Take off you sandals

Recently while reading the Ex 3 , I was brought back by God to the encounter of Moses with God in the burning bush.


"5 Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”
6 Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God."
- Ex 3:5-6

Why did God ask Moses to remove his sandals? Because Moses was standing on Holy Ground. Other than a removing his sandals to show reverence for a Holy God, I believe with all my heart that God wanted Moses to 'feel' His Holiness with Moses' bare skin not just through another medium.

God spoke to me again recently with this story, His gentle urging is always there. To edge and draw us closer to Him. He constantly says "Come My child, feel me today, let's enjoy this time tgt."

God also told me to remove my 'sandals of life' 'sandals of busyness.' in the midst of a fast-paced lifestyle here in Singapore, we got to remove those sandals.

Sandals are not slippers. They are easy to take off, difficult to wear. I felt God impressing in my heart, so clearly, I want you to take off your sandals and take your time, don't be in a hurry to leave. Come and fellowship and stay.

God is really a relational God. He never forces us against our will, but He will win us and woo us over. Like a zealous lover and persuer.

This is my God
This is our God

-- Post From My iPhone

What Can I Do?

Paul Baloche - What Can I Do

When I see the beauty of a sunset's glory,
Amazing artistry across the evening sky
When I feel the mystery of a distant galaxy
It awes and humbles me to be loved
by a God so high

Chorus:
What can I do but thank You,
What can I do but give my life to You
Hallelujah, hallelujah
What can I do but praise You,
Everyday make everything I do a hallelujah
A hallelujah, hallelujah

Verse 2:
When I hear the story of a God of mercy
Who shared humanity and suffered by our side
Of the cross they nailed You to, that could not hold You
Now You're making all things new by the power
Of Your risen life

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO7uP7F-7GQ

The burdens of my heart

Let no one despise
(to regard with contempt, distaste, disgust, or disdain; scorn; loathe.)

your youth
(the condition of being young, the appearance, freshness, vigor, spirit, etc., characteristic of one who is young, the period of life from puberty to the attainment of full growth; adolescence.)

but be an example
(a pattern or model, as of something to be imitated or avoided: to set a good example.)

to the believers
(to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so:
Only if one believes in something can one act purposefully.)

in word,
(warrant, assurance, or promise; speech or talk: to express one's emotion in words;
an authoritative utterance, or command;
to express in words; select words to express; phrase: to word a contract with great care. )

in conduct
(personal behavior; way of acting; bearing or deportment; to behave or manage (oneself);
to lead)

in love
(a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person;
a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend; affectionate concern for the well-being of others: the love of one's neighbor.
Sacrifice and protection)

in spirit
(an attitude or principle that inspires, animates, or pervades thought, feeling, or action;
the third person of the Trinity; Holy Spirit;
the soul or heart as the seat of feelings or sentiments, or as prompting to action:
a man of broken spirit;
the Spirit- God;
a divine, inspiring, or animating being or influence. Num. 11:25; Is. 32:15.)

in faith
belief that is not based on proof;
belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion;
belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit;
the trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved;
the observance of this obligation; fidelity to one's promise, oath, allegiance, etc
The theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will.

in purity.
freedom from guilt or evil; innocence;cleanness or spotlessness; freedom from foreign or inappropriate elements)

- 1 Tim 4:12
不要叫人小看你年轻，总要在言语、行为、爱心、信心和纯洁上，都作信徒的榜样。

pop lo

Owing to the Grace of God, I finally pop-ed.

Throughout this 13 weeks. I have learnt so much more.
Truly, the Bible has taught us to be wise as serpents but as gentle as doves.

This is really the verse that carried me throughout the 13 weeks.
Many times, I did stupid things but God really brought me out of the fire because of the wisdom He gave.

4 types of ppl can be found (Christians included)

1 Wise as Serpents and not gentle like a dove.
This ppl are the scariest. They are the type that what the Chinese calls as 心机.
They can be your best friend for now, but turn ur back and you find a knife in your back.

