A song of ascents.
Author: Anonymous. Some suggest Hezekiah.
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
We continue on our journey, our ascent to the “mountain of the Lord”.
At first glance, this Psalm is full of assurance of God’s protection, of His presence and guidance. It is a psalm of faith and trust in God. Remember that this psalm was probably written and sung in the beginning of the journey of ascent where danger and peril still lie ahead of the pilgrims.
The psalmist needs help and where does he look? He lifts his eyes and looks at the journey ahead. It’s tough, it’s uphill, and he wonders “where does my help come from?”
That’s a rhetorical question - the rest of the Psalm answers it. Our help comes not just from any one or any god, but from THE Maker of heaven and earth, the Creator Himself.
When we are afraid, there are times we think God has left us or fallen asleep. Those feelings can be very real, but that’s not the truth.
Proverbs 3:26 says “For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught in a trap or some hidden danger.” Danger and difficulty may be ahead of us, but the Lord knows every step we take and He shall protect us from any hidden danger!
I love verse 5. What does “the LORD is your shade at your right hand” mean?
In the days of the Old Testament, when soldiers go to war, they carry their shield in their left hand and their sword on their right. When they fight, every front part of their body is protected by the shield except for their right hand. They are most dangerous when they use their sword, and also the most vulnerable.
In the Amplified Bible, verse 5 reads “The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand [the side not carrying a shield].”
Imagine yourself fighting a war. You have a shield in your left hand to protect yourself but need your right hand to wield the sword in attack. You can’t attack and protect yourself at the same time. The assurance is that God protects the parts we can’t protect! He covers all ground! There is nothing that is beyond His protection!
I don’t know about you, but the word “watch” used in verse 7 gives me the impression that it’s a passive word, almost like God is a spectator “watching” over my life and not doing anything about it. So I delved into the original word and found that this word “watch” used in this psalm is from the Hebrew word “shamar”, which means to preserve and protect – 2 words which need action! So God is not just watching over you like He’s watching a movie, but He’s actively preserving and protecting your life. Oh yes, He’s actively involved in everything about you because He loves you so so much.
I hope that by now you get the idea that God is absolutely trustworthy and 100% involved in protecting and guiding you. When we lift up our eyes from our current circumstances, whatever they may be, let’s be confident that our help does and will come from Him.
I wonder what your song will be when you face dangers, perils and difficulties in your life. Will you sing a psalm like this one, full of hope and trust in God’s protection? We have much to learn from this Psalm and its writer. Keep your eyes on Him.
Apply it:
Pray this Psalm over yourself or somebody you know who’s facing a difficult time. Declare the truth in every single sentence in faith and trust.
Praying for and believing in God's love for each of you...
luv,
jenn
Wednesday, 21 March 2007
Sunday, 11 March 2007
Psalm 120
Dear precious ones,
I was thinking of how much I love each of you and how wonderful it is seeing the amazing work of God in your life. And I was looking through the Psalms to find an appropriate expression of how I felt in the Scriptures, and my eyes rested on Psalm 121: a song of ascents.
As I read the Psalm, meditated on it and allowed it to edify myself, I discovered that this psalm is a series of “Pilgrim Psalms” or “Songs of Ascent” which were sung by those who journeyed (and thus “ascended”) to the temple for the annual feasts, and each psalm is a “step” in that journey.
I thought about how appropriate it is for us in this season, as we are all on a Godward journey heading towards His “temple”. It is a journey of worship.
For the next few months, let’s journey together as we “ascend His holy hill” to seek His face and stand in His presence. To help us keep on the same page, I’m going to write a devotion for each psalm (Psalms 120 – 134) every one to two weeks and email it out. I will also place these devotions on our ministry blog.
Let the journey begin…
Psalm 120 (NIV)
A song of ascents.
Author: Anonymous. Some suggest Hezekiah.
1 I call on the LORD in my distress,
and he answers me.
2 Save me, O LORD, from lying lips
and from deceitful tongues.
3 What will he do to you,
and what more besides, O deceitful tongue?
4 He will punish you with a warrior's sharp arrows,
with burning coals of the broom tree.
5 Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech,
that I live among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I lived
among those who hate peace.
7 I am a man of peace;
but when I speak, they are for war.
It is interesting that the first of these “songs of ascent” begins on a somewhat depressing mood. The psalmist cries out to God in distress, asking Him to save him from liars and accusers. The background is that the pilgrims who are heading to the temple of the annual feasts usually begin their journeys in hostile surroundings. Meshech and Kedar were nations known to be warlike and barbaric. The psalmist was likening his journey to being in hostile lands like Meshech and Kedar.
The very word “ascent” means to climb, to get from a lower place to a higher place. It is against gravity, so it’s definitely harder than going down. When we begin to journey towards God, it is usually from a place where it is hostile and against God. Sometimes it is our circumstances which are difficult. Some of us face family objections. Sometimes, we are our greatest obstacles!
As we journey towards God, it is an ascent. It is not natural in our human condition, much like climbing mountains go against gravity (if you climbed a mountain before, you’ll know what I mean). Are you struggling with taking the first step towards God in your circumstance? Know that it will be an uphill climb and it will go against your flesh. But cry out to God because He will answer you.
Words are often the most powerful weapons used against us. Notice that the psalmist appeals to God to deliver him from “lying lips” and “deceitful tongues” in verses 2 to 4. Have you been discouraged by negative people who shoot arrows at you through their words, especially when you’re working hard at journeying towards God? As you embark on your journey towards God, watch out for discouragers and accusers who will seek to bring you down through their words. Satan is known as the accuser of the brethren and his weapons are lies and accusations that contradict who you are in God.
Lastly, we look at verses 6 and 7, where the psalmist expresses frustration about dwelling among people who hate peace. As we journey towards God, we will encounter people who will walk in opposite spirits from us. How will we respond to those who don’t want peace but seek strife and unrest? Remember Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” What a privilege to be bringers of peace and identified as children of God!
Apply this psalm to your journey:
1. What do you struggle with in your journey towards God?
2. Have you been discouraged by negative people through their words?
3. How can you be a peacemaker when you encounter people who hate peace?
Enjoy the week and walk in the knowledge of His love for you. Find a way to bless someone out of their socks!
Love,
jenn
I was thinking of how much I love each of you and how wonderful it is seeing the amazing work of God in your life. And I was looking through the Psalms to find an appropriate expression of how I felt in the Scriptures, and my eyes rested on Psalm 121: a song of ascents.
As I read the Psalm, meditated on it and allowed it to edify myself, I discovered that this psalm is a series of “Pilgrim Psalms” or “Songs of Ascent” which were sung by those who journeyed (and thus “ascended”) to the temple for the annual feasts, and each psalm is a “step” in that journey.
I thought about how appropriate it is for us in this season, as we are all on a Godward journey heading towards His “temple”. It is a journey of worship.
For the next few months, let’s journey together as we “ascend His holy hill” to seek His face and stand in His presence. To help us keep on the same page, I’m going to write a devotion for each psalm (Psalms 120 – 134) every one to two weeks and email it out. I will also place these devotions on our ministry blog.
Let the journey begin…
Psalm 120 (NIV)
A song of ascents.
Author: Anonymous. Some suggest Hezekiah.
1 I call on the LORD in my distress,
and he answers me.
2 Save me, O LORD, from lying lips
and from deceitful tongues.
3 What will he do to you,
and what more besides, O deceitful tongue?
4 He will punish you with a warrior's sharp arrows,
with burning coals of the broom tree.
5 Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech,
that I live among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I lived
among those who hate peace.
7 I am a man of peace;
but when I speak, they are for war.
It is interesting that the first of these “songs of ascent” begins on a somewhat depressing mood. The psalmist cries out to God in distress, asking Him to save him from liars and accusers. The background is that the pilgrims who are heading to the temple of the annual feasts usually begin their journeys in hostile surroundings. Meshech and Kedar were nations known to be warlike and barbaric. The psalmist was likening his journey to being in hostile lands like Meshech and Kedar.
The very word “ascent” means to climb, to get from a lower place to a higher place. It is against gravity, so it’s definitely harder than going down. When we begin to journey towards God, it is usually from a place where it is hostile and against God. Sometimes it is our circumstances which are difficult. Some of us face family objections. Sometimes, we are our greatest obstacles!
