I feel refreshed again after completing the Mens Encounter Weekend. It was an intense weekend of voluntary self-exile, not only away from family and friends but the daily routine of our work, computers, telephone and newspapers [“exclusions”]. Was it worth it? Answer: A BIG YES!!

There were 11 of us. And all those exclusions which we were “deprived” of during the weekend were meant to enable us to have a personal and quality time with our Lord Jesus with the least distractions. Honestly, many of us don’t really spend quality time with our Lord every day and even if we do it’s more often than not a fleeting meeting like a “Hi and Bye” thing, never for a moment think how hurtful this can be to our Lord.

At the Encounter Weekend, we are presented with a series of experiences, personal teachings and ministering that will result (if we are honest with God) in visible, manifested change in our lives and walk with God.

Going to this Encounter Weekend is like going to a spiritual hospital. I received Godly consultation, a complete spiritual check-up and how to go about receiving the cure. I found there were excess baggages and rubbish in my “temple of God,” some without me even realising were there. I learned that all these excess baggages are the causes of our inner struggles or pain that have also caused so much hurt and pain to our family and friends and most of all to our Lord. They are sins which we have taken lightly or pretend that they are not there. How can we be servants of God if our said household is not in order? All of us need that cleansing and we have to realise that only the blood of Jesus can do that.

So I went with certain expectations and I received more than I had expected. I met with Jesus during the teaching sessions, the ministering time, my quiet time, at the fellowship meals and when I went to bed – in fact the whole day. God showed me the causes of those struggles I have; the sins I never knew I had; and He did emphasised that He love not only me but every one of us just the same inspite of all our imperfections.

All of us were ministered to – we experienced a new level of healing and were delivered from bondages, voids and the unexpected. I have come out of that weekend with God feeling so much more refreshed and renewed. Now I can move into the next chapter of my walk with God more confidently with His grace and help.

Thank you to the elders, pastors, and helpers who have worked so hard to ensure that we are well taken care of and that everything went well. Thank you also to all my brothers and sisters-in-Christ for all your prayers and encouragement.

Our church conducts the Men’s, Women’s and Youth Encounter weekends every year. I would encourage those who have not attended any of these encounters, to do so. God doesn’t want us to have a sub-Christian life. All of us need to be break free of every obstacle that prevents us from becoming all that we can be in Christ.

To God be all the glory.

Six months into the New Year and I find there’s still so much to do … spring cleaning and gardening I mean. I can see dust collecting on some of my duck collection already. Housework never ends and my beloved Wai Fong is not in disagreement with what I have just said for sure – and she is right, of course. Must admit that office work is easier!! In my garden, it is the tares that are crying out to be freed from the wheat. I was too ambitious a few weeks back doing the weeding and trying to saw off a tree branch with a very small saw – and the outcome …. a pulled muscle on my back. Thank God it is has recovered and at least I am able to help in the house-chores again. Those house chores do give me the exercise I so needed to burn those extra calories (or rather fats).

Then there’s the office work. No complains and actually more than thankful that there are still new assignments coming in when all we hear of late is the economic downturn, slowdown, retrenchment and less spending.

Six months into 2009 and there had been some trying times also for my family members and I. Somehow, we have sailed through and if it wasn’t for God’s presence, unending love, faithfulness and grace, it would certainly have been difficult if not impossible.

Whatever, it’s a joy to have that anticipation and excitement to see what each new day brings, knowing that God is in control of everything nevertheless. Yes, thank God for everything He has done ...for our family, home, job, friends ….. yes "...giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" Ephesians 5:20.

I have been occupied with so many things over the last 2 weeks - the usual office work, house-work, the church, family and friends - not a complain in saying all these but such a blessing to be able to do and have all that actually. Definitely not "Being Under Satan's Yoke" when I use that word BUSY!!

We must never stop thanking our good Lord for all that He has given us! Yes, I have even been able to nearly complete a painting which I have left on the shelf for far too long. Thank you God for giving me back that inspiration to draw & paint again. It gives me so much relaxation. Here is the painting (95% completed) entitled "Lilies" which are from my garden. Enjoy.

So most of us have finished the 201 Discovering Spiritual Maturity Class last Sunday. Thank you Ps. Joseph for teaching and guiding us through that 4 hour class ... phew we made it!! It was said that most of us will not remember what was said after 72 hours! So don’t let those notes gather dust. It will be good to go through them again and put into practice what we have learned.

Be reminded, “Do not fool yourself by just listening to the Word. Instead put it into practice.” James 1:22

72 hours have yet to pass since the class on Sunday last. And it is true, I don’t think I can remember or recall all that was said, hehe. Now, how many of those “T’s” have we learned? Let me see…..Time with God, Talking with God, Tithing, Team, Task… am I correct? I better go and check again and so should you, hehe.

Let us renew our commitment to grow from strength to strength as His children and be what He wants us to be. Having our quiet time, reading the Bible everyday, Tithing, Having fellowship and so on … all these are good Habits we need to have or cultivate and certainly need discipline on our part. All of us do need God’s power to help us establish those good habits. God Bless.

CNY will soon end. But for those who are still in the celebration mood let’s turn to another celebration which will come soon in about 2 months time – EASTER!! This year it will fall on 12th April, 2009.

Most of us (I hope) know what EASTER is? We celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. Easter reminds us of the fulfilment of God giving us His only begotten Son to suffer and die on the cross and then be resurrected so man can receive salvation.

Both Alan and I attended the Home Cell Group Leaders’ meeting in our church yesterday. It's wonderful to meet all (almost) of the leaders/assistant leaders, Zone Pastors and leaders there. One of the items discussed was the series of short bible study where all home cell groups will conduct over a 6 week period in conjunction with the Lent season. You can find more information on this at http://www.fgacentre.com/. Check this out so that we will come prepared and make the study more meaningful and fruitful.

Someone did ask me … What is LENT?

A quick check on the internet … here goes … Lent is a 40-day liturgical season that begins on Ash Wednesday (25-02-2009) and ends on Easter (12-04-2009). Though the Bible doesn’t mention about Ash Wednesday or Lent, it has long been a tradition in many Christian churches wherein Christians prepare for Easter by observing during this period, a time of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline.

Sundays are not included in the 40-day count … why? Well, it seems the early churches saw Sundays as days to celebrate Jesus resurrection – so no fasting or penance allowed on Sundays. This tradition actually recalls the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and being tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11).

Doing that 6 weeks study, reflecting on the issues, praying,etc is in some ways our version of celebrating Lent.Even though we may not celebrate it as part of the church calendar like many other churches do, we should always be reminded to examine ourselves before our God everyday and know what Christ has done for us, to repent, to understand our weaknesses and His strength.

I was in Greece many years ago around Easter time. I found that Easter was more significant there than Christmas when it comes to religious celebrations. You find more go to church during the Easter month than around December, if this can be taken as a gauge on how significant Easter is in Greece!! Down here, I guess it’s the other way round.

Now, if I am asked which is more significant - Easter or Christmas? Well, I would say both rank equally ….. why …. my view is that …

If there was no “Christmas”, there is no Jesus.
If there is no Jesus, there's no “Easter”.
His birth brought us hope,
but in His death He brought us life.

I will give you more details on that short bible study series when we next meet at our Home Cell meeting. Get prepared and ready for the Easter celebration. Meanwhile, have an enjoyable CHAP GOH MEH!! Time for throwing oranges they say … and it will not be a waste if you throw away those with tiny worms!! Wonder why I didn’t even had one this CNY!!