2. Not as wise as a serpent but gentle as a dove.
They are great ppl to hang out with. They are what we always feel that they are very pure.
But never will they have a powerful impact in many things. And they often look clueless.
But this are the ppl whose hearts will always be open for God to touch them and change their lives. Give them the wisdom that they need.

3. NOT wise, NOT gentle.
Hallelujah.. They are the typical ah beng figures. Usually they are the loudmouth ones.

(The quotation, "As empty vessels make the loudest sound, so they that have the least wit are the greatest blabbers," is from the Greek philosopher Plato.)

They will always boast of their affiliations with this group and that group.. BUT they are usually the foot soldiers that gets exploited.

4. Matthew 10:16 (BBE)

See, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Be then as wise as snakes, and as gentle as doves

This is the verse that reminds me of what to do. With this, we will be more like Jesus. This is how He cared for the multitudes, how He even rebuke the pharisees. This is the Jesus' way.

United vs City

Classic.. Absolutely a classic.
There's only one United in Manchester

Sick...

My oh my, this weekend I was sick!! Really hate it man.
Temperature was 38.5 on friday night.

Went to CGH as NS requires it.
Got MC for friday and saturday, like for what!?
then Sunday, fever gone! Nonsense la. Hahaha.

But after booking in, we have to go back cause still have flu symptoms.
But the boring part is cant go out. Have to rest!

Tonight booking in again at 7.45pm, starting to get used to the lifestyle and enjoying it.
Cya guys on friday!

ptp

Amen.. This Sunday marks the 3rd week of my NS life and man,
this 2 weeks felt long yet short at the same time.
I know that I'm not as fit as most ppl and the physical training phase is really killing me.
Ran for more than 10km in 2 days, its really no joke.

Many times while doing push-ups or crunches,
I will look up to the sky and cry out to God in pain.
And man, really need God more than ever.

I was telling Him one day while doing push-ups, "God, strengthen me! I need You."
But He just replied, and I sensed a smile from Him, "Don't worry son, My grace is more than enough for you."

Thru my deepest valley and over my highest mountain
My God, my Lord, You are always there



Nothing is ever too small, or too big in Your sight
You shape all things with Your hands of love

Even as Your sheep strays away from Your flock
Your Staff and Rod guides me back to Your side



How can I ever thank You
My Savior, My Salvation
My Healer, My Comforter
My Lord, My God
My Jesus

SCDF

I'm going to NS soon.
Its next Tuesday (7th July).

Excited, yet apprehensive.
Felt ready for the challenge, yet uncertain of what lies ahead.

Going to Jalan Bahar Camp for Singapore Civil Defense Force.
Should I go for the Firefighter, paramedic or other vocations??


What Lies ahead? I don't know.
But one thing I know,

“ For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.
“ For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
-Is 55:8-9

Self Quarantine

Hi guys, just came back frm Malaysia.
Currently I am self quarantining myself cos just came back.

Currently I am not having a fever but kept sneezing and having running nose. So as a safety precaution, I am staying home. Ya. Do keep me in prayer ya.
Miss you guys, miss the church and everything. =)

Love,
Gx.

harden

Why God? Why??

Why are ppl with wrong theology being selected time and time again,
and those with a slightly 'sounded' Theology gets placed at the sidelines?

Why do a flaky person gets away with causing a disturbance in cell group meetings gets away with things but a intuition, impression and vision from someone with a good track record is being dismissed as flaky?

Why can't someone speak to members with a proven bible study record, proven growth and sound doctrine
but someone who has a knack of pulling members aside to 'talk' to them abt spiritual stuff even though what he is teaching is doubtful able to do that?

Why does a man with a good heart has to go through all these?
I think the same man is no longer ard. I think he has decided that
He is a stupid guy who takes a bloody long time to realised that in this world, there is no such thing as a 'WE' but its each for his own in this world.
I think he has just hardened his heart.
He will not drop another tear for someone.

New Songs

Recently I just felt new songs coming out from my spirit. Didn't really write them down. But it just feels beautiful. New songs, New Anointing.

