Steps to do for the New Year ahead.
Ps 106:3 -5
Luke 17:32
Gen 19: 12-13, 15-17, 24-26
NO.1 : Dont look back at the old sins that were already forgiven.
God will not remember our past sins.
NO.2 : Dont look back at the old defeats that get you down.
Ps 37:23
The righteous will fall down seven times. God will uphold us again when we fall. Failure is never fatal.
NO.3 : Dont look back at old conflicts that make you bitter.
Dont nurse it, dont curse it, dont rehearse it, BUT release it.
Dont reopen an old wound.
Prov 17:9
Turn every disappointment into a new appointment with God.
" He who forgive much, love much."
The key to forgiveness is to forget(:
Gen 41:51 God gave joseph a special gift.
Manasseh(hebrew) means : FORGIVENESS
NO.4 : Dont look back at old victories.
Phil 3:13-14
i really hope you guys learn something from what i share to prepare for the new year ahead(:
i got this from my visit from City Harvest Church(:
and i want to share it with you guys.
Do read the verses and let God's Word touch your hearts.
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR 2009 BFC!:D
let us walk hand in hand and heart to heart with God
for the coming victory year ahead.
much love, Clarissa.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Hey all. Before I start sharing...
Do come for the Christmas Potluck Blessing! We're meeting at Dhoby Ghaut at 9am and head off to ECP. Please bring something i.e. food.
Things that people are bringing so far (so that you won't clash): chicken wings, nuggets, baguette pizza, hotdogs, brownie, marshmellows and nutella, plates forks and spoon, fishballs, drinks and cups, fried rice, chips, sandwiches, pau.
Pls tell YM if you're coming and what you're bringing ASAP! Make job easy for her. (:
And come for the drama on 27th at L2 too! Wanhui is going to perform! Support her. (:
---------------------------------------------
Anyway, just want to thank you for the good times that we've been spending. MyHope party and stuff. Please pray for my friends because one of them can't make it for the drama on 27th and another might not be going..
MyHope- As I have shared, I think God helped me because even though I felt like my testimony wasn't that well planned, He helped me to understand how my friends feel and they were quite open to share with me. And I never really planned to ask them so thank God for helping me to be tactful. I guess one thing I learnt is to persevere but not be impatient. I guess it's quite easy to pass the line, which make things more uncomfortable for our friends. Another thing is my problem of placing too much hope on myself. That's what Iris said to me after praying for me and yeah, I found it really true. Salvation is really God's. Yeah! (:
Cell retreat- My head was growing bigger as we talked about goals, cause like what Daryl said, goals are quite a foreign word to me. And I was thinking about my school's ministry because they want to undergo a radical change. So in a way, I felt quite stressed. But sometimes really think about it, we just need to ask God and do our best for Him, leaving all things to Him. =D (Laziness has to go. Haha.) Working with Daryl will be great cause' I can bully him. Haha. I'm kidding. Just that my load will be more manageable so thank God once again for the smooth flow of things. Yeah, thank you YM and Smart for planning the retreat!
Do come for the Christmas Potluck Blessing! We're meeting at Dhoby Ghaut at 9am and head off to ECP. Please bring something i.e. food.
Things that people are bringing so far (so that you won't clash): chicken wings, nuggets, baguette pizza, hotdogs, brownie, marshmellows and nutella, plates forks and spoon, fishballs, drinks and cups, fried rice, chips, sandwiches, pau.
Pls tell YM if you're coming and what you're bringing ASAP! Make job easy for her. (:
And come for the drama on 27th at L2 too! Wanhui is going to perform! Support her. (:
---------------------------------------------
Anyway, just want to thank you for the good times that we've been spending. MyHope party and stuff. Please pray for my friends because one of them can't make it for the drama on 27th and another might not be going..
MyHope- As I have shared, I think God helped me because even though I felt like my testimony wasn't that well planned, He helped me to understand how my friends feel and they were quite open to share with me. And I never really planned to ask them so thank God for helping me to be tactful. I guess one thing I learnt is to persevere but not be impatient. I guess it's quite easy to pass the line, which make things more uncomfortable for our friends. Another thing is my problem of placing too much hope on myself. That's what Iris said to me after praying for me and yeah, I found it really true. Salvation is really God's. Yeah! (:
Cell retreat- My head was growing bigger as we talked about goals, cause like what Daryl said, goals are quite a foreign word to me. And I was thinking about my school's ministry because they want to undergo a radical change. So in a way, I felt quite stressed. But sometimes really think about it, we just need to ask God and do our best for Him, leaving all things to Him. =D (Laziness has to go. Haha.) Working with Daryl will be great cause' I can bully him. Haha. I'm kidding. Just that my load will be more manageable so thank God once again for the smooth flow of things. Yeah, thank you YM and Smart for planning the retreat!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Cell Retreat Reflections
#2
Cell Retreat Reflections
Hi everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the cell retreat! Coz I did! =)
I found it really meaningful and feel that the time was well spent. I guess it is important to set goals for the new year. It gives us direction for the new year and motivation to achieve something. Actually, when I first heard all the goals, I was a bit overwhelmed because for me, setting so many goals and targets would be considered ambitious. I'd probably have taken 10 years to set such goals! But then of course, fortunately, we have all types of people in our cell and I am sure we'll be able to spur one another on to achieve the goals we set with the Barnabas Project and all that!
