A leg that wasn't there

Ephesians 4: 17-24
17Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20But that is not the way you learned Christ!-- 21assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

In the New King James, New International and New American Standard Versions, verse 19 started with "being past feeling gave themseves up to..." That is exactly what was going on in my life! It's not as if I walked away from the Lord completely, but I was allowing anger, malice, laziness and lust of the flesh to creep in by sugar-coating things that I do and finding an excuse to commit them. This is like leprosy, where the patient will bite his fingers and let his hand bleed and yet not feel pain. Or having rats coming in the middle of the night and eating the flesh away and not feeling the lost of the limp because the nerve-endings are dead. In the same way there are many Christians who have forsaken the way of the Lord and have allowed sin to eat them up without them knowing. Their hearts have become callous and being past feeling have given themselves to the depravity of their minds. I have walked on a leg that wasn't there! I have a problem but I didn't address it, I became callous and was past feeling!

What is wrong with me? On the days that I was working, I had alienated myself from God by not being in prayer at all times. Thus my mind is constantly in a battle to find it's rightful owner. I do declare that I follow Christ, but my actions and thoughts says otherwise. This struggle is exactly what Paul talks about in Romans 7, but in Romans 8 (as reminded on Sunday), I am reminded that there is actually no condemnation in Christ! Christ had set me free! I am so glad for this timely reminder! I am so glad that the spirit of death has no hold on me, but what gives me assurance is the Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead; that same Spirit dwells in me setting me free!

After the warning in the verses above, verse 20 goes on to encourage Christians to "be renewed in the spirit of our minds. and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." (v 23-24). Praise be to God for His a way to get back again! Indeed everything to God is possible. The "leg" that was missing was "replaced" by the power of the Holy Spirit. I am reminded again, if u ever fall away from the Lord, remember when u started crumbling and return back to there we stopped and carry on!

Thank God for his forgiveness. His mercy and grace is great and awesome. New every morning is his loving kindness towards all whose trust is in Him. Indeed I do break forth in praise with the words I sang myself to sleep last night.

Tis' so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His word
Just to trust upon His promise
Just to know He is the Lord

So caught up

I am so caught up with stuff right now. I am still not doing anything about the EA trip. Even my thoughts are in disarray as I evaluate my actions of the past few weeks.

Then I remembered the hymn

Tis' so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His word
Just to trust upon His promise
Just to know He is the Lord

Even SW noticed that the change came after I became too caught up with the cares of this world; when I stop spending time with the Lord, renew my mind with His word and trusting Him with my life. I really need the Lord everyday of my life now. I must trust Him more!

What a marvellous hymn! What a blessed assurance!!

Halellu Jah!

Gloria @ POW on Saturday

Hi Peeps!! Gloria is playing at a pub this Saturday called "Prince of Wales" at Dunlop Street. It's behind Tekka Mall actually. However I know a lot of my YA friends won't be there coz of the YA service. We're the only band playing that day and we start at 10pm.

If u can come come lah, esp if u are not going for my last gig with Gloria at Sonic Fest at the end of July. See ya there!

Who Loves You More?

One the most emotional songs I've ever heard. It's by Plankeye from their awesome album "Commonwealth". I always play this song when I worry. Why worry if we trust the Lord? Indeed "There is nothing to worry about, because who loves you more than Jesus?"

Oh God, please help me not let anger, impatience and laziness pocess me for it is the path to the dark side, but give me more grace and mercy when these things take advantage of me. Quickly remind me, I am so tired of struggling, I feel far when I worry, I feel u close when my mind is renewed when I renew my mind with Your word. Gently remind me, dun give up on me. I know you are waiting on what I'll do next. I pray my soul won't fail me. Be my help and strength. I am so tired of worrying...


I stir my cup and think of you; It's just the little things that break me
But it's not right to hold you so tight I end up wrestling with God over you
Whose hands are safer?; Who could steal you from His grip?
It separates the ocean, with a brush so effortless
There is nothing to worry about, because who loves you more than Jesus?

So here again I find myself and everything I've ever loved,
at the foot of the cross with three nails
There is nothing to worry about, because who loves you more than Jesus?

If I hold on to you, will I let go of Christ?
Will I end up denying Him in abundance of thrice?
Will I end up in the end with less than when I started?
When I surrender......

What a day!

I played drums at the youth service's "power praise". I thought I played very loudly, different people sitting at different position in the hall gave me different comments about the volume. I had fun, really, despite messing up the first chorus of "Free". After the service, Caleb showed me "The Sound" on the drums. He is good man! I am so impressed! I told him to learn as many as possible then teach me, coz I am too lazy to learn it myself. hahahah...

I have a service rehearsal with the team that is playing for me at the retreat and the sunday after the retreat. I really had a good time not playing any instruments. After the rehearsal, we started playing some chinese and Alicia Keys song. My goodness, Vanessa is a R&B fan! hahahaha... ok then must make much of her for Sonic Fest. hahaha... Man, when will we all have time to jam? Soon, soon...

How do churches grow?

This is hilarious. I am sure we see a lot of our own churches in this presentation.

Click Here

I have no time

Actually I have, but I would rather use those time to do a lot of life wasting activities. I am so ashamed f myself. I know my weakness, I really have to work out my self-discipline. I am such a bad stewart of the time I'm given.

I better start reading Gid's worship notes for the mission trip. Tomorrow is a free day. It's also Christopher and Pauline's wedding. Ah! Another of my peers getting married. This is so cooL!

SW is falling sick, I think I contribute to her weakling health. I hop u'll feel better soon, dear! Praying for u! Oooo...

Livepool: Kings of Europe!

I cannot believe that they actually won that cup! But they really truly deserve it coz they were so focused even though AC Milan kept hammering them. But the way they held on, it was really something.

So who were the true champions thru the years. Those clubs that won their domestic league as well as the Champions' Leage, such as AC Milan, Juve, real Madrid and Manchester United in the past. Though they are now Kings of Europe, but they are such a flop at home! That reminds me of some world-leaders that had great foreign policies but really bad domestic ones. I think they will be well-deserved champs if they perform consistantly next season, or even to win the premiership. I can't believe I am beginning to like them. They have certainly shed the "dodo" image in me. I respect champions.

I think next season's EPL will be so exciting if Liverpool play like they way they do. Make the EPL a 4 team race. It's getting exciting again!

Good drumming day

It was jamming as usual with the boyz. I put the worries behind me and leave it to the Lord and the experts. Coz it's already done and there is nothing I can do about it. So instead of crying over spilt milk, I think I should live on and not be stagnant by life's temporal problems.

