Hey all, okay. Yes, I admit. I was lazy. =) but as kai lynn said: How not to blog about camp?
So the first day began, when our kids stepped onto the parade square, and started their adventure with the Spiritmakers. Bags on their right, sleeping bags and what-nots lay out for all to see. The 'masters' began their checks... *you know what? i really love you guys man. hahaha... it's just so darn amazing how the camp was so darn impromptu but we all managed to pull off everything so darn well. =) haha.. we were like clockwork*
So, after a lecture on house rules and all, Limin did a superb job laying out rules at mealtime. She was super. Hmm.. she should be in the army! =) Well, we had to do it. Young leaders, they were. Not knowing where to head to from where they were. We had to push them in the right direction. To start the school going! =) So yes... we were hard on them. But as I said, it's for their own good.
Well, we kept the discipline real tight. Remember the late night bonding session that Jem conducted. Awesome. How we all covered up for each other. How we had that common goal, of shaking the kids out of their comfort zone, of shaking them into the realisation of how pivotal their roles as leaders of a pioneer batch is. =) How we ranted and raved at them, pushing them to their limits, both physically and mentally. I remember how we ended off as well. U-Jin the maestro, bringing the activity to a passionate climax. Cheers and all. They were still using our "Passion" cheer! ;) Hi five dudes. =)
We upped the tempo on the second day. But i salute you Spiritmakers. =) For we ourselves were searching for our own footing. Having to improvise, having to execute games which we've only ideas of. Rescuing Prisoner from Castle Tower. Dragon Fire. Battle of Camelot. haha.. Cheers. Got them all wet and wild for thir finale. Which we totally rocked them with. Jin Alex Kai, our dungeon masters. Having the rest as the catchers. John who went around exploring places where WE could hide. (*grin*). Xiaoling, the physiotherapist. (eh..dominic, happy right) The adrenaline rush that the kids felt, which made them forget to hydrate themselves. Hypertension. Shivering. =) And then the pieceing together of the message. The Leaders' Pledge we imparted to them. (which was ripped btw! *bleah* hehe.) the candles. THe spirit. The flame. The passion.
And of course, the taking over of ownership of their own school. Setting their own direction. And the floorball game that took place after everything ended. wow. great memories. great meaning. great satisfaction.
and what a great vision I have for a great school in the making. All the best, NUSHSMS. ;)
PS: of course, Raffles will ALWAYS ALWAYS be the greatest. *wink* Hear-hear? ;)
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Monday, May 30, 2005
passion
hey guys! =) back from camp..but too '*nuah* to blog about it.
check out:
www.livejournal.com/users/tygerisms
www.jemtheboss.blogspot.com
www.dance-withme.blogspot.com
for nice entries on the camp. =) I'll add mine later.
ciaoz!
check out:
www.livejournal.com/users/tygerisms
www.jemtheboss.blogspot.com
www.dance-withme.blogspot.com
for nice entries on the camp. =) I'll add mine later.
ciaoz!
Keep the Night Free!
RI Gathering 2 July (Sat)
Hi all ex- RI Class of 2000 folks. Take note and keep that night free! More details later...
Hi all ex- RI Class of 2000 folks. Take note and keep that night free! More details later...
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
...
Hi guys, =) back from supper with Lilin and Jem and Kai, and I can't really get to sleep... PLUS, I promised a summary of the past Sunday service, so here I am...
***
We see in Isaiah 53, the trials that the Christ must go through for us. Him being wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace upon Him, and us being healed by His stripes... The following chapter Isaiah 54 speaks of the perpetual covenant of peace that lasts forevermore. A promise of everlasting kindness of the Lord. Everlasting.
Isaiah 54
9"For this is like the waters of Noah to Me;
For as I have sworn That the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth,
So have I sworn That I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you.
10For the mountains shall depart
And the hills be removed,
But My kindness shall not depart from you,
Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,"
Says the LORD, who has mercy on you.
