What is your love languages?

When two people are in a relationship, it is important for each one of them to demonstrate in some way the importance of the other in his/her life. The problem often arises in a relationship when these two people don’t speak the same love language. They don’t speak to the other’s deepest emotional need (a need that has been shaped by their childhood). We want to be loved by the other and valued as worth loving by that person. So how you express your love is important in a relationship. You may be saying, “I love you,” to your significant other, but he isn’t hearing it because he doesn’t speak the same love language.

The Five Love LanguagesBy Gary Chapman:

1) Words of Affirmation-Some people need to hear the words from their loved one to believe they are loved. They need verbal compliments and praises.

2) Receiving Gifts-To others the receiving of a gift from their loved one tells them they are loved by that person. The gifts don’t necessary have to be expensive. The thought behind the gift is what is most important. It tells the person he was thinking about her. In a time of turmoil the gift of your presence can be what is valued the most.

3) Acts of Service-There are some who need love expressed through doing something for them. It could be something like doing the dishes or taking out the trash. It is important that the act of service is given freely, not demanded.

4) Quality Time-Another love language is spending quality time with your loved one. I don’t just mean being with him. I mean really talking and listening to him. You must be totally focused on him to the exclusion of everything else. Within this are also quality activities. When doing things together, one should want to do the activity and the other has agreed. You are showing your love by doing the activity together.

5) Physical Touch-A touch on his arm as you walk by, holding hands on a couch, or a back rub when he is tense can be to some an expression of love. There are many levels of physical touch and not all have to be intimate to show you love someone.With your characters determine which love language he/she speaks and use that in your story to show love as well as to keep a distance between two people. An example: A woman who needs words of affirmation from the man she is dating and he is the strong, silent hero—doesn’t express his feelings well. There are so many possibilities to use the five love languages.

To find your love languages, go to this link:
http://www.afo.net/hftw-lovetest.asp

00's Reflections...

v23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. V24 See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139

v8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord. V9 As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55

I hope that by mediating onto these verses, my heart and my mind can be refine by Him daily. As the Lord says in Jeremiah 17 v 9 " The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"

Love, 00

Past, Present, Future

Recently, a colleague commented that the three most terrible people on the floor are all Christians. I quite agreed with him. No sense of commitment in their work, no compassion and respect for other people and no sign of professionalism. But when I look at them, they are all very happy.

On the other hand, some Christians that I know who may have a good attitude for work and yet they seem to be very unhappy. Maybe they are at a very low point of their lives. But I am not quite convinced that this is the root cause of their unhappiness. They are very devoted and faithful Christians. Are faith and trust in God not enough for them to be reassured and stop being angry or fearful of the situations that they are in?

This is quite disturbing for me. I do want my friends to be happy, but I know there is nothing that I can do. They are smart and matured people. They understand completely the situation they are in and what they should do. They also know turning to God for guidance and support. But why are they still unhappy? I remember receiving a powerpoint presentation called "A Present" ( A Present from God). I think this is the key to this. Smart and matured Christians sometimes hink too much. They think about the Past, the Future, but have forgotten about the Present. Knowing that you are living in the Present is innate to us. But when people start to think too much, this knowledge is forgotten. Babies are happy because they don't know much and they don't think much. This innate knowledge is obvious to them.

C.S. Lewis has said that God wants us to concern with eternity or with the Present only.

“either meditating on the eternal union with, or separation from, Him, or else obeying the present voice of conscience, bearing the present cross, receiving the present grace, giving thanks for the present pleasure.”

When people are unhappy, they have probably forgotten that they should treasure whatever they have in the Present. It’s only at Present, are all the “duty, all grace, all knowledge, and all pleasure dwell”. The Past is unchangeable, we can only learn from it; the future is unrealistic, we can only labor faithfully in the present and commend the cause to God. Our lives may be taken away the next day or even the next minute. If you are told that you only have ten more minutes to live, I am sure that all the things that you cannot let go can be let go. All you want to do is to use this ten minutes to tell the people that you love you love them, or you may even love those around you whom you may not quite like if not at this last moment.

The present from God may not be a nice and happy one everyday. But it's still a present from God. We should enjoy each day given by God. If we are being reminded of this, maybe we can be happier.

Yan

The beauty of Esther (esther 2:22-24)

When Queen Esther was faced with the impending destruction of her people, she knew she had to break the law to make a request to the King. Instead of panicking and focusing on the problem, she told Mordecai to fast and pray for three days before she goes to see the king.

This is amazing. It is a tremendous display of courage and faith. Such bravery can easily put Mel Gibson from Braveheart to shame. She is willing to sacrifice her life, reputation and good life.

