Utar Cf kampar

Wrestling Before God

2012-01-14T01:18:00.001+08:00

Troubles, temptations and disappointments in life are very normal occurrences to us. There is no way we can escape these but we can always face up to these challenges and not be timid about it.

'Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.'

Ephesians 6:10,11

We must learn to wrestle against these falls in our life and with situations that hinder our communication with God. Be someone who wrestles before God with these things of the world, and because "we are more than conquerors through Him", we will come out victorious and be able to overcome these situations.

Friends, beware of lazily giving up without even putting up a fight.

Instead, put up a glorious fight and you will find yourself empowered with His strength.

We are weak, but made STRONG because of Jesus.

Carmen Lai

Perseverance

2012-01-14T01:14:00.000+08:00

Hebrews 10:32-39 - New International Version (NIV)

³² Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. ³³ Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. ³⁴ You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. ³⁵ So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. ³⁶ You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. ³⁷ For,“In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” ³⁸ And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back. ³⁹ But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

This is the passage I've read, and the thing that I've learnt is perseverance. Many a time, we try to complete tasks even though we are tired; tired physically is much easier to recover. However, in my opinion, this shows that we are not having right way of perseverence. Sooner or later it will affect our faith very much. The early believers were persecuted in many ways, yet still able to continue and be joyful. For sure that period was not short.

They are able to do so because their always remember and believe strongly in the promises God has given, and hold closely. Do not throw away our determination of doing something but rather finding the right way. =)

God of Scars

2012-01-14T00:27:00.001+08:00

Everyone has our own hurts and scars... If anyone had big Christian scars, it was Peter. And what made it worse for Peter was that his epic fail came after living alongside Jesus for three years. He was the leader of the disciples. He’d seen Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration. He saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. He even walked on water with Jesus. Nobody was closer to Jesus and loved Jesus more and was a better picture of a “strong Christian” than Peter. And yet, in the moment of decision, Peter found out just how week he was. He did things he had long abandoned, like lying, cursing, and disloyalty.

This would be like the good school kid, raised with good parents, fed with the Word of God, has flying colours in every exam. The kid who never drank a beer, had no tattoos, and virgin until marriage. Then suddenly BOOM, he implodes and lives a life of worldly destruction.What would we say about that? We’d say, well, he knew better. How could he abandon everything? What’s his problem? And silently, whispering in our minds, we’d also say ,”Well, he had such high hopes. Probably can’t be used much for the church or CF anymore.”

But the gospel of John doesn’t end at John 18 (thankfully). And Peter’s story is just the beginning. You see, while Peter’s denial surprised the disciples and the Jewish people and the Roman soldiers and surprises us today, it didn’t surprise Jesus. In fact, if you read the gospel accounts, Jesus actually predicted Peter’s fall—a FEW times. But in Jesus’ predictions of Peter’s failure, there was always a message of hope.

Peter, after you’re restored, comfort the brothers. Peter, you’re going to be part of the foundation of the church. Peter, I’m praying for you and you’ll make it.

Jesus knew Peter, the good Jesus-follower, would fail. And guess what? Jesus knows that we’re going to fail too. Fortunately, God’s plan of salvation doesn’t depend on Peter’s faithfulness and Chang En’s faithfulness and your faithfulness.God is still God when we fail. God is still God when we do something terrible and willfully sin against him.

The real story John is trying to tell in his gospel, is not about Peter’s failure or the lack of faith of the disciples or the machinations that put Jesus on the cross. No, the real story is simple. It’s that God loves us so much, that he sent Jesus to the earth to die bear His wrath. Those who believe on Jesus have had their sins forgiven. Peter’s denial was forgiven before it happened. It’s the same with your sin.

You see, Jesus isn’t looking for lily white good church kids who never mess up. Which is good, because there are none of those. Even for those who never drink, chew, and go with girls that do, there is lurking inside their hearts all sorts of sin: malice, pride, wrath, anger. No, the type of people Jesus is after are people with scars. People whose failure and weakness and sin has broken them to the point of dependence. Look at Peter in the book of Acts. Same guy, but this time he’s boldly proclaiming Christ, enduring prison and torture, and leading thousands to faith. The self-confident good guy Peter couldn’t have done this. But now, every day between midnight and 3 am, when the cock crowed three times for the night watch, Peter was reminded of his epic failure. And down thru history we’ve read his story. But when he heard that crow and read his story in the gospels (even telling it himself through Mark), he was reminded of his need for Jesus every moment. He was reminded that in himself he could do nothing. And, he was reminded that God only uses broken sinners.

Like you & me.

ps: the above sharing is editted from http://www.danieldarling.com/2011/03/god-of-scars/

Return of the intern,
Chang En

God is with us

2012-01-11T22:28:00.000+08:00

In the kingdom of God, Jesus informs us, we can trust our heavenly Father. I learned about trust a few years ago. My daughter Hope and I were at one of my son’s many baseball games. She went off to a swing with a friend. She never left my field of vision, but I moved from one part of the stand to another. When she turned to see me in the stands she thought that I was gone, she welled up with tears and began running o the stands. Only about thirty seconds went by, but within that time she lost her breath and began panting with fear. I said “Hope, I am over here,” and she came running. “How could you leave me!” she said, trembling. “I never left you,” I said “and I never lost sight of you. You just lost sight of me”. She calmed down quickly, but the fear took a while to subside.

adapted from The Good and Beautiful Life

So, have ever felt lost? Have you ever felt like you’ve gone out of track? I’m sure all of us have our season of questioning or backsliding. At times like that, we just lost sight of God but we must always remember that God never loses sight of us. God gives us space to experiment, grow and mature. God never intrudes. But this doesn’t mean God is not with us, is not watching us, is not ultimately familiar with our coming and goings. Jesus promised that He will never leave and forsake us. In the kingdom of heaven God is always near. God is with us all the time that’s why He is called Immanuel. We are never alone and never need to afraid. We only need to rely and trust in Him. Have faith in Him.

Ada

JOB

2012-01-11T00:00:00.005+08:00

Job Chapter 22

21 "Submit to God, and you will have peace; then things will go well for you.

22 Listen to his instructions, and store them in your heart.

23 If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored- so clean your life.

24 If you give up your lust for money and throw your precious gold into the river,

25 the Almighty himself will be your treasure. He will be your precious silver!"

Kaomeng

M.A.D. (Making A Difference)

2012-01-09T23:26:00.000+08:00

Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at the church, the Pastor and his eleven year old son would go out into their town and hand out Gospel Tracts.

This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came time for the Pastor and his son to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring rain.

The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, 'OK, dad, I'm ready.'

His Pastor dad asked, 'Ready for what?'

'Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out.'

Dad responds, 'Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring rain.'

The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, 'But Dad, aren't people still going to Hell, even though it's raining?'

Dad answers, 'Son, I am not going out in this weather.'

Despondently, the boy asks, 'Dad, can I go? Please?'

His father hesitated for a moment then said, 'Son, you can go. Here are the tracts, be careful son..'

'Thanks Dad!'

And with that, he was off and out into the rain.. This eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a Gospel Tract .

After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST TRACT. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a tract to, but the streets were totally deserted.

Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell. He rang the bell, but nobody answered He rang it again and again, but still no one answered. He waited but still no answer. Finally, this eleven year old trooper turned to leave, but something stopped him. Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front porch! He rang again and this time the door slowly opened.

Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady. She softly asked, 'What can I do for you, son?' With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, 'Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that * JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU * and I came to give you my very last Gospel Tract which will tell you all about JESUS and His great LOVE.'

With that, he handed her his last tract and turned to leave.

She called to him as he departed. 'Thank you, son! And God Bless You!'

Well, the following Sunday morning in church Pastor Dad was in the pulpit. As the service began, he asked, 'Does anybody have testimony or want to say anything?'

Slowly, in the back row of the church, an elderly lady stood to her feet.

As she began to speak, a look of glorious radiance came from her face, 'No one in this church knows me. I've never been here before. You see, before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world.

Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live.

So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof, then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely and broken-hearted I was about to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, 'I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away.'

I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly...

I thought to myself again, 'Who on earth could this be? Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me.' I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder.

When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boyI had ever seen in my life. His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you!

The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead, TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, 'Ma'am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU .' Then he gave me this Gospel Tract that I now hold in my hand..

As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of this Gospel Tract. Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more.

You see-- -I am now a Happy Child of the KING. Since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel Tract, I have come here to personally say THANK YOU to God's little angel who came just in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in hell..'

There was not a dry eye in the church. And as shouts of praise and honour to THE KING resounded off the very rafters of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to the front pew where the little angel was seated....

He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.

Probably no church has had a more glorious moment, and probably this universe has never seen a Papa that was more filled with love & honour for his son.... Except for One.

Blessed are your eyes for reading this message.

Remember, God's message CAN make the difference in the life of someone close to you.

Kharis Low

Fools for christ

2012-01-09T13:11:00.001+08:00

Have you ever felt like a fool? Like when you tried to do something or convey a message to someone, but got ignored and brushed aside instead. Without a doubt i have experience this countless times, especially when it is a topic regarding the gospel. It is a natural thing that nobody wants to be a fool.

2012 has arrived and 2011 has passed. One of the many things that I reflected upon and to my astonishment as I usher in the new year during new years eve was how I could so easily let 2011 pass me by without letting many of my friends know about the true gospel that holds the key to eternal life. I have once again lost the urgency that the bible so repeatedly reminds its people of. We all know that Jesus is the way the truth and the life, and no one can come into the Father's presence without Him. I have heard of many people that often prefer sharing the gospel through showing of action, that people might see a difference in them. I feel that it is essential, but Jesus also called us to PROCLAIM the gospel out loud.

I'm sure most of us are familiar with the great commission. Mat 28:19-20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Let us think and ponder, have we shared to anyone about the news of Jesus's unconditional love for us last year? I feel that it is harder to share about the gospel of Christ if we ourselves have not personally experienced a divine encounter with the Lord. How can someone keep this good news to oneself if we knew how awesome this news will change and transform lives? We have to be transformed ourselves first then we will definitely feel the urgency. Let us make a new resolution for the year, to set aside a number of people, in which we want to share this good news that have changed our lives knowing with confidence and excitement that this news that we bring will change others as well.

It is true that there is always that possibility of having to look like a fool, but if the result is them getting to know the one true living God and having their lives changed and transform, why not? Let us all learn to be fools for Christ! heh =D

Shu Jian

Accurate Followership

2012-01-07T21:45:00.001+08:00

Hi, is been a long time wec each other. How u guys doing there? Hope u all enjoying ur holiday =)

Do you like to hold power?To be honestly, I do. But the question is can i and how? My pastor taught usabout the ACCURATE FOLLOWERSHIP recently.

In Acts 16:1-4

(He came to Derbe and thento Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewish anda believer, but whose father was a Greek. The brothers at Lystra and Iconiumspoke well of him. Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so hecircumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knowthat his father was a Greek. As they travelled from town to town, theydelivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for thepeople to obey.)

In this few verses, itshow us different level of spiritual maturity in followership.

1) Converter- Also mean newbeliever. They have clear decision of following Jesus, but they not ready to receivethe salvation. Sometimes they will think that Jesus is one of the “Gods”.

2) Believer- Those whoaccepted the salvation and willing to change for the betterment of being aChristian. They started to change their bad habits, old ways from their heart.

3) A member of thechurch-When reaching this stage, people will start serving and getting someresponsible in church. Why we serve? Because we love our God, we want to showour care and love to Him who is above us.

4) Discipleship- Follow andobserve what the leaders do. Look andlearn how the leader manage, arrange, solve or conduct things. This stage isthe preparation for becoming a leader. You need to know leaders’ direction andfinish it with them.

5) Minister- Minister meansto serve people. Also where u start to perform what you observe from how theleader did. When more powers come toyou, you got more responsibility to do and fulfill.

6) The Son- Lastly, becominga true leader. The Son of God knows His heart and His purpose. They will notperform anything that doesn’t please to God. When Jesus is in the desert, devilcome and tempted Jesus for changing the stone into bread and giving him thewhole world if he bows before devil. But Jesus rejected because he knows thepower that given to him is from God to perform miracle to save people, NOT TOSHOW THE GREATNESS OF HIM. Therefore, a leader doesn’t mean that person coulddo everything he/she wants or desired but to perform what God has put in theirhearts. And also not to manipulate your power but to decide the correct andaccurate way to lead your people.

Hope our people couldunderstand where we are and what we need to do in every stage. This not onlyhelpful for our spiritual life, but also will help us in our work in ChristianFellowship. Enjoy.

Regards,

Ziyin

Be Ready

2012-01-05T23:59:00.000+08:00

2012… Many people think of the movie and think of the Mayan’spredictions. Some believe some not. Some people ridicule at the whole idea of ‘2012the end of the world’ but in the back of their heads they wonder if it may betrue.

These days even among churches there are people studying thebible in and out trying to piece together exactly how Jesus would come again.Many debates are going on, which comes first, rapture, tribulation, etc. Why spend so much time trying to figure outwhen the second coming of Jesus is? Why worry about whether the sun will dieoff, whether the icebergs will melt and drown us all and all others Many peoplesay this or that person is the Beast or the anti-Christ. In truth, we do notreally know. Some people devote their time trying to put exactly how the wholesituation will be. Some say they want to know so that they can be ready. It isstated clearly in the bible that no one will know when Jesus comes again. Noone except for the Father.

In the end, we only need to know one thing. Where are yougoing at the end of the time? Do you know where you are going? If you do, nomatter what happens along the way and as long as you keep in line with thatpath all you need to do is wait for Jesus to come and take you when the time isright. Being ready in a sense that you have been living according to His ways,you have done whatever you need to do and when Jesus comes and says "let's go" you will not have regrets.

We are put in this time to also fulfill a duty. We need toshare the gospel. Let our neighbours know who God is so they too will knowwhere they are going. Sharing the gospel is pretty simple. YOU are the Gospel. Ifthere is Christ in you, Christ can work through you. You will not be doing it alone.

So now let us continue to do what we are put here to do and justwait, be ready for the time.

Revelation 16:15

"Behold, I come like athief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that hemay not go naked and be shamefully exposed.

Mark 13:32

"No one knows about that dayor hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Matthew 24:36

“But about that day or hour no oneknows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, butonly the Father.

2012 Here we go

2012-01-05T03:09:00.000+08:00

What is your 2012 wishes?
What you expecting about 2012?
I saw many people using fb apps to predicting 2012 and their future.