Something that poh said last week shook me.
Every Revival Carries a New Sound.

City Harvest Church carries a different sound.
Bedok North carried a different sound.
What's your new sound?

Asia and Life Conference?

I was walking to the bus stop near my house when I saw this Banner outside Trinity Church near my place.
Uncanny familiarity? Almost everything is the same. The fonts of both Asia and Life. Guess we are making an impact. The only common letter is 'I'. Both ASIA and Life's 'I' is the same. Most prob, Trinity's church's Life is Bolded.

I Just want you.

I am feeling so frustrated and discouraged for the last few months, I felt that I was on the brink of giving up, throwing in the towel. This must be it, the pit, the valley that King David felt he was in. I think that I am of the verge and slipping in and out of depression. But I wanna thank God for ppl like Poh and Gabriel in my life. It was really no fun during this period of my life. Every single day felt like agony.

Pastor's right, God does not disappoint us, but people disappoints.

Like what Huijun and Amelia said, they both think that I'm a perfectionist. But thats nothing to be proud of man... Everytime I mess up, I feel so bad, so guilty and so very inperfect, even though its a small mistake and it just builts up and spirals into a bigger and bigger mistake. I just can't get over it. In a way, I disappoint myself all the time.

But I really wanna thank God for the Teo brothers.

I saw Gabriel on the 10th of May, Mother's day. Because he went to Amelia's cousin's birthday.
Man, just seeing Gabriel makes me feel so so so very loved and cared for. He's really a spiritual dad to me. When I saw Gabriel, I felt like running to him, hugging him and crying in his arms. Being with Gabriel makes me feel safe and that I can conquer the world. Not that I am basing my faith on him but its just different being in another zone. Its like being seperated from your dad. Man, I could even hear his voice, accent and tone in my head now. Haha! A simple "Guang Xiang, Jia You ar." from Gabriel is like a highlight of the day. Super encouraged!

And as for Poh, Meeting him 3 times this week just doesn't get any better! How to not get inspired, encouraged and convicted by him? Things that he shared on a personal basis and as a class really shook me. Every aspect of my life just seemed to be linked with him. My vision in life, my goal, my future business and ministry. Things that he shared about how does a cell group grow mightily? Being a blessing to the cell group. How to change the lives of your cell group members for the better, how to engage God in worship. And of course, guitar skills and theory. I am so inspired by him!

I Just Want You
Planet Shakers

More than a nice melody,
More than the sweetest of words
This is the love i have found,
And with this love i am found.

I just want you Jesus
I just want you my Lord,
I just want you Jesus,
I just want you.

Never could I comprehend,
The love you so freely give,
Never could i be worthy
But your love covers all of my sin.

There is no greater love than yours,
Nothing else could ever compare,
And even if i search all the world
I will never find a love like yours.

Spiritual Jargons

In the last 4 years in church. I have made my fair share of mistakes and victories with friends that joined us for service. And I have always found this to be the number 1 turn off to the friends. I have committed it too in the past and learned my lesson hard.

NEVER USE SPIRITUAL 'JARGON' ON THE FRIENDS WHEN WE COMMUNICATE WITH THEM

The friends will never understand what we are saying and not relate to them. Some examples would be:
"Hey John, have you responded to the Altar Call before?"
"Wow.. Thank God that there is so many Salvation cases today."
"Oh, we say grace so that God will Sanctify the food."
"Oh.. we fall under the anointing of God."
Reconciliation, holiness, offering..

The Bible says those who win souls is wise. We gotta be wise and relevant in communicating spirituality to the new friends because they will not have an idea of what are we talking about.

Scientists make simple things complicated.
Communicators make complicated things simple.

Keep it simple guys

These are the nations that the Lord left in the land to test those Israelites who had not experienced the wars of Canaan.

He did this to teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle.
These are the nations: the Philistines (those living under the five Philistine rulers), all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the mountains of Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath.

These people were left to test the Israelites—to see whether they would obey the commands the Lord had given to their ancestors through Moses.

