To Dearest EC....BOL1 Remembers You for All Time, Thanks for all the Beautiful Memories. Till we meet again...[2 Aug 2016 RIP]

GOOD memories 💞💞💖

we THANK and PRAISE GOD for EC ❤❤❤😄🌻🌟💖 and so grateful for his special n unique contribution as part of our BoL1 "family". We shall miss EC dearly 💖💖💖

Our Love and GOD's Comfort to you dear Violet 🌹🌹🌹...Suli

My heart is pained by EC's passing yet comforted and inwardly rejoicing that he got to know Jesus.Praying for the continued comfort of the Holy Spirit to be with Violet and all his family who mourn the great loss.

As we mourn my brother in Christ EC, it's good to remember...Andrew

How EC came to know the Lord at Alpha 2013 through Violet
& became a part of our BOL1 family at Wesley

Remember how he was 100% attendance for Alpha & so admirable as he aptly held his own even though it's mostly with a bunch of noisy gals.

Most Valued member of our exclusive BOL1 men's club

EC celebrating Violet's Baptism with their family & us

Remember EC's epic ability to memorise scripture during Acts2Church

Trip down memory lane remembering our beloved EC. So glad to have met & known him such a gentle sporting man passionate in his learning of God's word! I'll remember him as the one who will always volunteer first to provide the memory phrase during the Meet Jesus Campaign. So I'm comforted to know he has now met Jesus and is beaming down at his family and us from Heaven above! ❤🎈Jennis

Always sporting. EC helped to map out the route of our Gardens By the Bay walk.

Heartening to see him enjoying our outings.

 

Happily singing carols with us last Xmas...BOL1 we all remember you fondly. Thanks for all the memories...Rebecca

Very memorable pictures indeed! Will remember EC fondly...Gabey

EC, we will remember you. Thanks for the good times and the memory....Dennis

Worship Medley [27 May 2016]

AMAZING GRACE
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.

OUR GOD
Into the darkness you shine, Out of the ashes we rise
There's no One like You, None like You
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God... 

IN CHRIST ALONE
In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand.

CORNERSTONE
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame But wholly trust in Jesus name
Christ alone; cornerstone Weak made strong; in the Saviour's love
Through the storm, He is Lord Lord of all

REMEMBRANCE
Lord, we remember You And remembrance leads us to worship
And as we worship You Our worship leads to communion
We respond to Your invitation We remember You

MIGHTY TO SAVE
My Savior, You can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save.
Forever, author of Salvation
You rose and conquered the grave. Yes you conquered the grave.

CHRIST IS ENOUGH FOR ME
Through every trial My soul will sing
No turning back I've been set free
Christ is enough for me
Everything I need is in You, Everything I need

NO LONGER A SLAVE
You unravel me with a melody, You surround me with a song
Of deliverance from my enemies Till all my fears are gone.
I'm no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD
Name above all names. Worthy of our praise
My heart will sing, How great is our God

GIVE THANKS
And now let the weak say, "I am strong", Let the poor say, "I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us". Give thanks

IMMANUEL
So what will be Your answer? Will You hear the call?
Of Him who did not spare His son but gave Him for us all
On earth there is no power there is no depth or height
That could ever separate us from the love of God in Christ
Immanuel our God is with us
And if God is with us who could stand against us
Our God is with us. Immanuel


HOW GREAT THOU ART
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art! How great Thou art! 

Worship [13 May 2016]

Pass It On
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7joR7n91Ao8


It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That's how it is with God's Love,
Once you've experienced it,
Your spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.

What a wonderous time is spring,
When all the tress are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
That's how it is with God's love,
Once you've experienced it.
You want to sing, it's fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on.

I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I've found;
You can depend on God
It matters not where you're bound,
I'll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.

I'll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.






How Great is Our God
https://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=SG&hl=en-GB&v=-20GqU9Q4UE


The splendor of a king
Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice

He wraps Himself in light,
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice

How great is our God
Sing with me
How great is our God
And all will see
How great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end

The Godhead Three in One
Father, Spirit, Son
Lion and the Lamb
Lion and the Lamb

How great is our God
Sing with me
How great is our God
And all will see
How great, how great is our God

Name above all names
Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God

Name above all names
You are worthy of all praise
And my heart will sing
How great is our God

[3x]
How great is our God
Sing with me
How great is our God
And all will see
How great, how great is our God

Today is the Day...to Treasure this moment [shares by Kyra]

Today is the day ...

to treasure this moment. 

