Redcow!

2009-01-07T02:01:00.003+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY :)

Yup, just want to say its been great having all of you in my cell group for the last few years.

I do hope that you'll find your new cell groups great :)

I'm still here and available if you need me for anything.

I might occasionally update this and monologue with myself as usual. haha..

okay, to a great year ahead, trusting in God's pleasing and perfect will for our lives :)

2008-08-06T11:19:00.002+08:00

My Praise

Lord, I wish I could praise You with adequate words
But You leave me speechless
And I so long to sing You the song You deserve
But it would be endless
I long to move Your heart
To bring You something new
To tell how great You are
Till my praise to You

chorus:
Its like an ocean breeze blowing on your face
Like a summer sun with its warm embrace
Like a gentle rain plays a symphony
Thats what I want my praise to be
Like a fragrant rose in the early spring
Like an eagle soars when it spreads its wings
Whatever, Lord, You may need from me
Thats what I want my praise to be
To You

Everything I could give, You already possess
Lord, Im so unworthy
Im just one of the millions to stand and confess
And yet still You hear me
Your heart is open wide
You long for what I bring
I pray somehow You'll find this simple offering
Phillips Craig And Dean

2008-07-24T02:02:00.001+08:00

Hello People :)

God Loves You.

2008-03-17T10:23:00.007+08:00

For those of you who are still following the purple devotion book (lent), good on you!

anyway excerpt from 15th March devotion.

'Prayer is suffering's best result. What prayer leads to is the hearing of the 'still,small voice' of God saying' Do not fear'. That in turn produces the declaration of trust: ' O Lord you took up my case; you redeemed my life.' It's a trust that turns its attention away from the self and the enemy to the object and outcome of faith. When God says " Do not fear", it is a prelude to Him acting. God is more than Jermiah's defender. The Lord is the Reedemer of his life. We too can have such a confidence when we cry to God from the pit.

Passage: Lamentations 3:55-56.

yup, have a good week ahead!
Friday's good Friday. Do prepare your hearts for service.
I'll see you all soon :)

ps: for anybody who wants to log in
User Id: mootheredcow@yahoo.com.sg
Password: moomoo

2008-02-27T19:38:00.003+08:00

Who are you truly loving today? :)

Spiritual Gifts/Talents

2008-01-31T09:22:00.000+08:00

Helloo.

Please don't throw away last week's sheet of paper with the spiritual gifts stuff on it.

Ponder and pray about your talents and spiritual gifts, especially if you are not currently involved in a particular ministry. yup!

Further reading: 1 Cor 12:1-11, Heb 2:4, Rom 12:4-8

2007-12-31T12:19:00.000+08:00

Hello everybody :)
Today's the last day of year 2007.
A good time to reflect on how the year has been, thank God for the good and bad, and look forward to the new year.
If you're like me, you will naturally feel a rather strange unsettling feeling, almost..emo.
but one verse that i tend to lean on would be Philippians 3:13-14.
so yup,cheerios to a great year ahead!

Heres one of the dedications made last Friday to red cow :)

- Thank you for the amazing year we had.Joel and Yurong: Thank you for being great cell leaders, and ones who never fail to encourage and talk to us. Red cow: you guys are really very nice people,laughing along with us during call, esp.Tammy! I love all of you ! - RJ LT.

Next on the agenda is the write up on the glove that you all got for christmas! haha. such a pretty glove.

How to use the Good News Glove.
Begin something like this:
Haveyou ever seen a glove like this? Here is one for you. Put it on and I'll tell you all about it
Yellow: God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.

But.. not all boys and girls have thisjoyful happy life.

Dark finger tells why: All men,women, boysand girls are sinful and seperated from God.

But.. don't worry!

Red finger: God shown His love for us. While we were still sinners, Jesus Christ died for us.

This is the good news. But its not enough.

White finger- To have a new clean life,you need to receive Christ as your Saviour. This is a gift from God.

and the other side of the glove tells you how to grow in God.

hahah :) so a reminder to share the gospel and keep growing in the Lord..
Did you all receive the thingy that Joel and Tammy gave you all?
It makes a perfect stand for the glove.heh.
hm. i cant get the thing to rotate but the idea is there yeah..

okay, last but not least,

thanks to all for the year that's going to past.
you have all made a difference in one way or another.
:)

¹³Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Phil 3:13-14.

2007-12-18T10:47:00.001+08:00

haha :0
okay we all look funny so its alright.
I just wanted to update the blog.

Yup, lets have a cell group outing on the 28th of Dec.
Go cycling at east coast.
haha.may happen may not.
Its Christmas next week!
okay. see you all soon!

2007-12-03T15:05:00.001+08:00

2007-11-27T22:28:00.000+08:00

HEY everybody. Thanks for the stay over last Friday + the Mark and Spencer stuffies :)
1'm officially 19th now. How old does that sound. hurry grow up and catch up with me.

Anyway this is a post to tell you all that we are all invited to David Chan's place this Saturday for dinner.
Those who read this post early enough just indicate whether you can make it on the tag board or sms or something.

Okay, I'm having horrid exams!
yup study study.

2007-11-19T19:56:00.000+08:00

Hallo.

Poll Dance.

2007-11-15T11:05:00.000+08:00

haha. I think she's much prettier.

2007-10-13T10:07:00.000+08:00

I say good looking... for now.

Graveyard here man.
We shall talk about the blog during the next cell meeting.
let's take turns!

Anyways, exams are over for most ofyou!
so should see most of you more often now!

Alrightys, remember to spend time with God.
Have fun.
do crazy things like cut off your hair.
eat girlguides cookies.
do tae kwan do.
and don't study!

ALways thinking about you all,
your affectionate cell group leader.

2007-06-23T23:09:00.000+08:00

Hey ALL :)

For those who missed last week's lesson, It was about loving God.
What does it mean to love?
From the popular passage about love, I chose 4 attributes of love to talk about :

Love is PATIENT
Love keeps no record of Wrongs
Love does not delight in evil
Love always trusts, always preservers.

Yup, then I told all of you to think about an area where you find yourself most lacking/want to work on and try to practise it this week. so don't forget!

