Monday, June 30, 2008
这一生最美的祝福 (The Gift Of Knowing You) - 赞美之泉 (Stream Of Praise)
在无数的黑夜里，
我用星星画出祢，
祢的恩典如晨星，
让我真实的见到祢。
在我的歌声里，
我用音符赞美祢，
祢的美好是我今生颂扬的。
这一生最美的祝福，
就是能认识主耶稣。
这一生最美的祝福，
就是能信靠主耶稣。
走在高山深谷，他会伴我同行，
我知道，这是最美的祝福。
Monday, June 23, 2008
SALVATION in SUNNYDALE!!!~ =)
Hello all!
We have a new salvation in Sunnydale!
I met Michelle for lunch yesterday and she told me that she was ready to receive God into her life! I thank everyone for their prayers and I thank God for working in her life!
Rebecca Lincoln
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you Rebecca:)
Dear all, yes I wish to recieve him as my saviour. I've been lost for such a long time and was struggling with myself....As I read the book which Rebecca lent me, I tried to follow the way it leads me, without much doubt or hesitation, I thought that only through him that I surrender all and give myself totally to him could I really get close to him, and the most amazing part is, when I made this decission, it turned out to be really a relif and a new start to me. As Rebecca told me , I know there is still a long way to go and I'm still like a toddler on the way of serving God, yet I just feel excited to try and ready to recieve whatever he presents to me.
Thank you all and wish to see you tomorrow on cell.
Everyone has a blessed week ahead!
Cheers,
Michelle
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On behalf of all of us here in Sunnydale, Light and Mimosa: Welcome to the one big happy family of God! CONGRATULATIONS Michelle!!!~ =)
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:7
We have a new salvation in Sunnydale!
I met Michelle for lunch yesterday and she told me that she was ready to receive God into her life! I thank everyone for their prayers and I thank God for working in her life!
Rebecca Lincoln
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you Rebecca:)
Dear all, yes I wish to recieve him as my saviour. I've been lost for such a long time and was struggling with myself....As I read the book which Rebecca lent me, I tried to follow the way it leads me, without much doubt or hesitation, I thought that only through him that I surrender all and give myself totally to him could I really get close to him, and the most amazing part is, when I made this decission, it turned out to be really a relif and a new start to me. As Rebecca told me , I know there is still a long way to go and I'm still like a toddler on the way of serving God, yet I just feel excited to try and ready to recieve whatever he presents to me.
Thank you all and wish to see you tomorrow on cell.
Everyone has a blessed week ahead!
Cheers,
Michelle
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On behalf of all of us here in Sunnydale, Light and Mimosa: Welcome to the one big happy family of God! CONGRATULATIONS Michelle!!!~ =)
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:7
The hot water bottle
A good read with the breaking of a new week...
Isaiah 65:24 'Before they call, I will answer'
This story was written by a doctor who worked in South Africa
One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died leaving us with a tiny premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive; as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator).
We also had no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in.
Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates). 'And it is our last hot water bottle!' she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways.
'All right,' I said, 'put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm.'
The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died
During prayer time, one ten-year old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. 'Please, God' she prayed, 'send us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon.'
While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, 'And while you are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?'
As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say, ¡Amen¢? I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything, the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator! Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door.
By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there, on the veranda, was a large twenty-two pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children.
Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. >From the top, I lifted out brightly colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the.....could it really be? I grasped it and pulled it out - yes, a brand-new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could. Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, 'If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly too!'
Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted!
Looking up at me, she asked: 'Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?'
That parcel had been on the way for five whole months. Packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it 'that afternoon.'
'Before they call, I will answer' (Isaiah 65:24) This awesome prayer takes less than a minute. When you receive this, say the prayer, that's all you have to do. No strings attached. Just send it on to whomever you want - but do send it on. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards.
Let's continue praying for one another. Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this right now. I am asking You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence to work through them. Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask You to renew them by revealing Your nearness, and by drawing them into greater intimacy with You. Where there is fear, reveal Your love, and release to them Your courage. Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and rise up leaders and friends to support and encourage them. Give each of them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them, and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it. I ask you to do these things in Jesus' name.
P.S. Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both. Passing this on to one not considered a friend is something Christ would do.
'Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you're not willing to move your feet.'
Isaiah 65:24 'Before they call, I will answer'
This story was written by a doctor who worked in South Africa
One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died leaving us with a tiny premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive; as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator).
