A short while back, I attended the Modern Levites Conference organised by our church's Celebration Team. This is a short reflection of my learning from the conference. In the light of post 100k, God showed me how to continue to be a blessing in the marketplace beyond the 100K Campaign.
We are called to impact lives. Especially as levites, who we are on stage should be what we are off stage: Be authentic.
My aplication: To constantly check my life if I am walking right with God and to be a fragrance of the knowledge of God on and off stage especially.
God taught me this during my recent business trip to Taiwan. One of my clients shared that he contracted cancer and I began to share about the life of one of my collegues who also had cancer but he believed in Jesus and was healed miraculously. I then taught my client and his wife to pray to Jesus. Although I left not knowing if they would pray or where this will lead to, I could see the tinge of hope in their eyes and believed that they were touched by the hope and testimony.
Just that morning, I had prayed that I will be a market place minister and speak the word of God boldly, remembering that church begins on Monday. God showed me through my chat and time with my client that I could just share simply about the healing power of God without being “threatening”. They don’t have to believe in Jesus there and then by saying the sinner’s prayer right there but they can be taught to seek God and pray to Him which I believe is more powerful as God will hear their prayers directly and touch them. I will just be available as a messenger who helps spread the fragrance of the knowledge of God.
God also reminded me that He will provide and will not short change us if we keep walking right in Him and do the right thing which at most times counter the world’s belief/view.
The same client had to remit back a huge sum of funds for his treatment. It is taboo for us to allow clients to draw out funds and we will normally stop the outflow by whatever means possible. However, I helped him remit out immediately for his immediate medical needs, trusting God that He will provide for the inflow other places somehow. True enough, just over the next 2 days, 2 of my other clients remitted in more than 150% of that outflow while I am still away on business trip! Praise God for He is good!
“ Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” 2 Cor 2:14-15
Esther Tan
Ps Josephine's 12
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Spreading the fragrance of the knowledge of God
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Singled out by God
Just 2 days ago, Yu Da joined us for service at expo again for the second time. If you do not know by now, Yu Da is one of the 100k we have blessed. He is a Chinese national who has migrated to Singapore together with his family for his studies.
Interestingly, before he joined us at Expo, he went to another kind of 'service' at the a Buddhist temple with his mother.
During the sermon, it was quite hard on him to fully comprehend the words from Pastor Khong and by the time I explained a phrase to him, we would have missed whatever that SP would have said for the next few sentences. It finally seem to have taken a toll on him when he turned off his pocket dictionary, took off his glasses and shut his eyes. I thought he was sleeping but to my surprise, he suddenly sprang up to ask me what did SP just meant. He was just taking a rest I guess. (Read on...)
I thought to myself, 'Well, perhaps he ain't gonna make the decision to follow Jesus this week but it's ok, I'm sure he will be here next week, so there ain't no rush to push him'.
It was heartwarming and encouraging for SP to invite all the friends we brought to the front for prayers. Yu Da was hesitant initially because he thought that he would have to speak English with someone in front. But I assured him that I would go with him just to pray for him.
And it was there where he raised up his hand to invite the Lord into his life. I knew that the Lord has really spoken to his heart because just last week, he said he wasn't sure, and I believe God made the difference this week.
He is excited about joining us for cell and sunday services in the future. I am really glad for him and I told him I had many things to say to him but I just didn't know how to say it in Chinese. But I truly believe that God will make Yu Da a miracle to testify of His love for him!
Lim Yu Fan
Amos' Tribe
Monday, July 30, 2007
100k Blessing- GB 10th Anniversary
Some tell of how timely God has answered our prayers for others, and how He has led others to us for blessings; Others tell of how our simple obedience to bless others has brought them eternal salvation, and how receptive people actually are towards receiving our blessings – and even helping us to bless more people.
Today the GB 11th Coy held our celebration in the school after TCS walk. The rain poured heavily at noon; yet the guests arrived punctually, with almost 100% attendance. Praise the Lord!
The junior girls hosted the programme, and the 44 girls had great fun; together with the GB helpers and my G12 ladies.
Some of the highlights of the programmes includes:
* Puppet Show by the GB girls, bringing the truth that Jesus loves all the children…
* Fun games, including balloon sculptures as door gifts
* Praise and Worship to praise the Lord
The 3-hour programme ended with Pastor Jo teaching the girls the importance of listening; and receiving the blessing from God.
A total of 28 girls received the blessings…
Thank God for His faithfulness…
Sook San
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Is it really so simple? YES IT IS!
I was giving tuition to my student last week. I understood from him through our conversation that his mother would be away to London when I come for the next lesson. “Perfect timing to share with him the 100k during the next tuition!’ I thought to myself.However, deep inside me, I felt very uneasy and my heart was very ‘unpeaceful’
‘What if something happens and I miss that opportunity to share with him?’ Knowing well that I will hit my chest till I puke blood and cannot get to sleep if I don’t do it, I decided to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit and did it! I took out the 100k booklet and shared it with him.