Over the week, I was reflecting on my personal meaning of success. I shared that it is fulfillment and satisfaction. When I drill this down further, I realize that a lot of things can make me satisfied. A friend shared with me that value creation is his definition of success. I realize that it makes a lot of sense. When one adds and creates value in other people and the things (environment, work, etc) around you, you become useful. It makes you successful. It begins to make me wonder how do I make enhancement to my surroundings and the people I care about. I am not advocating that I am going to be Mother Teresa. But, somehow, I have a feeling that Mother Teresa derives her success in her ability to help the poor.

The reason why I shared this is that it seems Esther’s definition of success is about others. It is not about falling back to her wealth and status as Queen. Her heart to help others portray her true beauty. It is her success story. Besides her beauty, she displayed tremendous wisdom and effectiveness. Perhaps her three days of fasting give her time to assess her situation well and plan her steps. This can be seen in how Esther orchestrate the salvation of her people, despite facing oppositions in Haman.

Dear God, help me to have that reflexive reaction to turn to you in prayer. And grant me wisdom to solve life’s man-made problems. I also prayed that I may possess the strength and courage like Esther and Joshua (Joshua 1:9). Amen

-ed-

29th jan 09, Captivating at curry flavors jap restaurant

Hi all... just to update on our ladies outing on 29th jan 09. We are on our way to do a book(Captivating) that our bro, jon who has kindly brought us a long time ago......We did managed to discuss a bit on the first chapter of the book(10-15mins)... but...we all concluded that we need to read more chapters in order to gain a deeper understanding of what the authors are trying to bring across to us....so...we spent the rest of the hours eating and chatting about other stuffs....hee...anyway it was a great time of fellowship together w/o the presence of the guys in our cell....haha...just joking, no offence.

Okay, personally i find that the first chapter of this book helps us to explore the condition of our hearts as a woman. It also encourages us to examine the common desires that set deep in our hearts but we fail to acknowledge it and downplay it instead. Therefore we need to constantly examine our heart to identify the "pulling forces" in our lives...eg: what are we driven to and why...The things that we are pursuing now, are they a result of our insecurity...? Is God in the picture of our plans? It is important not to miss the heart of a woman as the authors remind us that the scriptures tell us the heart is central. Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

Well, I hope that as we continue to meet up monthly to study and share more about the book, we will be about to build each other up spiritually. We can also feel free to share about the area in our lives that we are struggling...or anything...=)

Love: 00

A Persevering Spirit

was reading Nehemiah a few times this week. What a wonderful book! So many lessons you can get from this book. It seems like almost every passage jumps out at me when i read it. I will share one lesson i learn - perseverance.

Neh 4 & 6 are really amazing. I will focus on these verses v 14, 19, 20.

[v14]...Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome,

[v19 & 20]...The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”

Nehemiah is so focused on God. When he faced a big problem, he further magnify God. He knows that God is not one who walks on crutches. He knows God is great and awesome. He knows God will fight for us.

Personal Application

When i faced certain problems like work or personal issues, i often look at the problem. Sometimes, i get immobilized and use "eye" and "heart" power to try to wish the problem will be solved by itself.

But, i have learnt to go past the 'immobilization' step and take an active role in solving the problem. I have to become less problem-centric but more problem -solving centric. Although, the problem do not get solved overnight. But, at least i try.

It definitely takes a lot of perseverance. In the past, I will give up if i cannot solve the problem. I am one of those students who will immediately look at the worked solutions when i cannot solve the Maths problem. Why work so hard when there is a solution in the next page? I didn't realize that this problem became a nasty habit of mine.

Now, i realize i cannot go on like that. I want to solve problems. I want to persevere. I want to be Nehemiah and those builders and use every ounce of their strength to press on and finish the task at hand.

I hope i can be like them.

Ed

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

I have been brought to the attention of this parable several times for this past two months: I read about it in the evangelistic materials; I listened to it in the Christmas musical; I read about it during quiet time; I read about it even when I was reading the notes on the Law of Tort. Surely, I know the emphasis here is for me to remember that I should love my neighbour.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus said:

36"Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers' hands?"

37And he said, "The one who showed mercy toward him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do the same."

(Luke 10 v36-37, NASB)

From the lecture notes, it is stated in DONOGHUE VS STEVENSON [1632] HL that:

"You must take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which you can reasonably foresee would be likely to injure your neighbor. Who, then, is my neighbor? The answer seems to be – persons who are so closely and directly affected by my act that I ought reasonably to have them in contemplation as being so affected when I am directing my mind to the acts or omissions which are called in question."

The definitions of "neighbour" are slightly different. The later is a more restricted one. One is on offering help, the other is on not inflicting harm. However both are about caring and loving each other.

