"A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society."
-- Billy Graham, Christian Evangelist
"The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother."
-- Theodore Hesburgh, Catholic Priest and President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame
"My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it."
-- Clarence Budington Kelland, U.S. Writer
"How true Daddy's words were when he said: 'All children must look after their own upbringing.' Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands."
-- Anne Frank, German Jew and Holocaust Victim
"It is much easier to become a father than to be one."
-- Kent Nerburn, U.S. Author and Educator
"Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!"
-- Lydia M. Child, U.S. Author
"We are given children to test us and make us more spiritual."
-- George Will, U.S. Journalist
"It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father."
-- Pope John XXIII
Showing posts with label Spectrum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spectrum. Show all posts
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Some reasons for rejecting the baton of faith.
From our earliest childhood, our mood determines our willingness,
Without encouragement, our light of service grow dim.
Without praises, it affects our state of happiness.
But when we come to know our Lord Jesus as Savior and Lord
This is a truly different ball game.
We don't look for human praises and encouragement, but
We look to our Lord for our hope, comfort, direction and education.
If your conviction is not true, your passion will be like the weather
Sometimes good, sometimes mysterious, and not consistent either.
Fear is one factor the evil one uses. Excuses comes in the form of -
not good enough, not prepared, not ready, or fear of scoff.
To take hold of the baton of faith may mean the end of an ambition
And by not taking it will mean - there is no restriction.
It is sad for Jesus to know it. He gave His all, despite knowing
What He had to do and He did it - "It is finished!'.
His passionate love and determination secures our salvation
reconciliation, and an assurance of a wonderful relationship in heaven.
Yes! service for the Lord will attract criticism, backbiting and other negative
emotions.
So dare we take hold of the baton of faith ??
Pray.
Contribution by Elder Fred
Sunday, November 28, 2010
NGC Christmas Celebration
Join us in this year celebration
Sat, 18th Dec
from 7.00 pm
and
Christmas Service
25th Dec
from 10.00am
My Father’s House
Jesus said, "In My Father's house there are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." John 4: 2-3
Yes, there is a heavenly place prepared for all children of God - in the Father's House and this was made possible through the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. Therefore, for all who are sons and daughters of God, co-heirs with Christ, we need not worry about being in these heavenly mansions because Jesus has already prepared the place for us.
Our focus should not be placed on our Father's House of many mansions but rather on The Way. Notice Jesus said that He will come again and receive us to Himself, that where He is, there we may be also.
We learn from the Holy Scriptures that God the Father and Jesus His Son are One (John 14:10-11). And for those who are led by the Spirit of God, they are sons (children) of God (Romans 8:14); one Spirit with Christ (1 Corinthians 6:17). So where Jesus is, there we are with Him and God the Father.
Therefore as we await for the coming again of Christ, let us continue to be faithful servants of God in doing our work in our Father's Business - in line with our church theme for the year 2010. Not only this year but until He comes again.
Chandran.
Extract from NGC Newsletter
Yes, there is a heavenly place prepared for all children of God - in the Father's House and this was made possible through the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. Therefore, for all who are sons and daughters of God, co-heirs with Christ, we need not worry about being in these heavenly mansions because Jesus has already prepared the place for us.
Our focus should not be placed on our Father's House of many mansions but rather on The Way. Notice Jesus said that He will come again and receive us to Himself, that where He is, there we may be also.
We learn from the Holy Scriptures that God the Father and Jesus His Son are One (John 14:10-11). And for those who are led by the Spirit of God, they are sons (children) of God (Romans 8:14); one Spirit with Christ (1 Corinthians 6:17). So where Jesus is, there we are with Him and God the Father.
Therefore as we await for the coming again of Christ, let us continue to be faithful servants of God in doing our work in our Father's Business - in line with our church theme for the year 2010. Not only this year but until He comes again.
Chandran.
Extract from NGC Newsletter
Monday, October 18, 2010
Who do you say I am?