One of the boxes he checked was ‘forgiveness.’ When I asked him what he meant by ‘forgiveness’ He replied, ‘All the wrong things I have done loh…’
This made me even more ‘Gao wei.’ I was thinking how good it would be if I were to do it during the next lesson. I can then share with him freely and wholeheartedly without his mother wondering what I’m doing with him! Moreover, I was supposed to meet my friend for supper at 9.30pm and I was about to be late!!! I paused for 0.000003s and pondered, ‘What if today is the day of salvation???’
Again, I put aside my doubts and followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit and took out a piece of paper and shared John 3:16 with him. I popped the golden question, ‘Would you like to receive Jesus Christ into your life today?’
‘Hmmmm….. ok.’ He replied. Praise the LORD!
Yes today is the day of salvation! Looking back, if I have not answered the prompting, I might have missed it totally. He might reply a ‘No’ on the next tuition, who knows?
When I was doing my reflection on this event, I asked God, ‘Is it really that simple?’
And I sensed God telling me, ‘Yes, it’s that simple. It takes a simple man, with simple faith to accomplish the simple works of GOD.’ You do not need to be the best speaker in the world, nor the most perfect man on earth, God is looking for that simple man, who is willing to take that simple step of faith, and with his hand on the works of your hand, it is really that Simple.
Blessing the community (Week3)
Rev. Ed Silvoso: In war, you don't follow the soldier that is fleeing. I would instead look upon those that have seen victories, and (it is a good idea) having a website to post their testimonies (to encourage others). My encouragement is for those who have tried once and failed, try twice, three times (and try and try again)! Just pray, and hang in there.
This 100k campaign has provided me with a great opportunity to bless my students in school. Having been in the school for half a year, I haven't had much chances to reach out to many of the students. Furthermore, being in the school environment, there are certain constraints as well. However, with the launch of this campaign. I decided to make that step of faith and begin to seize all opportunities to speak to my students about this.
I intentionally made trips around the classrooms in school during recess times to look out for opportunities to bless people. I was pleasantly surprised when trips to classrooms resulted in a few students leaving their particulars and blessings needed. Their general openess when I approached them was a result of the relationship i've built up with them over the months and they placed their trust on me. Although it was not always successful, i'm thankful for those who are ready and open.
To date, I've gathered 31 particulars. Although i didn't get to pray for any of my students physically due to the constraint of the environment, at least they know they are being kept in prayers and these provided me with the opportunity to pray for the individual needs of the students by name. Without this campaign, i would not have been able to have a prayer blessing to individual students and to allow them to know that they are being blessed. I personally felt that this campaign is one of the reasons why God has called me to continue teaching in this school even after the June holidays. I believe by faith that through this campaign, the students have received these blessings in the various aspects of their lives and be truly blessed indeed.
Jelvin
Kenneth's Tribe
加油 (Jia You)
Blessing the community (Week2)
I started my 100K blessing last Monday. Then I only had 1 name and I did not have the courage to ask him. So, I prayed to God. After school that day, I went to approach my friend and I explained to him what it is about. He responded positively, so I blessed him.The next day, when I went to class, my other classmates asked me what was this blessing thing about. I was wondering how they got to know about it. It happened that that day, we had 2 free periods as my teacher had something on. So I took the time to explain to them about the 100k blessing. They too responded and wanted to be blessed and soon, there was a line formed in class! One by one, I prayed for them and blessed them. Many asked to be prayed for health and family harmony.
The following day, more classmates and even students from the other classes got to know about it and they all wanted me to bless them. This continued until Friday when I realized I had no cards left. Up to this day (week 2), I have blessed 27 people and I want to thank God for that. Praise God!
Dennis
Joshua's Tribe
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
99th is grateful for the Lord's blessings
23rd of June, was the very fateful day when the BB Awards Presentation Ceremony, a yearly event organized by the BB HQ, was held to recognize the achievements and standards that each company has achieved over the year.
With much anticipation, 99th Coy Officers and Boys alike, waited for the prize presentation to start, while observing and enjoying the programme that was in place. To start off, there was the address by the Vice-President of BB, followed by the Minister's speech (which I felt was very meaningful and inspirational), the precision drills, TOUCH dance (from FCBC), and the bagpipe performance. All in all, it was an eventful ceremony with much to observe and learn.
After all the dancing, marching, and all the hoo-ha, it is finally time for the prize presentation. Company after company, went up to receive their rightful award; which are often accompanied by cheers and applause by their own respective companies. The applause from most of these Boys, I feel, were out of their heartfelt sense of accomplishments, where their hard work has paid off, and are 
currently reaping the benefits of their hard work.
I felt very much different though. As I saw company after company receive their plaques on stage, it struck me, that each and every one of these companies, were able to be where they currently are, because God had blessed that company and all who were and are still in it. It is not only the efforts of the company itself, but also, that joint venture with God that made up their accomplishment.
Even as I bore that in mind, God helped me to think through and reflect that where 99th Coy is, today, is a result of previous and present Officers' labour and trust in Him; that God will bring about much fruits and joy in this company. The Bronze Honour Roll (for the second year running), the increased number of Boys, and least to say the salvations that came through this channel, are but some of the Blessings that God has revealed to us.
I believe that the achievements that we have received from our Lord so far, is but a fraction of what God wishes to bless the 99th Coy with. And that this Bronze Honour Roll, is but a milestone for us to look forward to more blessings to flow. Thus Officers and Officers-to-be, Press On, And Keep the Good Fight to Nurture Men of Christian Manliness.