Yup! Another thing about the cell retreat was the thing about the ParentsConnect thingy. For me, because I was born into a Christian family, maybe I didn't feel as much a burden to share the gospel and bring more into His Kingdom. There were relatives who were not yet saved but maybe I was still quite young then to feel any urgency to save them. Maybe the most difficult time for me was when my maternal grandfather was on his deathbed. That was probably the only time I actually prayed quite regularly for my grandfather's salvation. For those of you who still have family members still unsaved, don't give up! Of course we all have friends who are unsaved but usually the ones who are closer to you, we find the most challenging to reach out to. And I guess that is our family. I just want to encourage you all with this verse:
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
This is obviously a challenge to me since the My Hope party was actually the first time I invited my friends to any such events. But I guess I can do it because I am encouraged by you all who are able to bring almost a whole class of people to such events! =)
Also, I apologise for not fulfilling my responsibilities as a Prayer i/c! Yup! I confess that I haven't really been recording many prayer requests before the "A New Season" post. And of course since I haven't recorded them down, I can't share with you all how exactly God has been faithful to us. For me, I love praying but from young I haven't had the habit of recording down specific prayers I have prayed. So, I remember that God has been faithful in answering my prayers but exactly what prayer he answered and when, I can't remember. So I guess what Jacelyn said was right. We should all have our own personal prayer requests booklet too so we can count our blessings! Anyway, going through records, I do have some records of prayer requests over the past 3 years. Most are from the year 2007. 2008 has hardly none. 2006 doesn't seem to have many either. I think there were many more but I either didn't record them down or I misplaced the list somewhere. You all will have to forgive me here =) So I'll just post what I have so far...
May 2006
Andrew - To be able to go for Church camp
Smarties - To be able to go for Church camp
October 2006
Andrew - For reconciliation with his father
Aaron - Protection and journey mercies on the trip to Taiwan
Clarissa - To be able to find a job; For her family to be united during this tough time
Yong Liang - Wants to know more about God but still not sure
November 2006
Yong Liang - Prayed and received Christ (3 Nov 2006)
Aaron - For a safe trip back to Singapore!
Yes.. These are so far the only records I can find for 2006. 2007 has a lot of them. I'll post them up the next time round. Please be patient =)
Anyway, one last thing I wanna say...
Thank you Everyone for such a wonderful and meaningful cell retreat! And thank God for those who came and those who couldn't come! =)
Sorry I'm too lazy to thank each person like the previous time... Juz too tired =)
Merry Blessed Christmas to all! =)
Daryl
Cell Retreat Reflections
Hi everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the cell retreat! Coz I did! =)
I found it really meaningful and feel that the time was well spent. I guess it is important to set goals for the new year. It gives us direction for the new year and motivation to achieve something. Actually, when I first heard all the goals, I was a bit overwhelmed because for me, setting so many goals and targets would be considered ambitious. I'd probably have taken 10 years to set such goals! But then of course, fortunately, we have all types of people in our cell and I am sure we'll be able to spur one another on to achieve the goals we set with the Barnabas Project and all that!
Yup! Another thing about the cell retreat was the thing about the ParentsConnect thingy. For me, because I was born into a Christian family, maybe I didn't feel as much a burden to share the gospel and bring more into His Kingdom. There were relatives who were not yet saved but maybe I was still quite young then to feel any urgency to save them. Maybe the most difficult time for me was when my maternal grandfather was on his deathbed. That was probably the only time I actually prayed quite regularly for my grandfather's salvation. For those of you who still have family members still unsaved, don't give up! Of course we all have friends who are unsaved but usually the ones who are closer to you, we find the most challenging to reach out to. And I guess that is our family. I just want to encourage you all with this verse:
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Galatians 6:9
Although this verse is not really talking directly about salvations and all, I believe that it works for anything good. So let us not be weary in sharing the gospel to our friends, family, maybe even strangers, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up!
This is obviously a challenge to me since the My Hope party was actually the first time I invited my friends to any such events. But I guess I can do it because I am encouraged by you all who are able to bring almost a whole class of people to such events! =)
Also, I apologise for not fulfilling my responsibilities as a Prayer i/c! Yup! I confess that I haven't really been recording many prayer requests before the "A New Season" post. And of course since I haven't recorded them down, I can't share with you all how exactly God has been faithful to us. For me, I love praying but from young I haven't had the habit of recording down specific prayers I have prayed. So, I remember that God has been faithful in answering my prayers but exactly what prayer he answered and when, I can't remember. So I guess what Jacelyn said was right. We should all have our own personal prayer requests booklet too so we can count our blessings! Anyway, going through records, I do have some records of prayer requests over the past 3 years. Most are from the year 2007. 2008 has hardly none. 2006 doesn't seem to have many either. I think there were many more but I either didn't record them down or I misplaced the list somewhere. You all will have to forgive me here =) So I'll just post what I have so far...