To love our neighbour is not easy. I think before one can really love, one must first forgive. Last year, I couldn't bring myself to forgive some people who acted selfishly and did things to hurt me. I didn't want to see them at all. The sight of them just made me shiver. Surprisingly, I find myself being able to forgive them this year. My attention has been directed to the word "Forgiveness" in many occasions. If God can forgive our sins, why can't I forgive others? After being able to do so, I feel less burdened.

Hoi Yan

The Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast (Luke 13:18-21)

Recently, I am starting a series of reading the parables that Jesus preach on. Today, I am studying the above mentioned parables. So, what did I learnt?

1. As obvious as it sounds, everything needs time for it to grow. No one becomes great overnight. Beckham does not become a great crosser of the ball overnight. From something raw, they grow and become good. Like the mustard seed, all things start small and grow to something fruitful.

2. Everything needs to work hard to get something. Again, this is obvious. Like the yeast parable, the woman has to work through the dough to get something she wants. Like Tiger Woods and Beckham, they practice and practice and work very hard. In fact, somebody says it takes 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration to be great.

3. So, how do I get the fine balance between work and relaxation? I was exploring this question. Would I rather be overwhelmed with work or overwhelmed with lack of work? Honestly, I prefer the earlier. Naturally, I am a lazy guy. But, I know that I like to achieve something. I like to make my life meaningful. So, I prefer to be overwhelmed with work and challenge myself to complete them efficiently and productively.

Back to the first question, I believe it is all about prioritizing and planning. For me, I split my work to a “Things to do” quadrant (of Urgent/Non Urgent; High Margin/Low Margin) and Schedule of “Things to do”.


4. Applying this to Nissi, I realize that cell is like a mustard seed and it takes time for it to grow. Success in cell does not come overnight. It takes time and hard work. But, surely, it will grow and become good. I am confident of it.
5. In other areas of my life, I am very excited and involved – work, church, cell and evangelism. I just can’t wait for it to grow and let God do such a wonderful work in it. As of now, I am prepared to work hard and work hand in hand with God. Like the woman in the parable, God will provide the large amount of flour and I will work through all the dough. So, help me, Lord I pray.

Ed

Edmund Chan's testimony

Dunno whether if u all interested. Here is my testimony. Hope you will be encouraged.

I was a non-Christian for the most part of my life until the first year of army. In the past, I have attended catholic schools during primary and secondary school, and finally, a Christian JC. Along the way, I was, of course, exposed to Christian teachings. Though I innately believed in them, I didn't give much thought to becoming a Christian. I mean who will actually think so much about such stuffs! Anyway, there were many other reasons why I did not want to be a Christian. Who wants to sacrifice their Sunday mornings? Also, I have a perception that most Christians are hypocrites. And, I believe that all religions lead to god and it doesn't matter what you believe as long as you are a good guy. So, why bother?

All these things change one month after my A Level. My beloved father was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer. It also didn't help that my family is not well to do. My father is the sole breadwinner and he is a taxi driver. My sister is also in her primary school and my mum has been a house-wife for the past 20 years. Also, it doesn't help that my brother and I were going to NS soon. In short, my situation looks quite bleak.

In such dire circumstances, I turn my eyes to Jesus. I don't know why. I just pray and pray, but, nothing happen. Instead, things took a turn for the worse. I witnessed my father change from a bubbly fat man to a very skinny man with an inflated belly. Simply horrible! I cried; I complaint; I got angry; I pray. But, still nothing happen. I was desperate.

To cut the long story short, my father passed away after 7 months. My entire family witnessed his last breath at SGH. God doesn't seem to be there. Where is God?

A few weeks later, I realized that God is indeed there. It appears that some of my mum's Christian friends came to visit my dad in the hospital. They prayed for his health and, guess what, my father choose to accept the lord as his savior during one of the visits. Amazing! This news was broken to me when my mum's friends came and visit us a few weeks later. It was then our entire family accepted the Lord as our personal savior and friend.

Becoming a Christian is definitely not an easy journey. In fact, until now, a lot of my questions were not answered. Why must my father who is a really good and honest man die? Why didn't God save his life? Is God cruel? Our family all love each other so much. Why must God take away something that is good?

However, over the years, I have learned that, despite these questions, it does not mean that there is no God. There is! God is Jesus who dies on the cross. He loves us so much that he paid the price for our sins. He truly loves us and all we need to do is to reciprocate. Leave all the questions to when you reach heaven and focus on what is really important in life - knowing your creator God and getting to heaven.

Most people who share their testimonies will often illustrate how God has blessed them so much. Likewise, I can go down this route. God has blessed me infinitely, way beyond what I expect. Off the top of my head, I have many examples – getting 4.01 cap score for 2nd Class Upper honours (must get 4 and above to have 2nd Class Upper), passing my first driving test despite getting a failure score of 22 pts. I can share a lot more. Trust me. However, I will go deeper. I will proclaim why I love and accept this beautiful God.

