Honestly, felt a sense of pride in being part of this group.
Being somewhat identified as a man in the group (as in i do see them as somewhat spiritual giants).
But there were hesitations as well as to whether this ministry is going to be what God has intended.
Maybe it's a good sign that we want to work out this ministry with fear and trembling.
But indeed, we'll have to constantly seek God's grace and receive it for this ministry to glorify God.
Another abstract thought: When Stuart asked about the purpose of the Men's Ministry, the first thought that came to my mind it that of IRON sharpening IRON.
That's what I hope to see and gain from this ministry.
Not having a feel good ministry where iron waves at iron.
But one that sharpens each other (tt means requiring work, pain & cutting off) so that we men can be effective swords in fighting the battles that this world has thrown at us.
Yup, that's my ramblings for now
Old Man Sam | 12:06 AM |
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It's a great book and a must read for those who wants a wholesome view of christianity.
Gotta admit that I rushed through some chapters. Will have to re-read it to capture the full picture of what CS. Lewis is expressing.
Bought another book today. Cheap cheap cos it's from VCF.
Another book on my reading list.
Now I'll have to decide which book on my reading list to do next.
Reflections on Crossroads coming soon...... hopefully
Old Man Sam | 9:57 PM |
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It showcases the portion when Luke Skywalker was attemping to launch a photon torpedo into the death star
Old Man Sam | 2:55 PM |
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Perhaps the most famous quote commonly attributed to Lombardi wasn't even his own. Legendary actor John Wayne uttered the phrase "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing!" in a 1953 film called Trouble Along The Way. Lombardi may have borrowed that phrase, but many of his other memorable quotes are believed to be his alone:
- "There is no substitute for work; it is the price of success."
- "Fatigue makes cowards of us all; high physical condition is vital to victory."
- "The harder a man works, the harder it is to surrender."
- "Physical pressure on an opponent is necessary; mental pressure will make him crack."
- "Desire is a hate for your opponent."
- "Defeat must be admitted before it is reality."
- "If two teams are the same in physical ability, it is the team with pride that rakes in the chips."
- "Desire is cold fury burning within a man."
- "Every man must leave the field with the feeling that every spectator is convinced they have seen the best player in the country."
- "Pride is what causes a winning team performance."
- "Maybe winning isn't everything, but it sure comes way ahead of whatever is second."
- "Pursuit is an all out effort on defense."
- "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
- "Want it; desire it; earn it; take it."
- "Anything is ours providing we're willing to pay the price."
- "Mental attitude is 75 percent of winning."
- "You never lose a game if your opponent doesn't score."
- "Winning is a habit."
- "Good fellows are a dime a dozen; aggressive leaders are priceless."
- "You must force things to happen; you must grab the initiative."
- "You win games with aggressiveness and precise execution, not gimmicks."
- "Desire is a constant thing."
- "Confidence is contagious; so is a lack of confidence."
Old Man Sam | 5:03 PM |
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Fatigue makes cowards of us all - Vince Lombardi (One of the greatest NFL coach who led the Green Bay Packers to a 3 consecutive NFL championships)
This reminds me of what Jesus said
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.
Indeed not resting well in the Lord will cripple our spiritual fervour for Him.
Thank you Lord.
Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Old Man Sam | 1:28 PM |
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When you find yourself stuck in the rut of life.
Seemingly spinning your wheels to no avail till you're just worn/burnt.
You know you have to move on with life.
But the fuel tank is simply empty.
How we try to be christian.
Quoting verses to make ourselves feel better.
Thinking that God is bringing us through a time of trial. That it'll eventually get better.
That we will persevere on and be christian because that is the expectation that we think that people will have of us.
Eventually the lies just pile up.
Crushing our cardboard christianity.
Where is your vision of God?
Is He the King on the throne or the puppet that you've made him out to be.
Old Man Sam | 11:13 PM |
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Got milk? :P
Old Man Sam | 11:16 PM |
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Woke up, watched 2 matches of Aust Open. (Sharapova vs Garbin & Hinggis vs Nakamura)
Slept, watched another round of Aust Open. (Santoro vs Davydenko)
Went off for my IPPT
Took IPPT today to clear it before my BD.
Hated the sit-up station cos the lousy sensor is dis-advantageous towards short guys.
Sky looked threatening and there was CAT-1(lightning warning)
After completing the static stations, had to wait for an hour before the CAT-1 status was lifted.
