That news report

Click HERE.

Sad

I am really sadden by the lawsuit that was reported in the newspaper today between a church member and the pastors of a church in Sg. I felt so sick and sad after reading about it. How can one who went to bible college be ignorant of the words of wisdom from the Bible? All defamation suits are about egos. At the end of the day, they simply want to clear their name. It's all about their reputation and themselves. The topic the argue about is nothing new in Christiandom, but to allow it to go to the court of law and be published in the national newspapers make the church (and the whole body of Christ) look rediculous; a mockery! And what were they arguing about? The King James Version debate! What a waste of time! I have no qualms of certain B-Ps being KJV-only. They will still be preaching the word. I won't accuse them of being narrow-minded, because this is a matter that I can ignore and still fellowship with them. I just think that they are cultic when they say the bible we're using are not of God. Let's keep that church in prayer. This is indeed a sad day for the churches in Singapore.

NAS 1 Corinthians 6:1

Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? 3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, matters of this life? 4 If then you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church? 5 I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not among you one wise man who will be able to decide between his brethren, 6 but brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers? 7 Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? 8 On the contrary, you yourselves wrong and defraud, and that your brethren. 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.

The only thing I know about "Sue" is Peggy Sue by Buddy Holly.

Never too young to start

Mroe Power to Ya

Isaiahb 40: 31

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

You said u've been feeling weaker
Weaker by the day
You said u can't make the joy of your salvation stay
But good things come to them that wait
Not to those who hesitate
So hurry up and wait upon the Lord

-"More Power to Ya" by Petra

Wow, when I think about this song and it's meaning, I feel so charged up!

Erased

I erased the previous entry so as not to cause controversy. If u read it, pray for me. I am learning how to agree to disagree and yet hold firm to the truth.

Thanks!

Which is more important?

U know, I am really trying to allow sunday's sermons to speak to my heart and be a good disciple as an example to my CMs and other youths. I am trying to be open to the preaching from the pulpit in our church, but I am simply not satisfied. That's why I love to attend the Bible Study I go to. That and together with my own reading has been my only source of spiritual growth. For sermons, I've been really blessed by John MacArthur's sermon CDs. But I want something from my own church. I really yearn for something more from Grace. Will I every be satisfied even if I go to another church? Let me clarify by saying that there is nothing wrong with Ps Lim's series of sermons. They are good and speaks to many hearts. I am not trying to be difficult, my spirit is just hungry for more, u know?

Some people have suggested that if u are not growing, find another church. I am growing, but the source of my growth is not my church. So which is more stumbling? This entry or me leaving Grace for the above reasons? I think that my attitude towards the sermons is not very gracious. Some may even see it as pride; coz I think I know a lot. Oh, it's so confusing. It's so frustrating when the opinion of others get in the way.

While I am here, I shall serve with gladness; complain less, pray more; rejoice always and glorify the Lord in everyway that I can.

Oh Jenn, will u just shut up and live?

Today's service

Today's two services were ok. I particularly liked the 3rd service coz I just let it rip. And I think I did rip Lornie's eardrums man! He is busted! No lah. I felt I was my usual self, but more controlled. Also, I expect some complaints coz I feel like a rock star with that fringe hanging down my face. It's so cool, can?

U know, I love this team man. I have never felt such close fellowship within a band. I think what Ps Meng Charm has set off to achieve is a good thing. I thought it was very funny when Angie and I started singing and jumping singing "Salvation is here" from Hillsong's United Live CD "Look to You" (This is my favourite man, if u read this, Get it!). That vibe will surely rub onto the other members of the team.

So how now? Lonnie mentioned that I could still be part of the team by playing one week and Denny plays the other. That is a very tempting suggesting, however I can't make it for every rehearsals due to my work. Oh, see how it goes lah. As for now, my mind is set on going back to the youth cells to lead the west region again. I miss them!

Let's go!