Prayer requests

Rui Jun- Finish hmwk, all of the above.
Joel- Let God's will be done about exams, Love is kind.
Tammy- Find true love, keeps no record of wrong
Apple-Study , Get to seriously know God, always trusts.
Cheryl- Study smart, Trust.
Douglas- Obey, that term three would be a push over.
Guan You-New vocation, to be able to wake up at 0800
David- Don't do stupid things in army
Yurong- Handle my time well.

Yup, have a good week ahead ( even with exams) :)

Prayer Requests 0100607

2007-06-03T21:36:00.000+08:00

Prayer requests are as follows:

Lydia: Finish all her homework and discipline to study for her tests.

Ruijun: Ditto.

Douglas: The ability to use his time wisely

Tammy: To find her true love.

Yurong and Joel: To be continually refreshed and sustained through the month.

2007-05-27T23:26:00.000+08:00

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO
LYDIA AND DOUGLAS :) :)
Continue to grow and mature in the Lord.
We're rooting for you two :P

Lydia, the chocolate cake and potato salad you missed :)

Global day of prayer 27/5 :)
I think it was a good experience.
A whole stadium singing praises to God.
and praying for the nation.

2007-05-25T02:41:00.000+08:00

GUESS WHO????

Prayer Requests 040507

2007-05-05T16:49:00.000+08:00

start.

hello everybody,
here are the prayer requests for this week.

Douglas: Grow thinner (!)
Ruijun: Homework and assignments
Marcus: Exams (next week?)
Tammy: Eye infection, catch up with schoolwork, not to be embarrassed by SYF
Cheryl and Apple: SYF next friday

yup please keep everyone in prayer over the week. and remember to do QT!

end.

2007-04-14T12:20:00.000+08:00

HELLO PEOPLE!

It's time to wake this place up :)

I thought yesterday's lesson was really applicable.

Whether it is doing the things we arnt supposed to do. ie. Lying, losing one's temper, reading inappropraite material etc.

Or to do the things we are supposed to do. ie. encouraging somebody, going into ministry, public speaking etc.

Be strong and courageous.

Know and apply His word.

And the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

2007-02-24T18:08:00.000+08:00

Friday 23/2/07

DOING QT! :)

3 things you could do
- read the bible, pray, worship.

4 Questions to ask when reading the bible
- what is the context
- what does it tell me about God
- What is the author thinking about
- How can I apply it

Prayer
Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication

yupyup, QT ( quiet time) shouldn be a drag but rather a time to slow down and just spend some time with God, reorder your lives. When I don't do QT for a long time, I feel like a train without direction at the point of derailing :p

Okay, prayer requests!
Tammy- For her voice to return
Cheryl-Adapt to her new JC environment and be able to make new friends
Douglas- thank God for a smooth sailing life
David C- Spirit to be more attuned to God
Joel- Common test in two weeks time, test on monday. To organise his time properly and develop holistically.
Yurong- More courage so I wont freak on stage.
Everybody- For God to help us enjoy QT :)

yupyup, have a great week ahead ! :D

2007-02-20T09:30:00.000+08:00

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR TO ALL ! :)

2007-02-12T22:26:00.000+08:00

Hello!
I know this hasn't been updated for awhile.
Going to ask one of you to change blog skin or something.
Yup, so just a note to say we're not dead.

Prayer Request for this week.

Cheryl: Make the right choice concerning which JC to choose
Tammy: Appeal to NYJC- successful
Joel :Common Test, make plan to study
Marcus: Choir Solo

yup, take care folks :)

And CONGRATULATIONS TO HAVING DONE WELL FOR O LEVELS :)

2006-12-11T11:00:00.000+08:00

HEY HEY ALL OF YOU! JIA YOU FOR WHATEVER YOU ARE DOING FOR THE DRAMA CAMP YA :)

Joel- Hospitality Head, drama/drama camp committee.
Lydia+ Rui Jun- DANCE
Cheryl- DANCE
David Chan- Hospitality
Douglas- Drama
Tammy- Drama, Hospitality, Logistics,
Yurong- Music, Drama camp committee, Hospitality

Haha I'm very happy that we're involved in something :P

So pray hard and invite your friends :) Friday 22nd Dec 2006 Black or White.

2006-12-11T10:51:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday David C.

Happy Birthday Joel.

x)

2006-11-05T22:54:00.000+08:00

To all the A and O level people in our cell,

We wish you all the best for your papers. May God grant you wisdom, discernment, strength, knowledge, determination, courage, and the peace which surpasses all understanding even in the face of overwhelming odds, for our God is a God of wonders. Good luck and Godspeed.

Yours in fellowship,

Lin Yurong and Joel Tan
Cell Leaders
The Salvation Army Singapore Central Corps Torchbearers Redcow Cell '06

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" Joshua 1:9

Happy Birthday David

2006-11-05T22:47:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday David L.

Forgiveness.

2006-10-29T22:05:00.000+08:00

"Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it."

-Mark Twain

No one is too small :)

2006-10-27T02:49:00.000+08:00

57 CENTS
A sobbing little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it was too crowded.

"I can't go to Sunday School," she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class. The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.

Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kind-hearted pastor, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside was found 57cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting which read, "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School."

For two years she had saved for this offering of love. When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.

But the story does not end there! A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a Realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered it for 57 cents. Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00--a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century).

Her unselfish love had paid large dividend. When you are in the city of Philadelphia, look up Temple Baptist Church, with a seating capacity of 3,300 and Temple University, where hundreds of students are trained. Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses hundreds of Sunday Schoolers, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside during Sunday school time.In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history.

Alongside it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russel H. Conwell, author of the book, Acres of Diamonds.A true story, which goes to show WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH 57 cents.

O Level Schedule

2006-10-18T16:20:00.000+08:00

Click to see Tammy's O Level Schedule.
Cheryl's should be similar.

2006-10-01T20:20:00.000+08:00

HAVE A GOOD WEEK AT SCHOOL! :)

Be strong and courageous!

2006-10-01T20:15:00.000+08:00

Friday's lesson 30/9

- How to respond when people mistreat you?

2 ways of responding.

1. Get angry and show it.

2. Get angry and hide it.

Both won't solve the problem and might even give you a stroke or a heart attack.

