The Dwelling Place

Thursday, January 4, 2007

Thinking about 2006...

To begin this reflection, I would like to give thanks to God and i acknowledged Him in all things that He has brought me through and for being so real in my life.

My walk with God this year began very normally. In fact, it was quite unstable. I knew God by the surface since i was young till i reach the age of 13, where through one incident in my school life which changed my life and drew me closer to God. I started this year as a Christian still young and new. I didn't quite do very much quiet time as i am suppose to be doing but just simple prayers at night and at times, for the sake of feeling good. (at least i talk to God... that was how i thought at that point in time).

I begin last year with Timothy as a councillor serving in my school. I was extremely fearful of the unknown, in fact fear of what might happen to me next. I was a person who kept to myself instead of opening myself to others. As a councillor, he appointed me to be a Peer Support Leader to the Secondary ones. I was extremely troubled and scared. WHY??? I ask God but to no avail. I was reluctant to participate in the programme as my thinking is that studies come first and if i go for this camp, how am i going to catch up with my work in school? Such thought haunted my mind day and night. So i decided one day, to let God settle this once and for all. Timothy and I agreed that if God wanted me to go for this programme, allow the school to not conduct any lessons during the camp days. This was one of God's first sign of sovereignty in my life. True enough, during the camp days, my batch of students have to go through a socical attique course. I have to follow God's decision so i went with an open heart and mind. This was God's work in my life last year.

God open me up a lot through out the year. He gave me a wonderful family (YEA!!!!!) with wonderful fathers (YIPPEE!!! :) ) to take care of us. He made me stronger through many events. I could feel him mending my life, removing things that is not right. I began to gain much greater confidence in whatever i was doing. I made so many new friends last year and was able to get along with all of them without much difficulty. I made new friends like Alan and Xing Ping. They are really a joy to this wonderful family of ours. I remember that in the year of 2006 I went through courses by our church etc. and this really revealed so many truths about God to me. I was truly amazed by what happen as it was beyond my expectations! God was so real! He set me free from bondages I was once held to. He sent my spiritual fathers to be my guide when I was lost and hurt. By revealing all these truths, like what Timothy always say, the truth will set us free. I want to take this chance to thank Syh Leong and Jeffery for comforting me whenever I was hurt and troubled. Thanks DADS! (Haha)

God used many events to touched me, be it miracle catch, cell group, tribe camp etc. , I was always touched. I always am able to feel God’s grace and mercy upon me and times I would ask myself, am I worthy of this? God told me by His word that He has already sent His son Jesus Christ, of course I am worthy! To me, 2006 was a year where I experience a whole new part of life, undiscovered part. He taught me how to do my quiet time with Him till now; I would pray the least of half an-hour per day! God mould me to become a warrior, a tool that He could use. I could feel it so strongly. He showed me Revelations through out the year though people especially and He too reasoned out with me why He did certain things in my life even though I did not quite like it. I really agree that God’s ways are higher than men and everything that happens is really according to His purpose. God deposited in me a new form of love for the ones around me. Its beyond human explanation! I thank God for that because I know that through this He is also teaching me how to be compassionate! By emphasizing how God taught me, He allowed me and guided me to reach out to those around me and especially last year, it was the very first time I reached out to more than 10 friends! I did manage to bring some friends to church, Praise the Lord, but some rejected me. I learnt that even though they reject me, I mustn’t and shouldn’t give up because those who brought me closer to God didn’t. Likewise as a loving friend I shouldn’t leave them in the lurch! This was the very first year in my entire life where I actually went to those around me in my life and ask them to come to church. Since young I have never had the habit of doing so as I thought that church is just a place I come and sing Hallelujah to the Lord. Nothing more. I didn’t know why I had such thinking but well, since young I was really an innocent boy (not lying) because I was really naïve to things that happen. People thought that I was faking it but I really do not know. I grew up learning a lot of things by myself with the strong morals, values and principles taught by my parents and grandparents. To them, that was very important.

You know, I have always been proud about my God, because I find him just so MIGHTY AND GREAT! Talking about family, I had many conflicts in the year of 2006, my grandma started leaving house because of money matters and such but it was sort of a blessing in disguise because my family manage to get in contact with a relative which we have not contacted for like 30 over years since my parents wedding! I REALLY LOVE MY GOD!!! He works in ways just so amazingly that’s why I can sing the song “I Stand In Awe Of You...” But thank God, my Grandma came back one day before I went for the clan camp. Through the year, God has thought me about learning how to trust him instead of people of this world. Through this, my faith increased by a tremendous amount, in fact, a whole new anointing of faith! Many incidents happen where God really tested me of how much faith I had in Him and He really showed me that I MUST walk by faith! Now, I am not afraid to tell anyone, that I am willing to put my faith in God, because I know He will definitely be there for me and with me! I find that putting my faith in God is a fun and enjoyable thing to do. I cannot explain it but I feel just that joy whenever I put my faith in God. AMEN!

