my stories.. God's will

bbq session

2009-04-17T00:21:00.002+08:00

tml is the bbq session for easter, i pray that everything will goes on well..

i will be the game master, hopefully everything turns out fine..scared. but i am sure that God will provide everything for me and for the participants there. so well.. i am prepared for the worst le bah.. plan ahead is the only thing to do liao..

prayXXXX:)

Bd wishes

2009-01-19T22:32:00.002+08:00

ha. thought of typing some special wishes down.. before i erased it..

Vic: A special msg for a special person on 200090112. what is the msg? Let's count to reveal! 3. 2. 1.*B'day msg revealing asap. 99.9% completed. completed. ~Happy Birthday to u! MAY u enjoy tis very special day n all ur wishes come true. God Bless you!~

Xiuy: Happy birthday to you.. Happy birthday to meng.. Zhu ni sheng ri kuai le! zhu ah meng ge sheng ri sheng ri kuai le! yao ji de kuai kuai le le! Wish you smile always=D

Euz: Chee Meng, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! May the Lord prosper u in every way and may He grant u the desires of your heart.

Also, was very surprise to saw my ex-best fren. Nick sms me suddenly, happy birthday. glad that he still willing to sms me. i mean we didn't contact so long since at the start of last year liao. abit wierd to suddenly wants to meet also bah. lol..

2008-12-07T22:49:00.002+08:00

juz now.. It's really really great to be praying with my sister.. really can sense that presence of God

felt that God really spoken to us about our family.. really really..

felt very heartwarming and touched..

juz 1 to thank God for his wonderful guidance and impt testimony

it's great to be back in to the house of Lord

continue to grow as a christian

continue to keep in my faith and

extend my hands to receive more lost

guide them to the brightest path of THEIR LIVES

family salvation and FBI revolve! awaits!

2008-09-29T22:30:00.003+08:00

Sometimes i wonder.. why muz i work finished my 17 days?.. for building fund?.. for my personal pleasure of buying nice outfits to wear?.. or what?..

why muz i stressed myself and work untill so hard that all.. ALL..my collegues asked me to rest awhile.. and my mental system is screwing up becoz of the busi-ness.. hmm.. how.. i think i will strived on bah..

the motivation really comes when i project myself wearing gentlemen' outfits to school and to church.. and how ppl look at me.. actually it's not how ppl look at me.. it's how confidence i am.. really.. i think i need more confidence for that.. haha.. but really.. i feel good wearing clothes that i bought by my own hard-earned money.. :)

it will be great if i bought a pair of Converse fold-over.. a pair of good jeans or a cargo pants.. 1-2 shirts.. 1 slim fit with a slim tie or just a comfort size with cool design.

a bracelet?.. or a ring leh?.. dunno leh.. still thinking.. anyway.. i calculated.. i still have around $200 to invest.. i mean.. willing to invest.. haha.. :)

wow..that's alot to dream of.. now i still go dreaming.. :)

Testomies Sharing Time (10/9- 28/9)

2008-09-28T20:23:00.001+08:00

woohoo.. this period

Random days (3)

2008-09-04T22:35:00.002+08:00

dated 14/3/08 according to my sheet of paper i written. shld be after random day 2 when my head is better.

"Ha. I am back! No more giddyness anymore. I am on the Woo.. bus 52. It droves so extremely fast. Woohoo. Suddenly dunno what to write. Oh. It's so fast. Woohoo. Didn't make the wrong decision. I am holding myself, feeling a bit urgent to piss. But I guess I can hold till Bukit Timah Plaza bah."

i totally forgotten why i need to go there liao..

Random days (2)

2008-09-04T22:28:00.003+08:00

This random day is one of the afternoon after easter celebration where i meet wany to do the new friends cards.

"It's 14:56 now. The rain is dropping like never before. Sitting in the quite empty bus 80, listen to some emo songs. My heart gradually fallen to nowhere. This rain is just the tears that I kept for myself. Wind was blowing, the raindrops hit the bus stop. I can imagine it to be "Ti-da, Ti-da" but in a faster speed.

Red light to stop, Green light to go. Sometimes, I wonder is really traffic light helping and making our lives easier or not. Cause, with or without traffic light, people still jaywalk when there's no cars. Is Singaporeans patience enough? The answer is no. I, myself is a jaywalker liao. Monkey see monkey do. Not say that we are all monkey (even though many said I am.) It's just the truth that we need to face it lah.

How many accidents that's involved with jaywalkers? And how many are fatal? The amount is so big that it really scares ppl, including me. My head is spinning, maybe I am having split headaches bah. My mind wasn't right this time. Tell you more later when I felt more alright bah."

Random days (1)

2008-09-04T22:08:00.004+08:00

Some of those days in this year that i have written some of my thoughts down...
random days (1).. happened in one of the afternoon while i am having a pre- easter celebration full fasting..

"I AM TIRED of all the white lies, I AM TIRED of cheating my mum and my gran one way or another. I DUN WANT to hide my identity as a christian anymore. Help Jesus.

The wind is freezing cold. Avoid eating. I came to here. I dunno is the correct choice or not. But it seems to be a brilliant idea. COLD. COLD. COLD. But I know. with you. All things are possible. The weather WOULDN'T be cold anymore.

I FELT ALONE. I FELT LONELY. I AM HUNGRY. But i have my DUTY not to eat. I am not TIRED. But I just feel like hugged my bluster and nap.

Sian. My neighbours spotted me hiding around the corner of the staircase. I Feel so embarrassed."

Testimonies sharing (10/3- 16/3_2008)

2008-03-17T03:16:00.003+08:00

1st up: I really thank God to be able to give me the time despite of my busy schedule to rest during this sat 15 march so that i can really pray to Him, the Lord during Prayer Meeting.. alone.. but nope.. i met a new fren.. her name is Sharon.. i pray together with her.. thank God.. by His grace i am be able to prayer as a grp with someone i dunno and yet improve on my speaking of prayers..

i rmb at that morning.. i really feel very lerthigtic.. i forced myself to get up at 7am even only with 5hrs slp.. due to the making of the new frens' cards.. i did that untill 1am the previous night.. He really give me a scold.. as in.. he pushes me down to slp and told me "CHEE MENG.. YOU BETTER SLP NOW.." he then give me some sneezes and feverish feelings that making me feel more sick and tired.. i brushes up but still very weary.. that's when xin wei told me that the kids will be going west coast park.. wah.. hot.. weather.. west coast.. me... west coast. thinking tht makes me feel even more sick.. i end up LITERALLY COLLAPSED DOWN on the bed.. with my jacket and the blanket covering me up to the neck.. i slp till 11 plus.. 4 more hrs..

after that i really feel so much better already.. i agreed to meet for pre-service even how early is it.. really feel so sian to get out my house early in the afternoon.. but with his MIGHTY strength.. i managed to pull myself up to go out..

2nd: i 1 to thank God for the sharing of happiness to me.. i really feel THE OVERWHELM OF HAPPINESS SHARED UPON ME when i go out and fellowship with my secondary school long term frens.. glisten inc. and mao's cliques on 14 mar fri and 16 mar sun respectively.. i really can sense His presence where.. the atmosphere is always so light and shiok.. especially 16 mar sun.. i laughed the HARDEST AND THE LONGEST.. totally by His Grace and then can have laugh so long.. i am really amazed by how my mouth comes out with jokes and cold jokes that makes everyone laughed and stunned.. i am TOTALLY shocked at myself on that sunday after cg prayer meeting.. by Your Faith.. i am able to shine to the lost and reach out to the them.. i will continue to meet their needs and help them.. guide them to the path to enter your House!

3rd: i 1 to share my financial blessings that God has set upon me.. even how i have give my building fund inconsistently.. He won't short-change me.. He keeps on sew on to me.. giving me the more than enough cash so that i can fellowship with each and single one of ppl i want to reach out to..from tue to sun (except sat) .. 11-16... 5 days.. i have been consistently meeting them for meals and activities.. i Pray that one day they respond to your Call.. respond to you as their Heavenly Father!

Testimonies sharing.. session declared!

2008-03-17T03:04:00.003+08:00

DATED 17 MARCH 2008.. i am going to DECLARE that.. from THIS DAY onwards i will SHARE MY TESTIMONIALS IN HERE.. every detailed one.. :)

so plz look out for these.. SOON.. i will update even sooner than my public blog!

the Shepherd- Theory about happiness

2007-12-06T01:23:00.000+08:00

a little commercial break here.. this another book called.. hope.. this wil help you.. to find your own happiness.. (vic see carefully le oh)..

