Sunday, January 31, 2010
#1 Chinese New Year!!!!
Friendshipsourestate Cell cordially invites YOU to join us for steamboat this coming Friday, the 5th of February 2010.
Meeting time: 7:30Pm
Meeting place: Bugis Mrt station
Celebrate the festive season by spending some of your incoming HongBao money with us!!
See ya there. =)
#2 Carwash Outreach Programme!!!!
Working at the Carwash, o-o-O-O-o-o yeah, at the Carwash yeaahhhh!
-Extracted from the song Carwash by Christina Aguilera.
This Sunday, 7th of February 2010, 9am
Goal: We'll be washing celebrities' cars (such as Esther's mum) to raise funds for Golden Pines charity.
Don't forget cellgroup after that at 11!!
Things to bring: Probably an extra set of clothes. =), Ill confirm the list again.
Venue: (Im not suree... heheh... ill ask. =X)
Prepare for a wild, wet time!
-J.
Friendshipsourestate Cell cordially invites YOU to join us for steamboat this coming Friday, the 5th of February 2010.
Meeting time: 7:30Pm
Meeting place: Bugis Mrt station
Celebrate the festive season by spending some of your incoming HongBao money with us!!
See ya there. =)
#2 Carwash Outreach Programme!!!!
Working at the Carwash, o-o-O-O-o-o yeah, at the Carwash yeaahhhh!
-Extracted from the song Carwash by Christina Aguilera.
This Sunday, 7th of February 2010, 9am
Goal: We'll be washing celebrities' cars (such as Esther's mum) to raise funds for Golden Pines charity.
Don't forget cellgroup after that at 11!!
Things to bring: Probably an extra set of clothes. =), Ill confirm the list again.
Venue: (Im not suree... heheh... ill ask. =X)
Prepare for a wild, wet time!
-J.
what we could have been, 11:36 PM.
Hey everyone! Here's the super dry long lesson on print.
Have fun readingggg...
So, what is the fruit of the spirit?
It is the products in a person's life after the transformational power of Jesus Christ.
Now, I'm gonna draw up three comparisons of the righteous vs the ungodly.
#1 Psalm 1:3&4 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so; but are like chaff which the wind driveth away.
Imagin blowing against chaff, does it fly away?
What about if you blow against a tree?
So the righteous are like trees that prosper and continually bring forth fruit, but the ungodly are without foundations and blow away in the wind.
Verse 2: But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night
=>The righteous meditate on God's word. That is how they get their firm foundations and the ability to withstand being swayed.
#2 Jeremiah 17:5-8 Thus saith the Lord: Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in the salt land and not inhabited.
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
In fact, the waters that the righteous drink of here are not just any waters. They are an endless supply of water that will produce everlasting life.
John4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
*Can you imagin a delicate plant in a scorching desert vs a tree beside a river getting everything abundantly? Which will die first?
The difference between the righteous and the ungodly here is that the righteous trust in the Lord, but the ungodly trust in men.
#3 Psalm 92:7, 12-15 7 When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish: it is that they shall be destroyed forever.
12-15 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing. To show that the Lord is upright, he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
The ungodly are like grass. Can you imagin giving grass to your girlfriend on Valentines Day? I think she'll slap you and dump you for some other guy. Why?
Here are some of grasses characteristics:
@Common
@Shortlived
@Plain, boring
@Doesn't produce flowers or any sort of fruit.
But the righteous are like palm trees and cedar trees.
Granted you wont wanna give those trees to your girlfriend on V Day either, but, here are some of their properties:
Palm Tree: Resilient, can weather the harshest of climates.
Cedar tree: Love-lived, and produce sweet fruit.
->God will supply us with the everlasting and inexhaustible grace that is fresh every morning, that will allow us to withstand the desert.
But the thing about fruit is that time is needed for them to grow. They need careful nurturing, and only when the time is right, will the fruit appear. You need the right seed, you need to plant that seed and nurture it on God. God will grow the tree and make it bear fruit.
However, many people seek to cut the process short. They get impatient, they try and do things of their own strength, in their own timing. That will not bear them fruit.
1 such person was Moses: Exodus 2:11-14 , 19
He wanted to make a difference in the lives of the Israelites, but he did it the wrong way, out of his own strength, and out of God's timing.
He was sowing the wrong seeds, grown the wrong tree and produced corrupt fruit.
As a result, they called him, in verse 19, Egyptian. Not Israelite, not man of God, not priest, but Egyptian.
Matthew 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt; and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit.
Feed the spirit with more of itself, let it grow and multiply. Become less, let the spirit take control and become more.
The fruit of the spirit is not men's work for men, even out of good intentions, but men's work for God, for the Spirit, letting it use us as a vessel.
John 12:24 Verily, verily I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into a ground and die, it abideth alone, but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
->Die to men, to be born again in the spirit.
Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
What is cruicifiction? It is a horrible form of death reserved for the worst people.
So not only are we to kill sin in our lives, we are also to hate it and make the conscious choice to stay away from it.
