When all is lost, you is left.. A broken spirit, a broken heart, shattered dreams..

When all is lost, you've nothing left and when you feel like the world just crashed on you. The only thing that keeps you going is God's love. I experienced this this week and this feeling really just spoils your day, your studies, your walk with God.

How much you sing for Christ, how much you boast for Christ, all puts into practice when you face an extreme obstacle. When you face the obstacle, how close you are with God and how much you praise God and lift him up really comes into place.

Suddenly like what you've been praising and what you've been boasting of, just loses its place and God no longer becomes a part of you. What you've been praising and singing songs to, that love and close relationship you have with God, tests your faith and really questions you how much you love God and how much you trust him and place him as priority.

I want to urge readers doesn't need to be oakers, to treasure what you have now for what you have now can be easily taken away by God as and when he wants.

The God we love the God we know is a jealous God he is the ultimate God. Look at the universe, the stars, the planets, the moons the world, Earth and everything that is in it, us... That is God made and by God it was all created. This is how Great our God is.

What we don't treasure, will be taken away from us. When that happens, don't cry and blame God because what happened, happened for a reason. How much you can place into God's hands really tests you, that you believe that God is the way, the truth, and the life..

I want to challenge you guys, to really treasure every single moment you have with things that you love. One day, all of them will be gone, and when that happens all that is left are beautiful memories.However, i also want to urge you guys and also at the same time challenge you guys that what you wish and what you want most, go and fight for it..

Our Life is in God's hands, that is how fragile we are.

Elza and Junting, what you both said really resonated in me. This is exactly what I've been thinking! I'm so excited seeing how mature you all are. What both of you said tied in together very well.

Junting, not many people our age have the maturity to say that. And I know what you've been going through. Sometimes problems help us realize this. When I was in BMT last year, one night during my quiet time I was looking at this write-up, title was "Poured out like a drink offering". I forgot what was the Bible reference. But that title became stuck in my head. A week later I had a breakup, and I was struggling to trust God and let go. As I was praying I thought back on that title and it occured to me how much I've been wanting a comfortable life MY way. But when I look beyond my small problems and see the huge needs around me, I don't want to be caught wasting time nursing my own scratches when there are so many people who have not found God.

Jesus came "not to be served, but to serve, to give His life as a ransom for many." He also said "My food is to do the will of Him who sent me."

What do I want to do with my life? To love God with all of my heart/soul/mind/strength, then I will be able to love my neighbour as myself. That will turn the world upside down, because God's love turns a world like that upside down. A world that Elza described well.

Elza I really agree with you. Surely must be God showing all this to you! Not many people our age have the maturity to actually realise that the world is in such a state. I think we look up to the wrong people these days. The celebrities and stars, even those who are obviously non christians. The world is steep in sin, that's why its urgent that we make up our minds at our age how we want to live our lives. To be happy to take the most comfortable route? that would be ignorant of how in need the world is of God, and I don't think such a life will be very happy anyway. "Whoever finds his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matt 10:39. And its because the world is so in need of God, we pray for our enemies, do nothing out of selfish ambition, put on love, because doing otherwise is only adding more fuel to the fire.

And we think that the evil is in an obscure part of Africa, or faraway places with war and killings, but it is right in our hearts. That is why we need Jesus' forgiveness so much every single day. Someone once told me about a Christian group, seeing how far the world is from God, went into a desert to pray for the world. When they came out, they went around encouraging Christians to pray a simple prayer many times over and over "Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner." Sin begins right in our hearts, and until we realise that, we can't understand how much the world needs God cos we can't even see how much we ourselves need God.

I especially like what you said "make the right choices even if the people you don't like will reap from it". Like, that is so hard isn't it. Haha.

Oak are we willing to be poured out like a drink offering?

HEY EVERYONE! how's your week??????? hope all of you have been having a great week! haha. ok. i don't know what to post. alright. hmmm. interesting and motivational posts Junting an Elza:) erm. what else. oh. you all must continue to have a good week ahead and do your devotions k! haha. ok. thats all i have to say.

-JOYCELYN

>< Finally! my com managed to enter the page. Hope it stays that way-though I just realised that I can't see my desktop anymore. Anyways, Jun Ting- hope your week will be smoother and that God will take care of things, as it is all in his perfect plan. So just keep fighting the good fight for Him, yeah? :)

In school we're learning animal farm for lit. It's pretty interesting, but I'm the only one among my classmates who actually pay attention so don't take my word for it. In the story, the animals are always too dumb to realise that the pigs are taking away their privelledges and they blindly follow the pigs till the bitter end. The pigs exploit the animals and use propaganda and all sorts of ways to trick the animals for their own personal gain. Totally unfair-when the axiom of animalism (communism) is that everyone is equal.

It's amazing how almost everything can be linked back to His word, even animal farm. (All lit haters I'm absolutely sorry)

In timothy 3:1-7
1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.

