CHC E290 Cell Group Blog

Poem for You & about You

2010-04-25T18:33:00.005+08:00

Hey, it's been really, really long since I've posted. But I hope all of you are still visiting and doing fine...

A few days ago, Hui Jie & I came up with this idea of collaborating to write a poem about God - and it worked out pretty well! We've just completed our work, actually. I hope you'll enjoy it:

I will ride on Your wings, and let the strength of your flight bring me through all things
Lifting me up without a worry, for it's for freedom that You set me free
Through the fog we'll fly, through the deserts we'll pass, for I know that Your kingdom will come to last
So let me follow You for all my days, reassured that You'll light the way.

I'll conquer the valleys and I'll scale the mountains, with you I'll be the rightful champion
My sanctuary's found in Your heavenly arms, for it's my only eternal calm
Even when my faith has wavered and I'm fallen from grace, it's Your name I'll always embrace
For You know my every thought and my very soul, in You I'll always grow.

You are the Way, the Truth and the Life, in You my love never subsides
In times of lack, and when I'm deprived, I won't worry 'cause it's You who provides
Use me as Your vessel, and rest assured it'll never be hollow
For Lord, You are the captain of my ship; wherever you steer, I will always follow.

For every verse, we contributed two lines each. But if you're going to question who wrote which line, well... we'll leave it to you to do the guessing.

Thank God we've managed to complete this (awesome) poem! For He is greatly to be praised. :)

Over and out!

You are highly exalted

2010-04-22T21:53:00.003+08:00

Riding on His wings

We have one life,let's live it well.In this one life,what have you contribute to improve your life?your character?relationship with people?help in God's work?

What is God primary purpose for us?What interests God most?What pleases our God?

People pleases God.God loves relationships,He enjoys friendship like we do.He is happy when your relationship with your family has restored,He smiles when you pray & seek Him.He sings with you when you worship,He dances with you when you praise.He wipe your tears when you cry,He gives you wisdom when you study for exam.He blesses your food when you eat.He sent your guardian angel to protect you when you are asleep.He is there when you are left alone,thinking that no one cares.He is just waiting for you to seek Him.

God is our friend,He wants to be your friend,your best friend, a true friend.

Friend,are you satisfied with your life?What is something that you always want but cannot achieve?Is it a temporary fame wealth power?It may satisfy you but only temporary.You find that you have to always keep fighting these recognitions for yourself. Why not,Let God,fight for you?Are you worried about your life,your future? Why not,let God pave for you.

Today,He is paving my path.Life is wonderful with Him,knowing He is walking with me I need not fear.My life is full of purpose,He has given me eternal hope,joy and love.People will fail you because people is not perfect.But God..
God never fails because He is perfect.

Salvation is the greatest gift you can ever have and experience.Treasure and guard it.Nothing can buy salvation.
Friend,yes YOU...let God rule your life.

Maturity in Christ

2009-12-20T14:37:00.003+08:00

Hi. It seems long since I last posted something here. Pardon for my grammar mistakes, etc. >.<

I have this constant worry about the members of E290 (including myself). It's on the subject of maturity in Christ. Not exactly maturity, but enthusiasm one has for Christ + maturity of someone in Christ.

I am deeply concerned if one has a proper relationship with Christ or not. Many people assume that their presence in Church only would mean having a proper relationship with Christ. It is not necessary.

Having this proper relationship with Christ requires time, and of course, one's willingness to sacrifice one's time and energy. You have to pray and communicate with God constantly. Maturity in Christ will come forth when you have a proper relationship with Christ.

How can one have a proper relationship with Christ?
You have to pray to God, talk to Him everyday. Have a intimate conversation with God. You don't have to be too formal. Talk to Him like a normal friend. You can talk to God about every thing which had happened in your life on that day. You can also tell God about your expectations, what you want to see in your life, et cetera. Prayer is not only prayer. Prayer is actually talking to God. You will have a stronger faith when you keep talking to God.

However, having a proper relationship with Christ does not rely totally on prayers.

"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." - Romans 10:17

You have to read the bible constantly in order to have a closer relationship with Christ. When you talk to someone, you expect an answer from that person. Similary, when you talk to Christ, you may want an answer from Christ regarding a particular question. God can talk to you through the bible. He may want you to know certain information which will help you.

When you read the bible, you may highlight those verses which you find meaningful/encouraging. Have a notebook and a pen by your side. When you read certain verses which you don't understand, write down those verses on that notebook. Ask your leaders or someone who is more spiritually matured than you, and they will be glad to explain those verses to you. Also, when you are reading the bible, you may come across certain verses which may speak directly to you. Write down those verses, and further elaborate these verses by writing down what you think/feel about these verses. You msy also think about how you can encourage others using those verses which you had read. You are also welcomed to share these verses with your cell group friends on the next cell group meeting/gathering. Do tell God about what He has spoken to you!

You will definitely meet people who are of different level of maturity in church. It will be good if you are able to share with people from different cell groups about your Christian walk, your faith in God, et cetera. Also, you will get to experience and encounter God during church services. You will also get to worship God in a bigger place, with greater atmosphere. The message which is going to be shared by the speaker will bring you to another level of maturity.
You are encouraged reach church 15 to 30 minutes before the service start, so as to fellowship with your cell group friends and people from other cells. Use this time to encourage one another, pray with one another, pray that the sermon will speak to and impact each other's life.
During the service, do pay attention to the speaker, jot down notes, et cetera.
Do not be in a hurry to go home after the service. Have dinner with one another, fellowship with one another.

Cell group meeting is important too! Do turn up so as to fellowship with one another. It's not a waste of time.

Ultimately, it's your attitude which determine your relationship with God. When you have a proper relationship, you will have true maturity. You can't possibly wait for your leaders to make certain phone calls to encourage you in order for you to start reading your bible, et cetera. If that's the case, our leaders will be super super super busy, as they have to make phone calls to everyone else whom they know.

