Open Mind; Open Heart
by John Fischer
I'm currently working on a team project creating a curriculum on Christian worldview. We're in the early stages of developing something that will challenge Christians to think outside the box, and in a discussion last night of who this curriculum would be for, I was reminded of a certain Bible study I attended at a church in Colorado.
I was a guest at this study courtesy of its leader, who is also heading up a ministry to homeless, vagabond teenagers (“gutterpunks”) who have created their own social groups in cities across America. The unusual thing about this was the fact that the Bible study he was leading consisted of about 12 women all over 65 years of age. Here he was working with teenagers, and leading a study for seniors.
Turns out these women are his staunchest supporters. They not only give of their money, they give their time and open their homes to these kids. What impressed me most about this group was how it was made up of sharp, witty thinkers who eagerly welcomed new ideas. They were what I would call informed, thinking Christians who were connected to the real needs in their community. They had to be, to be doing this. The kids they love are pierced, tattooed addicts in many cases, and they greet them with open arms.
I had a big charge sitting in with these women. They laughed, cried and challenged the assumptions that so often put any of us in a comfort zone. Not these ladies. They were tearing into some pretty controversial subjects and I marveled at how, in company with each other, they were keeping themselves sharp and connected with reality. Along with the Bible, they were reading some Christian authors who are not afraid to rock the boat of the status quo, and more than once I heard it said, “How come no one ever presented this to us before?”
I learned two things that day.
1) Thinking Christians come in all ages.
2) There's no limit to what we can do if we join together.
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.” This is one of the reasons we need fellowship. We sharpen each other's thinking. Alone, it's easy to grow complacent. With others around us, we can stimulate one another to grow and discover new things God wants us to learn and experience.
And this kind of interaction has no age limitations. A sharp mind stays young, and it matters not the age of the body. That's good news for anyone, but especially middle-aged guys like me!
Friday, September 30, 2005
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
The Law of the Seed
Take a look at an apple tree.There might be five hundred apples on the tree, but each applehas just ten seeds. That's a lot of seeds!
We might ask, "Why would you need so many seeds to grow just afew more apple trees?" Nature has something to teach us here. It's tellingus:"Not all seeds grow. In life, most seeds never grow.
So if you really want to make something happen, you had bettertry more than once."This might mean:You'll attend twenty interviews to get one job.You'll interview forty people to find one good employee. You'll talk to fifty people to sell one house, one car, one vacuum cleaner,
one insurance policy, or a business idea. And you might meet ahundred acquaintances just to find one special friend.
When we understand the "Law of the Seed", we don't get sodisappointed.We stop feeling like victims.We learn how to deal with things that happen to us.Laws of nature are not things to take personally. We just need tounderstand them - and work with them.
IN A NUTSHELL
Successful people fail more often. But they plant more seeds.When Things Are Beyond your control, here's something that youmust NOT DO so as to avoid misery in your life:You must not decide how you think the world SHOULD be.You must not make rules for how everyone SHOULD behave.Then, when the world doesn't obey your rules, you get angry! That's what miserable people do!
On the other hand, let's say you expect that:Friends SHOULD return favours.People SHOULD appreciate you.Planes SHOULD arrive on time.Everyone SHOULD be honest.Your husband or best friend SHOULD remember your birthday.These expectations may sound reasonable. But often, thesethings won't happen!So you end up frustrated and disappointed.
There's a better strategy. Demand less, and instead, havepreferences!For things that are beyond your control, tell yourself:"I WOULD PREFER "A", BUT IF "B" HAPPENS, IT'S OK TOO!"This is really a change in mindset. It is a shift in attitude,and it gives you more peace of mind ...You prefer that people are polite ... but when they are rude, itdoesn't ruin your day.You prefer sunshine ... but if it rains, it is ok too!
To become happier, we either need toa) Change the world, orb) Change our thinking.It is easier to change our Thinking!
IN A NUTSHELLIt is not the problem that is the issue, but rather it is yourattitude attending to the problem that is the problem.It's not what happens to you that determine your happiness.It's how you think about what happens to you!
