23 July 2010, Friday CG

It was a blessed night as we gathered together in the "House of Grace" to worship God, to study His word, to pray for one another that is in need and to fellowship. We also recited our Memory Verse as our discipline master, Elder sister A is in our midst.

Majority of us learn a new song title "At The Foot Of The Cross (Ashes To Beauty)"

Indeed, at the foot of the Cross, God will turn our ashes into beauty.

ACGL shared his kind of humor such as watching SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) and asked CGL to pray in Rap.

That night, ACGL led Bible study. At the start, we watch Revelation 7 video. ACGL added that Revelation 8 in YouTube is exciting. Then he gave us the background of Revelation 7 and post some questions to us.

Q1. OUR SECURITY: Why does God instruct the four angels to hold back the four winds until He has sealed His bondservants? (7:1-3)

Elder Brother M shared God wants to protect His people. It reminded him of Exodus 12 that talked about painted the door post with blood so that the household will be protected from death.

ACGL shared Ezekiel 9, that God is not protecting their life but their faith.

Q2.​ OUR SATISFACTION: What are the ultimate realities that give true satisfaction? How do they satisfy? (7:13-17) It may be helpful to answer this question by comparing the ultimate realities that give true satisfaction with their counterparts which are found in the world, which man thinks will satisfy him.

Elder Brother M shared answer is obvious in Revelation 7:15-17.

Sister T shared counterparts are like other gods, such as our computer, iPad, money and power.

Expand the question, what do man do when terrible or horrible thing happen in their life?

Answers by some of them. To be real on the suffering and pain. Acknowledge it. It is okay to ask God "Why". But it is the attitude in asking. However, we may not get the answers. Such as the story of Job in Bible.

Revelation 7:15-17 touch Sister T. To her, true satisfaction is in heaven where God is.

ACGL shared a quote "If we put joy in temporal things, our joy also will be temporal."

Q3. In your life right now, what give(s) you security and satisfaction? Are there changes that you need to make regarding this? If yes, what will you do to make the changes?

Elder sister A shared that we may not have tomorrow. Like the recent news about a guy was killed because the tree fell down.

Elder Brother M shared his satisfaction is in God, God's word, communion with God and music. And it is good that there is music in heaven.

Sister L shared that only God can truly satisfy us. Because man desire is a bottomless pit. If their have $1m, they will pursue the next.

A sister shared she works in an industry that sell expensive product to rich people. But she doesn't see that her clients are always happy.We agreed that money don't make us happy. The rich people may not be the happiest people. And there are people that have joy despite of their poverty. It is about being contented of what we have.

There were 2 announcements:
Elder sister A shared that our church need some volunteers to serve the community in need that stay around Woodlands area.
Deuteronomy 15:11 (NIV) There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.

CGL shared that we need to look for new CG meeting place in the west as our previous one at west area is rented out to a family in our church who needed the place more than us. We know in God's time, He will provide.

For those that were absence, we miss you!

16 July 2010, Friday CG

On CG Friday night, 16 Jul, the CG entered the House of Grace where the Grace of God dwells. After the worship, we had Revelation 6 shown on video in a dramatize version. Then we started the Bible study led by Brother B.

The topic :When Things Fall Apart
The OBJECTIVE: To establish life anchor for adversities in life.

Brother B opened to the floor for sharing the adversities in our life.

Elder sister G shared about she had cancer growth when she was 16 years old. She was new to God then. But God saw her through. The cancer growth was removed. And 10 years ago, the Lord healed her slip disc condition through a successful operation. Before the operation, God flashed the word "resurrection" to her. This gave her courage to go for the operation. When other patients in the ward saw her speedy recovery, they found courage to go for the operation too.

Sister G shared that her current health trial is not as bad as back in year 2006. That time the illness dragged for few months and she was still weak after 1 year. But that time, the Lord assured her during a CG worship time, that even her parents forsake her, He will not forsake her. God is faithful. He is with her and helped her in time of needs.

This time, God is also gracious to her. Despite the pain and diarrhea due to food poisoning and not yet resolve, there are always areas to thank God for. She found it useful to focus on the attributes of God, the Word of God and also look to Jesus. Especially on Jesus nails pierced hands. In this trial, she found herself stronger than 4 years ago. The main reason for that strength is her growth and healing in Christ in this church that she joined 3 years ago. And the Lord also prepared her for this trial through Senior Pastor Edmund sermon title "Sermon on the Mount" which talked about radical discipleship.

