Influenced????

Dear Cellies,

The Influence Conference ended yesterday and i came away being spiritually refreshed and inspired to delve into greater things of God. I felt the loss for many of you who did not attend those sessions. I know it wasn't intentional and you have your valid reasons. We had a fantastic panel of speakers, namely Benny Ong from Singapore, our very own senior pastor, Pastor Vincent Leoh, prominent corporate figures like Michael Tang and Jeremy Tan, Lecturer Franklin Morais and our states assembly man Edward Lee. We Christians cannot live a separate dimension in this world, ie a secular and non-secular world. It is only one, the world. The topics discussed was indeed relevant for christians to practice kingdom living in this world where the system of the world is always in conflict with our foundations, principles, integrity and conviction. The theme for this year's conference was, Success. I shall dissect those knowledge i've attained throughout the conference and hopefully able to convey it effectively over the next few postings =)

It would be great if we could make it more interactive ie we can post comments and discussed on those separate topics. Exchanges of thoughts is good for our mind...

So guys.. Stay tune!!!!!!!! ;)

Blessed Father's Day

This Father's Day, i'd like to share something closer to my heart.

The verse that comes to mind is taken from Malachi 4:6

"He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers"

Allow me to explain briefly about my relationship with my dad. We grew up without dad being at home most of the time because of his nature of work. So our time spent with him was minimal and we hardly engage in any serious conversations. My dad was the sole bread winner of the family and he has provided very well for us, in which i'm truly grateful and thankful. My relationship with him is somewhat strained since young. I must admit, it was partly because of my rebellious and disobedient nature then, and streaks of it which still persist now=p

Well.. this Father's Day and also a series of health event and definitely with the conviction of the holy spirit, i'm adamant to make right with dad. I like the highlight in Malachi and i believe, God is going to bring about restoration in all father-children relationship this season.

If we have build walls with our fathers; Walls of silence, Walls of distance, Walls of unresolved issues, or Walls built to the thickest dimensions with the materials of misunderstanding, impatience, annoyance and ridicule - I believe God is going to dismantle those Walls. The family unit was God institutionalised, and the fact that our Father in heaven comes in Love, He would want our earthly homes to abound in Love too. I know the hammering and demolition and selflessness to get these walls down may seem like a mammoth task. But with God we can do it. He has offered us the tools for forgiveness, the tools of honour and grace and repentance.

I dont know the relationship you are having with your dad, but if you can identify with what i'm saying.. then i pray, you'll take steps to tear these walls to the ground. I believe strongly more so if our fathers are not yet a believer. Our testimony conveys the gospel the strongest.

What will be your first step?

Spiritual Workout!!!

It's been a month or so since my last visit to the gym. And i think many gym goers can attest to the difficulty in cultivating that discipline of achieving a 20min workout 3 times weekly. Unless you are a gym freak, you'll fail miserably. You would think that the rm175/month commitment would strike one guilty of their absence.. Well it does work occasionally but not always. The core of the matter is Discipline. It's a skill we must develop in all matters of our life. Discipline in studying. Discipline in spending. Discipline at work and home. Disciplining our thoughts and tongue. Discipline in devotions. Discipline in praying. etc...

But since young, we've always had someone to do the job of disciplining us. At home, it is our parents. In school, the disciplinary teacher. In church, the leaders/pastors. However, as we grow older, we assume those roles and take on our own responsibilities. We have undergone training under different 'regimes' and now we are to take the helm of the Training centre. Notice mom & dad lecture you less if at all? Surely your boss at the workplace doesnt administer any discipline? In church, you wouldn't be penalise if you failed to remember the memory verse that week. We are supposedly more mature and wiser, and have the ability to act responsibly. But Ahah.. As mentioned, Discipline is an art. It is not an overnight creation. Which explains why we struggle in this area. At least i do.

My trail of thoughts then lead me to ponder Paul's admonition to train ourselves in godliness, and asking whether as a people we are equally concerned about our spiritual conditioning.

On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things.1 Timothy 4:7-8

NOw, That isn't just "of little profit." It's of eternal importance. And as such, i fear greatly. If i'm already having problem disciplining myself in smaller matters eg physical workout.. how am i able to tackle this discipline of godliness, the spiritual workout?

I know, i'll fail on my own accord. But in wanting to cultivate this discipline effectively and desperately, i realised there's 2 Ps i must and can do. Firstly, it is to Purpose it in my heart. Secondly, Pray. We need the help of the Holy Spirit. Truly when i'm weak, He is strong.

I've extracted the below from Family Life.. Read it and hopefully you'll embark on a Spiritual Workout if you're not already on one or have failed to be discipline in doing so.

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I'd like to invent a spiritual workout system with machines similar to those in health spas that can zero in on specific muscles you want to develop. My spiritual spa would be a place with individual stations where muscles of the faith would be purposely developed, a place where we could be intentional about cultivating spiritual stamina.

My first station would help bridle the tongue when it is tempted to say harsh words, and toughen it up when it needs to speak out boldly for the Lord. It would build control of our gossip muscle, and teach us to clean up our language.

