Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Hey 4.2(The Younger Ones) , this is my first time posting =] Lets keep visiting and tagging this blog can? You are encouraged to. I am sure you guys have hear from alot of Christians to like keep having that passion for Jesus and all, so maybe will like hear until sian. I really felt strongly to share this. So yeah, I CHALLENGE you guys to keep seeking God and keep asking God for The Passion! LETS ALL TOGETHER GO ALL OUT FOR JESUS! Love You Guys
Well, although it is not the end of the week, but I had quite a spiritual week. I spent alot of time with God and on sunday night, I had a spiritual attack(If you're curious, ask me more about it =] ). Well, I am going to share about something which I really felt strongly about the sec 1s in 4.2.
On monday morning, I was spending time with God in prayer. The thing that I kept praying for is you guys (not showing-off). Hmm, I don't know how to say to you guys but to be simple, I really really desire to see you guys going out for God alone and to have that one passion and that is Jesus. With a passionate heart for Jesus, I believe that you guys will really spend most of your time with Him and that you will also keep reaching out to your school friends or outside friends. I also believe that if you want that passion for Jesus, keep praying that The Holy Spirit will fan a strong strong strong flame unto your heart.
So yeah, keep spending time with God, keep praying, keep on reading His word! I believe that if I can do it, surely you also can do it. Because we are all fearfully and wonderfully made in our Father's Hands! HALLELUJAH!
~Zhi Hao
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Hey guys!
Here's yesterday's sermon that I have shared yesterday during cell. Do copy them in ur notebooks if you have missed out any of the points. =)
We are created for God as well as for one another. No man is an island, we all need one another. Friendships are created and developed bcos we have been there for one another at certain points of our lives. of being there for one another. We have to make time to meet one another and talk so that true friendships can be cultivated. Im sure that all of us dont want friendship to just remain hi-and-bye relationships. But we want meaningful friendships where we know each other well enough to just be yourself, without any pretense.
Just as how Jesus is a Friend to us and has picked us up from the miry clay, we should be like the 'jesus' to them as well. Loving them just as how Jesus has loved us. =)
Being There Requires...
1) Our Attention
Our heart should be fixed on what we can do for others instead of what they can do for us.
President John F. Kennedy once said, "Ask not what America can do for you but ask what you can do for America. Ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."
Likewise, we need to always ask ourselves, "how can we help others instead of how we can benefit from relationships and from whatever that we do."
If Christians are not so self-centred, the world will be a much better place, lives will be changed, impacted and changed. If your eyes are just fixed on yourself, then how can you look up/ out?
Most of them come from messed-up lives, broken families, broken relationships.
The question is: Are we willing to get involved in their lives? Or do we just ignore them and do our own things, just hoping that they wont try to take advantage of you or interrupt your life? Are you willing to get your hands and feet into the plough and help them out?
But, many a time, our eyes are so fixed on ourselves and are so ignorant of the needs of the people around us. We ask, “What can we get out of the friendship/relationship? Will they thank us for what we have done for them?” But let me tell you, “ they may even forget your kindness or even backstab you after that.” The question is: whether you will still be there for them? Jesus has always been there, being faithful even when we are faithless.
If you are willing to reach out to others, then you would do something about it. E.g. get to know them, hang around with them, etc.
2) Our Action
Being there requires us to do something about. if we don’t, it will just be empty dreaming.
Matthew 9:37-38
37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Labourers are people who labour. People who don’t labour/work = slackers, zhuo bo.It requires us to come out of our comfort zone and go the extra mile. E.g. hanging out with people whom you don’t really like requires your time and effort in getting to know them better instead of just knowing their facade.
Genesis 40 – Joseph and the butler and baker. Joseph told them the interpretations of their dreams. But when butler was released from jail, he didn’t even remember Joseph! Imagine how Joseph felt.
Sometimes, we don’t get anything in return for something done for them. But will you still love them?
A friend is someone who comes in when the world has gone out, someone who accepts the way you are.
A simple act of kindness, like carrying books for a friend/ buying a bottle of drink or meal/ encouraging him or her can go the extra mile and break the ice that is between the both of you.
Proverbs 18:24 – A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
3) Our LOVE
When we know God’s love, we would definitely reach out to the people around us. That’s because His eyes are always fixed on the dying world. Whenever Jesus saw the multitudes, He was always moved with compassion.
Do you stop loving him/her when they have done something that displease or harm you? Jesus never let you go, and still love the way we are when we were yet sinners. With the love that God has shown us, lets reach out with such love that goes beyond all limits!
Most of us know 1 Cor 13, but do we live it out? Whenever, our fellow brothers do something that is not nice/pleasing, we’d quote it and try to convict him/her. Let me ask you, would Jesus do that? Does He do so for the sake of just making you remorseful? More than just remorseful, God wants to cultivate LOVE in you.
Dont criticise unless you have the compassion and love to see them changed.
According to 1 Cor 13:2, If we have no love, we are nothing.
Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times. – both good and bad times.
We win the world by loving people, when they are unlovable.
All the world needs is God's Love. God chooses us to shine and testify of His love for us to the people around us.
If we don't show His love, who will?
If we don't be His hands and feet, who will?
If we don't meet the needs of the dying, who will?
If we don't feel His heart bleeding for this world, who will?
Guys, lets all be there for one another, as well as your unsaved friends, both good and bad times. Lets work our guts our, pray our guts out, and LOVE our guts out.
Vivien
It's Time for Revolution!
Hey y'all,
I write today because there is a burden in my heart that has been burning since the whole of this week, and my burden is to see all of us become so close to God that we're always in constant communication with Him. And so today I bring you a word that God has placed so strongly in my heart that I believe He'd like me to share with you, and it's about the gift of prophesy.
Now wait, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "HEY GERRY! What are you talking about? I'm not old enough to prophesy. I'm a youth- my Holy Spirit gifts are only limited to speaking in tongues." You know something? I used to believe that too. But in the course of the last week, I had a series of powerful encounters with God and He completely changed my mindset about prophetic gifts. You see, in 1 Corinthians 14:1, Paul exhorts the Church to "Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy."
Now, it's interesting that Paul gives special mention to prophesy instead of seemingly more astounding gifts of the spirit like miracles or healing. But I believe having the gift of prophesy can really build us up in faith and in love and allow us to grow in God.
What is Prophesy, though? Prophesy isn't necessarily predicting the future, nor is it about having complicated things to say. (And just because you can prophesy, doesn't mean you're a prophet. Prophets have the gift of prophesy as well, but they're chosen by God and given to the Church to give spiritual direction.) For us normal people who aren't prophets, prophesy is simply this: Telling someone about the nice things that God has to say about them. You see, Paul says in 1 Cor 14 and 1 Cor 12 that prophesy is the manifestation of the holy spirit through which God gives a message directed to the body of the believers present in the meeting and with purpose their edification, exhortation and comfort." Prophesy builds us up!
In this special gift of prophesy, it requires one thing of us: that we attune our hearts to our Father in heaven so that we may hear what He has to say to us. Often, prophesies come in various forms: pictures, words, impressions (feelings), sounds, smells and in a still, small voice of God. God is always speaking to us, and sometimes we're so preoccupied with life and our own things that we do not hear what special things He has to say to us.
In addition to edifying one's self, prophesy also allows for a better sensitivity to the spirit as well as a constant connection with God. I find that in my walk with God, I'm more attuned to His heart and His love and I can actually feel God with me when I'm praying or reading His word or just simply being on my way to various places. I feel more spiritually heightened, and constantly speak to God throughout the day.
I pose a challenge to you: Why don't you ask God for the gift of prophesy today? Let Him give you visions and beautiful words and allow Him access into your heart that He may speak and direct your every move. It will give your walk with Him a radical boost!
love always,
Gerry.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Hey guys!
I believe you guys have read the previous, and should have known why i chose to name this blog, Light Reflectors. We are all called to shine His Light. If the lamp doesnt shine any light, then what is it for? If salt isnt salty, then it loses its flavour and purpose. So, lets shine guys!
Well, as the title of this post goes, Im really thanking you all for the roles that you have played or/and going to play in the upcoming month. You guys are champions! Dont let anybody undermine the abilities, skills and calling that God has given you.
T1 - Thanks for the support as an intern and always willing to serve in any area that you can. Thanks for availing yourself in learning to play the guitar! Your time and effort is greatly appreciated. Really hoping that you can join us for weekday cell outings... =D
Gerry - Thanks for the new addition to the number of gals in the cell. Im really thankful that you are always very spontaneous and enthusiastic about everything. You always add life wherever you go. Thanks!
ZH - I've really seen you grown and changed over the past few months. You are doing great. Continue to press on for more of God and be an example to the younger ones in the cell. Thanks for everything - the support, ideas, enthusiasm, etc!
Cell core - Lets work together as a team in impacting this generation of youths. Lets work our guts out, pray our guts out, play our guts out, and love our guts out! Do our best in everything that we do!
T2 - Thanks for adding life to the cell with your lame jokes. Haha. Thanks for your effort in always turning up for wkday cell outings, cell and church. I believe that God can use you if you are willing to avail yourself. I want to see your friends soon! =D
Nicholas aka Ang Moh - We have a national swimmer-to-be in house! He was shortlisted by Singapore Swimming Association to attend further swimming trainings so that he can compete for the Youth Olympics 2010!Thanks for being part of this big family. Always remember that you are a champion and you dont have to compare with others. Be the best that God has created you! =D
Daryl - Thanks for being the cell messenger: relaying the smses to the rest of the cell. You effort is greatly appreciated. Continue pressing on in knowing more about God and shine for Him in your family and to your friends! =D
Cephas - Thanks for being part of the cell. You cuteness just melts our hearts. Im looking forward to you joining us on Saturdays, after you tution lessons. Continue to shine for God! =D
Aaron Ng - Thanks for being part of the cell. Wanna encourage you to keep coming for cell and services, and you will definitely have an encounter with God. He will always be there for you, both good and bad times. Really!
