AGM commonly known as Annual General Meeting is a time whereby an organisation gets together each year to review its progress and make decisions that require the body.
To me, Church AGM is more of Accepting God's Mandate.
Why do I say so?
Well the bible tells us in Hebrews 13:17,
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.
This serves as a reminder for me to submit to the Church leadership where God has called me to, and to honour the decisions that the leadership makes. To give my support to the leadership and also to be praying for them, seeking God's agenda in the process.
This also reminds me to press on in my role as a cell leader. Not indulging in the title of a cell leader, but to be accountable always and mindful that I am answerable to God for the people under my care. That I have the responsibility to give an account of them.
Under references to leadership of a church:
1 Tim 5 - Eldership
Titus 1 - Eldership Qualitification
Thank You God for bringing through today's meeting. Thank You for revealing Yourself and Your Presence.
On a side note ~ Interestingly not many people of my age seem to be concerned with the happenings of the church at corporate and leadership level =(
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Jesus Accepted You; Now You Accept Others
So reach out and welcome one another to God's glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! Romans 15:7 (MSG)
God wants you to accept others in the same way that Jesus accepted you.
In faith, we accepted God’s acceptance of us – through Christ – when we were unacceptable, and so we love God by freely offering the same gift – His acceptance – to others.
To love God and to be to others what He is to us …
We must be willing to be for others -- God’s life is a life for others. He always is and does what is best for others. He has a non-selective love for all others. To love God is to have -- in faith -- a non-selective readiness to be for others … all others … any specific other God sends your way.
We must see others as God sees them -- True love, God’s love, is not blind. It sees what those living for themselves do not see. We set aside our judgments in order to “see what eyes have not seen and ears cannot hear” (I Cor. 2:9) so we can help those in need.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Filled with Thanksgiving
Lord I thank You for today, and witnessing how faithful You are.
I thank You for showing Yourself so real, least to me.
Thank you for the assurance and peace even in the face of negative news,
cause I know I worship a God who provides for those who does His will.
Lord I find it really hard to love like You love, especially unconditionally.
Forgive me for all that thoughts I've had and the conclusions I jumped to.
May I learnt to view things through Your eyes,
and maybe just one day, I'll be able to have a breakthrough in my life.
Things were out of control today, things went against the plans that was made.
But one thing for sure, I know God is/was in control.
I surrendered to Him to make things work, if not so be it.
And Lord, I'm still amazed at how You put things together this day.
People may not be as supportive as I thought so.
It hurt me a lot to see how things turned out.
It really made me consider if this is Your will for me.
If it is, then I pray that You cause my burden to be light.
Father, may I learn to be humble and accepting.
May I learn to come to You first in all things.
I live in an imperfect world, but I know I am not restrained by the principles of this world.
I love You Lord, and thank You Lord.
You have been faithful and always will be.
Cause us to turn to You always and never seek to turn away from You.
I thank You for showing Yourself so real, least to me.
Thank you for the assurance and peace even in the face of negative news,
cause I know I worship a God who provides for those who does His will.
Lord I find it really hard to love like You love, especially unconditionally.
Forgive me for all that thoughts I've had and the conclusions I jumped to.
May I learnt to view things through Your eyes,
and maybe just one day, I'll be able to have a breakthrough in my life.
Things were out of control today, things went against the plans that was made.
But one thing for sure, I know God is/was in control.
I surrendered to Him to make things work, if not so be it.
And Lord, I'm still amazed at how You put things together this day.
People may not be as supportive as I thought so.
It hurt me a lot to see how things turned out.
It really made me consider if this is Your will for me.
If it is, then I pray that You cause my burden to be light.
Father, may I learn to be humble and accepting.
May I learn to come to You first in all things.
I live in an imperfect world, but I know I am not restrained by the principles of this world.
I love You Lord, and thank You Lord.
You have been faithful and always will be.
Cause us to turn to You always and never seek to turn away from You.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Let's see how you're going to spam me now
Made my first official ban tonight.
Apparently this joker all the way from Kentucky, USA has been tagging my wall with his/her advertising link and seriously odd comments.
Disregarding my warnings, well I had to put a ban on his/her IP address.
Let's see how long this will last before I impose a lock down on visitors to my blog =S
Heh, this is SO COOL!
And KFC happens to be my favourite fastfood! haha...random!