A song just came into my mind

Infected by the skin I'm in that's starving with desire
And Jesus ain't the latest thing to come across the wire
Can I hang in this environmental state of being
When everything I'm striving for is nothing that I'm seeing...

(If u know this song, praise the Lord with me and type in the lyrics!)

Incomplete Song

I have one whole song to complete. I've already worked out the tune and the arrangement but I just can't get the words out. It's so frustrating!!! It's been hanging around for almost 3 months!! I only have an opening line. Do u want to help me finish the song? Throw in some ideas and I'll see if they fit the tune. Thanks!!

Forever I will keep u safe within my arms

This evening's service

Very bad. I really hate the new system at Level 3. The Roland V-drums is a great drumset, but it just didn't work for Level 3 because all the music seems to come from the speaker above us. There is not "presence" or a sense that the music is "live". It's very much like listening to a minus-one recording. I didn't play as well as I would've liked, but we all did enjoy ourselves. Well, come tomorrow, to me, I look forward to playing my "last" for the King!

As for today... don't talk to me about it...

ARGHH...

Anyway, I am being distracted by 3 things.

1) Chia Ee is at my Purmei. My mom and sister are having a good time with him.

2) See this shirt!!! The new Man U jersey!!




3) And this!!! A Zao t-shirt!!

Stripped

I read an entry I wrote back in 11th June and wonder what's the outcome of that so-called revival. See, that's the thing I hate about the hype and humanism. We get out people so pumped up for a season and at the next, we don't see the hype continuing. Is revival hype? It's definitely not. Revival is real spiritual awakening. One that causes the body to be quicken in their hearts about a real dependence upon the Lord and not on themselves anymore.

Oh I feel it in my bones that many are still so self-centred. I hate to judge the congregation (personal opinion bout R-age services) by the way they worship. They looked so passionless and dead. What do u call someone more dead than dead? What's a word to describe something more than "as dead as a dodo"? The Lord is not looking for a stadium full of people jumping to a happening song. The Lord has always on the look out for people who are of a broken spirit and a contrite heart. A heart that longs for Him and seeks Him earnestly. I play sing the way I do because Christ is everything. Whether in dancing before the Lord or in quiet reflective mood, I am for my Saviour!

Oh take away the music! Strip it down to the snapping of our fingers. Will we still sing and shout praises unto the Lord? Now, STRIP!

Just as I am

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.

This coming week is going to be a long week as I've taken up a tele-movie job which will keep me busy from next Monday through Friday. The most challenging day is probably Monday coz it's going to be a night shoot. When we shoot a night scene, we start at sun down and will probably finish before sunrise. Then I have another shoot with another company on Tuesday which they have not finalised the call-time yet. I pray that it'll be a late call time (YES!). The good thing about Monday's night shoot is that it's at Bt Merah, after that I could go back to Purmei to sleep. Thank GOD!!!

Anyway, I'll have to be strong and be in prayer within my spirit at all times. When I get tired, I can let the tiredness get a hold of me and make me do things I don't wanna do. I just wanna stick close to the Lord! I just bought a Phil Discroll CD and in it he sand "Just as I am" and I sang a long as my prayer to God. As we go to Christ, all His fulness is being bestowed upon us. In the same way I feel satisfied in Christ! Oh how I need to be mindful of Him; to renew my mind with His Word and to trust Him at His word! O I can't want to trust Him! I can't wait to cry out to Him!!

Yes, You, O Lord, did bid me to come to Your throne of grace. I am drawn not by the clever words of men nor by the hands that feeds today's trends. What broke me down and turned my life around was simply a work of Grace brought about by the power of You Holy Spirit. When You call my name, how could I not response? How can I not come? How can I resist Your call!!