Many people today view Christianity more as a form of bondage rather than freedom.
But lets look at what their view of freedom is.
-> The freedom to say vulgar words, the freedom to murder, the freedom to steal, the freedom to lust, the freedom to lie.
Is this really freedom?
Is it freedom when you lose yourself, every sense of who you are, when you move from your true identity as a child of God to become a slave to sin, when what you do out of freedom brings you bondage and restriction?
Galatians 5:13-21
The word of God gives support, not bondage.
It provides retraint, not restriction
The freedom of Christianity is the freedom to love, to be joyful, to have peace, to have patience, to be kind, to do good, to have faith, to be gentle and to have self-control.
V15 If we are free to sin, everyone will live for themselves and destroy everyone else.
V21 But we will not be free to enter God's kingdom.
V17 We, as Christians, are not free to sin, but are to live in the spirit and triumph over sin.
V24 A Christian, having recieved Christ, should turn his back on sin.
So then, what do we do to the weeds that choke up our tree?
Galatians 5:15 Weeds are self-destructive.
V17 And destroy the good seed sown by God
V24 So crucify them.
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:11-12 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Why did Peter withdraw out of fear of the Jews?
-He was afraid of losing favour
- He was a hypocrite in this account, and thus perverted the gospel.
But Paul (Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ) was not guilty of this.
How did Paul get the strength to withstand the temptation of doing his works for men?
This is what he says: Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me.
When I speak of living, I do not mean myself. As a Christian, I have been united with Christ.
Jeremiah 17:8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when the heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green, and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
Paul is like this tree that has been united to Christ, planted by the waters, his foundations run deep, he can withstand any temptations and he will continually bear fruit.
He further goes on to say: Galatians 2:20 And the life which I know live in the flesh, I live by faith of the son of God.
1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus; who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
For Paul, faith is the instrument that unites him to Christ, and in Christ Jesus he has wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. Basically, Paul has all he needs. If he finds in Christ all that he needs, why should he be afraid, and why should he seek the favour of others?
Crucifiction of the flesh not only means death to sin, but also regeneration in Christ, the Spirit.
- You will be a new being, given a new lease of life.
- The chaff is now a tree, the heath is a cedar and the fruitless vine is now bearing fruit.
But the new man is not perfect.
The battlefield continues.
Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
But although the new man is a battlefield, he is not passive but active and will have to choose sides.
His resources will be to (Gal5:16) walk in the Spirit and (Gal5:18) be led by the Spirit, because he already (Gal5:25) lives by the Spirit.
Walking : Conduct, do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
Being led: Conformity to the will of the Spirit, following where it guides you.
Remember also to produce lasting fruit, not temporal, artificial fruit, and be satisfied. It is one of Satan's tactics to give some people a light taste of Christianity and be satisfied and not get the real thing. We need to discern true fruit from artificial fruit.
Thats about it! =)
If you've made it reading this far, you're pretty amazing.... lol..
Memory Verse of the week:
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Have a God blessed week!
-J
Have fun readingggg...
So, what is the fruit of the spirit?
It is the products in a person's life after the transformational power of Jesus Christ.
Now, I'm gonna draw up three comparisons of the righteous vs the ungodly.
#1 Psalm 1:3&4 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so; but are like chaff which the wind driveth away.
Imagin blowing against chaff, does it fly away?
What about if you blow against a tree?
So the righteous are like trees that prosper and continually bring forth fruit, but the ungodly are without foundations and blow away in the wind.
Verse 2: But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night
=>The righteous meditate on God's word. That is how they get their firm foundations and the ability to withstand being swayed.
#2 Jeremiah 17:5-8 Thus saith the Lord: Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in the salt land and not inhabited.
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
In fact, the waters that the righteous drink of here are not just any waters. They are an endless supply of water that will produce everlasting life.
John4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
*Can you imagin a delicate plant in a scorching desert vs a tree beside a river getting everything abundantly? Which will die first?
The difference between the righteous and the ungodly here is that the righteous trust in the Lord, but the ungodly trust in men.
#3 Psalm 92:7, 12-15 7 When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish: it is that they shall be destroyed forever.
12-15 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing. To show that the Lord is upright, he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
The ungodly are like grass. Can you imagin giving grass to your girlfriend on Valentines Day? I think she'll slap you and dump you for some other guy. Why?
Here are some of grasses characteristics:
@Common
@Shortlived
@Plain, boring
@Doesn't produce flowers or any sort of fruit.
But the righteous are like palm trees and cedar trees.
Granted you wont wanna give those trees to your girlfriend on V Day either, but, here are some of their properties:
Palm Tree: Resilient, can weather the harshest of climates.
Cedar tree: Love-lived, and produce sweet fruit.
->God will supply us with the everlasting and inexhaustible grace that is fresh every morning, that will allow us to withstand the desert.
But the thing about fruit is that time is needed for them to grow. They need careful nurturing, and only when the time is right, will the fruit appear. You need the right seed, you need to plant that seed and nurture it on God. God will grow the tree and make it bear fruit.