2012 will be another great year for me. Have a lot of things to do here, Kampar.
I would use Lord's prayer to pray for our 2012

"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:9-15.

Let us say that Your name, Your Kingdom, Your will be our priority in our life; we think about You first in everything we do. Let walk in Christ side by side

Happy New Year, Happy Chinese New Year, Happy Holiday

keatwei

2012-01-03T20:03:00.002+08:00

A Message From Our Heavenly Father .

My Child ,

You may not know me but i know everything about you . ( Psalms 239:2)
I know when you sit down and when you rise up . (Psalm 139:2)
I am familiar with all your ways ( Psalm 239:3)
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered . ( Matthew 10:29-32)
For you were made in my image . ( Genesis 1:27)
In me you live and move and have your being . ( Acts 12:28)
For you are my offspring . ( Acts 17:28)
I knew you even before you were conceived ( Jeremiah 1:4-5)
I chose you when i planned creation ( Ephesians 1:11-12)
You were not a mistake , for all your days are written in my book ( Psalms 139:25-26)
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live . (Acts 17:26)
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. ( Psalms 139:14)
I knit you together in your mother's womb. ( Psalms 139:13)
And brought you forth on the day you were born . ( Psalms 72:6)
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me . ( John 8:42:44)
I am not distant and angry. but am the complete expression of love. ( 1 John 4:26)
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you . ( 1 John 3:1)
Simply because you are my child and I am your father . ( 1 John 3:1)
I offer you more than you earthly father ever could . ( Matthew 7:11)
For I am the perfect Father . ( Matthew 5:48)
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand . ( James 1:17)
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. ( Matthew 6:31-33)
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope . ( Jeremiah 29:11)
Because I love you with and everlasting love. ( Jeremiah 31:3)
My thoughts towards you are countless as the sand on the seashore ( Psalms 139:17-18)
And i rejoice over you with singing . ( Zephaniah 3:17)
I will never stop doing good to you . ( Jeremiah 32:40)
For you are my treasured possession . ( Exodus 19:5)
I desire to establish you with all my heart and my soul . ( Jeremiah 32:41)
And i want to show you great and marvelous things. ( Jeremiah 33:3)
If you seek me with all your heart , you will find me . ( Deuteronomy 4:29)
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart . ( Psalms 37:4)
For it is I who gave you those desires. ( Philippians 2:13)
I am able to do more for you then you could possibly imagine . ( Ephesians 3:20)
For I am your greatest encourager. ( 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles . ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
When you are brokenhearted. I am close to you ( Psalms 34:18)
As a shepherd carries a lamb . I have carried you close to my heart . ( Isiah 40:11)
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. ( Revelation 21:3-4)
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth . ( Revelation 21:3-4)
I am your Father . and I love you even as I love my son. Jesus ( Romans 8:31)
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins . ( 2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
Jesus dies so that you and I could be reconciled ( 2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. (1 John 2:23)
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. (Romans 8:31-32)
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus , you receive me . ( 1 John 2:23 )
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again . ( Romans 8:38-39)
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party in heaven has ever seen. ( Luke 15:7)
I have always been Father and will always be Father . ( Ephesians 3:14:15)
My question is . . Will you be my child? ( John 1:12-13)
I am waiting for you . ( Luke 15:11-12)

Love your dad
Almighty God

Transformation

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000+08:00

2 Corinthians 5:17 (This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.The old life is gone; a new life has begun!)

To experience full transformation from old tonew, it's not only we change our belief, the decisions that we made also takein account. Last Thursday i passed my motor test and though it sounds smoothsailing for most of the people but it was a crucial chapter for me.

I first startedthought of taking motor license as to pass my time in semester break.Registered myself in and impatiently finished few hours of lecture. Then camethe final section where have to practically ride on a motor foranother 3 hours to able to get a L license. The story begun when i feltdown from motor during the emergency brake area.

As a newbie ofmotorcyclist having no proper sitting on motor before, to balance and familiarwith the machine is rather hard for me. During the emergency brake area there,one's have to speed and brake within a box to pass the test. Coincidentally, mypractical section was after rain and the area was filled with sands. My bikelost control while trying to brake, resulting in skidding along the box.

Bothmy palms, knees, and elbows carried visible minor injuries. It terrifiedme a lots especially when it gave you bad experience from the things youdo for the first time. I din't continue my motorbike lessons for 2consecutively semester breaks due to the fear in it. I gave myself excuses forbeing busy, practical time doesn't match when questioned by parents regardingthe progress.

One night, asusual while reading devotional material online, one passage really changed myperspective and bring me hope. I still remember it recorded that 'Jesusfinished everything He has started'. In His ministry, he completed what he hadassigned for such as healing the sick, raising the dead, feeding the hungry.Even spontaneous work was fulfilled like turning water into wine aswe can see in John 2:1-11.The ultimate work He done was on the cross to give us salvation and eternitywith Heavenly Father.

I prayed and Godanswered it when my agent recommended me to shift learning centre thatopened not long ago. They changed for a certain reasons because the instructorsthere are more responsible and the teaching method is more student-friendly. Islowly picked up all the necessaries to enable passing the test. Timedoesn't allowed me to delay further as my L license will expire on 3rd of2012 January. The P license test is only available once per month, all i knowlast Thursday was my last shot.

This time idin't gave bribe like what i did previously during car license test beforebelieving in Christ. Without considering how difficult to pass like what others'have said for not giving cover charge, i put my faith in Him instead. We do nothave to follow wordly standard no matter how odd it is because we were told in Romans 12:2 (Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transformyou into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn toknow God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.)

Finally, after 1year of delaying+ practicing, i can legally ride on a motor. Praise to beHim, i learn conquering my fear, trusting in Him and His faith to me. Brothersand sisters, God loves you too :))

Motorcyclist,

Gin Mah

Security

2011-12-31T10:10:00.001+08:00

Yesterday

Eccelesiastes 3:15

‘Whatever has already been, andwhat will be has been before; and God will call the past to account.

It’s the end of the year, and formost of us its very likely that we turn with eagerness to all that God has forthe future, and yet anxiety is apt to arise when we remember our yesterdays.Our present enjoyment of God’s grace tends to be lessened by the memory ofyesterday’s flaws and blunders. But God is a God of yesterdays, and He allowsthe memory of them to turn the past into a ministry of spiritual growth for ourfuture. God reminds us of the past to protect us from a very shallow securityin the present.

Tomorrow

‘The Lord will go before you.’ A verygracious revelation- that God will send His forces out where we have failed todo so. He will keep watched so that we will not trip again by the samefailures, as would undoubtedly happen if He were not our ‘rear guard.’ God’shand reaches back to the past, settling all claims against our conscience.

Today

Isaiah 52:12

‘But you will not leave in haste,or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will beyour rear guard.’

So as we go forth into the comingyear, let it not be in the haste of impetuous, forgetful delight, nor with thequickness of impulsive thoughtlessness. But let us go with the patient power ofknowing that the God of Israel will go before us. Our yesterdays hold brokenand irreversible things for us. No doubt we have lost opportunities that willnever return, but God, God can transform these anxiety into constructivethoughtfulness for the future.

Let the past rest, but let itrest in the sweet embrace of Christ.

Leave the broken, irreversiblepast in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him.

Have a blessed New Year myfriends =) Romans 15:13 ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace asyou trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the HolySpirit.’

Love, Carmen Lai

Utar CF Captain Ball '11

2011-12-21T23:41:00.001+08:00

When I was asked towrite something about our UTAR CF’s Captain’s Ball Competition, I thought:“What else is there for me to say?”

It was in November2010 when, for the first time ever, we organized a Captain’s Ball Competition,open to the public. There were 7 teams and 56 players in total.

We had an even biggerone in March 2011, at our very own UTAR Sports Complex. There were 8 teams and80 participants this time.

Our most recentcompetition had about 90 participants.

Having always receivedpositive feedback, advertising for this event is very easy – almost unnecessary even. It has become a signatureevent of the UTAR CF that is highly anticipated!

This is not justbecause of the fact that every generation of organizers thus far have takenevery step to ensure that the event is run smoothly, and that every decisionmade is to maximize the experience of participants, but, I think, mainlybecause of the spirit of the event.

We pray hard everytime we have this event coming up, because we know that no matter how we plan,the factor that will be the most important to make the event a success is the spirit that participants have.

It is a great joy tohave organized this event and so many smiling faces come together and play. Isee a lot of teamwork and a lot of happiness. I see people celebrating thechance to pursue something together and I see a lot of new bonds formed thatwill last. I see a lot of fond memories made.

I see a lot of peoplelosing matches, but winning hearts. And I see very gracious winners. There’s humour and friendly banter all around!

Sometimes they pretend to be sad when they lose :P

To sum it up, the UTAR CF Captain Ball Competition has always had a great spirit – not lacking in intensity of competitiveness, but always knowing where to draw the line and remember the big picture.

This is a big statement about the general attitude of the participants, be they the CF-ers or friends who come in just for the match.

It is a great pleasure to organize the event for such people. Long may it continue!

Blessings in Christ,

Ngee Derk

Person-in-Charge

UTAR CF Captain’s Ball Nov ’10, March ‘11

Christmas Production 2011

2011-12-14T05:00:00.002+08:00

CFChristmas Night has ended 3 weeks ago, now we dig into 3 different perspectivestoward this evangelistic meeting. Here we go,

Ryan Ong,

1) Hi, little magi! We know you’re oneof the casts in the drama. Can you describe how does it feel to be a Russian magi?

yo yo! how ifelt as the Russian.. well definitely not very russian LOL! but yeah it was agreat experience as the Russian magi.. Especially the costume that i wore...

2) We have been preparing this eventsince last semester, all added up would be half a year. What did you learn inprocess?

What have ilearn.. Hmmm i think it would be teamwork, determination and surrendering tothe Lord..

3) What made you so memorable that youdid not wish the event to end?

What was somemorable that i did not wanted the event to end huh?.. i think its thefellowship among members and also getting to know someone better. At first iwas blur and shy (yeah right).. But as time passes, i get more intimate withthe rest.. like derk (tall magi), calvin (chubby magi) and also the others.. ialso enjoy see-ing non believers attending this event... it was spectacular,definitely..

4) What were the God’s workings that youwitnessed in the midst of event?

What have iwitnessed?? The most tremendous work from the LORD is the the strength andsupply that the LORD has provided for each and one of the members.. Yes therewere up and down but we get to overcome every obstacle.. Not by our strengthBUT from the LORD almighty...

5) What do you anticipate in theupcoming CF activities?

I'm lookingforward to more CF activities that allow both non-believers and believers tolearn more about the LORD and also have fun together.. i also want to seeeveryone grow stronger and bigger for the LORD.. I guess that’s all! GOD blessall of you

Steven Teh,

1) Hey Steven, its Christmas and whatdoes it mean to you personally?

Yeah,Christmas! Reminds me that it has once again come to the time of the year thati'm about to get a year older and get a good relax after another year workingon myself. There isn't anything special about Christmas in the past rather thanjust celebration. I still remember when i was a kid i used to anticipateChristmas so that i could ask mummy to take out the Christmas tree and we can startdecorating it. We all know Christmas was the birth of Jesus Christ, but we tookthe celebration more like a holiday season. But this Christmas, ever after ifelt so devoted into this work of spreading the true meaning of Christmas thruthe Joy To The World event, i felt so passionate about celebrating Christmas asthe birth of Christ rather than enjoying it as a holiday season, truly it meanta lot to me personally as this particular day marks a day of hope for me to besaved!

2) What triggered you to go for choiraudition and be a part in it?

I joined CFfor only a semester plus approximately, and during that time i found myselfhaving a very strong urge to participate in the CF of all sudden. Afterattending a few CF meetings, i was given an opportunity to back up the worshipleader on one of the CF meeting; and i am so thrilled! Going around churchesand watching videos of worship leaders taking the crowd into the floodingpresence of God is one of the greatest thing i wanted to do, and here's a firststep! As a first timer, i did not expect much and i was glad that it all wentwell with only minor errors; to surprise i was approached by Ada and Carmenabout joining the Choir team for the coming Joy To The World event. I had noexperience singing in any choirs before, but somehow i felt that somehowsinging may be my calling to serve God and so i give my try. In short, ibelieve it is God's calling and by God's will, because after a few practicesRoy told me that he was about to ask me to join the drama team but i wasalready picked up in the choir team. Really amazingly God's work. =]

3) As we all know, some of your choir team istheir 1^st time singing in such a big crowd. How did you guysencourage one another?

As we allknow, some of your choir team is their 1st time singing in such a big crowd.How did you guys encourage one another? As i mentioned, i'm one of the first timer too! :D I believe we all are wellbuilt having faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, although some of our members didhave a little anxiety to sing louder, but along the way with more gaining moreconfidence singing the lyrics and getting used to it, everyone was able to singwell on the day of the event itself. As for me, i just do my best in my partsand hope they would sing their hearts out like i do! At the same time, we arealso helping each other by going over and over again on mistakes to get thebest corrections.

4) During those few hours inside thehall on the Christmas night itself, what did you observe?

Joy! Whetherit's our own crew or it's the crowd or anyone else, everyone is filled with ajoyful smile on their face! It was a day full of anticipation by the crew andwith such big crowd of audiences i believe all the crews are superbly thrilled!These observations need no explanation or proof, just ask around any othercrews and i believe they perceived the same too. Although being part of thechoir team we are unable to get a full view of the event from the audienceseat, still we see the audiences enjoying the whole event enthusiastically andthat makes us felt even more appreciated of our hard work.

5) How does this event build yourrelationship with God?

It changed me.Because of this event, i will start to celebrate my Christmas differently. MyChristmas from this year onwards will not be concentrating on decoratingChristmas trees or hanging out with friends at the coolest place, but the mainfocus will be thanking God our Father for this wonderful gift of Christ to saveus! This i must say, had thoroughly rebuild my faith with God once again to getcloser to him and appreciative in every single way more towards this gift thatHe had for us. Remember always, it's Christmas, not Xmas!

Rosemary Xavier,

1) Rosemary, can tell us about your jobin the Christmas event? You looked busy though weren’t in the cast team.