Brother B shared that God improved his living condition during a difficult period when he was a student. And God healed his health condition as he prayed to God. He shared Romans 8:28 (ESV) "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." is a verse that encourage him.

Sister A also found Romans 8:28 speaks to her during her time of adversities.

Sister L shared that she like Romans 8:28 because she was born in 28th of August.

Elder sister G prayer make me feel that we should claim Psalm 23 into our life. To look to God who is in control.

It is complex to explain about suffering. Especially why good Christians suffer. Brother B shared 3 points on why Christians suffering:
1. Sin or lesson to learn

2. For other person. 2 Cor 1:3-5 (ESV)
"3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too."

3. Divine purpose. (Book of Job) Maybe only in heaven then we know the reason.

Elder brother M shared the verse 1 Peter 1:6-7(ESV) "6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith-more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire-may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

He felt that trials are so that our faith proves to be real. And for God to receive glorify and honor.

He also shared 2 Cor 12:9(ESV) "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Sister M shared that Revelation gives her different perspective.

Brother S shared 1 Pet 5:6-11. Too long to copy, please refer to your Bible.

Brother B shared that at normal time our Bible knowledge may be just intellect. But in suffering, it involves emotion. Sing Christian songs and prayers helps. We end the Bible study with the song "Above All".

Many years ago, when I was vey sad and in tears in my bedroom, God used this song "Above All" to minister to me on how much He loves me. Jesus who died on the cross for our sake is truly above all.

Then we proceed with supper time. We celebrated the birthday of 1 brother and 2 sisters. The cake is lovely. We took video and group photos with the cake to celebrate this special day.

Oops... Without Elder sister A, the recite MV section is miss out. :O

Song: To Keep Your Lovely Face

By Graham Kendrick, 1983

To keep Your lovely face
Ever before my eyes
This is my prayer
Make it my strong desire
That in my secret heart
No other love competes
No rival throne survives
And I serve only You

(click the Title to listen to the song in Youtube)

Description of Lord Jesus in Revelation 1:12-16 (NIV)
12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man, "dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

Last year when I re-visited Revelation, I thought the description of Lord Jesus is scary. But Holy Spirit revealed to me that Lord Jesus is good looking. The Creator of all things (John 1:3), He himself is beautiful and lovely.

Life is sweet because God is good

The photo showed the Wall Sticker that I did with my God on the wall of my living room. This is my first attempt to do Wall Sticker. So I prayed that God will guide my hands to do a good job. I am very happy with the result.

Life is sweet because God is good.

Everyday, I am very thankful because of having God in my life.

Every morning, my first greeting is “Good morning Father God. Good morning Lord Jesus Christ. Good morning Holy Spirit”.

Lately, I am blessed to listen to my church senior pastor, Rev Edmund Chan past preaching on the Sermon on the Mount series. My greatest blessing is to understand my God, Jesus Christ and His teachings better. I am blessed to be in this church that teach me the very Word of God that give me life.

From Pastor Edmund preaching, I know that indeed my God is my Strength, my Security and my Significant. I have no lack because of Him.

Actually, my God is also my Serenity, my Sufficiency, my Sanity and my Sweet.

Which version of God that you believe in?
One night in the past week, my neighbor, a pre-believer, came to me to ask for help on checking IRAS tax information on the internet. I don’t know how to help her as I am not familiar in searching for that piece of information. As she insisted, so I gave it a try. I went into IRAS website and I prayed openly in front of her for God to guide me to look for that information. God is good. He guided me in the right clicks and quickly we found the information.

After she got the information she wanted, I invited her for Easter Sunday service. She rejected with the reason that she prays to god (拜神的). The very next moment, she told me she easily get worry with problems. If she can’t solve it, she cannot sleep. I asked her, “Don’t you ask your god to help you?” She was silent.

I told her I give my problems to my God. My God is a big God that can help me in time of needs. I do not concern myself with who He sent to help me, or how He help me, as long as it is no longer a problem to me.

I shared with her that I was once with many concerns before I know my God. I reminded her that she saw that I prayed moment ago for God to help me to find information in the internet. I shared that my God is able to help in time of needs. At my door gate, I invited her again for Easter Sunday service, she told me she is going to clean her father’s tomb (清明).

