On The Lighter Side

FESTIVAL OF PRAISE 2009

2009-06-30T23:44:00.003+08:00

FESTIVAL OF PRAISE 2009
VENUE : Singapore Indoor Stadium
DATE : 31 July - 2 August
TIME : 7:30p.m.

TRIP TO GAP FENCHENG CHILDREN HOME

2009-06-24T20:41:00.025+08:00

I thank God for giving me the opportunity to visit Gap Fengcheng Children Home in China from 14/6 to 22/6/09. The children are friendly and well-behaved. We stayed in the big house of 2 storeys. We wake up at 5 am in the morning and have our breakfast at 6am. However, on weekends when the children do not have to go to school, we have our breakfast at 9am. There were 9 to 10 of us helping in this orphanage.

The children shared stories with us during meal time and free time on weekends. We sang songs, and celebrated birthdays and Father's Day together. The children wrote me letters to bid me farewell on my last day. I really miss everyone.

I am very touched by the love of the management and staff for the children. I learned that God can use everyone to be a blessing to others. I wish the children will grow up to love God and live happy lives.

Blessings,

Serene Darvin

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

TEACH ME TO PRAY

2009-04-19T08:42:00.002+08:00

Please teach me, Lord
I want to know
Exactly how to pray.
I need some words
Which ones are right?
Please tell me what to say.
I've bowed my head
I have knelt down
But should I be upright?
I've closed my eyes,
I've raised my hands,
Or should I fold them tight?
Do I stand up?
Should I sit down?
Dear Lord, what do you like?
Are lights turned on
Or are they off?
Maybe candle light?

Wear my glasses?
Take them off?
Be at my desk or table?

Should I whisper?
Speak out loud?
Do I quote the Bible?

What do you think About the time?
Do you prefer the dawn?
Should I pray fast,Or keep it slow?
Better short or long?
I'm new at this
What are the rules?
I want to do it right.
How do I know
You'll even hear
That I am in your sight?
And while I sat there quietly
Waiting for some sign,
I heard a gentle voice say,
"Oh, dearest child of mine"

Do you think I really care
About the time of day,
Or whether you are standing up,
Or kneeling when you pray?

"I don't care about your posture,
Or about the place you choose.
Just open up your soul to me,
I have no other rules.

"Tell me what is in your heart,
And tell me what you seek.
Tell me of your sorrows,
And of those things that made you weak.

"Speak to me in private
About what concerns you most.
I know about your good deeds
You have no need to boast.

"My child, you don't need lessons,
Just talk to me each day;
Tell me anything you want, dear child,
Anyone can pray."

--by Virginia Ellis

THE DEVIL HATES THIS VIDEO

2009-03-06T06:49:00.005+08:00

Watch the complete video : http://www.gfa.org/to-live-is-christ

__________________________________________

REINHARD BONNKE IN SINGAPORE

2009-03-03T07:13:00.005+08:00

MIRACLES CAN HAPPEN TO YOU THIS APRIL!!!!

Reinhard Bonnke

10-12 April 2009 at 7:30pm

Singapore Indoor Stadium

RHEMA VS LOGOS

2009-01-29T08:15:00.021+08:00

Please read this wonderful message delivered by Pastor Paul Yong Gi Cho of South Korea

The spoken word has powerful creativity, and its proper use is vital to a victorious Christian life. This spoken word, however, must have a correct basis to be truly effective. The principle for discovering the correct basis for the spoken word is one of the most important portions of God's truth. It is concerning this topic that I want to share with you now.

Faith in God's Word: Problems and Productivity.

One day, a lady on a stretcher was carried into my office. She was paralysed from her neck down, and could not even move her fingers. As she was being carried into my office on a stretcher, I began to feel a strange sensation. It felt as if my heart was being troubled. Just as there was expectancy by the pool of Bethesda, I knew that something was going to happen. I went beside her stretcher, and when I looked into her eyes, I realized the faith to be healed: not a dead faith, but a living faith. I touched her forehead with my hand and said, "Sister, in the name of Jesus Christ, be healed." Instantly, the power of God came, and she was healed. She stood up from her stretcher, thrilled, frightened and amazed.

She later came to my house bringing gifts, and after entering my study, she asked, "Could I please close the door?" "Yes," I replied. "Close the door."Then she knelt down before me, still amazed that she had been healed, andsaid, "Sir, please reveal yourself to me. Are you the second incarnate of Jesus?" I laughed, "Dear sister, you know that I eat three meals a day, goto the bathroom, and sleep every night. I am as human as you are, and the only way I have salvation is through Jesus Christ."

The woman received such a miraculous healing that word of it instantly spread. Soon afterward, one rich woman came to the church, also being carried in by a stretcher. She had been a Christian for a long time and a deaconess in the church. She had memorized scripture after scripture regarding divine healing: "I am the Lord that healeth thee" (Exodus 15:26);"With His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5); "He Himself took our infirmities, and bore our sicknesses" (Matthew 8:17); "And these signs shall follow then that believe…they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:17-18). So I prayed for her with all my might, but nothing happened. Then I shouted, repeating the same prayers for healing. Iused the Word of God, and I even jumped, but nothing happened. I asked her to stand up by faith. Many times she would stand, but the moment I took my hand away, she would fall down like a piece of dead wood. Then I would say,"Have more faith and stand up." Again, she would stand up, and again she would fall down. She would then claim to me that she had all the faith in the world, but her faith never would work.

I became quite depressed, and eventually she began to cry. She claimed,"Pastor, you are prejudiced. You loved that other woman so much that youhealed her. But you don't really love me. So I am still sick. You are prejudiced." "Sister," I replied, "I have done everything. You saw me. I have prayed, I have cried, I have jumped, I have shouted. I did everythingthat a Pentecostal preacher can do, but nothing happened, and I can't understand it." In my church, this bothersome problem of one being healed while another remains ill has not limited itself to this one situation. World famous evangelists have come to my church and enthusiastically preached, "Everyone of you is going to be healed! Everyone of you!" They poured out words of faith, and many people would receive healing. But then they would leave, receiving all the glory, and I would be left to contend with those not healed. These people would come to me, discouraged and castdown, and say, "We are not healed. God has given up on us; we are completely forgotten. Why should we continue to struggle to come to Jesus Christ and believe?" I then travailed and cried, "Why Father? Why should itbe like this? God, please give me the answer, a very clear-cut answer."

And He did. So now I would like to share this answer with you, and some realizations that led me to this understanding. People think that they can believe on the Word of God. They can. But they fail to differentiate between the Word of God which gives general knowledge about God, and the Word of God which God uses to impart faith about specific circumstances into a man's heart. It is this latter type of faith which brings miracles.

In the Greek language there are two different words for 'word', logos and rhema. The world was created by the Word, logos, of God. Logos is the general Word of God, stretching from Genesis to Revelation, for all thesebooks directly or indirectly tell about the Word, Jesus Christ. By reading the logos from Genesis to Revelation, you can receive all the knowledge you need to know about God and His promises; but just by reading you do not receive faith. You have received knowledge and understanding about God, but you do not receive faith. Romans 10:17 shows us that the material used tobuild faith is more than just reading God's Word: "Faith comes by hearing,and hearing by the Word of God." In this scripture, 'word' is not logos, but rhema. Faith specifically comes by hearing the rhema. In his Greek lexicon, Dr Ironside has defined logos as "the said Word of God," and rhemaas "the saying Word of God." Many scholars define this action of rhema as being the Holy Spirit using a few verses of scripture and quickening itpersonally to one individual person. Here is my definition of rhema: rhemais a specific word to a specific person in a specific situation.

Once in Korea a lady by the name of Yun Hae Kyung had a tremendous youthmeeting on Samgak Mountain. She had a great ministry. When she stood up andpeople came forward, they would fall down, slain under the power of the Holy Spirit. Many young people would flock to her meeting, and when she held a youth campaign on Samgak Mountain, thousands of young people came to join in.
During the week of the youth campaign it rained heavily, and all the rivers overflowed. A group of young people wanted to go to the town onthe opposite side of the river, where the meetings were being held. But when they came to the bank of the river, it was flooded. There was not a bridge or a boat to be seen, and most of them became discouraged. But three girls got together and said, "Why can't we just wade through the water? Peter walked on the water, and Peter's God is our God, Peter's Jesus is our Jesus, and Peter's faith is our faith. Peter believed, and we should do allthe more. We are going to go over this river!" The river was completely flooded, but these three girls knelt down and held hands together, quoting the scriptures containing the story of Peter walking on the water, and theyclaimed they could believe in the same way. Then, in the sight of the rest of their group, they shouted and began to wade through the water. Immediately, they were swept away by an angry flood, and after three days,their dead bodies were found in the open sea.

This incident caused repercussions throughout Korea. Non-Christiannewspapers carried the story, making headlines of it: "Their God Could Not Save Them"; "Why Did God Not Answer Their Prayer of Faith?" So unbelievershad a real heyday as a result of this occurrence, and the Christian church experienced a slump, feeling depressed and discouraged, having no adequate answer. This became a topic of discussion all over Korea, and many previously good Christians lost their faith. They would say, "These girls believed exactly as our ministers have taught: they exercised their faith. From the platform our pastors constantly urge the people to boldly exercisetheir faith in the Word of God. These girls did just that, so why didn'tGod answer? Jehovah God must not be a living God. This must just be a formalistic religion we have been involved in."

What kind of answer would you give to these people? Those girls have believed. They had exercised faith based on the Word of God. But God had no reason to support their faith. Peter never walked on the water because of logos, which gives general knowledge about God. Peter required that Christ give a specific word to him: Peter asked, "Lord, if you are Jesus, command me to come." Jesus replied, "Come." The word Christ gave to Peter was not logos, but rhema. He gave a specific word, "Come", to a specific person, Peter, in a specific situation, a storm. Rhema brings faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by rhema. Peter never walked on the water by knowledge of God alone. Peter had rhema. But these girls had only logos, a generalknowledge of God, and in this case, the working of God through Peter. They exercised human faith on logos: that was their mistake. God, therefore, had no responsibility to support their faith, and the difference between the way these girls exercised faith and the way Peter exercised faith is as the difference between night and day.

Two years ago, two Bible school graduates failed completely in their first venture into the ministry. These two fellows had been disciples of mine.They listened to my lectures, they came to my church and learned in concept the principles of faith. They began their first venture into the ministry with what seemed to be a great deal of faith, clinging to such scripturesas: "Open your mouth wide and I will fill it" (Psalm 81:10); "If ye ask anything in My name, I will do it" (John 14:14). They went to a bank and made a large loan. Then they went to a rich man and made another largeloan. With this money they bought land and built a beautiful sanctuary –without even having a congregation. They began preaching, expecting the people to flock in by the hundreds, and their debts to be paid; but nothing like that happened. One of these young ministers had borrowed approximately $30,000, the other about $50,000, Soon their creditors came to collect their payments, and these young men were cornered in a terrible situation, arriving at a point where they were near to losing their faith in God. Then they both came to me.

They cried, "Pastor Cho, why is your God and our God different? You started with $2,500, and now you have completed a five million dollar project. We went out and built things which cost only a total of $80,000. Why wouldn't God answer us? We believed in the same God, and we exercised the same faith. So why hasn't He answered?" Then they started quoting scriptures containing promises from the Old Testament and New Testament, adding, "We did exactly as you taught and we failed." Then I replied, "I am glad that you have failed after hearing my word. Surely you are my disciples, but you have not been the disciples of Jesus Christ. You misunderstood my teachings. I started my church because of rhema, not just logos. God spoke clearly to my heart, saying, "Rise up, go out and build a church which will seat 10,000 people. God imparted His faith to my heart, and I went out anda miracle occurred. But you went out just with logos, a general knowledge about God and His faith. God therefore has no responsibility to support you, even though your ministry was for the Lord Jesus Christ."

Brothers and sisters, through logos you can know God. You can gain understanding and knowledge about Him. But logos does not always become rhema. Suppose a sick man were to have gone to the pool of Bethesda and said to those around it, "You foolish fellows, why are you waiting here? This is always the same pool in the same location with the same water. Whyshould we wait here day after day? I'm just going to jump in to wash myself." Then he might have dived in and washed himself. But if he were to come out of the water, he might not have been healed. It was only after the angel of the Lord came and troubled the water that the people could jumpin, wash, and be healed. Yet, it was the same pool of Bethesda, at the same location, with the same water. Only when the water was troubled by God's angel could a miracle occur. Rhema is produced out of logos. Logos is like the pool of Bethesda. You may listen to the Word of God and you may study the Bible, but only when the Holy Spirit comes and quickens a scripture or scriptures to your heart, burning them in your soul and letting you know that they apply directly to your specific situation, does logos become rhema.

