Bishan161 Carecell

2009-07-11T13:40:00.004+08:00

Carecell Multiplication Celebration!

Oh 10th July 2009 was a wonderful day celebrating the multiplication of our carecell! Out of Bishan161, will be Life carecell!

Indeed God is actively at work in carecell & our lives have been transformed! Let's hear excepts of God's transforming power in the members lives:

In the past, Friday nights was the most happening day for me as it was clubbing night @ Velvet! But the clubbing didn't satisfy & emptiness remains. Things took a major turn when I joined Bishan161 carecel. Fridays night became wholesome. I became happier, less self-absorbed in myself and focusing more on God, etc. Even though at times I still faced challenges in life but hearing the testimonies on how God was is working through mu carecell members lives, I am encouraged that God is alive & at work. Bonding & surrounding myself with Christian friends helps me to be closer to God & do the right thing for God. ~Alicia

Carecell has given me a group of close Christian friends that I can depend on. They make me feel not alone in a church of thousands. When I go for service, they are there. During fellowship activities, they are there. When I need to clarify anything in the Bible, they are there. When I need godly counsel in difficult situations, they are there too. And sometimes, when I am dreaming at night, they are there too. Truly, they are like a second family. I once had nothing to do on Friday nights, except to go home and play computer games. Today, I can look forward to Friday evenings because of the friendly people waiting for me in carecell. I once practiced, and even approved of sinful things. Today, I abhor and struggle to flee from them. And through the stories that I hear my carecell mates tell, I can see God working in their lives. Therefore, I am encouraged to look out for God working in my life too. ~Jonah

We were married recently & very much wanted a flat but it's difficult getting new flat in Singapore. We shared in carecell & the carecell prayed for a flat. When we received the queue number, it was a 45 out of few thousands! That enabled us to get a choice 22nd level unit! ~Calvin & Jaslyn

Indeed God was at work & Acts 2 came alive in our carecell! Of course when God's power & life flows, people were added to our numbers & we had to multiply. :-) Celebrations also comes with good fellowship, food, friends! We welcome our new friends, Dalfin & Priscilla! Hope you visit us again & again! :)

In our new carecells, let's continue to ask the Holy Spirit to pour His vision into our hearts so that Acts 2 will happen again... lives transformed, numbers added... & it's MULTIPLICATION time again! :) All glory to God!

2009-02-28T03:10:00.008+08:00

Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat (Matt 14:16)

Tonight(27th Feb)'s Young Adults Worship Experience was great~!! It's been awhile since we had an extended worship time/service & God surely didn't disappoint because He was there!Pastor Dominic shared:

1) My confession brings God into my life

• Jesus asked the disciples to feed the crowd but they confessed that they were helpless to do that(John6:7-9).
• It's such a confession of helplessness that invites God & His power into our lives, into our situations, into our families.
• It requires us to say, “I can't, only You can!”

Many times, I wanted a breakthrough in my life, family, situations, career, ministry but often I wanted to do it my way, to my own convenience and usually it ends up without results(plus lots of pain) & me crying to out to God.

But God is really looking for me to surrender my all to Him, saying “I can't, only You can!” This requires me putting my pride aside saying to God, “I need You”. God’s breakthroughs & miracles come only when we confess that “I can’t, only You can!”

2) God says that I am more powerful & impactful than I think I am

• Jesus replied “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat” (Matt 14:16).
• Today, because I have Jesus in me, I have the power of the Holy Spirit with me. Sometimes, we look down on ourselves, saying that we can’t but in fact we can because we have the Holy Spirit!
• Too often we believe Satan’s lies & reminders of our sin & we lose focus on God’s purpose for us to reach out to the lost. But hey, we may not be perfect but that does not mean we are powerless. 1 John 1:9 reminds us of God’s grace & restoration that is available to us so that we still can walk with God in righteousness & sonship.
• But in Matt 14:16, God affirms our sonship in Him & wants to work in & through our oh-not-so-perfect lives to bring the breakthroughs & miracles to us & to others.

Tonight, God spoke to me through Matt 14:16 that He wants to use me to impact & feed the people that are around me. The world is looking for the spiritual food of hope & love… won’t that make me a spiritual miser if I hoard God’s hope & love for myself?

Like the song goes, “…to stand in the gap between the living & the dead”, my actions tilt the scales that determine if my oikos belong to the living or the dead. I make that difference!

Oh Lord thank You for all your love for me but I pray that I will not hoard it but share Your love with the people around me! Oh Lord, make my life count for You!

We sang this song in closing. It was written by Pastor Dominic in 1986 & his heart of making his life count for Jesus still beats very much alive & strong today. The many lives he has impacted have indeed become my inspiration to make my life count for Jesus!

Friends, let’s confess that we need Jesus & even as God brings transformation in our lives, let’s make every single day of our lives count for Jesus!

In Your arms O Lord
Is where I want to be
It’s Your face I want to see
Please show in me
What I was meant to be
Then I know just why I live

Chorus:
Lord I give my life
As an offering to You
To be purified as gold
According to Your will
O Lord make my life count for You
I'd go through the fire for you

(Brings back memories of many wonderful morning TAWG @ 3rd lvl corner during my Alpha Track days... singing & crying this song to God. Hmmm... God is telling me something...)

2009-02-24T00:19:00.007+08:00

Young Adults Worship Experience

upcoming: 27 Feb 2009, 8pm TCC@Adam - cya there!

Love God, Worship God! Today is the day! :)

Oh, oh, oh,
Here we go!
Oh, oh, oh x3

I`m casting my cares aside
I`m leaving my past behind
I`m setting my heart and mind on You
Jesus

I`m reaching my hand to Yours
Believing there`s so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good
Is good

Chorus:
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
And I won`t worry about tomorrow
I`m trusting in what You say
Today is the day
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
Today is the day
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh

I putting my fears aside
I`m leaving my doubts behind
I`m giving my hopes and dreams to You
Jesus

I`m reaching my hands to Yours
Believing there`s so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good
Is good

I will stand upon Your truth.
(I will stand upon Your truth)
And all my days I`ll live for You
(And all my days I`ll live...)

Chorus

2009-02-21T23:56:00.004+08:00

Leisure Hike @ MacRitchie Reservoir Park

Date: 21 Feb 2009, 9am-1pm

- Location: MacRitchie Reservoir Park
- Activity: Leisure hike, enjoy God's creation, breath fresh air, great fellowship, lunch... :)

Praise God for the good weather! We took the 11km yellow route. Posed for photos at the very old bridge(build by the Japanese?) near jelutong towers. Saw some greedy fishes & terrapins too :) We ended up in J8 for lunch... yums! Indeed it was a good time of fresh air, exercise & fellowship! Thank you, God!

2009-02-18T12:40:00.004+08:00

Leisure Hike @ MacRitchie Reservoir Park

Date: 21 Feb 2009, 9am-12pm.

- Location: MacRitchie Reservoir Park

- Activity: Leisure hike, enjoy God's creation, breath fresh air, discover interesting things you didn't know that exists in MacRitchie :), brunch @ thompson road after hike.

- Meet in front of: toilet near carpark

- Hike Guide: Edwin

- Hike Highlight: great fellowship & something I can't publish it else nparks might come after me... :P come & find out!