Apparently this joker all the way from Kentucky, USA has been tagging my wall with his/her advertising link and seriously odd comments.
Disregarding my warnings, well I had to put a ban on his/her IP address.
Let's see how long this will last before I impose a lock down on visitors to my blog =S
Heh, this is SO COOL!
And KFC happens to be my favourite fastfood! haha...random!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
P.S. I Love You
By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
~ John 13:35
~ John 13:35
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
L4D
As of tonight, I am thoroughly done with the way things are being handled.
A personal experience is probably all I need.
The least I expected was a lending of helping hand, not hypocrisy.
My heart goes out to those who are being played out. Least God is for you.
I've always been wondering.
And now it got me to wonder even more.
Surely, it has just made me a more "wonderful" person.
To sum up what I feel it's happening right now:
A personal experience is probably all I need.
The least I expected was a lending of helping hand, not hypocrisy.
My heart goes out to those who are being played out. Least God is for you.
I've always been wondering.
And now it got me to wonder even more.
Surely, it has just made me a more "wonderful" person.
To sum up what I feel it's happening right now:
Reflection
One thing I need to learn ~ reflect
Instead of looking out of the window, to learn to see my own reflection in the glass.
Instead of looking out of the window, to learn to see my own reflection in the glass.
Bugged
It always puzzles me why my blog always attracts weird taggers and comments...
Nevertheless, to all you weird people out there:
~You are not dealing with someone who is a computer-idiot.
For a start: To whoever you are who tagged my board tonight, do not think you can hide.
I know your physical location so please leave my blog alone.
Nevertheless, to all you weird people out there:
~You are not dealing with someone who is a computer-idiot.
For a start: To whoever you are who tagged my board tonight, do not think you can hide.
I know your physical location so please leave my blog alone.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
A New Found Love
I was lost, but now am found.
Grace was given, as I looked toward Heaven.
Lord Jesus Christ, God's Greatest Sacrifice.
As I looked to the Cross, tears fill my eyes.
The Lord challenged me as I prayed on Sunday:
God gave His One and only Son for us,
why is it that we give our love to the world instead?
Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,
being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.
Eph. 4:1-7
Grace was given, as I looked toward Heaven.
Lord Jesus Christ, God's Greatest Sacrifice.
As I looked to the Cross, tears fill my eyes.
The Lord challenged me as I prayed on Sunday:
God gave His One and only Son for us,
why is it that we give our love to the world instead?
Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,
being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.
Eph. 4:1-7
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Next Level
This has been on my mind for quite some time already, but I guess it'll still be quite a while before I get my answer.
I feel like I'm reaching the next level.
Quite like choosing which potential school to enrol in.
Like having to choose the next phone to use.
Like having to decide if bread/kopi or Big Breakfast.
Nevertheless, I'm trusting God and I know whatever choices I make,
that the Lord has prepared it before I knew.
Whatever it is, I pray that it'll be glorifying to You Lord.
Here is my willing heart, I give it all to You.
=)
I feel like I'm reaching the next level.
Quite like choosing which potential school to enrol in.
Like having to choose the next phone to use.
Like having to decide if bread/kopi or Big Breakfast.
Nevertheless, I'm trusting God and I know whatever choices I make,
that the Lord has prepared it before I knew.
Whatever it is, I pray that it'll be glorifying to You Lord.
Here is my willing heart, I give it all to You.
=)
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Day 5 of Power Encounter
This was a really strange encounter. One that was seriously unexpected.
A Chinese student who happens to be my hall neighbour came knocking on my door.
My room mate wasn't around so I got to chat with him. Apparently he's looking for a potential room mate for the coming new semester. I was initially uninterested because I thought my current room mate was going to apply with me.
Who knows God's timing can never be more perfect...
The next day I realized that my room mate applied to stay alone!
That meant that I would be staying with someone unknown!
Well to sum it up, I believe it wasn't a coincidence that the Chinese dude came by to ask for a room mate and the next day, me finding out that I'm going to be alone!
God, what are you saying?
A Chinese student who happens to be my hall neighbour came knocking on my door.
My room mate wasn't around so I got to chat with him. Apparently he's looking for a potential room mate for the coming new semester. I was initially uninterested because I thought my current room mate was going to apply with me.
Who knows God's timing can never be more perfect...
The next day I realized that my room mate applied to stay alone!
That meant that I would be staying with someone unknown!