Logos is given to everybody. Logos is common to Koreans, Europeans,Africans and Americans. It is given to all so that they may gain knowledge about God; but rhema is not given to everyone. Rhema is given to that specific person who is waiting upon the Lord until the Holy Spirit quickens logos into rhema. If you never have time to wait upon the Lord, then theLord can never come and quicken the needed scripture to your heart. This is a busy age. People come to church and are entertained. They hear a short sermon and are dismissed, without having any time of waiting upon the Lord.They get the logos, but since they do not receive rhema, they miss out on seeing the miraculous workings of God, and begin to doubt His power. Peoplemust come to the main sanctuary, listen attentively to the preacher, and wait upon the Lord. But they do not come and listen prayerfully to the preacher, waiting upon the Lord to receive rhema; therefore, they cannot receive the faith they need for the solutions to their problems. Their knowledge of the Bible increases as their problems increase, and though they come to church, nothing happens. So they begin to fall away and lose faith.

Another problem with many churches in this active age is that ministers are busy with too many matters. They spend hours and hours as a janitor, financier, constructor, and contractor, going in a hundred different directions. By Saturday, they are so tired that they fumble around trying to find some logos to preach on. They are so tired that they have no time to wait upon the Lord, no time to change the green grass into white milk.Their congregations are simply fed grass, and not given the milk of the Word. This is a grave mistake. Lay persons are not the preacher's enemies, but his friends. As did the apostles, so should the minister concentrate onprayer and the ministering of the Word of God, delegating any other type ofwork to his deacons, deaconesses and other lay leaders. I follow this pattern in my church, and I dare not go up to the platform without first waiting upon the Lord and receiving the rhema God would have me give forthat message. If I do not receive rhema, I will not go to the platform. So I go up to Prayer Mountain on Saturday, crawl into a grotto, close the door, and wait there until the Holy Spirit comes and give me the needed rhema. Sometimes I stay the whole night through, during that time praying, "Lord, tomorrow the people are coming with all kinds of problems –sickness, disease, family problems, problems in business – every type of problem that can be imagined. They are coming not only to hear general knowledge about You, but they are also coming to receive real solutions totheir problems. If we don't give them a living faith, rhema, then they aregoing to go back home without receiving their solutions. I need to have a specific message for specific people at a specific time." Then I wait until God gives me that message.

When coming to the platform, I march in like a general, knowing that themessage I preach is under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. After I preach, people in the congregation come to me and say, "Pastor, you preachedexactly the word I needed. I've got faith that my problem will be solved."This is because I helped supply to them the rhema. Brothers and sisters, we are not building a holy country club in the church; we deal rather with matters of life and death. If the pastor does not supply rhema to hispeople, then you have just a religious social club. In the social world already one can see organizations such as Kiwanis Clubs and Rotary Clubs, and their members pay a type of tithes, too. The churches we build should be places where people get their solutions from the Lord, receive miracles for their lives, and can gain not just knowledge about God but get to know Him in a vital way. In order to do this, the pastor must first receiver hema. Christians should be given time to wait upon the Lord, so that the Holy Spirit can have a full opportunity to deal with their lives and inspire them through the Scripture. The Holy Spirit can take Scripture, the"said Word" of God, and apply it to a person's heart, making it the "saying Word" of God. The logos then become rhema.

Now I can tell you why so many people cannot receive healing. All the promises are potentially yours – not literally – yours. Never simply pick apromise out of God's Word and say, " Oh, this is mine; I will repeat it over and over again. This is mine, this is mine!" NO! It is potentially yours, yes, but make it yours in practical reality by waiting upon the Lord. Before the Lord quickens a scripture to an individual, the Lord has many things to do. The Lord wants to cleanse your life and make yousurrender to Him, the Lord will never give you promises promiscuously. As the Lord deals with you, take time to wait upon Him; confessing your sins, and surrendering your life to Him. When these conditions are met, then thepower of God comes. Your heart – like the pool of Bethesda – is troubled bya particular scripture; and you know that its promise is yours, and you have the faith to bring about the needed miracle. God's Uppermost Goal. Thehealing of the physical body is not the Spirit's ultimate goal. You must know where the priority lies. His ultimate goal is the healing of our souls. When God deals with you, He always deals with you through the healing of your soul. If your soul is not right with God, no amount of prayer, shouting or jumping will bring the rhema of healing to you. You must first get right with the Lord. Confess your sins, apply the blood of Jesus Christ, be saved and receive eternal life; then the Holy Spirit isgoing to prick your heart with a scripture of divine healing, inspire you and give you the rhema you need. But in order for this to happen, you must wait on the Lord.

Divine healing is all according to God's sovereign will. Sometimes a personreceives healing instantly; another person must wait a longer time. One of our church's finest deacons became ill; this deacon gave everything to theLord, loving God, and working for the Lord in an amazing way. He was told that he had a growth inside his body and that the doctor wanted to operate. But everybody in my church knew that God was going to heal him, for he wasa tremendous saint with great faith. This was their reasoning. I prayed forhis healing. All of our then 40,000 members prayed, storming the Throne of Grace. And that deacon claimed the healing. But nothing happened. He becameworse and worse. Eventually, he bled so badly he was carried to thehospital and operated on. Many of my members were worried, and they complained, "Where is God? Why is God treating him like this?" But Ipraised God, for I knew that He had some specific purpose in what washappening. When he was hospitalized in the ward he began to preach the Gospel to all the people with whom he made contact. Soon the whole hospitalknew that there was a living Jesus, His representative right in theirhospital. The doctors, nurses, and all the patients daily became saved. Then our members rejoiced, saying, "Praise God. It was far better for himto be in the hospital than to be divinely healed immediately." God showed that His priority was the eternal healing of souls rather than the earthly healing of the physical.

When there is pain and suffering, we are apt to claim deliverance. But this we should not do. If your suffering should bring about redemptive grace, orif your suffering becomes the channel for the flowing of God's grace, then your suffering has been God-appointed. If, however, your suffering becomesinvalid and starts to destroy you, then this is from satan, and you should pray through and rid yourself of it. I will relay to you one case in which God did not deliver people from their suffering. It was during the Korean War when 500 ministers were captured and immediately shot to death, and two thousand churches were destroyed. The Communists were vicious to the ministers. One minister's family was captured in Inchon, Korea, and the Communist leaders put them on what they called a 'People's Trial'. Theaccusers would say, "One man is guilty of causing this kind of sin, and for that kind of sin it is proper that he be punished." The only response thengiven would be a chorus of voices agreeing, "Yah, yah!" This time they duga large hole, putting the pastor, his wife, and several of his children in. The leader then spoke, "Mister, all these years you mislead the people with the superstition of the Bible. Now if you will publicly disclaim it before these people, and repent for this misdemeanor, then you, your wife, and your children will be freed. But if you persist in your superstitions, allof your family is going to be buried alive. Make a decision!" All of his children then blurted out, "Oh daddy! Daddy! Think of us! Daddy!" Think of it. If you were in his place, what would you do? I am the father of three children, and would almost feel like going to hell rather than see my children killed.

This father was shaken. He lifted up his hand and said, "Yes, yes, I'll do it. I am going to denounce…my…" But before he could finish his sentence, his wife nudged him, saying, "Daddy! Say NO!" "Hush children," she said."Tonight we are going to have supper with the King of kings, the Lord of lords." She led them in singing 'In the Sweet By and By,' her husband and children following, while the Communists began to bury them. Soon the children were buried, but until the soil came up to their necks they sang, and all the people watched. God did not deliver them, but almost all ofthose people who watched this execution became Christians, many now members of my church. Through their suffering the grace of redemption flowed. God gave His only begotten Son to be crucified on the cross so that this world could be saved and redeemed. That is God's uppermost goal – the redemption of souls. So when you desire divine healing, or an answer from above, always focus through the lenses of the uppermost goal, the redeeming of souls. If you see that your suffering brings about more redemption than your healing, then do not ask for deliverance, but ask God to give you strength to persevere. To discern between suffering brought by satan that God would rather deliver, and suffering that God would use to bring about the flow of redemptive grace, is not always easy. To make this kind of decision you need to wait upon the Lord, and to know the will of the Lord. Do not become discouraged, and go around receiving prayer from one famous evangelist and then another. But through your prayer, fasting and faith, let God show you His will. When the Holy Spirit quickens the logos ofscripture to you, a miraculous faith is imparted to your heart. You know that the scripture no longer belongs to the "said word" of God, but is instantly the "saying word" of God for you. You must then stand upon that word, and go ahead and do it, even though your life is pitch dark, once you receive the rhema do not be frightened. Just go ahead and walk on the water, and you will see a miracle.

Be careful, however, not to move ahead of God. Many people do move ahead of God, even as did Paul, in his eagerness to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ had commanded that we go to the ends of the world and preach the Gospel; so Paul went out on the logos, and headed for Asia. But the Spirit of Jesus Christ did not permit him to go there. Then Paul said,"I will go to Bithynia." But again the Spirit of the Lord said, "NO." Paul and his company then went down to Troas, an unknown city. We can imagine his wanderings there, that he was confused, thinking to himself, "I was obeying the command of Jesus. Jesus said to go to the ends of the world and preach the Gospel. Why am I such a failure?" But as he was praying and waiting upon the Lord, he received the rhema, and a man from Macedonia appeared in a vision and said, "Come into Macedonia and help us!" So he took a boat and crossed over to Europe. Though Paul's example we can againsee the difference between logos and rhema. Receiving Rhema People have come to me and commented, "Brother Cho, I can pray through about the various promises from the scriptures, and I can wait until the Holy Spirit quickens and applies them to me. But how can I get rhema about choosing a husband, or a wife? I read all the scriptures, but the Bible does not say whether I should go marry Elizabeth, Mary or Joan. How can I get the rhemaabout this? Also, the Bible does not say that you should go and live in Lakeland, Los Angeles, or in some northern area. How can I receive God's will about that?" These are legitimate questions. Let me show you the fivesteps I use to get the rhema about these types of questions.

Neutral Gear

The first step is to put myself in neutral gear – not forward or backward, but completely calm in my heart. Then I wait upon the Lord,saying, "Lord, I'm here, I will listen to your voice. If you say 'yes', I will go; if you say 'no', I'm not going. I don't wish to make decisions for my own benefit, but to decide according to your desire. Whether it becomes good for me, or bad for me, I'm ready to accept your guidance. With this attitude I wait upon the Lord. Many times the best action to take is to fast and pray, for if you eat too much you get so tired that you cannot pray. Then, if you know that you are really calmed down, you come to the second step.

Divine Desire

The second thing I do is ask the Lord to reveal His will though my desires. God always comes to you through your sanctified desire."Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires ofthine heart" (Psalm 37:4). "The desire of the righteous shall be granted" (Proverbs 10:24). "What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe thatye receive them, and ye shall have them" (Mark 11:24). Desire, then, is one of God's focusing points. Moreover, Philippians 2:13 reads, "For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure." Through the Holy Spirit God puts in your heart the desire, making you to will to do His will. So pray to the Lord, "Lord, now give me the desire according to Your will." Pray through and wait upon the Lord until God gives you divine desire. As you pray many desires, beautiful desires, will probably flow in. In your praying, then, also have the patience to wait for God's desire to settle in. Do not stand up and say, "Oh, I've got everything," and rush away. Wait upon the Lord a little longer. Desires can be given from satan, from your own spirit, or from the Holy Spirit. Time is always the test. If you wait patiently your own desire and desires from satan will become increasingly weaker, but the desire from the Holy Spirit becomes strongerand stronger. So wait, and receive the divine desire.

Scriptural Screening

After my desire becomes very clear-cut, then I proceed to step three: I compare this desire with Biblical teaching. One day a lady came up to me. All excited, she said, "Oh, Pastor Cho, I am going to support your ministry with a large amount of money." "Praise God,"I exclaimed. "Have a seat and tell me about this." She explained, "I have a fantastic desire to go into business. This business deal is going on, and if I join in I think I can make big money." "What kind of business is it?"I asked. She replied, "I have a burning desire to get a monopoly on the cigarette business. Tobacco, you know." "Forget about it," I retorted. "But I have the desire!" she said. "The burning desire, just like you've preached about." "That desire is from your own flesh," I replied. "Have you ever gone through the Bible to see if what you would be doing is scriptural? Your desire must be screened through the scripture," I instructed her. "The Bible says that you are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). If God ever wanted His people to smoke, then He would have made our noses differently. Smoke stacks are supposed to be open upward to the sky, and not downward. Think about the nose; it is not pointing upward, but downward. God did not purpose that people smoke, because our smoke stacks are upside down. The Holy Spirit's dwelling isyour body. If you pollute it with smoke, then you are polluting the templeof the Holy Spirit with smoke. Your desire is out of the will of God. It would be best if you just forget about this new business." One man came to me and said, "Pastor, I've struck up a friendship with a beautiful woman, a widow. She is sweet, beautiful and wonderful, and when I pray, I have a burning desire to marry her. But I also have my wife and children." "Look,"I replied, "you forget about this, because it's from the devil." "Oh, no,no. This is not from the devil," he disagreed. "When I prayed the Holy Spirit spoke in my heart and told me that my original wife was not exactly the right kind of rib to fit into my side. My present wife is always a thorn in my flesh. The Holy Spirit spoke and said that this widow is my lost rib, which will fit exactly into my side." I told him, "That is not from the Holy Spirit. That's from the devil's spirit." Many people makethis kind of mistake. If they pray against the written Word of God, then the devil will speak. The Holy Spirit will never contradict God's written Word. That man did not listen to me, and he divorced his wife and he married that widow. He is now of all men the most miserable. He found out that his second rib was even worse than his first. So all our desires should be carefully screened with Scripture. If you do not have the self-confidence to do this yourself, then go to your minister or pastor.

