G'day All,
Just a quick note..
Terence & Emily Chong our beloved cell leader have not graduated to being parents with the birth of a healthy Ethan Chong, born at 2.52pm, weighing in at 2.92 kg on the 24th of April 2009.
Mommy, Baby are resting.. .while Daddy is taking it all in :D
Congratulations once again.. Join us in prayer and thanksgiving to the Lord for this new arrival of another Creation of God.
The Lord bless you all abundantly.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
My Journal for 20 April 2009 - Anson's Entry
Scripture: Nehemiah 6-7:3
*Hanani – means God is gracious
Observation & Partial Application:
Tobiah/Sanballat/Noadiah were causing lots of confusion as mentioned in the earlier part of Chapter 6 of Nehemiah, but in spite of all this intimidation, Nehemiah looked up to the Almighty God at every single cost (6:9) and was able to answer boldly against all these nonsensical intimidation against the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall (6:11) because God's hand was truly upon Nehemiah.
Yes, the wall was fully done up by day 52 – verse 15 explains that the enemies and the surrounding kingdoms were terrified NOT BECAUSE OF MERE STRENGTH OF MEN but rather, the STRENGTH OF GOD ALMIGHTY.
Chapter 7:1-3 can strongly be equated to the typical contemporary worship team that in days of old, were a DEAD SERIOUS MATTER – they held a SERIOUS position alongside keepers of the gates of Jerusalem's wall. Not much was said about Hanani/Hananiah but through God's word, he rightfully was appointed as the commander of the citadel because of his unwavering faith in the Lord God Almighty. Just like the citadel needing an RIGHTEOUS and RELIABLE (R & R) commander, so do nations need rulers and governors and heads of state, as well as companies and corporations who need leaders who are likewise with Hanani.
RESPONSE:
Dear Lord, I pray, entrust and commit myself to You for You alone are always the source of wisdom as You were to Nehemiah, and Lord, looking at every single area of my life (even the tightest of circumstances), let not my soul be downcast to my point of worry and agitation, but instead put its trust in You alone, the Rock of my salvation. In Your precious name, Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.
*Hanani – means God is gracious
Observation & Partial Application:
Tobiah/Sanballat/Noadiah were causing lots of confusion as mentioned in the earlier part of Chapter 6 of Nehemiah, but in spite of all this intimidation, Nehemiah looked up to the Almighty God at every single cost (6:9) and was able to answer boldly against all these nonsensical intimidation against the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall (6:11) because God's hand was truly upon Nehemiah.
Yes, the wall was fully done up by day 52 – verse 15 explains that the enemies and the surrounding kingdoms were terrified NOT BECAUSE OF MERE STRENGTH OF MEN but rather, the STRENGTH OF GOD ALMIGHTY.
Chapter 7:1-3 can strongly be equated to the typical contemporary worship team that in days of old, were a DEAD SERIOUS MATTER – they held a SERIOUS position alongside keepers of the gates of Jerusalem's wall. Not much was said about Hanani/Hananiah but through God's word, he rightfully was appointed as the commander of the citadel because of his unwavering faith in the Lord God Almighty. Just like the citadel needing an RIGHTEOUS and RELIABLE (R & R) commander, so do nations need rulers and governors and heads of state, as well as companies and corporations who need leaders who are likewise with Hanani.
RESPONSE:
Dear Lord, I pray, entrust and commit myself to You for You alone are always the source of wisdom as You were to Nehemiah, and Lord, looking at every single area of my life (even the tightest of circumstances), let not my soul be downcast to my point of worry and agitation, but instead put its trust in You alone, the Rock of my salvation. In Your precious name, Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Journal Entry 16th April 2009: What if I am called to do something else?
Scripture:
Neh 3:5,27
5 The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.
27 Next to them, the men of Tekoa repaired another section, from the great projecting tower to the wall of Ophel.
Observation:
Men of Tekoa? Who were they?
I'm reluctant to reflect on this not because it pokes a needle in my side.. but more that I remember Snr Pastor sharing something about this. Probably it's his influence in my life. eh?
However my observation may be different.
Who were they?
the Men of Tekoa were a motivated entrepreneurial group that rebuilt an important section of Jerusalem while simultaneously protecting their families in a time of conflict.
Throughout this chapter of Nehemiah, it records many ppl involved in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Firstly financed by a pagan king, secondly, overseen by a cupbearer, built by NOT wall builders, but carpenters, diamond makers, goldsmith etc etc.
And they built it in record time!