He has sworn. God's word is true, and God is no liar. But He has sworn by Himself to give assurance to the believer, an iron-clad guarantee. So He shall.
Pastor speaks of the lies the devil tries to tell the believer today. The lies in making the believer think that God is still angry with them in some way.
Proverbs 20
2The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.
Sounds familiar? the devil also goes about like a roaring lion! The king here actually speakes of God and His just nature. However, fret not folks! This wrath that Proverbs 20 speaks of has already been consumed by Jesus at the cross! So has God sworn that He will never be angry with the believer nor rebuke the believer. He swore! What more can we ask? Oh, and as I was saying, this devil goes about like a roaring lion to sort of 'mimick' the wrath of a king, so as to make the believer think that judgement's coming from God. (get what I'm trying to put across?) The judgement that fell on Jesus 2000 years ago. So fret not. For God is for you. He has sworn!
Okay, and the last part of his sermon, I felt was really really good. Pastor expounds on generational curses, and how it's covered at the cross as well (well, it seems that ALL we lack has been covered! ALL! what great comfort).
Jeremiah 31
29In those days they shall say no more:
"The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
And the children's teeth are set on edge.'
30But every one shall die for his own iniquity; every man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge.
31"Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah
Ezekiel 18
1 The word of the LORD came to me again, saying, 2"What do you mean when you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying:
"The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
And the children's teeth are set on edge'?
3"As I live," says the Lord GOD, "you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel.
Ok, and so here goes. The 'sour grapes' refer to the generational curse! For the fathers having eaten sour grapes, set their children's teeth on edge! This generational curses be it medical (hereditary illnesses) or spiritual (bad luck) etc. This proverb was found in 2 different books! It was revealed to the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel that it shall be no more! It shall be no more! Through the Christ, this 'curse' will be taken away! Cos at the cross there is only blessing. Only blessing. Jesus fulfils the prophecy at the last moment, just before He gave His Spirit to heaven.
John 19
28After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" 29Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Jesus actually thirsts for the righteousness of His father. Think about it. Jesus stays crucified for 3 burning days and 3 nights with scars and wounds all over His body, His face marred beyond recognition. Without water. Parched lips. Cracked lips. Split lips. Dry throat. The cruel Roman soldiers took the expressed thirst literally, and thought Jesus meant He wanted water. Cruelly, they shoved sour wine ('vinegarish stuff') to His mouth. Imagine the sensations He felt! Terrible it must have been. The pain searing through His lips, the sour vinegar down His parched throat. He took it. He receives the sour wine for our sake! Jesus receives the generational curse so that you and I need not experience it! It is removed from our lives! We are truly redeemed from any curse. and having done that final thing, He bowed His head (and bowed, meaning rest in the greek translation) and yielded His spirit.
Matthew 27
50And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.
51Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split
After consuming all of God's wrath, God couldn't wait to embrace man again. Note that Jesus' sacrifice happened just as the Old Testament priests were slaying their own lambs for the sacrificial offerings. What a sight! It happened at that exact same hour that the sacrifice was to be made before God in the Holy of Holies. All while the true Lamb of God was put to the slaughter for the eternal redemption of man. Behold, the veil of the temple was torn, and God stepped out, embracing man like a Father to a child. Running His fingers through our hair and telling us that it's ok.. Wow. Nothing separating us from the love of Christ, truly.
Be blessed!
***
We see in Isaiah 53, the trials that the Christ must go through for us. Him being wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace upon Him, and us being healed by His stripes... The following chapter Isaiah 54 speaks of the perpetual covenant of peace that lasts forevermore. A promise of everlasting kindness of the Lord. Everlasting.
Isaiah 54
9"For this is like the waters of Noah to Me;
For as I have sworn That the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth,
So have I sworn That I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you.
10For the mountains shall depart
And the hills be removed,
But My kindness shall not depart from you,
Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,"
Says the LORD, who has mercy on you.
He has sworn. God's word is true, and God is no liar. But He has sworn by Himself to give assurance to the believer, an iron-clad guarantee. So He shall.