Gist?

- Bless the person who offended you.
like Lord, Bless the guy, bless his family bless his studies bless his school work bless his relationship etc and it will become hard to stay angry at the person after awhile.
Life is not all about getting fair. If you think about it, life is kinda biased towards you already for living in Singapore and you know God.

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,and the LORD will reward you.
Proverbs 25:21-22

Red Cow's Theme Song

2006-09-30T17:49:00.000+08:00

Hold on little girl
Show me what he's done to you
Stand up little girl
A broken heart can't be that bad
When it's through, it's through
Fate will twist the both of you
So come on baby come on over
Let me be the one to show you

I'm the one who wants to be with you
Deep inside I hope you feel it too
Waited on a line of greens and blues
Just to be the next to be with you

Build up your confidence
So you can be on top for once
Wake up who cares about
Little boys that talk too much
I've seen it all go down
Your game of love was all rained out
So come on baby, come on over
Let me be the one to hold you

I'm the one who want to be with you
Deep inside I hope you feel it too
Waited on a line of greens and blues
Just to be the next to be with you

Why be alone when we can be together baby
You can make my life worthwhile
And I can make you start to smile

When it's through, it's through
Fate will twist the both of you
So come on baby come on over
Let me be the one to show you

The Big O

2006-09-27T21:55:00.000+08:00

Click Here to get this from FreeFlashToys.com!

Happy Birthday Tammy!

2006-09-07T16:28:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday Tammy!

2006-08-29T18:09:00.000+08:00

My 9th anniversary just passed ! lol

anyway here is something interesting from youth tube.
Its about 18 minutes long in 3 parts of 6 minutes. . Really encourage you to go watch it! :) yup, its almost like my post on my blog. I guess it means something to me because I've always had a problem with fear and failure. Yupyup, God still has a long way to go with me though. Haha.. yupyup hope it encourages you :)

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
On to the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again, "Boy, You'll never win!""You'll never win!"

But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believeThe Voice of Truth

Happy Birthday Elaine!

2006-08-21T21:46:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday Elaine!

2006-07-26T19:27:00.000+08:00

Hellos!
how have you all been?
Anyway if you have happen to READ this then I hope you have been reading the 40 days white book faithfully! + plus to read? cause the leaders helped put it together :)
Yupyup, this friday is on fellowship. So do think about your relationships with the people around you in church. Do you have anybody that you have had a quarrel with? Not happy with? Maybe its time to let God heal those wounds so that we can stand as one body.

Many times we hear about how we are supposed to experience true fellowship but in actual fact, we don't really see alot of that around. Yup, but don't get discouraged but instead look at ourselves and how we can help build this fellowship ( maybe by forgiving those that hurt you, taking time out to do something for someone etc).

And we all NEED each other.

But its good to remember that at the end of the day, only God can fully and truely fill that gap in our hearts for acceptance and give us that unconditional love. :)

yupyup.. so hope to see you all on Friday :P
enjoy the rest of the week ..

2006-07-04T12:20:00.000+08:00

Hahah.
PROUD OF YOU. :)
I think mine is the one that is topsy turvy. I need at least 10 hours of rest now! been waking up at 10-11am every morning :p
how to go back to school?
Yupyup, will keep your Orals in prayer. when's chinese oral?

Yups, was just reminded this week that without God, life is rather meaningless.
Study work die. ?? haha. But its the continual process of trying to live for God, the trials as refinning process and the good times as rest - all means to one end. To be like Him and the hope of being in Heaven with Him. So everything thing we do on earth is worth the effort. Studying HARD ( something that's really hard for me), serving in church etc. yupyup, I shall keep reminding myself that God is my strength and with Him nothing is impossible.

Yups. So take cares and have a blessed week ! see you all on FRIDAY :p

Ps: theres something wrong with the paragraphing and the music eh? haha. it keeps restarting..

Dont mind..

2006-07-01T01:31:00.000+08:00

My dear cell grp! my exams are coming.1 month passed and I find myself getting ready for exams yet again.Its been really hard as I've been staying in school till as late as 7pm! haha but gd news is,that i go home very tired and hence i sleep VERY early. haha,Yurong,my BODY CLOCK has finally changed. =) be happy for me!

I learnt a very impt lesson this wk.
"Its take the dust to make it polished."
In other words,without the dust in our lives,we would not take the effort to polish it yea?
It really has changed the way I lived a bit.
I look at things at a much different view.
So ya,we should be thankful for the problems God places for us to face.Wear your amour,hold up your courage and put your FEET FORWARD. =)

That is all i have to say. my offical 'N' lvl ENGLISH ORAL IS THIS THURSDAY! 6th of July.Thats my prayer request this wk.The 2nd week of July is my 'N' lvl CHINESE ORAL. T_T i wanna cry!! Thanks all.

`Elainez.*

2006-06-27T17:48:00.000+08:00

Oh for those who missed it, here's the lesson for the week titled Worshipping God or worshipping Idols. 2 weeks ago i think. yup. do ponder on the questions. it's a little wordy i know. sorry about that.

as the book says, “an idol doesn’t have to be a small ceramic statue. It can be television, instant messaging, a boyfriend or girlfriend, …, money, friends, … basically anything that you love more than God.”

Most Christians worship an idol at some time or another during their spiritual journey with God, but real progress in that journey can only be made if you choose to evaluate your lifestyle and the way you spend your time and $, evaluate your priorities and surrender your idols to God, choosing to focus and give your time and effort to Him.

1) What are some of the things that can be considered idols in your life?

2) Why do you think such things are idols in your life?

Bible passage 1: Jeremiah 2:11-13
11 Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But my people have exchanged their Glory for worthless idols.
12 Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror," declares the LORD.
13 "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

3) How is worshipping an idol like digging your own cistern?

4) Why do you think the heavens should ‘shudder with great horror’ when God’s people forsake Him for idols?

5) Have you ever had an idol but eventually removed it from your life? Share your experience if you have.

Bible passage 2 (Isaiah 55:1-3)

1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
3 Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live…
Spend some time this week, and this month, and this year, and the rest of your life seeking God, removing idols from your life with His strength.

