Will You Run Through The Rain?

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Wal-Mart. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Wal-Mart. We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.
The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said. "What?" Mom asked.
"Let 's run through the rain!" She repeated. "No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied. This young child waited about another minute and repeated:
"Mom, let's run through the rain," "We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.
"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm. "This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet? "Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!"
The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.
"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.
Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing. Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...
So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday.
To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.
I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.
Take the time to live!!!

Contributed by Jasmine Emmanuel

Help Needed!!!

Please take note that our Chinese Church is in the process of "pindah rumah" and require some assistance. The more the merrier and also faster.
The time is around 11.30AM this Sunday after Bible study. Meet in GROW BM. Please try to come "beramai-ramai" so that we can do the work fast.

God bless!!!

A special call is made to the "Fellowship of the Brethren" ALIAS "Kaki -kaki AB".

Tsunami Prophecy

To all NECF Member Churches

Dear Pastor/Elder/Leader,
Greetings in Jesus’ Mighty Name!
We have received news from a number of pastors in Penang and also news reporters that a prophecy has been given concerning a major tsunami to hit Penang. The prophecy apparently originated from a pastor of an independent church in Penang, which is not a member of NECF.
Some pastors in Penang met to pray over this matter and corporately feel that the prophecy is not of God. In the interest of the credibility of the Church, the authenticity of truth and well-being of the state of Penang and the nation, we feel the necessity to communicate our concern. In the past, such prophecies have caused unnecessary alarm to many. We ought to tread cautiously here as we believe our God would reveal what He is about to do to His Body at large. Scripture teaches us to test all prophecies. Besides, natural factors – geological, meteorological, etc. – while not absolute, should be taken into account.
Please advise your congregation to be very careful what is believed and spread. There can be serious implications for the Christian community and all inhabitants of Penang, and the whole nation, if panic results from the rumour. Let us rather be watchful and prayerful, and continue to hear from the governing authorities. Let us implore the Lord for grace and mercy. Especially during 40-day fast & prayer, we trust that the Lord will hear and answer our prayers.
Thank you. May God bless you.

Yours Sincerely,
Rev. Wong Kim Kong

Another GROW-ite in the NEWS!!!

THE STAR

North
Wednesday July 20, 2005

Club anti-drug drive to target students

THE Lions Club of Kulim will embark on a long-term campaign to eradicate the drug menace among students in rural areas in the district.
Newly installed club pre-sident Patricia Mirnalini (our Aunty PAT!!!) said the campaign would kick off at a boys school, adding that several schools in Kulim had been identifed for the campaign.
“Our focus is to inculcate in students on the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and emphasize on ill-effects of drugs among rural folk,” she said at the club's 28th anniversary dinner, which also saw the installation of its board of directors for 2005/2006.
Mirnalini was also one of the four members honoured by the club for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the club.
The others were Venugo-palan Nair, who received the Lion of the Year award, past president Anamary Francis, and former treasurer Cheah Kok Poh.
Earlier, Mirnalini said the club had organised various community-related projects in the past, including health talks and medical camps, with the latest one being an anti-drug campaign in schools.

Freedom From the Religious Spirit

" . . . This 'religious spirit' is not just an attitude or religiosity . . . It is actually an evil spirit that must be resisted, bound, and cast out!"

From the Foreword:
Life should be filled with joy. Nehemiah 8:10 reads, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." One of the great joys of my life has been to work alongside C. Peter Wagner. Peter is a man filled with joy. He enjoys life, people, ministry, his family, food, and even his own jokes. He is full of joy, for one, because he never lets life get stale. I believe that a key to his life is his love for embracing change. When God decides it is time to bring change into the earthly realm through new thought processes, Peter seems to be one of the first on this earth to raise his hand and say, "Use me!" That is why he could write this book, Freedom from the Religious Spirit.

What is a religious spirit and how does it work? This book boldly explores and explains how this deceptive force has labored to stop the progress of the Church throughout the ages. Religion is linked with worship. Religion, when pure, is very powerful. However, religion is also defined as an organized system of doctrine with an approved pattern of behavior. Behavior has to demonstrate a proper form of worship. This is where we move from pure and undefiled religion to ritual. Demons of doctrine rob individuals of their freedom to worship a holy God in purity by instituting rules and regulations for their worship.