As it is in animal farm, it is in real life as well. The pigs always want more as what they have is not enough. This in turn causes the animals to suffer and many were sacrificed because of the pigs' greedy nature. In the same way, mankind will eventually become so corrupt with greed that nothing will satisfy, but God tells us to be otherwise-

Philippians 2:1-4
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Thus, we must be mindful of our actions and how it affects others, and when we make a decision that concerns others, make sure it doesn't negatively affect people. Also, we must be able to discern what will be good for everyone, not just benefiting yourself and your small group of friends, even if it means that those people that are somewhat harder to love get blessed too. Remember-

Matthew 5:44-46
44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

So, everything boils back down to love and relationships with other people. So as the week goes on and people don't treat you fairly, and you feel that everyone is against you, remember that God still loves you and remember to make the right choices even if people you don't like will reap from it. Chances are-those people might even come to know God because of you. So go out there and make the right choices and decisions, and love the world, like God does.

Phillipians 1:9-11 (this sums it all up for me)
9And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!
Elza^^

What do you want in your life? Heya all, i hope you guys will read this because every post that is made is of vital importance and who knows it might help you in your walk with God. I Do encourage you to always read the posts that are being posted. Sometimes i wonder whether you guys do read or not, but i do hope you guys will read and hopefully apply it in your daily walk.

Question is: What do you want in your life?

Have you though about it? Certainly i have. Week just began but its already rather rough.

What do you want in your life meaning not your future occupation not your present occupation but what do you want to make best out of your Life? I certainly want my life to be full of love, compassion. To be able to love others and to love God with all my heart/strength/soul/mind. I want to fulfill the law of Christ and also fulfill the second most important law which is to love someone like how i love myself. What are you wanting out of your life, the life which God granted you.

I am realizing and i am still realizing that wanting something out of your life you have to give up something. You want freedom you give up love. You want money you give up playing at a young age.

I want to reach out to people within my society to love them so much that they don't even expect it. I want to be a history maker to change people's life. Being a history maker, it is more about the choices you make in Life not about the songs you sing for Christ. You choose what you want to be and you choose what God thinks is best. It is important that we as young Christians realise what we want to make out in our life time. Do we just want to study carry on with life get married and have a good retirement age. Or do you want to make an impact in people's life to change and know that in your life time you've done something proud.

Changing somebody's life isn't easy just as it is difficult changing your own lifestyle, the way you speak walk or even move.

Therefore i challenge you this week to reach out to the people around you and show more love concern towards your fellow siblings and friends in Christ. By this, you'll fulfill being a young Christian. Now as you're still living on this Earth or while you're still in JYM, go out and make an impact in people's life. One day, you might not get the chance already, so while you have grab it before you go.

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Famous Verse: Matthew 6:33-34
33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
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This is one of the most famous verse you can ever have in the Bible. Verse 33 is easy to understand but it isn't easy to do. How many of you can proclaim loudly that you put God's kingdom and righteousness first and you've never done anything before the importance of God. If you say so, then you're a liar. Sorry to use such strong words. But i hope you guys can use Verse 33 as a meditation to your daily life and hope it'll serve as a reminder for you to always Seek His kingdom first and whatever you ask for, if its appropriate then it'll one day become yours. This doesn't mean seeking for money then having money or seeking for results and not studying. Whatever you reap you sow.

However more importantly i would like to bring in verse 34. The purpose of this verse is for us to not be anxious basically. But the words itself speaks alot. Do not worry about tomorrow for Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day you have your own trouble. Therefore, i am bringing this verse out today is to encourage those that are facing problems like me not to worry about what will happen tomorrow. Tomorrow's problems, you face it tomorrow. Get down to Earth and finish off one day at a time. Problems are meant to be solve but do not over worry about the problem for everyday there is a different problem.

This post basically will sum up with
1) Go out to your society and the people around you and make an impact in their lives. Love those that are hard to love for if you do that, then you've done something.
2) Do not be anxious over the problem, worry tomorrow's problem tomorrow. Get over and done with with today's problem

GodBless,
JunTing

Dunno why but i find myself dreaming of christmas now.

I've always dreamt of having christmas in a wooden hut in the middle of forest. Wake up in the morning and see snow falling outside the window. put jacket on and walk out to the living room where the fire place is. And step outside the house before the sun is up. just walk around on the snow together with friends.

Like that would be a dream OAK outing. Then sit around the fire place just talking nonsense. play dumb games. eat breakfast, like warm muffins with earl grey tea. hahaha. when the sun is up, go out and play in the snow.

Wouldn't it be nice.

its far from christmas i know. But i just love love love the christmas spirit. when people start performing in orchard road, i feel very happy, like the time of the year has come. haha. if i could, i wouldn't mind performing in orchard during christmas one day. like play the guitar, some christmas jazz. hahah.


Anyway i've been walking around my new bukit gombak neighbourhood a bit, and i realise that the people look quite grumpy or just look like they've nothing to be happy about. haha. or is it just me. but my old place farrer court seemed a happier place. but here everyone seems very by themselves, walk with a frown. or is the economy down or something? haha.

then it made me feel like just taking out a guitar and play some jazz, in the middle of a pathway. just make the atmosphere brighter, more happening. haha. they have that a lot in USA. people playing the saxophone along the streets and all that. really makes the place brighter.

if i do that, will the police catch me? think i need a licence is it? but what if i refuse money?

I guess i'm just daydreaming of things i'll never end up doing. Haha.

