As we studied yesterday, the "Great Commission is not just making converts, but making disciples. The word disciple means "student." It also means "disciplined one." Both apply to our lives in Christ.

When we come to the Lord we become a lifelong student. As we read in I Corinthians 2:10, "... for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God." Because this is the Spirit's nature, if the Holy Spirit is leading us we too will always be searching to know the Lord deeper. We will be compelled to know His ways, not just His acts. True Christianity and shallowness are contradictory to each other.

Because the word "disciple" also means "a disciplined one," II Timothy 1:7 declares, "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." Few think of discipline as a fruit or gift of the Spirit, but it is very basic to the nature of the Spirit that we have been given. If we live by the Spirit we will be a disciplined people. This denotes controlling ourselves with focus and purpose. That is why "self-control" is listed as a fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-24).

In I Timothy 4:7-8 we are told to "discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." Nothing of significance has most likely ever been accomplished without discipline. If we will discipline ourselves in Christ we will accomplish things that will bear eternal fruit. If we want to do anything of significance we must seize and apply the great power that is released through discipline.

I have been told a few times by friends who have known me from childhood that they cannot understand how I ever accomplished the things that I have. I understand their perplexity. Many of them are smarter than I am, and much more gifted, yet they languish in jobs they hate while I am doing the kind of things they dream about. Why? Though I was a failure in school, and seemed destined to a life of failure, when I was born again I was given the gift of discipline. Something gripped me so that I knew there was nothing more important or more fulfilling than getting to know the Lord. While others were out having fun, I stayed home and studied for years. To them it looked like I was wasting my life, but now it looks like they are the ones who were wasting their opportunity to do something significant.

It does not matter how old you are, or how many years you may have wasted, it is not too late to change. All discipline will pay off. Our discipline in the Lord will bear eternal fruit. Many would begin to live lives of great fruitfulness and fulfillment if they took just the time they now spend in front of the television and instead spent it in front of the throne of God, seeking to know Him, giving themselves to His service.

The following verses can change lives from one of defeat and discouragement into powerful demonstrations of the kingdom of God. Read them. Ponder them. Pray over them. Obey them.

and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him;
For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives."
It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?
But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?
For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness.
All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:5-11).

Do not waste your trials. They are more precious than gold. As the Lord said in Revelation 3:19: "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent."

http://www.morningstarministries.org/Groups/1000022226/MorningStar_Ministries/Media/Daily_Devotional/Daily_Devotional.aspx

Labels: devotion

My eyes are continually toward the LORD, for He will pluck my feet out of the net (Psalm 25:15).

There is no trap the enemy can lay for us that the Lord cannot deliver us from. However, deliverance requires that we look to Him, not man, and not to our own devices.

One cannot live in this world without having difficulties. When the Son of God Himself walked the earth He suffered continual attacks from His enemies. They were constantly trying to trap Him, discredit Him, and even kill Him. We can look at His life and think that He never had any peace, but in fact He was never without peace. He was the Prince of Peace, and peace could not be taken from Him by trials. Neither can the peace that He has given to us be taken by trials, unless we surrender it.

As I am writing this I am watching a bluebird seeking out its breakfast in the grass. What a wonderful existence this bird seems to have, flying around happily enjoying all that God created. However, reality is that every time the bird lands, it has to watch out for a host of creatures that would like to make it their breakfast. Even when it flies, hawks and falcons must constantly be watched.

What's my point? Presently the whole earth is in conflict. As humans we may complain about our "dog eat dog" existence of competition, but the rest of the creatures have to worry about being literally eaten every day. Even so, as Christians we have the greatest promise of all, the promise of a world to come that is greater than any utopia or civilization that even the most optimistic philosophers have been able to envision. A kingdom is coming that will bring peace to the earth. It will bring such peace that the lion will lie down with the lamb, and children will be able to play with cobras. No one will hurt anyone else again on the earth.

It is the goal of the Christian life to live in the age to come now. It is our job to live in it to the degree that we can preach it with conviction, and demonstrate it with power. We are ambassadors of this kingdom that is going to come to earth. Every day we must arise and keep our attention on living in the realm where peace is already available that is beyond comprehension to those who merely live on this earth.

We are called to live every day walking closely with the Prince of Peace Himself. Because He is the Prince of Peace He brings peace wherever He goes. Therefore, if we take Him to work with us we will bring peace to the workplace. When conflict arises, we will not get caught up in it, but rather be peacemakers. Our job now is to help the lions and lambs start lying down together in peace.