Start doing what you're supposed to do today. Start having a closer relationship with God. God is waiting for you everyday, waiting for you to talk to Him, listen to him, spend time with Him. Are you willing to make the sacrifice, to be a true Christian?

What do you really want?

2009-12-09T23:54:00.009+08:00

Are you really satisfied with what you get out of life? Will things that you can see, hear, smell, taste and feel provide you with an everlasting abundance of value and joy?

Oftentimes, what we desire the most in our lives are outcomes that can only be fulfilled from within ourselves. Will dollar signs provide an answer to having a closer relationship with God? Will an impartial society mould a person into one who possesses deep values of integrity? Can an improving economy possibly make way for a clear direction in life?

According to Psalms 16:11, "In Your presence is fullness of joy". It's an inevitable fact that humans are greedy beings. Earthly gifts from God can only clear our skies for a day. We will not be satisfied unless we receive the fullness of joy that God provides.

So, remain in the right relationship with the Lord! Become thankful in prayer and trigger his power, worship and praise Him with an attitude that's truly expressed through your mind & body, but most importantly, let Him and His word rule in our hearts. :)

As the spirit's strength continues to build up our "inner man", we will realise that it's not up to an external entity to fulfill our desires, but that it's all about God and letting Him have a place in our hearts; within ourselves. Let Him be the right choice as we begin to realise and achieve our heartfelt outcomes and goals. He is and will bring us true happiness. :)

I know not by what methods rare
The Lord provides for me,
I only know that all my needs
He meets so graciously.

Just trying to revive this almost "dead" blog by putting up my first entry. I hope you like it - this entry is basically how I felt after reading my Daily Bread. :)

Cell Group Outing 2009!

2009-12-02T12:19:00.002+08:00

Thank God for all of YOU!

<3 E290 :)

2009-11-19T21:09:00.005+08:00

Heys!
Back to clean the dust off this blog!

To me,pictures speaks a lot.
So I'll revive this blog by adding some pictures first.
Brought to you by E290!

Ps:There are more to be uploaded.Stay tune :)

Proverbs 7 - Avoid Sexual Sin (Pst Kong)

2009-10-19T16:34:00.001+08:00

Proverbs 7
1 My son, keep my words,
And treasure my commands within you.
2 Keep my commands and live,
And my law as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers;
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
And call understanding your nearest kin,
5 That they may keep you from the immoral woman,
From the seductress who flatters with her words.

The Crafty Harlot
6 For at the window of my house
I looked through my lattice,
7 And saw among the simple,
I perceived among the youths,
A young man devoid of understanding,
8 Passing along the street near her corner;
And he took the path to her house
9 In the twilight, in the evening,
In the black and dark night.
10 And there a woman met him,
With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.
11 She was loud and rebellious,
Her feet would not stay at home.
12 At times she was outside, at times in the open square,
Lurking at every corner.
13 So she caught him and kissed him;
With an impudent face she said to him:
14 “ I have peace offerings with me;
Today I have paid my vows.
15 So I came out to meet you,
Diligently to seek your face,
And I have found you.
16 I have spread my bed with tapestry,
Colored coverings of Egyptian linen.
17 I have perfumed my bed
With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning;
Let us delight ourselves with love.
19 For my husband is not at home;
He has gone on a long journey;
20 He has taken a bag of money with him,
And will come home on the appointed day.”
21 With her enticing speech she caused him to yield,
With her flattering lips she seduced him.
22 Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter,
Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,[a]
23 Till an arrow struck his liver.
As a bird hastens to the snare,
He did not know it would cost his life.
24 Now therefore, listen to me, my children;
Pay attention to the words of my mouth:
25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,
Do not stray into her paths;
26 For she has cast down many wounded,
And all who were slain by her were strong men.
27 Her house is the way to hell,[b]
Descending to the chambers of death.

Here in Proverbs 7, King Solomon writes as a minister and a prophet (who is by office a watchman) to give warning of the approach of the enemies, so that we may not be ignorant of Satan’s devices, but may know where to double our guard. He gives an account of a person who laid himself open to the temptations of a prostitute. This subsequently led to his destruction. The glory of young men is their strength (Prov. 20:29). Yet we read here about a young man who had fallen into sexual sin. What were the mistakes of this young man?

(1) He was a young man void of understanding (7:7). A man who lacks understanding does not know how to depart from evil (Job 28:28). He becomes an easy prey for Satan. So how do we get “understanding”? The psalmist says, “Through Your precepts I get understanding” (Ps. 119:104). Therefore to gain understanding, we need to live our life according to the Word of God.

(2) He kept company among the simple ones (Prov. 7:7). “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed” (13:20). This young man should have associated himself with those who were upright and wise. Then he would not have fallen into the snare of the evil one.

(3) He was sauntering and strolling along the streets aimlessly (7:8). One of the sins of Sodom was the abundance of idleness (Ezek. 16:49). An idle mind is the devil’s playground. Remember in the parable of the workers in the vineyard, there was a group of people standing idle in the marketplace (Matt. 20:3-6)? What was the solution for their idleness? WORK! Churches are not growing because Christians are spiritually unemployed. Let us stop idling and start getting down to work for the kingdom of God.

(4) He was a night-walker (Prov. 7:9). He was a man who despised truth and was living in darkness and hypocrisy. He could possibly have been living in secret sin and thought no one would know. Isaiah proclaimed, “Woe to those who seek deep to hide their counsel far from the LORD, and their works are in the dark; they say, ‘Who sees us?’ and, ‘Who knows us?’” (Is. 29:15) So what must we do to stay away from sexual sin? Let’s hold on dearly to the Word of God; keep company with the wise; live everyday in the light and serve God with purpose. “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

Which Crown will you receive? - Pst Kong

2009-10-03T09:49:00.000+08:00

Posted: 01 Oct 2009 09:00 AM PDT

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” Revelation 22:12

When Jesus comes, He is going to reward every Christian according to the works they have done. Part of the rewards the Scripture describes is in the form of five eternal crowns.