However, many people seek to cut the process short. They get impatient, they try and do things of their own strength, in their own timing. That will not bear them fruit.
1 such person was Moses: Exodus 2:11-14 , 19
He wanted to make a difference in the lives of the Israelites, but he did it the wrong way, out of his own strength, and out of God's timing.
He was sowing the wrong seeds, grown the wrong tree and produced corrupt fruit.
As a result, they called him, in verse 19, Egyptian. Not Israelite, not man of God, not priest, but Egyptian.
Matthew 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt; and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit.
Feed the spirit with more of itself, let it grow and multiply. Become less, let the spirit take control and become more.
The fruit of the spirit is not men's work for men, even out of good intentions, but men's work for God, for the Spirit, letting it use us as a vessel.
John 12:24 Verily, verily I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into a ground and die, it abideth alone, but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
->Die to men, to be born again in the spirit.
Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
What is cruicifiction? It is a horrible form of death reserved for the worst people.
So not only are we to kill sin in our lives, we are also to hate it and make the conscious choice to stay away from it.
Many people today view Christianity more as a form of bondage rather than freedom.
But lets look at what their view of freedom is.
-> The freedom to say vulgar words, the freedom to murder, the freedom to steal, the freedom to lust, the freedom to lie.
Is this really freedom?
Is it freedom when you lose yourself, every sense of who you are, when you move from your true identity as a child of God to become a slave to sin, when what you do out of freedom brings you bondage and restriction?
Galatians 5:13-21
The word of God gives support, not bondage.
It provides retraint, not restriction
The freedom of Christianity is the freedom to love, to be joyful, to have peace, to have patience, to be kind, to do good, to have faith, to be gentle and to have self-control.
V15 If we are free to sin, everyone will live for themselves and destroy everyone else.
V21 But we will not be free to enter God's kingdom.
V17 We, as Christians, are not free to sin, but are to live in the spirit and triumph over sin.
V24 A Christian, having recieved Christ, should turn his back on sin.
So then, what do we do to the weeds that choke up our tree?
Galatians 5:15 Weeds are self-destructive.
V17 And destroy the good seed sown by God
V24 So crucify them.
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:11-12 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Why did Peter withdraw out of fear of the Jews?
-He was afraid of losing favour
- He was a hypocrite in this account, and thus perverted the gospel.
But Paul (Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ) was not guilty of this.
How did Paul get the strength to withstand the temptation of doing his works for men?
This is what he says: Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me.
When I speak of living, I do not mean myself. As a Christian, I have been united with Christ.
Jeremiah 17:8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when the heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green, and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
Paul is like this tree that has been united to Christ, planted by the waters, his foundations run deep, he can withstand any temptations and he will continually bear fruit.
He further goes on to say: Galatians 2:20 And the life which I know live in the flesh, I live by faith of the son of God.
1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus; who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
For Paul, faith is the instrument that unites him to Christ, and in Christ Jesus he has wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. Basically, Paul has all he needs. If he finds in Christ all that he needs, why should he be afraid, and why should he seek the favour of others?
Crucifiction of the flesh not only means death to sin, but also regeneration in Christ, the Spirit.
- You will be a new being, given a new lease of life.
- The chaff is now a tree, the heath is a cedar and the fruitless vine is now bearing fruit.
But the new man is not perfect.
The battlefield continues.
Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
But although the new man is a battlefield, he is not passive but active and will have to choose sides.
His resources will be to (Gal5:16) walk in the Spirit and (Gal5:18) be led by the Spirit, because he already (Gal5:25) lives by the Spirit.
Walking : Conduct, do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
Being led: Conformity to the will of the Spirit, following where it guides you.
Remember also to produce lasting fruit, not temporal, artificial fruit, and be satisfied. It is one of Satan's tactics to give some people a light taste of Christianity and be satisfied and not get the real thing. We need to discern true fruit from artificial fruit.
Thats about it! =)
If you've made it reading this far, you're pretty amazing.... lol..
Memory Verse of the week:
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Have a God blessed week!
-J
what we could have been, 10:38 PM.
Friday, January 29, 2010
As we know some of us don't read the bible everyday, and only read it when we're free of during church. During my CCA (Girls' Brigade), while devotion my school's church's Chaplin told us something about spiritual discipline. That we have to read the bible and pray everyday and not only when we are free.The importance of the Bible:
- It is the word of the creator God for life
- It is about God and Man living together
- It is to know him and make him known
We all know the importance of the Bible but do we make it important in our lives?
How do we know more about God through the Bible?
- The Hand Method
- Little Finger = Hear
- Ring Finger = Read
- Middle Finger = Study
- Index Finger = Memorise
- Thumb = Reflect/ Meditate
The importance of prayer
- It is relating with God through Communication
While praying, most Christains pray for themselves first, however, that should come last when praying. Why? Because it is not about us, it is about God.
How to Pray?
Praise & thanksgiving
Repentance from sin
Asking for others
Yourself last in asking
For those who are feeling down or feel like giving up hope...