As we journey towards God, it is an ascent. It is not natural in our human condition, much like climbing mountains go against gravity (if you climbed a mountain before, you’ll know what I mean). Are you struggling with taking the first step towards God in your circumstance? Know that it will be an uphill climb and it will go against your flesh. But cry out to God because He will answer you.
Words are often the most powerful weapons used against us. Notice that the psalmist appeals to God to deliver him from “lying lips” and “deceitful tongues” in verses 2 to 4. Have you been discouraged by negative people who shoot arrows at you through their words, especially when you’re working hard at journeying towards God? As you embark on your journey towards God, watch out for discouragers and accusers who will seek to bring you down through their words. Satan is known as the accuser of the brethren and his weapons are lies and accusations that contradict who you are in God.
Lastly, we look at verses 6 and 7, where the psalmist expresses frustration about dwelling among people who hate peace. As we journey towards God, we will encounter people who will walk in opposite spirits from us. How will we respond to those who don’t want peace but seek strife and unrest? Remember Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” What a privilege to be bringers of peace and identified as children of God!
Apply this psalm to your journey:
1. What do you struggle with in your journey towards God?
2. Have you been discouraged by negative people through their words?
3. How can you be a peacemaker when you encounter people who hate peace?
Enjoy the week and walk in the knowledge of His love for you. Find a way to bless someone out of their socks!
Love,
jenn
Saturday, 10 March 2007
HOW TIGHT DO YOU WANT IT TO BE??
Dear all,
Just something for you all to think about. Broke down in His presence this morning and He taught me something so true. How tight do you all wish for God to hug you? Imagine you hug a person.If it is just a side hug, there is still space right? But when it is A BIG WARM SQUEEZE, the person has no room left cause he or she is being embraced fully by you. That is what Daddy wishes to do to us. Give us tight warm squeezes. BUT, if we want it, it means there will be no room left for our agendas, but to submit all to Him and let Him take over. The tigher He squeezes and hugs us, the less space there is for our own agendas. His will be done in all our lives. AMEN!
Lord, may we are long for Your tight embrace and be ready to say, let Your will be done, not ours. Amen!
In His love,
Chris
Just something for you all to think about. Broke down in His presence this morning and He taught me something so true. How tight do you all wish for God to hug you? Imagine you hug a person.If it is just a side hug, there is still space right? But when it is A BIG WARM SQUEEZE, the person has no room left cause he or she is being embraced fully by you. That is what Daddy wishes to do to us. Give us tight warm squeezes. BUT, if we want it, it means there will be no room left for our agendas, but to submit all to Him and let Him take over. The tigher He squeezes and hugs us, the less space there is for our own agendas. His will be done in all our lives. AMEN!
Lord, may we are long for Your tight embrace and be ready to say, let Your will be done, not ours. Amen!
In His love,
Chris
Thursday, 15 February 2007
History Makers
Ever so often in the course of history there are individuals born who defy common reason and statistical explanation. These are the great ones, who break the tether of their generation’s expectations and rise to the high call that seems to echo from somewhere beyond the grave.
The prophets of old peered into the future and spoke of these violent ones who would force their way into the Kingdom, take hold of Heaven and pull it down to earth. These reigning saints refuse to have their exploits be a mere reflection of the past, but instead break the gravitational barriers of naysayers and doubters, and journey far beyond the boundaries of reason into places where no one has ever gone before. Ultimately they capture the prize of the upward call of God that lies in Christ Jesus. These are God’s history makers, the Lord’s chosen people, His mighty men, His holy nation.
Many of us can feel the vacuum of this vortex drawing our hearts into this divine destiny. We find our inner man longing, stirring, and burning for the great adventure. Live or die, we must press through the walls of mediocrity and find the Promised Land of our souls. We live with a passion to be numbered among those who have gained fame in the halls of Heaven and are feared among the prison guards of hell. If we are going to walk as God’s ruling royalty, we have to:
➢ Pray unceasingly
➢ Give sacrificially
➢ Dream unreasonably
➢ Serve wholeheartedly
➢ Love unashamedly
➢ Walk innocently
➢ Believe undoubtingly
➢ Live powerfully
These are the qualities of the Bride of Christ in all of her glory. She is called to be the most creative force on the face of the earth. Therefore, we must not allow ourselves to become known for our boxes, that is, famous for what we don’t do because of our “righteous” constrictions. Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin had certain moral values that restrained their behavior, but they were famous for what they did, not for what they didn’t do! It would be tragic if the most creative people on the face of the earth allowed themselves to be reduced to rent-a-cops guarding a box (The Ark of the Covenant) that God vacated 2,000 years ago.
The truth is that if we don’t take our rightful place in the earth, we will relegate sinners, void of the mind of Christ, barred from the wisdom of the ages, and wandering in utter darkness, to being the most brilliant minds of our time! If the brightest light in this world belonged to those locked in darkness, how great would the darkness be in our world? Something is fundamentally wrong with this picture, but this is our brain on religion. Religion is like kryptonite to Superman. Religion can conform the most righteous, reigning saints into mindless zombies, puppets repeating someone else’s convictions they don’t even understand themselves.
Attack Of The Clones
I am convinced that religion is the father of genetic cloning. Religion invented cloning long before the world ever thought of it. Religion has a way of sucking the most powerful people on the planet into a spiritual look-a-like contest, calling it discipleship. True discipleship is meant to empower people to be transformed into the image of their Creator, but religion redefines the terms, conforming people into replicas of their leaders. Religion takes God’s mighty men and makes them artifacts in a museum.
Religious people, like the Pharisees of old, have the hardest time reaching out to folks who think “outside of the box” and don’t behave inside their hopeless shackles. Part of the struggle comes from what they have done to the Savior of the world. They have sterilized the gospel. Jesus took water and turned it to wine, but 2,000 years later, today’s Pharisees have diluted it to grape juice. Religion has reduced the supernatural power of God to a history lesson about serving the dead body of a helpless Christ who, still nailed to the Cross, is incapable of rocking their sacred boat. They emphasize the drowning of baptism, arguing over how people should get wet and what should be said over them during their dipping. Religious people have lost touch with the fact that the bold print of baptism is not on the descent but on the ascension. The death of Christ paid for our sins, but it was His resurrection that gave life to our mortal bodies. Religion embraces death sadistically and moves the risen Christ out of the garden and back to the tomb. Religious people pray things like “God, kill me,” not realizing that even the One who came to give His life as a ransom for us all prayed, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup (of death) from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Jesus did not want to die; He wanted to do His Father’s will. If religion had its way, it would rewrite Mary’s proclamation to read, “He is in the tomb just where we laid Him!” We have lost sight of the fact that the Cross was for the old man not the new man, and that the true Christian life is not about dying for Christ, but living in the life He purchased for us to establish His Kingdom on earth! The Church must shake off the shackles of religion and embrace our supernatural destiny.
Our Commission
The world is crying out in distress, and we must not miss this kairos moment, the opportunity of the ages. In the late sixties, the Beatles took America by storm. In a few short years, four boys from Liverpool altered the course of our nation’s history. Soon after, the world was swept into the wake of their anointing—all while they were singing “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” But it wasn’t long before the Fab Four started to experience a crisis in their own souls. They began to cry out in desperation, singing,
Help, I need somebody
Help, not just anybody
Help, you know I need someone, help
When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody’s help in any way.
But now those days are gone, I’m not so self-assured
Now I find I’ve changed my mind and opened up the doors
Help me if you can, I’m feeling down
And I do appreciate you being ‘round
Help me get my feet back on the ground.
Won’t you please, please help me
Help me, help me, ooh.
But their cry for help fell on deaf ears in the sanctuary of hope, and soon they were calling Hare Krishna their “sweet lord.” The Church can’t afford to fall asleep in the harvest today as we have done so many times in the past. We are not supposed to reflect our culture; we are commissioned to transform it.
We are called to disciple all the nations of the world. Discipling nations means submerging them in God—not religion—and “teaching them all I commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). Teaching nations how to think is the transformational catalyst to changing cultures. But as long as Christians aren’t valued in society, they will have no influence in the world. (You only have as much influence in people’s lives as they have value for you. Anytime you try to have more influence than someone has value for you, you will manipulate them.) It is imperative that we become kings who understand the ways royal people influence authority. Otherwise, we will reduce ourselves to social begging, hoping that the BIG, powerful people feel compassion for us and help our cause. This poisonous poverty mindset reduces the Christian message to a cry for help instead of a call for leadership. We don’t need nations to change for our sake. We have a living, abiding, unshakable Kingdom that dwells within us and prospers under all circumstances. We need the nations to change for the sake of those still lost in darkness. They need the culture around them to create a safe environment for them until they get the Kingdom within them.