First of all, there is the crown of life. “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). This reward could also be called “the lover’s crown.” You find strength to overcome temptation and endure trials through God’s love and your love for God. All believers have eternal life, but not all believers will be rewarded with the “crown of life.”

Secondly, there is the imperishable crown. “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (1 Cor. 9:25). Paul makes use of the Greek games to illustrate the spiritual race of the believer. To win, you must deny yourself of anything that would weigh you down and hold you back, and by faith, refuse anything that would impede your spiritual progress (Heb. 11:24-29).

Thirdly, there is the crown of rejoicing. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 says, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” This crown is the soul winner’s crown. The greatest work you are privileged to do for the Lord is to bring others to the knowledge of Christ as their personal Savior.

Fourthly, there is the crown of righteousness. “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:8). The “crown of righteousness” is a reward and is not to be confused with the “righteousness of God” which you receive when you become a Christian. If you look for and love the doctrine of the second coming of Christ, it will affect your whole life.

Fifthly, there is the crown of glory. 1 Peter 5:2-4 says, “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the fl ock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” The “crown of glory” is a special reward for the faithful, obedient God-called shepherds who feed the flock and take spiritual oversight of the church faithfully and diligently.

Pst Kong daily devotion - 29 Sep

2009-09-30T17:20:00.000+08:00

<Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. Psalm 112:4

People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Consider the case of Jesus Christ. He was the most forceful and demanding teacher who ever lived. He was the one who taught that even one’s closest family members must give way to our absolute loyalty to Him, and that a true disciple must be willing to “bear his cross” for the Master (Matt. 10:34-39). In view of such rigorous requirements, how does one account for Jesus’ amazing popularity? There can be only one answer—compassion. It was Jesus’ tremendous compassion for people that made Him an extremely attractive person. Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infi rmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (KJV).

Jesus doesn’t just feel sympathy for the broken, He empathizes with us. In Mark 1:40, a leper kneeled before Him and begged, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus, “moved with compassion,” responded, “I am willing; be cleansed.” What is amazing here is the fact that while Jesus could have just spoken a word of healing over the leper, He went one step further. He stretched out His hand to touch him (1:41). For a Jew to touch a leper was absolutely unthinkable. But such was Jesus’ compassion for the sick and rejected.

In another occasion, when Jesus heard the news that His cousin John the Baptist had been killed, He took His disciples apart into a remote area near Bethsaida. But the multitudes followed Him. When Jesus saw them tailing Him, He “was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd” (6:34). So Jesus began to teach them heavenly truths and feed them food. Think about it. The Lord set aside His own grief to minister to these people who so desperately needed direction in their lives!

“Does Jesus care, when my heart is pained, too deeply for mirth and song? When the burdens press and the cares distress, as the day grows weary and long?” The answer is a resounding, “Yes! He does!” When we are affl icted with disease and pain, He cares. When wegrieve the loss of dear ones, He cares. When we are confused, desperately needing leadership, He has compassion for us. When we are mistreated, He feels for us. When we dredge ourselves into the mire of sin, He grieves over that disaster. When, in hardness of heart, we even hatefully oppose Him, He continues to feel for us. No wonder the “goodness of God” leads us to repentance (Rom. 2:4)! May we all say, “I will show compassion to others, because my Jesus fi rst showed compassion to me” (1 John 4:19p).

Forwarded Christian E-mails - Part1

2009-09-18T23:37:00.002+08:00

Why is it so hard to tell the truth but yet so easy to tell a lie?
Why are we so sleepy in church but right when the sermon is over we suddenly wake up?
Why is it so hard to talk about God but yet so easy to talk about nasty stuff?
Why is it so boring to look at a Christian magazine, but yet so easy to look at a nasty one?
Why is it so easy to delete a Godly e- mail, but yet we forward all of the nasty ones?
Why are the churches getting smaller but yet the bars and dance clubs are getting larger?

There once was a man named George Thomas, pastor in a small New England town. One Easter Sunday morning he came to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak...'I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me swinging this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. I stopped the lad and asked, 'What you got there, son?' 'Just some old birds,' came the reply.
'What are you gonna do with them?' I asked.
'Take 'em home and have fun with 'em,' he answered 'I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their feathers to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time' 'But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do?'
'Oh, I got some cats,' said the little boy. 'They like birds. I'll take 'em to them.'
The pastor was silent for a moment. 'How much do you want for those birds, son?'
'Huh?? !!! Why, you don't want them birds, mister. They're just plain old field birds. They don't sing. They ain't even pretty!'
'How much?' the pastor asked again.
The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said, '$10?'
The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten dollar bill. He placed it in the boy's hand. In a flash, the boy was gone.
The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free.
Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story.

One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. 'Yes, sir, I just caught the world full of people down there. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all!'
'What are you going to do with them?' Jesus asked.
Satan replied, 'Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink and smoke and curse. I'm gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!'
'And what will you do when you get done with them?' Jesus asked. 'Oh, I'll kill 'em,' Satan glared proudly. 'How much do you want for them?' Jesus asked .
'Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. Why, you'll take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you. You don't want those people!!'
'How much?' He asked again.
Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, 'All your blood, tears and your life.'
Jesus said, 'Done!'
Then He paid the price.
The pastor picked up the cage he opened the door and he walked from the pulpit.

Isn't it funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell?
Isn't it funny how someone can say 'I believe in God' but still follow Satan, who, by the way, also 'believes' in God.
Isn't it funny how you can send a thousand jokes through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing?
Isn't it funny how when you go to forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it to them?
Isn't it funny how I can be more worried about what other people think of me than what God thinks of me?

She jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the operating room. She said: 'How is my little boy ? Is he going to be all right ? When can I see him ?'

The surgeon said, 'I'm sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn't make it.'

Sally said, 'Why do little children get cancer ? Doesn't God care any more ? Where were you, God, when my son needed you ?'