Cheer up! :) For you are a gift from God and a blessing!
" The joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8: 10
To end this I have quote for ya'll:
" The Sun can break through the darkest cloud; love can brighten the gloomiest day"
-William Arthur Ward
-Evangeline
what we could have been, 6:36 PM.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Prayer Requests for the week:
♥Lisa's: -Thank God for Alena, & that she will continue to stay & grow with us.
♥Fiona's: -Recovery for her mom: she's sick.
♥Justin's: -For Wisdom and for his tests: Chinese, Physics & Social Studies
♥Kiew Ray's: -Time Management
♥Jared's: -Recovery for Samuel's injured knee
♥Samuel's: -Completely depend on God for everything
♥Melody's: -A math & pure sciences qualifying tests/results.
(except those "personal" ones)
♥Lisa's: -Thank God for Alena, & that she will continue to stay & grow with us.
-Discipline & diligence
♥Fiona's: -Recovery for her mom: she's sick.
-Devil to leave her friend's cousin: Addicted to the computer to a great extend that she casts curses of death unto people when she is being stopped.
-The cell's faith/growth in Christ & bonding btwn each other will last.
♥Justin's: -For Wisdom and for his tests: Chinese, Physics & Social Studies
♥Kiew Ray's: -Time Management
♥Jared's: -Recovery for Samuel's injured knee
♥Samuel's: -Completely depend on God for everything
-& not to steal his glory
♥Melody's: -A math & pure sciences qualifying tests/results.
-Courage to evangelize to school friends, especially my BFF: she's starting to believe!
♥Alena's: -For God to show her the path that He has planned out for her
-to have motivation to study
♥Marcus Q's: -Strength for the week
-Hockey match on friday
-Tests for the week
OK, tht's all fr now, (to be editted if thr r anymore PRs) if anyone has any other Prayer Requests, text/pm me, OK?
My purpose for uploading it here is so that everyone can pray for each other, yea? & continue praying fr th other usual things, from last wk's prayer items.
In Matthew, when Jesus was on earth: "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."" Matthew 9:36-38
Let us be the Lord's workers, and evangelize to those who have not receive him, give a chance to those who do not even know that he exists, to get to know him.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 6:33
Put God first in everything (although you might be too busy with studies), & he will provide fr you!
GBU!
OK, bye.
♥, Melody.
what we could have been, 4:41 AM.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Hey all!!!
I was thinking, in celebration of Chinese New Year, and our traditional roots, maybe we should have like a cell outing to eat steamboat or something.
Kinda like a reunion dinner/whatever.. hahahaha
=)
Think I'll dump this project onto the new outings comm soon. XD..
But before I do, what do you guys think? do you have the time, do you wanna go, do you have the moola, things like that....?
After all, we are chinese..
As much as I hate to admit it.
Except for Samuel the Malay.
-J.
I was thinking, in celebration of Chinese New Year, and our traditional roots, maybe we should have like a cell outing to eat steamboat or something.
Kinda like a reunion dinner/whatever.. hahahaha
=)
Think I'll dump this project onto the new outings comm soon. XD..
But before I do, what do you guys think? do you have the time, do you wanna go, do you have the moola, things like that....?
After all, we are chinese..
As much as I hate to admit it.
Except for Samuel the Malay.
-J.
what we could have been, 9:26 PM.
"From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another"
John 1:16
thank God for always showering His Love on us. though how unworthy we are. we really don't deserve it. therefore each and every day of our lives is to honor God(:
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
philippians 4:12
live you life to the fullest and continue to count your blessings even in time of trouble and darkness(:
live life as children of Light(ephesian 4:17 onwards)
great week ahead as you learn how to fear God and serve(:
-lisa
John 1:16
thank God for always showering His Love on us. though how unworthy we are. we really don't deserve it. therefore each and every day of our lives is to honor God(:
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
philippians 4:12
live you life to the fullest and continue to count your blessings even in time of trouble and darkness(:
live life as children of Light(ephesian 4:17 onwards)
great week ahead as you learn how to fear God and serve(:
-lisa
what we could have been, 7:50 AM.
Friday, January 22, 2010
When we don’t pray, we quit the fight.
Prayer keeps the Christian’s armor bright.
And Satan trembles when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.
WILLIAM COWPER
Ephesians 6:10-20
The Armor of God
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Prayer is a awesome weapon that God has given us!(:
continue to thank God for His daily blessings on us(:
Philippians 4:9
9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
God bless!
Prayer keeps the Christian’s armor bright.
And Satan trembles when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.
WILLIAM COWPER
Ephesians 6:10-20
The Armor of God
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Prayer is a awesome weapon that God has given us!(:
continue to thank God for His daily blessings on us(:
Philippians 4:9
9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
God bless!
what we could have been, 3:58 PM.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
A little boy of thirteen was on his way to school
He heard a crowd of people
laughing and he went to take a look
Thousands were listening to the stories
of one man
He spoke with such wisdom, even the kids could
understand
The hours passed so quickly, the day turned into
night
Everyone was hungry but there was no food in sight
The boy looked in
his lunchbox, at the little that he had
He wasn’t sure what good it’d do,
there were thousands to be fed
But he saw the twinkling eyes of
Jesus, the kindness in His smile
And the boy cried out with the trust of a
child
He said: “Take my five loaves and two fishes. Do with it as you
will”
I surrender.
