YAMers in thought...

Cross of the Renewal

2011-04-29T22:47:00.000+08:00

DID YOU KNOW?

The Cross of the Renewal has been adopted as the international symbol of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. It is our hope that all who have experienced the Baptism in the Spirit will wear this symbol as a witness to the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

For more information, please visit http://www.crossoftherenewal.com/

Testimony from Michael Gabriel

2011-04-29T13:53:00.001+08:00

Warm greeting to all my brothers and sisters in Christ. It is my great honor to share my testimony as God blessed me the grace to become one with Him through Sacrament of Initiation during the Easter Vigil mass this year (2011). I want to thank God for showing me the way even though I had been waiting for six years for baptism due to my difficulties and obstacles.

I came to know and believe in Lord Jesus when I was very young and studied in Canossian School for the Hearing Impaired. After graduation, I enrolled into Montfort Secondary School and was on the Express stream. This was where I experienced my own "fall" due to my ego. Back then, I was arrogant and immature. When everything around me went wrong, I found myself in the state of depression and despair.

Suddenly, I noticed the unknown presence that kept nudging me. I remembered my first dream where I saw a man who looked like Lord Jesus in the painting. In my dream, I found myself in the dark atmosphere and saw an old woman who suddenly fell into the bottomless pit. I looked around and everyone looked as if in panic. Then, one man appeared and seemed to be able to calm the crowd. He entered into the pit and pulled the old woman out. Then, she appeared and looked as if she was praising God in ecstasy. The same man commanded the crowd as if he wanted them to follow him. I could not see his face as it was rather dark and blurry vision but I noticed he kept pointing the dark area which I could not figure. Shortly, I sensed it was Lord Jesus because he looked like Jesus.

READ FULL ARTICLE click here...

God bless!

God Will Turn It To Gold - Selwyn Hughes

2011-03-14T10:25:00.002+08:00

Today I picked up one of those free sampler 30-day bible daily devotionals (by Selwyn Hughes) that I had sitting in my drawer. Of this 30-day sampler devotional, I had read 18 days worth of pages and recorded the date on each article that I'd read. Just flipping back on the pages today, I noticed that I had read "Day 1" of this devotional on the 1st of June 2009. That is almost 2 years ago! The last article I read was on 22 December 2010. Wow. If you divide the months over that span of one and a half years, that is a measely ONE article per month!

Well, a 30-day devotional, spread over 18 months, fantastic. Ok, at least, I have read something over 1.5 years... I consoled myself. Maybe some people haven't read anything in years? But that's quite a poor consolation, isnt' it? haha.

Well, today's devotional really spoke to my heart, and I want to share it here with everyone. It really tells us that our perception of God and about spending time "with" God or reading the bible, is sometimes very wrong! We think spending time reading the bible is going to deter us from fulfilling our daily routines. But here, God promises that it is not so! Read on….!

Day 19
GOD WILL TURN IT TO GOLD
For reading and meditation - Psalm 119:33-40
"Turn my heart towards your statutes and not toward selfish gain" (v.36)
(30 day sampler devotional "Not By Bread Alone" by Selwyn Hughes)

In my introduction I said that I had discovered three chief reasons why people do not regularly read the Scriptures. One, they find it unbelievably dull. Two, the lack time. And three, they don't know what to read and where to read. We have looked at some of the reasons why people find the Bible dull; now we consider the issue of time.

There are many who fear regular reading of the Bible will absorb more time than they can afford. Such an idea is mistaken. Time spent in the Bible is worth more than the time it takes. If God has given us a book which contains His will and purpose for our lives, if He promises (as He has) to work is will in us as we expose our minds to His Word, is there not something almost blasphemous in wondering whether we cna give it time?

Tagore, the Indian writer and poet, once told this parable. "I had gone a-begging from door to door in the vilage 'path', when Thy golden chariot appeared in the distance like a gorgeous dream and I wondered who was King of all Kings! Thy chariot stopped where I stood. Thy glance fell upon me and thou camest down with a smile. I felt that the luck of my life had come at last. Then, of a sudden Thou didst hold out thy right had and say, "What hast thou to give to me?" Ah! What a kingly jest was it to open thy palm to a beggar to beg? I was confused and undecided and then from my wallet I slowly took out the least little grain of corn and gave it to Thee. But how great was my surprise when at the day's end I emptied my bag on the floor to find a list little grain of gold among the poor heap. I wept bitterly and wished that I had the heart to give Thee my all."

If we give God a moment He will turn it to gold, but if we give Him more - what then?

[Prayer]
OGod, help me see more clearly than ever that the more time I spend in the Bible the more treasures will come out of it. I must re-prioritise my time schedules. Help me to put reading Your Word at the top of my list. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Season of the Spirit - Michelle Moran

2011-02-08T01:39:00.001+08:00

Michelle Moran

Over the past year I have spoken at Charismatic events in every continent. There is a rising sense that we are entering a new era of the Spirit. A season of deep grace and power is being unleashed. There also seems to be a sense of urgency, not to simply rush into things, but to strategically and sensitively discern the way forward as we journey towards the Golden Jubilee of Catholic Charismatic Renewal In 2017. In this new time, I have a sense that there are some key things that the Lord is saying to the world-wide CCR. These obviously need careful reflection and discernment at the regional, national and international levels.

Grow in ‘Charismatic’ Ecclesial Maturity

In 1998, Pope John Paul II spoke to around 400,000 people from all the Ecclesial Movements who were gathered in St Peter’s Square on the eve of Pentecost. He issued a timely challenge: ‘Now is a new stage also for the movements, the one of ecclesial maturity’. Sometimes in CCR we can become too experience orientated, we chase after popular preachers and are always looking for a new buzz. Pope John Paul II challenged this superficial consumerist approach. He encouraged members of the movements to become mature disciples, committed to on-going conversion and prepared to make a difference in the Church and in the world.

The Season of the Spirit

1 - Are we growing numerically? Why/ why not?
2 - Are we becoming more mature disciples?
3 - Are we influencing the Church and impacting the world?

Unfortunately in some parts of the world, in an effort to gain acceptability or seem ecclesially mature, the CCR has played down its charismatic dimension. The charisms are not being encouraged and are therefore in decline. The result is a weak CCR which is in danger of losing its core identity. It is important to remember that Pope John Paul II frequently encouraged CCR leaders to be who they are i.e., Charismatics in the heart of the Church. So we have a responsibility as individuals and in our groups to ‘keep fanning into a flame the gift that God gave us…’ (2Tim:1:6) We also have to be committed to enabling people to grow and become more mature in the charisms. ICCRS is focussing upon this at the Road to Pentecost International event in Assisi at Pentecost 2011 (see the backpage for more info).

Be Faithful to your Calling

In 2006 there was an international leaders’ consultation where leaders came together to discern what the Lord was saying to CCR. Overwhelmingly, every group emphasised the centrality of Baptism in the Holy Spirit and the importance of the ‘Life in the Spirit’ seminars. At the moment, the seminars seem to be increasing in popularity. However, in our context, it is not uncommon for the same people to go through the seminars a number of times. This spectator culture is an indication of a lack of growth and empowerment. In the early days of CCR, the pioneers had to grow up quickly. Nowadays it is perhaps easier for seminar participants to be passive receivers and leave everything else up to the seemingly more expert leaders. Clearly we need to enable seminar participants to grow in confidence so that they can become future seminar group leaders. We also need to increase our circle of influence and reach out with boldness inviting new people to participate in the seminars.

Empowering and Transitioning Leadership

The leadership in the Renewal from its beginnings among university students was ‘youthful’. However, for the Renewal to spread, the first wave of leaders needed to invest in other Timothys and raise up new leaders. Today, I often meet leaders who have held the same leadership roles for many years. Whilst continuity is important because it creates security, things can become stale. New people often bring freshness and innovation. It is important to get the right balance and to carefully transition leadership handovers. In one sense there is no such thing as a ‘retired’ leader. However, leaders need careful discernment in order to recognise and invest in potential Joshuas. They then need to sense when it is the right time to hand over responsibilities.