In 2006, I was also trained as a leader and I finally found out that it was not a job for everybody and not everybody might be able to cope with such a responsibility. But once again, all is made possible by the Grace of our Lord, Amen? I was a leader in the Peer Support Programme, and that really allowed me to have a taste the weight I have to carry. God also made me more sensitive to the feelings of others and I really thank God for that. It is really not easy to control my feelings nowadays as I am growing up but I want to testify here that I can because of the Word of God which lives in my heart. I can suggest to you that if you want to know more about handling feelings, the best thing you can do is the read the bible, the book of James and you will be set free! I want to give thanks again for my leaders, for developing me to be greater, stronger and to be bolder. If it wasn’t for you guys, I wouldn’t have made it to who I am now. I thank God for all of you! I just want to affirm all leaders that I really felt your love for our family during the Clan Camp @ Sentosa. When I was hurt, (as some of you may know why) many offered to come to me and to pray for me and by our faith, God healed me! This kind of love has granted me peace and it just makes me feel so at ease! Thank God for all of you!!

Last but not least, I want to thank the Lord for the Holy Spirit. 2006 was the year I encounter the Holy Spirit so strongly. He really changed my life forever. HALLELUJAH!!!! To conclude this reflection, I feel changed, transformed, new and stronger than ever! I will continue to seek God in everything I do and glorify Him. I will never forget 2006 because it was a year of Love for me.

To my brothers Shairul and Jonathan Lee.. Thank you for your love for me because to be honest, no one has ever shown me so much concern the way you guys do. Shairul, thank you for always looking out for me, being my big brother.. JON, thank you for teaching me how to trust the Lord and how to love a brother... I thank God so much for the both of you for the love you have shared with me. Love you Brothers!

To my Fathers, Jeffery and Syh Leong, thank you for your constant prayers and discipline on doing what is right. I just want to affirm the both of you that you all have done a great job! Love you Dads, very proud to be your son!

This verse I want to share with you all for it took my fear away and I hope it can do the same for you. Hebrews 13: 5-6, “Keep your lives free from the love of money & be content with what you have because God has said, Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

God bless

Matthias

BLESSED AT,
11:11 PM

Hi to all!!!

HELLO MY DEAR BROTHERS!!!! finally i have the time after my busy scedule to log into this blog... for your info.. i have never done blogging before... this is cool!!! hope to see more ppl here!! Thank you Jeff for this BLOG!!! haha.. my reflection is coming in!!!

LOVE YOU ALL IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD, JESUS CHRIST!!!!

Matthias

BLESSED AT,
8:32 PM

Reflection 2006

I would like to thank God for 2006, it have been a year of challenging in my life. I would like to thank God for what He have done for me, in times of needs, health, troubles and financials.

God have really been amazing and true to me. Once i was in very big trouble, God is there when i need him, He is there to solve my problem and gave me strength and courage to carry out with my life. Although i have been presecuted in a different manner and ways. God is still there to help me and carry me through all my problems and also his miraclous ways of healing and protectinbg me from all sorts kind os danger and sickness.

Thank God that he gave me his Holy Spirit to be my Senior Partner ans friend. Without all this, i can't stand where i am right now. God has really change me alot, i was a perosn who disliked praying for others and also disliked reading my bible. I'm a person who do what i'm told to do. For example; If my leader told me to read the bible then i will, BUT not for long, i will start to fall asleep. It was like time has STOP!!

I'm just a person without anything in my life. It was hard for me because i like to please others then pleasing God, by pleasing others that u can see is better then pleasing God. By pleasing others i can be praise for what i've done. Sometimes it's hard fro me to pleased God in this attitude of mine. I'm just so selfish and never thought of others. But thinking of myself is better then thinking of others around me..

I'm just an ATTENTION SEEKER, which means to make people know how i felt and how am i. But God has really change everything in me. NOW i'm a different person with a different heart. God has gave me a heart of sensitivity to his words and his Holy Spirit. God really change me alot, it hard to put it in words. Really thanking God for changing my whole life and personality, but this not the end of it.

Last but not least are the people around me which God has place in my life. I'm so greatful to God for sending a wonderful and blessed Spiritual Family and Friends. Especially Jeffery, he is there just to help me, really appreciate what he had done for me. Thank God for all of my brothers and sisters.

I would like to share my favourite verse, Jeremiah 20:11-12; it says:
But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgrace; their dishonor will never be forgotten. O Lord Almighty, you who examine the rightous and probe the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance upon them for to you i have committed my cause!

Shairul
Edited by JW

BLESSED AT,
12:07 AM

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

Bernard's Reflection

Goodbye 2006 it indeed has been a year of Extraoridinary Possibilities

How has the Lord been Good to me?