- Pre-hike: Rest early the night before. Bring water, dress in sports attire & preferably sports shoes. Do not spray perfume or scented insect repellant.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=62867697243

2009-02-17T16:26:00.009+08:00

Nintendo Wii-ngs :)

2009-02-17T15:36:00.007+08:00

New Beginnings Chapter 2: Time Alone With God (TAWG)

date: 6 Feb 2009

1. Share: What makes you happy & excited? How often do you do it?

2. In 2009, who wants to be happy? :)

- Pastor Dominic declares 2009 as a year of abundance and with it comes abundance of good and happy things from God.
- Pastor Dominic taught a powerful truth about enjoying the prosperity of God. Today, we will take about Time Alone With God with reference to Pastor Dominic’s teaching on Psalms 1:1-3:

1Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

3. Time Alone With God (TAWG)

i. Blessed is the godly man (v.1)
• Blessed means being happy, fulfilled, joyful, contented. Who wants to be happy, fulfilled, joyful, contented in 2009?
• But there’s a condition: being godly. Hebrew root word, ashar which means straight, right before God.
• Psalms 1 is a psalm of contrasts, godly & wicked man.

ii. Delight in God (v.2a)
• Delight: If a person delights in something, you don’t have to beg them to do it or to like it. They will do it all by themselves just like what we have shared just now.
• You can measure your delight for the word of God by how much you hunger for it.

iii. Meditates day & night(v.2b)
• TAWG! - reference New Beginnings Chapter 2, p25 or TAWG picture above.
• Every day, every night. Constantly talking & praying to God.

4. Pray

- Share with one another one measure you want to focus on in this week’s TAWG(reference NB Ch2 p25) and Pray for one another.
- Let’s believe and act in faith that we can hear from God and encountered delight in our TAWG.

February 2009 is Young Adults (YA) Month!

Carecell will be at TCC@Adam, 8pm.

13th Feb: YA Service

20th Feb: Men & Women workshop

27th Feb: Worship Experience!

2009-02-17T15:31:00.005+08:00

Chinese New Year Celebration Dinner (with new friends!)

Date: 23 Jan 2009

It's always great to celebrate chinese new year together as a carecell, with the "lou hei", food & fellowship. But it's even better when we have our new friends joining us for the 1st time!

Welcome to Bishan161: Henry, Charlotta, Arthur & Jerina! :)

2009-02-17T00:51:00.009+08:00

1st Carecell of 2009: Awesome!

Date: 9 Jan 2009

2009 - Year of Abundant Living

In 2008, P. Dominic shared from that it was a Year of New Beginnings (Isa 43:19). Indeed 2008 has been a year of new beginnings for many of us (new jobs, wedding, etc).

Share: thank God for 1 thing in 2008.

Huini & I, Calvin & Jaslyn got married. Jonah & myself had a new job. Wendy gave birth, etc. Despite downs, God has been good to us in 2008.

2009 has arrived! The past 2 weeks has been awesome! The watchnight service, combined prayer meeting, 1st service of the year – it was a wonderful & powerful time of hearing God’s word. Pastor Dominic shared from Luke 10:25-35 that 2009 is a year of Abundant Living!

“27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 28"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."

1. What kind of life do you want to live in 2009?

2 Kings 4-6

1. Survival or Abundant Life (prosperity)
2. Generational shortchange or Generational posterity
3. Famine or Wholeness (provision)
4. Lack or Overflowing
5. Sickness or Health
6. Loss or Restoration

2. Keys to Abundant Life (v.27)

P. Dominic has declared that 2009 will be a Year of Abundant Living but it can only happen when you obey God in Luke 10:27.

1. Love God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind
2. Love your neighbor as yourself

3. God’s Promise (v.28)

• Do this and you will live.

Already abundant life is happening in our lives, in our carecell. Brenda accepted Jesus just a few days ago! Praise God!

Conclusion:
So let’s take sometime to share our goals for 2009 with each other and lay it before God. And we will pray. P. Dominic has taught us how to pray in the prayer meeting.

Prayer:
Luke 11:8-9
v8. Boldness – Declare, lay hold
v9. Engage – with God. Fully: with all my heart soul strength mind. Gen32 Jacob wrestled.

Worship: sing in faith & believe that 2009 is a new season in Abundant Living when we obey God.

A New Season
It's a new season, it's a new day yeah
His fresh anointing, it's flowing my way
It's a season of power and prosperity
It's a new season and it's coming to me

It's a new season, it's a new day
Fresh anointing is flowing my way
It's a season of power and prosperity
Yes it's a new season and it's coming to me

Lord I Want to Know You
Lord, I want to know You, in my heart there is a fire,
Every morning when I wake up, it’s You that I desire.
Just to feel Your heartbeat is what I long for,
Oh Lord, I want to know you more,
Oh Lord, I want to know you more!

2009-02-17T00:47:00.001+08:00

Decided to revive the Bishan161 blog again. kekeke... :)

2007-11-10T07:51:00.000+08:00

Passionately in Love

Discussion Starter : Share 1 thing that we are so passionate about and what do we do with our passion? - many interesting passions from books to hamsters, from battlestar galatica to handbags! indeed some of us are really passionate about passions!

Passion is about love & our heart’s desire and nobody knows more about passion than our Father in Heaven. John Ortberg, writer of Love Beyond Reason, said “No one knows a broken heart like God does.”

7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.13 And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in u.s (1 John 4:7-13 NLT)

“God will look to every soul like its first love because He is its first love." – CS Lewis

My God is a God of passion, passionately in love with me for He is First Love!

SHARE:

How do you know that God loves you? Share some instances in which you have known His love.

- sharing : "God using people in her boyfriend & other friends to bring her to Jesus. God must love me so much", "God knows me so well, at the times when friends are not available, God is by my side", "didn't do well in exams & felt bad but God sent people to comfort me, that I am not stupid in God's eyes" Many instances of God's love for me, for us! Indeed God loves us very passionately

What is your 'passion level' (on a scale of 1 – 10) for God? Are you passionately in love?

- Let it be 1 step higher from where we are now! If I am at 3, let at be 4! Fall passionately in love with God!

Last week, we shared about how we can be a friend like Andrew. Knowing God's love for us, what are the ways which we can show God's love to our friends whom we want to bring to God?

- Let our passionate for God be a motivation to be a friend like Andrew to Care & Connect!

Do I really know God or just know about God? What commitment can I make to know Him better?

- Let's set a measureable & attainable goal/commitment to know God better, for it will help us fall passionately in love with God.

Take Home message : Know how much God loves you and live in His purpose for your life. Make a commitment to get to know God better.

PRAY: Dear God, I believe that you have loved me with an everlasting love. Help me to love others and see others the way you see them. I pray that I will always love You, and I want Your love for my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Worship :

My First Love
I’m reaching out
Once again
My heart’s consumed with You
Lord I yearn
Lord I thirst
For more of You
For more of You
For more of You

Take me deeper, nearer
In You I will abide
Make me Jesus
More in love
Till I love you as your bride
Jesus, Jesus
You are my First Love

(original material courtesy of Sunnydale cell)

2007-11-08T18:50:00.000+08:00

*starts sharing of testimony* Before sharing last Fri's cell, I would like to give God all glory & thanks that He has brought our dear Zhihao back to church & carecell. After close to 2 years, God is still faithful & I pray the Zhihao will experience God like never before! Let's continue to Care & Connect and God will do the rest! *end*

Be A Friend Like Andrew! – Care & Connect

My definition of a friend ___________________

Wanted : A friend like Andrew!