Pastor speaks of the lies the devil tries to tell the believer today. The lies in making the believer think that God is still angry with them in some way.
Proverbs 20
2The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.
Sounds familiar? the devil also goes about like a roaring lion! The king here actually speakes of God and His just nature. However, fret not folks! This wrath that Proverbs 20 speaks of has already been consumed by Jesus at the cross! So has God sworn that He will never be angry with the believer nor rebuke the believer. He swore! What more can we ask? Oh, and as I was saying, this devil goes about like a roaring lion to sort of 'mimick' the wrath of a king, so as to make the believer think that judgement's coming from God. (get what I'm trying to put across?) The judgement that fell on Jesus 2000 years ago. So fret not. For God is for you. He has sworn!
Okay, and the last part of his sermon, I felt was really really good. Pastor expounds on generational curses, and how it's covered at the cross as well (well, it seems that ALL we lack has been covered! ALL! what great comfort).
Jeremiah 31
29In those days they shall say no more:
"The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
And the children's teeth are set on edge.'
30But every one shall die for his own iniquity; every man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge.
31"Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah
Ezekiel 18
1 The word of the LORD came to me again, saying, 2"What do you mean when you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying:
"The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
And the children's teeth are set on edge'?
3"As I live," says the Lord GOD, "you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel.
Ok, and so here goes. The 'sour grapes' refer to the generational curse! For the fathers having eaten sour grapes, set their children's teeth on edge! This generational curses be it medical (hereditary illnesses) or spiritual (bad luck) etc. This proverb was found in 2 different books! It was revealed to the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel that it shall be no more! It shall be no more! Through the Christ, this 'curse' will be taken away! Cos at the cross there is only blessing. Only blessing. Jesus fulfils the prophecy at the last moment, just before He gave His Spirit to heaven.
John 19
28After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" 29Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Jesus actually thirsts for the righteousness of His father. Think about it. Jesus stays crucified for 3 burning days and 3 nights with scars and wounds all over His body, His face marred beyond recognition. Without water. Parched lips. Cracked lips. Split lips. Dry throat. The cruel Roman soldiers took the expressed thirst literally, and thought Jesus meant He wanted water. Cruelly, they shoved sour wine ('vinegarish stuff') to His mouth. Imagine the sensations He felt! Terrible it must have been. The pain searing through His lips, the sour vinegar down His parched throat. He took it. He receives the sour wine for our sake! Jesus receives the generational curse so that you and I need not experience it! It is removed from our lives! We are truly redeemed from any curse. and having done that final thing, He bowed His head (and bowed, meaning rest in the greek translation) and yielded His spirit.
Matthew 27
50And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.
51Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split
After consuming all of God's wrath, God couldn't wait to embrace man again. Note that Jesus' sacrifice happened just as the Old Testament priests were slaying their own lambs for the sacrificial offerings. What a sight! It happened at that exact same hour that the sacrifice was to be made before God in the Holy of Holies. All while the true Lamb of God was put to the slaughter for the eternal redemption of man. Behold, the veil of the temple was torn, and God stepped out, embracing man like a Father to a child. Running His fingers through our hair and telling us that it's ok.. Wow. Nothing separating us from the love of Christ, truly.
Be blessed!
Monday, May 23, 2005
Your tenderness
O Lord, Your tenderness
Melting all my bitterness
O Lord, I receive Your love
O Lord, I receive Your love
O Lord, Your loveliness
Changing all my unworthiness
O Lord, I receive Your love
O Lord, I receive Your love
***
Anyone who has this song on mp3, let me know ok! Be blessed folks!
Melting all my bitterness
O Lord, I receive Your love
O Lord, I receive Your love
O Lord, Your loveliness
Changing all my unworthiness
O Lord, I receive Your love
O Lord, I receive Your love
***
Anyone who has this song on mp3, let me know ok! Be blessed folks!
Bible Study 19 May
Hi hi, just to sum up the latest BS. =)
Well,
Deut 34
7Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished.
