The Opera Populaire

I had a very blessed morning attending a combined English service with Rev. Rick Warren. Consisting of 12 churches and ministries, it was held in Hotel Shangrila ballroom. Expectedly, the service was super packed, given the popularity of his book, "The Purpose Driven Life". For me, it was a new experience to attend a faith-based function here on my own for the first time. It was oso an eye-opener to see the standard and size of the English-speaking congregation here. There were many Caucasian expatriates attending the services here apparently.

I was oso pleased to see that the whole thing did not turn out to be a "Rick Warren is our idol" thingie. Rather, Rev. Warren only appeared for a short while and the whole service was dedicated to Who it should be dedicated to... God. Thumbs up!

But I was personally blessed by the message of the service. I got many points and I just sensed God speaking to me so clearly during the service. God usually chooses to speak softly, like the story of Elijah. But I think there are times in our lives when He chooses to speak loudly, esp when we need it most. And speak loudly and clearly He did today. Here is a summary of the points I remember:

1) God has a purpose for me.
2) God's purpose is found in His promises found in His Word.
3) Think big, start small. (Parable of the mustard seed)
4) Alone, you can achieve nothing. Only God will enable you to do more than you ever think possible.
5) Never be complacent and think you'll always remember God's Word, but always consult and re-consult where it all is: the Bible.
6) 3 things that hinder us from moving out in faith: ego, fear and past failures.
7) Having accepted Christ as our Lord and Saviour does NOT mean we no longer have any probs. (Very true indeed. In fact, I get more probs after I accepted Christ haha.)
8) God has given us the freedom to choose. Most astounding for me: I get to choose which prayers get answered!
9) When God say no, He will change either my heart or the circumstance or both.
10) God more often work through those people who think that God can neva work through them! (Yay! That sounds so like me at this point in time!)

The above is a very rough note cos I din have any pen with me and by the time I am blogging this, I think I retain only less than 20% of what was said. Not exactly new revelation, but just reminders of time-tested truth. But what is important is that I feel encouraged about issues that I am facing, being refreshed by His love and promises. Was close to tears at the worship, esp when we sang "Blessed be Your Name", one of my favourites. It was oso nice to go back to contemporary worship after having traditional worships for a long time here :)

I oso felt very grateful for the pastor, Rev. Denny, who called me up during the week to welcome me becos he was away when I went to the church for the 1st time on Sun. Was oso very blessed by this nice Sri Lankan family who specially called me this morning to say they will meet me at the hotel lobby so that we can go in tog. God is truly nice to me!

After the service, I got to take a cab alone for the 1st time. Stood at the roadside for so long becos the hotel only allowed expensive Silver Bird taxis in. Some peeps who came after me got cabs 1st. Felt rather worried about potential snatch thief and esp when I saw some motorcyclists waving yellow flags, probably demonstrators who had been in action at the nearby place. In the end I managed to get the reputable Blue Bird taxi and scoot off to meet my Mom.