Take my fears and my inhibitions, all my burdens, my
ambitions
You can use it all, to feed them all.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are often like that boy when we're feeling small
And we worry that the work we do means nothing at all
But every single tear and every prayer is heard, and His hands can work miracles.
And every door that slams in your face, offer up in prayer and give you every breath that you have
All He needs is our AMEN.
Give HIM our five loaves and two fishes. Let Him use it as He will and surrender it to Him. For His thoughts and plans are way higher than ours.
Surrender your fears and dreams, all your burdens and ambitions
He can use it all, no gift's ever too small. Trust in Him
So take my five loaves and two fishes. Do with it as you will.
GOD BLESS- have a great week ahead ppl
justin(:
Labels: He is our Tower of Strength
what we could have been, 3:59 AM.
There’s a mountain before me as I come to Your presence
Though my heart is so willing to receive
Wondering why all of my prayers seemed to fall to the ground
With every syllable I speak
And as I fall down before You, I’ve cried my last tear
I’m tried of forgetting all You’ve done
All the times You came to my rescue
When I was so weak
Growing weary from this race I run
But as I close my eyes
I can feel your embrace
As you usher me here before your throne
Reaching with your hand of forgiveness
You speak to me these words
With the love like I’ve never ever known…
“You will overcome
And the trials you go through
Will fall one by one
As my grace pours over you"
Chorus:
And you will seek me and find me
When you seek me with all of your heart
And not just a part
When the road that you travel
Seems like it never will end, I’ll be your friend
And in the times that you feel like
This world is so far from your home
You’re not alone
‘Cause I will never depart
Just seek me with all of your heart”
great song(: GOD FTW!
- justin
Labels: seek HIM with all our hearts
what we could have been, 3:52 AM.
Hey guys, how u week so far? eh i just want to share something i thought of the past few days, so hope u don't mind..
john 3:16
"For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life"
i know most of you guys are familiar with this verse but there are people in this world who tend to forget this and when bad things occur around them, they put the blame on God, saying things like God do not love them. but in this verse God love us so much that he would sent his son down to save us sinners.
No parent in the world is willing to give up their children to save something else, but God truly loves us, to a huge extend. I'm not saying that our parents are bad :) just that compared to Gods love, it just not possible to measure..
So the main point is that if in the future, bad things happen to us, don't put the blame on God, but appreciate it as everything God does have a reason and it is to build us stronger for the things he have for us in the future.
Ok, so thats about it, hahas, hope u guys will continue to have a God blessed week X)
-zheng dong
john 3:16
"For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life"
i know most of you guys are familiar with this verse but there are people in this world who tend to forget this and when bad things occur around them, they put the blame on God, saying things like God do not love them. but in this verse God love us so much that he would sent his son down to save us sinners.
No parent in the world is willing to give up their children to save something else, but God truly loves us, to a huge extend. I'm not saying that our parents are bad :) just that compared to Gods love, it just not possible to measure..
So the main point is that if in the future, bad things happen to us, don't put the blame on God, but appreciate it as everything God does have a reason and it is to build us stronger for the things he have for us in the future.
Ok, so thats about it, hahas, hope u guys will continue to have a God blessed week X)
-zheng dong
what we could have been, 1:32 AM.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
PRAYER ITEMS
1. Speedlight & cell leaders
-For wisdom & guidiance
2. God's plan for us
- Lead us and direct us in the right path
3. Esther & Joel
- Pray for God to give them strength and guide them as they teach us
4. Speedlight
- Rise up to become leaders and take up positions to serve Him
- Grow in God, lead us the right direction
5. God in our lives
- Evangelism => boldness in our actions to preach His word with love
- Keep us from sin (e.g. pride)
- Become His tool to be used by Him in His plans
6. Cell group
- Attend regularly
- Learn more about His word (speak through Joel & Esther)
- Grow in His word
7. Kiew Ray's lesson next week
- God speak through Him & help him prepare the lesson
- Be fruitful & help us in one area of our lives (impactful)
8. Damian
- (his birthday)
- Thank God for him (blessing to our cell)
9. Studies
- Guide us in our studies and give us the concentration
- Study hard for His glory
Sorry if miss out anything. Just add it yourself. THANKS :)
=================================================================
Hey guys, thought of something we could do.
- In the CHAT BOX, say at least 1 thing to thank God for (everyday or week maybe)
This would actually be a good habit for us to adopt yea? :D
- We have to thank God for every little blessing we receive
God bless & have a great week ahead.