For the Joy tothe World Christmas Night, my job was Logistic and Security Manager. Yes, I wasvery busy throughout the preparation especially one week before the event andalso during the event. Under my logistic department, we had to deal withtransportation, refreshment, preparation of props, briefing of ushers, securityof participants inside the hall and outside the hall, changing room and VIProom preparation. It was a little rushing though as we had lack of man powerright before the event. Anyhow, I managed to find people and settled the job.On the other hand, we had alter call and reply form where my ushers distributedto the audience. Somehow, the alter call wasn't too good as there were too manypeople and a proper way hadn't been found. Despite of all this, we saw lots ofgood things happening where the hall and outside the hall, the crowds wereoverpouring... Many hearts were touched by our great musical drama, dance andchoir. All glory goes to God.

One thing that I realize is that in spite of allthe busyness, peace and joy filled my heart throughout the event.

2) How do you celebrate Christmas normally back at home?

I celebrateChristmas with my family, relatives and friends back in hometown. Usually wewould go to church and then have gathering and open house. We as one familyshare the love with one another as we all, family, relatives and friends don'toften meet. So, we would grab this chance to come together and share God's loveand joy.

3) How do you evaluate our Christmasevent so far?

I would givean excellent rating overall. Everyone of us did a great job in making thisevent awesome. We all used our different talents that God gave us to make thisevent a successful one.Even now after the event, its not the end as follow upsare being done by all of us, lead by our chairperson of this event. All thecommittees and existing CF members are given a few names to do the follow upand invite those who accepted Christ and also those who attended that night forour upcoming CF activities throughout the coming years. So, this is just thebeginning of our journey.

4) What God has taught you during thiswhole long-some event?

From thisevent, God had taught me lots of lessons. Firstly, I have learnt to be atolerant person. It was not easy to instruct people to do something .Butthroughout the preparation, 1 thing I realize was to deal with people or totell them to do something with respect and love. By this way, everyone will bewilling to help and no misunderstandings that will occur amomg committees,helpers and ushers. Unity was one of the main thing that was obvious throughoutthe event. Other than that, God taught me a lesson to humble down myselfthroughout the event. No matter how much of work is given to me, I thank Godthat He helped me to go through great challenges smoothly and somehow do itwithout complaining.

5) Can you give us a few tips for anypotential logistic manager out there?

Everyone havegot the potential to become a logistic manager. Different people have gotdifferent styles, ways and talents to deal with different things. One advicefor a potential logistic manager from me is not to give up no matter what comesyour way. Even if it is a heavy job as a logistic manager, there is nothingthat is more fun than this job. After all the struggles, at the end of the daywhen everything turns out to be successful, the one who will be crying with JOYis YOU, POTENTIAL LOGISTIC MANAGERS! :D

After all, i must admit that it's not an easy job to make this event possible. By God's grace, we endured it and i believe everyone have their own lessons learned. In between we may discovered others' strength, talents and as well weaknesses. Accept who they truly are like how God embraces us with His love. Above 3 people have already expressed their views, lemme end with a verse, Phillippians 1:6 [And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.] Way to go brothers and sisters *cheers!

fellow,

Gin

Quiet Time

2011-10-25T08:38:00.001+08:00

Throughout the Christmas camp and fundraising, I was so busyand lacked quiet time. . .

Solomon, aman of great wisdom (1 Kings: 12, 2 Chron 1: 12) said that one of the ways to“understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God” (Prov 2:2) isto “incline thine ear unto wisdom”.

Peter Masters says concerning this “We become casual and poor listenerswhenever we try to focus on several things at once. To incline the ear is to give careful and undivided attention to onething only. . . In this age manyinfluences pressurise us. ‘Come with us!’ says a godless world, ‘Come and joinus.’ A whole flurry of voices clamour for attention, and in the midst of themis the voice of God in the Bible. But how shall we ever hear this clearly, orbelieve it, while our attention is drawn to other things? We will not grasp itsmessage or its urgency while our minds are infatuated with the things of thislife, such as the pursuit of ambitions and possessions, and so on. . . We willnever find the Lord if we listen to Him just once a week, and throughout therest of it we give our attention to the attractions and temptations of agodless life”

David Martyn Lloyd Jones, said to be the greatest preacher of the 2oth centuryputs it very bluntly and soul-searchingly when he says “Weare meant to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord. We are meant to bepressing forward towards the mark - forgetting what we’ve got, desiring this.He’s holding it out before us: that I may know him and the power of his resurrectionand the fellowship of his suffering.
It’s a terrible thing, but the trouble with us is that our lives are notcentred on Him, they’re not dominated by him. We say ‘Ah yes we are working forhim’ and then we leave him alone and we go on and on in our little activities.We ask his blessing upon what we are doing, but oh how often do we seek Himhimself? God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the presence of the Spirit in ourlives – that’s true Christianity.”

The greatevangelist, George Whitefield, who was mightily used by God to spark the 18^thcentury revival took great delight in the law of the Lord, that it should makeus ask ourselves “Do I enjoy and seek quiet time with God?” Whitefield afterhis conversion, in his diary wrote “My mind being now more open and enlarged, Ibegan to read the Holy Scriptures upon my knees, laying aside all other booksand praying over, if possible, every line and word. This proved meat indeed anddrink indeed to my soul. I daily received fresh life, light and power from above.I got more true knowledge from reading the Book of God in one moth than I couldever have acquired from all the writings of men.” He says about prayer “Howoften have I been carried out beyond myself when sweetly meditating in thefields! How assuredly have I felt that Christ dwelt in me and I in Him! And howdid I daily walk in the comforts of the Holy Ghost and was edified and refusedin the multitude of peace!”

If we don’tincline our ear unto wisdom by keeping our quiet time, reading our Bible and prayingdaily, how can we understand the fearof the Lord, and find the knowledge of God? Whitefield laid aside all books andleft only the Holy Scriptures before himself.

To conclude,be diligent in our quiet time, hoping that someday we can sing honestly withCharles Wesley “Jesus, my all in all Thou art.”

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes toGod must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”(Hebrews 11:6)

Butremember “¹² Therefore, my beloved, as you have alwaysobeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work outyour own salvation with fear and trembling; ¹³ for it is God whoworks in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians2:12-13)

Joash

Available Christians

2011-10-08T23:30:00.000+08:00

When wesay Christians In Action, many of us will have the thought that we should equipourselves fully before we can be in action. A simple example like when we wantto share to our friends about God, we feel that we do not know the bible enoughto be ‘qualified’ to do so. We are afraid that we might do or say the wrongthings. How many do not dare to take up leadership roles because we feel we arenot ‘qualified’? We feel that we have so much more to learn and that we shouldknow more and experience more before we take up the role.

I believe it is not wrong that we want to havethe best skills, knowledge and all before we are in action. However we shouldnot limit ourselves and not dare to move out of our comfort zones. Think aboutMoses, God told him the great many things He was going to do and what Mosesshould do.

Exodus 4:(NLT)

Then Mosessaid to the LORD, “O my Lord, I am not an eloquent man, neither in the past norsince you have spoken to your servant, for I am slow of speech and slow oftongue.”
The LORD said to him, “Who gave a mouth to man, or who makes a person mute ordeaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?

So go now,and I will be your mouth and I will teach you what you must say.

Moses wasvery unsure of himself and not confident but when he allowed himself to be usedGod could do his work through him. Sometimes we do not need to think so hard. Wedo not need to plan out everything we want to do or say when we share oranything else. Even simple sharing in CG. I remember I used to not speak upbecause I was afraid I might give the wrong answer or that people may not likeit. Before my turn comes I will plan out everything I want to say in proper ‘canggih-ish’sentences.

God islooking for people who are willing to go the distance and available. There aremany Christians. Yes. But there are not many AVAILABLE Christians. Many Christiansare Christians during their own convenience. If we are busy we do not do thisor that because we are busy. Wait till we are free then yes we can do it. Itshould not be like that. We should always be available. It’s like in one phonering we have to answer, pack our bags and ready to leave. God will all us to dothings. But He will never put us in a situation we cannot handle. He will notharm us beyond repair. He will be there every step of the way even if it doesn’tfeel like it.

Let usremember that we are not living for now. We are not living for this world. Weare living for eternity. Our rewards are all in heaven. Always remind ourselvesthat everything we have all the skills, talents, etc are all from God. He cantake it back anytime he wants to.

We cannever imagine what we can learn from even the daily things. I remember the firsttime I heard of the word Tsunami. That was in year 2003 which was before theincident in 2004. It was at youth camp where the group names were names ofnatural disasters and my group was named Tsunami. We had no idea what it wasexcept that it was some Japanese name. so we rhymed our group cheer with allthe wasabi and Japanese words that we knew. Suddenly the following year Tsunamihit Penang and it wasn’t a new unknown word to me.

I know itis not really related and has no proper ending, but it just shows how God’splan is always beyond out imagination.

CIAs, letus not limit ourselves and start leaning and allowing change. Once in a whiletake a peak into your past and you will see how much you have grown. We shouldnot be afraid to step out and be bold but we should not be at the other extremethat we do too much until we forget ourselves. We will never know everything. Itis not humanly possible. Always be ready to learn and willing to change. Think about a doctor, he may be the best student but he will never know what it is really like until he starts practicing. A teacher will never learn how to handle a class until he really does so. A soldier can get all the brutal training but he will never know the real experience in the battlefield until he goes there.

Let usbe available and ready to serve no matter when. Do not be afraid for the Lordis with us always. We have the staff of God in our hands. Take a bold step and tell God that you are available and that you are His. Be cautious. Remember and mean what you promise God as this can be considered a dangerous prayer.

-Melody-

Never Alone

2011-10-07T09:35:00.000+08:00

Be sure of this: 'I am with you always, even till the end of the age.'

Matthew 28:20

Hello everyone.

I'm not sure if any of you have heard about Dr. David Livingstone, a world-renowned explorer and missionary to central Africa. In his 16 years of sharing the gospel across central Africa, he had earned the respect of many of the African people, but he had also suffered some thirsty bouts of burning fever, untold attacks by savages, and a left arm crushed by the jaws of a lion. Dr. Livingstone once wrote that he 'felt much turmoil of the spirit' because of the new threats in his life, even by the people of the region he loved so dearly. Still, his dedicated missionary continued the work for almost two more decades until his death. It was written in his journal what gave him that courage, wasn't his own determination; it was God's promise. And for David Livingstone, knowing he was not alone in this world, made all the difference.

As many of you know, back in April-May, I went for a holiday to the United Kingdom and visited a few countries in the Europe. Those were just wonderful wonderful times and I thank God for making it possible. It was always my dream to visit the UK and my mum made it possible for me by sacrificing her own holiday to give me one that I have long desired. My mum works as a stock broker and its not easy to take a day off so this trip was planned with my cousin. However due to work commitments, my cousin had to forgo the trip and off I was on my own visiting the white land for the very first time.

As excited as I can be, I was still scared and skeptical at the beginning. Travelling on my own meant I needed to be extra cautious and extra alert. Just the thought of that sent shivers down my spine. I was scared. What if I lose my passport along the way, what if I needed to go to the toilet and there was no one to take care of my luggage, so many what if kept popping up in my head. Then it was time for me to leave, my mum wasn't there to send me off at KLIA. She only managed to call me minutes before I boarded the plane and told me,

'Do not be afraid baby, enjoy your trip, it was one you have always long for, enjoy yourself to the fullest. Most importantly, remember you are not alone on this trip, God is with you all the way.'

And now, as I'm sitting here thinking about what my mum told me, just the thought of it is so comforting. God is with me all the way, what is there for me to fear. And even in His word, it says, I am with you always, even till the end of the age. If I lost my passport, God will make it possible for me to relocate it. If I needed to attend to nature's call, God will send a samaritan to look after my luggage. And so, with just those assuring words my mum placed in my ear, and God's words pinned to my heart, even though I went for the trip alone, I never for a moment felt alone. God was with me all the way. And He is still with me now. And will always be with me. He will never leave me nor forsake me!

So, friends, I want to encourage you to not feel alone, even if at times, people around you forsakes you, God never will. Our God is a God of love and He just wants to gives us all the love He can. In the midst of a multitude we maybe just like a grain of sand in the seashore, we maybe just another person, another number. But God knows us. He knows us by name and we are special to Him. He loves us so dearly that He will always be with us, till the end of the age.

Love, Carmen Lai

2011-10-06T23:03:00.000+08:00

Few days back as I was doing my dailydevotion, I came across the book of Titus. It is a very simple book talkingabout the letter apostle Paul wrote to Titus. As i was reading, there were 2verses that particularly caught my attention and i felt that God was speakingto me through this verse. Titus 1:15-16 says " To the pure, all things arepure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. Infact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God,but their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit fordoing anything good."

Somehow i felt that God was telling me thateven though I say i love him, even though i say i will follow Him, still myactions, the way i live my life denies God. I realise that it doesn’t have tobe the typical conventional sins like stealing or killing. To not live a Godlylife can be referred to the many small things which seem almost mundane likenot being a caring friend, coming late for class, or even talking nonsensewhich I always do. “Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it willbecome more and more ungodly.” (2 Timothy 2:16)

Our theme is Christian In Action, which Ibelieve is to live a life that helps build God’s kingdom, a forward progression. Sometimeswhen I see my friends in need at a particular moment, I find myself lacking inmy spiritual life, resulting in me being unable to help them. I will think thisway, If I myself am not right before God, who am I to help that guy/girl? As aresult, I become ineffective. I believe this is the case for many Christiansthat are currently not in action.

Many times I find myself stuck, unable to bean effectively progressing Christian. In the verse Titus 1:16 it was mentionabout being unfit for doing anything good. Are we stuck? Are we coped up intrying to have fun or maybe to expand our circle of influence? Let us all do aself-reflection, what have we done for God that we can say we are obedient children.Where are our priorities? Are other things the centre and God being around it?

It is understandable that at that particulardivine moment we feel all holy and we tell God, oh God I will follow you andtake up the cross! But after this holy moment is over we go back to do the samething. Did we mean it when we say we’ll follow God? I’m sure we did. So was itfake? I’m pretty sure it wasn’t. To be in action for Christ is to pick up thecross daily. We might succeed that day when we made that decision, but we mustkeep making that decision every single day because if we do not people lookingfrom a far will observe and say that those Christians are a bunch ofhypocrites.