A Beckoning Signal

After I screen my desire through the written Word, the teachings of God, then I am ready for step four: to ask God for a beckoningsignal from my circumstances. If God truly has spoken to your heart, then He is bound to give you a signal from the outside external world. When Elijah prayed seven times for rain, he received a signal from the eastern sky – a patch as large as a man's fist, a cloud, appeared. Gideon also provides us with an example, for he, too, asked for a sign. And God would always show me a sign from my circumstances; sometimes this sign is very small, but it still was a sign.

Divine Timing

After I have received a sign, then I take the final step: I pray until I know God's timing. God's timing is different from our timing. You must pray until you have a real peace, for peace is like the chief umpire.

If after you pray you still feel a restlessness in your spirit, then the timing is not proper. That means there is still a red light; so keep praying and waiting. When the red light is switched off and you see the green light, peace will come into your heart. Then you should jump up and go. Go then with full speed, with God's blessings and God's rhema. Miracle after miracle will follow you.

All though life I have carried out and conducted my business by using these five steps. So far God has always confirmed this way of walking with signs and miracles following. These results must show clearly the difference between logos and rhema. In the future you need no longer be confused about the promises of God. No amount of claiming, travailing, jumping, or shrieking will convince Him. God is going to convince you Himself by imparting His faith into your heart. The English translation of Mark11:22-23 says that you should have faith in God and then you would be able to command a mountain to be removed and cast into the sea. The Greek, however, says that you should have the faith of God. How can you have the faith of God? When you receive the rhema the faith given is not your own; it is imparted faith that God has given you. After receiving this imparted faith, then you can command mountains to be removed. Without receiving God's faith you cannot do this. If for no other reasons, you should carefully study the Bible – Genesis to Revelation – in order to give the Holy Spirit the material with which He needs to work. Then when you wait upon the Lord, the Holy Spirit will impart His faith to you. Great miracles will follow you as you act on this faith, miracles in your ministry and inyour home. So wait upon the Lord; never consider it a waste of time. WhenGod speaks to your heart He can in one second do far greater things than you could do in one entire year. Wait upon the Lord, and you will see great things accomplished.

DEEPER THAN ANY RECESSION

2009-01-28T23:20:00.004+08:00

The headline says, "Singapore's deepest Recession, Why? What Next?".

Yes the world is in the midst of a global recession and no one knows for sure until when it will last.

But, amidst all the gloom, despair, hopelessness and negative outlook that lies ahead, it's good to know that Our Lord, Jesus Christ still reigns. He's still seated on the throne. He's still in charge of everything and everyone. He's sovereign and nothing escapes Him.

No matter how big this recession that we're all in, Our God is bigger!! Yes, it's good to put your trust in Him who is never changing and the same yesterday, today and forever!

Though the news says, "it's a very deep recession". One thing I know that God's love is deeper!! It's wider! It's higher! God's loving arms will reach down on us no matter how deep the recession have dug us in. By His grace, mercy and unfailing love He will surely reach out to you.

Question is, "will reach out for God's loving hand extended freely to help you out?".

Reach out for his loving hands today and let His extravagant love fill your hearts forever. HIS LOVE IS DEEPER!!!

PATRICK'S TRIP TO NIGERIA

2008-12-25T06:52:00.004+08:00

Last Tuesday night, we visited our dear brother, Patrick Lim and his wife, Jillian at their home. Patrick will be going to Lagos, Nigeria with a team of about 12 people from Singapore from Dec 25, 2008 to Jan 7, 2009. They will be meeting with Prophet T.V. Joshua. The team will stay in the Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (to find out more, click on this website: www.scoan.com).

I understand that they will be there for two Sundays and will attend their church services that may lasts for 20-28 hrs....WOW!!! Patrick's main desire in going is to receive anoiting from God's servant, Prophet T.V Joshua and to receive whatever God will reveal through the Prophet fo him. He expects an encounter with the Lord's and the Holy Spirit's presence in an intimate and powerful way.

Patrick is sure that this trip will bring his faith soaring up! Please remember to cover him & his team (including his brothers and sister) in prayer. Also, pray for Jillian. She will not be going. She will be staying with her sister while Patrick is away. We are very excited for Patrick! I'm sure he will never be the same after this trip.

Glory be to Him!

*******************************************************************

FRIDGE MAGNETS TO BLESS

2008-12-25T06:21:00.008+08:00

After Sunday's service, Serene and myself decided to bless some people this Christmas Season by giving them fridge magnets with Bible verses on them. We went to Novena Square and begun approached five people.

It was both nerve-wracking and exciting walking up to total stangers and chit-chatting with them. Of course, you need to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you with the words to say. Having wisdom and good judgement play a bid part as well.

Among the five people we've approached that day, two of them where believers, one Auntie and a Sales girl. As for the other three, one of them we met at the foodcourt. He had some bandages on his head. I've found out after talking to him the he had an operation. I passed him the fridge magnet with the title, "God is Able". I've asked him to look to Jesus for he will help him. Another person Serene gave a fridge magnet to was a sales lady promoting beauty products. The last person was this lady we met while waiting for the MRT to go back home. She was a Buddhist. Serene spoke to her in Chinese and passed her the fridge magnet. When Serene talked about God, she immediately said that her husband was old and just got operated on his legs. It was amazing how this lady suddenly opened up to us about her family.

We didn't got a chance to pray for her or her husband, though. But, we know that God had touched her heart that day and blessed her and family.

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS!!

Praise His Name,

Mike & Serene Darvin

*************************************************************

BLESS EVEN WHEN YOUR NOT FEELING UP TO IT

2008-12-22T06:20:00.014+08:00

Last Saturday I had one of those, "not feeling so positive about myself" days. I was asking God regarding the issue of how to live for Him and be a testimony to others in the workplace. In short, I didn't felt like being a blessing to others on that day.

After work, I decided to go to Novena Square and buy some gifts from the Christian Bookshop to give during the Christmas Season. I felt better after leaving the Bookshop with the little items I've bought. Then I proceeded to the 4th level to take my dinner.

As I was eating my dinner, I've notice a man who looked like a "Filipino" ordering his food from the "mixed vegetables" stall. He then politely, sat down on the same table I was sitting on. He then made the "sign of the cross" and paused for sometime with his eyes closed, saying his prayers and giving thanks to God for his food. The time it took him to "say grace" impressed me and put me to shame at how I give thanks to God for the food He provides for me.

I was prompted by the holy Spirit to make contact with this man. He turned to me and offered me his food. I say, "no thank you". So I took that chance to chat with him. I've found out that his name was Hendrik Patuwo, an Indonesia businessman from Jakarta and not a Filipino, as I thought at first. He was in Singapore together with his family to seek medical treatments for his right eye which was having some internal bleeding and was causing pain and problems in his eyesight. He explained that he opted to go to Singapore for the treatment as here is where they have the proper equiptment to do the job. We talked some more about his family, his business and what's it like being a Catholic in Jakarta me as a Christian. He seemed liked a nice man and quite friendly aswell.

As I needed to carry on with my "little" shopping, I've told Hendrick that I have to go. But, before leaving him, I asked him if I could pray for him and pray for healing for his right eye. He happily agreed. After the prayer, we shook hands, said goodbye and greeted each other, "Merry Christmas". I even asked him for this name card. He graciously gave it and I went off.

The encounter left me feeling good. Before meeting Hendrick, I was feeling a bit down and questioning God at how much could I be a blessing to others. I felt spiritually weak. But, after praying for Hendrick, It dawn upon me that God still uses us to be a blessing to others even when we are on our so called, "worse day". God is not looking for his children who always seem to have his or her act going right. He is looking for obedience.

I thank God that I was able to pray and bless a total stranger during this Festive Season. After all, isn't it what the "Spirit of Christmas" is all about....blessing one another with the love of Jesus Christ!

Praise His Holy Name,
Mike Darvin

ANG MO KIO CELL GROUPS' CHRISTMAS DINNER 2007 - HOLIDAY INN

2008-12-16T05:57:00.002+08:00

DR. STEPHEN TONG'S CHRISTMAS RALLY 2008

2008-12-08T11:02:00.002+08:00

"BLESSED"

2008-11-29T22:21:00.006+08:00

It's always good to be prayed for and be blessed by someone. I'm sure we also enjoy the opportunity to bless others, too.

Well, the Amplified Bible describes the word "BLESSED" as: HAPPY, TO BE ENVIED, AND SPIRITUALLY PROSPEROUS - WITH LIFE-JOY AND SATISFACTION IN GOD'S FAVOR AND SALVATION, REGARDLESS OF THEIR OUTWARD APPERANCE.

WOW! That's awesome! So, the next time someone blesses you or the next time you prayed and said a blessing over someone, remember what being "Blessed" really means. Then we will be pray and bless people with a different insight and understanding.

Be A blessing to someone today. Bless them in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour.

SHARON ALLEN'S TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST

2008-09-26T06:36:00.004+08:00

2008-09-11T05:40:00.002+08:00

DAY OF HIS POWER

2008-07-28T06:10:00.005+08:00

When : August 8, 2008 (Friday)
Venue : Singapore Expo Max Pavilion
Time : 7:30PM (Be seated by 7:15PM)

FESTIVAL OF PRAISE 2008

2008-07-03T22:03:00.003+08:00

With : Reuben Morgan, Parachute Band, and Mark Conner

Venue : Singapore Indoor Stadium
Date : August 1-3, 2008
Time : 7:30p.m.

THE GENESIS PROJECT

2008-06-21T00:31:00.002+08:00

A Christian Songwriting Festival

Fellowship with other Christian songwriters across all denominations & the globe!
Listen & share your songs with a chance to be spotted by Integrity Music Asia!

$10.00 Registration to participate.
Free entry for everyone else

Organised by: TRAC Board of Worship and Music, The Methodist Church in Singapore

http://www.genesisproject.bravehost.com/

IN-DEEP WORSHIP

2008-06-21T00:16:00.004+08:00

Don't miss this exciting Worship Event which will help us move beyond the denominational barriers of what separates us into the common ground of what unites us: Jesus!

Dear Friends CMC will be hosting and leading in worship at the "Inaugural In-Deep Worship Session" - a quarterly event organised by the TRAC Board of Worship.
Come, be refreshed & strengthened as worshippers. Be introduced through worship to new songs written by local Christian songwriters. Receive teaching and connect with other worshippers.

8pm , Friday 20th June 2008 Christ Methodist Church 597 East Coast Road, Singapore 429082

Florida Healing Revival - Todd Bently (Part 2)

2008-06-20T09:28:00.003+08:00

Florida Healing Revival - Todd Bently (Part 1)

2008-06-20T08:37:00.003+08:00

CHRISTIAN QUOTES ON FAITH

2008-05-30T10:41:00.003+08:00

Christian life consists of faith and charity. - Martin Luther

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen. Not only because I see it, but because I see everything by it. - C.S. Lewis

Faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the reward for this faith is to see what you believe. - Saint Augustine

No cloud can overshadow a true Christian but his faith will discern a rainbow in it. - Bishop Horne

For with God nothing shall be impossible. - Luke 1:37

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1

Not Truth, but Faith, it is that keeps the world alive. - Edna St. Vincent Millay

Doubt springs from the mind. Faith is the daughter of the soul. - J. Pete Senn

For we walk by faith, not by sight. - Corinthians 5:7

Faith is a living and unshakable confidence. A belief in God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake. - Martin Luther

Beware of doubt — faith is the subtle chain that binds us to the infinite. - E. 0. Smith

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. - Timothy 6:12

A saint is to put forth his faith in prayer, and afterwards follow his prayer with faith. - Vavasor Powell

All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

THE FASTEST GROWING RELIGION......