Three main reasons:
1) Look at creation- the birds and the bees, the sun and the moon. All these bear testimonies to a creator God
2) Look at historical records. They will show you that the bible is true. They will tell you that Jesus walk on earth and it is more than enough to prove objectively that Jesus is God
3) Look at the lives of my cell group members. They have many evidences and stories to prove how God is so real and how God loves them so much.

At the end of the day, I can say until the cows come home. It is pretty much up to you all. In this Christmas, many people exchange and receive gifts. And the greatest gift you can ever receive is Jesus Chris who loves you so much and died on the Cross for our sins. And like all gifts, it depends on whether the receiver wants to accept the gifts or not. I hope you can accept this gift. Amazing love.

Merry Christmas

Prayer Requests

Ling:
1) Her mind be transformed by God
2) Godly mindset
3) Always meditating on God

Hoi Yan
1) Communicate better with God
2) To learn how to pray to God
3) To know how to relate to God
4) Need better guidance

Joshua
1) More discipline
- Not to snooze after alarm clock ring
- Not to find excuses not to do QT
2) To focus on what is important
- Not to do things just to satisfy conscience, but to do QT coz he loves God

Amy
1) Meditating on God's word
2) To focus
3) To enjoy learning and growing in God

Jon
1) To be contented in God in where he is and where God is going to lead him
2) To relinquish his life
3) To listen more and spend more time to listen; not to talk so much when communicationg with God

Ed
1) Fix his eyes on God; and not on circumstances & man
2) To love God

Questions abt Christianity

I've been out with a few friends lately. Had lots of sushi and food over the weekend. Many questions were raised while talking to my friends about Christianity. The same questions were repeated over and over again.

Here is a sample, answers anyone? I will be doing some research on these topics too. I think it is good knowledge to have.

Enjoy.

1)How was the early church formed?

2)Are Roman catholics, catholics? What's the difference?

3)What are the fundamental differences between Catholics and Christians? Do we all believe in the same God? Should I view a catholic as a brother/sister in Christ as well?

Are catholic practices right or wrong? Who is right? Christian or Catholic?

4)Do muslims believe in the same God as Christians? i.e Is Allah the same god as the God we believe in?

5)What happens when we die? Is hell an ever-burning place like the Lake of Fire described in the book of Revelations?

6)What about those that died before Jesus came? Do they stand a chance?

7)Do the Jews believe in the same God we believe in? What will eventually happen to them since they still do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah.

Anyone has any answers or books to recommend? I dont really trust wikipedia. Thanks.

Ruijie

Sermons on COR website

Hm, not sure if you all are aware of this... but COR actually has our own website and the sermons (only adults and praise services i think) are recorded and downloadable here: http://www.cor.org.sg/index.php?option=com_ionfiles&Itemid=38

Just thought some of you might be interested in listening.


-amy

Duty Roster for Oct - Dec 2008 is out!

Here's the link for the new Duty Roster.
Do take note of your dates and do a mutual swap if you're unable to make it.
Thanks!

Duty Roster (Jul to Sep 2008)

Hi all,

Here's the duty roster*. Please arrange for the swap in duties if you're not able to make it for the allocated slot. Pls try to update this spreadsheet too so that all will be informed. You'll need to login to update.

* Last updated on 13th July.
**Note: Person in charge of leading Word will have to arrange time and venue as well.


Regards,
Amy

Choices & God's Will

Read a friend's blog recently and was really quite enlightened about the question we have about God's will: How do we know the choice we make is God's will for us when faced with two good choices? This is a question that has been asked in cell group and a question that Christians usually ask.

When You Have Two Good Choices

Ray Pritchard

Keep Believing Ministries

An email arrived from a friend with a question that came up during a discussion time with some young women–most of them in their early 20s. All the young women are single. Here is the question that came up during the discussion:

“How do you make decisions in life when both roads seem to be good?” We were talking about having a “willing spirit”, and I asked them if there was anything God was asking them to do and if their answer would be yes to whatever he was asking of them. Some of them are faced with future decisions and not sure how to come about with making those decisions, especially like I said before that both roads seem good. I think they just don’t want to make a “wrong” decision. Thoughts?

This is a nice kind of question compared to a lot of things people ask me. The real answer is that with the Lord, when your heart is truly willing and open, there are no “wrong” decisions. Sometimes we get hung up on doing the “perfect” will of God and being in the “center” of his will. While I understand what those phrases mean, they are not describing a biblical perspective. The truth is, you can’t know in advance how your decisions will turn out. Sometimes (often) we choose to go in one direction only to find out later that it didn’t work out the way we expected. And sometimes we seem to foul up only to discover that God uses that difficult time to deepen our walk with him and ultimately to get us where he wants us to be.