After jamming, I made my decision to leave Gloria final. Ah Ney went all soft and attempted to do a eulogy which I told him to knock it off. He is so funny! So as far as Gloria is concerned, Sonic Festival is my last gig with them. I am looking forward to the next two performance and the rest of the jamming sessions. I am glad that they all accepted and respected my decision. Jon led in prayer for me after I shared to them. It was a great sombre moment.

So at Sonic Fest there is the end of my involvement in one band and the debut performance of another band. This one, I wouldn't even want to call it a band, coz if I have my way to do everything, I just want to be me. But calling it "JENN" is so wrong, coz people would expect a girl. So "TOSOG" is better choice. Since I have so many musical friends, I won't want to do this on my own. Then of course, there is CFS which is still in hibernation. Since I am so comfortable with working with Liang and Jon, they will definitely be my first choice musician if a full-band for TOSOG is needed. May be we'll be known as "Van @ Claire's" or something like that... HAHAHAHA!!!

Bad drumming day

Last night's rehearsal was so bad because I was so affected by the technical problem that arose when the Cam Assistant called me to ask tell me that I put the Frame-rate of the Time Code generator on the wrong frame rate. I thought since I am not doing a digital transfer, it will not affect the recorder. I couldn't even figure if the TC is recorded even. That machine we used for the shoot is already obsolete. The company that produced that cease to produce it and so it's really hard to get any information. But I went online and e-mailed an experienced soundman to ask about it.

But I didn't let it trouble me too much, coz in theory, I know that it will still work though it might require a little more hassle.

SO how did the rehearsal went? The Planetshakers songs were bad! Some of my friends like Joel, Van and Kendice said that it was ok eventhough I messed up a bit. I know that all I need to do is listen to the CDs and and practice which I will do this Saturday.

Why o why are u not working?

Is the the potential problem that I've been hearing about blogger? It seems that my blog is non-existant!

Lovespeak

Last night when I was going back with Jeanie, I reminded her about the importance of prayer when our human effort failed to solve a seemingly impossible problem. I thought about those that I constanly "scold" sometimes to strighten some convictions in them and how many times these people keep rising only to fall again the next time. I look back at those experiences and have seen results and failures (which I believe are future successes if the Lord wills). I can only do so little and no matter how hard I tried my effort is always limited. That is why we need to pray and to understand how prayer works. We pray expecting answers, but those answers are in accordance to the sovereign will of God which I accept. And the prayer that God listens are the prayer of the righteous and the desperate.

We have heard many stories of how prayer changes lives but many of us never live to believe it. We worry and worry, pray and then worry again. I am greatly comforted this morning. Very comforted because I know God listens to our prayers and God is in charge of the people I prayed for. It's good to know that we are in God's arms everytime we wake. That is His amazing grace and His great faithfulness!

In Your Arms

Missed the alarm, got up late
Some days start out second-rateLocked the keys in the car, tripped my way down the stairs
If I had it together, I'd almost be scared
It's just the real world, everything dont' always go right
But all I know is I'll be in your arms tonight

I'll be in your arms,
I'll be in your arms tonight

The grace to face our failures, the strength to carry on
The love You gave us through Ya, the heart to sing Your song

Gloria is a silent feeling...

I finally told the most important person in Gloria about my intention to leave the band. Some of you might have already known that my work and ministry can take up a lot of my time and I realised that I am holding the band back creatively. At first, it's all so blurry because I didn't know how the guys will take it, esp Ah Ney. But he knew something about this is going on in my mind so he called me to talk about it. I sensed that the band has to move on and it makes me sad to know that I am not going to be part of it. But I am in someways looking forward to leaving and persue other muisical endaevours. In the end, it's beneficial to both Gloria and myself. Only the best could come out of it and that's how I wish my journey with them will end.

I hope to bow out at Sonic Festival, if not next Sat's gig at Prince of Wales will be my last one. It'll be a great closure.

I miss You

Just an old song that I changed. The lyrics is a prayer to the Lord. These 4 hectic days of shoot took it's toll on me spiritually, coz at the end of the shoot I am so tired that the mind and body tends to switch off. The shoot wasn't a 10 over hours shoot, but most of the time we're under the sun because of the theme. Oh, I can't wait to just go back to church on Sunday to worship the the rest of God's people. Most of all I can't wait to spend a quiet moment between my Lord and I.

Had the previlege of knowing you as a little child
Got a family to shelter me from a world of harm
There were choices to be made
I followed You and I want to change
Then dark clouds came over me
I felt you you were thousand miles away

I am happy, I am lonely
It's has been a long time since we last said "good night"
I am sorry, forgive me
I'm just questioning why
Unto you I rely

Living here in Singaporel lacking nothing much
Studied hard from age of seven til we're twenty plus
There were choices to be made
I followed and I want to change
Sometimes I go insane to think u're just hanging from chain

I am tired, acting wierd
Will You give me some time to renew my old mind
I miss You and need You
Will You stay by my side
Unto you I rely

Thought I'll never jam again!

I thought I'd never jam with Gloria in time for the gig on the 4th of June until the EA Trip meeting was postponed to Tue. Praise God! This week is not only a week filled with work and church activities, but thank God! We're jamming soon!! Yahoo!!!

Wadeva Pt II

Verse1
We can say what we wanted to
We have the rights and freedom to
Express ourselves of what we feel
Oh! How can I not be moved by moods you constantly put me through
Dun tell me you are sorry
Coz time is running out when you say

Chorus
"Wadeva" (don't)
"Wadeva" (don't)
"Wadeva" (don't)
Don't "Wadeva" me

Verse2
You can live like you wanted to
You can do what you feel is right
Begins with you and nothing else
Oh! How can I stay on when you kill our conversation with words
I would gladly die without it
Than to hear your irritating

Chorus
"Wadeva" (don't)
"Wadeva" (don't)
"Wadeva" (don't)
Don't "Wadeva" me

Bridge
The things that you said used to drive me crazy
But none of these things have a hold on me
I used to believe what u thought about me
But all of this changed when you "wadeva" me

Words and music by Jenn

Bad feeling

U know something is wrong when u bad mouth others. Well, I did that last night. Not just about anybody but about someone that I cared about. To say negative things about others is not my idea of edification, but if it is to warn others about the consequences of their action, is that bad-mouthing? No it is absolutely not!

I wish we become more responsible about what we say to others and not read too much into it. Playing jedi mind tricks with those that can be manipulated is just a sickening thing to do. Because it causes a kind of bondage to the mind. Yes, the mind! Whatever controls the mind, controls the person. That is why Romans 12:1 is so important. We ought to renew our mind so that we could be transformed into God's image more and more each day. Our problems are may not go away, but placing our spirit and mind on Jesus' perspective helps to make things more bearable than carrying the burdens alone. Why do people still carry their own burden though they claim to trust him? It's is because there is no faith and without faith, it's impossible to please God. Those that prays to him and go to Him, must believe that He exist and He is able to help us beyond our wildest imagination, but are we seeking His will or ours? WHen the problem persist, God might not remove the problem, but his grace is so sufficient for us that it compels us to trust Him to use the situation for His glory! I strongly believe in the perseverance of the saints; God will not let us down. He knows all things and make all things happen for good for those who loved him.