2008-05-30T08:14:00.001+08:00

LET'S TALK ABOUT SALT

2008-05-27T08:31:00.010+08:00

"You are the salt of the earth," Jesus said this to His disciples up on the mountain (Matthew 5:13). We know that we are the light the world, as the scriptures said. But, how about being the salt of the earth? Sure salt adds flavour to your food and makes it taste better.

But, do you know that salt was used in the days of Jesus as presevative? In a hot, desert dry world where there was no refrigerators, ice and airtight packaging, salt was necessary to keep things from spoiling and rotting. It acted as a purifier, it killed germs, it cleansed wounds and it even promoted healing. Back then, salt was a very, very important thing to have in your homes.

God used salt as a metaphor for what every believer in supposed to be. I believe that wherever the Lord have placed you, you are there to be the salt. Yes, you are the salt in your offices, families and out there in the marketplace. If you have noticed that your company have been doing well lately, and you've been constantly praying and interceeding for God's favour and blessings for your colleagues, bosses and superiors, then you know that God have preserved and blessed your company through your prayers. That's the value you have in your workplace. Even if you don't see anything positive happening in your workplace at this point, you need to continue raise up and claim your workplace and homes from the Lord.

So, remember to always pray for your workplace and your colleagues, your family and friends. You are God's preservative to keep everything from spoiling and rotting wherever you are. Be God's agent of change for His glory.

Also never lose your saltiness. Remain salty for Him!

God Bless.

SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

2008-05-24T18:06:00.017+08:00

It is by grace that we have been saved, through faith. Because of God's great love and mercy, He gave us grace : God's gift to us. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in heaven. This is what Ephesians 2:4-9 tells us. This passage reveals to us our new position in Christ. Whereas before we gave ourlives to Jesus, we were separated from Him because of sin and were spiritually dead. But now, we have been made alive, reconciled to God and elevated to a position of royalty in heaven.

But there's more....Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advanced for us to do." Doesn't this verse make your eyes light up and bring a sense of excitement and pride in yourself? I certainly hope so! Think about it: the God who created the heavens and the earth and everything in it, the maker of everything without whom nothing will exist has fashioned, molded and shaped us all to be His great and outstanding piece of workmanship above all others in creation. Praise be to God!

We are in fact, His very own "Masterpieces". A masterpiece is considered to be a person's best work. Yes, we are God's best work! We all uniquely created by God, no two person are alike. If you have created something that you call your "best work", I'm sure you'll be very proud to show it to everyone. Well God, I'm sure feels the same way about us. He wants to display and show us to the world; so that the world may know the great creator of such outstanding workmanship. Since we have accepted Jesus Christ into our lives to be Our Lord and Master, we are to reflect and reveal Jesus in everything that we do and say. This is what please God, Our creator.

We are meant to live a life that shines God's glory to this world living in darkness. In Matthew 5:14-16 it say, "we are the light of the world and that we need to let our light shine and not hide it". Do you wonder why sometimes God seems to put you on the spot? This things has happened to me a number of times. Times like this, I call them as "Spotlight moments". Doesn't it sound familiar? There are times in our lives when God seems to shine His spotlight directly on us. It's as if, God is waiting to see how are we going to perform for Him on that given moment.

I thing this spotlight moments does not always have to be big moments. Just think of the times when you were prompted by the Holy Spirit to pray for your sick friends, colleagues, relatives and others. Think of the times you've extended a helping hand who needed help financially or emotionally. Think of the times you've showed acts of kindness to people you didn't even knew. Does not these things pleases God? To each one of us, God's spotlight shines. It's our response makes the difference. Did we bring glory to God's Name or did we left the scene feeling guilty that we did not acted in faith and obeyed the Holy Spirit.

Let's remember that God created us to do good works, which God already prepared for us in advance. The way I interpret this is like when an the inventor who creates something, let's say, a microvave. The invertor already have put in and programmed the microwave of all its functions when he had built it. The inventor expects that when the food is put inside the microwave it will be able to cook the food at certain temperatures and timings. It is the same for us, God have prepared the good works that we are supposed to do. If you like, He has already programmed in us how we are to function.

At the end of the day, we are to bring glory to His Name and that we will live a life worthy of the high calling God has given to each and everyone of us. Let's us take not just be contented at enjoying the royal position that God has given us in heaven. But, let us please Our Lord by doing the good works he has prepared for us. Mark 16:17-18 tells us, "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hansa on the sick people, and they will get well." And Acts 1:8a say, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you."

Let's pray :

Oh Father, may the truth of your Word sink deep into our hearts and remain in our spirit. May we truly know that we have a royal indentity in Christ. We thank You for Your amazing grace that we have been made Princes and Princesses in Your Kingdom. Thank You for creating us to be Your masterpieces, created to do the good works that will brings glory, honour and praises to Your Name. May we be willing to obey, by faith, the Holy Spirit during those "Spotlight Moments" in our lives. May we shine for You and be truly the light of this world.

We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

REVIVAL and RENEWAL FOR OUR CITIES

2008-05-20T12:51:00.010+08:00

"The rightly prioritised agenda of the biblical believer should be
personal repentance and holy living, leading to united prayer,
to revival of the church, to awakening among the lost, to reformation of society and international missionary endeavor. This is the historic path of renewal. We must consciously move toward it in each generation."

- extract from "Taking Our Cities For God" by John Dawson

ANYWAY

2008-05-07T17:46:00.005+08:00

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered - love them anyway!

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives - do good anyway!

If you are successful you will win false friends and true enemies - succeed anyway!

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow - do good anyway!

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable - be honest and frank anyway!

The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds - think big anyway!

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs - fight for some underdog anyway!

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight - build anyway!

Give the world the best you've got and you'll get kicked in the teeth - give the world the best you've got anyway!

-- Author Unknown

THE MANY NAMES OF CHRIST

2008-05-07T08:49:00.002+08:00

To the ARTIST, He is the One Altogether Lovely.
To the ARCHITECT, He is the Chief Corner Stone.
To the BAKER, He is the Living Bread.
To the BANKER, He is the Hidden Treasure.
To the BIOLOGIST, He is the Life.
To the BUILDER, He is the Sure Foundation.
To the CARPENTER, He is the Door.
To the DOCTOR, He is the Great Physician.
To the EDUCATOR, He is the Great Teacher.
To the ENGINEER, He is the New and Living Way.
To the FLORIST, He is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley.
To the GEOLOGIST, He is the Rock of Ages.
To the HORTICULTURIST, He is the True Vine.
To the JUDGE, He is the Righteous Judge, Judge of All Men.
To the JEWELER, He is the Pearl of Great Price.
To the LAWYER, He is the Counselor, the Lawgiver, the Advocate.
To the NEWSPAPER, He is the Good Tidings of Great Joy.
To the OCULIST, He is the Light of the Eyes.
To the PHILANTHROPIST, He is the Unspeakable Gift.
To the PHILOSOPHER, He is the Wisdom of God.
To the PREACHER, He is the Word of God.
To the SCULPTOR, He is the Living Stone.
To the SERVANT, He is the Good Master.
To the STATESMAN, He is the Desire of All Nations.
To the STUDENT, He is the Incarnate Truth.
To the THEOLOGIAN, He is the Author and Finisher of our Faith.
To the TOILER, He is the Giver of Rest.
To the SINNER, He is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the World.
To the CHRISTIAN, He is the Son of the Living God, the Savior, the Redeemer and the Lord.
To me...He is all of this and more, He is my everything, my all in all.

What is He to you?
-- Author Unknown

Bible Expositions for God's People

2008-04-17T23:21:00.002+08:00

2008 - GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER

2008-04-17T23:10:00.002+08:00

SOZO Conference

2008-03-25T20:57:00.002+08:00

Conference Schedule : 25 — 27 March 2008
Activity : Day( leaders and ministry workers only)

Time : 9am — 5pm
Venue : Church of Our Saviour, Auditorium

Evenings(SOZO ministry for selected participants & COOS staff only)
7.30 — 10pm
Church of Our Saviour, Auditorium

SOZO Prisons and SOZO Children
[Thursday, 27 March]7.30 - 9.30pm
To Be Advised

*Evenings will be set aside for ministry, to be organised at a later stage.Registration is now closed.For enquiries, email

info@coossg.org or call the church office.

Blessed Easter!

2008-03-24T14:17:00.003+08:00

Blessed Easter Sunday and Resurrection Day to all!

Hallelujah, JESUS CHRIST LIVES!!

Happy Lunar New Year

2008-02-08T10:11:00.001+08:00

To all our Chinese friends,

A Happy & Blessed Lunar New Year !!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

May this New Year bring Peace, Love, Hope, Good Health, Wealth & Prosperity to you and your families. May Our Lord keep you & grant the desires of your hearts.

God bless :-)

Evolution?.....Impossible!!

2008-01-31T18:30:00.000+08:00

Little Girl and Psalm 23

2008-01-29T10:02:00.000+08:00

This little girl is cute!!

Lifehouse - Everything Skit

2008-01-29T09:03:00.000+08:00

This is a dramazation of true life and how the Lord never foresakes us......He's always reaching out to us and waiting with open arms.

Praise the Lord for His mercies never ends!

Lost And Found

2008-01-27T17:39:00.000+08:00

Last year my company closed for the Christmas Holidays from the 20th Dec'07 to 1st Jan'08. So on the 19th December we had our company X'mas Dinner. It was also my last day in the company. The following day a got a phone call from one of my ex-colleague. He asked for the model name of the company laptop he was using. I asked him why he needed to know? He then told he's going to file a police report because he lost it in the taxi cab he took to get home the night before.

I said..."Oh no, that's terrible". I quickly told him the model name and talk to him a few minutes more. After he hang up, I started to pray quietly and ask that God will help my colleague to somehow get his laptop back.

Last week, I had a chance to visit my ex-company and see my colleague again. I asked him how he managed to get back the laptop as I saw it back on his table. He said on the same day after he filed the police report, the driver of the taxi cab somehow got his number and called him to return the laptop back. He was so relieved and thankful to the driver. I'm sure he was so relieved as he could have gotten into serious trouble with the management.

Without a doubt, God answered my prayer that day. Praise be to Him who hears all prayers!

God Bless,
Mike

Dinner Visit

2008-01-26T20:52:00.000+08:00

It was great to see Yew Teck again. We invited him for dinner at our place.

Praise the Lord, he's doing well! He recently got baptised!

Cambodian Village Children

2008-01-23T18:58:00.000+08:00

During our visit to one of the villages in Cambodia, the children greeted us with a song.

God bless these little ones!

Missions Festival 2008

2008-01-23T17:23:00.000+08:00

Missions Festival 2008 weekend highlights @ COOS.

Eph 2:8-10 (NIV), "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advanced for us to do."

THE MISSION by Steve Green

There's a call going out
Across the land in every nation
A call to those who swear allegiance to the cross of Christ
A call to true humility, to live our live responsibly
To deepen our devotion to the cross at any price

Let us then be sober, moving only in the Spirit
As aliens and strangers in a hostile foreign land
The message we're proclaiming is repentance and forgiveness
The offer of salvation to a dying race of man

Chorus:
To love the Lord our God
Is the heartbeat of our mission
The spring from which our service overflows
Across the street
Or around the world
The mission's still the same
Proclaim and live the Truth
In Jesus' name

As a candle is consumed by the passion of the flame
Spilling light unsparingly throughout a darkened room
Let us burn to know Him deeper
Then our service flaming bright
Will radiate his passions
And blaze with holy light

Floating Church

2008-01-23T12:57:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

Ever been on a floating church? Well, I have. Last year, together with my Mission Trip team mate, we witnessed a group of South Korean Christians tourists praying & singing praises to the Lord in this small Church out in the middle of Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia.

It was quite a moving scene seeing our brothers & sisters in Christ demonstrate their love & adoration to our Lord. Indeed, God's presence can be found anywhere & everywhere.

Go BIBLE MP3

2008-01-02T11:51:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

Technology is proving to be a friend of the BIBLE. To find out how, click on the link below:

http://www.gobible.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=36

Scenes from "The Christmas Tale - The Musical"

2007-12-24T02:58:00.000+08:00

The Christmas Tale (The Musical)

2007-12-16T21:33:00.000+08:00

Christmas Gospel Rally 2007

2007-12-09T21:51:00.000+08:00

Cambodian Brothers-in-Christ

2007-12-02T08:59:00.000+08:00

Just a week after coming back to Singapore from our short mission trip to Cambodia, two brothers from the AOG Church in Siem Reap, Cambodia came down to Singapore for a Leaders' Seminar.

Most of the team have met up with them and showed Sameth & Phola around Singapore and of course introduce them to the many nice places to eat asweel as invited them to COOS Saturday service.

It was great to have fellowship with them and to get to know more about them and vice versa. We hope to see them again in Singapore or Cambodia someday.

Cambodia Mission Trip - November 2007

2007-12-01T13:33:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

Here are some of the pictures taken from our recent short-mission trip to Cambodia on the 1-8 November '07.