And there's a loyalty that's deeper than mere sentiments
And a music higher than the songs that I can sing
Stuff of Earth competes for the allegianceI owe only to the Giver of all good things
So if I stand let me stand on the promise that you will pull me through
And if I can't, let me fall on the grace that first brought me to you
So if I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home
(‘If I stand’ by Jars of Clay)

EXAMS!

2006-06-27T17:40:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone!
haha it's been awhile since i posted something. anyways, here's a list of things to pray for this month.
Maybe we should start a monthly prayer list thingy btw.

Tammy's chinese o level oral on friday 30/6
David's chinese o level oral next tuesday 4/7
Cheryl's chinese o level oral sometime in july
Yurong's exams this week (and next week too?)
Joel's exams this week

yup that's about all. have a good week.

2006-06-14T17:19:00.000+08:00

I think my plant is the longest surviving plant out of all? wrong?

Anyway its not in a very pretty state as you can see. And its not due to lack of sunshine or water. ( Its on a window ledge with ample sunlight and accesible to rain and in the event of no rain, someone waters it)

So what do you think caused it to wither and die?
THE ROOTS.

The roots weren't deep enough and there wasn't enough soil.

Lets draw parallels.

2 weeks ago we talked about surrendering our past. The plant despite being given continual nutrients, died. The lack of soil and depth of root was not apparent at first ( we prob can't see how the bad experiences in our past affect our current state) but slowly and surely it was what killed that plant. '

we can also see it in the way that we need to be sure of the fundementals. We need to firmly believe that God exist and He is all that we ever know and continue to know about Him. Ie. He has a plan for our lives, He loves us and we need to trust Him. If not even though we go for cell group and church and continue to receive ' nutrients', we may turn back one day and question the reality of God and all. Deep Roots can also by synonymous with being grounded in the word.
haha, yup just some thoughts after looking at my dead plant :0 May not really understand cause I tend towards incoherency.

yupss.. see you all on Friday :)

2006-05-07T23:06:00.000+08:00

Hey people, good job on last friday stomp :P

If you missed sermon today,
major Andrew talked about sowers and reapers.

- Man who looks at the wind and do not sow.

' fear of what peoplehave to say. '

2 questions suggesting why ppl don't sow.

1. maybe our words contradict our lifestyles?

2.Maybe our knowledge is so shall0w that we don't have all the
answers.

- Man who looks at the clouds and do not reap.

' he fears a strom that will distroy his long awaited crop.'

reasons.

1. Not prepared to pray
2. Do not read and apply the word of God.
( * reap is after you have told your frens or shared with them abit do you lead them to Christ or help them after they accepted etc.'

Haha, i think the sermon was really relevant today. do take thing to think about the suggestions and reasons.

yupyup, have a good week ahead :))
God bless.

Fall

I love to worship You, my God

I love to worship You, my Lord
And see Your Spirit fall in power
Your love unfolding
Gifts from heaven

I love to worship You, my God
I love to worship You, my Lord
And feel Your precious
Breath of heaven
Your all consuming love

Holy Spirit come in power
Change my heart
I want to live for You, my God
Let Your Spirit come in power
Change my life
That I may live for You my Lord
Fall on us Lord

So I yearn for You
Long to see You move
Lord, I lift my hands before my King and pray

2006-04-25T17:13:00.000+08:00

Coming up next...STOMP!

Look out for the upcoming inter-cell group event-STOMP (Salvationarmy Torchbearers Original Music Project) which is taking place on 5th May'o5 8pm. Cell groups to come up with a musical item using normal day-to-day objects such as buckets, drinking cans or bottles etc. Stretch your imagination! So...which cell group will emerge the winner? Will it be the very red REDCOWS? or the very healthy FFC aka HEALTHY CELL? OR maybe..jolly serious saints J.S.S (lol) or the rest of the mysterious anonymous teams? Stay tune to find out!

http://torchbearer.pbwiki.com/

START THINKING PPL :D

Truth Behind Da Vinci Code

Still don't know how to answer your friends when they ask you about the Da Vinci Code?

Sign up for this seminar organised by the SYFC and find out the truth!
http://www.syfc.org.sg/events/dvc/signup.html

I have already signed up with Guan You and a few others so if you all want to join just go sign up.

we put truth and fiction first then the bible one.

:))

2006-04-22T16:48:00.000+08:00

:)

' Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? but even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.

" Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope tha you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, sothat those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

It is better , if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.'

Yupyup, this was the principal verse of last week's lesson.

- If we see God as who He is, the all mighty, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, then we should have confidence that God can work His ways in our friends. We just have to be the willing hammer. :P

- God can fight and defend His own battles. We don't need to get defensive and angry because people insult Him or question your beliefs. Just be very clear on what you believe and answer them with gentleness and respect.
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

- Continue to do good.

Yups, this whole series is on evengelism and I hope that we are all rather clear on the great commission and what we have to do. So Grasp every opportunity and let everyday help you grow closer to God.

Have a good week ahead :)

- prayer requests
: douglas who is not feeling well
Joel, david and Yurong for discipline to do work
And those who hasn't been coming.
:p

He is the reason that we live.

2006-04-17T02:18:00.000+08:00

Hey long time no action.. haha..
anyways, this post is for those who have monday blues or teenage crisis.
Dun lose hope. there may be sometimes when you get totally discouraged and question the reason for existance, going to school etc but always fix your eyes on whats ahead. On what God has promised to the good and faithful.

' Because lives I can face tommorow,
Bcause he lives all fear is gone.
Because I know I know He holds the future
and life is worth the living just because He lives. '

Now you all have another reason to drag yourself up everymorning now
<>

yupyup, have a goodweek ahead.:))

2006-03-18T14:34:00.000+08:00

haha.. sarah kinda assumed alot that shermin would agree with her.. :PpP

yupyups.. anyway, we are still your 'alma mater' .. haha.. so feel free to do whatever you want here or to share your prayer requests..
i think nothing has changed except that you won't be spending friday cell group time with us thats all. ;p

To the remaining cell ppl, take heart.. it doesnt matter that our numbers are small. :)

yup, have a good week.. hope that you had a good cell time yesterday..

