walk with God

exit 2011.

2011-12-25T16:45:00.000-08:00

旧的不去，新的不来。
thank you Lord for bringing me through 2011.
truly, it has not been the easiest of time.
it was supposed to be, but it was not to be.
yet even in this toughest times, You have placed people in my life who have stood by me and supported me when i am down.
i had dreams; You taught me to surrender them.
now i truly know how Jacob felt like with each limp he took.
that limp reminds me of You each and every time...
as i hobble past the finishing line of 2011, i am thankful to You for:
the best parents that one could ever wish for.
inspite of it all, mom never complained; dad was with me supporting my decisions; bro prayed for me constantly.
the best buddy one could ever wish for. took time out and drank beer with me. saluto jd. saluto.
the best friends who were there to spend time just to make sure i am ok.
saluto ken, jh, howie. saluto guys...
the friend and 'mom' who was there and saw through the process...lily. saluto lily...
the most awesome cell one could ever wish for. the honour and priviledge to do pw for them really made me continue to engage Your presence when i least felt like. especially alvin, don and addy...saluto guys...
and to You my Lord.
天下无不散之宴席。
all the good things must come to an end; and then continue on to 2012!

thank You!

the choices we make.

2011-12-07T07:22:00.000-08:00

for each and every decision we make, there's always a price to pay.
you have made your decision, and i will respect it.
now i've made my decision, and i wish that you will find true happiness again.
if it all ever happens, if there is a chance, we will start all over again.
for now, i've packed my bags, and i've decided to move on...
2011 december marks a new start for me.
a new life, a fresh beginning.
this is the last month of the year, and i look forward to a greater 2012 ahead!
take care, and take good care of the 2 rascals.
i know you will one day look back at all these, and maybe we can laugh over it all...

我寂寞。爸爸你知道。

2011-11-15T09:15:00.000-08:00

凌晨一点。
我心里很多感处。
下定决心，不会往回头路走。
爸爸，您知道我这几个月走过的路。
感谢您一直陪着我走。。。
有时候，我以为您抛弃我了。
痛苦，裴哀，难过。
您把我的希望放得那么高。。。
一切落一场空。
寂寞，一个人走很难。
在黑暗中，忽然看到一线光。
爸爸，是您在提着灯。
您一直都在我的身边陪伴我。

谢谢您。

我会勇敢站起来。

盼望。

2011-11-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

到头来，我发现，原来我的要求很简单。
我只求她能接纳我。
接纳现在的我。
就算我永远不改，她还能爱我。
我会为她负出我一切。。。
简单的爱，能找到吗?

self actualization

2011-10-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

after these past few mths of turmoil, it is time to close a chapter and move on.
it takes time to heal, after all, it was at the doorsteps of the aisle.
and even more so, that my close friends are all entering the new phases of life.
why not me?
yes, why not me.
why this time?
why like this?
there are times of solitude when emotions get the better of me.
at times of hardship you find out the true friends.
i just want to be thankful for all the true friends who stayed behind and stayed with me even at my lowest point.
it was not easy nor was it pretty.
you guys have seen me at my best and my worst.
but yet you guys were there for me...
i still believe that what doesn't break you makes you stronger.
dear brother, you know that i will move on from this.
that my faith in God still remains, that He is always in control.
and God is still good all the time, everytime.
moving forward, i don't know what path shall i take,
but rest assured, i will continue to walk.
out of this valley, to climb on to greater heights with my dear ones.

thank you, and thank you.

天晴

2011-07-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

今天早晨，下雨了。
心情愉闷。
天黑黑，鸟儿躲起来。
马路无行人，车子放慢速度。
雨下着下着。。。

下了一整个早晨，终于停了。
望着窗外，水株一颗颗滑落。
眼泪流干了。
迟起的太阳，在跟我打招呼。
灿烂的阳光，温暖了我的心。

雨后，确实天晴。

感谢耶书。

喜。悲。

2011-07-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

为我的好朋友做伴郎。

我真为他高兴。这是人生中最高兴的日子。
我的好朋友在这几个月里非常忙碌，我们几个作兄弟党的，也陪他一起忙碌。

结婚当天，一切都如记划，一帆风巡，很漂亮，很完美。
新娘美丽如花，新郎帅气十足。
新郎新娘握着庇疵的手，灿烂的笑，亲戚朋友都为他们高兴。

我的好朋友，我祝你们终身兴福。
你找到了她，要好好的珍惜。
你要好好的疼爱她，不要让她生气。
你要好好的和她相处，不要对她乱发脾气。
你要好好的和她勾通，心联心。

爱，一旦失去，再也找不回。

For your Safety: Dont ever random add friends on FB!!!

2011-06-27T20:41:00.000-07:00

Conversation with an FB random add.
June 25

This is just for the purpose of warning you young fellas, especially ladies out there not to accept random adds, especially if u only have like 1 or 2 common frens, and worst still, in this case, not even seen the person before!
Minor editing has been done to the transcript, for emphasis on key points and clarity

ME: haf we met b4?
HIM: Hey bro..how r u??
ME: haf we met before? refresh my memory..
HIM: no..just adding u..
ME: for?
HIM: hopeu dont mind..
ME: ok
HIM: just fren.. Im xxx brother..
ME: np.
HIM: oh i see
ME: hows ur bro
HIM: what do u mean??
ME: hows xxx
HIM: good I think haha/..r u his classmate??
ME: no. common fren yyy
HIM: oic..r u a biker??
ME: nup
HIM: oic..u meet xxx b4?? sorry... am I disturb u now??
ME: yup a few times
HIM: oic..for meal I guess...r u a student??
ME: no
HIM: ok..I try to call my bro.. my not sure what happen to the phone.. cant get throw..
ME: ? dont u see him @ home everyday
HIM: Im his god bro..Im in AAA..he is in Sing..
ME: rite. haha ok, u r a bit creepy...do u always random add ur bro's frens
HIM: Im not..
ME: so y do u add me
HIM: y saying Im creepy??
ME: give me a reason; else i'll delete u
HIM: at first I don know u r xxx bro..
ME: ?
HIM: at first I don know u r xxx fren..
ME: so y u add???????????????
HIM: happen when I see ur profile.. then only I know..
ME: i dont comprehend ur reason for adding
HIM: nothing.. just chat..
ME: if i'm a chiobu i understand y u'll random add la
HIM: ok
ME: so i must conclude u r quite lonely. np. i'll b ur fren. haha
HIM: lonely..haha.. Im not..no harm to know more fren..
ME: yes no harm. but ON THE INTERNET, U DUN KNOW WHO U'LL MEET. no harm to play safe too. no?
HIM: oic..
ME: ADVICE: DONT RANDOM ADD.
HIM: to me.. nothing wrong by just chat...
ME: let me b ur last random add.
HIM: all frenship start from fresh..
ME: yes. but u r naive. what if i'm a hacker and i can track down ur details.
u r screwed.
HIM: haha.. I hv nothing to hack..I dont put my details in it..
ME: u may not have, but ur family, ur loved ones?
HIM: sorry.. we r simple..nothing to worry..
ME: dont b.
HIM: we r not rich.. just a simple family..
ME: its ok to b so-so, not rich. but DONT B NAIVE, DONT B SIMPLE MINDED. u wont die from the 1st; 2ND ONE CAN GET U KILLED.
HIM: I hv zero problem so far..anyway.. u hv ur choice to protect urself from people hacking u..

VALUE and POTENTIAL

2011-03-12T16:42:00.000-08:00

PLEASE CLICK ON KATY'S HIT SINGLE "FIREWORKS" AND LISTEN CLOSELY TO ITS MEANINGFUL LYRICS

Now,let's talk about value and potential.
According to Merriam Webster's, value is defined as a relative worth, utility or importance.
potential refers to existing in possibility, capability of developing into actuality.

And today,I put to you that God sees in you a potential and He has placed a value that is greater than what you can ever perceive.

Just how great? Ask Paul. And all His disciples.

Very often, like in Katy's song, our values and perceptions are shaped and limited by our circumstances. We suppress the potential that our heavenly Father has placed in us. We are created in His image, with the LIMITLESS potential to achieve our tower of Babels.

But yet, very often, our dreams lie buried. Our talent unfulfilled.
Paul started off with the best of the best. He was educated in the best school, the Harvard of the ancient times in Tarsus.
He has a bright future in front of him, of the prestige and honor of becoming a Rabbi, the top job in those times.
But yet, he was always on a one-way ticket to failure until God called him and put him back on the right track.
HOW CAN WE EVER ACHIEVE OUR POTENTIAL?
1. HEAR from God.
POTENTIAL is WASTED if we choose to do it our way. God's ways are higher than our ways. Always.
Mat 6:33 Seek Him first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added.
Ps 37:23 the footsteps of the righteous is ordred by God.
2. Healthy self esteem.
John 3:16
God places us a value that is impossible to measure by our limited minds. trouble comes when we let situations dictate our true worth. Words of criticism that get to us strap us down and prevent us from releasing the fireworks.
but yet we know we can.
Through Him and with Him. Phi 4:13
Jesus' disciples followed Him, and from a bunch of rag-tag no-hopers, they became the true fishers of men. history makers and world shakers.
3. STEPPING OUT!
i like the part of the song "...you just got to ignite the light, and let it shine. just own the night like fourth of july..."
the reference to Independence Day is apt.
Freedom.
He came to set us free from oppression, in our mind, body and soul.
that they said you can't do it.
and you believed you can't do it.
FIREWORKS are just plain sticks of explosives if nothing is done.
IGNITE, they release BEAUTY, AWE AND AMAZING LIGHT.
but yet, with courage, let's begin to break free of our mental limitations, and let us release the potential of our fireworks!

shelter

2011-02-13T04:43:00.001-08:00

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
one of the other things that crossed my mind as i was reading LKY's book is the need for a safe harbour, a place of refuge that we can run to once in a while.
life is hard.
i've watched this documentary about the most dangerous occupations in the world, and in one of the episodes, alaskan king crab fishing is being featured.
wonder what makes the alaskan king crab so dear?
watch the episode, and you will understand why.
the crew of crab harvesters have to brave hell and high seas, literally putting their lifes on the line for a harvest of these critters.
the region of crab harvest sits at the top of the world, in the waters just off the arctic circle.
cold winds beat down on the wretched lives of these men, whose work starts way before the harvest season, mapping out and strategizing how to maximise their harvest. one trip usually takes weeks or even up to months, and they do not get to see their family for a large part of the year.
under the mercy of mother nature and the pressures of meeting datelines of harvest, these people work throughout the night, hunting and processing their harvest.
the dangers are manifold, besides the hazard of nature, they have to make sure that everything on board the ship runs well. even hauling up and releasing the crabs takes a lot of training and concentration.
and that is life.
sometimes it feels like a crabby life.
in LKY's life, he has faced many challenges, and one of the things he mentioned struck me. the need for a "defense mechanism" to keep oneself going.
in the bible, Jesus promises of a safe harbour. and the safe harbour is exactly God Himself. as i head off to a new year of Bunny, i really want to thank God for His strength and mercy in the year just gone by. 2011 really flies by fast; it seems not too long ago that i put down my thoughts for the dawn of the new year.
now, as i chug along quickly to my next stop in life, i look forward to my rest and shelter at my harbour in Christ the Lord. He brings comfort, hope and renewed strength. He is my light when the darkness of difficulties threaten to overwhelm.
have you found your shelter yet?

LKY: the hard TRUTH to keep US going

2011-02-01T09:36:00.001-08:00

I've just completed the book. LKY: the hard truth.
It is an excellent read!!!

This man is truly an inspirational leader, and in many ways, i feel that i can relate to him through my upbringing and my core values and belief.
I would just like to touch on 2 things that really struck me in this book:
1) Thrift.
LKY is a man of thrift. He wore his jacket for 20 odd years! imagine that! as i was reading about his personal life, it really struck me that this man is really no-frills. that is what his style of leadership is about. straightforward. practical.
how many of us today still carry that mentality of thriftiness? one of LKY's main concerns is that the generations of today live a comfortable life, so much so that it becomes a given. but he warns us that Singapore is a MIRACLE. nothing is a given. we have to earn our right to survive. we have to fight tooth and nail to climb to where we are today.
i think about the values that my parents have inculcated in me, of the value of thrift. i've been criticised many times, directly or indirectly, over this apparent unwillingness to spend on "wants". extravagance. the little pleasures of life.
however, i'm not too bothered by it all. true, we need to "pamper" ourselves sometimes, a little spa there, a little massage here, a nice looking watch, a spiffy suit, fine dining. but throughout the years, my parents have meticulously saved and scrimped just so that my brother and i can have a comfortable life.
it is definitely not easy, especially in this age of consumerism.
it requires a lot of discipline and forward planning.
my parents did it in the way that LKY has shown, and it never fails to amaze me each time i think of it.
they had a goal: to save enough so that our children can have comfortable lives.
they had a plan: to accumulate liquid cash and invest in real estate, which will not depreciate in Singapore.
they executed the goal sticking to the plan.
till this day, LKY lived a simple life. my parents lived a simple life. extravagance to them is a meal in a nice restaurant once in a while, and even that, sometimes, my mom will complain that it is so expensive.
hawker food, cheap and good.
HDB, maybe not so cheap now as compared to 30 years ago, but still good.
of course, there is an opportunity-cost to every decision made, and they have to give up on certain creature comforts (e.g. my parents NEVER owned a car, though they could easily afford one).
the results?
while most of my peers are looking at purchasing their first property, my brother and i already have a headstart.
my parents have done not too bad...
2) everlasting love
63 years of marriage. at her death, LKY stood over his wife and companion, touched his lips to his hand and then gentle onto her forehead and bade a final goodbye. a simple gesture that spoke volumes of the love that they shared between them.
they have been through it all, thick and thin.
a simple courtship which started in singapore, continued in UK and back in singapore where it never stopped... this is one truly inspirational relationship!
i liked the way LKY shares how he and his wife's habits and lifestyle graduated adjusted to one another. his style of writing, from verbosity to succinct was influenced by his wife. his wife adjusted to his life as a young politician with an uncertain future, shouldering the responsibility of bringing dough home.
this again reminded me of my parents, of how one went out to the rough seas to earn the keep, and the other shouldered a mom's and dad's role.
this is something which i truly aspire to build with my dearest in the near future.
a household that is secure, full of warmth and love.

LKY is truly an inspirational forefather that singapore is blessed with

L.O.V.E.

2010-12-31T17:38:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR COOL DUDES!!!
my first blog post for 2011!
and it's on a theme that is close to my own theme, "pressing in" for this year.

Love is patient, Love is kind

i need more patience this year. I must admit, sometimes i can become very impatient. and under stressful situations, i can often "blow up". by those who know me, my form of "blowing up" is not like the usual shouting and slamming on the table. my form of blowing up comes either in walking away abruptly from the situation, or turning acid sarcasm into verbal poetry.

yeah.
that's me blowing up.

but yet 1Cor13:4 says that love is patient, love is kind.
the kindness and goodness that Paul talks about is the essence of love, and don't we all need to show a little more love?
i definitely do.
patience. kindness.
i need some anger management fine tuning in this year 2011.
people and situations will sometimes disappoint, but i need to learn to take a deep breath, withdraw a step and then learn how to tackle the situation with cool-headedness and tact.
that is definitely top of my resolution for 2011.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud

don't compare.
there's a chinese saying "ren2 bi3 ren2, qi4 si4 ren2"
this is not saying that i should not strive towards a higher standard, but rather, that i should not be envious of what others have around me.
money is always a sensitive issue, and it is the chief cause of all unhappiness in relationships.
this year, i shall strive to go from glory to glory in all things, health, relationships, career and my walk with God, but at the same time being thankful always for the Goodness He has placed in my life and the wonderful people that is around me.
i will not complain and ask the "what if" question.
asking too many "what ifs" will only result in aimless wandering in the desert for 40 years.
just ask the Israelites.

love is about breaking down the pride.
the areas in life that is still not broken in me, i want to work on them.
sometimes, it is really not about Me or I, it is about Him or her.
the final resolution for 2011 is that my pride will be broken.
i want to be more humble, learning always from people around me, and being quick to admit a mistake, take responsibility and find ways to rectify the mistake.
those 3 stages are important if we are to learn from the mistakes we made.
(refer to "the Last Lecture")

All in all, 2011 will be the BEST YEAR YET, and i'm SOOOOO looking forward to this year!

HUAT AHHHHHH

Pressing in. 2010 goodbyes. Hello 2011!!

2010-12-15T15:53:00.000-08:00

PRESSING IN.

the theme for 2011.

as i sat down to write this post, i looked back at my end of year entries for the previous years...

2009: the regrets of 2009 and looking forward to 2010
2008: travelling in europe
2007, 06: no reflections

i was just telling my darling, that my posts over the years have become less, but each post have become deeper and more personal.

now, as i head towards the end of this year, i just want to share on my theme for next year.
first of all, i want to draw closer to my heavenly Father. the work life has taken time away from my spiritual walk, and i really want to commit more time to Him.
the only way to build spiritual intimacy is to really spend time in the Lord.
as a leader, i will really have to do what i preach. i want to press into the Holy of Holies, and dwell longer in His presence.
next, i want to spend more time with my dearest. next year, she will be a full time student, and i want to support her in all ways that i can. i believe that we will grow more and more in love with each passing day, as we head towards the BIG day, which will mark the start of an awesome lifetime spent together.

18.12.11

sa-rang-hei-o.

:)

i also want to spend more time with my family. my mom, dad and brother. work has taken away much of my time, and in this year, juggling SOT as well for half a year, i really did not spend much time, and to start the year right, i'm really looking forward to the bandung trip! (hopefully my dad is able to join, as his schedule is still unconfirmed)

next, my closest brudder. JD! and also Kenneth, Jinhui, Changhan... let's hang out more! i apologise for "pang seh" as my hours are odd (retail line you see), but i will try my best to set aside time for you guys.

finally, my cell members. i want to share in the joy and challenges of your lives. as we grow up into an adult cell group, we are entering new phases of our lives. different things, different challenges, but same people to stand by.
that's what a family's for:)
to laugh, cry, play, work hard together...

pressing in requires sacrifice.
it is not easy; juggling different things that call out for my attention.
however, i am determined to set my heart right.
i am determined to set my priorties, and to stay focused on my goals.

i thank God for an awesome 2010, for my darling, now my fiancee, for my family, mom, dad and brother, and for my close brudders and friends, for my awesome colleagues in the drug business.
i thank God for an even more awesome year ahead!
2011.
here i come!!! WOOOHOOO!

season of giving

2010-12-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

For He so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son...

as we approach this wonderful season to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, I would like to talk about giving.

yes. giving.

(there's a sermon based on that verse alone, but that's for another day;)

first of all, let us explore the world view on giving. giving is not an inborn nature in all of us. the world views giving and taking as a zero-sum game. you take and give in equal measures.
but the natural tendency is always to take more than you give, so that you will gain at the expense of another party.
our resource (time, money, energy etc) is finite; if someone GAINS, someone else must LOSE
that is why in business, you have profit and loss. you must make profit to be sustainable. in other words, don't "give" more than you "take".

but God is INFINITE.

His love is infinite. To God, giving is more blessed than receiving. Giving creates a win-win situation. Our normal reaction to God sending Jesus to die on the cross is "God must have "lost" a lot in this "transaction"..."
To God, He never sees it as a loss. Jesus died for our sins, but He was resurrected on the third day and is now seated at the right hand of the Father.
His sacrifice gave us a chance to be reconciled back to our Father and live an abundant and successful life with God again.

We won. He wins.

Why am i sharing something that seems suited for Easter?

This is because He is the reason for this Season. The birth of Christ is really about celebrating a season of GIVING.

He was born so that generations to come can be reconciled once again to our Father.

once again, dear friends, give. give of yourself to others, be it in terms of money, time or energy. do not be so self-centered and measure everything in terms of profit/loss.

think like Him. every situation becomes a win-win situation. let His will be done in our lives, not our own selfish wills.
in business, if you make the customers happy (going the extra mile, definitely not easy i tell you), they will come back again and again.
in family and relationships, sow of your time, energy and finances. yes. money.
remember Abraham and Lot? Abraham was kind and gracious, even when Lot was demanding and calculative. "I want that better portion of land...you can have the trash"
we'ld say, "No, you take the bad, i take the good!"
Abraham said, "sure, go ahead!"
God said, "well done, Abraham my son. I will bless your possessions and multiply your descendants."