In compiling Freedom from the Religious Spirit, Peter Wagner has gathered a wonderful team of contributors around him. The truths contained in this book unlock revelation for today and release keys. I want to encourage you, as you read this book, "Fear not." Fear not change! Fear not embracing the paradigms that need to be expressed today to bring change. Fear not confrontation. Fear not the next great move of the Spirit of God. Fear not letting go of worship methods in the Church that have caused us to become comfortable. Defy the spirits of religion around you and move with boldness into your future!

Chuck D. Pierce
Vice President, Global Harvest Ministries
President, Glory of Zion International Ministries, Inc

Sunday Re-cap 24th July

Come To Me
by Ps. Sam Hari

Matt 11:28 (MSG)
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

A person may be carrying heavy burdens of

(1) sin (Heb 12:1)
(2) excessive demands of religious leaders (Matthew 23:4; Acts 15:10),
(3) oppression and persecution, or
(4) weariness in the search for God.

Jesus frees people from all these burdens. The REST that Jesus promises is love, healing, and peace with God, not the end of all labor. A relationship with God changes meaningless, wearisome toil into spiritual productivity and purpose.

1. Many times we are unable to come to Him because we don't really know who He is. One way we can know Him is through His various Names.

2. The Fear of the Lord enables us to know Him. It is the beginning of wisdom.
+Prov 1:7; to NOT despise wisdom and instructions
+Job 28:28; to depart from evil
+Ps 111.:10; to do His commandments
+Prov 9:10; to come into the knowledge of the Holy One

3. Jesus urges us to come alongside Him. He is humble and gentle and so we find rest when we do as he does. Phil 2:7-8
+this is something that takes place supernaturally i.e. in a Christian home when the Head of the household is in the home, there is calmness, comfort, security and a sense of stability. Something beyond explanation.

Child's Ten Commandments To Parents

1. My hands are small; please don't expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely; don't restrict me unnecessarily.

3. Housework will always be there. I'm only little for such a short time--please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.

4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs; don't nag me all day long. (You wouldn't want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness.) Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5. I am a special gift from God; please treasure me as God intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live my, and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6. I need your encouragement, but not your praise, to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I'll be prepared to make the kind of decisions life requires of me.

8. Please don't do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn't quite measure up to your expectations. I know it's hard, but please don't try to compare me with my brother or my sister.

9. Please don't be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it's a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.

10.Please take me to Sunday school and church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God.

With thanks to Elzeth Badenhorst

Sunday Re-cap 17th July

Entering into His Rest ….. by Ps. John Kirby
(Heb 4:1-6; Heb 3:11-19, Matt 12:12—4, 1 Jn. 5:12-14, 1 Cor. 2:2)

Heb. 4: 1 Paul reminds us that we can again enter into the rest of God. Don’t allow our failures to upset our conscience but have faith and enter into His Rest. The people didn’t enter because of unbelief.

• As Christians we face challenges but we can still be in a position of rest and peace. Crisis – CHRIST IS! Sacrifices can’t make us perfect, only Christ can: In Him, With Him and Through Him.
• God can only bless us through His Son. We can enter His Rest through Jesus.
• An entered Relationship brings us into a place where we do not condemn others. Like King David did not condemn King Saul.
• 1 John 5:12 -13. He that HAS the Son has life; a possessive term – not believing only but about having.
• Eternal life begins here (not in heaven); when we die, it is Eternal Rest.
• 1 John 5:13-14 -states there are believers and there are also believers who believe and obey.
• 1 Cor 2:2. How much of a crucified Christ can we see in the church or in ourselves? When we struggle with issues, we are not laboring in the Rest.

It takes a decision (of the will) to obey and dwell in His Rest.

God-Waves by John Fisher

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (Psalms 19:1-4)

Wow. That’s a lot of noise. Imagine if you could hear all that speech and all those voices all the time. You would probably go nuts. As it is, people who are really tuned into God run the risk of being locked up.

Think of the traditional hymn, “This Is My Father’s World.” It has a line in it: “This is my Father’s world; He shines in all that’s fair. In the rustling grass I hear Him pass; He speaks to me everywhere.” Now think about it: this guy is either a nut case or he is so aware of God that he hears him everywhere—even in the wind that ripples through the grass.