This cultural begging has relegated the Kingdom of God to a subculture. God never intended Christianity to be a subculture. Subcultures are those cultures that are subservient to a more powerful culture. The world’s commentary on the first century Church reflects the true influence we are meant to have in society. They proclaimed, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (Acts 17:6 NKJV). We are called to turn the world around and set it back on its feet again. We are to be counter-culture until the mindset of the nations begins to take on the attitude of the Kingdom. Christians are not subservient to the world because God has assigned us the highest level of authority that exists on this planet. When Christians lose their desire and courage to confront the evils of our day honorably, we begin to be influenced by the lying principalities that are also commissioned to disciple the nations, but with an antichrist agenda. These demonic forces work to dethrone the Prince of Peace, Who is the rightful prince of the principles that make societies prosper, and instead enthrone the prince of darkness. Consequently, the enabling principles of a culture become demonically inspired instead of Kingdom in-Spirited. This dark prince works to establish evil thinking that leads to destructive behaviors. But when Jesus rules, He enables the principles of the King to transform the culture through the mind of Christ. In other words, people in a nation governed by the Kingdom begin to think like God!
However, it is important that we learn how to carry His power and authority. If we believers become combative instead of honorably confronting we will reduce our influence to the small pond of the church and render ourselves powerless in the ocean of humanity. We are to carry God’s authority into the lives of people and nations through invitation, not through intrusion or invasion. Although we are called to be combative to the powers of darkness, we are to be honorably confronting to people, demonstrating the benefits and rewards of a superior Kingdom.
By Kris Vallotton (Snr Associate Pastor, Bethel Church, Redding CA)
http://www.ibethel.org/features/journal/index.php?f=journal.php&id=22
The prophets of old peered into the future and spoke of these violent ones who would force their way into the Kingdom, take hold of Heaven and pull it down to earth. These reigning saints refuse to have their exploits be a mere reflection of the past, but instead break the gravitational barriers of naysayers and doubters, and journey far beyond the boundaries of reason into places where no one has ever gone before. Ultimately they capture the prize of the upward call of God that lies in Christ Jesus. These are God’s history makers, the Lord’s chosen people, His mighty men, His holy nation.
Many of us can feel the vacuum of this vortex drawing our hearts into this divine destiny. We find our inner man longing, stirring, and burning for the great adventure. Live or die, we must press through the walls of mediocrity and find the Promised Land of our souls. We live with a passion to be numbered among those who have gained fame in the halls of Heaven and are feared among the prison guards of hell. If we are going to walk as God’s ruling royalty, we have to:
➢ Pray unceasingly
➢ Give sacrificially
➢ Dream unreasonably
➢ Serve wholeheartedly
➢ Love unashamedly
➢ Walk innocently
➢ Believe undoubtingly
➢ Live powerfully
These are the qualities of the Bride of Christ in all of her glory. She is called to be the most creative force on the face of the earth. Therefore, we must not allow ourselves to become known for our boxes, that is, famous for what we don’t do because of our “righteous” constrictions. Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin had certain moral values that restrained their behavior, but they were famous for what they did, not for what they didn’t do! It would be tragic if the most creative people on the face of the earth allowed themselves to be reduced to rent-a-cops guarding a box (The Ark of the Covenant) that God vacated 2,000 years ago.
The truth is that if we don’t take our rightful place in the earth, we will relegate sinners, void of the mind of Christ, barred from the wisdom of the ages, and wandering in utter darkness, to being the most brilliant minds of our time! If the brightest light in this world belonged to those locked in darkness, how great would the darkness be in our world? Something is fundamentally wrong with this picture, but this is our brain on religion. Religion is like kryptonite to Superman. Religion can conform the most righteous, reigning saints into mindless zombies, puppets repeating someone else’s convictions they don’t even understand themselves.
Attack Of The Clones
I am convinced that religion is the father of genetic cloning. Religion invented cloning long before the world ever thought of it. Religion has a way of sucking the most powerful people on the planet into a spiritual look-a-like contest, calling it discipleship. True discipleship is meant to empower people to be transformed into the image of their Creator, but religion redefines the terms, conforming people into replicas of their leaders. Religion takes God’s mighty men and makes them artifacts in a museum.
Religious people, like the Pharisees of old, have the hardest time reaching out to folks who think “outside of the box” and don’t behave inside their hopeless shackles. Part of the struggle comes from what they have done to the Savior of the world. They have sterilized the gospel. Jesus took water and turned it to wine, but 2,000 years later, today’s Pharisees have diluted it to grape juice. Religion has reduced the supernatural power of God to a history lesson about serving the dead body of a helpless Christ who, still nailed to the Cross, is incapable of rocking their sacred boat. They emphasize the drowning of baptism, arguing over how people should get wet and what should be said over them during their dipping. Religious people have lost touch with the fact that the bold print of baptism is not on the descent but on the ascension. The death of Christ paid for our sins, but it was His resurrection that gave life to our mortal bodies. Religion embraces death sadistically and moves the risen Christ out of the garden and back to the tomb. Religious people pray things like “God, kill me,” not realizing that even the One who came to give His life as a ransom for us all prayed, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup (of death) from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Jesus did not want to die; He wanted to do His Father’s will. If religion had its way, it would rewrite Mary’s proclamation to read, “He is in the tomb just where we laid Him!” We have lost sight of the fact that the Cross was for the old man not the new man, and that the true Christian life is not about dying for Christ, but living in the life He purchased for us to establish His Kingdom on earth! The Church must shake off the shackles of religion and embrace our supernatural destiny.
Our Commission
The world is crying out in distress, and we must not miss this kairos moment, the opportunity of the ages. In the late sixties, the Beatles took America by storm. In a few short years, four boys from Liverpool altered the course of our nation’s history. Soon after, the world was swept into the wake of their anointing—all while they were singing “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” But it wasn’t long before the Fab Four started to experience a crisis in their own souls. They began to cry out in desperation, singing,
Help, I need somebody
Help, not just anybody
Help, you know I need someone, help
When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody’s help in any way.
But now those days are gone, I’m not so self-assured
Now I find I’ve changed my mind and opened up the doors
Help me if you can, I’m feeling down
And I do appreciate you being ‘round
Help me get my feet back on the ground.
Won’t you please, please help me
Help me, help me, ooh.
But their cry for help fell on deaf ears in the sanctuary of hope, and soon they were calling Hare Krishna their “sweet lord.” The Church can’t afford to fall asleep in the harvest today as we have done so many times in the past. We are not supposed to reflect our culture; we are commissioned to transform it.
We are called to disciple all the nations of the world. Discipling nations means submerging them in God—not religion—and “teaching them all I commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). Teaching nations how to think is the transformational catalyst to changing cultures. But as long as Christians aren’t valued in society, they will have no influence in the world. (You only have as much influence in people’s lives as they have value for you. Anytime you try to have more influence than someone has value for you, you will manipulate them.) It is imperative that we become kings who understand the ways royal people influence authority. Otherwise, we will reduce ourselves to social begging, hoping that the BIG, powerful people feel compassion for us and help our cause. This poisonous poverty mindset reduces the Christian message to a cry for help instead of a call for leadership. We don’t need nations to change for our sake. We have a living, abiding, unshakable Kingdom that dwells within us and prospers under all circumstances. We need the nations to change for the sake of those still lost in darkness. They need the culture around them to create a safe environment for them until they get the Kingdom within them.
This cultural begging has relegated the Kingdom of God to a subculture. God never intended Christianity to be a subculture. Subcultures are those cultures that are subservient to a more powerful culture. The world’s commentary on the first century Church reflects the true influence we are meant to have in society. They proclaimed, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (Acts 17:6 NKJV). We are called to turn the world around and set it back on its feet again. We are to be counter-culture until the mindset of the nations begins to take on the attitude of the Kingdom. Christians are not subservient to the world because God has assigned us the highest level of authority that exists on this planet. When Christians lose their desire and courage to confront the evils of our day honorably, we begin to be influenced by the lying principalities that are also commissioned to disciple the nations, but with an antichrist agenda. These demonic forces work to dethrone the Prince of Peace, Who is the rightful prince of the principles that make societies prosper, and instead enthrone the prince of darkness. Consequently, the enabling principles of a culture become demonically inspired instead of Kingdom in-Spirited. This dark prince works to establish evil thinking that leads to destructive behaviors. But when Jesus rules, He enables the principles of the King to transform the culture through the mind of Christ. In other words, people in a nation governed by the Kingdom begin to think like God!