U may be going thru a hopeless situation, I dare u to move. I dare u to move out of ur comfort zone and trust God for all things. Pray in your heart, then log off and live it!

Sometimes we regret the things we said, but if I have to uphold and to protect God's people who are close to me, I have to do the right things according to scripture. When I knew I am doing it according to God's principles, human opinions are insignificant.

I dun wanna swing the shovel at your head, friend
Coz I know you wouldn't appreciate that sound
When I told you that you ought to be ashamed of yourself
I knew about that fate of the proud

O how this mighty have fallen
O this mighty one is crawling now
O how this mighty is has fallen
Such a long way down

Sex in the body of Christ

This is an article in "Christianity Today".

Let's talk about SEX!!!

I like, I like!!

How stumbling!

How to shut'up

Yes, I should learn how to be quick to listen and slow to speak. I just hope I didn't hurt anyone at rehearsal last night. I guess I had a good time and I was my usual self, getting carried away by the fact that I AM PLAYING DRUMS AGAIN!! On the drumming aspect, I enjoyed it. To play next to Jeremy, Liang and Dan was a thrill. Still I talk too much, I was too opinionated and it makes me sick. May be what I didn't piss people off, but I'll be if someone talks to me that way.

I can't stand myself sometimes. Do u feel that way about yourself sometimes too, when u are just so sick of who u are? It's good that we realise our weakness because this is when we really need to check on ourselves on what we need to change so that we may be at peace with one another esp in the body of Christ.

I thought about the comments I made after prayer meeting. I talked about the central theme of the prayer meeting earlier. I dun think I said it with humility. What was I thinking? I said it out of the best of intentions, but I feeled condemned coz I am not exactly living it.

I thought of the conversation I had with CX at lunch and I realised how much time I've wasted on Sundays working, sleeping, slacking and not meeting the Sec 2 CMs. What a wasted first half of the year I had! Restitution must be made!

Change? Yes, u need to change and stop thinking that u are "IT", Jenn. U are nothing if not for Jesus. Forgive me, Lord.


Sitting in my great pretence
Treading on waters of sand
Raising my voice and intentions
Raise them so high so others could see
Look through these stained-glasses spectacles
Missing a bigger view of things

Looking at my ignorance
Selling my gold but who could afford
Look at my impending woes
Scared of losing to an innocent foe
Look through these stained-glasses spectacles
Missing a bigger view of things to come

Confessional ways, Unconfessional ways
Tripped on my next thought
I'm lost in my own world
Conditional friends put up with my sickening plans

"Get rid of the things that you seek
Know that it will rot inside you"

Will You take me right out of here
Capture my thoughts
Renew in Your favour
Break me
Clense me with fire to have the desire
To be more like You
Til you look into this pot of gold
And see a reflection of You
And over all the glory will be a canopy

Prayer

I want more of You, Lord Jesus and less and less of me
The shorter my days on earth, may you increase in me

Tosog was jamming

I was in the basement studio in church to learn how to use the Protools for tomolo's recording session. I called Van and ask her if she could practiced a bit. Well, though it was very short, about 20 minutes, we did get things going. I am a bit relieved that we started doing something about it. Strangely, I am more excited about playing this gig than the coming Gloria gigs.

Then Van went for netball and I am a waiting for SW to fetch me. Going to have prata with PS later tonight. It's going to be fun time hanging out with the both of them.

My Bud Speaketh...

"Preaching is not about your audience being convicted,
it is about you preaching a convicted message."

What a timely reminder. If we aren't preaching with words, we are preaching with our lives. We are walking-pulpits man! I do not mean we are walking plexiglass pulpits like the one at our churches. We are not "plastic-Christians". No plastic-mould could contain the fullness of Jesus. I think a better analogy would be us being like clay in a potter's hands. Thought they may look alike, no two pots are ever the same and they bear the signature of the creativity of the potter.

So it's at the pulpit where the a convicted message is preached, so it's the conviction that we must live by. May we be like Jesus as he mould us with his hands each day.

To my friends that I missed

Today's the day you're leaving,
And tomorrow you'll be goneYou're in my heart and on my mind,
I will bring you along
Everything sucks when you're gone
Everything sucks when you're gone

by "MxPx"

Okok, going joggin now!

I am going Joggin

It rained at about 6, just before SW went to work. I wanted to go jogging coz I had another near death experience. I will surely die young if I don't take care of my health man!

I will go jogging now... I will go jogging now...

The rain has stopped! DANG! Must go jogging!!!

Arhghgh.... it's been a while, I must do it!!

"WADEVA"

This is a personal thing, ok? Don't laugh, it's just a personal think that really makes me mad sometimes. The word "Wadeva" usually provoke a reaction from me.

WHY U LAUGH?

I feel that whenever I talk to someone and they go "Wadeva" it is rude. It is a "careless" attitude that just "leave things as it is" and it kills of any reason for conversation. I know it's a word that is very common among young people today and they usually say it as a joke, but I feel that it's rude whether it's a joke or not. It's one of those things that irritates me. But next time when u say it, think about what it could mean. Imagine, ur parents tells u something and u go "Wadeva", u have already broke the 5th commandment to honour your father and mother.

Do u get it now? My favourite phrase when some one tells me "Wadeva" is "Don't 'wadeva' me" (I think I say this to Liang more than to anybody when he was still in NP). It usually comes as a shock to people coz they don't expect anyone to make a deal out of it. Well, I do! And I make it a big deal. Do I say it though? I do, esp when my views are constantly ignored. But when my views are ingnored, I evaluate my thoughts. If I feel that I am right in the presense of at least two other witnesses, I justify my "wadeva"!

Yeah, I could hear u say it already.

So do u have an issue over a small thing like this? Pls do share with me.