I often appreciate friends that try their bestto rebuke me of my wrongs and to encourage me to find back my purpose of beinga Christian and to remind me that my salvation was through someone’s sacrifice.Let us all learn to be teachable people, and accept rebuke. Friends rebuke oneanother only out of love. How can Christians grow together in maturity if whenone does something wrong, the other just pretends he did not see it? Are we tooafraid to hurt our friends? Let us all learn to be humble and teachable notbeing afraid of what the other might think of the rebuke. Lastly, let us allmake a decision to be serious for God day by day, every morning =)

No, I beat my bodyand make it my slave so that after I have preached toothers, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:27)

Whoever has mycommands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will beloved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." (John 14:21)

Shujian

Unity in Christ

2011-10-05T02:03:00.000+08:00

Romans 14

i read this few days ago.

14:1 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.

Many times we fall and fail, but every times after these. We are getting stronger and stronger.

Everyone of us grown up in a different background.

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?"

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

With our difference, our world, our earth, our land become so interesting and colorful. And its's so challenging!

No one is perfect, we will failed sometimes.

Just like playing game,

for example:

AngryBirds, someone need to fail many times and use a lot of time then just can finished the game.

Cut The Rope, someone need to fail many times and use a lot of time then just can finished the game too.

But for someone la, some, they can't finished their game.

14:4 Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand
Let's not to judge but we support.

We should encourage those who are weak, we should teach them play AngryBirds or Cut The Rope if they don't know.

Same in our life, we accept each another, we encourage each another, we help each another. Let's walk through all these side by side.

14:7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, none of us dies for ourselves alone.

14:8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord

Let's work together side by side, with Love, with Prayer, with Action! For our Lord!
We will grow stronger and stronger to glorify God!

We are the army of God!

With song dedicated - With All I Am

With Love

keatwei

Love and Grief‏

2011-10-04T22:15:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone.

I really do not have any idea about what to write here right now. So I decided to share with you about what happened to my family during the sem break.

On the 27th of September, we received a shocking news. My father's father passed away. It was my grandma who told my dad about the news. Personally, I do not know how to react to that news. We then packed and set off to my grandparents' place in Kuala Lumpur.

My father was so cool about it and so were my uncles and aunties when we reached there. They were chattering with each other, updating each other about the preparations for the funeral. See, my grandpa was sick for a very long time. His children have to spend a lot for his medical treatment and for a maid to help clean and care for him and my grandma. So, an outsider might think that they are relieved of the financial burden and no bother about his passing. A funeral might be the last thing to send him off this earth. I'm here to tell you that they were wrong.

As soon as my grandpa's body was brought to them, my youngest aunt asked him to wake up. She broke down, asking him to come back. My father and the rest of his siblings started to shiver. They can no longer hold back their tears. Their father have left them and went to heaven. To tell you the truth, that was the first time I saw my father cry. My father, the eldest of the five siblings, the pillar of strength of my family, cried. My father, my uncles and aunties loved this man, their caregiver, their discipline 'teacher', their father. Love and grief is what best explain this situation.

Those who watched Jesus weep at the tomb of His dear friend Lazarus also witnessed a connection between grief and love. After Jesus arrived at the place where Lazarus was buried, He ''wept''. (John 11:35) He was deeply grieved even though He knew He would raise His close friend from the dead just a few minutes later (v.43-44). The people watching Jesus in the throes of grief said to each other,"See how much He loved him!" (v.36)

In the throes of our own loss, grief is an expression of the love we have for another person. To put it another way, only those who first love can ever truly grieve. This is a bittersweet truth that we sometimes forget.

Thankfully, as believers in Jesus, we don't grieve like people who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). In light of Jesus' death and resurrection, we do grieve, but with hope of one day being united with those we loved so dearly (v. 14).

Yes, my grandpa is in heaven, no more pain, no more suffering. Thank you God for loving him so much too! We're looking forward to meeting him there!

Sincerely

Kharis

The Gift

2011-10-03T23:27:00.000+08:00

David Morse - American missionary to India - became great friends there with the pearl-diver, Rambhau. Many an evening he spent in Rambhau's cabin reading to him from the Bible, and explaining to him God's way of salvation.

Rambhau enjoyed listening to the Word of God, but whenever the missionary tried to get Rambhau to accept Christ as his Savior - he would shake his head and reply, "Your Christian way to heaven is too easy for me! I cannot accept it. If ever I should find admittance to heaven in that manner - I would feel like a pauper there...like a beggar who has been let in out of pity. I may be proud - but I want to deserve, I want to earn my place in heaven -- and so I am going to work for it."

Nothing the missionary could say seemed to have any effect on Rambhau's decision, and so quite a few years slipped by. One evening, however, the missionary heard a knock on his door, and on going to open it he found Rambhau there.

"Come in, dear friend," said Morse.

"No," said the pearl-diver. "I want you to come with me to my house, Sahib, for a short time -- I have something to show you. Please do not say 'No'."

"Of course I'll come," replied the missionary. As they neared his house, Rambhau said: "In a week's time I start working for my place in heaven; I am leaving for Delhi -- and I am going there on my knees."

"Man, you are crazy! It's nine hundred miles to Delhi, and the skin will break on your knees, and you will have blood-poisoning or leprosy before you get to Bombay."

"No, I must get to Delhi," affirmed Rambhau, "and the immortals will reward me for it! The suffering will be sweet - for it will purchase heaven for me!"

"Rambhau, my friend - you can't. How can I bear for you to do it - when Jesus Christ has suffered and died to purchase heaven for you!"

But the old man could not be moved. "You are my dearest friend on earth, Sahib Morse. Through all these years you have stood by me in sickness, in want - you have been sometimes my only friend. But even you cannot turn me from my desire to purchase eternal bliss...I must go to Delhi!"

Inside the hut Morse was seated in the very chair Rambhau had specially built for him - where on so many occasions he had read to him the Bible.

Rambhau left the room to return soon with a small but heavy English strongbox. "I have had this box for years," said he, "and I keep only one thing in it. Now I will tell you about it, Sahib Morse. I once had a son..."

"A son! Why, Rambhau, you have never before said a word about him!"

"No, Sahib, I couldn't." Even as he spoke the diver's eyes were moistened.

"Now I must tell you, for soon I will leave, and who knows whether I shall ever return? My son was a diver too. He was the best pearl diver on the coasts of India. He had the swiftest dive, the keenest eye, the strongest arm, the longest breath of any man who ever sought for pearls.

What joy he brought to me! Most pearls, as you know, have some defect or blemish only the expert can discern, but my boy always dreamed of finding the 'perfect' pearl - one beyond all that was ever found. One day he found it! But even when he saw it - he had been under water too long... That pearl cost him his life, for he died soon after."

The old pearl diver bowed his head. For a moment his whole body shook, but there was no sound. "All these years," he continued, "I have kept this pearl - but now I am going, not to return, and to you, my best friend - I am giving my pearl."
The old man worked the combination on the strongbox and drew from it a carefully wrapped package. Gently opening the cotton, he picked up a mammoth pearl and placed it in the hand of the missionary.

It was one of the largest pearls ever found off the coast of India, and glowed with a luster and brilliance never seen in cultured pearls. It would have brought a fabulous sum in any market.

For a moment the missionary was speechless and gazed with awe. "Rambhau! What a pearl!"

"That pearl, Sahib, is perfect," replied the Indian quietly. The missionary looked up quickly with a new thought: Was not this the very opportunity and occasion he had prayed for - to make Rambhau understand the value of Christ's sacrifice? So he said, designedly, "Rambhau, this is a wonderful pearl, an amazing pearl. Let me buy it. I would give you ten thousand dollars for it."

"Sahib! What do you mean?" "

Well, I will give you fifteen thousand dollars for it, or if it takes more - I will work for it."

"Sahib," said Rambhau, stiffening his whole body, "this pearl is beyond price. No man in all the world has money enough to pay what this pearl is worth to me. On the market a million dollars could not buy it. I will not sell it to you. You may only have it as a gift."

"No, Rambhau, I cannot accept that. As much as I want the pearl, I cannot accept it that way. Perhaps I am proud, but that is too easy. I must pay for it, or work for it..."

The old pearl-diver was stunned. "You don't understand at all, Sahib. Don't you see. My only son gave his life to get this pearl, and I wouldn't sell it for any money. Its worth is in the life-blood of my son. I cannot sell this - but I can give it to you. Just accept it in token of the love I bear you."

The missionary was choked, and for a moment could not speak. Then he gripped the hand of the old man. "Rambhau," he said in a low voice, "don't you see? My words are just what you have been saying to God all the time."

The diver looked long and searchingly at the missionary, and slowly, slowly he began to understand. "God is offering you salvation as a free gift," said the missionary. "It is so great and priceless that no man on earth can buy it. Millions of dollars are too little. No man on earth could earn it. His life would be millions of years too short. No man is good enough to deserve it. It cost God the life-blood of His only Son to make the entrance for you into heaven. In a million years, in a hundred pilgrimages, you could not earn that entrance. All you can do is to accept it as a token of God's love for you - a sinner.

"Rambhau, of course I will accept the pearl in deep humility, praying God that I may be worthy of your love. Rambhau, won't you accept God's great gift of heaven, too, in deep humility, knowing it cost Him the death of His Son to offer it to you?"

Great tears were now rolling down the cheeks of the old man. The veil was beginning to lift. "Sahib, I see it now. I have believed in the doctrine of Jesus for the last two years, but I could not believe that His salvation was free. Now I understand. Some things are too priceless to be bought or earned. Sahib, I will accept His salvation!"

(03/10/2011, taken from http://www.gospelweb.net/Illustrations/TheMatchlessPearl.htm)

Often in lives, we tend to do our best, work our hearts out, fight and strive for a better future, for a better life... Often also in serving our Lord, we thought we can give our all to Him, to repay what He has done for us, to "buy" back the gift He has given to us... And many at times, we are so "fire up" to serve Him, do be in the committee in CF or in other CF events, to be involved in almost everything, because we say we want to give Him back and repay what He has done, to "serve" Him... maybe not we, but at least for me... And in the mist of all this "serving", we have forgottten the very meaning of salvation, of what it takes to be saved.

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

⁵ he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:5

SO, does it mean that we shouldn't do anything to serve Him? We shouldn't do anything to share His love? We shouldn't do anything to spread His word? Hmm...

On the other hand, this GIFT is not like a movie ticket but an air ticket... A movie ticket after buying it, you are ensured to have a seat in the cinema to watch and finish the movie... An air ticket after buying it, you are ensured to reach a certain destination but not certainly a smooth ride... During the journey, there might be storms, thunder or turbulence and all we can do is to fasten our safety-belt and trust in the pilot's ability to land us safely... Sounds familiar?! Have a blessed week ahead! God bless..

Newly hired,
Chang En =P

2011-10-03T01:51:00.000+08:00

Sport and mission

Just now when i waiting for my church mates to go play futsal and i ride motor around to kill my time, suddenly i pass by Football Association Malaysia (FAM) and saw many people wear Malaysia team jersey and walk toward FAM field, so i also ride over and take a look. I walk around and ask someone, find out that is friendly match between Malaysia senior team and junior team.

Here is few things i want to share,

1st of all, if im not mistake, i am the only chinese there?no others chinese there...then i recall back last time our Malaysia team have chinese player in the team, and they even play better than many country and win many matches. I dint say the team need chinese only can win, but during last time no matter is what races like malay, chinese, indian and etc. also will support Malaysia football team. because i really believe that sport can unite everyone, no matter what races or religion. I pray to God that in Malaysia no matter is what kind of sport, everyone will take part and be united to support our "BOLEH" land together!

On the other hand, i find out that everyone only will cheer after GOAL, and say Aiyo / Haiz when the ball is not goal....ya,i know this is normal. In this world, everyone only want the outcome and never border about the process, you and me also the same, very often that we forget to encourage others during the process, the worst we even scold or say bad thing when the outcome is not what we expect. Why not we try to involve during the process by keep encourage each others? words are powerful to give life or kill others. Do u agree with me?
By saying "good try,u almost there." to someone when they need. In return, they have the strength to accomplish and return you a big smile and hug!

1 Corinthians 9:25-27
“All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” (NLT)

Sport and mission~
Sport also can serve God, I believe this! just like the verse mention if we do it to win a prize, that will be fade away. but i here to encourage all of you who do it for the eternal prize, God appreciate and cherish ,He will give us the eternal prize! with the right purpose that God give us, we can be a Different and Godly athletes. one thing i find it very difficult is "training". in the training process, God want to disciplined us and there is no easy way or short cut for training. So please be serious in every training, and never shadowboxing!

So allow me to conclude that God also love sport and those who serve Him faithfully in sport, I respect YOU.

with love,
ray loeng

Times Ahead

2011-10-02T01:07:00.000+08:00

Feel great to spend time with family in these few days of holiday.. Just like to be back in hometown.. Feel relax also at home because no need to cycle out for meals and everything needed are there.. But sometimes just over relax.. and forgot to do things that I should do like spending more time at home. =/ While sometimes do certain things more than the time it should be.. hmm.. have to learn spend time wisely and remind myself because many times I tend to forget those things I should do at that time. Need to be better in managing time and be alert because our lives is so brief compare to internal.
Ohya.. going off soon to Muar for internship. A bit worry, excited and there are some uncertainties. Anyhow things are going to be great there.. Yeah!!
And looking forward to meet with everyone in Kampar again.. : ) See you everyone..

Ah Yao

Meaningful Days

2011-10-01T00:05:00.000+08:00

Reached home for 4 days.....not as busy as in eventful compared to past holidays....
went to school sports day, enjoy the fun with students.......
then was KURUNG at home for 3days doing transcription and translation...... supposedly go out meeting friends, go see students, go out.....as long as i am out doing something.
but during the tensed up period of the 3DAYS of transcription and translation......really felt dry and tired......
worked till 2am and woke up at 6am to continue...it happened for 2days...
but was hoping to finish on time......in the end took more time than i expected but God still gracious and i finished earlier than i expected at the very last minute......prayer works well when we do our part!!

LESSON OF THE DAY: The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trust in HIM, and HE helps me. Psalm 28:7

Kaomeng
servant of HIS wondrous work > <
miss you people very muchy...

P.U.S.H

2011-09-29T23:39:00.000+08:00

The notes I wrote 8 years ago

The time we had with the kids in Sunday School last Sunday in Batu Gajah reminds me of my own Sunday School. I was eleven that time. So I went to flip through the book that I write my notes in when I was in Sunday school. So today I plan to write something about prayer.