May 2006
Andrew - To be able to go for Church camp
Smarties - To be able to go for Church camp
October 2006
Andrew - For reconciliation with his father
Aaron - Protection and journey mercies on the trip to Taiwan
Clarissa - To be able to find a job; For her family to be united during this tough time
Yong Liang - Wants to know more about God but still not sure
November 2006
Yong Liang - Prayed and received Christ (3 Nov 2006)
Aaron - For a safe trip back to Singapore!
Yes.. These are so far the only records I can find for 2006. 2007 has a lot of them. I'll post them up the next time round. Please be patient =)
Anyway, one last thing I wanna say...
Thank you Everyone for such a wonderful and meaningful cell retreat! And thank God for those who came and those who couldn't come! =)
Sorry I'm too lazy to thank each person like the previous time... Juz too tired =)
Merry Blessed Christmas to all! =)
Daryl
Friday, December 19, 2008
hello BFC,
firstly, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSHUA! :D
the best adminstrator and best at scripture memory. I pray that Lord will bless you in the coming year where you face times of important decision making, that He'll direct your paths to where its best for you. submit everything to Him and live in His goodness for the whole of your 17th year! blessed in His name!
I came here because I wanted to share my experience during My Hope. so timely, after I read Sophia post, I realised its my turn to post.
the party was great, ice breaking was well done, there was so much food, the environment was nice and comfortable, a few couldnt make it last minute but the amount of people that turn up was awesome. all to God's glory.
as the time of sharing got nearer, my heart started racing. I was nervous.
after I sat down, Minhui's first question to me was "honestly YeoMei, tell me whats the purpose of this party?" in a joking manner, but its strucked me, made me felt so inferior. I did told them before its a party with games, food and gift exchange. there'll be a video for you all to watch and a time of me sharing with you guys something you may not know about. I stumbled a bit as I answer her question. it took me awhile to warm up before I started with my testimony. inside me I kept telling God, please guide me along the way and make me speak what you want me to that will touch their hearts.
I was struggling. I was afraid to share, afraid that they'll feel awkward when I say "its God's love that..." or "its because of God that...". that kind of words that link to God that is not as familiar to them.
in actual fact, I was the one feeling awkward as I talked to them. I was the one that is feeling uncomfortable sharing. I felt reserved in sharing some things, but I thought, I have the chance now, I should seize it and go on with it. like what Joe mentioned before, pai seh for God its alright one! I was reminded of Philippians 4:6-7 once again at that time.
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
yes, what a useful verse that always keep me aware that God will help me at all times :)
After I shared, I asked Valerie to share something too. She is a Christian and I hope she could share something that can touch their hearts too. but she said something that contradict to my testimony. She said she is an on and off christian that is Godly alternately. She felt unfair most of the time(because of her personal problems which I dont think its nice to share it here so publicly) and always ask God why does that happen to her. She keep on praying for a miracle to happen to her, to change her life but God never answers to it. these were her reasons why sometimes she seek God, sometimes she doesnt. so I was like thrown into the ocean, so lost of what to say. so I said "things dont always happen the way you want it to, thats why we need to pray. ok now I'll say a prayer, if you feel like it just repeat after me sincerely in your heart. ok lets close our eyes and bow our heads. " and I went on with the sinner's prayer.
after that I left to put my things in my bag and they went to get their food. it was such a relieve as I leave the room. like wow, I'd done it. :) Praise the Lord!
while eating I started asking them one by one, if they'd followed me in the prayer.
Christina said "yah I did but you said it quite fast, trying my best to catch up and I did! hahaha."
Daphne said "sorry. I really dont believe in such things."
Minhui said " yes I did. but it was quite difficult to catch up with you."
Yuhui said "no. sorry but my mother is my religion."
for Christina and Minhui, is that salvation? I really dont know.
Jacelyn affirmed me that it is because they declared that they said in their hearts. and that salvation belongs to the Lord, He had stirred their hearts.
I'll be seeing them later on, and I'll invite them for service tomorrow.
Father Lord I pray that as I invite Christina and Minhui for service tomorrow, I pray that you'll open their hearts to receive this invitation and they'll have a good experience during Youth Ablaze! Father Lord I pray that they'll once again be touched by You and be affirmed of Your love for them. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
firstly, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSHUA! :D
the best adminstrator and best at scripture memory. I pray that Lord will bless you in the coming year where you face times of important decision making, that He'll direct your paths to where its best for you. submit everything to Him and live in His goodness for the whole of your 17th year! blessed in His name!