...that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have life everlasting.

Merry Christmas!

eXtrA mile.

2010-11-26T01:09:00.000-08:00

the eXtrA mile.
service is all about going the extra mile.
being in the service industry for 1.5 years, I won't say that I've been there and done that, but surely, I've seen and gone through enough to share certain observations.
Just today, I experience a negative example of mediocre service.
the matter goes like this:
a couple of days ago, I purchase a product that entitles me to a free gift at the airport, due to the ongoing promotion.
i went to look for the redemption counter during my break, but was unable to find the correct counter. the part timer (prc student) was quite nonchalent and did not appear to know where is the correct counter.
a couple of days later, i was finally able to locate the counter, which was hidden at some obsure counter. upon reaching the counter, i was anticipating a nice little gift (not expecting an expensive one, but at least something). however, i was told that the redemption is only valid on the day of purchase! the 2 counter staff were not able to provide any further solution too...i was not exactly too pleased with the entire experience.
now, looking at the entire experience, i really want to highlight a few points:
1) Know your product well.
be it a product or a service, you need to know it well. this is just a fundamental requirement.
being new in the job does not give you an excuse not to know your product. this is because first impression counts. the customer will not think that "Oh, this guy is new, so he's excused for not knowing." instead, he will think "these people don't know what they are doing! i will not come back again..."
if you are new, be pro-active in learning, and if unsure, ALWAYS PROVIDE SOLUTIONS E.G. CHECK WITH OTHERS, instead of the nonchalent "I don't know..." that speaks of "I can't be bothered."
well, I can't be bothered to give my business to someone like that.
imagine if the doctor who is treating you does not know how to do his or her job well... would you feel safe? or for that matter, would you be well?
2) Always provide solutions.
If you cannot answer a question, GO AND FIND OUT!
customers are there to be served, and they expect to be served.
they would expect you to make an effort to find out if you do not know. of course, we can't be expected to know everything. even as a pharmacist i'll be the first to admit i don't know all the medicines and brands out there.
I need to find out.
So do you.
the worst kind of service is to give the customers "problems" instead of providing solutions. "problems" like feeling cheated, angry or inconvenienced.
3) Go the eXtrA mile.
in the case above, the service staff at the redemption counter could have made my day by just finding an alternative solution. e.g. they could have just closed one eye?
afterall, you've to understand what is the purpose of the service.'
if you run a promotion, you will want the customers to feel happy and satisfied, that they have got "value-added" service.
and not to feel like a deflated balloon upon finding out that he or she has overlooked some small detail.
it is not just that i'm miffed just because i can't get some little gift.
but hey, going the eXtrA mile will ALWAYS bring you repeat customers, because customers DO recognise good service.
conversely, they will also remember bad service and you'll NEVER see them again.
start today.
go the extra mile.

nb:
for excellent reads on service, check out sant qiu on CNA.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/eyeonbusiness/blog/index.htm

mobius strip

2010-11-24T05:36:00.000-08:00

one of the most intriguing objects i find is the mobius strip.
it is beautiful in its simplicity, an object that seems to blend 2D and 3D.
if you are an ant crawling around the strip, you will find yourself coming back to the start point again and again.

the beginning is the end, the end is the beginning

life is just one continous loop, day after day, week after week, month after month and year after year.

that is why i never let setbacks get me down. i am like the ant walking on the mobius strip of life. one moment i may be on my way down; my world is topsy-turvy.

but i know that if i keep walking, i will eventually end up on the right-side-up. i will not be down forever.

Jesus says that the end of the matter is better than the beginning.
He is the Alpha and the Omega, so you will have to trust Him on that.

i like how a simple thing like a mobius strip can illustrate a truth that is so fundamental to our lives.

it reminds me to keep on keeping on.

no matter the circumstances.:)

my eulogy

2010-11-14T19:13:00.000-08:00

an interesting thought while on the way to work
how would my eulogy look like?

here goes

here lies the tombstone of a man who lived his life to the max.
here lies someone who is passionate about what he does.
he is a great father, loving husband.
he gives his wife the best in terms of emotional and material needs
he sets a good example to his children.
he is a tireless minister of God's word, touching the lives of many people and leading them to the love of God.
he is a true friend to many, impacting and making a positive difference in his lives.
this is someone who's passing is a great loss to the society and he will always be kindly remembered in the hearts of many individuals.
yet he will always remain the humble, simple man who can be taken at face value.

i hope it will be like this.

what's yours like?

a F@nT@sY~* world - the BEAUTIFUL GAME

2010-11-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

i wonder why i like the Beautiful game so much.
Is it more beautiful than my beautiful fiancee?
nope. not a bit.
Is it more adorable than my 2 furly darlings?
nope, it's rough and tumble.
I first fell in love with the beautiful game during the heyday of the Malaysian Cup.
Those days were spent cheering on the Singapore Lions as they embark on their annually route to the finals of the Malaysian Cup.
I remember the evening matches, watching from my grandparents' home, cheering with every goal scored, wincing with every near miss and groaning as the opponents breached the defense. Those were the days of Fandi Ahmad, Abbas Saad and the likes.
(coincidentally, my uncle is also Steven, sharing the first name of the Lions' super sub...)
When did i first fall in love with Liverpool?
it was when i watched my first match, during the days of free-to-air EPL games on TV.
Liverpool gave Sheffield a hiding in a 4-0 victory in that match.
what captivated me was the support of the fans, and the club anthem "You'll never walk alone" that spoke of hope of a greater future. The atmosphere, the unity, the passion.
I decided to support the reds.
being a reds supporter is definitely tough going.
besides the friendly jabbing with my other school mates, especially the Red Devils' fans, deep down, all reds fans really look toward a brighter future, a return to the glory days.
Red fans have always been accused of living in the past; but i see it as a hope for a better future.
this season has seen 'pool plunging into its lowest depths, with it's worst ever league start and the takeover by new owners. But on the pitch, nothing still changes.
Every time I support them on TV, i go through the same roller coaster ride of emotions.
Joy, ecstasy, pain, hope...
of course, first and foremost, I'm a footy fan above a Reds fan.
i appreciate fine football like any other footy fan.
i enjoy working out a sweat in a street soccer kickabout or a full field 11-a-side friendly.
I enjoy the ecstasy of scoring goals, the rough and tumble of tackles, the ebb and flow of the game.
u say i live in a fantasy world?
yes, and a black and white one at that.
it is a BEAUTIFUL game.

J.P. Morgan on TRUE VALUE of the man

2010-11-02T01:11:00.001-07:00

MINDBLOWING THOUGHT PROCESS!!!

A young and pretty lady posted this on a popular forum:

Title: What should I do to marry a rich guy?

I'm going to be honest of what I'm going to say here. I'm 25 this year. I'm very pretty, have style and good taste. I wish to marry a guy with $500k annual salary or above. You might say that I'm greedy, but an annual salary of $1M is considered only as middle class in New York. My requirement is not high. Is there anyone in this forum who has an income of $500k annual salary? Are you all married?

I wanted to ask:
what should I do to marry rich persons like you? Among those I've dated, the richest is $250k annual income, and it seems that this is my upper limit. If someone is going to move into high cost residential area on the west of New York CityGarden(?), $250k annual income is not enough.

I'm here humbly to ask a few questions:Where do most rich bachelors hang out? (Please list down the names and addresses of bars, restaurant, gym)Which age group should I target?Why most wives of the riches is only average-looking? I've met a few girls who doesn't have looks and are not interesting, but they are able to marry rich guys.How do you decide who can be your wife, and who can only be your girlfriend? My target now is to get married)
Ms. Pretty

Awesome reply:

Dear Ms. Pretty,

I have read your post with great interest. Guess there are lots of girls out there who have similar questions like yours.
Please allow me to analyse your situation as a professional investor. My annual income is more than $500k, which meets your requirement, so I hope everyone believes that I'm not wasting time here.

From the standpoint of a business person, it is a bad decision to marry you. The answer is very simple, so let me explain. Put the details aside, what you're trying to do is an exchange of "beauty" and "money": Person A provides beauty, and Person B pays for it, fair and square.

However, there's a deadly problem here, your beauty will fade, but my money will not be gone without any good reason. The fact is, my income might increase from year to year, but you can't be prettier year after year. Hence from the viewpoint of economics, I am an appreciation asset, and you are a depreciation asset. It's not just normal depreciation, but exponential depreciation. If that is your only asset, your value will be much worried 10 years later. By the terms we use in Wall Street, every trading has a position, dating with you is also a "trading position". If the trade value dropped we will sell it and it is not a good idea to keep it for long term - same goes with the marriage that you wanted. It might be cruel to say this, but in order to make a wiser decision any assets with great depreciation value will be sold or "leased".

Anyone with over $500k annual income is not a fool; we would only date you, but will not marry you. I would advice that you forget looking for any clues to marry a rich guy. And by the way, you could make yourself to become a rich person with $500k annual income. This has better chance than finding a rich fool.

Hope this reply helps. If you are interested in "leasing" services, do contact me...

signed,
J.P. Morgan

gearing up for the revival:)

2010-10-31T09:54:00.000-07:00

busy busy busy!
just a quick update:
the bestest celebration of my birthday by my dearest.
i love you dear! you make my birthdays so SPECIAL~~~
celebration of lips birthday at barstop, a wonderful bar @ devonshire, but not very packed on weekend nights...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIPS!
thank you for all the wonderful memories at POS, NUS...
all the days of late night trainings, roti prata, mugging at the Biz library...
the time we stayed over your place for Christmas...
you are truly a friend who cares about others.
recently, a lot of chinese students have been joining us...is the revival coming?
God will only bring a revival when the people are ready to receive it.
i pray and i hope that we will be ready to receive the revival.
these young people are just so hungry for the word and for a touch of God, it really inspires me to dig in deeper to the things of God and press into God more.
I've been so caught up by work that I'm beginning to neglect the walk with God.
back to square 1!
RAIN DOWN...ALL AROUND THE WORLD WE'RE SINGING...
i want to be there when the floodgates to the most populous country finally breaks open!

faith: practical, relevant, real

2010-10-15T22:41:00.000-07:00

met isaac along the way back home from work yesterday and caught up with one another.
i asked him,"So now that you have graduated, what's next? Are you looking for a job?"
Isaac told me that he has plans for next year's SOT, and is currently getting by on tuition assignments as well as allowance from his father.

i do hope that Isaac reads this article
what transpired out of the conversation is that we need faith.
not just any faith, but faith that is practical, relevant and real.

sometimes, as Christian, we can swing to either side.
the first extreme is little faith.
we are not willing to step out of our comfort zones, and just being contented to stay at the current level or situation.
the second extreme is blind faith.
faith that believes that God will do everything for us.
in the Garden of Eden, God equipped Adam with all the necessary skill sets to tend the garden. God even asked Adam to name the animals, just so that he could have a sense of ownership over them.
We are supposed to mix faith with action.
Yes, God WILL PROVIDE. But God moves only when we move.
the mountain of obstacles MOVE when WE SPEAK.

so what is the point of all this?

my advice to everybody (especially Isaac):

you have to move in faith, but at the same time you need to have your feet firmly planted on the ground.
you have to make plans for your own life, especially in the area of finances.
fail to plan = plan to fail
you need to mix faith with actions.
just writing down goals is not enough; you need to EXECUTE them!

RISK

2010-10-09T07:19:00.000-07:00

Risk. spelt with a capital "R".

in the Gospels, we read of the famous story of Peter stepping into the water after Jesus, not once, but twice, before and after He was resurrected.

life is all about taking risks.

faith means taking risk. if we play it safe, there will be no need for moving in the realm of faith. faith essential entails an element of uncertainty.

i've come to realise that risk exists in all aspects of our lives.

not just in the stock markets, but in every relationship too. there are risks involved in every decision you choose to make. is this guy or girl the right one for me?
if you have committed to a relationship, then CONGRATS! your risk taking journey has just begun.

what matters most is how to respond to taking risks. when things are good, you smile and rejoice. how about when things do not go according to plan? will you then regret taking the risk?

Peter took that risk because HE HAD A CLEAR VISION IN SIGHT. JESUS WAS HIS FOCUS.

God has to be the focal point of every venture. Every decision we make, whether big or small, has to involve Him. Sorry, not just involve, but with Him at the center of the decision.

I've learnt that taking risks means accepting the good and bad that comes with the decision. I've learnt to be thankful also for the close friends who have "risked" to be close to me.

And most of all, I'm thankful to my Dearest for choosing to be together with me. She took a big risk in saying "yes" 2 months and 3 days ago.

In this risk venture called Life, it has enabled me to see so much of myself. It lets me appreciate the little things along the way; the nice things that people do for me, little funny, random moments...

the little box of chocolates has been opened.

25th month, 1 day

2010-10-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

happy anniversary dear~!:)

thank you for the wonderful past 25 months...

as we head quickly towards our next phase of life, things are slowly falling into place.

lessons learnt from mistakes made.

it is a wonderful blessing to have you and you only as my best friend, girlfriend and soon wife-to-be!

i want to make breakfast for you, wake up beside you everyday and fall asleep with you in my arms:)

looking forward to a wonderful days, months and years ahead with you!!!:)

khesed: the undeserved grace and mercy

2010-10-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

khesed: the undeserved grace and mercy

now i truly understands what A.R. Bernard means by that.
you have to first receive it then you can understand it. it is not something that you can understand just from the definition.
yet again, i let my dearest down.
i don't want to ever break her heart again, but it seems that i did it again.
maybe i'm not mature enough after all.
but after this episode, i have to sit down and take a long hard look at myself.
i have to grow up already! we are getting married!
wake up the idea YT! wake up!
this is a girl who is so nice, so understanding.
this is a girl i may never find again.
this is a girl who says that she wants to spend the rest of her life with me.
wake up YT! you have to wake up your stupid idea!
i thank God for such a wonderful girlfriend.
only when i've experienced khesed, am i able to truly say that i've been very very blessed.
i want to make this work.
promise #1:
I WILL BE RADICALLY HONEST.
promise #2:
I WILL ALWAYS THINK OF CONSEQUENCES.
promise #3:
I WILL MAKE MY DEAREST HAPPY ALWAYS.

Dear God,
I ask for Your forgiveness towards the things I have done. Thank You for blessing me with such a wonderful girlfriend and wife-to-be. Help me God, in all my areas of weaknesses, so that I can be a good boyfriend and husband to my wife. Help me Lord to overcome my areas of weaknesses, and remind me constantly of my promises. You are the Lord of our relationship. I pray that You will help us to grow more and more in love with one another, and that we will grow old and happy together. Thank You Lord for always being there. I love You and I praise You,
Amen.

Time efficiency

2010-09-01T15:54:00.001-07:00

Time = Money

This is the concept that many of us know about, but yet we do not practice in our daily lives.
We always complain that we have no time for this, no time for that.
Actually, I feel that with smart planning and strict discipline, we should be able to find time enough to meet at least the top 3 priorties of our lives.
Here’s some habits that I keep to MINIMISE time WASTAGE and MAXIMISE time EFFICIENCY:
1) Plan your schedule
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
Plan ahead, at least for 1 month. I usually have a rough plan for the year during January.
I am not a detailed person by nature; more a big-picture person. But yet I discipline myself to set goals at the start of the year, and plan my schedule to the month and the week. Planning gives you focus and organisation so that you know the direction you are moving towards for at least the year ahead.
2) Schedule “conveniences”
This is especially relevant to people in the sales line that have to travel around to meet clients. I practice this actively too. Let’s say for example I am meeting a person at a particular location. Usually, I will try to schedule in some tasks that I can complete along the way or at the location itself. In this way, I make sure I do not make wasted trips and am able to cut down on travelling costs.
3) Do things fast and effectively
Maximum efficiency; minimum fuss.
This mantra is practiced since young by students. Study hard but also study smart. Many sessions of constant short revisions e.g. 5-10mins to recap the day’s lessons is much more effective than leaving all the revision to right before exams. This is due in part also to the “memory-drain” effect.
(For more information, you can pick up Tony Buzan’s books on memory and how the brain works.)
If there is any task too difficult to do, instead of wasting time figuring out how to do, I usually just ask the subject matter expert. Saves time; maximise results.
4) Cut down on WASTAGE
Little things do add up, with regards to time and money.
When I do things, I go for things that will bring me results.
My reasoning is simple: since I have invested time, I expect a return.
This builds on my first principle that Time = Money. Since I invest time, I am also invest money. Do you like to invest in something that does not bring you a good return?
This is why I discipline myself to minimise on things that will bring me poor or even no returns.
E.g. facebook (I actually allow myself some facebook time as I see it as a “social investment”), watching meaningless youtube videos...etc
It is indeed very tempting, but RESIST it! That is why it is even more pertinent that we plan our schedule, so that we will stick to it and minimise wastage of time. Every minute wasted is 1 less minute to do the things you have always wanted to do, to bring you one step closer to achieving your life’s destiny.
I hope my sharing has helped you.:)

Faith Hope Love

2010-08-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

the morning after graduation from SOT, i woke up at 6+.
for most of the graduants, our body clocks have already been adjusted thus.
(my body clock is always at this timing, so to me it is no different from a non-schooling day)
but my thoughts are clearly depicted in the passage of 1 Cor 13.
the journey so far has been that of faith, hope and love.
the faith:
faith that sees me through my ups and downs of SOT.
faith that endures throughout the entire 6 months, starting from when i first found out that i was the team leader.
as a team leader, i was truly honoured to be able to serve a bunch of wonderful guys. the people from my zone are just so full of fun and energy!
and the business group, older and wiser with age, gave much needed advice to us younger ones along the way.
and our international students, who gave us the flavour and culture of India.
this is truly an amazing mix!
the challenges that come along the way, having to re-sit for my competency exams, challenges in relationships and ministry...this is par for course for the average bible student
the hope:
hope of a better future, a better me.
hope for my friends, new and old, that i made in this 6 months.
hope to always look on the bright side when walking through dark valleys.
the love:
the love for my team, my friends.
the love for my family.
the love most of all for my dearest.
this is the love that is the GREATEST OF ALL.
for without the love, faith and hope cannot have pulled through.
love tested and love strengthened in the course of the 6 months.
i've learnt to be more loving, more accepting of people and mistakes.
6 months seem to have flew by so fast.
but now, the boat has set sail off the safety and comfort of the harbour;
it is an unknown, but definitely fun and exciting journey of
Faith, Hope and Love.

18.12.11

2010-08-26T15:37:00.000-07:00

we have walked through this journey of 2 years
a journey that seems so long, yet so short.
a journey that started with some bumps:
a tardy proposal, inability to walk beside you, some "thorny" issues
and then more bumps
and just some more bumps
but yet, growing more exciting and sweeter
as first we had the duck
then the bear
and a rowdy family:)
a journey that will hit its milestone in about a year's time
1 year that will no doubt fly by very quickly
booking of gown, photographers, planning of events etc
working and saving money for the big day
i look forward
to my pretty bride looking radiant and beautiful
long white train flowing down the staircase
i look forward
to many little moments
awkward yet beautiful in their own way
i look forward
to calling you my beloved wife
oh am i blessed!
my dear, my girl, my only one
to have and to hold
for better or for worse
through richness or poverty
health or sickness
till death do us part
the sweet declaration of God's greatest gift
called Love
i love you dear!

happy birthday SINGAPORE!!!