Do you pray constantly? Now, try to think when was the lasttime you prayed to God? Was it this morning or yesterday or… a week ago? Prayeris very important to us. It is one of the ways for us to talk to God. Prayer isthe time where you can really pour out everything that you have in mind and inheart to God. We all know that God knows our thoughts and our feelings betterthan ourselves. But, God likes it better for us to seek Him and tell it to Himby ourselves.

Philipians 4:6,7 “Donot be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition withthanksgiving present your request to God and the peace of God which transcends allunderstanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Praying can be done at anywhere and anytime. Praying is notonly about kneeling down by your bedside but it is the heart that counts. Itdoesn’t mean you have to close your eyes tight. You can pray while you arecycling or…jogging. I even tried praying at the middle of the exams. Spending alittle time to pray and ask for the help of God worth it more than just sittingthere staring tat the question paper blankly. At the very last minute, I wasn’tsurprise that I was enlightened with answers. I thanked God for helping me.Prayers work amazingly. Sometimes, it will be answered instantly. Sometimes, it’lltake years. God knows when is the right time for Him to answer your prayers foreverything happens for a reason. All we have to do is continue to pray and havefaith in God for the Lord says remain in Me and I will remain in you.

John 15:7 “If youabide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and itshall be done for you”.

Someone reminded me the other day that we, Christian shouldalways practice P.U.S.H.

PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPEN

So, brothers and sisters in Christ,let us continue to have a prayerful heart and PRAY!

With love,

Ada

God Has a Plan for You !!

2011-09-28T08:47:00.000+08:00

God has a Plan for your Life

At times, we ask ourselves, What is my purpose of living in this world? Whatam I capable at? What are my talents and potential? Well, we all know God has aplan for our life’s, I would love to share a verse with you all this morning. Wheneveryou are feeling discourage or feeling unsatisfied with life, Just think aboutthis verse.

¹¹ For I know theplans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harmyou, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

You see that ? The bible says so ,God knows what you are going through , and he knows what are our Hearts desire, He listens and He see’s. He wants all of us to learn to Trust and depend onhim . Like one of the songs we all know

Trust and Obey ,

for there is no otherway ,

to be Happy in Jesus but to Trust and Obey.

Obeying God leads to Blessings. Blessingslead to Love. And Love , Love is the most powerful thing that anyone could everreceive which is God’s Love.

⁴ Love is patient,love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does notdishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps norecord of wrongs. ⁶ Love does notdelight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It alwaysprotects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

Therefore, whenever you arefacing troubles, fear, discouragement, discrimination, pain, suffering ,emotionally distress. Just remember of God’s Love , because He Loved all of usthat he died on the cross for our sin, and when you are going through hardships, Talk to Him because He Listens and He wants us to learn to Trust and Dependon Him in everything that we do and in our Daily life’s.

In Christ Love ,
Grace Chia

Job

2011-09-27T22:20:00.000+08:00

Recently have been reading the Book of Job, although i'm still in the progress but it able to leave some significant thoughts. In the 1st chapter it recorded that Satan came challenge God about testing His most upright man at the moment, Job. Something strike me is Job 1:12 and 2:6, that the Lord gave permission for Satan to put suffering on Job's everything he owns from livestock to his house and even his 10 children. Lastly, when 1st attempt failed, his body became the next target afflicted by ulcer.

Both the verses i mentioned give assurance that our life are taken care by Him. All the more, Satan has no authority over us, he has to ask God before do what he wish on man of God. Though we are not in control of uncertainties that may happen yet we can rely on Him to endure all the hardships. For instance, i used to procrastinate when given something new to do, mainly because of clueless in starting a task. I prayed and due to time constraints in the end, i took my 1st step and surprisingly, things turn out easier than i could imagine.

In the same book, i also uncover that God will not give us bear anything beyond what we can (1 Corinthians 10:13), what Job received may be severely destructive if exercise on us, so He knows everyone clearly and the extend of our limits. What may seems impossible will make feasible by Him who give us strength and guidance. Just want to encourage everyone not to give up and seek Him in times of trouble. And He will lead you through :D Have a blessed day~

Gin Mah

A CG for You and Me

2011-07-27T15:27:00.000+08:00

Let’s see.. Jesus had just a little while to spend on Earth and so many people were in need of Him! And we all can be sure that He loved everybody deeply. Everything about His actions and words showed that. But there’s something else:

On top of His public ministry to the masses, He set aside special time for a small group of people – He called them “Apostles”. We know what happened to them: this odd bunch of people from different walks of life went on to firmly establish the church on the foundation of Christ (Ephesians 2:20).

It is the conviction of this author that close fellowship in small groups is an essential part of any Christian organization. This author believes that how Jesus chose to divide His time should be weighed carefully so that we know how to do ours.

Thus, our Christian Fellowship does have 4 Cell Groups (CGs). If you’re somebody out there in UTAR wanting to know the close fellowship and bonds of a small Christian community, then you ought to really consider joining one.

CGs are a safe space for anyone to share and care, so long as it’s from the heart. In our CGs we share our struggles and both learn and experience what it is like to love like Jesus did. May God bless us all.

Looking for a CG you can join as a member? Kindly contact Shujian @ 012-6324275 or post your queries to Cf Kampar or join UTAR Christian Fellowship (Kampar) in facebook

Ngee Derk, Cell Group Leader

Week 4: Captain Ball

2011-07-05T01:02:00.000+08:00

Its captain ball! back again for the third time and excitement for everyone to enjoy. This time really different from the past. Earliest and most number of participants took part in captain ball~ thank you folks for being part of the wonderful night! i guess people knows what to expect from CF every semester XD

It may not seems easy initially as dark clouds started to overflow the blue skies. Under this unprogramme situation, thoughts started filling my mind. "What if rain? There's no other option i can see now" "The weather is not kidding, cancel or carry on?" Without much choices available, i told people who needs a confirmation about tonight to come. Prayed and enlighten when heard kao meng, CF president exclaimed that the rain will stop by 7:30pm! wow, Such a bold statement he made. Praise the Lord, it got better on time, not a single rain drop felt by us. [Matthew 21:22] You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it." Through His will and power, similar to previous captain ball, the rain has stopped for the remaining night. Thank God.

After all, nothing broke during the game *phew~ Glad to see everyone give their best and kudos to the winning team for the effort put to secure the trophy :) For the others, good job as well, you guys brought the atmosphere up. Hopefully each participants bagged in at least friendship back, that's the best part of CF captain ball. See you, till next time we meet again..

Gin Mah, Publicity and Sales Coordinator

Activities for 14 weeks

2011-06-28T17:27:00.000+08:00

Above is the activities we will have for the remaining semester. We are in week 5 now and tonight will be Movie Night featuring Flywheel. Never watch before, kinda anticipate for tonight screening~

start from 8:30pm to 10:00pm at UTAR block H, H219 and H220.

we have an official group in Facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_156329417770298&ap=1 Go join now!

see you :D

Gin Mah, Publicity and Sales Coordinator

CF camp reflection

2011-06-06T23:15:00.000+08:00

“When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida.”

Luke 9:10

It might sound like a strange thing coming from a publicity officer and Camp commander, but I’ve often personally wondered if camps are really worth all the trouble. So much effort and resources are poured into camps – which sometimes come across as a short burst of “spirituality” – a 4 day aberration in the midst of our 365 days of normalcy.

But our Lord has shown that there is wisdom in retreating (or in His case, trying to retreat – the crowds always went after Him). Worldly pressures surround us all the time. That is why it is important to sometimes separate ourselves from it completely, encounter God in a different way.

Jesus took time alone to take his disciples away from everything so that he can teach them important spiritual truths, pray and maybe just have quality time together. How they must have cherished those special times together in the midst of their busy ministry!

In the same way, we go for camps to seek such times.

On the 24^th of May, 2011, 73 young UTAR-ians set out for Harvest Haven, Gopeng, to spend 4 days of solid time – fellowshipping with God and His people, and to seek His Word into our lives.

How can I recount those 4 days? God’s presence was so tangible, and through Him, great things happened in the hearts of the campers.

I saw people showing kindness. People sharing in their struggles. People sharing in their joy. People worshipping God in a spiritual sense – in Spirit and in Truth.

We talked about being “Alive in Christ”. Some of us had to take a good look at ourselves to realize that we are not as “Alive” as we thought we were. And we took steps to let God take control.

By God’s grace, we will not only “stay” alive, but become more and more so.

As gold that is refined in the fire, may we one day come to be so pure that our Maker’s face is reflected on our surfaces.

Christ, alive in us. We, alive in Christ.

Ngee Derk, Camp Commander

Accomodation

2011-01-08T19:28:00.000+08:00

Hey hey.. anyone out there need accomodation? It's open to new student and also old student.. but the aim is for Christian only (not being bias in religion but because it's a ministry house so it's objective is to set christian together to work and to serve together) of course non-christian is invited but any decision will be decided by the church board. :)

Address - Westlake Homes, Harvard, 2170
Room rates - RM320 (master bedroom), RM170 (Upstairs single room), RM100 (Downstairs room, twin sharing)

More info or want to book or rent call Mr.Marn Foo (016-5073107)

2010-11-16T06:44:00.000+08:00

Sports sports sports?

What’s the first thought that comes into your mind when you see this word?

“Oh, I must win that trophy!”

“Time for me to show my all-the-while-I’ve-been-keeping skills!”

“Finally, my chance to show who’s the better sportsman.”

But what if we all see it in a different way? What if, we all see it as a time to come together to know each one better. A time for fellowship. A time to reach out to others. A time to share a lil of the gospel. And yes, maybe time for just a slight competition, nothing big nothing harsh, just pure fun competition.

So, yeap, the just recently concluded CF Sports Fellowship Day 2010.

And we always do stupid stuff.

But yet, we portray true sportsmanship.

And the art of winning and losing.

But the best part of all, we come together as one family in God to fellowship.

It may not be the best activity to fellowship or to share the gospel, but one thing’s for sure we definitely sowed the seed.

For its said,

He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him. Psalms 126:6

Why do you think...

2010-10-24T05:22:00.000+08:00

God allows us to choose to be who we are even though we choose the wrong paths or at least paths he didn't intend us to?(Run away from Him, Sinning, settle for a good pasture field instead of the land of milk and honey)

How different would it be... if God didn't give us that freedom?

Mooncake!

2010-09-22T17:03:00.001+08:00

Halo people!!!

It's moooncake festival!!

Come on and celebrate!!!

9pm at Harvard.. 2269 house meet!!

No lantern.. let me know ya!! Kelvin here!! =D

See ya!!

Hey yo!!

2010-09-17T17:01:00.000+08:00

Hey yo!! =D

This blog has been rather dead since the CF ended on week14... but today, it's alive.. rather alive i think.. hahaha.. anyway, hows life there?

Degreeians!!! How's exam?? How's study? How's life? Doing fine? I hope so!! =) Remember, do your best and let God do the rest.

Foundationians!! How's Holiday?? Enjoying the very moment of it?? hehe... Anxiously waiting for result leh?? haha.. Pray for the best! and hope you all enjoy ur day back at hometown or anywhere you go!

Degreeians + Foundationians!!

Hows your walk with God? Hows your race for Him? I hope you are still running for Him / walking or jogging. Let's find Him even in our most relaxing time or most busy moment in our life. He also want to share the burden and yoke together with us. For He love us. =)

1 Corinthians 9 24 - 27

" Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way a to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; i do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

Let us keep running for an aim and the aim is for Him.

If you find it hard to understand, please do call Tiong Ngee Derk. He will assist you in many ways! hehehe.. after his exam of course..

See you soon!

With love,

-Kelvin-

Praise And Worship

2010-08-30T03:11:00.000+08:00

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24

“In the day of my trouble I will call to you,

for you will answer me.

Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord;
no deeds can compare with yours.

All the nations you have made

will come and worship before You, O Lord;

they will bring glory to your name.

for you are great and do marvelous deeds;

You alone are God.”

Psalm 86:7-10

I believe that most of you are familiar with this verse when it comes to worship. Well, let me ask you some questions. What does worship mean to you? Does it revolve music alone and how much time you spent in church during worship session? In my opinion, worship is all about the heart which is pleases Him and gives your best to Him for what He has done in our lives. From this statement, we can say that worship is more to lifestyle whereby it is what you practiced daily. Thus, a single deed you have done to anyone around you is equivalent to worship regardless of this deed is a big thing or a small thing.
Well, this is just a brief introduction on what is worship is all about. If I want to further elaborate what is worship is all about, it will take more than 2 posts to explain. As we know that, on that very night what we were focusing on is to rededicate our faith to God so that we can stand strong for God and be a living testimony to those who does not know God. Besides that, that night is a night of restoration whereby those who were wounded were healed; those who were dried in the Spirit had been filled up by His living water, those who lost the fire due to various circumstances had been rekindled, those who were lost in their direction had been realigned, etc.
Personally, I can see that God was in the midst of us whereby His presence was very strong and I can see that everyone was putting their heart and soul to worship God. Apart from that, His peace filled everyone’s heart whereby we were too busy on our schedules till we had neglected the goodness of God in our lives. On that very night, what struck me the most on that night whereby every member prayed for one another It touches my heart so much that we are in unity to make CF a place whereby members received edification from their brothers and sisters-in-Christ and a place where our friends who do not know Him received the goodness of God through our love towards others for God is love.
The momentous part was during the candle lighting session. I believe that most of you what does the candle signify. A question that we need to ponder every day is “Are we still keeping the fire going on for God regardless of whether you have a great time with Him and even when you are in your most down moments?” Remember the line we sang on that night? “We want to run to the altar, to catch the fire, to stand in the gap between the living and the dead, give us a heart of compassion, for a world without vision, bringing hope to our land.”So, everyone! Are you ready to stand strong for God and make a difference to our land, UTAR, Kampar?
In conclusion, although we had a great night on that night, what matters the most is on how we react to life with faith or fear, it depends on our focus. I’m learning right now! How about you? =)
Let me end this post with a quote.
“If you keep in tune with Christ, you can sing even in the dark.”

Much Love,
Wendy Lee

2010-08-22T12:50:00.001+08:00

Brothers and Sisters,

For those of you who’ve missed the earlier announcement during our weekend Week 12 meeting here it is:

In the New Testament church that was led by the apostles, there were basically three kinds of regular meetings that the believers gathered together to take part in:
1) The breaking of the bread and the wine, to remember the Lord.
2) Prayer meetings and,
3) Meeting together to study the word.

