My favourite Book: Ecclesiastes.

Before you read on, let the music play:


Today I'd like to share my favourite book in the bible (or one of them) - Eccleciastes. It is amusing. It says things like (Eccl 1:2)"Meaningless! Meaningless!... Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless."

From the start of Ecclesiastes, it seems like the writings of a pessimist. But as you read on, you'll realise that this is as realistic as can be. In fact, it tells you that no matter how much we enjoy or toil in life, the fate of both the FOOL and the WISE is still the same. We all die at the end! Funny isn't it?

(Eccl 2:15) Then I thought in my heart, "The fate of the fool will overtake me also. What then do I gain by being wise?" I said in my heart, "This too is meaningless."

Bear in mind that this is written by King Solomon, one of a great biblical historical figure!!

But while he talks about life being meaningless, he also makes a point on "Eternity". He says God has set Eternity in the Hearts of Men, yet we cannot fathom what God has done.

For the lazy people this might also be an excuse to jeer at those who work hard, saying "what does the worker gain from his toil?". But that is not what Solomon means. He is saying, why focus on things of the earth, things that will not last? Instead, we should focus on Eternity.

For those depressed, it also sounds like adding fuel to the fire. They may find even less purpose in living life, after reading this passage. Or so it seems.

And not to even mention, it ALSO sounds like a person who is rich and has achieved everything but lamenting about how it is all meaningless. So we can then excuse ourselves from continual advancement, and just say, what's the use?

But in reading all these, we have to bear in mind, that this is not a "defeated" Solomon saying that there is no purpose in success, rather it is a "enlightened" Solomon saying that after all our successes in the world, that is only a gift from God for our enjoyment.

He says, (Eccl 5:18-20) "It is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart."

So in retrospect, whether we are a FOOL or a WISE man, we are no better than the other.

I like that.

In our world today which values advancement, achievement, success, I find Ecclesiastes a powerful reminder to those who put their trust in wealth and riches, that its is not "eternal".

When I am feeling like a fool and lousy and down, I also find Ecclesiastes a powerful "crutch" that helps me to walk, and to know that at the end of the day, we all meet the same fate. (yah, sadistic).

So, what this book means is that we should all stand in awe of God and obey Him. The pursuit of riches is meaningless, but any riches we have are a gift. All our toil is for our enjoyment and God gives this to us as a gift. He is ultimately in control and so if we do not recognise that, then it is all meaningless. All our toil and trouble, is indeed like chasing after the wind.

Ecclesiastes 3:9-14
What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil — this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.

Christ in Me - by Max Lucado

Christ in Me - by Max Lucado

Like Mary, you and I are indwelt by Christ.

Find that hard to believe? How much more did Mary? No one was more surprised by this miracle than she was. And no one more passive than she was. God did everything. Mary didn't volunteer to help. What did she have to offer? She offered no assistance.

And she offered no resistance. Instead she said, "Behold, the bond- slave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).

Unlike Mary, we tend to assist God, assuming our part is as important as his. Or we resist, thinking we are too bad or too busy. Yet when we assist or resist, we miss God's great grace. We miss out on the reason we were placed on earth-to be so pregnant with heaven's child that he lives through us. To be so full of him that we could say with Paul, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." (Gal. 2:20)

What would that be like? To have a child within is a miracle, but to have Christ within?

To have my voice, but him speaking.
My steps, but Christ leading.
My heart, but his love beating
in me, through me, with me.
What's it like to have Christ on the inside?

To tap his strength when mine expires
or feel the force of heaven's fires
raging, purging wrong desires.
Could Christ become my self entire?

So much him, so little me
That in my eyes it's him they see.
What's it like to a Mary be?
No longer I, but Christ in me.

From Next Door Savior

Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2003) Max Lucado

Hope & Faith

When hope is deferred, the psalmist says, the heart becomes sick. During these seasons, we can only do one thing. We must hang onto whatever faith we have to get through each day and entrust our lives to Him. "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior" (Hab 3:17-18).

When faith doesn't see results it challenges what we believe. We must pray as Job prayed: "Teach me what I cannot see" (Job 34:32). God says there is a purpose in everything we go through.

Are we engaged in battle?

(Os Hillman)>> Today, we often have a cruise ship mentality in the Church of Jesus Christ instead of a battleship mentality designed to engage the enemy of our souls. Our army is often ill-equipped to know how to take the land that God has provided through His Son. This is why believers in the workplace must see their work and calling as an assignment from God to demonstrate His power in all of society in order to restore His rule upon the earth. That is the key reason Jesus died on the cross - to restore that which was lost (Lk 19:10).

Are we engaged in the battle?

When we are weak, we are strong

We are weak. We desire more more more always. Being better, being first, being successful. I just had that experience. I went for a little so-called chat with some recruitment firm's client... (will not name names to maintain privacy). But through the experience, I realised a few things. That I was not confident. That I was not cut out for the job. That I was not adequately experienced nor skilled for the job. What would one do in these situations? Of course, feel a bit lousy.

But upon reflecting upon it today, I realise that there is a christian way to react to this.

Firstly, it would be ok to feel low, because we are human after all and we all have high & low feelings. But it doesn't mean that if we feel low, that God is not with us. The point is God is always there.

The second thing, is that to even Realise that God is there, is an act of His "Grace" touching us, his Love touching us. ARE we open enough to realise it or do we bury ourselves in Hurt-feelings such as "why did God make me the way i am" or regretful thoughts such as "why didn't I study this or that so that I could be better skilled in that area?"

Thirdly, I actually wondered, if all my time at church was a so-called "cover-up" for all these worldly weaknesses. I wondered if what some people told me before is right. They said that could it be that I serve in church because it makes me feel good, and makes me feel ok, and in doing so, benchmark myself against "church people" who are sometimes, very simple and not-ambitious (sorry guys, I actually did get this discussion before).... I wondered if in actual fact, I was not using my time & energy to improve my skills and do "better" in life in general. BUT..... Thinking this way is actually directly contradicting what Jesus said, coz he said in Mark Chapter 10, that those who are first will be last and those who are last will be first.

We are made for a purpose, to worship God and to Love Him and spread the Good News. God also uses the weak to shame the strong. There HAS to be a purpose why we are weak in some areas and strong in some areas. Not everyone is strong in ALL areas. SO it makes no sense to harp on our weaknesses, but to embrace it lovingly as God's creation, our unique self, is to Love ourselves and Love God's creation in us.

And so Lastly, I found myself asking "What is the purpose of life"? Citing "in jest" my favourite passage of Ecclessiastes Ch. 1, "everything is meaningless".... (read an ecclesiastes reflection here)... In this context, if I push myself harder (if i were to learn so much skills and actually clinch a top-flying job of ideal choice) - would that satisfy me? NO. IF I were to relax and chill and pass life with no worries and so forth, would that satisfy me? NO. So how can I live life without being satisfied?