1. Read John 1:35-42 (focus, v40-42)

2. Let’s share :

• The first thing that Andrew did after following Jesus was to tell his brother Simon & bring him to Jesus. Why do you think he did that?

• How you have brought someone to know more about God this year.

• What does being a friend mean to you and how has God spoken to you about it recently.

• Why do you think bringing your friends to Jesus/Trinity/cell group is important?

• Who do you want to bring to Jesus before 2007 ends?

i. Pre-believers with physical and emotional needs:______________

ii. Believers who need to come back to the Lord: _______________

iii. Pre-believers who need to witness the power of God & be saved: _____________

Conclusion :

In the sharing, some of us shared our definition of a friend & what it means to us by being a friend. Also we seen how Andrew wanted was a friend to Simon by finding & bringing him immediately to Jesus. Therefore, let’s continue to care & connect our oikos by being a friend like Andrew to them!

3. Let’s pray : Loving and gracious Father, please bless me as I seek to share Jesus with…… Give me wisdom to see Your work in their lives, to know the right time for them to hear about Christ and to have courage to share my faith and Your wonderful salvation with them. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

4. Take home message: (fill in your own, here)

Next Fri, let's come prepared to intercede for our oikos as we care & connect!

(original material courtesy of Sunnydale cell)

2007-11-08T18:16:00.000+08:00

New Callings Chapter 2 : I am chosen & sent by God!

1. Introduction
i. Toy Story 2 DVD – As the girl had chosen the cow girl toy as her favourite toy, likewise God has chosen me!

2. What am I chosen for?
i. Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor 5:17-20) – message of hope & love
v19-20 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

ii. Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20)
v19 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…

3. Heart of the Great Commission
i. Love (Matt 22:37-39)
• Love God, Love your neighbour
• Share : How do I express love?
• Love is not just words, its in actions! God demonstrated in actions by sending Jesus to die for your sins.
• In actions & truth (1 Jn 3:16-18)

ii. Obedience (Jn 14:15)
• Share : What will be the greatest motivation in your life to share Jesus?
• Share : When you love God, how would it show in your daily life?
• Jesus’ command to us : making disciples of all nations!

4. The Key is Relationships
i. Relationships
• Christianity is all about relationships. Relationship with God & others. In Jesus’ day, there was a group of legalistic & religious people called the Pharisees. But Jesus said they missed the whole point. In observing rituals & being religious, they failed to catch God’s heartbeat (His love for His People)

ii. Jesus is no longer physically present with us. What are some of the ways of helping our loved ones know that Jesus is real?
• bringing them to church
• praying for them
• showing God’s love by meeting felt needs
• share what God has done for us
• care & connect

Conclusion
It’s such a privilege that the God Almighty has chosen to send me to be an ambassador of Christ, carrying the ministry of reconciliation & love to the people. Let’s start by building relationships by Caring & Connecting!

Care & Connect – October

Who -
Prayer -
Care & Connect -
Goal -

As shared in Col 3:23-24 last Sat by Pastor Rob, let’s be passionate for God & His people - Trinitarians Care & Connect!

Let's PRAY :

1) I will embrace the lifestyle of Caring & Connecting. That God has chosen to send me to share His love. (ministry of reconciliation)
2) Stir up the desire to see my love ones saved
3) Commit to Caring & Connecting in Oct, starting next week.
4) Accountable in carecell for my oikos.

2007-05-27T23:33:00.001+08:00

2007-04-03T11:29:00.000+08:00

Choices

Was re-reading Max Lucado’s He Chose the Nails (Nashville, W Publishing Group 2000) and this story struck me:

Meet Edwin Thomas Booth, a master of the stage. During the latter half of the 1800s, this small man with the huge voice had few rivals. Debuting in Richard III at the age of fifteen, he quickly established himself as a premier Shakespearean actor. When it came to tragedy on the stage, Edwin Thomas was in a select group. When it came to tragedy in life, the same could be said as well. Edwin had two brothers, John and Junius. Both were actors. John, who played the role of the assassin in Julius Caesar is the same John who took the role of assassin in Ford’s theatre. On a crisp April night in 1865, he stole quietly into the rear of a box in the Washington theatre and fired a bullet at the head of Abraham Lincoln. Edwin was never the same after that night. Shame from his brother’s crime drove him into retirement. But while waiting at a New Jersey train station, Edwin saw a well-dressed young man lose his footing and fall in between the platform and a moving train. Without hesitation, Edwin locked a leg around a railing, grabbed the man, and pulled him to safety. After the sighs of relief, the young man recognised the famous Edwin Booth. Edwin, however, did not recognise the young man until a letter from General Adams Budeau, thanking him for saving the life of the child of an American hero, Abraham Lincoln. How ironic that while one brother killed the president, the other brother saved the president’s son.

Edwin and James Booth. Same father, mother, profession – yet one chose life and the other, death.

Abel and Cain, both sons of Adam. Abel chooses God. Cain chooses murder. And God lets him.

David and Saul, both kings of Israel. David chooses God. Saul chooses power. And God lets him.

Peter and Judas, both deny their Lord. Peter seeks mercy. Judas seeks death. And God lets him.

In every situation and phase of our lives, we are faced with choices. We are the chosen people of God. But what will we choose? Will we choose to obey Him or will we choose to look the other way?

I remember, during Christmas last year, I was in one of the Christmas evangelistic services. Sister Carol shared her journey from drug addict to youth leader. It was a very touching story, with a live interview (two others were interviewed as well) conducted by one of the Pastors. Not only that, there was footage from “Turning Point”, the television programme, which had featured her story on national television. And I was crying, deep inside. It was only partly because the story was so moving, truly a story that only God could come up with – but more so, I was crying because I wished, I wished, so much that I had invited my friends, so that they could be there to listen to this message, which I knew so many of them desperately needed. I had been involved in the Island-wide Christmas party then and I had told God ok, I’m only going to have enough energy and time to focus on one thing. How dearly I have regretted that excuse, ever since.

Christ chose the nails. He could have gone the other way, but He didn’t, because He loved us. What will we choose, this Easter?

2007-04-03T11:20:00.000+08:00

Prayer Pointers

(26 March – 5 Apr)

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 “So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful”

26. Pray that we will be reminded of God’s love.

27. Pray against hindrances (e.g. jadedness, complacency, fear) that may stop us from inviting our oikos

28. Pray for oikos by name.

29. Pray for divine opportunities to invite people and/or to share God’s love with them.

30. Pray that we will be alert to opportunities.

31. Pray for friends that we have invited/intend to invite.

1. Pray with audacious fervour! – for the extension of God’s kingdom.

2. Pray for positive responses to the invitations that we have sent out.

3. Pray that God will seal these decisions.

4. Pray that people will be receptive – lives will be touched, transformed, this Easter.

5. Pray for cast, crew and the whole production to be covered in God’s protection.

2007-03-25T10:52:00.000+08:00

Lilin's Job Testimony

Earlier this year, a close friend’s paper was accepted for publication by a top-tier international journal. While I was naturally very happy and proud for him, I could not help but feel bitter about my own academic career – my PhD plans had to be shelved and I did not know what I was going to do for a job, which I had to find all of a sudden. I only knew that God had shown me, very recently, that my calling was for teaching, but I did not know how or when. And as I cried out to Him, He comforted me with the verse “I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands” (Isaiah 49:15-16).

