TPYM

Prayer for Students

2011-09-15T10:58:00.002+08:00

Hello Everybody!
I believe every one is busy preparing for exams, some are probably mugging your heads off for prelims... ...

Here is one prayer that helped me as I was preparing for my O's and have lost for words due to stress. I hope this helps you!

Loving God
be with me now,
as I prepare for my exams.

Thank you for the many talents and gifts you have
given me and for the opportunity of education.

Calm my nerves and anxiety, help me
to remember all that I have studied,
to express it clearly and to answer the questions
the very best that I can.

Holy Spirit, sit with me in my exam
- and always.
In Jesus' name
Amen

Planning to Rest

2011-09-02T00:11:00.001+08:00

Planning to Rest

“He said to them, ‘This is what the LORD commanded: “Tomorrow is to be a day of sabbath rest, a holy sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.”‘” Exodus 16:23 (NIV)

Preparing to go on vacation takes a lot of work. By the time I finish all the laundry, clean the house and get completely caught up at work before I can enjoy a break, I’m exhausted.
This year, my family vacation came two days after a huge deadline at work. By the time I locked the front door and turned towards the car, mental and physical fatigue overwhelmed me.
Once we arrived at our destination, I could have cried with relief. The months of planning and weeks of hectic last-minute preparation were worth it. After a few days of complete rest, I felt recharged and ready to go.
Although this pattern of planning before rest is common to holidays and vacations, it wasn’t until recently I applied it to honoring the Sabbath. Every week I’m faced with the opportunity to rest. Actually it’s more than an opportunity, it’s a commandment from the Lord. But instead of planning for it to happen, I usually slip into a day of work.
For some reason, I expect a day of rest to happen with no effort. But it doesn’t. The truth is I need to rethink how I approach God’s commandment to rest. It requires intention for it to happen, or I’ll just use it as a catch-up day.
For years God has been gently convicting me of dis-honoring His day. Although I know it’s one of the Ten Commandments, I’ve prioritized work over obedience too many times.
I’ve even tried to redefine work and call it rest, as if that could fool God. The truth is, I’ve created a seven-day workweek, and neglected to plan for rest.
It’s easy to find excuses not to rest: I’m a mom of five children, my work is ministry-related, or it’s just a few e-mails. Those excuses sound weak to my ears when weighed against God’s request to obey Him in something that’s pleasurable and for my own good.
The Sabbath is a gift from a loving heavenly Father to His children. It is a day to breathe a sigh of relief, and rest from our labors. It is a day to soak in the companionship of those we love. My spirit, mind and body long for rest. To reject this healing gift hurts me and those I love. It also sets me in direct disobedience to God.
Given my tendency towards work, I have to plan for a day of Sabbath rest to happen. It will take me spreading housework throughout the week, finishing the laundry a day early and preparing meals in advance. It will take a weekly plan. But when I make the Sabbath a priority, I’m obeying one of God’s caring commandments and teaching my children to do the same.
And when my thirsty soul tastes the refreshment of rest, I realize why God asks me to honor His day.

Dear Lord, forgive me for the times I have made excuses and dishonored Your Sabbath. I know You gave me this day as a gift, and I have often rejected it in favor of my own way. Help me to plan the rest of the week wisely so that I’m prepared for a day of rest. Thank You for forgiving me and giving me another chance to obey You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

- Glynnis Whitwer
, Proverbs 31 Ministries

2011-07-31T19:52:00.001+08:00

我们成为一家人因着耶稣！:)

Together as One Concert

2011-07-28T12:28:00.002+08:00

合而为一TOGETHER AS ONE CONCERT
Date: 13 August 2011
Time: 6pm
Venue: Toa Payoh Chinese Methodist Church
Ticket fee: $150
This is a joint fundraising effort by the TPMC and TPCMC.

We have invited Christian celebrities to perform and share their testimonies and dinner will be provided.

For all who want to attend but cannot afford financially, please look for Ps. Fui Fui individually J

Those who want to help out as ushers, do look for Kendra! So far, Li Qi, Dawn and Hsin Yu have agreed to be ushers! So join them yea yea!

Let’s join with our church in this fundraising effort by supporting with all that we have – 有钱出钱，有力出力!

Center of Attraction

2011-07-28T12:15:00.004+08:00

CAC Board of Youth Ministry (BYM) is organising an egggciting day for all of us to participate!

Center of Attraction!

It is a combined district event, a get-to-know better session between the churches. It will be a day of fun and games and bonding with youths from other churches!

Date: 27 August 2011, Saturday
Time: 10.30am to 8pm
Venue: Cantonese Methodist Kum Yan Church

Fee: $8

There will not be CG on that day, so let us all go together and join in that day of fun! :D

(Facebook event page:http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=166488263424521)

Love Singapore

2011-07-19T10:53:00.002+08:00

40-DAY 2011
July 1 - August 9

Our theme is The Eleventh Hour.

This was chosen last year.

Then came the Arab uprisings, the earthquakes and tsunami!

These and other stunning events of 2011 all point to the urgency of the hour.

The whole earth is groaning.

Our redemption draws near.

It is the last hour! 1 John 2:18

This 40-Day season, we turn to the Parables of Jesus.

This is about as close as you can get to the mind and heart of Christ.

The stories He told speak to our times just as they did His own.

They not only comfort and console.

They also convict and confront.

Rightly read, they bring us to our knees.

Parables are pray-ables.

-- Love Singapore

ANNOUNCEMENTS (PART 2)

2011-07-19T10:25:00.005+08:00

小组之夜~~美食之夜

There will be a combined church CG event on 29 July 2011, at 7pm!

Each CG will be required to prepare a dish and name the dish creatively!

If you have any idea for any dish, please tell your CG Leaders!

Date: 29 July 2011, Friday

Time: 7pm

Venue: Church

Let us make that Friday free alright!

Cheers!

Love Singapore 40-Day Prayer Fast Booklet

We are now into the 19th Day of the Prayer-Fast! It is a movement initiated by Love Singapore (website: http://www.lovesingapore.org.sg/), to pray for our nation before National Day.

Not a brain-washing, propaganda thing... but to really look at the issues of this day in the light of our Faith.

CG will be using this material from now till 8th August, so if you haven't got your copy, please get it from Xin Pei!

It is $1 per copy! Not too much for a meaningful 40 days of prayer for our beloved nation yea :)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

2011-07-19T10:22:00.005+08:00

YOUTH SUNDAY 2011

Hello peeps!

As publicised on the YM Facebook Page, we have exceeded our target amount for Youth Sunday with the "Adopt a Tile" movement and the sale of polaroids!

Targeted amount: $2500

Collected Amount: 4063.50!

Thank you to all In-charges and all who have helped out in all various ways!

Thank God for all who have willingly contributed to the fundraising movements for Youth Sunday.

I hope all of us had fun, had an opportunity to talk to the adults and the YF-ers and saw how God worked through this Youth Sunday!

All glory to God!

Together As One!

2011-07-17T15:27:00.003+08:00

Hey guys!

After last week's fundraising, we see how as one ministry, we can do things that are greater than ourselves! Let us continue to unite as one body of Christ and bring glory to our Father In Heaven! Just as HuiHui mentioned today, let's learn to be sensitive to the needs of our brothers and sisters, and be INCLUSIVE rather than EXCLUSIVE, regardless of your age!

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." ~ John 13:35

YM Photo Gallery

2011-07-16T14:32:00.003+08:00

Hello all!

Pls check out the "Photos" section below for more information! ;)

God bless you!

2011-07-06T09:48:00.003+08:00

Hello People!

Youth Sunday is THIS WEEK!

We will be having preparations and prayer meeting this coming Saturday!

If you're free, do come and join the YF-ers and other YM-ers in preparation for this Sunday from 10am onwards! There will be steamboat dinner at 6pm!

You will be needed to help out in the decorating of the Clubhouse, the painting/drawing of tiles, preparing for Steamboat dinner as well as to pray with us!

Here is the rough guide of timings:

10am - Meet at Clubhouse -- allocation of tasks

4.30pm - Prayer Meeting at Prayer Room

6pm - Dinner!

Hope to see all of you there alright!

Youth Sunday 2011

2011-06-29T00:05:00.002+08:00

Youth Sunday 2011!

This year's theme of Youth Sunday is FAITHFULNESS THROUGH THE GENERATIONS!

Basically, it is a vision of youths keeping the Faith and serving the Lord actively throughout their lives. This vision can only be fulfilled with the support and encouragement of the church and the youths to react to what they see have been done by the previous generations in church.

The focus of our service this Youth Sunday is...

1. Let the Church know more about the youths

- Through testimony sharings during Chinese and NLW Service

- Video shown during Services on our recent activities

- Sharing about the youths in Hokkien Service

- Exhibition in Clubhouse to show photos and testimonies written by US of what we have gained as we are in YM/YF

2. Youths to connect with the Church

We will be having fundraising movements to encourage our aunties and uncles to support financially for the Church Fundraising Concert, TOGETHER合而为一Concert.

i) Polaroid photo taking

- Each Polaroid will cost $5. The congregation will be asked to take photos as mementoes of this Youth Sunday. They will be encouraged to take anywhere around church.

ii) "Adopt a Tile" movement

- Each person will offer up $15 for 1 tile adopted. They can paint/draw/sign on it to help us complete our final design of a church! We will then paste these 150 tiles somewhere in Church to remind ourselves of our contributions to our church during Youth Sunday 2011...

Now that you know MORE about what is going to happen on Youth Sunday, it's time for you to get involved! :D

We will be having preparations on 9th July, Saturday, starting from 10am!

Help will be needed for the exhibition at Clubhouse and for the designing of the tiles!

As this will be a joint effort by both the younger youths from YM and older youths from YF, it will be great to take this opportunity to say hi to the older people whom you see around but you don't really know! :D

We will have a prayer meeting from 4.30pm to 6pm for Youth Sunday after all the preparations and finally... Steamboat Dinner! :D

Do hope to see you on the 9th July! And get excited for the 10th!

Cheers!

2011-06-27T00:49:00.001+08:00

Break Free! Part 2

2011-06-14T14:42:00.002+08:00

Hello guys!

Hope you guys follow up this vid!

Here you go...

Leave a comment in the shoutbox if you have comments/questions!

Stay Awake!

2011-06-13T12:56:00.002+08:00

"Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. "But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."

Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for everyone?" And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and prudent manager whom his master will put in charge of his slaves, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions.
-Luke 12:35-44 (NRSV)

THE first day of the work week had not gotten off to a good start. First I had to go back home to collect a bag that I had forgotten. Then I left the bag behind on the luggage rack in the train. I had to go back for it again, and this time I had to explain to the ticket inspector and the driver what had happened. I know I am not the only one to whom these kinds of things happen, especially after a long weekend. Often we sleep on the go, automatically move in the necessary direction, and float along the usual river of our life.

Our relationship with God can become like this as well. We go to church on Sundays purely out of habit. We neither change nor grow spiritually. We are happy with the way things are. We put off reading the Bible until later, or talking about our faith to a nonbeliever until next week or next month, or taking on a new way of ministry until next year. It is as if we have become frozen in our faith. But God calls us to be always ready for Christ's coming.

God calls us to pray without ceasing and to act and live each day as if it were our last. We cannot answer that call casually or haphazardly. A life of true faith requires committed, intentional walking with Jesus Christ and following in his footsteps.

- Zhanna Kim (Moscow, Russia)

Taken from: Upper Room Devotional

"Children of Dawn"

2011-06-06T05:41:00.003+08:00

A traveller in the Himalayas tells how he arose very early one morning to watch the sun rise on the towering peaks. He says: "There, as the day began to dawn, we saw arise before our enraptured gaze, within a complete semicircle, twenty peaks each above twenty thousand feet in height, snow-capped with virgin snow. For half an hour, the curtain was lifted and we inwardly worshipped. Then the mists began to fill the valleys between and the view was gone. Gone? No, not really - it was forever laid up in our green and gratefully memories."

That is what a quiet time in the early part of the day does for you. Before the mists of worldly happenings blot out your view of God, you take a time exposure of Him which is indelibly imprinted on your mind. Then, after the mists close in, the vision is there-within. You live in two worlds at once - drawing phyiscal strength from the world around you, and spiritual sustenance from the world above you.

Source: Every Day with Jesus - One Year Devotional, Water for the Soul

This is something I read from my devotional material that I would like to share with all of you.

May we find meaning in spending time with God every morning.

Too Far

2011-06-01T23:44:00.003+08:00

Psalm 119:105-112 (NRSV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.

I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to observe your righteous ordinances.

I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O LORD, according to your word.

Accept my offerings of praise, O LORD,
and teach me your ordinances.

I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law.

The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.

Your decrees are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.

I incline my heart
to perform your statutes forever, to the end.

"STOP!" I yelled to my four-year-old son for the third time on our walk through the neighborhood. Once again he had gone too far from me and was dangerously close to the street. He was so distracted by the sound of the cars and the busyness of other children that he paid no attention to how far away from me he was.

I began to think of how easily we can get too far from our heavenly Father by not praying for daily guidance or not reading the Bible. Much like my son, we become distracted by what the world offers. We work longer hours in order to make more money and gain more possessions. We watch television and play computer games as entertaining distractions. These and other diversions can lead us to make wrong decisions and send us in dangerous directions, ones that are harmful to ourselves and others.

But we can be thankful that we have a Father who stays close to us. If we stray, we can call on God any time of the day or night to guide us back to the way of life that God intends -- the way of joyful obedience.

-Jerry Bragalone (Pennsylvania, USA)

Taken from Upper Room Daily Devotional, 28 May 2011

Break Free!

2011-06-01T12:09:00.002+08:00

Hey guys, a cool video for you to ponder about! :)

Will update you again!

Announcements 29/5

2011-05-31T10:39:00.003+08:00

Hey guys!

Here are some of the announcements from last week.

If you have any other announcements to make,

pls leave a comment under 'Shout it out' :)

Enjoy a great week ahead! God bless!

Across the Lands

2011-05-28T22:16:00.002+08:00

Hello all!

Came across this song on Youtube. It is what people call as a "Modern Hymn" as it was written in the 20th Century.

Enjoy the song and let us worship our God with this song!

Across the Lands

Words & Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend

Verse 1
You’re the Word of God the Father
From before the world began.
Ev’ry star and ev’ry planet
Has been fashioned by Your hand.
All creation holds together
By the power of Your voice.
Let the skies declare Your glory;
Let the land and seas rejoice!

Chorus
You’re the Author of creation;
You’re the Lord of ev’ry man;
And Your cry of love rings out across the lands.

Verse 2
Yet You left the gaze of angels,
Came to seek and save the lost,
And exchanged the joy of heaven
For the anguish of a cross.
With a prayer You fed the hungry;
With a word You calmed the sea;
Yet how silently You suffered
That the guilty may go free!

Verse 3
With a shout You rose victorious,
Wresting vict’ry from the grave,
And ascended into heaven,
Leading captives in Your way.
Now You stand before the Father,
Interceding for Your own;
From each tribe and tongue and nation,
You are leading sinners home!