If we accept that searching the Word of God is not a thing that can be separated from any Christian or any Christian community (which is what we are), then we are faced with the realization that just maybe, the word of God has been something that has been neglected?

Of course, you might ask, why do we need to have Bible Study, if we already have Bible study in churches? Here we have maybe 5 reasons:
1) Free from denominational bias?
2) Since all of us will be running and leading it, the responsibility will be a great learning experience, rather than just going to Bible Study to receive and receive.
3) It is an essential form of fellowship (we are a Christian Fellowship!)
4) We are university students!
5) We can invite our friends who are yet to know Christ – this is not an activity under the banner of a “church” – but a friendly group.

Perhaps the most important thing is perhaps that we want to make this into a culture and a way of life rather than a programme that we sort of have to do out of obligation or anything. Read Psalms 119 and see how they long for the word of God!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

So how do we get started? Here are five questions that have maybe crept up in your mind:

1) What exactly are we going to study?

2) How are we going to study?

3) How often do we study?

4) Where do we study?

5) Who will lead these studies?

As a student driven Bible study, this will ALL be up to how God leads us as a group. I will simply be acting as a coordinator, while ANYONE who has the passion and desire can just contact me, and we will talk.

Just email me at ilikesaikang@gmail.com and tell me
1) That you’re interested and
2) What topics you think we should study/what direction do you think we should take and
3) Why you think so.

In a sense, I could’ve just gone out and arrowed people that I would want to join and take responsibility in this, but I felt that it is not right to first do that, because this should be an open invitation for all Christians who want to take up this role in the building of His church here in UTAR and Kampar.

It’s very risky in a sense that maybe nobody will respond (so far, only one brother has expressed commitment) but I believe that the Spirit will lead if it is His will. After all, this is not my work, or your work, or even our work – it is His work.

In Christ alone,
Derk

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom,”

-Paul’s letter to the Colossians.

Fire

2010-08-12T05:24:00.000+08:00

10 August 2010

Praise God that Brother Michael William is willing to come to teach us about God's word.. but i think it's more on life application.. I'm amazed by how much He has uses Michael to speak to us.. I believe there are much to reflect on after what he says..

Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction product.

Fire is also an element which can transfer from one to another. Just like human. Are we transferring the Passion that Jesus has taught us to do? To love the Lord with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves and also to share gospel to the world. Are we doing so? Can we do so?

However, fire can go off when wind element appear, water element appear, or even when there is no oxygen in this world. But the fire we are looking at is fire that is within us. Passion, Love for Christ or maybe towards certain things. Michael says that fire is an element that can go off and also that can continue burning.. It is inconsistent. How to make it consistent?

John 15 : 5 is the answer to it. However, we must always accept the fact that we are weak and therefore are able to fall or tumble.. But are we going to stand again?

Winning UTAR, winning the world or changing the world.. God is moving in it.. But are we moving? are we changing ourselves to try and see like how He sees it? are we using our feet, hand, mouth, ear properly to be able to see Him working in every aspects of our lives and on others?

Remain in Him and He in us.

New annoucement

2010-07-27T11:09:00.000+08:00

If you like to swim....hehe...in swimming pool....

please look for this cute boy- Gin mah....

what to bring?? please contact him...

tata....He is Kao Meng...

He is a great runner....and love waterfall too.... =)

If you love to play with water...

just contact him....

cause he knows the way to waterfall here....

and....welcome our sweet girl Kristie....

She loves to Jog....em....ya!!!

so if you wanna reduce your weight...
cause too Fat!!! =D

Do join Kristie to Jog!!! Healthy life is important!!!

Kristie will Run in westlake Garden everyday...

depend on her last class time....

she will inform you guys the time in Facebook...

check there or sms her!!

and....Our handsome guy....Jerome!!!

hehe....Guy that like to laugh!!!

He attended chinese CF too....

and everyday except Saturday and rainy day...

They the Chinese CF members will play Frisbee in front ABC field....

so Do join them and get to know more new friends!!!

Run!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and We .... The kampar Christian Fellowship .....

hope to see you all in any of the Sports....

choose the one you like....and have Fun with us....

Time to Relax your brain...and Gain healthy life style!!!!

and hope that we can have great fellowship together...

and build our Friendship here.....

Also, invite your non christian friends to join us...

so that we can know them through sports....

and we hope that you have Fun too while you study in kampar

try to contact with those FA leader...or post your Q in our CF facebook...

We will reply you ASAP!!! Stay Tuned! =)

CF fellowship coordinator

Lioness

Mid-term Sems

2010-07-20T18:29:00.000+08:00

Sorry for leaving the blog dead for 2 weeks =)

It has been 8 weeks since we started CF this semester. Have you enjoyed much of it? or does it burden you?
I hope it's the good one..

We have done so many things since first week. Last 2 week we talk about the mouth and last week we had Timothy Lim and his team to come to kampar to share his testimony.

Have you guys and girls learn a lot? I hope you do..

CF has been establish since 2 years ago on January and it has grown until now. All praise to God.
Well, now we have a sum of people coming regularly compared to last time (10 people?). Number do increase now. Quantity is there. How about the quality of every member? Are we walking towards His direction? His road? His way?

Every program that we set is based on the vision of being light of the world so that people know that God is real and God is working in us. Let me recap a bit from first week. =)

1st week = Slight intro on CF and our vision (remember the vision.)
2nd week = Grand Kampar Hotel (remember i said this "To change UTAR is to change yourself")
3rd week = Movie Night (Facing the Giants. Have you faced it? Have you overcome it?)
4th week = Bible Study (Why am I here? Have you find your purpose being here?)
5th week = Devotional Talk (Remember what Cheng Yee shared? Have you found time to spend with Him?)
6th week = Bible study (The Mouth - Are we using our words / tongue / mouth wisely? Mouth is just a tool..
Is your heart with you all the time?)
7th week = This Road (How's your road? Is it broken? Winding? Have you asked God to lead you?)

It's been hard for us to get the message out. But what's more important is the heart. I've been reminding myself to uphold everything to God.. Then He teaches me one more thing, to do everything with your heart.. Without heart, everything we do is heartless..

Prayer walk, morning prayer.. Come with a heart and believe that when we come with a heart it brings changes to UTAR (Change yourself to change ?) Always believe. Heart is deceitful above all things, no one can understand but He Himself understand. Come with a heart and do with it no matter how hard it seems. Give it a try =)

I'm trying my best to do everything with my heart. Some times when i don feel like doing it, i do tell myself that i must do it and do it with a heart. And I believe, by doing this, you are able to change yourself in see in different perspective.

Do you want to change UTAR?
Yes/No?

If you do, Do you believe that it can be changed?
Yes/No?

You might not see the harvest in your Uni time, but will you still work towards it?
Yes/No?

Is your heart with every action you made?
Yes/No?

Do you want to have a heart in every action you do?
Yes/No?

Comment and say YES YES YES! If it is a yes.. xD wooo, im doing survey..haha..kidding (out of context)

If yes, let's get prepared for His way to come upon us to lead us with a heart of serving, a heart of loving, a heart of caring, a heart to change and most of all a heart that He loves it to be. Heart like Jesus, His Son.

If no...... ahhhh..... Make it a yes then! =D hope no no.. hehe

It's a heart... hehe.. Don't be confused! Let's do it with

a willing heart.

God Bless =)

Why am I here?

2010-06-30T15:48:00.000+08:00

29/6/2010

In CF, we touched on the point in where are we heading? and what are the reasons / purpose we come here? Well, it is not because of no choice or anything else but it is because you've made the choice to come to kampar, UTAR. Knowing your purpose in here is significant in how you want to lead your life in this 3 years (degree), 4 years (degree + foundation) or even 1 year (foundation).. Seek for your purpose on why you are here..

But then, do not forget of what God's purpose in our life.. To abide the law and the greatest commandment which is

Matthew 22 : 37 - 39

" Jesus replied: ' Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it : ' Love your neighbor as yourself.' "

Matthew 28 : 19 - 20

" Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. "

Remember that this is the greatest commission we are ought to do. This are the main purpose we are to do no matter you are studying, working or serving. Have this Purpose in you and of course have some sub purpose you want to achieve in your life.

Psalms 37 : 4

" Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. "

By doing the great commission faithfully, God will also give you the desires of your heart. Don't give up in working on His greatest commission and seek your purpose in life that you want to achieve here in Kampar =) or anywhere you are.

Don't waste your time and enjoy your life to the fullest of His kingdom.

God Bless!

The Cave People

2010-06-14T20:23:00.001+08:00

by Max Lucado

He came to the world that was his own, but his own people did not accept him.
John 1:11

LONG AGO, OR maybe not so long ago, there was a tribe in a dark, cold cavern.

The cave dwellers would huddle together and cry against the chill. Loud and long they wailed. It was all they did. It was all they knew to do. The sounds in the cave were mournful, but the people didn't know it, for they had never known joy. The spirit in the cave was death, but the people didn't know it, for they had never known life.

But then, one day, they heard a different voice. "I have heard your cries," it announced. "I have felt your chill and seen your darkness. I have come to help."

The cave people grew quiet. They had never heard this voice. Hope sounded strange to their ears. "How can we know you have come to help?"

"Trust me," he answered. "I have what you need."

The cave people peered through the darkness at the figure of the stranger. He was stacking something, then stooping and stacking more.

"What are you doing?" one cried, nervous.

The stranger didn't answer.

"What are you making?" one shouted even louder.

Still no response.

"Tell us!" demanded a third.

The visitor stood and spoke in the direction of the voices. "I have what you need." With that he turned to the pile at his feet and lit it. Wood ignited, flames erupted, and light filled the cavern.

The cave people turned away in fear. "Put it out!" they cried. "It hurts to see it."

"Light always hurts before it helps," he answered. "Step closer. The pain will soon pass."

"Not I," declared a voice.

"Nor I," agreed a second.

"Only a fool would risk exposing his eyes to such light."

The stranger stood next to the fire. "Would you prefer the darkness? Would you prefer the cold? Don't consult your fears. Take a step of faith."

For a long time no one spoke. The people hovered in groups covering their eyes. The fire builder stood next to the fire. "It's warm here," he invited.

"He's right," one from behind him announced. "It's warmer." The stranger turned and saw a figure slowly stepping toward the fire. "I can open my eyes now," she proclaimed. "I can see."

"Come closer," invited the fire builder.

She did. She stepped into the ring of light. "It's so warm!" She extended her hands and sighed as her chill began to pass.

"Come, everyone! Feel the warmth," she invited.

"Silence, woman!" cried one of the cave dwellers. "Dare you lead us into your folly? Leave us. Leave us and take your light with you."

She turned to the stranger. "Why won't they come?"

"They choose the chill, for though it's cold, it's what they know. They'd rather be cold than change."

"And live in the dark?"

"And live in the dark."

The now-warm woman stood silent. Looking first at the dark, then at the man.

"Will you leave the fire?" he asked.

She paused, then answered, "I cannot. I cannot bear the cold." Then she spoke again. "But nor can I bear the thought of my people in darkness."

"You don't have to," he responded, reaching into the fire and removing a stick. "Carry this to your people. Tell them the light is here, and the light is warm. Tell them the light is for all who desire it."

And so she took the small flame and stepped into the shadows.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let us be like that woman. Let us not be ashamed to stand up for Him, to shine for Him.

2nd week in Kampar (May Sem)

2010-06-10T02:39:00.000+08:00

2nd week has come to an end soon.. Are you enjoying the moment from the starting til now? I hope you are and I hope you had enjoy every moment with us..

Freshies, do you feel warmth and comfortable to be around the "old" students? hehe.. I hope you do..
I hope you found a church that suit you and can help you to grow more in Kampar!
Do give us any feedback if you had and we will improve our weakness in the coming activities.

Let's enjoy the moment together in the upcoming activities and don't forget God is above everything and let's do everything for Him and let's change our weakness to strength to be prepared in many ways..

God bless!

Upcoming activities

Movie Night - Facing the giants
Venue - Wesley Methodist Church
Time - 8.30pm - 10.30pm
Transport is provided.. Van arrived at 8pm and 8.15pm at westlake bus stop opposite basketball court..

Anything concerning the event, call me (Kelvin - 017-5154029) or for transport you can contact Kao Meng - 016-7572185 for futher information regarding the transport..

Do come and join us =)

God Bless and See You!

Freshies Welcoming Night

2010-06-06T22:25:00.000+08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On Tuesday 8/6/2010, we are having Freshies Welcoming Night for all the freshies who just came into Kampar to study in UTAR..

Purpose for this is to introduce all of you to the churches in Kampar.. Details like location, transportation, service time, activities and etc.

Oldies are welcomed too to come and support and to guide the freshies and to give warmth welcome to them in Kampar like how we are being warmth by the people of God and by the spirit of God..

Venue : Grand Kampar Hotel
Time : 7.00pm - 10.30pm
Transportation : 6.45pm & 7.00pm (wait at westlake bus stop, opposite basketball court)..

Be early not to miss a single moment =)

Eastlake or outside of the COVERAGE of new town =D call Kelvin Wong 017-5154029 and F1 car will reach your destination! =D

Dinner is provided, transportation is provided, refreshment is provided, warmth welcome is provided, what more? Come and see and let's be unite as a body of Christ to serve for the better of the Lord's Kingdom

1st Week

2010-06-05T16:03:00.000+08:00

We had our fund raising and our first meeting + prayer walk =) Have you enjoyed the moment we've been together? I hope we all did enjoy the fellowship and the presence of God together..

Those who miss out in baking session, selling, 1st meeting, and prayer walk.. don't you worry.. we have more to come and let's do God's work together =)

1st CF meeting =) + first ever prayer walk in UTAR!

Thank you for your participation and your encouragement.. It's been a blessing to the Christian Fellowship.. Thanks for all the help..

God Bless!

CF meeting + prayer walk

2010-06-01T17:05:00.000+08:00

A big welcome to all the oldies whom have stepped back into campus and an even bigger welcome to all you new CF-ers.

I'm sure everyone would have known about the tarts, pies and muffins selling even being carried out this whole week. Besides that, we as a CF will also meet together on this Thursday to worship our God and to pray for UTAR in the form of a prayer walk.

The purpose of a prayer walk is quite simple.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 says that "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intersession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

So, let us all come together to pray for this university that we study in. Let us pray for UTAR, so that it will get better and better, have the presence of God, and most of all for a spiritual revival!