The surgeon asked, 'Would you like some time alone with your son ? One of the nurses will be out in a few minutes, before he's transported to the university.'

Sally asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good bye to son. She ran her fingers lovingly through hi s thick red curly hair. 'Would you like a lock of his hair ?' the nurse asked.

Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy's hair, put it in a plastic bag and handed it to Sally.

The mother said, 'It was Jimmy's idea to donate his body to the University for Study. He said it might help somebody else. 'I said no at first, but Jimmy said, 'Mom, I won't be using it after I die. Maybe it will he lp some other little boy spend one more day with his Mom.' She went on, 'My Jimmy had a heart of gold. Always thinking of someone else. Always wanting to help others if he could.'

Sally walked out of Children's Mercy Hospital for the last time, after spending m ost of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy's belongings on the seat beside her in the car.

The drive home was difficult. It was even harder to enter the empty house. She carried Jimmy's belongings, and the plastic bag with the lock of his hair to her son's room.

She started placing the model cars and other personal things back in his room exactly where he had always kept them. She laid down across his bed and, hugging his pillow, cried herself to sleep.

It was around midnight wh en Sally awoke. Laying beside her on the bed was a folded letter. The letter said :

'Dear Mom, I know you're going to miss me; but don't think that I will ever forget you, or stop loving you, just 'cause I'm not around to say 'I Love You' . I will always love you, Mom, even more with each day. Someday we will see each other again. Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you won't be so lonely, that's okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff to play with. But, if you decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn't like the same things us boys do. You'll have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like, you know. Don't be sad thinking about me. This really is a neat place. Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything. The angels are so cool. I love to watch them fly. And, you know what? Jesus doesn't look like any of his pictures. Yet, when I saw Him, I knew it was Him. Jesus himself took me to see GOD ! And guess what, Mom ? I got to sit on God's knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody important. That's when I told Him that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you good bye and everything. But I already knew that wasn't al lowed. Well, you know what Mom ? God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter. I think Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to you. God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked Him 'Where was He when I needed him ?' 'God said He was in the same place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross. He was right there, as He always is with all His children. Oh, by the way, Mom, no one else can see what I've written except you. To everyone else this is just a blank piece of paper. Isn't that cool ? I have to give God His pen back now. He needs it to write some more names in the Book of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I'm sure the food will be great.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don't hurt anymore. The cancer is all gone. I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain anymore and God couldn't stand to see me hurt so much, either. That's when He sent The Angel of Mercy to come get me. The Angel said I was a Special Delivery ! How about that ?

Signed with Love from God, Jesus & Me.

Feel the Holy Spirit work in your life for doing what you know God loves 'When you're down to nothing, God is up to something.'

The Presence Of God - daily devotion from Pst Kong

2009-09-07T18:19:00.000+08:00

Posted: 04 Sep 2009 09:00 AM PDT

Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Psalm 51:11

Psalm 51 is a psalm of David written when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. It is a record of the tear-stained testimony of his brokenness before God. His repentance did not stem from the fear of punishment or concern of future success. He repented for having violated God Himself—His Person and His nature. He was deeply concerned about the presence of God in his life. David understood that sin can grieve the Spirit of God (Eph. 4:30-31), and when that happens, the tangible manifested presence of God can be lifted from his life.

Samson was the strongest man in the Bible. With his bare hands, he tore a lion apart. He carried the doors of the gate of the city on his shoulders up a hill and single-handedly defeated the armies of the Philistines. He was a man full of the power and the presence of God. However, Samson was complacent in his walk with God and gave himself over to the lust of his flesh. Samson indulged so much in sin that he took the presence of God for granted. As a result, the LORD departed from him and he didn’t even know it (Judg. 16:20).

David, on the other hand, treasured his relationship with God with his whole heart. What can we learn from David about keeping the presence of God in our lives everyday?

(1) Develop a strong and intense desire for God. David was a man with a strong thirst for God. “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (Ps. 42:1-2). “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6). Hunger and thirst are strong desires. God is not going to show up if you are not desperate enough to meet Him.

(2) You’ve got to be dissatisfied in your spirit. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3). To be “poor in spirit” means you are dissatisfied in the spirit. You do not have enough of God. You empty your pride and self-importance in exchange for all of Him. Make a decision today that you will never take God’s presence for granted. Pray to God once again to renew your love for Him. If you have lost your passion for His presence because of your busyness, you can refocus your affection on Him again. Ask God to come into your life and fill you with His presence once again.

RBC Ministries Daily Bread

2009-08-29T14:08:00.000+08:00

August 28

In his classic book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, W. Phillip Keller gives a striking picture of the care and gentleness of a shepherd. In verse 3 when David says, “He restores my soul,” he uses language every shepherd would understand.

Sheep are built in such a way that if they fall over on their side and then onto their back, it is very difficult for them to get up again. They flail their legs in the air, bleat, and cry. After a few hours on their backs, gas begins to collect in their stomachs, the stomach hardens, the air passage is cut off, and the sheep will eventually suffocate. This is referred to as a “cast down” position.

When a shepherd restores a cast down sheep, he reassures it, massages its legs to restore circulation, gently turns the sheep over, lifts it up, and holds it so it can regain its equilibrium.

What a picture of what God wants to do for us! When we are on our backs, flailing because of guilt, grief, or grudges, our loving Shepherd reassures us with His grace, lifts us up, and holds us until we’ve gained our spiritual equilibrium.

If you’ve been cast down for any reason, God is the only one who can help you get on your feet again. He will restore your confidence, joy, and strength.

Holy Holy Holy!

2009-08-05T21:16:00.004+08:00

i've found this in my notebook, and i think that i should share it with you guys. i hope that you will be clearer of what's expected of you as a Christian. (but not so too "holy holy" Christians) if you're Holy and you meant it, it's good. but you don't "act holy" just because you want people to think that you're Holy

5 Convictions in Holiness

Holy in our thought life

this means that you are not supposed to have sinful desires, such as lustful mindsets (Ephesians 5:3) and minds full of anger or hatred (Ephesians 4:31)
however, it doesn't mean that we must be 100% Holy, thinking about God all the time and not caring about your fellow brothers or sisters in Christ.