Response Song

2011-05-15T22:41:00.001+08:00

Trust in the Lord
audio here:

http://www.4shared.com/audio/fE8yET9v/Hillsongs_Kids_-_Trust_In_The_.html

Trust, trust in the Lord
Lean not on your own understanding
In all, all of your ways Acknowledge Him
He'll make your path straight

Chorus
Trust, trust in the Lord
Lean not on your own understanding
In all, all of your ways Acknowledge Him
He'll make your path straight

You'll be my guide for life
I'll walk by Your side
With Your hand in mine
I'll go where You lead me

Chorus

My eyes can only see
The ground beneath my feet
Your dreams are greater
Your ways are higher
O Lord please show me

Chorus (twice)

Bless my thoughts
My dreams
my imaginations

Step by step
Your delight
Your creation

On Aldersgate Convention 2011

2011-05-15T22:33:00.003+08:00

Aldersgate Convention 2011

The Story Must Live On
By Bishop Dr Robert Solomon

IN THE CITY OF PUNE in India stands the Oldham Memorial Methodist Church, which I visited recently. You may ask how Bishop William Fitzjames Oldham (1854-1937), who played a leading role in the founding of Methodism in Singapore and in its early years, including the founding of Anglo-Chinese School, got to be remembered in this significant way in Pune. Some answers can be found in the memorial plaque that has prominent place in that church.

In ever-loving memory of Bishop William Fitzjames Oldham in whose honour this church has been named. Born at Bangalore in 1854, he was converted at Poona in 1872 and licensed to preach by the Poona Quarterly Conference in 1876. In 1885 he founded the Malaya Mission of the Methodist Episcopal Church. From 1904 to 1912 he served as Missionary Bishop in India and Malaya, and from 1916 to 1928 was Bishop of South America. He was called to higher service in 1937, Los Angeles California. His life was inspiring and saintly, and his devoted labours everywhere glorified God – truly he was an apostle of the joys of unselfish living.

Some significant events in Oldham’s life happened in Pune (once called Poona). Oldham was born in Bangalore, India to James, a British officer, and Mary Elizabeth. He had largely Irish-English and (from his maternal side) some Indian parentage. As a young man, Oldham found employment as a government surveyor in India and was posted to Pune. Being from a Roman Catholic background, Oldham was curious about the American Methodists who had established church work in India. One of the illustrious American Methodist missionaries at that time was William Taylor (1821-1902), who is best known as a missionary bishop and evangelist who was used by God to plant Methodism in many parts of the world. He ministered in India too, and was responsible for evangelistic campaigns.

Taylor’s father was converted at a Methodist camp meeting in Virginia. Taylor, too, had a special spiritual experience at a camp meeting in Virginia. In his autobiography, Story of My Life (1896) he tells his story: "soon after, as I sat one night by the kitchen fire, the Spirit of the Lord came on me and I found myself suddenly weeping aloud and confessing my sins to God in detail, as I could recall them, and begged Him for Jesus' sake to forgive them, with all I could not remember; and I found myself trusting in Jesus that it would all be so, and in a few minutes my heart was filled with peace and love, not the shadow of a doubt remaining."

Taylor had an evangelistic campaign in 1873 in India and was assisted by the Rev Daniel O. Fox, a Methodist minister. Oldham was curious to hear the Americans preach and heard Fox preaching in one of the Methodist tent meetings in Pune. It resulted in his conversion and subsequent entry into the Methodist ministry (after Taylor prayed for him). Oldham prayed his childhood prayer, “O Lord, save. O Lord Christ, convert me” and found God’s answer with “gladness of heart”. Fox was subsequently appointed as the pastor of the church in Pune that eventually came to be named in memory of Oldham. At the gospel meetings, Oldham also met Marie Augusta Mulligan, an Anglo-Indian, whom he married at the church in Pune. It was also at that church that Oldham received his preacher’s licence.

Later, the Oldhams moved from Pune to Bangalore where they established a Methodist school. They subsequently met Bishop James Thoburn who persuaded them to come to Singapore as pioneer Methodist missionaries. Thus, on Feb 9, 1885, Oldham arrived in Singapore with Thoburn who preached for two weeks at the Town Hall, resulting in the establishing of the first Methodist church in Singapore. Oldham was appointed as its first pastor.

In the brief sketches above, we can see a sacred thread of divine work in the hearts of men and women – it is that Methodist story we must cherish and continue to live out. John Wesley, though an Anglican clergyman, was in search of a real conversion experience. He found that experience on May 24, 1738 when he attended a Christian meeting and heard the words of Scripture explained.

In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.

Wesley's Aldersgate experience was similar to that of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus who met the risen Christ without at first realising it (Lk. 24:13-35). Later they testified how their hearts burned within them when the Lord explained the scriptures to them. Wesley himself explained that before Aldersgate he had the faith of a servant, but after Aldersgate it was the faith of a son. We read about this in Scripture, how God sends His Spirit into our hearts and transforms us from slaves to sons (Gal. 4:1-7). This experience is truly life-changing. It changed Wesley’s life and led him to true holiness of heart and habit. He went around widely to preach the Good News of Jesus.

Through Wesley’s preaching many came to a similar experience. One of them was Francis Asbury who spread Methodism throughout America. Revival broke out there and Methodism grew; camp meetings were part and parcel of that revival. It was in one such meeting that William Taylor had his heart-warming experience. Later, through his ministry, Oldham was converted. Then, through Oldham’s anointed preaching (though on some occasions he was pelted with rotten eggs by opponents during his outdoor preaching sessions), many others in Singapore were touched by God.

The story must live on. Preaching and the experience of the divinely warmed heart must continue. Conversions must take place. Lives must be transformed. Communities must be changed. Lasting legacies must be left behind. And we know that the sovereign God is behind this great story.

(taken from: http://www.methodist.org.sg/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=1213)

2011-05-15T22:22:00.004+08:00

ANNOUNCEMENTS!

1. Church Redevelopment Offering
We are left with $137/2500!
Let us do our part to meet this amount left for the portion of the cost of Clubhouse!

2. CG
Cell group is now going on!
Your CG leaders would have been texting you throughout the week to inform you about CG. If you haven't been receiving any messages, go to your CG leader/any SLs, to ask for more information :)

3. YF Event
All 17+years olds and above are invited to the YF Photography Event! They will be teaching the basics of photography, what are the functions of YOUR digital camera and how to take good photos!
It is on the 4th June, 1245pm! If interested, do look for Elizabeth/Jacob/Lim Young.

4. Aldersgate Convention 2011
Aldersgate Hymn Festival: 20 May (Fri) 7.45pm-9.45pm
Evangelistic Rally: 21 May (Sat) 5.00pm-7.00pm
Aldersgate Service: 22 May (Sun) 5.00pm-7.00pm

Have a blessed week folks!

I Smile - Kirk Franklin

2011-05-03T22:28:00.004+08:00

I dedicate this song to recession,
depression and unemployment.
This song's for you.

Today's a new day, and there is no sunshine.
Nothing but clouds, and it's dark in my heart
and it feels like a cold night.
Today's a new day, where are my blue skies,
where is the love and the joy that you promised me
you tell me it's alright.

(I'll be honest with you)
I almost gave up, but a power that I can't explain,
fell from heaven like a shower.

(When I think how much better I'm gonna be when this is over)
I smile, even though I'm hurt see I smile,
I know God is working so I smile,
Even though I've been here for a while
I smile, smile..
it's so hard to look up when you look down.
Sure would hate to see it when you give up now
You look so much better when you smile, so smile.

Today's a new day, but there is no sunshine.
Nothing but clouds, and it's dark in my heart,
and it feels like a cold night.
Today's a new day, tell me where are my blue skies,
where is the love and the joy that you promised me
you tell me it's alright.

(the truth is)
I almost gave up, but a power that I can't explain
fell from heaven like a shower.

I smile, even though I'm hurt see I smile,
I know God is working so I smile,
Even though I've been here for a while
I smile, smile..
it's so hard to look up when you look down.
Sure would hate to see it when you give up now
You look so much better when you smile.

Smile.. for me
Can you just smile... for me.
Smile.. for me
Can you just smile... for me.

ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
(and while your waiting)
ohohoh you look so much better when you
(and while your praying)
ohohoh you look so much better when you
(look in the mirror)
ohohoh you look so much better when you
(always remember)
You look so much better when you smile

I almost gave up, but a power that I can't explain
fell from heaven like a shower.

I smile, even though I'm hurt see I smile,
I know God is working so I smile,
Even though I've been here for a while
I smile, smile..
it's so hard to look up when you look down.
Sure would hate to see it when you give up now.
You look so much better when you smile.
so smile.

ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
ohohoh you look so much better when you
smile...

I just want you to be happy..
I want you to have joy 'cause can't nobody
take that away from you.
I see you.. SMILE!!

ANNOUNCEMENTS!

2011-04-23T11:19:00.002+08:00

ANNOUNCEMENTS!

1. Easter Service is at 10am SHARP tomorrow! Let us meet earlier a 9.45am and go to the Sanctuary together!

2. Holy Communion Service, 1 May, 11.45 am SHARP.

Just a reminder that we will be joining NLW at Sanctuary on 1 May!

Mourning into Dancing

2011-04-23T11:17:00.001+08:00

Hello people!

I heard this song every morning before assembly when I was in MGS and it always encourages me for the rest of the day, to not stay "emo" but remember that God has turned all mourning into dancing!

I know it's a VERY old clip and sounds "old", but hey, oldies are goodies!

Enjoy! XD

- Kendra!

I Surrender All

2011-04-18T03:53:00.002+08:00

All to Jesus I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
- Refrain:
  I surrender all,
  I surrender all;
  All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
  I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!
Composer:Judson W. Van DeVenter, 1896
Song sung by Don Moen

2011-04-17T23:44:00.004+08:00

Hello peeps!

Just a short update!

If you wanna see photos of events, do pop by FACEBOOK (which I know most of you do...) To view photos!

Will upload photos properly again ASAP!

Here are some links (click on hyperlink)

YM Moving to Small Chapel, 10 April: Jacob's Photo Album

CG Orientation 9 April: Kendra's Photo Album

SSO! 19 March: Kendra's Photo Album

Cheers!

2011-04-15T00:22:00.003+08:00

ODB: Dealing with Delay

“When we put our problems in God’s hands, He puts His peace in our hearts. ”

READ: Isaiah 26:1-9

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You. —Isaiah 26:3

In April 2010, clouds of ash spewed by a volcano in Iceland closed airports across the UK and Europe for 5 days. Nearly 100,000 flights were canceled and millions of passengers around the world found themselves in an enormous holding pattern on the ground. People missed important events, businesses lost money, and no one knew when it would end.

When our plans fall apart and there is no remedy, how do we deal with frustration and delay? Isaiah 26:3-4 is an anchor for our souls in every storm of life: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in [Jehovah], the Lord, is everlasting strength.” Whether we’re facing annoying inconvenience or heartbreaking loss, this rock-solid promise is worth memorizing and repeating every night when we close our eyes to sleep.

Today, when plans are shattered, do our minds dwell on the circumstances or on the Lord? During frustrating delay, can we still trust the loving heart of God? In the hymn “Like a River Glorious,” Frances Havergal so beautifully expressed what we long for.

— David C. McCasland

Taken from: http://ymiblogging.org/2011/04/odb-dealing-with-delay/

2011-02-27T20:35:00.002+08:00

ODB: A BOUQUET OF PRAISE

Corrie ten Boom (1892–1983) was a World War II concentration camp survivor and Christian who became a popular speaker around the world. Thousands attended her meetings as she talked about how she had learned to forgive her captors just as Christ had forgiven her sins.

After each meeting, people surrounded her and heaped accolades on her for her godly qualities and thanked her for encouraging them in their walk with the Lord. Corrie said she would then return to her hotel room, get down on her knees, and present those compliments in thanks to God. She called it giving God “a bouquet of praise.”

The Lord has given each of us gifts to use to minister to one another (1 Peter 4:10) so that “in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever” (v.11). We have nothing to offer others that we have not first received from the Lord (1 Cor. 4:7), so the glory does belong to Him.

To learn humility, perhaps we could follow Corrie’s example. If we receive a compliment for something we’ve said or done, let’s privately give a bouquet of praise to God for the glory He alone deserves.

— Anne Cetas

. . . that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. —1 Peter 4:11

Praise is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.

Overcoming Bias

2011-02-06T19:17:00.002+08:00

Overcoming Bias

February 6, 2011 — by David C. McCasland

Read: Colossians 3:8-17

There is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, . . . slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. —Colossians 3:11

A Washington Post article reported that recent studies into the nature of prejudice found that almost everyone harbors biases, and these attitudes affect even those who actively resist them. A University of Kentucky psychologist says that much of our self-esteem comes from feeling better about ourselves than about others because of the group we belong to. Prejudice is not easy to overcome, even within the family of God.

Paul’s words to the believers at Colosse instruct us today, saying that our speech and behavior toward fellow Christians should reflect our oneness in Christ. “[You] have put on the new man,” Paul said, “where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all” (Col. 3:10-11). Instead of superiority and favoritism, we should demonstrate compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience toward each other (v.12). And above all, we are to “put on love, which is the bond of perfection” (v.14).

In the body of Christ, no race, nationality, or class is better than another. Through the cross, Christ has made us one, and we are to treat each other with honesty, dignity, and love.

It matters not what race or gender,
Rich or poor, or great or small,
The God who made us is not partial—
He sent Christ to die for all. —D. De Haan

Prejudice distorts what it sees, deceives when it talks,
and destroys when it acts.

2011-01-22T12:04:00.004+08:00

Credits: Joyfultoons.com

ODB: The True Owner

2010-12-27T12:49:00.003+08:00

This devotion is similar to what Huihui preached yesterday-
Youth With Blessing (Ephesians 1:3)
God bless you! (:
_____________________________

ODB: The True Owner

December 27, 2010

"God gives blessing to us so we can give glory to Him."

READ: Psalm 95:1-7

All things were created through Him and for Him. —Colossians 1:16

Did you hear about the church that didn’t have enough room for parking? Fortunately, it was located right next to a store that was closed on Sundays, so a church member asked the store owner if they could overflow into his parking lot. “No problem,” he said. “You can use it 51 weeks out of the year. On the 52nd week, though, it will be chained off.” The man was grateful, but asked curiously, “What happens that week?” The store owner smiled, “Nothing. I just want you to remember that it’s not your parking lot.”

It’s easy to take for granted all the material and spiritual blessings that God has given us. That’s why we need to stop and remember that Scripture says the true owner of all we possess is God: “All that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head over all” (1 Chron. 29:11). Even our bodies do not belong to us: “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit . . . and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price” (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

As 1 Timothy 6:17 reminds us: “God . . . gives us richly all things to enjoy.” We are so abundantly blessed with good things! Let’s never take our Father for granted, but use wisely and gratefully all that He has given us.

- Cindy Hess Kasper

Taken from: http://ymiblogging.org/2010/12/odb-the-true-owner/

Poo-Poo Prayers

2010-12-25T10:32:00.002+08:00

Poo-Poo Prayers

How random, stream-of-consciousness prayers give focus to bigger needs

Caryn Rivadeneira

Early this past summer—on one night when we managed to eat dinner together as a family, I asked the kids if they had anything they'd like to pray about. At first there was silence. But then my 5-year-old daughter said in her sweetest, calmest voice, "How about we pray about poo?" Then she smiled wickedly at her brothers who nearly fell off their chairs laughing.

