India's West Bengal State Reports Fresh Bird Flu Cases
By VOA News
09 March 2008
Authorities in eastern India say bird flu is spreading through poultry flocks in the same area of West Bengal state where the virus was thought to have been brought under control a month ago.
Nearly four million chickens were slaughtered in last month's attempt to suppress avian influenza, and sales or transport of poultry were banned throughout West Bengal state. The area borders Bangladesh, which also has been battling the deadly poultry disease.
Sunday, government officials in West Bengal said laboratory tests have confirmed the infection is present in two villages about 300 kilometers from Calcutta, the state capital. The deadly H5N1 variety of bird flu has killed nearly 1,000 birds in the area in the past week.
No human cases of bird-flu infection have been reported in India.
However, West Bengal officials say they will continue testing blood from people with flu-like symptoms, to make sure the virus has not spread to people.
The World Health Organization says bird flu has killed 224 people around the world since 2003.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
Quote from Karl Marx
"The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point, however, is to change it”
The Mystery of Israel
That is the way with revelation... For years, it had eluded us but in an instant, the truth becomes crystal clear. The last two verses of the Old Testament, we must have read it thousands of times: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."
It just had never occurred to me that the fathers can refer to the Israelites who are the fathers of our faith (Rom 9:5). It is amazing what Pastor David Davis shared yesterday about how Elijah in compassion and empathy, stretches out to the Gentile boy and bringing life back into him in 1 Kings (17).
Thus part of Elijah's ministry is releasing God's resurrection life on the earth and the key is in the Lord reconciling the Jew and the Gentile into the one new man - Eph (2). The confirmation can be found in one of my favourite verses, Rom (11:15): "For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?"
We must take careful consideration of this mystery of Israel which had been revealed to us. Not only will God use the measure of Israel to determine the sheep and goat nations in the last days, I believe that it can also open the door for us individually to walk in the resurrection power of the Lord...
"But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." (2Co 4:2)
It just had never occurred to me that the fathers can refer to the Israelites who are the fathers of our faith (Rom 9:5). It is amazing what Pastor David Davis shared yesterday about how Elijah in compassion and empathy, stretches out to the Gentile boy and bringing life back into him in 1 Kings (17).
Thus part of Elijah's ministry is releasing God's resurrection life on the earth and the key is in the Lord reconciling the Jew and the Gentile into the one new man - Eph (2). The confirmation can be found in one of my favourite verses, Rom (11:15): "For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?"
We must take careful consideration of this mystery of Israel which had been revealed to us. Not only will God use the measure of Israel to determine the sheep and goat nations in the last days, I believe that it can also open the door for us individually to walk in the resurrection power of the Lord...
"But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." (2Co 4:2)
19 Dec 2007 - Personal Miracle of passing my IPPT (Individual Physical Proficiency Test)
I have to give glory to God for this... I had not engaged in any physical activity for many months due to my busy work schedule. In fact, I told everyone that I have no chance of passing and will have to go for remedial training after the test. And I can't retake the test because it is already one day before my birthday.
On top of everything, I only slept at one plus this morning. So I was in the worst of shape to tackle the extremely tricky 2.4 km run. Firstly, I am pretty surprised to clear my Standing Board Jump easily and I managed to do 7 Chin-ups. (I thought 3 will be my limit)
So that gave me no excuse not to attempt the run. And I ran, relying on His strength and grace... though still fearing that I will collapse before completion. But I just have to finish the race. 12:05 was my time, not my fastest time but what relief and joy that followed : ) 12:40 is the passing mark.
I was reminded during the run that even while we go through the most trying and difficult times in our lives, at the very least, God's grace and peace are with us. That is something that those who are not saved will never experience. So let us all press on and never give up...
"For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand..." Psa (84:10)
On top of everything, I only slept at one plus this morning. So I was in the worst of shape to tackle the extremely tricky 2.4 km run. Firstly, I am pretty surprised to clear my Standing Board Jump easily and I managed to do 7 Chin-ups. (I thought 3 will be my limit)
So that gave me no excuse not to attempt the run. And I ran, relying on His strength and grace... though still fearing that I will collapse before completion. But I just have to finish the race. 12:05 was my time, not my fastest time but what relief and joy that followed : ) 12:40 is the passing mark.
I was reminded during the run that even while we go through the most trying and difficult times in our lives, at the very least, God's grace and peace are with us. That is something that those who are not saved will never experience. So let us all press on and never give up...
"For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand..." Psa (84:10)
My messenger that will prepare the way
I managed to steal some time away from my busy schedule, at East Coast Beach on Sat morning, trying to hear from God for the new year with the backdrop of soothing wave sounds.
It was a refreshing time and the word that came was from a familiar portion of Scripture: "And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple..." Its from Mal (3: 1-3) and God reminded me on a few more things about this cry that is constantly in my heart.