I think a good analogy here would be the invisible presence of radio waves in the air. Imagine what we would hear if suddenly our ears were tuned into frequencies shared by AM and FM radio. Imagine the noise of hearing all those stations all at the same time. We would walk around mad, covering our ears all the time, and pleading for the noise to stop. It’s a little like this for the psalmist, David, when he tunes into God in the universe. He is deafened by the sound of God speaking in the heavens—through space and time, past stars and worlds beyond. What he’s hearing is a display of God’s creative handiwork that pours out continual truth about the presence and the nature of the God who created it. And if we could hear all that all at once, we would be overwhelmed. So we can’t. Our hearing is limited to a very narrow frequency band so as to allow us to function day by day in the world.

But that’s where worship comes in. Worship is tuning into the sound of God if even for a moment, to remind us of His presence and power. The important thing about this is that the sound, like radio waves, is always going out. It’s there all the time. We just don’t hear it because we haven’t trained our ears to hear it.

You don’t have to go anywhere to hear God today; just tune in. But beware. You might want to cover your ears, because the sound is deafening.

John Fischer is the Senior Writer for Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals. He resides in Southern California with his wife, Marti and son, Chandler. They also have two adult children, Christopher and Anne. John is a published author and popular speaker.

Abraham Lincoln

Don’t let failure make you fearful of trying again. Turn your trials into triumphs; your stumbling blocks into stepping stones; your tests into testimonies.
Any time you are tempted to become discouraged by setbacks in life, remember the following ‘highlights’ of Abraham Lincoln’s career:


1831 - Failed in business
1832 – Defeated for legislature
1833 - Again failed in business
1835 - Sweetheart died
1836 - Suffered nervous breakdown
1838 - Defeated for Speaker
1840 - Defeated for Elector
1843 - Defeated for Congress
1848 - Again defeated for Congress
1855 - Defeated for senate
1856 - Defeated for Vice – President
1858 - Again defeated for Senate
1860 - Elected President of the United States

Even if you have been on losing streak lately, don't lose heart. Discouragement comes when we realize that it is beyond our ability to handle things.
In times of failures and inadequacy a key is to look at our Creator and our all sufficient one. People who refuse to do this sometimes are deceived into thinking that they are helpless and rush to commit suicide.
Jesus says " Call unto me in your days of trouble and I will help you".

Extracted from www.isaacjoe.org

UME LATEST!!!

We are glad to report that the numbers have hopped, skipped and jumped to 31 couples as up to today!

Derrick has graciously informed this blogger that there will be places for just a few more couples. So, whaddya waiting for??!!! Get in!

email demuang_y2k@yahoo.com.sg

If you've been abducted by aliens and have been in Mars these last couple of years and haven't a cluie what we're jabbering about, please click to our posting on UME Weekend.

Mystery couple from GROW going to UME

Sunday Re-cap 10th July

Nipping It in the Bud
by Ps. Samuel Hari

How do we lose our FIRST LOVE? It starts with small compromises that need to be nipped in the bud before it becomes idolatry as in the referred scripture.

Notes on Numbers 25
-It wasn’t the hostile armies that were the major threats; it was compromise. It’s not the big battles and deliverances, it’s the small compromises.
-It started out as plain carnality not idol worship.
-Then things started progressing along. We don’t lose our FIRST LOVE overnight.
-It was part of Balaam’s trickery Num 31:16 and Rev 2:14.

How do we nip it?
1.Fear of confrontation. We must confront it earnestly..
2. We must do it quickly. We think time and distance will take care of it.
3. Overcome the fear of man; human wisdom. (Jer 17:5-10)
a. In Balaam’s case; we must weigh the words and the deeds who offer spiritual help. Everything seems fine on the surface but sorcery, trickery, pagan witchcraft were involved in the background.
b. This also applies to secular music, books, movies that seem fine on the surface but involves deception and witchcraft below it!
4. We think it’s harmless fun.
a. The Israelites desire for fun and pleasure loosened their spiritual commitment.
b. Have we relaxed our standards to justify our desires
5. We think it’s good in the “overall” picture.
6. Is it an excuse saying that worldliness helps make balanced Christians?