I'd have a station that addresses the faith muscles of the eyes. Above this machine would be pictures of biblical heroes whose lives were ruined when they lost control of their eye muscles-Samson and David, who were deceived when they allowed their eyes to gaze too long upon the opposite sex.

I would also have a machine that works on the spiritual muscles of the neck. It would increase flexibility in those who have become "stiff-necked"-especially those who are too proud to admit mistakes, too stubborn to ask for forgiveness or too arrogant to admit they need to depend upon God.

I'd have an exercise that would require a person to be on his knees, with neck bent downward in prayer. Prayer loosens muscles that are tied in knots by worry, pressure or long hours of hard work.

Sweating yet? Any increase in your heart-for-God rate? Out of breath? Sore? Like any good workout, it wouldn't be good to overdo it the first time out...or can it be overdone?

Thoughts in Vietnam

Hey guys, just wanna share my trip in Vietnam with you all. It's been a week since I came back, but my laziness had gotten over me. I've finally defeated my laziness!!! and being obedient to the Chief Cell Warden order =D

During my stay in Vietnam, I stayed in my aunt friend's house. It was really a nice holiday. The highlights of my trip were the food, shopping, grass skiing, mekong delta, cu chi tunnel, manicure, pedicure and not to forget FOOD POISONING! [I'm alright now if you're wondering ; )]

My entire life of going round for holidays; this is my first time attending church (except once in Singapore). I was so excited since it's my first time attending church overseas and the best part of it is in VIETNAM! FYI, I have a passion for mission in Vietnam.

Little did I know that the so-called church is actually in a house. According to my aunt friend, the government of Vietnam only allows Catholic churches around. To them, Catholics, AOG, Methodist, etc are all the same. So they do not see a point of allowing so many churches around. Hence the government went round and closes down all churches except for catholic churches.

Although they were forced functioning "church" in a house nevertheless they didn't give up in their faith. I was truly amazed by the number of people attending. All different ages (from age 4-60) gather in one house worshipping the Lord. It was then that I realized that God is really omnipresent. He is everywhere. No matter where you are, as long as you're tune in to God's frequency, God is there!!

When I was in Vietnam, I went to a pottery factory where they demonstrate the process of making potteries. Wow... no wonder the bible says that we are the clay and God is the potter. The clay goes through many different processes and it really takes a lot of patience, effort and time to mould the clay into a beautiful piece of pottery. Often times we get on other people's nerves, only God and God alone is able to "tahan" us all and have the patience to mould us. The question is, are you willing to let God be your potter?

I wanted to video the process of it and show you guys, but camera is prohibited. Too bad. =)

How's Your Appetite?

During this confinement at home, due to chicken pox and not other preposterous reasons you guys may conceive ;).. I've learned something about feeding my appetite.

Including today, the past 4 days saw me having the most boring meals - Ever. There's no variation, and it's absolutely bland. The food consumed doesnt veer from one of these; Bread & Milo, Rice in Soup with Steamed Vegetables, Yogurt, Plain Jacob biscuits and Fruits (Banana, Oranges & Apple). Period. I'm constantly entering the kitchen, scavaging the cabinets/fridge for food that i could possibly consume but the effort prove to be a setback. I'll usually go away sulking and complaining to those around me.

Today I repent.

Firstly, For complaining.
Watching the news of the Sichuan Earthquake victims reminded me to be grateful of all provisions that comes from God. My circumstances pales in comparison with those in a dire state of even life's basic necessities.

Secondly, For selfishness.
Here i relate the food appetite with that that's of the world.
Our culture today feeds our materialistic self-absorption, which rebels and resists anything resembling sacrifice. We often live to satisfy our appetites, and we surround ourselves with luxuries and creature comforts. We deny ourselves very few things. Just read the ugly side of me which manifested during the 4 days with the food restrictions and i can certainly imagine it to be worst the next few days if this realisation didnt occur. We've got to force ourselves to stop feeding our unending fleshly appetites. How much of your life revolved around your appetites? Appetite for fame, for material things, for attention, for pornography, for money, for successes, for beauty, etc.

We need to check our appetite.

For me, i figured this period will be good for me to throttle my flesh a little. Although it's part of the chickenpox self-care, but i hope in the discipline of denying myself of food cravings that i may invite God to work in my heart and subdue the stubborn tyrants of pride and self-sufficiency.

The Net, A Trap?

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Stay tune..

FYI

The diagnosis is confirmed. I'm infected with variella zoster, a disease generally known as Chicken Pox. It's depressing ;( It's uncomfortable especially with the itchy rash. Not to mention, the bland food. After hibernation for just a day.. Porridge is no longer appealing. Fortunately still able to tolerate Milo & bread, the ever favourite combination food intake for the unwell... hehehe.. Well, apart from the productive day spent on reading.. i'm seriously worried about boredom creeping in the next few days. I've heaped up books which i'd like to accomplish in its reading but i warmly welcome any suggestions to spark up my day ;)

I'd seize this opportunity to blog as well.. although, i do at times suspect if all of my beloved cell members checks the blog. hmmmm ;)

Ok.. you will hear from me soon!

Love,
Sue