The only thing God wants from us is an open heart to do his will. And if our hearts are open, when faced with two “good” choices, and when we have prayed, meditated, studied Scripture, considered the circumstances, weighed the pros and cons and sought godly counsel, when all of that is true and both options still seem good to you, well then, just close their eyes, take a deep breath, and then go and do whichever one you prefer. After all, God is perfectly able to lead us forward when we are willing to be led.

Sometimes we waste enormous energy seeking something God never promised. We want a guarantee. We want to know it’s all going to work out. We want all the uncertainty taken away. After preaching on this a few years ago, a man came up and said, “What you’re saying is, ‘We’ve still got to choose.’” Bingo! We’ve still got to choose. It’s going to be Wisconsin or Washington, dental school or the Army, Georgia Tech or Wheaton, Mike or John Mark, an SUV or a Mini-Cooper, a Mac or a PC, buying a new house or fixing up the one you have. You choose this doctor and that treatment and not some other doctor or some other treatment. And so it goes through all the decisions of life.

Knowing God’s will can never remove the uncertainty—nor should it. The uncertainty is good for us because it keeps us trusting and praying, it keeps us from being overly self-confident.

When your heart is right and you are faced with two good choices, take either one you like. And trust God with the result. If the heart is willing, the decisions of life will take care of themselves because God will direct your steps exactly where he wants you to be.

Final word. It all goes back to your view of God.

Is he sovereign?

Is he good?

Can I trust him?

It’s not about your decisions, and it’s not about your future, and it’s not even about you. It’s all about God. When we start from that perspective, we can make our decisions even in times of doubt and uncertainty, and we can sleep well at night knowing that our God will put all the pieces together in exactly the right way.

---Ruijie. Taken from an encouraging blog I've read. :)---

Listening to God all the time, & why i don't do it

The first question of yesterday's bible study got me thinking, and i realized it is a topic that i constantly think about. Most of what i am about to write is based on personal thoughts and do not immediately have theological references to base my thoughts on. Hence, feel free to correct me if i propose something theologically unsound or just feel free to discuss your ideas...

What it means to me to listen to God all the time: Personally, i have an analogy that describes what it means for me to listen to God all the time. The analogy goes as follows... My brain is like a radio, and I choose which channel i want to tune into. My boss talking to me could be 1 station, my selfish nature telling me to do something that only benefits me at the cost of others' is another channel, my grandma yelling at me is another channel, and the list goes on. Of particular interest is the God channel. I believe that God is constantly talking to us, as long as we try to tune into this 'God' channel. I think that it is a personal choice as to which channel/s i want to tune into at any point of time. 

For example, i get on a bus, and its crowded with other nationalities who are talking loudly. One channel could be telling me how irritating it is that i have to squeeze with all these people who are (in my opinion), making the bus ride unglam, and i get irritated. However, if i chose to tune into the God channel, maybe what i would be hearing is that all these people are God's creation that he truely loves and that maybe at that point of time, i should be making a short prayer for them. Or for example, maybe someone irritates me at work by talking a whole load of rubbish. Of course, the most obvious & easiest channel to tune into at that point of time could be the channel broadcasting how irritating that person could be and how much better life could be if he was given the SACK! However, if i made the conscious effort to tune into the God channel, maybe i would receive something of a whole different flavour.

 Why I don't listen to God all the time: I believe that if we are faithful with the little things, bigger things will come our way. So let's say i am constantly tuned into this God channel, and maybe i see a very sad & defeated looking person walking along the street and i think that the God channel is telling me to go over and just pop an encouraging word to that person. I lose almost nothing by going over to that person and saying ( of course at the same time looking real genuine), 'You look sad and i just wanted to come over and wish for you that life gets better'. Something like that doesnt cost me much, and issint too difficult for me to do. However, what if i am constantly obediant and one day, as i am thinking about my life and in general just tuning into the God channel and i hear this, 'Why don't you forgo the savings you have put aside for your PS3 and LCD tv and donate it to this particular charity fundraising cause or just give it to this person who you know needs the monetary help?' What am i to do then? give up my PS3 and my LCD tv? but can i do it? Or, what if after many years, i suddenly keep on hearing in this God channel that i am meant to leave singapore and go work in a less developed country... i can imagine what it is like to live in a poorer and less clean place, and the thought really doesn't make me excited. 

Of course, i know that God has a wonderful plan for me and that a life led according to his will is more satisfying than any PS3 , nice apartment, air-conditioned tennis courts, great Weiss Beer, that new Mini, could bring me (maybe his will also includes all this and more). But, the distance between the heart and mind is great, and i am comfortable with what i have now... And sometimes it makes me nervous to listen all the time just in case something sacrificial comes up and i have a great struggle to give it up... Of course, i plan to work on living the life God intends and align my life according to his will. I know it is not easy for me. 

