How to treat people

Especially those that we have not seen in church for a long time for various reasons; either they shipwrecked their faith; sinned against another person in the fellowship; change church; or simple disappeared.

U know what I learned from those who left Grace? U know what they can't stand about people in Grace (I am not saying the whole church is like that) when they come back? It's that "look" that they all receive. How come all of them say the same thing? Is it a coincident that I heard it from almost 5 different friends? I tried so many times to defend our ministry by rationalising with them. I told them that it's not an ostracising look, but one of awkwardness after a time of seperation. However they all told me the same thing, "it didn't feel that way." Why is this so? I figure that it's probably the lack of communication at that point of contact. I am sure that awkwardness is one of the reason, but I find that the lack of hospitality and Christian love is really lacking in our handling of such situations.

Some of u know who I have a strong feeling for and against. When I talk about about them, I can be very vocal, but when I think about them, sometimes I pray for them out of compassion. Tonight, Daniel told me something that change my way of handling these "deserters". Daniel reminded me of the day I met him at Jacob Prasch conference at Hakka Methodist Church about 2 years ago. I think he must have expected me to give him that "look", instead I gave him a big bear hug and told him how happy I was to see him! Daniel recalled that incident to me tonight and he said he was very touched by it. Of course lah! He is one of my *"IYFTTE" friend! I also realised that we should treat everyone the same. I have heard testimonies about how people feel so welcomed when they go to other churches. R-age can be such a place!

Who have u offended by giving them that look? Give them a hug and tell them with ur heart how happy u are to see them again. Make a change! Make R-age a safe place for everyone!

*In Your Face Til The End

Chinese New Year

Hey Joey,

I dun have a photo of u in my PC at home! I love u bro! U know that! I know I haven't spent as much time with u, Liang and some other precious few. But take heart, u're really precious to me, yo!

Jenn

I've been chatting with Daniel a lot lately. It's great to know that he is doing great now. I pray that he God will continue to guide him in this life. It's not a maze with Christ as our guide. I know that when we live according to His will, according to His standard, we will nevergo wrong. Will we Christians fail then? Yes we wll, we will fail for a time or more, but we will not ultimately fail because the Holy Spirit will guide us through our lives. Through Daniel's life, through your life. It doesn't take too much to experience this, but it takes so much to human-minds to accept this objective reality.

That is why I pray everyday, everyday I pray that the Lord renew my mind. Everyday, I know I lack the discipline to read His world or to pray at all times; to keep my mind alert in the spirit. I may not do this everyday, I failed, but I will not ultimately fail. Knowing that I will not ultimately fail, I do not take a backseat and wait for God to "do his thing". I long to obey His word and I long to please the Lord in everything I do. When the bible says "wait on the Lord" what does it mean to really wait? Should I just sit there and do nothing? May be, perhaps or may be not. So I live my life with fervour and zeal. I do things rashly at time without thinking. Are those risk worth taking? Yes, may be and no. I dunno, but I know this is true: I am learning to discern what God's will for me really is. Some say it's a secret, some say that God will reveal in due time. I say that as long as I am living, I will praise Him in all circumstances. I will not deliberately sin and say that "all things (including consciencely sinning against God) will work for good." But I will do my part in walking accordance to the Scripture because it is my spirit's life that runs like the blood in my veins. Take that blood from me and I will be as dry as the bones in the valley of the shadow of death.

I am sick of the controversies that surrounds our faith. I just want to obey. I just want to point others to the Way, the Truth and the Life. I want to point others to Christ!

For Christ's sake! I really want to be more effective. I am 30 now. Suddenly I feel like I'm stuck in a moment where I can't do anything about it. Am I really stuck? If He that is in me is greater than he that is in the World, what am I to do? What can I do?

I know, U know.

Song for a small circle of friends (Larry Norman)

Well my life is filled with songs

But I just could not get along without my friends

And I'm happy now, but when this good life ends

I know a better life begins.

With Clapton on guitar, and Charlie Watts on the drums.

McCartney on the Hoffner bass with blisters on his thumbs.

And someone died for all your friends

But even better yet, he lives again.

And if this song does not make sense to you,

I hope His spirit slips on through, He loves you.

Thanks!