2010-08-08T23:57:00.000-07:00

what Singapore means to me:
place of home
where i grew up in
memories
sealed within walls and blocks
long corridors
empty spaces of the void decks
playgrounds with slides
laughter, joy and fun
public buses
from the non-air conditioned era
to the air-conditioned
train lines
criss-crossing
rules and regulations
ingrained
a little less freedom
much more safety and security
order the name of the day
pace of life
hustling and bustling
work hard
play harder
arts and entertainment
melting pot of cultures
living to eat
local flavours

report on bandung mission trip

2010-07-30T00:27:00.000-07:00

Article on Mission Trip to El Shaddai church, Bandung, Indonesia
by Liu Yuan Tai

On the 22nd-26th July this year, a team of 4 departed from Singapore to Bandung for a mission trip to El Shaddai Church. The team consisted of current School of Theology students Liu Yuan Tai, Alvin Goh, Ervin Ho and Sharon Tan.
Founded in 1984 by Pastor Nala Widya, who is an Indonesian Olympian sprint cyclist and appointed International Olympic Committee member, it is a vibrant and rapidly growing youth church of 1,500 members. Approximately 1,050 members are 25 years old or younger.
The moment we touched down at the airport, Vinno from their hospitality department greeted us warmly. We had our first taste of Indonesian crusine with nasi goreng as our supper. We checked into the church headquarters living areas, which was to be our accomodation for our short stay.
El Shaddai church has a strong family culture. Pastor Nala started his ministry by reaching out to youths through coaching them in sprint cycling. Under his wings were a brood of talented future national olympians. Beyond just physical development, Pastor Nala wanted to give these youths a higher vision. This was how the ministry was birthed forth. Throughout our stay at the headquarters, we constantly observed the young athletes coming by early in the morning, praying together with pastor before starting a day of training. At the end of the day, they mingled over dinner and video games. Pastor is like their elder brother or father. This is what church is about: staying together, praying, laughing and crying together.
On the second day, the highlight was taking part in fund-raising for "freshies". (Incoming undergraduates) We went around the housing estates and university dormitories selling drinks, cakes and doughnuts to raise fund. These funds will go towards the sponsoring of an outreach orientation program that the senior students organise for the new students. It was tiring, but the passion for the lost and the camaraderie between the youths drove us on to finish selling our trays of food.
In the evening, we were split into 2 groups. Sharon and Ervin were attached to a youth outreach event, a BBQ at one of the hills on the outskirts of Bandung. They had a great time at the event, mingling with the members and friends who have joined, playing games and enjoying nice BBQ chicken wings in the cool breeze of the evening.
Alvin and myself met up with some of the leaders in the church, currently leading the young working adults group. We had a great time sharing over dinner on topics like cell group leadership, growth and discipleship. The challenges faced by the leaders were to raise up more workers for the kingdom and challenging the members to rise up and increase their capacity.
On the third day, we did a spot of shopping in the morning, to fulfill the "cultural mandate" of us Singaporeans. In the afternoon, we went into our 2 groups again. Sharon and Ervin went with the youth cell groups for another BBQ event, this time hosted by Pastor Nala at his residence. Pastor Nala's residence is on the outskirts of the city, on another of the hills overlooking the main town area. It was a scenic place that allowed for quiet devotion, small group meetings and also a quick getaway. He rents some of the villas out to other churches and individuals. This is truly a businessman, national olympic coach and full time servant of God rolled into one. Amazing!
Meanwhile, Alvin and myself were attached to the children's cell group. Within 3 hours, we have to come up with a skit, make the props and rehearse. This was Alvin's first time acting and directing in a skit, and he enjoyed every moment as much as the kids did watching him perform. The moral of the story is about overcoming temptations.
On the fourth day, we went to sit in at the services. The church sings songs that are contemporary, like songs by City Harvest, Planetshakers, Jakarta Praise Community Church and the likes. I was impressed by the energy and passion of the youths during their service. They went right up to the front areas of the stage and praised and worshipped with all their hearts and soul. The message was powerful as well, a sermon about engaging the marketplace through the example of Daniel, and building up spiritual discipline even in the midst of engaging the secular world.
On the final night, we went for dinner and coffee with one of the youth pastors, Pastor Daniel. Just as much as we have learnt and saw, we sowed back into their lives by giving them a pack of "Monopoly Deal" cards and teaching them how to play the game. It was a truly memorable mission trip for all of us!

sharing with El Shaddai church leaders

2010-07-28T02:44:00.000-07:00

Organisational Excellence
By Liu Yuan Tai

Adding Value to your organization.

As leaders of an organization, it is important that we constantly ask ourselves this question “Am I adding value to my organization?” This is because the moment we stop adding value to our organization, our function as a leader will cease. The organization will stop growing, and even enter into a decline phase altogether.

Let us look at God’s orginal purpose for an organization. An organization should have the following characteristics:

In Genesis 1, the beginning,Gen 1:1-2

1) Order
We need a structure to our organization. There should be a certain accountability system being established, and a clear hierarchal system whereby each and every member is clear of his or her function and standing in the organization.
Order is very important. Disorder creates confusion, chaos. God’s plan institutes order in everything. Order creates clarity for the vision and purpose to be executed.

In Gen 1:3, God created light that separates the darkness.

2) Filled with light
Light talks about the Word of God that brings illumination. The word is a lamp upon my feet, a light unto my path.
The Word of God establishes truth. A relationship between the members of an organization is built upon truth, which is firmly established in the Word of God. Light illuminates darkness and brings faith, hope and love. An organization with faith, hope and love will constantly be happy, positive and motivated.

In Gen 1:9,10, God created land.

3) Firm foundation, fertile ground
Land speaks of a firm foundation. A firm foundation based upon the Word of God.
Fertile ground also speaks of the talent and potential of the members. A healthy organization is one whereby the members’ talents and potential are maximized. They see a sense of purpose by being in the organization. If any member’s potential is not maximized, he or she will feel disillusioned and soon leave the organization.

In Gen 1:14, God created the stars.

4) Vision
Stars speak of vision. When God showed Abraham the stars in the sky and told him to count it, God is showing Abraham his vision and destiny. An organization needs to have a vision that all the members, from the youngest to the oldest, wholeheartedly subscribes to. The ownership of the vision is by all members of the organization. The leader will have to lead by example by living, breathing and constantly confessing the vision. This is because people learn by observation, which is why God showed Abraham the stars.

In Gen 1:22, God commanded man to be fruitful

5) Fruitfulness
A healthy organization should constantly strive for growth. Fruitfulness is a command from God! We need to be progressive. Individually, members should become better people; corporately, the organization should add value to the community as well as to all stakeholders. An unfruitful organization will only be cast away (Jesus and the fig tree).

support our pastor the man of God

2010-06-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

ANONYMOUS FRIEND June 29 at 9:11pm
Bro, we can't undermined sermons..sometimes we get so preoccupied with the things we do..that we lose focus on the fundamental truth. I may be judgemental, but time and time again i have friends from your Church who tell me they pray that they pass their A level with flying colours, pray that they God give this and that... Sometimes I am concerned, firstly because our God is not a Santa Claus. Second, what happen when they don't get what they want. Eg, what if they fail their exams...? Another example, when interviewed what they think about the whole saga, what was the first sentence that came out of the mouths of the believers? They trust and have faith in Pastor Kong Hee. That continue to show how deeply human-centric the Church has become. One of them even commented that he is a Hero. I am in particular not critical of City Harvest, but rather the teachings. It become apparent that youths are going to Church to make friends, to dance..etc. It's not based on a single or few individuals, but believe me, if non-believers can give the same comment, it goes to show how much our gospel has been distorted to "suit the generation". Do we really do the "extra" to attract people to Church? The gospel truth is not enough?

I am not creating a war here Brother. Just honestly sharing my viewpoint. Fruits of labouring for God's Kingdom is definitely important, but the seed that is sown needs to be aligned with God's Word...Rich in itself should not always taken as monetary abdundance...we can be rich so many other ways...

Liu Yuantai June 29 at 11:59pm
i agree that the truth is important. what the church does is to be relevant to the people that it is reaching out to. the end result is people want to get a touch of God, and that we can direct people and point them in the right direction. the message is sacred; but the means are not.
traditional churches often criticise city harvest for being skin deep, carnal, fleshy, prosperity minded. but we don't just talk the talk, we walk the walk. discipleship is a key ingredient in the spiritual growth of the individual that the church emphasises. bible study, cell group meetings, prayer meetings are regular events that a well planted member will be exposed to.
i'm not saying just looking at fruits. but good fruits comes out of good trees that have been well taken care of.
the fruits that you see, missions, community work, youth outreaches don't just happen out of thin air. they happen because people are willing to sacrifice time and money. and why are people willing to sacrifice? because they have experienced God in church and through church, their lives are changed and they are transformed.
to outsiders, pastor kong seems to be self centred and attracting attention to himself. but if you really understand the man (not just from the media reports) and what are his goals, visions and his work, you will know that he is really a man of God.
all men have weaknesses. no one is ever perfect. what the members are doing is showing support for our leader. "honour our leaders" is a principle of the bible. if this happened to your church leader, won't you stand behind him?
blind faith is not faith. personally, i dont blindly follow the crowd. i support my pastor as i have seen enough and understood him enough through the 7 years of being in church to stand behind him. what i only urge you, from the position of my friend and associate and also brother in christ, is really to examine things in totallity.
come and see for yourself through the services (live, not just webcast).
i thank you for being concerned enough to dig in deeper and pray that the truth will be revealed. god bless!:)

updates

2010-06-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

yo dudes!
some quick updates!!
last week's don and adeline's wedding was tremendous! i enjoyed helping out with the ushering, sound and slides... really happy for the wonderful couple. this weekend they're off to sun-kissed Phuket for their honeyed honeymoon! will don and adeline junior be made? stay tuned to find out;)
it's kinda like dress rehearsal for my turn next yr?;)
talk about my turn. the girl clearly thinks its quite impossible given the short number of days and her uncertain schedule and my pretty busy upcoming schedule. but well that's what God is here for. that's why God also has a cool dude servant by the name of liu yuan tai here for. we are creative, exciting and create miracles. ok, God helps out with the last part;) stay tuned for exciting times ahead!!!
talking about busy schedule:
my work schedule this week as follows (subject to changes)
mon and sun 4pm-11pm @ airport terminal 2
wed and fri 3pm-1am @ airport terminal 3 transit
sat 11am-10pm @ tampines mall
all this on top of bible school, cell group meeting and leader's meeting.
PWNED.
i'm probably just trying out this schedule to see if i can cope with it. if not i'll probably give myself rest on Sabbath day too.
Ah well, why am i working so hard for? ONLY ONE THING: BUILD MY LOVE NEST...:DDD

EXCITIN' FEW WEEKS AHEAD~!

2010-06-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

finally, i'm getting back into the groove of working and SOT-ing.
so far my schedule is working @ tampines mall on fri and sat, might be working for a short stretch in the afternoon on thursday as well.
working and SOT-ing is something i've not been doing for the past 1 month plus, and its going to be HECTIC HECTIC~!
its the "hell" week ahead due to the upcoming preaching test. but hey! preaching! i LOVE PREACHING! nothing beats having to fast and pray for a rhema from God, and having to dig deep into the Word, chew on it, spit it out, chew on it again, pray and fast some more...
i just love it. don't you? (i know JD LOVES it too! GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE, FORGET THE PART ABOUT FOOLS. IF ANYTHING, FOOLS FOR CHRIST:)
and of course, long term project in-the-works.
(haha dear, duckie and bear...with you 3 bullies keep reminding me, how can i forget???)

happy birthday BEARBEAR!!!

2010-06-07T15:41:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAT BEAR!!!
this also marks our 21st month together!!! i love you dear!!!
i love you too bear and duck!!!:)

the devil - accuser and liar

2010-06-03T05:28:00.000-07:00

in an attempt to make some sense of what is going on, i shall add on to my first post on "the devil has nothing new".
in addition to that, we have to understand the way the devil operates.
Luke 22: 1-3
Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.
1 Kings 22:22,23
" 'By what means?' the LORD asked. " 'I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets,' he said. " 'You will succeed in enticing him,' said the LORD. 'Go and do it.' "So now the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours. The LORD has decreed disaster for you."
Job 1:6,7
One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan [b] also came with them. The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it." Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."
First of all, the devil stands as our Chief Accuser. In Job, he is constantly patrolling the face of the earth, looking for people to acccuse. and not just anyone. as long as you are a Christian on fire, bible-believing, Spirit filled, and doing SIGNIFICANT WORK FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD, you will find yourself number 1 on our good friend's hit list. do not be too happy if the devil doesn't target you; it only means 1) you are not doing anything SIGNIFICANT FOR THE KINGDOM 2) you need to do more for God.
Know that God has already given us the victory over the devil! that is why the devil is trying all ways and means to usurp the victorious position that WE ARE NOW STANDING IN. and one of the ways, no matter how underhand and unscrupulous it seems, is to accuse us in front of God. and the devil WILL ALWAYS TRY TO ATTACK THE INTEGRITY AND CHARACTER of the person.
the second thing we need to understand is that the devil lies. LIES LIES AND ALL LIES. in 1 Kings 22, we see the lying spirits coming into the prophets of God, to entice Ahab to attack Ramoth Gilead. Micaiah the prophet speaks the truth, but no one bothers to listen to him.
here we need to realise a couple of things.
1) the devil is able to use people, media to lie for him.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_534747.html
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_534327.html
the media always try to portray a certain angle or slant that it wants the public to buy into. that is the job of the media. i've read another article where the author writes that "i trust the pastor...but there is something amiss..."
suggestive? definitely. more suggestive than the sexiest low cut dress you saw in hollywood tv.
BUT THAT IS THE JOB OF THE MEDIA. THAT IS THE JOB OF OUR DEAR FRIEND FROM HELL.
HE LIES. AND LIES SOMEMORE.
2) God still has sovereignty over the devil!
in Luke 22:1-3, notice that even when Judas was about to make the final move to betray Jesus, the Satan still has to enter Judas to convince him to make that final decision. God also allowed the lying spirits to deceive Ahab so that He can pronounce His judgement on the Jews by the way of the gentiles. God still has sovereignty over the devil!
this further strengthens my belief that all these happens for a good reason.
Indeed, GOD IS PREPARING TO TAKE US TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF BREAKTHROUGH.
in Job, after job has resisted the trials and testings of the devil, he came out stronger. his faith was strengthened, and he had DOUBLE THE POSSESSIONS and the anointing.
likewise, i believe that the same will happen to our church as we weather this storm.
this is the time the goats and sheep are separated; the tares and the wheat are taken apart.
let us continue to hold fast in prayer and supplication, and ride out this storm.
AT THE END OF IT, WE WILL EMERGE STRONGER, AND THE DEVIL WILL BE EXPOSED FOR JUST WHAT HE IS.
A BLOODY LIAR.

the devil has got nothing new

2010-05-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1060093/1/.html
we just had an awesome Asia Conference, and this has to happen. Ah well, i just know that one thing is for certain:
the devil LACKS CREATIVITY.
Eph 6:10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
this passage in Ephesians tell us a few things about warfare with the devil. And it also gives us clear instructions to my fellow brothers and sisters on how best to ready ourself to fight the warfare.
What exactly are we fighting against?
in verse 12, it says that we are NOT FIGHTING AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD. i.e. it means to say that when you, a fellow brother or sister in christ, face criticism, know that it is not the critic that is against you. sometimes, the words may cut even deeper as the critic is a close friend or relative. BUT DO NOT HATE THE PERSON. Love the person, pray for the person.
we are fighting AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES. NIV explains it clearly as "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms".
How shall we equip ourselves to fight this spiritual battle?
in verse 13-18, we must do a few things:
1) put on the full armor of God.
know the word of God and what it says. confess the Word of God for it serves as our armor against the attacks. it also makes us confident in the God that we serve, who is GREATER than the principalities of the world.
2) shield of faith
have faith in a God that will come through for us. sometimes, we do not even have to fight; God fights for us.
also, we need to strengthen the faith of the newer members. encourage them, educate them, show them what THE CHURCH STANDS FOR, communicate to them the vision of the church and the leaders.
3) helmet of salvation
the blood of Christ covers ALL SINS. declare it over the church and all its blessings and protection.
4) sword of the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit! He who is our Helper. Let Him guide us on what to say in front of the accusers. Let His power and protection flow through the entire body of Christ.
5) Pray, pray, pray!!!
Pray for the saints (pastors) who are at the frontline. Pray for the entire congregation to stand united in the face of adversity. and then pray some more.
Remember, the gates of Hell will not prevail against us. the devil has used the same tactics again and again, to the point that i'm neither surprised nor dismayed. I know our God is greater than all that the devil can throw at us. If nothing else, let us be like what Apostle Paul says, having to do all, stand and fight. Your brother in Christ stands and fights with you!
ROARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sabbatical

2010-05-15T05:43:00.000-07:00

i've not updated my blog for the past few weeks...(which is ages! complains my dear...)
hahah yupyup. guilty as charged.
but this month i'm going to stop work for a while, just to focus on SOT and spending more time with dear. we've been to the Marina Bay Sands, the very beautiful and posh Ritz Carlton and also caught Ip Man 2...I really like spending time with Dear:)
Also, i've been very very TRIGGER HAPPY!!!
Praise God, my dad bought me a D90, and ever since the past few weeks, my D90 has been my constant companion on my outings and even to school in the mornings. i'll just post a select few pictures here, the rest are up on my FB account.:)
and i can really feel the ticking of the clock...counting down everyday to THE DAY. not much time left...be patient. be patient:)

GOD WILL COME THROUGH FOR YOU!

2010-04-27T15:05:00.001-07:00

God is good all the time, and all the time, He is good indeed!
1.5months ago, my vision died. i received news that i did not clear my pharmacy competency, which meant that i've to re-take it 3months later at the end of may.
This also meant that i have to clock in the required 42hours of training, on top of my SOT, which resulted in the punishing and torturous schedule that i have to for the first few weeks of bible school.
But i never once GAVE UP ON GOD.
WHEN YOU CANNOT SEE HIS HAND MOVE IN YOUR LIFE, TRUST HIS HEART.
i kept on keeping on, rushing from point to point, shuttling between work and SOT. draining? you bet. i compromised on relationships with my close brothers, and even my dearest began to notice the toll that the schedule is taking on me.
however, just 2 weeks ago, God began to come through.
first, during one of the morning devotional sessions, pastor Ming encouraged us to write down what God is speaking to us.
and i wrote:
i will become a pharmacist before i graduate from SOT.
huh? at first i could not understand why i wrote it. this is because i want to pass the exam! and as i was about to write: i will pass the exam!
the holy spirit impressed upon me otherwise.
a couple of days later, i received a call from the pharmacy board, and they told me i was to take a viva. (viva is an oral "examination")
so there was to be no examination! in the written form!
and on friday, i went for the viva with 3 other pharmacists, carrying my talking stone with me.
and just yesterday, i was informed by my preceptor that the pharmacy board has contacted him to sign the relevant clearance for me to be registered.
the dream is revived!
GOD WILL COME THROUGH FOR YOU, IF YOU BELIEVE AND KEEP THE FAITH!