Ryan

Hey guys very sorry for the change in date, it's cos of my army. Standing by for national day. I'm preparing my sermon for tmr jym right now, so if you're reading this, just pray for me!

This week my PC (platoon commander) messaged me and asked me if it would be a good idea if the christians in my unit formed a FELLOWSHIP GROUP! I was like YESSS! I've been wanting to do that but didn't have the courage to. So I've gathered about 6 of us - ya only 6 christians out of 100 people. And next week we're meeting for the first time. Exciting. Well if you remember during prayer meeting, we did pray about this fellowship group, so thanks for your prayers!

Ok gotta go prepare sermon!

Ryan

Psalm 24 Hello all! How are you guys? Slacking away in school huh, haha. I'm like having holiday here. No la kidding:) Yah i am sick. Haha. I'm down with 4 days of 38 degrees fever and today is my 2nd day having bad bad bad throat. Anyway, while having fever and cuddled inside my blanket on my bed, i was praying for healing in me. Of course, i am still sick but NOT that God didn't work in me more like i deserve to be sick.

Anyway, i went to KK hospital for a checkup and lucky me its not dengue so i am really thankful:)

This week i'll touch on a minor part of the passage from Psalm 24

Psalm 24:1-5

Of David. A psalm.

1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;

2 for he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.

3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ?
Who may stand in his holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false. ^[a]

5 He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God his Savior.

This passage is rather interesting, if you notice there is a nice style of writing haha. David first introduced to us the world the sea and he reminded us that all creation is done by God. Then he went to question who may ascend the kingdom of God? Pretty Interesting:)

Anyway taking it verse by verse:

1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;

2 for he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.

It serves as a good reminder to know that we are God's creation. You walk out of your house, you go to school, you see animals/insects/clouds/nature. Those are God's creation. Then what about schools, are they God's Creation too? They are man made but definitely God's Creation. The passage says that everything in it and all who lives in it is the Lord's. Then mother nature also belongs to God because he founded it.

3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ?
Who may stand in his holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false. ^[a]

5 He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God his Savior.

Verse 3 questions us asking us who part of this world God created can ascend the hill of the Lord and who part of this world will be able to stand in his holy place? Meaning, who is able to enter the Kingdom of God and NOT only enter but also able to stay and stand in the kingdom of God.

Verse 4 directly gives the answer. We must keep ourselves clean before God, to be blameless to be sinless to not have a contradicting heart. A Heart which is pure easy to interpret and understand. Those that keep the commandments of God and not lift up a soul to idol not to bow down to idols and swear what is false. Not to be false prophets and mostly not to be wolves covered in sheep wool.

With all this, we will receive the blessing from the Lord.

Junting.

Kenneth:

Anger had a grip over me today.
After school at about 5.45pm I was waiting at the bus stop. After around 20 minutes (I check time with my handphone), one bus just zoomed past the bus stop because it was full. After another 20mins I became frustrated and bitter and gestured it. I constantly watched for the next bus. It came at about 6.35pm and I was standing on the road flagging for the bus with a worksheet in my hand, and the bus just drove past without slowing down, again. Then I went back to the bus stop and kicked the bench. I got a blue-black on my foot from it. I put on a black face. I was angry.

Even as I recalled, "In your anger do not sin" and that this is all God's doing, his perfect doing, and that he may be testing me, I still went on with that bitter attitude. When the next bus came at about 7.10pm, I finally could board it. I pushed my way into the crowded bus and gave the driver a rude look while I slammed my ez-link card on the "machine". I did all these things wittingly; I was aware that I was doing wrong.

In my anger, I clasped my hands together, shut my eyes and prayed- for a rather long time, and people could have been looking at me, especially because of my gestures. I confessed and repented. I was a bit disappointed, I thought I was growing these few weeks, putting on my shield for "the fight"... I had a thought, "our decisions define who we are".

As I reflected, I realised that this probably happened because I was feeling stressed. JC is tiring. I hate to have 5hours of lesson non-stop. I had lots of work to do, waiting for the bus wasted time...
I think we shouldn't be stressed because of school work till it makes us angry or sacrifice ANY amount of quiet time. Jesus would sacrifice work, wouldn't he? Even if it means sacrificing your O' Level exam grade...
I wanted to justify my point more but I forgot what I wanted to write and I'm busy.
I purposely spent time doing this though, somewhat as a means of showing sincerity in my apology to God...

Ryan: FOP after birthday party sounds really good. Although I don't fancy FOP sermons. Haha. We can meet at Bukit Gombak MRT at 12pm for lunch first. Cos if FOP starts at 730 we probably need to leave my house at 6? Haha actually that's a bit late already, we'll end up with bad seats. But I don't mind bad seats, I don't like queuing outside. Hopefully Joel Pang can join us! Hm Twisters is not a bad idea, but Joel Pang can't play.

Otherwise his left shouler gets dislocated again and have to wait 3 hours before seeing the doctor then the doctor will let him choose between being knocked out or using painkiller, of which he will choose the latter. Then they will make him breathe in some nitrous oxide (which is what racing cars use too) to make him relax and then the doctor will do some maneuver and then it is over and all the nurses around will clap.