- MARCUS Q
hope you enhoy the song as i did
-Give our life to the Lord :)
1. Speedlight & cell leaders
-For wisdom & guidiance
2. God's plan for us
- Lead us and direct us in the right path
3. Esther & Joel
- Pray for God to give them strength and guide them as they teach us
4. Speedlight
- Rise up to become leaders and take up positions to serve Him
- Grow in God, lead us the right direction
5. God in our lives
- Evangelism => boldness in our actions to preach His word with love
- Keep us from sin (e.g. pride)
- Become His tool to be used by Him in His plans
6. Cell group
- Attend regularly
- Learn more about His word (speak through Joel & Esther)
- Grow in His word
7. Kiew Ray's lesson next week
- God speak through Him & help him prepare the lesson
- Be fruitful & help us in one area of our lives (impactful)
8. Damian
- (his birthday)
- Thank God for him (blessing to our cell)
9. Studies
- Guide us in our studies and give us the concentration
- Study hard for His glory
Sorry if miss out anything. Just add it yourself. THANKS :)
=================================================================
Hey guys, thought of something we could do.
- In the CHAT BOX, say at least 1 thing to thank God for (everyday or week maybe)
This would actually be a good habit for us to adopt yea? :D
- We have to thank God for every little blessing we receive
God bless & have a great week ahead.
- MARCUS Q
hope you enhoy the song as i did
-Give our life to the Lord :)
what we could have been, 2:06 AM.
Friday, January 15, 2010
hello there(:
hope that the first two weeks of school have been going great for all of you!
but mine wasn't that nice):
was cramped with lots and lots of tests!
but there was one great thing: the secondary one orientation camp(:
had adam khoo workshop yeaterday, today and tmr, 13 hours straight each day
was kind of fun but cried a lot today, it kind of served as a wake up call to cherish the ppl around you
i dont really have bible verse to share but i've got a quote to share:
"when the going gets tough, never give up on the things that make you smile"
life is not always smooth but if we always stay unhappy about the setbacks we face, we wont be happy no matter what
instead think of the things that will motivate you to move further
have a great weekend(:
felicia
hope that the first two weeks of school have been going great for all of you!
but mine wasn't that nice):
was cramped with lots and lots of tests!
but there was one great thing: the secondary one orientation camp(:
had adam khoo workshop yeaterday, today and tmr, 13 hours straight each day
was kind of fun but cried a lot today, it kind of served as a wake up call to cherish the ppl around you
i dont really have bible verse to share but i've got a quote to share:
"when the going gets tough, never give up on the things that make you smile"
life is not always smooth but if we always stay unhappy about the setbacks we face, we wont be happy no matter what
instead think of the things that will motivate you to move further
have a great weekend(:
felicia
what we could have been, 7:02 AM.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAN!! ( I know tis is kinda late )
YOU'RE 1 YEAR OLDER (:
you've been a great cell group member and a joy in the cell.
a word of encouragement:
YOU'RE 1 YEAR OLDER (:
you've been a great cell group member and a joy in the cell.
a word of encouragement:
Ephesians 1:13 NIV
"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the
gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal,
the promised Holy Spirit,"happy birthday bro
Labels: happy birthday damian
what we could have been, 5:58 AM.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
JEREMIAH 29:11
"..For I know the plans I have for you," declares the
LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a
future. "
Despite the circumstances, our Lord Jesus Christ is always in control. Though we sometimes don't feel that, He is always there. His sovereignty shall bring us thru'.
GOD BLESS for the week ahead (:
what we could have been, 2:42 AM.
Monday, January 4, 2010
We've had a wonderful and fruitful year in 2009, and now, as that chapter comes to a close, I just like to ask you guys to take a moment, look back at the year 2009, and reflect. Take a look at the things you feel you've done well, and the things that you feel you could've done better, at the good and bad choices you think you made. Now center your focus on God. Can you see him working through your life, building you up, making you into a stronger person?
It has been a victorious year, one where I'm proud to say we've all grown and matured immensely in, that God has indeed been working through us, and I can really see him moving amongst us, in our cell.
I'd like to take this time to make a confession and be a witness unto the greatness of God, in an incident which I'm sure many of our cellgroup is now familiar with.
Before I start, I'd like to say that I'm a very proud person, and at times, I forget myself and rely on my strength instead of God's. And when I saw the cell improve there were times where I let my pride overtake me, and I kept thinking that it was because of me, not God, not Esther, not anyone else who was the reason behind such a change. I was like.... Joel come back from Melbourne only then the change starts. I kept on forgetting that I was a tool for God and it was because of him that I could even do anything. And one day, God woke me up with a slap to my face.