Fellowship

I just read one of the "tributes" to me, hahahaha... so funny to hear what they feel bout me, yet I am greatly humbled that I could be of helpt in their lives. ask my friends 10 years ago and they'll tell u "keep away from his influence, so much action, but zero in substance". There is great satisfaction when one of your "students" are successful in life thru your influence. There are equally as much tears shed as the joy, but the joy makes the tears look like nothing when they had a taste of victory in their lives. But relationship doesn't stop like the way movies end. It's not always a "happy ever after" ending for everyone. I do not know what end they will meet. May be some of them will fall away, but I pray and I know they won't even if they might stray away for a little (or a long) while. Then it's still all too early to tell, dun u think so? But that is why constant communication is important. Our relationship and constant fellowship with God is so important. Equally important is fellowship and accountability if one desires to stay on the right course. No man is an island, we are each other's keeper. I do feel disappointed when they fail or live "under-expectation", but those disappointments are part of their sanctification process. I want them to grow, I wish I could always be with them to help them, but they should really rely on the Lord and His word. If I fail to inspire them to do that, no amount of success could satisfy me. My only prayer and desire is that they will be come mature in the Lord and his Word because when they do, God is the only help they will ever need. And one day, they may need to speak into my life a gentle reminder if I ever put my eyes off the road that I'm walking.

Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

We need each other, man. We really need to stay on with each other coz u'll never know when I need a hand. Yes, even I need a friend. Of course not one can take SW's place. She is my best earthly friend. The best a man can get!! But there is a different kind of bond between friends in a fellowship. There are some who used to fret about how things used to be. Well, time has changed, are we still lamenting about the past? Let's move on and build on what we have and persuade others to join us!

There are some who opted to stay out because they think "church people are too fake", u know why? Coz there are too many phonies in church! They are most probably right! They say the good stuff, act nice and all in church, but outside of church, it's all hypocitical! It's so unbelievable! (that's why no one ever believes based on such examples). This is one of my prayer, to be REAL. I mean, I love to meet youth that are in the main service in our church and talk to them and ask them why they are not in the youth service. They usually give lame excuses. The main reason is because they are not interested. I lament for them. They have a soul and yet do not feed it (some were eating chicken pie instead!). Do they think that church people are too fake that they ignore the fellowship? I want to live in a way that cause them to wonder. Cause them to think "what's up with this dude?" They may think I am wierd, but that is not wierd, people. I am being me. I see them as lost sheep. They won't think so and I don't care what they think about what I think. I just want them to be part of the fellowship unless they chose to walk our of it forever.

Hmmm...some of you may not be as open to strangers as I am. I am not asking u to be like me, but to be like Jesus! The Lord will lead u as u obey His word. Be like Jesus, not me! God can overwrite whatever character that u are born with. That is the power of the Gospel man!

There are some that have refused to join any fellowship because of past hurts. Those I could understand. It's really difficult to trust men again, but God can make a difference. I do not believe that when we place our utmost trust in God, he will not cause us to think differently, talk differently and live differently. That's the power of of the Gospel. It truly changes life! It's awesome! It doesn't change us to be dormant, but it urges us to fellowship with others to spur each other in faith and have a party!

Well, is it so hard to commit them to God? If u have, do not live as if u have not. It's time to walk on water! Throw away that surfboard!

Weekended

My weekend was burned was burnt due to work, but it was not a tough shoot, I manage to attend the 1st service yesterday. The preaching by Ps Matthew was ok, it wasn't something extraordinary; his 4 main points were a good reflection of what Psalm 107 was about, but I thought the presentation, the style and the exposition could have been more effective.

I think it's due to my influence by John MacArthur and some other sermon CDs that I've heard since Ps Ronald encouraged me to take up the preaching course 2 years ago. I still remember the lessons. Now that I've grown bolder, wiser (HAHAHA) and stronger, I am raring to have a go again. However my conversation with Sharon Su revealed a weakness in me. I tend to be unbalanced. By which I mean that I will not sugar-coat sin as it is. I want to emphasise God's grace to those who believe, but I cannot ignore the fact do not believe. As I spoke to her, I realised my weaknesses. We are really passionate about leading our respective Sec 2 grps and I know we have to sacrifice sometime for them despite our busy day-to-day schedule. We just have to find time to think about God's work and pray that we do His bidding trusting in His provision as walk the walk and talk the talk.

I think I am too concern about how the hearers might respond to my words. I think I think too much. Conviction is not my job, it's the Holy Spirit's. I am just called to be a herald to persuade those I have the opportunity to share with.

Lead me to the cross...

The service ended on a high for me as we sang "Great is Thy faithfulness". For once I could sing this hymn wiht my eyes closed and totally offer it as a heart-felt prayer to God. I was so choked with emotions that I had to sit down at the 2nd verse, but as John Wesley encouraged hymn-singers to song loudly, I stood up for the final verse and sang it really loud with hands raised. So what if it's a graveyard service (as the 1st service is known to the musicians), it was a great way to start the week by remembering that

"all I have needed [His] hands hath provided, great is [His] faithfulnes... unto me"

Just as I am

Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

After one whole day of wasting my life in the affairs of the flesh. I am glad to be found in the hands of God again. How many times we falter, even though we thought we are strong? I am no different than most of you, my friends. I may be stronger in faith in some ways, but I am still human. But that faith that has been sowed in u and I must grow. How we respond to personal crisis reflects our maturity in the Lord. I heard the Lord's invitation and I responded. I knew I needed to go to Jesus and find rest in Him. I tired so hard, I knew everything I did leads me to a deadend. Thank You, Lord, for the assurance!

My feelings echoe to hymns:

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

I come to Jesus' feet and give him my favourite things
Things I cannot hold on to when I pass to the other side
All I once own I now consider them lost
So that I could boast of the cross where my eternal glory lies

Amen forever, Amen

The Other Side of Glory

TOSOG will make it's debut at Sonic Festival 2005 at the end of July.

May the force be with u!

I am in SW mood man!

SW = Star Wars = Seow Wei

No wonder I am always in the mood for SW!

Found this "thought of the week" from our church's website a bit cheezy, but nice nonetheless

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Only Jesus can turn a mess into a message, a test into a testimony, a trial into a triumph and a victim into a victor.

So many songs to sing, so little time to sing them

I am wasting my time staying up online late at night until I can't do the things I want to do the next day liek to day. I slept at 3 last night after chatting with some friends. My mind is so weak now that I am careless; my body is so tired that I don't feel like doing anything. My heart is screaming for sanity and control, but I think I am going out of the way.

It's times like this when I have a song to sing, but I am too weary, both body and soul, to do anything about them. What a waste of life and air, Jenn. Go and sleep!

We're not always following Jesus, I should know better! Whenever I am face with old temptations, old habits that I thought were all gone, I let down my guard and fell face to the ground in repentance and in remorse. I am not above this world and I cannot over come it on my own, but I pray, OH GOD, pls give me the strength to overcome the lust of the flesh and the pride of the old man.

Gotta kill the old man presiding inside me
Gotta kill that old man never to let it mess with me
Gonna take a hammer and 3 nails to crucify myself to the world and the world to me
To be found alive in Christ who set's me free

God don't let me fail! Jenn don't fail...