Justin & Esther's wedding

2010-04-18T02:23:00.000-07:00

Just attended my 2nd wedding of this year! haha...Justin & Esther's wedding and holy matrimony @ singapore arts museum. the singapore arts museum is a pretty cosy place, which seats around 80 pax in the 2nd floor chapel.
Now that I've attended another wedding, it is one less to my own one next year:)) Next up are Weiliang and Nicole's, as well as Don and Adeline's. One very interesting thing i observed during Justin and Esther's wedding is the different emotions both party go through.
For the guy, it is basically busy, busy, busy. Justin was running around back and forth, checking the reception, stage set up, sound, ushering, things for the holy matrimony, guests arrival etc. 10,001 things!!! woah! busy busy busy! tabohlek tahan!
For the girl, she is on the downstairs dining area, also very busy busy busy. but different kind of busy. what kind? busy busy busy makeup makeup makeup. then emo emo emo emo emo emo emo emo. and emo somemore.
2 different kinds of world. no wonder they say Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. I'm wondering which kind of Mars i will be on and which kind of Venus dear will be on come next year...:)

Discipleship – Father and Son relationship

2010-04-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

Discipleship is the process of training a disciple, which is as defined by the Webster’s dictionary as a follower of Christ. The original Latin, discipulus means a “learner”. Every time I go through a hard discipleship session, I always remind myself of verses from 2 parts of Proverbs.
Pro 3:11,12 (NIV) “My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent His rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
And Pro 23: 14, 15 (NIV) “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.”
First and foremost, we have to understand that not everybody will receive discipleship! Notice in Pro 3:11 it says “my son”. Only the true sons will qualify to receive discipleship. It is not just any Tom, Dick and Harry that will receive discipleship. Jesus did many signs and wonders, but as for discipleship, He only really discipled first the 3 (Peter, James and John), then the other 9 disciples, and then the 70 who followed Him.
3 things about discipleship:
1.Discipleship is mutual
In order for discipleship to be effective, first of all, we have to be willing to open our hearts to discipleship. Taking initiative to press in to our mentors’ lives is a sign that we are already open and willing to receive discipleship. Personally, I will only make it a point to disciple people who show that they are willing.
Elisha pressed in to Elijah’s life, following him wherever he goes, even to the ends of the earth. Ruth clung on even though the circumstances are uncertain. Of course, Jesus’ disciples forsook all to follow Him.
Discipleship is a 2 way street!
2.Discipleship moulds our character
Pro 23:14 says that discipleship is like “instruction” and “words of knowledge”. Instruction guides our lives and gives us a direction and vision; words of knowledge give us wisdom to make correct choices in life.
The bible says that iron sharpens iron. In order to be effectively discipled, first of all, choose an anointed leader, and once you have made that choice, stick to him or her no matter what happens.
Under the grinding, under the heat of the oven, will discipleship then begin to mould our character. No pain, no gain. At the end of it all, we will find that the roughness in our character begin to smoothen. God, our Potter, is beginning to shape a masterwork out of the clay of our hearts.
3.Discipleship stems out of love
This is very important to understand for both the discipler and the disciple.
For the discipler, the motivation to disciple has to come out of love. John 3:16 always reminds us of that. It comes out of the desire to see hearts being touched and lives being changed. That is why discipleship should NEVER be harsh. It can be hard and firm, but done with a large measure of grace and tact.
For the disciple, know that the discipler disciplines not because he or she doesn’t like him, but quite the opposite. It is done out of love!
In conclusion, discipleship is first and foremost a mutual process. It moulds our character and is motivated by love. And as we undergo the process of discipleship, we are slowly but surely treading to the path of Christ-likeness. Be blessed!

sot assignment: book review of 4th dimensional living by Yonggi Cho

2010-04-14T03:43:00.000-07:00

Reflection on “4th dimensional living in a 3rd dimensional world”

Pastor Yonggi Cho is someone who inspires me greatly, and upon finishing this book for a second time, I was deeply impacted in a couple of areas.
At the time of writing, I am currently undergoing through a difficult time of having failed my qualifying examination to earn my practicing license as a pharmacist. However, as I flipped through the pages I was inspired by Pastor’s experiences in the process of getting a site and building his church. He really demonstrated the key points of activating the principles of moving in the 4th dimension.
1. Visualising
Pastor visualized things that he wanted to see come to pass. He visualized his bicycle, table and chair when he was a young Christian. He visualized every step of getting the church building, from the land site, through the loans to fund the construction, until the completion of the building of the church.
Just as God told Abraham that He would give him the lands that his eyes could see, and multiply forth his descendents as the stars in the heavens, and just as pastor taught, I began to visualize myself passing the competency examination. In one of the morning devotion sessions, I put down what I felt in my heart God spoke to me, that I would be a qualified pharmacist before the month is up.
2. confessing
Words frame our life. Pastor wrote how he constantly confessed positive things, even when his loved ones begin to say otherwise. He shared how his wife even thought that he has gone mad when he declared that he would be able to secure the loans for the building.
God also spoke the world into existence. Likewise, I followed, and constantly confessed that I would become a pharmacist by the end of this month. The original retest date is 31st of may.
God did the first miracle by bringing forward the examination to 23rd of april. At the time of writing, the examination is just one week away, and I am still confessing and believing that I will clear the examination with flying colours.
3. persisting
Persist even when the light at the end of the tunnel seems so far away. The bible tells us to ask, seek and knock. If there is no response, ask, seek and knock again. Pastor shared in the book how persistence will eventually pay off, as God looks into the heart of the person. A fervent and persistent prayer of a righteous person will move Him.
Patience in the Lord will eventually bring us our breakthroughs. Psalms 37:9 “for evil doers shall be cut off, but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.” In less than 2 weeks time, I will be sharing my breakthrough to the testament of the wonders of moving in the 4th dimension.

less of me and more of You

2010-03-28T15:38:00.001-07:00

i've just calculated that i'm either working or attending SOT for a total of 14 hrs a day, 6 days a week. that adds up to about 84hrs a week. ownage.
at the start of week 3 of SOT, and it is really less of me and more of God.
my physical body is tired, my mind constantly cries out for more snooze time; but my spirit is full, my soul is filled with the quality time i spend with dear.
although the time i spent with my family is less, i feel as if everytime i go back, my mom seems to nag at me less.
i feel happy!
i'm looking forward to easter this weekend; for different reasons though.
really looking forward to the short getaway where i can spend some quality family time.
1 year ago my bro was saved.
1 year later easter is a "salvation" to me.
a good break i desperately need.
thank you God.:)

HARD PRESSED

2010-03-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

its week 2 day 4 of SOT, and i feel truly hard pressed!
there's this test called the "beep test", which measures your anaerobic performance. basically, it requires one to run for a distance of about 20 meters from point to point, back and forth at increasing pace.
and that is what exactly it feels like doing now...dashing from point to point, back and forth.
a typical day is like this:
6am wakeup, QT
6.30am prepare breakfast
7.15am leave the house
8am-12pm bible studies
12pm-1pm rush off to work
1pm-10pm work work
10pm-11pm reach back home
12+pm sleep
and the cycle repeats...
my body feels like it's coming to the limit...time spent with loved ones are less and less. my dad is only back for at most 2 months, and i'm seeing him like 2 days every week!! and dear too, when i get back, i'm usually too tired to do much...i just feel like going to bed already.
assignments have not even started!
just when the flesh feels weak, the Holy Spirit will begin to take over. for the next 2 months, until i cleared my competency exams, i'll really have to lean on the Holy spirit for strength and guidance. God will come through!
Into Your hands, I commit again, with all I am, I trust in You~~~

my salvation experience. (as posted on FB)

2010-03-21T03:34:00.001-07:00

i came to church way back in 2003.
prior to that, i attended church as a primary sch kid as my mom wanted my brother and i to mix around with the english speaking group.
life in my family is comfortable. middle-income, great parents and all.
my dad is a sailor, and i seldom see him around as a result. a lack of a father figure led me to become quite rebellious and hot tempered in my teenage years. constant argument with my mom erupted in one incident when i pushed her down out of frustration. she injured her leg.
even though i was a pretty good student, going to top schools, i came to the point of questioning the meaning of life during the days of my army. is life just about getting good grades, a decent job and a comfortable life? is there a greater purpose?
this led me to "check out" christianity once again.
the impression of christianity, to me, is just about attending churches and being indoctrinated. nothing more, nothing less.
i asked my classmate, whom i knew was a christian, to bring me to church. the first time i came to city harvest at jurong west, i thought i was at the wrong location! this looked more like a hotel than a church!
beyond that, my new friends really made me feel welcome. they were genuine and friendly. the place seemed to buzz with a certain purpose and energy.
on the 3rd service i came, pastor gave an altar call. at this moment, i felt a prompting, like someone knocking on the door of my heart, saying in a gentle voice, "let me come in".
and that was how i got saved.
over time, my temper improved. relationship in my family also grew stronger, as i began to find myself being able to open up more and being more understanding of the difficult role that my parents have to play -- mom as both mom and dad, and daddy out in the seas earning a living for the family.
soon after, my entire family, one by one, got saved and reconciled to God.
Hallelujiah!

1st 4 days @ SOT

2010-03-18T09:06:00.001-07:00

the first 4 days flashed by so quickly, and already i've been through so many things...
meeting me members on the first day, then disappearing off to work after 8.15am...paiseh guys!!
2nd day, 8am sharp queueing to get in...since long long ago we always queued @ jw...good old days! haha!
3rd day, on wed, last minute activation to pray on thur morning for sun from 1.30am-4am.
our team responded, and 50% manage to come by! people like jonathan, who stayed in tampines, qiaoyi, having to work the next day like myself.
it's really heartwarming to see these guys come and pray their hearts out.
many of the students, in order to save $$$, slept over @ JW building. impressive!!!
most of all, for myself, it is REALLLY CRAZZZY juggling work and sot commitment. sometimes, as team leader, i feel paiseh to be unable to spend more time with my members. but i shall makeup for it tmr! lunch then jog @ ntu! woots!!!
my dear bros, do really keep me in prayer, especially for the next 2 months. coz your good brother is really maxxed out to the power of infinity.
only my INFINITE GOD can supply me with the strength to last me through these 2 months.
and of coz my deardear...:)

walk strong

2010-03-13T14:33:00.000-08:00

(kjv) Ps 23-1-4 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
The past couple of weeks since the release of the results really seemed like a valley to me. But not of death, but of renewal of thought and a rough reminder to wake up to my senses.
I have got over the disappointment of failing. But through this incident, it really highlighted 2 areas of weaknesses:
a) Complacency: being too comfortable in the job and starting to take things for granted. This resulted in a slipshod preparation for the exam
b) 3min enthusiasm: it is the same with other areas too, whether in ministry, talking about business plans etc... it is a marathon i’m running, and i’ve really got to learn to pace myself and not just be the 3 min enthusiastic person that fizzes out easily. Enough of talk. Action!!!
To the verse, the Lord is really my shepherd though this dark patch of 2010. He guided me and gave me hope when I was down. He showed me that really, it is JUST AN EXAMINATION. There is a second chance in everything; i’ve just got to pick myself up, learn from my mistakes and try harder next time!
The next 2-3 months will be a tough time for me. Having to prepare for the examination, as well as starting SOT. I really need to step up too into the role of a CGL, and grow the group.
Tough times ahead, but only the strong will survive. And I will fear no obstacles, for God’s rod and staff is guiding me ahead.
Chiong!!!!

7th,9th

2010-03-10T07:27:00.000-08:00

7th, 9th
june, july, august, september
which day????
:DDDDD

disappointments, picking myself up!

2010-03-08T17:15:00.000-08:00

this past week has really been down for me.
first, i failed the competency exam. i guess it is down to my complacency, and not paying attention to small minor details which was really tested. this really threw a spanner into the works, for i'll have to retake it on 31st may in the midst of my SOT. my mom has been pressurizing me to stop SOT, but since i've already committed, i'll continue with it..
secondly, i need a breakthrough in terms of my ministry. the cell's not growing, and the people are not increasing individually. this 2 months i'll be taking a break from cell leading, to really get back to basics, clear my exams
i thank God and thank my dear for being supportive through this rough patch. thanks dear, you are the bestest! *muarcks* God never fails, and i believe that what doesn't break me will only make me stronger. *roar*
i will be back!:)

chinese new year

2010-02-16T18:07:00.001-08:00

been a while since i did a proper blog (my dear claimed my previous one not counted...cos i plagarised...hahaha)
but when chinese new year comes, there are always things going through my mind...
chinese new year is a time of gathering, catching up with friends, food, fun, games. it is also a convenient reason to meet up with relatives that you would not otherwise have bothered to meet up with, friends that you would not otherwise have contacted.
but this year's chinese new year takes on a different level of signifiance for me. in the sense that this will be my penultimate one receiving hong baos. yes! next year getting married! (and the girl gangs up with the fat bear and the duck to bully me into revealing the date every now and then...)
the question is not popped YET, but will be anytime between the months of June and September;)
I'm also very happy for my bros CH and JD, for i guess this is their first chinese new year visiting (and collecting) more households...
I'm praying and believing also for breakthroughs in my members lives...DB and QY's first chinese new year as a newly married couple, WL and NC, Don and AD in the process of getting married.
2010 will also see a few more proposals besides mine...especially of Ken and PY, and I do know that a certain close pair of mine wants to get married too! (at least the girl told me...so T----S S--W J--H--! this hint* hint* is for you!!!!!!!!!)
building fund is just around the corner too! we've got our land, and it is really an exciting time for the entire church.
2010. the year of the tiger. TO ONE AND ALL: HUAT AHHHH!!!!

Love is in the air!!!

2010-01-31T16:20:00.000-08:00

in the famous garden scene of Romeo and Juliet
JULIET
By whose direction found'st thou out this place?

ROMEO
By love, who first did prompt me to inquire;
He lent me counsel and I lent him eyes.
I am no pilot; yet, wert thou as far
As that vast shore wash'd with the farthest sea,
I would adventure for such merchandise.

JULIET
Thou know'st the mask of night is on my face,
Else would a maiden blush bepaint my cheek
For that which thou hast heard me speak to-night
Fain would I dwell on form, fain, fain deny
What I have spoke: but farewell compliment!
Dost thou love me? I know thou wilt say 'Ay,'
And I will take thy word: yet if thou swear'st,
Thou mayst prove false; at lovers' perjuries
Then say, Jove laughs. O gentle Romeo,
If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully:
Or if thou think'st I am too quickly won,
I'll frown and be perverse an say thee nay,
So thou wilt woo; but else, not for the world.
In truth, fair Montague, I am too fond,
And therefore thou mayst think my 'havior light:
But trust me, gentleman, I'll prove more true
Than those that have more cunning to be strange.
I should have been more strange, I must confess,
But that thou overheard'st, ere I was ware,
My true love's passion: therefore pardon me,
And not impute this yielding to light love,
Which the dark night hath so discovered.

ROMEO
Lady, by yonder blessed moon I swear
That tips with silver all these fruit-tree tops--

JULIET
O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon,
That monthly changes in her circled orb,
Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.

ROMEO
What shall I swear by?

JULIET
Do not swear at all;
Or, if thou wilt, swear by thy gracious self,
Which is the god of my idolatry,
And I'll believe thee.

ROMEO
If my heart's dear love--

JULIET
Well, do not swear: although I joy in thee,
I have no joy of this contract to-night:
It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden;
Too like the lightning, which doth cease to be
Ere one can say 'It lightens.' Sweet, good night!
This bud of love, by summer's ripening breath,
May prove a beauteous flower when next we meet.
Good night, good night! as sweet repose and rest
Come to thy heart as that within my breast!

ROMEO
O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?

JULIET
What satisfaction canst thou have to-night?

ROMEO
The exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine.

JULIET
I gave thee mine before thou didst request it:
And yet I would it were to give again.

ROMEO
Wouldst thou withdraw it? for what purpose, love?

JULIET
But to be frank, and give it thee again.
And yet I wish but for the thing I have:
My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite.

Nurse calls within

I hear some noise within; dear love, adieu!
Anon, good nurse! Sweet Montague, be true.
Stay but a little, I will come again.

Exit, above

ROMEO
O blessed, blessed night! I am afeard.
Being in night, all this is but a dream,
Too flattering-sweet to be substantial.

Re-enter JULIET, above

JULIET
Three words, dear Romeo, and good night indeed.
If that thy bent of love be honourable,
Thy purpose marriage, send me word to-morrow,
By one that I'll procure to come to thee,
Where and what time thou wilt perform the rite;
And all my fortunes at thy foot I'll lay
And follow thee my lord throughout the world.

Nurse
[Within] Madam!

JULIET
I come, anon.--But if thou mean'st not well,
I do beseech thee--

Nurse
[Within] Madam!

JULIET
By and by, I come:--
To cease thy suit, and leave me to my grief:
To-morrow will I send.

ROMEO
So thrive my soul--

JULIET
A thousand times good night!

Exit, above

ROMEO
A thousand times the worse, to want thy light.
Love goes toward love, as schoolboys from
their books,
But love from love, toward school with heavy looks.

Retiring

Re-enter JULIET, above

JULIET
Hist! Romeo, hist! O, for a falconer's voice,
To lure this tassel-gentle back again!
Bondage is hoarse, and may not speak aloud;
Else would I tear the cave where Echo lies,
And make her airy tongue more hoarse than mine,
With repetition of my Romeo's name.

ROMEO
It is my soul that calls upon my name:
How silver-sweet sound lovers' tongues by night,
Like softest music to attending ears!

JULIET
Romeo!

ROMEO
My dear?

JULIET
At what o'clock to-morrow
Shall I send to thee?

ROMEO
At the hour of nine.

JULIET
I will not fail: 'tis twenty years till then.
I have forgot why I did call thee back.

ROMEO
Let me stand here till thou remember it.

JULIET
I shall forget, to have thee still stand there,
Remembering how I love thy company.

ROMEO
And I'll still stay, to have thee still forget,
Forgetting any other home but this.

JULIET
'Tis almost morning; I would have thee gone:
And yet no further than a wanton's bird;
Who lets it hop a little from her hand,
Like a poor prisoner in his twisted gyves,
And with a silk thread plucks it back again,
So loving-jealous of his liberty.

ROMEO
I would I were thy bird.

JULIET
Sweet, so would I:
Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing.
Good night, good night! parting is such
sweet sorrow,
That I shall say good night till it be morrow.

congrats to all the brudders recently attached! and i love my dear more and more with each passing day...

a busy january and feb!!!

2010-01-10T16:34:00.000-08:00

time flies. and flies.
in just 6 weeks time, i'll be sitting for the biggest academic/professional exam of '10.
PHARMACY COMPETENCY EXAM.
22ND FEB.
the countdown begins...and after a good morning run, i'm seated down to strategise a study plan for it.
memorising has never been my forte, but by the grace of God, i will do it!:)

some "alone time"

2010-01-06T14:58:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year guys!
I hope it has been a great week for you guys so far. There'll not be any meeting this week, but I just thought to share with you guys:
Mark 1:35 (NLT) Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
This verse tells us about the importance of spending time with God and having some time completely to yourself. Reading the entire Mark 1 really gives you a clearer idea of the foundation that Jesus really built His ministry on: Prayer.
As we start a new year, there are many things you want to achieve this year. I've asked some of my connect group ics to really take some time out to pray and think through the Goal setting card. I urge each and everyone of you to do the same.
Back to Mark 1. The past few days has really been eventful for Jesus. First, He survived the temptations of the devil. Then He went along and called out His disciples. Then He performed signs and wonders by casting out evil spirits and healing many people.
The most important part of this chapter is tucked away in Mark 1:35. "Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray." How did Jesus get all the power and anointing to do His ministry? By the Holy Spirit. (For it is not by power or by might, but by the Holy Spirit)
Here lies the key. We need to PRAY! Prayer builds intimacy with God. Prayer builds up our inner Spirit Man; brings us revelations and rhema word from God. Without prayer, when we rely on our own abilities, there is always a limit to what we can achieve. In order to break through, we have to be like Jesus, taking time off to seek the Lord and just be by Himself, without any distractions from the world (handphones, items on the organiser, stocks etc...)
In this new year, let's really discipline ourselves to set aside a certain amount of time to seek the Lord. This is the time when we go off to an "isolated place", a place without distractions to really seek the Lord. During this time, reflect on the day's actions, lift up all our burdens to the Lord and really be thankful to Him. Don't only begin to build your prayer altar when you have the need; by then it'll really be too late. But let's be consistent in our prayer time for this coming year 2010, and I'm sure many breakthroughs will come your way.
Happy 2010!!!

the year just past; the year ahead

2009-12-28T14:38:00.000-08:00

The year just past
2009 has been a year of great challenges.
For myself, as I crossed the 1 year mark of my relationship, there were challenges that both of us had to go through...
firstly, our parents not getting along, which almost broke the relationship, but we stuck on...
then i hid from dear that i went clubbing, knowing that she'll get angry; but she got angrier when she found out. i was wrong...
Whenever we walk through the valley of shadow of death, I know my Heavenly Father is always there to rescue me, and this year i really counted on Him to give strength to our relationship.
As a result, dear and i grew closer than never before, as we got to know each other better; our flaws and weaknesses...
As in the famous advert, a relationship is NOT about finding perfection, but finding beauty in the little inperfections in each other.
i started work as a pre-reg; having promised my leader that i would do SOT this year and then backtracking to break that promise. I think God isn't too happy about it...
Nevertheless, I set my heart right this time, and as of now, have already registered, planned for and prepared myself financially and mentally for next year's SOT. i truly look forward to it.
In the family, I thank God that He has caused our relationships to be stronger.
When one is saved, the entire household is saved. This Easter, my brother responded to altar call, and in Christmas, my mom responded. Praise God!
the turn of the year also marks the 1 year period when BK took over the cell. even though i'm not the best of friends with my previous leader, nevertheless, she taught me things that really moulded and prepared me to take over the mantle.
BK has been a tremendous leader, father and friend to me. He always set a standard for himself high above what he expects of his members, and i can't even begin to list down his portfolio.