Treasure this moment today. 

Tomorrow is still a dream and yesterday a memory. 

Like a river that flows without stopping, time flows on moment by moment. 

When you learn to treasure the moment with gratitude, you will drink the fullness of the time God has allowed you. 

Be present with God in this moment, pausing to thank Him for what is around you right now. 

Then really take the time to pay attention to your life - the sights and scents and sounds and impressions.

These are God's gifts to you. 

Psalm 67:6 NIV

[6] The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us.

Luke 12:32 NIV

[32] “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

"You weren't made for yourself, You were made to serve God"--Rick Warren [shared by ChaiLeng]

How are we going to do to be able to serve him according his timing and his will?

Thoughts on Bible Reading: 1Thess5 & Prov26 [shared by Andrew]

1 Thess 5 talks of holding in high regard the hardworking Christian leaders who care in the Lord for fellow believers and, among other things, also "admonishes" (v12) and "warns" against idleness and disruptive behavior  (v14).

At the same time the call is to be patient with each other, striving to do what is good for others and everyone else.

Thot: as we grow as a Christian community is there a role for more admonishment and warning so that we can grow better together in Christ? Will we have the courage and humility to go beyond the comfortable zone?

Also nice from 1 Thess 5 is to know What is God's will for me in Christ Jesus? The answer is "Rejoice always, pray continually, Give thanks in all circumstances"  (v16-18).

Proverbs 26 has a number of practical warning sayings e.g. against being lazy or foolish quarreling, but the one that stood out for me was v20: 

"Without wood a fire dies down

Without gossip a quarrel dies down."

Thoughts on Bible Reading: 1The4 & Prov24 [shared by Andrew]

Today Prov 25:21 talks of heaping coals on enemies' head by feeding them and giving them drink.

 Thot:?Very different from the way of the world.

Yet interesting that this is an ancient theme taken up in Romans 12 where  this proverb is cited for us to know how to put Christ's love in action. It is also in line with Jesus' call for us to love and pray for our enemies. (Matthew 5:44).

Among other things, 1 Thess 4 reminds and warns on sexual impurity and the importance of personal holiness.  Also about what our ambition should be, and winning the respect of others by living quiet lives and working (v11-12).

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Prov24 & 1Thess3 [shared by Andrew]

A little slumber, a little sleep, a little folding of the hands to rest and poverty will come like a thief .... Proverbs 24:33

I'm now in my 9th month of no pay leave.  Thankful for the rest, the time to spend with my mum, and the opportunity to learn new skills. Yet this Proverbs verse reminds me not to get too complacent.  

The risk of complacency is also more acute in spiritual matters.  In 1 Thess 3, Paul writes with the joy and fervency of labouring for the Lord despite trials.

This reinforces for me the message  (currently studying at BSF) on Revelations 3 to the Loadicean church not to be lukewarm, for thinking we are rich and not needing anything when in reality we are poor and wretched and needing the Lord.

Thoughts on Bible Reading: 1Thes2 [shared by Andrew]

Yesterday I was reminded that challenges can sometimes be used by God to bring us closer to Him and to realise we can rely on Him for He is trustworthy and loves us and all our family members.

By the way, glad that some of the daily reflections have been of help.  I would nevertheless encourage all to read God's word directly if you can.    

Many people pay a lot of money for advice and insights on all sort of issues. Yet in the Bible we have a customized message from the God of all creation on the most important issues for each of us each day.  The  "cost" is just a bit of our time and an open heart.

Today's reading from 1 Thessalonians 2 in particular reminds that what we read in the bible is not human words but God's word.

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Cols3-4 [shared by Andrew]

From the last few day readings I like the verses:

Colossians 4:17 where in Paul's final greeting to the Christians at Colossae he tells Archippus to "complete the ministry you have received in the Lord."

 (Thot: how can I better complete the ministry I have received in the Lord?  If I don't really know what is this ministry, what steps can I take to better identify or confirm the ministry(s) that Jesus wants for me.)