Sad

I just received the e-mail concerning the schedule for worship during the retreat. I am not scheduled to play for any team for the main service at all. May be it was because I forgot to inform Boon Heng about my availability, but I've asked CX and MR to see if I could at least play for one of the combined service which we are playing. I am a bit sad about not playing, but u know...

aiya...

His eye is on the sparrow

Hi guys, in here is the traditional version of the hymn. Click on the title to have a listen. The version that I first heard was a Crystal Lewis arranged version. It's pretty aweome!

http://www.ebenoizer.net/window-samples.htm

Why should I feel discouraged,Why should the shadows come,Why should my heart be lonely,And long for Heav'n and home,When Jesus is my portion?My constant friend is He:His eye is on the sparrow,And I know He watches me;His eye is on the sparrow,And I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,I sing because I'm free,For His eye is on the sparrow,And I know He watches me.

"Let not your heart be troubled,"His tender word I hear,And resting on His goodness,I lose my doubts and fears;Tho' by the path He leadethBut one step I may see:His eye is on the sparrow,And I know He watches me;His eye is on the sparrow,And I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,I sing because I'm free,For His eye is on the sparrow,And I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted,Whenever clouds arise,When songs give place to sighing,When hope within me dies,I draw the closer to Him,From care He sets me free;His eye is on the sparrow,And I know He watches me;His eye is on the sparrow,And I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,I sing because I'm free,For His eye is on the sparrow,And I know He watches me.

Waves

There is only so much we could do
If you want somebody to grow
Sometimes it's best to let them go
Be ready to offer a shoulder, a hand
Pray that your silence they will understand
Neither words nor letters could make sense
Line them in the sand and let the waves wash over them

When the waves crashes in I caved in
Without a soul in sight
Silence fills the sea

There is so little we could express
Sometimes we talk without thinking
In anger or in sadness emotions burn like wild fire
I've got nothing else to say and nothing left to do
I sit back and pray that God will see you through
I wrote them in my heart which I now toss to the sea
Line them in a sand and let the waves wash over them

When the waves crashes in
I caved in
Without a soul in sight
Silence fills the sea
When the waves crashes in
I am left alone
Silence fills the sea
Washes over me
When the next wave crashes in

I'm talking to you!

I know you don't need this
But I have to tell u now
How many times must u keep revealing yourself
Before you realised u reveal too much?
U have too much that isn't returned
Or they were once returned but it's now broken
Please remind yourself
I hope I could be your conscience to help you remember
But there is only so little I could do
The rest is up to you

*I think I will make this a hardcore song. I just want to let it rip!

At the end of my lifetime

Made some resolutions in my twenty-something lifetime
Darling I tried to make u glad with everything I want to do
I will not take the easy way out I will dance upon my failure
Thank you for your company before the time I spend with you comes to and end
At the end of my lifetime

*Sick of my religion, getting stab right on my back by all those complicated methods when all I ever want was a peace of mind at the end of my lifetime

Falling tonight into your arms is my delight
Living our lives at the cutting edge of time

*I am refering to our way or reaching for perfection instead of trusting in God.

Change

If u think I was talking about someone else, u were wrong. I was talking to myself. I have been working, reading, serving and worrying that I become so lost! I am such a "gan jeong" spider!! I kept fretting to the Lord, "Oh Lord... this... Oh Lord...that..." I am just running and running in circles.

Thank You, Lord, for revealing to me. I need you more each day, the more I know myself, the more I know I need You. Only you can satisfy!

But if you think I was refering to you, praise God! I know I am not alone!

Stop Running

Have you been running and thinking that you'll never be found? U'll keep running, but somehow you WILL be found. Where can u run to where no one has been before? Where can you hide where it's not been hidden before. Knowing that there is nowhere for u to run and hide anymore, why don't u just stop running, shut up and spare me from your excuses for once and just listen...

You need to stop running and start trusting in the Lord, that's where you'll draw strength. Listen to the Lord and obey Him. You won't be able to hear him if u keep talking. You won't be refreshed if u keep running.

Stop running...

Gloria

Gloria emo sessions
Originally uploaded by drumdeadcrazy.

I love this picture. It's really cool, dun u think?

O How the mighty have fallen

I was listening to "O How the mighty have fallen" by The Choir, u know, just chilling out before leaving for work, when suddenly the first first struck me deep inside.

Like the snake who calls the lizard a reptile
Like the chimp who calls the jester a clown
When I tell you, “You oughta be ashamed or yourself”
I’ve gotta set my knees on the ground

O how the mighty have fallen
O how the reckless are crawling now
O how the mighty have fallen
Such a long way down

Thank you, please don’t swing your shovel at my head, friend
No, I truly won’t appreciate that sound
When you tell me I surely should atone for my sin
I hope you know the fate of the proud
O how the mighty have fallen…

How quickly am I at times to point the finger and not look at myself.

Lord, Lord, pls examine my heart so that when I do need to correct a brother or sister in sin and errror, I will not judged hypocritically because you have called us to judge with righteous judgement and not like the hypocrites do. I don't want to judge others on something that I myself is guitly of. Oh for that matter, teach me how to walk in your way that I will never have to sin against you. Yet, I know I will struggle in my flesh, but with your Spirit in me, pls teach me and help me to obey until that final day.

The last post

The last post is a waste of time. I apologise for having nothing better to share. However I read my Bud's blog and found one of his entry very passionate and astoundingly peaceful in times of need.

I haven't got many friends and i think over the years, i don't think much of friendships, they come and go, and is as temporal as the next trend in fashion. I might have a few close friends, but nevertheless there are deep things in life that no one even wife or girlfriend can ever be there to share it, and those are only meant to be renewed and shared in the intimacy with an Almighty God. Often the lonely road in life, I do feel threatened by its harshness and silence, but at the same time, i do come to realise the greatest time i can have with an Almighty God. God is not in the thunder but a gentle whisper, He is not just in the storm but in the breeze, He might not come in the burning bush or a pillar of fire, but the quiet assurance as real as the Word of God in the bible.

It reminded me of a Keith Green song that went:

I plege my wife to heaven for the gospel
And although our love each day just seems to grow
And I told her when we wed that I would rather be dead
Than to love her more than the one who saved my soul

But it is the love for God that teaches us to love my wife as Christ love the church; as Christ loved me and gave himself for u and me and everybody! I am sure SW feels my love for God thru my love for her.

One Love...

Good News!!

Liverpoor may win this year's final but not make next year's competition. UEFA will not change the rules to allow Liverpool to enter next season's Champions League as holders. So now even if Liverpoor wins the cup, I could sleep in peace knowing one of my favourite teams, EVERTON is going into the Champion's league next season!!!!