After she left, a thought came to me, “How strange to believe in a god that can’t help her in time of needs; that she has to carry her many concerns till she cannot sleep and not cast it to her god.”

I know my God. My God is Strong to save. My God Loves and Cares for me. My God Listens when I talk to Him. My God is Sovereign that He discipline me for my own good. My God Sees the big picture and He did things for the greater good, not just for me alone.

When I lost sight of my God and become afraid with “What if…”, He reminded me "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." (Romans 10:11 (NIV))


Buy hope?
I often saw long queue to the Singapore Pool (Toto shop). It becomes even longer when the winning sum is huge. My ex-colleague once told me he went there to buy hope. From Monday to Sunday, except a rest day, there are different types of “hope” that he can buy.

One time, as usual during the Chinese New Year season, the newspaper said how many people had became overnight millionaires as they strike Toto. I shared that with a friend. She said become millionaire (with that amount) is not enough to buy a landed property (in Singapore). That dawn on me that if enough is not enough, we will never be enough (of wealth).

If only earthlings know that God is actually the everlasting Hope, instead of the Toto shop. Then the long queue should be to the church of God. And you don’t even need to buy Hope. It is so expensive that we cannot afford it. So God gives it to us FREE of charge.


Why so good when someone died?
Today is Good Friday.
Why is it Good when someone died?
It is Good for human race. If Jesus Christ, the Son of God, did not die for us, there is NO OTHER WAY for sinful men to connect to God the Heavenly Father.

My understanding of God and His teachings helps me in my work.
I understand the concept of “NO OTHER WAY”.
As a CAD Manager, people will ask me can the CAD software do this and that. Sometimes, they do not like the way the software achieve the intended result. But I had to tell them, there is “NO OTHER WAY” for this particular software. Period.


Worship a Living God
Easter Sunday is coming. We will celebrate Jesus resurrection.
Because Jesus lives forever, we are not worship a dead God, but a living God.

Because Jesus lives, we can face tomorrow.
Because Jesus is our living Hope, we live in victory.
Because Jesus guides our path, we lives with a purpose.

My friend, happy Easter.

Song:
Because He Lives by Gaither Vocal Band
Because He Lives with lyrics

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.

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.

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.

Casting Crowns rocks

Got to know about the Christian band Casting Crowns recently.
Find them really cool!

Some cool music videos in youtube by Casting Crowns

Slow Fade

Prodigal

Christmas video: While You Were Sleeping

Song: Praise You In The Storm

I believe what Pastor Edmund Chan taught us:
"God is love.
God is in-control.
And He will bring His will and purpose to pass".

But we need to surrender ourselves and our will to Him, the Great I Am.
In this fallen world, we will face the storm.
But Jesus is with us.
As long as He is with us, we are safe.

I believe in God's love and His power to help us.
If God cannot help us, who else can?

In all things, God cares about our holiness more than our happiness.
We are to be like Christ.
Our life is to give Him the glory.

A song by the band Casting Crowns.

The lyric:
Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
(This second chorus is from Psalm 121)
===============================================

Another cool video in youtube.
Casting Crowns (live) in youtube that include the story that inspired this song.

The write out of the story:
"If there ever were a test of our faith--if there ever were a test of the motives of our worship--it is when a storm rolls into our lives. We watched and prayed for a precious little girl named Erin Edwards struggle with a deadly disease for several years. The courage, the witness, and the worship of Erin's mother Laurie inspired this song.
Sometimes God calms our storms.
Sometimes He chooses to ride them with us.
Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Psalm 42:5, Psalm 121:1-2,
Job 1:20-21, Daniel 3:16-18." (Casting Crowns--Lifesong)

Song: Who Am I

A song by Casting Crowns in 2003.
This song sings out our identity in Christ.
I fully identify with the chorus.
I am God's Grace.
I am His.

The lyric:
Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Chorus
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me
============================================

Mark Hall explain the making of the song in youtube.

Song: Here I Am, Lord

By Dan Schutte, copyright 1981

A song of God's love for His people.

The lyric:
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.

I, who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Chorus
Here am I, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne My people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.

I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My words to them.
Whom shall I send?

Chorus
Here am I, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.

Finest bread I will provide,
'Til their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?

Chorus
Here am I, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

Song: When God Ran

Saw this song in Youtube while listening to “In Christ Alone”.
This is the song that I had been looking for years!