Intercessors Arise

There is an increasing sense worldwide of the need for deep and profound intercession. In some places this ministry is very well developed. I think of the many all night prayer vigils in India, the prayer mountain in Tanzania, the 40 hours of intercession in Mexico and the numerous chapels of perpetual adoration. Here in our own context things are gradually emerging. There is a need to broaden our understanding of intercession. It is more than simply praying ‘for’ things or ‘covering things in prayer’. It involves being drawn more deeply into God’s heart and developing what the Catechism calls; ‘hearts attuned to God’s mercy’ (CCC 2635).

For several years there has been a prophetic sense that the Renewal needs to respond to an urgent call to ‘return to the Upper Room’ in adoration and intense intercession. Connected with this is the encouragement to pray the Pentecost novena, not just as a private devotion but as a tool for intercession. It is wonderful to think that between Ascension and Pentecost, Charismatic Renewal is united together in a world- wide net of prayer. As the call to intercession gathers momentum, I sense that we will see the further unfolding of the vision. (Some time ago the NSC in England established a ‘network for intercession’ if you would like to know more about this please contact the Goodnews office).

New Evangelisation – Now is the time

Pope John Paul II spoke about the spirituality of Pentecost, characterised by ‘a renewed thrust of prayer, holiness, communion and proclamation’. In the short history of CCR we have given a lot of emphasis to growing in prayer and to the universal call to holiness. However, if we are truly filled with the Holy Spirit the inevitable consequence is that we will naturally move out in evangelisation and mission. However, Pope John Paul II also offered some important advice, when he said; ’contemplation which does not give birth to mission will eventually wither and mission that does not spring from contemplation is doomed to frustration and failure’. I think many of us can resonate with this. We must seek to get the right balance in our lives and in our groups. We are called to ‘put out into the deep of prayer so that we can put out into the deep of mission’.

On Pentecost Monday in 1975, Ralph Martin gave a strong prophetic word in the presence of Pope Paul VI. We can return to this after 35 years because the word is gradually unfolding. It spoke about trials which would come upon the Church, a time of being stripped and being led into a deeper dependency upon the Lord for everything. It spoke of a time of darkness in the secular world. I am sure all of us would agree that we have seen these things come to pass. However, the final part of the prophesy said; ‘a time of darkness is coming on the world, but a time of glory is coming for my Church, a time of glory is coming for my people…I will prepare for you a time of evangelism that the world has not yet seen’. I sense that the preparation time is coming to an end and we need to be ready to move equipped with the charisms into this new phase of evangelisation. This seems to fit in with the mind of the Church as Pope Benedict XVI recently announced that the topic of the next major synod in Rome in 2012 will be ‘new evangelisation’.

Promoting the Culture of Pentecost

Pope Benedict XVI has set before us an even greater missionary challenge by calling us to live and spread the ‘culture of Pentecost’. This goes beyond prayer meetings, conferences and other religious gatherings. As Pentecost becomes more of a living reality in the Church the grace will flow out into the whole of society impacting economics, politics, the arts, international relations etc. On a recent trip to Brazil I was impressed to see that the CCR were holding special seminars for politicians and those involved in public life. It has also been encouraging to see social welfare and education programmes aimed at embracing the ‘culture of life’ being established through the Charismatic Renewal in many places worldwide. I believe that the Lord is at work creating new openings and opportunities for us. He is doing new things in our time. We need the eyes to see and the courage to keep following his promptings. We need the courage to firmly take our place as ambassadors of the Holy Spirit.

Michelle Moran is a member of the Sion Community, chairwoman of the English NSC and President of ICCRS.

Catholic Man in Vietnam Adopts 50 Children to Save Them From Abortion

2010-11-10T13:17:00.000+08:00

This was featured in Xt3.com (http://www.xt3.com/library/view.php?id=4195)

A man from Vietnam is on an incredible solo mission to cut the country's abortion rate, one of the highest in the world. Tong Phuoc Phuc has opened his home as a refuge for abandoned babies and looks after more than 50. He has pledged to care for unwanted children rather than see women terminate their pregnancies.

Youth Arise Ministry 2000-2010 Anniversary Video!

2010-11-07T19:05:00.002+08:00

Youth Arise Ministry celebrates our 10th Year Anniversary! The ministry was started in 1999 by Paul, but it was in Dec 2000 that we held our first Revival Seminar Camp which became the first camp leading on to regular ministry sessions for YAM. Since that camp, it's been 10 years and some of those participants are still current members of the ministry today!

So we invite you to rejoice with us over this journey since, and for the years ahead to come. Let us "Let GOD" and be surprised by what He can still do for us, in the future. Don't you know our God is a Big God? Dream big!

YAM 10th Anniversary Greetings from Krish!

2010-11-07T16:59:00.001+08:00

I am always grateful to YAM for the seeds of faith planted in me that have grown and inspired me and still inspire me to greater love and service. i wish for all the members young and old (like me) to come to know daily and always the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge and be filled with all the fullness of God, in order to live truly and love authentically! Blessed 10th anniversary YAM!

KRISH

Happy 10th Anniversary! from Paul

2010-11-07T16:55:00.002+08:00

Dear Youth Arise Ministy,

Happy 10th Anniversary! It has been a great journey indeed and I stand amazed at how awesome our God is! Kudos to Gavin, Jane, Jacqueline, Samantha, Eugene, Marlene, Sury, Krish, Natalie and myself, who has seen the ministry grow all these years.

Youth Arise Ministry started off as a small group of people hungry to make a difference to do something greater and to discover God in a real and tangible way and to share that encounter with the people around us. Not having much experiences nor clear direction, we decided to gather to pray, the intercessory phase took place for one year, at the end of the year we had our very first Revival Seminar in Dec 1999.

Since then, the ministry has always been growing and know for its personal mentoring and service to the church of OLPS as well as the Archdiocease. I feel very blessed to be part of this wonderful community, of which I carry many memories and sentiments in my heart.

The greatest things in life is measured by the level of peace and happiness from within, doesn't need to be anything fanciful but something deeper than that, a relationship with God. I've been involved in ministry since the age of 13 and knowing Jesus has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. It has given be a purpose and direction in my life.

For each and every one of you in YAM, my prayer for you is to have a strong relationship with Jesus and be well connected to the community. I cannot emphasize more that daily prayer brings us in a position of confidence with Jesus and community living, brings the spiritual in line with the physical. Yes, we are not perfect, that is where we have to grow in love and support for each other.

Finally, though I'm here in Australia, my heart is always with the ministry and I do think and pray for you all often. Continue to run the race for Jesus, making a difference bringing healing and revival to our land! May the vision remain very personal to each of you: To raise up a generation of people to praise and worship the Lord wholeheartedly!

God bless,
Paul Wan

Becoming Saints?

2010-10-05T09:21:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

As I was pondering over the homily of Novena service at Novena church (St Alphonsus' church) last Saturday, it was about how we can become the saints. As Mother Teresa said, we really don't need the high IQ, higher studies like degree, master, phD, fame and money to become the saints. Just simply pick the pin on the floor so that the children will not hurt their feet when they run across the corridor. It meant that we have to do lesser things but with great love. That's how we can be the saints. Really. Just act your normal life but do anything with great love. Ask God to give you the great love. That was what the priest (I don't know his name) preached. He also said he always did simple things like preaching in the church with great love. He could not say, "Aiyah, it's so tiring and boring. Just do it fast and quick." but did it with much zeal and eagerness. If he did it without love, he's like the machine. It reminds me of some verses: "1.I may be able to speak languages of men and even of angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell. 2.I may have the gift of inspired preaching; I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets; I may have all the faith needed to move mountains - but if I have no love, I am nothing. 3. I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burned - but if I have no love, this does me no good." (1 Cor 13:1-3 Good News Bible)

As I was discussing with my friend about it today, he showed me the story. Thought it might be good and inspiring story for you.

http://pedicularis.blogspot.com/2008/04/donut-story.html

Cheers!

With love in Christ,
~Michael

I YAM what I YAM!