To all my friends who called me, attempted to call me or sms me to wish me Happy Birthday, THANKS!!!

I turn 30 today!

Where do I begin?

Gerard

You were there in my darkest hour
I was down but You picked me up
I was lost, stuck in a daze
But you showed up and cleared the haze
Now I see a brand new day this is what I had to say...

Thanks for a friend like Gerard! BTW, in case u didn't know, he was the one who wrote Begin. I met him about 10 years ago when Llyod and him went to do a recording at SAE. He was the first guitarist whom I heard play the open-chords. About 5 years ago Gerard, Blob and myself formed a band called "24Seven" and that was when we performed many songs that Gerard penned, they include Begin and You which we also did in our youth worship.

I have decided

... not to buy the guitar. I'll buy a cymbal bag instead coz all my cymbals are really just lying around my so-called music room. Oh, I did a very crazy thing this afternoon. I set up the hip-gig over the electronic set. I thought it looked very cool, but it's so impractical for now because I have not muffled the hip gig. I will buy those silencers that u put over the drum skins without replacing them. That way I could have the full-set up that I always want with the electronic set-up. I also have a practice set-up.

The hybrid-set-up. Notice the set up of the trigger pad and the double pedals. This will be the place where I practice my double pedal onslaught. I've been kicking for sometime. With patience, i am developing more control playing 16th with both feet. It'll still be some time before I could play it at killer speed for long duration. I will succeed!

The hybrid set-up from another angle. I have not set up the other cymbals for now becaues it's taking too much space. The acoustic set will be used to practice independance, specifically using Jim Chapin's book Advance Technique for the Modern Drummer where I'll be playing a playing a jazz pattern while playing what is written with my left hand on the snare. It's hard man, but it's so fun! Since is't more of a jazz thing, I could practice at a controlled volume.

Shocking!

Shocking news #1

Eurpopean Champions Liverpoor got terribly insulted by an allege drug cheat at a worse possible time - in injury time. It reminded me how Man Yoo knock Liverpoor out of the FA cup 6th Round in the treble season in 99. It was those two late goals by Cole and Solksjaer that stunned Liverpoor led the match for almost 80 mins. Oh man this is sweet! Must buy this aftenoon's newpaper!! I was taunted by a few people today and I kept quiet only. Now it's time to pop the champaigne! One little victory is better than none.

The match is not over until the ref blows the whistle!!!

Whistle while u work.... yuu... yuy... yuhhh...

Shocking news #2
This comment was made concerning the teaching leadership in the church. I hope it will not in anyway discourage you if you have yet to feel the heat of it. But I pray that the Holy Spirit will sow the seeds of this hope into your heart in due time.

(knowing the truth and proclaiming it with authority) should be the passion of every (teacher), because everything we teach afects the hearts and lives of those who hear us. It is an awesome responsibility. Any church leader who does not feel the burden of this duty ought to step down from leadership.

There are different functions in the body of Christ. Not every one is called to be a teacher. But John MacArthur is known for being uncompromising, I am sure in his church most people in leadership must be able to teach sound doctrine. However I do ask u , if u do some sort of teaching or encouraging to ur church group or friends, that you'll do your best to be well equipt. By telling u, i am reminding myself of the awesome responsibility that rests on our shoulders. In the midstof my busy schedule, I have struggled to prepare my cell lessons too.

I am reminded of the free time that I have and what I am doing with them. There are so many things in my mind. So many things that I wanna do.

It's time to rearrange priorities
Discipline of disciplines
It's so hard to get me going
The most important task
I shelved it to the last
When will I learn not to make the mistkae of the past?

Wake up your idea, Jenn!

Opinion Polls

Nice or not? Leave your opinion on the tagboard, k?

You can see it more clearly HERE.

Richest One

No matter what you are going through nothing hides the fact that you are rich in Christ. U may not see the blessings now nor will you understand the trials you're going through, but He will never leave you nor forsake you. I hope this song will be your prayer tonight.