Lance Kwok
Officer, 99th Coy
(More pictures after the break)
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Simplicity in Him
Saw the paper plate? Read the words? My heart just thanked God for such a simple yet great gift on this Mother’s Day. It was given to me by my beloved niece, Jalena. More than the fact that she sees me as a spiritual mum, I am thankful to God for her relationship with Him. She is 7 years old this year and she wanted to receive the gift of tongue during Jackie Pullinger’s seminar. I prayed for her and she spoke in tongue though a little anxious and uncertain in the beginning. That was Saturday.
On Sunday when Jalena came to my house, she, together with my sister and me, prayed for her younger brother, Jerald, to accept Jesus. Jerald gave his life to Jesus! Jalena practiced her tongue again and became a little more assured and shared with her brother about this new language. We then prayed for Jerald to receive the gift of tongue. He spoke a little and was anxious and uncertain too. We encouraged him to practise and not to be fearful as it’s a special gift from God to every one of us.
Everything happened in a very simple manner, yet my heart is touched deeply by His grace for my family. The kids are my love and my prayer is to see them knowing Jesus and living for Him. Life is actually very simple, isn’t it? Just open your heart and let His love set you free…
Angela Tan
Saturday, April 28, 2007
TGIF: KE Subtribe
The Good Friday Event organized by the Kenneth-Esther Subtribe was anchored by this poem. It was smaller and simpler than the one in 2006, but it was more personal, with a lot more time for interaction and sharing of testimonies. The aim was to share Christ from a position of humility, with the full understanding that all of us are sinners under grace.
Our minds and hearts were renewed and refreshed once again, as we remembered how Jesus’ body was broken with 39 strokes and the blood he had shed for the sake of mankind. His death alone has brought salvation and reflected the unsparing love that he showers upon every single one of us. Jesus Christ fulfilled the very purpose that the Father has asked of him. He prayed for the people who have yet come to know him and for those who know not what they do, that they too will have an everlasting life. This was a day of opportunity for the latter.
We invited friends on this Friday for a sole purpose in showing them the significance behind Good Friday, the day that marked the death of our Lord Jesus Christ. His death in itself has already brought victory to the lives of mankind, and only through his death, we can go to the Father. (Read on...)
Gd Friday, 1pm: The invited guests started arriving at TCT. The event started off with a pot luck lunch and some icebreakers, followed by worship and the sharing on Good Friday by Esther. That was where the poem came in.
Shortly after, Wynne came up to give her testimony on how God gradually drew her to Him during her secondary school days, and how she struggled to give her time to church, coming from a very pragmatic family background. There were neither jaw-dropping miracles nor dramatic turnarounds, but she gave thanks for the peace of God which slowly came into her life, gave her confidence and gradually opened the doors in her family for her to regularly attend FCBC.
With that, Kenneth gave a simple invitation to receive God’s love. The subtribe members also had time to share their personal testimony with the friends they had brought. There were no confirmed salvations by then, but there was an openness with which the friends received the stories of how God has worked in each of our lives, whether in big or small ways.God has worked to open doors in many of our friends lives this Good Friday, and it has been an encouragement to us to see what we can do as a family.
"I believe that the greatest take-away for friends that were invited was the very fact that Good Friday will only be ‘Good’ because of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ 3 days later after his death on Sunday, that in him we have a living savior in our life forever, a living savior that we’ll live our eternal life with when our journey ends on earth, the very word that our Lord has so promised us." - Daniel Chua
"But I trust in the Lord that whatever happened that very day had lain in the hands of Him. He was in control and it was all part of His great plan. He spoke His words of love through all of us that day when He filled us with the Holy Spirit. It was the power of God that moved, that shook the ground that very afternoon. Wow! I told myself. Our God is so real and mighty! It was a great day for us believers and non-believers alike. " - John Koh
May it SPUR us on towards the GOOD DEEDS that are still waiting to be accomplished.
John Koh, Daniel Chua & Joel Han
for Kenneth-Esther Subtribe
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Isn't he saved ?
My 5-yr-old nephew, Keshan is studying K1 @ Church Of the Ascension. The past few weeks, the school has been faithfully teaching the kids a little about the Jesus story relating to his ministry and Good Friday. But the effect that is had on him was amazing. But my pre-believing family was rather alarmed about it.
Eventually, i heard about all the ripple effect it had on him. He has watched cartoons of the story and has listened earnestly to his teachers too. In his child-like zeal, he went back to create a figure of a cross, placed it in his balcony, boasted of it being very nice and used that to tell his household that Christ died and rose again. He really believed that the cross symbolizes Christ. He even went around saying that he is a Christian.
hmmm... anyone maybe able to pass this off as the child's hype and that it lacks true understanding.. When he spent the night in my place on Saturday, i had some quality time with him. I learned about Child-like Faith, and i was reminded of one my prayer, years ago.
Keshan was sharing with me about this new personality that he finds so UNBELIEVABLE! Someone who rose from His death. When i told him, "Jesus loves Keshan!" He said "Yes!" ... He probed with curiousity. I tried explaining to him at his level. Each of my explanation had 2 outcomes. (a) His curiosity was stirred. (b) He believed without challenging. He never challenged what i taught him. He just believed! He believed in the unbelievable Christ.
