Run For Hope 2009

10 seem like a small digit. But when it comes to running, it does seem daunting for a person who has been feasting non-stop and not been exercising for months. Factor in the 3 plus hours of sleep the night before and having meat buffet, suddenly, the run looks horrifying.

This run is indeed a very memorable one for me not solely for the fact that we interacted and encouraged one another during it, but also for other things that happened before the run. On sat night (the night before the run), I bumped into an old JC friend in Carnivore when I was there for a SJI gathering. On the train to Benson’s house, another old friend of mine caught my attention. He has just touched down from Australia a couple of days back. After he alighted, I bumped into another old friend. We had hearty chats on the train.

While waiting for Benson at the Mac’s, a young man walked past me and waved. Another old friend! I just cannot bring myself to believe this – bumping into 4 random old friends. I enjoyed the time at Benson’s house watching soccer and wrapping exam packs.

The next morning, had a very short breakfast with Benson and Jolene. This was our pre-run activity and we shared some laughter. Shortly after, I remember the time we started running as a group of 5 (Jolene, Benson, Cai Xuan, Jesline and myself). It has since been a long time that I last ran in a group. Rarely do I like running in a group of friends due to different running pace. I always like the run at the head of the pack so that there would not be any obstruction by other runners and that I can keep my momentum. There is no responsibility in running alone too, where I don’t have to inform anyone anything, which frees my mind for other thoughts and appreciation of nature. So, this run is a new experience where I was able to take it slow.

To breeze through 10km would not be much of an issue; unfortunately, life runs much more than 1 hr for that 10km. Amidst the hectic schedule of UB, I managed to make full use of the time I had to talk to another Buffalo.

The sheer number of participants only goes to show the big heart inside many people. I am so proud that there are so many people who are ready to chip in for a worthy cause. Can this be then translated to the cause of Christ Jesus? I’d love to see all denominations gather together for this very cause. I’d love to see all of us in there. Never give in, never give up. The devil may strike, but we (us and God) will fight.

bentay

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 1:12 AM

At the start of the race, the sight of the young, the old, the middle age, the youths, the disabled is a truly inspiring. You see most of them running to their best ability here, perhaps still full of energy? I saw the parallel how wonderful it is to run in this race of faith with God, with many other brothers and sisters! Some might be young in faith, some might be older, some is running despite their personal setbacks and hurts, but everyone is running and doing their best to finish the race.

As i was running along with caixuan, there are many times along the journey i wanted to initiate to stop and walk. Walking is surely a easier option! Less straining and tiring for the body! I remember the times in my life, even now, that you may feel tempted not to pray, tempted to play church without God in the picture, tempted to do the easier way out. As I thought of these, i remembered what i wanted to grow in for this season! Being disciplined in God, to continue to focus on Him and do things according to His ways, obeying fully and not taking short cuts!

We are reaching almost half the journey, when most of us are scattered throughout the race tracks already, some ahead of us, some behind us. But since caixuan and I decided that we will do the entire race together, we stick together throughout. If ah cai tired then i will walk with her and similarly otherwise even if we feel like running ahead on our own. I remembered the covenant we had with one another! The promise we share in building each other up in God, the promise to stick together for support, love and protection in this spiritual family. If we are truly committed to this, we can be the ones who will pull our team mates on when they are tired, we can encourage them, help them, 'scold them' for their good, push them but never desert them! When we are committed to each other in sticking together, there is a greater chance that all of us will make it to the end together! BUT it takes the heart of deciding and choosing to love and commit to your team.

This race is meaningful, even though i am very tired due to the lack of rest and training prior to the race. However, i thank God for the fellowship and many lessons i learnt! Hope to be trained continuous in my self-disciplince. :)

Jesline

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 10:18 AM

REBUILDING OUR COMMUNITY SERIES
BOOK OF NEHEMIAH

TITLE: RENEWING OUR COVENANT WITH GOD
REFERENCE: NEHEMIAH 9:38 - 10:39
SPEAKER: Wen Jiang



(INTRODUCTION)

The Israelites were disobedient and rebellious, taking God for granted yet not repentant of their sins. They had broken their covenant with God.