It is noteworthy that the apostle said, "And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" (see Romans 16:20). It seems that it would be "the Lord of hosts," which means "Lord of armies," that would crush Satan, but rather it is "the God of peace." The peace of God is an impregnable fortress and irresistible force. The power of God's peace is greater than all of the conflict on this earth.

Do not let anything steal the peace of God that has been given to you. We have this peace by keeping our attention on the One who is above all rule and authority and power. It is our calling to live in His domain, where there is peace, and to carry it forth into this present darkness. Those who live by His peace have the sure promise from the Lord that a better day is coming to this earth. That is the kingdom that He preached, and we too must proclaim by the demonstration of our lives that our peace cannot be shaken by the conflicts of this present age. For this reason the apostles continually gave the salutation, "May the peace of God be with you."

quoted from http://www.morningstarministries.org/

Labels: devotion

Dear friends!

Time flies and we are almost coming to the end of another month, October! How has October been for you?

Remember the Storm and the boat update that we've sent to you a month ago? We're still in the boat, cruising through the storm with Jesus, but it has kind of slowed down and we are managing and coping really well with the transitions and events. :) How has it been for you at work? For us, it has been a hectic but enjoyable month for us. We have the privilege to teach different churches and students how to use short films to evangelize to our love ones and friends! By His grace, we have been invited to teach twice in one church and a campus, exposing almost 100 over people, young and old to Media Evangelism! We're excited as more churches are approaching us to be trained and equipped to connect with the generation today!...

And we have finally gotten the keys to our own abode! :) Praise God for His perfect timing and grace for us to sustain through the storm.. read more from our Oct-Nov 2009 update!! Click Here --> Oct-Nov09 or on the right side of this site..

We are having a shortfall and are raising our monthly salary... read more in our update :)

We will love to be praying for you. Please let us know how we can be praying together as you are sent out into the marketplace to be a salt and light to the lost around you! We pray that God will give you strength and grace to withstand the storm that is in your life right now, and be able to sense God sailing through with you in your little boat and know that "you're safe. Do not be afraid."

Hear from you soon! Thank you for being so encouraging and supportive in our lives... :)
(Please help us send this newsletter to others whom you think can be encouraged or who would like to be praying for missionaries like us :D Thank you!)


Serving and partnering with you for His kingdom purpose,
Yours Truly,
Johnson and Yvonne
Staff with Singapore Campus Crusade for Christ

Labels: newsletter update

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

Labels: devotion

Dear Friends,

Time really flies. In a blink of an eye, Johnson and I (Yvonne) have been married for almost 10 months. August has passed quickly and September is entering gradually. How has August been for you? A close friend of ours echoed that it has been a tough August and he feels that he is entering into an even more difficult month... Another of my friend shared that she is thankful that August has ended and September is a new fresh season for her and she moves into her very own home with her hubby. Yet some voiced that they are so focused about their work that they didn't even realized that it has been a new month. For me, this August season of our lives have been a rather challenging one, but I would like to echoed that it is still a good faith-stretching one.

Jesus and the storm
The story of Jesus and His disciples stood out strong for me (Yvonne) during this period of time, and gave us strength to "cruise" through the storm. Matthew 8:23-26 "Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." All these while I have thought that it was all about the faithless disciples and how we should learn to trust Jesus even in our most difficult times. But going through it again this time round, God gave me a new insight. It wasn't ALL about the faithless disciples or our difficult times... It was about a loving God. All the time when the waves hit the boat and swept over the boat, God was in the boat. When the disciples panicked and worry, God was in the boat. When they doubt Jesus not being able to calm the storm, He was there too, silently. God is there even in our most difficult times. God is in the boat with us too - that gave me a lot strength to face anything that was before me. And all I had to do was to "Call out to Jesus. And that He would help me, and calm the storm that is sweeping over my boat".

Intentional Disciple-making Church conference
I would like to think that Johnson and I ended our August well with an IDMC conference 09 from 27-29 Aug. We are privileged to be able to attend this conference in the midst of our challenges to bring us back to the focus of God. The conference is themed: “KNOWING GOD – Theology Made Relevant In Discipleship Today”. It is all about the importance of theology to real life. It is also about raising the alarm on the danger of theological rootlessness in our Christianity and our humble attempt at articulating the way back to basics. As theology is often seen as “too deep”, “not practical” and “for theologians only”, this conference seeks to reverse such a negative mindset and to make a paradigm shift. Throughout the whole conference, we are so inspired to read and know more about the God we know who desires to reveal Himself to us through theology.