Holy in the way we dress

this means that we do not wear clothes with words such as vulgarities or anti-Christ messages, but instead, wear casually.
this also mean that we should not wear clothes that are too revealing, as our body is a temple of God.
However, it doesn't mean that we must ALWAYS "wear" Holy, such as wearing t-shirts with printings such as "Jesus is love" or putting on a cross where ever we go.

Holy in what we listen

this means that we should not listen satanic songs such as "emo-emo" songs which will make us feel sad, or listening to people talking about sexual issues, et cetera.
however, it doesn't mean that we must CHANGE our genre of musics too 100% Christian songs, trying to be "Holy".

Holy in what we say

this means that we should not scold vulgarities or insult others (Ephesians 4:29). Instead, we should "make full use" of our mouth to encourage those who're facing problems, and also to preach the gospel.

Holy in what we do

this means that we should not be "acting" like a hooligan, for example pointing middle fingers where ever you go. instead, take the opportunity to pray for others. (i.e. have a short prayer between 2 people at a corner in the library)

Holy in what we watch

this means that we should not watch satanic shows, such as pornography. this is considered adultery and idolatry in God's eyes. When we watch pornography, we're actually worshipping the devil.
instead, cleanse yourselves from this kind of sinful movies,.

Make this world a better place

2009-08-02T21:04:00.002+08:00

World Peace!
How to have peace with one another & live in harmony?
First start,
Have you ever thought of bringing Joy into this world?Thinking ways of ''how can I contribute to make this world a better place to live in''?

Well,to be able to live in harmony,you got to start to want to be a blessing in people's lives.It is really a DECISION to choose to be that 'Joy radiator' among your friends & loved ones and by being that,you can really bring a smile to people's faces.

People are a bunch of complex creatures on earth.Sometimes they can really make your day yet on other days,you really wished you can 'kill' them.How many of you know what I am talking about? ;)

Living in this earth at this very moment is a privilege!why do I say that?
Because YOU are CHOSEN to live here,given a privilege to be able to breathe!Able to taste life's sweet,sour & bitter times.Basically,you are chosen to live in this world created by God.

So guys!Since God has placed you here.He sure have His brilliant plans,exclusively,for you.And the fact that He allow you to meet one another,knowing one another,becoming close friends,is also part of His great plans for you.

What is in our Heavenly Father's heart?
I do not know fully,but at least I know one thing,is that He really wants to see us being able to work so well together.Help one another effortlessly,always think of others first before self,being a blessing in each others lives.It really put a smile to God's face when we love & care for one another.

A very good way of establishing healthy relationships with one another is when You put yourself in others shoes.This way,you would then be able to see or understand why a person would behave or act this way.Very often,we do not place ourselves in others shoes.We just think our own way and based everything according to what we think.(Turn to your neighbour & say she is talking about someone I know!);)

Why not,choose to really want to be a blessing to the people around you.Be that Joyful radiator that radiates joy to people around you,causing this world to be much sweeter & a happier place to live in.You are born to be joyful.You are like that nectar hidden in the bright blooming flower that the bees are dying to find you because you are so attractive!You got to know that you are actually such a Joy to have & be with!

So start embracing a positive attitude towards everything in life,learn to understand & love one another,place yourself in the shoes of others.This world will really be a better place when everyone or majority thinks & behave this way!And of course,our most important being in our live-God.
Note!He is not the first in your life,He should be in the CENTER of your life!

So smile people!Don't you know you look gorgeously mesmerizing with that sweetest smile of yours?
Making this world a better place starts with .......your SMILE!!=D

With much love & smiles,
Ruth :)

Radiate diate diate

2009-08-02T18:04:00.003+08:00

My soul satellite is telling me
Someone's watching over me (hip hip hip)
Closer than my heart

Beating to eternity
Heaven's sound of symphony (hip hip hip)
Sing Your majesty

My heart, emitting Your love

Radiate yeah
Shining with Your light and glory
We will radiate yeah
And the world will see your beauty
Our lives forever will shine with You

Sing out tonight
We call the name of Jesus
Sing out tonight
We lift Your praises higher

Because of You, I was borned again
Because of You, I'm ransomed by Your Grace
Because of You, my heart has found a Home
A refuge for my soul

Because of You, sins are washed away
Because of You, heaven knows my name
Because of You, I can live again
You've broken every chain

Unfailing Love, so unreserved
You gave Yourself on Calary
And now I stand, forever free
My Saviour rescued me

Because of You, the weak say "I'm strong"
Because of You, the broken have a song
Because of You, there's no need to fear
Hope steadfast, ever sure

Now heavens, be open
Our God is unshaken
We worship, Christ risen
High above

Now heaven, be open
All kingdoms, all nations
Declare that "You are God"

Freedom from worries! - Festival of Praise 30 July'09

2009-08-01T11:05:00.003+08:00

Freedom from worries - it's a prison in your life

The more you worry, the more you fear
Matthew 6:25-34
Jesus do not want us to worry!

STOP Technique

Specify your worries - write out what you're worrying about!
Take action on your worries - turn your worry into action (e.g. call someone who you're worrying about); do something about what you want
Offer a prayer to God - i.e. something which we can't do about

instead of worrying, Pray to God

Place your trust in God - Proverbs 3:5-6

Jesus is the prison breaker in our life (worry breaker)

Things you must not worry

things that you can do about
things that you can't do about

Worries take away our joys and make us feel tired.

Instead of worrying, seek first his kingdom of God!

Be a blessing to others instead of worying for others/yourself.

BREAK OUT FROM THE PRISON OF WORRIES!

We're friends of God!