However, it is important that we learn how to carry His power and authority. If we believers become combative instead of honorably confronting we will reduce our influence to the small pond of the church and render ourselves powerless in the ocean of humanity. We are to carry God’s authority into the lives of people and nations through invitation, not through intrusion or invasion. Although we are called to be combative to the powers of darkness, we are to be honorably confronting to people, demonstrating the benefits and rewards of a superior Kingdom.
By Kris Vallotton (Snr Associate Pastor, Bethel Church, Redding CA)
http://www.ibethel.org/features/journal/index.php?f=journal.php&id=22
Monday, 12 February 2007
Pray.
I do not know how this short post will speak to you all. But right now, these are the only words that is left in me.
"Teach us how to pray Daddy. Even if there are no words left to speak, see thru our hearts and let us keep looking to You. That is all i ask for myself, for this ministry, this family."
Chris.
"Teach us how to pray Daddy. Even if there are no words left to speak, see thru our hearts and let us keep looking to You. That is all i ask for myself, for this ministry, this family."
Chris.
Trust, Perspective & Reality
We live in a world full of mistrust, different perspective (positive/negative) and chose to avoid reality. Living on this Earth, how much do you trust people? What is the extent of Trust? Are we always living in denial? What's our perspective of our future? Is it good or bad?
All these questions came forth as I ask myself, my purpose of living. Since young, I was "Fatherless". My dad wasn't with me, my mum was working and always striving hard for this family, all for one purpose, to live happily as a family. Sometimes, we look back and wonder whether it is really worth it. What do I mean by "Fatherless"? I lived through most of my life with a dad who spent his life away from the present life. He was in prison while I needed that love so much.
I knew the Lord when I was 10. Followed Jesus when I was from 10 to 12 when I had Sunday school at Evangel Assembly of God (known as Evangel Family Church now). When I was 15, I went over to St Hilda's Church, baptized and thought I lived a proper life. I was changed but in the midst, I was mislead and I fell. Till last year, my life was still in sin, unrepentant, full of nonsense. I guess even in the beginning of this year, I was struggling. Now I'm more confident and trust my Lord and Saviour. His name is Jesus, my best friend.
My perspective changed. I was living a sinful, unrepentant life. I cheated many girls in my relationship life. I've hurt them in many ways. I've not been a good disciple of Jesus Christ! But Jesus has been with me, drawing me near to Him. At the start of this year, I fell to my knees, asking for a renewal, revival and restoration of my life. I dare to admit all these and more because I believe in Jesus. He doesn't condemn. His perspective is about forgiveness, love, mercy, hope, peace, joy and many more. Many of us, our perspective is about hate, merciless, hopeless and etc.
The Reality is that Jesus loves us. I testify that as I reflect upon my life. My life was rotten but He restored it. My life was full of sin but He cleanses it each day. It's been a daily affair and I hope that Jesus will keep dealing with my life and change my perspective. No one can change my life except Jesus. And I truly know that. Do you want to know Jesus? If you do, drop us a message on our tagboard and we'll get back to you. [http://worldofsinners.tk]
Jesus loves you! You are His princes and princesses of God!
Be Blessed!
Love,
Kenny@
All these questions came forth as I ask myself, my purpose of living. Since young, I was "Fatherless". My dad wasn't with me, my mum was working and always striving hard for this family, all for one purpose, to live happily as a family. Sometimes, we look back and wonder whether it is really worth it. What do I mean by "Fatherless"? I lived through most of my life with a dad who spent his life away from the present life. He was in prison while I needed that love so much.
I knew the Lord when I was 10. Followed Jesus when I was from 10 to 12 when I had Sunday school at Evangel Assembly of God (known as Evangel Family Church now). When I was 15, I went over to St Hilda's Church, baptized and thought I lived a proper life. I was changed but in the midst, I was mislead and I fell. Till last year, my life was still in sin, unrepentant, full of nonsense. I guess even in the beginning of this year, I was struggling. Now I'm more confident and trust my Lord and Saviour. His name is Jesus, my best friend.
My perspective changed. I was living a sinful, unrepentant life. I cheated many girls in my relationship life. I've hurt them in many ways. I've not been a good disciple of Jesus Christ! But Jesus has been with me, drawing me near to Him. At the start of this year, I fell to my knees, asking for a renewal, revival and restoration of my life. I dare to admit all these and more because I believe in Jesus. He doesn't condemn. His perspective is about forgiveness, love, mercy, hope, peace, joy and many more. Many of us, our perspective is about hate, merciless, hopeless and etc.
The Reality is that Jesus loves us. I testify that as I reflect upon my life. My life was rotten but He restored it. My life was full of sin but He cleanses it each day. It's been a daily affair and I hope that Jesus will keep dealing with my life and change my perspective. No one can change my life except Jesus. And I truly know that. Do you want to know Jesus? If you do, drop us a message on our tagboard and we'll get back to you. [http://worldofsinners.tk]
Jesus loves you! You are His princes and princesses of God!
Be Blessed!
Love,
Kenny@
Tuesday, 6 February 2007
Happy Birthday, Guan Wen!
Happy Birthday, Guan Wen! May the Lord bless you richly and use you in SMU! Enjoy your 23rd birthday though! Thanks for being a great brother in this BIG family, this ministry.
Josh + Guan Wen
Guan Wen + Chris
Lynn + Guan Wen + Cheryl + Chris
Lynn + Guan Wen + Cheryl + Kenny
Continue to serve the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.
Be Blessed!
Josh + Guan Wen
Guan Wen + Chris
Lynn + Guan Wen + Cheryl + Chris
Lynn + Guan Wen + Cheryl + KennyContinue to serve the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.
Be Blessed!
Sunday, 4 February 2007
Hi everyone...
This is a kind of maiden post for me in this blog and as much as i don't exactly like to start on a negative note, well sort of, i just felt that i needed to share this in light of what happened this saturday. It's rather personal and maybe a bit long winded, so i hope i don't scare you guys...
This year started off pretty well enough for me on the surface, but there was one particularly nagging problem at the back of my mind. That is: my lessons at school clash with cell group on friday nights. That means, that for one whole semester, i can't go for cell at all. Actually, additional info would be, because of some administration issues in school, i even have 2 modules on friday that clash at the same time. Which means that i pay for classes i cannot attend. D'oh.
Regarding the cell issue... This is by no means a small issue to me because cell group has been a very integral part of my life, given the circumstances that resulted in me even getting involved in cell in the first place.
On top of that, i must admit that my walk with the Lord has grown cliched and tired and this actually kind of crept up on me gradually. On the surface, i knew that God was with me, i've been reading the bible, i talk to God, but somehow there was a disconnection that i knew too well existed.
I came to PSP and church with a general attitude of "nothing's going to happen... it's all routine, this happens every week. Same words all the time. What's new?" I was all numbed out. Indifferent. Empty.
But what happened this saturday shook me up good.
Throughout the first part of the service, i was saying almost like a mantra: "God, i'm here just for you and i want to just worship you." just so that i could psycho myself into it. But spiritually, i couldn't commit to what i was saying. Eventually, i simply conceded to my weaknesses and was saying over and over: "God, i'm just so tired... (and fed up)" (not physically, but spiritually)
But when we began to sing "Hungry", and Joshua made the call for us to simply kneel before God, i promptly did so. (Interestingly, at the beginning of the service, i wanted to because i wanted to just surrender to God but felt like it wasn't appropriate due to silly socially-politically correct reasons) So i was glad for the opportunity.... And then the niagara falls just happened. (bit of info: all the 3 girls in my row were also crying. i believe that what was happening at that point was in season for each of us)
To cut the long story short, everything from "Sister Elaine's" prayer of embracing God's Love, to Pastor Jenn's vision of our Warrior God, to her sermon's message, had cut deep and brought me once again to that (wonderful) point of brokenness before the Lord.