Well to sum it up, I believe it wasn't a coincidence that the Chinese dude came by to ask for a room mate and the next day, me finding out that I'm going to be alone!
God, what are you saying?
Friday, April 8, 2011
Day 4 of Power Encounter
Wednesday.
The 3rd most looked-forward-to day of the week this season! Why?
Just ask any YAY! Ministry leader!
Arrived early at HV to catch Rachel Chan studying at Starbucks! Then we adjourned over for dinner and fellowship. Dinner was just WOOOOO, or maybe because I was starving! But thanks anyway to Aunt Agnes and her able assistants/kids!
Helped David with worship later in the night. I am delighted to always be reminded of how in the body of Christ, our strengths and weaknesses always complement each other to give God the Glory He deserves. And I thank God for gift to minister in the area of worship, and I pray for more to come, as well as the grace to work on the aspects that I'm weak in such as leading a study on the Word =S
It was surely an anointed time as we fellow shipped and processed Sunday's sermon. Thanks to Donnie who led us all in a new and refreshing way of applying the Publishing-Processing-Generalizing-Applying method! For those who have no clue what this is, you'll be surprised at just how fun this new method is!
Then we had a little bit of planning and updating about the cells and ministry. Very important take away for the night was to be mindful of the members' spiritual walk!
And overall, I would say it was a wonderful time of fellowship with God and God's people. Oh, how apt to say that 1 day in the House of God is better than a 1000 days in the world!
The 3rd most looked-forward-to day of the week this season! Why?
Just ask any YAY! Ministry leader!
Arrived early at HV to catch Rachel Chan studying at Starbucks! Then we adjourned over for dinner and fellowship. Dinner was just WOOOOO, or maybe because I was starving! But thanks anyway to Aunt Agnes and her able assistants/kids!
Helped David with worship later in the night. I am delighted to always be reminded of how in the body of Christ, our strengths and weaknesses always complement each other to give God the Glory He deserves. And I thank God for gift to minister in the area of worship, and I pray for more to come, as well as the grace to work on the aspects that I'm weak in such as leading a study on the Word =S
It was surely an anointed time as we fellow shipped and processed Sunday's sermon. Thanks to Donnie who led us all in a new and refreshing way of applying the Publishing-Processing-Generalizing-Applying method! For those who have no clue what this is, you'll be surprised at just how fun this new method is!
Then we had a little bit of planning and updating about the cells and ministry. Very important take away for the night was to be mindful of the members' spiritual walk!
And overall, I would say it was a wonderful time of fellowship with God and God's people. Oh, how apt to say that 1 day in the House of God is better than a 1000 days in the world!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Day 3 of Power Encounter
The past 2 days have been an awesome time of encounters that God has brought into my life. And Tuesday wasn't quite as expected.
I was supposed to meet Alvin and Xue Xin for worship practice due for Justin/Jasmine's wedding. I went to meet Xue Xin first and I actually went with a mindset of no expectancy of any encounters, but I suppose God's timing is always mysterious.
Though it was a long journey all the way from NTU, we managed to meet up and had fellowship over dinner. It was a lot of Engineering talk over the table but definitely a good time of fellowship, especially not seeing Alvin for quite some time already.
Then we adjourned for worship practice and as we started practising after a word of prayer, the entire practice wasn't exactly a practice. Alvin and Xue Xin were worshipping the Lord and the songs were soon not the focus.
The presence of God came and lingered. We played and sang but it didn't really matter if a note was out or the sequence was not in order. We just flowed with the leading of the Spirit. Before we knew it, time caught up with us and it was past ten already.
We managed to cover the songs required and as we left church, we all agreed we should continue the fellowship over supper! Hence coupled with some POWER Nasi Lemak, we headed over to Boon Lay Place Market and decided to not let the long queue dissuade us from some real good food!
Over food, we had a good time of catching up again and I must say, worshipping on Tuesday night was really liberating! And a verse this week reminded me:
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
~ 2 Cor 3:17
And I was reminded of John 4:24 ~ God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
All in all, worshipping God musically is worshipping Him in Spirit and in Truth.
Without both of these, I am only offering a Lip Service unto God.
And I pray that whenever I worship Him, it will be in Spirit and in Truth!
I was supposed to meet Alvin and Xue Xin for worship practice due for Justin/Jasmine's wedding. I went to meet Xue Xin first and I actually went with a mindset of no expectancy of any encounters, but I suppose God's timing is always mysterious.