2009-07-26T19:21:00.000+08:00

WHO AM I THAT YOU ARE MINDFUL OF ME
THAT YOU HEAR ME WHEN I CALL
IS IT TRUE THAT YOU ARE THINKING OF ME
HOW YOU LOVE ME
IT'S AMAZING

I AM A FRIEND OF GOD
I AM A FRIEND OF GOD
I AM A FRIEND OF GOD
HE CALLS ME FRIEND

GOD ALMIGHTY
LORD OF GLORY
YOU HAVE CALLED ME FRIEND

HE CALLS ME FRIEND
HE CALLS ME FRIEND
HE CALLS ME FRIEND
HE CALLS ME FRIEND

You are God's ultimate creation

2009-07-16T12:12:00.003+08:00

Hey guys!
For the benefit of those who missed out on the Cg message yesterday.This is something for you.

Learning to like yourself

We all have areas that we need to improve,but as long as we are pressing forward,doing our very best,we can be assured that God is pleased with us.It may be difficult for some people to believe,but God wants us to feel good about ourselves.He wants us to be secure and have healthy self-images,but so many people focus on their faults and weaknesses.

When they make mistakes,they are extremely critical of themselves.Basically,they are not at peace with who they are.

Jesus said,''Love your neighbour as you love yourself.'' Note one thing,if you do not have a healthy respect for who you are,and if you do not learn to accept your faults and all,you will never be able to properly love other people.

You cannot give away what you do not have.

On the other,if you will recognize that God is working on you,and in spite of your flaws and weaknesses,you can learn to accept yourself.

Guys,come to peace with who you are.When you criticizing yourself,you are criticizing God's ultimate creation!

Moreover,you are not a finished product,It's okay to like yourself while God is in the process of changing you.

God loves you because of who you are & because of WHO HE IS. God is love. He do not judge you by the things you have done.

So,do God & yourself a favor..

1)Start approving yourself
2)Get in agreement with God and start feeling good about who you are.
3)God never count your faults but ever ready to praise you each time you done right.
4)You will be who you think you are.(Think positively!)

With much guidance from an international Author,Become a Better You written by Joel Osteen.
You can visit his website at www.joelosteen.com

Glory to glory I believe you'll grow!

Love,
Ruth

Just for laugh!

2009-07-13T22:23:00.002+08:00

No offence Girls hahahahha!

A store that sells husbands has just opened in New York City , where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates.

You may visit the store ONLY ONCE!

There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends the flights.

There is, however, a catch. ...

You may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!

So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband.
On the first floor the sign on the door reads: Floor 1 - These men have jobs and love the Lord.

*********

The second floor sign reads: Floor 2 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, and love kids.

*********

The third floor sign reads: Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, and are extremely good looking.

"Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.

*********

She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads: Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop- dead good looking and help with the housework.

"Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!"

*********

Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads: Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop- dead gorgeous, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak.

She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and the sign reads:

*********

Floor 6 - You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor.

There are no men on this floor.

This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please.

Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store.

Watch your step as you exit the building, and have a nice day!

News

2009-07-13T17:22:00.007+08:00

Hello guys, just to let you know what I've planned. :)

We'll be fasting once every week for our friends' PO breakthrough and stuffs like that. Do leave a tag on the same post, about which day you're going to fast, so that we can all pray for one another.
There will be a morning prayer for everyone this coming Tuesday at 7.20am sharp at the void deck opposite Ngee Ann Sec Sch, with Ailin. Do leave a message on the tagboard if you're coming or not. If not you can SMS Ailin or Tay Xi. :)
There may be another morning prayer on Wednesday, but it's not confirmed yet, because Ailin won't be able to make it on Wednesday.

That's all folks! God bless. :)

He will be with me

2009-07-12T18:18:00.002+08:00

Have you ever been through a period of wilderness in your life?

Wilderness can mean times when you feel that you do not have God. This can also means that during times when you're facing parental objection.

Wilderness are not necessary be created by satan. It can be a period of testing by the Holy Spirit, where God test your faith in Him.

Parental objection is a common type of wilderness in some people's lives. When we experience parental objection, we may feel that God is not with us. We may even hate God for why didn't God do something to redeem us from sadness, et cetera.

As a person who had went through parental objection, i do understand how people feel. Look around you, there are also leaders like ailin, tayxi et cetera who had experienced parental objection. In another words, we know how one another feels.

I remembered my parents like insult Christ, saying stuffs like "Jesus sucks" all these. What kind of nasty things about Jesus you can think of, they had said it right infront of me. Till one day, I couldnt bear it, and i shouted "you have no right to say that!" repeatedly.

Of course, we're not supposed to do that, and I am not teaching you to do that, but I am a human.

I guess you had already know what is going to happen next - i was slapped, caned, whacked, and you know all sort of ridiculous things - basically how a meanie treat a poor dog. I remembered how i screamed and cry, thinking about God all the time, why didn't He do something to free me.

I was left in scars after they left the room, with uncontrollable tears rolling down my cheeks. I asked God about so many things, why didn't He do something et cetera.

And I got an answer. He wanted me to grow.

I remembered lying to my parents just to go to church. I couldnt help but to lie, because I desire God so much, desire His presense, His words. Of course that's not correct, and I am not teaching you to lie. But, I am a human, and humans are not perfect.

I am never happy when I lie to my parents. God didn't teach me to lie. But, I am sure that God will do something for me.

It was a very tough walk. People would insult you and Christ, criticising about what fake gods you have, saying all those nasty things.

But remember, God want us to press on.

Remember the verses Luke 20:17-19
If we stand firm, we will win! Not just eternal life, but also spiritual maturity. If we pass all these trials, we will have more faith in God, and we will grow!

One day, God will redeem you from all these wilderness, all these parental objection, like how He had redeemed me. Slowly but surely!

Parental objection is like a disease, a cancer, maybe brain tumor. (CHOY! LOL)
You can die anyday due to your tumor, therefore you need to rely on God double the times the usual people rely for the tumor to be gone. You need to have double, triple, or even 100000000000000000000x faith in God than the other people!