Haha. But the whole thing seriously sounds very traumatic.
I used to do a hospital attachment at the accident and emergency department and I saw some patients with terrible injuries, and it makes my hair stand. I saw a patient come in with no breathing and no heartbeat, and everyone is trying to resuscitate him. I can't imagine one day I get wheeled into the same place and everyone's trying to save me. Or you can say everyone's trying to prevent me from going to heaven. Haha.

For this guy who had no breathing no heartbeat, the doctors asked my friends and I to do CPR on him. It was scary, like we used to practise CPR on dummies, and now we have to do it properly on this guy or he may die, and his whole family is anxiously waiting outside and if he dies, I think we'll be haunted by thoughts like 'if only maybe I pushed harder, or I pushed the correct spot..." In the end we queued up to do CPR and when it came to my turn, after pushing twice, the doctor shouted 'stop! his heartbeat is back!" And WOAH i felt like a saviour! Hahahaha! But actually I think before I pushed his heart was already beating again, but no one watched the machine. But the experience was amazing though. Like, CPR actually works?!

In the end the guy was physically revived, but he was partially brain dead cos not enough oxygen went into his brain. So he would not be able to wake up anymore, though his heart can still beat. The last I heard was that his family decided to let him go after a day. That sounds a little quick though.. But I think it's probably to save all the money needed to keep him alive. And it makes you wonder whether he believes in Jesus and where he will be going next..

Sorry back to the party.
Thanks so much Junting for organizing. Actually Joycelyn last time you said you have some Word Twist game?
You guys have any suggestions just blog it. Just blog it, blog it, blog it, blog it, blog it.

You better run, you better do what you can
Don't wanna see no blood, don't be a macho man
You wanna be tough, better do what you can
So blog it, but you wanna be bad

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just blog it, blog it
Just blog it, blog it
Just blog it, blog it
Just blog it, blog it

Ryan: Oh my, when I came to this blog after coming home from camp, I was pleasantly surprised to see a post by Joel Pang. Then I thought maybe Joycelyn posted on his behalf. Then when I read his blog and found out what happened, oh my gosh..how did you endure 3 hours of a dislocated shoulder? Ow. Does it still hurt badly now? Oww.. Ya probably right. My gosh. I can imagine you having to hold your dislocated arm cos it can't lift itself. Ssss.. Ow. Do update us through Joycelyn when you go back to camp k. Wanted to call you just now but realised it's late already.

Thanks kenneth and junting for sharing on Isaiah 53. When I watched the Healer videoclip, and the cancer guy read that passage out, I almost teared. I can't imagine, this is the love of God for me. God so huge, made this entire world, made all the planets, the auroras haha - this God sent his one and only Son to die for me, so that I may have eternal life. All that my sins have done to him. I don't want to sin anymore. He didn't have to suffer and die. But he did.

"Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God who is in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:39

Right now I just feel I need to spend some quiet time with God, just thinking about His love, my sins. Just thanking Him. I shall do just that after posting.

Next sunday I'm giving sermon in JYM titled "Only by the Cross I am saved". Haha, thanks junting for the sermon notes! I'll definitely read Isaiah 53. And guys do pray for me! I think I'll post some of my sermon plans here so you guys can help me edit.


Hm about God forgiving and forgetting..logically God cannot forget anything because He is all-knowing. I think when 1 Cor 13 says the love 'keeps no record of wrongs', it means that love doesn't bear a grudge. Not literally that the wrong is completely wiped out of your memory kinda thing.

God forgave Israel again and again for their sins. But He reminded them of their sins as a warning to be careful not to fall again. (see first few chapters of Deuteronomy, where Moses speaks to Israel just before they enter the promised land, and recalls their exodus journey. E.g. Deut 1:26 -28, Moses reminding Israel about their previous rebellion.)


To Kenneth, I have a lot of faith in this cell too. I mean a lot of faith in God that this cell really, is a place where everyone loves each other, and helps each other grow. Yeah fellowship is a deep word, but I think we're getting there step by step. I see God working in people's lives. Fellowship involves intimate sharing of lives, and that requires us to be willing to open ourselves to each other. I'm glad everyone's slowly opening up. Haha I can really relate to your praying in secret thing. This week finally I took the courage to kneel down and pray in bunk during quiet time. Kneeling is not necessary la, but for me I felt it is, cos it helps me to remember that I am small before God, and that I do not deserve His forgiveness.

Thanks everyone for praying for me this week!! Wah it was quite amazing. I was down with cold from Monday till Wed. Wed I asked you all to pray with me, and on Thursday morning, training was miraculously cancelled so I could recover.

Friday morning's training was very tough though so I had a bit of headache and sneezing after that but it's ok cos weekend is here so no more training for a while. Anyway I'm fine now.

Keep Joel Pang in prayer...actually I wonder how is he gonna sleep tonight. Like if while sleeping he turns onto his dislocated shoulder. Oh man. Haha. Take care man, update us k.

Joel Pang says: Herro all! Thanks for all your prayers, needed it man. Hardly got time to contact God in BMT. Haha read my blog for more details la.

Haha oh and this video, also on my blog, is funny but when I watched it again, you see a bit of reality la. How the guy anyhow lived his life, and then when he finally dies, God tells him the exact thing he has been saying all his life, like "I dowanna know how much you love me, I dowanna know how much you care.."