Erm, and here i end my post abruptly...

Josh

Let's pray for the survivors of the Myanmar cyclone and Sichuan earthquake

I guess we're all aware of the 2 disasters that hit China and Myanmar.... so let's take some time daily to pray for the people there...

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:19-20

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If you're not too sure where to start, here's a prayer list that my fren compiled...

Myanmar cyclone:

1. New storms worsen Myanmar's misery, many destitute victims begging for more aid on roadsides.
2. 2.5 mil people left destitute by the disaster.
3. Military government’s restrictions on movement for most international aid workers and ban on foreign journalists à can't assess the death toll accurately.
   
4. Military government refusing the entry of major aid distribution networks run by foreign agencies and workers.
   
5. Protests were planned in >30 cities around the world on Sat "to demand the world does more to aid cyclone victims", even if it meant acting without Myanmar's permission.
   
6. If emergency supplies don't get through in much greater quantities à increased likelihood of starvation and diseases e.g. diarrhoea, dysentery and skin infections (first cases of cholera already confirmed).
   
7. Rumour: local military units are expropriating trucks of food, blankets and water.

• Pray for better weather, so that the survivors can have better living conditions and the relief effort can be carried out smoothly.
• Pray that it won't develop into an epidemic.
  
• Pray that more emergency supplies (and potable water) and medical supplies will reach the survivors.
  
• Pray that God will sustain the survivors physically and emotionally and grant them good health despite unsatisfactory living conditions.
  
• Pray that international pressure would induce the military government to admit foreign aid workers and essential equipment into the disaster-stricken areas.
  
• Pray that more humanitarian aid can reach the destitute victims ASAP.
  
• Pray that the local military units will have more compassion and conscience towards the survivors, and don’t hoard the supplies and sell them for exorbitant prices.
  
• Pray that all the aid can be distributed in a transparent way so that the supplies would go directly to the victims
  
• Pray that from this disaster, Myanmar government will recognise the need to preserve and protect mangrove forest and rehabilitate degraded cover by establishing proper land-use plan.

Give thanks that…:

• Ordinary people are trying to help by sending trucks and vans into the delta with clothes, biscuits, dried noodles, rice provided by private companies and individuals.
  
• France and Britain are sending emergency supplies to Myanmar. Britain is contributing a total of 17 million pounds worth of aid. France is sending 1000 tonnes of emergency supplies (enough to provide 100,000 people with food and clean drinking water for 2 weeks).
  A French ship carrying mosquito nets and shelter for at least 60,000 people left Chennai port overnight and would take 3 days to reach Myanmar's waters.
  
• Pray that it would be authorised to enter Myanmar's waters.

China earthquake:

1. Powerful aftershock (5.9 on Richter scale) 4 days after the quake caused more havoc: cut off roads and destroyed newly repaired telecommunications.


• Pray that there won’t be any more serious aftershocks so that the rescue and relief efforts can be carried out smoothly.


2. Precautionary alert against possible radiation leaks: the disaster area is home to China's chief nuclear weapons research lab in Mianyang and several secretive atomic sites.


• Pray that there won't be harmful radiation leaks and that the authorities would be equipped with enough wisdom to handle this issue safely and effectively.


3. Frustration and exhaustion grew among survivors. About 4.8 million lost their homes


• Pray that God will grant them peace, comfort and hope, and sustain them physically and emotionally.


4. Aid and troops have yet to reach some victims --> not enough food and clean drinking water resulted in diarrhoea.


5. Supplies and rescuers struggled to reach the worst-hit areas (due to buckled and blocked roads).


• Pray for better weather to open up transportation to all areas.
  
• Pray that more emergency supplies and medicines can be delivered to the needy.


6. Concerns about epidemics (if the dead were not soon buried or cremated)


• Pray that the corpses can be buried or cremated asap to prevent epidemics.


7. Possible dangers of damaged dams collapsing or flooding (could flood cities and towns that are struggling to recover from the quake).


• Pray for the authorities to be equipped with enough wisdom and knowledge to repair the damaged dams asap to avert potential disasters.
  
• Pray that the contractors in China would adhere to the building safety regulations more strictly and construct earthquake-safe structures.

Give thanks that…

• China has accepted help from foreign rescue teams from Japan, Russia, Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore.
  
• World Food Programme is sending enough ready-to-eat meals for 118,000 people
  
• China has asked the US for satellite images to help locate victims and identify damaged infrastructure.
  
• China has requested talks with US experts on disease prevention.
  
• Pray that the proactive stance China has taken (and its willingness to accept foreign relief aid) in the rescue and relief efforts would enable the quake victims to get all the help they need to survive the aftermath of the quake and rebuild their lives.