Now I've been down this road in my own life. I grew up Christian. I know this drill. And I was ready to beat them at their game.

"Greta," I said. "What a terrific thing to pray for. Okay, let's pray." And as we bowed our heads, and folded our hands, I launched in to a prayer for poo. I thanked God for food that turns into poo. I thanked God for indoor plumbing and toilet paper (this got more giggles). So I took a more serious turn: I thanked him for the miracle of our bodies, specifically our digestive tracks. I prayed for people who suffered from "bad poos" (total giggles) and who were sick in other ways. This led us to a prayer for the children around the world who suffered digestion issues because of lack of food and contaminated water.

We ended by thanking God for sending Jesus—for being willing to become a God who pooed—as a model for a way to live and for a sacrifice for our sins.

I was pretty amazed at where an honest prayer about poo could lead.

Starting with Stream-of-Consciousness

This experience opened my eyes to a whole new way of praying, especially in those seasons or moments when you feel a loss for what to pray. Or when you know you need to connect with God but just don't even know where to begin.

My kids call these random, start-with-anything prayers our "Poo-Poo Prayers," but I think of them more as "Stream-of-Consciousness Prayers"—perhaps, for you modern literature buffs, how Virginia Woolf or William Faulkner might have prayed.

Here's what I do: When I know I need to chat with God but am feeling distracted or when I'm desperate with need but at a loss for where to start, I'll look around my cluttered office or at what lies ahead of me through the windshield and I pick something. Then I start praying about it.

I've started prayers thanking God for the little Wheaties box/picture frame perched on the bookshelf by my desk. This has taken me to prayers for my son (whose tee-ball team picture it encases) and to each member of my son's tee-ball team. That prayer once ended with a call that each of my kids discovers their gifts and gets to live out their passion. Another time (I use this Wheaties box a lot!) it ended with a blessing for professional athletes, particularly those caught in the grips of substance abuse or rough lifestyle choices.

Last week I spied a cop tucked under a viaduct, with her radar gun pointed my way. Of course, my first prayer was that her radar didn't pick up my speediness, but after that I began praying for her. Then my prayer drifted into my deep gratitude for the freedom we enjoy in this country. It ended with a harvest-time prayer for farmers. No idea how it got there. But that's the cool part.

My two-year-old always wants to pray for "choo-choos." You'd be amazed at where those prayers for trains can go. From gratitude for mass transit to prayers for commuters and lonely travelers to thanks for the amazing minds who design trains and for the amazing bodies who built the rails so many years agoto asking for a bigger burden to be placed on my family to care for creation.

No More Same-Old, Same-Old

I can't tell you necessarily why or how my heart, mind, and soul end up in the places they do, but I love this stream-of-consciousness exercise of stretching in prayer, of getting creative and broad in what I bring before God. Because usually, when I remember to pray, I fall into the trap of praying for the same old things. Specifically, the same old things I tend to grumble about again and again. Not that God doesn't want to hear these grumbles. But I think we can get stuck here.

Letting our brains meander in prayer and then pushing our hearts outward when they want to hunker down allows us to see and honor the bigger world around us. Starting prayers with a simple object or person or need right in front of our noses and then opening our hearts and minds to the issues that surround it, help us push past the typical or the trite and allow us to see needs through a broader scope.

Praying this way has helped me better understand my place, purpose, and responsibility right where God has put me. I know it sounds silly—or maybe dramatic—but it's at once helped me appreciate what I have and break my heart for the things the world doesn't have. It's helped me see past my own hardships, sorrows, disappointments, and frustrations to see deep into a world of hurt and hardship that we so often miss.

But ultimately these random, meandering poo-poo prayers remind me that praying is talking to Jesus. Entering into a conversation with him. A conversation that can start with anything—just like we do with friends. And that we can bring before him what it is right in front of our noses and that which lies deep in our hearts, minds, and souls. Or for that matter our bowels.

Taken from: http://www.kyria.com/topics/spiritualformation/prayer/poopooprayers.html?start=1

《最珍贵的礼物》

2010-12-23T10:50:00.005+08:00

主内的弟兄姐妹们，平安！

好快2010已经接近尾声了，

让我们诚心的为上帝祂这一年来所供应的一切，

所付出的爱和祂的同在献上感恩的祷告，赞美的歌声！

圣诞节时，能得到的最珍贵礼物是什么呢？

在来临的星期六（12月25日）卫理公会大巴窑礼拜堂将会

举行一个圣诞节的布道会：《最珍贵的礼物》

节目会在傍晚5点正开始直到晚上6点45分结束，

地点是在本教会的二楼礼堂。

节目则由本堂朋友呈献给你 (:

我们诚心邀请所有的弟兄姐妹们带着自己的亲朋好友，

尤其是还没认识这位救主的来和我们一起享受一个不一样的圣诞节，

分享在主内的爱和喜悦！

愿主蒙恩！

——————————————————————

卫理公会大巴窑礼拜堂

Toa Payoh Methodist Church

480 Lorong @ Toa Payoh, S319641

(大巴窑地铁站出口D)

电话：63533284

电邮：church_office@tpcmc.org.sg

All Growing Spiritually—Not Just a Few!

2010-11-26T22:31:00.002+08:00

By David Shannon

Since the beginning of the church, fellowship of Christians has involved at least these four things: worship, learning, involvement, and relationships. What happens if a church neglects these areas or only provides for "the 20%" which know everybody and already do everything? What happens to the 80% who are riding the fringe? One of the great responsibilities given to leaders by God is to "equip the saints" for "work of ministry" and to "edify the church" (Ephesians 4:12) "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."

Worship, when the church comes together, ought to be a time of pouring out adoration to God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). When we see God on his throne high and lifted, it causes us to be humbly aware of sin, as well as the need for redemption, and we leave worship with a willingness to serve the Lord (Isaiah 6:1-8). Worship should never be practiced in such a way that only the spiritually mature can understand it. Let's avoid jargon and clichés, which visitors do not understand. Instead, worship so all can better see God and even visitors will recognize their sin and begin to worship (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).

Knowledge can only be gained through study. Leaders must equip the saints with the Scriptures (Ephesians 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). As first time visitors or long time members, we all need to be challenged to learn more (2 Peter 3:18). Every congregation should have individuals who will study one-on-one to help folks learn of their Savior. If we fail in these we have ultimately failed!

If one is asked, "Where are you spiritually?" no matter what the answer, there should be a place in the congregation to help them take the next step closer to God.

The above article appeared in the Mt. Juliet Messenger on August 15, 2004

Part 2: Involvement

Involvement is the concept of helping every member become a faithful servant of God's (1 Corinthians 15:58). Christianity is active. The church began in Acts 2 with folks selling their possessions to distribute with others (Acts 2:45, Acts 4:32), inviting folks into their homes daily, preparing meals, praying together (Acts 2:42), serving widows food (Acts 6) and providing clothing (Acts 9:39).

Today if 100% of the members were willing to work would the leaders of the church have a place for them to serve? Leaders are to provide "work of ministry" (Ephesians 4:12). Is it God's will for the same people to do the same things all the time and other willing servants never be asked or given the opportunity to serve and grow? The more members who are available to work, the more leaders will be required to lead them. If the leaders aren't available, the works will cease and the people will feel useless and soon they will depart or become apathetic. If every work is under a ministry and every ministry is being lead by a deacon and every deacon is diligently leading his ministry to (1) accomplish the work for the glory of God (2) by involving and encouraging every able and willing member, then there should never be willing servants of the Lord without an opportunity to serve! Every willing servant serving must be every deacon's goal! Leaders fail when they believe the best way to do a job is to do it yourself! It may be the easiest, but, for heaven's sake, it's not the best!

Part 3: Relationships

Relationships are vital in Christianity! One must be faithful in his or her relationship to God, family, neighbors, government, and even their enemy.

Acts gives us the history of the church from day one. The common love for Jesus brought the members of the Lord's church together daily. They were in and out of homes eating together and praying together (Acts 2:42). Their love for God and each other caused them to sacrifice greatly for one another by selling possessions to give to those in the spiritual family who had needs (Acts 2:45; 4:32). This close relationship is built by practicing "brotherly love" as read in Romans 12:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, and Hebrews 13:1. Just as foreign as an ocean without water would be, so is the thought of a church without relationships. But how many in the church ought to have relationships with one another? Only the 20% group again?

Of course not. Leaders are to provide edification to the whole body (Ephesians 4:12). One of the absolute necessities to build up the body is to help the body know God and one another. Small groups are a wonderful way to get to know each other better. Any group of 35 or less that meets at least once a month is a great environment to build relationships. Leaders ought to provide these, value them, and help nurture these opportunities. They are veins by which love often passes to spark and grow relationships. By our love we show to each other, folks should know we are Christ's (John 13:34-35). Let's grow closer to God and each other.

Taken from: http://www.buildingchurchleaders.com/articles/2007/070523a.html?start=1

Information Inundation

2010-11-16T11:05:00.005+08:00

Information overload is a common problem for young people today. But it's not due to schoolwork. Rather, it has everything to do with life outside the classroom.

by Becky Sweat

Does this sound like you? You sit at the desk in your bedroom with your biology book open in front of you, trying to study for a test. At the same time, you're plugged into your iPod, listening to music. Your laptop is also on, open to your Facebook page and Skype. And if those weren't enough things vying for your attention, every couple of minutes you're interrupted with a text message, to which you quickly respond.

You might see this as just a normal study session. But while it may very well be common, it's certainly not "normal."

"Our minds are designed to focus on one thing at a time," states David Levy, Ph.D., professor at the School of Information at the University of Washington. "We don't function well when we're trying to attend to multiple things at once."

All of these "technological interruptions," as Levy refers to them, are part of a much larger issue in our society—that of "information overload." We have more information coming at us than we can realistically process.

"There are only so many details in anyone's life that can be handled comfortably," says Deborah Barreau, Ph.D., associate professor at the School of Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "When that limit is exceeded, circuits begin to shut down. We refuse to process anymore." Too much information can make you feel anxious, overwhelmed, frustrated and confused, Barreau says.

The road to overload

The information we're talking about here includes the "social information" communicated through digital media—instant messaging, social networking sites, text messaging, etc., as well as the facts, data, opinions and reports encountered through television, books and magazines.

In one sense, information overload is not new. Ever since the printing press was invented, people have complained about having too much to read. However, Levy says, "Information overload is a far greater problem today than it ever was in the past." This is directly related to advances in technology.

Computers have allowed scientists to produce, analyze and compile data at speeds never dreamed of before. The human race has produced more knowledge in the last 30 years than in all the previous 5,000 years combined.

The development of the Internet, starting in the mid-1990s, allowed information to be easily published and accessed by just about anybody. "The World Wide Web has provided us access to billions of pages of information, increasing the number of people whose thoughts we encounter and exposing us to more ideas than ever before," notes Lark Birdsong, an information professional and Web search trainer in Denver, Colorado.

Digital technologies have made it possible to be connected to information sources 24/7. Each day you may have hundreds or even thousands of e-mail messages, instant messages, YouTube and Flickr downloads, text messages and posts on social networking sites competing for your attention. There's also round-the-clock programming to view on TV.

"The sheer volume of information being published today far outstrips our capacity to deal with it," Levy says.

Too much insignificant information

As a student, you may agree that you're overloaded with information—too much reading every night for school! But really, the bigger issue is what you're being exposed to outside the classroom.

Trying to keep up with all the information coming at you electronically from the media and your friends can take up a lot of your time—time you might not have to spare. For instance, you can get so caught up surfing the Web or watching TV that it ends up consuming time you should have used for something more important, like homework, prayer, Bible study, talking with your family or sleep.

Often the challenge is trying to figure out what information is significant. You might do a Google search on a particular subject and get thousands or even millions of search results. "Now you have to decide: Which of them are you going to read, and which are you going to ignore? The very act of choosing takes time," says Levy. You might have to sift through a lot of insignificant information before you get to anything useful.

Remember that anyone can start a blog or Web site or share his or her perspectives on online forums and chat rooms. As a result, much of the information on the Internet is just opinion or is outright false. Yet it might be billed as "fact."

"It can be difficult to know which Web sites are trustworthy and which ones aren't, discern bias and point of view, and assess the validity of information being presented," states Birdsong. You may encounter a lot of conflicting information, which can make you feel frustrated and confused.

Social concerns

There are particular concerns with the social information. Electronic messaging can be distracting, waste a lot of time and destroy productivity. Research has shown that students' grades suffer when they text a lot or visit social networking sites while studying.

Barreau's students often text and send "tweets" while she lectures. She says that not only is this behavior disrespectful, but "their attention is divided, and they're not getting as much out of class. Most people don't multitask very well. We generally deal with things better sequentially, rather than try to do three or four things at once."

Excessive use of electronic communications can also hinder your development of appropriate interpersonal skills, adds Patricia Leavy, Ph.D., associate professor of sociology at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts. Her concern is that many young people today are learning how to interact with others, including how to make friends and date, largely by technological means, as opposed to face-to-face interaction.

"There's a big difference between communicating with a thousand people you don't really know on Facebook versus what it means to meet people face-to-face, read people's gestures, learn to get to know each other and communicate verbally," she says. With the "virtual relationships," people just exchange bite-sized tidbits of information—not the building blocks of solid relationships.

Another negative lesson teens are learning, Leavy says, is that it's normal to be at the dinner table texting with your cell phone or listening to your iPod. "This sends the message to others, particularly those who are at least a generation older than you, that you don't care about them, because, if you did, you'd be paying attention to them rather than using your technology."

The antidote to information overload

While information overload is a widespread problem in our society, it need not take over your life.

• For starters, take an honest assessment of your priorities. Are you spending so much time on the Internet that your grades are suffering? Are you routinely using your phone or laptop when you're with friends and family? Do you spend more time IMing your friends than you do talking with them in person?

"I like Facebook," admits Birdsong, "but it doesn't replace face-to-face interactions." Be very clear with your goals in life and manage your information intake around that. If your priorities are misaligned, make the necessary changes. This may mean limiting your Facebook usage or no longer taking your phone to class.

• Decide which information streams and social sites are most valuable to you and focus on those. Don't try to keep up with them all.

• When you need to do research, ask your reference librarian for help. Most librarians are happy to educate people about efficient Internet search techniques, which will help you get better refined results and waste less time. Your library will also allow you access to databases of published articles, providing you with information that is generally more accurate compared to what's available on free-access Web sites.

• Set aside a regular "focus time" each day when you disconnect from technology. This might be for a couple hours every afternoon or before you go to bed. Turn off the computer and TV, and ask friends to not call or text you during this time. You can use this time to do homework, pray, study the Bible and just relax without any distractions.

In addition, you should avoid using your iPod and cell phone at the dinner table or whenever you're in the company of others. Give the people you're with your full attention. Show an interest in their perspectives and insights. Birdsong concludes, "The truth is, some of the most significant information doesn't come from things, but from people." VT

About the Author
Becky Sweat is a freelance writer specializing in health and family topics. She lives in the Dallas, Texas, area with her husband and two sons.

taken from: http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt29/information-inundation.htm

How to be Healed Emotionally

2010-11-08T12:25:00.001+08:00

How to be Healed Emotionally

by Marijo Phelps
9/29/2010 / Bible Studies

When you stop to think about it, we probably all had what is
referred to now as a dysfunctional family. We had issues of being hurt by ones who loved us and might have known better. We, ourselves, probably hurt those close to us be they relatives or friends.