Meeting location: Dry canteen (Between block D and E)

Time: 5pm - 7pm

Day and date: 3rd June 2010 (Thursday)

INFUSE Conference 2010 - Arise

2010-05-28T13:34:00.000+08:00

Hey guys, it might be a little late but here's some information on the upcoming INFUSE Conference 2010 - Arise!

They have 3 phenomenal speakers : Ps. Rudy Chew from City Church KL, Ps. James Willson from Lifeline Church Ayer Tawar, and Ps. Bernard Teh from FGA Taiping.

It's a very interesting conference which includes 6 interesting workshops which could change your life!

- Worship & Creative Arts

- Kingdom Business

- Leadership

- Wonder Women

- CLUTCH Gaming

- Calling & Ministry

For more information, log on to :

http://infusefga.org/conference-2010/workshops

http://infusefga.org/conference-2010/speakers

http://infusefga.org/conference-2010/registration

Contacts :
Vil Sern - 012-5228399
Tiffany - 016-5914016
Matthew : 016-5193650

Hurry, before all the seats are taken! :D

Winning UTAR for Christ?

2010-04-21T21:48:00.000+08:00

We had our last meeting for Christian Fellowship =)

How do u feel of the entire semester?

Great?

Awesome?

Fun?

Are u growing in Him in Christian Fellowship?

Do you feel unite as a Christian body for God?

I believe there are mixture feelings inside everyone's heart.. but there is one thing, are we going to stay in our comfort zone or are we going to learn and grow more for God to be the ambassador of Christ to spread the gospel of God?

In business area, word of mouth is the greatest and most efficient way in promoting products.. so, are we going to use our mouth for Him in promoting His Love, His Life, His Glory?

Let's win UTAR for Christ (Jensen, 2010).. Let's be a body which is fill with the breath of God and the Spirit of God to continue to shine for the rest of our life.. for the rest of our time in CF and in Kampar!!! Don't stop moving but keep going forward.. Take the step of faith =)

I'm looking forward for the semester to come.. so are you looking forward too??

Let's Glorify His name in many ways =)

CF Internal AGM

2010-04-16T00:42:00.000+08:00

Nominations have been voiced, votes have been casted, positions accepted.

Chairman - Kelvin Wong Zhi Xiong

Vice Chairman - Kyle Tan Guang Pin

Secretary - Melissa Joy Benedict

Vice Secretary - Chuah Chang En

Treasurer 1 - Phua Kai Ning

Treasurer 2 - Florencetina Chew Yu May

Fellowship Coordinator - Shirley Kwong Chee Ai

Logistics Coordinator - Lee Kao Meng

Missions and Outreach Coordinator - Tan Sui Yen

Prayer Coordinator - Ray Leong Swee Fung

Publicity and Sales Coordinator - Calvin Nanthan

Word Coordinator - Tiong Ngee Derk

Worship Coordinator - Wendy Lee Yau Wei

Christians always say that leaders are shepherds, and that they lead the sheep. However, sometimes we forget. We forget that the shepherds are people whom will leave behind ninety nine sheep just to go look for one lost sheep.

We have no doubt they will work well together, because by God's grace they will be united. What then, is our role as sheep? Let us listen, to the voice of those we voted for. We can bleep, and sleep; but do remember that at the end of the day, we are still sheep.

Week 12 - Bible Study

2010-04-09T15:49:00.000+08:00

In the first bible study this semester, we learnt to walk the talk. The second bible study taught us to handle trials, and to differentiate between temptations, which we need to flee from. The third taught us to take up responsibility of our own actions, and to choose to glorify God and no longer sin against Him.

However, have we wondered what is that 'talk' that we are trying to walk? What is that which we want to stand firm in? What are we fleeing from? How should we glorify God?

James 1:23-25 tells us that the law of God, the perfect law that gives freedom, is like a mirror. A mirror helps us reflect, to realize what is wrong with our face. It shows us the pimples on our face which we thought was smooth and unblemished. God's word helps us to check ourselves. On the other hand, a mirror also helps us to remember what is good and beautiful in God's sight. It helps us gain our identity in Christ, if only we look intently into the mirror and not forget after walking away.

Our walk with God is like being on a treadmill. Once its on, we either go forward, or let the machine pull us back. We need to constantly walk forward, to read His word, desire His presence, be with other treadmill users to encourage each other.

In this light, let me encourage all of us, including myself, to cultivate a strong personal time with God. Desire to know Him, not just facts about Him. Desire to hear from Him, and not just let it be a one sided blabber from ourselves. Desire also to encourage other similar minded people towards love and good deeds, for He is the one who first showed love for us to model upon.

Let us all grow as a CF, for the CF is only as strong as each and everyone of us. The global body of Christ is only as strong as each and everyone of us. Let's do this!

Week 11 - The Indescribable

2010-03-31T09:54:00.000+08:00

Words cannot describe. Speech cannot express. But most of all, it is all because of Him.

A lil nice wallpaper for you guys. Taken from inspiks.com.

Some announcements:

Continue to be in His presence. Crave for it. Cultivate it.

Week 10 - Bible Study

2010-03-26T16:49:00.000+08:00

In this bible study, we learn't about taking up the responsibility for our own sins. Indeed it is true, that:

Sow a thought, reap an action;

Sow an action, reap a habit;

Sow a habit, reap a character;

Sow a character, reap a destiny.

Sow the wrong thought, and we will reap a wrong destiny. However, sow the right thoughts, Godly thoughts, and we will reap a Godly destiny. Here's how...

Wanted to end with the picture above but... on second thought... this might be a better and more appropriate jpeg file to upload...

Let us be committed to help each other through the ups and more importantly, the downs.

Fellowship by Napkin Theology

2010-03-22T09:06:00.000+08:00

Being a Christian is about so many things, but some essential things are basic to our growth, and to our purpose on this earth. Reading the Word, prayer, spreading God's love and also fellowship with one another.

Let us meet together, not just for social benefits, but for a purpose.

"Fellowshipping with other believers on a deep and meaningful level is not a luxury, it is a necessity." ~ Quoted from an unknown person

Rebuilding our Homes

2010-03-17T20:05:00.000+08:00

Let us be ever ready to help and to support our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us continually offer up prayers and to show concern so that none of us would be trapped by the sin of holding an offense against another.

Let us release all unforgiveness, and not let anger cause our fire for Him to grow cold.

word, faith and ACTION

2010-03-09T15:32:00.000+08:00

Ever wondered what is the difference between us and our pre-believer friends? Does going to church make us different? Regularly attending CF? Knowing John 3:16?

The thing that makes us different is that we believe, while unfortunately our friends don't. In believing, we also accept what the bible says about us being the salt and the light.

Read the following article and think about how we can change ourselves, and change our CF.

Are we willing?

The Best Book We Can Ever Forget to Read

2010-03-06T15:46:00.000+08:00

Courtesy of Derk for crafting out this post.

----------------------------------------------

Americans seem to do interesting surveys all the time. Take a look at a few statistics I found:

-Fewer than half of all adults can name the four gospels.
-82 percent of Americans believe “God helps those who help themselves” is a Bible verse.
-A survey of graduating high school seniors revealed that over 50 percent thought that Sodom and Gomorrah were husband and wife.

Now what do we Christians understand about the word of God?

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”

Paul of Tarsus, to Timothy
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Yeah it’s obvious that the Bible is completely crucial for all the undertakings that Christians will be called for, but what jumps out to me is that it is GOD BREATHED.

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Author Unknown (Some say it’s Paul)
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

Though it may not necessarily have that kind of link, when I read “GOD BREATHED” I think about when God first breathed the breath of life into that physical container that became Adam. And then I think about “life” in a wider sense. Life!

Sometimes when we discuss Bible study techniques we talk about how to make Bible Study more “interesting” or make it less “boring” by adding pictures or activities because “let’s face it, it’s boring etc etc”. But then ah, yeah maybe going in with this kind of pre-set attitude isn’t the best way to do it.

What we need to ask ourselves is whether in our heads we’re putting the Bible alongside other things we Have to Do, but reluctantly, like cleaning the toilet or Pengajian Malaysia. How about we think of the Bible as something indispensable, like one of the three things we’d take with us if we got stranded on a desert island or in some far-off place like Banting =P

When my dad was young he met this elderly English man named Mr. Impit. He was about 80 at that time, and he had arthritis that was so bad that when stood up his head was level with his shoulders and he wasn’t any taller than when he was sitting (about four feet). Besides that, his eyesight had deteriorated to the point where he could not read any more. (Kinda like Isaac in Genesis 27)

But the thing is, every time the assembly gathered to worship, Mr. Impit would always stand up and share from the Bible – anything from a Psalm or the Gospels or Paul’s letters. He had memorized the entire Bible so it didn’t matter that he couldn’t read anymore.

Bibles come in lots of pretty shapes and colours these days. They even come with pretty informative footnotes, maps, illustrations... whatever. But it’s a crying shame to think about how many of those are just collecting dust somewhere just like how my Bible used to collect dust when I was younger.

But I’m not a kid anymore. WE are not kids anymore.

Leaving aside the fact that through the Bible God provides comfort for those who are distraught or the fact that God sometimes chooses to reveal his purpose for our lives through the Bible (Psalm 119:105) or that with the Spirit and the Word we are to do the work of apologists (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) or many many more.

First and foremost, we should study the word simply because it is obvious that God WANTS us to and that should be enough reason for any Christian.

Week 7 - BGR Talk

2010-03-03T15:14:00.000+08:00

"Begin with the end in mind"

This phrase has been so widely used, we don't even know where it came from. At least I don't. This phrase describes a principle of life, and can help us determine whether our boy-girl relationships (bgr) will turn out as He wanted it.

Some will quote 1 Corinthians 7:9 and say that there are different types of people. Those who can stand being alone, and those who cannot stand being alone and thus must get attached at all times. This seems to justify our need to perpetually look out for a potential boy or girl friend to get ourselves attached to, but note the word "marry" used in the verse.

God created humans for a reason. Similarly, He also made man and woman differently for a reason. I believe the main takeaway from yesterday's talk is the principle of having a purpose. This is contrary to what the world tells us, but as Christians, the only reason why we should enter into a close and intimate relationship with another should be for the sole purpose of considering marriage.

So then, for those already attached, some of us were wondering where should we draw the line. After casual kiss but before passionate embrace? After passionate kiss but before petting? All the way? If you weren't there, or did not catch Uncle Jason when he explained about the line, the line that tells us where should we stop in our intimacy with our dear ones, let me paraphrase what he said.

THERE IS NO LINE

Really, there is no line. The line has been cheating us for the whole session. If by casual kissing, it arouses sexual desires that makes us sin, shouldn't the line be taken one step higher? If by gazing, we sin against God, shouldn't we check our hearts again? The line is a guideline, but the principle is that our relationships should be in such a way that it honors God.

What is the purpose of BGR? And for that matter, what is the purpose of our life? I believe the answer to these questions will help us go a long way.

For more readings, click [here].

Week 6 - Bible Study

2010-02-25T06:28:00.000+08:00

James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds...

Hebrews 12:2 shows us the same thing, of having joy in the midst of trials and temptations, from Jesus's perspective. Have joy! When we are in trouble, have joy! But, how many of us can do that? Having joy does not necessary mean that we must smile and laugh. Jesus did not smile and laugh on the cross! Having joy is to have the perspective of God, His assurances, His salvation in the midst of our troubles. Our joy comes from knowing that Jesus has died on the cross for us, and with that, we are more than conquerors over our trials and temptations!

I love this definition of trials and temptations from Su An (is this how you spell your name?), very well defined.

"A trial is something that you are put into, you don't have a choice but to go through it. A temptation is something that you can choose not to do, and it leads you to sin."

Some of us are in the midst of a trial now, some of us just came out of it. Some of us are wondering, :"What trial?". Whatever your situation, just remember that trials are meant to build us up, to teach us something. When God takes time to create a trial for us, it means that he has prepared something to be given to us. Something that without the training, we cannot handle.

Think about Jonah. He struggled by running away, he struggled and was swallowed up by a whale. However, after he obeyed, a city turned back to God. Think about Paul. He probably went through the most trials among us mere humans. However, think about the things that God has given to him, the ways that God has used him. Paul is probably the greatest evangelist of all time. Now think about Jesus. Just his suffering on and before the cross would be enough. The emotional, physical and spiritual sufferings. The end result? The salvation of YOU and ME.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Be strong, persevere, and focus.

CNY + Valentines Special

2010-02-13T13:13:00.000+08:00

Gong Xi Gong Xi Gong Xi Ni! Cai Shen Dao! Cai Shen Dao Wo Di Jia Men Kou!

恭喜恭喜恭喜你！财神到！财神到我的家门口！

Happy Chinese New Year to all. A merry occasion indeed it is for the fellow Chinese around, and a long happy holiday for the other fellow brothers and sisters around. Before most of us proceed to meet up with our extended families for a reunion dinner, it is good to take a little time of to reflect on Rev Yong's words.

We are constantly bombarded with cheesy CNY songs singing about all the good things for the season. Sometimes, the songs get so cheap, there is practically no purchasing value to it. However, we still listen to it for a simple reason. Chinese New Year. Many things we do defy common sense, but we still do it. Chinese New Year.

It is important for us, as rational humans, not to mention the fact that we are Christians too, to rethink the purposes of this highly anticipated celebration. Is the focus of the season on the food? The songs? The shopping? The cleaning? The Ang Pows? Or is it about reuniting family and friends?

Let us not be brain-dead, following the flow of the season, brainwashed by the mindless customs and practices and forgetting the purpose of Chinese New Year. The things we have been doing may be brainless, but the evil one is not.

Remember Jehovah Jireh, our God, is our provider, not 财神爷. Remember that this season is for our relationship with one another, not for the customs and practices that we have always been doing.

Lastly, have a good holiday everyone! See you guys soon!

The four words written above is a pun using the same pronunciation for a phrase that means "smile always".

Week 3 - Bible Study

2010-02-03T20:28:00.000+08:00

I was about to do a summary of the bible study that we did, when this came to my mailbox. It seemed apt (oh God is good, help me do blog post :P)

Before you read the devotional below, ask yourselves this question, :"Do you genuinely believe in this Jehovah God that we are talking about?"

This devotional summarizes quite a bit of the points that was brought up during the bible study. However, it ends saying that when we receive Jesus, and ONLY when we receive Him, does He come and change us.