Encouragement from the Cunninghams
We are also in a season of reading as we busy ourselves with ministry activities, settling HDB appointments, minor renovations for our new flat and raising support for our salaries as some supporters have pulled out because of unforeseen circumstances. Reading this book by Loren Cunningham called "Is that really You God?" has been an inspiring journey for me to focus on God and to seek out God's heart and leading for my life, to wait upon Him and to hear Him speak. In the book, Loren Cunningham shared about his life as a little boy, how his parents have influenced his beliefs, behavior and life - which inspires me to want to relearn how to listen and hear from God, to be a spiritual wife and mom that glorifies God, and to build a spiritual family like his too, with God's help...

'... Dad announced that he was going to have to be away from home for a few days. He gave me instructions, since I was ten years old, to take care of the family while he was gone. "I'll be in Springfield, Missouri," he said. "That's halfway across the country, but with telephones and all, we won't really be out of touch."

It was through the telephone that we got the bad news. Dad had been stricken with appendicitis. They couldn't operate - peritonitis had probably already set in, and with wartime shortages, there was no penicillin. It was just a matter of time until he would die. Mom put the telephone back on the wall and announced that we needed to pray-hard! I crawled behind the couch and stayed there, praying for hours. Two days passed, and Dad continued about the same. We had to hear something from God-some word to help us hold on. Then an event took place that I would never forget.

Three days after we learned of Dad's attack, a knock came at the door. I watched as Mother opened the door to the chilly brightness of the February morning. There stood a man from the church. He reminded me of a funeral director I had once seen, with his drawn features and doleful eyes. He stood there looking more sober than usual, fingering his felt hat, acting as if he was afraid to speak something that was on his mind.

"What is it?" Mother demanded, never shy. "Sister Cunningham," the gaunt man finally blurred, "God gave me a dream of your husband coming home in a coffin!"

My tongue seemed too big for my mouth as I watched my mom's face. She thought for a moment, then answered him.

"Well, sir," Mom's tone was kindly, but she spoke with a very distinct firmness,
"I do appreciate your coming here to tell me this. Hard as it is, I promise I will ask God if the dream really is from Him. With something this important, He'll tell me Himself, won't He?" It was more of a statement than a question, and with that, mom thanked the gentleman a second time and held open the door. As soon as the man had left, she went to prayer immediately.

"Is that You, God? I promise to try to accept this man's words if they are really from You. Just let me know. That's all I ask."

Mother had such a believing relationship with her heavenly Father that she fully expect Him to answer her on such an important issue in a fatherly-like manner with no shadow or doubt. She left it to God and went to bed. The next morning as we sat down to our breakfast of steaming oatmeal, Mom put Jannie into her highchair, then announced that she had some good news. "I had a dream last night," she said to Phyllis and me. We fell silent. "Well?" "In my dream Dad came home, but it was on a train, and he was wearing his pajamas!" And that's exactly what happened.

... Later Mom pointed out an important aspect of guidance to us. "Getting God's leading for someone else is tricky," Mom said."We can hear a confirming voice through another person. But if God has something important to tell you, He will speak to you directly."'

I pray that you'll be encouraged to know that God is in your boat in whatever seasons of life you are in...And that if God has something important to tell you, He who loves you so much will speak to you directly.

'The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!"
Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."'
1 Samuel 3:10


God is good,
God is in-control and
God will bring it (His timing and His will) to pass.

His child and servant,
Yvonne (and Johnson)

Labels: ministry, newsletter update

We had a hectic but a God-faithful week :)

We have a little 3 yr old girl in the midst of our SCCC family who suffers from a rare disease called Biliary atresia since last year and has went through many surgeries and prayer for a liver transplant. Just end of last year, God provided a healthy liver for her without having her mom to sacrifice hers and her health. She is went through a liver transplant, but recently got contracted with H1N1... it was devastating for many of us who knew the family and the little girl. But God proved to be faithful. It has been several months, and she has healed from h1n1 and the liver transplant have been adjusting well in her body! Praise God!

The Film ministry - us, WAP team wanted to capture her life as a documentary show to encourage those we are in the similar situation and we began this shoot yesterday, interviewing their pastor about the entire journey since yrs ago.

Pray for the little girl - Ariel, and her family.

Pray for us, that the shoot will be smooth as it will require alot of time and effort to renact and interview people who are involved... probably will take about 1 yr to shoot the entire journey... and edit.

Pray too that the film produced will be widely used to impact lives and testify God's love and greatness through this 3 yr old. :) Praise God! it will really humbling to be able to hear from the many people who were involved in the life of this little 3 yr old and how God used her life to speak to the adults :)


that all may know that He is God! :)
how have you been touched by God this week? :) share with us! so that we may be encouraged too! :) thanks for journeying with the Chee family!