Wow! 120 years old and he died with perfect eyesight and an agile body! Ain't that amazing? =) how did he do it? Paul explains in Hebrews...
Hebrews 11
24By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in[e] Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.
Moses endured life seeing Him who is invisible! To him, the spiritual promises were more real than what he saw around him. For it was Moses who spoke those words as God parted the Red Sea for Israel:
Exodus
13And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. 14The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."
He says see the 'salvation' of the Lord, correctly translated as 'Jesus' (Yeshua). Moses really meant what he said when he told the ppl of Israel to keep their eyes on Jesus. By beholding the glory of Yeshua, the Lord will fight for them.
So, how to see Jesus? Now that He's died, been buried, and been resurrected, and now sits at the right hand of God Most High... so pastor expounds on the story behind the Road to Emmaus ('warm bath') and we watch as the 2 travellers experience a warm bath of love from Jesus:
Luke 24
13Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.
Christ at this moment has already risen. This was resurrection morning. The Lord, having great wisdom, restrained the eyes of the 2 travellers.
17And He said to them, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?"
They were sad at how the events turned out as we will see later on.
18Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, "Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?"
19And He said to them, "What things?"
So they said to Him, "The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see."
They were 'hoping' He was the Christ! But were disappointed that Jesus ended up crucified. But what's more astonishing is that His body appears to have disappeared...
25Then He said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?" 27And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
If only, if only they had read the Scriptures concerning the Christ! (Read Isaiah 53). Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory? Yes He ought! Jesus, in His grace, expounded the Scriptures to the 2 travellers beginning from the first 5 books of Moses to the books of the prophets of the Old Testament. All the types and signs pointing to His death burial and resurrection.
28Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. 29But they constrained Him, saying, "Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." And He went in to stay with them.
30Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.
Notice that the travellers recognised Jesus only after they broke bread. =) Wow. Tremendous insight. Jesus was there physically with them all the time! But it's more important for them to recognise Jesus from the Scriptures! Rather than relying on His physical presence! Wow. the final act of the Holy Communion-remembering Jesus' death for us-and the promises He fulfilled and the blessings that are already given!! It's more important for us to see Jesus in the Scriptures folks.
32And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?" 33So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" 35And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.
And yup, that's how the Lord bathed them with love. They left with 'burning hearts'. Ever felt that? God is for You. God IS for You.
1 Corinthians 1
30But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-- 31that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."
It was His plan for us to be IN Christ. For Christ in me is my wisdom, righteousness, justification and redemption! I do nothing! For Christ in me does everything.
Col 1
26the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Abraham could see Him in the stars; Noah could only see Him from inside the ark; Isaiah could only see Him in a vision; the Prophets could never really understand what they prophesied. All the types pointing to the Seed of Abraham. which came FOR US! And guess what, He lives now IN US! whatever He demands, He fulfils in me. Something profound and wise about this: right believing does lead to right living! By faith, every need i have is met at the cross, for Christ is in me to supply ALL i lack! For God has also freely given us ALL things! What great encouragement folks!
Pastor closed the service telling us why God made woman-to show man how much God loves us! Via the intimacy experienced between husband and wife, Christ had that love for us, magnified a million times more! times infinity in fact. We just cannot fathom the depths of His love for us. We cannot. Pastor reckoned worship to be that kind of experience. As we lift our hands to the Lord, His Spirit and ours mingle to become one, very much the intimate act of love-making. It's so beautiful... and when we have kids, the love we have for our kids will remind us of the love our Father has for us, times infinity. =) Think about that, and let it sink in.
Be blessed!
Well,
Deut 34
7Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished.
Wow! 120 years old and he died with perfect eyesight and an agile body! Ain't that amazing? =) how did he do it? Paul explains in Hebrews...
Hebrews 11
24By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in[e] Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.
Moses endured life seeing Him who is invisible! To him, the spiritual promises were more real than what he saw around him. For it was Moses who spoke those words as God parted the Red Sea for Israel:
Exodus
13And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. 14The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."