Decision to make

I was deciding if I should join the main service worship team again after a long break. I really miss leading worship and playing drums. When Chia Ee was born, I thought may be this could be a new beginning partly due to the break I have from my Regional Leader (RL) duty in the Youth Cell. But how foolish I am to think that I could relinquish my duty just like that. No one else is stopping me from doing what I wanna do except for the Holy Spirit. No matter how near I come to make a decision, I am reminded about the calling that I have in Grace. It is as if it's a God-given mandate to fulfil my call as a RL. The pull of the youth ministry remains strong even though my flesh wanna drum again. I guess ultimately, I can't drum others into the kingdom of God, but I surely can "drum" the gospel into their ears!

Thus I am serving my last in the main service for now. The new schedule of playing two straight weeks in G1 and G2 will definitely disrupt my role as an RL. It's not a decision that I'd like to consider, but it's a sacrifice that is worth to make.

So com'on this weekend! I'll play my best for Him... on my drums!

Jacob Prasch Teaching Conference 2006

Jacob Prasch will be in town on 26 and 27 August for our annual Jacob Prasch Teaching Conference 2006. There will be an evangelistic message on 26th August, do plan to invite your intellectual and unbelieving friends along. Click here for a brochure.

Read more about this dude before u come, so that u will not have a shock when u hear him. No, he is not a bad person, but very very good teacher. Not your typical "God loves u and have a wonder plan for u" kind of guy. Not that the Lord doesn't love us or doesn't have a wonderful plan for us, but he is a no-nonsense teacher of the word that will help u understand the Word of God clearer from a perspective of a Jesus-believing Jew.

Refection bout Sunday's worship at G2

Oh my Oh my! It must be the drumset! It must be the worship team! No, it must be God's glory reflected in our playing!

It's been a long time since I played without any pressure. Everyone was going for it! I'd love to mention a few names that I thought really spurred me to play today:

1) Angie- this new 2nd keyboardish from out of no where. Even Grace Yang asked me who she was and said that she really kick butt on the keys!! She's like Patrick man! Ok, that sax solo on "People just like us" might be the same as the one on the CD, but she did it with an attitude on the synth!

2) Max- I think he has fitted nicely into the band. What he plays reminds me of a certain Glenn Fong (I miss u, bro!). Every Max plays is so relavent. I was listening to what he was playing and I really appreciate the texture that he adds to the music.

3) Leon- I think he is going to be the new Meng Charm. I could feel his passion in leading worship. Not that the rest don't have, but I really thought what he used Psalm 24: 3-4 very appropriately and I really love that verse a lot. I thought he was really sensitive to what the Lord wanted to say to the people. I really love that moment!

I can't wait to play at G1! Bring it on!!

Today's worship at G2 RaWks!!

Oh my Oh my! It must be the drumset! It must be the worship team! No, it must be God's glory reflected in our playing!It's been a long time since I played without any pressure. Everyone was going for it! I'd love to mention a few names that I thought really spurred me to play today:

1) Angie- this new 2nd keyboardish from out of no where. Even Grace Yang asked me who she was and said that she really kick butt on the keys!! She's like Patrick man! Ok, that sax solo on "People just like us" might be the same as the one on the CD, but she did it with an attitude on the synth!

2) Max- I think he has fitted nicely into the band. What he plays reminds me of a certain Glenn Fong (I miss u, bro!). Every Max plays is so relavent. I was listening to what he was playing and I really appreciate the texture that he adds to the music.

3) Leon- I think he is going to be the new Meng Charm. I could feel his passion in leading worship. Not that the rest don't have, but I really thought what he used Psalm 24: 3-4 very appropriately and I really love that verse a lot. I thought he was really sensitive to what the Lord wanted to say to the people. I really love that moment!

I can't wait to play at G1 next weekend! Bring it on!!

LOUD IS GOOD!

But Louder is better!!

Ok, I must confess: each time Robin tells me to play softer, I said I will but I failed to keep the promise. Everytime I start playing, I feel that if I play softly without dynamics, the whole music sill be compromised. That said, if the congregation is being distracted by the loud noises, I feel bad man!