We need the Holy Spirit to bring conviction and empower us to overcome!

"Ambassadors of Truth" by Victoria Boyson

Throughout my life I have periodically received a "word of knowledge" from well-intentioned, but misguided people which has brought great turmoil to my soul. Pressed by their own personal woundedness or an unrealistic desire to see me "perfected" overnight, they have given me what they felt was a word from God. They have rightly seen areas in my life that are not perfect, and viewing me through eyes clouded by religious idealism spoke, "There's something wrong with you!"
Well, in all fairness to them I have to say that they were right. What they were seeing was true - there is something wrong with me. To be sure, there are a lot of "somethings" wrong with me. I am very much a work in process and I will be the first to admit that I am not what I need to be or what I desire to be.
I know that as I grow in the Lord, I am being transformed into His image. But frankly, I have a long way to go before completely attaining His likeness. That is my pursuit; however, I do not think that I will perfectly bare His likeness while on this planet. This is not an attempt to justify my failings, but simply a realistic expectation of my own human nature.

Deadly Idealism
Idealism guided by religious zeal and pride can be very destructive to others. We, our ministries, and the church as a whole are all a work in process. We are all changed little by little, from glory to glory. We are all at different places in our walk with the Lord. It is immaturity to judge each other through idealistic eyes, seeking perfection overnight and usually results in frustration and hopelessness. We must stop judging each other through the unrealistic expectations of idealism and grant each other the grace to fail. As we all will fail, we must grant each other the grace to fail and offer an abundance of forgiveness to one another or we will become a stumbling block to them.
It is very easy to see what is wrong with our brother and point out his problem, but it is another thing altogether to become the means by which our brother can be helped and changed. We must become each other's cheerleader!!! And as we fail and fall, let us be the true voice of God on earth and encourage one another that we can become all that God has dreamed we would be.
Although we do indeed have a long way to go before we are made perfectly into His image, we need to be reminded of how far we have come. To be encouraged that God is changing us, working on us and as we humbly surrender to His will, we will bare His likeness. Idealism wounds the church, but the grace of God flowing through one another will liberate us and set us free to fly - to soar over our past and live in Jesus! We will soar with wings as eagles as we forgive and are forgiven, as we cover each others faults with the unconditional love of Christ (see 1 Peter 4:8).
Church, we need to repent of judging each other through eyes clouded by idealism and ask the Lord to show us His creation clearly through eyes of love! We are all together in this and there is no one who is unredeemable. We must grant each other the grace we need to become who we are in Christ. We must put an axe to the root of the tree of idealism and unrealistic expectation and become ambassadors of truth, hope and love; conveying the truth delivering it in love, giving hope to others.

The Truth Is
The truth is, dear ones, your Creator loves you! He is your true Father and He loved you with an overwhelming love even before you were born. He loved you before you even knew Him. He loved you as much from the start as He will ever love you and He saw in you then what you will become to Him and in Him - He is proud of you.
You are His beloved; the child of His heart. He has given you all that you need to live for Him, which is indeed Him! He is all you need! And as you keep your eyes focused on Him, not on your faults or the faults of others, you will truly become like Him. You will become one with Him and bare His likeness.Things may not always go the way you would like them to go, but you can know without a doubt your wonderful heavenly Father, your Creator and Almighty God loves you unconditionally.

Thank you, dear Father, for your wonderful love. Fill us with a renewed sense of Your love for us, and give us hope and revitalize our faith that our joy would be overflowing! Help us to keep our eyes on you! Help us hold fast to the hope that we will become the promised bride of our Lord and King, made spotless by His blood and perfected by His righteousness. Liberate Your church, dear Father, and help us to soar!

by Victoria Boyson
Victoria Boyson, Inc.
www.boyson.org

10 Things You Never Hear in Church

1. Hey! It's MY turn to sit in the front row!
2. I was so enthralled that I never noticed that your sermon went 25 minutes over time.
3. Personally, I find witnessing more enjoyable than GOLF!
4. I've decided to give our church the RM500 a month that I used to spend on entertainment.
5. I volunteer to be the permanent teacher in our Sunday School.
6. Forget the minimum salary. Let's pay our pastor so that he can live like we do!
7. I LOVE it when we sing songs that I've never heard before!
8. Since we're all here, let's start the service early.
9. Pastor, we'd like to send you to a Bible seminar in Hawaii.
10. Nothing inspires me and strengthens my committment like our annual pledge for missions and building.

