This Do In Remembrance

When a US Navy vessel arrives or departs from the military bases in Pearl Harbor, the crew of that ship lines up in dress uniform. They stand at attention at arm’s length on the outer edges of the deck, in salute to the soldiers, sailors, and civilians who died on December 7, 1941. It is a stirring sight, and participants often list it among the most memorable moments of their military career.

Even for spectators on shore, the salute triggers an incredible emotional connection, but especially between the servants of today and the servants of yesterday. It grants nobility to the work of today’s sailor, while giving dignity to the sacrifice of those from the past.

When Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper (Matt. 26:26-29), it was surely with an eye toward creating this same kind of emotional bond. Our participation in the Lord’s Table honors His sacrifice while also granting us a connection to Him unlike any other act of remembrance.

Just as the Navy carefully prescribes the way it salutes the fallen, so too Scripture teaches us how to remember Jesus’ sacrifice (1 Cor. 11:26-28). These acts of reverence and thanksgiving serve to honor past action while giving purpose to present service.

Action Suggestion:
Read with fresh eyes the detailed instructions Scripture offers for the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11, and experience anew its power in your spiritual journey.

The Lord’s Supper— Christ’s memorial that He left for us.

Source: ODB.org December 7, 2011 — by Randy Kilgore
Read: 1 Corinthians 11:23-34

Malaysia Budget 2012 - Church Contributions/Tithes/Giving

Headlines: Tax exemption on contributions to educational institutions and all places of worship. What is this? In the next few hours bloggers, leaders, etc will discuss more on this and you will read more.

Meanwhile it is good to reflect on what the bible teaches us from his word, The Bible. A growing fad among some Christians is to deny tithing under the New Testament. Since there are no specific directions for tithing in the New Testament, they rejoice that they can avoid this duty. So they leap on the no-tithing bandwagon and roll out their rabid rhetoric. It is time to take off their wheels and let the water cover them.

What is a tithe? It is 10% of income or assets returned to God for His faithfulness and mercy.

Did Old Testament saints tithe? Yes, the Law of Moses required tithing. Israelites gave 10% annually to the Levites, 10% annually on feasts for worship, and 10% every third year for the Levites and poor. They gave about 23 1/3% annually (Numbers 18:20-32; Deut 14:22-29)!

Were tithes the same as offerings? No, tithes were required giving. Israel owed the Lord tithes by obligation of His commandments. The soul offering, freewill offerings, sacrifices, and vows were all above and beyond tithes (Ex 30:15; Deut 12:6,17; I Chr 22:5,14; 29:2-5; Mal 3:8).

Did the tithe originate with Moses? No, Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils of his victory to Melchisedec, and Jacob promised God a tenth for His blessings, and these men lived 300-400 years before Moses and the Law (Gen 14:18-20; 28:22; Gal 3:17). Capital punishment, like tithing, originated long before the Law, but the Law systematized its practice (Gen 9:6).

Does the New Testament require a tithe? No, it does not mention tithing by name, except for Jesus correcting the Jews abuse of tithing (Matt 23:23; Luke 11:42) and Paul’s historical description of Abraham giving Melchisedec a tithe (Heb 7:1-4). But there are many useful and godly principles of the Old Testament that are not repeated specifically in the New Testament.

Does the New Testament require giving? Yes, it requires giving by doctrine and precept for the very same things as the Old Testament – the ministry and the poor (Acts 20:35; I Cor 9:1-18; 16:1-3; II Cor 8:1-24; 9:1-15; Gal 6:6; I Tim 5:3,17; 6:17-19; I John 3:17-18).

Did New Testament saints give? Yes, they gave with cheerful liberality and obvious personal sacrifice both in public and private, for their position or assets in this world meant little to them (Acts 2:44-47; 4:32-37; 6:1; Phil 4:10-18; Philemon 1:4-7; Heb 10:34; III John 1:5-8).

What do New Testament saints give for? They give to ministers who labor full time in the ministry and to poor saints, including widows indeed, in their own church and in other churches (Acts 6:1; 11:28-30; Rom 15:25-27; I Cor 9:7-14; 16:1-3; Gal 2:10; 6:6; I Tim 5:17-18; II Tim 2:4).