The year ahead
2010 is truly a year I'm looking forward.
in the area of my relationship with God, i want to grow even closer in love with Him. there are issues in my life that needed ironing. SOT will really provide me with the platform to equip myself with the things that are needed in near future...
In the area of my relationship with dearest, I simply want to grow more and more in love with dearest too. i've set 2010 as the year i'm going to propose!!! Haha...my good brothers...on s.t.a.n.d.b.y.
in my family, i pray that my mom will finally release years of emotional burden. my brother too, i pray that he will continue to grow stronger in God, as is my dad. as a family, i pray that we will begin to understand one another more, and share more things with one another.
for N18, i just look forward to running with you guys. year 2010 will be a year of breakthroughs, and let's really breakthrough as a cell. let's grow more united, more and more in love with God as a cell, and let's be a cell filled with warmth and love.
for my close brudders (JD, titus, kenneth, changhan etc...), you guys have always been there for me in the years past. i look forward to rejoicing in your victories, weeping together in your down times...
through thick and thin, brudders forever!!!

Goodbye 2009...

Welcome 2010

The Reason for the Season

2009-12-24T22:47:00.000-08:00

It has been a mindblowing Christmas for me so far.
simply. Mind. Blowing.
why?
The past few days has really been spent going down to hostels to reach out to a bunch of China pre-uni students. Almost every other day we sent people down from the zone to meet up with these people, play games, fellowship...
Over the past few days, we brought these people down for candlelight service, had talentime competition, Christmas service, and many meetups in-between the major activities...
The passion in the faces of these students, their excitement and smiles of happiness brought unending feelings of warmth in my heart...
What is Christmas really about?
John 3:16.
sharing warmth and joy, bringing hope where there is no hope, looking beyond the confines of our own needs...
2000 years ago, our Heavenly Father did exactly the same thing.
This Christmas, as i begin to launch forth into the "mission" of reaching out to these students, as i begin to obey the commandment of God, God began to bless my family mightily. Just today, my mom responded to the altar call! Praise God!
In the midst of all these, i've still managed to squeeze time to make dear many little stars as X'Mas present. Hope she really liked it, as i really have to squeeze the time out...like. Squeeeeeze. Haha. But she's worth it;)
Family. Dear. God. Ministry.
Stay tuned to my next update; on the year gone past and year ahead.
2010 WILL BE THE BEST YEAR YET!!!

Thanksgiving with Sun; New Year resolutions

2009-12-20T18:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's Thanksgiving with Sun is simply awesome!!!
the last time we had a thanksgiving was waaaay back in 2005, the year we launched "the Cross" album, and also not too long after i came to church. I've no recollection of that party now...
Anyway, the whole event was truly amazing. We had an hour long of praise and worship, soaking ourselves in the thick atmosphere of the Holy Spirit. Present were people who are connect group ics and above, leaders of the church.
Then, there were performances by various groups, including a praise song led by the tremendous children's church! O'school danced to "fancy free".
the highlight of the show, for me at least, was the heartwarming interview of Sun by Kong.
this 2 great man and woman of God, who co-founded the church, were really the true heroes of the night. The entire ministry of CHC was built upon the vision and dream of this great couple. it was a truly inspiring tale of love, sacrifice and going after the heart of God. along the way, many people's lives were touched; as is evident from the constant "thank you" speeches by pastors and ordinary members throughout the night.
IF THERE IS ONLY ONE LIFE, LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST FOR THE WILL OF GOD.
that is how Kong and Sun live their lives.
another thing that struck me also, as i chatted with my good bro JD on the way back, is that THIS IS OUR GENERATION.
i cannot relate to many of the testimonies shared in the sense that i do not know the people personally.
however, i could see a parallel in my lives, of how the campus ministry brought me to know a very solid bunch of friends, of how my leaders have sowed and touched my lives, and i in turn, have sowed into other people's lives. this has resulted in the salvation of my brother, dad and cousin nathan. Praise God!
the work does not stop here. briefly, i would highlight my GOALS for 2010:
1. Propose to my sweetheart:) (no, i wont reveal the date;)
2. Clearing my pharmacy competency exam in Feb.
3. See my mom get saved.
4. Financial breakthrough. Save up enough for marriage.
5. Rising up as a cell leader.
Most importantly, grow more and more in love with God.
Year 2009 has its ups and downs, and if time allows, i would post a more retrospective post on 2009.

day trip to malacca; NUS laojiaos gathering

2009-12-14T13:33:00.001-08:00

went over to malacca with mom for a day trip to get some meds:)
it was really tiring, having to wake up at 5am, and then journeying down to woodlands checkpoint, then larkin terminal, then 2hr45min journey by bus to malacca...
nathan's grandpa met us at the bus terminal, then then we proceeded to pharmacy lim's outlet to grab our meds
on our return, we were stopped by customs after i tried (very dumb!) to sneak in through the "no goods to declare" lane. we ended up having to pay tax on the goods, but the customs officer was nice to let us off the hook for the fine for trying to evade.
SO GUYS, NEXT TIME JUST DECLARE YOUR GOODS.
THERE IS A $50 "REBATE" FOR THOSE SINGAPOREANS/SINGAPORE PRS FOR A TRIP <24HRS, 150 FOR A TRIP BTW 24-48HRS AND 300 FOR A TRIP MORE THAN 48HRS.
ITS THE GOVERNMENT'S WAY OF SAYING THANK YOU TO BUYING STUFF FROM OTHER COUNTRIES...HAHAH
then after, met up with the laojiaos for a dinner gathering (long awaited) at fish n co (heeren). the place was very quiet though..how they survive with little biz???
anyways, i dragged dear along, despite her having little rest the night before...
really appreciate dear for making the sacrifice 'cos it meant to me that she gets to meet some of my closer friends.
i believe that as a couple, you should make an effort to get to know your other half's inner circle of friends, and not just isolate yourselves in your own world...
but having said that, i owe dear BIG:) will pay back in instalments hor dear;)
we had a fun time together, catching up, laughing, reminising the times past...
so quickly, and now we are all attached. present were 6 couples!
dear n myself, kenneth n peiyun, siying n zhanwei, lips n daphne, weiling n gary, myrna n titus...
time flies: once we celebrate birthdays in chalets, now we are celebrating one another's weddings in hotels, next up house warmings, maternity and then our babies birthdays?
cool stuff. i post the pics for u guys...more on FB!

happy 15th month!!

2009-12-06T08:10:00.000-08:00

happy 15th month dear!!
in the blink of an eye, yet another month has passed...
but i really treasure each and every moment spent with you dear
we seem to grow more and more in love with each other as the days go by:)
and each passing day brings with it new surprises, experiences and moments i'll savour
i love you dear!!!:D

God is Holy

2009-11-17T14:48:00.001-08:00

Hey guys!
Its a new week again, and just wana share something.
Just yesterday, as I was on shift at the Airport, I was taking the skytrain from terminal 2 over to terminal 1 for lunch. There was this tourist who was having his video camera with him. As the train started moving, he whipped out his video camera, went to the front window of the skytrain and started videoing.
You will recognise this as a familiar behaviour of tourists. Every single thing, plant, animal, people or animal seemed of interest and curiosity. A skytrain ride is just...a skytrain ride to any one of us. But to this tourist, it is something new, something unique. This is an experience that he'll want to quickly put into his video camera, hoping to store away for good.
Just then, it struck me. This is exactly like our Christian life! We were once young, newly saved. We had a touch of God, and were hungry for the things that are of God. Bible studies, cell group and attending service...each and every activity we engaged in with fervor and enthusiasm. We whip out our "spiritual camcorders" in a bid to try to capture every moment.
After a while, things start to take priorty over this new "conversion" experience. We start to get "used to" the Christian life. Cell group becomes just another social gathering, the service message becomes a "i've heard it", prayer and bible reading seems routine and dry...
This is the time that we should delve deep into the archives of our "spiritual recordings", and search for that one moment when God touched our lives. God does not like us to treat that which is holy as that which is common. God wants us to revere Him; offer up sacrifices of praises and worship. Let us reset our camcorders and start anew again...only then will the love not grow stale.
Looking forward to seeing you for cell group on thursday!:)

Breaking through with you,
Yuantai

my birthday!

2009-11-17T14:07:00.000-08:00

dear gave me a wonderful birthday celebration again!!:) this time no kidnapping though:) here's some pics...the rest on FB:) i really have a wonderful dear!!:)

back to basics

2009-11-07T05:56:00.000-08:00

its been a tumultous past 2-3 weeks for me and for dear...
however, after a good talk with Heavenly Father and dear, we've worked things out.
hence, back to basics:
radical honesty and enthusiastic agreement!
we are going to keep accountable in the various areas of our lives:
our past, present and future
our emotions
Also, we will pray with one another at least once per week.
Prayer builds intimacy!

Thank You. And you.

2009-11-05T19:34:00.001-08:00

I'm a work in progress.
I need time, grace in bucketloads.
Thank God for you in my life, i know i have let u down many times...
But i believe what doesn't break us makes us stronger.
I will do my best for the relationship and for our future.
Thank You. And you.

Blessed to give

2009-11-01T18:41:00.001-08:00

Hey guys!
It's the beginning of a new week!
Just to share a verse:
Acts 20:35 (NIV) In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
Last weeks testimonies are very encouraging. There is a season for sowing and reaping, and now we prepare ourselves once again to sow into the building fund.
Let us remember the words of Jesus, as He said "It is more blessed to give than to receive". Truly, it is a joy to receive presents during festive periods, birthdays etc. But notice that giving always come before receiving. Indeed, the act of giving brings more joy than the act of receiving! If you don't know what I'm talking about, you should really start to bless the people around you! The Amplified Bible reads "...It is more blessed (makes one happier and more to be envied) to give than to receive."
Here's a testimony, that you might have heard before, but nevertheless, worth sharing again. My brother's salvation came about as an act of sowing and reaping. Not just in terms of finances, but time, energy and effort to reach out to him. Most of you guys were involved in some way or another too. I have also a group of friends in NUS who also sowed in his life to make a difference in him. This whole project took 5 years, and along the way, there were disappointments when he stopped short of saying "Yes" to God.
But I kept the faith. It is more blessed to give than to receive. I felt joy everytime i encouraged him with a word, even though at times he appeared closed up to sharing. This persistence eventually paid off, and we can now look at my brother as a living testimony of God's faith and promise.
Most of us have been around for more than 1 year. Truly, it is time to re-examine our lives, especially in the regards of finance. Have we been faithful towards God in our finances? Have we been generous toward our loved ones? (hint hint to the recently promoted/increased pay dudes;)
When we sow, we will surely reap in due time. Let's begin sowing generously, and expect a great harvest of souls during christmas and blessings in our lives in the year to come!

Jesus our Shepherd

2009-10-26T15:36:00.001-07:00

Hey friends,
I just want to share something with you guys, Jesus our shepherd. Let us look to John 21 as our main reference.
John 21: 15 (NIV)
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
We see in John 21 as Jesus is having a moment of discipleship with Peter, after His second coming. This passage is significant as it allows us a glimpse into what is God’s purpose for each and everyone of us, and what we need to do to be true disciples of Jesus.
In Jesus’ last commandment to His disciples, He said in Mathew 19:28-29,
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
What is the call of God for each and everyone of us today? If we look at the last commandment of Jesus, He gave authority to each and every disciple to go and make disciples of all the nations. Making disciples is something that is very similar to the role of a shepherd. In today’s world, the role of a teacher in a school is not just to teach. Teachers, those of you who are teachers or who personally know, are expected to play the role of mentor as well. That means beyond just delivering “hardware” knowledge, teachers are expected to deliver the “heartware”, looking into other areas of development of the student.
Likewise, when Jesus calls us to make disciples, He is now entrusting the role of discipler to us. This is now our calling; and He has given us authority for it.
Now let us come back to our passage John 21. When Jesus asked Peter, not once, not twice, but Three times, if Peter loved Him, what was He trying to put across to Peter? Understand that Jesus has chosen Peter to build His church upon (Peter is the solid rock upon which He would build His church), and now Jesus to tell Peter what is his role in this church. The role of a shepherd is very much similar to that of a discipler.
A shepherd not only leads the flock from place to place, he is also expected to take care of each and every need of the people. Food, water, protection and welfare of the flock must be looked into. A shepherd builds a strong relationship with the flock, such that the flock recognises his whistling or sounds that he makes. This I’ve personally observed on the pastures of New Zealand when I was touring there quite a while back.
Now, this is also the role of a discipler, and the role that each and everyone of us need to take up in order to be true followers of Jesus. That is why, as believers, it is even more important for us to be strong in God. The message of the season is really building our altar to God and putting God in the throne of our lives, and this the shepherd must do before he is able to fulfil his role as a good shepherd.
We as the shepherds need to be able to find a good source of food and water for our flock. This speaks about feeding the flock with good mana, a good word in season that speaks to into the heart of the people that we are looking after or reaching out to. Water speaks about the Holy Spirit, about being able to carry the presence of God wherever we go, so that we will be able to minister effectively and discern the needs of the people.
In John 21:18-19, Jesus said, I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
When we were younger in Christ, there were people that God placed in our lives to act as our shepherd, meeting us up for bible study, bringing us to cell groups and service. Now that we are more mature in Christ, Jesus wants us to take up the role of the shepherd. Truely, if we want to follow Him, this is a responsibility that comes with “carrying the cross”. In fact, this is our central role for God, as God desires us to preach the gospel to the world. Friends, let us begin to strengthen ourselves first in God, so that we will be able to fulfil our potential as true disciples of God and be good shepherd to the flock of people that we are tending to. It does not matter whether our flock is big or small; it may consist of just our family members, or include friends that we are reaching out to. If we are leaders in the church, it will consist of the members in our groups. Whatever it is, big or small, let us be faithful in what God has called us to do. Feed our flock with the Word of God, meet their needs and build a strong and lasting relationship with them.
By doing so, we follow Christ our Shepherd.

duckie and bearbear

2009-10-18T01:18:00.001-07:00

my bolster represents the love of my mom, and these 2 cute creatures represent dear's love:)
duckie and bearbear are members of our household. duckie has been to many many places: europe, Japan, Malaysia (KL), Taiwan and Hongkong, Indonesia (Bali) and soon Thailand! She was born in China, and was a gift from dear to me:) She is the cutest and bravest duck, and Jo called her the "duck for luck" when i was in europe. She is very spiritual too and goes for service and prayer meetings.
bearbear was a gift from me to dear on our 6th month anniversary. He is the cutest bear ever! He is very kind-hearted. He has only 2 habits - sleep and eat. He is afraid of the dark and refuses to walk with me down the dark alleys when I meet dear at the gates of her workplace. He also brings much laughter as we constantly tease him about his weight. (He is in self denial about his weight.><)
i love duckie and bearbear, because i love dear.:)

A generation of instant gratification

2009-10-14T03:26:00.000-07:00

A generation of instant gratification

This is expanded from Pastor Tan’s sharing at leaders’ meeting, with my own input

We continue the story from Exodus 24, after my first sermon on finding dreams and visions. From Exodus 24 to Exo 31, we see Moses going up to Mt Sinai. God gave Moses many instructions on building the tabernacle, of constructing a place where He could dwell.

However, we see in Exo 32, that after 40 days and 40 nights, the people became tired and wreary of waiting. Mt Sinai is the place where Moses could meet with God, and first he had to climb the mountain.
Ex 24:15,16 “Then Moses went up into the mountain, and a cloud covered the mountain.
Now the glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day He called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud.”
When we seek God, we have to first climb out of the level ground, out of our comfort zone. And even when we have done so, when we have constructed our altar, we are to wait for God’s presence to come upon like a cloud. Moses waited for 6 days before God showed up.
Obviously, the people of Israel could not bear waiting for 40 days. After seeing nothing nor hearing nothing of Moses, they began to look for practical signs of God. This drove them to start looking for an alternative, something that they could see, hear, feel and touch.
Remember the faith of Thomas? After being through many miracles, now the people were not satisfied with just waiting. They want things quick. They want things that can immediately satisfy their physical senses, their immediate needs. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the measure of things unseen. However, to these people, faith is only in what they can see and hear.
This passage speaks to mature believers, who have tasted the goodness of God. They expect God to bless them once again, and at their timing. However, God works on His own timing. Just like Job, these people were not satisfied with God. Time and again, they wanted instant gratification. Today, we live in a world of instant gratification. Instant entertainment, music, food, sex... The marketing and advertising world knows this and exploits it.
Seeking God does not produce instant gratification. The devil knows it, and uses this knowledge to tempt Eve. “Has not God...” The promises of instant success appeal to our fleshly nature. When we are faced with an obstacle, we are told once and again to look to God, who is the Provider of all solutions, in Word and in prayer. Seeking God diligently; asking, knocking... Many endless days, weeks and months, we seek the Lord for an answer that only comes at His timing. Finally, we tire of waiting like the Israelites, and begin to take matters into our own hands. Crafting a substitute solution out of fleshly matter to replace what is Holy.
God does not dwell in methods of man. He is above and beyond our means and methods. Prayer, fasting, reading the Word again and again, going to church, listening to sermons; these become the staple of a Christian and can be taken for granted easily. But if we begin to get complacent, we get too comfortable for our own good. When we think that “it is just going to be another message” or “i know that already”, it is time that we deconstruct that golden calf, grind it to powder, and throw it away. Imagine drinking golden powder! How will it taste? That is precisely what the people’s minds came up with – something utterly disgusting and profane in the eyes of God.
For 7 chapters, God told Moses to build his altar. Surely God could come up with a better solution than that? And that is precisely the best solution that God could give. Building intimacy with God takes lots of hard work and sacrifice, which is why Jacob “wrestled” with God. Moses too had to wait 40 days and nights up in the cold and harsh mountains just to hear God speak. (Mount Sinai is just a mountain of rocks, sand and stones) What about you? What are you willing to give to hear God speak?

pain of pregnancy

2009-10-05T00:45:00.000-07:00

was on my way to meet dear for lunch this afternoon, and on the trains, i spotted a pregnant lady who was fanning herself with one of those "mos burger" fan...
was it really that hot? then i realised that having that little one inside does indeed make a whole world of a difference for the mommy
my mommy carried two in her when she's with my bro and i...
later in the afternoon, i just looked through some videos and articles on pregnancy and labour, and once again, i'm reminded how great our mommys are.
the stuff they have to go through during pregnancy, just to name a few:
morning sickness, weight gain, stretch marks, hormonal changes, water retention, back ache, hemorrhoids, food cravings, insomnia...and that's just the tip of the ice-berg!!!
so to you guys out there: treat your spouse/girlfriends well! treat your mom well too, because she really went through a lot to carry you into this world...
all moms are God's gift to us! yays!

