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
Friday, April 10, 2009
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
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Journal Entry 7th April : No shortcuts.. Just Follow Jesus!
Scripture
Jn 12:27-28
27"Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name!"
Observation:
"Now my heart is troubled" .. what's this mean?
Jesus troubled? Why not? He was man after all. But since he knows all that's going to happen why be troubled?
After all, He's gonna be ressurected.
But I do believe being human at the same time, he knows what it's like to experience pain.. even more excruciating pain. Even at the last moment He said "Let this cup of suffering pass over me"
He still had a choice to avoid the suffering, but He still chose the Father's will over his own comfort, suffering, and even His own glory.
Application:
Do I take any shortcuts when faced with troubled times? Do I push the buck when the going gets tough?
I am tempted many times, and even considered them. I want this verse to be a reminder to me about such times and say "Father Glorify Your Name" .. not that I become a dumb sacrifice, but a meaningful sacrifice. The Lord will surely rescue me and turn the situation around. Commitment to a daily life of seeing beyond the present.. Live for the eternal treasures
Response :
Lord thank you for your your example in life. If it had not been for you all of us would perish, because we would not have a role model like you. Thank you Lord.. teach me to gain perspective like yours!
Jn 12:27-28
27"Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name!"
Observation:
"Now my heart is troubled" .. what's this mean?
Jesus troubled? Why not? He was man after all. But since he knows all that's going to happen why be troubled?
After all, He's gonna be ressurected.
But I do believe being human at the same time, he knows what it's like to experience pain.. even more excruciating pain. Even at the last moment He said "Let this cup of suffering pass over me"
He still had a choice to avoid the suffering, but He still chose the Father's will over his own comfort, suffering, and even His own glory.
Application:
Do I take any shortcuts when faced with troubled times? Do I push the buck when the going gets tough?
I am tempted many times, and even considered them. I want this verse to be a reminder to me about such times and say "Father Glorify Your Name" .. not that I become a dumb sacrifice, but a meaningful sacrifice. The Lord will surely rescue me and turn the situation around. Commitment to a daily life of seeing beyond the present.. Live for the eternal treasures
Response :
Lord thank you for your your example in life. If it had not been for you all of us would perish, because we would not have a role model like you. Thank you Lord.. teach me to gain perspective like yours!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Journal Entry 6th April 2009 : Miracle or Miracle Maker?
Scripture
John 12:9
Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead
Observation:
I seem to be asking myself about my motivation and people's motivation. Even today I asked about what's our motivation in evangelism. Do we seek it for our Glory, God's Glory, for ppl to love us or for God's love towards them?
We must be careful not to be overzealous in sharing God's word that it becomes offensive. Yes, God's word is not offensive, it's us who makes His word offensive. If something is offensive, it should be our delivery, or a hard heart.
Anyway, people came to see the miracle maker (Jesus) , or the miracle (Lazarus) or both. How often are ppl enthralled by a flashy show? How often are we?
It's just like today we seek the gift and not the giver... How do we as His ppl remind ourselves of this important fact and motivation.
I see the difference in
a. Lazarus, Mary & Martha had a relationship with Jesus
b. The ppl who came to watch the spectacle did not..
At the same time it is an attraction factor.. an invitation to get to know Him.. and not just stand there to be enthralled. Walk into God's presence and expect a touch from Him.
Application:
I must see beyond the gifts and things I've received from Him. I must build this relationship with Him. That even as "miracle" after miracle that I experience with Him, is enough evidence of a wonderful God. And how it can be a testimony to invite them into this marvelous relationship with Him. My life motivation, must be simple pure and easy to understand, that they will be drawn to my wonderful Lord Jesus Christ
Response:
Just a closer walk with thee, grant this Jesus is my plea, daily walking close to thee.. Let it be dear Lord let it be.
John 12:9
Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead
Observation:
I seem to be asking myself about my motivation and people's motivation. Even today I asked about what's our motivation in evangelism. Do we seek it for our Glory, God's Glory, for ppl to love us or for God's love towards them?
We must be careful not to be overzealous in sharing God's word that it becomes offensive. Yes, God's word is not offensive, it's us who makes His word offensive. If something is offensive, it should be our delivery, or a hard heart.