We also had no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in.
Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates). 'And it is our last hot water bottle!' she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways.
'All right,' I said, 'put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm.'
The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died
During prayer time, one ten-year old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. 'Please, God' she prayed, 'send us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon.'
While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, 'And while you are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?'
As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say, ¡Amen¢? I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything, the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator! Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door.
By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there, on the veranda, was a large twenty-two pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children.
Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. >From the top, I lifted out brightly colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the.....could it really be? I grasped it and pulled it out - yes, a brand-new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could. Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, 'If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly too!'
Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted!
Looking up at me, she asked: 'Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?'
That parcel had been on the way for five whole months. Packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it 'that afternoon.'
'Before they call, I will answer' (Isaiah 65:24) This awesome prayer takes less than a minute. When you receive this, say the prayer, that's all you have to do. No strings attached. Just send it on to whomever you want - but do send it on. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards.
Let's continue praying for one another. Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this right now. I am asking You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence to work through them. Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask You to renew them by revealing Your nearness, and by drawing them into greater intimacy with You. Where there is fear, reveal Your love, and release to them Your courage. Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and rise up leaders and friends to support and encourage them. Give each of them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them, and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it. I ask you to do these things in Jesus' name.
P.S. Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both. Passing this on to one not considered a friend is something Christ would do.
'Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you're not willing to move your feet.'
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Take My Life and Let It Be
An old hymn written by Fanny Crosby (rem the blind woman of faith who penned "Blessed Assurance")
Performed by Chris Tomlin
As you listen the lyrics of this song... ask the Lord in what area are you struggling to surrender. It mentions so many areas in which can a challenge to for us to submit to God's will.
Do I give Him my hands and feet?
Do I only use my voice to to sing praises to my King or do I allow it to be used for satan's will?
Do my lips bring messages of love or of hate, of acceptance or of judgement?
Do I use the intellect He has given me to glorify Him or me?
Do I see the money I have as His or mine?
Who holds my heart, the world or Jesus?
Who does my life belong to and who do I submit to?
Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord, to thee
Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for thee
Take my voice and let me sing always, only for my king
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from thee
Take my silver and my gold not a might would I withhold
Take my intellect and use every power as you choose
::Chorus::
Here am I, all of me
Take my life, it's all for thee
Take my will and make it Thine it shall be no longer mine
Take my heart it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne
Take my love, my Lord I pour at your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be ever, only all for thee,
Take myself and I will be ever, only all for thee
"Kept for the Master's Use", a wonderful book written by Fanny Crosby (Frances Havergal). She uses lyrics from this hymn as chapter titles and it speaks to me every time I read this little paperback book that is so filled with godly wisdom that all of us need.
She encourages us to take every aspect of life and consecrate it for the Lord's use. Why keep anything for self glorification when we can keep it all for His use?
May all of us be kept for the Master's use, alwayz!
Performed by Chris Tomlin
As you listen the lyrics of this song... ask the Lord in what area are you struggling to surrender. It mentions so many areas in which can a challenge to for us to submit to God's will.
Do I give Him my hands and feet?
Do I only use my voice to to sing praises to my King or do I allow it to be used for satan's will?
Do my lips bring messages of love or of hate, of acceptance or of judgement?
Do I use the intellect He has given me to glorify Him or me?
Do I see the money I have as His or mine?
Who holds my heart, the world or Jesus?
Who does my life belong to and who do I submit to?
Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord, to thee
Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for thee
Take my voice and let me sing always, only for my king
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from thee
Take my silver and my gold not a might would I withhold
Take my intellect and use every power as you choose
::Chorus::
Here am I, all of me
Take my life, it's all for thee
Take my will and make it Thine it shall be no longer mine
Take my heart it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne
Take my love, my Lord I pour at your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be ever, only all for thee,
Take myself and I will be ever, only all for thee
"Kept for the Master's Use", a wonderful book written by Fanny Crosby (Frances Havergal). She uses lyrics from this hymn as chapter titles and it speaks to me every time I read this little paperback book that is so filled with godly wisdom that all of us need.
She encourages us to take every aspect of life and consecrate it for the Lord's use. Why keep anything for self glorification when we can keep it all for His use?
May all of us be kept for the Master's use, alwayz!