We might ask, "Why would you need so many seeds to grow just afew more apple trees?" Nature has something to teach us here. It's tellingus:"Not all seeds grow. In life, most seeds never grow.
So if you really want to make something happen, you had bettertry more than once."This might mean:You'll attend twenty interviews to get one job.You'll interview forty people to find one good employee. You'll talk to fifty people to sell one house, one car, one vacuum cleaner,
one insurance policy, or a business idea. And you might meet ahundred acquaintances just to find one special friend.
When we understand the "Law of the Seed", we don't get sodisappointed.We stop feeling like victims.We learn how to deal with things that happen to us.Laws of nature are not things to take personally. We just need tounderstand them - and work with them.
IN A NUTSHELL
Successful people fail more often. But they plant more seeds.When Things Are Beyond your control, here's something that youmust NOT DO so as to avoid misery in your life:You must not decide how you think the world SHOULD be.You must not make rules for how everyone SHOULD behave.Then, when the world doesn't obey your rules, you get angry! That's what miserable people do!
On the other hand, let's say you expect that:Friends SHOULD return favours.People SHOULD appreciate you.Planes SHOULD arrive on time.Everyone SHOULD be honest.Your husband or best friend SHOULD remember your birthday.These expectations may sound reasonable. But often, thesethings won't happen!So you end up frustrated and disappointed.
There's a better strategy. Demand less, and instead, havepreferences!For things that are beyond your control, tell yourself:"I WOULD PREFER "A", BUT IF "B" HAPPENS, IT'S OK TOO!"This is really a change in mindset. It is a shift in attitude,and it gives you more peace of mind ...You prefer that people are polite ... but when they are rude, itdoesn't ruin your day.You prefer sunshine ... but if it rains, it is ok too!
To become happier, we either need toa) Change the world, orb) Change our thinking.It is easier to change our Thinking!
IN A NUTSHELLIt is not the problem that is the issue, but rather it is yourattitude attending to the problem that is the problem.It's not what happens to you that determine your happiness.It's how you think about what happens to you!
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
The Guidelines for Discerning Personal Prophecies
We are well aware of the many false teachers and prophets that will rise in the last days; therefore, it is of utmost importance that we are able to discern if they are really from God.
We need to seek God’s voice, because in the last days He speaks to us through His Son – unlike the Old Testament time when prophets were the main channel for people to hear from God. While God still uses prophets to speak to us occasionally, it is crucial to test every spirit. The following is the guideline to help us do so:
1) Is the prophecy aligned with the word of God?
If a prophecy contradicts rather than confirms the word of God, it is certainly not from Him. We need to check a prophecy against the written word, the logos, as well as the spoken word, the rhema. In order to hear the spoken word, we must learn how to tune into God’s voice and know if a particular spoken word is meant for us. Bear in mind that God does not speak the same thing to everyone; in the Bible Peter can walk on water but that doesn’t mean everyone can do the same!
2) Does the prophecy glorify God?
Consider if the prophecy entails you doing something that glorifies God or man. We are told to put God first in everything we do (Matthew 6:33), so if a prophecy does not seem to glorify God, it is not from Him.
3) The witness of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is our teacher, guide and counsellor (John 14:15, 16), and we have an anointing in us that will tell us if something is not from God. We need to pay attention to the Holy Spirit and His leading. Do not grieve Him or we will not have His witness. We are supposed to be led by the Spirit and not our own flesh. (Romans 8:14)
4) The peace of God
If a prophecy is indeed God’s will, you will experience in your heart that surpasses all understanding. If you are doing something within His will, you will still have peace even if you face stumbling blocks, or what you do does not seem logical or popular based on our human reasoning. This peace of God that comes from doing His will is different from the peace that we can sometimes feel because we are doing something we want to do!
5) The counsel of the godly
Many Christians make mistakes because they fail to seek the advice from the godly. (Psalm 1:1, Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 11:14) Nevertheless, when seeking godly counsel, it is also important to approach the right people – make sure you get your advice from someone who is truly walking with God, with character that is consistent in all areas of his/her life i.e. the church, workplace and home. Just because someone is 50 years old doesn’t necessarily make this person godly!