2010-09-19T09:37:00.001+08:00

Fwhahaha! This notebook was found in Taiwan. Cool? What does it tell you about YAM? share your thouhgts! ;) hehe..

"Live What I Believe" by Russ Lee

2010-09-14T17:17:00.001+08:00

Introducing a new song... "Live What I Believe" by Russ Lee.

Not the "It's My Life" style... but in the "One Way, Jesus" style...

Lyrics: Live What I Believe

These are the days
For the children of faith
To stand up and be counted
Now is the time
For the light in us to shine
On whoever's around it

One life can be the proof
Of the hope that is You

I'm gonna live what I believe
I'm gonna walk that line
If it costs me everything
I'm gonna stand for what is right
So that everyone can see
It's Jesus that they need
I'm gonna live what I believe

The world will see God's grace
When we work and we pray
And then love like we mean it
if there's ever been a day
To give ourselves away
Well, I think we're in it

There's a passion deep inside
For my life to testify

Lord, let me be used
As a witness for You
With faith and conviction
You've called me by Your name
And I will not be ashamed

Gonna walk that line
I'm gonna stand for what is right
Hey, it's Jesus that they need

AYD 2010 prep session (12 Sept 2010)

2010-09-13T16:42:00.002+08:00

At the prep session with Brian Butler. He is so inspirational!

Who is Brian Butler?
Brian Butler is the co-author of Theology of the Body for Teens, the first published curriculum which applies the Theology of the Body to the lives of teenagers, specifically addressing questions relating to chastity and sexuality. He served as the associate director for youth catechesis in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, has taught and coordinated campus ministry at the high school level for five years, and has more than twelve years of experience in youth ministry. He is the co-founder and president of Dumb Ox Productions Inc, a nonprofit organization that offers retreats, speakers, programs and resources focusing on chastity and vocation formation for teenagers.

Below are some of the facils/youth min volunteers & cats who will be involved in the upcoming AYD 2010! Some people missing from photo cos they left earlier!...

Padre Pio inspires...

2010-09-09T18:27:00.002+08:00

Read something inspirational from the Padre Pio book again:"We often see the situations we are in, and we pray for God's help. If we dun think it gets answered, we get disillusioned. BUT, we do not see what God has really spared us from by not answering the prayer our way."

Gav

Something simple...

2010-09-01T19:51:00.002+08:00

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD!!

Difficult moments, SEEK GOD!!

Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD!!

Painful moments, TRUST GOD!!

Every moment, THANK GOD!!!

10 Reasons for Hope…

2010-08-16T02:17:00.001+08:00

1. God is truly in control. If God is God, then nothing happens apart from His knowledge and permission.

While it is difficult to imagine why God allows some painful things to happen, His character, revealed in the Bible and through the testing of generations, leads us to the conclusion that He is willing and able to sustain us during the worst of times.

We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead.
(2 Corinthians1:8-9)

2. There is an eternal life to come.
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the Glory He will give us later.
(Romans 8:18)

He will keep you strong right up to the end, and He will keep you free from all blame on the great day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns.
(1 Corinthians 1:8)

3. The story isn’t finished yet.
Time after time, the Bible records hopeless situations that ultimately ended in victory. Think of Job's sickness, Joseph’s betrayal by his brothers, David's adultery and the many who were healed in mind, body and spirit.

But Joseph told them, don't be afraid of me. Am I God, to judge and punish you? As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people. (Genesis 50:19-20)

4. God has not given up on you!
Don't give up on Him.

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

5. There is likely purpose in your pain.
Ask God to reveal His purpose in allowing this difficulty in your life. That's a legitimate question to ask. Often, the answer comes in the process of dealing with your circumstance.

Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
(James 1:2-4)

6. You are loved!
Even the most unlovable person in the world is actually loved so much by God, that He let His Son die a terrible death to restore their relationship. God does love you!

He sees your pain and weeps with you.
He has sent Me to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed... To all who mourn in Israel, He will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the Lord has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for His own glory.
(Isaiah 61:1-3)

You parents, if your children ask you for loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him?
(Matthew 7:9-11)

8. You are not facing this alone.
For God has said, I will never fail you. I will never forsake you. That is why we can say with confidence, The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
(Hebrews 13:5-6)

9. Others have made it through you can too.
Try to connect with others who have gone through similar situations. You will find hope, strength and encouragement.

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
(Ecclesiastes 4:12)

10. Reach out to someone else who is struggling.
Place your focus on someone else and invest your life in them. You may discover that your peace of mind is found in being a source of hope for another. All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.

When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

God bless you!

"Believe in The Lord Jesus, you will be saved, you and your family." (Acts 16:31)

Think of positive things (Philippians 4:4)

2010-06-28T22:13:00.000+08:00

Philippians 2:1-3 If there be therefore any consolation [encouragement] in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil you my joy, that you be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife [hostility] or vainglory [the king of pride]: but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

I read 2 interesting articles today:

Check it out:
http://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Audio.details/ID/507/Spiritual-Mark-of-Beast.htm
http://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Audio.details/ID/191/Self-Government-Responsibility-Part-2.htm

~ Sam
:)

Emmanuel: God is With Us

2010-06-27T01:31:00.005+08:00

When interceding for others, we need to have faith, and believe GOD is with us. HE is trustworthy, he is our best friend. Surely he will hear us... But like a friend, he is not happy with evil. If we have sinned, we sin against God, we need to ask for forgiveness FIRST before we can ask for other favours isn't it? ;)

Anyway, our reading for the night comes from 1 John 4:7 - 1 John 5:5

God's Love and Ours 7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son[b] into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for[c] our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 13We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 16And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19We love because he first loved us. 20If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.1 John 5 - Faith in the Son of God
1Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

AND this is a song we sang tonight and I don't think my guitar did it justice so am posting it here:

Anyway, here's my personal sharing from our intercessory night ---- I felt God telling me to "Be of Good Cheer, rejoice". I had an inkling that I heard it many times in the bible but didn't know where. Then a quick check online got me really interested. IT appears SO Many times in the bible. READ this PDF for an idea. God is so interesting! he's always ...been saying "the joy of the lord is your strength" but I seem to never listen, so he says something new for me this time - "Be of Good Cheer!"

Read the link here & REJOICE too in the midst of adversity:
http://adventuresingod.com/teachings/be_of_good_cheer.pdf

Luv
Sam

What is holiness?

2010-06-22T15:45:00.001+08:00

Haha this is a blank post... because we want to just ask anyone passing by this blogpost - what is holiness? what is your take on holiness?

Cheers!

God is a Consuming Fire....

2010-06-22T09:32:00.000+08:00

Ministry life is not easy. We have ups and downs, closeness & also sometimes a kind of sinful distance from God... And this phenomena also exists between people and people. Our families, friends, work/school mates, we have conflicts and struggles to really love people. The question boils down to the basic fact - Do you love God? If we love God, we will love our neighbour. Do we have passion for Ministry? for the mission of spreading the Good news to those around us? If we do, we would pray hard, for God to empower us because we are such weak people.

This song speaks it all. We need the Spirit of God to fall upon us, that we may walk along God's ways not man's ways. We need God to stir it up in our hearts, "a passion for His Name". Not my name, not your name. We need God even more than ever. We do not realise but in reality we are blind, lame and deaf. We need God's spirit to open our eyes, minds, ears, and to let us walk - to become HIS Instruments of Love, rather than instruments of destruction (death, sin, negative things opposed to LOVE).

Isn't that only right? feel free to disagree in the comments... ;) hehe.

God Bless,
Sam

Tim Hughes - Consuming Fire LYRICS:
There must be more than this,
O breath of God come breathe within,
There must be more than this,
Spirit of God we wait for You.

Fill us anew we pray,
Fill us anew we pray.

(Chorus)
Consuming fire fan into flame,
A passion for Your Name,
Spirit of God fall in this place,
Lord have Your way,
Lord have Your way with us,

Come like a rushing wind,
Clothe us with power from on high,
Now set the captives free,
Leave us abandoned to Your praise.