Application:
I ask myself this question.. if the men of Tekoa and all the other ppl could build the wall which is out of their field of "expertise", did they do it with passion or without passion. The Men of Tekoa did.. they did 2 things instead of one.
So I believe if they have passion, knowing the purpose of building the wall, even though it's not their field of expertise, they put their heart mind and soul, and body into it. Spear in one hand, Trowel in another...
Do I work as hard on God's call in my life as hard as I work?
I seriously do want to. I thank God for Vineyard, thank God for what he wants me to do.. at the same time..I am scared lah.. heheheh
Response:
Lord cast out all fear in my next step, as I endeavor to respond to YOUR call in my life. Whom you call you will equip and as I remain in You.. I know I will be equipped.
Neh 3:5,27
5 The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.
27 Next to them, the men of Tekoa repaired another section, from the great projecting tower to the wall of Ophel.
Observation:
Men of Tekoa? Who were they?
I'm reluctant to reflect on this not because it pokes a needle in my side.. but more that I remember Snr Pastor sharing something about this. Probably it's his influence in my life. eh?
However my observation may be different.
Who were they?
the Men of Tekoa were a motivated entrepreneurial group that rebuilt an important section of Jerusalem while simultaneously protecting their families in a time of conflict.
Throughout this chapter of Nehemiah, it records many ppl involved in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Firstly financed by a pagan king, secondly, overseen by a cupbearer, built by NOT wall builders, but carpenters, diamond makers, goldsmith etc etc.
And they built it in record time!
Application:
I ask myself this question.. if the men of Tekoa and all the other ppl could build the wall which is out of their field of "expertise", did they do it with passion or without passion. The Men of Tekoa did.. they did 2 things instead of one.
So I believe if they have passion, knowing the purpose of building the wall, even though it's not their field of expertise, they put their heart mind and soul, and body into it. Spear in one hand, Trowel in another...
Do I work as hard on God's call in my life as hard as I work?
I seriously do want to. I thank God for Vineyard, thank God for what he wants me to do.. at the same time..I am scared lah.. heheheh
Response:
Lord cast out all fear in my next step, as I endeavor to respond to YOUR call in my life. Whom you call you will equip and as I remain in You.. I know I will be equipped.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Journal Entry 14 April 2009 : Want Something? Build Relationships
Scripture:
Neh 2:4-5
The king said to me, "What is it you want?"
Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, "If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it."
Observation:
Nehemiah was a cupbearer and the King could have ignored Nehemiah's "emotional state" yet, the King didn't, the King had concern for him. Probably Nehemiah did build this fantastically trusted relationship with the king, since Nehemiah did perform tasting of all the food/drink before the King.
In that short moment, Nehemiah "prayed".. what was his prayer? we don't know, but I am sure he didn't burst forth in tongues.
It sure teaches us that in every situation that is a reason and a need for prayer.
A prayer he believes that the King will be moved to honour, shows the trust of the King in Nehemiah (probably due to relationship built over the years), in actual fact later... the King provided for the building of the walls.
And it sure shows how much confidence Nehemiah has in God to use him to build the walls! A Cupbearer building walls??!?! Indeed the faith of Nehemiah.
Application:
We're all asking God for one thing or another, have we prepared in our hearts what we should ask for. Are my motives in check before I ask? Have I built that trust and close relationship with God so that I know for "whatever I ask in His name He will grant it" ?
Asking and knowing what you receive is always based on relationship, between anyone, God, myself, and to others.
Response:
Lord help me build my relationships with those around me, so that I know what to ask of You for them.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Journal Entry 12 April 2009 : Easter Sunday, You Call Me By NAME!
Scripture
Mk 16:7
7But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "
Observation:
I find that as I have read this scripture and heard it being read so many times.. it's a bit dry to me. but, I have a question.. why say " Disciples and Peter" ? What is that distinction that the angel was saying? Is it perhaps a special reminder for Peter about his self-abdicated state of leadership amongst the disciples?
Peter must've still been grieving in guilt. And this was the beginning of his reinstatement.
Application:
God continues to share his care for Peter, as he does each day for all of us. As His children who may have strayed, said the wrong thing to offend someone, to lie, to deny truth etc etc. He says.. come back all's fine. Just don't do it again..
I need to continue to seek God as my forgiving saviour, who reinstates me and learn from these daily mistakes. He neither condemns me, nor does he want to be separate from me.
Response:
Lord thank you for being just you! For loving me, loving us so dearly, that you call me by NAME!
Mk 16:7
7But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "
Observation:
I find that as I have read this scripture and heard it being read so many times.. it's a bit dry to me. but, I have a question.. why say " Disciples and Peter" ? What is that distinction that the angel was saying? Is it perhaps a special reminder for Peter about his self-abdicated state of leadership amongst the disciples?