Why? Because you want to be cleansed from this tumor; you do not want to die so early!

This is the same! Parental Objection is like this brain tumor. We have to rely on God so much that, we will be cleansed from this Parental objection! We wouldn't want to "die" during this parental objection!
(die means to backslide)

We want to live in Christ!

Remember, God will never lead you to a period of wilderness where you cant endure. God know that you CAN endure, so that He will lead you into this wilderness.

In your wilderness, there is no light. But use Christ as the light, to bring you across this darkness. Do not make a light on your own, but rely on Christ to make a light out of Christ, a light which will never burn out!

Rely on God!

Trust Him!!!

PS: I do hope that this entry will encourage those people who are in period of wilderness, such as parental objections and family problems stuffs like that, encourage them to rely on God. :) Love Him and you too :)

Prayer Request

2009-07-11T11:18:00.011+08:00

Here is a list of prayer requests.

Li Ting - for taking a step forward and to lead a closer walk with God.
Anderson - to be more bonded with E290.
Kristine - that she will overcome her parental objection.
Xinyi - for parental objection breakthrough, that her parents will allow her to go to cell group meetings and church services.
Hui Jie - for parental objection breakthrough, that her parents will allow her to go for church services.
Hui Yen - for parental objection breakthrough, that her dad will get to know that she's a Christian, and will not become angry at her.
Aaron - for growing stronger in his spiritual life with God.
Geng Hao - for breakthroughs in his life (studies, spiritual growth, etc.).
Jeremy - to bond well with E290 and have a better relationship with God.
Yan Yuan - for parental objection breakthrough and bond well with E290.
Ailin - for greater anointing of the Word, for a greater cell group growth, and becoming a great leader
Yi Ren & Esther - for more and greater breakthroughs in their lives.
Hui Yen - for playing the guitar smoothly, for the Lord to be with her.
Tay Xi - to become a great leader of the cell.
Greater anointing of word for the whole cell group and more ppl to have greater courage to preach the gospel, sharing the Love and Word
A cell group growth of 40 people by this year!!!

BTW, there will be a morning prayer session on Tuesday/Wednesday at the usual void deck opposite NASS, so do take note of upcoming details in this blog. :)

I'll stand, with arms high and heart abandoned

2009-07-11T00:45:00.000+08:00

An encouraging video for those who're facing setbacks like me :) lets just surrender our hearts to Him.

It's Jesus

2009-07-10T20:53:00.000+08:00

I see the city as a Man who bent His knee to lift His hands,
Closed His eyes, prayed your prayer,
His heart grew with a cross to bear.

He's there, looking

2009-07-09T19:23:00.000+08:00

When we are in times of troubles, look up to God!

Even if we fail to play a simple sheet of cords, or if we fail our math tests, or even if our family are in financial problems, why not just, take a step of faith, look up to God, trust Him.

When we actually trust Him, we tend to forget everything, and will focus totally on Him.

Look at Jesus. Before dying on the Cross at calvary, He trusted God!
Faith!

Faith is defined as the substance of hope which is not seen. Believe, and you will receive.

God will not bring you to another wilderness which you will be unable to bear. He will be with you, from the begining till the end, for He love you.

He love you with an everlasting love!

YiRen

For he died with God

2009-07-06T23:25:00.000+08:00

A man's daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her father. When the minister arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows. An empty chair sat beside his bed. The minister assumed that the old fellow had been informed of his visit.
"I guess you were expecting me," he said
"No, who are you?" said the father
The minister told him his name and then remarked, "I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew I was going to show up."
"Oh yeah, the chair," said the bedridden man. "Would you mind closing the door?"
Puzzled, the minister shut the door.
"I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter," said the man. "But all of my life, I have never known how to pray. At church, I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head.”
“I abandoned any attempt at prayer," the old man continued, "until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me, ‘Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here is what i suggest. Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair infront of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair.It's not spooky, because He promised, “I will be with you always.”’”
" Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing with me right now."
"So I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I'm careful though if my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown, or send me off to the funny farm."
The minister was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him, anointed him with oil, and returned to the church
Two nights later, the daughter called to tell the minister that her daddy had died in that afternoon.
"Did he die in peace?" the minister asked
"Yes, when i left the house about two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me how much he loved me, and kissed me on the cheek. When i got back from the store an hour later, i found him dead. But there was something strange about his death. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on the chair beside the bed. How would you make of that?"
The minister wiped a tear from his eyes, and said, "I wish we could all go like that."

The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you!

Love is the greatest commandment

2009-06-29T20:00:00.000+08:00

Random Devotion---Love

verses to read: John 3:16, Romans 8:38-39

Once there was this man, who had a bad life. He had a broken family, having his parents quarrelling everyday, and his brother who was on drugs. He felt that he had something empty in his life, but he was extremely unsure about what he need. His needs was met in a church service, where he broke down and cry. What he need most was something simple -- Love. Not any ordinary love, but love from the One up High. From that day onwards, he loved Christ so much that Christ will never leave his heart again!

In our lives, we may in times of wilderness, where we will start to feel that God is far away from us. However, it is our faith which keeps us going alive, on fire for God, the person whom we had never seen in our life. In John 3:16, God told us that He love us to the extent that, He sent His ONE AND ONLY SON to die on the cross for us. When God love us, He did not say "I love you"
But instead, He says, "I love you with an everlasting love"

How much is it greater for Someone who is so powerful to love someone like us whom were not worthy of His love. Look at how great His love is! God loves us so much that even the very hairs on our heads are numbered (matthew 10:29-31).

What God wants is actually 2 simple things. Not one but two. Yes, He wants us to love Him back, just by accepting Him and love Him with our heart. However, God wants us to share this PERFECT LOVE with other people, those who do not know God!

Whenever we feel down, we must never forget that, God send us to earth not just to love Him, but also to preach the gospel and love others like how God loves us, and share the love of God!