You should also seek counsel from a few godly people who ideally know you well. But be careful of the people who would only tell you things you like to hear, and some counsellors who would impose their own expectations on your decision. A good counsellor will always point you towards the Holy Spirit and encourage you to pray when you are seeking direction. On the other hand, a good counsellor will not hesitate to tell you if whatever you are contemplating is an outright sin.
6) Have you surrendered your will to God?
Many a time we go wrong because our will is stronger than God’s will. A person who truly surrenders his/her will to God will adopt the attitude of “God, if this is your will, I will do it. If it is not your will, I will not do it.”
The struggle between our will and God’s will can often be a difficult one, like what Jesus went through in the garden of Gethsemane, knowing that He was going to die the next day. He struggled like any human being - who would actually look forward to dying the slow, torturous death on the cross? Nevertheless, Jesus obeyed. So, be willing to let go of your will, your own aspirations, be they life partners, careers or business – and surrender to God.
7) The test of time
Personal prophecies have to be put through a test of time. Many people find themselves at a dead end because they acted hastily. People who insist on doing something immediately and refuse to wait are not acting according to God’s will.
If God has called you to something, the passion you have for it will only grow stronger with time! If you can’t wait, it’s not from God. If God has given you a calling, it is valid forever (Psalm 33:11)
There is also an appointed time for God’s will to come to pass (Habakkuk 2:3), before which will be the time for you to go through many tests. God puts us through tests before His will in us can be accomplished – if we fail the tests, we are simply not ready for whatever He has called us to. We also need to learn to wait, no matter how long, or brief it is going to be. If God has said something, it will surely come to pass – but often our own impatience gets in the way and we end up taking things in our own hands.
There is also a season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) – so learn to flow with the seasons, make the best out of them and do not give up.
The life of David was one of encouragement and an example of passing the test of time. The prophet Samuel anointed David as king when he was a boy, but David took 13 to 15 years to fulfil that prophecy. Throughout the time when he was waiting for God’s appointed time, David was even presented with a few golden opportunities to become king sooner when his enemy, Saul, who was still king albeit having been rejected by God, was right before him in very vulnereable positions! It was due to David’s obedience to God’s will and timing that he passed those tests in disguise from God. God had purposely given perfect opportunities for David to kill Saul to test him. (1 Samuel 24)
This is the guideline to help you discern personal prophecies, or even when you are seeking God’s will. However, if you receive personal prophecies which you feel are not from God, reject them immediately because a word released upon you can be a bond. If the prophecy is from a prophet or preacher, be polite and reject the word in private because we are told not to rebuke the elders by the Bible.
We need to seek God’s voice, because in the last days He speaks to us through His Son – unlike the Old Testament time when prophets were the main channel for people to hear from God. While God still uses prophets to speak to us occasionally, it is crucial to test every spirit. The following is the guideline to help us do so:
1) Is the prophecy aligned with the word of God?
If a prophecy contradicts rather than confirms the word of God, it is certainly not from Him. We need to check a prophecy against the written word, the logos, as well as the spoken word, the rhema. In order to hear the spoken word, we must learn how to tune into God’s voice and know if a particular spoken word is meant for us. Bear in mind that God does not speak the same thing to everyone; in the Bible Peter can walk on water but that doesn’t mean everyone can do the same!
2) Does the prophecy glorify God?
Consider if the prophecy entails you doing something that glorifies God or man. We are told to put God first in everything we do (Matthew 6:33), so if a prophecy does not seem to glorify God, it is not from Him.
3) The witness of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is our teacher, guide and counsellor (John 14:15, 16), and we have an anointing in us that will tell us if something is not from God. We need to pay attention to the Holy Spirit and His leading. Do not grieve Him or we will not have His witness. We are supposed to be led by the Spirit and not our own flesh. (Romans 8:14)
4) The peace of God
If a prophecy is indeed God’s will, you will experience in your heart that surpasses all understanding. If you are doing something within His will, you will still have peace even if you face stumbling blocks, or what you do does not seem logical or popular based on our human reasoning. This peace of God that comes from doing His will is different from the peace that we can sometimes feel because we are doing something we want to do!