Lord let Your glory fall,
Lord let Your glory fall.

Stir it up in our hearts Lord,
Stir it up in our hearts Lord,
Stir it up in our hearts Lord,
A passion for Your Name.

You Are Who Your Friends Are

2010-05-13T09:51:00.007+08:00

Donald Miller says who you hang out with matters more than you think.

Last month I visited a prison in Texas. I had the chance to guest-teach a class in a progressive rehabilitation program. I taught, but mostly I listened. As the guys told me their stories, their reasons for being in prison, I noticed a common thread. The real reason they were in prison was not because they had committed crimes, though they had, but rather it was because of the people they hung out with. Almost all problems and success in life boil down to relationships. These guys had gotten themselves into relationships that led to trouble. Either they had joined gangs or hung out with drug addicts or met girls who took them down a bad path.

READ full article HERE at Relevant.com

WELL, what to say..... if Jesus is YOUR Friend, and if you hang out with Him sufficiently each day, then you "should" become more like Him! Once again we would like to highlight this article: http://www.fathershands.com/jim/

A simple prayer for your friend, Jesus:

"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD,
HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHER'S FRIENDSHIP
AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.
I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I
THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME CHECKING IN TODAY."

How to find a child-like joy—freedom—when talking with God?

“Today’s sunshine was pretty. Thanks, God. Bye!”

That was the ending of a prayer I once heard made by a 5-year-old girl. I’ve come to believe it to be the most selfless, beautiful, profound prayer I’ve ever heard.

Read this article for more: "A NEW WAY TO PRAY"

God bless,

"Once Saved, Always Saved?"

2010-05-12T17:13:00.001+08:00

How can we be assured of our own salvation if St. Paul wasn't (1 Corinthians 9:27)? Catholics believe: Salvation is not a "one time" event, but an ongoing process until "the end" (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13).

READ MORE:
http://www.catscans.com/catholicsite/saved.htm

What the Catechism of the Catholic Church says on "Once Saved, Always Saved:"

161. "Believing in Jesus Christ and in the One who sent him for our salvation is necessary for obtaining that salvation. [Cf. Mk 16:16 ; Jn 3:36 ; Jn 6:40 ; et al.] 'Since 'without faith it is impossible to please (God)' and to attain to the fellowship of his sons, therefore without faith no one has ever attained justification, nor will anyone obtain eternal life 'But he who endures to the end.'']"

162. "Faith is an entirely free gift that God makes to man. We can lose this priceless gift, as St. Paul indicated to St. Timothy: 'Wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting conscience, certain persons have made shipwreck of their faith.' [1 Tim 1:18-19 .] To live, grow and persevere in the faith until the end we must nourish it with the word of God; we must beg the Lord to increase our faith; [Cf. Mk 9:24 ; Lk 17:5 ; Lk 22:32.] it must be 'working through charity,' abounding in hope, and rooted in the faith of the Church. [Gal 5:6 ; Rom 15:13 ; cf. Jam 2:14-26.]"

READ MORE here!: http://www.catscans.com/catholicsite/saved.htm

PENTECOST & Checking in with Jesus Daily!

2010-05-11T11:26:00.000+08:00

For those who missed out last Sat, here's a summary (make sure to read, or at least scroll, to the end for this week's "Homework"):

Watch these 2 clips first:

1. Reading of Pentecost account
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOm1DMZJITs

2. Short teaching by Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa abt Pentecost
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFZ1N9gbSHY

The first video evokes the feel of dramatic events which took place at Pentecost. This is how we usually view Pentecost... tongues of fire, people speaking in tongues, mega rally and the radical conversion of 3000.. all the big stuff, the drama stuff.

In the second video, Father brought everyone to the core event of Pentecost. Look deeper behind the 'wow' events, and we see that Pentecost is really about being 'filled with the love of God' in an intimate way.
The apostles were with Jesus every day for 3 years, seeing His miracles firsthand, having private sessions with Him away from the public, sharing meals with Him.

But only after Pentecost, after experiencing His love intimately (through the infilling of the Spirit), did they find the courage to live their mission.

They were transformed by the love of God, much like many of us when we experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, through YISS or other retreats.

Now, we've learned what is the Pentecost experience about, let's look back again... What happened before Pentecost? How did the disciples prepare for this great event?

1. They waited
- Acts 1:4 "... Wait for the gift my Father promised..."
- Most people don't like to wait, esp in today's world where we seem to be rushing from one thing to the next.
- We tend to want to do things our way, instead of consulting God, "waiting" upon God to show us the right way.
- Sunday's first reading is a great example, Acts 15:28 says "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us..." --> illustrates beautifully the partnership between man and God, which is still very much vital in today's context as well.

2. They prayed
- "They joined together constantly in prayer" - Read Acts 1:12-14
- Most of us experienced Pentecost in a dramatic way, through the praying over, resting in the Spirit, manifestations of joy, repentance, etc.
- The First Pentecost happened through prayer
- The "New Pentecost" in Duquesne University, 1967 (which is generally regarded as the birth of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal) also happened in prayer, while some young men & women were in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

We too can experience Pentecost, the infilling of God's love thru His Holy Spirit, in our times of prayer. Go before the Blessed Sacrament in humble adoration, for it is literally the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Why do I say it is the heart of Jesus?

Read here about the Eucharistic Miracle at Lanciano, Italy

http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/lanciano.html

http://www.miraclerosarymission.org/lanciano.html

http://www.zenit.org/article-12933?l=english

It's truly a wonder.. Jesus loves us so much that when He ascended into Heaven, He left His heart behind on earth. Every time we celebrate mass or go for adoration, we behold the very heart of our Saviour, our Lord and our God.

Just bring urself before Him and spend some time with Him..
You don't really have to do anything in there except to "Son-bathe", but here's a few tips to help u be still:
http://www.saintpetercatholic.com/QA_Holy_Hour_Activities.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finally, DO Join us with some Homework!! ;)

1. "Check in" with Jesus everyday. Read here 2 see what we mean:
http://www.fathershands.com/jim/

2. Visit Jesus in the adoration room at least once this week. Spend at least 30 minutes with Him, but if u can, go for the full Holy Hour.

If you don't do this "homework", God will NOT strike you down with lightning. But if you do, wouldn't it be great knowing that you made Jesus happy by being in His company? Plus, you'll get a nice "Son tan" =)

Have a great week, everyone!

Smile, Jesus Loves You!

A LOVE STORY

2010-05-06T12:13:00.004+08:00

A good poem recommended from Michael!
http://www.knowjesus.com/Encourage_love.shtml

A LOVE STORY

One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise.

Ah, the beauty of God's creation is beyond description.

As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work.

As I sat there, I felt the Lord's presence with me. He asked me, "Do you love me?"

I answered, "Of course, God! You are my Lord and Savior!"

Then He asked, "If you were physically handicapped, would you still love Me?"

I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs, and the rest of my body

and wondered how many things I wouldn't be able to do, the things that I took for granted.

And I answered, "It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You."

Then the Lord said, "If you were blind, would you still love my creation?"

How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the

blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation.

So I answered, "It's hard to think of it, but I would still love You."

The Lord then asked me, "If you were deaf, would you still listen to My Word?"

How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to

God's Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts.

I answered, "It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your Word."

The Lord then asked, "If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?"

How could I praise without a voice? Then it occured to me: God wants us to

sing from our very heart and soul. It never matters what we sound like. And

praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give

God praise with our words of thanks.

So I answered, "Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name."

And the Lord asked, "Do you really love Me?"

With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, "Yes Lord! I love You

because You are the one and true God!" I thought I had answered well, but . . .

God asked, "Then why do you sin?"

I answered, "Because I am only human. I am not perfect."

"Then why in times of peace do you stray the furthest? Why only in times of

trouble do you pray the earnest?"

No answers. Only tears.

The Lord continued: "Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me

only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so

unfaithfully?"

The tears continued to roll down my cheeks.

"Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the Good News?

Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry

on? Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?"

I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give.