Honour for God's presence

2009-09-27T16:21:00.001-07:00

Today i would like to share a little on God’s presence.
Matthew 21:12-13
Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’”
In this passage, we see a very angry Jesus confronting the people who were having commercial activity within the house of God. This was one of the rare times that Jesus was angry. Why was He so angry? Was He against buying and selling?
No. Jesus was not against buying and selling. What angered Him was that the people took God’s house for granted. What is sacred must not be treated as what is common.
John Bevere shared in his great book “the fear of the lord” of how he went to preach in one of the meetings in Brasil. When he got to the auditorium, he could sense the people being very restless. People were talking amongst one another, moving about, doing just about anything besides paying attention to what was being preached at the pulpit. John Bevere was convicted to address the issue, so the first thing spoke when he came up on stage was, “How would you like if, while you spoke with someone, they ignored you the entire time or continued to carry on a conversation with the person next to them?”
And he continued to share from the scriptures, Lev 10:3 “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified.”
In our lives today, a typical evangelistic meeting is very structured. It will usually start off with praise and worship, announcements, collecting of tithes and offerings, sermon and finally closing or altar call. It becomes formulaic after a while, and we can just “sit back” and “enjoy the show”. However, if we begin to take God’s presence for granted, God will not feel honoured and His presence might slowly dwindle; until the point it is no longer there. A meeting without God is just like cooking rice without water. Dry and unpleasant.
In the example of Jesus and John Bevere, the people took God’s presence for granted. The true purpose of coming to church to worship God has been lost in the myriad of commercial activity and gossip. Friends, I strongly urge you to examine our own thoughts and actions today, and if there was any area we are lacking in terms of giving honour to God’s presence, let’s begin to address the issues and come before God with a fresh attitude of honour and respect.
How do we show God honour?
Firstly, let us begin to be on time for meetings, be it home group meetings or service, or even special meeting. Being on time is a form of respect in itself, because you honour the time that you will spend with God. If you can be on time for a performance by a super star, why not a meeting with the King of kings and Lord of lords? Jesus so honoured and treasured the presence of God that He dwelled in the temple for 12 days!
Secondly, let us build up our own altar, so that there will be passion and fire for the things of God. Many times, you can have the best song leaders, the best band and the best preacher, but yet not feel the presence of God. The bible tells us to “hunger and thirst” for God. If there is no hunger and thirst from the congregation, God will probably think “These people have no need for me anymore, why should I come?” However, when there is a hunger and thirst for God, when the people are crying out from the bottom of their hearts for God to show up, God will begin to hear the desire and He will begin to show up.
Finally, we show God honour through our tithes and offerings. In Mal 3:10, God asks us to test Him in the area of giving. This is the only time that God asks the people to “test Him”. God promises that as we honour Him in our tithes and offerings, He will begin to pour forth blessings in our lives such that there will not be room to contain it! How great is that? But we have to take the first step of trusting Him and sowing a generous offering and giving our tithes.
In conclusion, God’s presence is sacred and holy. The Israelites took for granted His presence when they were wandering 40 years in the wilderness, treating God as a “blessing dispenser”. The Jews took His presence for granted in the temples, converting it into a marketplace. What about you? Will you follow the example of the Israelites or the Jews? Why not look to Jesus, who honoured the Heavenly Father? Why not be like David? Longing and thirsting for God even when he was at the lowest point of his life? Do not take God’s presence for granted anymore. Let us make a decision to honour Him starting today!

Balak and Balaam in the modern Singaporean context

2009-09-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

Balak and Balaam in the modern Singaporean context

Disclaimer: Any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely co-incidental. Or maybe not.

There lived in the land of the Chosen Ones a very talented prophet of God, who also holds a position as Foreign Affairs Minister in the government of the land of Chosen Ones. He is very ambitious and also highly anointed by God as a prophet. Let us call him Bala.
In those days, the people of the land of the chosen ones were very much in conflict with their surrounding neighbours, who cannot tahan the fact that they were so mightily blessed and prosperous than themselves. One of the kings, King Ji Seow (irritate) of the land Money Rulez, decided to approach Bala in search of some kan-tao(opportunities). By getting Bala over his side, he hoped that he can gain the favour of their God, and hence turn the tide of the war on his side and stop the influence of the people of the land of Chosen Ones.
Surely, there must be some ways to tempt Bala, so he sent some of his ministers to pay Bala a special visit at his place of residence in Nassim Road.
The ministers drove up to Bala’s residence in their shiny Mercedes and BMWs. Bala met them at the gate of his house.
Bala, “Hello Mang-ga-li! What brings you here?”
Mang-ga-li is his long time friend from the Foreign Affairs Office of Money Rulez. Mang-ga-li replied, “Come tok cok (talk rubbish) la. Long time no see le. How have you been doing?” And Bala brought them into his house, spending the afternoon talking and playing a nice leisurely round of golf. Towards the end of the day, Mang-ga-li invited Bala to his residence, saying that there is a joint-venture project that the government of Money Rulez is keen to embark on with the land of the Chosen Ones.
When Bala retired to his bed, God began to speak to him, “Who are these men with you?”
Bala replied, “God, Mang-ga-li is just my long lost friend. Oh ya, he mentioned an interesting project that requires both parties to work together. Should I go over to hear what he has to say?”
God replied, “No, you shall not go with them.”
Seeing that God was vehement in His reply, Bala was very reluctant. But he knew that he had to obey God, no matter what his heart desires. After all, God has blessed him tremendously in his career, ministry and family.
The next day, Bala rang his good friend. Bala said, “Eh brudder, cannot la. Cannot go over to your place to discuss. God said so.”
Mang-ga-li replied, “Is it? Come la, take this lobang (good opportunity) sure huat (prosper). If it works out, this joint venture will bring in billions to both our economies! Moreover, it will be beneficial to both our careers too…”
And so they talked for the entire morning. Throughout the day, Bala keep thinking about the tremendous benefits of the joint venture. He could not concentrate at work, and his heart was deeply vexed.
At night, he prayed to God again, “God, Mang-ga-li has promised that if this project works out, it will bring benefits to both our economies. Moreover, I know the prime minister of the land of the Chosen Ones will be greatly pleased with the extra income, which will come in handy for beefing up our military. But yet, even if these people give me more incentives, you know I will always listen to you. So how ah?”
God, knowing the truest of his intentions, replied, “If the men come to call you, rise and go with them, but only speak the Word which I give you – that you shall do.”
Upon hearing the OK from God, Bala wasted no time packing his bags and prepared to leave with Mang-ga-li, who sent his chauffeur to pick Bala up. Early the next day, Bala loaded his bag onto the chauffeur’s car and sat on the rear seat.
God’s anger was aroused because Bala went, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand in the way as an adversary against him. Along the way up the highway, there was a tremendous traffic jam. The chauffeur spoke to Bala, “Boss, highway tio tat.(There is a jam) Later sure late for meeting, how?”
Bala, “You goon do!(idiot) Ask you take the other highway less jam you must take this one! See la!” Frustrated and angry, he slapped on the head of the driver 3 times.
Immediately, the driver replied with a booming voice, which was not his. “Why did you hit me 3 times?”
Bala, still slow to recognize what is going on, replied, “You make mistake still dare talk back? Be thankful you still keep your job and not become fried ikan bilis! (meaning lose the job)”
God replied, “I’ve provided for you. I’ve driven you here all the way. Behold, I’ve come out to stand against you, because your way is perverse before Me.”
Bala, finally realizing that it was God speaking, cried out, “God, sorri sorri (sorry sorry), please forgive me! If it displeases you, I turn back lor…but let me first stay one night at Mang-ga-li’s place...it is getting dark…”
God replied, “Go with the men if you wish, but only speak what I tell you to.”
Bala replied, “Ok!”
And we know the rest of the story. Bala went to the land of Money Rulez, and because personal ambition and money has always ruled in his heart, he eventually lost his anointing and his job as a minister after the Prime Minister found out his plans to deal with the enemy.
Many times, we may be able to deceive people around us by our actions and words. However, God knows our truest intentions. It may appear that we are doing something out of apparent good for others, or even do something “for God”. But when we meet (a traffic jam) an obstacle that God puts in front of us, we will be exposed. Walking in the will of God requires us to constantly search our heart and be open to what the Holy Spirit has to speak into our lives. Having a fixed mindset will only shut off the “voice in the stillness” that is our Heavenly Father trying to speak to us.

my bolster

2009-09-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

i love my bolster.
it is just an ordinary bolster, 1 meter in length, barely enough to cover my torso.
it has yellowed with age, collecting all the beautiful scent of sweat and body.
it has followed me through the ages too, from the time when i was in primary school. (my little baby bolster has served its time and has duly retired)
more than that, it represents a love so great that withstands the test of time, a love that is unconditional and forthcoming.
it is handmade by my mom, every thread every bit of cotton inside...
it came from an era where kids still play catching, way back in the '90s...
(kids prefer catching monsters nowadays on handheld whatnots...)
this is my bolster, and i love it because it is made by mom.

sacrifice of Obedience

2009-09-13T18:15:00.001-07:00

Sacrifice of obedience
Hey guys
I just want to share a short message about the sacrifice of obedience.
In 1 Sam 15:22 (NIV), But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifice as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
In this story of Samuel, God commanded him to destroy the Amalekites, but he failed to heed God’s commandment. Pastor today talked about being a kisser vs being a cleaver, and I would like to extend to his core message about commitment.
What does God look for in His disciples? What pleases God?
In the case of Samuel, he thought that by keeping some of the loot and offering up as sacrifice to God, he was doing a good thing. He thought that he could show his “mercy”and “grace” by letting the king of Amalekites survive. But he was dead wrong. God has already commanded him to destroy the Amalekites.
All of them.
Just as God dealt with Samuel, God would expect the same from us too. He wants nothing less than all of our heart. On the way back, some of my members commented that my brother, who was just less than a year old Christian, was already so on fire for God. Notice how it is always easier to marvel at the works of others, “Look! He is doing a great work for God!”But the time has come for us to be in the picture instead. God has not called only one or two, but God has called ALL of us. It has got to do with our mindsets, thinking that we are always too busy, too poor, too untalented etc.
In contrast to Samuel, David was a man of obedience. Here we see a man after God’s heart, and God used him mightily and raise him up from a simple shepherd boy to the greatest king of Israel. The emblem on Israel’s flag is called the “Star of David”. How are bible heroes like David, Abraham, Peter etc able to achieve so much?
Friends, let me tell you that they did not do it on their own might and strength. For it is not by our own might and strength, but that of the Holy Spirit. My brother was an example closer to all of us. He started from a simple but beautiful attitude of just loving God and wanting to serve him. If he can do it, so can all of you.
At the end of the day, there is a price to pay for anointing and blessings. There is a price to pay for an intimate relationship with God. You have to ask yourself, “How far am i willing to go for God?” A God who so unselfishly loved us and gave His begotten Son for us while we were still sinners?
Let me tell you that if you are willing to pay the sacrifice of obedience, you will eventually get there.
Abraham sacrificed.
David sacrificed.
Jesus sacrificed.
What about you?

1st year anniversary!!

2009-09-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

TODAY MARKS OUR 1ST YEAR TOGETHER!!!
YAYS!!!!!!!!
Thanks dear for the one year that has passed. From the day we went out to the flyer, then the first time we held hands @ vivo, the days you accompanied me to study in NUS, the difficult times we went through, the monthly anniversary celebrations, my birthday kidnap and your birthday surprise...all these things are not possible WITHOUT YOU.
Thanks dear, and i look forward to many wonderful days ahead with you. *muarckz*

Finding your dream. Living out your passion. (Part 1)

2009-08-24T17:26:00.000-07:00

Finding your dream. Living out your passion. (Part 1)
Very often in life, we go from point A to point B, without really finding the true meaning and purpose behind it all. However, today, I want to share with you that life is more than just moving from point to point, running an endless rat race. Life is about finding THAT DREAM, living out your PASSION.
The story of City Harvest Church is really one of living out that passion and dream. It started with a group of passionate youths, dreaming dreams and seeing vision of being an impact to the society. As the bible says, “your young men shall dream dreams, your old men shall see visions.” The dream that took place 20 years ago eventually came to fruition over a period of time, which is now a ministry of close to 30,000 that is a tremendous blessing to the local and regional community.
Let me share with you from the book of Exodus, the story of Moses, and let us learn the lessons along the way about finding our DREAM, and living out our PASSION.

1) Dreams start small
Ex 1: 22, we see that the Pharoah wanted to kill of all the Jewish male infants. Moses was born into very difficult circumstances. Imagine, the moment you are born, before you even took your first steps or said your first words, someone is after your life!
Very often, our dreams start small. It may just be dreaming of opening a retail outlet, or even just an online business. Like the bible stays, “Do not despise the small beginnings”. Do not despise the days of starting out, when there was not very much of everything. You do not have enough finances for a bigger shop face, or a bigger head count, but at least, you do not have someone after your head! (Like Moses did!) Or maybe you could be in debt, but if God gives us a vision, He will give the provision.
Let’s move on.

2) Passion is something that consumes you; that drives you on.
Passion comes from the heart. In Ex 2: 1-14, we see that a young Moses committed a very serious offence of murder, and had to flee from his hometown. What the bible is trying to show here is that no matter what you do, your passion will drive your actions and thoughts. Moses had a heart for his people, and it is this heart for the Jews that touched the heart of God. We also learn a very important lesson here: even though we may be passionate about something, it does not mean that we sin against God in the process of achieving our goals.
Here, let’s pause and pick up a pen and paper. Take a few seconds and answer the questions:
a) If money is not a concern, what would you be doing now?
b) Would you be doing the same things, the same job?
c) What are the things that you would do even if you are not paid for them?
d) What is God’s plan for your life right now?
e) How can we realign ourselves to our vision and purpose?
Passion directed in the right way will indeed give us the energy to propel us to the next level of breakthrough. Let’s look on.

3) In the process of achieving our goals and passion, we will be moulded to become better people.
In the next chapter, Ex 3, we see God showing Himself to Moses for the first time. What struck me most about this chapter are 2 things:
a) God can see our passion and desires.
As the bible says, “Man looks at outward appearances, but God looks beyond outward appearances and into the heart of man.” God knows what our true desires are. The heart of Moses was really one for God’s chosen people. Even though his methods of showing his passion is dead wrong, God is still willing to give him grace and choose him to bring His people out of captivity.
Friends, we will make mistakes along the way. However, know that God our Heavenly Father is full of grace. Our salvation came about through His grace and mercy. When we make mistakes, confess and repent before God, and determine not to repeat the mistakes again. See, even Moses committed a murder! (That is not to say we can just go kill someone...) But yet, at the end of the day, let’s begin to check our hearts and motives, and set them right before God. Are we in it just for the “kaching! ” (money)? Are we serving because we want to lift ourselves up in front of other people? Are we sowing just because we are obliged to and not out of love?
b) God is confident in our abilities and talents.
As I read through this chapter, I can’t help but find it a bit hilarious. Imagine, when you are face to face with the King of Kings, the Lord of Lord, would you ask, “Erm, so how do I address you?”
Oh dear! Why would anyone ask that???
But Moses did. You see friends, Moses was probably a very shy person. Even when God wanted to use him, he would say that he is not good enough. He stammers in front of a large crowd. Some of us will identify with Moses. When God calls us, or when our superiors ask for people to assume responsibility for a project, we shirk away and say we are not good enough.
Bible says that we are the FINEST creations of God; that we are even higher than angels!
Can you then contradict the Word of God by saying you are not good enough? Stop believing the lies of the devil and start confessing the Word of God, “I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me!”

In conclusion, let us begin to seek for our dreams and live out our passion. One thing i like about what Mr Wu Tuck Seng, pharmacy manager at National University Hospital, shared with us, “A man works 8 hours a day for a pay check, 10 hours a day for a good boss, and 24 hours a day for passion.”
What is your passion today?
NB: next week, to continue on part 2 of “finding our dream; living out our passion”. How to keep on keeping on, as well as sharing from thoughts about the movie “UP”, which is also about living out dreams. Stay tuned.

updates for this wk

2009-08-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

hey guys!
this wk i'm a little busy, so just a quick update:
1) went to mandarin orchard hotel to check out the ballroom with dear:D very nice!!! haha...looks like i'm really started going to plan for my near future! hahahaha
2) after popping by mandarin, i met up with a few of my members, bird, mr and mrs yee, daniel and my bro, and we went over to Howard Kash's (not Kuay) place to have a short time of praise and worship and prayer for him. it was a powerful time in God's presence, and i shared a passage about Lazarus (a short sermon which i did in 5mins;) which blessed the people. Let's keep praying and believing for Howard Kash's healing!
3) going for cell later, and then staying over @ dear's place
4) work's piling up, so going to pull up my socks and up my pace...last 2 weeks @ taka before i'm going over to tiong bahru for 4 weeks of operation training
5) looking forward to catchup with the crew: ken & py, jinhui, bingz and of course bday boy ah chye tmr night.
6) going to zouk for supermodel competition with daniel tan;) check out the babes! haha...
7) soccer friendly vs BBG on sunday afternoon will round up a truly packed week for yours truly.
meanwhile, take care and God bless you folks!

Dear's 21st!!!:D

2009-08-10T17:48:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR! WELCOME TO ADULTHOOD!:D
anyway, we had a terrific time celebrating Dear's birthday on sunday as well as on the actual day, monday. Sunday, we went as a family to sentosa's Illido for a dinner celebration. Dear's cousins were there as well:) It was a very nice place! But too bad we couldn't catch the fireworks from where we were...Dear had 2 glasses of wine to mark her entry to adulthood..haha
Monday was the BIG surprise that didnt turn out the way we wanted, but...still good lah. first of all, dear found out from her fren's blog that there would be a surprise! so duh... then on the morning itself, the caterer made so much noise that my dear (not easy to wake her up!) roused from her beauty sleep...and there u have it. surprise no more...so had to quickly get the BALLOON AND PARTY POPPER GANG to come up immediately and do their stuff...
at the end of the day though, i'm glad my dear liked the celebrations. Many thanks to the people who made it happen, especially Ryan, who took time to rehearse the "special item", and all the members from Yating's and Esther's cell who came. Thanks to Germaine's NYP friends, and also thanks to my brothers, Kenneth & PY, JD, Jinhui who came down...really meant a lot to me. Thanks to my bro too who brought the present from home..:)
Most of all, just to say that i'm blessed to have you as my DEAR:) happy 21st!

Covering

2009-08-06T17:44:00.000-07:00

Covering
What is a covering?
According to Cambridge International dictionary, “cover” means to “put or spread something over (something), especially in order to hide or PROTECT it.” A covering refers, particularly for this discussion, something that protects.
In the church context, the chief pastor is usually the covering over the entire congregation. In the context of a cell group, the cell group leader is the covering. In a personal context, your discipler acts as your covering.
To understand more about this covering, we need to know what purpose it serves. Why does God put coverings over our lives? The reason is because God works in a systematic and orderly fashion. In Gen 1, we can see that this is apparent. Before God started framing the world, it was in chaos. Then God begin to speak, and order began to come. Only with order can there be a proper establishment of God’s presence. Likewise in our lives, only when there is order, can God then begin to show His presence. We need to get the chaos in our lives sorted out, so that God can begin to move strongly in the various areas of our lives.
Let’s get back to the function of our covering. The functions of our covering is as follows:
1)To enable God to shine forth His glory.
In Isaiah 4:5, “then the LORD will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a covering.” As we can see from this verse, it tells us that over all the glory of God, there will be a covering.
How is this visible in the context of a church or cell group? As the covering, a chief pastor or cell leader has to be the first one to lead by example. In terms of spiritual walk with God and personal character and integrity, the leader has to set an example to the rest of the members. And when the leader is able to set the example, God’s glory is already manifested, as members and new converts look upon the leader as a LIVING TESTIMONY for God.

2)To act as our personal shepherd and mentor.
Our covering is our spiritual watch tower. In a Christian walk, there are many times that we may fall, and we constantly need people to point us to the right direction. As the bible says, iron sharpens iron.
As we come under chastisement from our leaders, know that all these are for our correction, and seek to work on the areas that we are weak in. In Psalms 3:11,12 “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor detest His correction; for whom the LORD loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.” Our leaders correct us because they care about us; not that they have nothing better to do, but like a father to a son, the responsibility of a proper “Christian upbringing” falls squarely on the shoulders of our leaders, and God will require an account of our lives from our leaders.

3)To help us become righteous and holy before God.
In Isaiah 25:7, “And He will destroy on this mountain The surface of the covering cast over all people, And the veil that is spread over all nations.”
God is a holy God. When He appeared to Moses, He has to come in the presence of a burning bush, and Moses could not look at Him directly. This is because God’s holiness will destroy any ounce of sinful presence that lives in our flesh. Our Christian life does not just start and end with salvation; it is a lifetime journey. It is an ongoing process of change, of becoming people that are more and more Christ-like. And central to the change is the Holy Spirit and the leaders that are place over our lives.