The Shepherd – A modern parable about our search for happiness – Matthew Kelly

In today’s world where appearance is valued more than substance there is a restlessness rampant among us. Deep within one question tugs consistently at our hearts: “ What will truly brings me happiness?” As we wrestle with this question we come to one very potent realization: “There must be more to life…”

Everyone has a theory about happiness, but rarely do you look deep into the eyes of a person who has the peace to back up their theory.
In The Shepherd, Kelly sorts through the false conclusions, half-baked theories, and endless contradiction which seems to dominate our modern search for happiness, to arrive at the one true source of this happiness we desire. The beautiful message contained within these pages has the power to change our lives. This book can lead us along a rarely trodden path to arrive at the ever-needed truth. If you open yourself up to its message, The Shepherd will guide you to the happiness your heart desires.

Introduction
The human heart is on a quest for happiness. As individuals we are all so unique and different, but we are bound together by our common yearning for happiness. Regardless of our age or the color of our skin, regardless of the land in which live or the land in which we were born, we all yearn for happiness.
In our search for happiness, we often do things that we think will make us happy, but in fact end up making us miserable. Under the influence of self-centered philosophies we often seek happiness through pleasure, possessions, power, or just simply the path of least resistance. Each of these may offer moments of happiness, but they end too soon, having lasted ever so briefly, and our quest for a lasting happiness continues. These moments of happiness are of course real, but only as real as a shadow is real. The shadow of a person is real and wonderful, but it is nothing compared to the actual person. Sadly, so many of us spend our lives chasing shadows of happiness.

The modern search for happiness seems to be governed by greed, lust, gluttony, selfishness, exploitation, and deception. And yet, as these diseased values become more and more the focus of modern lifestyles, people seem to be filled with great discontentment and unhappiness with each passing day.
The great tragedy here is not that we fail to achieve our plan, but rather, that we don’t know that even if our master plan had worked out, we still wouldn’t have the happiness we desire.
Fame, fortune, pleasure, and possessions will never satisfy our deep, deep yearning for happiness. Possessions will lose their glow, wealthy people seem wealthy but they are not happy, they cannot enjoy their wealth. All of them are just illusions that sparkles and shine, and distract us from the true happiness we yearn for deep in our beings. You never can get enough of what you don’t really need.

The Shepherd is a story about a man who has found the happiness that our hungry hearts desire. His simple and peaceful spirit provides a vision of happiness that is deeply rooted in ancient wisdom, but may just be that “new vision of happiness” that can rescue us all.
“Get to know The Shepherd, Stop trying to put together a master plan for your life… for your happiness… Instead, seek out The Master’s Plan for your life… for your happiness… Allow Him to lead you, to guide you, to be your companion, your friend, your coach, your mentor… He will lead you to green pastures… He will restore your soul…Your cup will overflow…”

Afterward
… in that moment of spontaneous prayer the Spirit that guides us all led me to pray, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” It was perhaps the first moment of honest and humble prayer in my life. Before that day I had only been interested in telling God what my will was, I had never asked Him to reveal His will.

“God, what do you think I should do?” I call this “The BIG Question.” It is the question that changed my life forever, and the question that continues to transform my life today.

This question should be a constant theme in our spiritual lives. When we are attentive to this question we are happy regardless of external realities, because we have a peace and contentment within. It is the peace that comes from knowing that who are, and what we are doing makes sense regardless of the outcome, and regardless of other people’s opinions. This peace comes from taking into account the only opinion that truly matters: God’s.

Everyday we make dozens of decisions, some of them large and some of them small. When was the last time you invited God into the decisions of your life?

Sometimes I block His voice out because I want to do something I know He doesn’t want me to do. Sometimes I foolishly believe that I know a shortcut to happiness. These decisions always lead me to misery of one form or another.

The will of God is a mysterious thing. In my own spiritual journey I have learned that God reveals His will one step at a time, but this creates a great deal of uncertainty, and we don’t like that. In this modern age we try to control all the elements so that we can have security and stability. If only we could learn to enjoy uncertainty. Uncertainty is a sign that all is well. God is your friend; He will take care of the details.

Sometimes I cannot help but wonder how many of those have actually formed the habit of spending a few minutes in prayer each day. Often people dismiss the message as too simple. It is true that the simple things in life are often the best. It is also true that simple things have a tremendous ability to transform our lives. Simplicity is the key to perfection. I have experienced the power of simplicity in my own life and I invite you to do the same.

I know we can pray anywhere, but there is something mystical and powerful abut entering into the presence of God in His house.
I challenge you to take a few moments with your God each day. Enter into the classroom of silence. Sit with God and dream some dreams. Once you are in the classroom of silence, if you can muster the courage to ask the big question and the patience to listen to the silent murmuring of your hear, He will lead you. You may not hear any voices, or see any wonders, but He will lead you. Nothing is surer. And then, your life will become a passionate and enthusiastic adventure.

Forget about trying to put together a Master Plan for your life… for your happiness. Start looking for The Master’s Plan for your life… for your happiness.
If you are willing, little by little, step by step, He will reveal a plan, and in that plan your deep gladness will unite with the world’s deep need. Only then will you taste the holy contentment that our very beings never stop yearning for.

Get to know The Shepherd. He will lead you to green pastures… He will restore your soul… You cup will overflow…:)

chpt 4 of God own$

2007-12-06T01:17:00.000+08:00

4 The Danger of Greed
Hans Christian Andersen once told the story about a poor farmer who had a goose. One day the goose laid a golden egg. The farmer was so surprised that he took the egg to the goldsmith’s shop and had it tested. It turned out to be of pure gold. Overnight, the farmer became a rich man, as the goose would lay one golden egg every morning.
Six months later, the farmer who was by then a very rich man, was counting all his cash and drawing up his financial projections. He was so consumed by his future income prospects that he said to himself, “Why do I have to wait to collect my gold daily? Why not take it all now?”
So he killed the goose and opened up her stomach, wanting to take all the gold! We know the rest of the story – no eggs and no more goose! The farmer, driven by greed, lost everything!
The god of greed and materialism is prevalent in every affluent society today, in different ways and through different manifestations but the drive is the same. There is an exaltation of the earthly over the heavenly and the material over the spiritual. Jesus called this god Mammon.
The encounter between Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, and Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, in 2 Kings 5 will show us that we serve God and not Mammon. Prior to the encounter, God dealt with Naaman’s pride. When that pride was laid aside, the power of God was released. Naaman, who had leprosy, was healed. His soul was converted and he acknowleged the God of Israel. He also realized he could not buy God’s blessings. Instead, he had to humbly seek and receive. That was why Elisha refused to accept Naaman’s gifts after the healing. Gehazi, however, had an eye on the reward and the monster of greed began to work its evil.

6 Characteristics of Greed
1. Greed is Hidden
2 Kings 5:20 says, “Gehazi…said to himself…” In other words, Gehazi was greedy in his heart. Greed tends to be hidden. It dwells in secrecy and is often unknown to those around us. The covetousness that is inside is known only to God and to us. If we allow the searchlight of God’s Word to shine into the depths of our souls, we may just see the monster of greed lurking there. Pehraps that is why some of us do not seems satisfied with our current lot in life.

2. Greed Rationalises
Greed will always give us a reason for wanting to possess or accumulate more. It will always find good reasons for us to upgrade our homes or change our cars. Gehazi rationalized that perhaps Elisha had been too easy on Namman. Wasn’t it only right that Naaman gave some money to Elisha? After all, he was a rich man. Prophets, too, needed retirement funds! But who was the money really for? Gehazi himself! This is how greed works in us too! We can excuse it by saying that it is evidence that God is blessing us.
It can be hard to draw the line between need, greed and providence. Greed can be very quickly turn a luxury into a need. We require honesty and discernment to overcome this tendency to rationalize.

3. Greed is Compulsive
Greed can never be satisfied. The more you get, the more you want. In God’s eyes, greed is not a small thing. It is, in fact, tantamount to idolatry! Once we bow our knees to mammon, we will be enslaved. The grip of mammon may be so tight that it is difficult for us to break loose except by the power of God. Jesus said in Mark 10:25, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” But it is not just the rich who can be greedy; the poor can be greedy too. It is not just the rich who can be greedy; the poor can be greedy too. It is not what you do or do not have; it is the condition of your heart and your attitude towards money and possessions.
Let us ask God to set our hearts free from discontentment and greed, and to enjoy whatever He has blessed us with instead of striving for more.