Anyway, people came to see the miracle maker (Jesus) , or the miracle (Lazarus) or both. How often are ppl enthralled by a flashy show? How often are we?
It's just like today we seek the gift and not the giver... How do we as His ppl remind ourselves of this important fact and motivation.
I see the difference in
a. Lazarus, Mary & Martha had a relationship with Jesus
b. The ppl who came to watch the spectacle did not..
At the same time it is an attraction factor.. an invitation to get to know Him.. and not just stand there to be enthralled. Walk into God's presence and expect a touch from Him.
Application:
I must see beyond the gifts and things I've received from Him. I must build this relationship with Him. That even as "miracle" after miracle that I experience with Him, is enough evidence of a wonderful God. And how it can be a testimony to invite them into this marvelous relationship with Him. My life motivation, must be simple pure and easy to understand, that they will be drawn to my wonderful Lord Jesus Christ
Response:
Just a closer walk with thee, grant this Jesus is my plea, daily walking close to thee.. Let it be dear Lord let it be.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Journal Entry 31 March 2009 :What's My Intimacy Level?
Scripture
Heb 10:22
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us fom a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water
Observation:
God continues to call us to draw near to Him. There is a whole theme of union with Him throughout the Bible. The Communion, The Cleansing, His Glory is also ours etc etc.
He asks for our sincerity, as true & close friend, like a person whom we turn to at all times.
The song "Yesus (Kau Sahabatku)"
Whom do I turn to in troubled times? Am I hungering for God (as this true friend) that there's this desire to commune and communicate with Him daily.
We should know that His words and counsel are always wise and just right for us.
Application:
Sadly my time with Him is not as intimate as I'd like it to be.My journalling affair has dropped from a daily affair to about 3 times a week. It shows that I am not intentional with my time with Him. The intimate times with the Lord isn't like the times I spend with my wife each night before I sleep.
Journalling has become a mere reading and not writing it down. I think some of the things do crowd different times in my life. Like work, a hectic work schedule.
Perhaps waking up earlier in the morning is a better option for me. Or At night 1130 to 1200 (before I catch my Retro shows .. heheh)
It is an intentional time to journal because mornings is not the time when my Brian is working.
Because I MUST agreed that in HARD times, what stands out most apparently is our character that is built in the times spent before. This exercise/tool of journalling is building the bricks for our character as we reflect each day. It is God's direct word for me.
Response:
Lord... help me journal EACH and EVERYDAY!
Heb 10:22
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us fom a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water
Observation:
God continues to call us to draw near to Him. There is a whole theme of union with Him throughout the Bible. The Communion, The Cleansing, His Glory is also ours etc etc.
He asks for our sincerity, as true & close friend, like a person whom we turn to at all times.
The song "Yesus (Kau Sahabatku)"
Whom do I turn to in troubled times? Am I hungering for God (as this true friend) that there's this desire to commune and communicate with Him daily.
We should know that His words and counsel are always wise and just right for us.
Application:
Sadly my time with Him is not as intimate as I'd like it to be.My journalling affair has dropped from a daily affair to about 3 times a week. It shows that I am not intentional with my time with Him. The intimate times with the Lord isn't like the times I spend with my wife each night before I sleep.
Journalling has become a mere reading and not writing it down. I think some of the things do crowd different times in my life. Like work, a hectic work schedule.
Perhaps waking up earlier in the morning is a better option for me. Or At night 1130 to 1200 (before I catch my Retro shows .. heheh)
It is an intentional time to journal because mornings is not the time when my Brian is working.
Because I MUST agreed that in HARD times, what stands out most apparently is our character that is built in the times spent before. This exercise/tool of journalling is building the bricks for our character as we reflect each day. It is God's direct word for me.
Response:
Lord... help me journal EACH and EVERYDAY!
Journal Entry 29th March 2009: A Clean Conscience
Scripture:
Heb 9:14
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.
Observation:
It is once again this basic truth (Christ shed his blood for us), on which salvation is based upon. He died to make us clean & clean us internally of the past, present and future sins. He also cleans our structure (internally) along with our conscience.