To this, I had just only one answer which is that of St. Augustine's words: "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you."

So I promptly went online and found the writings below, and I am so inspired. Praise God for this Grace and experience. We learn each day upon reflecting upon Him indeed!

Read more of St. Augustine's writing at this short article (click here)

Excerpt:
Who will grant it to me to find peace in you? Who will grant me this grace, that you should come into my heart and inebriate it, enabling me to forget the evils that beset me and embrace you, my only good? What are you to me? Have mercy on me, so that I may tell. What indeed am I to you, that you should command me to love you, and grow angry with me if I do not, and threaten me with enormous woes? Is not the failure to love you woe enough in itself?

Finally, I end my reflection with a last scripture passage below, which coincidently (or rather the Holy Spirit must have been speaking to my deaf ears) I had remembered this in my thoughts casually sometime recently but forgot about it till now...

MARK 10: 18 - 31
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.'" He replied and said to him, "Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth."

Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to (the) poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."

At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through (the) eye of (a) needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God." Peter began to say to him, "We have given up everything and followed you."

Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But many that are first will be last, and (the) last will be first."

Wonderful Poem

It is a poem that Mother Teresa hung on a wall of the orphanage she founded in Calcutta. Its source is unknown.


People are often unreasonable, Illogical and self-centred;

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind,

People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful,

You will win some false friends and some true enemies;

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank,

People may cheat you;

Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building,

Someone could destroy overnight;

Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,

They may be jealous;

Be happy anyway

The good you do today,

People will often forget tomorrow;

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,

And it may never be enough;

Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis,

It is between you and God;

It is never between you and them anyway.

Being a witness to our Family Members

This daily devotional below may make sense to some of you if you ever felt that you were able to be transformed spiritually while journeying with each other in YAM, but that nothing at HOME changes. Your parents, siblings, etc still see you as the same old you..... and worse, you find that you can't behave "differently" and end up behaving Like the SAME Old You.

Ever felt like that? Or could it be that we never really "tried"? Or "Tried" but stopped?

I've struggled with that that so many times with my own family too before, that I wonder whether it is because I"m not living out my life "loud" enough to show them that I have been transformed.

Nevertheless, we live and let God touch them in His own time. WE just have to be open to HIM in case He should ever use our lives as a witness to our own family members.

AND the Best part is.... We don't actually know when that time will come. SO we have to be patient. That's where the challenge is isn't it?

Just a thought of the day.

God Bless,
Sam

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A Prophet without Honor
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
11-30-2009

"Where did this man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands? Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house" (Mark 6.3, 4).

Have you ever noticed how difficult it can be to spiritually impact your immediate circle of relationships and family? Jesus warned us of this phenomenon. We often relate to family and friends differently because they have a history with us that no one else has. They most likely have not had the privilege to witness the spiritual transformation that you have experienced and is evidenced by others in your life.

The spiritual authority that others may recognize in you is not there with your own family and friends. "After all, you're just my sister or brother, with whom I fought, played, and lived everyday life," is what is thought. Jesus was more qualified to be a carpenter than the Son of God in his own family and community's eyes. It was too difficult to change old perceptions of someone they knew so well. So too, is it for your family members.

The sad result of this mindset is that we often do not experience the same fruit of ministry in our family's lives that we do outside this circle. It is an unfortunate truth. "Jesus still healed a few sick people," meaning there is still a remnant of faith that can receive from you and I. Ultimately, God determines the fruit of our lives. Do not allow spiritual pride to prevent you from freely giving to your family and friends when they do not receive you in the way you think they should. You don't know which "few" God will choose to touch through your life.

Many did not receive Jesus. Therefore, many will not receive you. Nevertheless, allow God to touch the few in your circle He chooses to touch through you.

A Testimony for Gav & Jane

Hi all,

Let me write a little testimony for Gav & Jane in tribute to their wonderful marriage yesterday!

(official pictures with Jeanette!)


I've known Gavin since around I guess, 1999 when we went for YISS together. We were in the same group then! He had an ah-beng-ish hairstyle and looked quite fierce in his green school tee then and I was quite frightened of him before talking to him. But it turns out he had an amazing capacity to make people laugh and that's how I knew him then at first -- A person who makes other people laugh. :)

Later we joined ministry YAM in 2001 and throughout the years, I just recall one thing that Gavin once said, that "Ministry is for Life". To make that statement, "Ministry is for Life" is an amazing thing. It shows that even if he might not be in YAM, he may still be serving God, somewhere, some place and doing some other thing for GOD!

As for Jane, what more can I say? She is an inspiration for all of us, to be courageous to love someone, to be simple and cheerful and to simply Love God with all our hearts, our minds, our souls and our bodies. It is only apt that Jane and Gav walk together in the rest of their life, within the calling of "Ministry" that God has brought them into thus far.

How can one focus on the eternal so much? That is what also impressed me about their wedding. Centrered around God and prayer, they really make a firm stand of their faith, within the world we live in that is so ready to forget about God. But Gavin and Jane reminds me that GOD is the reason to live and be in "Ministry" for.

It's only when we have a GOD-Perspective like them, that we see life differently. We will then be able to sustain through ups and downs of life especially while serving God, because Ministry is for Life.

Colossians 3:1-4
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

So thanks to Gav & Jane for being an example for us, to love and serve God and each other as brothers & sisters in Christ. ;)

God Bless,
Cheers!
Sam

Congrats Gav & Jane!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV).

Congrats to Gav & Jane on your big Day! Your wedding was truly a joy!

God Is Not About YOUR Success

Thought this was meaningful yet again!

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God Is Not About YOUR Success
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
11-02-2009

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life" (John 12:24-26).

God is all about your death so that HIS success can be realized through you! This is why the Church is having such little impact - there are too many believers who have not yet died to their old nature so that Christ can live fully through them. When believers come to the end of themselves they will lose their lives to Him and live through the power of the Holy Spirit and begin to see the reality of a living gospel that impacts lives, workplaces, cities and nations.

"Much of modern Christian enterprise is 'Ishmael.' Born not of God, but of an inordinate desire to do God's will in our own way - the one thing our Lord never did," said Oswald Chambers. The psalmist describes what it means to live in our own strength:

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves" (Ps 127:1-2).

How does one die so that Christ can be our all and all? It usually takes a crisis of significant proportions for most people to relinquish the control of their lives. It means we come to the end of ourselves and our striving to control the events in our lives and we finally come to the place where we can say, "Lord, I surrender. Please take full control of my life."

Have you come to this place with God in your life? Let go and let God make you a success His way.