Once again, we've visited Marion, our Missionary in Cambodia. She has now established herself in the town of Samraong in Oddar Menchey Province. There we help teach English in the Primary & Secondary Schools.

We thank God for using our team to bless, refresh and help Marion in whatever way in teaching English in the schools, ministering to the believers in the villages and bringing joy to the children. The time spent playing with the children in the villages and fellowshiping, sharing, and praying for the villagers was definitely one on the highlights of the trip.

We also saw the immediate needs of the people and have gained better insight and understanding on the kind of help needed and what to pray for specifically for them.

God is willing, we'll comeback again with Serene next year.

Blessings,

Mike

The Power Of God

2007-10-16T23:32:00.000+08:00

The Christian life is a life of Power.You can never be a victorious Christian without the Power of God.If there is no Power of God, you will not have a fulfilling Christian life.
Everything we do for Christ must be done with His Power.The Power of God is the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said in Acts 1:8. You shall receive Power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.
As Christians, we have been given the Holy Spirits Power.

The Power of God enables us to experience the reality of God in the supernatural.It transforms us,help us to pray and defeat the Power of darkness, sin and temptation.
This power that has overcome death has been given to us to overcome sickness and diseases,discouragement and disappointment, rejection and hurts, fear and intimidation, percecution and opposition.

The Power of God carries us through hardship and suffering. Enable us to live a life that is pleasing to God, knowing that although we are in the world, we are not of this world.
The Power of God also gives us the burden for the lost,boldness to preach, teach and minister. It makes us effective witnesses for God.enables us to fulfil His call upon our life.
Freely giving what we freely received from Him. Matt 10:8

Even Jesus himself needed the Power of God.Jesus Christ Himself operated by the same Power of the Holy Spirit.He only began His ministry after He was baptized by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus was confident in His ministry because He knew that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him.The power of God was so evident in His life that the people recognized that He ministered with authority and Power.
Jesus healed multitudes by the Power of God.
Jesus gave us the same power He had.
But there may be many Christians today who has not experienced the abundant life that Jesus died to give us.Many are struggling, sick, defeated and discouraged.
People need to see evidence of the Power of God. They want to touch,experience and be stirred to want more and more of God.

These are what we need to do to experience Gods Power.

A major thing we must do is to read the Word of God.Give yourself time to read. Spend more time reading and bring in the presence of God and believe every word that you read.
In Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing ,and hearing by the Word of God.
Let the Word of God santify you, set you free and cleanse you from all the lies and deception of the enemy.
In John 8:32. And you shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free.

Spend more time with Him in prayer. If you are really serious with God, God will be serious with you. You must be desperate for God.

Worship Him and thank him for all the things He has done in your life. You can play a tape to help you enter into the presence of God. Lift up your hands and worship Him with all your heart,soul and mind. Tell him how much you love him and how desperate you are to experience His power in your life.Seek him diligently and he will reward you.
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He exist and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Paul in Eph 6:10 encourages us as Christians, we should not only be strong in the Lord but also be strong in the power of His Might.

Contributed by : Emily Tong

Grasshoppers or Giants?

2007-10-07T17:00:00.000+08:00

by Dave Cole

There is a story in the Bible, Numbers 13 & 14, where the Lord said to Moses, "Send men to explore the land of Canaan. "This was the Promised Land the Israelites were to enter their bondage in Egypt.

The leaders of each tribe were sent to scout the land out. When they came back, there was a glowing report on the fat of the land but that is as far as it went.

Every leader, except Caleb, told Moses that the people who dwell there were very strong, in fact, too strong for them to go up against.

They said in verse 33, "We saw he giants...and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers."

Caleb was the only person who believed that they could go and conquer the giants and tried to convince the Israelites that they could do it.

Caleb indeed saw the giants, but he also saw himself as a conqueror.

Everyone else saw themselves as grasshoppers. As a result of this episode, the Israelites spent 40 years in the desert before they were allowed to enter the Land of Canaan.

The leaders of the tribes looked at the adversity and problems that lay in their path and then saw the weakness that was inside of themselves.

What are you seeing today? Are you focusing your attention on the adversities that are before you and your own weaknesses or past failures and seeing yourself as a grasshopper?

Or, are you a hero like Caleb, who indeed saw the adversities, but focused his attention on his strengths and beliefs instead!

Thanks to Janice Neo for this contribution.

Proverbs 30:24-28

2007-09-16T22:08:00.000+08:00

In any competition, there will be winners and losers based on external markers of performance. I would like to draw attention to the internal markers of character and attitudes important for any competitor, whether a winner or a loser.

How we measure against these internal markers is more important than how we measure against the external markers, for these internal markers create either a private heaven or hell for each competitor whether a winner or a loser.

Example of internal markers are diligence, humility, esteem for others and wisdom.

When we pursue progress in character and attitude, we will succeed externally along the way.

I would like to share Proverbs Chapter 30 verse 24 to 28 from the Bible about 4 things on Earth that are small but are extremely wise:

Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer, the rock badgers are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the rocks, Locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces”

When we are diligent like ants and not abandon small but consistent daily labour, we will more than survive in the global economy. The ant knows that if you have to depend on external motivation to get the job done, you are in trouble. If you have to depend on a boss, an officer, a teacher or a ruler to keep you moving, what are you going to do when there is no one looking? The secret, I think to the ant’s self-motivation is that it keeps its goal in mind all the time. Food, food, food. It pictures the delicious food in its mind. It imagines the pain of an empty stomach. It reminds itself that if it doesn’t harvest and store provisions, it won’t eat. The second lesson we need to learn from the Ant is that the ant thinks ahead. It comes up with a plan and decides what needs to be done and when. It knows that if it wants provisions through the winter it will have to work hard during the summer.

When we are humble like the rock badger, to make our home in the rock of lifelong learning, then we will never grow complacent and overconfident. The rock badger is a rare little animal that resides in parts of Southern Africa and the extreme south western part of Asia. The rock badger is a curious little creature that has features of a mixture of other animals. It has the incisors of a rodent, the molars of a rhino, the vascular system of a whale and the feet of an elephant. The rock badger makes his home in rocks and cliffs. Such a home is ideal for him. As he is slow moving he is a natural target for predators. The rock badger is wise as he is able to recognize his weakness of being feeble, weak and slow and is wise in being able to counterbalance this weakness by finding refuge, security and building his home in the rock which is an inhospitable environment ensuring that enemies keep their distance. Vulnerable as they are, they manage to arrange for rock solid homes. Similarly, the lesson we can draw from the rock badger in being wise in facing the future is in recognizing our own weaknesses and to anchor ourselves to our Rock which is our God where we can find security, protection and strength.

When we esteem others like the locusts, we will not be threatened by others’ superiority or inflated by others’ inferiority. Instead we will value the power and security of advancing in ranks where each part strengthens the whole by excelling in its unique abilities. Locusts are leaderless insects, yet they strip the field like an army regiment. Unity is strength. We need co-operation and team work to win in a battle.

When we use knowledge to be wise, we will be as the tiny lizard; nimble and fast in fleeing from captors, yet wise and gracious in seeking company with powerful giants. Lizards are easy enough to catch, but they can sneak past vigilant palace guards.

In summary, we can win in competition and have exceeding influence,
if we are

- as diligent as the ant
- as humble as the rock badgers
- Esteem others like the locust
- As wise as the lizard

Contribution by : Cheok Ping

Cell Group Makan Night

2007-08-11T21:56:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

Our cell group had an outdoor "Makan Night" on the 10th August '2007 (Friday). It was a night of good food, Birthday celebrations, fellowship, games, prayers and blessing one another. Special thanks to those who cooked & shared their cooking secrets.

All in all, there was about 19 people present, including 2 children. Praise God for the nice and cool weather and for everyone who came and contributed in making that night a special one.

God Bless and enjoy the pictures!

God Is Good all the Time!

2007-07-31T22:46:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

Just want to share this testimony that happened last Sunday from our partner/driver in the Handicapped Ministry, Michael Tay.

After Michael had alighted Susan & her maid, Dorothy, Serene & myself, he drove the church van back to Church Of Our Saviour. As he was driving along Farrer Road, suddenly all the red light appeared on the van’s panel. He suspected that something was very wrong. After testing the gear, the breaks and the signal, all seemed to be OK. So, he continued to drive as per normal. Then he noticed that the speedometer wasn’t working and also the horn and he was rather surprised that the engine didn’t stop immediately. He wasn’t able to start the van again after he reached the church. The battery was totally flat! Normally, when the battery is down, the vehicle would come to a halt.

Praise be to God, who caused the engine to run & bring the van back safely. More importantly, God spared Michael the trouble of having the van stalled mid-way on the road.

Indeed God is good all the time! Amen.

2007-06-18T00:24:00.000+08:00

DO YOU HAVE A PRODIGAL YOU WISH TO SEE COME HOME?

Join Rob Parsons, Executive Director of Care for The Family, and other believers for a time of inspiration, hope and prayer for all prodigals.

Discover how you can prepare for their return as we take a closer look probably the most powerful story Jesus ever told. The parable of the prodigal son resonates with many people who are looking for a loved one to return to God. Within it lies the promise of new beginnings, the triumph of love and forgiveness and the call for our churches to be ready when our prodigals return. Take the opportunity to lay the name of your prodigal at the foot of the cross — a simple but significant act.
Since its launch in the UK in 2003, tens of thousands have been touched by this powerful message and many prodigals have begun returning home.

Come, and invite other believers to this special event.

Date 6 & 7 July 2007
Time 7.30pm (Friday), 3.30pm (Saturday)
Venues Main Venue (for both nights): Church of Our Saviour, Auditorium
Venues with Live Video Feed (for 6 July 7.30pm, Friday only) :
Wesley Methodist Church - 5 Fort Canning RoadVictory Family Centres
THE AMARA - 165, Tanjong Pagar Road #05-01
CHOA CHU KANG - 21 Choa Chu Kang Ave 2
SEMBAWANG - 55, Sembawang Drive &
TAMPINES - 20, Tampines Street 43

ADMISSION IS FREE!

An event jointly organised by Focus on the Family and Church of Our Saviour. For enquiries, please call the church office or email info@coossg.org.

Marie Licciardo Meeting @ COOS

2007-06-16T23:57:00.002+08:00

Hi all,

On the 14th June 2007 (Thursday), Pastor Marie Licciardo of Restoration Life Church in Brisbane, Australia held a meeting for Cell Leaders and their spouses. She is especially gifted in the area of personal prophecy and has been used by the Lord to effectively minister through prophecy, teaching and preaching over the years.

After she shared briefly on the importance of knowing and putting into action the "Word of God", she began to minister to those present, one-by-one. Needless to say, everyone was blessed and received a touch from the Lord that night.

The word of prophesy that we received was :

For Serene:
"The Lord is showing....the Lord is showing you….He’s taking hold of every situation and just knowing that the Lord is your God. Casting all your cares on Him, casting everything on His hands. Nothing can by any means harm you. Healings on your body, healings on your mind. Just receive it! In Jesus Name."

For Mike:
"Stand up for Jesus, you mighty soldier of the cross. This is what the Lord is showing you : Preach the Gospel, signs and wonders and miracles will follow you as you preach the Gospel, in the Name of Jesus Christ. You are going to be bold as a lion....bold!...Bold!.....bold!"

We were blessed and received the prohesy by faith. We gave thanks to the Lord. We ask that the Lord will enable us to have an expectant heart. A heart expecting that what the Lord had promise will come to pass in His timing and for His glory. Amen!

God Bless

MIND-BINDING SPIRITS

2007-06-09T11:37:00.000+08:00

Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV), Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God,
which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

I once reached a place in my walk with God where I was having a hard time believing certain things that I had previously believed. I didn't understand what was wrong with me, and as a result, I got confused. The longer the predicament went on, the more confused I became. The unbelief seemed to be growing by leaps and bounds. I began to question my call; I thought I was losing the vision God had given me for ministry. I was miserable (unbelief always produces misery).

Two days in a row I heard this phrase coming up out of my spirit: "mind-binding spirits." The first day I didn't think much about it. However, the second day, as I began a time of intercession, I heard it again for about the fourth or fifth time: "mind-binding spirits." I knew from all the people to whom I had ministered that multitudes of believers have trouble with their minds. I thought the Holy Spirit was leading me to pray for the Body of Christ against a spirit called "mind-Binding." So I began to pray and come against mind-binding spirits in Jesus' name. After only a couple of minutes of praying, I felt a tremendous deliverance come to my own mind. It was quite dramatic.