-Judges 3:1-4

I was reading judges on the way home yesterday and these words caught my attention.
The Bible says God wants to teach the children of Israel how to do warfare. Yet in verse 4, it says that it is to TEST them if they will obey the commands of God.

No link right?

But yet, many battles that we will fight, the winning strategy is with God. If we would just obey. When God tested the Israel and teach them how to do warfare, He didn't put one puny nation against Israel. He placed 5 nations against one. Its really either listen and obey, or face extermination.

God does this all the time to Israel. During biblical times as well as modern days, but God saved the day all the time!

=)

Pastor Phil

Honored
Pastor Phil only follows 45 people and I am one of them. Woo~
I love Pastor Phil!
My 2nd fave preacher of all-time. (After Pastor Kong)

Breakthrough

Amen and Amen.
Past few weeks had been quite tough. Learning to balance new commitments, yet trying my best not to neglect the more impt things in life.
Felt a new flow in my walk with God, a mini-breakthrough with more to come. And its really simple.

In the lift, I just called out to God, Simply put, I kept saying "Jesus.."
I called out in a way that I HAVE NEVER called out His name before.
and the presence of God was so strong that I teared in the lift. Man.. Actually the lift is one of my many secret places. I love the lift.

The simplicity of the name Jesus is so beautiful that I don't know how to describe it.
Can you imagine..
This is the name that is able to save..
This is the name that is able to heal the sick..
This is the name that is able to prosper someone.
This is the name that met needs.
This is the name that loves.

Can you imagine..

This is the name of God..

So many times we really took the name for granted.

Have we forgotten the simplicity of John 1:12

"yet to all who received him, to those who believed in His name,
he gave the right to become children of God."

And then I just sang in the Spirit.
Poh taught us this,

Why do we sing in the Spirit and its so beautiful?
Its because we have reached a point that no words can describe how awesome, how beautiful God is and how much we love Him.

Wow..
I love the name of Jesus

Sin?

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

-Ps 139:23-24

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

- John 8:7-8

Guitar Lessons Starting

Starting From Today!!!
I will be teaching Praise and Worship guitar playing.
Guitar lessons will be held at my house every Thursdays, 7pm.
those who are interested. Do contact me.

I am not the best player around but I just wanna serve you

Special Moments

What are your special moments with God?

Like what Waiyin and Poh had mentioned before during Cell Group Meeting and the worship clinic, what are our special moments with God? I searched Biblegateway.com and found this verse.

So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."

-Joshua 4:4-7

Wow... This generation of Israelites are the so-called "faithful" generation that entered into the promised land under the leadership of Joshua. They placed some stones as a reminder of this incident on the priest's robes and they were faithful. This incident was somewhat similar to a greater miracle that happened 1 generation earlier: The Splitting of the Red Sea.

But that generation did rebelled against God so many times in the Wilderness. The pigeon meat and the golden calf. They experienced a greater miracle as compared to the next generation but they were not faithful to God. Because they did not set up a memorial of the goodness of God who brought them out Egypt, of God who made bitter water sweet.

As I pondered upon it, truly the miracles and times when God touched us really has to be remembered. When I felt discouraged, I always 'go back' to that special moment; that landmark time. And these are my special and landmark (not exhaustable) moments:

1. When I first received Jesus into my life.
I can remember it so vividly. The speaker of that service was Pst Carl-Gustav from Sweden and he was so funny yet able to teach. I can still remember the sermon even till this day. Its about being 'More than a Conqueror" I remembered where I was sitting and who was I sitting with. I remember responding to the altar call at the end and tears were all over my face.

3. The first time I teared in service.
I remember it was the 2nd time I came for service. I was supposed not to come because of filming project that week but it rained and being the director and producer, I cancelled it. And rushed all the way to service. Can't remember the speaker totally, but I just remember during worship, we were singing "All I need is You" and tears start to flow. Wow.. Great!!!