Read this from Our Daily Bread. The writer wrote something which hasn't strike me before. Some of the disciples that followed Jesus are those who are 'toughies' back in those days - rugged fishermen, radicals. At the same time, Jesus also attracted the 'smarties'.
Jesus is relevant and connects across societies, age, culture and race. Something for me, us to ponder.
When Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do you say I am?”—He wasn’t having an identity crisis nor was He feeling insecure about His reputation. He passed out the quiz to see whether or not the disciples had come to grips with who He really was, or, if they too, like the rest of the crowds, had misperceived His true identity.
It’s a good quiz to take, because if you and I don’t perceive Jesus as He really is, we just may get our Christianity twisted and headed in the wrong direction. So ask yourself, “Who do I think Jesus is?”
There are lots of ways to look at the question: theologically, historically, culturally, redemptively, spiritually, or experientially. But for starters, let’s ask in terms of how you perceive Him as a person when He comes to mind. This is not a throwaway issue! How you envision Him has a lot to do with whether or not you’ll want to follow Him. And following Him is at the very heart of a fulfilling relationship with Him.
If you grew up in Sunday school world, you saw a lot of Sunday school papers with pictures of Jesus in a neatly pressed white robe, nice sandals, and a well-trimmed beard. It was easy to draw the conclusion that Jesus is a kind, softhearted, merciful, and deferring kind of guy. And, thankfully, He is all those things. But if that’s all He is to you, He won’t seem very compelling. You might think, “Nice guy, but I’m not sure I’d want to go on a fishing trip with Him!”
Yet a brief look at who found Him to be compelling will correct our often distorted view of Jesus. Rough fishermen like James, John, Peter, and Andrew dropped their nets to follow Him. These were guys who would have had fading tattoos on their bulging biceps, and rugged, sea-worn faces. Simon the Zealot, a member of the underground resistance force, was committed to give his life if necessary to overthrow the oppressive regime of Rome. He traded in his Uzis and fatigues to join the Jesus revolution. And Matthew, the ruthless tax collector, found Jesus a far more compelling option for life than continuing to get rich at other peoples’ expense. Women felt safe with Him and adoringly followed and supported Him.
So, take it from those who knew Him best. They gave up everything and followed Him to a whole new way of life. A life where the power of love is courageous enough to forgive; where the joy of generosity trumps the withering grip of greed; where others’ needs and interests capture the attention of our hearts; where cross-bearing is an honor; where the poor, marginalized, and oppressed find refuge and significance.
So, what do you think of Jesus?
Seeing Him as He really is will make you ready to drop “whatever” in order to follow Him. And, come to think of it, I’d love to go fishing with Him! I might just end up being quite different in a lot of good ways if I spent more time with Him!
YOUR JOURNEY…
What has been your impression of Jesus?
Have you seen Him as so compelling that you are willing to drop anything that gets in the way of following Him?
Would you forgive for Him? Give your money to the poor and needy for Him? Stop gossiping for Him? Live for eternity for Him? Work well at the office for Him even though your boss is weird and unreasonable?
—Joe Stowell
Jesus is relevant and connects across societies, age, culture and race. Something for me, us to ponder.
When Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do you say I am?”—He wasn’t having an identity crisis nor was He feeling insecure about His reputation. He passed out the quiz to see whether or not the disciples had come to grips with who He really was, or, if they too, like the rest of the crowds, had misperceived His true identity.
It’s a good quiz to take, because if you and I don’t perceive Jesus as He really is, we just may get our Christianity twisted and headed in the wrong direction. So ask yourself, “Who do I think Jesus is?”
There are lots of ways to look at the question: theologically, historically, culturally, redemptively, spiritually, or experientially. But for starters, let’s ask in terms of how you perceive Him as a person when He comes to mind. This is not a throwaway issue! How you envision Him has a lot to do with whether or not you’ll want to follow Him. And following Him is at the very heart of a fulfilling relationship with Him.
