Hmmm...

Some Random Thoughts...

Which is more important???

Jasper Bro

The blood, the cross, the name

Hey there, its me Vaze, enjoying the ending days of my civilian life...

Tonite is New Year's eve... and i want to bring a word to you before i depart for greater good that is about to come, the syndicate of the SAF...

In this season from 2009, pastor has been preaching a lot on the blood, the name and the cross of Jesus Christ... I believe that even in the coming G12 conference, you will hear more from the higher authrorities present...

Today, i wanna bring to you each of the 3 elements of my title and explain breifly why these 3 entities are the crux, the core, the power, the most most important thing of the Christian life...

1. The Blood

Blood, as we know, is the source of life... It symbolises something gravely important
Like blood oath, blood ties, blood sacrifice etc...

Blood is sacred, complex and pure, thats why mankind so far cannot replicate blood, thus u need to donate blood...

When Jesus shed blood, there is divine unlimited power in the blood...

The general shedding of blood is to cover sins... But specifically, each time Jesus shed blood on different parts of His body, curses and control of satan over every area of our lives is nullified

Example, the shedding of blood by the 39 lashes of whip on His back breaks control of diseases, illnesses and heals us... (Isaiah 53:5, with enlightenment from Ps Caesar)

The blood of Christ...
- Heals of all physical diseases = Isaiah 53:5 - By His wounds we are healed
- Cleanses us of all sins = Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption thru His blood, the forgiveness of sins
- Sanctifies/set apart you = Hebrews 10:10 - Made holy thru the sacrifice of Christ's body
(Other works of the blood are nt mentioned here)

2. The Name:

Phillipians 2:10 - at the name of Jesus, every knee bow, every tongue confess He is Lord
- The very name of God is the ultimate Holy word to say...
- Even till today, Jews do not speak of very Name of God, because its sacred and utmost Holy...

The name of God is so powerful that all must submit to that Name, and as we appropriate that Holy Name of God, we summon forth the authority of God to overcome all darkness, evil, challenges, bondages, sin...

The name is so strong that every evil spirit, demons, and even the devil itself have to FLEE before the very name of God, for the use of God's name calls forth His authority, glory, power, presence, in which no evil can withstand....

The Name of God is so sacred that Bible says that it is sin to blatantly misuse the Name of God...

The Name of God reveals the promises and character of God:
Jehovah Rapha - The Lord who Heals - Exodus 15:26
Jehovah Tsidkenu - The Lord of Righteousness - Jeremiah 23:6
Jehovah Shalom - The Lord of Peace - Judges 6:24
Jehovah Nissi - The Lord our Banner - Exodus 17:15
Jehovah Shammah - The Lord is Present - Ezekiel 48:35
Jehovah Sabaoth - The Lord of Armies (almighty in battles) - Isaiah 44:6
Jehovah Jireh - The Lord of Providence - Genesis 22:14
Jehovah Rohi - The Lord is my Shepherd - Psalms 23:1
(Taken from http://www.breadonthewaters.com/0030_Jehovah_names.html)

3. The Cross

The place of divine exchange, a place that separates life from death, failure and success

Before the Cross, we are once dead beings, but after we encounter and receive it, we become living beings (Dead to sin, alive in Christ) - It is the dividing line between death and life

Before the Cross, we were once people with weakness, failures, under the yoke and bondage of sin, but after the cross, we are set free from sin, able to experience breakthroughs in our lives...
- The dividing line between failure and success

The Cross also have other meanings and interpretations such as the site of divine exchange to change our sins to righteousness, our weakness to strength....

Conclusion:
- All these 3 entities are exceptionally powerful in the fight against sin, failures, challenges....
- People who really advance deeeply in God taps greatly into all these 3 entities
- The power of the 3 entities are so strong that it breaks EVERY demonic activity, spirit, temptation, sin and etc --> Critical for us to like a VICTORIOUS Life!!

Start appropriating the Name, Blood and the Cross in reverence for God!!!

Desperation

Hello there, its VaZe here again...