4. Greed is Deceptive
Gehazi was so overcome by greed that he ended up lying to Namman and Elisha. In the same way, greed can cause us to scheme and deceive. If a Christian businessman is greedy, he is not above lying to close a deal or scheme for a break. Mark 8:36 tells us, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”

5. Greed Distorts
If greed enters our lives, it distorts our value system. The difference in the value systems of Gehazi and Mary (Mark 14:3-9) is the difference between greed and love. Greed is calculating whereas love is extravagant.

6. Greed Destroys
Isn’t it ironical that what Naaman lost. Gehazi ended up having – leprosy! Gehazi’s heart was greedy. He schemed and finally body became corrupted. 1 Timothy 6:9 says, “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.”
A man who is lost at sea finds water all around him and the temptation to drink is great. But the more he drinks, the thirstier he becomes. It would be suicidal to drink sea water. The only thing to do is wait for the heavens to open and the rain to fall.
Greed always leads to destruction; Gehazi was destroyed by leprosy.

CHOOSE CHRIST
At the start of this chapter, we talked about the goose and the golden eggs. We are all at different stages of our lives, and may fit into any of the following categories:

More golden eggs: Some of us have reached the stage of being able to share some golden eggs with others. Perhaps God is challenging you to increase the number of eggs you are giving away. This is particularly important if a church is moving into a new phase. If your church is entering into a building and expansion phase, there is a need to increase the staff strength for growth to be sustained. To have a more organized church with better infrastructure, everyone would have to contribute more in terms of time, treasure and talent.

Some golden eggs: There may be others whom God is challenging to confront materialism and greed. The best way to dethrone greed is to be generous. Go in the opposite spirit! Give like you have NEVER given before.

The golden goose: God may be challenging yet others to take an even greater step of faith. He is not only placing a demand on your golden eggs, but he is also asking you to surrender the golden goose. In other words, you are to surrender your wealth as well as the opportunity for future income through your career by serving Him full-time in the ministry.

If you sense that you have a call upon your life but find it so hard to give up what you have, know this: You will never know that Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have. Whatever you may feel that God is asking you to do – be it to surrender more of your golden eggs, surrender some of your golden eggs or surrender the goose that lays the golden eggs – do not fear because you will be surrendering your resources to the One who gave them to you in the first place.
What Gehazi was to Elisha in the Old Testament, Judas was to Jesus in the New Testament. Both of these men had the opportunity to become great in the kingdom of God but they missed it because their hearts were gripped by greed. Let us resolve not to miss God’s best because of greed but to pursue Christ with all heart, mind, soul and strength.

chpt 3 of God own$

2007-12-06T01:11:00.000+08:00

3 The Delight of Giving
The Bible puts it this way in Matthew 6: 21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Perhaps this is why money is the most talked about topic in the Bible. One Bible scholar estimated that there are 5,280 verses on the subject of money alone. The number of references on money far exceeds that on heaven, hell, salvation and prayer. Sixteen out of 38 parables refer to money and possessions.
This is misquoting 1 Timothy 6:10, which says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grief.” The root of evil is not “money” but the “love” of money.
When the Bible talks about giving in terms of money, it always speaks of tithes and offerings. The principles of giving are found in the Old Testament and then carry over into the New Testament.

Tithing
1. The Progression of Tithing
When we tithe, we are recognizing that God is the Sovereign Lord who owns everything and we are but stewards of what He has given us. Tithing is mentioned 10 times in the New Testament; each time, Jesus did not do away with tithing but took it to a new dimension under grace. He challenged believers to go beyond the legalistic righteousness of the Jews.
Under the Law, the tithe was the ceiling. However, under grace, the tithe was the floor! The tithe is the starting and not the ending point. It is the least that we can do, out of gratitude for what Jesus has done to set us free.

2. The Place of Tithing
In Malachi 3:10 says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse…” The storehouse originated from King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 31. It refers to the Temple of the Lord. In the New Testament, the storehouse would be the local church – the place where God has chosen for His Name, the place where you are spiritually fed.

3. The Purpose of Tithing
Under grace or the New Testament, we are compelled by love to give, as it is written in 1 Corinthians 13:3,”If I give all I possess to the poor ad surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”

6 NEW testament principles of giving
1. The Principle of Proportion
1 Corinthians 16:2 says, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income…” The general principle is this: “To whom much is given, much will be required” and “Give as the Lord prospers you…” The most basic proportion would be the tithe or 10 per cent.
God is just God. He does not look at what we give but at what we keep. In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “I tell you the truth, ” he said “this widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

2. The Principle of Priority
Paul exhorted believers to set aside an amount for God first. In other words, let God have the firstfruits. If we are paid monthly, then set aside what we want to give God first before anything else. If not, we may end up giving God our leftovers.
***Malachi 3:10-12 says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,’ says the LORD Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty.

3. The Principle of Purpose
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 tells us, “ Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Let our giving be done purposefully. Let it be planned and predetermined. Do not tip God! Before you go to church, prayerfully decide what you want to give. Prepare the offering. Give purposefully as an act of worship.

4. The Principle of Privacy
Matthew 6:1-4 says, “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven …… when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Giving is so self-effacing that after you have given, forget about it! Do not keep an account of how generous you have been. Do not even brag about what you have given. Keep your giving private!

5. The Principle of Privilege
We must recognize that giving is a privilege! We give because we receive so much from the One who, for our sake, became poor, so that through His poverty, we might become rich. Giving then is no longer a sacrifice but a joy. We are no longer bound to give tithes and offerings. We are morally bound to give out of a heart of love and gratitude.

6. The Principle of Profit
Luke 6:38 tell us, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” God is no man’s debtor. We cannot outgive God.

chpt 2 of God own$

2007-12-06T01:04:00.000+08:00

2 A Biblical Perspective on Wealth
There is something powerful, intriguing and mystical about money. For money, one man could kill another; a son could sue his father; a woman could violate her body; and a man could even sell his soul. This is perhaps the reason Jesus spoke more about money than almost any other subject during his ministry on earth. The Holy Bible is the best economics book of all time. Everything does changes, but the principles of God do not change and blessed is the man who applies these principles in his money management.

From Old Testament of the Ecclesiastes, we will see what King Solomon noted about the world of money.

4 observations about wealth
1. The Materialistic Grip of Wealth (Ecclesiastes 5:10-12)
Wealth has a way of gripping man. Even Christians can be seduced to bow our knees to this false god of Mammon. Its grip can be so strong as to make us act irrationally. When materialism has done its worst, it will make slaves out of us. Materialism can never be satisfied. The more you get, the more you want.

The wise man said in Ecclesiastes 5:10, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.” Referring to the materialistic grip of wealth, Jesus said in Matthew 19:23, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.”

2. The Danger of Hoarding Wealth (Ecclesiastes 5:13-17)
There is danger in hoarding wealth – you will lose it, not once but twice! You could lose it before you die, and you will definitely lose it when you die. You may have the ability to accumulate great wealth but you cannot find your security in money. You could lose it in a moment. One wrong decision and it is gone! Even if you do not lose your wealth in this life, you will definitely lose it when you die. In Luke 12, Jesus said to a rich man “You fool… ” Put simply, a fool is someone who disregards God. In Psalm 14:1, we read, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”

Isn’t it true what the wise man said in Ecclesiastes 5:15, “Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs.” The Bible puts it differently, “Naked you come, naked you will go.” Wealth is temporary.

Think about this:
Money can buy medicine but not health.
Money can buy you a house but not a home.
Money can buy you companions but not friends.
Money can buy you entertainment but not happiness.
Money can buy you food but not appetite.
Money can buy you a bed but not sleep.
Money can buy you a crucifix but not a Saviour.
Money can buy you a good life but not eternal life.

3. The Delight of Having Wealth (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20)
The wise man went on to say that despite the dangers inherent in having wealth, it could still be a gift from God. Wealth can be a blessing from God, to be enjoyed by man. When we see our wealth as a gift from God and not something we have acquired by our own hands, we will not fight to keep it.
We must learn to have an “open palm” approach to riches. Hold every blessing that God brings to you with an open palm. Enjoy the blessings while you have them without desiring to possess them. Then, if God should choose to take them away, He need not pull your fingers apart! This way, it would be a delight to have material possessions.