Serving Youths in the CCR (by Christof Hemberger)

Hi all, Just to share this. We got to know this guy briefly, in Kkottongnae. There was a joke, coz of his name was misspelt - as Christ of Hemberger -- so we called him Christ OF Hemberger.. hahaha!



Article taken from the quarterly ICCRS newsletter (International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services. http://iccrs.org/nl2009-4abtgoil/NL09-4_E.pdf


Serving Youths in the CCR
by Christof Hemberger

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is a movement of the Holy Spirit that appeals to all generations. All over the world, the young and the old have experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in a very personal way. Many of the men and women who lead the CCR today got a personal relationship with the Lord in their young years.

Young people have always been on God's mind and heart—he desires to reach their hearts and lives. God desires to be close to the young generation. This is not because God loves the young more than the older generation—no way! I guess it is due to the fact that the young ones are in a time of the journey of their life where essential decisions are to be made and major questions arise. The roots for their whole life ahead are laid.

It does not matter in which culture, nation or background someone grew up—one thing matters to all young people. Who am I? Why am I as I am? Where will I go? These questions—spoken or unspoken, consciously known or unconsciously lived—guide us through our whole adolescence. Young people are searching the means of their lives, they are curious what life will bring at all, and they are open to anyone who gives answers to them.

It is God himself who is the perfect answer on these kinds of questions: “I am the one who created you, who knows you from the inside out. I am the one who has plans of life for you, plans of hope and plans of joy!” The whole Bible is telling us: God loves each and every one of us in a very special and personal way. He is longing to reveal his love to us! Indeed the Bible is a letter of Love to mankind!

Who am I? God tells us: “You are my beloved son/ daughter!” Why am I as I am? God confirms us, “because I created you as you are!” Where will I go? God assures us, “wherever you will go—I will be with you. I will guide and protect you while you are searching for the way. I will lead you, just go close with me!”

Through all the years the CCR has existed, it has worked on helping the young (and old) to better know God in this special way—as a personal and living God, as the one who loves each and every one as we are, as the one who guides us throughout our whole lives—and of course as the one who has sent us the Holy Spirit to empower us and to equip us with his charisms.

In this way the CCR’s message and effort has been a great help to many young men and women in the entire world! While searching for the means and purpose of our lives we have been told about the one who truly is the meaning and purpose of our life—God, the loving father, together with Jesus Christ our redeemer and the Holy Spirit.

Though methods of communication have changed during the last centuries, this message never will change, “I am the way and the truth and the life!” In proclaiming him as the way, the truth and the life of everyone, we will be a great help, especially to young people! It is our dream that all over the world people would be reached by this message: God loves us—and He sends his Holy Spirit to empower us and to be with us in our daily lives! In order to see this fulfilled, we need people of God everywhere to pray for them to be open to experience God in this personal and loving way in their lives! We need leaders and staff (especially those who are young) to reach out to these young men and women who need to hear about God and experience Him in their lives!

I am very grateful about ICCRS and the CCR doing so much and working so hard in reaching out to the youth! All over the world we can see men and women of God working in the mission–fields amongst young people. I was very glad with the many young people attending the last International ICCRS Conference in Kkottongnae in South Korea! We definitely will work on further possibilities for young people to meet and network amongst each other in the CCR all over the world! And we also will work on empowering young men and women to become well equipped and trained leaders in the CCR worldwide! ICCRS is doing a wonderful job in supporting leaders, especially the young, to be enabled for their ministry amongst the young generations. Just now there has been again an “Institute of Formation” that was held in Rome—several others already have been held throughout the world during the last few years.

God loves all generations—and everyone is important to him! But it is very important to pray for and invest in the young generation! They are in deep need to hear answers on their questions. They need discipleship, mentoring and formation. And, they will be our future!


Article printed in - http://iccrs.org/nl2009-4abtgoil/NL09-4_E.pdf

Walking through the Valleys

I quote an excerpt from Os Hillman's daily devotionals (TGIF - Today God is First)

"When the Lord takes us through deep valleys, there will be fruit from the deep valley that we cannot see. You must press into Him with all you have during this time.

God uses the deep valley to frame our lives to create a change in our nature, not just a change in habits. The depth and width of our valley is often an indicator of the level of calling and influence we will have on others in the future. Our adversity is not just for us, but others who will be in our future path of influence. This is not very comforting when you are in the middle of the valley, but know this is a truth in the Kingdom.

It is often years later when we discover the wisdom of God and why He intentionally led us through the dark valley. Life is often lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road and we stand on the mountain looking back at through valley that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale and the spiritual deposits He has made in our life while we were there. "He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light" (Job 12:22).

When you begin to realize this, you sit back and breathe a sigh of relief because you know that God was in control all along. It didn't seem like it at the time, but He was."


Amazing isn't it? Our adversities are not only for ourselves, but for others who will be in our future path of influence.

Cheers,
Sam

Cool Photography!

Thought of a tagline for this photo that I came across, by chema madoz. His works are creative and cool, using B/W imagery. Really astounding.



my tagline: "Life is a gift, don't let it melt away... "

hmm..... so it means we have got to taste it... the coolness of LIFE. hahaha!

---

Let's try another one:



my tagline:
"Sometimes we need a little flame to break through our wooden minds.."

Ok this is not so sharp. Bit long... bleah.

Anyway.... tagline writing is fun. Do you have any?

A prayer of warfare!

Dear Lord, Your Word tells us "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). I pray right now, in the name of Jesus, that you would rebuke every evil thought, tear down every stronghold in my life, and help me Lord, to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Help me to overcome and to rise above all that pulls me down. Help me to soar with the Eagles and restore fellowship with You. May my life be a living testimony to You, Oh God. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Church

Taken from Os Hillman's Daily Devotionals:

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The Church
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
09-24-2009

"Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you" (Lev 26:8).

The Church is called to impact the world. The biblical definition "church" is not an institution or building, but rather it is made up of individuals. Jesus said "wherever two or more meet together, I am in the midst of them." The biblical word translated as "church" is ekklesia which is the original Greek meaning "the people of God."

The New Testament used this word in two different ways. Sometimes it refers to people of God gathered together in congregations. That is our traditional idea of the local church. But other times it means believers in general, wherever they might find themselves.

God calls the Church to be transformers of society through their collective influence. Jesus prayed that His Church would be unified in order for the world to respond to Him. "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me" (John 17:23). The enemy of the Church is secularism, a religion that says there is no God. When local congregations fail to come together as a collective voice and operate instead as individual silos in their community society is given over to the evils created as a result of an unbelieving society. Conversely, when the Body of Christ - the Church puts its collective resources together to solve societal issues, our enemies; crime, poverty, sexual perversion, etc. will fall by the sword of a unified Church.