Should Christians tithe? No, they should give more! Israel under the weak and beggarly Old Testament gave more than 10% in tithes and offerings, so we under the blessings of the New should give more than they, and the Spirit-filled examples agree (Gal 4:9; Heb 7:19,22; 8:6; Acts 2:44-47; 4:32-37). Remember, the Lord requires based on what He has given you (Luke 12:48).

Should a church require a tithe? No, a church cannot require a tithe without New Testament authority. But a church should preach hard about giving, teach members the origin and nature of the tithe, and exhort members about exceeding the tithe. And a church might use the tithe as a guideline for warning or disciplining members for covetousness (I Cor 5:11; II Thess 3:6).

How much should be given? Saints should give (1) proportionate to income, (2) systematically, (3) liberally, (4) as they purpose in their heart, and (5) cheerfully (Acts 11:29; I Cor 16:1-3; II Cor 8:12; 9:7). God loves cheerful givers. If saints give liberally, they will be blessed liberally (II Cor 9:6). A tithe should be the minimum, since it was the minimum before and during the Law.

Should they give by gross or net income? The question indicates a selfish and stingy heart. In any other situation, this person will always state his income by the highest number; but when it comes to God, he lowers it to give Him less. Gross income is what you were paid; you received many benefits for the taxes deducted. You should give proportionately of your gross income.

What is firstfruits giving? Taken from the first produce of a field or vineyard, it is honoring the Lord off the top, rather than from what remains (Pr 3:9). Therefore, firstfruits giving is more than just a few bucks, is the first use of income, is given from a blessing not for a blessing, and is given from gross income. And the Lord is very pleased with such an approach (Pr 3:10).

What about taking a tax deduction? God raises up governments to provide for His people, and taking a deduction fulfils God’s word. The Bible has many examples of God using pagan governments to provide for His church. Budget 2012? 2013?

But the New Testament does not require a tithe? And the New Testament does not mention corporal punishment, but you use the O.T. principle to train your children (Pr 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15). It does not mention saving money, but you do so from Solomon (Pr 6:8; 30:25). It does not mention many godly rules or principles, which may be assumed from the O.T.

But the New Testament does not require a tithe? But the tithe was not abolished, as was the Sabbath. The Sabbath was not pre-Moses, was for Israel only, and was clearly abolished according to Paul. Tithing was pre-Moses and not rejected by Paul, thus remaining as a guide.

But the New Testament does not require a tithe? That is right, but Paul did appeal to the Law of Moses for principles of financial giving, which shows the remaining validity of the principles pertaining to giving (I Cor 9:8-9; II Cor 9:9; I Tim 5:18).

But anything like a tithe becomes a mere ritual? Worship becoming a dead ritual depends on your heart, for systematic giving can be done cheerfully, as Moses required of the Jews, and Paul required of the Gentiles (I Cor 16:1-3). Does attending assemblies every Lord’s Day or daily reading of the Bible become a dead ritual merely by its discipline or habit? No!

What if I do not give? You rob God, and you will suffer (Hag 1:1-11; Mal 3:8-12; II Cor 9:6; Gal 6:7). Everything you have is from the Lord, and you should willingly give some back. It is often the love of money that causes some to oppose tithing and/or giving, but disciples of Jesus Christ give liberally, for they reject covetousness and the love of money (I Tim 6:6-10,17-19).

What if I cannot afford to give? You must be in financial trouble, so you cannot afford not to give! Joseph and Mary, though poor, brought two turtledoves for our Lord’s dedication (Luke 2:22-24; Lev 12:8). Jesus took note of a widow giving two mites over rich men giving much (Lev 12:1-4). Moses required a soul offering of every citizen without regard for ability to give (Ex 30:5). The Philippians gave generously, though they were comparatively poor (II Cor 8:1-5).

What about money-grubbing televangelists? They should be rejected as false prophets, for they are not sent by God, do not preach God’s words, steal widows’ houses through fake prayers, promise lies about getting rich, and sell trinkets without shame (Matt 23:14). But their heresies, lies, and scams do not negate the need to generously support God’s ministers (I Tim 5:17-18).

What about giving to get? Our blessed and merciful heavenly Father has repeatedly promised His reward upon those who give liberally, and these promises encourage our obedience, as long life encourages parental honor (Eph 6:1-3). But great men with great hearts, like David, give out of delight and love for God rather than what they might receive as a result of their giving!