He also assured me in November last year when I was still brooding over my thwarted PhD plans: “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full. And you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be ashamed.” (Joel 2:25-26)

I decided to apply to two places in Singapore. There was tremendous favour granted for the first interview. The atmosphere was very warm and cordial and I could answer the questions with confidence. The night before, God granted me a very restful sleep, something which I did not expect, since I was very nervous the day before. Along the way, God sent people to walk with me, to reassure me. Every time I asked Him for reassurance, He sent verses, songs, and spoke to me in such an intimate way that only He can. And, although I am quite a cynical person, each time I knew without a shadow of a doubt, that He knows and He cares and He is in control. The interview went very well and they called me back for a second interview barely two hours after the first one was over.

I called them back one day after the second interview to ask about the salary they were offering. My friend and I prayed for a certain figure (which I quoted them) which was already above market rate. I was anxious when they did not reply that day, or the day after that, even though they had promised to call back in “a few hours”. During the weekend, Pastor Danny preached on being blessed to be a blessing. I responded to the altar call and I promised God that whatever He poured into my life, I was willing to pour back into His kingdom and to put Him and His kingdom first. By then, it was already three days after I had called HR and I was wondering whether they had forgotten about me. But God never forgets. On Monday morning, I remember praying to God and believing in Him that they would call by noon with their offer. I was then more at peace and even went to sleep (as I was sick).

At 12:06, Human Resource called. I did not have to look at my phone. I instinctively and immediately knew who it was from. They offered me a figure way beyond my expectations. The figure was even more than what I had quoted them (and it was a figure I put down only after much audacious fervour) – and I knew that it could only have been God, because, which company in the world would pay someone so much more than what they expect?

I can see God’s hand in all of this. I had prayed (and others had prayed with me) that God would put me in the right place, that He would send crystal clear signs, that He would shut the wrong door completely and open the right one all the way. And He did. The interview with the second potential employer did not go well at all and the night before, I was struck suddenly with a high fever and could not sleep a wink. The atmosphere was totally different (even unpleasant) and even though I was much better prepared, I did not fare as well.

Looking back, I know that He has indeed led me to the right place, one where I can serve Him and do my PhD part-time after all, which I am much happier about. God is teaching me to trust in Him, in all circumstances.

All glory to Him.

2007-02-18T10:07:00.000+08:00

EVERLASTING GOD

Indeed MY SAVIOUR LIVES! JESUS LIVES! Even as I celebrate Chinese New Year, I am reminded once again of Your sweet love.

Huini selected this CD showing again why she is my more(much more) musically inclined half :)

Background of this CD : if New Life Church sounds familar to you, then probably it is. That's where Ted Haggard was the senior pastor. In the church's own words. "New Life Church has walked through it's darkest hour, our faith was sorely challenged. And our love put to the test..."

Sometimes we go through troubles of life without a hope. Or perhaps, like New Life Church; walking through our darkest hour, having our faith sorely challenged and our love put to the test. Even as you & me go through similar experiences: What is your response? What is my response?

Let me sing part of the lyrics of Everlasting God :

-------------------------------------------
One thing I know that I have found
Through all the troubles that surround
You are the Rock that never fails
You never fail

You never change
You’re still the same
You are the Everlasting God
You will remain
After the day is gone
And things of Earth have past

Everlasting God...
-------------------------------------------

Father, despite my flaws, failings, sins, Your Everlasting Love for me never change, never fails, staying the same. When troubles of life come, You are my hope! Truly You are my Everlasting God!

Just yesterday, I was chatting with a good friend of mine. I was sharing that even after 11 years as a Christian, I still need God. In fact, I need God even more as I am still imperfect.

In this ever changing & fickle world, my response is :

No matter what life may bring, I will still cling on to You
No matter how dark it may seem, my hope is in You
Truly Your love for me will never change
I love you, my Everlasting, Loving God!

you can sample the album here :
http://www.worshipmusic.com/41142.html

2007-02-17T16:29:00.000+08:00

BISHAN161 in year 2007

A new year on 1st of January & on 18th of February... it's never too late to start our season of 2007 right... with God.

The past season was used by God to prepare us for the future. Don’t be fearful to face the giants of the past, which can be the giants of the this year. Sometimes we may not understand the season of our lives immediately but I know that God is speaking to me from Joshua 1:6-9.

" 6Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

I believe our season starts with having a desire and vision for God. So what is our vision for God in our lives this year? How would you want to be shaped by God?

Life is a shaping and developing process used by God. But it is the profound belief of our identity as children of God, as disciples of God, as lovers of God… that keeps us in motion – moving forward with passion, and fighting every battle with strength & courage. Only then, together with God, we transform our visions & dreams into reality... in 2007.

BISHAN161 IN YEAR 2007 :

Genuine in CARING for one another – caring, loving and supportive relationships
Extravagant in LOVING God – loving & pursuing God whole heartedly
Tenacious in PRAYER – fervent & faithful

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" - Let's press in for God is with us in 2007!

2007-02-14T14:03:00.000+08:00

Valentine's Day note to my cell

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways..."

Dear cellies,

This is just to tell you all how proud I am of all of you...and how much I love being in Bishan 161. You guys are really great. I remember the pride and joy I felt when I saw all of us working together at Wendy's wedding. Among the things that touched me the most: Irene for her painstaking innovation with the cloth and ribbons, and for getting the seashells, Jas for going up and down the stairs to bring the flowers down, Wing and Jonah walking out in the hot sun just to get lallang from the hotel (and having to endure being scolded by hotel management), Calvin coming all the way from home even though he was sick (with suspected dengue) that day, Huini and Edwin for coming even though they were busy the next day.

Thank you for being so supportive, for accepting me and my idiosyncracies, and just for being the loving, caring, fun cell that you are. And here's a song for all of you...only, unlike most song dedications, it plays only in the head :) Happy V-Day.

Perhaps Love (John Denver; Placido Domingo)

Perhaps love is like a resting place, a shelter from the storm
It exists to give you comfort, it is there to keep you warm
And in those times of trouble when you are most alone
The memory of love will bring you home

Perhaps love is like a window, perhaps an open door
It invites you to come closer, it wants to show you more
And even if you lose yourself and don't know what to do
The memory of love will see you through

Love to some is like a cloud, to some as strong as steel
For some a way of living, for some a way to feel
And someone say love is holding on and some say letting go
And some say love is everything, and some say they don't know

Perhaps love is like the ocean, full of conflict, full of pain
Like a fire when it's cold outside, thunder when it rains
If I should live forever, and all my dreams come true
My memories of love will be of you

2006-12-31T10:53:00.000+08:00

2006 -- The Year in Pictures

2006-12-31T10:37:00.000+08:00

Christmas, Actually (22 December 2006)

Bungalow. 22 December. Party. 7pm. These were the fragments we pieced together in cell as we tried to decipher what we were going to do for Christmas this year. It was a very, very rough sketch -- all we knew was that it was going to be a combined sectional event(3 cells!), somewhere in Holland Village, and there was going to be great food (where Bishan161 is, great food follows...)