As i read thru the bible about characters such as David, Paul, Elijah plus i heard about testimonies of miracles and wonders, i can't help but ask myself why God can use them so mightily and not me...

One of the Key? A desperate heart....
Desperate = Having a urgent need, desire + making one last ultimate effort or giving it all

I was talking to a sister one day when i suddenly made a statement - "If u wanna see God moving mightily in your life, having breakthroughs and miracles, u gotta be desperate for God"

Why must be desperate?
To the extent that we desire God, God will satisfy us...
If our hearts are lukewarm and not willing to go all out for God --> God will jus give us enough to satisfy our hearts --> No long term, deeper intimacy with God

Case study..
Look at the lives of David and Elijah, both are men of God who performed countless miracles and have victories everywhere they fight... But inside them is a desperation for God...

In David, the desperation for God can be seen when he is outcasted by his countrymen, with his son and his enemies trying to kill him, then in his anguish, he wrote many psalms that highlights his desperation for God - God is the only person he can turn to for help and vindication...

Elijah, when escaping from Jezebel, went to hide in a cave, wishing to die when he met and inquired of the Lord, highlighting his desperation for a solution from God to escape this ordeal when God finally appeared to him and gave him strength...

What now? How to be desperate for God...

First of all, to be desperate for God means that:
You know that nothing works out for you anymore, God is the only person u can turn to
If God doesn't work for you, its as good as 0% hope
Its like ur loved one is on the deathbed and nth will cure the person unless God heals
Its like holding on the edge of cliff and if God doesn't perform a miracle, u're gonna drop down

How to be desperate?
Being desperate is not something u can "force" youself to do and act... It has to be nurtured gradually... U need to pray and receive it from God... Ask Him to open ur heart and eyes to see and feel the urgent need for Him in your life...

AMEN!

YOU can be used by God!! Do good to others!!

last thurday, i was late meeting up ej bcoz a foreigner was lost and needed direction at my LRT station.. (sorry bro for the 10min of delay) of coz!! WITHOUT DOUBT, i helped him, especially this year God is teaching us to love ya NEIGHbour(everyone) as ourselves..

that was not the 1st time God used me to help His people.. it certainly feels good to be used by God. feel specially joyful n meaningful helping people..

today was even more amazing!! i met the same "foreigner" in MRT!! haha..

initally i wasn't aware of him until he came over and asked me how to go to the AIRport from sengkang MRT.. i was completely shocked but with a calm face, i offered that he can sit with me to outram while i also need to be there to change train for school. this time round, i talked to him and got to know him that he's leaving singapore for his country. he smiled at me, i smiled at him. we communicated freely even there's some barrer.. actually, kinda missed him when we parted.. lol.. =D

unknowingly i now can freely and willingly avail help to others easily. i realised how much God has changed my life around to give to others instead of that selfish me who always want want want..

brothers, i strongly believe that we can be used by God to bless others lives, to each other. gathering together, we always have fun with one another. come on! let's up another level of brotherhood.. i can be who i am now becoz i have brothers rubbing my shoulders to wake up my idea, challenging me to grow stronger and bigger for God.. especially in this year of transformation, the more important we should be transformed within ourselves then to the others.. let's really love one another as ourselves!

Gal6:9-10
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers"

God can use you when we avail ourselves freely and willingly.. we can live a life supernaturally bocz of a supernatural God. i believe you can be a blessing to others.. jiayou!! Rise up to be a G12 leader!! G12 yi ji bang!!

INTERDEPENDANCE YO!! =)

C.N.Y "Love Thy Family" Applications

EeJay: Take one day leave this week to help out with spring cleaning at home (particularly my own room)

Alvin: Talk more to Dad and helping Mum with housework proactively

Jonathan: Take leave and follow Dad to go bird-watching. Help Mum with housework.

Bobby: Initiate dinner with Dad. Do housework for Mum without complaining.

Gabriel: Help Mum prepae CNY dishes. Talk more with Dad and help with furniture arrangements.

Daryl: Visit and spend time with Mum. Talk more with Dad. Help Grandma with housework.