Friday, June 20, 2008
When all is said and done
This article spoke to me lots and I hope you read it.
When All is Said & Done
By Luis Palau
A 10-year-old girl made the following observation: "Heaven is a nice place to go, but nobody¡¯s in a hurry to get there." And, you know, she¡¯s almost right.
Why is it that many Christians arent excited about going to heaven and seeing the Lord? Maybe its because unless their lives change, when all is said and done they will have little or nothing to show for their lives.
Christians in our society have opted for the "good life." They go to church, read their Bibles, serve on church committees, tithe and dont do a single thing that will count for eternity. Why? Because they refuse to do the one thing that God has called them to do, and that is to love Him with all their heart and soul and strength.
If we love God with every fiber of our being, then we will long to be with Him. We will say with the Apostle Paul, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).
Paul wasn't afraid to die because he knew that he had a glorious future awaiting him in heaven. And the exciting thing for us won't be the streets of gold, but that "God is with men" (Revelation 21:3).
In addition, if we love God with all our heart and soul and strength, we will do what He calls us to do. Love and obedience cannot be separated. The Lord Jesus Christ made this clear to His disciples when He said, "If you love me, you will obey what I command" (John 14:15).
What are the consequences of not heeding Gods call on your life to serve Him as He intended? I found out one snowy January while preaching at a church in Schenectady, New York. Before the meeting started, a rather distinguished looking gentleman with a cane entered the sanctuary, walked to the front of the church, introduced himself and asked to speak with me after the service. We arranged to meet at the home of the family with whom I was staying.
In the car on the way to their house, my hosts told me about the gentleman with the cane. "Now Luis," they said, "you need to know that this gentleman is one of the most distinguished ophthalmologists in the country. His textbooks are studied in many of the major universities. Hes been away from the Lord since we were in university together, but something has been on his heart during the last few weeks."
At the house my hosts excused themselves so that the doctor and I could talk privately for a few minutes.
"Young man," he said, "I have a question to ask you, and based on the answer you give me, I'm going to make a big decision.
"I am an ophthalmologist. I've made a lot of money. I'm well respected. Most people think I'm a success. But my daughter has no interest in God and my son is going to hell because I've never shared the Gospel with him. For years I've questioned how I've spent my entire adult life. Is that success?"
Then he explained further. "When I was in university, some 42 years ago, a missionary by the name of John R. Mott came and spoke about the need in the Middle East for ophthalmologists to help treat eye diseases, and I felt the call of God. When he gave the invitation, I made a commitment to go and serve Jesus Christ on the mission field. I made a commitment to use my medical skills for God's glory.
"But when graduation came, I married and my friends and relatives began to warn me about the dangers of living in the Middle East, the sacrifices a missionary must make, about foolishly wasting my education. They said, Dont do it. And the pride of life got a hold of me and I never did go to the mission field. Instead, I started my own practice here in The States. That was 42 years ago."
Then he added, "And I want you to know, I haven't had one day of peace in 42 years. Now I'm retired and I've asked my wife to go with me to Afghanistan so we can finish our last days serving the Lord in mission work. I've said, Let's at least obey God at the end of our lives.¡'But she doesn't want to go, so tell me, shall I go or shall I stay?"
In typical Latin fashion, I put my arm around him and said, "Brother, I believe you should go."
He began to cry. "Thank you! I will go. God's been calling me for 42 years. This time no one is going to stop me."
Three months later I phoned the family I had stayed with in Schenectady. "How is the doctor doing?" I asked.
"Haven't you heard?" they replied. "He's off to Afghanistan, and his wife went with him. He's coming back to the States soon to collect medical supplies donated from some large companies to use over there. And he's as excited as he can be."
The next winter I had the privilege of returning to Schenectady. The doctor was there, as well. His body had grown so weak that he couldn't even stand up anymore. But on the inside he was very much alive.
"Come here," he said. "Give me one of those Latin hugs." After I greeted him, he told me, "The next time I see you, I'm going to see you in the presence of the King!" And a few weeks later, he went to be with the Lord.
What moved me about this doctor was the fact that for 42 years he had no peace because he rebelled against the Lord calling him to the mission field. When he looked back over his life, he realized that all his "great" accomplishments were worthless because he had not obeyed God's plan for his life.