He says see the 'salvation' of the Lord, correctly translated as 'Jesus' (Yeshua). Moses really meant what he said when he told the ppl of Israel to keep their eyes on Jesus. By beholding the glory of Yeshua, the Lord will fight for them.
So, how to see Jesus? Now that He's died, been buried, and been resurrected, and now sits at the right hand of God Most High... so pastor expounds on the story behind the Road to Emmaus ('warm bath') and we watch as the 2 travellers experience a warm bath of love from Jesus:
Luke 24
13Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.
Christ at this moment has already risen. This was resurrection morning. The Lord, having great wisdom, restrained the eyes of the 2 travellers.
17And He said to them, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?"
They were sad at how the events turned out as we will see later on.
18Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, "Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?"
19And He said to them, "What things?"
So they said to Him, "The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see."
They were 'hoping' He was the Christ! But were disappointed that Jesus ended up crucified. But what's more astonishing is that His body appears to have disappeared...
25Then He said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?" 27And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
If only, if only they had read the Scriptures concerning the Christ! (Read Isaiah 53). Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory? Yes He ought! Jesus, in His grace, expounded the Scriptures to the 2 travellers beginning from the first 5 books of Moses to the books of the prophets of the Old Testament. All the types and signs pointing to His death burial and resurrection.
28Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. 29But they constrained Him, saying, "Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." And He went in to stay with them.
30Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.
Notice that the travellers recognised Jesus only after they broke bread. =) Wow. Tremendous insight. Jesus was there physically with them all the time! But it's more important for them to recognise Jesus from the Scriptures! Rather than relying on His physical presence! Wow. the final act of the Holy Communion-remembering Jesus' death for us-and the promises He fulfilled and the blessings that are already given!! It's more important for us to see Jesus in the Scriptures folks.
32And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?" 33So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" 35And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.
And yup, that's how the Lord bathed them with love. They left with 'burning hearts'. Ever felt that? God is for You. God IS for You.
1 Corinthians 1
30But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-- 31that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."
It was His plan for us to be IN Christ. For Christ in me is my wisdom, righteousness, justification and redemption! I do nothing! For Christ in me does everything.
Col 1
26the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Abraham could see Him in the stars; Noah could only see Him from inside the ark; Isaiah could only see Him in a vision; the Prophets could never really understand what they prophesied. All the types pointing to the Seed of Abraham. which came FOR US! And guess what, He lives now IN US! whatever He demands, He fulfils in me. Something profound and wise about this: right believing does lead to right living! By faith, every need i have is met at the cross, for Christ is in me to supply ALL i lack! For God has also freely given us ALL things! What great encouragement folks!
Pastor closed the service telling us why God made woman-to show man how much God loves us! Via the intimacy experienced between husband and wife, Christ had that love for us, magnified a million times more! times infinity in fact. We just cannot fathom the depths of His love for us. We cannot. Pastor reckoned worship to be that kind of experience. As we lift our hands to the Lord, His Spirit and ours mingle to become one, very much the intimate act of love-making. It's so beautiful... and when we have kids, the love we have for our kids will remind us of the love our Father has for us, times infinity. =) Think about that, and let it sink in.
Be blessed!
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Arsenal win 5-4 on penalties!
Ok, so i'm a fan of neither... but I did sit thru the entire game at the noodle place @ Holland V anyway. =) Well, I must say that Man U did have the lion's share of possession, but somehow, Arsenal had a charmed goal. Aaron, Zhen & you Arsenal fans out there must be really happy. =)
Now for the Champions' League final coming 26th...
Now for the Champions' League final coming 26th...
Arsenal became the first team to win the FA Cup on penalties this afternoon. Patrick Vieira scored the decisive kick after Jens Lehmann had saved Paul Scholes' effort to finish a pulsating clash that saw Jose Antonio Reyes become only the second player to be sent off in the final. Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy both hit the post and Rio Ferdinand had a goal disallowed as United dominated but they failed to take their chances.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Magnificent
Who compares to You?