But it was only during the debrief when Pastor Jenn reiterated once again that spiritual warfare will happen and has already begun, did i really realize the reality (that was a lot of rea-s) of the spiritual realm and the kind of attack i was already under: cell group (where we edify and minister to one another and seek God, etc) that is being taken away from me for 3 months, to my walk that has become stale and routine, to other personal struggles that has interfered with my walk. Not only have there been my own issues, but there've also been some issues manifesting among some of the people around me in church.
This post isn't meant to bring anyone down or to sow fear, but it is to share with you how we need to be EXTRA careful with our walks. Our war is not an Earthly one, but is one that's in the supernatural realm, which is not an airy fairy notion. Our God is supernatural, and being his children, our lives need to include the supernatural. I share this to remind us that we need to be vigilant over our thoughts, our beliefs, our words and our actions.
I share this also because i want to edify and affirm those who gave, have given, of themselves in whatever way, to say that despite all the improvements-that-need-to-be-made, you made a difference and God ministered to people through you.
Sometimes with all the years in church and with the seemingly same structure we're used to, we run the risk of feeling jaded and falling into an immune and numb mental state that we lose the intensity of the truth of what our lives in Christ stand for.
It is therefore my desire that we continue to truly understand and embrace fully our identity in Christ (first sermon of the year), and have faith and belief in all that we are capable of because of the Holy Spirit that lives in us. Sounded cliche yeah, even i would've cringed at this paragraph before saturday's service.
But truly, like what Pastor Jenn has said: Before you can see things you've never seen before, you need to do things you've never done before.
Each of us are at different stages in our walks. So if you have not trusted and embraced the truth, trust and embrace it. If you have not moved in faith before, move in faith. If you have moved in faith, continue to do so! Be that salt and light for Him! :-)
This is a kind of maiden post for me in this blog and as much as i don't exactly like to start on a negative note, well sort of, i just felt that i needed to share this in light of what happened this saturday. It's rather personal and maybe a bit long winded, so i hope i don't scare you guys...
This year started off pretty well enough for me on the surface, but there was one particularly nagging problem at the back of my mind. That is: my lessons at school clash with cell group on friday nights. That means, that for one whole semester, i can't go for cell at all. Actually, additional info would be, because of some administration issues in school, i even have 2 modules on friday that clash at the same time. Which means that i pay for classes i cannot attend. D'oh.
Regarding the cell issue... This is by no means a small issue to me because cell group has been a very integral part of my life, given the circumstances that resulted in me even getting involved in cell in the first place.
On top of that, i must admit that my walk with the Lord has grown cliched and tired and this actually kind of crept up on me gradually. On the surface, i knew that God was with me, i've been reading the bible, i talk to God, but somehow there was a disconnection that i knew too well existed.
I came to PSP and church with a general attitude of "nothing's going to happen... it's all routine, this happens every week. Same words all the time. What's new?" I was all numbed out. Indifferent. Empty.
But what happened this saturday shook me up good.
Throughout the first part of the service, i was saying almost like a mantra: "God, i'm here just for you and i want to just worship you." just so that i could psycho myself into it. But spiritually, i couldn't commit to what i was saying. Eventually, i simply conceded to my weaknesses and was saying over and over: "God, i'm just so tired... (and fed up)" (not physically, but spiritually)
But when we began to sing "Hungry", and Joshua made the call for us to simply kneel before God, i promptly did so. (Interestingly, at the beginning of the service, i wanted to because i wanted to just surrender to God but felt like it wasn't appropriate due to silly socially-politically correct reasons) So i was glad for the opportunity.... And then the niagara falls just happened. (bit of info: all the 3 girls in my row were also crying. i believe that what was happening at that point was in season for each of us)
To cut the long story short, everything from "Sister Elaine's" prayer of embracing God's Love, to Pastor Jenn's vision of our Warrior God, to her sermon's message, had cut deep and brought me once again to that (wonderful) point of brokenness before the Lord.
But it was only during the debrief when Pastor Jenn reiterated once again that spiritual warfare will happen and has already begun, did i really realize the reality (that was a lot of rea-s) of the spiritual realm and the kind of attack i was already under: cell group (where we edify and minister to one another and seek God, etc) that is being taken away from me for 3 months, to my walk that has become stale and routine, to other personal struggles that has interfered with my walk. Not only have there been my own issues, but there've also been some issues manifesting among some of the people around me in church.
This post isn't meant to bring anyone down or to sow fear, but it is to share with you how we need to be EXTRA careful with our walks. Our war is not an Earthly one, but is one that's in the supernatural realm, which is not an airy fairy notion. Our God is supernatural, and being his children, our lives need to include the supernatural. I share this to remind us that we need to be vigilant over our thoughts, our beliefs, our words and our actions.
I share this also because i want to edify and affirm those who gave, have given, of themselves in whatever way, to say that despite all the improvements-that-need-to-be-made, you made a difference and God ministered to people through you.
Sometimes with all the years in church and with the seemingly same structure we're used to, we run the risk of feeling jaded and falling into an immune and numb mental state that we lose the intensity of the truth of what our lives in Christ stand for.
It is therefore my desire that we continue to truly understand and embrace fully our identity in Christ (first sermon of the year), and have faith and belief in all that we are capable of because of the Holy Spirit that lives in us. Sounded cliche yeah, even i would've cringed at this paragraph before saturday's service.
But truly, like what Pastor Jenn has said: Before you can see things you've never seen before, you need to do things you've never done before.
Each of us are at different stages in our walks. So if you have not trusted and embraced the truth, trust and embrace it. If you have not moved in faith before, move in faith. If you have moved in faith, continue to do so! Be that salt and light for Him! :-)
Wednesday, 31 January 2007
Supernaturally...
Dear beautiful people,
My appreciation and thanks to those who served at Healing service on Sunday night. Was quite an experience yah? Especially for Evie, Justin, Sarah and me! Haaa... for those who weren't there, here's the story.
I led worship at the Sunday evening healing service with some of us youth worship ministry people. Before Joan Hunter ministered, her husband Kelley came up and gave a word for our church. [We're in the midst of transcribing it. When it's done, I will email to all of us as it's important for us to hear what the Lord's saying to our church].
After that, Joan started to pray for the sick and she asked a few of us "from the worship team" to go up to stage. Not knowing what we were getting ourselves into, Evie, Justin and I went up. Then Joan asked us to pray for those who came up with back pain. It was quite scary, to say the least.
I was up first. I held on to the feet of the woman needing prayer. I just did and said whatever Joan Hunter asked me to. And for the first time in my life, I saw a person's leg grow after I prayed for her. WOW! I was amazed! I mean, I've seen it happen before, but not when I prayed! The leg literally grew by about an inch! I was quite overwhelmed by God's power.
Next up were Evie and Justin. The problems got progressively worse. I could see Evie and Justin trembling, but it was great fun to see God working in and through us to heal. Later on, Sarah went up and it was an even more serious case. However we believe God touched and healed the sick.
This experience really renewed and recharged my faith. I loved the way Joan Hunter taught about God's healing power. It was so simple, straightforward and refreshing. And the evidence was so clear! Hands and legs were growing like crazy over the weekend!
For those of us who attended the Ministry Workers and Leaders meeting last week, you would have heard Ps Derek share that we are to "contend for the things of the supernatural". What does that mean? It means we will stand for and press in for the things of God, the supernatural, the things of the Spirit. And Ps Derek has always shared with me that he really believes the youth will take the lead in this. For those who were there at the service- you had a glimpse of what is possible. Do you believe that you are meant to function in the supernatural?
Having said this, I believe many of you have more questions than answers. Don't be afraid to ask the questions and keep desiring to find out more. Does anyone have questions about what you saw/experienced over the weekend? Please feel free to ask ok? I may not have all the answers but I can point you to the resources, or ask someone who can answer.
You know, it has always been said of COOS that our "worship is very strong". I believe that it is God's unmerited favour and presence with us. He alone inhabits the praises of His people. As the worship team, how are you stepping up to ensure we're always offering up praise and worship which pleases our Father, and leading the church to do the same?
I'm so very proud of each one of you and truly and passionately believe in you. I could go on and on but I shall save it for the next time we meet as a ministry - exciting days are ahead!
deeply humbled,
jenn
My appreciation and thanks to those who served at Healing service on Sunday night. Was quite an experience yah? Especially for Evie, Justin, Sarah and me! Haaa... for those who weren't there, here's the story.