Firstly, there must be a messenger who prepares the way (ver 1) before the Messenger of the covenant can come. It is similar to what Pastor Yang shared on Sunday about how the Holy Spirit sets His spotlight on different families to prepare both the prophetic line and the kingly line. John the Baptist was the one who prepared the way for Jesus to be manifested to the the nation of Israel, with his message, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" (Matt 3:3)
Thus this divine order is critical and we must pray that Cornerstone will be a prophetic voice to this nation, to prepare for Jesus to come. And I cannot over-emphasize the importance of the coming Open Heavens conference. Let it be a sign and a wonder to the church in Singapore.
Next, the specific place where the Lord will come is His temple (ver 1). In one sense, it refers to our individual hearts and bodies and whether we delight in Him and looking forward to His coming. But it can also refer to a whole congregation of people seeking to see His face.
Ver 2 & 3 tell us that we are all completely unworthy to face Him but the Lord is the one who purges us that we can offer to Him an offering in righteousness. This speaks of the superior Zadok priesthood that will draw near and minister to God. The requirements are not too profound, but to remain loyal and faithful to the Lord, and to keep seeking for the coming radical encounter with the Messenger of the covenant Himself.
Much of the focus of this year will probably be on us ministering inside the Holy Place, rather than from the outer courts. Press on, saints... He is our inheritance...
"For I am the LORD, I do not change... Return to Me, and I will return to you..." (Mal 3: 6-7)
It was a refreshing time and the word that came was from a familiar portion of Scripture: "And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple..." Its from Mal (3: 1-3) and God reminded me on a few more things about this cry that is constantly in my heart.
Firstly, there must be a messenger who prepares the way (ver 1) before the Messenger of the covenant can come. It is similar to what Pastor Yang shared on Sunday about how the Holy Spirit sets His spotlight on different families to prepare both the prophetic line and the kingly line. John the Baptist was the one who prepared the way for Jesus to be manifested to the the nation of Israel, with his message, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" (Matt 3:3)
Thus this divine order is critical and we must pray that Cornerstone will be a prophetic voice to this nation, to prepare for Jesus to come. And I cannot over-emphasize the importance of the coming Open Heavens conference. Let it be a sign and a wonder to the church in Singapore.
Next, the specific place where the Lord will come is His temple (ver 1). In one sense, it refers to our individual hearts and bodies and whether we delight in Him and looking forward to His coming. But it can also refer to a whole congregation of people seeking to see His face.
Ver 2 & 3 tell us that we are all completely unworthy to face Him but the Lord is the one who purges us that we can offer to Him an offering in righteousness. This speaks of the superior Zadok priesthood that will draw near and minister to God. The requirements are not too profound, but to remain loyal and faithful to the Lord, and to keep seeking for the coming radical encounter with the Messenger of the covenant Himself.
Much of the focus of this year will probably be on us ministering inside the Holy Place, rather than from the outer courts. Press on, saints... He is our inheritance...
"For I am the LORD, I do not change... Return to Me, and I will return to you..." (Mal 3: 6-7)
Heart Wrenching Lesson on Intercessory Prayer
Monday was my off day.. And I was looking for a hiding place again. It was drizzling, so can't go to the beach. Decided to go to the newly re-opened Kallang Leisure Park, coz I know it will be deserted there.
Settled down at a nice cafe, opened my Bible. I had to jot down some pointers, for cell discussion on Intercessory Prayer. I found myself at a seemingly unrelated Scripture at Matt (12: 48-50).
"Who is My mother and who are My brothers?... For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother."
God was speaking to me about seeking out His will for others when praying for them, not just pray out of good intentions, or on the basis of human relationships. We have to basically see as the Lord sees in the situation.
Little did I know that I needed to battle this through later that night. I was praying for a friend when God asked me to put that friendship on the altar. I had to give up my own understanding and my own love for the person, so that the Lord can intervene and pour out His love that is far greater.
But I had to wrestle, I had to struggle... I had to release something dear to my heart to Him. I had to acknowledge that He can take care of the situation much better than me.
I felt much lighter after that... The Lord took over the burden on me, and I know He will cause that breakthrough to come : )
"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Pet (5:7)
Settled down at a nice cafe, opened my Bible. I had to jot down some pointers, for cell discussion on Intercessory Prayer. I found myself at a seemingly unrelated Scripture at Matt (12: 48-50).
"Who is My mother and who are My brothers?... For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother."
God was speaking to me about seeking out His will for others when praying for them, not just pray out of good intentions, or on the basis of human relationships. We have to basically see as the Lord sees in the situation.
Little did I know that I needed to battle this through later that night. I was praying for a friend when God asked me to put that friendship on the altar. I had to give up my own understanding and my own love for the person, so that the Lord can intervene and pour out His love that is far greater.
But I had to wrestle, I had to struggle... I had to release something dear to my heart to Him. I had to acknowledge that He can take care of the situation much better than me.
I felt much lighter after that... The Lord took over the burden on me, and I know He will cause that breakthrough to come : )
"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Pet (5:7)
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