DELIVERED FROM MIND-BINDING SPIRITS

Nearly every deliverance God has brought to me has been progressive and has come about by believing and confessing the Word of God. John 8:31-32 and Psalm 107:20 are my testimony. In John 8:31-32 Jesus says, If you abide [continue] in My word,...you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. Psalm 107:20 says of the Lord, He sends forth His word and heals them and rescues them from the pit and destruction. but this time I felt and knew immediately that something had happened in my mind. Within minutes I was able to believe again in areas I had been struggling with just prior to my time of prayer. I'll give you an example. Before being attacked by the mind-binding demons, I believe that according to the Word of God, the fact that I was a woman from Fenton, Missouri, whom no one knew, wouldn't make amy difference in my life or ministry (Gal. 3:28). When God was ready, He would open doors that no one could close (Rev. 3:8), and I would preach all over the world the practical, liberating messages He had given me. I believed I would have the privilege of sharing the Gospel throughout the nation by radio (not because of me, but in spite of me). I knew that, according to the Scriptures, God chooses weak and foolish things to confound the wise (1 Cor. 1:27). I believed that the Lord was going to use me to heal the sick. I believed that our children would be used in ministry. I believed all sorts of wonderful things that God has placed in my heart. However, when the mind-binding spirits attacked me, I couldn't seem to believe much of anything. I thought things like, "Well, I probably just made all that up. I just believed it because I wanted to, but it probably won't ever happen." But when the spirits left, the ability to believe came rushing back.

DECIDE TO BELIEVE

So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.
- Romans 8:26

As Christians, we need to learn to decide to believe. God often gives us faith (a product of the Spirit) for things that our minds just can't always seem to come into agreement with. The mind wants to understand everything - the why, the when, and the how of it all. Often, when that understanding is not given by God, the mind refuses to believe what it cannot understand.

It frequently happens that a believer knows something in his heart (his inner man), but his minds wars against it.

I had decided long before to believe what the Word says, and to believe the rhema (the revealed Word) that God gave me (the things He spoke to me or the promises He gave me personally), even if I didn't understand why, when, or how it would come to pass in my life.

But this thing I had been battling was different; it was beyond decision. I was bound by this mind-binding spirits and just couldn't bring myself to believe.

Thank God that through the Holy Spirit He showed me how to pray, and His power prevailed even though I didn't know I was praying for myself when I started.

I'm sure that you are reading this book right now because you were led to it. You too may be having problems in this area. If so, I encourage you to pray in Jesus' name. By the power of the His blood, come against "mind-binding spirits." Pray this way not just one time but any time you experience difficulty in this area.

The devil never runs out of fiery darts to throw against us when we are trying to go forward. Lift up your shield of faith and remember James 1:2-8, which teaches us that we can ask God for wisdom in trials and He will give it to us and will show us what to do.

I had a problem, a fiery dart I had not encountered before. But God showed me how to pray, and I was set free. You will be too.

Extracted from "Battlefield of the mind - Winning the Battle in Your Mind" by Joyce Meyer

Miracles Conference - 13th & 14th March 2007

2007-03-11T22:34:00.000+08:00

Batam Getaway

2007-03-04T07:32:00.000+08:00

Recently Mike and myself went to Batam, Indonesia for 1 night and 2 days getaway over the Chinese New Year Holidays. During our first day we went around the Shopping Centres and came to this Matahari Mega Mall. We ate our lunch and decided we stay until dinner time. But, for some reason I deciced that we try going to Batam City Square thinking that there were more places to eat in that Shopping Mall.

So after haggling with the taxi driver on how much was the fair to Batam City Square. As we were walking we realised that we went to the right place....there are more places to eat here. Since it was still early for dinner, we decided to kill the time by exploring the shops. One shop that caugt our eye was a small Christian Shop called, "Faith Gift Shop". We went in. Only one young lady was there manning the shop. I looked for an item to buy as a gift for my youngest niece since her Birthday is coming soon. We ask the lady in the shop if she is a Christian, since the shop looked western and cosmopolitan and the name "Faith" is very christian in characteristic. She said her name is Yati and she has been attending a church called "Tabqha", in English means "Bethel".

The next morning while going to breakfast, we heard christian music from the hotel. We realised that it was Sunday and we went to the meeting hall after breakfast. There was a local congregation with teacher teaching Sunday School outside the conference room. We were invited to attend the service. The speaker was wearing the Chinese tradtional silk suit and the interpretator was speaking in Mandarin. We enjoyed the sermon, the dance presentation and were warmly welcomed. The wife of the interpretator, we found later was the owner of the Faith Gift Shop. And the Pastor's wife knows Pastor Gilbert Kong of COOS. It was really God-incidental and we enjoyed the meaningful Chinese New Year break away from home. (Actually we thought of hiring a cab to visit the island, but we did not as we felt that God wanted us to bless the local church by joining the service).

On the way back, I had a vision of a monitor lizard with a red fire cracker under its belly disappearing. We felt that the monitor lizard represent the Devil with its evil plan wanting to harm us, but because we obeyed God by attending joining the congregation, we were protected. We had missed our scheduled ferry because we were late, but we still managed to get on the next ferry without having to pay extra charges).

Praise God for the opportunity to fellowship with some of the Christian brothers & sisters in Batam.

God Bless,
Serene Darvin

THE FOUR VOICES IN WORSHIP

2007-02-15T07:04:00.000+08:00

The first voice in the dialogue with God is your praise. You offer it. It birthed in your desire to proclaim Jesus as Lord of your life. We bring the sacrifice of praise in the face of opposition. Praise causes you to focus on the throne in the face of the Four Forces (Geppert, 2001).

The second voice in the dialogue is the release to worship. This is different from praise. Worship is initiated in your spirit by the Holy Spirit. It is the inclusion of the Attack Lamb in the timing and anthem of heavenly expression. True worship is occurring as you allow the Holy Spirit to set you free from the preoccupation caused by the presence of the Four Forces. You are giving all trust to the Lord as you worship.

Flowing with the Spirit, you begin to declare the worth of God. This is initiated in your spirit as the depth of devotion divulges the desire of the born-again heart. This draws open the curtains of intimacy with Christ. This worship invites His participation in further dialogue.

The third voice is that of blessing. He will speak a promise to your heart. In corporate worship, the gifts of the Spirit will manifest. Jesus is a blessing the believer or congregation with an answer to their needs. Because He is manifest both in corporate and private devotion, we must develop the discipline of worship to release the blessings He has for us.

The fourth and final voice is returning thanks to Him, which is a form of praise. The conversation is complete as we return thanks, and the process begins again. When we have this dialogue as a discipline incorporated in our daily experience, we begin to hear the heart of God for our family, our church, our city or our school. The discipline of worship is God’s school to teach you His voice.

He speaks today, as always, to give direction to the deliverers of this age. Those who are His children hear His voice, and enter into dialogue with Him for the benefit of the nations.

Extracted from : The Attack Lambs – Prayer That Changes The World by Mark Geppert.

MY IDENTITY IN CHRIST

2007-02-04T20:14:00.000+08:00

I AM ACCEPTED......

John 1:12............I am a child of God.
John 15:15...........I am Jesus' chosen friend.
Rom. 5:1.............I am holy and accepted by God (justified)
1 Cor. 6:1...........I am united to the Lord and am one with Him.
1 Cor. 6:19,20.......I have been bought with a price.I belong to God.
1 Cor. 12:27.........I am a part of Christ's body, part of His family.
Eph. 1:1.............I am a saint, a holy one.
Eph. 1:5.............I have been bought back (redeemed) and forgiven of all my sins.
Col. 2:10............I am complete in Christ.

I AM SECURE.........

Rom. 8:1,2...........I am free forever from punishment.
Rom. 8:28............I am sure all things work together for good.
Rom. 8:31f...........I am free from any condemning charges against me.
Col. 3:3.............I am hidden with Christ in God.
Phil. 1:6............I am sure that the good work that God has started in me will be finished.
Eph. 2:19............I am a citizen of heaven with the rest of God's family.
Heb. 4:16............I can find grace and mercy in times of need.
1 John 5:18..........I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.

I AM SIGNIFICANT.......

Matt. 5:13, 5:14.....I am salt and light for everyone around me.
John 15:1,5..........I am part of the true vine, joined to Christ and able to produce lots of fruit.
John 15:16...........I am handpicked by Jesus to bear fruit.
Acts 1:8.............I am Spirit-empowered witness of Christ.
1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19....I am a temple where the Holy Spirit lives.
2 Cor. 5:17f.........I am at peace with God and He has given me the work of making peace between Himself and other people.
2 Cor. 6:1...........I am God's co-worker.
Eph. 2:6.............I am seated with Christ in heaven.
Eph. 2:10............I am God's building project, His handiwork, created to do His work.
Phil. 4:13...........I am able to do all things through Christ who gives me strength!

2007-01-11T23:44:00.000+08:00

Experience the Healing Power of Jesus
Know someone who needs healing? Invite them to these Healing Services!

Date 27 January 2007 (Saturday)
Time 4pm (Bilingual)

Date 28 January 2007 (Sunday)
Time 8.30 & 10.30am (English).

Speaker Pastor Joan Hunter
A dynamic teacher hailing from USA with over 30 years of ministry in healing, Pastor Joan believes in the healing of the whole man.

2007-01-07T20:13:00.000+08:00

This is an Outreach program on 31 Jan 2006, 7.30pm in COOS.

It will be a night of songs, music , dance and games hosted by our local TV celebrities.
One of them is the TV actor Moses Lim.

Entry is by TICKETS only - $5 per person. You can purchase them at COOS.

2006-12-28T07:28:00.000+08:00

Submit your prayer requests to :

Church Of Our Saviour (COOS)
Blk 203 (Wing B), Henderson Road #07-09,
Singapore 159546
Tel: (65) 6885 0700 Fax: (65) 6278 0130

Or E-mail it to :
healing@coossg.org or info@healingroomssingapore.com

Outreach To Elderly - 16 December 2006

2006-12-26T16:59:00.000+08:00

Hi folks,

First of all, many thanks to the Lord for allowing us the opportunity to bless and extend God's love to the elderly this Christmas season. Secondly, thanks to Pastors Pauline & Ronnie Lee & Rosalind Ang for organising and making the outreach possible. Lastly, thank you to all who have generously given their time & effort in volunteering to help out. May the Lord bless all of you richly for your compassion, commitment & service. In total, there were 18 elderly (on wheelchairs), 10 Workers from the centre, 21 Cell members from 3 Cell groups with 3 children and 3 guests participated in the event.

As requested by the elderly from United Medicare Centre at Toa Payoh Lorong 6, we brought to Jurong Birdpark and spent the afternoon there. The programme consisted of singing carols in the bus, panorail ride, Bird performance, refreshment break, Penguin enclosure visit, games, short sharing & distribution of gifts. It was a very interesting experience for many of us first-timers in this type of outreach. Nevertheless, all have gone away with good memories and the satisfaction in blessing and spreading Christmas cheer to the elderly.

So, enjoy the highlights from the Outreach.

Blessings,
Mike Darvin

COOS X'mas Thanksgiving Feast - 25 Dec' 2006

2006-12-17T23:59:00.000+08:00

Come & join us this Christmas
in Celebration & Thanksgiving
to Our Lord for blessing us
and family!

Mission Trip to Cambodia

2006-11-13T23:14:00.000+08:00

Quite and adventure and eye-opener! That's how I describe my recent Cambodia Short-Mission Trip. We left Singapore to Siem Reap, Cambodia on the 22nd-27th of October 2006. Although the trip was only for 6 days, 4 days where packed with activities, travelling from village to village, getting to know, praying, sharing God's love and blending in with the locals and of course....getting to know Marion, our COOS Missionary in Cambodia.

Here's a brief information on Cambodia that I gathered :
1. Cambodia (short name) - Kingdom of Cambodia (long name).
2. Fomerly known as Kampuchea.
3. It is country is Southeast Asis on the Gulf of Thailand and bordered
by Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
4. Population - 12 Million (estimated)
5. Language Spoken - Khmer (official) 95%, others (French, English, etc) 5%.
6. Capital city - Phnom Pehn (largest City). Siem Reap is the second largest city.

We thank the Lord, Jesus Christ for his provision, protection and guidance throughout the trip and for making it a memorable one. Indeed all of us in the team have been blessed with a new sense of God's love, hope and compassion for the nations.

So if you want to see for yourselves how God is moving in the world today and be a part of it.....sign-up and go for mission trip!

God bless,
Mike

Kukup Trip - 28 Oct 2006

2006-10-29T18:32:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone,
Enjoy the highlights of our recent Kukup Trip.

Many thanks again to Patrick for organising the trip...
job well done!!!

God bless,
Mike

Cell Meeting with Pastor Ronnie

2006-10-22T00:18:00.000+08:00

Pastor Ronnie stopped by to visit our Cell Group on the 20th October 2006. His reason for coming....to see Priscilla (Cheok Ping's daughter) play guitar and lead worship! Needless to say - we had great time!