5) The counsel of the godly
Many Christians make mistakes because they fail to seek the advice from the godly. (Psalm 1:1, Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 11:14) Nevertheless, when seeking godly counsel, it is also important to approach the right people – make sure you get your advice from someone who is truly walking with God, with character that is consistent in all areas of his/her life i.e. the church, workplace and home. Just because someone is 50 years old doesn’t necessarily make this person godly!
You should also seek counsel from a few godly people who ideally know you well. But be careful of the people who would only tell you things you like to hear, and some counsellors who would impose their own expectations on your decision. A good counsellor will always point you towards the Holy Spirit and encourage you to pray when you are seeking direction. On the other hand, a good counsellor will not hesitate to tell you if whatever you are contemplating is an outright sin.
6) Have you surrendered your will to God?
Many a time we go wrong because our will is stronger than God’s will. A person who truly surrenders his/her will to God will adopt the attitude of “God, if this is your will, I will do it. If it is not your will, I will not do it.”
The struggle between our will and God’s will can often be a difficult one, like what Jesus went through in the garden of Gethsemane, knowing that He was going to die the next day. He struggled like any human being - who would actually look forward to dying the slow, torturous death on the cross? Nevertheless, Jesus obeyed. So, be willing to let go of your will, your own aspirations, be they life partners, careers or business – and surrender to God.
7) The test of time
Personal prophecies have to be put through a test of time. Many people find themselves at a dead end because they acted hastily. People who insist on doing something immediately and refuse to wait are not acting according to God’s will.
If God has called you to something, the passion you have for it will only grow stronger with time! If you can’t wait, it’s not from God. If God has given you a calling, it is valid forever (Psalm 33:11)
There is also an appointed time for God’s will to come to pass (Habakkuk 2:3), before which will be the time for you to go through many tests. God puts us through tests before His will in us can be accomplished – if we fail the tests, we are simply not ready for whatever He has called us to. We also need to learn to wait, no matter how long, or brief it is going to be. If God has said something, it will surely come to pass – but often our own impatience gets in the way and we end up taking things in our own hands.
There is also a season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) – so learn to flow with the seasons, make the best out of them and do not give up.
The life of David was one of encouragement and an example of passing the test of time. The prophet Samuel anointed David as king when he was a boy, but David took 13 to 15 years to fulfil that prophecy. Throughout the time when he was waiting for God’s appointed time, David was even presented with a few golden opportunities to become king sooner when his enemy, Saul, who was still king albeit having been rejected by God, was right before him in very vulnereable positions! It was due to David’s obedience to God’s will and timing that he passed those tests in disguise from God. God had purposely given perfect opportunities for David to kill Saul to test him. (1 Samuel 24)
This is the guideline to help you discern personal prophecies, or even when you are seeking God’s will. However, if you receive personal prophecies which you feel are not from God, reject them immediately because a word released upon you can be a bond. If the prophecy is from a prophet or preacher, be polite and reject the word in private because we are told not to rebuke the elders by the Bible.
Sunday Re-cap 25th September 2005
Exalting Christ
by Sam Hari
Scripture:
Jn 3:30
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
Just like a house that has more things that are actually needed or necessary, there are things that need to be discarded from our lives, which is God's house. Things that weigh us down i.e. habits, ungodly friends, addictions.
God wants us to clean house. In fact He wants the house all to Himself. James 4.5
by Sam Hari
Scripture:
Jn 3:30
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
Just like a house that has more things that are actually needed or necessary, there are things that need to be discarded from our lives, which is God's house. Things that weigh us down i.e. habits, ungodly friends, addictions.
God wants us to clean house. In fact He wants the house all to Himself. James 4.5
- What prevents us from cleaning house & dedicating ourselves completely to God?
- What do we do?
- What is the outcome of cleaning house?
- 2 Tim 3:1. Our tendency is to exalt ourselves, our circumstances.
-the world tells us to exalt ourselves.
-the devil wants to exalt us, our situation, our circumstances. The fight is for our FAITH! Satan is not interested in anything else. Once he's got our faith, that's it! 1 Tim 6:12 - 2 Cor 5:1, Gal 2:20. We must decrease.