So, we should check ourselves, as James is asking us to do. Are we having a genuine faith? Or are we playing church? Do we know what we believe? Are we acting out our faith?

Let us WALK THE TALK, shall we?

Devotion - How Do I Find a Good Church

2010-01-29T19:36:00.000+08:00

I believe this, coming in after the welcoming, is apt. This is a devotional that though long, would help those whom are looking for a church to go to.

If you realise that you cannot read the words... click on the pictures for a larger sized picture to pop out.

GKH welcoming!

2010-01-28T19:28:00.000+08:00

Wow! There seems to be loads of welcoming done by the CF. It was basically a wonderful time where churches from Kampar came together, and new people are welcomed into this huge family of God. Do browse through the pictures at Felicia's blog.

Let us retrace some of the history before this event came about...

UTAR came to Kampar, and brought in many many students. In such a big harvest field, came many faithful servants of the Lord to work the field. Some came in earlier, some were here even before the existence of UTAR, but all worked towards the same goal, for the same God.

Came 2009, when most of the churches are more or less established, having a group of people being discipled under their care. It was then, a realization came, and the first inter-church prayer meeting was organized. Not many turned up, but it was the beginning of a long legacy to come. A legacy that shows the unity of Christians in this small place called Kampar.

This GKH welcoming will be part of that legacy, a legacy that is still to be built up upon.

Genesis 11:6 The Lord said, " If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them..."

I have a secret dream. It is to see a stadium being built in Kampar, where all the Christians will one day gather, praising, singing, praying to our Jehovah God. I wonder if it will one day happen or not...

Campus welcoming!

2010-01-27T21:24:00.001+08:00

Sorry this post came late, the recent happenings are just too exciting to... well... post.

So, this is how we started the welcoming last Thursday. With random hugs for everyone... err... Actually I was not here for the starting, and i'm glad I was not around when THIS happened...

There were also people who acted cute...

New friends played with us...

I think this is how it is supposed to be played... hmn...

Eric intimidating others...

Chatting in the midst of it all...

And stripping each other down... eh? REALLY??? oh man... what has become of CF...

This is Ray trying to be a HEN... GAI (in cantonese)

Lots of smiles...

Lots of laughters...

And many weird moments. I think they saw something weird going on.

Definitely something weird...

I think this looks weird enough...

This is weird too...

And thats Anthony fiercely trying to win over... erm I mean in the game sense... you know?

Then of course a lil prep talk by our CF chairman!

A lil prep talk where our machas were not listening! Hohoho!

And this marks the end of our... sanity... welcome to the new sem people. Welcome... to... OKU-mess

Prayers - the instant cure?

2010-01-21T01:31:00.000+08:00

I was reading this for the past few days (courtesy of Derk), and I found it genuinely interesting, though terribly long in length. A truthful search for the "efficacy of prayer", as the essay is titled.

It talks about prayer as a request, meaning that whether God grants us what we want, is totally up to Him. It is the same as an appeal. We make appeals to court cases, and we also make appeals to our UTAR management. However, the final decision still lies with the upper management, in this case it would be God.

With such an ambiguous percentage of getting our requests answered in a favorable way, what then is the purpose of prayer? Something we can think about.

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

We are asked in this verse not only to pray, but to pray with thanksgiving. What are we supposed to be giving thanks about when firstly, we are not even sure if what we pray for will be granted?

I have a friend. His mother had cancer, when it was announced, it was a 4th stage cancer. If my science is correct, that is also called terminal cancer. We prayed fervently, we cried and we pleaded. How could a mother be taken back to heaven when her child is still so young? Then the second opinion from another doctor said that he could not scan the cancer cells. Hallelujah!

We continued to pray, to press on, until we can see a complete healing. However, things started to turn into a roller coaster ride here. The cancer cells started appearing and disappearing, making us, the people praying, in a tug-of-war with the forces of darkness.

In the end, the mother of two died. Are His ways still higher than our ways?

---

I have a pastor. He suddenly had a stroke. Apparently the arteries broke in his brain. The brain was experiencing severe pressure due to the accumulated blood, even his eyes were on the verge of bulging out. Doctors gave him a 1% chance of recovery, but told the pastor's wife that chances are slim, just to make things sound milder.

The church prayed, pleaded, and fought for his life. He survived, and in barely 6 months he is able to walk and talk already. The church is even looking forward to the day that he can continue to stand at the pulpit, preaching.

Does this mean that His ways are higher than our ways now?

---

I believe in all occasions God works for the unity of His body. My friend's family was brought closer together, when in the past the family has very little reason nor time to come together. My pastor's "mishap" brought together brothers and sisters in Christ from far and wide, current and in the long past. In all these God was working.

God may not relief some of us from our pain now, but we can be sure to know that God is in control, doing His good work to completion.

Fundraising Jan 2010

2010-01-20T08:35:00.000+08:00

Many of you would already know that CF is having its characteristic fundraising this week, meaning like... now, as you are reading this post, we are baking and selling tarts and muffins.

Some of the finished products are as such:

We have:

1. Apple tarts

2. Chicken tarts

3. Blueberry tarts

4. Custard tarts

5. Muffins

So, some of us helped out by baking, selling...

Registering people to CF during the booth opening hours. (10am - 2pm)

And some helped by being a tall guy.

However, most of the effort (not putting down the huge effort of being tall) came from baking the tarts the night before.

Nice eh? Wanna help? You've still got your chance. COME COME COME. Big Brudder wants YOU!

Prayer Needed

2009-12-07T11:10:00.000+08:00

A message to everyone.. please pray for those who have recently been infected with Conjunctivitis..

May the Lord place His healing hands upon them..

Oh and be careful.. it's infectious so... take care guys..

CF Finale Night

2009-12-03T14:28:00.000+08:00

They say a picture speaks a thousand words. For the last meeting in our beloved CF, we'll just let the photos capture the moments of what happened that night :D

Looks of pure bliss

Presents all around!!

Nov and Dec babies!

Jumping spree!

Lastly, a special treat for all of you, a Hair Swinging performance by none other that our beloved President Eric!! *applause applause*

for viewing purposes, please try to scroll down are fast as possible

All in all, this has been an awesome sem for all of us. We laughed and prayed together and worked hard to make CF better and bigger. A big thank you to everyone! Hope to see all of you again next sem!

Members Night

2009-11-28T14:17:00.000+08:00

Congratulations, you guys did a great job!

CF had been awesome and it had just became awesomer. Members come together and plan for a meeting is simply awesome.

All these while the committee had been lugging their jobs running the CF and, now, we are pretty sure that our burden may be a lot lighter.

The group which led the worship leading, was all out practicing for the session. Their first practice was 2 days after their planning, in Kyle's house. Efficient eh?

Leading a bible study may appear as a challenge to some people but praise the Lord that many new bible study leaders willingly offer their time out, to spend time studying the bible themselves and then sharing and leading the other group members into knowing more of the bible. May you all be blessed with more wisdom and it is time to assist your CG leaders.

Ushers were there much earlier than the stipulated time, which is very good, cuz time management appears to be an issue in most of the Malaysian organisation. The whole CF, including me, will have to learn from them.

The highlight of the night was when the members chased all the committee members out and said that they wanted to 'vote' for the best committee member and the one that they wanna kacau! Eventually, it was a plot which they made up, to surprise 2 of the committee members which their birthdays fall in the same week, Shirley and Renjie. They were both given a crown, a sash and a 'trophy' which looked more like a fairy wand. But it was successful, both were surprised. A mass surprise celebration by CF member... priceless!

I've got a question though. Why did the whole committee kena con? =.=

In a nutshell, it's a night which everyone was involved running the CF, for the CF doesn't just belong to me, you or Harry. The CF is ours. The barriers are broken, it is now the time to build the CF, stronger and leading each other closer to God.

Cf Teambuilding

2009-11-21T12:24:00.000+08:00

The Pic Of The Week!!!
Our Chief Executive Director Of The Word,
Shu Tze Yuh.

...

Alright then, moving on....

This weeks cf meeting was a slightly different one,
but we did start off with the same old breaking-of-the-ice session
pulled together by Calvin.

This is Chang En,
Chang En have successfully drawn
all female attention to him.
well done Chang en.

...

After the ice was broken,
then came the worship session!
This week we have a new worship leader!
Melissa leading the worship team
with Wai Wai on guitar and Renjie on the Keyboard.

The Worship Team.
Practicing hard before meeting begins.

During Worship Session.

...

After the worship session,
our good'ol president came up
and made his announcements as usual.
Eric then gives a short talk on the itinerary
of this weeks meeting.

The mic is then passed to Kyle our worship coordinator
to give a short briefing to the members on
how to put together a worship session.

After that, Shu gave a second briefing regarding
the importance of bible study and how to
coordinate a bible study.

...

It is now time for activities!

Our coordinator of this weeks meeting: Renjie
snatched the mic from poor eric and began
bossing around!

Renjie

Caught In The Act Of
Bossing Around.

Members.
Being Bossed Around.

...

Renjie started off by getting the members
into four groups lined up in rows.
the goal was to have the members
of each group pass down a message given to the first leader
which is a random drawing, and have each member draw
the picture out.
the commitee would then pick out
the most misdirected picture
and the member who drew it will face
PUNISHMENT!

Now Then,
the goal of this session
is to have members work together as a team.
at the same time, commitee members
would be among them trying
to trick the members into passing on
wrong messsages.
This is to help the members understand that
sometimes we will come across
or situations that will
discourage us, and the key is
to stay the course and follow
the lead of our leader
which is our Lord!

...

The member now have a final Challenge!
To Organize and entire CF meeting
without the Cf commitee.
Here you can see our members
hard at work planning
next weeks meeting!
Well done guys!

Feedback !!!!

2009-11-06T21:19:00.000+08:00

post your feedback to the comment button below

for this week ...

Or you can vote in the poll which is on your right!

Share with us...
how do you feel after attending this workshop???

LeaDerShip WorKShoP NIGHT!!!

2009-11-05T00:09:00.000+08:00

a great intro to all of you!!!!
welcome to Utar CF BLOG!!!
this week ....going to share with you all...
the LeadErsHip WorKshOp...
see what we do over the wholenight!!!

before the CF start....
happened this...

by the help from the guys...
finally the Van safe!!!
wow....heroes!!!!

and the girls who just arrived!!!

worship team of the week!!!
shirley & jen sen CG!!!

the Van owner testimony....

members...

the speaker...

into groups...

discussion

jen sen: our plan is ah...

1st group touched the ceiling ...

2nd...

3rd and 4th...

feedback 1

em...feedback 2...

thinking...

feedback from the 1st comer....

the speaker and the chairman...

the birthday girl ~Fiona!!

blessing pray from the speaker

the cake...

and finally .....ALL OF US!!!!

This week's meeting was a really fun and great meeting as we had a leadership workshop...
We were blessed enough to have Micheal Williams from FES to conduct this workshop.

The meeting started a bit late as we received news tat our dear brother,
Steven's van sort of hit into the drain...and many of our strong macho brothers
went to help them. =) Thank God that none of them was hurt.
Steven also came out to talk a bit bout the incident and gave thanks to God

The worship session then started.
It was led by Jensen and shirley's cg this week..!!
great worship session by them =) bravo..!!!!!!!!

The leadership workshop then started.... Our dear speaker divided us into groups of four
and gave us a teamwork task to finish. Each groups were to be emotionally, physically and mentally connected and one of the group's member have to touch the ceiling from the floor
of the ground floor....Hahaha!! and boy we all really had a blast , dint we??
All the screaming, singing, ......soo much fun !!

We spotted the BRAVE, the NOISY,the MACHOs,the tallies.....etc ...lol

The workshop then continued with mostly group discussions questions
about what is leadership about...

Leadership is about just what we are now doing !! being a STUDENT!!!
LEARN !! LEARN and LEARN!!
Learn to cope with our studies life, our spiritual life.......
learn to be a light and salt among our friends and
LEARN TO SLEEP too as its important for our learning process!!
zzzzzzz ^0^

We also celebrated Fiona's birthday by surprisng her with a song and cake..
yummy yummy!! What a surprise for the birthday girl!!
happy 18th birthday again!! =)

I guess thats about all we did last night =) check out the pictures to find out more =)

see you all on week 5....week 4 is a break!! all the best to all those having exams !!

Week 2 - Bible Study

2009-11-01T20:51:00.000+08:00

The Studious

The Smiling

The Sleepy

The Group that Hogged the Nice Office

The Kiddies

The Noisy

The Weird

Ah... at least now we know which is the noisiest and weirdest group...

It was a good time of fellowship and learning in Christ. John Wesley (Calvin) group led worship and John 6:16-21 was the main text of study.

History tells us that Jesus' disciples went out to cross the sea in a sampan while Jesus went up a mountain to pray. When the storm came (El Nino, probably :P), the disciples were at a lost on how to handle the situation. The problem was too much for them to handle and they said, :"GG". Jesus, being the hero, came to the rescue, using his supernatural power. The disciples however, being too caught up in their earthly fear, could not recognize the supernatural-ness of what Jesus did.

Have we also been too caught up in our troubles?

Recognize that God is in control, He is in the midst of doing something in you, your friends and your surrounding.

Week 1 CF Meeting

2009-10-25T18:47:00.000+08:00

It was such an encouragement to see so many members show up for the first week of this new semester... if I'm not mistaken almost 40+ people came that night!

Well, we started off with a session of Praise and Worship led by Shu Ern with Renjie on the keyboard and ShuTY on the guitar..

After that Eric went up to give a few announcements, and then we got to see a slideshow about what we did in the previous semester.. the pictures were not aligned properly and it kept focusing on the wrong parts lol....

After that, Eric gave a few announcements and one of them was about the whole semester's agenda.. We're going to do everything about "leadership" and this time, we're going to let the normal members take control of CF. That would be around Week 5. Come to CF and you shall find out :)

The main purpose that we wanted to do on that Tuesday night was to give out a Feedback Form to know what the CF members think about the current Christian Fellowship; about the committee members, the way the CF is being led, and also about the whole CF in general. That took about half an hour if I'm not mistaken..

Once that is done, we were dismissed to have refreshments on the first floor of the Church.. ah.. good time of fellowship...

CF ended around 11pm that night.. I think that's all I can remember for now..

Stay tuned for next week's event! =)

From,
Calvin (Bandanna guy)