So during the conversation, i asked him if he believes in Jesus?
Do you want Him in your life? and his reply was YES!!!
Thus, i led him thru a very simple sinner's prayer and he repeated (with plenty of wrong pronunciations) after me. After which i prayed a blessing and prayer of protection upon him.
God reminded me of my prayer 5 years ago. I do know that as a child, his parents are to decide his religion for him. I was feeding Keshan, when he was just a few weeks old; and at that moment i prayed that one day he will receive Christ on his own. Keshan might have not really-fully-truthfully-wholeheartedly-exactly understood the death on the cross. Today might not have been that moment that i prayed for.
But hey! ... He said the sinner's prayer. In the spiritual dimension, this takes a different perspective right? It's a very big step! i trust God that it doesn't stop here. But i claim that it has just started. I claim that one day, Keshan will make the same decision and work out his salvation.
Thank God its Good Friday!
Jed Senthil K J
Kenneth's Subtribe
Thursday, April 12, 2007
A Miraculous Healing!
The following is a testimony on healing experienced during the miracle weekend on 8 Apr 07 (Sun).
This is also a call to forward any known testimonies of healing to your G12 leaders. We want to give God glory by collecting all the testimonies. So please try and collate them as soon as possible. SP will continue to pray for the sick in the coming weekends. So, continue to bring in the sick for healing at the Max Pavilion.
Mary had undergone surgery in January 2004 for breast cancer. She had chemotherapy subsequently in March 2004 followed by radiotherapy from August to November 2004. She is in remission until December 2006 when the doctor discovered that there is an indication of relapse. During her last checkup on 5 March 2007 she was told that the nymph node at her left shoulder is swollen. The doctor recommended that she go for chemotherapy. The injection costs $3,000 per week and there is no clear end date as it all depends on her reaction to the drug and her progress of recovery. She decided against it and declared that she will depend on God to heal her.
On Sunday she went up front to receive healing as Ps Khong called. She felt heat along her arm and shoulder and believed that God is healing her. That night her daughter asked how she felt. By faith she declared that Jesus had healed her. This morning (9 Apr 2007) she prayed and thank God for healing her, and again she felt the heat wave moving along her arm to her neck and her head. She again declared that God has healed her. When she went for scanning this morning, the doctor told her that the swelling has reduced in size and she no longer needs chemotherapy. She told the doctor that Jesus healed her and shared with him about the miracle service (the doctor is not a Christian).
Mary is so thankful to the Lord that she wishes to share her testimony with all.
Testimony given by: Mary Koh Yan Fen
Date: 9 April 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
Blown Away and Into the Vision
Reflection from G12 Conference 2007
I sat up! Pastor Eugene's first slide was causing havoc in my heart, sending ripples of excitement. Genesis 15 verses 1 to 6! You see, Genesis 15:1 is the verse God gave me for 2007. He has promised me that He is my shield, my very Great Reward. Immediately, the Holy Spirit opened my heart to listen to God speak through Pastor Eugene. I found myself gripped to the words flowing from the man who has himself 'caught the spirit'.
During the first two days of the conference, God was already ministering to my heart big-time about having the compassion of the Lord. As I reflected on my first 2 weeks of practicum as a beginning counselor, I was convicted that I was applying clinical skills without a compassionate heart. So I repented and really asked the Lord to fill me with His compassion.
Behold, the speakers at the conference focused on the compassion of the Lord so much it certainly blew me away. So, when Pastor Eugene spoke on having a heart for the multitudes, touching the multitudes, reaching the multitudes, I was ready to run to the altar. I was ready to enter the vision.
God is helping me see beyond my calling as a counselor. He has more in store! This confirms the word Pastor Seng Lee released to me before I began my practicum. That God has something more for me besides being an effective counselor.
At the altar, the Lord poured out His compassion. I mean, He really poured. I wept and wept uncontrollably, as I receive the outpouring of His anointing. I simply kept drinking. Then one sister-in-Christ, whom I met for the first time, prayed and affirmed the Lord's words. That I am God's mouthpiece of hope, speaking life to the people around me, out of an abundant heart of compassion. Praise the Lord!
I walked away from the conference embracing the God of the vision, and I will walk back to school a renewed counselor. Over and above those counseling theories of therapy is the Counselor Himself Who will be with me. Besides, the Covenant Giver Who never breaks His promises shall fulfill my destiny.
What an incredible God we serve!
Lay Leng
Nicole's Clan
Monday, March 26, 2007
Rising up to PREACH!
Reflection from G12 Conference 2007
Honestly speaking I was not really looking forward to this year's G12 conference when the registration just opened. After attending it for the past 2 years, I thought I had already known what G12 is all about so did not really see the need for me to go again. The last prayer meeting totally changed my thoughts. The conference was not just for us, but more importantly it’s for the delegates! It’s something that FCBC is proud of, and we as members should be even more excited to be going there to hear God’s word right?
Helping out as the technical crew (video), I was not able to fully concentrate in hearing the messages throughout the whole conference. But nevertheless, there was still big ‘take-home’!