3. The very first time I heard God's voice speaking to me.
It was at Bugis!!! At Parco, the row of ATMs near the Mrt station. Man... Its kind of funny, XianBi was withdrawing money, and that time I had very very very low self-esteem. I saw a mirror and thought within me, "Man.. I am such an ugly guy." And then out-of-nowhere, I just sensed God speaking so clearly to me. "Son, no matter how the world sees you, you are always beautiful in My eyes." Man... I cried immediately in the presence of not just God but everyone in the mall. Even now as I am typing this, just felt the love of God and tearing now. I love You God!! =)

4. The VERY FIRST time I picked up a guitar
That was at XianBi's house. It was just random and almost everything was self-taught. Play the song Heart of Worship. I also found myself making such a prayer that very night. "God, I wanna learn the guitar, but If I am not able to bring down your presence, what is the purpose of even playing at all." I cried too..

5. 'Overnight prayer meetings' at Xianbi's old house
Man.. This is hilarious! A few times.. Both Xianbi and myself, or with Kenneth or myself (Its always in-twos) have a urge and desire to pray.. In the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT!!! So we packed our school uniforms and took cab to the house and prayed through the night. Many goofy moments.. Like praising God with Cd? In the middle of the night, and its not just any other praise song but it was playing "Yours is the Kingdom" HAHAHA!!

6. The first time I played the guitar in cell group and the first time I saw someone cry.
Ya. Its was at Xiao Yong's place that time. And Yong Xiu can't preach at that time, so Victor was preaching. And we sang "I have come to bow down" Man.. can't forget that sight.

7. The first time I played for two cell group meetings in a day.
That day, God taught me a lesson. The same guitarist can be playing the same song. But the people's attitude towards worship is very important. I played the song, "You are the peace that guards my heart" in both cell groups. In one everyone's kneeling, crying out to God, the other just lepak all the way. I learned a valuble lesson.

8. The day I worshipped God on my Mp3 in the lift.
There was once I was listening the my Mp3 and sanctuary was playing. I lifted up my hands in the lift as usual when no one is in the lift. The presence of God was so strong, I literally ran home from the lift, and slammed the door and knelt down to worship. That was awesome!

9. The worship clinic with Poh.
Woah.. This is so so so very power-packed. Whatever I was feeling as a guitarist: unappreciated, asking questions if its worth it to serve God, Is it worth it to practice and practice and sow and sow and have blistered fingers. Poh answer all my doubts and for the FIRST time, I felt that somebody(human), understood me and what I was going through. I teared at the meeting when he was sharing and speaking. I not complaining but its just a fact la(sidetrack abit). Being a
spokesperson:

Being a guitarist is never easy.
Always having to be the first to reach cell group venue and one of the last to leave.
Always have to practice and practice before cell group day and the cell group meeting itself.
Always have to carry something so heavy to cell group.
Financially, gotta pay for the guitar, the printing of chords, replacement of strings, picks.
And, the guitarist is always the one being 'scolded' by the cell group leader after cell group meetings when something goes wrong during p&w. All the members are encouraged and edified, guitarist kena 'scolding' (Note: its 'quote-quote' scolding)
and its very easy for the guitarist to feel unloved by the cell group leaders and members.
To feel used by the cell group and please appreciate your guitarist.

Guitarists and musicians are very powerful people. During wartime in the Old Testament, God asked for a MUSICIAN(2 Kings 3:15). During deliverance, God asked for a MUSICIAN (1 sam 16-23). The biggest book in the Bible is written by MUSICIANS (Psalms).


Back to main topic. I really felt that more special moments should be present and we really must remember them. By this, we will not allow complacency to crept into our hearts and we will remain strong in God. =) Hallelujah!

OLD SCHOOL!!!!

OLD SCHOOL GUYS!!!
PLAY THE VIDEO!!!
YOU WILL NOT REGRET!!!!

How Impt is music to God?

How Important Is Music To God?

"But now bring me a musician.”
Then it happened, when the musician played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him."

- 2 Kings 3:15

The background of this story is that the king of Moab rebelled and came against Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah. And the kings of Judah, Israel and Edom were trapped in the wilderness and they do not have water and food. And the kings were desperate and asked for a prophet. And the prophet nearby was Elisha.
When the kings sought the Word of God from Elisha, Elisha only had one request:

"But now bring me a musician,”
Then it happened, when the musician played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.