Also

Colossians 3:17 "whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him"

Reinforced by 

3:23 "whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord and not human masters"

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Proverbs19 [shared by Andrew]

Some days the most appropriate reflection is to just let the scripture speak. This is one of those days where Proverbs 19 has a number of wise, impactful sayings for me.

v17 whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord

v19 a hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.

v21 Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

v23 The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Colossians 1 [shared by Andrew]

This is the glorious mystery that Paul explains at the start of his letter to the Colossian Christians - "Christ in you" (v27)

For which it is continually prayed that each of us are filled with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Holy Spirit gives (v9).

Thot: How can we better surrender to His will and wisdom rather that trying to solve things are own human way this day?

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Phil4 & prob 15 [shared by Andrew{

Today's readings of Philippians 4 sees Paul sending his farewell greetings to the church at Philippi.  

Within are two of the most cited reassuring verses - reminding us that we don't need to be anxious (v6,7) and with Christ's strength we can do all things (v13).

Helpful reminders that we can overlook if too caught up with the cares of the world.

Proverbs 17 also has encouragement that a cheerful heart  is like a medicine (v22) and of the support we provide each other as fellow believers (17).

Praying that the images from God's Word provides the msg of hope by which you are blessed and can bless others today.

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Prov16 & Phil3 [shared by Andrew]

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Prov15 & Phil9 [shared by Andrew]

Great to hear Susan. Praise God.

Blessed Monday all.  Today's Old and New Testament readings were chock-full of relevant reinforcing reminders:

Proverbs 15

v16 - Better a little with fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.

v22 - Plans fail for lack of counsel but with many advisors they succeed (comment: thankful for all yr fellowship and support over the years).

v35 - Humility comes before honour.

Philippians 2:

v3 - in humility value others before yourself

v5-11 - Be like Christ who though God, humbled himself to be servant and obediently died on the cross before being raised in honour

v13 - for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill  His good purpose 

v16 - Don't run or labour in vain

This may be a trying week for some of us. Wishing and praying God's strength and support for each of you. 

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Eph4 [shared by Andrew]

Ephesians 4 begins with what a mature Christian is about before giving practical instruction on living as a Christian - handling anger, being honest, and being kind, compassionate and forgiving of others.  

Thanks be to God that as Easter approaches and reminds us of what Christ did to love and forgive us, 

we too now also have the Holy Spirit to empower us to do what is difficult in loving and forgiving others.

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Eph3 [shared by Andrew]

Tks everyone for praying.  It is good to know we have a prayer hearing and answering God AND that we have others praying for us and our loved ones.

Today's readings reminded me that as a teenager, my Sunday school teacher - Mary Chia - made our class try to memorize Eph 3:16-20. 

It was a long passage and we did this for practically the whole year to drum in the prayer and value of this particular passage. 

40 years on I understand why she made us do it - that we may really know and be filled with Christ's love and to wish it for others we care for.

"I killed Jesus - by Christina Mead" [shared to Cheryl]

A thoughtful reflection...

Good to reflect below characters on this before Easter ."I killed Jesus - by Christina Mead"

while I read the story of Christ’s passion and death in the gospel of Matthew. I was looking for myself in the story. Which character am I? What is God trying to teach me? Well…

I think that I am every character in the story of the passion and death of Christ. And I think that’s the whole point.

I am the apostle

I am an apostle, sleeping in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:40). I’m prone to give in to laziness in the presence of holiness. I don’t put up a fight against the pull of distractions or sometimes even sleep.

I am Judas

I am Judas. Jesus has every right to call me both “friend” and “betrayer” barely 30 seconds apart (Matthew 26:46, 50). My heart is fickle and weak and sometimes my commitment to being Jesus’ friend is blown off on the whim of an emotion.

I am Caiaphas

I am Caiaphas, the high priest. I want Jesus to prove Himself to me (Matthew 26:63). I want signs and wonders to know that I really can trust Him. I want myprayers answered in my way. I want concrete proof over humble faith.

I am Peter

I am Peter. Sometimes I deny Jesus (Matthew 26:72). I deny Him in the face of the homeless when I chose to look away. I deny Him when I am afraid of being judged and condemned by those around me.

I am the crowd

I am in the crowd yelling, “crucify Him” (Matthew 27:21-23). And I say it again and again every time I knowingly choose to sin.

I am Barabbas

I am Barabbas. I am chained in sin and holed up in the prison of my own pride. And instead of suffering the full punishment for my sins for which I am guilty… Christ takes my place (Matthew 27:26). And I often forget to thank Him.