If I have a penny for every town I've known
And if I had a nickel for every song I've sung
If I had a quarter for every tear I've cried
And if I had a dollar for every hurt I felt inside
I'll be the richest, richest one in the world

Yes I am when I was lost
A stranger to innocence
When I was guilty in the face of such evidence
WHen I was condemned that's when the veil was rent
When I was broken You came to my defense

If I had a ruby for every drop of blood You shed
And if I had an emerald for every single debt
If I had a piece of silver for every sin You tool
And if I had a diamond for every beautiful truth in Your Book
I'll be the richest, richest one in the world

...but I will not be there!

I'll be attending the Wed morning bible-study since I am not working so that I can spend time with SW tonight. So don't meet me there, meet Liang there instead. I'll join u guys next week on Tue.

Oh man! I am so excited! I can't wait to hear about how many of u are going for the BS!

Meet me there

What: 2tim2-2.com Bible Study
When: TOMORROW AH! 17th January, 2006
Time: 7:45 pm to 10:00 pm
Place: Hakka Methodist Church
Address: 1B Evelyn Road, S309298
Book: Plumbing the Depths of Philippians


I invite you to come join me. Those who are hungry for the Word.

Meet Me There!

Rejection

I love this quote from Wooq

"...You do not reject God by believing in evolution.
You reject God because you are born a sinner.
You reject God by rejecting the gospel of Jesus Christ."

You might want to read the full text for the context HERE.

Fade into You

This is an awesome song by Telecast. I was trying to re-write a poem that I've been working on, but then I remembered this song and it express what's in my heart this morning. I feel good about today because I've been born-again. I feel good every morning because I have purpose.

You are the hope on which all puropose hangs

I'm holding onto You

You are the Light that will never fade

I'fm fading into You

Been on the edge of the darkest days

But then You called my name

I found Your love on the Clavary road

I'll never be the same

Take me I'm Yours

Jesus, You bought me with Your blood

Use me, I'm Yours

You're the only one I'm think of

'Cause I've been born again

oOu transformed my hear and entered in

Yes, I've been born-again

I fade out and You fade in

To me

-Telecast-

...

Let me express my thoughts to You

No one understands like You do...

In You I find my peace

In You I find my place to be

It doesn't matter what I feel

You are always there to share my pain

I found love in You

I found it hard to just believe

What You said in Your Word

I believe that it's strange

But it's true

Great and Big Guy with an attitude!

Say hello to our one and only, our most beloved Blob!!

I am so inspired by the way he plays. No frill or fancy, just in-the-pocket grooves that makes u wanna dance. I really enjoyed the time with Vern and Daniel Heng at the coffeeshop after church too. Although today though the recording didn't go as we expected. Nonetheless, it was time well spent.

Oh, I forgot to mention him when I posted my previous drumming entry. He is an R-age druming alumnus.

Holding back

Should I hold back what is in my heart? I don't want to speak my mind and later be labelled a heretic. I will lose credibility and what I say in future will not be taken seriously again. I won't hold anything back, but I will not speak without thinking. Last night's post has fired up a desire to be sure and not waver. I do not want to stand between the boats of uncertainties. There are always two sides in a controversy. There is only one truth. Sometimes the truth isn't at either end of the spectrum, sometimes it is. Sometimes it's in the middle where we are allowed to disagree with each other. This reminds me of a quote, "Major on the majoy, minor on the minor". But I know I can't keep quiet for long, esp when I feel that the Word is being violated (most of the time by myself). Thank God for His grace. I never want to take it for granted.

Humbled

I chatted with many people tonight, but two chat is worth mentioning coz I was totally floored by their opinion about me. You know sometimes we hear others say we should not be affected by what others think about us? That is not true at all. Sometimes I am so blinded by my own cleverness I can be too proud for my own good. Initially I posted an entry that was rather controversial. So I shared them with these two person and asked for their opinion. While they read it, I read it myself. After reading it, I erased the poste. There is nothing bad about it, but it shows an error in my behavior. I tend to speak to fast without thinking. Very often I confuse others, stumble them or hurt them without knowing. I am glad that certain characteristics about me were brought up. I have given people the impression that I am rather "hardcore". An uncompromising person who shares his opinion strongly. To be frank, I wish I have more discernment and wisdom so that I know when to speak and when to wait and when to just forget about it. If I am hardcore, I hope to be hardcore for the truth. Not for myself.