-the only way to win is to DISSOLVE!
-tell ourselves "i dissolve, LORD!"
-ask ourselves, "Is my Faith shaken", helps me to focus on Jesus & not my circumstances. - Jn 3:30. Christ must increase.
How? OBEDIENCE!
When we pray for someone, do they see, feel Christ OR do they see us?
Are we striving for our fame, position, title? Glory? Or Christs'?
God knows how to keep us humble. He resists the proud! - James ch 4. Keys to drawing near to God (v8)
- v6, v10-humility
- v7-submit to God
- v8-a lifestyle of walking in repentance
- v11-12-Don't speak evil or judge one another
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Sunday Re-cap 18th September 2005
The Rain That Comes From Heaven
by Michael Lee
10 For the land which you go to possess is not like the land of Egypt from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and watered it by foot, as a vegetable garden; 11 but the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven, 12 a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year.
These verses speak about 2 worlds i.e. Egypt speaks about the world we were in and "the land which you go to possess" about the new life in Christ.
We were slaves and we used to do things to be blessed ourselves i.e. we used to have a slave mentality and when we enter into the new land, we did not change overnight and still carry some excess baggage. However, we know that Jesus sets us free from this mentality.
The New Land:
by Michael Lee
10 For the land which you go to possess is not like the land of Egypt from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and watered it by foot, as a vegetable garden; 11 but the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven, 12 a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year.
These verses speak about 2 worlds i.e. Egypt speaks about the world we were in and "the land which you go to possess" about the new life in Christ.
We were slaves and we used to do things to be blessed ourselves i.e. we used to have a slave mentality and when we enter into the new land, we did not change overnight and still carry some excess baggage. However, we know that Jesus sets us free from this mentality.
The New Land:
- The main purpose of our lives is to be fruitful and multiply and subdue. Gen 1:28
- We don't have to depend on our own strength; we depend on the rain the comes from heaven.
- All through life we are sowing seeds. If we are enslaved, we will sow with a slave mentality but if we are free then we will sow seeds accordingly. What mentality are we sowing from?
- It is a land of hills and valleys:
- When we go up the hill, we face exhaustion, hurts, weakness, thirst even sometimes lost.
- When we go "downhill" into the valleys, we are sometimes discouraged.
- However, we need not be disheartened as we have our families with us. We are not alone i.e. we go through these experiences together. As sons, we will be sensitive to the needs of other family members but as a slave we will complain about others.
- We possess this new land together as sons.
- It drinks from heaven.
- Rom 12:2. We drink when we are renewed and cleansed by the Word of God.
- Our mentality will change when we know how to drink of the "rain from heaven".
- Eze 47:9-12. We are vessels that drink and then pass it on to others. We are blessed to be a blessing in this land.
- Matt 5:3-12. A slave mentality produces slave emtotions ans a son mentality produces son emotions.
- Is 52:11-12 God will go before us and He will be our rear guard in this new land.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Pattaya Trip 05'
Sawadeekarp!
We've posted some photos taken with a phone camera from our Thailand trip on our FLICKr page. More coming soon!
Hint: it's the BOX with PICTURES on the sidebar on the RIGHT!
We've posted some photos taken with a phone camera from our Thailand trip on our FLICKr page. More coming soon!
Hint: it's the BOX with PICTURES on the sidebar on the RIGHT!
Thursday, September 15, 2005
God Won’t
God Won’t
God won't ask what kind of car you drove,
but He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.
God won't ask the square footage of your house, but He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet,
but He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.
God won't ask what your highest salary was,
but He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.
God won't ask what your job title was,
but He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.
God won't ask how many friends you had,
but He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.
God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived,
but He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.
(Author Unknown)
God won't ask what kind of car you drove,
but He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.
God won't ask the square footage of your house, but He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet,
but He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.
God won't ask what your highest salary was,
but He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.
God won't ask what your job title was,
but He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.
God won't ask how many friends you had,
but He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.
God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived,
but He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.
(Author Unknown)
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Sunday Re-cap 11th September
Overcoming the Obstacles…….. Sis. Ann Kok
Ex. 3:6-10; Judges 6:11-24 & Luke 1:26-38
The two obstacles that hinders from doing what God has called us to do are:
Fearfulness
Feeling inadequate.