Firstly, it’s the passion to preach! Seeing the different speakers up on stage, and the foreign delegates anticipating to hear from each one of them, I caught the spirit of preaching! The world out there needs someone to tell them who Jesus is! And that leads me to think about how I am going to carry this destiny.
So comes to my second catch and that is to “jump into it!” Many times we stand at the edge of what God wants us to do, thinking of this, considering that. We think of all the things in the world that would stop us! But God is just telling us “jump into it!” Is God smaller than the things and people around you? NO! When God says “GO”, He will make sure that the path is opened, and send the Holy Spirit to guide us and lead us!
Looking forward to G12 conference 2008! :D
Debbie
Angela’s Clan
Saturday, March 03, 2007
All we have to do, is to obey!
Always live life ready to ACT on God's prompting!Recently, I've been learning about the importance of obeying God right away, that is without delay. I saw God's reality upon this matter and want to share with all of you to encourage you.
I slept real late or rather early @ 4.00am on tuesday morning, only to miss my 10am lecture 6hrs later. I woke up at 11am when Jon called me. If you know me, I take high pride (Specialist pride) in being punctual and I am! 90% of the time!!! I decided to skip the lecture anyways since there is a repeated lecture on Wednesday.
I went for lecture on wednesday and during the 10min lecture break, I decided to go do some BIG business. By the time I cam back, the 2nd half of the lecture had already started. As I entered the lecture theatre, I happen to turn back and saw my 'JC Guy friend' whom I only shared a 'Hi, Bye' relationship with. He was late for the lecture.
We sat together for lecture and we had lunch after that. I was supposed to go and observe the semi-finals Day01 for jam aloud(NUS) band competition to give myself mental preparation, as it would be Messenger's turn the next day (Day02) However, i just felt that the Holy Spirit leading me to just spend time with this guy.
So I obeyed.. and this guy POURED his heart in sharing with me his recent BREAK UP with his girlfriend episode for 45min!!!! (Good bye to my mental preparation)
These are some words he said 'I don't know what I want'
'I don't know what I like'
'I am very lost'
We happened to take the same bus home (151) taht day and the religion talk came. He told me he's into Buddhism now because he wants to be a better person. And the moment came and he asked me 'You're a Christian right, why did you choose to be?' Somehow Mr H.S came upon me and gave me the annointing of a salesman and off I go to share with him the reality of GOD.
To cut the long story short. This is how it ended.
'Come with me to church one day ok?'
He replied 'sure thing'
I don't care whether he is being (Public relations) in his answer.
The seed is sown and I'll follow up from there.
This is the most important part of my sharing
Look out how GOD fashioned that opportunity across time and space in the above.
It just blows my mind.
Angus woke up late ---> Go for Wed lecture instead (Wed is usually my free day) ---> POO
POO during lecture break ---> Came in at the same time with his friend who was late for lecture.
Now if GOD had not made me have the urge to POO POO, i might not have met him. If GOD did not made me POO so long and I came in earlier, i might not have seen him. If GOD had made the 90% punctual me punctual that day, i confirm would not have met him. A few seconds of delay would cause a total different blog you would have read. A few seconds of delay (time) would have caused me to be sitting down in lecture (Space) instead of bumping into him.
But GOD took every detail into consideration to make it just right. Our GOD Is AWESOME Amen? My friends, learn to look out for GOD. Choose to believe that all this happen because of him. You might have a similar story to tell, but that story did not come because you choose not to look out for him. Purposely look out for him today!
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Jesus Won It All
This song speaks of the power and awe of Jesus. When I listen to it,it's so amazing. Jesus is so powerful and has won it all. Every single sin, every single evil, every wickedness, every transgression, everystronghold, every chain has been broken on the cross.
Sometimes the message is so simple and 'cliche' but as i reflect through the song, it brings much tears and thankfulness in my heart as i realize how difficult it is sometimes, to break out of the bondages of sin and yet Jesus say He has won it all and He has overcame all of them to set me free.
Take time to listen and i hope you will be blessed by it.
UK Correspondent in London
Joseph Ng
Kenneth's Subtribe
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Obedience moves the hand of God
It's amazing what obedience to God can do. I met an old friend during Chinese New Year and heard his amazing testimony. Due to the sensitivities of the contents I shall leave out names and details. Let’s call our friend Harry.
Harry is in the adult network in FCBC. To cut the long story short, he was stuck in a civil service job working under a guy who is of a lower grade than him and Harry did not get a promotion for three years. However he did not get the green light from God to leave. He told God that he would leave if two conditions were met:- (1) he was to be headhunted i.e. he doesn’t have to resign and find a new job and (2) the new company must pay up his bond in his present company. In other words, a miracle.
When God’s time came, it happened exactly as he asked – Harry was headhunted and the new company paid up his bond (and he got a pay increase as well). Not too long after that he was promoted to Senior Consultant. But the story has barely started.
Some time later Harry heard from God to take leave from his job and volunteer to be a driver for IMF delegates (yeah the 4 million smiles thingy). Crazy, it may seem, for a Senior Consultant to be a driver. He obediently took leave several months in advance for this event. Then later his boss told him that he had to cancel his leave to meet an important client during that period. Harry decided that he would meet this client in the midst of his leave and pray that it will not clash with his driver responsibilities.
