John Fellowship

2009-02-05T22:03:00.000-08:00

How come so many 騙局? and they are huge in terms of $$$!!!
is it Greed or ??
and, the 騙局會長 actually thinks he is the "最慘的受害者"

from (明報)2月6日星期五

馬多夫世紀騙局震驚全球，在太平洋另一邊的日本，也爆出百億元投資騙案。日本警方昨拘捕已破產的保健寢具銷售公司東京「L&G K.K.」會長波和二，指他涉嫌詐騙數萬名投資者至少1260億日圓（約110億港元），有可能成為日本史上最大金額騙案。

稱穩獲36%回報吸引主婦老人

由東京警視廳和宮城、福島兩縣警方組成的聯合專案組，昨天拘捕現年75歲會長波和二，指他有組織地從會員處騙取金錢。警方消息透露，L&G 於1987年成立，最初主要通過代理商店，銷售被褥和健康食品，2001年起以「合作金」名義籌集資金，以「只賺不賠」為口號，吸引大量主婦和老人投資。

騙局中，波和二表示投資者只要存入100萬日圓（約8.6萬港元），每3個月就可享有9%（年利率36%）的超豐厚現金回報，比馬多夫騙局聲稱的 10％回報率更高。公司同時還發行可以在該公司主辦的跳蚤市場和網絡市場，使用虛擬貨幣「圓天」，宣稱「存入10萬日圓以上的現金，投資者每年都將可收到同額的圓天」，可在指定商店用來買食品、衣服甚至是珠寶。由於投資者將現金一次存入公司後，每年都會得到相等數值的「圓天」，因此他們即使把當年的「圓天」花光了，也不會覺得自己的錢就此消失，皆因來年又會重新再有。波和二甚至妄言，這種虛擬貨幣將會在全球流通起來。

設虛擬貨幣可用於指定商店

直到07年，資金不足的L&G公司為了續命，將現金分紅改為發放圓天，最後就連圓天分紅也中斷，結果引起當局懷疑和調查。這時騙局已演變成一宗巨額欺詐案，多達3.7萬名投資者不虞有詐「中招」，至少被騙去1260億日圓（約110億港元）。當地傳媒估計，波和二騙去的款項，最終可能高達 2260億日圓（約195億港元）。

在被捕前一刻，波和二還口口聲聲對記者說自己沒有錯，他在一間餐廳吃早餐時面對大群記者說：「請讓我吃早餐，我領導多達5萬人，他們可以控告這麼大的公司欺詐嗎？」問到何會對投資者感到歉意，他說：「沒有！我是把我的生命投資下去的……為什麼我要道歉？我是最慘的受害者。沒有人的損失比我多。你應該注意到高回報就有高風險。」

代表900名受害人的律師團團長千葉肇說，他們正找尋法律途徑去將錢拿回。但他同時指，有很多受害人仍未挺身而出。「由於他們都是透過朋友圈子介紹，他們怕一旦尋走法律援助，會被朋友摒棄。」

Openness

2009-02-01T18:41:00.000-08:00

Name one thing we lack of last year in fellowship was communication. Not in the way that we didn't talk to each other, but in the way that thoughts and ideas were not shared enough. Thoughts on the direction of our fellowship heading, and ideas on what changes you feel like we need for the good of fellowship.

Besides email and our fellowship time, our website could be another platform to share thoughts and ideas. From now on, I will check the website daily and reply your questions.

I believe love and communication are the keys for our fellowship to grow. I really really want to hear from you so we could continue to build our fellowship together.

To me always, John Fellowship is a shelter, brothers and sisters are my support!!