One thing to take note though : In the pictures almost all wearing specs (except Priscilla Kang). Welcome to the 4-eyes Club Homecell!

Enjoy the pictures,

Mike

Prophet T.B. Joshua

2006-10-08T20:58:00.000+08:00

Check out the links below for more info:

http://www.nationalhealingcampaign.com/

http://www.themaninthesynagogue.org/allsets.htm

Psalms for Modern Life

2006-09-18T07:08:00.000+08:00

When It Looks Like You have Failed......

2006-09-16T21:36:00.000+08:00

Lord, are you trying to tell me something? For
Failure does not mean I’m a failure;
It does mean I have not succeeded.
Failure does not mean I have been a fool;
It does mean I had enough faith to experiment.
Failure does not mean I’ve been disgraced;
It does mean I dared to try.
Failure does not mean I am inferior;
It does mean I am not perfect.
Failure does not mean I don’t have it;
It does mean I have to do something in a different way.
Failure does not mean I’ve wasted my life;
it does mean I have an excuse to start over again.
Failure does not mean I should give up;
It does mean I must try harder.Failure does not mean I’ll never make it;
It does mean I need more patience.
Failure does not mean You have abandoned me;
It does mean You must have a better idea.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

( Based on Pastor Derek's Sermon Series :God In Your Work Part 11 - Making Friends With Failure )

My Visit to Western China

2006-09-12T22:12:00.000+08:00

I thought it would be good to devote some time for God before starting off my career again.

I joined COOS mission to Xinjiang for 10 days. We took off at about 9am to arrive Guangzhou at about 1.30pm. Took another 5 hours flight to Urumuqi and transit to Kashgar our destination.

This trip opened my eyes to the fights that were waged over the past 3000 years.(Mongolians, Germans, Russians, Iranians, Han Chinese, Turks etc.) Before that, my world view consists of my environments and perhaps things that took place in the past 200 years.

Kashgar is the cultural centre of the Uyghurs, Urumuqi is the Capital of Xinjiang Automomous Region of China. Tian Shan which is to the north of Kashgar is the place of legendary "Snow Lotus" which supposingly have healing power for any known poison.

The region of vast desert is part of the Silk Road where the Westerns traded for China (porcelian), silk textile, and gun powder. While preparing for this trip, I researched into the languages of the Uyghurs and its inter-relations with their allies and enemies. This place is a melting pot of the east and the west. Some of the Uyghurs are of European stock, some of Chinese stock and the Tajiks looked very European, a seller on the opening field near Karakul Lake adjacent to the Muztaghta Mountain told us that she is a Krygyz. The land we viewed very so barren and dry that it is not difficult to envisualise their hardship in making a living. The Stone City was once a "Paris" of today, but now it's a total desolation. We wept and interceded for the restoration of this region.

God Bless,

Serene Darvin

Hearts Ablaze for Jesus

2006-09-03T21:57:00.000+08:00

Calling all the ladies!

This is a WOMEN-ONLY event, for ladies who love worshipping the Lord. Come and encouter Him! Let Him stir your hearts and spirits and catch His all consuming fire!

Don't forget, it's on the 29th September 2006 (Friday) @ Church of Our Saviour Auditorium

A Night of Fellowship

2006-08-22T13:31:00.000+08:00

About two weeks ago, Donald Wee paid us a visit and stayed over for the night.
We had a good time of Fellowship and of course....a wonderful time of playing the guitar and singing Praise & Worship songs!

It was good to see and hear once again, Donald's unique and distinctly "his own" style of playing the guitar and singing.

The Lumber Song

2006-08-21T09:22:00.000+08:00

Remember this passage in the Bible found in John 14:2 (KJV), " In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you". Well, this song was based on this passage.

The Lumber Song (by Eli)

Said a friend to friend one day:
Was a man who passed away.
St. Peter met him at the gate.
Pete said: Walk with me if you will,
I'll take you to the house you built.
Man said: I can't wait.
Passed a mansion made of stone.
But with each house he's shown,
They get smaller by degrees.
Stopped in front of a two room shack.
Pete said: Hope you're happy with that.
Man said: How can this be?

Pete say: That's all the lumber,
That's all the lumber,
That's all the lumber you sent
Looks like the builder - man,
He's got your number
That all the lumber you sent

Man didn't know what to say
Poor guy was blown away
Said: You mean this is what I deserve?
Pete said: I'm afraid it's so
It's too late but now you know
Shoulda done better work
Said: You mean not lie and cheat
And helpin' old ladies across the street?
Pete says: Well that's a start
Remember that man back in that
great big house?
He found out early what it's all about
Built that place with his heart - as for you

Chorus:
That's all the lumber -
That's all the lumber
That's all the lumber you sent
Looks like the builder - man,
He's got your number
That's all the lumber you sent

What if that man was me
And all failed that miserably
You're showin' me things
I don't wanna see
St Peter if you could
Send me back to earth again
Is that somethin' you can do?
Pete said: It ain't up to me
If It was I'd like to see
How you plan to improve
Said: I'd love God and fellow man.
Take a wife and make a stand.
Be the givin'est guy I can be
And when I get back to this
neighborhood
There'd be a gigantic pile of wood.
And I'd say: What this I see?
- and you tell me:

Chorus:
That's all the lumber - all that's
your lumber
That's all the lumber you sent
Big Boss'll help you - hammer it
all together
That's all the lumber you sent

Cell Group Meeting - 11 August 2006

2006-08-12T13:50:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

Thank God for Fridays! We had a wonderful time praising & worshipping the Lord, sharing testimonies of God's goodness, listening & being inspired once again by God's servant : David Allbritton, praying & ministering to one another and of course.....fellowship & feasting together!

We thank God for bringing to our meeting our two visitors : Priscilla Kang & Anna Yee. So, enjoy the highlights & thanks for your Birthday wishes!

God Bless you all,

Mike & Serene

The Cell Group that prays together....stays together!

Our Prayer Warriors in action!

Now it's FAT- lowship time!

Our Birthday celebrants & our dear Ladies in Red!

****************************************************************************

Feeling inadequate? Read on.......

2006-08-06T17:48:00.000+08:00

Nick Vujicic's Testimony

James 1:2
- "Consider it pure joy, my Brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds."

......To count our hurt, pain and struggle as nothing but pure joy? As my parents were Christians, and my Dad even a Pastor of our church, they knew that verse very well. However, on the morning of the 4th of December 1982 in Melbourne (Australia ), the last two words on the minds of my parents was "Praise God!". Their firstborn son had been born without limbs! There were no warnings or time to prepare themselves for it. The doctors we shocked and had no answers at all! There is still no medical reason why this had happened and Nick now has a Brother and Sister who were born just like any other baby.

The whole church mourned over my birth and my parents were absolutely devastated. Everyone asked, "if God is a God of Love, then why would God let something this bad happen to not just anyone, but dedicated Christians?" My Dad thought I wouldn't survive for very long, but tests proved that I was a healthy baby boy just with a few limbs missing.

Understandably, my parents had strong concern and evident fears of what kind of life I'd be able to lead. The first biggest hurdle was for my parents to be at peace and trusting that God was in control. It took a number of months of tears, questions and grief before that complete overtook their hearts. God provided them strength, wisdom and courage through those early years and soon after that I was old enough to go to school.

There are a few people who assume that because of my physical disability that it meant that I'd also be mentally disabled. The law in Australia didn't allow me to be integrated into a main-stream school because of my physical disability. God did miracles and gave my Mom the strength to fight for the law to be changed. I was one of the first disabled students to be integrated into a main-stream school.

I liked going to school, and just try to live life like everyone else, but it was in my early years of school where I encountered uncomfortable times of feeling rejected, weird and bullied because of my physical difference. It was very hard for me to get used to, but with the support of my parents, I started to develop attitudes and values which helped me overcome these challenging times. I knew that I was different but on the inside I was just like everyone else. There were many times when I felt so low that I wouldn't go to school just so I didn't have to face all the negative attention. I was encouraged by my parents to ignore them and to try start making friends by just talking with some kids. Soon the students realized that I was just like them, and starting there God kept on blessing me with new friends.

There were times when I felt depressed and angry because I couldn't change the way I was, or blame anyone for that matter. I went to Sunday School and learnt that God loves us all and that He cares for you. I understood that love to a point as a child, but I didn't understand that if God loved me why did He make me like this? Is it because I did something wrong? I thought I must have because out of all the kids at school, I'm the only weird one. I felt like I was a burden to those around me and the sooner I go, the better it'd be for everyone. I wanted to end my pain and end my life at a young age, but I am thankful once again, for my parents and family who were always there to comfort me and give me strength.

Due to my emotional struggles I had experienced with bullying , self esteem and loneliness, God has implanted a passion of sharing my story and experiences to help others cope with whatever challenge they have in their life and let God turn it into a blessing. To encourage and inspire others to live to their fullest potential and not let anything get in the way of accomplishing their hopes and dreams.

As I grew older God continued to prepare my heart and teach me to seek Him. One of the first lessons that I have learnt was not to take things for granted. I had that wake up call around the age of twelve and realised just how much I was blessed with. I take my foot for granted, my family and the fact that I wasn't born in a third world country all blessings that God had freely given and I still complain? I came across;

Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the best for those who love Him." That verse spoke to my heart and convicted me to the point where that I know that there is no such thing as luck, chance or coincidence that these "bad" things happen in our life. In;

James 1:3&4 - "...know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

I had complete peace knowing that God won't let anything happen to us in our life unless He has a good purpose for it all. I completely gave my life to Christ at the age of fifteen after reading John 9. Jesus said that the reason the man was born blind was "so that the works of God may be revealed through Him." I truly believed that God would heal me so I could be a great testimony of His Awesome Power. Later on I was given the wisdom to understand that if we pray for something, if it's God's will, it'll happen in His time. If it's not God's will for it to happen, then I know that He has something better. I now see that Glory revealed as He is using me just the way I am and in ways others can't be used.

I am now twenty-one years old and have completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planning and Accounting. I am also a motivational speaker and love to go out and share my story and testimony wherever opportunities become available. I have developed talks to relate to and encourage students through topics that challenge today's teenagers. I am also a speaker in the corporate sector. For more information on Nick's presentations go to "Nick's Ministry".

In recent years, I have learnt to become independent and can now take care of all my personal needs. I can do everything from brushing my teeth, combing my hair, dressing up, taking care of my personal hygiene and even shaving. I get around the house by jumpin' around and, outside the house, I get around in an electric wheelchair. I love to swim, fish and play soccer. I have a passion for reaching out to youth and keep myself available for whatever God wants me to do, and wherever He leads, I follow.

I have many dreams and goals that I have set to achieve in my life. I want to become the best witness I can be of God's Love and Hope, to become an international inspirational speaker and be used as a vessel in both Christian and non-Christian venues. I want to become financially independent by the age of 25, through real estate investments, to modify a car for me to drive and to be interviewed and share my story on the "Oprah Winfrey Show"! Writing several best-selling books has been one of my dreams and I hope to finish writing my first by the end of the year. It will be called "No Arms, No Legs, No Worries!"

You might think these goals are too far-fetched. However, I believe that if you have the desire and passion to do something, and if it's God's will, you will achieve it in good time. As humans, we continually put limits on ourselves for no reason at all! What's worse is putting limits on God who can do all things. We put God in a "box". The awesome thing about the Power of God, is that if we want to do something for God, instead of focusing on our capability, concentrate on our availability for we know that it is God through us and we can't do anything without Him. Once we make ourselves available for God's work, guess whose capabilities we rely on? God's!

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 God has a Great Purpose for your life! As far as your unanswered prayers, remember that God is Faithful. What are we to do when we are seeking but not finding?

Jeremiah 29:12 - "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord...

Take courage my friend for the Battle is the Lord's and I urge you to keep striving for the truth. For it is the truth that will set you free and the Peace of God that surpasses all understanding will reign in your heart. May the Lord Bless you as you diligently seek Him and grant you Godly Wisdom and Strength through your journey.

If you know of an audience which may benefit from hearing Nick's story please contact us at lifewithoutlimbs@yahoo.com - Have a look and see if Nick is speaking in your local area!

In Christ,
Nick Vujicic

Fire Flies

2006-08-05T11:13:00.000+08:00

About two Fridays ago, I went for my company trip to Sebana Cove Resort, Kota Tinggi. It was located at the Southern-most tip of Malaysia. The Resort is the gateway to what is now commonly known as the "Caribbean of the East", an area encompassing the islands and waters of the south China Sea and the Southern Malay Archipelago (at least that's what it says on their brochure).

Everyone was looking forward to a nice break from the hectic work schedule. We left Singapore's Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal around 6:45pm. The Ferry service was delayed, somehow we had a feeling that it would. We've reached our destination an hour later. By then it was dark already. Getting off the boat and walking up the jetty, you could hear the cricket sounds as we walk past mangroves trees leading to the reception area.