If you grew up in Sunday school world, you saw a lot of Sunday school papers with pictures of Jesus in a neatly pressed white robe, nice sandals, and a well-trimmed beard. It was easy to draw the conclusion that Jesus is a kind, softhearted, merciful, and deferring kind of guy. And, thankfully, He is all those things. But if that’s all He is to you, He won’t seem very compelling. You might think, “Nice guy, but I’m not sure I’d want to go on a fishing trip with Him!”
Yet a brief look at who found Him to be compelling will correct our often distorted view of Jesus. Rough fishermen like James, John, Peter, and Andrew dropped their nets to follow Him. These were guys who would have had fading tattoos on their bulging biceps, and rugged, sea-worn faces. Simon the Zealot, a member of the underground resistance force, was committed to give his life if necessary to overthrow the oppressive regime of Rome. He traded in his Uzis and fatigues to join the Jesus revolution. And Matthew, the ruthless tax collector, found Jesus a far more compelling option for life than continuing to get rich at other peoples’ expense. Women felt safe with Him and adoringly followed and supported Him.
So, take it from those who knew Him best. They gave up everything and followed Him to a whole new way of life. A life where the power of love is courageous enough to forgive; where the joy of generosity trumps the withering grip of greed; where others’ needs and interests capture the attention of our hearts; where cross-bearing is an honor; where the poor, marginalized, and oppressed find refuge and significance.
So, what do you think of Jesus?
Seeing Him as He really is will make you ready to drop “whatever” in order to follow Him. And, come to think of it, I’d love to go fishing with Him! I might just end up being quite different in a lot of good ways if I spent more time with Him!
YOUR JOURNEY…
What has been your impression of Jesus?
Have you seen Him as so compelling that you are willing to drop anything that gets in the way of following Him?
Would you forgive for Him? Give your money to the poor and needy for Him? Stop gossiping for Him? Live for eternity for Him? Work well at the office for Him even though your boss is weird and unreasonable?
—Joe Stowell
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Love
"LOVE" IS TO FLOW THROUGH THE CHRISTIAN OUTWARD TO PERFORM GOD'S WORK IN PEOPLE AROUND HIM.
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another." (John 13:35).
"Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Fathers commandments, and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." (John 15:9-12).
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." (1stJohn 4:7).
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." (1st John 4:11).
"Walk in love, just as Christ also loved you." (Ephesians 5:2).
"I say unto you, love your enemies." (Matthew 5:44).
"Let love be without hypocrisy." (Romans 12:9).
"Love does no wrong to a neighbor; love therefore is the fulfillment of the law." (Romans 13:10).
"Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, love never fails." (1st Corinthians 13:4-8).
"But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1st Corinthians 13:13).
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God created beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10).
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another." (John 13:35).
"Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Fathers commandments, and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." (John 15:9-12).
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." (1stJohn 4:7).
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." (1st John 4:11).
"Walk in love, just as Christ also loved you." (Ephesians 5:2).
"I say unto you, love your enemies." (Matthew 5:44).
"Let love be without hypocrisy." (Romans 12:9).
"Love does no wrong to a neighbor; love therefore is the fulfillment of the law." (Romans 13:10).
"Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, love never fails." (1st Corinthians 13:4-8).
"But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1st Corinthians 13:13).
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God created beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10).
Hope
"HOPE" IS A SPIRITUAL GIFT PROVIDING PRESENT ENJOYMENT OF THE FUTURE FULFILLMENT OF THE PROMISES OF GOD.
"Having a hope in God, ... that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked." (Acts 24:15).
"And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body, for in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it." (Romans 8:23-25).
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe." (Ephesians 1:18-19).
"... He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and without reproach - if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, ..." (Colossians 1:27).
"Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27).
"Christ Jesus, who is our hope;" (1st Timothy 1:1).
"... the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, preached long ages ago, ..." (Titus 1:2).