I don't like myself very much! It's so full of pride!

I want more of Christ and less of me.

I can't stand me!

Help me LORD!

I trust the Lord

I am so worried over other people's problem. I am not talking every problem, but those that you wish you have an answer for. That ones that you feel helpless about. I never thought I'll be affected but I am. I am wondering how strong am I when other share their probelms with me. I've been giving a lot of attention to other people's problem, sometimes it's so hard to shake it off my mind esp those that are beyond my control. They causes me to worry. It's 2.10am now. I can't sleep. I am sleepy, it's the worse time to worry. So I took out Spurgeon's devotion "Morning and Evening" and was comforted by the author's words,

The text is based on Luke 22:32 when Jesus said to Peter "I have prayed for you"

How encouraging the thought of the Redeemers's unceasing intercession is for us. When we pray, He pleads for us; and then we are not praying, He is advocating our cause, and by His supplications shilding us from unseen dangers.

I am so thankful to the Lord and I know I have to trust Him completely. Without His prayers, carrying other people's burdens is such a chore. I am glad I am prayed up, not just by my friends, but by my Savior Himself. WOW!!!

Lord I dare not complain for the sheep you put into my fold. As I learn how to truly care like u did, I pray that You'll continue to grant me strength to see them thru their lives for Your glory.

Letter from a dear friend

Here is a "letter" to bring sanity to my mind again. Thanks, Daniel! Actually I copied and pasted this from MSN.

Something of note, did God stop the signs of wonders as he did in Moses time when the power of God parted the red sea, pillar of fire and cloud leading the Israel, and in Jesus' ministry, where miracles of healings etc? Question - Do you believe that God is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow?

So I believe in miracles

But not in the way it is practiced today, u know why? People talked so much on moving in the gifts of the spirit. The Focus is all wrong. Let's look to Moses' life. Moses walked with God and he is the only one that God said He knew face to face. The key to a prophetic apostolic ministry today, is not talking and exercising the gifts. The key is a relationship with God! Moses knew God face to face. If a person who is so close to God, who knows His heart, i am sure the man of God will do God's will and signs and miracles will follow him.The point is most christians today, in fact all, substituted our relationship with God to programs, to exorbitant worship session, to glamour services. Past revivalists don't talk about moving in the gifts, they walked with God and they waited before God. They intercede for the nations (or their own nation). They place their faith in God. That's the characteristics of an apostolic ministry. I believe the God moses serve, is the same today, and tomorrow, so there is no reason why God cannot move in signs and miracles. In fact, i believe the greatest miracle is when a die hard drunkard come to a repenting faith and never touch alcohol again, or when a father whose heart is turned back to God, and his famil. These are the signs we so often choose to ignore day after day and these are great miracles.

Lastly, like Paul advise Timothy, "Be a workman who is approved by God, hang on to the Sound doctrines/teachings passed on from the Men of God and apostles... and fight the good fight, and keep the faith" You are now a leader, read and let Apostle Paul's instructions to Timothy become yours. You will need it especially when u r teaching God's precepts to the youth.

Heed Apostle Paul's instructions and warnings.

Spurgeon on Psalm 1:1-2

The previous post drew a lot of comments from friends. I appreciate their views, but I don't want "controversy" to dominate discussions or sharing of views. Ah, but let this devotional be something for all to chew on. It's the one posted previously.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
(Psa 1:1-2)

And now mark his positive character. "His delight is in the law of the Lord." He is not under the law as a curse and condemnation, but he is in it, and he delights to be in it as his rule of life; he delights, moreover, to meditate in it, to read it by day, and think upon it by night. He takes a text and carries it with him all day long; and in the night-watches, when sleep forsakes his eyelids, he museth upon the Word of God. In the day of his prosperity he sings psalms out of the Word of God, and in the night of his affliction he comforts himself with promises out of the same book. "The law of the Lord" is the daily bread of the true believer. And yet, in David's day, how small was the volume of inspiration, for they had scarcely anything save the first five books of Moses! How much more, then, should we prize the whole written Word which it is our privilege to have in all our houses! But, alas, what ill-treatment is given to this angel from heaven! We are not all Berean searchers of the Scriptures. How few among us can lay claim to the benediction of the text! Perhaps some of you can claim a sort of negative purity, because you do not walk in the way of the ungodly; but let me ask you - Is your delight in the law of God? Do you study God's Word? Do you make it the man of your right hand - your best companion and hourly guide? If not, this blessing belongeth not to you.