God is birthing city coalitions of His Church among congregations in the city in order to fulfill John 17:23. Are you willing to be a catalyst in your community to see His Church take back your city?

Ministry is Everywhere!

Today i woke up fresh at 8am, with a thought about Ministry. Truly, i think about it every day and night.

What is "ministry"? and why am I called to Ministry?

It's just like "ministry" of sound, food, etc... this is like a ministry of my faith, my religion, my God.

It's not even something lofty or abstract.

It can simply be translated to "service"... or as our faith calls it --- "Love".

Ministry, is like that ICCRS conference I attended in June this year -- it is "Love in Action".

Everything we do unto another, we do unto God.


SO even being a loving person in the office, when people needs your listening ear and smiling face for comfort... is "ministry".

Even going out with friends (maybe non-christian?) and doing things for them like organising the next outing could be "ministry".

Even playing music with a group of buddies could be "ministry".

SO ministry is not just in church, on a Sunday, or in our youth group during that 2-3 hours of meeting when we see each other. It is everywhere.

Ministry is for life.

It is being Christlike, 24/7.

YAM featured video #6... “One Thing”

Hi all,

Presenting our YAM featured video #6 >>>> “One Thing” by Hillsongs United!

This song is not entirely the easiest song to sing for a P&W session. But the words are really meaningful. Just listen to this song. What touches you? Share with us a comment or 2!

For me, what touches me is that this song helps me to come back to the purpose of ministry, the purpose of my life even! And that is just One Thing – Jesus. This song brings me back into the heart of worship!



Lyrics:

One thing I desire
One thing I seek
To gaze upon Your beauty
And Your majesty
God of my salvation
Lifter of my head
Teach me how to live oh Lord
In Your righteousness

So I pray to You
So I pray to You

Lord Your name
Is higher than the heavens
Lord Your name
Is higher than all created things
Higher than hope
Higher than dreams
The name of the Lord

In the day of trouble
You cover me
In the secret place of refuge
Lord I will sing

I will seek Your face
Call upon Your name Jesus
All I want is You
Jesus

Video #5: It Is YOU.... Jesus!

Our video #5 has been selected! We chose this because it is in line with our current theme for our confirmation 3 attachment "Treasure". The Treasure that we HAVE within us, is JESUS... and it is more than the finest Gold in the world.

This Treasure... sometimes, we might not see it. Well, have you ever experienced this change in perception? Where you suddenly realise that the things of God is not the things of this world? This awakening of your spiritual perception? if you have, then continue to journey on... Do not let the world take you back into it's ways of old.

"It is you" by Hillsongs!


Lyrics:
Lamp unto my feet
Light unto my path
It is You
Jesus, It is You

This treasure that I hold
More than finest gold
It is You
Jesus, It is You

With all my heart
With all my soul
I live to worship You
And praise forevermore
Praise forevermore

Lord everyday
I need You more
On wings of Heaven I will soar
With You

You take my brokenness
And call me to yourself
There You stand
Heal me in Your hand


God Bless,
Sam

Find your true North

Excerpt from Vanessa's blog (with permission): I was at a sharing on Tuesday night, worship and talk both led by Bob Fitts himself. Now that’s a remarkable and yet humble man whose love for God shines through his actions. I’m not being judgemental or what, but it’s just that it shines through..

The first part: 1st peter 2:9
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Worship is not just for musicians. I’d say, Amen to that! I am sure it’s also for the ushers, the photographers, the cleaners who clean up before and after sessions, the admins..endless list. We are all called to his purpose. We are all made to worship. We were made for his glory, and to glorify him. Some people go about at some point of their lives asking whats life all about, feeling lost without direction, some not being sure what they are called to do. Some wonder what their gifts are or how can they ever figure out how to serve. Many always associate that worship is just for the musicians and the singers. Coming week in and week out to listen and receive Christ, itself is, worship. Isn’t that wonderful? It’s not that we shouldn’t care too much about our calling, it’s just that…

When you find your destiny in Christ, your life starts blossoming for what you were made to do..
“delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” psalm 37:4
Find your identity in loving God… because, we are called to worship God. \

I AM CALLED TO WORSHIP GOD.

1st Cor 2:9
9but just as it is written,
“(S)THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD,
AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN,
ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.”


Quit worrying about if you can play, or what your gift is. A man’s gift makes room for itself. [this got me thinking about my horrible guitar playing skills and worrying when I play for worship]

Isnt this like psalm 23:4? ‘…he prepares a table for me before my enemies” He has prepared a banquet, a celebration and awesome ending for you *. That all thigns work for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).