It's been my dearest wish for the cellgroup for a very long time to open up, to be so bonded to the point that you all would open up and share with one another, without feeling shameful of breaking down, or telling each other your deepest darkest secrets so that we can all support one another in faith, in prayer and in our journey with God. I remember one day, on the first practice for the Chalet praise and worship, I was walking to dinner with Lisa and Fiona, and i shared this dream with them. I still remember the responses.. Lisa was all for it, encouraging me, and saying that anything was possible with God. Fiona was not so positive about it, and said that we won't ever reach the stage were we would cry freely in our cell. And then things progressed and I kept getting more and more proud. Until a rift started to grow between Fiona and the cellgroup. Then, during periods I kept on thinking that it was my fault that things like that were happening. I kept examining myself, thinking what was wrong. But once again, it was because of pride, that I kept on blaming myself. To my delusioned self it was still all about me. My fault. Slowly, I realised that I was sinning, that my proud had made me place myself before God. I thought I was the one in control of everything. And then during the chalet, on the first day, when i saw the whole cell playing Captain's Ball with one another, just having so much fun, I knew it was the most beautiful sight I'd ever seen. But still, I didn't know the message that God was trying to tell me. You see, at that time neither me nor Esther were participating, and yet the cell group was still having so much fun, being so bonded and united. It really wasn't all about me at all. But it was a turning point nonetheless. I went to the back of the chalet and just prayed and humbled myself before God. It was a wonderful time spent alone with Him, but after that, slowly, I started to lose myself in pride again and fell back into sinning. Then, when I was overseas on that fateful day, the sharing happened. No Esther was there. No Joel was there. Only the cell members, and God. And Fiona shared until she cried. Only when I came back to Singapore, only then did I know about it.
And it really is a miracle. Why? Because 1stly, it was a huge breakthrough in our cell. Its something that has helped us bond and grow, something that we've managed to get through together. 2ndly, it has helped Fiona grow as a person, God is moulding her character according to his great plan, telling her not to be so cynical and trust in the Lord to deliver. And 3rdly and lastly, The cellgroup had such a breakthrough, with my dreams taking place at the time when I wasn't around. It was something I'd worked so hard for, and I did not see taking place. It really humbled me, showing me that God was in control. If he wanted it to happen, it would happen, whether he used me or not. It wasn't about me, it wasn't for the glory of the 20 year old human being Joel, but for God's glory. And I knew then, for the first time, how to finally give God all the glory, and place Him as number one in my life.
For me, it took a full 20 years to fully understand that I could trust him completely with any of my problems. I hope that it will take less for you guys. Remember that everything we do is for his Glory, and that without God, like what Pastor Pacer says, Church is just a welfare community center. We will have no core, and nothing to be proud about. We will be empty.
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world, Amen.
As the year 2010 is ushered in, heres to wishing all of us a blessed new year! Keep growing and keeping the faith! I believe that this year God will deliver unto us even more breakthroughs and blessings.
For those who weren't around, just to update you guys, our cellgroup will now be moving on towards reaching out to help save the needy and the lost. =)Some of the things we'll be doing include divisional outreach missions to old folks homes, hospitals and orphanages. To better equipt ourselves for all these activities, we'll be making a few trips down as a cell for miracle service. It'll teach us things like how to pray for the sick, and expose us to God's miracles. During this year, we will also be focusing on starting to bond as a division. We can do this by first bonding with them, getting to know them and then just caring for them, praying for them, sending cards of encouragement, calling them up, and even asking them out for meals and just for fun! Remember that we are all part of the same church, the same community with Christ as the center of our lives.
Also, remember to always build your relationship with God. Don’t stagnate! I challenge you all to read two chapters everyday for quiet time, and have a memory verse every week. It’s come to my attention that some of you guys don’t really know what to read in the bible. Yeah, its a bigbigbig book. So if you don’t know what to read, pray and let God guide you. You can also look me up, and ask for advice on what to read, and I promise to try and help you find somewhere to start =).
Now go forth and multiply, my pretties,..... go forth and multiply.. muahahahahaha
Hope you guys had a great first day in school!
By His grace,
Joel.
It has been a victorious year, one where I'm proud to say we've all grown and matured immensely in, that God has indeed been working through us, and I can really see him moving amongst us, in our cell.
I'd like to take this time to make a confession and be a witness unto the greatness of God, in an incident which I'm sure many of our cellgroup is now familiar with.
Before I start, I'd like to say that I'm a very proud person, and at times, I forget myself and rely on my strength instead of God's. And when I saw the cell improve there were times where I let my pride overtake me, and I kept thinking that it was because of me, not God, not Esther, not anyone else who was the reason behind such a change. I was like.... Joel come back from Melbourne only then the change starts. I kept on forgetting that I was a tool for God and it was because of him that I could even do anything. And one day, God woke me up with a slap to my face.