"You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have

blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have

revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to

you, but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes

were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idlely by as they were

pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all."

"DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME?"

I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no

excuse. What could I say to this?

When my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, "Please forgive

me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child."

The Lord answered, "That is My Grace, My child."

I asked, "Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do you love me so?"

The Lord answered, "Because you are My creation. You are My child. I will

ever abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you.

When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will

encourage you. When you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry

you. I will be with you till the end of days, and I will love you forever."

Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I

have hurt God as I had done?

I asked God, "How much do You love me?"

The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed
down at the feet of Christ, my Savior. And for the first time, I truly prayed.

-- author unknown

Asking & Receiving? A look at John 15:7-8!

2010-05-06T12:11:00.007+08:00

This was an interesting incident recently with John 15:7-8.. the verse goes like this:

7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

BUT if you read it "wrongly" without separating the verses 7 and 8 and looking at the punctuation, you could get:

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory....

So it means, ask and it will be given and it will be glorifying to God? Ask "anything"? and God will give it to be glorified? hmm... a bit weird rite?...

So then, read it again, and you'll probably realise that the punctuation makes a whole lot of difference!

7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.

8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Now this means that it is To our Father's glory >> THAT WE BEAR MUCH FRUIT when showing ourselves to be His disciples.

That is a whole lot of difference right?

And if you go further to the beginning of the verse you'll probably understand it better. OUR GOD is glorified by us "remaining in Him" and "His words remaining in us".

Because if that is so, it means God is FIRST in our lives, and it means that we will have such a close relationship with Him that whatever we ask, he will give to us!

Think about it, if we miss out the first part "If you remain in me and my words remain in you", then no amount of asking can help, cos maybe the things we are asking for are not something GOD can grant.
We must desire to Glorify GOD First and foremost, not ourselves. Then we can bear Godly fruit...

God can't be answering prayers which at the end won't result in Godly Fruit, or where at the end, He wont' be glorified. Sounds like a materialistic God? not quite... our God is also a God of logic, justice, virtues of honesty, integrity.. surely he can't stand unGodly things right?

Just something to think about!

Seven heavenly virtues!

2010-05-05T22:15:00.003+08:00

Something interesting... what's the 7 heavenly virtues in Japanese? I'm sure some of us who know chinese traditional characters will recognise some:

Faith (Shinnen)

Hope (Kibou)

Charity (Jizen)

Fortitude (Kennin)

Justice (Seigi)

Temperance (Sessei)

Prudence (Shinchou)

But did you know... in Catholic catechism, the seven virtues refers to one of two lists of virtues, most commonly referring to the 4 Cardinal virtues of Prudence, Justice, Restraint or Temperance, and Courage or Fortitude, and the 3 Theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love or Charity; these were adopted by the Church Fathers.

An alternative list is the Seven heavenly virtues, opposed to the Seven deadly sins, and consisting of Chastity, Temperance, Charity, Diligence, Patience, Kindness, and Humility.

Read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_virtues

THE POPE, THE MEDIA, AND THE SEXUAL ABUSE SCANDALS

2010-05-03T11:37:00.001+08:00

Pope Benedict XVI has come under intense scrutiny over the last few weeks, regarding the sexual abuse scandals. This page seeks to set out the facts, in an attempt to rectify and combat some of the biased and incorrect media coverage that has surrounded this issue. Sexual abuse of children is a horrific crime. No coverage of this issue would be complete without a frank acknowledgement of the errors that have been made in the handling of child sexual abuse cases in the past. Pope Benedict XVI has apologised on behalf of the entire Catholic Church, and met with victims in several countries. At the same time, it is important to recognise the extraordinary efforts that the Church now goes to assist victims of sexual abuse in their healing, to remove offenders from positions of responsibility, and to safeguard children in our institutions and parishes.

More at: http://www.xt3.com/smallprint/media.php

Psalm 23 @ for the Work Place!

2010-04-28T11:38:00.001+08:00

Enjoy this Guitar rendition of --- "Be Thou My Vision"

Lyrics:

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

2. Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

3. Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower.
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

4. Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

5. High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns Son!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.

Meet 'The Stupid Servant'

2010-04-15T16:43:00.000+08:00

This is indeed a very heart-rending testimony from a married priest! "What? a married priest in the Catholic Church?"...you must be asking yourself.

Well read his testimony and be inspired by his (and his wife's) moments at experiencing the love of God. It is also a story of conversion from scepticism about the Catholic faith, the role of our Blessed Mother, and how in the end, faith and patience prevailed resulting in the most joyous experience by the real-life characters in the testimony.

Click here and be spiritually inspired and motivated:
http://thedivinemercy.org/news/story.php?NID=3796

A wonderful explanation of death!

2010-03-14T08:40:00.000+08:00

Last month we were focusing on being "ALIVE" at the OLPS Youth gathering on 27 FEB. But interestingly, this post is an interesting take on Death.... a topic that comes up during the time of lent when we focus on dying to "ourselves" and becoming alive in Christ!

I believe Christ must have endured a harsh death, but was so ever eager to return to our FATHER in heaven. What about you? Do you wish to return to your Master? Is your Master truly Jesus? or is something else our masters? DO we have many masters? (e.g. our worldly desires, greed, lust, fame, pride, unforgiveness, etc)... Drop all of that and focus on JESUS!!!

~DEATH~
A view to the future....for those who are afraid of death, the final experience on Earth.

WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO EXPLAIN IT .

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to Leave the examination room and said, Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.'

Very quietly, the doctor said, 'I don't know.'

'You don't know? You're, a Christian man, and don't know what's on the other side?'

The doctor was holding the handle of the door; On the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, And as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room And leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, 'Did you notice my dog?

He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, And when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.

I know little of what is on the other side of death, But I do know one thing...

I know my Master is there and that is good enough.'

May today there be peace within you.
May you trust God that you are exactly
Where you are meant to be.
I believe that friends are quiet angels
Who lift us to our feet when our wings
Have trouble remembering how to fly.

OLPS Youth Gathering: ALIVE!

2010-02-28T09:46:00.005+08:00

Hi all, Yesterday some of us attended ALIVE! It was thought provoking, especially the video that David shared with everyone, called "Shaking Tokyo". It made us reflect about our lives and whether we are really alive?

Read more at http://olpsyouth.blogspot.com/2010/02/alive.html

A Different Approach to Fasting During Lent

2010-02-25T10:37:00.003+08:00

Article by Elsie Yeo

Fasts have a tendency to be oriented towards things like giving up food or television. However, there are other creative ways we can welcome Jesus' healing touch during Lent.

Here are some suggestions you may want to consider:

1. Fast from Anger and Hatred
Give your loved ones an extra dose of love each day.

2. Fast from Judging Others
Before making any judgments, recall how Jesus overlooks your 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 eyers and recall some of the little moments of joy Jesus has given you.

5. Fast from Resentment and Bitterness
Work on forgiving those who may have hurt you.

6. Fast from Spending Too Much Money
Try to reduce spending by 10% and give those savings to the needy.

GOD BLESS!

JAN Birthday Messages for Eugene & Alexandrea!

2010-01-26T09:06:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

This is a belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Eugene!!! Let's thank God for Eugene who has been faithfully in YAM since the early years. He's been such as loyal member, friend, servant, helper, believer, worship leader, teacher, counsellor, encourager, and YAMer!!!

And..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY also to Alex!!! ;) YOU ARE one of our inspiring young members,... we really love you and hope you will continue to grow in Faith and be hungry for God and for a deeper experience with GOD OUR FATHER who is also LORD of our lives and our Best FRIEND! ;)

God Bless,
YAM

Thank you Message from Mark of SFX Church!

2010-01-26T08:59:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

Mark from the SFX retreat sends us his thanks for helping out at his retreat last 23rd Jan! He says:

Morning YAM, just wanna really really thank you'll so so much for serving at my community's retreat... a lot of them were realy touched by the love of God, especially those that were prayed over... Thanks for really sacrificing your time to be that Jesus to each one of us... Praise God... I pray that God will move in YAM and continue to build this community of such great love...