HEY EVERYONE! sorry for not posting for so long. Anyway, what an inspiring post junting! It really was a good reminder for me that i should stop complaining and thinking about my problems. I've been so caught up with school (especially art), and thinking my life is miserable. Terrible huh. Yeah, i don't know how life's been for you all, but i hope that Junting's post has spoken to you in one way or another like it did for me.

Alright, weekends coming! just one more day of school:) haha. and oh. hope you are fully recovered Ryan!

-JOYCELYN

God is Great, get inspired

Hi everyone, Kenneth posting here.

Just adding the song "Healer" from Hillsong to go with Isaiah 53- see Jun Ting's post below :) The singer looks familiar, I think he is the guy who has cancer- from Jun Ting's video some time back. Oh indeed he is, I'm updating my post after checking--> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMZ12rapZGU&NR=1

My summary or points of Isaiah 53:

Jesus had no worldly glory. We treated him as one who was of no value, thought he was scum. God chose to forsake Jesus instead of us. Jesus carried the weight of all our sin. Through Jesus we have redemption; we are set free.

Last Sunday Pastor Terry preached. In E3 he talked a bit about the 5-year mission St James Church has, about close Cell groups (or was it discipleship group?). I think he said that Cell groups are for fellowship, and that fellowship is a deep word (often used too superficially), involving intimate sharing of the lives of one another. A Cell group is also a source for healing. Cell group members should also spur one another toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25).

How's your week? That is usually asked during prayer in JYM. But what answers do we give...? I wish to have a close Cell group. I used to dislike (kind of) Cell group time because we tend to be lethargic and sometimes I feel odd (and I still have a sub-conscious concern of self-image). But now I look forward to it because...

Recently the notions "Family" and "Marriage" had more meaning to me- perhaps because of sermons, being with other families and the Church camp (A cord of the three strands- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). "Family" and "Marriage" both have elements of intimacy in them, which is considered precious. And I never had a particularly close friend. So yeah, I look forward to a close Cell group.

I realise I always try to pray in secret. I make sure no one is looking before I pray. That's a sign of being ashamed of the Gospel (or Christianity) right? I used to think I was not ashamed...

Below is some...encouragement?- if you are not feeling good spiritually. (I picked these out from my spiritual journal)

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

Last Sunday during JYM sermon Auntie Caroline said, "Following God may be painful, but it will never be regretful."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE33ejdgWIY An inspirational video (with Desert song), actually I took it from Kai Xin's Blog. I'm not sure if its okay but I'll just quote what she wrote.

"We all like this song not just because it sounds nice, but because of how much tears and pain and true worship through all of it is buried in the song. This is the power of music..."

Do your quiet time daily, dwell and meditate on the word!

Kenneth

By His Stripes, We Are Healed! Hello all! i was sick yesterday so well, i wasn't feeling that comfortable haha, and also, because i was sick i didn't go to school and missed 2 test. NOTHING to worry about i retook 1 of the test today and another will be tomorrow. Thus, this means i have a test everyday till saturday, haha, really looking forward for the weekend.

Yesterday i was sick and i wasn't feeling comfortable, thus, this few verses came to my mind yesterday which had already came to my mind awhile ago. Hence, i am very very glad that this verse came out awhile ago before getting sick yesterday because somehow it reminds me that what pain i feel, how miserable i feel, i know, that someone had already experienced much much more than what i had.


Isaiah 53
1 Who believes what we've heard and seen? Who would have thought God's saving power would look like this?
2-6The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling,
a scrubby plant in a parched field.
There was nothing attractive about him,
nothing to cause us to take a second look.
He was looked down on and passed over,
a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand.
One look at him and people turned away.
We looked down on him, thought he was scum.
But the fact is, it was our pains he carried—
our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.
We thought he brought it on himself,
that God was punishing him for his own failures.
But it was our sins that did that to him,
that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins!
He took the punishment, and that made us whole.
Through his bruises we get healed(Alt Version/By His Stripes We Are Healed)

This verse serves as a reminder to me that what i am feeling doesn't in any circumstances stand as a comparison between my sufferings and Jesus's sufferings. Some of you complain and complain that you're sick and everything, however, Jesus didn't complain. His path was chosen from the VERY start, he could have forsaken it and lead a happy life but he didn't, he didn't want to forsake us.

He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand.

The word used is firsthand for the bible said that what we experienced he already had experienced. What you are tempted of he has been temped in every way. He already knew pain, from the very start. But yet, we are looking down on him and we are LOOKING DOWN on someone who had ALREADY EXPERIENCED the pain that we had to experience.

But the fact is, it was our pains he carried—
our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.
We thought he brought it on himself,
that God was punishing him for his own failures.
But it was our sins that did that to him,
that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins!

It is our sins, that he carried with him. He brought our disfigurements with him and all the things that were fault in us. He brought the whole world sins upon himself on the cross and we think that God was punishing for his son for his failure. But the truth is that it is our sins that caused him to be crushed, ripped, thorn and placed on the cross with nails pierced through his hands with a combination of the thorn helmet. When i read this verse, i was in pain because i found out that all our sins we do everyday, we don't understand the pain that Jesus went through and we don't understand the pain God had when he crushed his own son. We, just don't understand but yet we're very good at whining complaining and stuff..