"In the same way, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, in order that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of the hope set before us." (Hebrews 6:17-18).
"Having a hope in God, ... that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked." (Acts 24:15).
"And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body, for in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it." (Romans 8:23-25).
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe." (Ephesians 1:18-19).
"... He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and without reproach - if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, ..." (Colossians 1:27).
"Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27).
"Christ Jesus, who is our hope;" (1st Timothy 1:1).
"... the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, preached long ages ago, ..." (Titus 1:2).
"In the same way, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, in order that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of the hope set before us." (Hebrews 6:17-18).
Faith
"FAITH" IS THE BASIS FOR THE REVEALING OF GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS IN A CHRISTIAN'S LIFE.
"For in it (in the gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'But the righteous man shall live by faith.'" (Romans 1:17).
"But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ ... whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness ... that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." (Romans 3:21-26).
"For this reason it is by faith, that it might be in accordance with grace, in order that the promise may be certain to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all." (Romans 4:16)
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."(Romans 5:1).
"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17).
"The life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God." (Galatians 2:20).
"For in it (in the gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'But the righteous man shall live by faith.'" (Romans 1:17).
"But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ ... whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness ... that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." (Romans 3:21-26).
"For this reason it is by faith, that it might be in accordance with grace, in order that the promise may be certain to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all." (Romans 4:16)
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."(Romans 5:1).
"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17).
"The life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God." (Galatians 2:20).
Faith, Hope and LOVE
Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. It comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Hebrews 11:1, Romans 10:17).
We have a living Hope, because our God is a living God, (Peter 1:3).
Love must be the motive and the driving force behind every thing we do (I Cor 13:3)
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. I Cor. 13:13
Friday, September 3, 2010
AN ABUNDANT AND JOYFUL LIFE
Generally, non – believers have the misconception that the life of a Christian is mundane and too restrictive to fulfill one's need to be joyful. Nothing can be further from the truth. In Phil. 4:4 Paul exhorts the Philippians to “ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
He further assures us in (vv 6-7), “ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanks, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
He further encourages us to indulge in almost anything in (vv 8-9), “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
What non-believers have to grapple with is, they neither have the peace of God nor the love of Jesus.
As Christians it is easier to make “excellent and praiseworthy” choices in whatever we do – choices that emanate from a heart fully committed to Jesus. Paul states in Phil. 1:9-10, that when our love is filled with knowledge and wisdom, we are able to understand what is best, so that we may “approve the things that are excellent”.
Excellent choices are the proof of a life that is deeply committed to Jesus and His ways and they have the ripple effect of filling our lives “with the fruits of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God” (Phil.1:10-11) and a rejoicing relationship with Him.
As Christians we are entitled to enjoy an abundant and joyful life.
Paul Nathan
Sunday, August 22, 2010
High Expectations
How To Raise The Bar So People Will Stay?
A recent research study included a survey of 406 young adults who stayed in church during the critical ages of 18 to 22 and who have remained in church since then.
What are some of the primary reasons these young adults stayed in the church? Here's what they had to say:
"Church is a vital part of my relationship with God." Two-thirds of the respondents could not see themselves as vibrant Christians without being an active part of a local congregation.
"I wanted the church to help guide my decisions in everyday life." A significant majority of these young adults indicated that the church was essential in the ongoing decisions of life. Church is not optional, auxiliary, or peripheral. Church is essential. It is a major part of the believer's life. And the Christian cannot imagine life without the support of a local congregation.
"I was committed to the purpose and work of the church." These churched young adults told us that they not only knew the purpose of the church, they embraced that purpose as well.
Keep in mind that most of these young adults are in churches that are making a difference in lives and in the community. These are not the churches that simply go through the motions, have meaningless meetings and expect little of their members. No, these are essential churches with high expectations.
What about us here at NGC? Something to think about. Are we just going through the motions?
