howdy mates! we're in the 10th month of 2009 and we're 22 months since the birth of this blog. really hope and pray that this blog has been a source of inspiration and comfort for you (and that includes those not from our cell group too!).

in case you've been living under a rock, each monday, now and then, there will be a post to aid us in our daily living from monday to friday. rightly put by our TRAC president, Rev Dr Wee Boon Hup, "...christians spend more time in the marketplace then in church." we're constantly struggling against this After-Sunday-Syndrome inherent in most christians, who tend to live their lives NOT in accordance to the Word of God. realising the importance of living as a consistent christian, we birthed this initiative.

*i thought i could also use this opportunity to encourage our brethren who are currently feeling the heat from the examinations.

there is a rather bad and naggy habit in our youth ministry in which the youth 'disappear' from church to study for their exams. claiming that they need more time, they use the excuse abundantly, inevitably pulling themselves away from church and ultimately God.

i think it's time to address this issue seriously. Matthew 6 : 33 rebukes strongly: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." By not attending church and cell group, are we saying that God is not worth the three hours in church? aren't we sinning against God? are we lacking faith in God such that we take refuge in our homes and books? Hebrews 11 :1 highlights :"Now faith is being SURE of what we hope for and CERTAIN of what we do not see."

brethren! take heed of what your bible tells you!

for the brothers whose exams have ended(yahoo!) take this opportunity and time to thank the Lord in solitude. *

This week in ASS, we look at yet another popular parable, 'The Parable of the Ten Minas(talents).

Scripture records this in Luke 19: 11 - 27

background: This parable was told by Jesus right after he visited Zacchaeus' house. I feel that Jesus tapped upon the topic of money and giving to approach this topic.

this famous parable teaches us to treasure the gifts that God has given us. we are quite simply told to multiply our talents and gifts for the expansion of His kingdom. have we been doing that? or are we idle, letting others serve while we seat in the background and watch?

one question that brother amos shared during cell group on sat touched me: "Jesus died for me. What am i going to do about it?" are we letting the death of Christ amount to nothing in our lives?

if you look hard enough, there's always space for an extra hand in any ministry in church. the ushers could use an extra pair of hands to count money on sunday, the floral ministry could use another to help with the arrangement. the tape recording ministry could use an extra pair of hands to help with the distribution.

brother, you are served.

Once again i look upon the cross where You died
I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again i thank you
Once again i pour out my life!

ASS121009
isaac