What if I give hypocritically? That is your wicked choice, but it has nothing to do with a proper understanding of tithing and giving. Financial giving will not sanctify your life or make up for wickedness in other areas (Is 58:3-7; Hag 2:10-19; Jas 1:27). Jesus Christ taught you to do both – to live a righteous life of mercy, judgment, and faith and to give financially (Matt 23:23).

What is the bottom line? The Lord is a great king, and He deserves your best (Mal 1:14; Heb 12:28-29). If you want the heart of David, you better give more than a tithe (I Chron 22:5,14-16; 29:2-5). Let the lovers of filthy lucre argue about tithing. Since the world began, God has blessed liberal givers (Gen 13:2; 26:12; 32:10; Pr 3:9-10; 11:24-26; Mal 3:8-12; Luke 6:38; II Cor 9:6). The most exciting use of your money should be generous giving to the Lord, off the top, often!

What is EVERYTHING?

The front cover of the Newsweek magazine dated April 12, 2010 reads “What’s so great about the iPAD? With the background of the sky and the bold letter EVERYTHING stood out indeed. Well Steve Job has indeed revolutionise our reading, watching, computing, gaming and many more.

Today, this hype continues coz people just expect big things from Apple perhaps due to the success of its iPod and later iPhone and now iPad. So much so little children/babies today knows how to SLIDE to Unlock and swipe thu’ pictures on these gadgets. Apple managed to change our mind to Think Really Different. Let's face it we all think these tools are particularly brilliant. We are mesmerized by all that they can do. Not sure about the cost but I have heard people are willing to skip meals just to buy one. Incidentally I do not own even an iPod but I knew many of my colleagues are talking about getting their iPhone 5 and iPad2 and indeed I must say I may get stuck into these craze too.

Now Apple is coming out with iCloud. It is so much more than a hard drive in the sky. It’s the effortless way to access just about everything on all these devices. iCloud stores your content so it’s always accessible from your iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Mac or even PC. It gives people instant access to their music, apps, latest photos and more. And it keeps their email, contacts and calendars up to date across all their devices. No syncing required. No management required. In fact, no anything required. iCloud does it all for you that is their new tag line.
Six months has passed us by and many incidents and events has changed us, inspired us and/or discouraged us. Our theme for the year lest we forget is “God’s Way Always”. Fact is it is easily forgotten as coping with the anxiety of life overwhelm all of us. We should take time to take stock.

Did you know the Bible says God is recording “Everything you and I say”, good or bad? He employs no one to “edit out” the embarrassing or condemning things we say. Every “idle words” that men shall speak said our Lord in Matthew 12:36 ‘they shall give an account thereof in the day of judgement’. If everything we have ever said will be introduced as evidence against us in a future day it is pretty frightening prospect wouldn’t you say?

The Greek word that was used in this passage is “argos” which simply means unprofitable. It also means what it implies in the English: “Idle” or “not working”. The identical word is used in Matthew 20:3 where Jesus spoke of labourers “standing idle in the marketplace” They were free from work, unproductive. They are “weeds in the garden patch of speech”. They serve no good purpose.

The month of July and August is critical for all of us to learn. Consider carefully the Morning Ministry and Discovery Moments topics as His word will truly warn us and guide us. We need to learn and be encouraged by and thru God’s word, the Bible and be inspired by the many things that God is promising us. Do not be discouraged and give up at this stage of your Christian Walk as you find carrying the cross of Jesus heavy to bear. Take time off and be refreshed by joining our NGC Family Camp from Aug 31 to Sept 3. Start saving RM3 a day from now onwards and you could be on your way. More important create the desire in you that it is the right things to do and sign up by July 24 so that the organisers of the camp could plan more easily. Remember EASY payment is available and it is worthwhile and value for money. No iCloud, iBible or iCamp can ever replace the time well spend with God and His people. Let’s not be idle with our words and time.

Jehovah Jireh – God is Our Provider ! God is EVERYTHING. God’s Way Always.

Bible Verses for Father's Day

1 Chronicles 29:17
I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity

Deuteronomy 1:29-31
Then I said to you, "Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place."

Joshua 1:9
...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Malachi 4:6
He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.

Psalm 103:13
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

Proverbs 3:11-12
My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,
because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.

Proverbs 3:32
For the LORD detests a perverse man
but takes the upright into his confidence.

Proverbs 10:9
The man of integrity walks securely,
but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.