Monday, August 9, 2010
East Malaysian Fellowship (EMF)
Berdoa agar pelayanan bahasa melayu yang akan dimulakan di Nilai
pada 14 Ogos mendapat sambutan dan diberkati oleh Tuhan
Satukan kami ya Tuhanku
Ajari kami ‘tuk saling mengasihi
Seperti Engkau mengasihi kami
Yesus satukanlah kami
Walaupun kami dipisahkan lautan luas
Walaupun kami berbeza suku bangsa
Namun Kau telah mempersatukan kami
Semuanya kerana kasihMu
Marilah kita saling berganding tangan
Sehati, sejiwa membangun gerejaNya
Meski tentangan harus kita hadapi
Kita maju untuk menang
Tempat: Nilai Gospel Chapel
Tarikh: 14 Ogos 2010
Masa: Jam 8.00 malam
pada 14 Ogos mendapat sambutan dan diberkati oleh Tuhan
Satukan kami ya Tuhanku
Ajari kami ‘tuk saling mengasihi
Seperti Engkau mengasihi kami
Yesus satukanlah kami
Walaupun kami dipisahkan lautan luas
Walaupun kami berbeza suku bangsa
Namun Kau telah mempersatukan kami
Semuanya kerana kasihMu
Marilah kita saling berganding tangan
Sehati, sejiwa membangun gerejaNya
Meski tentangan harus kita hadapi
Kita maju untuk menang
Tempat: Nilai Gospel Chapel
Tarikh: 14 Ogos 2010
Masa: Jam 8.00 malam
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The EE in Me
Lazy? No, I was NOT. In fact, I was busy...with work (not forgetting meetings which take up most of my time), church, friends etc etc. Busy busy busy. Isn't it great to be busy? I felt that I was the most 'important' person on earth with all this busy-ness. People needed me, or so I thought. Talk about ego. Or was I a busy sluggard?
You see, I never knew what it meant to be free. Free= lazy.I was so busy in life (getting higher pay+ promotion, frequent flying for events, meeting with the Cs [CEOs, CFOs]) that when I 'lost' my job I was devastated. I thought I performed well because I achieved my KPI and I was INDISPENSABLE. My identity was defined by my job. My job and I were inseparable. BOOM! My whole world came crashing down.
During my lowest period, I stumbled upon Evangelism Explosion (EE) by Uncle Leong Hock. It was a bumpy journey to begin with. And it was and still is a humbling journey by God who made me realised I'm his child. He defines me. Not my job. My life has turned upside down but in a good way. I realised I have only ONE life and when I die, I want to see God smiling. What's EE? It's all about doing God's great Commission in Matthew 28:18. EE is one of the tools to share the gospel in a conversational way. No more getting tongue tied when people question your faith, no more being shy about sharing the gospel, no more 'forcing' people to hear you 'preach'. It's all about sharing when you are having a cup of teh tarik in mamak, cheering your favourite football team, on a shopping spree. Anywhere, anytime when God permits.
Yeah Diana, since now you are not working, of course you have the time. You don't have kids. Is it? Time. IMHO, I'm much more 'busy-er' than ever before. Classes are packed till night, working in YMCA (to earn some cash), a trainer for XEE, Bible classes on Mondays and Saturdays, learning Mandarin, French (again!) and soon...Hebrew. Kids? I have 6 nephews and nieces + Sunday school kids to deal with.
So what is a busy sluggard? Clue: Proverbs 10:5. Need clarification? Ask the elders. Deep in your heart, ask yourself. Do you really believe in the existence of God? Are you at least curious to see what blessings He can shower unto you? How do you define faith? (Honestly!) Or are you satisfied sitting in your lil' box of life with pretty flowers around it??
Cheers,
Diana
You see, I never knew what it meant to be free. Free= lazy.I was so busy in life (getting higher pay+ promotion, frequent flying for events, meeting with the Cs [CEOs, CFOs]) that when I 'lost' my job I was devastated. I thought I performed well because I achieved my KPI and I was INDISPENSABLE. My identity was defined by my job. My job and I were inseparable. BOOM! My whole world came crashing down.