What is our supreme responsibility as Christians on this side of heaven? To be a success? Yes, but a success in God's eyes. Henrietta Mears said, "Success is anything that is pleasing to Him." I agree. We please God when we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to doing whatever He calls us to do.
Someone once asked William Booth about the secret of his success. He thought for a moment, then started to cry. He said: "I will tell you the secret: God has all there was of me to have."
Does God have all there is of you to have? As the doctor from Schenectady discovered, it's not too late yet to follow God's will for your life, no matter how long you've neglected His call. It's not too late to please Him.
And what a beautiful thing it is when someone finally returns to the ways of God and is prepared to enter eternity victoriously.
Are you looking forward to heaven? Are you ready and eager to go? Imagine the Savior saying to you: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:21).
When all is said and done, what will the Lord say to you?
When All is Said & Done
By Luis Palau
A 10-year-old girl made the following observation: "Heaven is a nice place to go, but nobody¡¯s in a hurry to get there." And, you know, she¡¯s almost right.
Why is it that many Christians arent excited about going to heaven and seeing the Lord? Maybe its because unless their lives change, when all is said and done they will have little or nothing to show for their lives.
Christians in our society have opted for the "good life." They go to church, read their Bibles, serve on church committees, tithe and dont do a single thing that will count for eternity. Why? Because they refuse to do the one thing that God has called them to do, and that is to love Him with all their heart and soul and strength.
If we love God with every fiber of our being, then we will long to be with Him. We will say with the Apostle Paul, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).
Paul wasn't afraid to die because he knew that he had a glorious future awaiting him in heaven. And the exciting thing for us won't be the streets of gold, but that "God is with men" (Revelation 21:3).
In addition, if we love God with all our heart and soul and strength, we will do what He calls us to do. Love and obedience cannot be separated. The Lord Jesus Christ made this clear to His disciples when He said, "If you love me, you will obey what I command" (John 14:15).
What are the consequences of not heeding Gods call on your life to serve Him as He intended? I found out one snowy January while preaching at a church in Schenectady, New York. Before the meeting started, a rather distinguished looking gentleman with a cane entered the sanctuary, walked to the front of the church, introduced himself and asked to speak with me after the service. We arranged to meet at the home of the family with whom I was staying.
In the car on the way to their house, my hosts told me about the gentleman with the cane. "Now Luis," they said, "you need to know that this gentleman is one of the most distinguished ophthalmologists in the country. His textbooks are studied in many of the major universities. Hes been away from the Lord since we were in university together, but something has been on his heart during the last few weeks."
At the house my hosts excused themselves so that the doctor and I could talk privately for a few minutes.
"Young man," he said, "I have a question to ask you, and based on the answer you give me, I'm going to make a big decision.
"I am an ophthalmologist. I've made a lot of money. I'm well respected. Most people think I'm a success. But my daughter has no interest in God and my son is going to hell because I've never shared the Gospel with him. For years I've questioned how I've spent my entire adult life. Is that success?"
Then he explained further. "When I was in university, some 42 years ago, a missionary by the name of John R. Mott came and spoke about the need in the Middle East for ophthalmologists to help treat eye diseases, and I felt the call of God. When he gave the invitation, I made a commitment to go and serve Jesus Christ on the mission field. I made a commitment to use my medical skills for God's glory.
"But when graduation came, I married and my friends and relatives began to warn me about the dangers of living in the Middle East, the sacrifices a missionary must make, about foolishly wasting my education. They said, Dont do it. And the pride of life got a hold of me and I never did go to the mission field. Instead, I started my own practice here in The States. That was 42 years ago."
Then he added, "And I want you to know, I haven't had one day of peace in 42 years. Now I'm retired and I've asked my wife to go with me to Afghanistan so we can finish our last days serving the Lord in mission work. I've said, Let's at least obey God at the end of our lives.¡'But she doesn't want to go, so tell me, shall I go or shall I stay?"
In typical Latin fashion, I put my arm around him and said, "Brother, I believe you should go."
He began to cry. "Thank you! I will go. God's been calling me for 42 years. This time no one is going to stop me."
Three months later I phoned the family I had stayed with in Schenectady. "How is the doctor doing?" I asked.
"Haven't you heard?" they replied. "He's off to Afghanistan, and his wife went with him. He's coming back to the States soon to collect medical supplies donated from some large companies to use over there. And he's as excited as he can be."