Though it was a long journey all the way from NTU, we managed to meet up and had fellowship over dinner. It was a lot of Engineering talk over the table but definitely a good time of fellowship, especially not seeing Alvin for quite some time already.
Then we adjourned for worship practice and as we started practising after a word of prayer, the entire practice wasn't exactly a practice. Alvin and Xue Xin were worshipping the Lord and the songs were soon not the focus.
The presence of God came and lingered. We played and sang but it didn't really matter if a note was out or the sequence was not in order. We just flowed with the leading of the Spirit. Before we knew it, time caught up with us and it was past ten already.
We managed to cover the songs required and as we left church, we all agreed we should continue the fellowship over supper! Hence coupled with some POWER Nasi Lemak, we headed over to Boon Lay Place Market and decided to not let the long queue dissuade us from some real good food!
Over food, we had a good time of catching up again and I must say, worshipping on Tuesday night was really liberating! And a verse this week reminded me:
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
~ 2 Cor 3:17
And I was reminded of John 4:24 ~ God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
All in all, worshipping God musically is worshipping Him in Spirit and in Truth.
Without both of these, I am only offering a Lip Service unto God.
And I pray that whenever I worship Him, it will be in Spirit and in Truth!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Day 2 of Power Encounter
As I reflected upon Sunday's encounter, I prayed that I would continue to be sensitive to the Lord and that the busyness in my daily life will not distract me.
On Monday, I took up Our Daily Bread and the devotion was on loving others. The passage for the day was from 1 John 4 and the passage was on verse 7 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
This verse has all along been on my heart but it never really stood out to me and nothing was special about it until the evening. When I was reading another devotion from Word for Today. The devotion also spoke on 1 John 4:7 although the devotion differed slightly.
I know in me that God is saying something to me since what are the odds that 2 devotions pointed out the same verse. Am still seeking Him about this though.
1 very interesting point on this verse repeated to me! This is the exact verse of the Year for me! That's why! God is reminding me again...
Certain issues in the cell was brought to my attention and it breaks my heart. I'm sure it breaks God's heart too. Why can't Man put aside our own agenda for God's agenda? If we can't, then why claim to be followers of Christ?
Stark reminder for myself: To never be a hypocrite and to live out my faith. If I say I love God but have not loved, then I have not loved God at all. May I ever be the fool for God, especially in the most trying times of my life. Lord may I never choose the easy way out and dishonour You. Help me to live that life of obedience and faith despite the temptations all around me. Only in Jesus' Name I have this assurance.
On Monday, I took up Our Daily Bread and the devotion was on loving others. The passage for the day was from 1 John 4 and the passage was on verse 7 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
This verse has all along been on my heart but it never really stood out to me and nothing was special about it until the evening. When I was reading another devotion from Word for Today. The devotion also spoke on 1 John 4:7 although the devotion differed slightly.
I know in me that God is saying something to me since what are the odds that 2 devotions pointed out the same verse. Am still seeking Him about this though.
1 very interesting point on this verse repeated to me! This is the exact verse of the Year for me! That's why! God is reminding me again...
Certain issues in the cell was brought to my attention and it breaks my heart. I'm sure it breaks God's heart too. Why can't Man put aside our own agenda for God's agenda? If we can't, then why claim to be followers of Christ?
Stark reminder for myself: To never be a hypocrite and to live out my faith. If I say I love God but have not loved, then I have not loved God at all. May I ever be the fool for God, especially in the most trying times of my life. Lord may I never choose the easy way out and dishonour You. Help me to live that life of obedience and faith despite the temptations all around me. Only in Jesus' Name I have this assurance.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Power Encounters
Funny how it all seems to be orchestrated perfectly.
Just last Saturday we were doing application for the sermon preached last week and the accountability was to pray and watch for power encounters with God through this week.
Honestly I wasn't expecting to be facing any power encounters. But it really amazes me how God works in mysterious ways.
On Sunday after service and having celebrated Grace's surprise birthday, I noticed Grace's friend, Joshua sitting all by himself at the front of the worship hall. I smiled at him and he smiled back. Unexpectedly, my body went into an auto mode and I found myself sitting beside him. In my mind, I was just about to walk away, busy distributing cakes for Grace.
The next thing I knew, Joshua was sharing with me all about him and it definitely was quite a lot on his heart. Deep inside me, I was praying and asking God to help me to be sensitive and hear Joshua's sharing.