He took the punishment, and that made us whole.
Through his Stripes we get healed

In this case, stripes means the whip stripes that were on his body all the suffering and stuff if i am not wrong. It is very important that we understand that the punishment that he took, renewed us and made us as one. But it is even more important to understand that whatever sins we have, He is prepared to forgive us. The Lord will heal us because by Jesus's Stripes on the cross and the torment he went through...

We are healed

Yup, that is all for my thoughts about this week.
Except, on last one

"IF people say the Lord forgives us for our wrongdoings, does he also forgets it?"

For 1 Corinthians's 13 about love says that Love does not keep a record of wrong doings. Haha...

Junting

Hello,
Lets have our Cell group outing in the afternoon or late morning. After that we can go for the Festival of Praise at 7.30pm together.

Hows everyone? A couple of have have many tests right? I think I never had more than 4 tests in a week.

Regards,
Kenneth
ken_zonxon@hotmail.com
83367740

Cell Group Outing Notified and confirmed, our oak outing will be on 2nd August 2008.

Remember 2nd August 2008

Details:
Venue: Bukit Gombak
Time: Undefined
Outing Reason: Celebration for Birthdays in July and August.

Things to bring for people:
Joycelyn: Twisters. Remember to bring this time please.

And For everybody:
Swimming wear(not confirmed): there is a nice swimming place in the condo.

Please check this for updates, i won't be posting reminders again and again except perhaps just 1 more time and i'll update by editing this post and not create another post just for notification on what to bring, so if there is any updates for things to bring for specific people check this post.;D

Have a great week!
Junting

Taken from John's Email Read this poem :

I knelt to pray but not for long,
I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work
For bills would soon be due.
So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,
And jumped up off my knees.
My Christian duty was now done
My soul could rest at ease.
All day long I had no time
To spread a word of cheer.
No time to speak of Christ to friends,
They'd laugh at me I'd fear.

No time, no time, too much to do,
That was my constant cry,
No time to give to souls in need
But at last the time, the time to die.

I went before the Lord, I came,
I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands God held a book;
It was the book of life.


God looked into his book and said
'Your name I cannot find.
I once was going to write it down...
But never found the time'

JunTing

Hello! I'm posting on Joel Pang's behalf. yup., he wants to tell all of us that army is quite ok. except for the hair cut which makes them look like prisoners. Plus, the only get to shower once a day. -Joel Pang

haha, i usually bathe once a day what, whats wrong. Anyway, hope school's been good for everyone!

God bless, Joycelyn

Thanks Junting. I've been hoping for a revival in JYM, for God to breathe life into all who are feeling dry. God can touch the coldest heart. It can start with us. To get our lives right with God, and to pray for God to touch our friends.

Dear God I pray that you begin to touch lives in jym. I pray that people turn to you and find you. I pray that people won't be swayed by the world and live without any real purpose. But that they find you, and realise how real and how good you are.


On a side note, you know our memory verse Hebrews 12:14
"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see God."

I realise yeah I've understood the second part, but I've been overlooking the first part, to make every effort to live in peace with everyone. Every effort. When I prayed to God that I wanted to do that, I immediately felt his peace and joy. I know It's not easy though. It really requires me to break the pride and go love those whom I don't like. But I know it would really please God to do it.



Anyway haha just random, I've always wondered, did Sprite copy 7-Up, or did 7-Up copy Sprite? Does anyone know?
And why didn't Coke sue Pepsi for producing a drink so similar to theirs. I think Pepsi was really smart to get around their legal rights and eat so much into Coke's market share with a similar-tasting drink.

Hm if I gave you Pepsi in a Coke can, would you be able to say "Hey this doesn't taste like Coke!" Or would you just drink it down thinking it's Coke.
Or does it depend on how thirsty you are. Haha.

Do you prefer Coke or Pepsi?

Ryan

And they stood before me, a huge army! Hello Oakers!
How is your week thus far? Hopefully its amazing. I will be having 3 tests tomorrow and i'm feeling quite shagged from studying. Although i should be studying i really am prompted to share this message with you all and it comes from

Ezekiel 37
Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones
1The (A)hand of the LORD was upon me, and He (B)brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me down in the middle of the (C)valley; and it was full of bones.

2He caused me to pass among them round about, and behold, there were very many on
the surface of the valley; and lo, they were very dry.

3He said to me, "Son of man, (D)can these bones live?" And I answered, "O Lord GOD, (E)You know."

4Again He said to me, "(F)Prophesy over these bones and say to them, 'O dry bones, (G)hear the word of the LORD.'

5"Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones, 'Behold, I will cause [a](H)breath to enter you that you may come to life.

6'I will put sinews on you, make flesh grow back on you, cover you with skin and put breath in you that you may come alive; and you will (I)know that I am the LORD.'"

7So I prophesied (J)as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to its bone.

8And I looked, and behold, sinews were on them, and flesh grew and skin covered them; but there was no breath in them.

9Then He said to me, "Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "Come from the four winds, O breath, and (K)breathe on these slain, that they (L)come to life."'"

10So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the (M)breath came into them, and they came to life and stood on their feet, an (N)exceedingly great army.