So find your true north. Come back to your first love. (Revelations 2:1-7). We sometimes lose sight of our first love when we get caught up with the worries that life brings us. He has plans for you. Find your destiny in Christ. You will find your calling, and your gifts laid out for you. All you need to do is rest and relax in Him. Knowing that in Him all things are possible.

~~~
As I write this over a few days worth of reflection, I am deeply troubled by the turn of events and the things unseen. Yet, I am certain that there is a bigger plan. I am also certain that He is with me even through the most hurtful moments. Jesus you are my true north, may I find my destiny in you. Amen.

Featured Video #4: Indescribable by Chris Tomlin

I had the honor of having supper with Van last Friday 7th Aug, and we watched a DVD message called "Indescribable" by pastor Louis Giglio. As a result the video chosen for this week is "Indescrible" by Chris Tomlin.

Anyway, don't belittle supper sharings such as these. When God is the focus, it is like a little God-vitamin that we give each other... to revitalise our spirituals lives. That is the wonder of spiritual fellowship and having brothers and sisters in Christ to share with you things about God when you are not able to share or go beyond what you already are. We need to sharpen each other and continue to inspire each other with revelations and testimonies of God. Anyway, Van and I made a resolution to make sure we do not "miss" mass this weekend, and I'm glad we didn't miss it! ;) Praise the Lord!

"Indescribable" LYRICS:

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Louis Giglio's DVD "Indescrible" short montage:


Happy National Day!

Vanessa's take on Psalms 23

5 August 2009 - I’ve been thinking about this since Bob Fitt’s worship workshop on saturday morning (1st August 2009).. psalm 23.

I cannot get it off my mind. It is on my mind day and night, as I work and as I play. In psalm 37,4 it says to delight yourself in the Lord and he shall give you the desires of your heart.

Then I questioned, what is my heart’s desire? As Bob and Kathy would put it, as something you enjoy doing that you take delight in.

I thought about psalm 23, when I had the spooks last Sat night. Not sure if I heard something or someone's TV was on.. anyway, I got spooked.

So I thought of Psalm 23's verse: "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I shall fear no evil…"

But..Why did I fear?

Thoughts of you, just consume me night and day.

Oh if only I would let go of things I am too stubborn to let go of. It’s like these words marched though my head, I have great plans for you. Let go.

What is my hearts desire. Again I asked. Delight youself in the Lord. But, isnt it my desire that I delight myself in Him? ps23.1 “The Lord is my sheperd, there is nothing I shall want”

Your fire is a consuming fire.

I find rest and comfort in you. Let me wait upon you, and be still.
- ps23.2 “he makes me lie down by green pastures, and leads me by still waters”
- ps 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”

Restoration
- ps 23.3 “He restores my soul, He leads me in the path of righteousness for His Name’s sake”
- His restoration keeps us fresh daily
- Our source never runs dry

I guess it doesnt..

Fearlessness
ps 23.4, Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear NO EVIL, for You are with me. Your rod and your staff comfort me.

“Perfect love casts out all fear”, 1 john 4:18

But yet I feared that moment when tested. Sigh. Do I not remember, “I will never leave you nor forsake you?”, that “I am with you always?”, that “nothing can separate us from the love of God”?, seriously, have you ever offended someone’s loved one? The next thing that happens to is that someone is going to protect the one loved..

You are with me, You are with me, You are with me.

Isnt that such comfort?

Constant Victory, Favour
psalm, 23.5: You prepare a table before me, in the presense of my enemies. You annoint my head with oil; my cup overflows….

The word “Annointing” is sometimes misused.. It means favour. The favour of the Lord never leaves you. You may be accused by the enemy to discourage you. God is the strongest when the situation is at its’ worst.

There were days I felt abandoned, as if some situations were beyond redemption. These lies sometimes seem overwhelming. It is great comfort to know and be reminded that He is somehow, preparing that great feast, that great end result, and that I am not abandoned, that he knows best. My God provides.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:35-39

Goodness and Mercy
Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Remember that when you lead, the favour of God is upon you

Haha... a Week without God...

Without GOD, our week would be: Sinday, Mournday, Tearsday, Wasteday, Thirstday, Fightday & Shatterday.

Remember seven days WITHOUT GOD makes one WEAK!!

Don Moen - Psalm 23 lyrics

Video of the Week #3!
Don Moen - Psalm 23



LYRICS:

Jesus, my shepherd and only provider
He makes me lie down in green pastures
He leads me beside the still water
He restores my soul

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me
All the days of my life
And will dwell in house forever
Until the end of time

Jesus, my shepherd and only provider
You make me lie down in green pastures
You lead me beside the still water
You restore my soul

Though I walk through the valley of shadows
I will not be afraid
Your rod and staff are my only comfort
And You'll be with me always

You prepared a table before me
In the presences of my enemies
And you anoint my head with oil
And my cup overflows
My cup overflows with your love
With your love

Jesus, my shepherd and only provider
You make me lie down in green pastures
You lead me beside the still water
You restore my soul


Peace be with you!

Song of the Week: Desert Song by Hillsong United

Hi all, this is our next youtube video of the week - Desert Song from Hillsong United's latest 2009 Album, "Tear down the walls"!



Words & Music by Brooke Fraser

Verse 1:
This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides

Verse 2:
And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

Chorus:
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

Verse 3:
And this is my prayer in the battle
And triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

Bridge:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

Verse 4:
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be empited again
The seed I've recieved I will sow

View Discography here

Little by Little

Little by Little
By Os Hillman
July 27 Devotional

"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty" (Prov 14:23).

Is there something you would like to accomplish in life but simply cannot find the hours in the day to get started? Many of us suffer from procrastination. We justify putting our dreams aside because we don't believe we have the time or resources to accomplish the task.

Many times people tell me they believe they are called to write a book. I tell them, "Great, if God has called you to write a book, begin to write it." Sometimes the response is: "But I don't have a publisher." "That has nothing to do with it," I say. "That is not your problem. If God calls you to write a book, you are to begin to write. You may not be writing to get published. You may be writing for other purposes."

"The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little" (Deut 7:22). If God has given you a vision to do something, begin by taking baby steps toward that project. Begin to focus on the vision and take action steps toward it. Many times people ask me, "How in the world do you have time to write? You travel so much and seem to have such a full schedule." My answer to them is that I have a specific time of day in which I commit to writing. It is usually between 5 AM and 8 AM. I have found this to be my most creative and productive time. Very little can get in the way of this time if I believe God has given me a project to do.

You will be amazed at what God can do with a little each day. Do not let procrastination prevent you from accomplishing what God may want to do through your life. Make plans today to take baby steps toward the vision that is in your heart.

Video Testimony of Christopher and Leon Yuan

Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
1 Timothy 1:16

Our God is so big!

God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart.

When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go, only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!

View our video of the week: "Treasure by Gary Chapman"



Lyrics:

They say that where your treasure is
There will your heart be also,
Your heart stays where you hide your greatest love.

Now you can leave that love on earth
Where thieves may steal tomorrow,
Or take it to that hiding place above

Theres a treasure at the end of this narrow road I'm traveling