We did not take into account the many oikos who would come; nor did we foresee Wings' heroic attempt at carving the gigantic turkey just before his moving testimony, Beatrice's marinated-for-four-days chicken, Calvin's artistic photography, Jonah's culinary creativity, Jaslyn's megawatt smile and social ease, Edwin's dexterous handling of games, programme and technology, Huini's helpfulness with odds and ends, Lilin's decor, Irene's grace and proactiveness in mingling with the oikos, Jack's ability to look wonderfully cool and calm, Wendy's delightfully unique Christmas presents, and her sharing her hard-won Merci chocolates with us, and of course, that touching declaration of love for our cell! (we love you too, Wendy!)

We did not realise that, limited as we are, God would use each and every one of us and piece together the unique skills that He had given us, to work together to form a beautiful tapestry.

We did not know that, once again, we would be touched by God's love -- as I'm sure many of our oikos were -- as we watched the video about the Hoyts. Even though we had already watched it before in service, the video brought back a powerful reminder -- without the Father's love, we are nothing. No Christmas parties, no cell groups, no love, fun, laughter, hope of eternity.

Thank you, Father, for everything - for making the party beautiful despite the short time of prep, for cell and our new sectional members, for friends, for a time of celebration and most of all, for giving us Jesus.

2006-12-31T10:15:00.000+08:00

F3D3

F3D3 North Thanksgiving (3 December 2006)

Bishan 161 has grown! From the few 'schoolchildren' last year (Huini, Calvin, Lilin, Edwin) and schoolmistress (Beatrice), we have grown up to become... professional bowlers!

This year's Thanksgiving at Yishun SAFRA was attended by Beatrice, Wendy, Jack, Marianne, Edwin, Huini, Jonah, Wings, Irene and Lilin. The ten of us played crazy games with straws, feasted lavishly on a lunch buffet, before proceeding to cosmic bowling. Our two teams were aptly named Fun and Laughter, and were placed just next to the scarily proficient SL Team. Thankfully, we had Jack who did us proud by serving the ball with his usual flourish. Top bowlers from our teams - Huini, Jack, Marianne! And our two practice sessions before that paid off well too, allowing all of us to score respectably as a team. Am proud of you, cell!

Food, Fun and Fellowship aside, we really want to thank God for being faithful and good throughout the year, and for bringing new people to our cell - Jonah, Wendy and Jack (thank you, too! Each of you has really made a difference and has been such a blessing to the cell!) Thanks also to our cell leader, Edwin, and cell host, Beatrice, for serving and giving much of their time, energy and love this whole year.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

2006-10-15T12:27:00.000+08:00

Date : 30 Sep 2006, Sat

BURGERS, BOARD GAMES, SUPPER & LOTS OF GREAT FELLOWSHIP! (plus laughs, crazy games & new friends)

FUN begun with meeting new friends, Jonah, Wendy & Chen Xi... welcome all! :) We started with the humongous burgers at Carl's Jr @ Marina Square. Step aside, Burger King! Because there is a new "burger king"! Carl's Jr! Check out the burger size! Not only they are super sized in proportions but also in taste! With burger names like "Double Western Bacon CheeseBurger, SuperStar with Cheese, Portobello Mushroom CheeseBurger... it enough to make my tummy growl... "grrr!!" But check out the desription : "The Mushroom hamburger has "Portobello mushrooms sliced and sautéed with garlic and parsley" on their 1/2 pound burger with swiss cheese" ... *drools* After a hearty meal, its time to exert energy by going bonkers at Settler's Cafe @ Holland Village! Crazy games, lots of screams, excitment & even crazier friends... "meow-meow-meow, moo, squeak-squeak..." you get the picture... :p One of the games we played was "Citadel" where in the game, we take turns to choose different characters which has different special powers... a very interesting & fun game. A must try! After the mad games, we had to quieten ourselves as we head for church service to worship God & thank God for the wonderful day! (Glad God gave us good friends! Amen!) After service, dinner/supper at Longhouse @ Thompson to wrap up a great outing. (Time for lots of exercise!)

Check out the pictures!

2006-10-14T00:20:00.000+08:00

Date : 09 Sept 2006

TCC's Vision Month Bazaar!

Lilin & Huini set up a store for the Bazaar, selling exquiste hand-made jewellery. All the jewellery were made by Lilin, Huini, Auntie Jenny & Auntie May. You should have seen it... it was beautiful & unique.

2006-09-25T02:09:00.000+08:00

Date: 17 Aug 2006

COFFEE @ TCC, Lido with good'o friends...

Charmaine's is back in Singapore for good... well at least till God calls again :) Been about a year since she left to go Changmai & Penang for YOM DTS. So its a good catch up session with her. Great to have Jeff around too! Friends & Coffee... ah... how we need time outs like this every now & then.

2006-09-05T19:14:00.000+08:00

For the past few days, during my TAWG, I kept being directed to the same page. And it is a very timely message, what with the Vision Rally this weekend, so I thought I'd share it.

In Haggai 1:7-9 "This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honoured' says the Lord. You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the Lord Almighty. Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house."

I realise that in serving God, who deserves nothing but our very all, our utmost, there is really no space for anything except our best, unreserved efforts. Unless we keep busy in building His house, serving His purpose, all our efforts are futile. And I am convinced that as we build God's house -- not just the physical Paya Lebar or church building, but perhaps even more importantly, to invest our lives in others, to build up the people who are the church -- God will pour blessings into our lives. In verses 2:4-5 "Be strong, all you people of the land...for I am with you...and my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear."

2006-06-12T03:36:00.000+08:00

Date : 09 July 2006

Happy Birthday Lilin!!

Tangy Mango birthday cake, yummy Häagen-Dazs "summer berry" & "midnight cookies & cream" ice-cream. Wash down with Beatrice home-made chrysanthemum tea. Yummy hor, Lilin. Blessed Birthday!! :) We welcome our visitors, Xavier & Lina. Hope you enjoyed the carecell time. You are welcome to join our carecell! ^_^

- may all my wishes come true!! (pls dun drool... thanks!)

- pick-up sticks... those who know this game... then I know which era you are from! :P

2006-06-11T23:20:00.000+08:00

Happy 1st Birthday Bishan161 !!

Bishan161 is One Year Old! Happy Birthday!! To celebrate this joyous occasion, we had a secret receipe chocolate cheese cake! YuMmY!!

2006-06-11T23:15:00.000+08:00

Date : 02 July 2006, Fri

Dreams & Visions For God (Acts 2)

Today is our 1st Friday carecell day, having moved from a Tuesday. I believe that not only there is a move in the physical but a move in the spirit too. I believe that there is going to be a renewnal of spirit in Bishan161.