I led worship at the Sunday evening healing service with some of us youth worship ministry people. Before Joan Hunter ministered, her husband Kelley came up and gave a word for our church. [We're in the midst of transcribing it. When it's done, I will email to all of us as it's important for us to hear what the Lord's saying to our church].
After that, Joan started to pray for the sick and she asked a few of us "from the worship team" to go up to stage. Not knowing what we were getting ourselves into, Evie, Justin and I went up. Then Joan asked us to pray for those who came up with back pain. It was quite scary, to say the least.
I was up first. I held on to the feet of the woman needing prayer. I just did and said whatever Joan Hunter asked me to. And for the first time in my life, I saw a person's leg grow after I prayed for her. WOW! I was amazed! I mean, I've seen it happen before, but not when I prayed! The leg literally grew by about an inch! I was quite overwhelmed by God's power.
Next up were Evie and Justin. The problems got progressively worse. I could see Evie and Justin trembling, but it was great fun to see God working in and through us to heal. Later on, Sarah went up and it was an even more serious case. However we believe God touched and healed the sick.
This experience really renewed and recharged my faith. I loved the way Joan Hunter taught about God's healing power. It was so simple, straightforward and refreshing. And the evidence was so clear! Hands and legs were growing like crazy over the weekend!
For those of us who attended the Ministry Workers and Leaders meeting last week, you would have heard Ps Derek share that we are to "contend for the things of the supernatural". What does that mean? It means we will stand for and press in for the things of God, the supernatural, the things of the Spirit. And Ps Derek has always shared with me that he really believes the youth will take the lead in this. For those who were there at the service- you had a glimpse of what is possible. Do you believe that you are meant to function in the supernatural?
Having said this, I believe many of you have more questions than answers. Don't be afraid to ask the questions and keep desiring to find out more. Does anyone have questions about what you saw/experienced over the weekend? Please feel free to ask ok? I may not have all the answers but I can point you to the resources, or ask someone who can answer.
You know, it has always been said of COOS that our "worship is very strong". I believe that it is God's unmerited favour and presence with us. He alone inhabits the praises of His people. As the worship team, how are you stepping up to ensure we're always offering up praise and worship which pleases our Father, and leading the church to do the same?
I'm so very proud of each one of you and truly and passionately believe in you. I could go on and on but I shall save it for the next time we meet as a ministry - exciting days are ahead!
deeply humbled,
jenn
Tuesday, 23 January 2007
In the eyes of God
It was during the Youth Baptism service that I witnessed something really special. So special that I felt it in the most powerful way in my heart and I cried. I couldn't help it... I just cried. This can only be because of I felt God's love for another person and it is very much the same love that He has for everyone of us no matter what our condition is. No matter who we are, what we used to be, where we came from, how rich, poor, fat, thin, good looking or scared ugly. He loves us just the same. Words fail me to express how and what the love of God feels like. It must be experienced.
So this is what happened:
There was this one guy who was getting baptised and what's really special about him was that he is not just like anyone of us, blessed with the ability to be mobile by ourselves, or be able to speak with fluency. He needs to be aided by someone to stand and walk. He struggles to utter a sentence coherently. It takes great effort on his part to do something that we all can do with so much ease.
My heart leap with intense joy when he struggled on his own to respond to the pastor these words " I turn to Christ" What got me crying was when he with the help of his dad, walked all the way up and into the baptism pool to get baptised. It was awesome and I was somehow trying to contain that emotion cos I was wondering why on earth am I crying for?
It's only a few hours later as I begun thinking of it and still having the emotional manifestation, that I realised with a deep appreciation of how much God loves us and beams with so much pride when we take great effort in our frailness and weakness to honor Him the best way possible.
I am reminded that our lives are so intertwined with so much stuffs that at times, we become so dysfunctional and we can't express ourselves logically, rationally and coherently. There are times when we struggle to stand on own two feet, feeling immobilised. We are broken and are in so much need of Someone who can meet our every needs. I am encouraged to know that whatever broken stage we are in, we can with perserverance and with the help of others around us, we can be overcomers, we can be restored, we can be renewed and we can become new once again, all because God is for us. All because God loves us dearly.
Hebrews 12:1-3:
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Philippians 3:12-14 :
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
So this is what happened:
There was this one guy who was getting baptised and what's really special about him was that he is not just like anyone of us, blessed with the ability to be mobile by ourselves, or be able to speak with fluency. He needs to be aided by someone to stand and walk. He struggles to utter a sentence coherently. It takes great effort on his part to do something that we all can do with so much ease.
My heart leap with intense joy when he struggled on his own to respond to the pastor these words " I turn to Christ" What got me crying was when he with the help of his dad, walked all the way up and into the baptism pool to get baptised. It was awesome and I was somehow trying to contain that emotion cos I was wondering why on earth am I crying for?
It's only a few hours later as I begun thinking of it and still having the emotional manifestation, that I realised with a deep appreciation of how much God loves us and beams with so much pride when we take great effort in our frailness and weakness to honor Him the best way possible.
I am reminded that our lives are so intertwined with so much stuffs that at times, we become so dysfunctional and we can't express ourselves logically, rationally and coherently. There are times when we struggle to stand on own two feet, feeling immobilised. We are broken and are in so much need of Someone who can meet our every needs. I am encouraged to know that whatever broken stage we are in, we can with perserverance and with the help of others around us, we can be overcomers, we can be restored, we can be renewed and we can become new once again, all because God is for us. All because God loves us dearly.
Hebrews 12:1-3:
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Philippians 3:12-14 :
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Understudies Jamming Session #3
A heart that's undivided, the heart of worship. During this session, it was a session that showed us about our hearts as we come before the King. In this session, we prayed and starting our jamming in a different setting.
The Ultimate Band! LOL!
Upcoming Worship Leader?
Shan Yu!
Zhong Kai!
Ultimate Partner, Joline!
[Thanks for being such a great coordinator!]
Overall, it was fun. Jenn popped by after meeting Chris. Guan Wen came by as well. Mr Chin came back from Australia the night before jam. LOL! Nat was sick and now she's feeling better. Cheryl, Chris and Justin came too. Not forgetting Oliver. Thanks for the support!
Through the session, I felt an intense moment of worship. It wasn't just a jam. In any case, we'll work on volume dynamics in the next jam. Stay Tuned! More of Jesus, less of us.
Be Blessed!
The Ultimate Band! LOL!
Upcoming Worship Leader?
Shan Yu!
Zhong Kai!
Ultimate Partner, Joline![Thanks for being such a great coordinator!]
Overall, it was fun. Jenn popped by after meeting Chris. Guan Wen came by as well. Mr Chin came back from Australia the night before jam. LOL! Nat was sick and now she's feeling better. Cheryl, Chris and Justin came too. Not forgetting Oliver. Thanks for the support!
Through the session, I felt an intense moment of worship. It wasn't just a jam. In any case, we'll work on volume dynamics in the next jam. Stay Tuned! More of Jesus, less of us.
Be Blessed!
Sunday, 14 January 2007
Called By God!
I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?' Then I said, 'Here am I! Send me' - Isaiah 6:8
http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php?month=01&day=14&year=07
A timely word, through this devotion, My Utmost For His Highest, I've learnt that all of us are called by God, but few are chosen. Why? Coz of our condition of our ears and upon our spiritual attitude. Aurelia and I had a vision during the Prayer Generation (Prayer@8:30am) session. Many of us shared.
This common vision between Aurelia and me reveals this: God is building His army and He's going to anoint every single person in the Youth Ministry. Comprises of two parts, the front section was the the P6, Secondary, mainly the younger ones. The back portion was the leaders, older ones. Each and everyone in that place was anointed with oil and the Holy Spirit.
Who says we can't hear God? Yes, we can! Build the condition of the band.
Be Blessed!
http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php?month=01&day=14&year=07
A timely word, through this devotion, My Utmost For His Highest, I've learnt that all of us are called by God, but few are chosen. Why? Coz of our condition of our ears and upon our spiritual attitude. Aurelia and I had a vision during the Prayer Generation (Prayer@8:30am) session. Many of us shared.
This common vision between Aurelia and me reveals this: God is building His army and He's going to anoint every single person in the Youth Ministry. Comprises of two parts, the front section was the the P6, Secondary, mainly the younger ones. The back portion was the leaders, older ones. Each and everyone in that place was anointed with oil and the Holy Spirit.