Can u imagine if they win? It solidifies Liverpoor as the BIGGEST club in England, but sadly this win is a pale reflection of the glory they once had. Judging from their form, even though a win is a win, this team will most probably be remembered as the most unworthy champions. Worse, a one-time-wonder! Ok lah, Liverpool is a joy to watch at times as long as they don't played agains Crystal Palace. AC Milan very erratic one. For the sake of English football and my friens. pls win the blurdy cup!

I have a suggestion, with so many influx of spanish-speaking players, they should be playing in the columbian league man! They can play in the Liberteroles Cup.

Thank You, Jesus

Started the day with SW coming up to me in bed to ask what is the lyrics for the song "Thank You, Jesus" and we sang it before she left the house. How sweet can that be? It's better than singing any love songs because it's a love song about God's love for us; it's because of God's love, therefore we love. It's a satisfying truth that really refreshes us because it is an eternal truth. Human love never last, but love that is rooted in Christ lasts forever.

About my last post, I wonder if anyone feels affected when they hear some distorted views of our faith? I get really mad, because of their lack of understanding of the Bible and theology. Organised religion is not bad, what made it bad in the US are those phony TV evangelists that appears on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) and make a full of themselves. The paedophile cases that has been exposed in the Catholic churches in the US damage the image of the church further. Paul mentioned in his epistle that we should hold on to the tradition that he taught, I am sure they were the tradition of a righteous generation, not an adulterous. Traditions that draws people to the message of the cross and not diss them away.

That is why I love reading or listening to good sermons because they uphold God's word with such high reverance and they handle it so well that the truth of the Bible illuminates as the preacher preaches. That is different from a Toast Masters' Club where people are good speakers, but preaching is different. The research and study of scripture is so important that if I listen to a sermon laced with more psychology, I feel unsettled. Just because he is preaching from the pulpit or from a so-called "Christian" organization means it's holding on to Paul's traditions.

Then there are the unregenereated people like those in the Corinthian churches that profess with their lips but their lifestyle denies God. The big word in theology for this is "apostasy" (which I'll gladly hand over to my bud, Daniel to explain... over to u!!). They are in the church, but their lives are not moulded my the Holy Spirit. It seems like to be moulded into the image of God is a bad thing. To the world it means to lack your own identity. To us it's freedom and great joy. We have our own identity as individuals, but we have a common-belonging in Christ. To be moulded and be like the creator is a previlege because God is an image of perfection. Having the Lord changing us daily give us a glimpes of that perfection in our lives everyday. No, I am not power-hungry. I could careless about prayers at the altar calling out "FIRE! FIRE!" Aiyo! So dangerous! So funny at the same time...

I pray for my "disciples". I dun have many, but the precious few that came up to me to mentor them are precious to me, just as the 12 were precious to Jesus (even Judas who ultimately rejected Christ). I pray that they will grow stronger everyday in Christ despite their flaws and busy lifestyle. I always pray that the Lord will cause them to realise their need to rely on God more today than before because of the post-mordern ideals of the last century is currupting their minds today.

Oh Lord, I just want to reflect u and be more of a light that lead others to You. I continue to hide behind the cross, bowing down in submission in my mission because I know you go before me. So I wait on you. and now I will rise up and walk.

Anger

I just finished a comment in David's blog. There we had a soul seeking for encouragement for his spirit and this dude copied and pasted lyrics of Nine Ince Nails into the comment after mine. He is asking for trouble! I am burn with anger for such an intolerable act of rebellion! The lyrics just makes u wonder if non-christians understand what they criticise. If u read most of these anti-christian lyrics, it's so blatantly stupid that it's seems like something from the comics section of your newspaper! Most of them are written coz it's sounded so cool to "go agaisnt organised religion". Yeah! That's what it's all about! Besides that, it's always about "WOE IS ME" " I AM THE VICTIM" "THEY HURT ME" " THEREFORE I DUN WANNA BE PART OF IT" ...

Do you feel sad or angry when u hear that? I am angry coz they are so hardened in their heart towards God. All they think of is themselves, in making themselves more important than God, they are unconsciencely saying that they are God. Therefore their needs are the most important!

If only every believer could see what God can do when we go to Him without holding anything back. The bible says that "he is a new creation". But the problem is how many really go to him wholeheartedly? God demands all of us, shouldn't we give him all?

I know I side-tracked somewhere. I am so tired, yet I will pray...

Tia

I just read her blog and I was very very encouraged by her faith. She was born-again about a year ago and the Holy Spirit really helped her man! Such a young believer who is maturing so much in Christ. It really put a lot of pew warmers to shame man! She allowed me to link her, so go to her blog and encourage her a bit. Let us sharpen one another in faith and in the process, in life also.

I went to FSV's derrick's blog thru Tia's and realised that he also liked Living Sacrifice and Tourniquet. That is exciting! I am really a tourni-freak-of-nature! I have all their albums! It's crazy! Even the remastered versions! That's about 12 CDs man! Their drummer, Ted Kirkpatrick is one of my biggest influence. He is over the top, man!

Ok, Monday was the Laura Fygi's concert. Tonight is this concert with 3 dudes, Wu Bai, Chang Yu and this other dude. No I am not going for a concert, I am working as cam asst to the cameramen who is handling the cams for the big screen in the Indoor Stadium. Ok lah, I am happy to be able to see them for free and to be paid for it. hahahah...

Liverpoor beat Chelsea!

I think Liverpoor also can win the S-league next year too! The can come and take over that Jap team in Jurong East Stadium, right next to my in-law's house! May be then will I become a Liverpoor supporter. They can turn the terrace in to the "Kopi"!

Anyway, seriously, it's good that Liverpoor is in the final. They play like dirt in the premier league but really well in Europe. But do they deserve to be champions? I hope that Milan humble them and show them their true state of their condition. The league doesn't lie! If liverpoor wins the final and the FA has to decided between Everton and Liverpoor, I hope they have the sensibility to let Everton go to the Champ's league. Liverpoor for all their effort to reach the final or even the possibility of winning it, are not wothy of a place based on their position in the league.