Sometimes we might have been lashing out like a kitten backed into the corner by the family dog, coming at someone with our claws out and hisses flowing. Other times it might have been a thoughtless word or action. Those times, going both ways, are common to all of us, common to life. That doesn't make them hurt any less even with their remembrance.

Have you talked to the Lord about them? Maybe you can hear His whisper to your heart:

Come as that little child unto me for healing. My arms embrace you and draw you close. I choose to give you liberty in My name. Be whole.

Let the tears of your years out to flow free. You don't even understand your pain nor feel it any longer. I desire to unfreeze you and set you free. It isn't your job to do as I am working it in you. Look up to me. I will release you.

It took a long time for you to build up your cover wall but I know where the key goes. Release, I speak onto you for healing. You shall be healed and your mother.

Look up to Me. I the Lord am mighty to the tearing down of emotional strongholds. I desire to free you and will. Expect and await release. And the beauty out of ashes is yours in Jesus Christ. Selah. (Pause and think calmly about that)

In Proverbs 15:4 we learn a bit about the tongue when the Bible says that the tongue that brings healing is a tree of life but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Has your spirit been crushed? Then allow the Lord Jesus to take your hand and walk you through that time and heal you today. He was there with you, he felt your pain and angst when it happened and he truly can set you free even now.

Isaiah 58:8 is another encouraging verse about healing "Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard." (NIV)

Malachi 4:2 gives us more hope on healing stating "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall." (NIV)

Just close your eyes for a minute and allow the word picture to sink in, the gate is opened and those rambunctious calves are running free, bucking and kicking up their heels after being confined and imprisoned for so long. That can be you and me today if we but trust Him with our pains and sorrows. Is it time, it is probably way past time!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank you that you came and "by your stripes we are healed". Thank you that it is not only physical healing (as per Strong's Concordance). Help us to see ALL the ways you heal in your creativity and giftedness on our behalf. Help us to step out of our imprisonment and receive that healing touch from Your mighty hands even today. AMEN

(C) Marijo Phelps all rights reserved. Use with proper credits.

About Self

Saved by His grace in 1974, from 9 years of professing atheism into His loving arms. RN for 23 years, missionary with YWAM then statistical analyst for Every Home for Christ over 9 years. Living with my husband in the middle of a mountain meadow. GRIN! Wanting to spread the good news

Article Source: FaithWriters.com http://www.faithwriters.com and FaithReaders.com http://www.faithreaders.com

Photo taken from: http://www.nydailynews.com

How to be Healed Emotionally

2010-11-08T12:15:00.001+08:00

How to be Healed Emotionally
by Marijo Phelps
9/29/2010 / Bible Studies

When you stop to think about it, we probably all had what is referred to now as a dysfunctional family. We had issues of being hurt by ones who loved us and might have known better. We, ourselves, probably hurt those close to us be they relatives or friends.

Sometimes we might have been lashing out like a kitten backed into the corner by the family dog, coming at someone with our claws out and hisses flowing. Other times it might have been a thoughtless word or action. Those times, going both ways, are common to all of us, common to life. That doesn't make them hurt any less even with their remembrance.

Have you talked to the Lord about them? Maybe you can hear His whisper to your heart:

Come as that little child unto me for healing. My arms embrace you and draw you close. I choose to give you liberty in My name. Be whole.

Let the tears of your years out to flow free. You don't even understand your pain nor feel it any longer. I desire to unfreeze you and set you free. It isn't your job to do as I am working it in you. Look up to me. I will release you.

It took a long time for you to build up your cover wall but I know where the key goes. Release, I speak onto you for healing. You shall be healed and your mother.

Look up to Me. I the Lord am mighty to the tearing down of emotional strongholds. I desire to free you and will. Expect and await release. And the beauty out of ashes is yours in Jesus Christ. Selah. (Pause and think calmly about that)

In Proverbs 15:4 we learn a bit about the tongue when the Bible says that the tongue that brings healing is a tree of life but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Has your spirit been crushed? Then allow the Lord Jesus to take your hand and walk you through that time and heal you today. He was there with you, he felt your pain and angst when it happened and he truly can set you free even now.

Isaiah 58:8 is another encouraging verse about healing "Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard." (NIV)

Malachi 4:2 gives us more hope on healing stating "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall." (NIV)

Just close your eyes for a minute and allow the word picture to sink in, the gate is opened and those rambunctious calves are running free, bucking and kicking up their heels after being confined and imprisoned for so long. That can be you and me today if we but trust Him with our pains and sorrows. Is it time, it is probably way past time!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank you that you came and "by your stripes we are healed". Thank you that it is not only physical healing (as per Strong's Concordance). Help us to see ALL the ways you heal in your creativity and giftedness on our behalf. Help us to step out of our imprisonment and receive that healing touch from Your mighty hands even today. AMEN

(C) Marijo Phelps all rights reserved. Use with proper credits.

About Self

Saved by His grace in 1974, from 9 years of professing atheism into His loving arms. RN for 23 years, missionary with YWAM then statistical analyst for Every Home for Christ over 9 years. Living with my husband in the middle of a mountain meadow. GRIN! Wanting to spread the good news

Article Source: FaithWriters.com http://www.faithwriters.com and FaithReaders.com http://www.faithreaders.com

ODB: getting along

2010-10-24T15:36:00.001+08:00

October 24, 2010

Christians who get along with each other spread the sweet aroma of Jesus.

READ: Psalm 133

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! —Psalm 133:1

I can still remember what it was like to take our family on vacation, only to have the kids in the backseat mar the joy of it all by their bickering and complaining. Who doesn’t remember the disruptive effects of “Dad, she touched me!” or “Mom, he won’t give me a turn!”

If you’ve had that kind of experience, you can imagine how God feels when His children quarrel and complain. Getting along is important to God. Jesus prayed that we would “be one” so that the world would believe He came from the Father (John 17:20-21). And to disciples who were prone to quarreling, He commanded that they love and serve one another (13:34-35; Matt. 20:20-28). It should also be noted that among the seven things God hates, He includes “one who sows discord among brethren” (Prov. 6:19).

So I’m not surprised that the psalmist tells us that when brothers dwell in unity, it’s like “the precious oil upon the head, running down on . . . the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments” (Ps. 133:1-2). In ancient times, the oil of anointing was full of fragrant spices that graced the environment wherever the anointed one went. May the unity that comes from our love and service to one another fragrantly grace our families, churches, and friendships! —Joe Stowell

Taken from: http://ymiblogging.org/2010/10/odb-getting-along/

Not a Wasted Life

2010-10-11T12:29:00.005+08:00

Not a Wasted Life

By Danny Wira Dharma, Indonesia

Have you ever felt unsure about what to do next, and while you’re deliberating, the clock is ticking, eventually time made the decision for you?

Sounds familiar? Frankly speaking, I experienced that a lot.

While reading Ephesians 5:15-16 recently, I was drawn to one particular word: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (niv).

The wise lives each day seizing every opportunity. The unwise, on the other hand, allows opportunity to slip by.

So then, if we want to be wise, we must first understand what opportunity is.

Merriam Webster Dictionary defines opportunity as “a good chance for advancement or progress.”

In other words, “to make use of every opportunity” is to anticipate goodness, advancement and progress and to take hold of such prospects when they arise.

I recall times where I lived out eight hours without accomplishing anything meaningful. I was executing the plans on my agenda in a mechanical fashion, not anticipating any goodness, advancement or progress. My thoughts were fixated on getting things done and ticking them off my to-do list. In the process, I’ve missed out on opportunities for growth.

Additionally, there is something else about opportunity that we need to know: Opportunities come and go. Though we may sometimes get a second chance, it is always wiser to seize it the first time round.

In the New Century Version, Ephesians 5:16 is rendered as “use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times.”

The opportunities we are called to anticipate and use are for doing good to others. I believe the reason is found in Ephesians 2:10 where we read: “(that we are) created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10).

We cannot change the fact that the days are evil and situation will only get from bad to worse. However, imagine: In this world where most people live for their personal agendas, we are called to make a difference. We are called to seize opportunities for good works—to seek the advancement and progress of another.

So, next time when you are in limbo as to what to do, if it is an opportunity for doing good, seize it! Our use of opportunities may not make the current days good, but it will surely make life good.

Taken from: http://ymiblogging.org/2010/10/not-a-wasted-life/

YM BLOG IS DONE! :D

2010-10-10T15:04:00.002+08:00

ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL YMERS...

YM BLOG IS OFFICIALLY LAUNCH ON THE 10TH OCT 2010!!

Please chat more here! :)

2010-03-16T10:39:00.002+08:00

The season of Lent that started on Ash Wednesday, Feb17 this year, is a Christian festival in preparation for Easter. Many Christians have overlooked this important time of fasting and penitence, and need to be reminded of its origins and significance. Mrs Joyce Foster, who was Acting Editor of Methodist Message in 1970, shares this important information.

Significance of Lent

LENT – OR LENTENTIDE – extends over a 46-day period beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on the eve of Easter. The word Lent probably comes from the Anglo-Saxon lencten, meaning spring, and the German Lenz meaning the time when the days lengthen.

The six Sundays in Lent are not actually a part of Lent, so the Lenten season itself is 40 days. Sundays, being weekly commemoration of the first Easter, have always been excluded from this fast season. The date of Ash Wednesday is determined by the date of Easter.

The day before Ash Wednesday, called Shrove Tuesday (from shrift or confession) was a time for carnivals in the Middle Ages. Feasting took place: to have a last fling before the fast started and also to use up such food as was prohibited during Lent.

The name “Ash Wednesday” comes from the medieval custom – continued in the Roman Catholic Church – of sprinkling ashes on the heads of penitents on this day. Originally these penitents appear to have been persons under church discipline who wished to be reconciled to the church before Easter. The ashes were a public acknowledgement of their penance.

Later the ceremony of the reconciliation of penitents fell into disuse and the practice arose of marking the heads of all the faithful with an ashen cross as a visible symbol of the penitential season which began on this day. Thus it became a general custom no longer confined to those under suspension or excommunication.

Lent developed from two sources. The first was a period of fasting which preceded Easter in the early church. The second was the period of preparation prescribed for candidates for baptism. Since the early church was an “underground movement”, candidates were carefully screened and there was a long period of preparation.

A fasting period of 40 days was required – the length of which was suggested by our Lord’s fasting on the way to the Mount of God. Eventually, this period of preparation for baptism evolved into a general period of preparation for Easter to be observed by all Christians. The Lenten season, then, is a period to prepare for keeping Easter worthily. – Methodist Message, February 1970, page 2.

By Joyce Foster

2010-03-07T22:40:00.002+08:00

Postcard Secrets
READ: Psalm 32

Some years back, Frank Warren handed out 400  blank postcards bearing his address to strangers   and asked them to send their untold secrets to him. Warren began receiving confessions like: “I haven’t spoken to my dad in 10 years, and it kills me every day” and “Everyone who knew me before 9/11 now believes I’m dead.” Today, Warren’s Post-Secret project receives over 1,000 postcard secrets every week. 

Since then a plethora of online confessionals have followed. Many of the confessions posted are fabricated. But many are heartfelt—like the woman who confessed to cheating on her boyfriend and then wrote: “I’m sorry. I don’t believe in a god, but I feel I need to finally tell someone the truth, even if it is just the Internet.” 

The human soul longs to confess its guilt. Three thousand years ago, King David wrote in a song: “When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long” (Psalm 32:3). We don’t know what sin was on his mind, but we know how he felt before he came clean: “Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat” (v.4). 

David finally confessed his sin to God and discovered the power of divine pardon. “And You forgave me!” he sings heavenward in relief. “All my guilt is gone” (v.5).  

Confessing our wrongs on a postcard or Web site may be partially therapeutic, but it doesn’t go far enough. It’s not just confession we need, but cleansing. The Internet doesn’t “hear” our confession. A postcard can’t “pardon” our sin. But the personal God of the universe can do both. 

“Therefore,” David sings on, “let all the godly pray to You while there is still time” (v.6). Confess and be clean, for the God of forgiveness is listening.  

—Sheridan Voysey 

Taken from: Our Daily Journey, 4 March 2010

2010-01-31T21:46:00.001+08:00

As a child, I was definitely clingy. You could call me a 'mummy's girl. I remember my first day of kindergarten as an unpleasant one. After my mom stayed for a few minutes, it was time for parents to leave. I was frightened to be left without my mum. To say I held on to her would be an understatement. It was more like a death gripping cling. The teacher attempted to pull me off as my mum endeavoured to hand me over. I still wasn't giving up without a fight. Once my mum
got out the door, I clung to the door hinges (as if that was really going to help me). When I finally realized I wasn't going to win the battle, my teacher held me for the next 10 minutes as tears and snot dribbled down my face. Thankfully this was only a one day episode.

I was only 5-years-old at the time, but life can still be scary and disappointing even as an adult. We face difficult situations where we want to hide or find security in something, so we look for things to cling to. They can be relationships, addictions, facades or even our
work places. We cling to these things to hide our fears. Unfortunately they are temporary comforts that only cover the underlying issue. When we cling to anything in this world, we will be disappointed. Everything here was created just like us, so to think that we can find comfort in the world would be ridiculous. It is full of its own problems.

Clinging isn't all bad...
To cling to something is to stick to or stay very close to it. It is not wrong to cling as long as we are clinging to the right thing. When life becomes burdensome, it has a way of bringing us closer to God or further away, depending on our perspective. Some get mad at God and
accuse Him of being unsympathetic. While others, see Him as the solution to their situation.
We read in the Psalm that He is our strong tower and we can find refuge in Him.

The Psalmist declared: My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. (Psalm 63:8) From this passage, we learn that when we cling to God, He upholds us. When my one-year-old bumps his head, he turns to me with tear filled eyes and arms outstretched, and my heart goes out to him. I immediately wrap my arms around him and kiss his sore spot. This is exactly what God does to us.

But unless we come to Him, we cannot be comforted by Him. There is so much comfort found in God. To know that He, who is bigger and more powerful than our wee circumstances is there for us, brings our soul much peace.

How do we do it?
How do we cling to God anyway? We can't literally hold on to His robe or sit on His lap. It is done simply by trusting Him. Trusting Him so much that our confidence and hope are completely in Him.

Though the storm may rage and though our circumstances look bleak, our eyes look to Him. I lift up my eyes to the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2) God never promised life would be easy. Life is hard! It has many disappointments, heartaches and struggles.

We all face our own degree of each. But to those that have Christ in their lives, we have this promise: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) God is longing for His children to turn to Him. We were created by God and for God. He is the Master engineer behind our lives. He is therefore the only solution to any problem we face. Come to Him. Cling to Him. Stay close to Him and you too will be held up by His mighty right hand.

About the writer
Naomi Cassata is 30 years old and has been writing since the age of 19. Writing is a gift and a passion that God has given to her. She has been married to my husband James for 6 years and together they have 2 small children.