Now they come together once again to renew their covenant with God.




(1) THEY RENEWED THEIR COVENANT WITH GOD SERIOUSLY AND COMPLETELY
[NEHEMIAH 9:38, 10:28-29]

God deserves nothing less than my whole heart - He is worthy!

God knows all my struggles and thoughts, yet He is also sovereign and in controL!




(2) THEY RENEWED THEIR COVENANT SPECIFICALLY
[NEHEMIAH 10:30-39]


(2.1) NO MORE MIXED MARRIAGES (10:30)

To not be unequally yoked - in their context, they prohibit mixed marriage because of the conditions it entails, which will eventually result in the Israelites' deviation and backsliding from God.

PRINCIPLE: Righteousness - Follow God, not worldly systems!

Matthew 6:33

PERSONAL QUESTION: Do I consult Godly counsel? Do I only selectively listen to God's Truth?

2 Corinthians 6:14-15 Do not be swayed by worldly advice.

1 Peter 2:9-10 Walk out from the darkness - do not dwell in it!


(2.2) OBSERVE THEIR SABBATH BETTER (10:31)

Without Jesus's cleansing us, we'll not be able to be holy. But now that He died for us, we can be holy!

PRINCIPLE: Holiness - Be set apart and holy, just as I Am holy.

1 Peter 1:13-16

My mind needs to be renewed - to have the attitude of Christ and to live according to His Word!

PERSONAL QUESTION: We often bring our mentality from our old way of life (or our perspectives while growing up) into our present life. What are some unbiblical or unsure ideals I hold on to dearly?

Make a clean break from my old ways!


(2.3) TAKE CARE OF THE HOUSE OF GOD (10:32-39)

We serve God and bring our firstfruits to His House. We grow and mature through humbly receiving guidance and feedback, and improving in serving God and His people!

Malachi 3:10 Time, resources, money, talents - it's more blessed to give than to receive!

Malachi 3:14-15 Give to God my commitment to serve Him and follow His ways all the way!

Matthew 13:24-26, 29-30 God had sown good seeds in our lives but somehow weeds had grown and crowded the wheats!

Whatever God had started in your life, He had started by sowing the good seed of salvation =D Along the way, we all need some weed cleansing!

PERSONAL QUESTION: What do we need to weed out today so that God can lead us to a harvest of righteousness in our lives!

Psalm 119:105

I may not see the full picture yet but as much and as far as I know, I will choose to respond fully and wholeheartedly to God.

Labels: esermon

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 9:27 PM

Hey everyone,

HAPPY SUN-DAY!! After a few days of raining, the sun is finally out today! Today was a sunny day and also a day of running for some of us. Today (22 November), some of us(junyao, jesline, shuning, bentay, benson, jolene, caixuan, liping and I )woke up super early in the morning and went for Run for Hope 2009.

Photos taken after the run.

Do we look shag?


When 6 girls tried to squeeze into benson's car..


- JasmIne

Our reflections after the race

JasmIne:
Two words flashed in my mind while I was running - "Momentum" and "Perseverance". The race reminded me of our spiritual run with God.

At the start of the race, all of us was very excited and woohoo for the race. We ran together with the partners beside us. At some point of time, we felt tired, we feel like giving up. But it's because of the partners beside us who keep cheering for us, running together with us that we continue the race.
How does it relate to our spiritual walk?
At times when we face spiritual dryness, we feel like giving up this race with God, spiritual brothers and sisters are with us, cheering for us. We have our spiritual leaders, shepherds who look after us, watch over our lives. We go through tough and rough times together, running the race together so that no one is lagging behind. Our running pace maybe different, distance covered maybe different but we are in this race together.

Momentum
We have to keep our momentum and continue in the race. When you start to lose it, it's very hard for you to find back the momentum. Even though you are tired, continue to persevere on. You can run, you can slow jog, you can brisk walk, you can walk, but YOU CANNOT STOP. Since you have started this race, must as well end it at the finishing line right?