--------------------------------------------------------------------- amy -

Doing God's Will

Hi everyone, I guess I'm officially the first person to start the blogging duty. Hope I won't be the last.

This is what I have learnt after doing my QT on Tues. I was reading John 7 where Jesus was teaching at the Feast of the Tabernacles. This event was one of the three Jewish religious festivals(according to Nelson's NKJV Study Bible), the other two were Passover and Pentecost.

The verse which Jesus spoke of which I want to share is from verse 16-17,

"My teaching is not my own, it comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether I speak of my own." John 7:16-17

This verse speaks to me because I have been skeptical about doing God's will.

Eg. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." Matt 6:33. This verse means that nothing should be higher than God in my life. Not my career, relationships, grades, dreams and pursuits. This is a struggle because I want all these things of which most are really typical wants in a capitalist and prosperous nation like Spore.

Doing God's will requires a surrender of all these wants to God and seeking him first. This requires me to make different choices daily. One example would be choosing to take time to pray and read the bible at night instead of rushing to do work to impress my manager just because he can influence the grading for my attachment. Sometimes I feel that there is a conflict between what I want and what God wants.

Verse 17 reassures me because Jesus himself says that if I do God's will, I will find out if his words and promises in the bible like Matt 6:33 were empty words or whether he speaks the truth. That would either make Jesus a liar or truly the Son of God.

After meditating on this verse, I am confident of the promise that when I choose to do God's will, I will find out if all of Jesus's promises were from God and whether they were true. Only then will I be "able to test and approve what God's will is - his good pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2.

Thanks for reading. Do God's will today.


Ruijie

Loving pple who just seem to irritate you?

It's not my turn to blog but herez just a little para from "The Five Love Languages" book that caught my attention... probably most applicable for me at this point of time. heh... coz i keep grumbling... but also some food for thought for all....

C.S. Lewis said,
The rule for all of us is perfectly simple. Do not waste time bothering whether you “love” your neighbour; act as if you did. As soon as we do this, we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you love someone, you will presently come to love them. If you injure someone you dislike, you will find yourself disliking him more. If you do him a good turn, you will find yourself disliking him less.


--amy

Encouraging One Another

Good day to all. As discussed on Saturday, we will start sharing what we have learnt from the God and the bible at least once a month on this blog. This sharing will allow us to learn more about God’s word from one another and is started to encourage accountability within the cell. The first sharing will start from Wk 3; Me and Ling2

The template for the sharing will be as follows, this is just a guideline for those who have no idea how to start.

1. Verse. Place a verse from the bible or a thought that God has impressed on your heart. The thought could be something that you have learnt from your daily devotion or from a book you have read.

2. Observe. Eg. Who spoke of the verse? What was the background of the verse?

Interpret. Eg. What does this verse tell me about God’s character? Is he a faithful God?

Application. How does this verse apply to my life? How can I use it in future?

3. Conclusion. Pls remember to leave your name :)

The timetable for monthly blogging is as follows:

Week 2 Persons Sharing 1 Jonathan & Sarah 2 Edmund & Amy 3 Ruijie & Ling Ling 4 Brenda & Lishan

Please do not feel obliged to blog only once a month. Feel free to blog more than once a month about what you have learnt or any lessons that you feel God is teaching you.

Remember,

Let us not give up the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25

--------Ruijie-------

Scripture Memory Verse (SMV) Update

Hello everybody, Ruijie here. As promised, these are the two new scripture memory verses.

THE GREAT COMMISSION
"Then Jesus came to them and said "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matthew 28:18-20

FISHERS OF MEN
"Come, follow me," Jesus said "and I will make you fishers of men."

Matthew 4:19

I have already updated the scripture memory verse link(its on the right side) so you can print it out and also especially for those who are highly motivated to memorise the scripture ahead of the rest of the cell group.

I have also added the theme of each verse above the verses so that we can better understand what the verses are used for and it helps us better understand the theme behind each verse.

I want to encourage everyone not to see memorising scripture as a burden, but meditate and reflect on what the verses mean to you and how God would want his word to applied in your life everyday.
Try not to memorise these verses blindly, on the contrary allow the Lord's word to shape and your renew your mind daily especially after a hard day's work.

-Your friendly cell member ==Ruijie==

‘Trusting the Bible in an Age of Science & Technology’

Heyz.... anyone interested in going for this conference? The topics sound pretty interesting.

http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/5204/

Date: Oct 4 - 6 (Thurs & Fri 7pm onwards; Sat full day ... but u can choose to go for individual sessions instead of the full course too)
Venue: St Andrews Cathedral

-- amy

Victory in God's Grace and Perfection

Just to share a vid with u all...
http://www.hourofpower.org/video/nick.php


A couple of points that stood out for me:
- Don't let ur circumstances steal your JOY (Philippians 4:4)
- The goodness of God is in His faithfulness. He doesn't allow things to happen without a reason. (Jeremiah 29:11)
- Just coz u can't see the purpose yet doesn't mean it's not coming. Just like how u wait for a train coz the schedule says it will come... u wait for the good and purpose coz u know it says so in the bible. (Romans 8:28)
- Trusting is a decision you have to make... n that's where the victory lies.