Yes, I do feel bad even after banging on the drums with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Nonetheless, I had a great time with the worship team today. And Jenn, u really need to do something to ur hair man!

A Beautiful Thing

I think this is very very meaningful quote. Daniel Weyandt was answering a question by HM magazine bout the most beautiful thing he's ever seen a Christian do.

I think the best things and the most positive things are just the simple things, you know? Like people… I’ve seen people take in someone that was… that annoyed everybody, that was having a real hard time with their life, and obviously helped get them back on their feet. Even though that person might be annoying them a little, you know what I mean?

Amen to that! The smallest things we do for others speak volumes in the kingdom of God.

Chia Ee's Video

Yo peepz. For those who think Chia Ee is cute, u'll like this video. Click HERE!

Anyway, all babies are cute lah...

Drumming at G2

I had one of the best practices of my life! First of all, there were little minders telling me how to play; second, I thought my tempo was better; third, the Pearl Reference Series Drums and the Paiste cymbals sounded fantastic (with DW snare and 9000 single pedals and hi-hat stand); forth, I thought I control my playing really well,esp with the volume. As the shield is not up yet, Robin reminded me (over and over again) to keep it down. Even when I played at a controlled way, the drums and cymbals sounded brilliant!

I can't wait to play again on Sunday then back to G1 again next weekend! The only complaint I have about the new Level 3 hall system is that the V-drums hasn't been used to it fullest potential yet. I hope it will sound great next week.

And this is for...

And this is for the girls in the balcony...*



*Michael Jackson upon receiving one of his 8 Grammies in 1983 before he took off his sunglasses.

How cool is cool?

I was watching Chris Adler's and Jason Bittner's Modern Drummer DVD and Chia Ee slept through the Chris Adler section. Even though the volume was not loud, but loud enough for me to hear it at the other side of the room while Chia Ee is asleep next to the TV. What an intro for him to drumming! Oh, I forgot to tell u what music it was, it was heavy metal with loads of double-bass onslaught! And he slept through!!

Giving away a Study Bible

I have an old Life Application Bible (NIV) which SW and I wanna give away since we do not use it now. We'd really want to bless someone who'll make much of it. So if u want, pls leave a comment here. Tags no counted.

Zao

Hey peepz! This is the real thing man! Do check out ZAO's new CD if u have the stomach for it! Do check out their band bio. They are a band that is truly honest about their faith and have grown to accept the downside of their early days and their struggles against a corrupted human race.

Get ready. Like the Greek word for which the band was named, Zao is truly "ALIVE."

Downtown

I first heard this song from a Blackball CD which I hijacked from Jon Hemsly and didn't return it to him since 1999 (He considered it mine since). The song is very catchy and had a sing-along-kind of chorus that is really cool. What I like about this song actually is what I perceive the lyricist, Christopher Scot (formerly of Precious Death).

Imagine one day, the person that u look up to as a mentor, motivator, inspiration suddenly fall away from the Lord. Or he gradually fades away then one day he stop being the influential person he or she used to be. When u see them again, what would u say to them?

I thought bout this. What if it was me? I fell in 95, I didn't consider the impact that it had to others. Until today, I only thought about the impact it had on me. I remembered what I learned from my closest friends in church. They told me that they were very disappointed coz back then I was like what I am today. I was serving very actively in Sunday School as well as the old youth ministry "Grace Youth Alive", though that grp was very small I was very involved in the music ministry then. Many questions were asked but no one really asked. I know people were genuinely concerned, such as when I went to NS. Vincent and Bro Chin Seng actually came down to 30 SCE to visit me during my visitation weekend in BMT. Up til these days, though we seldom talk, I still have great respect for them. Seeing them is a reminder of what loving one another truly means. There are a lot of incidents of people trying to reach out to me when I try hard to recall. Hmm... I shall leave it for another day.

