Festival Of Praise 2008

Today was the first day of FOP. Went with shu ning, mich tham, n one of their cg member min zhen. It was really God blessed even though we reach there ard 7 which was quite late. We managed to get center block seats facing the stage. It was really a great view and it was super cool to see all the seats in the indoor stadium filled up. Just goes to show how magnificent god's reign is! Hallelujah! Another cool thing was parachute band playin for this yr's fop with reuben morgan leading P&W. Moreover, we had one of the famous international pastor, Mark Conners giving a sermon for this event!

The whole thing started off with a praise song followed by many worship songs. Some we know some we don't but regardless of that everyone really felt God's presence there n were all worshiping and praying with all their hearts. Many hearts were touched there n then. Next we had offerings time n announcements. Then came the time for Mark Conners to speak. He taught from the book of Acts 9:31, gathering 4 principles that Luke had told the acts church.
1. Peace
2. Encouragement
3. Comfort
4. Fear of the Lord
But i'm just gonna share one of them that impacted me greatly.

3. Comfort: Accompanying thru bad times
I The Holy Spirit is our comforter and is our resource to all that we need when we are at a loss.
II Learn to comfort others and not become theological to those who are in times of tragedy. (eg: Job)

This two pts that was made really hit home especially the 2nd pt. I believe the first quite self-explanatory. As for the 2nd one, it made me realise that when ppl find us to share their problem sometimes what they want is not to get lectured or provide them with solutions, but all they want is listening for them to pour out their thoughts n feelings. However, many at times instead of listening we habitually give our own opinions or bring biblical principles into the picture. Like Job's friends, even though he was in great anguish for the tragedies that he is facing, they unconsciously became theological with him. Rebuking him for his wrongdoings that they thought landed hinm in that situation. But will this make those in difficult situations feel better or make them worse? Are we really meeting their needs? This was the question that was put thru to all of us by Mark Conners. I admit i also fall into this pitfall. I pray that God will grow, change n make me more aware of the needs of those ard me. Let these question that was stated sink into our hearts.

Mark Conners sermon though was simple but it was the essentials of building up the church, transforming it from the inside out. So if anybody want the full sermon can come get it from me.

After that was altar call n worship, i believe the message that was spoken was so powerful that many hearts responded to the altar call for receiving peace n comfort from god n to become his powerful messenger to the world. All that was left next was just to enjoy singing praises n worship. That was the end of the first day of fop.
Before we left though, we got some "souvenirs". We bought Cds which include new albums from hillsong and parachute band. Really cool songs inside.

God really spoke many words of wisdom to me during the whole fop that i know will change my walk with him for the better and i really thank god for that!

P.S. anybody going for the next 2 days? If you are pls lend me your notes for the sermon those 2 days. Haha.