I first listened to this song many years ago in a Sunday Service.
The song brought tears to my eyes.
That time, I allowed the disappointments in my life to distance my heart from God.
And this song reminded me how much God loves me.
Disregard of His dignity and majesty, Father God run to me.

This song is base on a Bible story told by Lord Jesus:
The Parable of the Lost Son in Luke 15

Enjoy it in Youtube:
- Phillips, Craig & Dean - When God Ran – Live
- When God Ran reflective video

I just know that it is first recorded by Benny Hester.

The lyrics is found in christianlyricsonline.com

Almighty God, the great I am
Immovable rock, omnipotent, powerful, awesome Lord
Victorious warrior, commanding King of Kings
Mighty conqueror, and the only time
the only time I ever saw Him run

CHORUS:
Was when He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise when God ran

The day I left home I knew I’d broken His heart
And I wondered then if things could ever be the same
Then one night I remembered His love for me
And down that dusty road ahead I could see
It was the only time – it was the only time I ever saw Him run

And then He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise as He brought me to my knees
When God ran – I saw Him run to me

BRIDGE:
I was so ashamed, all alone and so far away
But now I know He’s been waiting for this day

I saw Him run to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice I felt His love for me again

He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said, “Son”, He called me Son
He said, “Son do you know I still love you?”
He ran to me and then I ran to Him
When God ran

Song: Trust His Heart

This is a song that God minister to me years ago in my low point of my life.
And it still encourage me that when I don’t see His plan and can’t trace His hand, I can trust His heart.

Dual singing in Trust His Heart. This is my favorite method of singing the song.

Group singing in TRUST HIS HEART by RAY BOLTZ with lyrics

The lyrics written by: Babbie Mason and Eddie Carswell

All things work for our good
Though sometimes we can’t see how they could
Struggles that break our hearts in two
Sometimes blind us to the truth

Our Father knows what’s best for us
His ways are not our own
So when your pathway grows dim
And you just can’t see Him
Remember, you’re never alone

Reff:
God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don’t understand
When you don’t see His plan
When you can’t trace His hand
Trust His heart

He sees the master plan
He holds the future in His hands
So don’t live as those who have no hope
All our hope is found in Him
We see the present clearly
He sees the first and the last
And like a tapestry
He’s weaving you and me
To someday we’re just like Him

Bridge:
He alone is Faithful and true
He alone knows what is best for you

Song: In Christ Alone

Everyday is a day of thanksgiving to my Triune God (Father God, Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit).

Yesterday, 23 May 09, Saturday, Holy Spirit is at work again. At the back of my mind is singing a worship song. I know the music but not quite sure of the lyrics. Today on Sunday Service, the song was sang at the end of the service. Then I realise this is the song that God put in my heart.

My good friend who sit next to me told me I can find the song by typing “lyric In Christ Alone Hymn” in Google.

Praise the Lord. I found the lyrics in a blog, David Jordan’s Mind
And it is sang in Youtube:
- In Christ Alone Worship Video with Lyrics
- In Christ Alone by Newsboys

The lyrics:
In Christ Alone
By Stuart Townend and Keith Getty

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save.

Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!

And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.

No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

Song: If You Say Go

Live is not absence of problem.

Lord Jesus said in the Bible, John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

In time of needs, God is truly Comfort of All comfort.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NIV)
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

And our hope is in Him, our Lord Christ Jesus.
In time of need, God comforted me with this song.

If You Say Go
Words and Music: Diane Thiel © 2002 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing

If you say go we will go
If you say wait we will wait
If you say step out on the water and they say it can’t be done
We’ll fix our eyes on you and we will come

Chorus:
Your ways are higher than our ways
And the plans that You have laid are good and true
If You call us to the fire You will not withdraw Your hand
We’ll gaze into the flames and look for You

This song is truly a great song.
To hear a bit of it, go to http://www.christianbook.com/html/specialty/1002.html
In SEARCH, key in “If you say go”.
It will show the CDs.
Click the Second CD picture (If You Say Go CD, Word Entertainment, Inc. / 2002 / Compact disc) will lead you to hear the song.

I know a bit more about Diane Thiel in
http://www.beyondmeproductions.com/wordfromlinda.html
The sharing of Linda Ryan Puffer in the link also encouraged me greatly.