THANKS Mark for that sweet message!~

It is our pleasure to be instruments of God and like St. Francis says, Lord make me an instrument of your Love... :)

To Achieve Your Dreams Remember Your ABCs

2010-01-23T10:51:00.002+08:00

Thought For The Day
To Achieve Your Dreams Remember Your ABCs
Copyright 1991 By Wanda Hope Carter

Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits
Believe in yourself
Consider things from every angle
Don't give up and don't give in
Enjoy life today, yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come.
Family and Friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches
Give more than you planned to
Hang on to your dreams
Ignore those who try to discourage you
Just do it
Keep trying no matter how hard it seems, it will get easier
Love yourself first and foremost
Make it happen
Never lie, cheat or steal, always strike a fair deal.
Open your eyes and see things as they really are
Practice makes perfect
Quitters never win and winners never quit
Read study and learn about everything important in life
Stop procrastinating
Take control of your own destiny
Understand yourself in order to understand others
Visualize it
Want it more than anything
Xccelerate your efforts
You are unique of all God's creations nothing can replace you
Zero in on your target and go for it!

Well, as christians, we do have something beyond the A-Z of life. Our lives can start and end with GOD, for He is the Alpha (beginning) and the Omega (end). So Add GOD into the factor!

Then the LORD your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your land. The LORD will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your fathers, if you obey the LORD your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Deuteronomy 30:9-10

Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.
-- Psalm 37:3-6

TRUST, really trust God because God's dreams are far bigger than we could ever imagine ourselves.

YAM's First Session of 2010! 16 JAN 2010

2010-01-17T09:41:00.000+08:00

This is our first session of the year after our retreat over 9-10 Jan 2010! Haha, ok technically, the retreat is the first session. Anyway, here's some pics:

SMILE! ;)

Next week, we'll be helping out at the SFX Youth Vineyard Ministry Retreat.... remember to pray and prepare ourselves this week for the mission ahead!

Athair Ar Neamh - "Our Father in Heaven"

2010-01-14T23:24:00.003+08:00

Was listening to some songs on youtube tonight and came across this song by Enya, and interestingly, found out later that this song has a very meaningful translation which goes as this. Haha... praise God that I was actually meditating to a song of worship... not some weird lyrics. haahaha..

Athair Ar Neamh - aka, "Heavenly Father"
------------------------------------------------
Athair ar Neamh, Dia linn Heavenly Father, God is with us
Athair ar Neamh, Dia liom Heavenly Father, God is with me
m'anam, mo chroí, mo ghlóir, my soul, my heart, my glory,
moladh duit, a Dhia. a praise to you, God.

Fada an lá, go sámh, A long and peaceful day
Fada an oích', gan ghruaim, A long night without gloom
aoibhneas, áthas, grá beauty, joy, love,
moladh duit, a Dhia. a praise to you, God.

Móraim thú ó lá go lá. I glorify you day by day.
Móraim thú ó oích' go hóich'. I glorify you night after night.

Athair ar Neamh, Dia linn Heavenly Father, God is with us
Athair ar Neamh, Dia liom Heavenly Father, God is with me
an ghealach, an ghrian, an ghaoth, the moon, the sun, the wind,
moladh duit, a Dhia. a praise to you, God.

Listen:

Athair ar Neamh is gaelic for “Our Father in Heaven” or Heavenly Father. It takes it’s cue from the first line of the Lord’s Prayer in gaelic “Ar n’Athair ata ar Neamh” - Our Father who art in Heaven and the songs lyrics are a setting of key passages from The Lord’s Prayer in Gaelic and English set to Enya’s typical musical treatement which is itself highly influenced by Gregorian Chant.

Enya’s (Eithne Ni Bhranoin) family are the Brennan family from the Gweedore Gaelteacht (Irish speaking area) of Co. Donegal in north-west Ireland and her other siblings are the members of the Irish Folk Group, Clannad. It is an area which clung to its culture and religion during English rule and where because of the anti-catholic Penal laws religious observance was often in family groups or in each other’s houses.

This song reflects that devotional tradition of rural Ireland. The gaelic word for Heaven “Neamh” also appears in other languages as in “Ben Nevis” - the heavenly mountain or “Sierra Nevada” in Spain or the state of “Nevada” in the USA.

Quote on Adversity

2010-01-12T16:35:00.000+08:00

A Quote from Os Hillman's daily devotionals:

When we go through a trial of adversity, we need to understand that God is performing radical surgery on our life. The purpose of this surgery is not to destroy us, but to give us a new heart. God is making a fundamental change in who we are and who we will be.

My favourite Book: Ecclesiastes.

2009-12-16T15:59:00.001+08:00

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

2009-12-16T12:58:00.001+08:00

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

2009-12-12T01:52:00.000+08:00

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?

2009-12-04T22:03:00.001+08:00

(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

2009-12-03T00:16:00.004+08:00

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

2009-12-02T13:37:00.001+08:00

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

2009-11-30T22:54:00.000+08:00

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

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

2009-11-08T07:39:00.003+08:00

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!

2009-11-08T02:44:00.001+08:00

"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

2009-11-03T00:32:00.000+08:00

Thought this was meaningful yet again!

------------------------------

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)

2009-10-24T10:20:00.004+08:00

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

2009-10-19T14:10:00.001+08:00

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!

2009-10-05T14:43:00.001+08:00

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!

2009-09-30T15:45:00.000+08:00

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

2009-09-24T18:34:00.003+08:00

Taken from Os Hillman's Daily Devotionals:

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!

2009-09-19T08:42:00.001+08:00

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”

2009-09-19T01:31:00.001+08:00

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!

2009-09-04T10:23:00.002+08:00

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

2009-08-14T23:23:00.001+08:00

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

2009-08-10T21:40:00.004+08:00

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

2009-08-10T21:20:00.001+08:00

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...

2009-08-04T17:11:00.001+08:00

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

2009-08-03T18:42:00.001+08:00

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

2009-07-29T15:31:00.003+08:00

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

2009-07-28T16:01:00.000+08:00

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

2009-07-20T11:36:00.003+08:00

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!

2009-07-19T14:47:00.004+08:00

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

2009-07-13T21:04:00.000+08:00

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!

2009-07-05T04:09:00.000+08:00

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'

2009-07-02T13:55:00.000+08:00

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!

2009-07-01T16:29:00.011+08:00

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)

2009-06-28T09:05:00.009+08:00

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

2009-06-21T02:27:00.013+08:00

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!

2009-06-01T22:28:00.002+08:00

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!

2009-05-27T17:26:00.000+08:00

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

2009-05-19T15:41:00.000+08:00

"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...

2009-05-07T16:45:00.004+08:00

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

2009-05-05T09:19:00.004+08:00

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

2009-04-30T16:49:00.000+08:00

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!

2009-04-23T10:54:00.004+08:00

"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!

2009-04-20T10:16:00.005+08:00

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

2009-04-14T01:33:00.002+08:00

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

2009-03-25T09:14:00.005+08:00

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

Con 4 Day of Recollection

2009-03-22T23:21:00.002+08:00

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.

2009-03-15T12:14:00.001+08:00

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

2009-03-03T07:00:00.002+08:00

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!

The Christian Walk

2009-02-26T08:40:00.002+08:00

I read these excerpts from a christian magazine called 'ignite'. It certainly makes sense. Here's some excerpts:

Our daily walk with the Lord is much more important kind of walk than walking or running for exercise. It is not enough to start the Christian race well; finishing well is crucial. Because walking with God is a daily walk, it is easy to grow weary and lose heart at various places in the race.

Some lose heart when it seems like their efforts are not bearing fruit.. Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to lose heart, "And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary" (NASB).

In your Christian walk and ministry, it is not so much how you begin, but how you finish that matters. Perhaps you are starting your Christian walk. Or you may have started your Christian walk years ago. But there is still a long way to go to the finish. (Rev. Dr Rick Langston)

So what's it like for you? Running or Lagging?