Copyright 2009 Naomi Cassata

Glory Magazine

An Article to Share

2010-01-24T20:53:00.003+08:00

The Call To Intimacy

- Matt Maher

In the fall of 1996, I was cast in a musical called Canticle of the Plains, being performed at another local church, St Timothy’s. It was based on the life of St Francis. The man who was casting it was Tom Booth, a very gifted songwriter with an even greater gift of authentic faith for Jesus. The musical was written by “some guy” named Rich Mullins, who wrote a song (that everybody on the planet seemed to know) called “Awesome God.”

I was cast in the role of “Ivory,” who was the best friend of Frank (aka St. Francis). Ivory’s character played piano in a saloon and was rather worldly. Here’s the freaky thing: I paid my way through the first three years of college by playing piano in a hotel bar—talk about spiritual typecasting! Anyway, I spent two weeks with Rich Mullins and Mitch McVicker learning the part and songs of Ivory.

During the rehearsing for that musical, a job opening came up at St Tim’s. I prayed a lot about it and definitely heard Jesus calling me forward (an important note if you’re in discernment—God calls you always to something, not just away from something; and it’s about God being more present in your life). I started working there part-time in January of 1997. For the first two months, I struggled a lot with getting to know people. So in March, on the youth retreat, I asked God to give me an opportunity to come closer to the community I was serving.

That Monday night, upon returning home, we learned that one of our resident priests was dying of colon cancer. That night, about 75 people stayed in the courtyard of the rectory and sang and prayed until midnight, keeping vigil with a man who had poured out his life in service of God, Church, and the Kingdom. It was the first of many very moving experiences in which I encountered Jesus in the messiness of life. This was only the beginning of my time at St Tim’s, but already I knew Jesus was saying, “Come closer.”

The most immediate way I encountered this call to intimacy was at the 6 PM Life Teen mass each Sunday night. Every week, I would see hundreds of teenagers coming to worship God, hear His word, and be changed by His grace as we celebrated Eucharist. I’m not sure what denomination you are, but for me the most intimate moment of the story of Christ happens before his suffering in the Garden. Around a table with those most intimate, he takes bread and wine, calls it his body and blood, gives it to his disciples, and says, “Do this in remembrance of me.” After that moment, one of his disciples leaned on his chest. There was so much intimacy between them that his friend could lean into the presence of God; and that’s what He wants for us all.

God wants us to remember Him to the point of union. Not nostalgia at a distance, not pleasant thoughts, but intimate union. Our God deserves nothing less from us. He is not content for you to show up on Sunday, sing your songs, or give your message and not connect with Him or with the people around you. Jesus Christ is the God of the oppressed and lonely, the struggling and the shameful. He comes to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comforted. He loves us all enough to say, “Come closer.” So will you?

from: devoted2youth

An Article to share

2010-01-10T12:30:00.002+08:00

Setting Goals to Fulfill Your God-Given Purpose

Because goals are the map that will guide you toward your God-given purpose, without setting them you will also wander in circles without getting where you need to go.

by Shana Schutte

When I once watched paramedics arrive at an accident within minutes, I was in awe of how quickly they had come. What if they didn't have a map? I wondered. Most likely, they would have driven in circles with a next-to-nothing chance of arriving at their destination.

Because goals are the "map” that will guide you toward your God-given purpose, without setting them you will also wander in circles without getting where you need to go.

Setting goals is not unspiritual.

Many people wrongly think, "Goal setting is unspiritual because it shows a lack of trust. It's not right to plan. Instead, people should wait for God to lead them.”

Granted, God doesn't want us to forge ahead in pride without consulting Him for direction. But neither does He want us to sit around without acting, because He's given us gifts and talents and has also said that we are called to do good works (Eph. 2: 8-10, Romans 12:4-8, Matthew 25:14-30).

Forging ahead without seeking God or sitting back and doing nothing can stem from fear or a lack of faith. However, setting goals and consulting with Him shows that you trust Him and believe that He is able to lead you while you are moving forward.

The revelation of God's will is limited and progressive — your goals may change.

My mother talks in details. If you meet her, she probably won't just tell you she purchased fabric for her latest wall hanging. Instead, she'll tell you why she purchased the fabric, whom she was with at the store, when she did it, and how much it cost. She might say something like, "You know Mary? She's my neighbor who is married to the plumber and she has a schnauzer. Anyway, I went shopping with her today for two hours and I purchased some fabric from the store around the corner from Judy's house. You remember Judy, right? Well, the fabric has a sort of blue background with an orange pattern running through it. I just love patterns. I make a lot of quilts using them. You should try it. Anyway, the fabric was on sale, $2.99 per yard. Great deal!"

I recently heard on a radio program that my mother is a "circular communicator”—she starts with a topic, talks in a circle while adding details and then, in conclusion, she ties all the information together in a verbal bow. In years past, I wished God was more like my mother, that He would give me more details about what He wanted me to do. I was certain that more knowledge would guarantee that I wouldn't ruin my life by stepping out of His will.

Sadly, many people are like I was. They assume that God needs to give them the entire picture of how their purpose will play out before they set goals. Because they are afraid and don't trust that God is in control of their future and purpose, they demand to hear from Him in the same way that my mother talks in details. "You will become a doctor. You will go to college at Harvard where you will study brain surgery. After that, you will move to Houston, Texas, where you will immediately become a part of the staff at M.D. Anderson. You'll stay there your entire career until you retire.”

Granted, God can do anything, but my personal experience and the experiences of biblical saints reveals that God doesn't give all the details at once while we are fulfilling our purpose. Instead, He often provides just enough information to help us move forward one step at a time. This helps our faith grow. This does not mean we shouldn't set goals. Instead, it means we need to trust Him to lead us into the unknown, and that we may need to reevaluate and change our goals as He gives us more information. This is OK. It's part of having a dynamic, collaborative and exciting relationship with Him. Can you imagine if we had the future all figured out? Life would not be as exciting.

As you progress in your purpose and God reveals more information to you, keep a dialogue open with Him, pay attention to the road signs He provides along the way and listen to Him speak to you through His Word and the Holy Spirit. Then you can be confident that He will show you when you are in—and out—of His will.

Set goals in the context of the total person that God has made you to be.

There are many ways to approach goal setting. Some people look at the big picture, then break goals down into smaller chunks, and some like to take a looser approach. However, no matter how you set goals, it's important to consider the total how God made you in the process.

God created you (and every person on planet Earth) with several parts. Like a pie with separate pieces, each part is critical to who you are; and all of these parts must be considered when you set goals.

The five parts of a person include:

Spiritual
Family
Social
Physical
Work

If you fail to give each part the proper attention and care as you reach toward your God-given purpose, you'll experience problems.

For example, because God created you as a spiritual being, He wants you to love Him with your whole heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22: 37-40). This means that your goals must agree with your spiritual convictions. If you set goals that go against what you know God asks of you, you will become fragmented emotionally and intellectually and you will lose your joy and enthusiasm.

Additionally, because God also created you to need connection with others, if you neglect the social aspect of your life and become "all work and no play” you will become out of balance and you'll most likely experience physical, emotional, social and spiritual troubles like a character I learned about when I was seven.

I learned about Mr. Bumble from A Pickle for a Nickle, one of my favorite story books. Mr. B. had full, pink cheeks, tiny eyes, a belly like St. Nick and a total Type-A ‘tude. Thankfully, he knew his purpose and was passionate about it, but he had a problem—his life was out of balance because he failed to set his goals in the context of the total person God made him to be.

Like you and I God made Mr. Bumble with a deep need to connect with others and God. He also had a body that needed care to run efficiently and a mind that needed to solve problems. But because Mr. Bumble was all work and no play, he was often cranky and irritable.

One day when "Type-A Bumble” came home after work and discovered that his neighbor boy had taught his parrot to ask over and over, "Want a pickle for a nickle?” it pushed Mr. Bumble over the edge. His red face filled an entire story book page as he ranted and raved. If Mr. Bumble hadn't neglected so many critical areas of his life, my guess is that he would have been a little less up tight—and he would have had more fun while he was fulfilling his purpose.

There's no doubt that God wants you to fulfill your purpose. In fact, it's your duty since He has given you gifts to do so. However, be mindful not to neglect any of the five areas that make up you who you are while you do His work.

Finally, remember that the world does not rest on your shoulders. You will make mistakes in setting goals. It's OK. Because God wants to see you do His will, He will teach you the way to go as you walk in faith (Psalm 32:8).

----------------
Though it's 10 days into the new year, it's still not too late to pen down our resolution and goals for this year. Let's learn to live for our God and make goals not only for our personal life, for our studies, for what we want, let's also make goals in our spiritual live, in our service to Him, and even in the ministry!

Let's all offer up our 2010 and our life to God that whatever goals we have, whatever we do will glorify His name!

Jiayou everyone!
- Doreen

2010-01-04T01:41:00.004+08:00

The Quarter in Your Pocket
The effective, fervent prayer of a
righteous man avails much. —James 5:16

Some things are irresistible. For me, it’s bubble-gum machines. I can hardly resist the urge to watch one of those colorful gumballs roll down the tunnel so I can pop it into my mouth. But without a quarter, those gumballs are locked up inside. You can be sure that as long as I have the right coin, I won’t pass up an opportunity to
enjoy the mouth-watering treat.

Prayer is the quarter in your pocket when it comes to releasing the vast resources of God’s character and blessings in your life. The “muchness” of God stands in sharp contrast to the leanness of our souls, and without prayer we cannot begin to tap into the reservoir of all that He is waiting to bestow on us. When we long for a satisfying taste of His resources, prayer is essential.

James makes it clear that our prayer needs to be “fervent” and “effective” (5:16). God is not into ritual but reality. He wants us to avoid formulaic prayers in exchange for a persistent passion. We are to approach His throne of grace with a keen awareness of our need for Him.

As James stated earlier in his book, “You do not have because you do not ask” (4:2). The more we pray, the more we receive, and before long our lives will demonstrate the life-changing reality of the muchness of God. — Joe Stowell

The more we go to God in prayer
Intent to seek His face,
The more we’ll want to be with Him
Before His throne of grace. —Sper

Much prayer, much power; little prayer, little power; no prayer,
no power!
Taken from: Our Daily Bread, 25 April 2007

Hello all!
IT'S 2010!

Let us continually ask God to reveal His purpose to us, to do His purpose.
May He stir up a passion for His name, that we may continually pray for strength and for direction in where He wants to place us in, be it in school, in our family, with our friends or even in church.
As this article says, much prayer, much power!
May we let God UNLEASH His power as we pray!
cheers!

-Kendra.

Announcements

2009-12-25T00:13:00.003+08:00

www.unleashcamp.wordpress.com
www.unleashcamp.wordpress.com
www.unleashcamp.wordpress.com

:)

2009-12-24T19:20:00.002+08:00

12 Days of Christmas - Straight No Chaser

Saw this on Youtube while searching for a particular version of the song.
Hope you like it!

Enjoy Christmas peeps!

XD

- Kendra!

Announcements

2009-12-21T11:51:00.000+08:00

- Doreen

2009-12-20T19:22:00.003+08:00

Twelve Days of Christmas

On the (first) day of Christmas my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree

Repeat adding one of these lines each time

Two turtle doves
Three french hens
Four colly birds
Five gold rings
Six geese a-laying
Seven swans a-swimming
Eight maids a-milking
Nine ladies dancing
Ten lords a-leaping
Eleven pipers piping
Twelve drummers drumming

ending with

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming
Eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five gold rings
Four colly birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves and
A partridge in a pear tree

This 'urban legend' says that the song was written at a time when Roman Catholic worship was illegal in England and Catholics had to find covert ways of communicating their faith.

The Twelve Days of Christmas, the story goes, was written to contain the basic beliefs of Catholicism, masked in secular words.

A partridge in a pear tree.
Said to symbolise Jesus Christ, a mother partridge protecting her nestlings (Jesus's followers).
Two turtle doves.
The Old and the New Testaments.
Three French hens.
The Christian virtues of faith, hope and charity.
Four calling/colly birds.
The four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Five gold rings.
The first five books of the Old Testament telling the story of man's fall from grace.
Six geese a laying.
The six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming.
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Eight maids a-milking.
The eight Beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing.
The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Ten lords a-leaping.
The Ten Commandments.
Eleven pipers piping.
The eleven faithful disciples.
Twelve drummers drumming.
The twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

Unfortunately, there is no evidence that the carol was written for that purpose.

However, be it legend or not, this carol is sure useful in teaching and remembering the basics of our Christian Faith!

Origins or other carols can be found: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/christmas/carols_1.shtml

An Article to Share

2009-12-06T18:22:00.001+08:00

Top Ten Reasons to Celebrate Advent

10. You get to start celebrating New Year's early.

Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year for Christians. [Liturgical -- from liturgy, which means the forms and functions of public worship.] The dates of Advent vary each year, but it always contains the four Sundays before Christmas Day. This year Advent starts on November 29.

9. Christmas Procrastinators Rule!

If you observe Advent, you have a legitimate reason for putting off all sorts of things -- decorating, putting up your Christmas tree, buying presents. (Be sure to get your Mom's present, though ...) In the Christian realm, Christmas-celebrating doesn't start until Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. But then you have 12 whole days of Christmas afterward! Christmas ends with Epiphany (January 6), the day when we remember the Wise Men arriving to worship the Christ child.

8. Go ahead, all the other Christians are doing it!

Well, OK, not all Christians are observing Advent. (One Christian even asked me if Advent was a Jewish holiday.) But Advent's been around since the early centuries of Christianity. In recent years, more denominations are starting to observe Advent -- kind of recapturing our history.

7. Offers an excellent alternative to decorating with red and green.

The colors of Advent are purple or blue. You may see these colors in your church vestments (the cloths on the altar or podium), in the stoles worn by your pastor or choir, in the color of the candles on the Advent wreath. These are royal colors, calling to mind the Coming of the Son of God.

6. If you LOVE candles, you'll LOVE Advent!

Lots of folks celebrate Advent by using an Advent wreath. It's often four candles on a circular wreath signifying the four weeks of Advent. A candle in the center is the Christ candle, lit on Christmas Day and Epiphany. Usually the four candles are purple or blue. If you celebrate Gaudete Sunday on the third week, that candle is pink. (Gaudete means "rejoice" in Latin.) The Christ candle is white.

5. Learn new words to impress your friends.

What more could you ask for? Advent, liturgy, Gaudete, Advent wreath, liturgical season, vestments. You rock, linguistically speaking.

4. Learn new seasonal songs.

When you celebrate Advent, wait until Christmas to sing all those Christmas songs ("Silent Night," "Jingle Bells," "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer," and other liturgical favorites). There are TONS of great Advent songs that most people don't know so well. ... Like, uh, what were those Advent songs? OK -- I'll look some up and get back to you.

3. Because I wrote 2 cool Advent books.

I really wanted this to be the number one reason, but my editor nixed it. But I DID write a couple of cool Advent books. The new one is The Uncluttered Heart: Making Room for God during Advent and Christmas. The first one was called Child of the Light: Walking Through Advent and Christmas ...

2. Gets you in touch with Jesus' story.

The whole reason for observing the liturgical seasons is that we get to hear Jesus' entire life story every year. For those of us humans who tend to forget important things like Love and God and Christ, this is definitely a good idea. During Advent, we remember the events leading up to Jesus' birth.