During my lowest period, I stumbled upon Evangelism Explosion (EE) by Uncle Leong Hock. It was a bumpy journey to begin with. And it was and still is a humbling journey by God who made me realised I'm his child. He defines me. Not my job. My life has turned upside down but in a good way. I realised I have only ONE life and when I die, I want to see God smiling. What's EE? It's all about doing God's great Commission in Matthew 28:18. EE is one of the tools to share the gospel in a conversational way. No more getting tongue tied when people question your faith, no more being shy about sharing the gospel, no more 'forcing' people to hear you 'preach'. It's all about sharing when you are having a cup of teh tarik in mamak, cheering your favourite football team, on a shopping spree. Anywhere, anytime when God permits.
Yeah Diana, since now you are not working, of course you have the time. You don't have kids. Is it? Time. IMHO, I'm much more 'busy-er' than ever before. Classes are packed till night, working in YMCA (to earn some cash), a trainer for XEE, Bible classes on Mondays and Saturdays, learning Mandarin, French (again!) and soon...Hebrew. Kids? I have 6 nephews and nieces + Sunday school kids to deal with.
So what is a busy sluggard? Clue: Proverbs 10:5. Need clarification? Ask the elders. Deep in your heart, ask yourself. Do you really believe in the existence of God? Are you at least curious to see what blessings He can shower unto you? How do you define faith? (Honestly!) Or are you satisfied sitting in your lil' box of life with pretty flowers around it??
Cheers,
Diana
Monday, June 28, 2010
THE TRUMPET SHALL SOUND
Once every four years we are treated to a month long football fiesta known globally as the World Cup. This year’s edition is held for the very first time in the African continent, in South Africa. If there is one thing that would always remind us of the 2010 World Cup it must be the vuvuzela. It is a plastic trumpet, a meter long, brightly coloured and sounds like an elephant! Imagine the noise a thousand of these trumpets can make in a stadium. The atmosphere would be exhilarating.
In Corinthians 15:52 the Apostle Paul says that a trumpet will sound. I am sure this trumpet would make an equally grand entrance as the vuvuzela but not because of the sound but due to the effect it would have on Christians. Verse 52 says, ‘For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised and we shall all be changed.‘ We will be changed from mortal beings to immortality. Death will no longer have a hold on us because it had been defeated by the grace of God through the Lord Jesus Christ. The sound of the trumpet will signal the victory the Lord Jesus Christ has over death. There will be no more Christians dying. Wow! What a wonderful day that would be.
Therefore, it is important that Christians be steadfast, strong in their faith and unwavering. We need to hold fast to what we have – salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. This should encourage us to be abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that whatever we do for the Lord is not in vain.
We would not know how loud the trumpet would be but we know that if we go about our Father’s business and help in the growth of the assembly here in Nilai Gospel Chapel, the sound of that trumpet would be more powerful than a thousand vuvuzelas because we know what we will receive and whom we will see – the Lord Jesus Christ.
by Arnold Nathan
NGC Newsletter for July/Aug 2010
In Corinthians 15:52 the Apostle Paul says that a trumpet will sound. I am sure this trumpet would make an equally grand entrance as the vuvuzela but not because of the sound but due to the effect it would have on Christians. Verse 52 says, ‘For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised and we shall all be changed.‘ We will be changed from mortal beings to immortality. Death will no longer have a hold on us because it had been defeated by the grace of God through the Lord Jesus Christ. The sound of the trumpet will signal the victory the Lord Jesus Christ has over death. There will be no more Christians dying. Wow! What a wonderful day that would be.
Therefore, it is important that Christians be steadfast, strong in their faith and unwavering. We need to hold fast to what we have – salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. This should encourage us to be abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that whatever we do for the Lord is not in vain.