You who bring the morning light
You who calmed the raging seas that came crashing over me
Who compares to You?
who set the stars in their place
the hope of all the earth is rest assured in Your great love...
You are magnificent, eternally, wonderful, glorious... Jesus, Nothing ever will compare..
When the evening fades
You call forth songs of joy
When the morning wakes
We Your children give You praise!
***
Thank You, for reminding me that I'm blessed no matter what. No matter =)
You who bring the morning light
You who calmed the raging seas that came crashing over me
Who compares to You?
who set the stars in their place
the hope of all the earth is rest assured in Your great love...
You are magnificent, eternally, wonderful, glorious... Jesus, Nothing ever will compare..
When the evening fades
You call forth songs of joy
When the morning wakes
We Your children give You praise!
***
Thank You, for reminding me that I'm blessed no matter what. No matter =)
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Kingdom of Heaven
Hi guys! =) Too all who were concerned...feeling much much better. Feeling GOOD in fact! God has shown me the way out. hee. yup. so cheers!
Watched Kingdom of Heaven this evening with Jem and Zhen. I actually went for my DSTA Medical Checkup at Paragon with Aaron, and ended up meeting Kiat as well! All 3 of us went to Far East after our checkup to meet Zhen and Jem for 'dinner' at Gelares. [It's Tues, so half-priced waffles!].
Well, it was a thought-provoking show to a certain extent. But, viewed through the eyes of grace and, viewed through someone of the Christian faith (and by this I mean those having the 'right' beliefs.), I have a pretty wholesome perspective on the movie.
Firstly, I take it that whatever that was shown in the movie was historically true. There was a Saladin, and perhaps, the Orlando Bloom character who defended Jerusalem. So the Crusades did really happen. Christians vs. Muslims. Both 'religious' entities fighting by the 'will of God'. Killing for Christ. In my opinion, it was more political than anything! Balian [Orlando] thought his sins could be forgiven only if he made the trip down to physical Jerusalem and asked God! and even then, he wasn't even sure he could be forgiven. The priest in his village told him that God has left him. He told him that his wife is condemned to the pits of hell just because she committed suicide. I mean, by what authority, i ask? It showed the perverse nature of Christianity at that time. Where religion was wielded as a political weapon. It just serves to further reinforce the credibility of the bible for Jesus INDEED, he prophesied the coming of all these things when He preached on the signs of the times and the end of the ages on the Mount of Olives.
Matthew 24: 4-8
4And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in My name, saying, "I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.
Indeed, we see the priest at Balian's village directing him and condemning him by the supposed authority of God. And it's not even true. For Jesus himself did not EVER condemn. He did not. For there is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
6And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all[a] these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Exactly. Jesus prophesies the end-times, and what must happen before he comes back for His church. Nation against nation, Kingdom against kingdom. Holy war waged for political purposes. Beginning of sorrows. Sounds familiar? All throughout history with an increase in the 1900s. WW1, WW2, Gulf War, Iraqi freedom... We're in the end times folks, as we watch prophesy being fulfilled. Not to frighten us, just so we're prepared.=)
I like the last part of the show. Where Balian asked Saladin what Jerusalem meant to him.
Galatians 4
21Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? 22For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. 23But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, 24which things are symbolic. For these are the[d] two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar-- 25for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children-- 26but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Hebrews 12
22But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.
Interesting. Who does the 'Kingdom of Heaven' really belong to? It has always been in contention. It has always been a tussle between the Jews, Christians and Muslims. But the bible clearly states that Christ's Jerusalem is above. Not physical lands. But spiritual acres of it. Interesting? The people during the Crusades apparently didn't do much reading of their bible. They took whatever they heard, wholesale. Thus the political use of religion. Hmm... food for thought.
God bless guys!
Watched Kingdom of Heaven this evening with Jem and Zhen. I actually went for my DSTA Medical Checkup at Paragon with Aaron, and ended up meeting Kiat as well! All 3 of us went to Far East after our checkup to meet Zhen and Jem for 'dinner' at Gelares. [It's Tues, so half-priced waffles!].