100 years of pentecost

This article from will give u an idea what our church will soon be celebrating.

One thing that bothers me is not the celebration but the people who are going to be invited for the event.

Benny and Kenneth! Oh, I think I am going to be miserable!!

Does the Assemblies of God endorse their ministry? If yes, I think my time in the A/G is numbered. But I pray that the Lord will give me wisdom, I want to be sure and don't want to be an idiot and act on impulse.

I had a good chat with a sister-in-christ over what was preached yesterday and I did mentioned about my doubts. I am glad that she didn't have a problem with what she believed in. I hope I can be like her too. I used to have a "simple faith" but as I receive more knowledge, that faith seems to be dwindling. But as I evaluate, I realised that I have "simple faith" in a way that when the bible says something, like the qualities of the fruit of the spirit or what we should do towards others, etc, I'll simply believe and obey. If the Bible says so, I believe. But when it comes to something like the form of pentacostalism that is causing confusion and doubt, I can't just believe everything the church or the preacher says.Is that a good thing or a bad thing? For once I shall use a phrase that I normally didn't like said to me...

"I don't know"

Just as I typed that last sentence, the mailman delievered the package from Amazon.com. It's my Zao and Rush DVDs. What a timely distraction. But I'm leaving the house soon. So it's a more timely distraction. Time to pray on the bus. I really need the peace of God man. Not in the way the preacher preached about yesterday. I really need the Lord's Peace.

Today

I had a good time with the CMs. I didn't think I did very well, but it was ok. I joind EnEn's cell today before I went to prepare for service. That I didn't enjoy to much (my playing I mean) coz I thought everything was loud. The message? Dang... I don't know what to think hearing about the "move of the Holy Spirit", but I listened to try to make sense out of it (how do u do it?). However the message about going to our wilderness is great. Nonetheless I was in a somber mood. I don't know what to think.

Why so like that?

I read MacArthur's "Charismatic Chaos" and Jack Deere's "Surprised by the power of the Holy Spirit". Two books on two opposite sides. If you are weak, u'll be confused. So how do I deal with miracles and gifts of the Spirit, etc? At the end of the day, when all saliva is spent and all voices go course, what is left is this. Have we bore fruits in accordance to our salvation?

While I do not want to limit God work over my life, I'll continue to stick on to the Word for now.

TEACH ME YOUR WAYS O GOD!

Off the cuff rambling about passion

"what is that one thing which you are passionate about?"

That's the question that Esther asked Joel. I shall ask myself that question and examine what am I really passionate about.

In order to answer that question I have to first ask myself what is my purpose of living. As a Christian my purpose is to know God and in knowing Him, live as a worthy bearer of the Lord's name. When I do that, I know God is glorified. And doing that makes me most satisfied because I am living for the purpose men was created for.

What then is the basis for glorifying God? The bible. The bible is the light for all Christians. No other spiritual truths that exist outside of scripture can be the basis of glorifying God because God has ordained that His word be read and His word be kept. Not in our shelves but in our hearts so that we will always remember our Creator and to keep His ways. This strong belief stems out of faith. It's not forced or manipulated by any human means. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. It's not a case of "I am not sure", but rather "I am dead sure despite my circumstances". It is by His grace that I see and it's thru faith that I respond to the outpouring of grace upon me.

Within that grace lies the passion in my heart. Passion to me is the strong desire that we have; there is more to that. It is also a desire that is worth dying for. The latin word for passion means to suffer. Yes, to desire for something even to suffer for it. The thing I have strong desire for is not a thing, but a person. I desire Christ. God forgive me if I love my wife more than Christ; love my music more than Christ; love my mentees more than Christ; love my life. In Christ lies the stream of water where blessings flow. Knowing Christ thru His written Word gave me the wisdom to love others and to serve them. When we desire Christ, our desire will be what Christ desires. We find joy in Christ when we say good-bye to ourselves; when we crucify old selves so that Christ will reign completely is us. It's never about ourselves. Jesus assured us that since he feeds the sparrow and clothe the lilies, he will surely take care of us coz we are His. And we are are not hereto make much of ourselves, but to make much of Him. This was something that I read from John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life which really changed my life and i only read the first 3 to 4 chapters of that book. I kept reading over and over again coz it was so revolutionary to me! Therefore I was compelled to share this to others. No one taught us this in Sunday School or in cell group. We have gone in circles trying to define what being a Christian is all about and many of us never get a satisfactory answer.