' let your life be a testimony to those around you.'

tata sauce

2006-03-15T14:23:00.000+08:00

Hey guys . .

We (Shermin and Sarah) have news for you.
[Okay, it sounds like we're getting married but we're NOT]

Right. We... will be leaving redcow. As of this Friday, 17 March 2006.

I'm sure that there are probably a million and one questions rushing through your minds right now.

Well, fortunately, we won't be going far (3 cheers for that! :D)

For those of you who don't know, Isaac and Joel L's cell will be combining since Isaac has already gone of to the army and Joel will be going in soon.

As such, they will need new leaders.

So.

Shermin and I will be going over to help Joel.

Yes.

So we shall still see you all around. :D

[ Haha, I think that this sounds like a sad entry, the way I worded it :P ]

Yups, I really will miss Redcow and all the interesting discussions and lame jokes and what nots that we enjoy, and I'm sure that Shermin agrees.

We'll continue praying for you all . . . and you all must listen to Yurong ok? :D [this sounds so motherly. yikes.]

Yupyups. . okay, so we shall see you guys around.

Love, Shermin and Sarah

P.S. you guys must blog ok?! If not it sounds too much like a monologue :P

2006-03-12T00:41:00.000+08:00

Did not see alot of you at the barbecue? :/

Yupyup, we got for samantha a devotional book ( the same one we got for david) and a story book whose plot is based on the story of Esther. The total cost is $3o? haha.. so will appreciate if you all can pay me $3 bucks eachh.. :P

This week Jericho games week! anyone wants to go down as a cell then organise yah.. but go down with your friends is good tooo.. 12-7pm :)

This friday we start the new series. This time you all do not need to buy books unless you want one.. good?? :P The fifth book is on evengelism, sharing your story and God's story. So take this week to think about how important you have taken our commision to evengelise.

Question to ponder on : ' If God's efforts to bring people into his kingdom are not limited by our human efforts, why should we concern ourselves with being evangelistic?

yupyups, hope to see you all on friday, refreshed and ready to hear God's word :P

' 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.'
John 3:16

2006-03-07T21:39:00.000+08:00

Hey Peeps.. its Samantha's birthday this coming sunday 12th of March.. ANY IDEAS WHAT TO GET/DO?

2006-03-04T12:44:00.000+08:00

sighhh.. just typed out a whole long post and then the laptop crashed..! oh wells. maybe God din want me to see those things. :P

yup, so how did you all find the movie yesterday? It can be said as a romance suspense story.Suspense part contributed by Ray ( the pilot) - his snopping around the plane and the romance part? Buck Williams and Chloe. what would Shermin not give to be Chloe? :PpP
yups, but behind that theres a more subtle and meaningful message. It makes you think 'would I be left behind?

Would my love ones be left behind?

Would we have the same faith exhibited by them in such times? remember the wailing wall.

Yupyups.. we are rather desensitised sometimes.. Lurong's message last week? I guess it's normal but lets pray that we might have compassion yah? Its truely an urgent mission.
And dun give up when the going gets tough. Find answers, look to the finish line :)

:) special thanks to Elaine for the song! ah, its 'Lifesongs, in the Lifesongs album by Casting Crowns.' Enjoy. =>

Lifesong.

Empty hands held high
Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight
May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You

CHORUS

Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I wanna sign Your name at the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Lord I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be Your hands and feet
So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You

CHORUS

Hallelujah, Hallelujah Let my lifesong sing to You (3x)
CHORUS 2x

2006-02-27T20:38:00.000+08:00

hahahahaha.yay! i finally erms...know how upload a song into a blogg!! haha arent u glad yurong/joel/sarah!! haha.yay i learnt it. (yurong asked me to post. =D)

lovies...elaine.

Revelation

2006-02-19T15:05:00.000+08:00

Hi all! Haha I had requests for notes on friday's lesson, so here it is! :D

Btw, this is just a rough summary. You guys should go and read the passages too ya. . And please let me know if there are any errors or change them. :D

Why study revelation?
1. Encourages you to watch and pray – Mark 13:34-37: Being ready all the time.
2. Encourages us to please God – 1 Peter 1:13, 17: Being faithful and keeping His word so that we will be rewarded when He returns.
3. Encourages us to encourage each other – Hebrews 10:24-25
4. Encourages us to tell others about Jesus – Mark 16:15

Pretribulation:

First coming of Christ
Church
Rapture ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17)
Tribulation (7 years) (Daniel 9:24-27)

Tribulation judgements from Revelation: First half of Tribulation (Revelation 6, 8:1-2)

1) Rapture

2) Seal Judgements

– Seal 1: The coming of the antichrist
- Seal 2: War and bloodshed on earth (conflict on earth)
- Seal 3: Famine (scarcity on earth)
- Seal 4: ¼ of the earth dies from warfare, famine, disease, wild beasts (Widespread death on earth)
- Seal 5: Cry of the souls martyred for Christ
- Seal 6: Cosmic Disturbances and fear because of it
- Seal 7: Prelude to the 7 trumpets. (Angels are given 7 trumpets to begin the 7 trumpet judgements).

3)Antichrist defiles the temple [666]

4)3.5 year break between the first half of the tribulation and the Great Tribulation.

Tribulation judgements from Revelation: The Great Tribulation

Trumpet Judgements (Revelation 8; 9; 11:15):
- 1) 1/3 of trees and all green grass destroyed.
- 2) The seas are struck.
- 3) 1/3 of drinking water contaminated by the star Wormwood, which made the water bitter. Many died from poisoning.
- 4) The heavens are struck (1/3 of light is lost)
- 5) The locusts from the Bottomless Pit to torment those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
- 6) The Angels from the Euphrates: 1/3 of mankind killed, thus only ¼ of mankind left.
- 7) The kingdom proclaimed

Bowl (vial) Judgments (Revelation 15; 16)
- 1) Sores on people who had the mark of the beast and worshipped his image.
- 2) Seas to into blood. All in it die.
- 3) Rivers and springs became blood.
- 4) Sun given power to scorch people with fire.
- 5) People plunged into darkness and in agony because of pains and sores. Cursed God but refused to repent.
- 6) Euphrates (river) dries up to prepare the way for the kings form the East [armies to march towards Israel i.e. war]. Also, 3 evil spirits go out to the kings of the whole world to gather them for the battle on the great day of God.
- 7) Worst earthquake. Hailstorm.