4. The Grace to Enjoy Wealth (Ecclesiastes 6:1-3)
A man may have wealth but is unable to enjoy it for a number of reasons, such as poor health and bad relationships. Let us remember that God is the one who gives us the grace to enjoy the wealth that we have, be it little or much. Indeed, it is by God’s grace that we are able to enjoy even a cup of coffee. Many of us constantly complain that we do not have enough, when we should be thankful for what we do have.

There is nothing wrong with enjoying the good things that God has blessed us with. Unfortunately, when we are gripped by greed and materialism, we turn God’s formula around. Then we put 10 per cent of our resources at God’s disposal – provided we even tithe – and retain 90 per cent for our own parting and entertainment and to maintain our standard of living. God’s kingdom is not one about just food and drink, but also about love, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost; it is a kingdom where the rich would share with the poor and all have enough for joyful, contented living.

1st chpt of God own$

2007-12-06T01:01:00.000+08:00

1 The Master and the Steward
Money is a tool that can be used for great good or great ill. So preached John Wesley in a sermon went on to give us three simple rules concerning money: Gain all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can. This is good counsel coming from a man skilled in the discipline of stewardship.
Having money can be intoxicating. It is almost addictive. The more you have, the more you desire. Money has the ability to hold us in its grip. And when it does, it can make us do things we do not want to do. It can cause irrationality. No wonder Jesus said in Matthew 6:24
- “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”

Notice closely to the above quote, our Lord did not say, “You should not…” He was also not giving friendly advice like, “You must not…” but He was, in fact, stating an impossibility- “You cannot…” It is simply impossible for us to serve both God and Money. In the end, we either serve God or end up serving money.
Theology of stewardship provides a pivot to hold the two extreme views, poverty theology and prosperity theology. What we possess as Christian is a privilege rather than a right. We have a stewardship responsibility to mange all the above faithfully and wisely, according to the will of the Master.

In the end, the true measure of godly success is how faithful we have been in administering with wisdom what God has entrusted to us; be it little or much. Our goal is to be able to hear the Father say to us, as the master said to the servant in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:21), “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

*Wesley’s sermon on Luke 16:9 can be accessed at
http://gbgm-umc.org/umhistory/wesley/sermons/serm-050.stm

2007-10-31T13:44:00.000+08:00

hmm.. so confused now.. confused about my feelings and mood right now.. sian.. feel like finding one corner and cry..

introduction to 2nd book

2007-10-27T14:06:00.000+08:00

Introduction to the 2nd book i am going to share with you.. it called

God own$ - Manage money the Biblical Way - by Benny Ho

“Building from the biblical perspective of Old Testament foundations to New Testament principles, the book is full of solid theology, practical wisdom, powerful illustrations, memorable quotes, great jokes and if applied, life-changing truths – this book is going to bless you!”
- Steve Findley, Senior Pastor, Community of Praise Baptist Church, Singapore

Forward
In his book God Own$, Benny HO examines the effect of wealth on both Christians and non-Christians. He has explained very clearly how a Christian can control money without being controlled by it. Why is money never enough for those who have already amassed millions? Unless we believe and acknowledge in both our thought and deed that God is the owner of all our resources we will not find the answer to the problems that wealth and possessions bring to our lives.

Some Christians deprive themselves of the pleasure of eating a sumptuous meal or having an expensive holiday, and yet they are unable or unwilling to share their blessings with those who are less privileged. Some are always in financial difficulty in spite of the few hundred thousand dollars they earn every year. In this book Benny gives the reasons for many people’s financial struggles based on his own experience and from the many years of counseling individuals in the financial services industry.

Benny offers his advice on how we can deal with greed, which is a constant enemy of contentment and which often ruins our ability to enjoy what we already have. He shows his unique ability to communicate the wisdom of God’s Word so that readers will find practical help in the course of handling their finances.

God’s definition of success is faithful stewardship. How can we move from ownership to stewardship? God wants us to enjoy what He has given us. If we take His Word seriously and apply it to our daily living, we would have a quality of life found not in the arts of culture, but in having a personal relationship with Him and through employing the resources He has given us for His glory.
- Benny Ong, Founding Director, Life Planning Associates Pte Ltd, Singapore

Author Preface
I write this book for a few reasons:
1) God, by divine appointment, allowed my life to be closely associated with some Christians who are outstanding bankers and financial advisers. My interaction with them has taught me so much about both the good and the bad of money.
2) But the most compelling reason I wrote this book is that I felt the burden from God to lovingly call us back to a balanced and biblical view of money and to challenge us to view money as a means to abundant living and a tool to serve the purposes of God. It is out of this sense of prophetic burden that I present these thoughts to you.

It is my prayer that this simple book will contribute towards the raising of a Church that walks free from a scarcity mentality and lives with an abundance mentality because we serve a God of generosity and abundance! Amen. - Benny Ho

SAVE ME!

2007-10-22T21:30:00.000+08:00

God put me to test again.. to testify me.. whether i can get over her again.. why.. why let me see this infront of them.. i dun want.. set me free.. i want to be free.. crying silence-ly.. wiping tears.. why i need to do that everytime.. do that ever since sept 1.. why.. tell me.. can someone answer me.. i need help.. i need God's strength.. i need..

now i trying to fake it.. answer all my frens msn reply.. trying.. to help them. .give them warmth.. and yet.. i can't help myself.. what is this..

i shall not blame God.. i shall have faith in God..

seeing that really really.. i dunno.. all my deep thought.. underground thoughts all push up to the brim of my throat..

i am faking my "haha" in my msn.. i need to try means to reach out to the lost ones.. i can't fail.. no matter i am sad or not.. i need.. i NEED to.. God.. SAVES ME!!

to her

2007-10-17T21:38:00.001+08:00

To vic: ha.. now i am listening to JJ 1st album.. for the 1st time i am listening the entire album.. juz now u asked me how to do.. how to react with him..

for my case.. if i were really u.. if he is so WILLing to give u the warmth and the love.. if he is WILLing to protect and care for u.. why not.. juz give him a chance and consider.. if u are still unsure abt that.. juz choose a good quiet time.. ask him slowly.. not that time when he is joking around of course.. maybe during home calls or not.. (option 1)

or maybe.. u can juz go out with home.. 2 of u2 only.. like that u2 can understand each other better.. understand is really the key to everything.. go out a few times.. go far far de loh.. like go eastpoint.. or harbourfront mall.. those ulu ulu.. ur frens won't meet dao u2 de loh.. like that u2 can really really enjoy the day.. maybe after these understanding.. u WILL be able to make a better decision.. somemore.. holidays mah.. pick a few days along these few weeks to go out with him loh.. understand.. ?.. haha.. (option 2)

it's really unworth it to wei le all those rumours to break this friendship with him.. someone who is WILLing.. who can WILLing to chat with u.. consider bah.. my best plan is option 2 lah.. since there's time.. there's chance.. things will turned out well enough de.. WILL they?

haha.. enough of mocking at you liao.. i WILL stop now.. haha..
best wishes...
hope you will find your happiness..
with regards,
meng.

aftermath

2007-10-11T23:59:00.000+08:00

posts no.20.. yup.. a sad and happy ones.. i really dunno what to say.. before that i hold my tears.. and now my sis asked me to jia you.. i really.. i can't stand it anymore.. tears run down my eyes while i was typing now.. wah.. really very emotional now..

tonite is really a emotional one.. 1/2 hr before.. she bring out the iron mumble out "i can't stand this kind of ppl" (wo kan bu qi zhe zhong ren).. i noe she didn't mean me.. but i test her and say.. "oh.. kan bu qi wo oh.. ".. i trying to let her realised her faults and yup.. she say as usual.. that she didn't mean is me.. juz some usual say.. that.. .it's becoz of some reoccurance incident she thought when she is ironing..

actually the thing starts when she was shifting the iron to the living room saying there's not enuf space for her to iron in the master bedroom.. it was very packed (with my used papers).. so i juz rub some salts on to the wound.. and bring all those carton out of the room.. and make way for her loh.. haha. or course i did it with a soft voice "oh kan bu qi wo oh.. bu yong jing"...

then she noe that she was at fault.. she apologised.. as i told u from the very recent post.. scroll down.. this thing has been stirring around already lah.. not that if my mood today is like last few daes.. wah.. i tell u... gone case.. my mum will be busy comforting me.. while i cried out loud and scream out loud.. and for that birthday incident.. i cried untill i am out of breathe.. that's how serious it is.. so i noe learning to control on my temper already.. it has been better.. as i have controlled well ytd.. simply ignored her ytd.. today i juz 1 to let her noe.. no hard feelings.. juz that to want her to stop all those nonsense before ppl around her think that she is crazy.. yup..

but her last words really touched my heart.. "u are my brother.. i won't doubt you!" .. wah.. tell u.. i almost cried out loud.. but i hold back my tears.. really that touching.. haha.. yup.. juz 1 to say that.. today i finally did it.. control my temper and to manage this situation well enough without been angered.. thank God.. with this faithfulness. .i will move on..