I came here because I wanted to share my experience during My Hope. so timely, after I read Sophia post, I realised its my turn to post.
the party was great, ice breaking was well done, there was so much food, the environment was nice and comfortable, a few couldnt make it last minute but the amount of people that turn up was awesome. all to God's glory.
as the time of sharing got nearer, my heart started racing. I was nervous.
after I sat down, Minhui's first question to me was "honestly YeoMei, tell me whats the purpose of this party?" in a joking manner, but its strucked me, made me felt so inferior. I did told them before its a party with games, food and gift exchange. there'll be a video for you all to watch and a time of me sharing with you guys something you may not know about. I stumbled a bit as I answer her question. it took me awhile to warm up before I started with my testimony. inside me I kept telling God, please guide me along the way and make me speak what you want me to that will touch their hearts.
I was struggling. I was afraid to share, afraid that they'll feel awkward when I say "its God's love that..." or "its because of God that...". that kind of words that link to God that is not as familiar to them.
in actual fact, I was the one feeling awkward as I talked to them. I was the one that is feeling uncomfortable sharing. I felt reserved in sharing some things, but I thought, I have the chance now, I should seize it and go on with it. like what Joe mentioned before, pai seh for God its alright one! I was reminded of Philippians 4:6-7 once again at that time.
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
yes, what a useful verse that always keep me aware that God will help me at all times :)
After I shared, I asked Valerie to share something too. She is a Christian and I hope she could share something that can touch their hearts too. but she said something that contradict to my testimony. She said she is an on and off christian that is Godly alternately. She felt unfair most of the time(because of her personal problems which I dont think its nice to share it here so publicly) and always ask God why does that happen to her. She keep on praying for a miracle to happen to her, to change her life but God never answers to it. these were her reasons why sometimes she seek God, sometimes she doesnt. so I was like thrown into the ocean, so lost of what to say. so I said "things dont always happen the way you want it to, thats why we need to pray. ok now I'll say a prayer, if you feel like it just repeat after me sincerely in your heart. ok lets close our eyes and bow our heads. " and I went on with the sinner's prayer.
after that I left to put my things in my bag and they went to get their food. it was such a relieve as I leave the room. like wow, I'd done it. :) Praise the Lord!
while eating I started asking them one by one, if they'd followed me in the prayer.
Christina said "yah I did but you said it quite fast, trying my best to catch up and I did! hahaha."
Daphne said "sorry. I really dont believe in such things."
Minhui said " yes I did. but it was quite difficult to catch up with you."
Yuhui said "no. sorry but my mother is my religion."
for Christina and Minhui, is that salvation? I really dont know.
Jacelyn affirmed me that it is because they declared that they said in their hearts. and that salvation belongs to the Lord, He had stirred their hearts.
I'll be seeing them later on, and I'll invite them for service tomorrow.
Father Lord I pray that as I invite Christina and Minhui for service tomorrow, I pray that you'll open their hearts to receive this invitation and they'll have a good experience during Youth Ablaze! Father Lord I pray that they'll once again be touched by You and be affirmed of Your love for them. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
continue to live in such a way, you never know what great things God will put you in :)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Let us now look at Psalms 115:16-18 ;
16The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth He has given to man.
17It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to silence;
18it is we who extol the Lord, both now and forevermore.
Sometimes we think that being zestful is a born trait, but God has given us the energy to grow. Some of us might even think that we're born without zest for life, however the Bible says, God has put us in charge of the earth. So what can we do to change our spiritual zest? Verses 17 & 18 says that we shall bless Him always, & have the readiness to praise God! We praise Him now, we praise Him, always.
However, I believed some of us might have encountered barriers when you're praising God. We depend on our own feelings instead of faith. We praise only when we feel like it, at times when we don't feel like worshipping & praising God, we just go along with the congregation "half-heartedly". You might be saying it inside your heart, "Sorry God, today I don't have the mood. I know You will forgive me right? I'll do it next week."
Yes, indeed. God forgives us. But is this the right way to abuse His forgiveness? We should throw all distractions away & just focus on God. What happens when we praise God? Acts 16:25-36 says; He'll bless us in return, & even receive blessings that you'd never have expected. Therefore, now is the time to readjust your views of yourself! I believe everyone's born with zest, it's whether or not you've the courage to release it, for God. Tell yourself, "I will praise God today and praise always, no matter what happens or how I feel."
Blessings will chase after you.
Love,
Sophia
Monday, December 8, 2008
hi all just thought i should let you guys know what happened to me..
sunday after work i ran into trouble with a bunch of gangsters who were friends of sherman
i got shoved around by them in front of sherman and he just sat there and smiled.
and it was all because of a small thing..if anybody wans to know more ask me on msn...
ivan
sunday after work i ran into trouble with a bunch of gangsters who were friends of sherman
i got shoved around by them in front of sherman and he just sat there and smiled.
and it was all because of a small thing..if anybody wans to know more ask me on msn...
ivan
Thursday, December 4, 2008
hello people of BFC.
Sacrifice offering.
hello im back here to share something with all of you that i allows me to re-think about my faith in God.
My mom went to some church service which talks about giving an offering unto God which requires our faith. And as she was praying about it, God showed her the amount of $5000 twice.
( that was the total amount left sufficient for my Dad's study school loan and our expenses)
She came home and shared it with me and this tested our faith for God.
coincidentally, while i was doing my daily journal i came upon this.