1) Desire The Holy Spirit, Acts 2:1-13
- It was the day of Pentecost, the Church received the Spirit of God in fullness
- Notice that the believers were all with one accord in one place; they were gathered together sharing the same heart, the same love for God; just like what, we, Bishan161 are doing now.

What Happens When The Holy Spirit Comes Upon The Disciples & The People?
- “…tongues of fire” The picture of fire is usually purification, as fire is used by a refiner to make pure gold, or it can burn away that which is temporary, to leave that which is lasting. It shows that the filling of the Holy Spirit is not just for abstract power(Acts1:8), but for purity too.
- “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them”
- 1 Cor 14:2 “For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God” The gift of tongues is a personal language of prayer given by God, whereby the believer can communicate with God beyond the limits of knowledge and understanding

>>>Do you desire the all these that was mentioned? The answer is clear, you need to ask God for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit into your lives!

2) Dreams & Visions For God (Acts 2:17-21)
- There was a remarkable change in Peter; he has a boldness that is a complete contrast to his denials of Jesus before he was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit brings Dreams & Visions
- Acts 2:17 “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” When that happens…
- Acts 2:21 “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”

What is a vision? What is a dream?

Vision :
- The manner in which one sees or conceives of something
- The mystical experience of seeing as if with the eyes the supernatural or a supernatural being (I love this description!)
Dream :
- A condition or achievement that is longed for; a deep aspiration:
- One that is exceptionally gratifying, excellent, or beautiful

If God says you will see visions & dream dreams, then what will be your dream for God, for yourselves, family, friends & Bishan161?

May I share with you my visions & dreams? When I decided to pursue Huini, I didn’t see her as my girlfriend. In fact, I had a vision of her as my wife. So much so that I accidentally blurted it out in front of her even before she was my girlfriend!

>>>Let’s see visions & dream dreams for God. Our thoughts precedes our actions. When you can see the invisible, you can do the impossible. That is faith in action!

- Why is Acts 2:17-21 possible? Because Jesus died on the cross, bearing all our sins, but gave us victory when Jesus rose again. Victory over death, victory over sin, victory in your lives. Because He lives!

3) What’s Your Response?
- Acts 2:37 “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?”
- Acts 2:38 “Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Some of you may have received the Holy Spirit but need a fresh outpouring of the Spirit of God into you lives. Some of you may need to repent of sins. Some, may need start seeing visions & dream dreams to accomplish the impossible.
- What was the result? Acts 2:41 “…Three thousand were added to their number that day”

>>>Therefore, what will your visions & dreams for God, for your life, family, friends, Bishan161?

4) A Vision For Bishan161 (Acts 2:42-47)

My vision & dream for bishan161 is simple, it’s nothing original. In fact, it is Acts 2:42-47 “Bishan161 devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Bishan161 was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. Bishan161 were together and had everything in common. selling their possessions and goods, Bishan161 gave to anyone as he had need. every day Bishan161 continued to meet together in the temple courts. Bishan161 broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to Bishan161, their number daily those who were being saved.”

Conclusion : When we, Bishan161, repent & desire for the outpouring & filling of the Holy Spirit in our lives… we will begin to see incredible visions, dream big dreams for God, for our family, for our friends, for our lives!

2006-06-11T21:26:00.000+08:00

Mix & Match!

2006-04-16T01:22:00.000+08:00

DATE: 19th Feb 2006, Sun

Lilin's Water Baptism

Haven't been updating for awhile but here's a reason to rejoice! Lilin & Agnes has decided to follow the Lord in water baptism. Indeed it was a step of faith & obedience for them. Also, they "officially" become members of Trinity Christian Center! (10% discount at Manna Bookstore when you flash your membership card. Membership has its priviledges... if u remember this slogan... u are as old as I am ^_^) Of course, our likeable Lilin has many friends/supporters! The following pictures are only some of them.

2006-04-16T01:18:00.000+08:00

TESTIMONIES!!

woo-hoo! hullo all!! it's been a while since there were updates... cell and church too eventful ... heheh! okie...

1) we (Lilin & I) would wanna thank God for His favour on the 2nd beading group a.k.a. the aunties group... on how smoothly things went... and also how He has placed different ones who brought lotsa fun and laughter to the group. We thank the Lord for the good relationships that were made in a short span of 4 weeks and thru these, 2 of our oikos came for the Doctor's Journal easter presentation! Even though they didn't accept Jesus as Lord, but we thank God because i believe that He has started a work in their (Lilin's mum & her mum's friend-aunty doreen, haha... so complicated!) lives!! Let's continue to press in and pray that God will continue to work in & thru their lives!!! Another fishy to go up the chart! yeah!

2) Praise the Lord! Irene passed her exam that she took on the 5th!! (can't really remember wat paper was it... but God is still in control!! wee.... )

3) Thank God for seeing us(Marianne, Lilin & Huini) thru all the days & nights of rehersal. and the hours of standing still thru the presentations!! it was an exciting time of experiencing His goodness and grace... and it was also a time of humbling and testing of faith & perseverance.... haha!!

4) Praise God also for the different oikos who came for this easter presentation! It's so amazing how God just suddenly brought our friends and family members into the house of God! ppl like Colin(Edwin's ex-colleague) who he haven't been in contact for a while! and Liying(Lilin's youger sis) and my mum(fresh from JB!!)!

Lastly, thank you for fasting and covering this entire production with prayers... we had many testimonies on how God has intervened to make things work for the technical side... and how He has protected us(esp over the hungry ones who had not much but CHOCOLATES!!). i thank God for He has also shielded me of injuries when i fell right smack in the centre of the road that night after cell on the 4th! thank you for playing a part in the extension of God's kingdom!! ALL GLORY TO GOD!!

2006-03-05T10:09:00.000+08:00

4 March 2006 - first jewellery making class
(Jean, Huini, Jaslyn, Marianne, me and Jiewei)

Beading class went very well yesterday... we learnt how to make a simple pair of earrings and everyone picked it up quickly. Many of the participants were so excited at being able to make their first piece of jewellery that they couldn't wait to go bead shopping again! heh... am so proud of my students! Thank God that everything went really smoothly...in terms of an interactive atmosphere, time management etc. And thank you, cell, for being so supportive in prayer, participation (Huini, Jaslyn, Marianne), and especially to Huini for helping out with the planning, refreshments, facilitation and instruction. Am already making plans for class number 2 so please let me know if anyone has any oikos who are interested... thanks.

2006-02-08T02:06:00.000+08:00

DATE : Fri, 3rd Feb 2006

Chinese New Year Celebration!!

A great way to start off the Chinese New Year with our carecell friends : Lau Yu Sheng - of course many of our hands had yu sheng after the tossing. *eeks!* :) Anyways, we were introduced to a new board game called Settlers of Catan. It was a great game : building, bargaining, trading & of course, pure fun! Anyways, I've included a picture of our visit to Matthias house on 31st Jan. Just like what we have proclaimed during our lau yu sheng... may all of our proclaims come true! It will... we serve a great God! Amen! Blessed Chinese New Year everyone! :)

2006-02-07T02:08:00.000+08:00

Date : Sun, 5th Feb 2005

<--Celebrate friendship with an afternoon of jazz, dance & fun!