Now that I found my passion, life goes on - to teach others what their passion must be. Whether you're a rich man, poor man, beggar man, or thief. Doctor, lawyer or Indian chief you all have a purpose. Desire Christ first, then you will truly know the meaning of the phrase "Put God in the centre and everything will come together". When everything comes together, it's never about us, but Christ.

When we die people on the earth will talk about the things we did for them, but when we cross to the otherside, what we did on earth will turn to ashes and only what we did for Christ will last.

In Christ Alone I place my trust

And find my glory in the power of the Cross

In every victory

Let it be said of me

"My source of strenth, my source of hope is Christ Alone!"

The drummer, the drum sticks and the drum pads.

Everyone knows that I love drumming eventhough I am not as proficient as I would like to be. Nonetheless I am not disheartened by my limited abilities on the drumset, but I thank God for the opportunity that drumming has created for me. I thank God that I was good enough for my previous band Gloria and thru that band I met great friends and had great memories with them. Through drumimng I drew closer to "the Boyz" and other friends eventhough I cancelled so many of their drum lessons. Through drumming I was able to express myself in worship to God.

Now that I am as good as "bandless" (now I only play occasionally in church or for personal indulgence like that day with Sherwin), I spend more time practicing at home on my drumpad. Of course nothing beats the feeling of playing in a band or on a live drum kit, but with constraints such as living in a HDB flat and not having enough space for a drum kit, I am pretty contented with my 12" e-pad. The pad has helped a great deal as I feel strenth and control in my sticking than ever. This comes after much practice. If YOU have not been practicing and think u are losing it, just pick up the sticks and start tearing a hole on our pillow or couch. Have fun!

That's the drum stick, pad and my namesis, the metronome.

This is the obligatory pose for the camera before I begin.

Practising is enjoying...

... sometimes entertaining..

... it always need disciple...

... sometimes it's painful...

... but it's no pain no gain.

This entry is dedicated to Jon, Gideon, Shaun,

Caleb and all the future drummers in R-age.

...

I had fun last night at the rehearsal. It's been some time since I played on that bass guitar, but it sure feels good though I was very rusty. Oh! It was bad, but as Maisie said it when we were going home, the run thru was really good. Was it annointed? I hope the Lord was blessed. I don't want a session that produces good feelings, but I pray that last night and this Sunday will compel the youths to yield to the Lord beyond all the sentimentality.

I listened to John MacArthur's sermon about the conscience again. I really needed it. I need to remind myself to keep a clean conscience so that I can love Christ and serve Him with a pure heart. What is conscience? MacArthur said, "Conseicne is not the light. Conscience is the skylight where the light shines. The light is devine truth. Conscience is just the mechanism in which the truth comes. If it gets dirty, the truth doesn't come in clearly."

Oh, renew my clouded mind I pray

With truth devine my conscience wake

STHS Gathering of sorts

Benedict or Hongdian, as I used to call him, was my best friend in pr 6 and in STHS. We lost touch after our O levels and the next time we kept in touch was in 2003. Wow! It's exactly 10 years. I called his house number which I still remembered to invite him to my wedding. After the wedding we lost touch again and we met at Lin Liang's (Max Lum) wedding this evening. Most of the gang is married, except Ben and Guohua. Most of the married, including Clement, have boys. Will I break that trend? hahaha...

I had such a great time hanging out with Ben again. Now that i have his number, it's time to keep in touch more often. Other surprises of the evening was Kaishi. She's an SQ girl now. Heard that she attends Grace once a while. It'll be a good time to catch up at our backyard!

Oh wat a great evening it was today. I just wanted to share my joy with u.

Great jam today!!