Let's PRAY that we will hear this in churches more and more!

GROW Family Camp 2005

DE PLACE



Where is this LAAA?!!!

A. Langkawi Island Resort (5 STAR)
B. BM Country and Recreation Club (5 Moons)
C. Pangkor (3 EGGS)
D. Mauritius (10 STARS+3 Masala Tosai)
E. None of DE Above...you think we sooo stupid ah?!!!

The Winner will be well rewarded!!! Try and guess la!

10 PRINCIPLES FOR EFFECTIVE FASTING & INTERCESSION

Greetings! As we should already be aware of, the Nationwide 40 day FAST and PRAYER is approaching. The prayer booklets are currently being sold in church for RM3.00 per copy. To help us keep ourselves in focus, here are a few familiar pointers and scriptures offered by Ps. Abel. Please take note of them and keep them in a familiar place so that this would be THE most meaningful FAST that we have undertaken in our Christian life.

God bless!

1. WORSHIP AND THANK GOD for the privilege of engaging in the same ministry as that of Jesus. Heb 7:25.
2. ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU CANNOT REALLY PRAY without the help and the direction of the Holy Spirit. Rom 8:26, Eph 5:18.
3. ASK GOD TO CONVICT YOU of any un-dealt sin in your life and repent immediately. Ps. 66:18; Ps 139:23, 24.
4. PRAY IN TONGUES A LOT. Spend a lot of time praying in the Spirit. We have the example of Paul doing that. 1 Cor. 14:18; 1Cor 14:2,4a; Eph 3:16; Jude 20.
5. DEAL AGGRESSIVELY WITH THE ENEMY. Resist him with God’s word & with authority. Use the ‘Sword of the Spirit’ against him. Jas 4:7; Eph 6:17.
6. SURRENDER YOUR WILL, DESIRES & IMAGINATIONS TO HIM. Commit all plans, desires & burdens to Him & bring all of it, to the obedience of Christ. Pro 3:5,6; 28:26; 2 Cor 10:3-5.
7. WAIT BEFORE HIM for direction and guidance as to what to pray to Him. Hab 2:20; Isa 40:31.
8. HAVE YOUR BIBLE WITH YOU should the Lord want to give you direction & confirmation of what He is going to do in the near future. Ps 119:105
9. DECLARE ALOUD IN FAITH what the Lord had impressed in your mind, and believing that you are going to have them. Jn 10:27; Mk 11:23-24.
10. END YOUR DAY OF FASTING & PRAYER, WITH THANKSGIVING, praising Him for what He is going to do in the next few days, weeks, and months. 1 Thess 5:17-18; Col 4:2
    

Contributed by Ps. Abel Phillips

Sunday Re-cap (3rd July)

What is FIRST LOVE?
by Ps. Abel Phillips


Giving God the highest priority in our lives; and loving others as Jesus has commanded; it's commitment and not just emotional feelings.
How do we know when we have lost our first love of the Lord?

1. We don't pray as much.
2. We don't spend time with the Lord anymore. No devotional or personal time of worship.
3. We don't spend time with the Lord's people. How is our church attendance?
4. We aren't able to get along with others because we can't get our way.
5. We spend more time talking about people and their faults than you do praying for them.
6. We aren't able to forgive people. We continue to hold grudges against others.
7. We aren't accepting and loving of people who are different or those who hold different opinions than ours.
8. Don’t care if our lives do not glorify God.
   

HOW DO WE REGAIN OUR FIRST LOVE THAT IS LOST?

In verse 5, Jesus gives us a prescription that is very simple & very direct. "Here is what you need to do," Jesus says, "Remember the height from which you have fallen!"

a. Be aware that we have lost our first love.
b. Recall, or think of where we fell and how far we have fallen.
c. Repent, or turn away from our sins.
d. Do what we did at first.

Let us not wait for God to sadly say, “Because of this I come to you and remove your lamp stand from its place.” Rather, as Christians, let us constantly desire and commit ourselves to sustain our first love for God.