@ The Gallery, Fort Canning Centre
- Chill out with a live jazz band
- Learn the Lindy Hop
- Indulge in a chocolate fountain

Great JAZZ it was indeed! Providing the live jazz music was the Stompers, an 8-piece jazz band. Live jazz music with jet black & tangy orange balloons gently bobbing around the colonial-era ballroon, it really set the atmosphere for an afternoon of fun, food & friendship! Talking about friends, I would like to take the opportunity to welcome Marianne to Bishan161 carecell of friendship! *clap, clap, clap!* A testimony to Bishan161's spirit of united fun & energy, we won the 1st prize for completing the introduction game! The crowd was great, young & way, cool! Not only that the food was excellent! The eclairs & chocolate fountain, especially! I think every1's diet went out of the window, the chocolate stuff ran out very fast :(

Lindy Hop anyone? Hey, we were all pleasantly surprised by Lindy Hop. It was relatively easy & very, very fun! We learnt quite a few lindy hop dance moves that afternoon. Ok everyone, 5-6-7-8... "Hitchhike-hitchhike, kick-kick, clap-clap-clap..." We even did a variation of the Charleston! What fun we had! Here are some pictures!

2006-01-26T02:11:00.000+08:00

Date : Tue, 24th Jan 2006

BOOK OF LIFE – 5 Stages of the BOL (ASSOCIATE)

- The 3rd stage of the BOL is Association. It is to build a relationship with those selected and show Christ’s unconditional love to them.
- We need to get to know them & constantly maintain contact with them in order to pray accurately for them and to show them God’s love. Therefore it is not enough just to pray, you need to also put association in action to your prayers.

Pray for and discern the felt needs of Your Oikos
- we need to be aware of the difference between the most important need a person has and the what that person feels is his most important need(or “felt need”). We know that the most important need of a person is his salvation but the felt needs of the unsaved are defined by them. Ususally these two needs are not the same in the mind of the unsaved as they have been blinded by the gods of this age.
- In praying for the lost, we need to discern what they consider as important and pray for that need to be met by God. The answered prayers then serves as an eye-opener, a heart-opener to Jesus. Jesus himself used this method. Let’s take a look at the following examples to see how Jesus met the felt need & by meeting that need, God was revealed.

i) Jn 2:1-11 --- Felt need : Wine. By turning water into wine, Jesus showed his disciples the 1st miraculous sign, revealing the He is the God of miracles and His disciples put their faith in Him.
ii) Luke 19:1-9 --- Felt need : Friendship/Acceptence. Zacchaeus was not only a tax-collector but a chief tax-collector & it didn’t help that he was a man of short stature. Tax-collectors are universally despised among the Jews because the tax collector made his profit by charging high taxes. So Zacchaeus was an outcast, no one wants to be his friend. Jesus met his felt need by calling Zacchaeus by name & stayed at his house, bringing honour & friendship to him.
iii) Luke 5:1-11 --- Felt need : Fish/Disappointment. Simon Peter fished all night but caught no fish. Jesus met his felt need by going out to fish again with Simon Peter and that’s where Simon Peter caught the big catch of fish, showing that God provides & not only provides but heals disappointment.
- Meeting the felt needs of the lost opens their eyes to the reality & love of God. This allows them to make a vital connection between His Love & His Power for them.

How do we do Association?
- Taking into account the felt needs of your targets, you must also put action into your prayers. To help you in your association with your targets, you can shower your targets with unconditional love by taking the following definite steps : (pg11)
i) CareActs : Deeds of Kindness
ii) CareEvents : Activites for knowing the person better. These will help build relationships with your oikos. A variety of events could be planned but there should be at least one in which your oikos is exposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Eg. Viewing of a video
iii) CareWitness : Ways to share the gospel. These are times where you will have the opportunity to share a personal witness with them.

3 Critical Factors that will help in Association
i) Firstly, you need to set aside time & even money. Intercession & evangelism takes time. If we do not plan them in as a priority, they will not happen!
ii) Secondly, form a prayer group. As shared last week.
iii) Most importantly, PUSH – Persevere Until Salvation Happens!

That very night in cell, we have taken that step of faith in obedience to send sms to our oikos, inviting them for JazzmaTazz! So let us continue to PUSH & pray for them! :)

2006-01-24T00:35:00.000+08:00

Outing to Sentosa with DongQing - Sat, 21st Jan

Praise God for DongQing's salvation! She accepted Jesus when Vivien brought her to Trinity. Vivien is actually Lilin's classmate from China. Vivien herself only accepted Jesus last month & here she is bringing DongQing to Jesus! Amazing! Anyways, DongQing is an exchange student & she has been in Singapore for only few weeks & is going back to China on 5 Feb. So when she wanted to look around Singapore, we(Lilin, Huini & Edwin) accompanied her to Sentosa. Throughout Sentosa, we told her more about Jesus, especially TAWG & having a relationship with Jesus. She was very open & even attended service the next day! Thank God for the favourable weather & also the fun we had! We tried out the brand new Sentosa Luge & Chairlift. Also walked the nature trail, chilled out at the beach & visited Merlion. Ended with a great sushi meal! :) I believe God is using Bishan161 to reach out & touch people.

2006-01-19T14:57:00.000+08:00

PRAYER ALERT!

After cell on week & tue. We made a commitment to God to be fruitful in 2006. That we will answer God's call for Bishan161 to be fishers of men to reach out to our unsaved family & friends.

After cell on tue, Beatrice's sister, Brenda, fell in the toilet. Today, Jaslyn's mum fell and had a swell on her head. Coincidence? I say not! We must be doing something right 'cuz the devil is not happy. It's a spiritual attack! BUT... Paul says in Romans 8:31 ...if God is for us, who can be against us. Let us remember that God is with us & we shall have victory! Let us arise in prayer. Here are our prayer points for this week:

1) Blood of Jesus to cover everyone in carecell & our family. For protection & safety.
2) Focus on God & His purposes for us to be fruitful & be fishers of men.
3) Salvation for our oikos. Pray the will of God into our oikos lives : 2 Pet 3:9 that God …does not want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
4) Faith & boldness to arise in the authority that has been given to us (Read last tue cell on BOL)

Prayer Buddies : pray for your buddy (Jaslyn: pray for Marianne)
Everyone : pray for Bishan161 & family as a whole
Let's us continue to reflect on last tue cell sharing on BOL. Ask God to speak to us & bring the Holy Spirit conviction to us.

2006-01-19T14:16:00.000+08:00

17th Jan, Tue - Learning to be Fishes of Men in carecell

BOOK OF LIFE – 5 Stages of the BOL (TARGET & INTERCEDE)

Introduction :To be fishes of men for God, to be fruitful, we need to strategize. TCC has provided a tool for us to use, that is the Book of Life (BOL).

God wants us to make Himself known
John 17:25-26 Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.
God wants His love to be known to everyone! To all of our oikos! This is the very heart of God.

TARGET
- Let’s list down some of our oikos in pg 3-5.
- First of all, to hit something, we need to target – just like a rifle, we can’t just fire blindly but to take aim first.
- From the list in pg 3-5, prayerfully decide to focus most of your efforts at winning 2 or 3 family or friends to Christ.