MY SIS

2007-10-11T10:57:00.000+08:00

hai.. God is really tempting..nono.. is Satan... Satan really really tempted me to hate my sister.. God told us to love and care one another.. to accept their wrongs and forgives their faulties..

forgive and forget

accept and tolerant

i have been tolerant my 2nd sister for the past 3-4 years.. last time she used to worked in student care .. she is been more serious... HER mood is like will influence others ppl de.. ten she WILL throw all the temper in my hse.. which as results.. my family got to tolerant them.. we got asked WHAT HAPPENED TO HER.. she juz say "dunno.. i even noe myself for doing that".. then i was.. like? ??? questions marks everywhere..

so i assumed it's stressed lah.. but why does she bring stress from work back home.. as in ytd.. ytd.. she YELLS at mum moer than 5 times.. i almost want to shouted at her to stop it now.. Satan is really tempted me... i really really.. will break down anytime.. last time i do it is that midnight of my 1st hour of my 17th birthday..

at abt past midnight... she was mopping the floor and she shouted something like "nobody cares abt me YOU ALL also.. !!".. then i was dam fed up by that lah.. can't she juz shut her gap up and mop quickly and slp quickly.. i then shouted.. "YA YA.. WE DUN CARE ABT U"

then i run into the toilet and weeps.. BANGING THE DOOR... untill my mum comes.. then i shouted again.. "TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY LEH.. CAN'T SHE JUZ RESPECT ME.. WHY DOES SHE 1 TO THROW HER TEMPER EVERYTIME.. I REALLY CAN'T STAND HER".. then i gushed out of the toilet and back to my room also hers room.. then i banged even louder that time.. then i cried and cried untill my whole pillow wets.. till i fall asleep

later i then noe is that.. my sis means is that her boyfren family dun care abt her lah.. treated her as nth.. then she was thinking abt that.. and it juz shout it out lah.. she got apologised.. but at that point of time.. i didn;t forgive her.. really..

why muz she bring this up.. even thru mopping.. put aside my bd lah.. but.. isn't it.. wrong to.. aiya dunno lah.. maybe i am not mature enough to understand.. as time passes.. i been to realise.. we.. each of us got diffn ways of handling stress.. some better at it.. some not.. so i suppose she is not..

thru Christ.. i began to forgive and forget.. yup.. it juz .. run to my brain.. i keep forcing my thoughts of "shouting back" to be gone.. and to keep telling myself to forgive and forget... yup..
hope it really works.. :!

Life story 13

2007-10-03T12:40:00.000+08:00

Life story 13
‘I soon became bed-ridden and realized that my condition was very severe’

In oct 1995, I started to experience tremendous “shooting” pains that ran down the back of my left leg. Despite taking pain killers the pain continued to worsen. I was diagnosed as having a slipped disc. The doctor gave me painkillers and medical leave. The strong medication did not help as the pain continued in intensity. I soon became bed-ridden and realized that my condition was very severe. I was admitted to Gleneagles Hospital.

An MRI scan revealed that about 80% of a disc was protruding out of alignment and an urgent operation to remove the prolapsed disc was recommended as the only possible remedy. The operation was done the next day.

However in the subsequent weeks and months things did not go well. There was great pain at the operation site and I had to be re-admitted for an epidural injection to eliminate the pain. But it was only a temporary measure.

In Dec 1995, Dr and Mrs Charles Hunter came to preach at City Harvest Church in Singapore. I was still suffering great pain but I eagerly wanted to attend their meeting as they were going to pray for the sick.

Mustering all my strength I made my way to the church, but could not sit throughout the service as the pain was unbearable. After preaching, the Hunters said God had spoken to them to pray for people who had spinal problems. I immediately made my way up to the stage!

The entire church joined the Hunters to pray for me. Almost immediately, I realized that there was no more pain in my spine. The Hunters asked me to stretch my spine by bending forwards, backwards and sideways. I was stunned that there was no pain at all! The Hunters asked me to jump, and for the first time in there months, I could jump without pain! I was completely healed and have been so ever since that time nine years ago --- when Jesus touched me.

Suraj, 39, works in City Harvest Church, Singapore.

Life story 12

2007-10-03T12:38:00.000+08:00

Life story 12
‘Never had I expected to suffer from a stroke’

On 18 May 2002 at about midnight as I was lying in bed, I felt very confused. My wife noticed my restlessness and turned towards me. As a practicing anaesthetist she immediately realized that I had had a stroke. My left arm and leg could not move.

After a series of tests at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore, it was confirmed that it was a stroke. In medical jargon I had a ‘complete occlusion of my right internal carotid artery’, which supplies blood to the right side of the brain. This complete block paralysed the other [left] side of my body. Furthermore my heart had ‘ventricular ectopics and arrythmias beat’. It was beating irregularly.

While in hospital I made a gradual recovery of the use of my left limbs and was discharged on the 23 May 2002.

Meanwhile, prayers were fervently offered by my wife and family, relatives in Singapore and Malaysia, cell and church members and friends even as far as Australia. We were united in prayers.

A week later I was brought to a healing service at Lighthouse Church in Singapore. Pastor Ronny instructed all those who were ill to place their hands on the part that was afflicted.

In faith I placed my hand on the right side of my neck and after prayer, I felt a sudden gush of blood flow up my neck, I knew there and then that God had healed me!

At the hospital I repeated a Colour Doppler Ultrasound scan on myself, to check the blood flow in my neck artery. I was amazed to learn that the blood flow was now normal and totally unobstructed.

My neurologist after seeing the scan said it was impossible for this to happen! So he repeated the scan the next day, only to confirm the same results. This was unbelievable, and he requested an MRI angiogram to be done for me. This was the ultimate high-tech scan. It again confirmed beyond any doubt that my artery was totally cleared of any obstruction. God healed me.

I am now back to normal work and leisure. I have even journeyed to Aceh for the Tsunami relief in 2005.

Never had I expected to suffer from a stroke, as I had always considered myself healthy. But I did. Never had I expected that God would touch me and heal me so miraculously, so completely. But He did. Hallelujah! Praise His Name!

Dr Tan Hun Hoe, 51, is a consultant urologist in private practice in Singapore.

Life story 11

2007-10-03T12:36:00.000+08:00

Life story 11
‘God healed me miraculously…twice!’

When I was 19 years old, I developed an irregular heartbeat condition known as paroxysmal atrial tachycardia. The doctors told me that I needed to be on medication for life.

On 12 Dec 1985 when I attended a Gospel rally, I heard about the true and living God who loves all mankind so much that He died in our place, to redeem us from our sins. On that day I received Jesus Christ into my life as my personal Saviour. As faith arose in my heart, I raised my hand to God and asked Him to heal me.

Suddenly, I felt God’s peace and joy as tears rolled down my cheeks. Somehow I could sense that God had answered my prayers and healed me. From that very night I stopped all my medications.

My doctor was very upset when I told him what I had done. However after some investigations, he was greatly surprised that my heart was normal and said I had become totally healed! Hallelujah!

Then in 1997 I was diagnosed with chronic liver inflammation had deteriorated. It got worse with each passing month. I was told that I would eventually develop liver cirrhosis and possibly liver failure.

I went home and cried to God. I told Him ‘I know Heaven is a beautiful place where there are no more tears. But God, please have mercy on me. I am not ready to meet you yet.’

At my next medical follow-up, my liver function tests showed improvements. My blood tests revealed that I had developed antibodies to hepatitis B. It was a miracle—the second one in my life!

God had given me a brand new liver! He has been gracious to give me another lease of life. Since that day eight years ago, I have remained well. Hallelujah! Praise His Name!