I believe, we as Christians our motive in life and our walk with God does not solely depend on us walking right with God. As Christians our main aim is to be HISTORY MAKERS What i mean is that we make an impact in peoples' and that is what i mean by being history makers. Not so much about changing the history but more of you changing history in other people's life.

Getting onto Ezekiel 37, it says:

We were once dry bones like them and we were lying around on the floor. It was because of God and God alone that brought us to life.

5"Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones, 'Behold, I will cause [a](H)breath to enter you that you may come to life.6'I will put sinews on you, make flesh grow back on you, cover you with skin and put breath in you that you may come alive; and you will (I)know that I am the LORD.'"


Our God in heaven breathed life into us that we may be alive and that he will make flesh grow back on us and cover us with skin so that we may come alive. Besides knowing all this, the most important thing is the back part which is" to know that i am the LORD" We are alive today for a reason and it is to believe to trust to know that we have a powerful God in our live and he is Jesus Christ. He brought us to life he breathed into us life for 1 reason, and thats to prophesies that He is GOD!

6'I will put sinews on you, make flesh grow back on you, cover you with skin and put breath in you that you may come alive; and you will (I)know that I am the LORD.'"
7So I prophesied (J)as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to its bone.
8And I looked, and behold, sinews were on them, and flesh grew and skin covered them; but there was no breath in them.
9Then He said to me, "Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "Come from the four winds, O breath, and (K)breathe on these slain, that they (L)come to life."'"


How mighty how true is the word of the Lord. What he says he will do it. He will put sinews on us, make flesh grow back, cover us back with skin and breathe life into us so that we may come alive. The word is ALIVE.

My main focus is on "So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the (M)breath came into them, and they came to life and stood on their feet, an (N)exceedingly great army."

The key word is "exceedingly great army" We came into life not alone but we came into life as an exceedingly great army. Not me alone not you alone but a whole lot of people that is enough to form THE LORD'S ARMY.

There are many many people out there that have not experienced the salvation the Lord can grant them.It is our duty as history makers/Life Changes to submit our lives and change their lives in turn of what our Lord had done for us which is to breathe life into us. We do not stand alone but we stand together as an Army Of Christ.

Lets go out to the world to your school to your army camp to your pals in other states to proclaim that the Lord is Good and he can grant you salvation and breathe life into you that you have never experienced before!

Amen,
Junting

*While editing i just saw Ryan's post hahahaha!

Herro all! Ha Joel Pang's trademark. And now he's in army! Ah wonder how he's doing. Kinda miss him already. I can imagine it'll feel different to not see him around during cell.

Sorry junting! I can't seem to watch from the blog. Can add the URL?

Hmm who suggested xanga or livejournal? I don't know much about blogging. Joel Chua what do you think?

I know this is random but I think what would be an amazing experience is being in the middle of a storm out at sea, but protected by a glass box. So you can look all around and up and down. And see the lightning flash above, the waves crash under the dark skies and all the fish scrambling around you. To see how fierce nature is. I think it'll make me feel very small, and make me realise how big God is.

Have you heard of auroras? They are coloured lights swirling at night in polar places, like Alaska, at certain times of the year.




And these lights are actually swirling in the sky. Can you imagine that? I'd be blown away if I see one. As in amazed la. Not get blown off.

Ryan

JunTing
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=a7bedeb99312cc5d7f4e

Blogger is so un-user-friendly.
You guys should try Xanga, or Livejournal.
(:
(:
(:



Mm, night friends(x

Herro Joel Pang! Before you go into army, just some words from all of us.

Ryan:
Hey haha glad you're all calm and cool about it. Thinking about it, ya it's really nothing much la as you said, if half of singapore goes through it. But wah we'll really miss you in jym, at cell, hopefully not cell outings.. But ya as you said it's just two weeks and a few days, then you're out every weekend. How long can 2 weeks be right. Anyway I think things become bearable when you get to know some people and make some real good friends. Hopefully you can find like a Jeremy or David inside, haha. Anyway don't miss a day of quiet time, it's quite easy to lose sight of God there. Abide in God and you'll never go wrong. Have a great experience.. Shine God's light!

Junting:
Hey Joel!Man so fast you're going to Army and your poly break is over. Just today i'll see you with your nice waxed hair and just a few days later i'll see you without hair! Haha ok just kidding.. Anyway its been a joy to be with you in OAK. To see you give examples and your opinions about sermons really helps me to understand better. Without you, im sure it will be a great loss for us and it will be hard to cover up.. But.. no worries! By Faith we will right! Just for this 2 weeks, anyway how long can 2 weeks be(hahahaha)! In a blink of an eye you'll be back with us and we will be as strong and united as we are now! Hope you had fun with us today at NYDC, your presence in OAK has been exhillarating! Hope that in Army you are able to learn stuffs that you never dreamt of learning and able to shine the Light of the Lord to people around you in Army. God Bless and Good Luck!

Best Regards,
Junting

JoelCHUA:
Woohoooo!! 2/3 weeks in BMT, pulau tekong. Well i hope the training will toughen you. Thank you for your opinions on my designs. It's really great having you in OAK!! 2/3 weeks will fly past. Army will be a good experience in your life where you make friends and talk about stupid things.=)haha. You will grow alot in your maturity both physically and mentally. When you feel sian diao, look upon God and He will bring me you through the toughest trainings. Nothing is too difficult for Him. Continue to grow in Christ. All the best!