He is my shepherd (Pslam 23) and indeed, through all the downfalls I met last year, the Lord was with me through out, (Pslam 23:4) and I have no fear of whatever that may come my way as God is Good, Amen?
I found myself wallowing in self-pity after I recieved my O levels, mid-year Chinese results, even on that day there was school cell (TWMT) but instead of rejoicing, I lemented, MTT though, thought that I should not be looking at the situation so bleakly, and instead put my hope in God (Pslam 25:3)
I still remember Project 144 (2006), out of the many whom came, none of them were my contirbution of invites, I was still shy and insecure, but over the past months, I grew in God, and I shared Christ with them, I will invite them for Service soon.
Reaping what you Sow, this phrase was blessed to my by my Physics teacher when I got back my results for one of my Class tests, for the entire course of my life, I had never studied for any of my tests or exams, yet they pulled me through, so I grew complacent of God's Grace, but last year, God taught me a tough lesson, during of my Prelims, I almost failed, and got a whole lot from my teacher, and it was Physics, then I understood my mistake, and started studying for all my subjects, even those i'm considered a sure-pass in.
The O levels wasn't easy, espcially for a lazy guy like me, I studied like crazy, meeting up for study group, at the airport and even stayed back in school till the aunties who lock-up the school gates complain! (1 Corinthians 15:58) But above all, God saw me through, he knew my heart and he pulled me out of the wreckage I was in. I head-dived into sin and rejecting God just for my Friends, Persecution and Hate ruled me and I became a Classmate pleaser, many times I would do what my classmates asked of me without even asking the Holy Spirit or even myself. Nevertheless, God's Community sprung a leak in me and suddenly, I thirsted for God once again. I pray that this thirst never ends.
There were Strongholds in my life and even now, there are but God has tamed my toungue, swearing and cursing are almost non-existant from me now.
I got to understand what Faith really is, it is making the sky dive without an extra parachute and the only one you have is the one you must trust on most and that it would not fail you, in the same way, God is our one and only parachute.
I learnt how the Body of Christ is made up of different parts and these parts all play an important part. (1 Corinthians 12:27)
Serving has always been a tough one for me but since my CIP in 2006 to the old folks home where even though we were not supposed to clean the windows, the lady I was blessed with asked for us to clean her window, and after that, we got to spend time with her, she told us that she had no family and no one to depend on, but I thought, (She is a Christian) I am family, God's family would always be there for her to Love her and to pray for her, we left her with a prayer and she left us with a lesson. Remember the Old and to Put the needs of others before your own needs.
Christmas @ Orchard was a blast and memoriable, but the service was inspirational! I got hit by a can, got stained by the coloured spray foam, lost my voice and lost my energy. But these are just minor flaws to the greater good. (Amen?) We sang out hearts out, knowing that we sing of God's mighty Love rather than the works of the Devil. We did not conform to the ways of the world, knowing that we are aliens. We protected the others using our own body. We sacrificed our own goods to save the others. Would we do any of these without the knowledge that God's Love gave us life at such a Great cost? (2 Corinthians 5:14) & (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
The Clan Camp, God worked in awesome ways, the Games were so fun, I did so much more that I usually did during PE or TAF. The ministry was basic, but basics are the ones we start with. The presence of God was there, and the Food was great! I seriously want to thank God for the time at SU, and the people whom took so much time to put the whole camp together.
The Tribe camp, I would not remember most of the Camp but for whatever that I do, I would put into practice. For God blessed us with a school to conduct the camp in, and in that very school, we recieved and blessed.
My Holiday at Taiwan was a blessed one, as I got to try out the power of prayer, even if it were a simple one. The weather was wet and sunshine seemed like an occurance that would only happen when all the water in the world vanishes. However I prayed for good weather for the coming 3 days and only half an hour of water came upon me (Baths). I saw how God works in Taiwan and also I saw how God works differently, but still he is the same God (1 Corinthians 12:6)
BREAKOUT 2007! it was an awesome Sunday and God sent an evil spirit upon me during worship I struggled and just pushed on worshipping, I prayed over myself and then the Holy Spirit came over me and the attack stopped then taught me about me words and how they are powerful. Then I almost lost both my voice and my pants during the Countdown party, songs i've never heard of and experiences i've never had came, I was joyful. :)

All Praises to the Most-High King, for his reign is forever and how thankful am I of his reign that it has brought me much in the past year and so much more to come in this year, God Bless Singapore and the nations. Amen

Labels: Reflection on 2006

BLESSED AT,
3:43 PM

Tuesday, January 2, 2007

Thanks Giving 2006 - JW

Thanks Giving for 2006:
There are simply too many things to give thanks for, for the year 2006, but i will just share 3 most significant fulfilled promises of God that came through in my life last year.