Second Coming of Christ

Millennium (1000 years) (Isaiah 65:12-25)
During the 1000 years, the bottomless pit will be locked.
No satan, no temptation. BUT can still sin.
No more troubles. All to enjoy life.
No more meat because there’ll be no more killing.

In between: The devil will be released for a short period of time, and will try and stage a rebellion (more against Jerusalem?). Fire will consume him and his enemies, and they will be thrown into hell. There will be no more enemies of God. (Revelations 20:9-10)

Eternity

1st 3½ years: The antichrist acts as a mediator between Arab (Arab countries?) and Israel. Signs a 7 year treaty for peace. This marks the start of the tribulation. (Daniel 9:27) The antichrist increases in popularity and becomes the leader of the co-leaders “group” (okay, I can’t remember exactly what it’s called… some confederacy?). It rules the world during the tribulation. The temple of Jerusalem is rebuilt, and the sacrificial rituals are reinstated. 144,000 Jews turn to Christianity, 12,000 from each tribe of Israel. They are the ones who spread the news of Jesus Christ during the Tribulation. 2 people are appointed as witnesses to both the Jews and Israel during the tribulation. They are empowered to do miracles.

2nd 3½ years: The antichrist breaks the treaty, and the Jews are subjected to persecution. The antichrist is assassinated, but rises again – a false resurrection of Jesus Christ. The antichrist will assassinate the 3 leaders of the 10 leader confederacy, (so 6 will be left) and powers will be transferred to him. He then becomes the leader of almost the whole world which moves towards a single currency, economy and leadership. The 2 leaders appointed by Christ are killed by the antichrist in public and the bodies are displayed for all to see. However, 3 days later they will be raised from the dead to heaven. The antichrist declares himself as God, and false prophets convince the people to worship the antichrist and administer the mark of the beast to display allegiance to the antichrist. Note that without the mark of the beast, no trading is allowed. The antichrist will set himself at the temple and try to get rid of the Jews. He leads armies from the western world powers to do battle against the 200 million army from the east.

Sequence of events:

1)The antichrist assembles his allies/army to wipe out the Jews. Babylon (modern day Iraq), the central quarters of the antichrist, is destroyed by forces from the east. The antichrist moves towards Jerusalem and destroys it. He pushes downwards to kill the Jews who try but fail to resist. The remaining scatters south. The remnants will cry out to God to save them. Acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour leads to the 2nd coming, who rescues them from the antichrist.

2)Jesus battles with the antichrist and army. Kills them and ascends to the Mount of Olives. There is a terrible earthquake and hailstorm. Jesus then takes His rightful place at the Mount of Olives.

2006-02-12T21:42:00.000+08:00

hi ppl! Shermin here.

God is GREAT!

just want to thank God for seeing me through "O"s...
i think tt without Him, i really would not have suvived. haha...
with all the stress and anxiety in wanting to do well... but it's with His strength and guidance that i finally managed to pull through... YEAH!

but i am glad that its during that period that i have learnt to trust Him more and more...

read this in the Teens Study Bible

1 Peter 5:7

Worrying isn't much fun. Test coming up? ... Peter has a suggestion for worriers: Let God worry about it for you. "Cast all your anxiety on him beacuse he cares for you."
(1Peter5:7).
Study for your test. But after that let God do the worrying... Say a prayer, and let God take over. At rest inside, you'll do better on your test. And you'll sleep better at night too.

yupyup...

2006-01-28T15:06:00.000+08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERMIN! :)

' Someday my prince will come.'

Haha, yah la.. I'm showing off the card.
Happy Birthday Girl :)

Two bored people in cell.

Smiling at a piece of metal :)
Happy bunch of fruits( Jumbu,Mango,Orange, Lychee, Cherry, Apple, Durian) . haha, I'm assuming!

Shall I post photos showing people kissing their knee or licking their elbows?

Yup, I know we didn't do lesson proper yesterday. We will do it this friday along with lesson 5 yah so DO lesson 5 too :) thumbs up to those who completed the 4th one.
IF you have read, its about one's unique personality and how it ball and socket with the role you play in life. yupyup, so thought of the week would be to appreciate yourself for who you are, your idiosyncracies and don't always compare yourself with others.Its like pear trying to be orange. hmm.. haha.. yup, hard but true. YUPYUP, Have a great week and

Happy Chinese New year, every year have fish, body healthy !

ps: since you would all be really really rich after this coming tuesday, please remember to pay David $1.30 and me $2 for the celebration of Shermin's birth. yeahhh..

2006-01-28T14:25:00.000+08:00

Heys..
Purpose driven life book pg 242 on you were shaped for serving God.
' All our abilities come from God. - 'since your natural abilities are from God, they are jsut as important as ' spiritual' as your spiritual gifts. The only difference is that you were given them at birth. '

yupyup, so I guess spiritual gifts are given after one accepted Christ and are probably ' newly discovered gifts' if one accepted Christ recently.
Essentially, there is no difference.. Anybody think differently?

The purpose driven life book is quite closely connected with the series we are doing so good to read again to refresh. :)

2006-01-21T10:24:00.000+08:00

Each one of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. - 1 peter 4:10.

yo all GIFTED PEOPLE ( yeah you whether you think so or not) :D

I think the two things that are hard here is knowing your gift ( as we can see from yesterday's question) and how to apply it. I think that there are certain gifts that can't really be expressed in words but you know that somehow, you have a knack for something like perhaps knowing when your friend is sad/happy/melancholic/joyful/depressed/sad/FLABBERGASTED/ ASTOUNDED/exhilarated/exuburent etc . :)

Yups, so if you have time you can go take the test of gifts on page 81. I think its quite hard to rate but it gives you at least a rough idea on what your gifts might be. :P yup, and ask God to prepare you all to serve. haha, Join WORSHIP TEAM =>

oh, and remember that when you face questions/doubts about your faith, feel the furthest away from Him, think that you can't feel Him etc thats when you need Him the most. Go find someone, like CELL GROUP MEMEBERS and talk to them/pray/ see what the bible has to say ( ppl in there feel the same way as you. like Ecclesiastes and its life is meaningless :O) yupyups..

kk, try to prepare lesson for next friday yeah.. yup, have a GREAT week, should enjoy your year. ie: you are only sec 1, j1, slacking for 2 months, sec 4, sec3, j2,sec2 once! :0

ps: you all should write something you know. :D

2006-01-02T18:52:00.000+08:00

hello everybody! Happy New Year to ALL :D
haha, haven't been doing a good job about updating this so my apologies. :P yup, I've decided not to write in the last two chapters from the 3rd book. It'll be good to go look through it again actually, I thought it was the best book so far.
Yup, as you all should have gotten your card if I've met you, I've asked those who had how your plants were doing?
So i've decided to add photos of mine. :p

Two healthy shoots!