It gives me a purpose for life.
(Well,) Jesus is my Treasure, the reason that I'm living
And He'll still be the reason when I die.

So if you've been wonderin where youre at
And where it is youre going,
He's left a map for you and me to use.

We just read the map and we follow close
Always walking where its showing,
You just can't miss it, think before you choose.

Because there's a treasure at the end of this narrow road were traveling,
And it gives us a purpose for life
(Well,) Jesus is my Treasure, the only reason that I'm living
And He'll still be the reason when I die.

Theres a treasure at the end of this narrow road I'm traveling
And it gives me a purpose for life
(Well,) Jesus is my Treasure, the only reason that I'm living
And He's gonna be my reason when I die.
Yeah, He'll still be my reason when I die.

Watch My Back

Hi all,

Got this from a friend and thought I'd share with you.

Leo.


------

He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. – Mark 6:7

Ray Keller once asked a man who just completed his second tour of duty from the Iraq war, "What was the most important thing you learned from the war?" The soldier's response was quick. "Well, Mr. Keller, I learned that it is better to be in a team than to be alone."

The man explained that while in Iraq, they would walk around and survey the area. They would have a certain formation such that he would focus on looking ahead while his partner would watch his back. He in turn would watch the back of the one in front of him. His commander explained to him that loners have no place in the war. He would need to work well in a team
to survive.

While we are encouraged to spend time being alone with God, we need the help of partners who would "watch our backs" — whether they be your spouse, your cell group mates, your mentor, your godly friend…. We need them if we are to win our daily battles.

It would be good to recognize your teammates and partners and thank God for them!

REFLECTION:
Am I a good partner? Am I a good team player? Have I thanked the people who have helped me?

PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for all the people in my life, especially those "who watched my back" in the past and those who are my present partners in the different aspects of my life. May You bless them abundantly. Amen.

More pictures of Kkottongnae!

Wow, these are the full-blown pics of the whole ICCRS Conference event & Kkottongnae over 1 - 9th JUNE 2009!

CLICK HERE to view:
http://cafe.daum.net/matheo/D1e2/8

Reflection on 'The Shortness of Life'

I was inspired today by a quote I read in the paper by Lucius Seneca (c. 4 BC – AD 65), Roman Stoic Philosopher. He wrote "The Shortness of Life".

(Read more here for the full article of "The Shortness of Life" & readers' comments)

I especially liked his quotes which depict how we "live", but do not really "live" -- That everything could very well be idle preoccupations, but not really leisure. It is so true sometimes! "The part of life we really live is small.” For all the rest of existence is not life, but merely time (Lucius Seneca)

But... as I was reading on, into the comments on this post, I came to read someone's comments, which consisted bible passages. It not only enlightened me, but made my heart jump a little. And I began to think, that philosophy is still philosophy after all, it is MAN's ruminations. But when it comes to the Word of God, I feel that it is not just "ruminations" but it is the answer of Life.

Maybe this faith to believe this, is God's grace too, for I realise that no one can really have hope in a book such as the bible, unless they have been given that "spiritual insight" by God.

So then, will people who are not believers ever be able to get that spiritual insight? Yes, by God's grace. So if their hearts are open, if they would just go directly to question this God about HIS truths, I believe HE would show himself to them.

From PROVERBS 3:1-10
Have you considered these words:
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Have you considered what Jesus said about living for the after life instead of this life?

Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-24)
19″Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22″The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24″No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

2 Corinthians 4:18
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.

1 John 2:17
The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

Deacon Harold is in SG again!

He will be speaking at YAM's session this 18th July 2009! Come and hear him!

SATURDAY 18 JULY – (8 PM to 10 PM)
Youth As Warriors Of The Faith
Speaker: Deacon Harold Burke Sivers
OLPS, St. John-Luke Room (Level 2)



Deacon Harold from Portland, Oregon is regularly featured on the globally broadcasted Eternal Word Television Network – EWTN. Many of his talks onMale Spirituality, Family & The Eucharist have been received with rave reviews globally.

Click to view larger poster

Kudos to Marlene for all her hard work on this! Let's pray for more young adults to be touched and to dedicate their lives to service and to God! ;)

Paul The Musical! (Updated)

A bunch of us went to watch the St. Paul Musical put up by the Church of St. Mary of the Angels. It was a good work on the whole and we were pleasantly surprised that it turned out as a warm and well-written story that has its characters, and mainly its main lead, St. Paul, grow as the story progresses.

We were a little puzzled why the writers did not mention Ananias at all, didn't he play an important role in helping Paul to see again? However, on the whole, we liked the story progression and how it moved through the start of Paul (as Saul), through his conversion and his trials and finally, death.

What touched me, was the scene before his death. Chained in prison and awaiting death, he asks (sings) if he has finally totally surrendered and done his best? Or is this not enough? And he concludes that for him, to live is Christ, to die is Gain.

Watch the Video!



To me, that was a significant reminder of how St. Paul actually lived his life. He actually had a very close relationship with Jesus. Ever since his conversion, he was TOTALLY changed. How many of us, experienced the presence of Jesus which was no doubt ONE point in our conversion story, but then again, the hardness of the world creeps in and we stop or slow our conversion process?

How many of us, hear or feel God's love, and then after a few months, stop. We then go in never-ending circles trying to "experience" God in new ways, but never realising, that we already experienced God and the next step is to really develop that relationship and be HIS FRIEND, to go out and spread HIS WORD, to people who have not heard about Jesus?

On the other hand, St. Paul as we watched last night, was full of zeal, pushing ahead for the prize, never stopping, never ceasing. He stood up for Christ, and endured all things. Truly, where can we find such a person today? If there were, if we are going to be someone like that, we must really really really love Jesus and we will need to certainly, be willing to accept persecution from Friends and Society.

Watch "ONE Body"


And so I leave the musical, enlightened, reminded, and curious once again, of the depth of the life of St. Paul, in all his humanity. We see him as a great person in the bible who wrote a lot of 'letters'. But sometimes, we just forget his humanity, that he is very much just like us, and that WE can very much be like him -- but it requires our 100% conversion.

So I am challenged, to get back on the conversion process, coz I may have stopped somewhere in the middle, who knows. When life is so comfortable that I'd want to take a backseat and enjoy life, perhaps, it's time to remember, that St. Paul, never once put HIMSELF first, it was always CHRIST.

View Paul, the Musical website here: http://www.stmary.sg/paulthemusical/


The Statue of St Paul

Pius IX (1846-1878) decided to replace older statues of Sts. Peter and Paul, with the current larger ones on Easter 1847. The statue of St Paul was sculpted in 1838 by Adamo Tadolini (b. Bologna 1788, d. Rome 1868). He had studied in Bologna under the direction of De Maria; in 1813 he came to Rome, like De Fabris, and came to the attention of Canova, the greatest sculptor of the period, who took him into his studio.

The statue of St. Paul is 5.55m in height, on a pedestal 4.91m high. It was restored in 1985-86 through the generosity of the Order of the Knights of Columbus.

Alabare - Praise the Lord for Kkottongnae

PHOTO SLIDESHOWS (Kkottongnae & Seoul):

VIDEOS:

ahhaa.. this was hilarious:



This is another P&W song sung (during the day programmes):



"Lamb of God" sung at mass:



Michelle Moran's Msg on 7 JUNE at the open Rally:



Open Rally - Song and prayers in Korean:



9 June - Pilgrimage to Martyrs Shrines - In the BUS... :



Some doggies spotted at the Chonami Shrine (8 JUNE):