Therefore, keep your fire burning! Do not let the devil pour water and melt your fire! Like how Paul love the people in Rome (Romans 8:38-39), we must love those who are far from us, those who we hate.

Love and do not hate! For love is the greatest commandment!

God bless!
(Servant of God and His people, Yi Ren)

PS: i had this sudden urge to share some words, and i did it even without seeking consent from Ailin. LOL. hope that this really encourage you to live your life to the fullest. Even though this may be quite "basic", but it does cheer me up when i am down. Hope that it will be the same for you! God love you! amen!

Will you still trust His heart, when you do not see His hands?

2009-06-23T14:48:00.000+08:00

Daily devotion 22nd June Mon - Ailin

Will you still trust His heart when you do not see His hands?

Our Christian walk is narrow and straight and trials are something unavoidable. Sometimes, it may be so hard-going that many a times, you just want to quit. And what makes it worst is that sometimes you do not see His hands even in the midst of troubles…

But hey let’s look at what God says in His word, [Romans 5:3-5]
It says, ‘‘we also glory in tribulation, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, Character; and Character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.’’

Guys don’t ever give up. Has God given up on you before? Never did He ever think of it because He loves you. And because He loves you He does not want to see you being at where you are. He wants to mold your character. He yearns to fellowship with you daily! God is more interested in your character than your comfort.

Let’s grow in maturity, as our relationship with God gets closer, we will know and understand God better with the reading & meditating of the word of God. We will also receive revelations from Him; things that He wants to tell us or show us through visions and dreams through our quiet time with Him. A mature Christian has a close relationship with God that even when He falls and does not see God’s hand, because of the relationship and the trust he has in God, he will choose to trust His heart. The mature Christian will stand up again and where does the strength comes from?
Zechariah 4:6 “Not by power nor by might, but by the Spirit of God.”

So guys, always trust in His heart when you don’t see His hands.
There is so many things God, our heavenly father has installed for us.
You may not see it now. Slowly but surely.
Hang on, don’t let go of His promises.
Because, He is worth it.

In his love,
Ruth

Welcome post

2009-06-17T21:28:00.000+08:00

Welcome to City Harvest Church's E290 Cell Group blog! Enjoy your visit! ;)

Open your mouth wide, and I'll feed you

2009-05-16T23:39:00.000+08:00

Saturday Service @ Expo
Rev. Dr. Kim Sung Hae
16 May 2009

Offering:
Isaiah 32:8
Psalm 51:12
-When the Holy Spirit come upon you, you will become generous!

IF WE OPEN OUR MOUTH WIDE
1. God fills us with HIS LOVE
Luke 15:22-23
3 John 1-2

2. God fills us with STRONG FAITH
Mark 10:27
-There is nothing that God cannot do!

3. God fills us with MIRACLES
Mark 9:23
-If we look at the Mightly Lord, miracles do happen!
Isaiah 53:5

4. God will fill your lives with ABUNDANCE
-God is giving what we need if we open our mouth wide!
Matthew 7:11
Psalm 23:1-2

Mom, I will be in your heart forever

2008-10-18T12:13:00.000+08:00

She jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the operating room.
She said: 'How is my little boy ? Is he going to be all right ? When can I see him ?'

The surgeon said, 'I'm sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn't make it.'

Sally said, 'Why do little children get cancer ? Doesn't God care any more ? Where were you, God, when my son needed you ?'

The surgeon asked, 'Would you like some time alone with your son ? One of the nurses will be out in a few minutes, before he's transported to the university.'

Sally asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good bye to son. She ran her fingers lovingly through hi s thick red curly hair.

'Would you like a lock of his hair ?' the nurse asked.
Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy's hair, put it in a plastic bag and handed it to Sally.

The mother said, 'It was Jimmy's idea to donate his body to the University for Study. He said it might help somebody else. 'I said no at first, but Jimmy said, 'Mom, I won't be using it after I die. Maybe it will help some other little boy spend one more day with his Mom.'

She went on, 'My Jimmy had a heart of gold. Always thinking of someone else. Always wanting to help others if he could.'

Sally walked out of Children's Mercy Hospital for the last time, after spending most of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy's belongings on the seat beside her in the car. The drive home was difficult. It was even harder to enter the empty house.

She carried Jimmy's belongings, and the plastic bag with the lock of his hair to her son's room. She started placing the model cars and other personal things back in his room exactly where he had always kept them. She laid down across his bed and, hugging his pillow, cried herself to sleep.

It was around midnight wh en Sally awoke. Laying beside her on the bed was a folded letter.

The letter said :

'Dear Mom, I know you're going to miss me; but don't think that I will ever forget you, or stop loving you, just 'cause I'm not around to say 'I Love You' . I will always love you, Mom, even more with each day. Someday we will see each other again. Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you won't be so lonely, that's okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff to play with. But, if you decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn't like the same things us boys do. You'll have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like, you know. Don't be sad thinking about me. This really is a neat place. Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything. The angels are so cool. I love to watch them fly. And, you know what? Jesus doesn't look like any of his pictures. Yet, when I saw Him, I knew it was Him. Jesus himself took me to see GOD ! And guess what, Mom ? I got to sit on God's knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody important. That's when I told Him that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you good bye and everything. But I already knew that wasn't allowed. Well, you know what Mom ? God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter. I think Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to you. God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked Him 'Where was He when I needed him ?' 'God said He was in the same place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross. He was right there, as He always is with all His children. Oh, by the way, Mom, no one else can see what I've written except you. To everyone else this is just a blank piece of paper. Isn't that cool ? I have to give God His pen back now. He needs it to write some more names in the Book of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I'm sure the food will be great. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don't hurt anymore. The cancer is all gone. I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain anymore and God couldn't stand to see me hurt so much, either. That's when He sent The Angel of Mercy to come get me. The Angel said I was a Special Delivery ! How about that ? Signed with Love from God, Jesus & Me.