The next winter I had the privilege of returning to Schenectady. The doctor was there, as well. His body had grown so weak that he couldn't even stand up anymore. But on the inside he was very much alive.
"Come here," he said. "Give me one of those Latin hugs." After I greeted him, he told me, "The next time I see you, I'm going to see you in the presence of the King!" And a few weeks later, he went to be with the Lord.
What moved me about this doctor was the fact that for 42 years he had no peace because he rebelled against the Lord calling him to the mission field. When he looked back over his life, he realized that all his "great" accomplishments were worthless because he had not obeyed God's plan for his life.
What is our supreme responsibility as Christians on this side of heaven? To be a success? Yes, but a success in God's eyes. Henrietta Mears said, "Success is anything that is pleasing to Him." I agree. We please God when we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to doing whatever He calls us to do.
Someone once asked William Booth about the secret of his success. He thought for a moment, then started to cry. He said: "I will tell you the secret: God has all there was of me to have."
Does God have all there is of you to have? As the doctor from Schenectady discovered, it's not too late yet to follow God's will for your life, no matter how long you've neglected His call. It's not too late to please Him.
And what a beautiful thing it is when someone finally returns to the ways of God and is prepared to enter eternity victoriously.
Are you looking forward to heaven? Are you ready and eager to go? Imagine the Savior saying to you: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:21).
When all is said and done, what will the Lord say to you?
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Glory Of Your Grace - Pastor Peter Loy, Trinity Christian Centre
C D G
Your grace still amazing
G/B C D Em7
Like a beacon of light it shines my way
C D Bm7-Em7
Lead(ing) me from glory to glory
A C/D
Sufficient for all I need
Your grace extraordinary
Draws me to the depths of Your love
You will never let me go
This one truth I know
It’s by Your grace I live
G D/F#
I surrender my all
Em7 D C G/B
To the power of Your grace
Am7 D/C
Touch me
Bm7 Em7
Empower me
Am7 G/B D
That I may live for You
G D/F#
Lord I give You my heart
Em7 D Bm7
Come renew first love
C D G D/F# E
I choose to live, all my days
Am7 C/D G
In the glory of Your grace
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Belonging Together - Apostle Naomi Dowdy
5pm sermon at Trinity Christian Centre on Saturday 14/6/08
1. Parents' Partnership - Biblical Marriage
Genesis 1:27-28, 2:24
Matthew 19-4-6
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
Ephesians 5:25
- Relationships
-> Mental
-> Physical
-> Spiritual
Hebrews 13:4
2. Parents' Praying - Intercession
Job 1:4-5
Families that pray together stay together
3. Parents' Parables/Proverbs - Wise Instructions
Deuteronomy 5:16
Proverbs 15:20
Ephesians 6:1-3
a. Honour - Proverbs 4
b. Psalm 91:15
c. Respect - Leviticus 19:3
4. Parents' Pattern - Dysfunction to Restoration
Example of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25-35
How Jacob learnt from and took after his mother Rebekah in her cheating ways
- Rebekah lied to her husband Isaac to cheat her son Esau of his birthright for her favourite Jacob
Numbers 27:1-8
- No boundaries
- Let there be worth, hope for future, value, love & acceptance
- Rules/laws at that time changed for the better due to daughter's courage that their dad instilled in them
Job 42:13-15
Proverbs 29:18
1. Parents' Partnership - Biblical Marriage
Genesis 1:27-28, 2:24
Matthew 19-4-6
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
Ephesians 5:25
- Relationships
-> Mental
-> Physical
-> Spiritual
Hebrews 13:4
2. Parents' Praying - Intercession
Job 1:4-5
Families that pray together stay together
3. Parents' Parables/Proverbs - Wise Instructions
Deuteronomy 5:16
Proverbs 15:20
Ephesians 6:1-3
a. Honour - Proverbs 4
b. Psalm 91:15
c. Respect - Leviticus 19:3
4. Parents' Pattern - Dysfunction to Restoration
Example of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25-35
How Jacob learnt from and took after his mother Rebekah in her cheating ways
- Rebekah lied to her husband Isaac to cheat her son Esau of his birthright for her favourite Jacob
Numbers 27:1-8
- No boundaries
- Let there be worth, hope for future, value, love & acceptance
- Rules/laws at that time changed for the better due to daughter's courage that their dad instilled in them
Job 42:13-15
Proverbs 29:18
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
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