Scripture Memory Verses(SMV)

1. ASSURANCE OF SALVATION
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me"
Revelations 3:20

2. CONFESSION OF SINS
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9

3. BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT
"Do not be drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit."
Ephesians 5:18

4. BE DOERS OF GOD'S WORD
" But prove yourselves doers of the Word and not merely hearers who delude themselves"
James 1:22

5. USING GOD'S WORD
"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equpped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3: 16-17

6. PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING
"Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7

7. HE CARES FOR YOU
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
1 Peter 5:6-7

8. FAITH PLEASES GOD
"And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who come to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."
Hebrews 11:6

9. PRAYING IN GOD'S WILL
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him."
1 John 5:14-15

10. GOD WORKS ALL THINGS FOR GOOD
"And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28

11. GIVE THANKS IN EVERYTHING
"Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

12. THE GREAT COMMISSION
"Then Jesus came to them and said "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20

13. FISHERS OF MEN
"Come, follow me," Jesus said "and I will make you fishers of men."
Matthew 4:19

14. PAUL'S MISSION
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to me- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."
Acts 20:24

15. KNOWING GOD
"For I desire mercy not sacrifice and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings"
Hosea 6:6

16. DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple"
Psalm 27:4

17. NEW LIFE IN CHRIST
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
2 Corinthians 5:17

18. FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Galatians 5:22-23

19. SPIRITUAL WARFARE
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers if this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Ephesians 6:12

20. POWER OF GOD'S WORD
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12

21. AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

We are therefore Christ ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20

22. BE NOT FEARFUL

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

2 Tim 1:7

23. ABIDING IN CHRIST

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do anything.

John 15:5

24. STRENGTH THROUGH CHRIST

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

Jon's BdaY ~

Let my people think - Seminar

Hi pple,

Before I leave, I thought I should remind you all of a seminar to be held in church.

July 11 to 13 2007
7.30 to 9.30pm
SAV
$10 / pax

Speaker: LT jeyachandran

Topics include: Loving God with all our minds, Understanding and explaining Christian Beliefs (Trinity, Humanity, incarnation, etc.)

There's a longer write up on the topic, but it'll be too tedious to type out. In a nutshell, I think the aim of the seminar is to show us Christians that we can worship God with our minds.

Please go and take notes for me :)

Would love to be there but i'll still be away with my family.

You'll have to register k? just call the church office or something.

Agape,
Sarah

KTV session, a farewell gathering for RJ.... ...

photos

Hello, Ruijie here. For more pics of the cell, log on to www.shutterfly.com. User id is nissi.jehovah@gmail.com, password remains unchanged.

Bible study 09/06/2007

New verse for this week. This is verse number 8. Hope this verse will encourage those who are struggling to trust God. Clearly the verse states that God will reward those who earnestly seek him and God is pleased when we have faith in him.

Faith Pleases God
Hebrews 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bible study 09/06/2007.

This is a summary of the bible study we had during cell group. I hope this will be useful for those who could not attend cell.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28

What attitudes are affirmed in this passage?

Ans:

Be joyful, prayerful and thankful.

Do not put out the spirit's fire.

Qn: What are the things in our lives which put out the Holy Spirit's fire in our lives?

Eg. Work, More work, Relationships, Our own thoughts and worries, entertainment. e.t.c.

Qn: What can we do to ensure we relight the Holy Spirit's fire in us?

Ans: Ephesians 4:22 To put off your old self which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of minds and to put on your new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
How to do we put on the new self?

First, we must be willing to surrender to God our old self(difficult part)
And then we ask him to renew our minds. Romans 12:2 affirms this when Paul urges the believers not to conform to the world but be transformed by the renewing of minds. Only then can we test and approve what God's will is. A good example from the bible is Daniel who prayed to God three times a day.


Questions for self reflection.

Qn: On a scale of 1-10, how joyful are you? how much of this joy comes from God? What can u do to help yourself experience more joy from God everyday?


Summary: Chapter 7 encourages Christian community and stresses the need to for us to support those who are idle and weak. The last part of the bible study lists some qualities tt we should have as Christians and how these qualities will help build up the community esp during worship. Examples of these qualities listed by Paul are being Joyful, Prayerful and Thankful. Are we as a cell grp exhibiting these qualities when interacting with others in the christian community? otherwise we are no different from the pple in the world.

Pictures