Sherwin and I went to jam at a studio behind Tekka Mall. It was quite a nice place and the pedals there were really seasoned and I never double-pedaled so much in my life (though I didn't do anything fast). For once I felt like Neil Peart, but I didn't bring my gear out today. Just the sticks. Sherwin is such a great metal/prog-rock guitarist and he has a great nice-guy attitude. Very non-rock n roll, which is so so cool!

I came home and tried my Iron Cobra. How come come it didn't feel like that chut-chut Yamaha pedal I played there? Even the 9000 didn't make me feel that good! Oh no!! Time to go pedal-shopping again!

Mr Sherwin Shredder

Mr Monkey Drummer

The Monkey, the Shredder and the guitar.

Demon Hunter

What's ur first impression when u see this logo? Many people see this and straight away say, "this is a satanic band!" A member of Demon Hunter explained their logo, "Can u see the bullet hole in the middle of the skull?"

Ohlala! Wack the devil with a bullet of truth man!

Intro to Inductive Bible Study Skills

Hey guys, I really hope u guys could make it. It's something worth learning if you are yearning to dig deep into the Word. U think the bible is such a mystical book that only intellects or theologians understands? Oh no, the bible is for all to read and all to understand. With the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, this skill can really help u unlock the things that are right before your eyes. So take note!!

Workshops
There will be an Inductive Bible Study workshop on the 10th Jan 2006 (Haji holiday).

Trainers:
Ms. Cecilia Perh - Introduction to IBS skills
Dr. Jeffrey Loh - Basic IBS skills
Time: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Cost: $40 per pax (conference room facilities, workbook and tea; lunch is not included)
Venue: YWCA (Orchard Road)
Closing date: 3rd Jan2006

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS!!

Discernment

So what's the purpose of talking about those things I mentioned? Here is an excerpt from The Death of Discernment by Mike Gendron, taken from Moriel Ministry's December newsletter.

As we practice the gift of discernment let us question our motives. Is our objective to be obedient to God's word for the purpose of heling, healing, correcting, warning and sharing in the spirit of love? Does our discernment lead people towards truth and righteous living? Are we concerned for the purity of the body of Christ? Have we come to acknowledge that when the gift of discernment is not exercised, the church cannot be purged of error and sin and the name of Jesus Christ cannot be fully glorified and honored as the Holy Head of His Body, the church? Let us remember the words Paul exhorted us with: "Be deligent to present youself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth." (2 Tim 2:15)

I wish I could as eloquent as the writer. Clearly it is a work of a man of wisdom. After reading this article I could sleep soundly at last because it helped me resolve the problem I raised earlier today.

Who should we trust?

I once heard a comment by one of our pastors, "We should not reject everything the Catholic writers have written". What did the pastor mean by that tells us how he views writers that are really questionable in Christiandom. If you have been to the Grace bookshop over the past year, you might have noticed some books by Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Rick Joyner or Kenny Hagin. And I have heard so many times that though some of these writers teaching are wrong "we should not stop reading them in case we missed out in some really good stuff that they teach." If you want to read more about them, pls click on the "Moriel" link on the right.

2 John 10-11 (NIV)
If anyone comes to you and does not bring [the teaching of Christ], do not take him into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked works.

Writers who have written heresies are being accepted in our church! I remembering asking a friend in CAMEL about what I feel about Copeland when he came to Singapore. She gave me the same response as most gracious-but-ignorant nice people in church', "but I am blessed by his other message." What message? It was one of those word-faith-name-it-claim-it-thing. I feel that no amount of inspirational can compensate for the failure to uphold scripture, what more teach heresy because whatever that inspire them to teach correct doctrine is also the same inspiration that inspire them teach the wrong things. How can they be trusted? How can we entrust our sheeps to such writers?? I pray that I will not be an heretic. I want to stand up for what the Scripture represent, not some popular writers or movement.

Save our church from harm. Leave no room for wrong teachings. Examine the scripture, be discerning, speak up for the truth!

Who am I to make a change? Who says I can't? I just need to pray and read more to understand. I have so much knowledge, but I want to put them into words. I want my CMs to know what I feel. I want my pastors to know what I feel. I want them to know that I only want to follow God's way, there is no room for grey. There is no compromise when it comes to truth. Coz truth matters!