Elisha didn't ask for a general, an army or weapons. He asked for a musician.

Before there was even the first sin of lucifer and corruption at the VERY VERY BEGINNING.
God's three archangels (Most beautiful and powerful angels) were Gabriel, Michael and also
Lucifer (now known as satan or the devil).
And out of the three, Lucifer was the most beautiful. Lucifer was also established by God to be the angel of worship, one whose ministry surrounded the heart of heaven. Lucifer was created to dwell eternally in the throne room of heaven, in the very presence of God (Ezekiel 28:14).

If God created lucifer to be the most beautiful angel, and I EMPHASISE again, in the ORIGINAL PURPOSE. This shows how much music and worship means to God. Of course we know that lucifer lusted after the glory of God and pride entered into him and got cast down from the heavens.

This was such a big deal to God. Music...

Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
-Ps 33:3

Hati Hamba

Hati Hamba,
I Prefer the Bahasa Version: To me personally, it is more meaningful to me.
Aku also Orang Indonesia

KU TAK DAPAT LUPAKAN
(I can't never forget)

KEBAIKAN YANG KU T'RIMA
(The goodness that I've received)

PENGORBANAN-MU YANG MULIA
(Your holy sacrifice)

JADIKAN KU BERHARGA
(Has made me worthy)


KAU TULUS MENERIMA
(You've willingly accepted)

AKU APA ADANYA
(Me just as I am)

KEKUATAN KASIH-MU NYATA
(The power of Your love is real)

MEMULIHKAN HIDUPKU
(It has restored my life)


KAU BUKAN TUHAN YANG MELIHAT RUPA
(You are not a God who looks at appearance)

KAU BUKAN TUHAN YANG MEMANDANG HARTA
(You are not a God who looks at wealth)

HATI HAMBA YANG S'LALU KAU CARI
(A servant's heart is what You are always looking for)

BIAR KAU TEMUKAN DI DALAMKU
(Let it be found in me)


S'LAMA KU HIDUP KU MAU MENYEMBAH-MU
(All the days of my life, I will worship You)

S'BAB ENGKAU SANGAT BERARTI BAGIKU
('Cause You mean so everything to me)

YANG TERBAIK YANG ADA PADAKU
(All the best that I have)

KUPERSEMBAHKAN KEPADA-MU
(I will give it to You)

YESUSKU
(My Jesus)

Shanghai Metro

I MISS SHANGHAI!!!!Just by mere mentioning of the station names really brings fond memories.

淞虹路站: (Never been here but always hear this station's name as its the last station in the
direction we used to travel to our hotel)

威宁路站: (Hotel Sweet Hotel)

Unglam

娄山关路站: (I love saying the name of this station the most: Lou Shan Guan Lu. This is the stretch of malls where there are not 1, not 2 but 3 KFC branches! This is also where we get our dirt cheap S$2 hairwash-cum-ear-digging-cum-arm-and-leg-massage!)

中山公园站!!!! Our Fave station cause our fave mall is here with out fave Aji-San,
fave fashion stores HotWind, C&A and also H&M: Yes Keng, are u reading this? its H&M!)
It also has an arcade, cinema and many foodchains.
This is the mall 龙之梦, Cloud Nine (Yaya, I know both Chinese and english name a little chessy)
The Tall outlined blue building on the right pic is the mall.

江蘇路站: Oh.. I have only been here once! But man... This is where the BEST Xiao Long Bao is! Only 80 Singapore Cents for six, it taste better than Ding Tai Feng

Oh ya! One more thing! Shh.. Don't let anyone know. Gabriel's secret shop can be found here. He is a globalised businessman! Haha.

静安寺: (Where Kenneth, XianBi and myself will begin to sing on the train)

南京西路:(Never been here but always confused with 东路 where we wanna go)

人民广场:(Been here only once but its the best la! Got jazz players on the street, Unbelievable arcade, and also Raffles City (http://www.rafflescity-shanghai.com/)homesick must come here.