Proverbs 17:24
A discerning man keeps wisdom in view,
but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 17:27
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint,
and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

Proverbs 23:22
Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Proverbs 23:24
The father of a righteous man has great joy;
he who has a wise son delights in him.

Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Colossians 3:21
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Hebrews 12:7
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?

Steps to God

1. God Loves You!
The Bible says, "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life"

The problem is that

2. All of us have done, said or thought things that are wrong. This is called sin, and our sins have separated us from God.
The Bible says "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." God is perfect and holy, and our sins separate us from God forever. The Bible says "The wages of sin is death."

The good news is that, about 2,000 years ago,

3. God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins.
Jesus is the Son of God. He lived a sinless life and then died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. "God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."

Jesus rose from the dead and now He lives in heaven with God His Father. He offers us the gift of eternal life -- of living forever with Him in heaven if we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me."

God reaches out in love to you and wants you to be His child. "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on His name." You can choose to ask Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and come in to your life as your Lord and Savior.

4. If you want to accept Christ as Savior and turn from your sins, you can ask Him to be your Savior and Lord by praying a prayer like this:

"Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I ask you in to my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior. I want to serve you always."

Did you pray this prayer?

If yes, do join us regularly in our Discovery Moments every Sunday to find out how you more grow deeper in faith.

At NGC we hope to provide spiritual direction and teaching to encourage a lived-out faith that transforms.
lives

Your tongue is the translator of your intellect

As a King and Queen were sitting in their palace one day, a fisherman who was selling fresh fish was brought in front of them. The King decided to buy a fish and gave the fisherman 4000 dirham for it.

The fisherman was overjoyed. He thanked King and left.

The Queen turned to her husband in anger and scolded him for paying so much for a fish. The King let her have her say but said that the fish was purchased and that there was nothing that could be done about it.

However, the Queen was adamant and insisted that the fisherman be brought back.

We will ask the fisherman about the gender of the fish, she said. If he answers that it is female, we will say that we wanted a male fish and if his response is that it is male, we will say that we wanted a female fish! Either way, we will be able to return the fish and have our money back.

So the poor fisherman was called back and was asked the question.

Fortunately, he was clever enough not to be caught out.
He replied, The fish is neither male or female. It is eunuch (neutral).

The King was so impressed by the ingenuity of the man that he ordered a further 4000 dirham to be paid to him. The fisherman thanked the King again but as he was about to leave with the heavy bag of money, one of the coins fell onto the floor. The fisherman immediately bent down to look for the coin. The Queen was already upset that the fisherman had been given 8000 dirham.

Look how miserly this man is! the Queen exclaimed. One coin has fallen out of his bag full of money and he searches for it instead of leaving it for some other poor servant to find.

The man heard this remark and said, O Queen, it is not out of miserliness that I search for the coin but rather because it had the picture of generous the King on it. I would not tolerate anyone to cause dishonour to the King by treading on the coin.

The King was so happy with this response that he immediately called for another 4000 dirham to be given to the fisherman. When Queen saw all this, she thought it was better to hold her tongue and let the man go with the 12000 dirham before the King decided to increase the amount again.

(Lessons from Life)

Speech is an Art. If one knows what, when and how to talk then such a person will be successful in life.
The beauty of man/Woman is in the clarity of his tongue.

Your tongue is the translator of your intellect.

In other words, a person’s intellect and wisdom is recognized through his speech.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

--- James 3: 9-12

“The True Sound of Music Story”

Making a Stand on Christian Principles

Long, long ago when I was a young man I came across a prime example of this. In 1951 I went with a church youth group on a 2-week trip to Austria. Going by rail, at Coloyneve saw what must have been a Miracle. The Cathedral, standing intact in the middle of a bomb flattened city.

We stayed at a high mountain village Mulbach an Hochonig or (Mulbach on High King) in English, and about 20 miles from Salgburg. There I met the real equivalent of the Navel Captain in the movie “Sound of Music” who was the proprietor of the “Ski unt Berghiem Hostel” we stayed at; Captain Stefan Senoner .

After the war Austria was divided into 3 military zones; American, British and Russian. We were in the American Zone controlled by 7th US Coventry regiment. Stefan Senoner had been a V Boat Captain in World War 2. In 1942 the British White Star liner Laconia (almost as big as the Titanic) was torpedoed off Freetown by a German submarine. She had 1,800 Italian POWs on board and nearly 300 British servicemen and families. She went down in just 15 minutes, taking most of the prisoners (who were locked up below decks with Polish guards in charge) with her. In all, many more lives were lost than in the Titanic disaster, but one never hears of that fact! My brother, Ernest was one of the survivors, he was in the shark infested water for over an hour before being finally picked up by a life boat.