Labels: ministry, updates

The past few days has been crazy for both of us, but nonetheless, there was still lots of joy and encouraging moments from God! :D

The soccer team is now in the last 2nd match for the season... and it will end for a break... The new team has been discouraged for some time as they are newly forged, as such it has been tough winning a game in the league. The team manager and supporting staff Ivin and Johnson has been talking to the players to encourage them to continue for one more season, so that we can continue to build deeper friendship with them. Pray for us as we continue in the new season, that the old players whom we have build friendship with, will stay on and newer players will join us too.

The last game was played at Bedok Green Sec and though the team lost, it was the best play that they have ever performed! Team unity and communication! :)


WAP DVD and Training
You have heard of our DVD that was released, now we are into the phase of getting connected with Churches who are interested in equipping their members or leaders with film evangelism, so that they can also use any form of films or media, or movies to connect with the lost! :) it is exciting! Currently I am in-charge of the stock taking of the DVDs in our team, as well as the liasing person with the churches, pray for us, that we'll be able to smoothly arrange for a DVD training tour to various churches from Aug to Dec 09!! :)



Youth discipleship, growth and development
It has been an exciting time with the cell girls. This month, my co-leader and I have decided to begin a new phase of developing our girls to lead the word and to grow in their faith. We are planning to meet up with the girls one by one, once a week (as we have more than 10 of them!), to catch up and equip them with skills on how to lead a cell, and lead the word. Then in the following Sunday, they will have an opportunity to lead an actual cell word with their own cell members. So far, I have the opportunity to coach two young girls - Cleo and Minxian (picture below - they are in the same row as me. Cleo is in light blue t-shirt hair tied back and Minxian is in full black tshirt with her fringe clipped back), to lead cell word and it has been realllly encouraging.

They'll fervently prepare for the cell word, prepare snacks, and prepare the bible study context on the passage that we'll be sharing on. To add on, they'll come to church earlier to take extra notes during the service (as the service is usually on the topic of the cell word) to refresh the cell girls, esp those who missed service.

I was just talking to Amanda that our girls are growing up! And it is really encouraging. Both of us are so proud of them. We are also very honored to be able to be a part of their lives. :) I must say, this is the highlight of the month, to be able to coach and see how the girls multiply what they have taught during the time with me, and see how they are sooo teachable - warms my heart. Jesus thank You for your grace and your love for me and the girls... Thank you for sustaining the cell even when in my human weakness I fail to do so, or model myself rightly...

I am a proud cell leader of my sec 3 cell girls! They are an amazing bunch:)

Baby niece
My baby niece is finally 4 1/2 months old and it has been amazing to see how much she has grown! :) Really love her to bits! :p Her name is Tabitha by the way :p
I just wanted to show a picture of my sisters... Tabitha is my elder sister's (the one in yellow) baby girl. She's an amazing mom to Tabitha, and I hope that I can be like her too when God grants us one :)

What's coming ahead:
Pray for us, as we have lots coming ahead of us! But we are excited too! :p

Aug - Dec 09 WAP Film Training with various Churches

15 Aug 09 - A short documentary film will be shot on this day (on a young girl age less than 4 who suffers from an illness that requires a transplant. We hope to shoot this live documentary show to bless the family who desires to use this story to impact God's glory and life in this little young strong girl)

18 Aug 09 - Our 1st HDB appointment (pray for smooth meeting with the authorities and owners)

27-29 Aug - a conference for all working full time staff "Knowing God" conference

Sept 09 - Shopping for our toilet and kitchen tiles, and home appliances (Pray for wisdom and finances. Thank God for a family who is passing over a new appliance over too us!)

20 Sept 09 - Our 2nd HDB appointment (pray for smooth hand over of keys)

Oct 09 - Our new home minor renovations (pray for smooth communication between the contractors and the designer and us! Pray for finances and wisdom...)

Starting in Sept 09 - Johnson's new leadership in the Youth core team

Oct 09 - Johnson's new leadership in leading the potential youth cell leaders

Oct 09 - WAP possible mission training trip (2 weeks)

Nov 09 - SCCC staff summit (3-4 days)

Beginning Dec 09 - Church youth camp (4 days)

End Dec 09 - SCCC Campus Crusade Metamorphosis camp (3-4 days)

End Dec 09 - Year end mission trip for SV (1 week)


Thanks for praying with us!!! :p

Labels: updates