Peter must've still been grieving in guilt. And this was the beginning of his reinstatement.
Application:
God continues to share his care for Peter, as he does each day for all of us. As His children who may have strayed, said the wrong thing to offend someone, to lie, to deny truth etc etc. He says.. come back all's fine. Just don't do it again..
I need to continue to seek God as my forgiving saviour, who reinstates me and learn from these daily mistakes. He neither condemns me, nor does he want to be separate from me.
Response:
Lord thank you for being just you! For loving me, loving us so dearly, that you call me by NAME!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Upcoming Street Ministry & Easter & Good News!
Just an announcement for the cell and readership. :)
As part of ongoing teambuilding and relationship building, we're always looking forward to outreach service based activities, to help ourselves and in any little way helping others.
Tomorrow is Easter Sunday (12th April), and the cell (probably a small group) will be going to Carey Island to meet with the Christian community there (the Mahmeri folks) who will be celebrating Easter.
The team departs from Dream Centre at about 2pm. for more details email Terence Chong. :)
on the Saturday, 2nd of May afternoon , we're once again going to Urban Street fellowship on the 2nd of May. Program is still the same.. serve and hopefully connect with people there.
Details please email Paul.
Terence will be busy around that time as he and his wife will be expecting their first baby!!! So continue to pray for them.
That's all for now.. take care and God Bless
As part of ongoing teambuilding and relationship building, we're always looking forward to outreach service based activities, to help ourselves and in any little way helping others.
Tomorrow is Easter Sunday (12th April), and the cell (probably a small group) will be going to Carey Island to meet with the Christian community there (the Mahmeri folks) who will be celebrating Easter.
The team departs from Dream Centre at about 2pm. for more details email Terence Chong. :)
on the Saturday, 2nd of May afternoon , we're once again going to Urban Street fellowship on the 2nd of May. Program is still the same.. serve and hopefully connect with people there.
Details please email Paul.
Terence will be busy around that time as he and his wife will be expecting their first baby!!! So continue to pray for them.
That's all for now.. take care and God Bless
Journal Entry 10 April 2009 : Good Friday.. Wisdom to answer ? Focus on the task ahead
Scripture
11Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."
12From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar."
Observation
Jesus always spoke the truth for He knew what He was to endured, as He had already accepted the "cup of suffering".. This cup was offered to be taken away so many times.
The pain He felt at that time would have been already excruciating, and I'm sure the temptation to give up would be great.
But Christ held on to His belief and answered in wisdom. v11
Pilate had a "chance" to redeem himself, however he didn't. Thank God he didn't but at the same time it shows the character that Pilate was. A People pleaser. How many times have we become a people pleaser? and compromised on doing the right thing.
In this situation doing the right thing would actually have been the wrong thing. I believe that this teaches us to have a bigger picture on things.
Application:
Efficacy is the word. Doing the right thing with the right motive at the right time to achieve the desired result. Christ, didn't just "allow" himself to be led to the "cross" but he plotted that this would be the death to experience as according to scripture. I admire Jesus' resolute to the goal. He knew he too would rise form the dead, but that separation from God was too much too bear. What about myself? Am I able to suffer for my faith. I scaredly and sadly say no. But I do want to have this mindset.
Response:
Lord let my heart respond as ho you'd want me to respond. Amen
11Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."
12From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar."
Observation
Jesus always spoke the truth for He knew what He was to endured, as He had already accepted the "cup of suffering".. This cup was offered to be taken away so many times.
The pain He felt at that time would have been already excruciating, and I'm sure the temptation to give up would be great.
But Christ held on to His belief and answered in wisdom. v11
Pilate had a "chance" to redeem himself, however he didn't. Thank God he didn't but at the same time it shows the character that Pilate was. A People pleaser. How many times have we become a people pleaser? and compromised on doing the right thing.
In this situation doing the right thing would actually have been the wrong thing. I believe that this teaches us to have a bigger picture on things.
Application:
Efficacy is the word. Doing the right thing with the right motive at the right time to achieve the desired result. Christ, didn't just "allow" himself to be led to the "cross" but he plotted that this would be the death to experience as according to scripture. I admire Jesus' resolute to the goal. He knew he too would rise form the dead, but that separation from God was too much too bear. What about myself? Am I able to suffer for my faith. I scaredly and sadly say no. But I do want to have this mindset.
Response:
Lord let my heart respond as ho you'd want me to respond. Amen
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