If yours hasn't grown by now, it is indeed worrying :P those who pot hasn't grown anything please tag and say so!

Yups, even as we start the new year, It's important to get ourselves right with God and perhaps to set out priorities for the year ahead. Yups, for all those starting new chapters e.g. JC or Sec school, you're fortunate. No homework for the holidays right? and a fresh begining where great things can happen if you just trust Him. :)
For those like me who are taking important exams this year or continuing our education in our current schools, we shuld trust Him to bring us through the year eh? haha..

Okay, Take care everybody and Have a great week at school . :D

ps: New book start this friday
Pss: We should be more proactive at this blog! change blog skin perhaps.. a cell internet session.. haha..

'Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."

the christmas shoes...

2005-12-18T17:45:00.000+08:00

The Christmas Shoes

Joey stood in line waiting to pay for his last minute Christmas items. It was nearly 10 o'clock on Christmas Eve and he was in line at a Wal-Mart. In front of him was a boy, no older than ten years, holding a pair of womens shoes. The boy was dirty, like he had been in a mud fight with a friend and his cloths were torn, as if he were in a fight. He set the shoes up on the conveyer belt and waited for the cashier to ring them up.

It was almost Christmas time, There I stood in another line Tryin' to buy that last gift or two, Not really in the Christmas mood Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously Pacing 'round like little boys do And in his hands he held a pair of shoes His clothes were worn and old, he was dirty from head to toe And when it came his time to pay I couldn't believe what I heard him say"

I'm gettin' these shoes for my momma. She has cancer and Daddy says that she might not live much longer. These shoes are just something that she would pick out and I know she'll be happy when she see's that I got them for her. I want her to be pretty if she dies tonight." Joey looked at the boy and his eyes started to water.

Sir, I wanna buy these shoes for my momma, please It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time You see, she's been sick for quite a while And I know these shoes will make her smile. And I want her to look beautiful if mamma meets Jesus tonight"

That'll be $7.99" the cashier said. The boy counted his money and handed it to the young girl. "You're short a dollar and thirty cents. You don't have enough." The boy looked through his pockets and found nothing. He turned around and looked at Joey. "Momma never had anything for Christmas. Not one time and we want her to be happy. She always made us happy. What am I soppossed to do, mister? I gotta get her these shoes."

He counted his pennies for what seemed like years Then the cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here." He searched his pockets frantically Then he turned and he looked at me He said momma made Christmas good at our house Though most years she just did without Tell me sir what am I going to do, Somehow I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes

Joey looked at the boy. He put a twenty in the boys hand. The boy's face lit up. "Here ya go, son." "Oh thank-you. Momma's gonna be so happy." He handed the cashier the money and the woman looked at Joey. Joey nodded and she put the money in the register and tried to hand the change to Joey. Joey shook his head and pointed toward the boy. The cashier handed to money to the child along with the recipt.

So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out. And I'll never forget the look on his face when he said Mamma's gonna look so great'

Poor kid.' Joey thought. 'I'd want someone to do the same if my mom was dieing.' Joey took another look at the boy as he grabbed his bag and nodded at him.

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my momma, pleaseIt's Christmas eve and these shoes are just her sizeCould you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much timeYou see, she's been sick for quite a whileAnd I know these shoes will make her smileAnd I want her to look beautiful if mamma meets Jesus tonight"

Thank-you so much, mister. Momma's gonna be so happy." The boy looked up at Joey. "Your welcome, Buddy." Joey watched the boy run out of the store. He put his items on the counter and waited for the cashier to finish scanning his stuff.

I knew I'd caught a glimse of heaven's love As he thanked me and ran out I knew that God had sent that little boy To remind me what Christmas is all about

Joey paid for his stuff and was about to leave when the cashier stopped him. "That was really good what you did for that boy, I wish that there were more people out there like you."
"No you don't. I may have bought the shoes for the boy, but I'm not the kind of person who you want this world full of." Joey said shaking his head. He turned and walked away.

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my momma, pleaseIt's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her sizeCould you hurry, please, Daddy says there's not much timeYou see she's been sick for quite a while And I know these shoes will make her smileAnd I want her to look beautiful if mamma meets Jesus tonight

Song: The Christmas ShoesArtist: NewsongAlbum: Sheltering Tree

blogskin add

2005-12-07T20:29:00.000+08:00

heys... haha yeah ok here's the add:

http://www.blogskins.com/apply.php?sid=64088&action=Preview
http://www.blogskins.com/apply.php?sid=27322&action=Preview
http://www.blogskins.com/apply.php?sid=61168&action=Preview

haha... yeah those were some that I thought were alright..
You guys can go browse for more... see if there're others... yups..

2005-11-12T23:35:00.000+08:00

Hey hey... We just finished the 4th chapter of the book? :P how time flies..
Okay, for those who have missed/forgotten totally the last 3 sessions.. Read onnnn.. :P

Points to take note :)

Second Week :
Galatians 5:16-25
Holy spirit is to guide, lead and empower you to live the Christian life.

Why do we do things that we do don't want to do?
Do we feel that life is like a battle ground?

- The sinful nature and the Spirit ' are constantly fighting each other, and your chices are never free from this conflict.' Galatians 5:17
- ' I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. ' Romans 7:15

HOW?
' Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed their passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. '

' But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy,peace,patience,kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.... '

Galatians 5: 22-24

we don't have to live according to the sinful nature because the law does not control our life anymore because of God's grace.