I think we catholics have much to do. We need to grow spiritually, for one. I just see a typical syndrome happening. People go to catechism, acquire head knowledge. For the many, parents might not be their spiritual role models. Then they get confirmed, and they continue going for Sunday mass. But as it is, sunday is the only time they hear about God. During the week, all is forgotten or put to a side.

Where's our faith visible in the real world today?

We need to grow deeper in our faith, our Catholic lives, our beliefs, our determination, our evangelism, our love for others, etc!

"The Lost Generation" cool video

2009-02-26T00:11:00.001+08:00

Leo posted this to our email and i'm posting it up here coz it's cool!

"The Lost Generation"
2 mins only

Have you seen it yet?

No Hands or Legs...

2009-02-18T13:32:00.001+08:00

Yet so inspiring...

Hope 107 FM

2009-02-08T19:31:00.001+08:00

Praise the Lord for a wonderful Youth Commissioning Mass today. Will put up photos and video of Bro. Jovita's sharing soon! Keep Watch!

Meanwhile, I just discovered this radio channel recently. Hope 107 FM. Go listen. When it's not in Indonesian, it is broadcasting christian music and sometimes it there are also some sermons broadcasted.

Though we catholics are pretty careful when it comes to things that are so called 'protestant' in origin, that is not the point here. The point is, there is christianity found on our secular radio channels.

It might be a nice break once in a while from your usual 98.7 or 98.0 FM..

http://www.hope107.com/

And just another quote for today:
A. W. Tozer once wrote, "It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply." God has a mission for your life and mine. But before we can carry out that mission, we will often go through the boot camp of adversity. If this is where you find yourself today, ask God to give you His grace to walk through this time with you. He promised He would never leave or forsake us.

Sury's New Appointment at SACCRE Youth

2009-01-19T15:35:00.003+08:00

Dear YAM & friends,

We would like to update you all of the latest news!

YAM took part in SACCRE Elections yesterday at IHM Parish Hall, as 2 of our members, Eugene Wee and our current coordinator Suryadi, were nominated for the position of Youth Councillor for Parish based groups. The parish based groups are -- YAM (OLPS), Emmaus (St. Mary of the Angels), Encounter Youth Ministry (Risen Christ), Ignite (Holy Trinity) and Zion's Joy (IHM)); while non-parish based groups (currently comprising Living Stones Campus Outreach, Amplify Ministry, Jesus Youth and NTU Charismatic Prayer Group).This was a one-man post previously, filled by Iwan, but it has been expanded to two for the 2009-2010 term, with a new position for a second youth councillor to represent parish-based groups in SACCRE Youth.

After a time of prayer, the youth ministry leaders present yesterday elected Gerald Tham from Living Stones as the Youth Councillor for Non-Parish based groups and Sury as Youth Councillor for Parish based groups. So moving ahead, they will sit in the new SACCRE Council meetings, chaired by Peter Hung (St. Ignatius) with Jessica Francisco (Risen Christ) as Vice-Chairperson.

We ask all of you for your prayers and continued support for YAM and for Sury, as he takes on this new appointment. Rest assured, he will remain committed as coordinator of YAM and continue to contribute to the youth ministry in OLPS.

All Praises To The King

2009-01-16T02:12:00.001+08:00

Dear all,

This is my song dedication to you all this week.

You know, i was reading my old blog posts, and realised i had blogged about this in my blog in DEC 2004! Woah! ANyway,.. it's really fun reading one's old blog posts (for those of you who blog!), it's like going back and remembering exactly how you felt then... and seeing how far you've come. It's like a spiritual journal!

So.. this song... is for all of you, who are "tired"... as well as those who are "starting".. as the last part goes, "a perfect place, for a new beginning."

Hear Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIOh1WJKZmM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All Praises To The King
by Hillsong (Faithful)

What a joy I feel to think about forever
I'm a child of God
with blessings from Heaven
By your side, days always brighter
The Holy one
My Master
My Father

I will dwell in your courts
I will sing for you
you're my deepest love
Jesus
I love you

It's a love song I sing
It's an anthem from my heart
All praises to the King
From the depths of my soul
I adore you my saviour
All praises to the King

I am not alone
Jesus
You're near me
Washed me clean with hands full of mercy
You're a resting place for all who are weary
A perfect place
and a new beginning

Knowing and Doing God's Will

2009-01-13T10:32:00.001+08:00

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
01-11-2009

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight (Prov. 3:5-6).

George Mueller was a pastor in England during the nineteenth century who knew what it meant to live a life that was focused on knowing and doing the will of God. God led him in a walk of faith that has become an incredible testimony to all who hear his story.

Whenever he lacked for something, he prayed for the resources. During his ministry in Bristol, England, George built four orphan houses that cared for 2,000 children at the time. When he died at the age of 93, over 10,000 children had been provided for through his orphanages, and he had distributed over eight million dollars that had been given to him in answer to prayer.

How did he know and do the will of God?

"I never remember a period that I ever sincerely and patiently sought to know the will of God by the teaching of the Holy Ghost, through the instrumentality of the Word of God, but I have been always directed rightly." Here is how George summed up the way he entered into a "heart" relationship with God and learned to discern God's voice:

1) "I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter.

2) Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If so, I make myself liable to great delusions.

3) I seek the will of the Spirit of God through, or in connection with, the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be combined.

4) Next, I take into account providential circumstances. These often plainly indicate God's will in connection with His Word and Spirit.

5) I ask God in prayer to reveal His will to me aright.

Thus, (1) through prayer to God, (2) the study of the Word, and (3) reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and knowledge, and if my mind is thus at peace, and continues so after two or three more petitions, I proceed accordingly."*

Consider these five steps when discerning God's voice in your life.

YAM Day of Recollection

2009-01-02T16:43:00.002+08:00

It seems that time flew by so fast since our last post. Christmas came, went, and there was the OLPS Youth Christmas Party, UberVoonderKool. Then New Year and today, we are awaiting YAM's Day of Recollection this Sunday. Keep the leaders in prayer where we meet and discern what we will focus on for this year ahead!

Cheers!

Let's Sing...

2008-12-23T09:06:00.004+08:00

hi all,

RS 2008 has just ended! Shall we say a thank you prayer to God?

"Thank you Lord for the Revival Seminar 2008 that has just passed, for the hearts touched, for your love that poured down upon us that weekend. Lord we celebrate your birth this Christmas, and we give our lives for your purpose. Use us and mould us. We love you Lord!"

And so let's sing...

Show Us the Ancient Paths

2008-12-18T23:56:00.002+08:00

THis is a song that never fails to inspire me, draw me back to the "path" and to hope for the future once more. It's a majestic song,.. poignant tune,... and simply breath-taking. Today, i hear this song again, and am amazed that I was able to find lyrics and a youtube video online. Previously, could not find anything much.

I was hearing this song and just closing my eyes trying to picture the scenario. ANd i just thought of a very "lonely" eternal highway. It's quite empty. But it is going on forever. Of course, it leads to Jesus. or Jesus is the one walking on it. But people are not... they are in their own businesses, occupying themselves in their worlds. The highway is empty...

Show us the Ancient Paths

Intro: C-C9-F C-C9-F

C F G C
Lord we confess that we have wandered
F G Am F-G
Far from Your purpose and plan
C F G
And willingly walked in the wrong
C
Direction
F G Am
We’ve disobeyed your commands
F G
Father forgive us
Em Am
Spirit come lead us
Dm C
Back to the way, back to the truth
F E
Back to the foot of the cross

Chorus:
Am Em
Show us the Ancient paths
F G Em E
Lead us along eternal highways
Am G F C
We want to walk in the ways of Jesus
Dm F E
We want to enter Your rest
Am Em
Show us the ancient paths
F G Em E
Lead us along eternal highways
Am G F C
We want to follow the footsteps of Jesus
Dm G C (Intro)
We want to enter your rest

Lord it’s Your mercy and good intention
That constantly calls us to You
Your infinite patience and kind correction
Your covenant love coming through
You promised joy, you give us grace
And courage to carry the cross

We want to leave a clear set of footprints
For those who would follow behind
Signposts in our lives that point to Jesus
A pathway they’ll easily find
We want to fill up the suff’rings of Jesus
As we obey, our lives display
The glorious way of the cross

You are our hope and our salvation

Another song (really oldie) that i love is "Send Your Fire". ho ho ho... this is the super oldies of P&W music. hahaah. Something like music of the 50s ... even before the 60s. The "60s" would be something like Hillsong's 'touching heaven changing earth'... ho ho ho ...