So friends, let’s begin to get serious with God. If we get serious with God, He will get serious with us. Having understood that God deliberately places coverings over our lives for our benefit, let’s begin to work with our leaders and disciplers as we begin to address the areas of weakness in our lives. Know that if we reject the coverings, dire consequences can happen:
In Job 24:7, “They spend the night naked, without clothing, and have no covering in the cold.”
And in Job 26:6, “Sheol is naked before Him, and Destruction has no covering.”
Without a covering, we will have no protection, no correction. We will be vulnerable to influence from the devil. Let us make a decision today, and pray this prayer once you have made your decision:

“Dear God, I thank you for the covering you have placed over my life. I thank you Lord for the strong leaders and disciplers of my life. Now I accept the covering, and I want to be corrected in my ways. Help me become more and more like You each day, in Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.”

Breaking through with you,
Yuantai

20th anniversary thoughts

2009-08-02T18:47:00.001-07:00

email to cell group
Hey Guys!
It’s a brand new week again! Anyway, I’ve been doing this email for a few weeks now, but i do not usually get any replies. I do hope that some of you are blessed by my sharing thoughJ
After the wonderful 20th anniversary, there are a few things running through my mind that i want to share with my fellow bros and sis in Christ. I’ve been in church for 6 years and counting, and truly, I’ve benefitted tremendously from the ministry that is called City Harvest.
First and foremost thought...Where do we head next from here? Where do we see ourselves in 20 years time? I don’t know about you, but I look back at the mission statement of City Harvest, which can really be summarised in the 2 phrases: Loving God wholeheartedly, Loving people fervently.
As believers in Christ, we must exact upon ourselves a demanding standard. Pastor Kong started his ministry with the basic disciplines, prayer, fasting, praise and worship, cell groups... Likewise, as we cross the 20th year barrier, we as the believers and disciples of Christ, must seek the face of the Lord even more. As we gather for weekly cell group meetings and service, let’s begin to come with a heart of expectancy. Let’s be more hungry for the Word of God, and begin to sign up for the various bible study classes, sign up for Bible School. Ask, seek and knock, and God shall answer.
In evangelism and ministry, let us not be found wanting. Each and every one of us have wonderful gifts and talents, some in the creative arts, music, some in the business. Each of us are called to preach the gospel to the lost, not just the leaders or teachers in the church. In serving, let us not come with an unwilling heart, but really serve because we want to and not we have to.
In reaching out, understand that people don’t care how much we know, until they know how much we care. Constantly keep the friends that we are reaching out to in prayer, and believe that the Holy Spirit will open their hearts. Also, make a practical difference in their lives, and not just pay lip service. Practical works, coupled with the Holy Spirit, will see us begin to bear fruits in reaching out.
Finally, just want to say a big thank you to you guys for making a difference in my life. I treasure you guys as friends, as fellow cell group members. I am looking forward to a wonderful journey ahead!:)
Breaking through with you,
Yuantai

Broken to be poured out

2009-07-27T16:38:00.000-07:00

After the recent episode of angry outburst from frustration at not seeing progress with some members, the Lord really reminded me once again of the purpose of being a connect group leader. or for that matter, leading a bunch of people.
2 Kings 4:1-7
A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves.” So Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few. And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones.” So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out. 6 Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another vessel.” So the oil ceased. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.”
in the story of Elisha and the widow's oil, we see a woman coming to Elisha for help. She has just run into financial trouble, for her husband has passed away. Elisha offered her a permanent solution, a deal which says "Give me jars; and I'll give you oil".
Now, the deal is this: There is no time limit to the oil, but there is an important condition that there must be a CONTINUAL supply of jars.
As I pour out myself in meeting the needs of the members, I give up time, energy and resources. Through this episode, God reminded me a few things:
1) There must be some oil in the jar to start with.
In order to help others, we ourselves need to have some manna to share. When Jesus broke bread to the 5 thousand, He had 5 loaves and 2 fishes to begin with. He didn't make the bread appear out of thin air! Hence, if we do not first strengthen ourselves in the Lord, how would we be able to give out anything? Will we have anything to feed people with?
2) There must be a continuous supply of jars.
If we stop at our current capacity, sooner or later, all the jars will be filled up. We will have no more room left for more things to be added on. In Elisha and the woman's story, the woman did not actively seek to increase her capacity. She started off with a limited mindset: Oh no! Now my husband is dead; there is no one left to provide! And she ended off with the same mindset.
If we want to be effective ministers, to see breakthroughs and miracles in our lives, we need to constantly seek to expand our capacity. As God pours into our lives, we need to empty out on other people's lives. As Pastor shared, the communion is to remind us that OUR LIVES IS BROKEN FOR OTHERS. After we pour out ourselves, we must then be ready to have extra capacity to hold what God pours into us.
Many people burn out because they only remember to do the former. Having a healthy Christian lifestyle requires us to be able to do both simultaneously.
3) Never say no to God.
Simple. But true. When we say no to God, "There is not another jar left", "There is not enough time!" or "There is not enough money!", and excuse ourselves from the call of God, we will miss the destiny that God wants to usher us into. I said no many times, and now God is reminding me again.
To summarise, ministry is being broken, then refilling, then being broken and then refilling again. Just like the pouring of oil into the jugs, it is a continual cycle of pouring out, receiving and then pouring out.
This is what I learnt. Hope you have learnt something from my sharing.

Leadership (Tue leaders' meeting)

2009-07-23T06:25:00.000-07:00

Leadership by Pst Jeremy Rakyat

What is leadership?
Leadership is:
1) Adding value to people's lives
2) Giving, not just receiving
3) A place of Sacrifice
4) Serving, not just to be served

4 kinds of leadership:
1) Leading down (5% of capability)
Most people lead down, and it is the easiest way to lead.
Just give commands; ordering people around
2) Leading laterally (20% of capability)
Leading laterally means leading our peers; it requires more to earn respect from our peers
3) Leading Up (25% of capability)
Refers to influencing our leaders/ superiors.
1 Tim 4 We have a tendency to find people who give us what we want to hear, not what we need to hear
Leading up first requires us to:
a) Do our job extremely well
b) Build a good relationship with our leader
c) Willing to do what others won't
d) See things from a leader's perspective
e) Understand our leader's mood

4) Self leadership (50% of capability)
Gal 6:1 talks about watching our own character.
Jude 20 takls about moulding of our own character
1 Sam 30:1-6 In order to lead others, we need to first learn how to lead ourselves.
In order to become a great leader, not just a good leader, we need to first exercise self leadership.
Self leadership means being able to set expectations that we ourselves must be able to meet first, before demanding the same of the people we lead.

Inspiration Vs Manipulation
Mark 12:29-31, 2 Cor 13:5
A good leader inspires. Inspiration talks about focus of change on self; while the manipulator focus on changing others before ourselves
(Bible talks about removing the plank in our own eyes, before we point out the speck in others)

only you

2009-07-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

看了《boys over flowers》这步连续局，我真的想跟亲爱的人说：“我直想永陪在你身边！” 对我的朋友们说：“爱情是伟大的，是永远幸福的”。

love u silly

2009-07-20T10:31:00.000-07:00

boys over flowers flowers over boys...
i cant believe that i'm actually staying up till 1.30am in the morning watching that drama series!
the story is really good...although the mushy romance kind of way, but as i watch it, i just realise that u'll do things that your beloved will do:)
like spending 100yen/10mins just to log on and facebook with ur bf:)
dear! can't wait for u to be back!

the US federal budget

2009-07-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

Of great concern to us all is how is the US government going to spend money in its budget, and especially in healthcare.
I read an article of the same name as the subject heading in jul 20, 09 edition of Fortune magazine. Just to summarise:
1) People favour a government administered health insurance plan that will compete with private health insurance plans (Before they start counting the costs)
2) Big deficit; small incremental benefit. (In one of the plans proposed, insuring just 6% more of uninsured non-elderly population will cause an increase of $1 thrillion in deficit over the next 1 yr)
3) moderate reforms are more likely than a massive injection of taxpayer's money to prop up the healthcare system
Before we go further, let's take a look at a raw picture of the US Budget:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/27/politics/100days/main4834078.shtml
If we look closely, the 3 biggest areas are social security (695 Bil), defense (534 Bil), medicare (453 Bil). The 4th area is medicaid (290 Bil). All 4 areas have increased budget in the upcoming budget.
What is the motivation behind Mr Obama's decision to increase healthcare? Apparently, it's got to do with his campaign promise. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/19/AR2009071900938.html
But we are not too interested what is the reason behind his motivation here, but rather what are the possible repercussions.
In the first independent analysis of Obama's budget proposal, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office concluded that Obama's policies would cause government spending to swell above historic levels even after costly programs to ease the recession and stabilize the nation's financial system have ended. Tax collections, meanwhile, would lag well behind spending, producing huge annual budget deficits that would force the nation to borrow nearly $9.3 trillion over the next decade -- $2.3 trillion more than the president predicted when he unveiled his budget request just one month ago...The result, according to the CBO, would be an ever-expanding national debt that would exceed 82 percent of the overall economy by 2019 -- double last year's level -- and threaten the nation's financial stability.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/20/AR2009032001820.html
If Obama and his administration continue to push ahead with massive changes, and if they do somehow nationalise healthcare, we are indeed plunging into the blackhole of recession. Let's pray it doesn't happen...

commencement. rite of passage.

2009-07-13T05:51:00.000-07:00

commencement officially markss the end of a phase of life, and the beginning of another.
right now, there are 4 groups that i really want to thank throughout these 4 years:
firstly, my parents. they are the ones who provided for me throughout these 4 years, giving the support, both financially and emotionally. my mom's tireless sacrifice as a housewife; my dad plowing the deep seas to put bread on the table...
secondly, my dear! even though we shared only the last part of the journey, but my dear has been with me when i was at one of my low points, and she really gave me all the love and support that i will forever cherish. she's really the best thing that happened throughout these 4 years!:)
thirdly, my close friends! JD, Jinhui, Changhan, Kenneth, Jo and many others... Friends are always there to lend you a shoulder to cry on, a pat on your back to encourage you, and have fun with you...i enjoyed the late nights mugging, playing soccer, fellowshipping, POS trainings... will forever remember those times...:)
last but not least, my heavenly Daddy, who's always there with me throughout every step of the way. He provided me with the above 3 very precious group of people, but most of all, the love that keeps me keeping on...
thank you dear ones. life is without meaning without these very precious 4 groups of people. the commencement is for me, for you.

commencement 09: passage of time

2009-07-09T02:53:00.000-07:00

Just had a tremendous graduation ceremony! This really marks the end of 4 years of university, but also the beginning of a new phase of life.
I still recall the days of chionging for the library during the exam periods, doing POS trainings during the holidays, prayer meetings in school, playing soccer, hanging out to mug in Biz library, hanging out with Pharmies classmates at the S4 area, playing bridge at the back of lecture halls, class run for fund raising for our juniors...so many memories.
i guess at the end of it all, the people are the ones who really matter. They make the world go round! They sit through the rain, laugh through the joyful times and just enjoy the beautiful little moments together.
do stay tuned guys for the photos!:)

Each One Reach One Each Day

2009-07-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

Adapted from weekly email to members
Hi guys!

It’s good to start a new week on a prayer:) This week, Teo’s sister, Aizhen, responded to the altar call and gave her heart to Jesus! Praise God!

However, I am not satisfied. While talking to my gf, I found out her cell group, under Esther Yap, has 38 new friends this week! Quite a number are from school hostels. What are we doing then? While others are making an impact in the school campuses, are we making a similar impact in our respective marketplaces?

Evangelism is a calling for each and everyone who claims to be Christian. Friends, even as we go about our daily lives, let us not live each passing day without a purpose. As we begin to meet our colleagues, let us begin to be open to their needs. I believe that each one of us can reach out to a new friend every week!

From now till the end of July, I will be fasting a day every week, either Mon or Wed. Feel free to join me as i fast for new friends and for the entire cell group. Have a great week ahead! Remember: Each One Reach One Each Day.

love story meets viva la vida (piano compose)

2009-07-03T03:39:00.000-07:00

Watch it!:)

from jay chou's capricon

2009-06-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

i like this song! talks about not giving up, appreciating the simplest things we often take for granted, family and love that will give us the strength to last through the valleys of our life

no unit?^.^

2009-06-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

checked my ns.sg for reservist details...and this is what i found?

NO UNIT? hope it stays that way^.^

Purpose

2009-06-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

adapted from my email to my cell group members

Hi friends and members,
It's me again with your weekly updates:)
I've been truly blessed by the Song of Solomon series of bible studies, and here's just one of the many things that i got out of it: the purpose of your life, your ministry.
One thing i've been reminded once again, as i sit through the bible studies, is that of my purpose of making a difference in other people's lives. One testimony to share is that of my brother. Watching him grow in the Lord is just like watching myself in my early years of christian development. Since getting saved in this year's easter, he has been attending regularly cell group and services, reading the bible, praying, and even going for ALL of the morning prayer sessions! (How many of us make it a point to go?)
It is things like this that really spur me on, to continue to serve other people's needs and trying to make a difference in their lives. I really hope that as a connect group, a cell group, a sub-zone, and a church, we can continue to grow more and more in love with God, and make a difference in the lives of the people around us. At the end of the day, we've got to ask ourselves one question: What is our purpose in life? What is the purpose of our christian walk?
See you guys in cell this week!:)

updates: love love love!

2009-06-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

its been a long week for me:)
the SOS conclusion is superb!!! since the notes are uploaded onto the website, i shall save myself the work of typewriting my notes...
felt really bad for making dear wait for 1hr plus and then not being able to meet her up for dinner...sorry dear!!! i really didnt know u were coming...
but having said that, she and my bro are showing me just how true love is. my dear is really really nice! we are now approaching our 10th month, and growing deeply in love with each passing day. just the simple things, like cooking and eating lunch together, are the times i feel we really bonded. (even though i did the cooking and most of the washing...nevermind, dear will have a chance to make up in near future:)
my brother, on the other hand, a month-plus-old christian, reads his bible and attends bible studies and service regularly (even more so than some of my members!) really impressed! reminds me of how my love was when i was a new christian.
both these 2 closest people of my life really spur me on.
love more. give more.

Song of Solomon: Transforming Love

2009-06-21T02:11:00.000-07:00

Song of Solomon: Transforming Love (part 4) by Pastor Tan Ye Peng
Further Challenge of the Cross (part 1 of transforming love)
Physically, serving God is tiring. However, our Spirit always long for more of God!
in Sos 5:2, there is a progression of relationship with God. From "my sister", to "my love", to "my dove" and finally "my perfect one". This mirrors our relationship with God.
Sos 5:3 Just like the Shulamite woman, sometimes we want a break, and are reluctant to respond to the call of God. We like to stay in our comfort zones when God calls us to serve at inconvenient times.
That is why we need to understand God with our Spirit, and not our Flesh, so that we are able to move when He moves.
verse 4 and 5 tells us that the Spirit of God will not thrive with men forever.
In the early stages of Christian walk, discipline often comes before obedience.
However, as we become mature, discipline may come after obedience.
Verses 6 and 7 tells us that we must be prepared for the trials and tribulations that will come at us once we step out of the comfort of the 4 walls of church and launch out into the world. Sometimes, the people who criticise what we do may be our Brethen in Christ, for the "watchmen" refers to Christian Leaders.
Comparing Sos 2:5 and Sos 5:8,9 we see the process of maturation of the Shulamite woman's relationship. Initially, she needed her lover's love to refresh her. Now, she needs her lover to be around because she can't live without him! We have to come to a place where we can't live without God!
1 Cor 11:17 talks about the divisions amongst the church, which is the greatest enemy of the body of Christ.
we are divided by being rich or poor, strong or weak and by our many different interests
1 Cor 23-26 gives us the solution for the division: to remain united through understanding the purpose of God's sacrifice.
What is the purpose?
God divided His body for us, and likewise, as we partake of the Holy Communion, we identify with Christ and divide our bodies to serve others, so that the Body of Christ benefits!
1 Cor 13:1,4-8 further illustrates the importance of unity; for we each are given different gifts, and together the gifts can be used to build up the church.
The Road to recovery (part 2 of transforming love)
Sos 5:9-16 tells us of the 10 facets of our relationship with God
"Hair" speaks of Prayer and Consecration.
"Eyes like doves" talk about everlasting love.
"Cheeks like a bed of spices" talks about a pleasing spirit.
"Hands" speak of healing
"Feet" talks about the firmness of God set in holiness and righteousness.
"countenance that is lifted up" refers to the joy in serving God.
Where can we find God?
Sos 6:1 tells us God will be at the place where He is shepherding His people. A shepherd never leaves his flock!
Sos 6:8-10 talks to us about different levels of spiritual maturity. Now, after we are called out of darkness into His light, we must then be planted back into the world. In Rom 1:14, Paul speaks of being a "debtor" to the Greeks and Barbarians, wise and unwise. Likewise, we owe it to the lost to reach out to them, bless them and make a difference in their lives.

updates:)

2009-06-21T02:02:00.000-07:00

yesterday, i joined dear and her family for dinner after work @ this fabulous place called Prive @ Marina @ Keppel Bay. It's like a place for chillout and wine, and even though the scenery is not as fantastic as One on the Bund, nevertheless, its a cool place!
Part 4 of the Bible study series, Maturing Love, was great as well for this is indeed the stage where I'm at, and again it reminded me of the priorties of my life. Need to keep on keeping on...
Dad came for Father's Day service today! Yippee!! He responded to the altar call! Praise God!:)
Talking about keeping on, I've been @ work for a month already! Really learnt a lot of things with regards to the retail world...you get to see all kinds of people man! Different languages, pattern...
Last but not least, as the swine flu is spreading, dear will really have a handful in hospital. She might not be able to go on holiday with her family as well, so I'm really praying for her. Going to fast and pray for Carrisa as well, for her probation to go well. Jiayou dear, jiayou carrisa!:)

Song of solomon (part 3)

2009-06-13T04:11:00.000-07:00

Song of Solomon (Part 3) by Pastor Kong
Growing Love

Sos 3:6-11
THE Shulamite Woman
" Who is this coming out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, With all the merchant’s fragrant powders?"
Here the wilderness refer to testing times in our lives. In the wilderness, we are all alone, and yet during these times, the Holy Spirit is always with us. "Smoke" comes forth from fire, and the Holy Spirit comes in fire. (Remember Moses and the burning bush?) "Pillar" speaks about strength; the Holy Spirit is dealing with the
believer strongly.
Why do we have to go through the wilderness?
In Luke 4:1, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested. Even the Son of God has to undergo temptation by the devil! This shows that God is interested in our character, and not our comfort.
"wilderness" also speaks of the "midbar". God speaks to us in the midst of our times in the wilderness!
Deu 1:2 Even though physically it only takes 11 days to get to the Promised Land by the way of Mt Seir, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years! Why? This is so that God can begin to humble the Israelites and cause them to be broken and contrite. (God loves a broken and contrite heart!)
Again, "myrrh" and "frankincense" is mentioned. Myrrh speaks about meekness, and frankincense of the genuine faith coming forth from testing!
Mat 13: 45,46 The Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant; the Kingdom of God is like a person. How much are we willing to sacrifice for God?
Luke 14:27 Speaks about the 2 Crosses that the Christian has to bear:
1) Cross of Christ (Legal death to the penalty of sin, paid by Jesus Christ)
2) Our Cross (Death to power of sin)
Martin Luther King spoke of "Just as a sinner" The power of sin is still at work, even though we may be saved by coming to Christ! That is why many Christians still commit sin!
Rom 6:6 Once again, conversion deals with the penalty of sin, and sanctification deals with the power of sin. It is not just the head knowledge of the sanctification process, but the "ginosko" or experiential knowledge that matters!
Sos 3:7 "Behold, it is Solomon’s couch, With sixty valiant men around it, Of the valiant of Israel." speaks to us about the carrying of the cross, and the shouldering of God's burden!
In John 14:15, Jesus commands His disciples to keep His commandments! All the 10 commandments! "sixty" speaks of man (6) shouldering the commandments (10) of God!
Sos 3:8 "They all hold swords, Being expert in war. Every man has his sword on his thigh Because of fear in the night." Sword speaks of the Spirit of God. Be ready to face our lives' challenges with the Spirit of God! Baptism of the Holy Spirit is precisely for this purpose, that we may have a Helper when we are all alone in the wilderness!
2 Tim 2:11-12, 1 Pet 2:21, Heb 5:8 talks about being obedient to God through the trials and tribulations. James 4:10 speaks to us about being humble and how God uses the humble!
Rom 7:14 We have fleshy and carnal nature in us. Only the religious will claim to be perfect! Hence, even more, we need to come before God with humility.
Humility is NOT the DENIAL of strength; but it is the ability to ACKNOWLEDGE our WEAKNESS!
What happens when we fail?
Rom 7:24 tells us that when we sin against God, coming before the Lord with godly sorrow is true repentence. Godly sorrow comes about through a broken spirit! It does not come from self glorification. Ps 51:17 further shows us about godly sorrow.
Why do we need to be broken before God?
God has given us a measure of anointing and talents, which can only be released if we are broken! When Mary anointed Jesus with perfume, the flask has first to be broken before the oil can flow out. As we read on Song of Solomon 3 to 4, we see the transformation of the Shulamite woman's love. Even though it is not mature yet, we can see from Sos 4: 1-6, that the period of trials that the woman has gone through has made her love more beautiful and pure.
The person who is not broken is filled with self-preservation. He or she will say "I can handle it myself!"
On the other hand, the yielded person is soft.
Sos 4:7 "You are all fair, my love, And there is no spot in you."
Eph 5:27 speaks of the holiness that comes without blemish
Sos 4:10 speaks of the love that is better than wine, v 11 speaks of being mature and measured in words, which comes forth like "milk" and blesses someone else.
Sos 4:13,14 speaks of the 9 fruits, that corresponds with the 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit.
In conclusion, there are 2 kinds of dedication we have to make.
a) Dedication of a growing believer.
b) Dedication of a mature believer.
Eph 3:16-19 speaks to us about experiencing the love of Christ. "ginosko" that is knowing by experiencing.

to my dearest! 9th month!