Jasper: Eat breakfast with Mum. Talk more with Dad and support him through acts of service - Make Dad proud of children.

Andre: Help Mum with housework. Spend time with Dad e.g. shopping

Leonard Seow: Help Mum with spring cleaning. Spend time talk to Dad.

Junjie: Go extra mile in doing housework regime.

Nelson: Accompany parents to Chinatown

Frans: Wash car for Mum

Wayne: Drive family around during CNY. Help in washing dishes.

Jaren: Have meal with Mum. Initiate responsive conversation with Dad.

Intentions without Actions = Nothing!

Exciting to see all of us listing down these aims and goals... no it is time to put actions to what we say! Go for it! =D

Say "NO" to double life!! BE TRANSPARENT!! always Truthful.. =)

today had a meet up with ej.. wah!! a long time since we two can really sit down and catch up.. i am glad to know this great guy of God.. he inspired me lots and encouraged me lots..

3 years back.. i told myself this "EEeee yer!! who is this!! y CHUP so much into my life!! Church is church, my life is my life"
but found myself growing so much under his guidance and mentorship..

i looked back and find all these so impossible.. well, these all started when i decided to open my life and be TRANSPARENT TOTALLY.. (i must admit it took a whole lot out of me to say everything from the past)

i can still rember the words i told him that even as our relationship is not close, i want to be SUCK his power for God.. lol.. and our journey of friendship/mentorship/discipleship started from there.. calling him everyday and accounting nv was difficult for me.. dialogue with him is always easy.. i want to grow in the Lord, he helps me with it by sharing his.. i ALWAYS ask questions, he clears the doubt for me.. all these came easy bcoz i am serious about growing and building my foundation on JESUS!! =D

being serious in growing, i told myself i cannot live a double life.. in church one pattern, outside pattern more than badmington.. understanding i got old friends and circumstances that will jio jio me back to my old self. But i stood firm and told myself God MUST comes 1st! i hold myself tightly with ej in accounting my TRUE thoughts and feelings with him.. knowing and believing God will use my leader to guide me.. (that's y i am under him..) and he helped me, advised me and groomed me.. my walk becomes easier and faster..

the Lord always wants to build us, His people.. but we really need to stop all foolish acts of living a double life.. being open and transparent is the KEY to a renew life..

1Cor13:11
"When i was a child, i talked like a child, i thought like a child, i reasoned like a child. When i became a man, i put my CHILDISH ways behind me"

Let's Grow Up brothers for the Lord! Glory be to Him!!

Rember: our decision determines our destiny!!
where and who you want to be 5 years down the road?? think about it man!! (i don't care what people will say! i'm running after YOU!! woohoo!!)

Basic Inquiries (BI)

Hey guys... VaZe here...

This is my first post after the a levels... tonight i wanna share on the title above: Basic Inquiries

I've talked to some of Julee girls, 12 and 144 level, as well as Alvin's side and EJ's side and i realized some common topics that ppl have which i hope to address... To the people out there, do you face the problem of:

#1. Huh? How do I noe whether this comes from God or not??
#2 Quiet Time?? How to do when i got no time?

Qn 1: How do i noe wat i hear comes from God or nt???

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world --- 1 John 4:1

When u seem to hear something, but dunno whether from God or nt, u can try this:
- Cross Refer to ur bible, if wat u hear contradict with the bible, its nt from God...

- Ask ur leaders for higher spiritual consultation

- Question/Test the spirit which tells u... (If spirit can talk to u, u can talk to them wat!!)
Ask whether Jesus Christ is Lord and King or nt...
Evil spirits will never admit the Christ is Lord and are terrified at the name of God...
Godly spirits will glorfy Jesus and will proclaim that He is Lord...
* If u enocunter an ungodly spirit talking to ya, pls reject in name of Jesus immediately (simple!)

Qn 2: QT? NO TIME!!
As how they do their QT and get some pointers from there...

WILLPOWER & DISCIPLINE!!!!

Many of us dun do QT -- Got too much work!!
So... Less/No QT = More time = Faster complete work!