Matthew 19:27-29
and Luke 5:4-11
and it talks about, must we be lured with the money to do God's work?
What about the call of God on our lives?
How much is enough? Where does sacrifice fit in?
As we read the Gospel long enough, we will be confronted with a Saviour who calls for sacrificial commitment.
I felt that God's word was speaking directly at me at that point of time.
reminding me about SACRIFICIAL COMMITMENT.
it also reminded me about Peter,James and John who had worked with Jesus but GAVE UP EVERYTHING and FOLLOWED Jesus.
God also showed me the verse where it says something about
He returning a hundred fold of what we gave up.
this verse allowed me to grow more faith in God.
As most of you might know, my family is going under some financial problems.
so when i know that my mom was struggling in this point of time,
i was too.
and i was thinking, giving God that everything we had
an he really bless us more and help my dad clear his debts?
then God spoke to me thru the journal,
" Will you struggle in your life with these little sum of money, or will you trust THE ONE to supply all your needs in future giving you back a hundred fold?"
His Word still continues to remind me of what little Faith i have in Him.
God really tested my faith and i need a Huge Faith to pray for my family
and for my mom to put that amount of money in.
That amount, $5000 requires a Big faith
and that is what i called Sacrificial Offering unto God.
does $10 requires much faith?
how about $50?
or about $100?
if any of you can afford that amount,
it does not require faith.
BUT if God wants you to give Him 3/4 of your money or even everything,
will you have the Faith to give up everythng and follow Him?
knowing that He will bless you more.
hope that this would come in handy in your life walk with God.
this situation really tested my faith for God.
and i hope you would ponder about ur faith with him.
much love, CLARISSA(:
hello im back here to share something with all of you that i allows me to re-think about my faith in God.
My mom went to some church service which talks about giving an offering unto God which requires our faith. And as she was praying about it, God showed her the amount of $5000 twice.
( that was the total amount left sufficient for my Dad's study school loan and our expenses)
She came home and shared it with me and this tested our faith for God.
coincidentally, while i was doing my daily journal i came upon this.
Matthew 19:27-29
and Luke 5:4-11
and it talks about, must we be lured with the money to do God's work?
What about the call of God on our lives?
How much is enough? Where does sacrifice fit in?
As we read the Gospel long enough, we will be confronted with a Saviour who calls for sacrificial commitment.
I felt that God's word was speaking directly at me at that point of time.
reminding me about SACRIFICIAL COMMITMENT.
it also reminded me about Peter,James and John who had worked with Jesus but GAVE UP EVERYTHING and FOLLOWED Jesus.
God also showed me the verse where it says something about
He returning a hundred fold of what we gave up.
this verse allowed me to grow more faith in God.
As most of you might know, my family is going under some financial problems.
so when i know that my mom was struggling in this point of time,
i was too.
and i was thinking, giving God that everything we had
an he really bless us more and help my dad clear his debts?
then God spoke to me thru the journal,
" Will you struggle in your life with these little sum of money, or will you trust THE ONE to supply all your needs in future giving you back a hundred fold?"
His Word still continues to remind me of what little Faith i have in Him.
God really tested my faith and i need a Huge Faith to pray for my family
and for my mom to put that amount of money in.
That amount, $5000 requires a Big faith
and that is what i called Sacrificial Offering unto God.
does $10 requires much faith?
how about $50?
or about $100?
if any of you can afford that amount,
it does not require faith.
BUT if God wants you to give Him 3/4 of your money or even everything,
will you have the Faith to give up everythng and follow Him?
knowing that He will bless you more.
hope that this would come in handy in your life walk with God.
this situation really tested my faith for God.
and i hope you would ponder about ur faith with him.
much love, CLARISSA(:
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Hey all. I thank God for hearts that are so open to share. You have no idea how I wow-ed at your posts. (:
Anyway, I also enjoyed the sermon on prayers because I still have many questions about the topic. I guess all of us face this issue of going-to-fall-asleep when we pray cause' many times we share about that, everyone starts laughing because we can relate to it. Haha. Jesus really encouraged me with the passage that Bishop Moses Tay shared..
Matthew 26: 39-45
39Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
Anyway, I also enjoyed the sermon on prayers because I still have many questions about the topic. I guess all of us face this issue of going-to-fall-asleep when we pray cause' many times we share about that, everyone starts laughing because we can relate to it. Haha. Jesus really encouraged me with the passage that Bishop Moses Tay shared..
Matthew 26: 39-45
39Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
40Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 41"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
42He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."
43When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
45Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
One of my question was: Is it really so important to pray for the same things over and over again? Isn't that like repeating? But Jesus prayed the same prayer three times! I guess there's one thin line between perseverance in prayer and repetitive prayers. To persevere in prayer is to really mean in genuinely and and living it out in faith (which means to think of these things that are worthy, lovely etc.) To repeat our prayers is to pray without the heart, like memorising texts for exams. (Gotcha? (;) Yeah, but as human, we still need God's grace as we grow to love prayer more.