How does it relate to our spiritual walk?
There must be a progress in your walk with God and not staying at the same spot where you were previously. DO NOT quit this race with God. You have to grow somehow. Keep the momentum going by attending service, cg, shepherding, QT-ing. Every day, you must be moving ahead and not backwards or on the same spot. Even if it's a little baby step, it's also an effort of growing stronger.

Perseverance
10km is really a challenge for me. I think the last time I ran was during the Matric amazing race? And some more, no training before the race. But I persevered on until I saw the finishing line.

How does it relate to our spiritual walk?
There's no such things like smooth-sailing walk with God. Many things will start to come in your way and prevent you to finish the race. We face persecutions from people- friends, parents etc. Are you persevering enough to complete the race?

Labels: Our Reflections

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 3:14 PM

Speaker: Pastor Jeff
Verse: Exodus 14:10-31

Drowning Impossibilities With Red-Sea Faith

1) Stand firm in the face of possibility (v10-14)

-As we live a godly life, we are bound to face challenges.
-Satan will do anything to push back the advancement of God's kingdom

Response that Israelites had:
a) Fear (v10)
-natural response of Man.

b) Blame (v11) [Genesis 3:11-12]
c) Regrets (v12)
-God wants to build faith in us but the devil is always keeping watch on us.

2) Persevering in the midst of impossibilitites (v15-18)

How?

a) Obey God's divine guidance (v16)
-To have a desire for divine guidance ->Fast and Pray

b) Discern God's divine purpose (v17-18)
-Ask God for wisdom
-Nobody is able to steal glory from God. [Psalms 15:7]

3) Experiencing God through the impossibilities (v19-20)
-God wants to glorify His own name. (v23-25)
-God wants us to trust in Him. (v26-28)
[2Cor 9:6-7]

Labels: esermon

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 7:21 PM

Speaker: Wen Jiang
The Community in Prayer [Nehemiah 9:1-37]

1) See God for who He is

a) He is Great (v5)
b) He is God alone (v6) – At that time, the Israelites were struggling with idolatry but the priest led them to proclaim He is God alone.
c) He is Righteous (v7-8)
d) He delivers us (v9-12) – God delivers us from problematic situations.
e) He guides and provides for us (v13-15) – God use human shepherds to guide us.

Question: What is the thing that we bring when we come before God?
· Acknowledge Him in our lives – When we come to God in prayer, we need to recognise who He is.

2) See ourselves and our situation (v16-30)

The Israelites were in repeated rebellion (v16-18) and they were disobedient (v26-27a). Their actions were repeated – they sin and turn back to God, sin again and turn back again. Therefore, are we like the Israelites? Have we forgotten the miracles that God has done in our lives?

In v29-30,
· We need to humbly take stock of our situation.
· We need to recognise our sinfulness.
· We need to confess (v2-3).

3) See God in light of our situation

· God was still loving (v17b)
· God was still merciful (v19-21)
· God still provided (v22-25)
· God was still faithful

4) See the future (v32)

It means to have an expectation. As we pray this is what we hope to see, we should see and the key word is ASK!

Labels: esermon

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 12:47 PM

Hello everyone! 

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 11:26 PM

Title: Spiritual Renewal through the Word


1) Understand the Word
Do we understand the WOG for what it is worth?
Opening the bible is opening the Word of God.
Thinking Cap: How have the Bible change your life? Where is the position of the Bible in your lives?

2) Respond the Word with Right Emotion
It is not right to :) when we sin.
It is not right to :( when God has forgiven us.
a) Our emotions is tainted by sin and is not always an accurate representation of fact.
b) Our emotions often follow our will and our will may not always be God's will for us. <2>
Bring emotions in line with WOG. It is not about psycho-ING your negativity and force yourself to be :). You have to read the bible and understand what God wants you to feel at this point of time. If you dwell into negativity, you are not allowing God to enter into your life.

3) Apply the Word

Labels: esermon

 

WOOHOO! I LOVE JESUS! 5:00 PM