Light display at CheonggyeCheon (11 JUNE):

Join us to pray for EDYD 2009!

Our prayer:

Everlasting God, our Father, we pray for the East District Youth Day 2009, that all participants will experience HOPE through Your presence in the Holy Eucharist. May our young people be renewed, to rise on wings like eagles, run and not get weary. Dearest Mary, Mother of God, we ask for your intercession for our young people, may they experience the joy that comes from doing all that Jesus Christ, your Son calls them to do. Amen.

A prayer!

Good morning, Lord. Thank you for this absolutely beautiful day. God, I need for You to please tell me something. Do I place too much emphasis on my wants? my relaxation time? my family time? my job? anything? Please show me, help me know in my spirit, if there are any "rights" I need to relinquish that may be hindering my freedom to experience Your love and grace. Please help me to balance my time and activities, my desires and needs, my work and play; every area of my life. May You receive all the glory. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Trained for War

"Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle" (Psalm 144:1)

You'll never experience God in powerful ways by acquiring Bible knowledge alone. It is only when that knowledge is used in the heat of battle that you will know the reality of what you've learned intellectually. Otherwise, it remains only an exercise in spiritual gymnastics that yields little fruit.

David became a great warrior and leader of a nation at an early age. His training ground was his job as a shepherd in the open fields. When bears and lions sought to take his sheep, he personally fought them. This was his early preparation for future battles. Goliath was the real competition amongst a discerning audience to reveal how well his training prepared him.

Today, our local churches often look more like luxury cruise liners designed to tickle the ears, entertain its members and make them feel good instead of a battleship designed to train an army for war. The average member still watches from the sideline.

In sports you discover how well you handle pressure by competing. You can practice all you want but never know how you will do until you enter the game and test what you've learned and practiced when there is pressure added to the equation. In battle you discover how well you are trained by what you actually do on the battlefield.

Have you ever prayed with someone in public? Have you ever personally led someone to Christ? Have you ever served others for the sake of the Gospel? Have you ever taught a Bible study? If you said no to these questions, you are not engaged in the game. Today, why not ask God to give you the grace to step onto the battlefield.

A reflection by Os Hillman

The Man Behind the Letters...

Check this out! Our dear bro, Krish Mathavan will be giving the sessions.

FYI.. Krish is now working at Family Life Society. Woohoo! Surely you'll want to come and hear from this bro of ours, who had studied all the way right till PHD (yes he has a PHD!) but seems to have turned 180-degrees to follow his heart and God's call. A little bit like St. Paul isn't it?



Note: For 30 May & 20 June, we will be joining OLPS Youth for 1hr of prayer & intercessory, before continuing with our scheduled topics on St. Paul.

For more info, please contact us at info@youthariseministry.com

In Christ Alone

Hey all, introducing this new song to all of you (it's a fairly new song for us haha) --- called "In Christ Alone" by Brian Littrell.



Here's the other version of In Christ Alone, the older one, by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty -- which is also one of my favourite songs:



Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me (John 15:4).

Defeat of the Tongue

By Max Lucado

Insensitivity makes a wound that heals slowly. If someone hurts your Feelings intentionally you know how to react. You know the source of The pain. But if someone accidentally bruises your soul, it's difficult To know how to respond.

Someone at work criticizes the new boss who also happens to be your Dear friend. "Oh, I'm sorry-I forgot the two of you were so close."

A joke is told at a party about overweight people. You're overweight. You hear the joke. You smile politely while your heart sinks.

What was intended to be a reprimand for a decision or action becomes a Personal attack. "You have a history of poor decisions, John."

Someone chooses to wash your dirty laundry in public. "Sue, is it true That you and Jim are separated?"

Insensitive comments. Thoughts that should have remained thoughts.

Feelings which had no business being expressed.

Opinions carelessly Tossed like a grenade into a crowd.

And if you were to tell the one who Threw these thoughtless darts about the pain they caused, his response Would be "Oh, but I had no intention…I didn't realize you were so Sensitive!" or "I forgot you were here."

Listed under the title of subterfuge is the poison of insensitivity. It's called subterfuge because it's so subtle. Just a slip of theTongue. Just a blank of memory. No one is at fault. No harm done.

Perhaps. And, perhaps not. For as the innocent attackers go on their Way excusing themselves for things done without hurtful intention, a Wounded soul is left in the dust, utterly confused. "If no one intended To hurt me, then why do I hurt so badly?"

God's Word has strong medicine for those who carelessly wag their Tongues:

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on Fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (James 3:6)

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. (Proverbs 21:23)

He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will Come to ruin. (Proverbs 13:3)

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is Wise. (Proverbs 10:19)

The message is clear: He who dares to call himself God's ambassador is Not afforded the luxury of idle words. Excuses such as "I didn't know You were here" or "I didn't realize this was so touchy" are shallow When they come from those who claim to be followers and imitators of The Great Physician. We have an added responsibility to guard our Tongues.

These practical steps will purge careless words from your talk.

1. Never tell jokes that slander.

2. Never criticize in public unless you: have already expressed your Disappointment with the other person in private, have already taken Someone with you to discuss the grievance with the person, and are Absolutely convinced that public reprimand is necessary and will be Helpful.

3. Never say anything about anyone in their absence that you wouldn't Say in their presence. Insensitive slurs may be accidental, but they Are not excusable.


"There is death and life in the power of the tongue."

Your encouraging words can lift someone up and help them make it through the day. Your destructive words can cause deep wounds; they may be the weapons that destroy someone's desire to continue trying -- or even their life.

Your destructive, careless word can diminish someone in the eyes of others, destroy their influence and have a lasting impact on the way others respond to them. Be careful what you say. Speak life to (and about) those who cross your path. There is enormous power in words.

Peace - Don't we need it always!

"Peace does not mean to be in a place without noise, without problems, without hard work and without pain. Peace means that despite of being in the midst of all these things we remain calm within our heart. This is the true meaning of peace."

Have you ever experienced Murphy's Law? It is the law that states that anything that can possibly go wrong, does. I've just experienced this, where something went wrong, which led to other things going wrong, and the whole day just seems -- wrong?!

But being a believer, a child of God, we are called to prove this theory wrong. After all, our God is a big God and the God of all things in the world. He also tells that he makes ALL THINGS beautiful. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end."

So rest assured -- and strive for the Peace of Christ! Did you also know that peace doesn't just come like "that"? We need to "STRIVE" for peace. Why? Read this article, written by Father Nicolás Schwizer who teaches that we play an active role in building peace on our own lives. He says, "To build peace, one must strive. Only in Heaven will we possess the peace of Christ forever. On earth, it is necessary to build it and to conquer it at every moment. To do this, there must be a struggle."

So let us follow Colossians 3 which says this:

Colossians 3:12-16 - "Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." [Read full chapter in Colossions 3]


May You find Peace!

A wonderful YAM core team mtg!