The V Boat Captain Hartensteins never knew the presence of his Italian Allies on board otherwise he would never have attacked, he was however, a humane man and took the woman and children on board, where they were looked after very well by the crew, he also took life boats in tow. A large Red Cross flag being draped over the deck.

A general signal was sent to the Allied forces, to the effect that if they did not attack him, he would continue to help survivors. In spite of all this, American aircraft found the scene and bombed, missing the submarine but sinking one of the life boats with further loss life. Sadly, Captain Hartensteins U152 was sunk later in the War off the Canadian coast because he stayed too long on the surface helping survivors of Allied ships.

When the Supreme Commander V Boats, Admiral Carl Donitz, hears of this he sent an immediate order, “In no circumstances are any more survivors to be picked up or assisted.” This deadly order was to cost the lives of thousands of Allied seamen in the remaining 3 years of war.

As a Christian, Captain Senoner openly refused to comply with this order and was Court Marshalled and sent back to Austria. When the Gestapo came to arrest him he was hidden by his friends in the Mountains until after the war. After I saw him, he immigrated to Canada as he told me he wanted to do. He set up a “Ski unt Borghiem Hostel Mulbach” in Netherlands, which is still there today. When we left Mulbach, his elderly mother cried because she knew, she said. That she would never see us all again, it was very touching.

Both of these Captains showed their compassion for their fellow men, that they were willing to stand up and be counted, on Christian principles.

Barnes Dennis Walter

Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic(universal)Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.

Amen.

The Will of God

The will of God will never take you,
Where the Grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the Arms of God cannot support you,
Where the Riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the Power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the Wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the Army of God cannot protect you,
Where the Hands of God cannot mould you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the Love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the Mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the Peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the Authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the Comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the Miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the Omnipresence of God cannot find you.

”Everything happens for a purpose.
We may not see the wisdom of it all now
but trust and believe in the Lord
that everything is for the best.”

Author Unknown

God made you to work with others

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

"As you walk through life, remember that you're not supposed to do everything on your own. You need other people to walk alongside you, but you also need other people to work alongside you."

God put us on earth to do a certain work that only we can do. Ephesians says that God made us to do good works and that he planned in advance what we would live our lives doing. However, he didn't plan for us to do that work alone. We need people to work with us.

You know the feeling you get when you do too much work on your own. You get exhausted and burned out. Why? Because you're trying to do your work alone, while God never meant for you to go through life working alone.

God tells us in Ecclesiastes 4:9 that "two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together" (NCV). When you work as a team, you get so much more done. Plus, having good teammates alongside you is a whole lot more fun and less tiring!

Picture this: Individually, each of us is like a snowflake; on our own, we can't make a big difference. However, when one fragile snowflake sticks together with a lot of other snowflakes, they can stop traffic. Like snowflakes, we can make a big difference if we work together, each one of us doing only our small part.

Did you know that when we work together here on earth, we're actually practicing for eternity? In heaven, we will all have to work, but each of us will have just a small piece of work, so we'll never get overloaded or tired. Still, though no one will carry a heavy burden as each one of us does our small part, all the work will get done.

As you walk through life, remember that you're not supposed to do everything on your own. You need other people to walk alongside you, but you also need other people to work alongside you. As you share the burden of your work with fellow Christians, you'll find that you actually accomplish more for the glory of God.

Posted by Rick Warren

Servanthood - Our money or our lives?

[Jesus] sat down and called the twelve disciples over to him. Then he said, "Anyone who wants to be the first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else."
Mark 9:35

It's hard to glamorize the disciples of Jesus when you pay attention to the Scriptures. Today's passage is a response to their ongoing argument about who was the greatest among them. When Jesus asked them about it, they kept quiet out of embarrassment. His response offers the antidote for pride and ambition and a model for true leadership.

A few years ago, when Mother Teresa visited Phoenix, Arizona, to speak at the opening of a home for the destitute, KTAR, the largest radio station in town, interviewed her. During a commercial break the announcer asked Mother Teresa whether there was anything he could do for her. He expected her to request a donation or ask for media help to raise money for the new facility.