Kenneth:
All the best Joel. Don't get overwhelmed with anger or get influenced too much by the "Godless" place and become vulgar. Tell us about your BMT when u come back!

Joanne:
Hey Joel! All the best in army k! Like try not to be influence by 'bad' company and just remember that whatever you do, do it for the Lord rather men. And yeah, all the best there! God bless!

Joycelyn:
EH! Going army already. hahha. an't wait to see all your hair gone, hmmm, wonder how it'll look like. oh wells, even though you're only gonna be gone for 2 weeks, our cell will still miss you and your lame sarcastic remarks. haha, im just kidding. Anyway, i just want to wish you all the best, don't die, have fun, make good godly friends, and always remember to trust in the Lord!

And yes, i will start to read the blog everyday again. haha.




ALRIGHT. HAVE FUN DURING THESE 2 WEEKS AND TRAIN HARD! OAK WILL KEEP YOU IN OUR PRAYERS.

I think Kenneth Teo LiGuangYew's post is spot on and relevant to all of us.

Christianity is not a practice.
Not a story.
Not a habit.
Not a commitment.
Not a lifestyle.
Not a sum of experiences.

It is truth.

Truth that changes the way we live - And it is truth that shapes our lifestyle, causes us to form habits and commitments, gives us experiences. Not the other way round.

There's a danger of being "christianized" - being sugar coated - doing things Christians do, but not "seeing the light" as Kenneth said. You go to church, sing songs, go for events, listen to sermons, but you have not actually accepted Jesus into your life as your Lord and Saviour - though you may think you have!

If so, then you have followed a lifestyle, not Jesus.



Kenneth is right when he explained that it is difficult to know what is truth unless God tells it to you.

Because only when you take a step of faith and accept Jesus into your life as your Lord and Saviour, that you receive the Holy Spirit, who gives you the assurance.

Romans 8:16 "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God."

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31
You no longer doubt when you know the truth. The truth sets you free from your doubts about God. And this freedom is unmistakable. Experiences won't set you free. Knowledge won't set you free. But receiving the truth, which is Jesus (John 14:6), sets you free.



On whether the Holy Spirit leaves you anot, I've asked that question before and never got a consistent answer. Haha. I tend to agree with Junting that the Holy Spirit does not leave you, it is always in you to keep guiding you back to God when you have sinned. That's God heart for you, to bring you back to him when you have sinned. But because of our free will, we can deliberately keep on sinning.

"If we deliberately keep on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice of sins if left." Hebrews 10:26

This is what Junting means about we leaving the Holy Spirit. I'm not sure whether we can leave the Holy Spirit though. The Hebrews verse above seems to suggest that we can. But the Ephesians verse below suggests that we can't.

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30


I think we can go on debating about whether we can leave the Holy Spirit, there's still the rest of the Bible to quote. But I think the challenge to us from all this discussion is summed up in the question:

Looking at our lifestyle, have we been born again? Have we truly accepted Jesus into our life as our Lord and Saviour, meaning our whole lives now belong to him?
Haha YES IT'S THE JYM SERMON FROM A FEW MONTHS AGO!


Really encouraging to read all those entries. We should keep sharing our thoughts! It's a breath of fresh air, coming to this blog, and getting a dose of God's Word after a week in army, which can really be a godless place. But for some reason I can't seem to watch the youtube video below!

Anyway this week in camp I had to do this deployment in which we all wear some suit and deploy a medical post. You know I really dunno how much I'm allowed to say on a blog, after hearing about people getting arrested for posting about army. Haha. Like, ok, if you're from Army and you're reading this and wanna catch me, please give me a chance! Er I love army and I'm loyal to Singapore :) I'm the guy who just become a singaporean last week.

Haha anyway ya we were supposed to deploy this medical post, but after a while the suit got way too hot. And I seriously thought of just taking off the suit and falling out from the exercise, but I was scared to. Then suddenly my friend just took off his suit and walked away, leaving me and another friend. So seeing him do that I took off my suit also. Just then the commander turned and saw ME with the suit off, and had this shocked expression on his face. Hahaha. My friend still had his on, and the other friend had walked off behind a wall. So I thought like, oh no, do I look like I'm rebelling. So I signaled to him saying that I desperately need to drink water. Haha. Which was true. Then his shocked expression left and he suddenly had this really understanding look on his face. Phew.

Next time if I wanna take off my suit, I'll just take it off and hide behind a wall.


Ryan

Joel Pang says: Herro all! Well well I hope you guys are trying to ENJOY school cause look at me, I'm gonna enjoy ARMY! Haha hopefully. Ya when you get to army then you'll appreciate school. Girls... Nevermind. Haha. Anyway guys, great to see you all post stuff haha now there's TOO MUCH and I really can't keep up the reading but it's a GOOD PROBLEM so keep it up. It's quite cool to see that it's half serious here and half nonsense (like Joycelyn's pictures) hahaha. And wa JunTing I'm impressed with your post. Haha. If you could speak like that during cell discussion, it'll be fantastic man.