Thank God that I could clear my IPPT today :)
Here's the results:
Sit up => 34 => 3pts
SBJ => 234cm => 4pts
Pull-up => 11 => 5pts
Shuttle Run => 9.5sec => 5pts
2.4km Run => 11:26mins => 3pts
Total: 20pts
Award: Silver
YAY!!! $200
Went back, bought 4 packs of Cheng Teng for everyone back home.
Took a taxi, the driver was telling me about how he had to take his ippt even though he was 40yo
Reliving his old days (think I'll end up like tt when I'm older)
Got home, washed up.
Watched another round of Aust Open (Hewitt vs Gonzalas)
Watched Liverpool vs Chelsea
ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Old Man Sam | 10:32 PM |
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When I was reminded by the verses that Simon Wan quotes in the email to CG leaders
1 Peter 5:1-4 (NIV) Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
In NIV, the heading is: To the elders and young men.
While in NASB: Serve God willingly
In the Amplified Bible, it task the roles specifically
Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully;
Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation).
Lots to work on, lots to learn, lots to apply
Dear God, I am willing. Teach me & mould this child of yours.
Old Man Sam | 12:18 AM |
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We've been adopted as children of God, therefore we are no longer objects of wrath but objects of mercy.
Verse 1 to 11 has been described as a single, doxological statement. Paul was "lost" in worshiping and praising God.
In the OT, blessings usually refer to the material blessing. While in NT, the Holy Spirit provides both physical and spiritual blessing. For we are also living in the heavenly realms where it's a world of spiritual reality.
We are chosen/elected by God's grace. We did not earn our election. That leaves us no room for pride, but that of humility and gratitude. God's salvation plan is not an afterthought, but has been purposed.
However this is not an excuse for us not to evangelise, for it is meant to remind us of God's purpose for man.
Therefore men have to hear of God's purpose and make the choice of persuing God's salvation plan.
Paul also wants the readers to know why they have been chosen. That is for the the praise of His glory.
Therefore as God's elected, purity and right living is not an option that we can dismiss.
For God expects holiness, purity and being blameless.
God is a relational being.
He bids us to come to him. To share in the joy of an intimate relationship with him.
He remembers our repented sins no more. Therefore we should not carry the guilt along, but have confidenc in Him whom began a good work in us will carry it to the end (AMEN!!!)
God has sealed our redemption till the very end where it will be perfected
I am a child of God.
With it comes inheritance, rights and responsibilities
What is my response as a child of God?
Old Man Sam | 9:01 PM |
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Was listening to this version on the way to cell and it just speaks strongly the purpose of the cross. That I may die to my selfish desires, that I may find richness and joy in godly desires.
During service today, the original version was sung before communion.
Indeed how wonderful the cross, the tree of life for me
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride
See from his head, his hands, his feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ever such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown
O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live
O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
All who gather here by grace draw near and bless
Your name
Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all
Old Man Sam | 9:53 PM |
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The Original Cuppy Cakes song
Can imagine my nieces looking as cute
You're my Honeybunch, Sugarplum
Pumpy-umpy-umpkin, You're my Sweetie Pie
You're my Cuppycake, Gumdrop
Snoogums-Boogums, You're the Apple of my Eye
And I love you so and I want you to know
That I'll always be right here
And I love to sing sweet songs to you
Because you are so dear
Old Man Sam | 11:09 PM |
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The Parable of the Pump
Giving is a risk you can't afford not to take.
By Jim Carpenter (DJ, Issue #35 September/October 1986)
ONCE THERE was a man lost in the desert, near death from thirst. He wandered aimlessly through the burning sand for many days, growing weaker by the moment. At long last he saw an oasis far in the distance. Palm trees indicated a source of water!
He stumbled forward feverishly and fell beneath the shade of the trees. Finally he might slake his tortured thirst. But then he noticed something strange about this particular oasis.
Instead of a pool of water, or a well, or a spring bubbling up from the ground, the man found a pump. And beside the pump were two objects—a small jar of water, and a parchment note.
The note explained that a leather gasket within the pump must be saturated with water for the pump to work. Within the jar was just enough water for this purpose.
The note also warned the reader not to drink from the jar. Every drop must be poured into an opening at the base of the pump to soak the heat-dried gasket. Then, as the leather softened and expanded, an unlimited supply of sweet water would be available. The parchment's final instructions were to refill the container for the next traveler's use.