1. Great remedy for pre-Christmas stress.

Advent's primary message is to wait, listen, get in touch with God, and prepare our lives and hearts for Jesus' coming. For speeded up, stressed out people (that would be most of us), this is an intriguing invitation. Observe Advent -- and get more in touch with God.
by Beth A. Richardson

cheers!
From: Method X - The Life

An Article to Share

2009-12-01T20:27:00.002+08:00

The Best of Gifts

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! —2 Corinthians 9:15

Having trouble selecting that perfect gift for someone? A friend shared with me a few suggestions:

• The gift of listening. No interrupting, no planning your response. Just listening.

• The gift of affection. Being generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, and pats on the back.

• The gift of laughter. Sharing funny stories and jokes. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”

• The gift of a written note. Expressing in a brief, handwritten note your appreciation or affection.

• The gift of a compliment. Sincerely saying, “You look great today” or “You are special” can bring a smile.

But as we begin this special month of celebration, why not pass on the best gift you’ve ever received? Share the fact that “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 6:23). Or share this verse from John 1:12, “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” Remind others that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

The best gift of all is Jesus Christ. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15).

— Cindy Hess Kasper

Taken from: YMIBlogging, 1 December 2009.

An Article to Share

2009-11-22T20:53:00.002+08:00

Imagine.

The lights dim; high-powered colored lights flash; the crowd cheers; the spotlight is on you. The world’s a stage and you want to be the only actor in full view. The blinding spotlight shuts off God but you go about basking in the limelight of being the center of everyone’s attention. Ever experienced that before? I have.

I’ve been a part of a band made up of like-minded Christians who frequently share the gospel through evangelistic concerts. You would expect that being in a Christian band would enable everyone to perform with the right motives. But, sometimes, that isn’t the case.

The allure of the stage is something unexplainable, only experiential. Having people clap after each song, coming up to you after a program and telling you how well you’ve done is a great feeling. Soon enough, the spotlight is what many performers crave after.

It beckons the question: Do we yearn to have the light of the world upon us or to be the light of the world?

... ...
To read the article (click!)

An Article to Share

2009-11-15T22:52:00.002+08:00

Bold Faith

Read: Numbers 13:25-33
Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!” (v.30).

Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage. I am here!” (Matthew 14:27).

Recently, a 6-year-old boy missed his morning bus to school. Determined not to miss his school breakfast or gym class, the tyke grabbed the keys to his parents’ car, crept out of the house as his mother slept, and drove nearly 6 miles toward his school. The Associated Press report gave amazing detail of the boy’s remarkable jaunt: “He made at least two 90-degree turns, passed several cars and ran off the rural two-lane road several times before hitting an embankment and utility pole about a mile and a half from school.”

What this young boy did was obviously illegal and dangerous, but some people will admire his take-charge mentality.

I imagine that when he grows up, he might be something like Caleb, the fierce Israelite warrior who tenaciously challenged Israel to confront her enemies.

Caleb faced strong opposition to his challenge, however. For the people of the land appeared to hold an overwhelming advantage. “They are stronger than we are!” Israel’s other scouts argued (v.31).

The dire probabilities of the Israelites’ violent demise should have melted any sane man’s courage. (v.32). Israel’s enemies were menacing. Physically, they were huge. Some were giants that made the Israelite spies seem “like grasshoppers” by comparison (v.33). Still, Caleb was undeterred.

But Caleb wasn’t some zealous warrior without good sense. He wasn’t overly confident in his battle-tested skill, nor had he turned a blind eye to the gravity of their situation. Caleb simply believed God. God had spoken, telling Israel that the land would be theirs. And he believed.

When God calls you to some seemingly impossible task, will you have the bold faith of Caleb—faith to believe and obey?

What is God calling you to do that will require bold faith? What is holding you back from following His leading?

Taken from Our Daily Journey, 15 November 2009.

Prayer Items

2009-11-09T22:13:00.002+08:00

1. Kendra's Prayer Request
"Pray that I will have the motivation and focus to study for retests!
(ps. Retests on 28th and 29th Dec! It determines whether I promote to J2 or not!"

2. Bonnie will be taking her A levels as from tomorrow onwards, all the way till 3rd December. Please do keep her in your prayers as she is facing a lot of stress. Pray for her health, discipline and motivation to study and continue to seek God even in this examination period!

3. Xuezhen, Huiqi & WeiShiang who are taking their last few papers this week. Please continue to keep them in your prayers! :)

- Doreen

An Article to Share

2009-11-09T13:22:00.005+08:00

Personal Prayer

Whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.
-Matthew 6:6 (NRSV)

I went to church, but I came away feeling empty. It was not the sermon or the people with whom I spent Sunday morning. It was me; I needed to find ways to have positive, personal prayer. I needed to go into my room and close the door, to spend more time alone with God, to pray each day, and to be specific about what I needed from God.

In Matthew 6:5-8, I saw five things Jesus was saying. Once I recognized them, they changed me and the way I pray. Now when I pray, I believe that God is listening and will respond. I believe in miracles. I do not give up on prayer; I pray and pray and pray, knocking on the Lord's door until it opens. I expect something great to happen, and I pray specifically.

Now I pray every day in a private place. I simply speak to God as I would talk to my father. I try to be responsible and to work with God instead of saying, "I'm in a mess. Save me!" I tell God exactly what is going on in my life, and we work together to find solutions. Because I am not relying on church as my only avenue for relating to God, going to church has become more rewarding.

Lee Daniel Vendig II (Texas, U.S.A.)

Thought of the day
How can I pray in a positive, personal way?

From: Upper Room Devotions

Announcements

2009-10-20T21:21:00.003+08:00

Hey YMers!
As mentioned during Youth service last Sunday, Worship Ministry is recruiting people for Ushers, Projectionist, and Soundman!

Ushers:
- give out bulletins
- welcome the youths with a smile :D
- befriend with newcomers

Projectionist:
- prepare slides for service
*required to attend worship practice

Soundman/woman:
- set up sound system and control the sound system during service
*required to attend worship practice

*** Trainings will be provided for all roles!

Please do indicate by simply sending in the following details to alphaomega--@hotmail.com if you are interested, or you can pass the forms given out on Sunday to LingHui or Suzanne Tan asap =D

Details to be filled in and emailed to alphaomega--@hotmail.com

I am willing to serve God in the Worship Ministry as:
Usher / Projectionist / Soundman *please delete accordingly

Name:
Age:
Hp no.:
Email add:
*all fields are required to be filled in

Pray about it before committing yourself in each role. You can take up more than one role!
Hope to see you peeps serving God =D

- Ling Hui

An Article to share

2009-10-08T10:55:00.006+08:00

Pretentious or Plain?

Read Jeremiah 18:1-10
*click to read

You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "He did not make me"? Can the pot say of the potter, "He knows nothing"?
--Isaiah 29:16 (NIV)

I have to admit that I have trouble with the concept of being clay and not having a voice in my development. It's not that I'm rebellious and want my own way; it's just that I want some say in what happens to me. Okay, I admit it. I'm afraid that God's plan for me won't suit me. What if I would make a great ceramic bowl to be displayed and admired, but instead I get molded into an ashtray? All right, maybe being a display bowl is too pretentious. But what if I would make a great serving dish that could be useful in many ways, but I get molded into a chamber pot? (In that case, I think I'd rather be an ashtray.)

In my mind, I know that God wants not only what is good for me but also what is best for me. Still, I have trouble feeling that truth in my heart and living it in my life, especially when people around me treat me like I am an ashtray or worse.

I've learned that when I do what God wants me to do, I am being who God wants me to be. I won't have to worry about how that might look to me or to anyone else.

--Darlene Mackey (California, USA)

Adapted from today's devotional in the Upper Room Magazine

Something to share

2009-10-07T23:57:00.001+08:00

Watch this and use it as a stress-relief from all your studying for exams!
Hahaha, you need your break :)
This video is really interesting and good!

- Doreen

Announcements

2009-10-06T23:27:00.002+08:00

Hey everyone,

Please do pass all your exam timetable to Clement, or you can always email it to
koreando@gmail.com with your name :)

Our Primary 6 brothers and sister, Samuel Ho, Jason Lim, Doretta Soon, Jonathan, Joyce, Darren, Nicholas, Xavier, Tian Jun, Gabrielle See, Jasmine Toh and Emily Leong are having their PSLE this week and the next.

The following dates are the PSLE exam timetable:
07 Oct, Wed: English
08 Oct, Thurs: Maths
09 Oct: Chinese
12 Oct: Science
13 Oct: Higher Mother Tongue

- Pray for God's peace to be with them as they do their papers.
- Pray that they will have wisdom as they tackle the questions.
- Pray that they will continue to depend on God even at this point of difficult time.

- Doreen

2009-10-04T20:24:00.006+08:00

Hello friends!

The photos above are a few photos from the Typhoon Ketsana that strucked the Philippines.

I'm sure that you all have heard about the TyphoonS (there was one more recently :/) in the Philippines. If you have not, here's the link to one article posted today on the Channel Newsasia.
News here!

We are really blessed by God to be born and live in a place not affected by typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcano eruption, political unrest, etc etc... (and being able to study and take exams in a peaceful environment... ... haha).

Though we may be youths and do not have the ability to help by donating sums of money for humanitarian aid, let's do our little part by praying for all these people.

Pray for God's hand to be upon them, to bring peace to them, to provide them with the aid that they need, as well as for the wisdom for the government officials, that they would be able to manage the crisis and restore the lives of the people.

Let's do as what Rev Chua has preached today, to learn to give thanks, be joyful and to bless others!

"...The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." - James 5:16

-kendra :D

Announcements

2009-09-23T20:03:00.002+08:00

This Saturday,
SPECIAL CG EVENT
4.45pm - 7pm
Meet in Church.

Please be in your sports attire and bring along your water bottle, and even a change of clothes if you want!
We'll have dinner together after all the sweat, so do remember to bring enough cash for your meal as well! :D

Announcements

2009-09-22T11:51:00.005+08:00

It's been a long while since I've done this, but please take note that the prayer page have been updated. How to get to the prayer page? Please look to your right and click on the word, Prayer, and you'll see the brand new prayer items you can pray for there!

Please do make use of the prayer form as it's been pretty not used for the past few months :)
Oh, and those who are having exams, you can pass your exam timetable to either your care circle leaders or just drop your exam timetable using the prayer form, which can be found in the prayer page!

- Doreen

An Article to share

2009-09-22T11:26:00.004+08:00

Eager Efforts

Read Ephesians 2:1-10

Ephesians 2:1-10 (NRSV)
You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved-- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God-- not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.

We are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works.
--Ephesians 2:10 (NRSV)

ONE spring my wife and I planted gardenias. "We'll help," said our two young sons. We gave them trowels, and they began digging. Before we knew it, they were off playing with their toys, leaving a few shallow holes in the dirt. Of course we didn't mind. Actually, we were pleased by their effort.

But if I'd hired a landscaping firm to plant those gardenias, I'd have been upset. "You won't get paid until it's done right," I might have said. That thought reminded me of the difference between serving as a response to God's grace and love and serving in an attempt to earn these gifts of God with our works. It's the difference between the eager offerings that children give their parents and the anxious toil that workers may do for their employer.

Our position in our Father's house is secure. Even if our good works are mixed with the remnants of sin and the best we can do is dig shallow holes for the Almighty, God is pleased with our effort. When we look for salvation in God's grace and not in our own good deeds, we are free to offer joyful service.

--Marvin Lindsay (Virginia, USA)

Adapted from today's devotional in the Upper Room Magazine.

credits: upperroom.org

- Doreen

An Article to share

2009-09-03T01:13:00.001+08:00

Undivided Worship

Read Psalm 86:8-17

The psalmist wrote,
" Teach me your way, O LORD,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name. "
-- Psalm 86:11 (NIV)

My parents live in Hong Kong. During my first visit, my mother informed me of various cultural practices I needed to know about. "When you hand someone something," she said, "using only one hand is considered rude. Always hold it with both hands." I thought this would be easy but found that holding objects with both hands is difficult -- both to remember and to do. I'm a fan of multi-tasking and take pride in my ability to do a gazillion things at once. But when i was required to pass my purchase or my business card or my money with both hands, multi-tasking had to stop. Because my hands could hold only one thing, I was forced to give this action all of my attention. THis made me think about how I sometimes come to God with my "hands" full of many things. I may put down whatever I'm grasping in one hand, but the other keeps clutching some worldly matter -- dividing my attention and my heart. What i offer as worship comes from a distracted mind and heart, which, when I think about it, really isn't worship at all. To worship truly, I must come to God with my whole heart, offered with two hands.

-- Dana Ryan (Arizona, USA)
Adapted from today's devotional in the Upper Room Magazine.

A simple act, illustrates 100% focus and commitment.
"Jesus replied, " No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62

God demands our 100% focus and commitment as we follow Him everyday. How are we following Him today?

Food for thought:
- How am I offering my attention to God today? During my Quiet Time? Sunday Service? Prayer?
- What are 'these distractions' I would need to put down as I come before the Lord everyday? Handphone, Online Activities, Anxieties, etc. ...

- David

2009-09-01T01:40:00.001+08:00

Something to share with everyone.

Please do take a look at the lyrics of this song, the lyrics is really meaningful.

Lyrics:
Verse 1
Now Hollywood wants to make you think they know what love is. But I'm a tell you what true love is. Love is not what you see in the movies. Its not the ecstasy, its not what you see in that scene, you know what I mean? I'm telling you right now, true love is sacrifice. Love is thinking about others before you think about yourself, love is selfless not selfish. Love is God and God is love. Love is when you lay down your life for another, whether for your brother, your mother, your father or your sister, its even laying down your life for your enemies, that's unthinkable, but think about that. Love is true. Think.

Chorus:

I'll put you in front of me
So everybody can see
My love, this is my love

I know that I'll be alright
As long as you are my guide
My love, this is my love

Verse 2
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, it always perseveres.
Love never fails. Love is everlasting, its eternal, it goes on and on, it goes beyond time, love is the only thing that will last when you die, but ask the question why? Do you have love?

Chorus

Verse 3
There is no greater love than this than he who lays down his life for his friends. Now are you willing to lay down your life for your friends? You're probably willing to lay down your life for your mother, your father, or your best friends, but are you willing to lay down your life for even those that hate you? I'm going to tell you who did that, the definition of love is Jesus Christ. He is love. The nails in his hands, the thorns in his brow, hanging on a cross for your sin my sins, that is LOVE he died for you and me while we still hated him, that is love. God is true love, and if you don't know this love, now is the time to know, perfect love.

Chorus

- Doreen

2009-07-28T11:40:00.000+08:00

As most of you know, Stream of Praise/赞美之泉/SOP will be coming to Singapore this week.
They will be having worship services from 30th July (Thursday) to 2nd August (Sunday).
All are strongly encouraged to come attend.