Thanks giving 1:
God gave me a promise 6 years ago when I was still a young christian. In many occasions I sensed God telling me that He will start a work in my life when I turn 30 years old. I didn't know what it was then, but now I know. Everything started when I was asked to be a guide in the Encounter Weekend which many of you were there. After Amos' sharing on the Father's Love, God just started a healing process for me and set me free from all my past hurts. I was completely healed and I sensed many bondages were broken. I also sensed freedom in my spirit to serve God. At that time God kept reminding me on how He freed the people of God when they were slaves in Eygpt. He freed them so that they can worship Him in the desert. The word 'worship' is also the same meaning as the word 'serve'. Then I know God sets me free so that I can serve Him full-heartedly. I thank God for freeing me and has given me a place to serve Him. And most imporatantly I know God is real in my life because He is always faithful in fulfilling His promises He gives me.

Thanks giving 2:
As I grow in my knowledge of God, it came to a point that I felt I needed a mentor who can guide me and be a model in the christian walk. And its' a prayer to God that He will guide me to a mentor who will spur me on in my walk with Him. After many years, God answered my prayer and along came Timothy. I thank God for sending Tim into my life. Indeed he demanded greatness out of us for God's glory.

Thanks giving 3:
On my first mission trip to Katzastan, the local missionary there prayed for me. I remembered so clearly even right now. He saw a vision and in his vision there was a container full of seeds. Each seed is unique, special and each with a different colour. In 2006, I saw the seeds growing each one special and unique in his own ways. These seeds represent the boys that God has put under my trust. I know these are only some seeds that have grown, there are more seeds in the container yet to be planted. I am thrilled with anticipation to see what trees each seed will grow into, what fruits it will produce, and how many more seeds God will give to each tree. I thank God for all of you in the cell group that you have grown so much in the past one year, and I hope to see how God will cause each of you to grow even more.

JW

BLESSED AT,
3:04 PM

Knowing God is Real

Praise the Lord!!!!!
My spirit rejoices as i reflected on all the wonderful things that God had done in 2006.
And God reminded us again not to walk away from 2006 without acknowledging and without thanks giving in our hearts for what He has done in all our lives and our clan.

God showed us in Romans 1:18-32 that man falls away from Him simply because:

1) Knowing God is real yet denying the truth that God exists. (Verse 18-20)
2) Knowing God is real yet not glorifying Him nor gave thanks to Him. (Verse 21-24)
3) Knowing God is real yet exchange the truth of God for a lie. (Verse 25-27)
4) Knowing God is real yet did not retain the knowledge of God. (Verse 28-32)

There are consequences when man chooses his own plans rather than the plans that God has for us. The God that i came to know is not a God that is cruel and like to see his people suffer, but on the contrary He is a God that is full of kindness, tolerance and patience with man when we run away from His plans, but in His great mercy and kindness He hopes for us to come back to Him through repentance. Because of our stubbornness and unrepentant hearts we are inviting judgement to come upon ourselves.
Read the passage for yourselves and chew on the Word of God. Let the Truth of God sink into our spirit. Let us also meditate on His grace and mercy that He has given us that we have often taken for granted.

JW

BLESSED AT,
3:00 PM

Monday, January 1, 2007

Welcome to VIJC blogspot

Welcome to our Cell group Blogsite.

This blog is created to encourage, edifiy, educate one other in the cell group in our faith.
We want to raise up a generation of people that are willing to go DEEP, look FAR and ask BIG from God.

Indeed 2007 will be a year of Victory and we will be Victorious In Jesus Christ.

How to be Victorious In the Year of Victory?

go DEEP in the word of God, Jesus is our foundation we will be like a House built on the soild rock.

look FAR beyond what we can do now, but what God can do thru us as we avail our lives to Him.

ask BIG, a big heart for the lost, that none should perish but all be saved.

Some House Rules:

1) You are welcome to publish your reflections, devotions, learning, thanks givings, testimonies and pictures to edify the body of Christ.

2) Moderators have the rights to correct, amend or remove blog entries if deemed not healthy for the community. Entries owners will be informed of any changes.
Moderators are JW, NSL, MTT.

3) Viewing VIJC is strictly by invitation, this is so to protect the privacy of what is being shared on this site. Only admin moderators can invite memebers to join the site.

We have only 3 simple house rules. Enjoy your blogging.

Admin Moderator
JW

BLESSED AT,
7:13 PM

Yeah !!!

WooHoo..we have a blog for our own cell.. praise the LORD.. well guys this year is gonna be a year of victory..we must believe GOD for the victories we are going to go through. well continue to stay faithful to the LORD and i pray that he will bless u all. GOD is WONDERFUL..amen?

jOn

BLESSED AT,
5:01 PM