Ms Yeow Peak Swan, 40, works as an accountant.

Quotes

2007-10-03T12:19:00.000+08:00

ha.. there's 2 quotes that i have seen in one of the art gallery on last sat 29/9.. here u go
both are find inside the short acknowledgement of the painters.. :)

1st: "A farmer planted seed. Some fell on the road. some in the gravel. some among weeds, nothing came of it. but some fell on good earth and came up with a flourish, producing, a harvest exceeding his wildest dreams" Mark 4 : 3-8

2nd: "... They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord. For the display of His splendour"

Life story 10

2007-10-01T23:53:00.000+08:00

Life story 10
‘God is healing you right now!’

The small dark spots of floaters which developed in my right eye resulted in a spreading inflammation. My vision was completely blocked and my right eye was becoming blind.

In 1994, I was diagnosed with Toxoplasmosism a condition caused by the parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. At the Singapore National Eye Centre I was prescribed steroids, and was told that I would have to live with my condition for the rest of my life. It was incurable and would recur under any sort of stress. After six months of medication my condition gradually improved.

However, in the last quarter of 1997 I suffered a relapse and started to see floaters again. In Dec of that year I attended Pastor Peter Youngren’s seminar at City Harvest Church, Singapore.

When he gave an altar call he said ‘There is someone here who is having eye problems, you are seeing dark spots in your eye. God is healing you right now!’

When I heard that I lifted up my head and opened my eyes, and praise God the floaters had suddenly disappeared! I could not understand it, I could not believe it, but I knew God had healed me.

In the eight years since that day, I have graduated from University, got married, had a son, worked 16 hours most days, and though I have been through many stressful periods, praise the Lord the condition has never recurred. He has truly touched me and healed me!

Jimmy Sng, 31, works in City Harvest Church, Singapore.

Life story 9

2007-10-01T23:32:00.000+08:00

Life story 9
‘If He is able to heal me, I will build a church for Him!’

I was an ancestral worshipper for more than 20 years before I came to know the Lord. In 1973, I fell seriously ill. Both Western and Chinese doctors I consulted could not help and over several months my condition deteriorated, as I lost blood each time I urinated. One of my employees said to me, ‘The only one who can help you, even if no doctor can, is Jesus.’ So where’s Jesus? If He is able to heal me, I will build a church for Him.’ I said.

In Tanhong Pinang I found a Pentecostal pastor who, upon laying hands on me and praying, told me that Jesus had healed me of my sickness. I did not feel anything then, but when I reached home my urine became clear for the first time in months. I thought to myself, ‘How extraordinary!’

After I had been well for two months I began to think to myself, ‘Building a church can be very expensive!’ I told myself that it was the medication from the doctors that had made me well, and not Jesus. Immediately the next morning I passed out fresh blood again, and was rushed to the hospital in severe pain as I could not urinate. The doctor said he had no choice but to operate.

Suddenly I thought about praying to Jesus, and as I did so, immediately I was able to pass urine. However I still needed an operation as the doctor had earlier found a very large stone in my bladder blocking the urine outflow.

That night before my surgery I went to see Pastor William Lee at Glad Tidings Church in S’pore who laid hands on me and prayed for healing. The following morning I found I could urinate very well. The flow was very strong. I was anxious still as I was due for surgery that afternoon, and yet I knew that God would heal me. In the toilet my urine was white as milk with a lot of sandy particles. The previous day it has been red like darkened tea. ‘This is amazing!’ I thought to myself, as faith started to rise up in my heart. Then all of a sudden I passed out a big stone!

From that moment I knew that Jesus had healed me completely. There and then I gave my heart unreservedly to Jesus. On my return to Riau Islands, I immediately made plans to build my first church building for the glory of Jesus my Lord. Since then, God has been with me in every situation and I love Him. Hallelujah!

Mr Goh Yong kwang, 69, is a timber businessman from Batam, Riau Islands, Indonesia. He has built several churches in Riau for God’s glory.

Life story 8 + followed-up testimony

2007-09-26T16:56:00.000+08:00

Life story 8
‘My plans for you, says the Lord, are to prosper you and give you hope and a future’

I believe God had put His loving hand of healing upon my life long before I became a Christian.

I was a young lad of seven, in Primary One, when one day I suddenly felt severe abdominal pains. At the Mount Alvernia Hospital, I was operated upon immediately for acute abdomen due to Burkitt’s lymphoma. I remained in hospital for about a month and underwent Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. At one stage my condition was critical, and none of my doctors expected me to make it. But I did, by the grace of God.

When I became a Christian I came across these words in my reading of Psalm 138:
‘Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; The LORD will fulfil his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever’ Psalm 138:7-8

I then realized afresh how God had preserved me through all these years for His good purpose. Even when I was a youngster and did not know Him, He still loved me and cared for me. Now that I know Jesus as my Saviour and Lord, I have witnessed again and again, in my own life and professional practice, the Lord moving in miraculous and wonderful ways. Praise be His Name!

God has a purpose for each one of us and will not allow anything to thwart his good plans for our lives—‘For I know the plans I have for you.’ Declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ Jeremiah 29.11

Dr Francis Seow-Choen, 47, is a colorectal surgeon in private practice in Singapore.

Followed up testimony
‘In 1977 my grandma became a Christian. She was 86 years old.’

Because of spine tuberculosis, my grandma Ang Chang had developed paralysis of both legs and became severely ill and depressed. However when family members shared about their faith in Jesus Christ and what He could do for her, her spirit was lifted up. She was eager to become a Christian and upon receiving Christ she asked to be baptized immediately. In the hospital bed, the pastor baptized her with sprinkling. Although her health did not improve immediately, nonetheless her faith grew stronger.

When she returned home, straightaway she asked for all her ancestral idols and gods to be thrown away. She continued praying to Jesus and believing that strength would return to her legs.

One night the Lord Jesus appeared to her in a vision and told her to stand up. At once she knew that Jesus had healed her. The next morning she found that she could stand up and walk. It was truly a miracle! Sometime later, she fell and fractured her hip. But her earlier experience of the power of God had strengthed her faith in Jesus Christ and made her even more fervent in her prayers.

Ang Chang is now with the Lord.
Testimony by Dr Francis Seow.

Life story 7

2007-09-26T16:53:00.000+08:00

Life story 7
‘My family was told that I would surely die’

On the 28th April 2001, I was suddenly admitted to the Singapore General Hospital with very serious lung infection which developed into Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. One of my lungs had collapsed completely and the other was on the verge of collapsing too.

I slipped into a coma and was given a very slim chance to survive. My condition deteriorated and the doctors had to cut a hole on my throat to get air into my lungs directly. My family was told that I would surely die.

In a coma, my condition became even more critical as the doctors found that the virus had infected my liver which was falling and I was turning yellow. They were not expecting me to make it through that week.

However, my friends in church came to visit me. They prayed, laid hands on me and commanded life to return to my body. God in His mercy began to restore strength and energy to my body. My liver began recovering and I started breathing on my own. God was healing me.

The doctors were amazed by my speedy progress and the professor said he had never seen someone in my condition recover so quickly. I was discharged from hospital with a clean bill of health on the 7 June 2001-- a date I shall never forget. I was discharged without any need for further medication! Praise the Lord!

Today I can testify that Jesus has healed me completely! Praise His Name. I am a healthy person, exercising and playing sports. God has healed me and I know He can hear you too.

Derrick Lim, 24, is a student.

Life story 6

2007-09-24T15:43:00.000+08:00

Life story 6
"Morphine was given for my pain. I was resigned to my situation."

In 1994 at the age of 48, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. The cancer, a third stage Dukes C case, had spread to my lymph nodes.

I was then not a Christian and had been invited to different church services by well-meaning friends. But I was largely unmoved and so I surprised myself when I felt moved to give my life to Jesus in Dec 1994. I was baptized the following Easter in 1995.

Since then God has carried me through all the years of anxiety and pain. I have had regimens of chemotherapy drugs. As the disease spread to the liver I had surgery on three occasions. Four months after my final liver resection in 1999, the cancer re-manifested as two tumours in my spine. At that stage I became immobile from an excruciating pain in my back and legs. Radiotherapy was tried as a last ditch effort. Morphine was given for my pain. I was resigned to my situation.