Half an hour on and Grace was telling Joshua that she's leaving for lunch. I thought Grace was going to wait for him but when Joshua and I prepared to leave, Grace had already left. I found Joshua all by himself outside the church carpark, alone, and seemingly lost.
Here's the 2nd encounter and I knew God wanted me to do something. I had intended to go lunch with Donnie/Jean/Jude after bumping into them outside church. But God had a different agenda for me. Donnie had to meet up with Jude nearby church and after I got through to Grace over the phone, I knew God wanted me to accompany Joshua to City Hall.
On our way to City Hall from walking to church to taking the MRT to walking to M.O.F. , Joshua was doing the talking and sharing like 99% of the time? I was praying inside me for the Lord to use me; to hear Joshua and his struggles.
We met Grace and the rest at MOF and after about an hour, the rest had to leave for various reasons. I volunteered to stay behind as Joshua had not finished his drink (he was sharing with Grace the whole time what he was trying to share with me). I had a quiz the next day, but I trust God to use me to be there for Joshua.
And so we stayed on for about another hour at MOF and me hearing more of Joshua. Toward the end, he was very curious and inquisitive about YAY! Ministry, that gave me a chance to share more about our ministry to him but I felt I could have done better. Before we left the cafe, I took the leap of faith to share with him what God is putting in my heart to minister to him. He was thankful and remarked that he really desire to come back to God's love.
All in all, it was a great time being just a listening ear to a brother I barely knew that day. And I truly believe that was what Jesus would have done too. To be lovingly there for a brother when I could have chosen to walk away many times.
I thank God for this opportunity and I pray that Joshua will begin to encounter God as well in his walk with Jesus. I am sure God is doing greater things in our midst in the days to come. Let us press on and persevere no matter what comes our way, for our victory is in Christ alone!
Just last Saturday we were doing application for the sermon preached last week and the accountability was to pray and watch for power encounters with God through this week.
Honestly I wasn't expecting to be facing any power encounters. But it really amazes me how God works in mysterious ways.
On Sunday after service and having celebrated Grace's surprise birthday, I noticed Grace's friend, Joshua sitting all by himself at the front of the worship hall. I smiled at him and he smiled back. Unexpectedly, my body went into an auto mode and I found myself sitting beside him. In my mind, I was just about to walk away, busy distributing cakes for Grace.
The next thing I knew, Joshua was sharing with me all about him and it definitely was quite a lot on his heart. Deep inside me, I was praying and asking God to help me to be sensitive and hear Joshua's sharing.
Half an hour on and Grace was telling Joshua that she's leaving for lunch. I thought Grace was going to wait for him but when Joshua and I prepared to leave, Grace had already left. I found Joshua all by himself outside the church carpark, alone, and seemingly lost.
Here's the 2nd encounter and I knew God wanted me to do something. I had intended to go lunch with Donnie/Jean/Jude after bumping into them outside church. But God had a different agenda for me. Donnie had to meet up with Jude nearby church and after I got through to Grace over the phone, I knew God wanted me to accompany Joshua to City Hall.
On our way to City Hall from walking to church to taking the MRT to walking to M.O.F. , Joshua was doing the talking and sharing like 99% of the time? I was praying inside me for the Lord to use me; to hear Joshua and his struggles.
We met Grace and the rest at MOF and after about an hour, the rest had to leave for various reasons. I volunteered to stay behind as Joshua had not finished his drink (he was sharing with Grace the whole time what he was trying to share with me). I had a quiz the next day, but I trust God to use me to be there for Joshua.
And so we stayed on for about another hour at MOF and me hearing more of Joshua. Toward the end, he was very curious and inquisitive about YAY! Ministry, that gave me a chance to share more about our ministry to him but I felt I could have done better. Before we left the cafe, I took the leap of faith to share with him what God is putting in my heart to minister to him. He was thankful and remarked that he really desire to come back to God's love.
All in all, it was a great time being just a listening ear to a brother I barely knew that day. And I truly believe that was what Jesus would have done too. To be lovingly there for a brother when I could have chosen to walk away many times.
I thank God for this opportunity and I pray that Joshua will begin to encounter God as well in his walk with Jesus. I am sure God is doing greater things in our midst in the days to come. Let us press on and persevere no matter what comes our way, for our victory is in Christ alone!
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