pray and donate for china's little angels stuck in the snow

2008-02-15T11:20:00.001-08:00

EMERGENCY APPEALChina Weather Crisis - We Need Your Help
China is weathering the most severe winter in 50 years and Hunan province is one of the worst hit in a snow crisis that has gripped the country these past 3 weeks with extreme weather conditions wreaking havoc.
International China Concern's projects in Changsha and Hengyang are in survival mode as they face food, water and electricity shortages. Your help is needed to enable us to pay for a stockpile of food, to make emergency repairs, and provide additional warm clothing and bedding for the children.
The China Daily reports snow that started on January 13 has toppled 82,000 houses, damaged crops on 2.5 million hectares and frozen 609,000 heads of livestock to death. More than 3.5 million people face water shortages, there are major power shortages and 1.43 million people are stranded on highways and railways.
According to The Guardian the China Meteorological Administration has issued a red alert, the highest of its five ratings, warning central and eastern China to expect severe snow and ice storms.
International China Concern's projects, both in Hunan province, continue to suffer power and water shortages. Our international volunteers and employees have been filling and transporting water containers by hand from a farmer's well. Many employees are working 24 - 48 hour shifts as transport has come to a standstill.
Ron Burns in Hengyang writes:
'The first day it snowed it took 2 hours to walk to the centre through the snow and ice, clambering over fallen power lines. The power was off at the centre for 7 days and because the water supply is pumped by an electric pump from the well - no water either. We had a fire truck deliver water a couple of times. When the roads were too icy for traffic the Army helped out a little after we had dragged 25 litre containers from the well to the centre and were too exhausted to continue. Some of the food had to be carried in on foot and last Friday we managed to hire a small van to deliver a huge order of food from the supermarket to feed the children. The Chinese employees have been incredible, rising to the occasion and just getting on with the job.'
Due to major shortages, food prices are expected to double, the roof of the Changsha therapy building collapsed in the severe weather last week, and there's been damage to the kitchen and one of the group home roofs in Hengyang. Emergency repair work will be required in both projects as soon as the weather improves. Additional clothing, bedding and supplies have also been purchased – expenses we'd not budgeted for. It's been an incredible challenge keeping all 235 children and young adults warm and healthy as many have poor circulation and complex health issues. Your donation, no matter how big or small, will go a long way toward helping us provide all that's needed now and in the coming days.
Please help and donate today. Help us care well for the children and those caring for them.
Donations can be made quickly and securely online, or contact your national office .

Reading Exploration

2008-01-22T21:52:00.001-08:00

On last last Friday (Jan 14, 2008), we had a Reading Exploration night. Through sharing and discussion, we tried to explore the subject of reading. Below is the summary of that night:

The Importance of Reading

The Difficulties we faced

The Solutions

Chocolate Love Night

2008-01-22T21:23:00.000-08:00

A Relationship and Love workshop for everyone - looking, dating, been hurt, married...

February 8, 2008 (Friday)

Time: 8:00pm - 10:00pm

Location: Richmond Grace Alliance Church

There will be chocolate tasting, coffee sipping, self analysing and words exchanging on love, dating and marriage:

- How do we choose our boyfriend or girlfriend

- How do we date someone without hurting others

- How do we treat separation

- How do we view marriage

- How much do we know about ourselves

Bring your own cup and saucer, if you want to personalize it! (free admission)

John Fellowship Book Club

2008-01-16T12:51:00.000-08:00

View the spreadsheet here. Happy reading! :)

張敬軒「遇見神」

2008-01-12T14:30:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN7sNftcM3U&feature=related
wanna share this song w/ all of you. good lyrics. ^_~
Enjoy!

阿中, you ROCK!

2008-01-10T18:14:00.000-08:00

Found this image on MSN... reminded me of 阿中! YEAH MAN!! =P (by Dokin)

hey, Dokin, COOL JOB! :p Alpha, gave u another one... u only need one more now! (by Alice)

Into the centre

2008-01-10T13:06:00.000-08:00

From Karen:

Due to Friday nights commitments to Awana, I have not attended regular Friday night fellowship meetings since September. Last Friday night, Awana has not started yet for the new year. During dinner, I struggled inside whether to attend the meeting or not. My struggles was based on my sentiments of being too tired. Moreover, I was afraid that a critiquing voice would be going on and on as I listen to John's big plans for the year.

I ended up attending the fellowship meeting. I was glad I went. Being amongst brothers and sisters, whom I've known over two or more years, was very comforting. This was the case despite I did not talk that much with anyone. This year's theme for John is CIRCLE. This somehow bring back memories of kindergarten or grade school. The teacher always in a long dress would stand in the middle of circle. All of the little children would surround her in a perfect circle. We would listen tentiatively as she give us instructions on what to do next. Or we would play duck duck goose.

We sat in a semi-circle last week...haha....If I am to be metaphoric, perhaps some of us were further to the centre while some were closer. In a perfect circle, we would all be of equal distance to the centre. At our circle, there stands Christ, our Teacher. As we grow together in Christ, we get closer and closer to Him. If we are to grow, there's always more space to fit one more person in. Each person would have to sit closer together. There would be less personal space for each of us. Yet, it would be a more circle with stronger walls. There would be less chance of the devilish winds blowing into the centre and claiming Our flame.

By the way, I hated being picked goose when I was kid. I was never a fast runner. In this life, we would often feel like an outsider. A goose among ducks. You might feel threanted at work. You might feel no one understands your worries. You might feel like you're sticking out like a sore thumb among able digits. Well, Christ could not even move His hands on the cross. I hope the John circle will help you fight against the thorns of life.