Nico - Thanks for being part of the cell. We really hope to see you more often within the week and on weekends! Jesus loves you no matter what kind of family/education backgrounds you come from. We can enter God's presence with boldness bcos of what Jesus has done on the Cross. =D
Qing Hao - Thanks for joining us for the past few times and really hope that you can join us more often. We warmly welcome with open arms, right guys?
Alister - Thanks for joining our cell last month. We really hope to see you again soon!
Anthony - You are the first few fruits of BK. The 2 friends that he first brought were Agus and you. We really dont know where are you now, either in Msia or Indonesia. Do contact anyone of us if you need help in any area, k? We really hope to see you soon!
Cell - You guys are really awesome! Just like a jigsaw puzzle, all of u are important in making it complete. Sec 1s, remember 1 Tim 4:12 - Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Who says God cannot use 13 and 14 year olds? If you are willing, all things are possible with God. In the upcoming months and year, you can see how God is going to use you in bringing revival to the school. You guys are all CHAMPIONS OF GOD!!!
With that, Here comes the roles and responsibilities:
T1 - Intern
Gerry - Officer of Treasury (Cell Funds)
ZH - Admin cum Follow up Officer
Angmoh and T2 - Outreach Officers.
The reason why i have given you the title of an officer is bcos you are in charge the various departments mentioned above. With greater power comes greater responsibility. Luke 16:10 - He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. I believe that you guys are champions of God, and are suitable for the above mentioned positions. So, do it well k?
Btw, I have signed up for the sponsoring of a kid at Uganda as a cell. The total payment for 1 yr is $200 or $50 for every 4 months. Thus, the first payment is due this Sunday. Some of us may not get to go Uganda at all, but we can all contribute the money that we have to sow seeds in the kid's lives. With just $200 a yr, the kid gets to go to a primary school, and uniform and daily meals are provided for them. Let's play a part in expanding the Kingdom of God, yeah?
So, lets all bring $10 each this Saturday. The balance of the money will be kept in cell fund. If you have very serious financial difficulty, do let me know. =D
Cya tmr for cell! Remember to prepare what you have been assigned with. Sec 1s, remember to bring 1 friend each on Saturday and Sunday k? The rest of the cell will welcome them with open arms. =D
With love,
Vivien
It's Time for Revolution!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Light is invisible. You only know light is there at all when it strikes an object. Space is completely empty. There is nothing there to catch the light from the sun, until it reaches the moon. Actually space is full of light but it looks dark. This universe is full of God. He is the Father of lights, and all light comes from Him. But millions walk in profound darkness. How can that be? How can people walk in spiritual darkness when the whole universe is steeped in the light of God?
These people cannot see the light of invisible things, until somebody else catches it and it reflects it. The sun’s rays would not be seen on earth but they radiate the molecules of the atmosphere, the dust and moisture. The sun fills millions of miles with light, and there is no trace of it until it is reflected. The moon sails in invisible sunlight, and passes on enough light for us to find our way.
1 Timothy 1:17 talks about “the King eternal, immortal, invisible.” The light of God is constant, brilliant. It is never intermittent. But who sees it? People walk in darkness. The stark fact is that the only light they will ever see is reflected light. Just as John was a “burning and shining lamp,” a witness to the light, so are believers. We are commanded to “walk in the light” (1 Jn 1:7), for if we don’t there will be no light. The world depends upon light reflectors. If our Gospel is hidden it is hidden to those who are lost. (2 Cor. 4:3-6, NIV).
Perhaps I can point something out here. Paul says in 2 Corinthians that the face of Moses shone with the glory of God, but he veiled his face. The reason he veiled it was not humility; humble as he was. It was because the glory would fade, and he knew it would be a bad thing if the superstitious people of Israel saw the glory disappearing. They would draw wrong conclusions from the diminishing effect. So he veiled his face altogether so that they would not know whether his face was shining or not whenever God gave Him audience.
Paul’s point is that the light of God - His glory - in the Christian age, does not fade. It is permanent. We can have an open face to the world, so that people may see the glory of God in us.
James makes a similar statement. He says, “Every good gift … comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17, NKJ). As the NIV puts it, God “does not change like shifting shadows.” The sun causes a shadow as it turns, and the shadow moves. You see that on a sundial, and that is how we know the time. When there is no shadow, the sun is directly overhead at its zenith. In fact, God never casts a shadow at all, because He is always at the zenith. And He never shifts from that perfect position. The light of God is ceaseless, not temporary, and always fully on.
That is the everlasting light we should everlastingly reflect. Our face should not be veiled, as the glory is not passing away. We are being changed “from glory to glory” (2 Cor 3:18) - more and more glory! Let us continue to reflect the light of God to our neighbors as well as to the nations of the world.