We would not know how loud the trumpet would be but we know that if we go about our Father’s business and help in the growth of the assembly here in Nilai Gospel Chapel, the sound of that trumpet would be more powerful than a thousand vuvuzelas because we know what we will receive and whom we will see – the Lord Jesus Christ.
by Arnold Nathan
NGC Newsletter for July/Aug 2010
KNOWING HOW TO GIVE GOOD GIFTS
Christians march to the tune of Christ. Where He sends, we will go. This was a lesson learned and executed by the paralytic whom Christ healed in Matthew 9.6,7: …he then said to the Paralytic--"rise, take up your bed and go home." And he rose and went home.
In our periodic missionary fervour, we often think of the great tasks Christ is sending us to in the far loftier contexts of overseas mission and big vocational assignments. On this Father's Day, we may do far better to heed Christ's commission to just "go home". Yes "home" in the domestic sense of grandparents, parents, children, siblings, nephews and nieces, aunties and uncles, and close friends. Yes, "go home" to our neglected families which increasingly have been playing second fiddle to our work, our hobbies, our churches, our computers, our television, our games, our books, our dreams and ambitions. When was the last time we have been really home giving full attention and being good company to our families?
In Luke 11.11-13, Jesus used the context of home life to teach a most important message: "What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?" He concludes: "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!“
I thought this Father's Day we will do well to learn from our heavenly Father to know how to give good gifts within our family life. Good gifts which money cannot buy.
We parents, fathers have the duty to give good gifts to our children. Good gifts such as bringing our children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord but not provoking our children to anger (Ephesians 6. 4) "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." (Colossians 3.21).
The line between a good and bad gift is thin. We fathers are required to give instruction and discipline to our children but if we go overboard on this, we end up provoking them and leave them discouraged and disheartened.
As children we need to learn how to give good gifts to our parents too: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), "that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6.1-3)
For the greatest lesson for Father's Day, we need not look further than Jesus' Parable of the Prodigal Son. Things can happen in the family. Mistakes can be made at home which in turn can lead to many other things. Good things can go bad. But bad things can become good too in the grace of the Lord. We know the story of the prodigal son. How he left home and got himself into real trouble. But also, and far more importantly, how he returned home to his father in these immortal words in Luke 15.17-22: "But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.“” And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry.”
What is the best decision you can make this Father's Day? What is the best Father's Day gift you can give to your parents? The answer is GO HOME. Stay home. Let God help you make peace and heal the wounds.
Extract from a Father's Day message by Goh Keat Peng
In our periodic missionary fervour, we often think of the great tasks Christ is sending us to in the far loftier contexts of overseas mission and big vocational assignments. On this Father's Day, we may do far better to heed Christ's commission to just "go home". Yes "home" in the domestic sense of grandparents, parents, children, siblings, nephews and nieces, aunties and uncles, and close friends. Yes, "go home" to our neglected families which increasingly have been playing second fiddle to our work, our hobbies, our churches, our computers, our television, our games, our books, our dreams and ambitions. When was the last time we have been really home giving full attention and being good company to our families?
In Luke 11.11-13, Jesus used the context of home life to teach a most important message: "What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?" He concludes: "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!“
I thought this Father's Day we will do well to learn from our heavenly Father to know how to give good gifts within our family life. Good gifts which money cannot buy.
We parents, fathers have the duty to give good gifts to our children. Good gifts such as bringing our children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord but not provoking our children to anger (Ephesians 6. 4) "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." (Colossians 3.21).
The line between a good and bad gift is thin. We fathers are required to give instruction and discipline to our children but if we go overboard on this, we end up provoking them and leave them discouraged and disheartened.