But the word of God Promises:
Heb 13:5 ~ "I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
2 Tim 1:7 ~ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind
Pro.28: 1 ~ The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.
Phil 4:13 ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Heb 13:6 ~ So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
A) Moses (Ex. 3:6 -10)
He was afraid when God called him to deliver the children of Israel from Egypt. He said to God, “ who am I...” he felt inadequate to lead the people; but God assured him that He would certainly be with Moses to see the people delivered from the hand of Pharaoh.
B) Gideon (Judges 6:11-24)
God knows the potential in each one of us; yet he uses ordinary people like us to fulfill his purposes. He used Gideon and performed a miracle to save the people of God from the hands of the Midianites
C) Mary (Luke 1:26-38)
When the angel spoke to her concerning the miracles that would happen to her – a virgin would bear a child. Her simple response was “Let it be to me according to your word”.
Conclusion
To do the will of God is far more important than what the circumstances be. Simply depending on God, His Word & the Holy Spirit will lead us to be available, willing and obedient to do His will.
Ex. 3:6-10; Judges 6:11-24 & Luke 1:26-38
The two obstacles that hinders from doing what God has called us to do are:
Fearfulness
Feeling inadequate.
But the word of God Promises:
Heb 13:5 ~ "I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
2 Tim 1:7 ~ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind
Pro.28: 1 ~ The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.
Phil 4:13 ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Heb 13:6 ~ So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
A) Moses (Ex. 3:6 -10)
He was afraid when God called him to deliver the children of Israel from Egypt. He said to God, “ who am I...” he felt inadequate to lead the people; but God assured him that He would certainly be with Moses to see the people delivered from the hand of Pharaoh.
B) Gideon (Judges 6:11-24)
God knows the potential in each one of us; yet he uses ordinary people like us to fulfill his purposes. He used Gideon and performed a miracle to save the people of God from the hands of the Midianites
C) Mary (Luke 1:26-38)
When the angel spoke to her concerning the miracles that would happen to her – a virgin would bear a child. Her simple response was “Let it be to me according to your word”.
Conclusion
To do the will of God is far more important than what the circumstances be. Simply depending on God, His Word & the Holy Spirit will lead us to be available, willing and obedient to do His will.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Urgent Prayer Needed for Bro Gerard Wong
Dear family of faith,
Calling all members to kindly lift up our dear Bro. Gerard Wong Koon Seng in your prayers. He had a stroke yesterday (Sept 11) and had undergone an operation to remove the blood clot in the brain. He is now in Lam Wah Ee Hospital Penang (ICU) 4th floor.
Please keep Bro Gerard Wong in prayer for God's intervention for his healing and quick recovery. Also give your full support in whatever area possible to Sis. Joyce Wong & children.
Sis. Joyce contact no: 016-4991477.
God Bless,
Abel
(On behalf of Ps. Sam Hari)
Calling all members to kindly lift up our dear Bro. Gerard Wong Koon Seng in your prayers. He had a stroke yesterday (Sept 11) and had undergone an operation to remove the blood clot in the brain. He is now in Lam Wah Ee Hospital Penang (ICU) 4th floor.
Please keep Bro Gerard Wong in prayer for God's intervention for his healing and quick recovery. Also give your full support in whatever area possible to Sis. Joyce Wong & children.
Sis. Joyce contact no: 016-4991477.
God Bless,
Abel
(On behalf of Ps. Sam Hari)
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Be The Bible That People Can Read On.
His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it,jeans,and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire fouryearsof college. He is brilliant. Kind of esoteric and very, very bright. Hebecame a Christian while attending college.
Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservativechurch. They want to develop a ministry to the students, but are not surehow to go about it. One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with noshoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The servicehas already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat.The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By nowpeople are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit and, when he realizesthere are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. (Althoughperfectly acceptable behavior at a college fellowship, trust me, this hadnever happened before in this church).
By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of thechurch, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon is inhis eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godlyman, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and,as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to them-selves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can youexpect a man of his age and of his background to understandsome college kid on the floor? It takes a long time for the man to reach theboy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man'scane.All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing.