Then again, this is only in "sam's" timeline. It works differently for everyone i think! ;)

Seek Ye First

2008-12-14T04:14:00.001+08:00

Tonite, I asked the Lord... what is my life to you?

God said...in my heart... don't you want to live in heaven with Me forever?

Hear this song:

Mar & Jac off for Philippines Mission Trip!

2008-12-04T11:37:00.001+08:00

Marlene & Jacqueline are going off today to Philippines - Payatas, to Paaralang Pantao (a humane school) for a mission trip over the weekend. They will be staying in the school, helping kids with handicrafts, christmas carols and stuff. These kids are very poor and survive with makeshift materials from wherever they can find from the dumpsite. So keep them in prayer and that Marlene and Jac will bring back many great testimonies and photos for us!

Read other accounts of mission trips to Payatas

INTERESTING...

2008-12-03T13:53:00.003+08:00

An excerpt from a post on SgForums by "adetet" on 5 July 08

" ...I am not a Catholic. I actually had a negative impression of Catholics. The first Church I ever attended was the Novena Church and I liked the priests homily. Its down to earth. Protestant Churches are more warm in the way they greet you, the music and prayers, services etc. are meant to bring you to an emotional high. But if you listen to the Eucharistic prayer in the Catholic Church ? man, nothing beats that; . it is so moving and powerful. And if anyone has ever listend to a Euchasristic prayer during Mass, they would know that protestants talk rot when they keep claiming that catholics do not know God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. and Catholics worship Mary as Goddess. This stubborness to accept what is before their very eyes turned me off Protestant Churches and Protestant pastors who would condemn the Catholic Church from their holy altar. I have never heard a Catholic Priest use the altar to condemn Protestants! Which is why when I want to go to Church, it is only a Catholic Church I will go to and my
very favourite is the Novena Church."

http://sgforums.com/forums/1683/topics/287607?page=11

Hungering for God

2008-11-28T17:38:00.000+08:00

An article from TGIF Today God Is First, by Os Hillman

God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Psalms 53:2 - Acts 21:11-12

"I really don't understand why I should come to this. How can I really benefit?" was his response. At that moment, I realized that I was wasting my time with this man on whom I had invested much throughout his Christian walk. He was often like a roller coaster-up one minute, down the next.

"You simply aren't hungry enough," I commented to my friend.

Whenever someone must always rationalize and examine whether the things of God are beneficial to them, you know that they are not hungry enough for God.

I recall one time when I was in a difficult place. I received an audiotape from a man who gave me some insights into my problem. I was hungry enough to book a flight to a city 500 miles away just to meet him and find out more. My finances were at a very low point, so it took some real faith to do this. That meeting turned out to be a divine appointment and became a turning point in my life.

God is looking for men and women who hunger to know Him. When we believe that we know all we need to know, we are in a dangerous place. God has placed men and women in the Body of Christ who have had different experiences and gifts that can be helpful in our own spiritual pilgrimages. It requires humility of heart to realize that we can learn from others. We can easily rationalize our business pressures and time commitments to discount such opportunities.

Revival Seminar 2008!

2008-11-16T12:25:00.010+08:00

Presenting..... Revival Seminar 2008! in 3 weeks' time... on 19 - 21 December.

Finally, after 3 years we are organising Revival Seminar again! So spread the word. Come and join us for this retreat that will help us to literally experience spiritual revival and a renewed love for God once again. View www.youthariseministry.com/RS2008 for more details!

In the meantime, if you want to contact someone, you could email us at rs2008@youthariseministry.com! or RSVP on Facebook HERE>

This was the old flyer (initial):

And this is the new flyer, designed by Gavin! Cool eh!

Tears of Joy

2008-11-07T17:05:00.001+08:00

Here's a lil sharing from me!

For me, I tear when I am both happy and sad. When I laugh too much, I end up crying. The same goes when my heart is "moved" say, during a prayer or song... i feel like crying. It's an ironical reaction and makes me wonder if I've got my emotions all wrong! However, the truth is that I really haven't cried in a long while. So what does that mean? Perhaps... in my case, it's something like for a long while, I haven't had that "moving" experience? so you could say, i've been feeling...kinda numb. You could also say, I'm just being "normal", having no particular high or low feeling.

Well, I could also be the type that buries everything inside and have a big downpour once in a long long while. Coz you can't go crying every week right? Whatever the case, tears are refreshing. When you cry, you become vulnerable, but you are also "washed"... letting go of all the stress, burden, fear,... and just letting it out.

So, finally, today... I "tear-ed". Why? because I received an email tonight, from my host family in Melbourne during World Youth Day in July this year.

And so for the first time, it hit me... that it is God who brought me to Melbourne-Sydney, though at that time, I did not FEEL anything. Throughout the whole pilgrimage, I was pretty much a "sight-seeing" tourist.. haha.. So if there's anything I brought back, it was the love I received from this wonderful family of Kevin & Trish McGlade, my hosts during our stay at Melbourne (before we went over to Sydney).

Through Trish (the mother of 3), I saw the importance and strength of a praying mother. She is a strong catholic in her family, and I believe, is the one who constantly pushes and guides her sons to try to serve or do more stuff at church. They are still finding it tough though! And Kevin McGlade, is a gentle father who is humurous as well as knowledgeable. He always speaks in a calm manner, and has lovely kind and smiling eyes.

Some of Trish's words in her email to me:

"Hello Sam, I've just been going through olps website. It was really wonderful to see you there among the orchestra. It's great that, as a group, you are offering your love of music back to God as a thank you for His gift."

"I have been thinking of you quite often and wondering how your new job is going...."

Of course, Trish wrote much more. But just this email and the effort of keeping in touch even after WYD, made me realise, that I was there simply to experience this little love - coz it's only when we received something, that we learnt how to reciprocate and give back.

Thinking back, I remember the last night after the farewell dinner in the McGlade's house, we presented our hosts - the McGlades - with souvenirs from Singapore... and before we knew it, Trish was tear-ing because she was so touched! Then all of us (4 girls!) cannot tahan already and all began to cry too... of course, Kevin was trying to maintain his composure!

Anyways, through that 5 days staying in the McGlade's house, it was a wonderful time of Grace and Love. I now remember it fondly and am glad I can claim to now have a friend and lovely motherly mentor & family, all the way in Melbourne.

God's purposes reach far beyond what we can even fathom. He has a purpose for each and everyone of us.

Let's thank God for the people whom we have met, and the people whom we will meet and touch tomorrow.

May God Bless You!

Luv
Sam

Birthday Greeting to our 2 Lovely Ladies...

2008-11-06T23:48:00.006+08:00

Dearest Elaine & Natalie!

THis is an early greeting for both of you! Wishing u both a Happy Birthday! Btw... Nat's is on 8th, and Elaine's is on 11th! ;)

Both of you have been great sisters in christ to us at YAM... and we thank you for your inspiration, involvement and support to us in YAM so far!

So... How many years have we known you? It's been so long!

May God continue to bless and guide you and lead you into new paths and new truths! May He continue to teach and empower you. Continue to seek Him and do His work... you are a great servant of the Lord.

Thank you and we love you! BE Loved!

And not to forget, we also wish SHAUN a belated Birthday! His B-day was on 4th November! Shaun is an amazing keyboardist who joined us for a while some time ago. Very glad that he is still keeping in touch with us!

Shaun, I pray that God will continue to guide you as well, towards fulfilling the potential you have inside, and that you may continue to seek Him, and worship the Lord with everything you've got! Stay cool dude and continue to love god, the church, and us at YAM ahahah!

God Bless,
YAM