- praying continuously and reading God's word help.. trust me.. helps fight temptation..

Third Week.
Luke 10: 38-42

This passage doesn't teach that we shouldn't be responsible about our duties so that we can spend time with Jesus. But rather, we need to be discerning about choosing the right activity at the right time. We shouldn't get so caught up with daily responsibilities that we miss the timeswe ought to be sitting at Jesus' feet.

- talk quietly with God.
- Focus your thoughts on God's character.

Week 4.
Matthew 6:5-13
- Do not keep on babbling like pagans.
- But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

questions to think about :

Why should you pray for God's will to be done on earth if God is all- powerful and always in control.

If God knows what you need before you ask it, then why should you pray?

Activity
- try personalising the Lord's prayer :)

- praise God first
-acknowledge God's authority
- Ask for your needs
-Ask for forgiveness/ give forgiveness
-Ask for strength to resist the temptation..

- 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'

The Empty Bird Cage

2005-11-08T19:51:00.000+08:00

Some of you may have received this in your email, but in case you didn't, thought I'd share it with you all. Meaningful...

There once was a man named George Thomas, pastor in a small New England town. One Easter Sunday morning he came to the?Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak..."I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me swinging this bird cage On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. I stopped the lad and asked, "What you got there, son?" "Just some old birds," came the reply. "What are you gonna do with them?" I asked.?"Take 'em home and have fun with 'em," he answered "I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their feathers to make?'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time." "But you'll get tired of those?birds sooner or later. What will you do?"?"Oh, I got some cats," said the little boy. "They like birds. I'll take 'em to them. "The pastor was silent for a moment. "How much do you want for those birds, son?" "Huh?? !!! Why, you don't want them birds, mister. They're just plain old field birds. They don't sing. They ain't even pretty!" "How much?" the pastor asked again. The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said,"$10?" The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten dollar bill. He placed it in the boy's hand. In a flash, the boy was gone. The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot. Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free. Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story.

One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. "Yes, sir, I just caught the world full of people down there.. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all "What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked. Satan replied, "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink and smoke and curse. I'm gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!" "And what will you do when you get done with them?" Jesus asked. "Oh, I'll kill 'em," Satan glared proudly. "How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked. "Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. Why,you'll take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you. You don't want those people!!" "How much?" He asked again. Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your blood, tears and your life." Jesus said, "DONE!" Then He paid the price. The pastor picked up the cage he opened the door and he walked from the pulpit.

Note: Isn't it funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Isn't it funny how someone can say "I believe in God" but still follow Satan (who, by the way, also "believes" in God) Isn't it funny how you can send a thousand jokes through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing? Isn't it funny how when you go to forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it to them. Isn't it funny how I can be more worried about what other people think of me than what God thinks of me.

How true this is. (Just doing some reflection here). It's so easy to say that I'm a follower of Christ but live a life that doesn't reflect His name. How often do we fail to love, and instead lie, curse and swear to do countless other things that don't glorify God? How then can people see Jesus through our lives if we can't honour Him through our lifestlye? And how often are we shy and hesistant to share the Good News with a pre-believer, even though we know that eternity is at stake? Remember, we're called to be the light unto the world. But people can't see the light if we hide it. Eternity's at stake. Let your light shine.

2005-10-23T20:11:00.000+08:00

Hello everybody!
It's been a long time since anybody has blogged. :)
yup, it's the start of the third series ' Growing to be like Jesus'.
From the first session, you can see that the questions are more challenging and more thought provoking as compared to the previous books. hence, please do READ AND ATTEMPT the questions in the book before you come on fridays okay? I don't promise we have all the answers but its good to discuss the questions. yup, I hope that you all will take this seriously cause I can't stress enough how important it is to grow to be like Jesus and to know these truths. yupyup,
GLAD TO SEE ALL OF YOU ALL BACK ON FRIDAYS AFTER THE LONG EXAM BREAK :))

First week: Spiritual Growth Isn't Easy

Things we discussed/ learning points.

'Faith is not belief without truth
but trust without reservation.'

' Perserverance is walking a long road
Faith is walking that long road in the dark'

Jesus is called the author of our faith because He created the reason for faith ( by dying on the cross) and the perfector of our faith because He gave us the means to perfect faith ( connecting us to God)

haha, yup, these are some of the quotes that were brought up. are they original or quoted from somewhere?

- Throw off all things that hinders us ( doesn have to be bad things). sometimes we focus more on doing the right thing rather than the reason behind why we should do the right thing.

- Spirtual growth aint easy. it's like studying for some, body building for some etc

- We are not meant to run the race along thats why you have people like us! :P

- There are bound to be things that hinder us and prevents us from growing in Jesus. But, because Jesus endured the cross, He has conquered EVERTHING. Hence He is our hope. There would be times in your life when God seems so far away, that everything seems to be going wrong, when life 'sucks', when you experience spiritual stagnation etc .. The tendency for humans is to dwell/brood on it and at the end of it, convince yourself that you suck. But there's no need to do so. Instead, make the conscious effort to tell God about it, focus on His truths/ promises ( thats why its impt to know His word) and have faith that He will take care of it. Essentially Fix your eyes on Jesus, and not on the situations. For example, if i feel that I am dumb/ugly/not growing then go back to His truth. Don't base things on feelings. Thats when head knowledge comes in handy! haha, really.. if your focus is on Him, life wont be that hard.. :)
Perservere on! Do not go weary or lose heart.
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Points To Think About

- How would you describe your spirtual journey?
- where do you want to be spiritually?
- How does this lesson apply in my life?

Verses of the week
- 'But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things wil be given to you as well.'
Matthew 6:33

-.. let us throw off everythhing that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, teh author and perfector of our faith.'
Hebrews: 1b-2

yupyup, do have a good week ahead of deepening your relationship with Him! remb, He even cares enough whether you are late to send you your bus :)

2005-10-10T12:23:00.000+08:00

RUMOUR WEED

Rumor Weed: Have you heard the one about Alfred?
A dangerous robot, I'm told!
He's got lasers for eyes, and a microchip brain,
His skin is terribly cold ...