Instead, she looked him in the eye and said, "Yes, there is. Find someone nobody else loves and love them."

I've never heard the rest of the story. I don't know if the challenge of that diminutive nun from Calcutta caused that disc jockey to seek our someone to love unconditionally or not. But itis a challenge that's hard to ignore.

Giving a gift of money is never as costly as giving of our lives. The gift of money is immediate. But giving our lives is ongoing.

The gift of money represents that past portion of our lives that we have already invested in our work. The gift of service represents a desire to invest more of our future in that which has eternal significance. Once money leaves our hands, so often the memory of it leaves us as well. But when we give our hearts, the memories are with us forever.

While money is a necessary (and always appreciated!) ingredient for any kingdom endeavor, the most acute need is always for leaders and servants. Where are those who will invest themselves in the lives of others, nurturing, encouraging, and developing people into mature disciples? Most of us, if offered a choice between giving some extra money to our church or working in the church's preschool department, would dig deep into our pockets!

But it is precisely that sacrificial quality of service that makes it so valuable. Whether it is teaching children in Sunday school or being part of the work crew that puts a new roof on the crisis pregnancy center, serving is the key to keeping our priority and focus.

Ed Rowell


Reflection

What are some of the unique experiences God has used to bring growth in my life? How can serving others redeem even difficult experiences?

Prayer

God, please bring to mind people who would benefit from spending time with me. How could I offer them encouragement, hope, and opportunities to grow? Grant me the courage to contact them—today.

"The man who keeps busy helping the man below him won't have time to envy the man above him."


—Henrietta Mears, twentieth-century Christian educator

Gambling and Christianity

The new President of the NSW Council of Churches in Australia, the Revd Richard Quadrio, has welcomed the release of the long-awaited Productivity Commission Report into Gambling, and called on federal and state governments to implement all recommendations.

The Report indicated that Australia had about 600,000 regular gamblers, of whom approximately 95,000 were “problem gamblers.” The social cost of problem gambling in Australia was estimated at $4.7 billion per year, and problem gambling directly affected up to 350,000 people each year.

“Every Report recommendation that is implemented will help to reduce the intolerable burden of problem gambling in our communities. We want to see action to limit the size and speed of poker machine bets in the short term, and phasing in of additional reforms as soon as possible in consultation with industry and community groups,” NSW Council of Churches President Revd Quadrio said.

“The fact that clubs and pubs are pleased with the government’s initial response to the Report is not necessarily a good sign. The government needs to give a clear indication that it is not captive to the gambling industry by setting out a comprehensive reform process well before the next election,” Revd Quadrio said.

In March 2008 the NSW Council of Churches called on state and federal governments to develop sustainable alternative sources of state revenue, reduce the prevalence of gambling in our communities, and support those for whom gambling is a problem.

The Council of Churches also recommended the implementation of reasonable measures to discourage advertising and sponsorship of gambling.


Back here in Malaysia, Prime Minister Najib Razak said his government had dropped a proposal to legalise sports betting amid protests by groups who fear it will create more social ills.

The uproar over sports betting erupted after Ascot Sports, a company controlled by influential tycoon Vincent Tan, said in May it had been granted a licence to offer odds for the hugely popular English Premier League season.

The government denied such a licence had been issued and said that it was still reviewing its decision as Muslim groups, opposition leaders and even members of the ruling government coalition opposed the new licence.

"I hereby wish to announce that the government has decided that the licence will not be issued," Najib told state media late Friday.

"Although there were groups who supported as well those who did not support or opposed the decision, it was clear to the government that a majority of the people did not agree that the licence be issued to Ascot Sports," he added.

Opposition political parties said Thursday they were planning a mass street protest next month against the proposal.

"We have too many social problems -- drug addiction, free sex and baby dumping," Kamarulzaman Mohamad, youth secretary of the conservative Pan-Malaysia Islamic Party (PAS) told AFP.

"Sports betting will add to our problems as most youths watch football. They will be influenced to borrow money," he added.

Party officials told AFP Saturday they have yet to decide whether the demonstration will be cancelled following Najib's announcement.

Malaysia bans its majority Muslims from gambling but allows betting at a casino operated by the Genting Group, on the national lottery and on horse-racing.