In Dec 1999, I attended a healing rally at the S’pore National Stadium where Evanhelist Carlos Annacondia was preaching. As he prayed, I felt the strong anointing of the Holy Spirit—in spite of his praying in Spanish. Immediately after the prayer I regained full flexibility in my spine. I was able to touch my toes, although a few minutes pror to the prayer I could not walk. Immediately I went up the stage to testify in front of a full stadium, that God had touched me.

However, I continued to live in pain following that experience. But I had faith that God’s healing work had begun I n my body, and I continued to pray to Jesus to heal me.

The nest sign of God’s healing was in early 2000, my blood tests showed normal results and scans verified that there was no more spread of cancer. There were only two holes in the spine where the tumours had been before. Supported by prayers, I made steady but miraculous progress over the past five years. All medical checks showed no further disease.

Today, I am able to function quite well physically, I have a regular job and do everything normal people do, including exhaustive recreational activities, although there is still some discomfort in my spine. But this where God’s grace is so evident to me. He is ever faithful and His grace is sufficient for all my needs. Hallelujah.

Tay Thian Chye, 59, lives in Singapore.

Life story 5

2007-09-24T15:41:00.000+08:00

Life story 5
‘As she could not afford the treatment fees, she was discharged and sent home to die’

For one whole year, Mdm Lee who lived with her five children, had been very ill with severe abdominal pains and swelling. She was losing appetite and weight dramatically and following a series of tests, she was told that she had intra-abdominal cancer and needed surgery. As she could not afford the treatment fees, she was discharged and sent home to die.

Although she was not a Christian then in 1988, she was desperate enough to attend a church service at Pancur island where Dr Francis and his team from St John’s/ St Margaret’s Church were ministering. She came forward to have hands laid on her and to be prayed for healing.

Dr Francis a medical doctor, not only prayed for her but also had the opportunity to examine her after the service. He confirmed that there was a huge intra-abdominal mass as well as abdominal fluid present.

On that day Mdm Lee gave her life to the Lord Jesus. Two weeks later, she passed out all the pieces of the huge fleshy mass and her abdominal swelling shrank immediately.

Her recovery was so dramatic that 24 villagers, on seeing what God had done for her, requested to be baptized with her. And now 17 years from that day she was completely healed, Mdm Lee is actively serving in the local church in Pancur. Hallelujah!

Mdm Lee Ah Huay, 55, lives in a Sea Dayak village in Pancur in the Riau Achipelago, Indonesia.

meng @ lesson 5

2007-09-24T15:17:00.000+08:00

woohoo.. end up.. becoz of the push forward of my family gathering to fri.. i gotta go for sat service..haha.. here it goes.. some morals i learnt..

1) Step out of realm of fear and go around the realm of faith (1 Cor 2-9 , 2 Cor 12-19)
2) faith wihout works is dead
3) prospering in the soul even you haven't prosper
4) God, family, carrer + ministry.. the priority must be correct
5) God's revelations will come to pass
6) God's presences has substance
7) Glory has values
8) Everything for God should be priceless
- 1st: tithed 10% of faith
- 2nd: laid down my life on the altar

9) Altar is like a spirtual house and a gateway that will pour blessing from the Heaven (Eph 6:12)

10) 3 spiritual effects
---) spiritual maturity
-generous sacrificer/givers of Grace
-be strong in the Grace of giving
-most mature ppl are the most mature ones
---) spiritual revival
-giving is like reviing
-spiritual revival is lkie unite as a soul
---) spiritual purpose (2 Cor 8:5)
-loving God, loving people
-purpose of God is the greatest comission.

11) Engage cultural practise to the God.
12) God sends you as sheeps among wolfs
13) Seven great effects from the abiltiy to tithed (Mal 3:10)
--> Blessings will rest upon you
--> Heaven will be open over you
--> Prosperity will be open to you
--> Hardwork will bear fruits
--> Legacy will fall over you
--> Saint will be with you
--> Investment will prosper

Life story 4

2007-09-24T00:36:00.000+08:00

Life story 4
‘Then the nightmare began’

I was born into a Christian family but never took religion seriously. I just lived for each day and never thought much about life or death. It was a pretty meaningless existence, until something happened that was to change all of that.

In early Nov 1995 my parents decided that we should go to Hong Kong for our holidays. Little did I realize that it was going to be a turning point in my life. Three days after our arrival, we were having a sumptuous dinner at my uncle’s place, when I felt dizzy and began to vomit. The ceiling lights were affecting my eyes, causing an intense pain in my head. My whole body went numb, and soon after, I collapsed. Everything went black.

While in a state of coma. I found myself in a red, bloody, environment, trapped in a rubbery bubble. As I struggled hard to get out, I felt that I was suffocating. I thought I would die and called out to God, “Lord, save me please.”

I closed my eyes and seemed to be chewing hard on the bubble, which suddenly burst. When I opened my eyes I saw a most spectacular white light made up of many shiny crystals. There appeared to be a rainbow behind each crystal. It was a magnificent sight, yet so soothing to the soul.

Admiring its beauty, I was interrupted by someone calling my name, “David, David, wake up!” As I opened my eyes and found myself on a hospital bed with my parents by my side, I tried to speak and move, but could not. At that time, I was in “Coma 3”—conscious but not able to respond at all. Overwhelmed by exhaustion. I dozed off.

When I woke up the nest morning, amazing I could move. I was so confused by the whole ordeal and went back to sleep. Then I heard voices and as I opened my eyes I was glad to see my parents, and standing beside them was a Singaporean neurologist, Dr Keith Goh who was working in Hong Kong. He was God-sent and gave me much loving care.

From my CT scan I was told that I had suffered a haemorrhage at the posterior part of my brain. Such a condition had a 40% mortality rate. Was then put through a lumbar puncture to extract bone marrow from my spinal cord. The pain was excruciating. This was followed by an angiogram. I thank God that everything went smoothly and the reports showed no further bleeding in the brain.

However after a battery of tests, I learnt that I had viral encephalitis. For the next nine days I was treated with a new antiviral drug which had been recently used in US and for the first time in Hong Kong. I responded surprisingly well to the drug. My white blood cell count, which had risen to a dangerously high level returned to normal. My heartbeat, which had been beating abnormally also returned to normal. The cardiologist was baffled.
It was indeed a miracle! After thirteen days, I was discharged from the Prince of Wales Hospital. Truly, the Lord is Good!

Back in Singapore, the MRI test revealed that I was completely healed. No abnormalities were detected. The doctors were surprised by my speedy recovery. Patients who suffered from such an illness would have to be hospitalized for at least three weeks and take at least six months to recover. From this incident, I experienced God’s magnificent love for me. It was His healing hand that touched me. Praise His name! He is indeed my Saviour and Healer!

Why did God allow me to go through such an ordeal? The answer came quite soon after. Two weeks upon our return from Hong Kong. My dad, who has gone to be with the Lord, was diagnosed with advanced stage of liver cancer. However my illness had somehow prepared his faith as he saw the reality of God’s love through my healing—an impact that truly changed him to be a God- fearing man. I can still remember him saying, “if God wants to heal me, well and good. If not I am willing to go home to Him.”

I now know that the God I believe in is truly a real and living God. I have experienced His hand upon my life in a most unique and miraculous way. Sometimes His purpose may appear inexplicable to us. But his ways are perfect.

David Cheah, 26, is a student.
(This article is extracted from ‘ Sweet Memories, Sweet Success’ by Kate Cheah [2002], and re-printed with the author’s kind permission.)

Life story 3

2007-09-24T00:29:00.000+08:00

Life story 3

‘My family was told that I would not make it as I had been deprived of oxygen for too long’

I slept throughout the eleven-hour flight from Thailand to Israel on the 13 Dec 2003. I was with my church group on a tour to Israel. Midway through the flight I felt pain on my right calf but dismissed it in my drowsy state. But just as I alighted from the plane at Tel Aviv airport, I collapsed and lost consciousness.

I was foaming at the mouth and my eyes had rolled up. By the time the ambulance arrived my heart had stopped beating, and my body was stiff and blue. Even then it was another ten long minutes to the hospital.

The doctors started CPR on me and hooked me up to a respiratory life support system. But they were telling my family that I would not survive.

Chest scans revealed that I had massive blood clots in my right heart ventricle and lungs. I was started on medications to dissolve the clots. But because of my critical state, my family was repeatedly told that I would not make it. I had been deprived of oxygen for too long.