I am Pilate

I am Pilate. I want to give up when life is too challenging (Matthew 27:24). I’m ready to wash my hands of Christianity when being a follower of Jesus means pursuing virtue over mediocrity, a life of prayer over a life of pleasure.

I am Simon of Cyrene

I am Simon of Cyrene (Matthew 27:32). I suffer reluctantly. I will take the cross but I won’t seek it. I’ll only take it if it’s been placed on my shoulders… and I don’t love it.

I am passer-by

I am a passer-by. These passers-by mocked Jesus while He was hanging on the cross (Matthew 27:30). How quickly they had forgotten all the good works He had done among their cities and towns. When popular opinion about Jesus changed, they followed suite. How quicklyI forget the good He’s done for me. In a brief moment of pain all my gratitude is forgotten and replaced by resentment.

I am one of the roman soldiers

I am one of the Roman soldiers (Matthew 27:35). I killed Jesus. My sins were the reason He was nailed to that cross. It was my fault and I know it.

But sometimes…

I am the centurion. My eyes are opened to who Jesus is in my life (Matthew 27:54). My heart swells with the truth that God became man and died for me. And this knowledge brings me peace and a resignation to amend my life.

I am one of the women standing by the cross (Matthew 27:55-56). When I’m open to God’s grace, I can be a faithful and constant Christian. In the midst of pain and suffering, I can stay close to the cross. Jesus, my beloved, is my strength and He’s all I need.

I am Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:59). Again, only by God’s grace, I can be selflessly compassionate, putting others’ needs before my own. Moved by God, I will use what He has given me in the service of others. My time, talent, and treasure are all for Him.

Sometimes I am every character in the story of the passion and death of Christ.We have to apply it to our lives today because the reality of it’s events matter today.

I killed Jesus. But I am also the reason He rose from the dead.

Do you have the courage to see yourself in these characters? Can you blame yourself for the nails in His hands? The stripes in His flesh? Do you realize that your sins killed Him, also? And that because of you, because of His intense, unending love for YOU… He rose 

 As we replayed the scene where we, the crowd, went from praising Hosanna to the son of God to shouting "crucify Him!", the horror of what was done then, and what we are still doing today whenever we reject Jesus hit home.  

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Ephesians [shared by Andrew]

In Ephesians 1:16 Paul recounts how he never stopped giving thanks and praying for the Ephesian Christians.

As we cope with all the challenges and hopes of our journey, know that you are prayed for. 

And if u have time, pray for me and the others that we may know and better rest in God's care.

Jehovah Sali, the Lord my Rock [shared by Kyra]

UJehovah Sali, the Lord my Rock. Lord may my family run to You to take refuge and rest upon you for protection. Please watch over us and guard us day and night, amen. 

Psalm 18:2

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 

Family Prayer

Our family will anchor on you, Jehovah Sali, the LORD our rock. When troubles come, we will run to you alone. You fight for us. You are our protection and defense. We take refuge and rest upon you for your protection. You guard and watch over us, day and night.

Reading Passage: Psalm 18:2-36

http://listening.place/jehovah-sali-the-lord-my-rock/

#NamesofGod #ListeningPlace

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Prov5 & Gal4 [shared by Andrew]

Blessed Friday all.  Look forward to seeing some of you this evening.

In Gal 4, Paul reminds that we are no longer slaves but sons of the great God - that we are now privileged to call with the tender term of "Abba" father.

What struck me was also v13 where Paul alludes to an illness that ended up allowing the sharing of the good news with the Galatians.  

- even in something 'bad', God worked it for good. 

Reminds me of the unique confidence we now have as God's children that "all's well that ends well.  And If things seem not well, remember it's not yet the end."

Proverbs 5 warns of the danger, (esp for guys?) of staying away from temptation and the value of staying faithful. 

There is also the assurance from Proverbs 5:21 that God watches and knows our paths.

Thoughts on Bible Reading: Prov4 & Gal3 [shared by Andrew]

In Proverbs 4, I never realized before the extent to which the book begins with the imploring need to remember the importance of seeking, really seeking, God's wisdom - which includes staying away from evil and guarding our hearts.

Galatians 3 sees Paul explaining in the historical context of Abraham, how, through what Jesus did, we can now be justified by faith and are all one in Christ. 

 May the Holy Spirit fill and encourage all our hearts with this hope we have which is a wonderful thing!