Surprisingly, the Bible contains no specific command to avoid gambling. However, the Bible does contain timeless principles for living a life pleasing to God and is filled with wisdom to deal with every situation, including gambling.

Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 5:10, NIV)

"No servant can serve two masters. [Jesus said.] Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Luke 16:13, NIV)

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:10, NIV)

Gambling is a way to bypass work, but the Bible counsels us to persevere and work hard:

Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. (Proverbs 10:4, NIV)

One of the key principles in the Bible is that people should be wise stewards of everything God gives them, including their time, talent and treasure. Gamblers may believe they earn their money with their own labor and may spend it as they please, yet God gives people the talent and health to carry out their jobs, and their very life is a gift from him as well. Wise stewardship of extra money calls believers to invest it in the Lord’s work or to save it for an emergency, rather than lose it in games in which the odds are stacked against the player.

Gamblers covet more money, but they may also covet the things money can buy, such as cars, boats, houses, expensive jewelry and clothing. The Bible forbids a covetous attitude in the Tenth Commandment:

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." (Exodus 20:17, NIV)

Gambling also has the potential to turn into an addiction, like drugs or alcohol. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, 2 million U.S. adults are pathological gamblers and another 4 to 6 million are problem gamblers. This addiction can destroy the stability of the family, lead to job loss, and cause a person to lose control of their life:

…for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. (2 Peter 2:19)

Some argue that gambling is nothing more than entertainment, no more immoral than going to a movie or concert. People who attend movies or concerts expect only entertainment in return, however, not money. They are not tempted to keep spending until they "break even."

Finally, gambling provides a sense of false hope. Participants place their hope in winning, often against astronomical odds, instead of placing their hope in God. Throughout the Bible, we are constantly reminded that our hope is in God alone, not money, power, or position:

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. (Psalm 62:5, NIV)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13, NIV)

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. (1 Timothy 6:17, NIV)

Christianity and the Media

The media has provoked diverse reactions amongst Christians. On one hand, the media provides opportunities to spread the message of Christianity into places where Christian missionaries cannot go. For example, foreign Christian missionaries have been banned from teaching Christianity within Iran . However, satellite Christian broadcasts in Persian (the language spoken in Iran) have been transmitted into Iran and many Iranians have become Christians through this. In this country many thought provoking television programmes make people think more about Christianity. However, the media also can portray Christians in a negative light. Some Christians hold the media responsible for the decline in moral standards. These Christians believe that as what they consider 'immoral behaviour' is portrayed on screen so much that eventually people copy it.

Courage: Stepping into something frightening

They will reply, "Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?" And he will answer, "I assure you , when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me." And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.
Matthew 25:44-46

All sorts of things get in the way of doing what we're called to do. Sometimes it's sloth; sometimes we simply get distracted. But often it's fear that stands in the way. And sometimes the only way to conquer fear is, as the commercial says, to "just do it."

In the early 1800s English prisons were pits of indecency and brutality. In the the women's division at Newgate Prison in London, for example, women awaiting trial for stealing apples were crammed into the same cell as women who had been convicted of murder or forgery (which was also a capital crime).

Eating, sleeping, and defecating all took place in the same confined area. Women begged or stole to get clothes, alcohol, and food. Many became despondent in such conditions and sat around in a drunken stupor, stark naked. Some even starved to death.

In short, it was no place for a lady, especially a seemingly delicate woman such as Elizabeth Fry.

Fry, the daughter of an English banker, married at age twenty into another wealthy family. Children came quickly, one on top of another, and eventually numbered eleven in all. Fry spent her days caring for her children and entertaining people of high society. Yet years earlier she had sensed a call to work on behalf of the downtrodden. While still a young bride and mother, she gave medicine and clothes to the homeless and helped establish a school for nurses. And at age thirty-three she found the courage to step inside London's Newgate Prison and begin visiting female prisoners. Friends and prison officials warned her about the risk of both the disease and the violence to which she was exposing herself, but she waved aside the warnings and kept visiting.

Soon visiting wasn't enough. She taught female prisoners basic hygiene, as well as sewing and quilting. She read the Bible to inmates and intervened for women on death row.

To nineteenth-century observers, Fry's efforts produced a miracle: Many of the reportedly wild and shifty inmates became, under her care, orderly, disciplined, and devout. Mayors and sheriffs from the surrounding regions (and later from other European countries) visited Newgate and began initiating reforms in their own jails and prisons.