The man faced a dilemma. He was dying of thirst, and he had found water. Not much, of course. Maybe not even enough to save his life. But it seemed the height of folly to pour it away, down the base of the pump. On the other hand, if the note was accurate, by pouring out the small quantity of water, he would then have all he wanted. What should he do?
That parable illustrates a number of truths about giving. Its principles apply to, but reach far beyond, giving money. They apply to our time, our hearts, and to every aspect of our lives.
GIVING: ESSENTIAL FOR LIFE
First, giving is a discipline that must run through every part of our walk with God. Like water to the man in the desert, giving is the most important issue of our lives. Without it, spiritual life cannot exist.
Consider salvation. We become Christians by giving— giving up our confidence in any other route to God. "No one comes to the Father except through me" (Jn. 14:6), Jesus said. When we are converted, we talk of giving our hearts to Jesus. And in giving our lives to Christ, we also give up the load of guilt and sin that we carry.
In order to grow in faith, we must give our time for studying and memorizing God's Word, for fellowship with other believers, and for worship.
We give allegiance to Jesus as both Savior and Master. Jesus said that in order to follow Him, we must deny ourselves and take up our cross (Lk. 9:23). We do that every time we choose to say no to ourselves and yes to Him. We give ourselves to God's plan and purpose for our lives, and we give our obedience to God's Word.
Worshiping the Lord means giving, too—giving Him our praise and love. We forget about ourselves, if only for the moment, and focus on Him. As we sing or pray, we tell Him that He is worthy. We give Him honor as our King.
Think also of evangelism and witnessing. If we care about friends and neighbors coming to know Jesus Christ, we must give. We give ourselves to prayer for them. We give ourselves to developing deeper relationships with them. We give ourselves to living a godly life before them. And, finally, we give away our faith. We give them our Savior.
Within the Body of Christ, we have a responsibility to give. The Scriptures command us to give material goods to those in need, and to give love to one another. In order for the Body of Christ to function and grow, we must give the spiritual gifts God has given us back to the Church.
Giving is essential to family life. As parents and spouses, we need to give time, discipline, a listening ear, love and affection. Within our families we need to give the benefit of the doubt!
MORE THAN MONEY
Isn't it obvious that the whole idea of "giving" is far more than the money we tithe? Someone once said, "Giving is not God's way of raising money; it's His way of raising children." So the offering at 11:30 on Sunday morning becomes a metaphor for our whole walk with God.
God wants every part of us, not just our bank accounts. He wants to love us, to get close to us, to share our lives, and ultimately to mold us into the image of Jesus. But He lets us decide just how close He will get. That's why we must give ourselves to Him, in a hundred different ways, every day of our lives.
OPENING THE FLOODGATES
There's another truth expressed in the parable of the pump: only as we give do we prepare ourselves to receive.
I've begun to believe that part of the reason God asks us to give is that otherwise we would be unable to receive. The man in the parable would never experience an abundance of water until he was willing to part with the small amount he had. Similarly, we experience abundant blessing only as we are willing to spill out our lives for the Lord and others.
God's word describes a sort of "giving cycle." Simply stated, we must give, which enables us to receive, so that we can give again.
The ancient wisdom of Proverbs observes that "One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Prov. 11:24–25).
Jesus said, "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" (Lk. 6:38). ". . . Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness," He told us. That means giving—giving priority to God, submitting to His lordship. Then Jesus promised blessing: ". . . and all these things will be given to you as well" (Mt. 6:33).
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand . . ." urged Peter (1 Pet. 5:6). And of course humbling ourselves is a kind of giving—giving up false pride before the God of Heaven, giving Him His rightful position. When that "giving" is done, Peter continues then we will be able to receive, "that he may lift you up in due time."
The Old Testament bears witness to the same truth. "He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him" (Ps. 126:6). The sower may weep because, like our friend in the parable, he must use up his meager resources, the last of his grain, in order to receive an abundance. But his reward comes when the seed he has cast away returns many-fold, in the sheaves of harvest-time.
This giving cycle applies to all parts of our lives: to our time, to spiritual gifts, to possessions, to love, and certainly to money. We find that as we give, whether it's friendship, or time, or love, we receive in kind.