Who says we can't hear God? Yes, we can! Build the condition of the band.
Be Blessed!
Friday, 12 January 2007
Beautiful News
Hi hi! Matt Redman [NOT Chris Tomlin] has a new album "Beautiful News" and you can listen to the whole album FREE at Worshipmusic.com.
Look for the "Worshipmusic.com Radio" link and click on it.
But I think it's only going to be there for a few more days so listen to it quickly!!
luv,
jenn
Look for the "Worshipmusic.com Radio" link and click on it.
But I think it's only going to be there for a few more days so listen to it quickly!!
luv,
jenn
Sunday, 7 January 2007
Prayer@8:30am
Nothing beats than having that great morning, waking up early, just to prepare for this BIG day! Just to share what really happened was an outpouring of the Holy Spirit's work during our prayer session. For a start, we have a few newcomers and one of them is Nathania! I admit that it's not easy to wake up early just for this. But it's worth it.
Ho Wai (Facilitator) and I (Worship Leader) met up and discussed about the prayer meeting. Interestingly, on our own private time with God, we felt that we should let the prayer session be a time to let God deal with us individually. Never a time such as this that I felt totally immersed into the presence of God. It's like God wanting to pour out His heartfelt and many started to see visions, speak forth the Word and started to worship Him in Spirit and in truth.
Personally, I felt refreshed, renewed and restored during this time of prayer and it was crazy till I can't contain it or explain it in words. After the prayer@8:30am, Ho Wai shared with me about two things that God told him about Music Ministry.I believe that if we want to make that difference and impact the world, we have to start coming for prayer. Prayer changes everything.
Ho Wai's sharing on Music Ministry for 2007:
1) God will give the teams new voices and instruments of angels.
2) God will use the worship team not just to lead people into worship but to heal, minister and perform miracles. It will do more than within the church building and somehow it will minister to people outside.
Hope you are encouraged and I hope you will use this blog to edify each other as we serve as a family. What does a family do? Ask yourself and you will know. =)
Be Blessed!
Ho Wai (Facilitator) and I (Worship Leader) met up and discussed about the prayer meeting. Interestingly, on our own private time with God, we felt that we should let the prayer session be a time to let God deal with us individually. Never a time such as this that I felt totally immersed into the presence of God. It's like God wanting to pour out His heartfelt and many started to see visions, speak forth the Word and started to worship Him in Spirit and in truth.
Personally, I felt refreshed, renewed and restored during this time of prayer and it was crazy till I can't contain it or explain it in words. After the prayer@8:30am, Ho Wai shared with me about two things that God told him about Music Ministry.I believe that if we want to make that difference and impact the world, we have to start coming for prayer. Prayer changes everything.
Ho Wai's sharing on Music Ministry for 2007:
1) God will give the teams new voices and instruments of angels.
2) God will use the worship team not just to lead people into worship but to heal, minister and perform miracles. It will do more than within the church building and somehow it will minister to people outside.
Hope you are encouraged and I hope you will use this blog to edify each other as we serve as a family. What does a family do? Ask yourself and you will know. =)
Be Blessed!
Monday, 1 January 2007
Happy New Year 2007 & New IT Services For You!
First of all, I would wish everyone a Happy Blessed New Year 2007! The 8:30am prayer group met up yesterday to spend the last day of the year together and shared our deepest thoughts for the prayer group. Besides all these, we had makan together, fellowship and I guess we really enjoy coming to pray together.
We had Bee Hoon, Otak & Chicken Wings!
Jon sharing about his experience
Time of Gathering, Sharing with Love
Cheryl + Chris
Keith, checking the schedule for prayer meetings
In the New Year, I would publicize more of our happenings in COOS, our lives and of course, more testimonies and business happenings. If you would like to support my business, do visit Bluedge Technologies at http://bluedge.blogspot.com and do support Gab & Evie in their venture of Plastick Bricks!
Juz + Julian + Elaine + Liz
Chris! Classic Moment!
Ben Yuan, one of the Pioneers of the prayer group
Intense Game..... Look at Jun Lynn + Rachel!
Liz + Ho Wai + Kenny
Let's support each other by sharing and edifying each other through the Word of God through this blog, emails, etc. I would like to encourage all of you to join the prayer group on Sundays, 8:30am at Blk 6C.
Be Blessed!
We had Bee Hoon, Otak & Chicken Wings!
Jon sharing about his experience
Time of Gathering, Sharing with Love
Cheryl + Chris
Keith, checking the schedule for prayer meetings
Juz + Julian + Elaine + Liz
Chris! Classic Moment!
Ben Yuan, one of the Pioneers of the prayer group
Intense Game..... Look at Jun Lynn + Rachel!
Liz + Ho Wai + KennyLet's support each other by sharing and edifying each other through the Word of God through this blog, emails, etc. I would like to encourage all of you to join the prayer group on Sundays, 8:30am at Blk 6C.
Be Blessed!
Sunday, 31 December 2006
NEW STORE ALERT :D
Hello :)
Gabriel and I have set up an online shop, PLASTICK BRICKS, selling very unique female accesories.
Please visit: http://plastickbricks.livejournal.com Do support us by dropping us a visit at the blog.
If you like something, leave a comment or email us at plastickbricks@yahoo.com.sg
Do pass this link to your friends, family and loved ones. Check back regularly for updates!
Thank you :)
With Much Love,
Evie
Gabriel and I have set up an online shop, PLASTICK BRICKS, selling very unique female accesories.
Please visit: http://plastickbricks.livejourn
If you like something, leave a comment or email us at plastickbricks@yahoo.com.sg
Do pass this link to your friends, family and loved ones. Check back regularly for updates!
Thank you :)
With Much Love,
Evie
Monday, 25 December 2006
A Royal Christmas
Hey Prince and Princess of Our King!
I came across this article that I had printed out 6 years ago while looking at some old files of mine. What a treasure. When I read it, I felt it brought a fresher approach of Christmas to me and hopefully it does for you as well. It is the birth of our Saviour and King that we are able to be called His very own prince and princess.
True Royalty
A beggar lived near the king's palace. One day he saw a proclamation posted outside the palace gate. The king was giving a great dinner. Anyone dressed in royal garments was invited to the party. The beggar went on his way. He looked at the rags he was wearing and sighed. Surely only kings and their families wore royal robes, he thought. Slowly an idea crept into his mind. The audacity of it made him tremble. Would he dare? He made his way back to the palace. He approached the guard at the gate.
"Please,sire, I would like to speak to the king." "Wait here," the guard replied.
In a few minutes, he was back. "His majesty will see you," he said, and led the beggar in. "You wish to see me?" asked the king. "Yes, your majesty. I want so much to attend the banquet, but I have no royal robes to wear. Please, sir, if I may be so bold, may I have one of your old garments so that I, too, may come to the banquet?" The beggar shook so hard that he could not see the faint smile that was on the king's face. "You have been wise in coming to me," the king said. He called to his son, the young prince. "Take this man to your room and array him in some of your clothes."
The prince did as he was told and soon the beggar was standing before a mirror, clothed in garments that he had never dared hope for. "You are now eligible to attend the king's banquet tomorrow night," said the prince. "But even more important, you will never need any other clothes. These garments will last forever." The beggar dropped to his knees. "Oh, thank you," he cried. But as he started to leave, he looked back at his pile of dirty rags on the floor. He hesitated. What if the prince was wrong? What if he would need his old clothes again. Quickly he gathered them up.
The banquet was far greater than he had ever imagined, but he could not enjoy himself as he should. He had made a small bundle of his old rags and it kept falling off his lap. The food was passed quickly and the beggar missed some of the greatest delicacies. Time proved that the prince was right. The clothes lasted forever. Still the poor beggar grew fonder and fonder of his old rags. As time passed people seemed to forget the royal robes he was wearing. They saw only the little bundle of filthy rags that he clung to wherever he went. They even spoke of him as the old man with the rags.
One day as he lay dying, the king visited him. The beggar saw the sad look on the king's face when he looked at the small bundle of rags by the bed. Suddenly the beggar remembered the prince's words and he realized that his bundle of rags had cost him a lifetime of true royalty. He wept bitterly at his folly. And the king wept with him.