As it turned out, Harry’s boss told him later that the company had decided not to work with the client. Harry tried to apply for the job of a driver for IMF but having cleared the security checks he was told there were enough drivers already. Some time later however someone called him and told him there was one vacancy available. In addition, when he saw his credentials, being over-qualified to be a driver, they assigned him to chauffeur the top VIP for a particular Muslim country. Harry chauffeured the VIP around Singapore and the VIP liked him so much he brought Harry along for shopping.
This is the spectacular part! Not too long after the IMF ended, Harry was sent by his company to the very Muslim country that the VIP had come from. When Harry arrived there, he was shocked to receive special treatment through the customs. Later on the VIP met him and brought him personally around his country. Now, the VIP had brought along his friend, another very important person in the country to join him. This person, let’s call her Susan, also grew to trust Harry. There was such favour that Susan actually asked for his advice on some personal problems she was facing. Harry took the chance to share how Jesus was his help and strength in his life. (Mind you, this is a Muslim country.) Guess what? she subsequently started to read the Bible and attend a church in her country!!! Praise the Lord!
Are there things that you know God wants you to do but you lack the courage? Are there people whom you need to talk to but you have put off? Have you been cozy in your comfort zone for too long?
An amazing series of events led to the salvation of an important person in a Muslim country. All this was possible because someone decided to obey God to do what would seem crazy in the eyes of the world. If we obey God in the small things, God will use us to do great and unimaginable deeds for Him.
Our God is an awesome God.
Haw Ling
God’s will over mine, Trusting in the Lord
As believers, we always pray for God’s will over ours. We talk about surrendering our all to Him, trusting that He is our provider and will give us, His children, the best. But do we really mean what we say?
~ Obeying His Will (Work & Travel USA) ~
Recently I was presented with a great opportunity to work & travel in California, USA. I was so excited about being able to travel in the nearby cities such as San Francisco, San Jose, LA, and Disneyland! However, I decided to consult my spiritual mother, Camilla and my pastor, Pastor Josephine first before making the decision.
To my great disappointment, their answer was strictly ‘No’. I prayed about it, but I hear no answers. I guess my heart was not right in the first place when I went into prayer, as my own desires made me only want to hear God say “Yes”. That Sunday, Pastor Doug Lambert came to preach, and God gave me a word, “obedience”.
Yet my desire to go was so strong, I followed my own will and paid for the programme. On the first day of Sanctification Week, God spoke to me once again through Pastor Julie, when she shared the verse Hebrews 12:14 “without holiness, no one will see the Lord”, that if we really want to ask big, we first have to go deep, that we have to learn to “say No” to worldly desires. What is the point of singing on Sundays about how great and miraculous God is, when you don’t believe that He will indeed give you the best and change your lives [Titus 2:11-14]? Pastor Julie also shared that many of us cannot hear the voice of God because of fear, fear to hear the truth, because truth hurts.
After that first day of Sanctification Week, I told Cami, my spiritual mummy, that I have already paid for part of the programme. Saying that she was upset is an understatement. She fears for my safety if I were to go USA. She shared with me her own testimony about how she too, had struggles with surrendering to God’s will. The phrase that struck me the most was “she wants to trust God, as He knows and will give what is best for us, as long as we chose to follow His will.”
That night, I went home with a super heavy heart. With the words from God that I heard from my spiritual mother and also during Sanctification Week ringing in my ears, I had a decision to make. All along, I chose to go with my own will. And to disregard my spiritual mother’s and pastor’s advice, to me, was just between me and them. It never did occur to me that it was between me and God. By not listening to their advices, the disobedience was essentially towards God. I was not following His will and not trusting that He will give me better things than what I myself can “earn”.
At that point in time, it seems that all odds were against me giving up the trip. I had promised my friend that I would accompany her on this trip; I had told many friends that I will be going; last but not least, I had paid. But God spoke, and He made it clear by repeating, and thus I decided to obey, I cancelled the trip.
I told my spiritual mum the decision. She was very happy for me. After making the decision to obey God, He showed me more truths and revelations about my future dreams. Camilla also shared that by choosing to obey God, it is also a move towards being more holy and to draw closer to God. Basing this on the Johari Window model, being more holy means it will be easier to let his glory shine through me, that He will be able to use me more to reach out to others and do His good work!
Indeed, God is great, as He showed me the fruits of choosing to obey Him.
~ Trust in the LORD (My family) ~
After the third and final day of Sanctification Week, the key takeaway was to come before Him and read His words before meals [Job 23:12]. Therefore, I decided to implement this by starting to read the chapter on Proverbs. Adding on to this was my learning from SOL2 to pray for someone everyday using the “3X3 prayer”. I prayed for my family and some friends.
That Sunday after service, I took the train home. As the train was heading to Paya Lebar station, I saw a small billboard over a warehouse (?) which says “In God We Trust – Index Cool (name of the company lor…)”. That reminded me again to trust God! And as I started to read Proverbs, guess what? It is written in Proverbs 3:5-6 that “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” as well as in Proverbs 3:11-12 that “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” God is speaking loud and clear to me that I made the right decision when I chose to trust Him.