INTERCEDE
- Intecession & prayer is the key to the successful fulfillment of the great commission
The Hebrew word of intercessor or intercession is paga (paw-GAH), meaning “to come between, to assail(assault), to cause to retreat” When an Israeli soldier hits the mark in target practice, he shouts “Paga!” – Bull’s eye!
- Effective intercessors learn to hit the bull’s eye with accuracy in the intercession. Intercession is Spiritual Warfare!

Principles of Spiritual Warfare
(1)Know your spiritual authority – Matt 28:18-20 ... All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations... & Matt 18:18 whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
(2)The power of this biblical concept increases dramatically when your prayers are take out of our prayer closets and shared with other like-minded people in a small group : Matt 18:19-20 if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

In our prayer groups & prayer buddies :
1)we can encourage one another to regularly pray for the salvation of your oikos & pray with each other. That’s where God will turn up.
(2)Hold each other accountable to our evangelistic & outreach efforts. Eg. Invites, sharing, etc Your spiritual authority also rests on the fact that when you pray for the salvation of your loved ones, you are praying the will of God. 2 Pet 3:9 say that God …does not want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

- We need to recognize that the whole process has to be bathed in prayer. Prayer is the key. Jesus set the example of prayer. Even as Jesus started to do the Father’s work, ministering & healing, He set the pattern for us : that is to pray! Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

- So let us use the Book of Life to assist us in targeting & interceding our oikos!

2006-01-19T14:10:00.000+08:00

13th Jan, Friday - 1st Carecell of 2006

Fishing with Jesus Onboard - Luke 5:1-11

Introduction :
Blessed new year everyone! It’s our 1st cell of the year. Today we are going to look at Luke 5:1-11. It's a story of a call to evangelism. It's a story of God calling Simon Peter to his destiny as a fisher of men. I believe God will use this story to speak to us.

1) Fishes are found in deep waters
· v2-3. Like most ordinary people, Peter & his partners has just ended their working day. They would sell their fish, repair their nets & with the money, a feeling of satisfaction. That particular morning, they had worked all through the night but have nothing to show for it except a wary back & worn-out nets. Peter was just like us, he was listening to Jesus preaching, very much like a weekend service. How familiar this scene was! Many times we would end our working day with a wary back & worn-out nets, feeling unsatisfied. But God has a plan for Peter.
· v4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." How many of you like deep water? I don't think many of you like deep water because it's unknown & dangerous.
· But fishes are found in the deep water. It's in the deep water that you can catch the most fishes. And Jesus was calling Peter to go to the deep water of his life. It was the place where he caught no fish even though he worked hard all night. How many of you have worked so so hard but have no results to show for it?
· If you were Peter, wouldn't you feel scared going to the deep again? But here, Jesus was calling Peter out of his comfort zone into the deep waters. I believe God is calling us out of our comfort zones too.
· Our comfort zone cannot be the amount of savings we have or the good job that God has blessed us with. You see, our comfort zone must be Jesus! Our confidence must be our relationship with Him. Only Jesus can provide the confidence for the deep waters of life.
· So when the call of Jesus comes to you, let Jesus be our confidence in that deep waters.

2) Jesus On Board (Obedience in Faith) = Huge Catch of Fish/Fruitfulness
· When Jesus asked Peter to go fishing, Peter must had said "aw manz!" because fishing it's the last thing he wanted to do. The boat was clean, the nets were dry. The sun was up & Peter was exhausted. And, by the way, what does Jesus know about fishing? He is a carpenter! We all know that the best time to fish is at night, not the day time. Besides the crowd has seen Peter come back empty-handed. Peter must have thought, "I am not going to face them empty handed again." So Peter gives excuses.
· v5 Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything." Peter must have said that in weariness. Common sense says, forget it, let's go home & rest. How many of us understands what Peter said? Or perhaps we have used some of those excuses before. Why? Is it because the most difficult journey is traveling back to the place of failure or unfruitfulness?
· But you know something? Jesus knows all of it and that's why He was going along with Peter this time round. Peter doesn't understand but he obeyed God. Peter has been around this Nazarene enough to know that His presence made a difference. We all can learn something from Peter here : Obedience in faith.
· So the oars dip again & the boat goes out. The nets fly once more. He waited. Peter was quiet, Jesus was quiet.
· v6 "When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break." When Jesus is onboard, there will be a huge catch of fish, there will be fruitfulness!

3) Encountering God
· Soon the boat was so full of fish that it begins to sink, Peter, ankle deep in fish, turns to look to Jesus, only to find that Jesus is looking at him. Then suddenly Peter realize who Jesus is. What an odd place to encounter God - on a fishing boat in remote country. But such is the practice of God who comes into our world. Such is the encounter experienced by those who are willing to try it … with Jesus.

Conclusion :
It makes all the difference in the world to have our work directed by Jesus. You can work - even work hard - for a long time with no results. But when Jesus directs your work, you see results. When Jesus is onboard, miracles takes place. When you obey God in faith, His destiny will unfold in your life. I believe God is calling you today. God is calling Bishan161 this year.

Verse 11 "Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him."

God is calling you & I, Bishan161 to evangelism! To be His harvest warriors. To be fishers of men for Jesus. To be fruitful in our lives. In 2005, God has touched Jaslyn's mum, brought Lilin's friend to Jesus but let's put 2005 behind because in 2006, I believe when we obey Jesus in faith, God will save our family & friends!

What is our response?
i) You know, sometimes we make excuses just like Simon Peter. But I believe God is asking you right now : Do you want to follow Jesus? How many catches of fish do you want to miss because of all the excuses? God is calling us today, to be fishers of men in 2006. Let us commit to be fishers of men for God in 2006!
ii) To follow Jesus, you need to step out of our comfort zones. You know what your own comfort zones are. Or perhaps like Peter, you have caught no fish for a long time. I believe God is asking you to step out in faith to follow Jesus. If you want to catch lots of fishes, if you want fruitfulness in your lives, don't go into the deep waters alone, ask Jesus to come aboard. Let us ask Jesus to come aboard our lives so that there can be a huge catch of fish(salvation of oikos) & fruitfulness in our lives.
iii) Finally, let's ask for an encounter with God. Like Peter, who encountered God in the midst of fishing, in 2006, you can encounter God. When Peter encountered God, his life was transformed and was never the same again. When you encountered God, you life will never be the same again as His destiny unfolds in your life. Let us ask to encounter God in 2006 so that our lives will never be the same again & be transformed for His glory!

I OFFER MY LIFE

All that I am, all that I have
I lay them down before You, O Lord
All my regrets, all my acclaim
The joy and the pain
I'm making them Yours

Chorus
Lord I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through
Use it for Your glory
Lord I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life

Verse 2
Things in the past, things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my hopes, all of my pains
My heart and my hands are lifted to You

2006-01-18T23:25:00.000+08:00

Welcome to Bishan161! We are a young adults carecell from Trinity Christian Centre. It's a place of encouragement, love, fun, food, friends... interested? Find out more! - bishan161@yahoo.com Treetop walk with our oikos!