The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he hasto do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor.With great difficulty he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill andworships with him so he won't be alone.
Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says,"What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you havejust seen, you will never forget. Be careful how you live. You may be theonly Bible some people will ever read."
-Author Unknown
Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservativechurch. They want to develop a ministry to the students, but are not surehow to go about it. One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with noshoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The servicehas already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat.The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By nowpeople are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit and, when he realizesthere are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. (Althoughperfectly acceptable behavior at a college fellowship, trust me, this hadnever happened before in this church).
By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of thechurch, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon is inhis eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godlyman, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and,as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to them-selves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can youexpect a man of his age and of his background to understandsome college kid on the floor? It takes a long time for the man to reach theboy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man'scane.All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing.
The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he hasto do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor.With great difficulty he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill andworships with him so he won't be alone.
Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says,"What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you havejust seen, you will never forget. Be careful how you live. You may be theonly Bible some people will ever read."
-Author Unknown
Thursday, September 08, 2005
EAGLES
Eagles are the most long-lived bird in the world. By the time theyreach 40 years old, their claws will start to age, losing their effectiveness and making it hard for them to catch preys. The lifespan of an eagle is up to 70 years old. But in order to live this long, it must make thetoughest decision at 40. At 40, its beak is too long and curvy that it reaches its chest. Its wings, full of long, thickened feathers, are too heavy for easy flying. The eagle is left with 2 choices - do nothing and await its death or go through a painful period of transformation and renewal.
For 150 days, it first trains itself to fly beyond the high mountains, build and live in its nest and cease all flying activities. It then begins to knock its beak against granite rocks till the beak is completely removed. When a new beak is grown, the eagle will use it to remove all its old claws and await quietly for new ones to be fully grown. When the new claws are fully grown, the eagle will use them to remove all its feathers, one by one.
Five months later, when its new feathers are fully grown, it will soar in the sky again with renewed strength and is able to live for the next 30 years.
In life, as an individual, in a ministry, even in an organization, sometimes, we have to learn to make difficult decisions so as to make room for changes. Changes bring about renewal. And the only way for us to soar again is to let go old ways, old habits, old lives. For as long as we are prepared to put aside our old baggage - past glory or shame, past success or failure - be willing to become zero, with an empty cup mentality, we will be able to discover our potential and head> towards a renewed perspective in any aspect of our lives.
I am also reminded of Isaiah 40:31: "but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
I used to wonder why the Lord would associate those who wait upon him with the eagle and not other birds like peacocks, chickens or turkeys. It is only when I read this that I know - God has intended that we should soar on wings like eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint. But this could only be possible when we hope and wait in Him to renew our strength and be prepared to be molded all over again - be zero again, be still again, be quiet again. And the journey of renewal will be painful and it requires an attitude of 5 words - I WANT, I AM WILLING. Finally, be bold, be strong and soar like an eagle - for the Lord Thy God is with You.
For 150 days, it first trains itself to fly beyond the high mountains, build and live in its nest and cease all flying activities. It then begins to knock its beak against granite rocks till the beak is completely removed. When a new beak is grown, the eagle will use it to remove all its old claws and await quietly for new ones to be fully grown. When the new claws are fully grown, the eagle will use them to remove all its feathers, one by one.
Five months later, when its new feathers are fully grown, it will soar in the sky again with renewed strength and is able to live for the next 30 years.
In life, as an individual, in a ministry, even in an organization, sometimes, we have to learn to make difficult decisions so as to make room for changes. Changes bring about renewal. And the only way for us to soar again is to let go old ways, old habits, old lives. For as long as we are prepared to put aside our old baggage - past glory or shame, past success or failure - be willing to become zero, with an empty cup mentality, we will be able to discover our potential and head> towards a renewed perspective in any aspect of our lives.