As to the discussion during cell, you have no idea how difficult it was for me to share. Especially since uncle daniel was there. Haha. But my spirit's truly delighted when he shared about some verses, like Revelation 12:11
10Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
"Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
11They overcame him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
12Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short."
So.. remember to send me your testimonies asap! Currently, I only have Iris', Joshua's and Smart's. Your testimony is powerful alright! Do not be ashamed of what you have been given and bless others with what you have been blessed with. Trust God to bring you the friends you need to hear your testimony!
-Jacelyn (:
Monday, December 1, 2008
hey there daryl! that's a great postt there man. = )
its truly a hearty sharing from you! and i get to know you better through this blog! yes i totally agree with you that prayer is a powerful thing. its even more powerful when you experienced the wonders it could do!
i think that what you shared during cell were okay, because i believe that we all see things from a different perspective . no one's perspective is totally right, we need to piece everyone's views together to get a clearer picture of the whole thing, or get a better understanding.
so its really alright i guess we all enjoyed your sharing and your post!
its truly a hearty sharing from you! and i get to know you better through this blog! yes i totally agree with you that prayer is a powerful thing. its even more powerful when you experienced the wonders it could do!
i think that what you shared during cell were okay, because i believe that we all see things from a different perspective . no one's perspective is totally right, we need to piece everyone's views together to get a clearer picture of the whole thing, or get a better understanding.
so its really alright i guess we all enjoyed your sharing and your post!
hey people!
The send-off for ben & yeomei was great! although there were only 5 of us. I got admit I was tired. I'm sure the rest were too. And standing on the bus for 5/6 of the journey just didnt help. haha. When I reached the airport, the rest were with YeoMei already.
We played 1 round of PowerGrid after breakfast while waiting for ben. Stress man. It was really a long long game.. We kind of surpise ben in the end. We tried to but couldnt find him. In the end, he was just behind us. But because he was facing the other side so we didnt see one another.
After that, walked around, took picturesss (please upload, thanks).. We had a trolley to carry our bags! (:
And the thing is, you cant use the escalator with the trolley. So we had to 'abandon' it if we are moving to another level since it's quite troublesome. But when we got to the next level, there was another one. haha.. Thank YOU God!
No, I wasnt bored even though I didnt talk that much la. Most of the time, they all were, H-ing. Hunderstand? Ho? Hoo Had.. Hoe Haid, H Hpoke HonHy 5% Hout Hof Hall Hhe HonHerHaHions. haha. Exaggerating!! (:
Thanks Joe for bringing me for dinner + desert with Uncle KK, KW, WW, JoelS, Jordan, JoelC & GX.
Actually this is like an abrupt post. I just want to thank the cell again for all your prayers & support during my exams.. Xie Xie Ni Men, Hen Duo Hen Duo. LOL. Coming to cell is what I look forward to each week. You people has, have, had & will be my best buddies, bros, sis!! (:
Ever since 2006, God gave me, You, Yes, You!
Watching the cell grow & growing together with the cell is really fun & encouraging. Of course, there were not-so-good times but it's inevitable. Our Christian walk is not a straight smooth path. It's like a roller-coaster ride. Sometimes we go up & sometimes down. Sometimes fast & sometimes slow. It is Important that we know how to discern the season and adapt to it. Not forgetting to cherish each moment & scenery.
I pray that all of us will continue to grow strong in the year ahead. Supporting & encouraging one another while doing so. I pray that we will forge friendships that will last for eternity not just with the cell but also with youths from the church.
The send-off for ben & yeomei was great! although there were only 5 of us. I got admit I was tired. I'm sure the rest were too. And standing on the bus for 5/6 of the journey just didnt help. haha. When I reached the airport, the rest were with YeoMei already.
We played 1 round of PowerGrid after breakfast while waiting for ben. Stress man. It was really a long long game.. We kind of surpise ben in the end. We tried to but couldnt find him. In the end, he was just behind us. But because he was facing the other side so we didnt see one another.
After that, walked around, took picturesss (please upload, thanks).. We had a trolley to carry our bags! (:
And the thing is, you cant use the escalator with the trolley. So we had to 'abandon' it if we are moving to another level since it's quite troublesome. But when we got to the next level, there was another one. haha.. Thank YOU God!
No, I wasnt bored even though I didnt talk that much la. Most of the time, they all were, H-ing. Hunderstand? Ho? Hoo Had.. Hoe Haid, H Hpoke HonHy 5% Hout Hof Hall Hhe HonHerHaHions. haha. Exaggerating!! (:
Thanks Joe for bringing me for dinner + desert with Uncle KK, KW, WW, JoelS, Jordan, JoelC & GX.
Actually this is like an abrupt post. I just want to thank the cell again for all your prayers & support during my exams.. Xie Xie Ni Men, Hen Duo Hen Duo. LOL. Coming to cell is what I look forward to each week. You people has, have, had & will be my best buddies, bros, sis!! (:
Ever since 2006, God gave me, You, Yes, You!