It's been my dearest wish for the cellgroup for a very long time to open up, to be so bonded to the point that you all would open up and share with one another, without feeling shameful of breaking down, or telling each other your deepest darkest secrets so that we can all support one another in faith, in prayer and in our journey with God. I remember one day, on the first practice for the Chalet praise and worship, I was walking to dinner with Lisa and Fiona, and i shared this dream with them. I still remember the responses.. Lisa was all for it, encouraging me, and saying that anything was possible with God. Fiona was not so positive about it, and said that we won't ever reach the stage were we would cry freely in our cell. And then things progressed and I kept getting more and more proud. Until a rift started to grow between Fiona and the cellgroup. Then, during periods I kept on thinking that it was my fault that things like that were happening. I kept examining myself, thinking what was wrong. But once again, it was because of pride, that I kept on blaming myself. To my delusioned self it was still all about me. My fault. Slowly, I realised that I was sinning, that my proud had made me place myself before God. I thought I was the one in control of everything. And then during the chalet, on the first day, when i saw the whole cell playing Captain's Ball with one another, just having so much fun, I knew it was the most beautiful sight I'd ever seen. But still, I didn't know the message that God was trying to tell me. You see, at that time neither me nor Esther were participating, and yet the cell group was still having so much fun, being so bonded and united. It really wasn't all about me at all. But it was a turning point nonetheless. I went to the back of the chalet and just prayed and humbled myself before God. It was a wonderful time spent alone with Him, but after that, slowly, I started to lose myself in pride again and fell back into sinning. Then, when I was overseas on that fateful day, the sharing happened. No Esther was there. No Joel was there. Only the cell members, and God. And Fiona shared until she cried. Only when I came back to Singapore, only then did I know about it.
And it really is a miracle. Why? Because 1stly, it was a huge breakthrough in our cell. Its something that has helped us bond and grow, something that we've managed to get through together. 2ndly, it has helped Fiona grow as a person, God is moulding her character according to his great plan, telling her not to be so cynical and trust in the Lord to deliver. And 3rdly and lastly, The cellgroup had such a breakthrough, with my dreams taking place at the time when I wasn't around. It was something I'd worked so hard for, and I did not see taking place. It really humbled me, showing me that God was in control. If he wanted it to happen, it would happen, whether he used me or not. It wasn't about me, it wasn't for the glory of the 20 year old human being Joel, but for God's glory. And I knew then, for the first time, how to finally give God all the glory, and place Him as number one in my life.
For me, it took a full 20 years to fully understand that I could trust him completely with any of my problems. I hope that it will take less for you guys. Remember that everything we do is for his Glory, and that without God, like what Pastor Pacer says, Church is just a welfare community center. We will have no core, and nothing to be proud about. We will be empty.
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world, Amen.
As the year 2010 is ushered in, heres to wishing all of us a blessed new year! Keep growing and keeping the faith! I believe that this year God will deliver unto us even more breakthroughs and blessings.
For those who weren't around, just to update you guys, our cellgroup will now be moving on towards reaching out to help save the needy and the lost. =)Some of the things we'll be doing include divisional outreach missions to old folks homes, hospitals and orphanages. To better equipt ourselves for all these activities, we'll be making a few trips down as a cell for miracle service. It'll teach us things like how to pray for the sick, and expose us to God's miracles. During this year, we will also be focusing on starting to bond as a division. We can do this by first bonding with them, getting to know them and then just caring for them, praying for them, sending cards of encouragement, calling them up, and even asking them out for meals and just for fun! Remember that we are all part of the same church, the same community with Christ as the center of our lives.
Also, remember to always build your relationship with God. Don’t stagnate! I challenge you all to read two chapters everyday for quiet time, and have a memory verse every week. It’s come to my attention that some of you guys don’t really know what to read in the bible. Yeah, its a bigbigbig book. So if you don’t know what to read, pray and let God guide you. You can also look me up, and ask for advice on what to read, and I promise to try and help you find somewhere to start =).
Now go forth and multiply, my pretties,..... go forth and multiply.. muahahahahaha
Hope you guys had a great first day in school!
By His grace,
Joel.
what we could have been, 6:44 AM.
hey guys!! its my turn to share:) its the first day of school!!! sianz!!!:0 felt so nervous on the first day, as for two month never really went back.Went into class,my hands and legs started to tremble... Anyway, just wanna share a verse with everyone:
Psalm 27:1,14--------->"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall i fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall i be afraid? Wait on the LORD,be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart wait on the LORD."
If any of you guys are feeling insecure or stress on the first day, say this verse to help calm ur nerves down...its like a good way to start ur day:)
from ur cell mates:),
hannah;)
Psalm 27:1,14--------->"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall i fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall i be afraid? Wait on the LORD,be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart wait on the LORD."
If any of you guys are feeling insecure or stress on the first day, say this verse to help calm ur nerves down...its like a good way to start ur day:)
from ur cell mates:),
hannah;)
what we could have been, 5:40 AM.
Friday, January 1, 2010
HEY CELLIES :D HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Got your new year resolutions??? HAHA.
In 2010, i hope that we can continue to grow in God as a cell and really be a light unto His name.
anyways..
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kiew RAY :D
May God bless you abundantly with good health and may you continue to walk in His wonderful glory
p.s. your name is going to be cancelled off the blog AGAIN. HAHA sad. i know. better take picture of it first :)
Got your new year resolutions??? HAHA.
In 2010, i hope that we can continue to grow in God as a cell and really be a light unto His name.
anyways..
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kiew RAY :D
May God bless you abundantly with good health and may you continue to walk in His wonderful glory
p.s. your name is going to be cancelled off the blog AGAIN. HAHA sad. i know. better take picture of it first :)
what we could have been, 10:27 PM.