Well, it was a thought-provoking show to a certain extent. But, viewed through the eyes of grace and, viewed through someone of the Christian faith (and by this I mean those having the 'right' beliefs.), I have a pretty wholesome perspective on the movie.
Firstly, I take it that whatever that was shown in the movie was historically true. There was a Saladin, and perhaps, the Orlando Bloom character who defended Jerusalem. So the Crusades did really happen. Christians vs. Muslims. Both 'religious' entities fighting by the 'will of God'. Killing for Christ. In my opinion, it was more political than anything! Balian [Orlando] thought his sins could be forgiven only if he made the trip down to physical Jerusalem and asked God! and even then, he wasn't even sure he could be forgiven. The priest in his village told him that God has left him. He told him that his wife is condemned to the pits of hell just because she committed suicide. I mean, by what authority, i ask? It showed the perverse nature of Christianity at that time. Where religion was wielded as a political weapon. It just serves to further reinforce the credibility of the bible for Jesus INDEED, he prophesied the coming of all these things when He preached on the signs of the times and the end of the ages on the Mount of Olives.
Matthew 24: 4-8
4And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in My name, saying, "I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.
Indeed, we see the priest at Balian's village directing him and condemning him by the supposed authority of God. And it's not even true. For Jesus himself did not EVER condemn. He did not. For there is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
6And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all[a] these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Exactly. Jesus prophesies the end-times, and what must happen before he comes back for His church. Nation against nation, Kingdom against kingdom. Holy war waged for political purposes. Beginning of sorrows. Sounds familiar? All throughout history with an increase in the 1900s. WW1, WW2, Gulf War, Iraqi freedom... We're in the end times folks, as we watch prophesy being fulfilled. Not to frighten us, just so we're prepared.=)
I like the last part of the show. Where Balian asked Saladin what Jerusalem meant to him.
Galatians 4
21Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? 22For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. 23But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, 24which things are symbolic. For these are the[d] two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar-- 25for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children-- 26but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Hebrews 12
22But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.
Interesting. Who does the 'Kingdom of Heaven' really belong to? It has always been in contention. It has always been a tussle between the Jews, Christians and Muslims. But the bible clearly states that Christ's Jerusalem is above. Not physical lands. But spiritual acres of it. Interesting? The people during the Crusades apparently didn't do much reading of their bible. They took whatever they heard, wholesale. Thus the political use of religion. Hmm... food for thought.
God bless guys!
Monday, May 16, 2005
Back from the UK!
Hey guys. Back from the UK! =)
So many things happened over there... I would say I'm quite in a mess now. Sigh. But my Daddy God's there for me, most of all, and I'm thankful. Just that i've been ding-donging for quite a while on whether I should or should not cancel BenGen cos of dsta's orientation. Feeling crappy, seriously, cos I did actually make the call to cancel it. And I'm feeling sore. Sigh. But God knows. =) and I'm still blessed all the same.
Just feeling alone... thankful for His presence.
So many things happened over there... I would say I'm quite in a mess now. Sigh. But my Daddy God's there for me, most of all, and I'm thankful. Just that i've been ding-donging for quite a while on whether I should or should not cancel BenGen cos of dsta's orientation. Feeling crappy, seriously, cos I did actually make the call to cancel it. And I'm feeling sore. Sigh. But God knows. =) and I'm still blessed all the same.
Just feeling alone... thankful for His presence.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Old Kent Road, London
Hey guys, typing this blog from Rory's place, London. Near King's College and LSE. Heh. Thanks Rory! For accommodating us for the night. Thanks!
Rory's just finished her exams btw so she's really happy. Heh. She brought me jem and WZ around today. Went to King's College library..then a pub Fish and Chip lunch at "The Knights' Templar". Cool. Then to Trafalgar Square which was under renovation. Saw Nelson's Column (is that how it's spelt?) and some random statues haha..yeah I'm sure they're significant though. Then off to Covent Garden to see london's art scene. Cool. Headed back to Rory's. WZ's leaving tonight. Gotta get ready.