Downtown

I'd love to take you by the hand
And drag you out of here
I'd love to take you by the hand

And we'd both like to think
That we'll both be ok
But that doesn't matter anyway
'Cuz everything we were and are
Is broken down and spilled out
On the floor

And though you're far away
You're not so fat that I don't remember

Downtown in the park
You're either fishes or you're sharks
Blue skies, green grass
And a new tattoo
Downtown in the park
You're either fishes or you're sharks
All I ever wanted
Was to be with you

I'd love to take you far away
Somewhere we can see clearly
Away from all these stange people
And all their starange problems
And I love to be with you
Night and Day, you know that I would
But the walls we built are strong enough
To keep us both apart for years and years

And aren't you the same one
That taught me to pray?
And then later walked away
Did you believe it?
When you told me?
That the love that we have has
To rise above these things?

Wat a moment!

Chia Ee is sleeping quietly in my left arm while I'm typing wiyh my right. He was making so much grunting noise in the room that I had to take him out. Now he is very quiet. He looked so peaceful although I knew he just let out some baby shit. hmmm... sounds crude, but it seems ok since Chia Ee is the reference.

Daddy loves U, Punk!

Be careful!

I've noticed that everyone is busy with the new schedule of Grace I and II. While it's a joy to see the church in expansion, I am very worried bout the weary and tired faces that I see. U know who u are. If u are reading this, thanks for serving the Lord in the manner u are doing. It takes sacrifices and commitment and u guys are such awesome role-models! So hang in there and take courage. The Lord will see u guys through all these! But pls watch out and be careful of burn-out! Take time off to be with the Lord alone or with some friends to spur u on!

Once again, Thanks!

Pierced by words

"That very church which the world likes best is sure to be that which God abhors."

(Charles Haddon Spurgeon, "How Saints May Help The Devil," July 24, 1859)

Look at the date of which this quote was written. Spurgeon was indeed a man beyond his days. He saw that in his days and spoke prophetically about the future of churches that compromise the gospel for a "more modern" or "more exceptable" message. How quickly entertainment has taken over the reign once ruled supreme by preaching. The role of the word of God has been plundered by easy-believism and spirit-lacking methods. These methods might work for a time, but it would not produce eternity-worthy disciples.

The gospel might be a simple message, but the cost is high for the God who served the sentence and the disciples, like u and I, who live out and share about our passion.

I was at G2

I was at G2 for the first time last night for Youth Service practice. The DTXpress' kick drum didn't work, but thank God I brought the cajon along and played til my fingers "bleed". No I didn't shed blood, just swollen! I thought that I was better at the cajon than on the drums. Aiyo!! Why say until like that?

After the practice I had a short jam with Sam and she showed me her new song and I showed her mine. In that 5 to 10 mins, we got excited about playing together at a proper jam session, but I just dunno when it will be. Sigh...

I went to Sanctuary to check out the drums. It was a Pearl, but I don't know what model with a DW snare. Problem is I couldn't adjust to my setting and the snare sounded so weird!!! Nonetheless, when O when can I play there? Sigh...

On a more serious note, before the practice at Praise Room. Camy had a time of prayer which was so apt for me because of the questions that Manrong asked all the members. She asked what is our role in R-age and what is our role in Camy. This questions are apt becuase fatherhood is sort more settled now and I know that I want to be back in ministry, but I have to make a decision despite all the choices that has come my way in the past few months. After all these months, I know I still want to be part of R-age as an RL and for Camy, I would like to inspire and support the ministry albeit not in a less active role.

Joel ended the time of exhortation with a great analogy about treating God like a lover (Ok, I forgot the exact words). Like how we'd do stuff for a boyfriend or a girlfriend; how we'll go all out to persue them. In the same manner, we ought to persue God too. Wow, that's Passion man!!

Awe-Inspiring

I did a shoot for National History Museum today. I won't reveal too much about what was shot (all should visit the museum to find out!). Mr Othman Wok talked about the communal riots of 1964. Wow!!! One of the founding fathers of our nation! What an awe-inspiring person!!!