Watching the cell grow & growing together with the cell is really fun & encouraging. Of course, there were not-so-good times but it's inevitable. Our Christian walk is not a straight smooth path. It's like a roller-coaster ride. Sometimes we go up & sometimes down. Sometimes fast & sometimes slow. It is Important that we know how to discern the season and adapt to it. Not forgetting to cherish each moment & scenery.
I pray that all of us will continue to grow strong in the year ahead. Supporting & encouraging one another while doing so. I pray that we will forge friendships that will last for eternity not just with the cell but also with youths from the church.
A New Season
#1
A New Season
I thank the Lord for Sunday's message about prayer. I don't go for service every Sunday except for the official once-a-week cell commitment. But I went for this Sunday's one because I had an overnight usher bonding. And I really enjoyed the message.
I've loved praying since young. It was always a joy for me to pray. I found it fun. But as I grew older, praying seemed to be less enjoyable and more like a chore. Maybe because sometimes there's so many things to pray for. Sometimes, I was just lazy. But most of the time, I disciplined myself to pray even though I didn't feel like it because I knew how powerful prayer is and I knew what prayer could do. But then, it became something like praying for the sole purpose of receiving something instead of praying because I loved to and because I wanted to. Anyway, that's why I volunteered to be prayer i/c. I loved prayer. And I still do. And recently, I've kinda rekindled my love for prayer. So I thank the Lord for that.
I guess my prayer life has been alright. Used to just pray for myself and family. As I grew, prayed for friends as well. And nowadays, I pray for others around the world, for those quite faraway in distant lands. I just think that sometimes I should. But I don't pray very long. Far from an hour a day. I find it difficult to set aside a specific amount of time each day to pray, because most of the time I can't think of much to pray. Quiet time is ok. But when it comes to prayer initiatives like the 24/365 prayer chain thingy, I barely reach the target time. For the 24/365 prayer chain we had, I struggled to reach 15min. Maybe I was not ready, being in a holiday mood and all. As I was overseas, I didn't really use the book that was given to us throughout the week. Used it just that day we prayed. This happens for most prayer events. Can't reach the target time. I'm kinda like if I think of something during the course of the day, I will say a short prayer there and then. If is special time set aside to pray, I usually have nothing much to pray. But I guess this is where the gift of tongues comes in handy. Been using it more often now than in the past, so I guess that's good. I lost it once before, I think. At that time I think I didn't really want it, so I didn't really use it.
Yes, anyway here's sharing with you all Bishop Moses Tay's suggested prayer structure based on the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 for those who weren't there. It helps you keep watch for at least one hour and when you're not sure what to pray for, like me. Of course there's no set structure for prayer but it's just a guide.
The Lord's Prayer
Focus on God
1. His Person: Relationship
2. His Names: Worship
3. His Kingdom: Salvation of family and friends
4. His Will: Purpose - Church on earth
5. His Provision: Personal needs
6. His Forgiveness: Personal revival
7. His Freedom: Forgive others and be free!
8. His Word: Hear and obey
9. His Guidance: Lead us not into temptation
10. His Protection: Safe from evil
11. His World: Nations for God
12. His Glory: Praise for transformation
5min x 12 = 1hr
The one hour is based on the passage in Matthew 26:36-46 where Jesus asked three of his disciples to keep watch with him for an hour while he prayed but they fell asleep doing so.
________________________________________________
Anyway, I apologise for my comments during cell on Saturday. What I said about the season our cell was in, I think I didn't really answer the question well. Yes, I believe our cell is in a season of harvesting and bringing more people into the Kingdom of God. What I said about how I felt that we sometimes we focus too much on salvations and neglect the ones who have come and gone were my feelings about the Youth Church as a whole. Maybe 'neglect' was a word that had too strong a meaning. What I meant was that maybe we haven't done enough to keep people in church. Because I know our cell never forgets our more distant members. The Youth Church has undergone a lot of changes since its days in the Chapel. And as we all know I'm not a fan of change, so maybe my feelings were partly due to reminiscing about the past and how I've seen many people leave the church and maybe that's why I felt at that time that we haven't done enough. After thinking it through, though, I think I was a bit impulsive and hadn't thought it through properly before answering the question. I made a lot of assumptions and jumped to conclusions. People can leave the church for many reasons, and it doesn't mean the church hasn't done its best to keep them. I guess my feelings were based on what I saw on the surface and I did not consider all the "behind the scenes" activity that was going on. So I guess I might have judged the Youth Church wrongly at that instant. I don't know why I suddenly felt that way too. But I'm sorry. I later realised that God was speaking to me. I was the one who wasn't doing enough to keep people in the cell, in the church. I guess I didn't see the plank in my own eye.
________________________________________________
Now, for the final part, I'd just like to share with you all something. As I shared during cell on Saturday, I usually know what I ought to do, what season I am in, which direction God intends me to go. But most of the time I don't paddle in that direction or at the most very slowly, because I don't want to commit or I think I'm not ready. But now, I think I'm ready to move along with the current and towards what God has in store for me. And God has challenged me to something quite achievable, something I love doing - praying! He has hoped for me to pray more each day and eventually reach the one hour daily. I guess I might not find it that easy to reach the one hour and be consistent about it after reaching it. But I think if anything, this is the best time to do it - during the holidays.