These are the following locations that the services will be held.
30/7 (Thursday) - 7.30PM @ Lighthouse Evangelism (Tel: 67881323)

Please contact Linghui @ 96557668 ASAP if you are going on Thursday, so that arrangements for meetups can be made to go there together :)

31/7 (Friday) - 7.30PM @ Bethesda Cathedral (Tel: 64445891)

(All Carecircle Leaders, please take note that you have care circle leaders' gathering that day so it's not very advisable for you to go for SOP on this day.)
Please contact Doreen @ 91851626 ASAP if you are going on Friday, so that arrangements for meetups can be made to go there together :)

01/8 (Saturday) - 7PM @ Bethesda Cathedral (Tel: 64445891)

(All are HIGHLY encouraged to go on this day.)
Please contact Kendra @ 90408023 ASAP if you are going on Saturday, so that arrangements for meetups can be made to go there together :)

02/8 (Sunday) - 7PM @ Bethesda Bedok-Tampines Church (Tel: 64429472)

Please contact Leonard @ 97807821 ASAP if you are going on Sunday, so that arrangements for meetups can be made to go there together :)

- Doreen

Announcements

2009-07-10T00:23:00.002+08:00

Please take note that there will be
Youth Sunday Song item rehearsal this Saturday, 1pm in church.

- Doreen

Announcements

2009-07-08T21:51:00.005+08:00

Calling out all ymers!

Youth Sunday is in 05 days time!

For this special day, we will need people to serve!
Areas that you can help and take part in are:
Ushers
Deco team
Writing your tranksgiving and experience in YM. (CG Board)
Please get more info and details from your respective CG leaders.
If you are not sure who your CG leaders are, please do contact your care circle leaders, or David @ 92994031.

Let's be excited to serve God on such a day and count His blessings for this Youth Ministry!
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:10

For those who wants to be part of Decoration Team, please inform Doreen as soon as possible @ 91851626. *You do not require a A1 in Art or Design, we are just looking for willing hearts!*

Being in the Deco Team, you will be needed on Sunday itself to put up the decorations and to take them down after the day's over!

- Doreen

Announcements

2009-07-03T00:31:00.002+08:00

There was a overwhelming number of announcements during last week's ym service.
So this post is going to serve as a reminder for all.

#1. THIS FRIDAY,
Church's Monthly Prayer Meeting @ Fellowship Room, Level 1 from 7.45pm to 9.30pm.
Please be there with a prepared heart.

#2. THIS SATURDAY,
YM's Monthly Prayer Meeting @ Choir Room, Level 3 from 3pm to 5pm.
Please be there with a prayerful heart at 3pm.

#3. THIS COMING SUNDAY, 5th July
There will be no YM service. We will be joining NLW service for Communion Service at 11.45am

#4. YOUTH SUNDAY SERVICE, 12th July
We will be attending 1st Service at 10am and NLW service at 11.45am.
Please do refer to the previous 2 posts for more information on how you can serve this Youth Sunday.

Announcements

2009-07-03T00:22:00.002+08:00

The video below is the song we will be singing during Youth Sunday Service. (both in first service and NLW service)
Please do take a listen, look at the lyrics of the song and learn it.
It would be good if you can memorise the lyrics by heart.

我要常常喜樂

Have fun and God bless.

- David

Announcements

2009-06-30T23:29:00.005+08:00

Calling out all ymers!
Youth Sunday is in 12 days time!

For this special day, we will need people to serve!
Areas that you can help and take part in are:

Ushers
Deco team
Writing your tranksgiving and experience in YM. (CG Board)

Please get more info and details from your respective CG leaders.
If you are not sure who your CG leaders are, please do contact your care circle leaders, or David @ 92994031.

Let's be excited to serve God on such a day and count His blessings for this Youth Ministry!

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

An Article to Share

2009-06-14T22:04:00.002+08:00

The psalmist wrote, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
-Psalm 119:103 (NIV)

EACH summer I put out a hummingbird feeder. One day I took the feeder inside to refill it with sugar-water solution, but I didn't take it back outside right away. I heard the whir of wings and the cheeping of confused birds. Hummingbirds hovered where the feeder had been hanging. Another bird sat nearby on my clothesline and looked in the direction of the feeder, determined to wait patiently for its food to return. The birds needed nourishment.

In a much more important sense, the Bible is our spiritual nourishment. We are nourished by the church, other believers, prayer, and religious books; but our true, life-giving nourishment comes from the Bible. Watching the agitated hummingbirds looking for their feeder, I wondered how I would behave if my Bible disappeared. Would I seek it as earnestly?

Without the feeder I placed outside, the hummingbirds eventually would find another source of nourishment. But we cannot find a source of spiritual nourishment as sweet, rich, and complete as God's word.

-Maryann Breukelman (Ontario, Canada)

Announcements

2009-06-02T23:46:00.006+08:00

For those who have yet seen or receive the JUNE BIBLE CAMP form, here it is!
Download the forms by clicking on either of the links that work best with your computer.
June Bible Camp 2009 Camp Form EDITED 2003vers.doc
June Bible Camp 2009 Camp Form EDITED.docx

Print, fill in your forms, and submit them along with $10 to Huiqi by 14th June, Sunday.
You are highly encouraged to hand in your camp forms this coming Saturday, 6th June at YM's Monthly Prayer Meeting.

Do read more information about the camp on the camp form and ...
Everyone is strongly encouraged to attend this day camp on 18th and 19th June!!!!!

- Doreen

Announcements

2009-05-25T22:11:00.003+08:00

2 announcements to make.
#1. 2009 Global Day of Prayer

Details as of on the poster.
Please confirm your attendance with Leonard at 97807821.
We'll leave together as a ministry to EXPO on Sunday for the 7.14pm service'
All are strongly encouraged to attend! See you there!

#2. YM's June Bible Camp

- Doreen

An Article to share

2009-05-20T00:12:00.004+08:00

This is the full version of the article that was printed on the bulletin last Sunday, 17th May 09.

Lesson 1

The Purpose Of Our Worship Of God

The purpose of our worship is to glorify, honor, praise, exalt, and please God. Our worship must show our adoration and loyalty to God for His grace in providing us with the way to escape the bondage of sin, so we can have the salvation He so much wants to give us. The nature of the worship God demands is the prostration of our souls before Him in humble and contrite submission. James 4:6, 10 tells us, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up". Our worship to God is a very humble and reverent action.

Jesus says in John 4:23-24, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is a spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." It doesn’t say we can worship God anyway we want, but we "must worship Him in spirit and in truth". The word "must" makes it absolute. There is no other way we can worship God and be acceptable to Him. The word "must", according to Webster, expresses "an obligation, a requirement, a necessity, a certainty, and something that must be done". When "must" is used it means that it is not optional. Here the word "must" is expressing that in spirit and in truth is the only way to acceptably worship God. God seeks true worshippers, and He identifies them as those who "worship Him in spirit and in truth". Worshipping God in spirit and in truth is a serious matter which must not be taken lightly. If we have any regard for our own souls, we will want to make sure we are worshipping God in spirit and in truth.

Since God is the object of our worship, He and He alone has the right to determine how we are to worship Him. We read in Jeremiah 10:23, "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself, it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps." We are not granted the option of directing our own ways in religion. God is the One who we look to for guidance and direction in our lives.

Our very best in worship is due God and is prescribed by Him in the Bible. The worship God has prescribed is the only way we can be pleasing to Him in this life and finally attain everlasting life with Him in eternity. The Christian’s worship is of the greatest importance.

Worship is a time when we pay deep, sincere, awesome respect, love, and fear to the one who created us. Acts 17:24-25 says, "God who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives life, breath, and all things."

God is the one who holds our eternal destiny in His hands. Philippians 2:12 tells us to, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Our salvation is a very serious matter and will not happen by accident. We must work it out "with fear and trembling". Our salvation depends on whether our worship is pleasing to God or not. On the Day of Judgment it will be too late to make any corrections.

Worship should cause us to reflect on the majesty and graciousness of God and Christ, contrasted to our own unworthiness. God does not have to have our worship, but we must worship Him to please Him. Our singing, praying, studying His word, giving, and communion are designed by God to bring us closer to Him and to cause us to think more like He thinks, thus becoming more like Him. James 4:8 tells us to, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."

Our worship not only honors and magnifies God, but it is also for our own edification and strength. Worship helps us develop a God-like and Christ-like character. We become like unto those we admire and worship. When we worship God we tend to value what God values and gradually take on the characteristics and qualities of God, but never to His level. As Philippians 2:5 says, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ." How do we take on the mind of Christ? In Romans 12:2 we read, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." We renew our mind as we study and meditate on God’s word and worship Him.

When we worship God we develop such traits as forgiveness, tenderness, justice, righteousness, purity, kindness, and love. All of this is preparing us for eternal life in heaven with God and Christ. As we are told in Colossians 3:2 to, "Set your mind on things above, and not on things on the earth."

taken from: http://www.bible.ca

- Doreen

Announcements

2009-05-15T21:48:00.004+08:00

REMINDER:
The Name Game's due date is this coming Sunday, 17th MAY 09!
which is 2 more days!
Please send in your suggested name asap!! You can send as many suggested names as you wish to tp-ym@hotmail.com

(Please do read up for more info from our previous post or in our THE NAME GAME page.)

- Doreen

Announcements

2009-05-12T01:36:00.004+08:00

Those who havent heard, we are currently having a mini competition called
THE NAME GAME!!

Please do visit the new created page on the left column of this blog to read up on more information of this competition! :) please send all suggestions and relevant documents to tp-ym@hotmail.com before the online form gets posted up.

- Doreen

Prayer Items

2009-05-12T01:34:00.003+08:00

If those who have not gotten the exam timetable for this month, here it is!

Please do email tp-ym@hotmail.com if you are having exams but dont see your name here!

Please take note of the printing error on Friday, 15th May. Do take note that huiqi doesn't have any paper on that day. Sorry for the inconvenience caused!

- Doreen

Announcements

2009-05-05T01:44:00.005+08:00

Hey everyone!
Remember our Easter event last month, Dilemma of Lavida Da Visa?
Yes, i've uploaded them to online but this is about 70% of the photos only. when i get the remaining 30% i would upload all these and inform you all!

Click the photo to enter the online album for the event!

Announcements

2009-05-05T01:29:00.003+08:00

Here's the exam timetable for this week for those who didnt come to church last sunday, 3rd May.
Red coloured = changes/addition to the timetable.

For those who have not sent their exam timetable, please email tp-ym@hotmail.com or sms it to 91851626.

Announcements

2009-05-01T21:28:00.004+08:00

Hey, this is a very late post, but still need to inform you all!!

There will be 2 Prayer meetings taking place tmr.
1) YM Monthly Prayer Meeting - 3-5pm, choir room, level 3.
2) Church Monthly Prayer Meeting - 7.30-9pm, fellowship room, level 1.

Please do pass the message to those who you know will be going!
See you there!
- Doreen

Prayer Items & Announcements

2009-04-26T23:35:00.002+08:00

Here's the exam timetable for this week! Please do pray for wisdom, health, energy and discipline for these fellow brothers and sisters!

Don't forget to pass email tp-ym@hotmail.com if you have mid years but dont see your name on the exam calender! :)
- Doreen

Prayer Items

2009-04-26T23:23:00.001+08:00

Kendra's Prayer Request fresh from the oven!

Choir SYF - 6th May.
my school choir is abit demoralised and is getting worried-ly lousy by the day. Pray that God will sustain us through and that we'd just practise and perform to our 100%. Pray also that I will learn to continuously rely on God, to have discipline to study and do work, and to be a testimony for Him in school. - Kendra

Do continue to pray for those you know who will be taking their exams tmr too!! :)
Jia you everyone!
- Doreen

Prayer Items

2009-04-25T12:09:00.001+08:00

Here's a prayer request from Melina!

I have not been getting much sleep lately due to the tremendous amount of homework, revision and poor time management. My health is better now but it's going to get worst soon enough. Pray for strength to survive this period of time, for good health, time management and to trust in Him always. - Melina

Continue to pray for good health, discipline, wisdom, rest , .... for those who are taking their mid year examination this coming week.

- Doreen

An Article to share

2009-04-19T21:59:00.006+08:00

Here's the full version of the article printed on the bulletin today.

And in case you guys may want to hear and watch the videos played today during sermon, here they are!
詩歌～為何對我這麼好

MOST--The Bridge

For those who would like the track, 為何對我這麼好 or the video, MOST, or even both, please email me at thatgirl_fading@hotmail.com or tag at the tagboard with your name and email address. :)
- Doreen

Prayer Items

2009-04-16T03:25:00.001+08:00

Here's a prayer item you can pray during the reminding of this week! :)

I will be having a busy week ahead.Please help me pray that God will lead me through this busy week and I will be able to still listen to and read his words everyday.Also,pray for my spiritual growth and submission of stress to him. - Jessie

yeah. :)
- Doreen

Announcements

2009-04-13T21:57:00.001+08:00

If you thought that our prayer request form disappeared, its under the Prayer page. :D. so do go there and drop a prayer request if you need!! :D

Prayer Items

2009-04-13T21:50:00.004+08:00

Hey everyone! Let's all pray for Xue Zhen as she will be having exams this week! :D

Tuesday - English Oral (Prelims)
Wednesday - O Level Chemistry Practical
Thursday - SYF

Pray that she will have the peace in her as she take these examinations, as she goes for SYF. Pray that she will be able to do her best and put the rest into God's hand. Also, pray that she will able to have enough rest and have good health even as she may face all these stress!

Please continue to pray for your fellow care circle members in whatever way you know they need! And also, those who are having their exams and preparing for their mid years!
- Doreen

Lent Devotional

2009-04-12T05:00:00.002+08:00

The Resurrection of Our Lord: Easter Sunday
The Hope & Power of the Resurrection

Mark 16: 1-8
The Resurrection
¹When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. ²Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb ³and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"
⁴But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. ⁵As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
⁶"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. ⁷But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "
⁸Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

On the first Easter morning, three women came to visit the tomb of their beloved teacher and friend. He had filled their lives with love and hope, made them think and feel as they had never done before. He had also promised them that He would rise from the dead. Did they come, then, to check whether this promise had been fulfilled? Did they come to see the empty tomb, perhaps to see the risen Christ? No, they came out of devotion to their dear dead friend.

The first words, by an angel, about the Lord at the resurrection were, “He has rise”. The angel was instructed to tell the disciples that Jesus who was going ahead of them into Galilee, the place where the action was when our Lord was alive. That was where most of those who believed in Him would be.

What is worth noting is that our Lord said He would be ‘going ahead’ of them. Indeed the resurrection is about our Lord ‘going ahead’ of and for us. He has ‘gone ahead’ to prepare a place for each one of us in the Father’s house (Jn 14:2). This is the resurrection hope! He has also ‘gone ahead’ of us to meet us in each situation and circumstance in life. He wants to empower us for our preservation unto eternity. He accompanies us and carries our burden so that we may faithfully complete our pilgrimage on earth. He is there up on the mountain of disappointments and loneliness and down in the valley of suffering and pain. He is there even before we are. Our Lord is alive and He is moving among us!

Every time we celebrate Easter, we must proclaim to the world and also to ourselves the Hope and Power of the resurrection: indeed He has ‘gone ahead’ of and for us. What a hope! What a comfort! What an assurance!

- Rev Dr William Chang,
Senior Pastor, Jurong Christian Church

Commitment:
Christians are people of Hope and Victory because of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us focus on the Hope (of eternal life) that we may be focused in our earthly life.

Prayer:
O Lord, help us to remember that you are alive and that you dwell among us so that we too may be alive and be among others as your witnesses. Amen.