As children we need to learn how to give good gifts to our parents too: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), "that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6.1-3)
For the greatest lesson for Father's Day, we need not look further than Jesus' Parable of the Prodigal Son. Things can happen in the family. Mistakes can be made at home which in turn can lead to many other things. Good things can go bad. But bad things can become good too in the grace of the Lord. We know the story of the prodigal son. How he left home and got himself into real trouble. But also, and far more importantly, how he returned home to his father in these immortal words in Luke 15.17-22: "But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.“” And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry.”
What is the best decision you can make this Father's Day? What is the best Father's Day gift you can give to your parents? The answer is GO HOME. Stay home. Let God help you make peace and heal the wounds.
Extract from a Father's Day message by Goh Keat Peng
Saturday, June 26, 2010
A Father's Love
A father is respected because
he gives his children leadership...
appreciated because
he gives his children care...
valued because
he gives his children time...
loved because
he gives his children the one thing
they treasure most - himself.
The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him. Proverbs 20:7 NKJV
A Blessing for Fathers
A good man obtains favor from the Lord.
Proverbs 12:2 NIV
May the blessing of being a father remind you of how valued and honored you are in the eyes of the Lord.
he gives his children leadership...
appreciated because
he gives his children care...
valued because
he gives his children time...
loved because
he gives his children the one thing
they treasure most - himself.
The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him. Proverbs 20:7 NKJV
A Blessing for Fathers
A good man obtains favor from the Lord.
Proverbs 12:2 NIV
May the blessing of being a father remind you of how valued and honored you are in the eyes of the Lord.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Scriptures For Parents
John 16:21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Proverbs 1:8-9 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Proverbs 1:8-9 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Kellie's Castle
Kellie's Castle (sometimes also called Kellie's Folly) is located near Batu Gajah, and is about 20 minutes' drive from Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. The unfinished, ruined mansion, was built by a Scottish planter named William Kellie Smith. According to differing accounts, it was either a gift for his wife or a home for his son.
Kellie's Castle is now a popular local tourist attraction and was used as a setting in the 1999 film Anna and the King
God willing, we shall visit this spot on our way to Harvest Haven, Gopeng for this year NGC Family Camp
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Fathers Are Wonderful People
Fathers are wonderful people
Too little understood,
And we do not sing their praises
As often as we should...
For, somehow, Father seems to be
The man who pays the bills,
While Mother binds up little hurts
And nurses all our ills...
And Father struggles daily
To live up to "his image"
As protector and provider
And "hero of the scrimmage"...
And perhaps that is the reason
We sometimes get the notion,
That Fathers are not subject
To the thing we call emotion,
But if you look inside Dad's heart,
Where no one else can see
You'll find he's sentimental
And as "soft" as he can be...
But he's so busy every day
In the grueling race of life,
He leaves the sentimental stuff
To his partner and his wife...
But Fathers are just wonderful
In a million different ways,
And they merit loving compliments
And accolades of praise,
For the only reason Dad aspires
To fortune and success Is to make the family proud of him
And to bring them happiness...
And like Our Heavenly Father,
He's a guardian and a guide,
Someone that we can count on
To be always on our side.
by Helen Steiner Rice
Friday, April 30, 2010
NGC Family Camp 2010
Theme: My Father's Business
Date: 5th - 8th June 2010
Venue: Harvest Haven
Address: PT 4035, Ipoh Country Park, Jalan Kota Bahru, Mukim Teja, 31600 Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia.
Tel.& Fax: 605-3593255, H/P 6012-4884708 (John Lee)
Harvest Haven is a fairly new Christian conference center located on approximately 7 acres of land in Gopeng, Perak state of Malaysia. It is in the Ipoh Country Park situated next to the Perak Matriculation College on the way to Kota Bahru. The building was completed in April 2007 and dedicated on May 27, 2007 by the founder of Torchbearers International, the late Major W. Ian Thomas.
Available facilities are swimming pool, broadband with wireless, basketball, volleyball and futsal.
Others includes field for outdoor games, jogging track, table tennis, library, dining hall, meeting hall and lounges.
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