Part of her sharing:
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day, for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

This piece of Scripture ties together many challenging seasons in my life with encouragement, hope, perspective and action. It laces together the difficult times with the promise that in comparison to the eternal glory that awaits me, my troubles this side of eternity are light and momentary. Don’t misunderstand me, they don’t feel light or fleeting—and yet, in reality, they are.

To exercise faith is to be like Peter walking on water, (Matthew 14:30) we must fix our eyes on Jesus. Jesus loves us more than we can imagine. He will solve our problem. If He doesn’t, He will give us the strength to manage it.

I believe God will heal me. As He is a God that heals.
If He does not, He is still God. And He is still worthy of all of our praise.
His ways are higher than my ways. He knows better. He has a good plan for my life.

Isaiah 55:9 (NIV)
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV)
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

Song: Be Thou my vision

Be Thou my vision, oh Lord of my heart
Nought be all else to me, save that Thy art
Thou my best thought in the day and the night
Waking or sleeping, Thou presence my light

Be Thou my wisdom, be Thou my true word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me Lord
Thou my great father and I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one

Be Thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight
Be Thou my armour and be Thou my might
Thou my soul shelter, and Thy my high tower
Raise Thou me heavenwards, oh power of my power

Riches I need not, nor man’s empty praise
Thou mine inheritance through all of my days
Thou and Thou only though first in my heart
High king of heaven my treasure Thou art

Oh high king of heaven, when battle is done
Grant heaven’s joy to me, bright heaven sun
Christ of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, Though ruler of all

Word and music by Eleanor Hull & Mary E. Bryne
Public Domain

Quite a number of singers sang this song “Be Thou my vision”.
But hearing a blind singer sing this song, bring new dimension to me.
Ginny Owens received good review about her voice.

Abstract from a reviewer, S. Peek (Montana, USA):
“I hadn't known that she is blind and has been since a very young age. Hearing her sing 'Be Thou My Vision' live while seeing that she is blind really impressed me with the way she deals with and views her disability. She certainly has the big picture in mind. Also, her fantastic song 'If you Want Me To' took on a whole new meaning.

Some of the lyrics from that song are: 'I don't know the reason why you brought me here, but just because you love me the way that you do, I'm gonna walk through the valley if you want me to.'

She goes on to sing: 'It may not be the way I would have chosen when you lead me through a world that's not my home, but you never said it would be easy, you only said I'll never go alone.'

After hearing her in concert, I picked up this CD and was hooked. Her other songs have equally touching and relevant lyrics. Her sound is incredible.”

I will certainly look out for her CDs.

“Be Thou my vision” means a lot to me.

Maybe I am facing mid-life crisis.
I am aware that I am going to be 40 soon.
My life is more than half gone.
I want to offer my life to Jesus to do what is meaningful to Him.

I do not want to live just for myself.
It is in His great mercy that I live.
My colleague died at the age of 27 due to heart failure.
He overworked and neglected his health.
My secondary schoolmate died before the age of 30 due to lung cancer.
Even though he does not smoke.
I belief Jesus does not let me live to take up space on earth.

I am still searching of what I should do that will count.

But each day, when I can be a blessing to others, I am happy.
My friends, I am most happy when you know Jesus.
The One that gives us life that is truly life.

Song: Amazing grace

Amazing grace-how sweet the sound,
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
was blind but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

When we've been there ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun,
we've no less days to sing God's praise
than when we'd first begun.

“Amazing grace” is a very common song.
Grace has special meaning to me because God called me “Grace”.

Recently, learnt that “Amazing grace” is not a song to sing with gusto.
We should sing with the feeling that the author intents to convey.
One way is to check out the life of the author, John Newton.

With Google search, there is tons of information of John Newton.
I am very encouraged by his life.
Truly a wretch saved by grace.
His transformation is not immediate.
But his life tells of God immeasurable grace.

I am also a wretch save by God.
Thankful to Jesus for coming to save the sick, tired and weary.
He wants to give us a new life.

The more I know God, the more I find good deeds and religion is impossible to reach God.
We simply cannot reach God by our own way.
Only by the grace of God that we can come to Him.

Recently, I was being condemned for nothing.
Trust betrayed. I was very hurt.
I am thankful that in my human RAM, I remember what God said in
John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but to save the world through him.

I did nothing wrong to be condemned. By His word, I stand.
I am also thankful to Jesus for my understanding friends.
True friends make a world of different to me.

The grace of God has come to a soul that needed Him most.