All Lent Devotion materials are taken from 'Take Up Your Cross' - Daily Devotion for Lent 2009 by Bible Society of Singapore.

-----
So this is the end of the Lent period. Hope you all had a wonderful time reading all these devotionals and learnt alot as well!
- Doreen

Announcements

2009-04-12T00:14:00.005+08:00

As promised, here's the Easter surprise :D okay, i know its not that surprising that i'm launching a new blog skin for this dear blog of ours, but i hope you all will like this blog skin. Do try to familiarise yourselves with this new blogskin.
Navigations to the different pages of this blog is on the right, so do look through all the pages :)

I did some screenshots for our previous blogskin :D

Though our old blogskin maybe gone, sob not and enjoy this new one :D
Please do feel free to send an email to thatgirl_fading@hotmail.com if you have any suggestions to help improve our current blog, or you could just leave a tag at the tagboard! :D

Happy Easter Day :D:D
- Doreen

Lent Devotional

2009-04-11T05:00:00.001+08:00

Holy Saturday
The Silence before Victory

John 19:38-42
The Burial of Jesus
³⁸Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. ³⁹He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. ⁴⁰Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. ⁴¹At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. ⁴²Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Their hopes were dashed, their faith shaken; their Lord Jesus Christ lay dead. A spear that pierced through His side had ensured that He could not be revived. The fact that their beloved master was really dead was finally sinking in, as the two men held His bloodied and lifeless body in their hands.

Three years of knowing Jesus had given Joseph and Nicodemus hope that the Messiah had come. Observing Him from afar, speaking to Him in secret, the two men had grown courageous as they became more and more convinced that Jesus was the Son of God. Though aware that following Jesus would result in their being ostracized from their community, the two men decided to be His disciples, albeit secretly.

Now the Hope of Israel was dead. God seemed strangely silent in the fact of His Son’s tortured death. Though broken and defeated, Joseph and Nicodemus did what they could to honour their lifeless master.

But God was not silent. Beneath the stillness of death, unseen by the human eye, God had torn down the fates of hell, and plundered Satan’s domain. Christ’s victory over death and hell would only become obvious the next day. For Saturday, there was just the stillness of death.

There are seasons in our lives when we are faced with God’s silence in the midst of the enemy’s attacks. The devil and the opponents of all that is good appear to have won. We may have dutifully followed Christ; we may even have made sacrifices for the sake of Christ; but the devil seems to have had the upper hand.

In such times, we are called to continue to honour our Lord Jesus Christ. And believe in our hearts of hearts that in the apparent silence of God, Christ is working our another mighty victory.

- Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li,
Senior Chaplain Prison Fellowship Singapore

Commitment:
As you face opposition while following Christ, determine to honour Him still. Continue in the hope that even as God appears silent, He is working out a mighty victory for us.

Prayer:
Father, help me to continue to honour you even when things do not go the way I wish them to. Help me to trust you and believe that your mighty works of salvation are often disguised as your defeat. Amen.

All Lent Devotion materials are taken from 'Take Up Your Cross' - Daily Devotion for Lent 2009 by Bible Society of Singapore.

Prayer Items & Announcements

2009-04-10T23:09:00.003+08:00

Here are 2 prayer request from 2 of our sisters!!

Please pray for my health and the ability to persevere through the period of examinations as the days left for preparation are lesser and I tend to burn midnight oil for revision. - Melina

Choir SYF Auditions on monday! I have failed to get through the first round on thursday, so please pray that I'll be able to do even better and get in! Also, to learn to submit all to God and not be too worried and anxious. - Kendra

yeah:)
and remember we have an event tmr?

please do remember to go down tmr for the event! all information as stated above.
(attn: the picture is animated so do wait for a few seconds for it to change :D) i know this is coming real late as there were some problems with photobucket.

And, please do pray for the event tmr. For the weather, for the new comers (which some of them are your friends), for the committee and even for the YMers!:D

Lent Devotional

2009-04-10T05:00:00.002+08:00

Good Friday
The Heart of the Giver

Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12
The Suffering and Glory of the Servant
¹³ See, my servant will act wisely ;
he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
¹⁴ Just as there were many who were appalled at him —
his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man
and his form marred beyond human likeness—
¹⁵ so will he sprinkle many nations,
and kings will shut their mouths because of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
and what they have not heard, they will understand.
Isaiah 53

¹ Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
² He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
³ He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
⁴ Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
⁶ We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
⁷ He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
⁸ By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
And who can speak of his descendants?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
⁹ He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.
¹⁰ Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
¹¹ After the suffering of his soul,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied ;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.
¹² Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.

When we give gifts to our loved ones, our giving is often tainted by mixed motives. On the one hand, we give to bring delight to the person receiving our gifts. On the other, we hope to impress the receiver as well as onlookers. We secretly draw attention to ourselves, hoping that our generosity, our creativity, or our stature will be noticed by all. Our desire to bless another is often tainted by a self-seeking motive to be recognized, admired, and applauded.
When God gave us His Son Jesus Christ, He gave out of the purity of His love. His giving was not tainted by mixed motives. The gift was given exclusively for our sakes. He gave us Christ he Saviour simply because we needed a saviour. In fact, the gift was so nondescript that the prophet Isaiah exclaimed concerning him, “Who has believed our message, to whom has the arm of the Lord been reveled?” The power and majesty of God was not apparent in His servant Jesus Christ. Isaiah went on to describe the gift thus:

He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces, he was despised and we esteemed him not.

God gave us His most previous gift, not to elicit our admiration, but to save us from our sin. He had no other motivation for giving us His only Son, except that He loved us absolutely.

God’s gift to us seemed unattractive and marred, not because God did not give us His best, but because He placed His best gift at our complete disposal. Jesus was disfigured, afflicted, pierced, and oppressed because He carried upon Himself our disfigurement our iniquities, our punishment, and our wounds. In Christ, God was saying to us, “Here’s my most previous Son. He will take in all the abuse, all the wounds, all the rejection and contempt, and all the punishment that is needed to make you whole.” In Christ, God held nothing back from us.

Have you doubted that God would give you good gifts, gifts that you really need? Have you felt that you are not worthy to be blessed by God, and that you need to do better to earn God’s blessings? If so, you do not know how God feels towards you. if God would allow His most precious Son to suffer abuse and rejection and death just because this suffering was the only way He could life us out of the mess that we are in, how can we imagine that God would withhold any good thing from us? The problem is no that God doesn’t love us enough; the problem is that we have not taken the effort to observe and understand God’s love for us.

- Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li,
Senior Chaplain, Prison Fellowship Singapore

Commitment:
We are so blind to the fact that God loves us unreservedly, deeply. Lord I want to be still and allow You to pour Your love into my heart.

Prayer:
You gave me your best without withholding anything from me. Draw me close to yourself today, and let me understand with my mind and my heart your love for me. Amen.

All Lent Devotion materials are taken from 'Take Up Your Cross' - Daily Devotion for Lent 2009 by Bible Society of Singapore.

Lent Devotional

2009-04-09T05:00:00.000+08:00

Thursday of Holy Week

Proclaim the Lord’s Death

1 Corinthians 11:23-26
²³For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, ²⁴and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." ²⁵In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." ²⁶For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

There was a time when what you believed about the Lord’s Supper was a matter of life and death.

From 1555 to 1558, two hundred and eighty-eight English Protestant Reformers were burned at the stake by the Roman Catholic Queen Mary. They were burned alive over what they believed was the meaning of the Lord’s Supper. Was the Lord’s body literally and physically present in the Bread and Wine? Martyrs like Nicholas Ridley, Hugh Latimer, and Thomas Cranmer all thought this was a matter worth dying for.

Today, some take a more lackadaisical attitude towards the Lord’s Supper. Some aren’t even sure what it stands for. 1 Corinthians 11 reminds us that the Holy Communion itself proclaims the Gospel – the eternal life-giving and sin-cleansing Life and Resurrection of Jesus.

Whenever we take Holy Communion, we eat at Jesus’ table. He is there with us in fellowship. We remember what Jesus had to go through in order that we might have the privilege of sharing bread and wine with Him today. The memories of Jesus should fill us at His table, and lead us to feed spiritually on Him, drawing from Him all that we need to sustain us.

Today is called Maundy Thursday, from the Latin Mandatum, or ‘command’ (“a new command I give you … - John 13:32).

Let us this day remember our Lord’s command to love each other as He loves us. Let us also determine to remember what Holy Communion means, and how we can proclaim the Gospel, the good news of what God offers.

After all, for Jesus it was a matter worth dying for.

- Rev Chiang Ming Shun,
Pastor-incharge, Aldersgate Methodist Church

Commitment:
Think of Jesus’ sacrifice, and surrender your timidity in proclaiming His Gospel. Give up all the anger, bitterness and grudges you may barbbour against others, and choose to live and love as Jesus did!

Prayer:
Jesus, I thank you again for all that you had to suffer through so that I might live. Help me to remember this whenever I take Holy Communion, and give me strength to love as your love. Amen.

All Lent Devotion materials are taken from 'Take Up Your Cross' - Daily Devotion for Lent 2009 by Bible Society of Singapore.

Lent Devotional

2009-04-08T05:00:00.000+08:00

Wednesday of Holy Week

Run Your Race to the Finish

Hebrews 12:1-3
God Disciplines His Sons
¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. ²Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

For some Christians, life in Christ is a stroll in the park. We have believed in God, but it has made little difference in our lives: no difference in the way we spend money, no difference in life’s goals, no difference in the way we treat our maids. We continue merrily on our own way, stopping by once a week in church.

For others, it was a short jog. We did a few laps energetically and enthusiastically, but now we are tired and we have slowed down. We are still in the race, but we leave the running to the more passionate or younger people – we had our turn.

The letter to the Hebrews was written to a church that was slowing down; it was getting tired and no longer running. This passage is not only a reminder that the Christian journey is a long race, it is also an encouragement to persevere, to endure, to be strong, to carry our cross, and to keep running.

Millions of other Christians have gone on before us and finished their race by faith. Just beyond the finishing line, they are cheering us on. But our greatest encouragement is the example of Jesus. It is Jesus who will perfect our faith and make us triumph. If He could do it, if the other Christians before us could do it, we can also!

So run the race set before you! Don’t stroll, don’t slow down! Lay aside all that slows you down in your Christian journey, especially sin which clings closely. Don’t give up! Run your race to the Finish!

- Rev Chiang Ming Shun,
Pastor-in-charge, Aldersgate Methodist Church

Commitment:
I strip off from me all bad habits and sins that keep me from following closely after Jesus, and I hold to the promise that those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary (Is 40:31).

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, keep my eyes focused on you and the race you have laid out before me. Help me to run my race in faith that I, too, may be a witness and source of encouragement to others. Amen.

All Lent Devotion materials are taken from 'Take Up Your Cross' - Daily Devotion for Lent 2009 by Bible Society of Singapore.

Lent Devotional

2009-04-07T05:00:00.000+08:00

Tuesday of Holy Week
Wisdom from Foolishness

1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Christ the Wisdom and Power of God
¹⁸For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
²⁰Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ²¹For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. ²²Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, ²³but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, ²⁴but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
²⁶Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, ²⁹so that no one may boast before him. ³⁰It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. ³¹Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

About 200 years after Paul wrote these words, a pagan stood before a wall in Rome to draw some graffiti. He scratched the sentence, “Alexamenos worships his god,” and illustrated it with a picture. On the left of the picture was Alexamenos standing with his hand raised to hail his god. What he faced as he performed this act of worship could be seen on the right: a figure stretched out on a cross. But the most striking thing about the drawing was that the human figure stretched out on the cross had the head of a donkey.

With that blasphemous drawing, the graffiti artist showed what he though of Christianity. You might as well worship as donkey! Unwittingly, he illustrated the truth Paul had expounded in this passage. The gospel of Christ crucified is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of wisdom of God.

Paul makes it clear that the gospel is not a refinement of worldly wisdom. It is not the progression of religious instinct into a more advanced development. It could not be that, for the gospel originated from the mind of God, and it stands in utter contrast to all the best that the human spirit has achieved or deemed noble. The contrast is so vast that God’s gospel wisdom is foolishness from a human perspective. Paul is not alone in perceiving that contrast. The ministry of Jesus dramatized that contrast, as depicted by the opposition of the Pharisees and Sadducees, and underscored it with every drop of blood that fell from His wounded flesh. Jesus’ opponents preferred killing Him to hearing His heavenly wisdom.

That puts us on our knees in gratitude for being favoured with the gospel and with faith to receive it. Here we are, men and woman who know that the gospel of Jesus Christ and nothing else is the wisdom of God – the One Thing Needful. More than that: we are men and women who have been called to serve as ministers of the gospel. Woe to us if the One Thing Needful does not receive its due from us!

- Dr Tan Tee Khoon,
General Secretary, Fellowship of Evangelical Students

Commitment:
I surrender my human wisdom in exchange for God’s foolishness

Prayer:
Lord, make me a fool for Christ so that I can be blessed with your divine wisdom to speak your oracles to the world. Help me, Lord, not to despise the cross for it was where your Son disarmed the principalities and powers, and reconciled me to you. Thank you for the cross. In Christ’s name, Amen.

All Lent Devotion materials are taken from 'Take Up Your Cross' - Daily Devotion for Lent 2009 by Bible Society of Singapore.

Announcements

2009-04-06T21:00:00.002+08:00

Hey everyone! How's everyone doing?

If you haven't know, Easter is this coming Sunday. Something will be about to happen here on that day. hahahaha ~ doesnt this sound familiar?
I know I am always giving you all surprises with the YM blog. So just watch our this space and count down to Easter if you can't wait!!
- Doreen

TPYM

Prayer for Students

Planning to Rest

Together as One Concert

Center of Attraction

Love Singapore

ANNOUNCEMENTS (PART 2)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Together As One!

YM Photo Gallery

Youth Sunday 2011

Break Free! Part 2

Stay Awake!

"Children of Dawn"

Too Far

Break Free!

Announcements 29/5

Across the Lands

Across the Lands

Response Song

On Aldersgate Convention 2011

I Smile - Kirk Franklin

ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Mourning into Dancing

I Surrender All

ODB: Dealing with Delay

Overcoming Bias

ODB: The True Owner

Poo-Poo Prayers

Poo-Poo Prayers

Starting with Stream-of-Consciousness

No More Same-Old, Same-Old

《最珍贵的礼物》

All Growing Spiritually—Not Just a Few!

Information Inundation

The road to overload

Too much insignificant information

Social concerns

The antidote to information overload

How to be Healed Emotionally

How to be Healed Emotionally

ODB: getting along

Not a Wasted Life

Not a Wasted Life

YM BLOG IS DONE! :D

An Article to Share

An Article to share

Setting Goals to Fulfill Your God-Given Purpose

Because goals are the map that will guide you toward your God-given purpose, without setting them you will also wander in circles without getting where you need to go.

by Shana Schutte

Setting goals is not unspiritual.

The revelation of God's will is limited and progressive — your goals may change.­

Set goals in the context of the total person that God has made you to be.

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An Article to Share

An Article to Share

An Article to Share

An Article to Share

Prayer Items

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An Article to share

Something to share

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An Article to share

An Article to share

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我要常常喜樂

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An Article to Share

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An Article to share

Announcements

The revelation of God's will is limited and progressive — your goals may change.