I tell u the the truth... No QT = No power + No focus + No determination + No recharge = Slower complete work!!!! So think again!!!

I am a student and gone thru the same thing all of u gone thru - No time, tired!! I slp at 1am and wake at 5.30am everyday to rush to college to do QT... After college rush to AIRPORT to study there till abt 2330hrs, then reached home at 0030hrs... cycle repeats again and again

When i'm like tired + wanna give up, God speaks to me and empowers me thru QT verses...
He spoke to me when i'm at Airport studying one nite..."Son, I am here... Fight on like a gd soldier of Christ, undergo the strict training to win the crown that lasts in ur results!!" - (God paraphrase from 1 Cor 9:23-25 to me)

****** If u dun do QT, u will never find the strength to last the year or even the month!******

NO Quiet Time
= Cannot fight the temptation + deception of evil one (no power to shoot back the evil one)
= Cannot pray effectively (Cannot quote the Holy words of God to empower prayer)
= No promises to cling onto support when bad times come (Word of God are promises to us)

***** Ultimately, spiritual breakdown --> mental + physical breakdown ******

MORE qn to do ur QT?? come to me... can preach for hours on QT....

Cell Fund Matters

I apologise for any incovenience and uneasiness with this post on the financial department of EJAO combined cell a.k.a CELL FUND...

Understand that we just transit over into a new year of 2009, ending 2008 witha BIG BANG!!! A lot of stuffs piled up at the end of 08... My Hope Project, Cell Retreat, Countdown Party, so thats why cell fund matters is chucked one side... Agreed & Understandable...

I'm here to shed some light on cell fund matters to enlighten some newcomers and some not-so-new veterans who are still blur abt this system

Purpose of Cell Fund: To incultivate into each member a sense of contribution to the body (cell) as well as a sense of belonging (very PCA i know, but must still say it)

Uses of Cell Fund: To pay for members birthday cakes, presents, subsides for official cell events such as retreats and outings (Quite self explanatory, still dunno? please come find me)

People in charge of cell fund: Cheong Jun Jie/JJ & Ee Jay only... Just like every country finance minister, i report directly to the BOSS EJ

* I know its kinda dumb to instruct who to pay cell fund to, but i need to cover all areas of possible blurness and excuses

How much to pay?
As of effect from 1 October 2008, all members under the combined EJAO cell AGE 18 & above are required to pay $2 per sunday

As of effect from 1 October 2008, all members under the combined EJAO cell AGE 17 & below are only required to pay $1 per sunday

Examples:
Jan 2009 have 4 sundays, 18 & above pay $8, below 18 pay $4 for mnth
Nov 2008 have 5 sundays, 18 & above pay $10 below 18 pay $5 for mnth
(very easy math, still have a problem? Try re-study ur primary 1-4 math textbooks)

Methods and mediums of payment:
ONLY cash in SGD, exact amount greatly appreciated...

I DO NOT accept foreign currencies, NETS, VISA, GIRO, CREDIT CARDS
(please spare a thought for my life)

Who needs to pay?
Currently, 16 people are obligated to pay cell fund:
Alvin
Andre
Bobby
Daryl
EJ
Frans
Gabriel
Hafiz
Jaren
Jasper
Johnathan
Jun Jie
Leonard Koh
Leonard Seow
Nelson
Wayne

* If your name is not in the above list, you do nt need to pay to cell fund YET
please try nt to gung-ho/rambo to start pay cell fund cos its a long, costly commitment...

Conclusion:
Money is always a sticky issue to handle... please make my job a joy.. yeah?? Thanks.. God bless the cell fund... AMEN!

Psalm 1 (The Message)

1 How well God must like you— you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road, you don't go to Smart-Mouth College.

2-3 Instead you thrill to God's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.

4-5 You're not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust— Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people.

6 God charts the road you take. The road they take is Skid Row

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two of the challenges which Ps Eugene gave to us as we crossed over the new year was:

1. To hang out with the right people 2. To read the right books

So what is the practical outworking for us towards these two challenges?