I don't know enough. I should shut up, but this in my blog, I am glad I have a say in what I feel strongly about.

Too skeptical?

If you read 2 John, 3 John and Jude you will notice the reoccuring theme of "standing in truth" and "rejecting error and the one who brings them in". While I am preparing my sharing to the CMs on Sunday, I am reminded about the condition of our own church. I dare not say that we are in any grave danger at the moment. If you ask me about 5 to 8 years ago, I would say we were in danger.

First there was this facination for the fad of that time, the Toronto/ Pensecola phenomenon (or some called it hypestry or deception depending on how you see it). This started around 1995 when Rodney Howard Browne (who called himself the Holy Spirit Bartender) came for some meetings and many pentacostal/ charismatic churches were raving about it. That was the year I didn't go to church, but I did attend the meetings after Browne left. Calvary Charismatic Church (now Victory Family Centre) carried on with the meeting for about a month or so. I went to two of them. It was my first experience watching people shaking, laughing, mass-"slaining" in the spirit. It was also the first time I've been pushed to the ground. And it took 3 altar-worker to laugh around me saying "BE FILLED! BE FILLED!" Then one of them pushed my belly and down I went. Needless to say, I didn't stay down for long. I got up after they walked to the next person.

I don't know how much Grace Assembly was into this, but there was a time when the altars will be filled with people who wants a touch from the Lord. I was definitely one of them, but something was amiss. In my quest for more of God, I felt even further from Him. Seeking Him at the altar waiting for an encounter was so draining! Even before Tim Hughes penned the song, I was already asking "There must be more than this"! As the years went by, I grew in the Word of God and the Word has been my primary source of direction. Trusting God in His word is ultimate. Extra-biblical experiences are penultimate.

I have heard so many testimonies of people going to camps, retreat and revival meetings who sought after an expereince. When I shared that they should not be seeking an expererience, I was deemed as putting God in a box. Some said that if I am don't need it it doesn't mean others don't. What I am most disturbed by is this comment "Jenn, to each his own. Some people need more encounter than the word".

That broke me man. I was grieved in my spirit knowing that the Word of God has taken second place. I dun care what their explanation is. Most of them say "How can they grow in the Word until the spirit touch them?" Well, I believe some are genuinely changed by the Spirit at the altar and can grow failthfully thru the word. But since when did the seeking-experienced overtaken preaching of the Word? Is there preaching that pierces the heart today in our church? Have we been too comfortable? I hope not.

Over the years I have taken a strong stand on certain issues. Sometimes I think I am too vocal and it's only a matter of time before I get thrown out. Thank God I am being preserved in the ministry. One thing that I do is keep quiet. Just teach the essential and equipt the saints for good works.

There will be a church-wide event called "50 Days of Pentacost" this year. I am looking forward to it but with little enthusiasm because it might be 50 days of misery for me. But it'll be a good time to listen to the preaching and teaching that the church will concentrate on during those few weeks.

Worship was great!

The band was so awesome today. They were really tight and the song selection was good in light of the new year. And like every new year, the service was packed. How do we hold the kids back and make them begging for more? More of good music? No, more of God, more of God's word to feed their blemished souls and fellowship with the saints so that they may sharpen each other.

I was on fire for cell today. I really enjoyed the first session I have with my CMs. I was really nervous at first, I hope I stay focus and on-course. I really have to try my best to do it right and not regret. That calls for planning and proper organization on my part. God knows I need more discipline in that area. I hope my CMs were blessed. I know I have lots of room for improvement. I will wait upon the Lord.

On a serious note, I am wondering if the mood of the service seems to be dependent on how well the band plays or the worship leader leads and sometimes even the selection of songs. I do not deny I enjoy good worship sessions, but I am really concerned for the youths coz I am afraid they may be to dependent on such methods. How then can the youths know what is the right way? Jesus is the way, the truth and the life! He has give us His word. Surely the Word of God is totally sufficient for those who are born-again of the Spirit. But do we have people to teach it? Do we have teachers who are first seeking it? That's what I am praying for R-age this year. This is what I hope to change in the mindset of the West region as it's RL.

Pray for us. Pray for me.