But don't misunderstand—we don't give in order to receive. That short-circuits the cycle. We give, in order to receive, so that we can give again! Paul made that clear in 2 Corinthians 9. First is the promise that giving is the key to receiving: ". . . Whoever sows generously will also reap generously" (vs. 6). But then Paul explains why God rewards the generous giver. ". . . God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (vs. 8, my emphasis).
We don't give away our lives so we'll "get blessed." It's true that giving prepares us to receive. But the blessing we receive is not ours to keep—it's to give away, too! We give, and then receive, in order to give again.
So we discover that if we keep our small jar of water, it will soon be gone, leaving us with nothing. But in pouring it out, an unlimited fountain of abundance is released to us.
THE RISK IN GIVING
One last lesson from the parable of the pump: True giving means taking a risk.
The risk to the desert wanderer is obvious. Maybe the parchment note is a lie. Or, even if the note is accurate, maybe the leather gasket has worn out. Pouring out the water means risking his life.
When we give, there is risk for us, too. The risk may not be as dramatic, but it is risk, nonetheless. If we give our time to the Lord's work, we may not finish projects at home. If we give our love to someone, we risk painful rejection. If we give money in a sacrificial way, maybe we'll be without adequate reserves for unexpected expenses.
But the risks we take in giving are nothing more than the risks of Christianity itself. Maybe it's all a sham maybe the promises of God are a pack of lies. We put our faith on the line when we decide to give.
And that's just the point—taking a risk is another way of talking about faith in the God who invites us to give Him our whole lives. When we take Him up on that invitation, when we give ourselves to Him, it is then that our walk with God becomes more than a comfortable idea to which we have given assent. We begin to move our faith from the level road of textbook theory to the uneven terrain of daily living. It is in the risk of giving that our God shows Himself to be true and faithful and powerful.
THE POINT OF DECISION
Which brings us back to the parable of the pump. Here we are, lost in the desert. And we have found water. True, it's not much. But at least it's something. So it makes sense to drink the water we have, and ignore the pump. On the other hand, if the note can be believed, we need to risk pouring out all the water in order to start the pump. Because then there will be an unlimited supply.
We find ourselves at a point of decision. God wants to make all of us givers. And His Word says that only in giving are we prepared to receive. We can't just cling to our jar of water, no matter how thirsty we are. We're going to have to pour it out. We have to risk losing it all.
You'll be able to think of dozens of other risky, exciting giving projects. Just remember, the Lord wants to make us givers in every area of our lives.
Let's pour out the water, and watch the pump work!
Old Man Sam | 3:24 PM |
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Old Man Sam | 9:08 AM |
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Cell Group Retreat Photos
Old Man Sam | 12:50 AM |
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Thus says the LORD, "Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool
Where then is a house you could build for Me?
And where is a place that I may rest?
"For My hand made all these things,
Thus all these things came into being," declares the LORD
"But to this one I will look,
To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.
"But he who kills an ox is like one who slays a man;
He who sacrifices a lamb is like the one who breaks a dog's neck;
He who offers a grain offering is like one who offers swine's blood;
He who burns incense is like the one who blesses an idol
As they have chosen their own ways,
And their soul delights in their abominations
I can't help but find these verses so beautiful.
God owns everything.
What can I offer Him? Nothing but my life.
Not an extravagent offering in order to satisfy my own righteousness
But an offering of surrender(ie. humility and contrite of spirit), that I may find great delight in glorifying God.
Psalms 51:16,17
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise
Why a broken/contrite spirit? So that I feel lousy before God?
No, so that God will be able to pour in the full measure of His love
And I will declare, To God Be The Glory
Old Man Sam | 10:31 AM |
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Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight (will direct your paths).
What paths you might ask. Well, the common thinking may be that of the path of life.
But I differ in opinion.
The path is one that leads to initimacy wth God.
Therefore, the straight path is not always a smooth path.
But it is one that allows us to see the glory of God as we draw closer to Him.
Old Man Sam | 9:41 PM |
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There is an opportune time to do everything
However, according to the parable of the rich fool, the choices we make are important because they have consequences.
The word and souls of men are eternal
So what is my time investment?
Not every activity is neccessary. I have to be shrewd in my choices
Ultimately it is knowing Christ and making Hime known.
The Challenge:
1. Make daiy appointments to meet God
2. Make a list of 3 people whom I can pray for and share the gospel
Time is a gift from God
Ecc 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
Therefore now is the opportune time to choose wisely to invest my time
Old Man Sam | 11:14 PM |
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