南京东路: (The famous Pu Xing Jie 步行街(Top 3 Pics) and also The Bund. 外滩-Bot)

步行街 is actually a road with traffic lights and 'pedestrian crossing.' In the 2nd picture u can see it. Just click on it and enlarge it to see. But the entire street is for people to walk. And its like an Orchard Road in Shanghai.

I WANNA GO TO SHANGHAI AGAIN!!!

Alright!! I think that's all for now.
Random pics:

Revival comes in a wave.

Wow.. Had guitar lessons with Poh yesterday.
He was teaching us some secular music. We learned the 'proper way' of playing Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours"

But Poh shared something so very spiritual for the Cell Group ministry.
If you want your cell group to grow, you just have to build on these two things in your cell group meetings.

1. Praise and Worship.
That is really the presence of God that we can usher in. I remember Poh saying this during the GT zone worship clinic. If our P&W is good, sometimes the CGL can just give an altar call and people will be saved. Because the presence of God is evidently in the place. But if our P&W is not so good, the leader can keep preaching and preaching, but it will still be very hard-going.

2. Preaching.
That is really the conviction of the people. Challenging and shaping the mindsets and values. Romans 10:17 "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God". Lives are always changed. That is why Pastor Kong always seeks to improve in his preaching skills. That is why he always improves in his pronunciation and enunciation.

When we can have these two added together as powerful features and characteristics in our cell groups, we will definitely grow.

So we may ask, who is Poh to give such an advice. What credentials do he have? In the past when our church is still at Hollywood theater, the church has a appreciation night kind of thing. And the most prestigious of all is the "Best Cell Group Leader" Award. Its the last award to be presented. Poh is the winner of not once, but twice consecutively in 1995 and 1996. He showed us the trophies last night. (And I took photos with it as if its mine!!! HAHA!!) So if the BEST Cell Group Leader in the WHOLE CHURCH said something about growing groups, we better listen. If I am not wrong, he did mention about multiplying his cell group is 6 months cycles. Woah!!!

Poh also talked about Revival. He said that Revival is like a wave. We have to catch that wave because it comes and goes. If we were to miss it, the next wave may come like a year or 10 years later. No one knows when.. If in '95, our church didn't launch the "Church Without Walls" program, we might be 1000+ strong struggling still in Hollywood. This really shook me, send goosebumps all over me.

I really gotta be more sensitive to the flow of God, to the move of the Holy Spirit. Recently felt a new fire, new strength. This song just touched me. Have been singing it for weeks when I felt so dry.Couldn't find the MP3 but this are the lyrics


BURN IT DEEP
WITHIN MY SOUL
NEW STRENGTH AND FIRE O LORD
BURN IT DEEP
WITHIN MY SOUL
NEW ZEAL AND FIRE O LORD

BURN IT DEEP WITHIN MY SOUL
NEW STRENGTH AND FIRE
IT MAKES ME WHOLE
BURN IT DEEP
DEEP WITHIN MY SOUL

exceedingly abundantly

Yesterday while talking to one of Exxx's members, I had a revelation on the spot.
In all that we do, we need to set a specific target. Partially it is because it will cause us to have something tangible to go for.

Sometimes we, including myself, we always say this when we are asked about our goals and targets: "I think I will do my best. I will try ba."

But yesterday God convicted me regarding goal-setting.

"to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." -Ephesians 3:19-21

This is such a familiar verse, but God impressed this upon me.

If we do not have a specific goal, how can we expect God to do EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK

Even if He did EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK, how would we know if we got nothing to gauge what is the " ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK" and by what extend did the results become "EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY".

And even if we DID ever experience EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK, we will be fixed in our own natural senses, and we would miss out on how God moved in our lives.

Have a visible goal guys. Its in your Goal-Setting card!

yunyi in shanghai

YUNYI WAS IN SHANGHAI!!!
Okay la.. Singaporean version much prettier. LOL!

hyno catq

THIS IS FUNNY!!!!!