My pastor of New Creation Church came on the 17 Dec. They claimed my healing in Jesus’ Name, and celebrated the Holy Communion by my bed. The next day I suddenly woke up! I had been unconscious for six days.

A repeat scan showed that there were no more clots in my chest. I was discharged from hospital on Christmas Day, the day of Jesus’ birth.

Two days later, I rejoined the tour group to visit the Garden Tomb where our Lord rose from the dead. God, who raised Him from the dead on the third day, had saved me from certain death. Hallelujah! All glory be to Him! I returned to Israel again for another tour in Dec 2004. This time it was not so dramatic.

Ms Mak Suwen, 30, works as an Office Adminstrator.

Life story 2

2007-09-19T22:22:00.000+08:00

Life story 2
“Little did I know that God had arranged a special appointment for me”

In February of 2003, I started experiencing pain on my right knee whilst running. At first I ignored it, but by May I could not run anymore. By June I had to use the wheelchair or crutches wherever I went.

I saw more than six doctors but there was no improvement. My orthopaedic surgeon told me that if my condition did not improvement. My orthopaedic surgeon told me that if my condition did not improve an operation on the knee would be needed. However, there would be a high chance of relapse even after the operation.

I started going for physiotherapy. I was also dependent on painkillers and could not stand, jump or move freely. Soon I become confined to a wheelchair. I felt so boxed in by my condition. It was miserable.

In July, my mum asked me to accompany her to Pastor Peter Chu’s healing service at City Harvest Church. Little did I know that God had arranged a special appointment for me.

After the service, Pastor Chu laid hands and prayed for me. I then bent my knees and to my utter surprise, I could do a full stretch! I was so excited. I began to walk without any support and soon I was running around the church auditorium and jumping enthusiastically! I went up and down many flights of stairs with no pain at all- for the first time in five months. Praise the Lord!

I went to the doctor three days after the miracle and he said that I had a ‘surprising recovery’. But I knew better God had healed me.

Praise the Lord for doing exceedingly above and beyond what I could imagine. It was truly a wonderful miracle and I want to give all glory and honour to Jesus Christ.

Annabel Chew, 18, is a student.

Life story 1

2007-09-19T22:19:00.000+08:00

Life story 1
“Night after night I was being attacked”

It was around midnight and everything was quiet in my room. I looked closely at my pitch-black room. My curiosity turned to griping fear when I realized that I was looking at apparitions. I froze as they moved towards me. I felt pressure on my neck, choking me. I struggled and tried to scream but no sound came out.

Night after night I was attacked and because so frightened that I dared not go to bed. If I fell asleep, I would be awakened by their attacks. I could not sleep at all.

These nightly attacks began when my mother introduced the Ouija board to me in 1972.
She bought it because she wanted to get the winning lottery number for gambling. I played with it everyday with my mother, and it cost me severely. I did badly in school and was retained for a year in Secondary 2. I was desperate but God heard my cries.

I was in Secondary 3 when my brother Francis shared Jesus Christ with me. As we prayed I sensed something in the room. I opened my eyes and as I turned to the corner of the room, I saw a black shape trying to get near to me but could not. I shivered.

Then all of a sudden for no apparent reason, Francis commanded all evil spirits to leave the room in the Name of Jesus. I felt and heard invisible chains fall off. I knew at once that the bondage had been broken! God had touched me and freed me! Hallelujah! Francis told me never to touch the Ouija board again.

I attended Bible study sessions and soaked myself in the warmth of Christian fellowship. However although I did not see any more apparitions, my nightmare did not go away. I still had no peace at night. Complete breakthrough came after I plucked up enough courage to do something about the Ouija board. I took it out of my mother’s drawer and hid it behind the altar cabinet. She (mother) had been playing with it everyday, but a month slipped by, and she did not seem to ask for it.

Then, I took the next giant step. I took the Ouija board and throw it away. Three months later, I heard my mother muttering to herself, ‘Hmm, I wonder where the Ouija board is?’ I never said a word, and to this day, she has not played with it again.

My nightmares soon faded away. Sweet sleep and peaceful nights have not stayed with me for 23 years. Today, set free by the miraculous power of God, my mission is to share His liberating power with others. Hallelujah!

Ms Dolly Seow, 45, has worked as a school teacher and zoo curator.

Introduction

2007-09-19T22:04:00.000+08:00

heya.. now i going to type out some of the life stories from this book "HE touched me--- Life-changing and healing encounters with Jesus".

Copyright of "The Bible Society of Singapore 2007" and "American Bible Society, 1992"

During his time on earth, Jesus healed many people who were sick with all sorts of ailment or diseases. They were people he had met in the course of his ministry, or people specifically brought to him by friends. The stories of healing which i am going to tell you later are presented as miracles or "mighty acts" performed by Jesus. They are intended to demostrate that he is the Saviour of the World in whom the power of God is at work.

They are also testimonies of people who have recently experienced Jesus' healing power in thier lives. These people have sought, prayed and received the healing they needed. Readers, especially those who are seeking healing and wholeness, will find much to encourage and uplift them in the testimonies. Scroll up the taskbar to voyage the journey of Jesus' healing great life stories.. :)

reflection

2007-06-22T15:02:00.000+08:00

Topic of the day: I will be willing to die for... A thousand dollars? A million? Your pet? Your brother? Fame? Consider carefully…

My brother. We will start by emlinating others options, firstly, a thousand dollars and a million dollars are still money. As we all know, after death, we cannot bring money or fame up or down to heaven or hell. This 1 million dollars consider as a large amount of money, but soon out or later this money will soon be used up. Will this million dollars help my family?..

NO.. it won't.. or maybe financial wise, it might, but me, as the breadwinner of my family, died suddenly and leave with a million for my family of 2 children, my wife and my father and mum, who will be retirees. How will my wife be able to cope and support the living of my family. The utities bill of our flat and how about our children school fees and pocket money if they are still too young to work? All of these are needed to taken to be account of.
Somemore, will my children be as happy as now, living in single-parent family, without the care and corcern of their father, will they still be as obedient as they are now. I have heard about cases that teenagers from single-parent family are more likely to commit crimes or join gangs.

When the parent is busy with her job to earn the living of the family. I don't think she is able to cope with disciplining her children and to cope with her job. This will lead to teenagers seeking for attention by trying out "dangerous acts" to attract their parent attention or to even commit sucide because they can't cope with problems such as relationship or friendship problems and they don't have a chance for them to voice out their problems and to seek for help, this lead to the problems to be continue accumlating or worsens.
How about the medical fees of my parents, will my wife be able to fork out these money to pay, because when age catching up, elders tends to have one or two health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure. If i am not married at that point of time, Will my silbling willing to take care of our parents?

Next is my pet. This totally rideculous, normal lifespan of a dog is less than 15 years. Will my exchange of death to the dog helps? As in, for financial wise, will the dog be able to replace me to earn money or to support my family? No.
I will continue with fame, my fame will attract a lots of attention, if i have died, my fans will be sad and these also bring misery to my family. Media and broadcast will showcases every details of my family they can find. My family will lost all their privacy. Will children living in non-privacy be able to live with happiness? NO, i wanted my children to be happy, i wanted people around me, my relatives, my family and friends to be happy.

Lastly, this bring us back to why i chosen brother, firstly my brother can help take care of my parents and to provide assist to my wife to support my family. I know that what my brother can help is limited, because he has to also support his family if he has. But this assistance will surely help my family to pull through current difficulties and my children can also recognise my brother as godfather. This will provide a path for my children to seek for help if they need, which will prevent tradegy to happens, such as commit suicides, which from my point of view, commiting suicides will not solves any problems. They are just trying to escape and are afraid to face their problems and difficulties. So, commit suicides is the last resort and also the sillyest resort to have.

I always wanted to spread happiness and joy to all my people around me out there. Life is short and we must really live our lives with no regrets and to the fullness. That is my motto and i will continue uphold it to the highest.

My new blog

2007-06-13T23:49:00.000+08:00

wahaha.. this is my new blog.. basically.. this is my new private blog.. which i will share with you more dark secrets of mine and my frens.. opps.. haha.. coz basically i have nth to do.. today.. i spent almost 4 hours on choose the blogskins from blogskins.com.. end up.. can't get 1.. so i end up choosing blogger de skin.. which i guess i s no harm.. i will try to figure out how to reapply a new skin de.. haha.. congrats me for the birth of this new blog.. CHEERS..:)