We have been invited into a royal family--the family of God. To feast at God's dinner table, all we have to do is shed our old rags and put on the "new clothes" of faith which is provided by God's Son, Jesus Christ. But we cannot hold onto our old rags. When we put our faith in Christ, we must let go of the sin in our life, and our old ways of living. Those things must be discarded if we are to experience true royalty and abundant life in Christ.
"Behold, the old is passed away; the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
By: Author Unknown
Each one of you are so special in His eyes and heart. Let us continue to embrace our royal destiny in our King as we step forth into a new year. Here's a song from Hosanna Integrity (yah I know a bit old BUT... ever so good) it's called Resound in Praise by Billy Funk and Ron Kenoly. Take a look at those words and check out the song on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFOsPYtAabw
Resound in Praise
We've been created as kings and priests to worship Your royalty
To proclaim Your awesome mighty works Your excellence for all to see
Heaven and earth reflect Your glory
The sun, moon, and stars Give You praise
You are the Great and Mighty God
Forever Your kingdom will reign
Will reign
Let the sanctuary
Be filled with Your glory
We lift our voices up in praise
Let the sanctuary
Be filled with Your glory
Each instrument resound in praise.
Blessings In Christ
Juz
I came across this article that I had printed out 6 years ago while looking at some old files of mine. What a treasure. When I read it, I felt it brought a fresher approach of Christmas to me and hopefully it does for you as well. It is the birth of our Saviour and King that we are able to be called His very own prince and princess.
True Royalty
A beggar lived near the king's palace. One day he saw a proclamation posted outside the palace gate. The king was giving a great dinner. Anyone dressed in royal garments was invited to the party. The beggar went on his way. He looked at the rags he was wearing and sighed. Surely only kings and their families wore royal robes, he thought. Slowly an idea crept into his mind. The audacity of it made him tremble. Would he dare? He made his way back to the palace. He approached the guard at the gate.
"Please,sire, I would like to speak to the king." "Wait here," the guard replied.
In a few minutes, he was back. "His majesty will see you," he said, and led the beggar in. "You wish to see me?" asked the king. "Yes, your majesty. I want so much to attend the banquet, but I have no royal robes to wear. Please, sir, if I may be so bold, may I have one of your old garments so that I, too, may come to the banquet?" The beggar shook so hard that he could not see the faint smile that was on the king's face. "You have been wise in coming to me," the king said. He called to his son, the young prince. "Take this man to your room and array him in some of your clothes."
The prince did as he was told and soon the beggar was standing before a mirror, clothed in garments that he had never dared hope for. "You are now eligible to attend the king's banquet tomorrow night," said the prince. "But even more important, you will never need any other clothes. These garments will last forever." The beggar dropped to his knees. "Oh, thank you," he cried. But as he started to leave, he looked back at his pile of dirty rags on the floor. He hesitated. What if the prince was wrong? What if he would need his old clothes again. Quickly he gathered them up.
The banquet was far greater than he had ever imagined, but he could not enjoy himself as he should. He had made a small bundle of his old rags and it kept falling off his lap. The food was passed quickly and the beggar missed some of the greatest delicacies. Time proved that the prince was right. The clothes lasted forever. Still the poor beggar grew fonder and fonder of his old rags. As time passed people seemed to forget the royal robes he was wearing. They saw only the little bundle of filthy rags that he clung to wherever he went. They even spoke of him as the old man with the rags.
One day as he lay dying, the king visited him. The beggar saw the sad look on the king's face when he looked at the small bundle of rags by the bed. Suddenly the beggar remembered the prince's words and he realized that his bundle of rags had cost him a lifetime of true royalty. He wept bitterly at his folly. And the king wept with him.
We have been invited into a royal family--the family of God. To feast at God's dinner table, all we have to do is shed our old rags and put on the "new clothes" of faith which is provided by God's Son, Jesus Christ. But we cannot hold onto our old rags. When we put our faith in Christ, we must let go of the sin in our life, and our old ways of living. Those things must be discarded if we are to experience true royalty and abundant life in Christ.
"Behold, the old is passed away; the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
By: Author Unknown
Each one of you are so special in His eyes and heart. Let us continue to embrace our royal destiny in our King as we step forth into a new year. Here's a song from Hosanna Integrity (yah I know a bit old BUT... ever so good) it's called Resound in Praise by Billy Funk and Ron Kenoly. Take a look at those words and check out the song on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFOsPYtAabw
Resound in Praise
We've been created as kings and priests to worship Your royalty
To proclaim Your awesome mighty works Your excellence for all to see
Heaven and earth reflect Your glory
The sun, moon, and stars Give You praise
You are the Great and Mighty God
Forever Your kingdom will reign
Will reign
Let the sanctuary
Be filled with Your glory
We lift our voices up in praise
Let the sanctuary
Be filled with Your glory
Each instrument resound in praise.
Blessings In Christ
Juz
Merry Christmas, BAND!
Merry Christmas to all! Personally, I'm really blessed to have you all serving in the ministry. It's been a long time and I just feel like it was yesterday! Time flies and some of us are getting older! Just to share something about the YCO.
I felt really encouraged seeing people responding to the altar call while I was serving on stage. Tears were in my eyes and I just feel excited about seeing youths coming to know Christ. What encourages me most was when J.T was sharing about that vision he saw. "Each of us has a special place in His heart. There are many rooms in His heart. Each room belongs to each and everyone of us." I'm honored to have one room in God's heart, all by myself. It was really encouraging. Serving with the band has helped me see many things in life. I just want to say, I love you all! Each and everyone of you count!
Wondering if you all will be at the lunch later on. Hope to see you all though. Time to sleep through the lovely morning of Christmas. Oh, just remembered that it's my birthday today! (I was baptized on Christmas day, 10 years ago!) LOL. Probably Milton and Dexter will know that beautiful baptism pool we have at St Hilda's Church.
Thank God for such a time as this. Let's continue to serve God with our best. Looking forward to see your blog entries to share about your life, your relationship with God and your experiences!
Be Blessed!
I felt really encouraged seeing people responding to the altar call while I was serving on stage. Tears were in my eyes and I just feel excited about seeing youths coming to know Christ. What encourages me most was when J.T was sharing about that vision he saw. "Each of us has a special place in His heart. There are many rooms in His heart. Each room belongs to each and everyone of us." I'm honored to have one room in God's heart, all by myself. It was really encouraging. Serving with the band has helped me see many things in life. I just want to say, I love you all! Each and everyone of you count!
Wondering if you all will be at the lunch later on. Hope to see you all though. Time to sleep through the lovely morning of Christmas. Oh, just remembered that it's my birthday today! (I was baptized on Christmas day, 10 years ago!) LOL. Probably Milton and Dexter will know that beautiful baptism pool we have at St Hilda's Church.
Thank God for such a time as this. Let's continue to serve God with our best. Looking forward to see your blog entries to share about your life, your relationship with God and your experiences!
Be Blessed!
Thursday, 21 December 2006
Happy Birthday, Jenn & Evie!
Happy birthday to our beautiful ladies of the band! May the Lord bless you two richly as you serve Him fervently. Let's not ask about age since it's sensitive but remember to drop them a sms or call soon to wish them of their big day!
Jenn
Evie
Thanks Jenn for being there for us and supporting us in everything we do. You've been a great leader and pastor to us. Appreciate your time and effort! And for Evie, thanks for being a great team player and listener in the band. Awaiting for you to lead the band someday! You've grown and you are a blessing to many.
Enjoy your birthday!
Be Blessed!
Jenn
EvieEnjoy your birthday!
Be Blessed!
Monday, 18 December 2006
Happy Birthday, Josh!
Happy Birthday, Josh! We didn't forget your birthday! Just in case, you wondered..... While you are still in Youth Leaders' Advance, we would like to tell you that you have been a great leader to us and thanks for your effort and love!
This is our dearest Amphora Leader, Josh Khoo!
Josh looks cool hor?
Hope that you are enjoying your trip there. If you got sabo-ed..... we can't help you. Sorry hor..... Lastly, may God bless you and strengthen you as you grow in Him. Happy 26th Birthday.
Be Blessed!
This is our dearest Amphora Leader, Josh Khoo!
Josh looks cool hor?Hope that you are enjoying your trip there. If you got sabo-ed..... we can't help you. Sorry hor..... Lastly, may God bless you and strengthen you as you grow in Him. Happy 26th Birthday.
Be Blessed!
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