2009-06-07T02:40:00.000-07:00

this is just for my dearest:)
happy 9th month!
time flies, in the blink of an eye, it's been 9 months already! and every minute has been a tremendous journey, as we begin to find out more about each other.
it seems like just yesterday when i went out with you on the flyer.:P u know, i still have the map from that trip. (i think it's lying somewhere in the house)
through these months there is the longing love, the faltering love, and the growing love. (bible study series..haha) longing for one another, especially the month i'm away in europe! the faltering love, when there are doubts that are cast in our minds through the crisis. (yes, i had doubts too, but i never lost the faith with u or God) growing love, whereby we get used to each other's habits, good or bad.
Dear, i'll have to let you in a little bit more. Why i am the way i am is because of my family situation. From young, i've not really seen much of my dad, and i'm brought up with the "independence" mindset. I saw how my mom managed the house without my dad, and she is very incredible in doing so. So, unknowingly, sometimes i may not talk to you or meet you up, especially when we are both busy. To me, it is ok, as i feel that sometimes when we have work, we will not be able to meet/talk so much. but perhaps you may have felt neglected in some ways. And, as i have said before, relationship needs time. (so how can i not be doing what i preach?) It is mainly due to the "independent" mindset that i learnt and observed from my parents.
Nevertheless, I'll try my best to change with time. I recognise your effort to change too, by changing your sleeping habits, exercising. Even though you really don't like to do it...Dear, let's find something we can do together ok?
the journey has only just started, let's walk together hand in hand, thick or thin, we'll stick through it together:) happy 9th month!:)

Song of Solomon (part 2)

2009-06-05T16:59:00.001-07:00

In this series, we follow up on Part 1 with "Faltering love" Commentary by yours
truly in italics at the end of the sermon.
Song of Solomon (part 2): Faltering Love by Pastor Tan Ee Peng
Sos 2:8 - 3:5
v. 8 "The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills"
A mature believer desires the voice of God! And as we draw near to God, God draws near to us. Nothing separates God's love from us.
Ps 22 is titled "Deer of the Dawn". This speaks of the coming Messiah.
v. 9 "My beloved is like a gazelle..."
A gazelle is a tender creature. God's love is tender to us.
v.9 "...behold, he stands behind our wall" Here, the Shulamite woman has constructed a wall that separates her lover from herself. What is happening? When we make mistakes, we tend to withdraw away from God. (Adam hid from God when he sinned) We build a wall of separation.
V. 11-12 "For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land."
God is telling us it is a new season! Draw out of our shells of isolation and move with God. God moves constantly; He doesn't stay in a time, season or place. We need to move with God!
What is God showing the Shulamite woman in these passages?
1) The power of the resurrection life.
Christ's sacrifice has power over our sins!
2) The abundance of resurrection life.
Winter is a dark and gloomy season. However, when it is spring, there is life, colour and vibrancy. God's presence comes to us like spring.
v. 13 "The fig tree puts forth her green figs..." Figs remain green even throughout winter! God's presence is with us even throughout the darkest moments.
3) The Call of the Cross
v. 14 "...in the clefts of the rock"
This speaks to us of death, carrying of the Cross and Resurrection. There will always be periods of our lives when we feel as if we are carrying the cross on our own, and no one is there to support us. This is going through the clefts of our lives. The Christian faith is IDENTIFYING with Christ our Lord. Every stage of our lives, God has put Himself through it, just so that He could understand what we are going through.
From being born in a manger (poverty), to being accused, beaten, shamed, He has done it all.
Rom 6:5-6 "For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin."
This is why God allows us to go through our valleys of death. To be able to identify with Him and rid our old man of sin!
a) Conversion deals with the penalty of sin
b) Sanctification deals with the power of sin
c) Glorification (at the 2nd coming) deals with the presence of sin.
Gal 19:21, Gal 5:21, Gal 5:24. These verses speak to us of the works of our own flesh, giving rise to sin. We crucify our flesh when we are with Christ, and this helps us to loose the power and presence of sin over our lives.
Sos 2:14 When we are going through valleys of death, we make covenants with God in secret, but these covenants will help take us to the next level of intimacy in our walk with God.
4) Removal of hinderances.Sos 2:15 talks about the removal of hinderances. "foxes" refers to the sins in our lives. "little foxes" refer to the niggling little sins that we need to be rid of.
Deal with the foxes such that we can have a strong relationship with God.
John 15:5 Leadership is built on strong solid foundation. Your reputation with men and your walk with God. Leaders also need to undergo the test of character over time, such that they do not cave in under pressure.
Ecc 10:1, 1 Cor5:6-8 tells us not to be presumptions, prideful. But humbling ourselves before God. "A contrite heart" pleases God.
Sos 2:16,17 In these 2 verses, the faltering love of the Shulamite woman is apparent. She calls out to her lover; then turns him away when he comes. We call out to God in distress, but yet when God shows up, we miss the presence of God; or are unprepared to receive Him. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness; and when God asked them to spy out the lands, they were afraid to take the lands. God then told them "only those under 20 will move into the promised land!" And they immediately changed their minds and wanted to move into the promised land immediately, and were indeed soundly defeated by their enemies!
Sos 3:1 God seeks afer us. How does God deal with us?
Fellowship draws us close to God, discipleship rids of the little "foxes" in our lives and builds sanctification.
Sos 3:2,3; Phi 2:13. The Shulamite woman cannot find her lover. This speaks to us that we need to grab onto the presence of God. Sos 3:4. Disobedience to the voice of God or leading unrighteous lives turn God's presence away from us.
Letting go of our old wine skin means:
a) Separation from Lot (our old lives)
b) Separation from Ismael (our failures and mistakes)
c) Letting go of Isaac (our precious!)
Sos 3:5 God never forces His will on us. He lets it be done according to our faith.
Experience the fellowship of jesus! Walk of sanctification.
Jesus suffered:
a) Pain of discipline
b) Separation from friends
c) Pain of disappointment
d) Pain of obedience
e) Pain of accusation
2Tim 2:11-12 To identify with Christ as the goal of living a victorious Christian lifestyle!

This lesson tells us to stick with God no matter where we go, through valleys or mountains. As Pastor Phil always say, if we keep walking, even at our lowest point, the only way is up! so friends, no matter what you are going through, God will eventually grant us the breakthrough and victory. Our relationship with God goes through "faltering" phases. But yet, if we stick on, our relationship with God will grow stronger, which will be followed in the 3rd series: Growing love.

money matters: Living below your means, the Art of Thrift

2009-06-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

now, originally i was to tackle the Obama stimulus plan, but then i quickly realised that that is WAAAAY to difficult to tackle at my current level. So i shall stick to something simpler instead:)

How do the richest people on Earth live? People like Warren Buffet? Bill Gates?
Now think for a moment.
These people have the biggest bank account ever, so much so that it is even close to impossible to spending it all...but do they do that? No!
"Warren Buffet, for example, remarked that if he just spent 20,000 on a new car in the '60s, it would be worth nothing in the next 10 years. But if he invested and earned 25% annual compounded revenue, it will bring him $158,518 in 10 years, $1.26 million in 20 years and $9.96 million in 30 years...he figured $9.96 million is too much to waste on a car!" -taken from Secrets of Self-made millionaires by Adam Khoo
What am I saying here today? Live below your means! Now this mantra of thrift is very close to my heart. This is how my parents accumulated their wealth, and this is how i shall accumulate mine. Of course, my parents were not too savvy investors, so this is an area i will fervently work on. What does living below your means mean? Basically, it means to live a level of lifestyle that is BELOW what you can afford.
On a personal note to dear, fine dining is something WE DEFINITELY cannot afford at our current salaries. But because i love you, we will go out on special occasions. But we can't afford the level that your parents spend on. Definitely not.
Take for example you earn a $3000 salary, and can afford a $1500-$2000 lifestyle. In Singapore nowadays, to live a very very very BASIC lifestyle, you'll need to spend close to $1000. Hence, if you earn $3000 (average!), if you want to live below your means, you'll choose to live a basic lifestyle of $1000. And this additional $500-$1000 you save, it'll be worth much when compounded through savings and investment. (Warren Buffet example.)
Rich people have different mindsets to money. $1 is $1 to anyone of us. But, $1 is potentially $10 to anyone with a "rich man's" mindset. In the parable of the talents, Jesus talked about investing of talents. The one who invested and got returns did it the right way. He is a rich man. The one who hid it in the ground (akin to saving in a bank) did not earn anything. He had a poor man's mindset, for 1 talent is simply, 1 talent to him.
Hence, my message is simple. you have your choice to live the lifestyle you choose. But if you want to accumulate wealth, you'll have to make a sacrifice of giving up on certain "wants" in your life and start to live below your means. When you have a right mindset of money, you'll begin to master your money. next up, money matters: saving and investing.

money matters: Are we saving for the future?

2009-06-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,
It has been one of my personal goals to upgrade myself in the area of financial knowledge, for i believe that besides IQ and EQ, the FQ (financial quotient) is also a very fundamental part of our lives. Bible tells us to be wise stewards of our money.
In this very first article, I will attempt to explore concepts in a very simplified manner. over the next few months and years, as i read more, listen more, i'll attempt to write better articles. Friends, your input/comments is highly encouraged here. :)
To my DEAREST:), please read these articles. It is my wish that we can learn together to better manage our financial resources.

So, to start off, are we saving for the future?
After watching some of Peter Schiff's videos (go youtube to find him), I've come to the realization that America (as a nation) has got its fundamental concepts of savings and consumption seriously wrong. Years of consumption, leading to a seemingly healthy and prospering Gross Domestic Product, gave
Americans all the false sense of security that all is well in the sweet bye and bye. And then came the speculative real estate bubble, which eventually burst and took us all to the current recession.
So what has all these got to do with us? Is it the same in Singapore? Definitely not, for the way our economy is structured is different from the US. But the fundamental principles always apply, and I am impressed by the guy peter schiff as he always stick to the fundamentals.
First, let me explore the relationship between consumption and savings. From our A level text "Economics Explained" (my brother's copy as i did not do Econs at As), the main difference between consumption and savings is what happens to the money. Let's say we have a dollar. If we consume it, it is gone forever. If we save it, we can either invest it or put it in the bank, such that the value of the dollar will grow. Now here is the crux of the misconception of many of us (not just the Americans). As GDP is measuring the total worth of goods and services in the market, whether you consume or save it, that one dollar gets added to GDP.
But is it the same? Certainly not! When you consume, it is gone forever! Forever! Now when i come to think of it, those people who say that just consuming will help dig ourselves out of the economic hole. Not totally. The key is in savings. In a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, "Americans' income increases --- Stimulus helps boost take-home pay 1.1%; savings rate surges", on 2nd june '09, spending decreased 0.3%, and savings rate increased to its highest levels in 50 years.
More and more people are coming to the realization that in order to dig themselves out of the mess, it is crucial to strike a balance between consumption and savings. A sound budgeting helps! So the next time you go on impulse buying, or eating out at a fine restaurant, think of the dollars that are gone for good. These dollars spent now means less ammo for future needs, and for our future generations.
Next up on money matters: Living below your means: Art of thrift. Stay tuned.

expanding capacity

2009-05-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

Just to share a short word with my friends:
Isa 54:2 (NIV) "Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back;lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes."
God gave this word to the Israelites when they were still in the midst of battle with the surrounding nations.
Pressure comes from all directions at once. Much of the book of Isaiah, in fact, is about the time when Israel is being under constant war. Yet it is in these darkest hours, that God began to speak to His people, showing them His promises.
How can we even begin to "enlarge the place of our tent" when we are in the midst of fierce battle? In the workplace, in the school, at home...we face battles of every kind.
But yet, God tells us, in the following verse Isa 54:3 "For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities."
It is only through tough times, that God is able to mould us and shape us. Just like a piece of clay, it has to be burnt under high heat, in order to come up with a beautiful finished product that can withstand knocks.
Why do we have to undergo trials and testings? This is precisely the reason.
Isa48:10 "Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction."
For what purpose? The next verse explains it clearly. v.11"For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it; for how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another." God repeats, "For My own sake". So it must be for the glory of God! How can we bring glory to God if we are defeated?
On the road to victory:
Start to expand our inner mindset today. Isa 54:17 "No weapon formed against us shall prosper" and Isa 54:4 "Do not fear, for we shall not be ashamed, neither be disgraced, for we will not be put to shame;..."
How does God's army conquer their enemies? It always start with the mind. If they think they are too small, as grasshoppers against the giants of the world, they indeed will become small and weak.
In conclusion, no matter the situation we face today, let's keep in mind what God has promised us, that as we face the battle, we are not alone. At the end of that battle, we will truely have enlarged our tent and fought the good fight. A good fight is always worth fighting for if you know WHO you are fighting for.

Song of solomon (part 1)

2009-05-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

Bible study series by Pastor Kong Hee
Song of Solomon
Part 1: Initial Love
Introduction:
Eph 5:25
This passage speaks to the believer who has served for a few years and been burnt out, to coming back to God again.
God longs for a personal relationship with us. In Song 1:2, the wine speaks of the joy of God being able to fellowship with us.
Judges 9:13, Ps 51-12. Speaks about the joy of our salvation.
Ps 4:7, Ps 45-8. The anointing of Jesus that smells of myrrh, aloes and cassia.
Myrrh symbolises bitterness and the sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross.
Aloe speaks of healing and cassia grows on high places, speaking of God coming down from heaven to save us.
Who can draw close to God?
1) The pure in heart that follows God wherever He goes.
Song 1:2 “...therefore the virgins love you.” Rev 14:4
2 Cor 11:2, John 6:44
Revival requires partnership between man and God, but the desire must first come from man!
In Songs 1:1-4, the Shulamite woman is assuming a leadership of position. David served the purpose of God in his generation. God moves when there is a kingdom attitude!
2) The patient who waits upon the Lord
Ps 91:1, Ps 40:1. Trusting and obeying.
Sometimes leadership is the problem, but it is always the solution! A good leader provides solutions.
3) The sanctified.
Isa 6:1-5 speaks of holiness as both a position and a process.
It is both instantaneous and progressive. “sanctification” means progressive holiness.
Rev 19:8. The fine linen speaks of the righteous acts of saints. Gal 4: 26-28
In the midst of serving in ministry, we need to guard ourselves in the area of our own spiritual walk with God.
Songs 1:6 “...They made me the keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept.”
When we get burnt out, we tend to think that it has got to do with serving.
However, the main reason is that we do not watch and guard our own spiritual walk with God in the midst of serving. Even Jesus has to retire into the mountains to seek the Lord, such that He will be able to sustain His ministry. 3 things we must do:
1) Brokenness and yielding to God
2) Nourishment
3) Seclusion
Songs 1:10-12, 1 King 4:27. There is no shortcut to carrying the presence of God! We need both faith and love. If we do the above 3 things, we will find joy in the presence of God. Joy is like the wine and “henna blooms”.
The dove in verse 12 speaks of meekness, harbouring no bitterness and singleness of purpose, vision.
Songs1:15, Heb 12:2 “...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Acknowledge God in all our ways.”
What is God to us?
Songs 1:16, 17 “Behold, you are handsome, my beloved! Yes, pleasant! Also our bed is green. The beams of our houses are cedar...”
The bed refers to a place of rest, and the green refers to nourishment. God is our rest and refuge, and the Word of God gives us nourishment. Ps 23:1-2
The paradox of holiness.
Holiness is separation from sin and being joined to God.
Songs 2:2,3 “Like a lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. Like an apple tree among the trees of the woods, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down in his shade with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.”
The apple tree is more accurately translated to citrion tree. A citrion tree never loses its leaves during winter, and God’s protection never fails!
Ps 1:1-3, Isa 40:30
Songs 2:5 We need the constant outpouring of the power and anointing of God. At the same time, we must be able to recognise our limits, so that we can decrease, and Christ can increase.
Jesus accepted that Peter has limitations, after denying Him 3 times, but yet still build His church upon Peter.
Conclusion:
As we begin to grow in God, we will begin to mature. Our love for God needs to be tested and proven.

child of God

2009-05-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

updates:
i've just finished my first week at watsons! and must i say i've truly learnt quite a bit during this one week.
i'm currently shuttling between lucky plaza and taka watsons, following the shifts of my mentors. i've got a couple now, joy and yew meng, as well as my senior siqi. (same name as dear..haha) they are really nice people, patient and giving much guidance:)the pre-reg i/c kahyeen also very nice!
Child of God (edited)
i have been seeking for break through in the area of ministering to my members, and how i can be able to influence them to change their mindsets of limitation. And i was reminded as i was travelling on the bus, that how i would always talk about my members and how they are doing.
2 things came to me:
1) You will always talk about what you care about.
The power of speech and the spoken word is extremely great. In the book that i'm currently reading, Yonggi Cho's "the 4th dimension", there's one particular chapter on the spoken word. (this book is really powerful! will blog on it soon...)
and what we talk about reflects what we think about, what we care about. (although not always, when we meet new people, we tend to talk about anything under the sky) but when we converse with friends, close friends, what we converse really reflects what we are really concerned about. and apparently, these people, God reminded me, are people that i really care about. God knows that i really want to see change in these people.
2) we are to be keepers of our brothers and sisters.
we are children in the eyes of God, and even though we make mistakes, God is always gracious when we come before Him. likewise, God reminds me once again that i need to be gracious towards these people when they make mistakes. people need time to grow.
i really desire my members to be strong, committed and most of all, have a good relationship with God. but certain things i have to learn along the way, and i'm truly thankful to God for the opportunity to grow even as i watch people grow.

first day @ work!!!

2009-05-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

yesterday was my first day at work!!
really looking forward to this new phase of life, and now i'm already in it!
my mentor is really nice; very patient and willing to teach. today, i'll be going over to takashimaya watsons, where i'll be stationed for the next 3 months. hopefully the pharmacist here is just as nice:)
i had a truly enjoyable time in taiwan and bangkok as well. this trip is more of me accompanying my mom, as she really wanted to go to taiwan but my brother wanted to go along with his friends. guess what, i bumped into serene, diwei and cecilia @ hk ocean park! found out from facebook that the latter 2 are attached:) congrats!