I moved out years ago. I only go home once a week, every Sunday after church. Every time before I go home, I always had the mixed feelings of worry and hope. Worry about – will there be a quarrel at home today? Would I be able to respond Godly enough? Hope about – that it will turn out to be a nice and warm family gathering. Deep down, I know it’s actually my fear of returning home to see a broken family, because my family means so much to me, and also because of that, it sometimes causes the most hurt.
When I went home that Sunday, God showed me the fruit of obeying Him when I saw multiple breakthroughs on that Sunday night’s family gathering. It was the most peaceful one I ever had. For starters, it was one of the rare times where there were no quarrels! It was also the first time that everyone in the family actually came together to watch soccer. I even said grace aloud before dinner (my family are largely pre-believers)! Just a simple dinner, a simple get-together, but it meant so much to me. Thank you, God.
~ Thank God for spiritual family! (Interview) ~
Recently I received an interview offer with a company I prefer (possibly got it too because I chose to obey God by cancelling my USA trip), and my spiritual mum, sisters, brothers, aunties, uncles helped to pray for me before the interview. Hmm… it felt good! Because of God’s assurance, and the showing of His love through spiritual family!
~ Counter-Culture (A truly blessed Chinese New Year) ~
Despite great fear and uncertainty, I invited my mother to church on CNY Chu Yi and she agreed (though upon certain conditions). Not only was I glad she was with me in service (she was just cursing Jesus 5 years ago), I also treasured the rare chance that I get to spend time with her alone, and taking care of her needs. God also gave me a chance to accompany my friend to visit her mother, who was admitted to ICU just before CNY. Prayerfully, God will touch my friend and her family in this trying period and that He’ll use me to reach out to them.
~ Key Takeaway ~
Mean what we say and say what we mean!!! No point saying it over and over, without believing in it. What is faith without action? The words will just become some empty rhetoric repetitions until God opened our eyes to see what it really means. To end off, would like to share this phrase I got from Daily Bread, “When we open our heart to the Lord, He opens our eyes to the lost.”
Mary Yeo
Friday, February 23, 2007
A Touch of His Greatness!
This might be a long post but I encourage you to read through the whole thing. I write this to give glory to God and also to encourage you.
Some of you know that my grandfather is not in very good health. In fact he has been in and out of hospital the past year. 3 days ago, he was admitted to SGH ICU again as he was not eating well and was coughing badly.
On Wednesday night, at about 1.45am, while I was watching “Heroes” on Star World (cable tv), my mum came and asked me to pray with her for my grandfather. As usual, I was irritated because I felt she was disturbing me when the show was just starting. I asked her why must pray now and she replied that she just felt led to pray then. I was very tempted to tell her to pray herself first then after the show I will pray. (Ha ha, I am still very human and just want to be real with you all). However, before I said it out, I was reminded about how God was teaching me to be Christ-like, esp at home. I was convicted that this was important and wanted to obey God. So I switched off the TV and decided to spend time to pray with my mum.
Around 2.45am, my mum received a phone call from her brother saying that the doctor wanted to talk to the family urgently and that it was something important. It was later clarified that my grandfather needed an operation due to a hole in his stomach. (This is a critical situation as the stuff that spill out from the hole can cause internal infection and spread to the rest of the body, weakening him and even becoming fatal!) However, he was insistent not to have an operation as he was afraid and was worried that it was too dangerous. (Now I know why we had to pray!)
When I saw my mum get dressed and was preparing to go out, I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to go and be with her. I considered the fact that I will be totally stoned the next day due to lack of sleep and probably would have difficulty working on my project but felt the Holy Spirit say, “Your mum needs your support. And your love. GO!” Some more, pastor has been emphasizing so much recently on loving and bringing unity to the family. I decided that showing love to my mother by being there with her was more important than my sleep and project, so I got changed and went with her.
While in the car to the hospital, I felt a stirring up of supernatural faith and courage within me. I knew my mum and uncles were going to have a hard time convincing my grandfather. This wasn’t the first time it has happened. The last time my grandfather needed an operation, he got very frustrated and even depressed. I started to imagine what would happen in the hospital later. I saw my mum and uncles trying to convince my granddad to go for the op but to little success. However, I felt the Holy Spirit inspire me on to see how I could make a difference.
I began to see in my mind this picture. I saw myself asking everyone to leave the room and then I held my grandfather’s hands and spoke with him alone. (Yah… very drama mama… ha ha.) Somehow what I spoke to him gave him peace and allowed him to feel the love and trust of the family and finally he agreed to go for the op. I then imagined myself telling my mum to ask him again whether he believed in Jesus and then somehow, managed to baptize him on the spot. (My imagination very powerful one…) As I set in the car, I was thinking to myself, this all sounds so elaborate and orchestrated. Could it be for real? Is that what I should really do? More importantly, will I have the guts to do it???!
When we reached the hospital, as expected, my grandfather was very insistent on not going for the op. My mum and 2 uncles talked to him for about 30 min but it he was still very adamant. He insisted that all he needed to do was to take the medicine and then that was enough. He even went so far to say that he felt better already and that the pain had subsided. (Seeing how he flinched whether he moved a little in bed, I knew it was not true.) I could see that my mum and uncles were quite desperate and frustrated. It looked like it was going to be a long night.