I am also reminded of Isaiah 40:31: "but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
I used to wonder why the Lord would associate those who wait upon him with the eagle and not other birds like peacocks, chickens or turkeys. It is only when I read this that I know - God has intended that we should soar on wings like eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint. But this could only be possible when we hope and wait in Him to renew our strength and be prepared to be molded all over again - be zero again, be still again, be quiet again. And the journey of renewal will be painful and it requires an attitude of 5 words - I WANT, I AM WILLING. Finally, be bold, be strong and soar like an eagle - for the Lord Thy God is with You.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Laughter Is Good Medicine
To All Who Selalu "TENSION"!!! Relax la!!!
"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones" (Proverbs 17:22, NIV).
Science has finally caught up with these words in the Bible that King Solomon wrote some 3,000 years ago.
The following report is from The Week magazine: "Laughter is good for your health—and now scientists know why. Researchers at the University of Maryland found that when 20 healthy volunteers smiled and guffawed while watching the comedy, Kingpin, their blood flow increased by 22 percent, about the same increase caused by aerobic exercise. But when volunteers watched tension-filled scenes from Saving Private Ryan, their blood flow decreased 35 percent.
"The researches say that laughing apparently causes the endothelium, the tissue that lines blood vessels, to expand, which increases blood flow. Laughter may also improve arterial heath by reducing mental stress, which constricts vessels and cuts blood flow. A healthy lifestyle—researcher Michael Miller tells New Scientist—would include 30 minutes of exercise three times a week, and 15 minutes of hearty laughter each day."1
It's a pity that so many totally ignore God's directives for healthier, happier living. If we would live by the principles as found in his Word, the Bible, we would not only live healthier and happier lives, but our relationships would improve out of sight. We can't improve on God's plan. The wisest thing is to get in on it.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the principles given in your Word so that I can know how to live a healthier and happier life, and in so living greatly enhance my relationships. So help me God to live. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Sunday Re-cap 4th September
GROWING AS SONS AND NOT JUST AS MEMBERS
By PS. DONNAVEN TEO
Text: 1 Peter 1: 7 - 9
John 1:1
We have more of the Word means we have more of GOD.
Rom 10:17
We have more of the Word means we have more of FAITH.
Heb. 11:1
Now faith is….
If we are only filled by the Spirit we will blow up; if we are only filled by the WORD we will dry up. If we have the Spirit and the Word of God; we will grow up. We have to strike a balance.
We get soaked by the Word, if we get into the Word.
1 Peter 1:7-9
that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.
Ps. 1
We shall be like the tree that is planted by the rivers of water (Jesus).
1 Peter 2:2
Desire the milk of the Word.
Every church should grow sons who make the church as ownership together with the pastor; and share his burdens.
Rom 12:2
Conform not to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind with the Word of God. Mediate on the Word of God just like cows (the curd which was vomited will be chewed again and again) Think, contemplate, and memorize the Word of God.
By PS. DONNAVEN TEO
Text: 1 Peter 1: 7 - 9
John 1:1
We have more of the Word means we have more of GOD.
Rom 10:17
We have more of the Word means we have more of FAITH.
Heb. 11:1
Now faith is….
If we are only filled by the Spirit we will blow up; if we are only filled by the WORD we will dry up. If we have the Spirit and the Word of God; we will grow up. We have to strike a balance.
We get soaked by the Word, if we get into the Word.
1 Peter 1:7-9
that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.
Ps. 1
We shall be like the tree that is planted by the rivers of water (Jesus).
1 Peter 2:2
Desire the milk of the Word.
Every church should grow sons who make the church as ownership together with the pastor; and share his burdens.
Rom 12:2
Conform not to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind with the Word of God. Mediate on the Word of God just like cows (the curd which was vomited will be chewed again and again) Think, contemplate, and memorize the Word of God.
Conclusion
~We are the light and salt of the world. The kingdom of God is within us.
1 Peter 1:22~Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart.
~We are the light and salt of the world. The kingdom of God is within us.
1 Peter 1:22~Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart.
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Thursday, September 01, 2005
Lightouse Youth Conference
cALLING All nORTHERN rEGION yOUTH!
Venue and Workshops will be announced soon!
Block your dates!
Don't miss this Youth Gathering of a LIFETIME.
Venue and Workshops will be announced soon!
Block your dates!
Don't miss this Youth Gathering of a LIFETIME.
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