Sorry this post was so long but I had just had a lot to say.
Thanks,
Daryl =)
A New Season
I thank the Lord for Sunday's message about prayer. I don't go for service every Sunday except for the official once-a-week cell commitment. But I went for this Sunday's one because I had an overnight usher bonding. And I really enjoyed the message.
I've loved praying since young. It was always a joy for me to pray. I found it fun. But as I grew older, praying seemed to be less enjoyable and more like a chore. Maybe because sometimes there's so many things to pray for. Sometimes, I was just lazy. But most of the time, I disciplined myself to pray even though I didn't feel like it because I knew how powerful prayer is and I knew what prayer could do. But then, it became something like praying for the sole purpose of receiving something instead of praying because I loved to and because I wanted to. Anyway, that's why I volunteered to be prayer i/c. I loved prayer. And I still do. And recently, I've kinda rekindled my love for prayer. So I thank the Lord for that.
I guess my prayer life has been alright. Used to just pray for myself and family. As I grew, prayed for friends as well. And nowadays, I pray for others around the world, for those quite faraway in distant lands. I just think that sometimes I should. But I don't pray very long. Far from an hour a day. I find it difficult to set aside a specific amount of time each day to pray, because most of the time I can't think of much to pray. Quiet time is ok. But when it comes to prayer initiatives like the 24/365 prayer chain thingy, I barely reach the target time. For the 24/365 prayer chain we had, I struggled to reach 15min. Maybe I was not ready, being in a holiday mood and all. As I was overseas, I didn't really use the book that was given to us throughout the week. Used it just that day we prayed. This happens for most prayer events. Can't reach the target time. I'm kinda like if I think of something during the course of the day, I will say a short prayer there and then. If is special time set aside to pray, I usually have nothing much to pray. But I guess this is where the gift of tongues comes in handy. Been using it more often now than in the past, so I guess that's good. I lost it once before, I think. At that time I think I didn't really want it, so I didn't really use it.
Yes, anyway here's sharing with you all Bishop Moses Tay's suggested prayer structure based on the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 for those who weren't there. It helps you keep watch for at least one hour and when you're not sure what to pray for, like me. Of course there's no set structure for prayer but it's just a guide.
The Lord's Prayer
Focus on God
1. His Person: Relationship
2. His Names: Worship
3. His Kingdom: Salvation of family and friends
4. His Will: Purpose - Church on earth
5. His Provision: Personal needs
6. His Forgiveness: Personal revival
7. His Freedom: Forgive others and be free!
8. His Word: Hear and obey
9. His Guidance: Lead us not into temptation
10. His Protection: Safe from evil
11. His World: Nations for God
12. His Glory: Praise for transformation
5min x 12 = 1hr
The one hour is based on the passage in Matthew 26:36-46 where Jesus asked three of his disciples to keep watch with him for an hour while he prayed but they fell asleep doing so.
________________________________________________
Anyway, I apologise for my comments during cell on Saturday. What I said about the season our cell was in, I think I didn't really answer the question well. Yes, I believe our cell is in a season of harvesting and bringing more people into the Kingdom of God. What I said about how I felt that we sometimes we focus too much on salvations and neglect the ones who have come and gone were my feelings about the Youth Church as a whole. Maybe 'neglect' was a word that had too strong a meaning. What I meant was that maybe we haven't done enough to keep people in church. Because I know our cell never forgets our more distant members. The Youth Church has undergone a lot of changes since its days in the Chapel. And as we all know I'm not a fan of change, so maybe my feelings were partly due to reminiscing about the past and how I've seen many people leave the church and maybe that's why I felt at that time that we haven't done enough. After thinking it through, though, I think I was a bit impulsive and hadn't thought it through properly before answering the question. I made a lot of assumptions and jumped to conclusions. People can leave the church for many reasons, and it doesn't mean the church hasn't done its best to keep them. I guess my feelings were based on what I saw on the surface and I did not consider all the "behind the scenes" activity that was going on. So I guess I might have judged the Youth Church wrongly at that instant. I don't know why I suddenly felt that way too. But I'm sorry. I later realised that God was speaking to me. I was the one who wasn't doing enough to keep people in the cell, in the church. I guess I didn't see the plank in my own eye.
________________________________________________
Now, for the final part, I'd just like to share with you all something. As I shared during cell on Saturday, I usually know what I ought to do, what season I am in, which direction God intends me to go. But most of the time I don't paddle in that direction or at the most very slowly, because I don't want to commit or I think I'm not ready. But now, I think I'm ready to move along with the current and towards what God has in store for me. And God has challenged me to something quite achievable, something I love doing - praying! He has hoped for me to pray more each day and eventually reach the one hour daily. I guess I might not find it that easy to reach the one hour and be consistent about it after reaching it. But I think if anything, this is the best time to do it - during the holidays.
Sorry this post was so long but I had just had a lot to say.
Thanks,
Daryl =)
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