Today Elizabeth Fry is remembered as a pioneer in prison reform. And yet the only thing that separated her from many others of her day was her willingness to step into a frightening environment to see what she could do.

—Mark Galli

Reflection

Am I not doing something that God is calling me to do mainly because I'm afraid?

Prayer

Lord, fill me with a sense of your presence and power so that I might do what you've called me to do, even when I'm afraid.

"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear."


—Mark Twain, American author

My Father's Business

Recently I received an email that proclaim the new arrival of what they call it "ALLURE of the Seas". See pix of the vessel named Oasis of the Seas and visit their website at http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/ if you want to find out more at their image gallery.

Allurement or attractiveness is also pertinent in our life. After all Jesus did promised an abundant life in John 10:10. However he did warn against greed, citing that a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions in Luke 12:15.

Do not get me wrong. I am not against the Oasis but rather wish to highlight that the abundant life Jesus says is one filled with meaning or purpose and fulfilment. If He choose to financially bless you that is an added bonus. But like someone did say we cannot insist or treat Him like the genie of Aladdin's lamp for He is not our servant but our Sovereign Almighty God. Context of Habakkuk 3:17-18

Our purpose and aim in life should be

1. INTIMACY with God
2. INTERCESSION and connection especially with believers at NGC
3. INFLUENCE with people far from God

Let us continue to build upon the foundation of this year theme DOING MY FATHER'S BUSINESS - Luke 2:49

The journey is just important as the destination.

And...its a lifelong commitment

BEING FILLED – FOR THE FATHER’S BUSINESS

Napoleon once said, “The army marches on its stomach.” As Christians, we can fill ourselves with many needs but the Lord Jesus has this to say – “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work.” (John 4:34) For us, Paul encourages us – “to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19)

Very often, we have different and varied needs. Are those really needs? Doesn’t it say that is God cares for the sparrows and knows our needs and the very number of hairs on our heads which amounts to Him caring for us? Of prime importance to Jesus is to fulfill His Father’s will and that He did on the cross where He said, “It is finished!”

We can build ourselves up in the most holy faith if other distractions do not cloud our lives. It is no wonder why many children of God have lost their sense of being filled. Physically, we know what hunger is and we know where to find the most satisfying food for our tummies. It is hoped that as you read this, if you ever read, you are challenged to grow in grace and in the knowledge of God and to loyally do so whatever the cost.

May God’s blessings be on you as you finish reading this bit of healthy spiritual food!

Fred Tan

Keep Believing God!

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

Are you praying yet nothing seems to be happening? Real faith knows God's promises and stands on them regardless.

Have you looked in the Scriptures? Have you found the promises that deal with your particular situation? Are you standing on them? When you pray do you conclude that if you don't feel something your prayers didn't work? If the circumstances don't change immediately, do you say, "I guess God isn't going to answer me?" Never speak words that contradict God. Satan can't read your mind, but he can hear your words!

For 20 years Abraham kept repeating God's promise. Now when you're childless and a hundred years old, telling people you're going to become the "father of nations" can raise a few eyebrows! Circumstances mocked him.

Reason defied him. Even his wife laughed. But he believed the God, "who calls those things which are not as though they are" (See Ro 4:17).

This is not mind-over-matter, or flaky theology, it's just doubting your doubts and believing the God who cannot lie!

When Jesus touched the blind man and asked him what he could see, he replied, "I see men as trees, walking" (Mk 8:23-25). Did the man give up? Did Jesus quit in discouragement? No. He laid hands on him again, and this time he was completely healed.

Keep going back to the source. Some answers come quickly and some slowly.
Your fixed position must be - keep believing God

Author Unknown

Light & Shelter

Matthew 5: 14-16 reads “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Jesus says to us, "You are the light of the world." Jesus has given us His light, Jesus has made us light, for only one purpose – to shine for Jesus. Like the lighthouse keeper we have no excuse if we do not keep the light burning.

Let us be encouraged and remember His promises that He who dwells in the Shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust'...If you make the Most High your dwelling, even the LORD, who is my refuge—then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-12

Atonement and meaning of life

Atonement is a doctrine that describes how sin can be forgiven by God. In Christian theology the atonement refers to the forgiving or pardoning of sin through the death of Jesus Christ by crucifixion, which made possible the reconciliation between God and creation.

Useful link
http://www.rzim.org/radio/archives.aspx