Oh, got to settle so much admin when i'm back too. My deed signing and form fillings. Mum managed to extend the deadline for me. Thanks MuM! Thankful to bits.=) Well, see you guys back on the 15th!and hopefully, i won't be suffering from any jet lag.
Rory's just finished her exams btw so she's really happy. Heh. She brought me jem and WZ around today. Went to King's College library..then a pub Fish and Chip lunch at "The Knights' Templar". Cool. Then to Trafalgar Square which was under renovation. Saw Nelson's Column (is that how it's spelt?) and some random statues haha..yeah I'm sure they're significant though. Then off to Covent Garden to see london's art scene. Cool. Headed back to Rory's. WZ's leaving tonight. Gotta get ready.
Oh, got to settle so much admin when i'm back too. My deed signing and form fillings. Mum managed to extend the deadline for me. Thanks MuM! Thankful to bits.=) Well, see you guys back on the 15th!and hopefully, i won't be suffering from any jet lag.
Friday, May 06, 2005
updates !
hey all! Yeah... finally found an internet cafe. =) ... Here's my update for now. I'm currently in Amsterdam!
***
Hey aLL! =) I'm coming to the end of my tour here and Europe andit's been a blast so far! =) heh. Currently inAmsterdam, the Netherlands. Cool city. Mainly all about the sex industry and the legal weed they sell here. You can buy marijuana in coffeeshops! (What the??) and they sell 'space cakes' 'spacebrownies/muffins' . Basically, cakes with marijuana in them. As in you eat them la. haha.. It's legal here i guess. Well, it's been really blessed so far. Will be having a free day tmw in the city of Amsterdam. Will be dropping by Anne Frank's house to have a look! =)haha... only knew about anne frank on this trip though. On how she and her family survived 2 years in the attic or sth. Yeah. History come true again. Just like when I was in Rome and France. =) And of course there's the Heineken brewery and the various marketsaround. Then I'll be heading to London the day after. And will be there for a week before coming back. Of course, notforgetting an unforgettable birthday bash forWenzheng! =) haha on the 8th. or 7th night. or 8thmidnight. depending. (Sorry alex !)=) hahaha...yeah... hmmm mebbe we should stuff some weed cakesdown his throat. *kidding! relax la!* ...Alright.. you guys stay blessed. Will catch up withyou all when i'm back.
chill!
jerald
***
ok that's all man. =) haha... will be back soon.
updates !
hey all! Yeah... finally found an internet cafe. =) ... Here's my update for now. I'm currently in Amsterdam!
***
Hey aLL! =) I'm coming to the end of my tour here and Europe andit's been a blast so far! =) heh. Currently inAmsterdam, the Netherlands. Cool city. Mainly all about the sex industry and the legal weed they sell here. You can buy marijuana in coffeeshops! (What the??) and they sell 'space cakes' 'spacebrownies/muffins' . Basically, cakes with marijuana in them. As in you eat them la. haha.. It's legal here i guess. Well, it's been really blessed so far. Will be having a free day tmw in the city of Amsterdam. Will be dropping by Anne Frank's house to have a look! =)haha... only knew about anne frank on this trip though. On how she and her family survived 2 years in the attic or sth. Yeah. History come true again. Just like when I was in Rome and France. =) And of course there's the Heineken brewery and the various marketsaround. Then I'll be heading to London the day after. And will be there for a week before coming back. Of course, notforgetting an unforgettable birthday bash forWenzheng! =) haha on the 8th. or 7th night. or 8thmidnight. depending. (Sorry alex !)=) hahaha...yeah... hmmm mebbe we should stuff some weed cakesdown his throat. *kidding! relax la!* ...Alright.. you guys stay blessed. Will catch up withyou all when i'm back.
chill!
jerald
***
ok that's all man. =) haha... will be back soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