1. Importance of meeting regularly as a cell and church

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

2. Make reading a Habit

I fully agree that apart from the Bible, one should always read other books (both Christian and some non-Christian books) to enrich ourselves in depth.

Some of the Christian books which I would to recommend to you guys (most of which I have already gotten for you guys as Christmas presents). I will introduce some non-Christian books in the upcoming posts.

Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris

A book which I read during my university (after my 5-year BGR breakup) and spoke volumes to my life on preparing myself for relationship and marriage. It was also through reading this book afterwhich I began penning down the criteria which I look for in my potential girlfriend.




I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris

This was the first BGR related book that I read as a Christian. I read it while I was still with my ex-girlfriend. The joke was that after reading this book, I broke up with her. Hahaha... some truth to that because there was alot of conviction in my heart as the Lord spoke to me through this book. Great book to read for those who are thinking of or think that you are ready for relationship. Think twice! haha.. you will understand the principle of Project25 after this. keke...


Drawing Near by John Bevere

In the crowded and busy society of today, how do we hear the voice of God clearly and draw near to Him? This book gives good classic principles to help us in the journey of drawing near into an intimate relationship with the Lord. A deep and reflective book, but definitely worth investing time and effort to read and chew upon it. =D



Listen To Me, Satan by Carlos Annacondia

The first book that I read as a Christian, and it was a book about deliverance. Blew my mind as I read and open my spiritual eyes to understand much better the world of demons and angels. On the other hand, also equips me with better knowledge and understanding on the power of God and how He can use us in a mighty way! Great book to read for young Christians and also those whom are passionate about moving in gift of deliverance.

Stay tuned for more updates! =D

He is Faithful!

God is good! He's so good to me!

'Blessed are those whose Strength is in you, who have set their hears on Pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools (blessing). They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
-psalm 84:5-7

Though I pass through the Valley of Baca (army). I really thank God for looking out for me and to see me through thus far.
In camp, I've only 1 desire and that is to book out. Not so that I can go home and sleep. but so that I can go to service(mount Zion) and present myself to the Lord. 52 more weeks to the end of 2009!! Chiong ar!!

God is Good! He's so Good to me!


2009 is here and today is the beginning of the third decade of my life. I'm getting older so I guess I should actually behave like one too.. So maybe I have to swing the balance between being Playful : Serious, from a 60%:40% to a 50%:50%.. (For I cannot Deny myself)


2009- I want to grow more in the Gift of the Holy Spirit!!
1 Corinthians 14:1 'Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.'
So as an act of Faith! I shall give a spiritual forcast of 2009 :

I sense that 2009 will be a year of growth. So let's continue to build on top of what we have established during the year 2008.
I sense growth in 2 ways. With men and with God.

As we follow the way of Love, and love our neighbours, (remember S.O.P) we'll be the ones benefitting from it as we'll grow in the Fruits of the Holy Spirit and our relationship with men will grow.

The Lord will make us relevent in the year 2009 as we learn how to meet the needs of our Neighbours. Therefore, desire for the Gift of the Holy Spirits because this is how the Lord wants to use us to meet the needs of his people. Don't see the situations our friends are in with eyes of flesh but with eyes of faith, desiring, praying and interceeding for signs, wonders and miracles. This way, our relationship with God will surely grow to a new level.

Good year ahead!!

Jasper Bro..

Relfections

If there is 1 thing I want to give thanks to God about, it'll be for the Retreat.

Though it's just 3 days 2 night and compared to retreats of the past, this retreat seems to have lesser sessions and things to do. I sense that the spiritual atmosphere is very different.

All I can say is that I can sense the Holy Spirit moving very freely amongst our midst and many relationships are forged or built up in this retreat.

I can see many of the brothers making the effort to interact with one another and we are not Cliquish. Let's keep this up and I'm sure we'll start seeing the fruits of our labours which is our Cell group being more and more united and capable to win and keep souls due to this unity.

Thank God and Dad for giving me the privilege to share at the split session too. Though nervous but I feel that I'm able to deliver all that I want to share clear.

Jasper Bro
Eejay/Alvin/Julee Cell Group lead the way!!