At that moment, the nurses came to take a chest x-ray for my granddad and so all of us were asked to leave the room. By this time, my uncles were starting to ask the doctor what could be done if my granddad did not agree to the op. I think they were quite pessimistic that he would agree to it at all and wanted to make alternative arrangements if necessary.
As they were talking, I crept back to the room after the chest x-ray was done. Ha ha… I knew this was my chance! Everyone else was outside talking to the doctor. It was exactly like how I had seen it, except that I did not have to act hero and ask everyone to leave. (God always has a way with me so that attention is not drawn to my self.) I knew 2 things. One, my granddad did not need all the complicated explanations why the operation was better. He needed to know that he was loved and that he could trust in our decision. Two, old people liked to be touched. Touch is a way of affirmation that they can depend on us. It is also a way which love and concern is communicated.
I took a deep breath and knelt beside my granddad's bed and began to talk to him. (You must understand that I have never spoken this way to my grandfather
before. In fact, I hardly speak much to him! In that sense, we don't have a very
close relationship. But at that moment, I was filled with a love and compassion
that was so overwhelming it was the most natural thing to do!)
I asked him to hold my hand and I held his firmly yet gently. With my other hand on this shoulder, I asked him how he was feeling and assured him that we wanted him to be well. I knew he thought highly of me. He always said I had the look of a successful businessman. So I asked him if he thought I was smart and that I was good at my studies. Saying those things somehow made him very happy and he kept saying yes, and that I was number one. (Not to boast of myself, but this was my strategy which I felt the Holy Spirit gave me in the car.) I told him that if he knew I was smart then would he trust me that I wanted the best for him? I kept reaffirming the fact that we wanted to see him live many more days and that we wanted to see him well again.
As I spoke with him, I could see that there was a supernatural peace that came over him. I could see his heart was softening and that there was this comfort that came over him. Finally, when I asked him if he would go for the op, he said he wanted to see what my mum and 2 uncles suggested. But this time round, there was a certain calmness in his voice.
When my mum and 2 uncles came back, I knew the victory had been won! While previously, he did not even bother to listen to the reasons why the doctor needed to operate, the questions my granddad asked now were different than before. Now, he was asking whether he would feel anything when he was being operated on. He was asking his sons if they felt that was the best for him. I felt it was a 180 degrees turn from before! He just needed assurance that he would be alright. Within 15 min, we managed to get him to sign the form to carry on with the operation. Hallelujah! This was a miracle! Just before, the doctor had spent 2 hours trying to convince him but to no avail!
I am incredibly excited even as I type this. I knew it was God’s kairos moment for me to go and speak to my granddad. I knew somehow that my mum and uncles were not going to be able to convince my granddad to go for the op. I’m really not sure what would have happened if I did not obey the Holy Spirit’s prompting and stayed home. The best thing was, my granddad agree to go for the op being convinced that it was the best cause of action. He was not angry that we were forcing him or frustrated that he was doing something that he was uncomfortable doing. I knew it was the peace of God and the perfect love of God which casts out all fear that was at work!
My encouragement to all of you?
NEVER ignore the kairos moment of God for your life. NEVER!!! When you feel the prompting of the Holy Spirit to do something, DO NOT sit on it.
Secondly, God’s love REALLY CONQUERS ALL! Do not be afraid to demonstrate His love through you even in what you think are difficult situations. The reality of God’s love is often demonstrated through our practical love to the people around us!
I pray that as you read this testimony, that God will open your hearts and your spiritual senses to be attuned to His voice. You know what the icing on the cake is? My mum later shared that she felt that this time round, my granddad HAD to go for the operation. That was what she sensed the Holy Spirit telling her. I could not affirm that more. I was really encouraged that we heard the same thing! This whole episode was orchestrated by the Holy Spirit and it turned out miraculously because we obeyed.
My granddad has since completed the operation and is right now in ICU at SGH. Please pray for no complications or infection and the he will have a quick and good recovery. (He has risks of heart attack, infection, he is diabetic and 83 years old etc.) Pray also that he will be decisive in his wanting to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour and finally that he will agree to be baptized. (So far, he always changes his mind after he is feeling better.)
I have always asked the Lord for opportunities to see Him at work in miraculous ways. Each time I hear testimonies of other people's lives, I tell God that I want them too! I want my life to be filled with numerous testimonies of His goodness and His greatness! I believe that is what we signed up for when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour! It happened for me, it can happen much more for you! How?!
Hear and obey.
Know God. Know His voice. Act on it.
That’s all liao. I know it’s a long post but I hope you have been encouraged. I know I have been.
Joshua Teo
Monday, February 19, 2007
God's "Good Hearted Young Man"
This news article was an affirmation from the Lord of what I am good at. Although I would not claim to be anywhere near the best in the trait, but at least I'm proud of what I have passion about. I always believe in sharing the blessings which I've received from the Lord. Through this talent which the Lord has blessed me with, I've used it to bless many other others with the gifts which I've made for them. Just to share with everyone the gifts which I've done for some of my pre-believer colleagues for valentine's day recently...
I believe this news article is the beginning of many greater things to come and that it'll also be an open door for me to speak forth to my students which I claim in Jesus' name.
Amen!
Jelvin Lee
Kenneth's Subtribe
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