Yesterday finally after a long time of serving and doings in church, week in and week out, our youth core team at YAM got together to have dinner at botak jones, then we proceeded to visit Sury's new house, where we shared and catched up with each other and prayed for each other as well as our members. This really got me settled, despite so much work to be done for all the things i've committed to, i know that I don't have to be stressed, and can trust in God.

Just over the last week, I finally did the long awaited major spring (or rather, summer) cleaning of all YAM's files from 2001 to today... (can't believe i'm such a karang-guni). I had kept all the minutes, articles that i've printed and read from the internet, and all those camps programme plans, leaflets, and even brochures of other church's events etc. YES >> KARANG GUNI! And so I threw away half of them, and successfully implanted the other half at SURY's house... there are 2 large bags of them (worth about 6-8 files i think!)

It feels kinda like a lightening of my load, but unfortunately, our dear bro Sury has the task now of going through all of those notes, our YAM history, to see what he wanna absorb and retain... if not, the rest are just paper anyway.. Well, i think it's now time for us to move on and craft a new future ahead!

And so, in the spring cleaning process, it was a major journey for me down memory lane, as I remembered all the planning we did for our camps in 2001, 2002, 2003, etc... I wonder, i was in Uni year 1 then, all the way till now, how did I manage to stick on man! And while some people lament that at 19 years old, they are still "to young" to take on leadership, I just cackle at the thought,... since I joined and started already in that place. It was tough, and I had to learn through being in it right from the start. So... I just wonder, why complain? If you serve, serve God with all your heart... be radical, be bold... you are an instrument of God... (and I recall former years, my prayer to God was simply, make me more confident, coz i was not!)

Through reflecting on my journey "through the years", I can also see, on hindsight, how much growth I've been through. God really brings us through our ups and downs, and in a community, in YAM, there are friends to share the journey. When I am up, I am able to comfort someone who is down, and when I feel down, there is someone to push me on... That is really comforting, no one has to seek God alone. Our journey is made in a community!

Yesterday as we prayed, we had many words/messages for each other. I still feel the 'high' of it today. And i believe it is the same for everyone there as well. Krish, Gav, Jane, Mar, Jac, Sury and me.

The word for me was that if I would lift up my prayers to God with a pure heart and intention, God will see it through. It will be done. Just like Solomon. Read "The Prayer of Solomon" Interestingly, did you know my parents had wanted to name me "solomon" if i came out a boy? lucky i got Samantha though.. whahaahah! And so, I will hold fast to this message, and wait and see. I will seriously wait and see and pray hard upon this...

So the overall message for this post is -- God has great things in store for us! Let us pray, abide in Him, trust in Him, and walk in His ways and He will see us through and lift us up and walk before us each step of the way!

God bless YOU! Jesus is risen!

Pray for Exams

This post is for all our students who are having their exams now.

We pray for you to be strengthened, motivated, and to strive with the best of your abilities, for your exams. We pray God will guide you and keep you safe and in good health!

Gambatte all of you!

Cheers,
Sam

2009 International ICCRS Conference

Watch the video:
http://www.loveinaction.co.kr/

Con 4 Day of Recollection

Today some of us helped out at the OLPS con 4 day of Recollection. Audrey gave her testimony, and Sury gave a talk on the Holy Spirit and his confirmation journey.

As for me, besides playing guitar, I was snoozing half the time. It's time we got some amps! haha.
Enjoy the pics!

Seven Deadly SINS of men & women.

Copied from "BREAKING NEWS" of the Straits Times for your easy perusal.
Feb 20, 2009
Lustful men, proud women.....

VATICAN CITY: Lust leads men to sin. For women, pride is their biggest downfall. This, according to a new Vatican report, is how the sexes struggle differently with the seven deadly sins of pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed and sloth.

The report was based on a study of confessions carried out by a 96-year-old Jesuit scholar, British media reported.

Pope Benedict XVI's personal theologian has backed the report. Monsignor Wojciech Giertych said there was 'no sexual equality' when it came to sin.

'Men and women sin in different ways,' he wrote in L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper.

Pride ranks only at No. 5 for men, who are likely to have indulged in so much lust and gluttony that they are too slothful to feel angry, proud, envious or avaricious, the Times of London said.
Women are not averse to lust, but are primarily occupied with pride, envy and anger. Sloth does not set in until after gluttony and avarice, the British newspaper added.

'When you look at vices from the point of view of the difficulties they create, you find that men experiment in a different way from women,' Monsignor Giertych said.

His own observations had confirmed the survey, an analysis of confessional data carried out by Father Roberto Busa, 96, a Jesuit priest celebrated for his computerised study of the works of St Thomas Aquinas.

He said: 'Diverse cultural contexts generate diverse habits - but human nature remains the same.'

Monsignor Giertych said that human weaknesses could 'purify faith' provided that they were 'admitted and offered up to God'.

The Roman Catholic Church teaches that the seven deadly sins, which carry the threat of eternal damnation, can only be forgiven by confession and penance, the Daily Mail said.

However, 30 per cent of Catholics no longer considered confession to a priest necessary, and 10 per cent even said that it 'impeded their personal dialogue with God', the Times report said.
Many believers accept the broad seven deadly sins or 'capital vices' laid down in the 6th century by Pope Gregory the Great and popularised in the Middle Ages by Aquinas, and by Dante in The Inferno. These are:

Lust: Excessive thoughts or desires of a sexual nature.
Gluttony: Over-consumption of or overly indulging in anything to the point of waste.
Sloth: The failure to utilise one's talents and gifts.
Anger: Inordinate and uncontrolled feelings that can manifest as vehement denial of the truth or self-denial, or generally wishing to do evil or harm to others.
Pride: The desire to be more important or attractive than others, failing to compliment others and excessive love of self.
Envy: Resentment of another person for having something one lacks, and wishing the other person to be deprived of it.
Greed: Excessive acquisition of material goods.

Last year, the Vatican added seven new ones: genetic modification; human experimentation; polluting the environment; social injustice; causing poverty; 'financial gluttony'; and taking or selling drugs.

Bishop Gianfranco Girotti, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, the Vatican body that oversees confessions, said that two mortal sins which continued to preoccupy the Vatican were abortion and paedophilia.

The latter had even infected the clergy itself, and so had exposed the 'human and institutional fragility of the Church'.

Pope Benedict, who reportedly confesses his sins once a week, last year issued his own voice of disquiet on the subject.

'We are losing the notion of sin,' he said. 'If people do not confess regularly, they risk slowing their spiritual rhythm.'

LENT = Leave Every Negative Thing

As you begin this Holy Season, may you discover the true meaning of LENT, by Leaving behind all Negative things of the past and strive for a Future filled with Hope! (Phi 3: 7 – 14).

A Different Approach to Fasting...

Fasts have a tendency to be oriented toward things like giving up food or television. But there are many other creative ways we can welcome Jesus' healing touch.Here are suggestions you may want to consider.

1. Fast from anger and hatred. Give your family an extra dose of love each day.

2. Fast from judging others. Before making any judgments, recall how Jesus overlooks our faults.

3. Fast from discouragement. Hold on to Jesus' promise that He has a perfect plan for your life.

4. Fast from complaining. When you find yourself about to complain, close your eyes and recall some of the little moments of joy Jesus has given you.

5. Fast from resentment or bitterness! Work on forgiving those who may have hurt you..

6. Fast from spending too much money. Try to reduce your spending by ten percent and give those savings to the poor.

Wishing you all Peace, Love, and Happiness during Lent.


(Rainbow sighted on March 2nd, it lasted from Nicoll Highway right till the end of Marine Parade Road...! )



SMILE :) Jesus Loves You!