We find ourselves saying (including many people) "I let my conscience guide me"
But have we scrutinised our conscience lately? Is my conscience clean?
Do I serve with a clean conscience or do I SERVE to clean my conscience, because I think I have the capability to repay God of this debt (but in actual fact I can't ever repay it)
Application:
How is God's work pricking my conscience? I have to constantly remind myself that the benchmark for my life is His Word and Law. I need to check my conscience and hear what it says and compare it with the WORD. Is my conscience guided by the Holy Spirit. Does my conscience revel or rebel when the fruits of the spirit are produced or not produced? The result of a clear conscience is marked by the fruit of the Holy Spirit & Not WORKS!
Response:
Lord I want to grow the fruit in my life intentionally. My motivation & conscience needs to be pure. Help me grow in these areas in my surrender to you.
Heb 9:14
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.
Observation:
It is once again this basic truth (Christ shed his blood for us), on which salvation is based upon. He died to make us clean & clean us internally of the past, present and future sins. He also cleans our structure (internally) along with our conscience.
We find ourselves saying (including many people) "I let my conscience guide me"
But have we scrutinised our conscience lately? Is my conscience clean?
Do I serve with a clean conscience or do I SERVE to clean my conscience, because I think I have the capability to repay God of this debt (but in actual fact I can't ever repay it)
Application:
How is God's work pricking my conscience? I have to constantly remind myself that the benchmark for my life is His Word and Law. I need to check my conscience and hear what it says and compare it with the WORD. Is my conscience guided by the Holy Spirit. Does my conscience revel or rebel when the fruits of the spirit are produced or not produced? The result of a clear conscience is marked by the fruit of the Holy Spirit & Not WORKS!
Response:
Lord I want to grow the fruit in my life intentionally. My motivation & conscience needs to be pure. Help me grow in these areas in my surrender to you.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Journal Entry : 25th March 2009 : A Test of My Spirit
Submitted by Paul Sebastian :D
Scripture :
1 John 4:2,3
This is how you can recognise the Spirit of God. Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
But every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
Observation:
God continues to call us to tests things/spirits on our own. As Christ lives in us His Spirit shows us how to decipher the good and bad spirits. Peace & Joy should be an overwhelming theme of our lives because He lives. Peace at all times in all circumstances, good and bad times
Application:
What is the proclaimation of my life? Do I accept the whole theme of Christ and all that He has done, doing now and going to do. His life, Birth, Living, Teaching, Miracles, Showing and Applying Truth, Dying, Forgiving, Rising from the dead, Now In Heaven, Intereceeding and Judge.
What I see with my eyes and belief in my heart must testify of His truth, peace and love. To be sure of how my life is being lead, it is a test of my own spirit, my own heart.. He therefore must live in me.
Response (in prayer)
Lord I give you my heart, Let my heart not wander. Let Your truth guide my heart and mind. When I speak the truth, I want to speak it boldly, as people see Your truth being applied, they will see You are the way. And I will be able to testify and atest to Your great work in my life, and stand the tests and not be misguided by the Evil one.
Scripture :
1 John 4:2,3
This is how you can recognise the Spirit of God. Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
But every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
Observation:
God continues to call us to tests things/spirits on our own. As Christ lives in us His Spirit shows us how to decipher the good and bad spirits. Peace & Joy should be an overwhelming theme of our lives because He lives. Peace at all times in all circumstances, good and bad times
Application:
What is the proclaimation of my life? Do I accept the whole theme of Christ and all that He has done, doing now and going to do. His life, Birth, Living, Teaching, Miracles, Showing and Applying Truth, Dying, Forgiving, Rising from the dead, Now In Heaven, Intereceeding and Judge.
What I see with my eyes and belief in my heart must testify of His truth, peace and love. To be sure of how my life is being lead, it is a test of my own spirit, my own heart.. He therefore must live in me.
Response (in prayer)
Lord I give you my heart, Let my heart not wander. Let Your truth guide my heart and mind. When I speak the truth, I want to speak it boldly, as people see Your truth being applied, they will see You are the way. And I will be able to testify and atest to Your great work in my life, and stand the tests and not be misguided by the Evil one.
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