Thoughts about Worship

I have noticed the way we lead worship in our church. We always lead the congregation into some kind of confession of their sins or get ready to worship God by setting an "atmosphere" of holiness. Then we sing a couple of happening fast praise songs and 3 slow "worshipful" songs. After chatting with Daniel about the role of the church, I asked meself why on earth do we keep "preparing" the youths to worship God? I believe it is a reflection of how the cell group is teaching the Word of God. Aren't the kids taught about holy living in their cell groups; that they ought to renew their minds everyday and always praying at all times in their spirit with all kinds of prayer. Dun we teach them to commune with God on a daily basis? I don't think that we should waste time doing that in a service, because when we come, we should proclaim God's worth. When we spend time trying to stir them up, we missed the purpose of worship, which is about God, not the needs of man. And we sing to the heart of God, not into the heart of man. Their view of themselves when they have a wholistic view of God. Because God is great in all things, our problems are nothing but shadows!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of the earth will grow stragely dim
In the light of Hs glory and grace

It's so easy to identify a need in the congregation and feed that need. I believe that when God's glory is boldly sung and preached, people will see that God can do exceedingly more than their insignificant problems! When they see God's in His Glory, they will change their lives for an awesome majesty! What does God want? I wonder what does God want for us as a body and as individuals? What does God want for us in a Church service and in a cell or devotion time? they are all different, but each is created for a purpose. So I pray and hope that we will begin to make our service lively and proclaim God and His word in boldness. Let us sing and play our instrument for His glory, to magnify God and not the problems of man! There will be a time to minister to individual needs in the midst of the service, but lest we lose our bearing and focus, let us aim to magnify the king of kings.

As a leader, how should I be like? Esp as a worship leader and musician? Since God is the maker of all good things, we all should play and sing with excellence, which is an emphasis in our church's Camel and Camy. There is a model that we are very familiar with and that is based on the Levites. The Levites were not just musicians, but also priest! They serve in the temple in rotations. On the days that they are not in the temple, they are teaching the Word to the people of Israel. This shows that the Levites have proper theological understanding. With a better understanding of scripture and music, we could mix and match songs in the service that will satisfy our soul as we glorify the Lord. I thank God for Pastor Cuixian. I believe that she has taught and discipled us well. When we sit under her teaching, let us be inspired and let us lead as God use her to impart His knowledge to us. On the part of the musicians and leaders, we must grow. That is a show of our maturity in Christ (Hebrews 5:11-14). I urge u, dun just get your heart right before God, know Him better!!! Make sacrifices if you must and start learning and following Jesus. Dun serve as a robot, serve as a joyful servant!

Lastly, 'd like to end this sharing with a funny quote from John Wesly's Instruction for Singing Hymns, dated 1961, must be applied in our worship ministry. I laughed when I read it, it's a but extreme and some more traditional service apply them esp the methodist (John Wesly is the founder of the movement). I wonder how applicable to our own congregational worship. Something to think about. Enjoy!

Learn the Songs first
Sing them exactly
Sing all
Sing lustily
Sing modestly
Sign in time
Above all, sing spiritually.

p.s. This entry is partly inspired by the book "Think Biblically: Recovering a Christian World View" and it's article about worship. The book contains articles contributed by John MacArthur and scholars from The Master's College faculty.

Worship

Yesterday at the Leader's Prayer Meeting. Ps Ronald shared about serving as a form of worship. I am reading "Think Biblically! Recovering a Christian worldview" and in the topic "Enjoying Spiritual Worship and Music", contributor Paul T Plew shared AW Tozer's view about the lifestyle of worshiping God regardless whether u are a leader, enthu-congregation or a mere pew-warmer:

It is my experience that our total lives, our entire attitude as persons, must be towards the worship of God.... If you cannot worship the Lord in the midst of your responsibilities on Monday, it is not very likely that you were worshiping on Sunday....My view of worship: No worship is wholly pleasing to God until there is nothing in me displeasing God.

-AW Tozer, Whatever Happened to Worship? 23, 122, 125

This state didn't just talk about our "entire attitude towards worship" alone, but also implied the importance of the joy of personal worship everyday of our lives! Did u say you have no time to worship God? How about the time u spent travelling to school or work? How about the times when you went jogging or slacking? May his praise always be in our mouths. I don't mean look like a freak that makes people think we're coo-coo, but in privately within the invisibility of our prayer closet. That is one of the most mobile room in the world, the prayer room. U can bring it anywhere, set it up and just spend time with God!

However I strongly encourage you to cultivate a the habit of worship as a lifestyle that consciencely set aside a time to do that in your life. Our God is so worthy of our praise and worship, let us worship Him in spirit and in truth!

Iron Vs Iron

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another
-Proverbs 27: 17

I spent the whole day after church with Daniel yesterday. SW had a lot of marking to do so Daniel Ho and I went out. I even had the car and Dan came to the foootball traning with me. The best moment we had was when we had dinner at Dan Ryans and we just do our usual doctirnal discussions.

When we were around Sec 2 or 3, I remembered that we had one prayer session at the church's basement staircase. We were praying for revival in our lives and we were squeezing each other's hands so tight I thought we hate each other. But it was passionate prayer man! He was one those guys that had an sprititual awakening and he was so eager to share. However I was not as spiritual and I was didn't sound enthusiastic. On hindsight I think I tried to be a wet blanket coz I was some kind of envious of his great faith.

Today, I may have grown spiritually more mature, but I still lack a great deal of understanding. Daniel "came back" to my life at a moment when I need an impetus to add zest and understanding of Scripture. Did u know when we became close again? At the last Jacob Prasch conference, I think it was either last year or the year before. I was so shocked to see him there, when we saw each other, I just went up to him and gave him a big brotherly hug. It was then I realised he was attending IBS on Thursday and we began to keep in touch more and more often since then.

I am glad that our friendship have stood the test of time. It was a real test man, coz when Daniel left Grace, we have some kind of a on-and-off relationship because of our some differences. But we always knew we had a friend in each other coz we have always kept in touch thru IRC, ICQ and not MSN and Blogger. You can see from our online journal how we spur each other in faith. It's really awesome man! I am learning so much from him coz he is so well-read. I admit, because of him, I've become too lazy. I'd just ask him to explain certain stuff to me, but he is really challenging me to read more to gain better theological understanding. I am so grateful to God for Daniel!

I have other close friends like, Clement, Daniel Lim and Peter Tan (the St Teresa's High Sch friends who are in Grace) of whom I am closes to Clement. He was the first person I brought to church in my life and it's so awesome to see him grow from strength to strenth and now he is married to one of SW's closest friend, Soann (the other is Shuli, Suhui Jie's sister). So awesome right?

