruth 1:16 But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
12. Obed the father of Jesse
13. Jesse the father of David the king.
14. King David – a man that after God’s own heart. He is not perfect. But his heart is right before God. He repented when he did wrong. And he accepted the consequences of his sins. Thus he was made the greatest king of Israel. He was often the point of reference as an example of a good king that followed the heart of God. And God gave him the promise of his eternal kingship under his line. That turned out to be through Jesus.
The insight, instruction or inspiration I’ve gleaned...
When my heart wonders, God is the strength of my heart.
A habit of Bible reading is very good to our soul.
Today, God showed me He fulfilled His promises to those who is faithful to Him.
He keeps his promises to those who hearts are right with Him.
He forgives those who repented and accept the consequences of their sin.
He takes care of those that is under the shelter of His wings.
Amen!
It is wonderful to start a new year with the promise keeping God!
Verse 1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Lessons learnt:
Verse 1 Show the promise of God, from the line of Abraham, the starter of the Israel nation.
Verse 2 – 6, fourteen generations (v17)
Generations:
1. Abraham – starter of the promise through his tested obedient in willing to sacrifice Isaac, the promised son.
2. Isaac
3. Jacob – broken before God.
4. Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar – Judah sinned against God in his relationship with Tamar, his widow daughter-in-law. But he repented. When Joseph tricked his brothers and wanted to keep Benjamin as slave. Judah was willing to take his younger step-brother, Benjamin, place to be a slave on his behalf. He took responsibility for his word to his old father that he would take care of Benjamin and bring him back to his father safely. (Genesis 44)
5. Perez
6. Hezron
7. Ram, [Greek Aram; also verse 4]
8. Amminadab
9. Nahshon
10. Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab – Rahab was a prostitute, a non-Jew, that believed in God and took her covering under the God of Israel. Her whole family was spared when her country people was being killed by the Israelites.
11. Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth – Ruth, a faithful widow, a non-Jew, who loved her Jewish mother-in-law and took care of her. She brought herself under the shelter of the God of Israel.
She told her mother-in-law, Naomi this golden verse in the Bible, Ruth 1:16 But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
12. Obed the father of Jesse
13. Jesse the father of David the king.
14. King David – a man that after God’s own heart. He is not perfect. But his heart is right before God. He repented when he did wrong. And he accepted the consequences of his sins. Thus he was made the greatest king of Israel. He was often the point of reference as an example of a good king that followed the heart of God. And God gave him the promise of his eternal kingship under his line. That turned out to be through Jesus.
The insight, instruction or inspiration I’ve gleaned...
When my heart wonders, God is the strength of my heart.
A habit of Bible reading is very good to our soul.
Today, God showed me He fulfilled His promises to those who is faithful to Him.
He keeps his promises to those who hearts are right with Him.
He forgives those who repented and accept the consequences of their sin.
He takes care of those that is under the shelter of His wings.
Amen!
It is wonderful to start a new year with the promise keeping God!
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