After Checking-in, some of us stayed at the resort to prepare a sumpteous barbecue dinner. While those who wanted to see the "Fire Flies" followed the guides who will drive this small boats out into the river to see the fireflies in their natural habitat. I went with my boss, her two sons, a colleague and the Associate Director. There was 7 of us on the boat (plus the driver/ guide). We were all eager to go as most of us have not seen fire flies before. So with great excitement, we set-off out into the river in our small boat.

The boat stated very slowly out into the river. It was very dark and the waters was very still, almost not moving. The only lights we could see were those guiding the entry to the marina. As our boat left the marina, it began to speed up and immediately we could feel the cool wind and evening breeze in our faces. Quite a refreshing experience. Everything around us was almost pitch black. You could only see silhouettes of the trees. I began to wonder how the boat driver could steer the boat in this darkness.

With all this darkness, we can't help but to look up to the night sky. We began to appreciate looking at the clear night sky with all those twinkling stars...so many of them. What a sight! After all, you don't get this much chances to look up at the stars and appreciate them back in Singapore. Quietly in my heart, I praise God for the stars, the moon & heavenly bodies in the sky that He had created. I began to once again acknowledge the truth, that He is the "Great Creator" of all things.

A few minutes passed by, and still on sight of the fire flies or any twinkling of sign of light. Then the motor of the boat slowed down and we started to slowly drift closer into the mangroves trees nearby. Our eyes are all wide open in anticipation, hoping to see a flicker on light. Then, there it was one...two.....three.....so many of them lighting the trees. "Like lights on a Christmas Tree", was everyone's response. It was an amazing site!, worth the many minutes lwaiting and searching for them. The boat driver gently manuevered the small boat closer to fire flies avoid getting caught between the branches of the trees. Then, he handed us two plastic bags and "Do you want to catch some of them?" Of course, we said yes! So we tried to get closer to them to catch some. It took us a while to catch some of them, with the help of the driver of course. My boss' two sons were some excited and tried to catch as much as the can. Some of the fire flies even tried flying directly into our hands.

We spend about 20-30 minutes catching fire flies. We caught about 12-15 of them. All were admiring them inside the plastic bags as they flash their lights on and off. "Such amazing creature", I told my collegue. All of us wondered how long will they survive inside the bags? We thought, as long as they are still alive by the time we get back to the resort so we could proudly show the rest our prized catch.

So our boat turned and started heading back to the resort. On the way back, I began to thank God for the wonderful experience. We reached the resort, had a great barbecue dinner with the rest of our collegues, chit-chat and enjoyed the rest of the evening. Then we called it a night and retired to our rooms. Before going to bed, thoughts of the fire fly encounter lingered in my head. As if the Holy Spirit was telling something that I didn't noticed earlier. the Holy Spirit in me dropped this revelation; that the fire flies are us. We Christians, like the Fire flies are to shine our light in this world full of darkness. We are the hope for hopeless. Just as my colleagues and I were so eager to see the fire flies, so are those people eager to see hope and light into their bleak and aimless lives.

You see, the fire flies are small insects; their only about 5mm in size. Just one of them does not really make much light in the darkness. But, when they are joined in together......what a difference it makes. In the same way, some of us may say, "I alone, cannot make a difference in this world". That is why we need the fellowship and the help of the "Body of Christ". Together we will shine brightly for the Lord to those people looking and searching for the light in the darkness. God is light, and His light shines through us.

"You are the light of the world - like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all." - Matthew 5:14-15

"The night is far spent, the day at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light". - Romans 13:12

"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever'. - Daniel 12:3

Let's Shine On for Jesus!

Mike

Game Plan

2006-08-02T23:13:00.000+08:00

I was walking back to my office after a site meeting the other day, when this banner outside a church along Penang Road caught my eye.

The banner reads, "What's The Score For Your Life? Follow the game plan - Seek Christ, the Master Coach of Life."

Anyone suffering from Post-World Cup fever? Let Jesus Christ be your "Master Coach" and score those important goals in your life today.

God bless

Day of His Power! - 8 August 2006

2006-07-31T00:51:00.000+08:00

Prophetic Song

2006-07-31T00:02:00.000+08:00

Hi. Just want to share this song with you all. The lyrics are quite "Prophetic" & encourage.

Hope you'll be blessed by it.

WHEN YOU SEE BONES by Brian Houston

When the ones you love and trust
Hurt and destroy you
Though you may be discouraged
Certainly don’t think of giving up
When you are Broken
When you are wounded
Forgive those who persecute you
For it’s alright to be broken
And it is no shame to cry

But I do not want you to remain
In that place of brokenness
Even though I am in that place with you
Still I do not want you to stay there

CHORUS:
When you see bones
I can see the army
When you see floods
I see the shore
When you see dry (desert) winds blow
I see (feel) the new life grow
When you see the clouds in your way
It is the Lord

Like I delivered Moses out from the
desert place
So I will lead you through
You will see a fire in the night
And a pillar of cloud in the day
And I will go before you
And If you can forgive then when
your soul is really mended
You will see there is gold, pure gold
Real gold of great worth in your life

Oh, but I do not want you to remain
In that place of brokenness
Even though I am in that place with you
Still I do not want you to remain there
No, no, no, no, I do not want you to remain
In the land of your affliction
No, no, no, I do not want you to stay there
In the land of your broken dreams
For you see, for you see….

(Repeat CHORUS)

To know the Lord your God dwell
within you
Live beside you and walk behind you
This is the pure gold I am talking about
That cannot be consumed by fire
Or stolen away form you by human hands
This is the gold of ministry that you have
longed for
That you have lain awake at night
on your bed dreaming of
And you need to know that I have been
Wishing for you, dreaming in you,
hoping for you
For my dreams are so much greater
for you than yours
And it know my hand in your life
This is the greatest prize
So much better than recognition
And as you rise up in me
Many will know, many will see
Many will hear, many will fear
‘Cause I am your God
This is the pure gold that I am
refining in you
That will shine within your soul
And your cup will run over
And you will see the fruit of you labours
And you will not be disappointed forever
For your toils and your struggles
are not in vain

(Repeat CHORUS)

Give Me This Mountan

2006-07-27T07:01:00.000+08:00

Extracted from, "The Bumps are what you climb on" (by Warren W. Wiersbe)

Every nation has its forgotten heroes, and this is true of Old Testament history as well. We readily think of men like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, or David. But how often do we hear about a man named Caleb? When Caled was eighty-five years old, hecame to Joshua to claim his inheritance in the Promised Land. He sais, "Now therefore give me this mountain." What an example Caleb is for us today!

When the nation of Israel neared the Promised Land, Moses sent twelve men onto the land to spy it out. The men came back with a glowing report of the riches in the land and even brought samples of the fruit. They had clusters of grapes so large that it took two men to carry them. But, sad to say, ten of the twelve men had absolutely no faith that God could give them the land. They saw only the walled cities and the giants who lived in them. However, two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, tried to convincedthe people that God was able to give them victory, but alas, the majority ruled, and the nation turned back into the wilderness. They wandered for forty years, until all of that unbelieving generation died-except Moses, Josua and Caleb

God did lead His people into the Promised Land. Joshua led them across the Jordan River and into the land, and they won victory after victory. Then it came time for the people to claim their share of the inheritance, and that was when Caleb said, "Give me this mountain". Caleb didn't ask
an easy place; he asked for a difficult place. The Bible tells us that this mountain was inhabited by a race of gaints who lived in walled cities; but these obstacles didn't stop Caleb. He asked for the mountain, and by faith in God, he claimed that mountain, and by faith in God, he claimed that mountain and gave it fo his family for generations to come.

What are some of the lessons we learn from this forgotten hero, Caleb? For one thing, we learn that the defeats of others need not make us losers as well. Because of the unbelief of the ten spies and the rest of Israel, Caleb had to wander in the wilderness for forty years, when he could have been enjoyed his inheritance. But Caleb didn't give up just because the majority was wrong. Caleb continued to trust God, knowing that one day he would claim his inheritance.

Perhaps you are suffering because of another's mistakes or sins. Look at Caleb and learn the importance of trusting God in spite of what others do. Like Caleb, we can afford to wait, knowing that one day God is going to honor our faith and give us our inheritance. Caleb's body may have been in the wilderness, but his heart was in the Promised Land. Isn't that the way we Christians should live? Our citizenship is in heaven - our hearts ought to be in heaven. Keep trusting the Lord; your inheritance is secure with Him.

The more I think about Caleb, that mighty Old Testament hero, the more I appreciate him. He was certainly a man of faith: though the rest of the nation doubted God, Caleb believed God and was sure that one day he would get his promised reward. But there is a second lesson he teaches us: age is no barrier to making conquests for the Lord. Here was a man eighty-five years old! And he is asking for a mountain! Not just any mountain, but a mountain controlled by a tribe of great and mighty warriors. Eighty-five is a good age to settle down in some comfortable valley, but Caleb asked for a mountain.

If the years are adding up and you think your work is done, dismiss that idea from your mind. These were not declining years for Caleb; they were years of going higher! He wanted to live in the mountain! How important it is to have an optimistic, enthusiastic attitude toward life. Caleb didn't say that his best years were over; he said that his best years were yet to come. Granted, Caleb was still in good health; and this means a lot. But Caleb's power came from his faith in God. He knew that God was able to overcome the enemy and give him his inheritance. "And this is the victory that overcomes... even our faith." To complain is to sin; to worry is to sin; but to trust God for the future and claim His inheritance is to enter into a life of joy and satisfaction. I don't know what mountain of debt before you - medical bills or some other obligation. Perhaps it is a mountain of suffering, or you may be facing surgery. Don't look upon that mountain as an enemy to shun: look upon it as an inheritance to claim. Ask God to give you that mountain, and trust Him to see you through to victory.

Caleb is a man who teaches us to look ahead and not back. When the nation of Israel finally did enter the Promised Land, Caleb could have sat down and pouted. He could have reminded the rulers that he had been in the minority - he had reviewed those forty years of wasted wandering and complained about hem. But he didn't! Instead of looking back, Caleb looked ahead and claimed his mountain.

There is some value in looking back. Moses told the people to remember the way God had led them, and he warned them not to forget what God had led them. In the Lord's Supper we look back to remember Christ and His death for us on the cross. But we also look ahead to the time when Christ will come again for His people. No, looking back in itself is not a sin. But when looking back keeps us from looking ahead, then we are disobeying God.

Caleb didn't look back. He looked ahead and trusted God to give him a victorious future. Caleb's motto was, "The best is yet to come!" And isn't that the motto of evey true Christian? There are always new blessings to receive, new lessons to learn, new victories to win. Life would be terribly boring if Gd didn't bring new challenges to our lives from time to time.

The beautiful thing about Caleb's victory is that he was able to leave the mountain inheritance to his family. His children and grandchildren enjoyed that mountain in the years that followed. The decisions we make in life affect other people. If we run from the challenges of life, then we lose that inheritance to leave to others. But if, like Caleb, we face the challenges honestly and claim them by faith, then we enrich our inheritance, and this means blessings to others.

Whenever I think of Caleb, I think of Jesus Christ. He faced a mountain one day called Calvary. It was on Calvary that Jesus would die for the sins of the world and thereby claim the greatest inheritance in history. He would make it possible for sinners to become the children of God and enter into heaven. He would leave behind for us a magnificent inheritance. The apostle Peter tells us that this inheritance is "incorruptible, and undefiled and fades not away." Caleb had a fight many battles against the giants to claim his inheritance. Jesus fought one battle on Calvary, and gave His life to secure the victory; and now He reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and we reign with Him as we yield ourselves to Him.

If you want to claim your mountain, begin by surrendering to Christ. He alone can give you the faith and courage to face life and conquer the enemy.

Brothers from Batam

2006-07-23T23:41:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

Remember Yusi, Othniel & Yason? They've visited our cell last February '06.Serene & myself have managed to catch up with the two brothers during their last week before going back to Batam.

Mike

(L-R) Yason, Othniel, Kevin & Mike

(L-R) Othniel, Yason & Serene

(L-R) Othniel, Mike & Yason

_________________________________________

Homecell Lunch @ Zi Yean Restaurant (25 June 2006)

2006-07-23T23:17:00.000+08:00

"Good food! Hmmmmm......where to go next?"

(L-R) Jennifer, Ivy, Janice, Jannis, Cheok Ping, Kim Lian, Jillian, Patrick, Mike & Serene
Photo Taken by Priscilla (Cheok Ping's Daughter)

(L-R) Patrick, Mike, Serene, Jennifer, Ivy, Janice, Jannis, Cheok Ping, Kim Lian & Jillian
Photo Taken by Priscilla (Cheok Ping's Daughter)