Hiding behind the cross

I am hiding behind the cross because I don't want others to see me. - The Other Side of Glory I led worship for the leader's prayer meeting this morning only with an idea about the theme I wanted to focus on- God's Steafast Love. As I enter the room after rushing up to the room from the office, I was almost caught unaware of God's pressense because the guys and gals were already praying. I didn't want to disturb their communion with God. I went in and started playin on the guitar and sought after the Lord for the words to speak. In the end I only sang one of the three songs I prepared. I didn't even give out the songlist. But I felt led by the Lord to lead songs with the same theme I had in mind. I just tried to stay as relevant to the Word of God as possible. I just did what I thought was God's agenda. I did struggle with the thought that what I did might not be God's will. Was it me, who's trying to false my own agenda on God's peaple? That would be unthinkable, I wouldn't dare attempt to, but we are susceptible to do that. I was greatly comforted by the confidence I get from God's word. As I shared earlier about the profitability of God's word in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. This two verses together with Romans 12:1-2 helped me to gain confidence in God's word and so that I will be able to "discern what is the will of God, what is good, what is acceptable and perfect"(Rom 12: 2b). My Bud, Daniel, affirmed in the car that we do not get renewed or recharged in church on Sunday, that's not the responsibility of the Church, but the responsible of a believer in response to his or her confidence in Christ - it is a daily proccess. God is most gloridied when we are most satisfied in Him in our daily dying and daily renewing of our minds in Christ! This is my confidence, in the cross of Christ! For thru Christ death, the way is made for me (and u) to enter into the blessings of God. In my longing for God, I trust Him in all things and for all things as affirmed and proclaim in His word. Thru His Word, I gain knowledge of where my salvation lies; in it is my confidence. All is made possible by God's provision at the cross. Oh, the blazing glory of the cross that made it possible! I hide now behind the cross that made the way for me! And now I understand! I am glad that you were blessed at the prayer meeting today, be it the worship or the short sermon by Ps Ronald (which was really good!), God reminded and strenthened His people thru His willing and humble vessel. Ain't that worship too? Soli Del Gloria!

Comforted

I spoke to my youth pastor about going to the other church. I am glad that we talked about it if not the earlier post where I voice my heart's concern will seemed like a condemning one.

I am glad that they went there and was inspired by the awesome preaching of the word. I also stand corrected. We all need some kind of model as in, some kind of direction. Some churches just preach the right sermon and manage to meet the need of their people.

God help us to meet the need of Your people!

I can't sleep

I think I'll pray...

Some thoughts on the Word of God

What do you think is the most important element in deciding whether to stay in your church? I think the most important thing is the handling of the Word of God. How much does the church honour the Word of God above all else? We may have the holy spirit emphasis or some emphasis on some methods such as "Purpose Driven" or "Alpha Course"; methods that dictates the so-called move of God. Or we may suddenly experience a influx of people in church and everyone in the church says "WOAH, we're experiencing revival!"

STOP RIGHT THERE!

Who's ways are we following? Eh, if our way isn't a biblical model, based on biblical principles, how on earth do we know right from wrong? Did you know why I question such things like Alpha or Purpose Driven? Coz we become too dependent upon them and we stop studying the bible for ourselves. Their wattered down defination and exegesis is so weak that it doesn't satisfy the soul at all.

Yesterday, I went into church office and one of our youth pastor mentioned that they are going to a church to do a "survey" on that church to see what caused them to grow in numbers. First of all I know the church changed it's name recently and they weren't really sound as far as I know. I was a bit shocked that we are doing this "church-visitation" thing, but what for? I asked Liang later, "Isn't the bible sufficient for us?" This led me to ask myself how does my own church handle the Word of God? Do we honour the word of God with our thoughts, words and action?

Wait, I am not advocating legalistic principles, I am talking about biblical principles that are profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. Remember 2 Tim 3: 16-17? So that we will be adequent and prepared for good works. People will know us by our good works and bring glory to the Lord! Legalism is not glorifying to God. So let me set that straight. I don't mean following the bible as in all the Levitical Law and such, but rather the sound application and interpretation of the Word.

Where does ur understanding of God and Christian living lies? Friends, we've been blinded too long by the thoughts of man because of different kind of filters. But the Word of God is for all to study and understand. One of the ways to learn it is thru Inductive Bible Study Method. I have provided the link before, I do hope u take time to read it and explore the wonder of it...

Aiya, that site is down at the moment! JOker!

I just want to tell u this, do not underestimate ur abiblity to understand scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16 shows the sufficiency of Scripture for our lives. Trust the Lord at his Word, not mine, not men's, not any methods!

That is why I look fwd to preaching these days coz it really nourishes the soul each week. I also have a new found hobby of listening to sermon online or on CD lately. Praise and Worship is good, but it's nothing if everything we sing is solely about how great we feel about being saved ect. By the way, I think we stopped singing songs that proclaim one of the attributes of God. Most of what we sing is cool, u know. It help us response to God, but it's really overkill sometimes. More like a soap-emo-trip.

As a worship leader, I am so use to our way of choosing songs. I bear part of the blame for feeding the emotional response of the worshipers sometimes. I care about how they would respond, I'd even predict how they'd response with certain songs. Oh, I forgot that worship is singing unto GOD and he is the only audience when we worship! Instead of singing about us, I think we stopped singing of God's worth. We might sing tonnes of songs about how the Lord touch us, but I wonder if everyone is touched the same way? If not, aren't we lying? So singing about God is the best. The bible and creation shows a lot of the visible and invisible attributes of God, the hymns of old express God's attributes in ways that we do not see today. So don't u think we should consider writing songs like the way they use to? Just a thought. My Bud, Daniel, wrote an interesting observation bout Worship:

After and still reading the book "Desiring God", to me now, Worship is a means
and one of the most intimate manner which i can both share my friendship, awe of
the one true God and finally glorifying Him. Therefore in this definition, it is
no longer a question on the type of music, but the type of lyrics, the position
of my heart and finally it is the renewal of the fellowship with the One true
God of whom we derive our meaning of our existence here. That's worship, and to
translate that to a lifestyle that we consistently must live out consistently
with the Word, and it is not about should we worship God on this mountain or on
that mountain or in Jerusalem. God is seeking true worshipper, one who will
worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Amen!

Now what does that has to do with the Word of God? Did u know that the reading or the preaching of the Word of God in a traditional church service is the climax of the service? That was what preaching was viewed as, not worship time! I want to prepare the people to receive the word, not reject it. We must leave a service saying, " What an awesome preaching!" Instead of "What an awesome worship!". Singing songs or proclaiming doesn't save us if the songs we sing doesn't reflect a biblical understanding of God. Neither does short sermons that are weak in substance and worse of all, doctrinally wrong edifying. A wrong understanding of God will mean we're worshipping other gods and not the God of the bible.

I know some of u are babe in the faith, but I pray that u will move on to maturity (Hebrews 6: 1). If u are a leader, remember CX taught us about Hebrews 5: 11-14? Let's move on to be accustomed to the Word of God. In it are the wisdom of God and all his promises. They will make u stand in awe and wonder as u submit to it and let it be your guiding light. The Holy Ghost will help u if u only find a place to begin.

Oh, God! There is so much to learn and there is so much to speak of. Pls give me the words and let your Spirit empower me as I teach and preach your word to out youths. I hide behind u and let ur shadow shelter me from doubts and fear. Be my help and be strength! In the name of us Son, Jesus my saviour I pray. Amen