Year 2008 Theme – CIRCLE

2008-01-09T15:35:00.001-08:00

Connect - build relationship with new friends

Involve – brothers and sisters more involved in John

Recruit – bring more non-Christians to John

Content – more biblical and relevant content for our program

Learn - brothers and sisters more learning from within

Equip - equip new believers

The Final Question of Jesus

2008-01-03T18:00:00.000-08:00

Karen wrote:

Both Sidney and I have read this very short but insightful book called: The Final Question of Jesus: How You Can Live the Answer Today by Stowell, Joseph M. (Author).

This book initally explores the thelogy behind Jesus' question of Peter's actions when the Christ follower returned to his business of fishing, thereby, neglecting to become a fisher of men. Peter had left the "people" business of Christ. He was frusturated. Peter gave up. Fishing for immediate source of income and food for the stomach proved to be more important than contining God's only ministry of "people". Christ was hurt. Have we hurt Jesus by leaving people business?

This 90 page books also offers practical advice when caring of God's human creation. I would like to share the following with you.
1. You can't help everyone all the time.
2. Establish your priorites. There are people in your immediate circle whom you need to care for....in this suggested order: spouse/bf/gf/close friend, children and extended family, BIC SIC and church family, then people whom you interact on a daily basis such as your coworkers.
3. Step away when you're drained.
4. Beaware of your capacity to help. Some of us are holders (holding injured souls until a healer comes along), helpers, healers, or maybe all three.
5. Know that there are some people who will never be helped. Some people know that the only way to get attention and fell love is to have a problem. In that case, let God do the work.

If you want to borrow the book, let me know. Or buy it...=p

愛不可愛的

2007-12-30T23:54:00.000-08:00

牧師今天的道實在令我心中忐忑不安。因為實在愛一些自己愛的人是容易的。但是，那些我覺得不可愛的又如何呢？我會選擇逃避那些人。但神說：愛那些你不愛的。歎息～～～難！難！難！因為難在＜不愛＞和＜只愛＞是一種習慣。也許，這也是自己的不可愛吧！
求神幫助我，改變我！Amen!

2007-12-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

好開心Eva今天晚上send了一個很有用的廣東話輸入法的website比我。我立刻想寫的第一句是：主，你知道我的心，因為你是我的神。你的安惠是實在的。你的話語是活的。充滿我接近我。Amen.

2007 Dec Coffee House Menu

2007-12-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

Here is the High Tea Style Dessert Platter Menu!!

Please click the image to see a bigger view.
Or Download the menu in PDF HERE...

2007 Dec Coffee House Gathering at YAVIS Club

2007-11-27T22:37:00.000-08:00

Dessert Platter + Drinks + Sharing (Story about the carrot)

Richmond RGAC John Fellowship Coffee House Gathering
Ticket Price $8.50
New Comers are welcome
Limit around 40 people
Buy your ticket now!!!!

Food and Drinks menu will be announced soon.

YAVIS Club at 新城市廣場
1231-8338 Capstan Way

John 13:34

2007-11-22T22:14:00.000-08:00

我賜給你們一條新命令、乃是叫你們彼此相愛．我怎樣愛你們、你們也要怎樣相愛。

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Update on Auntie Janny's Condition

2007-11-11T19:49:00.000-08:00

Dearest Brothers and Sisters. Jonathan gave me an update on Auntie Janny's current condition and would like to update John Fellowship. Auntie Janny has received her surgery last Friday, and has been confirmed with doctors that she does not have cancer. Praise the Lord! Please continue to keep her health and the healing process within your prayers.

Matthew 24:32-33

2007-11-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

你們可以從無花果樹學個比方：當樹枝發嫩長葉的時候，你們就知道夏天近了。
這樣，你們看見這一切的事，也該知道人子近了，正在門口了。

天水圍

2007-10-23T23:03:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! News: 領綜援母綁2子女跳樓亡

response:
時代論壇: "天水連心　突破圍城"
Via Alan: "天水圍的出路"

What about us? Are we really being Christ followers in our social context?

詩篇 Psalm 51:16-17

2007-10-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

你本不喜愛祭物．若喜愛、我就獻上．燔祭你也不喜悅。
神所要的祭、就是憂傷的靈．　神阿、憂傷痛悔的心、你必不輕看。

Going through the motions doesn't please you,
a flawless performance is nothing to you.
I learned God-worship
when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
don't for a moment escape God's notice.

Blue like Jazz

2007-10-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

For those who went to the AFC event, in their book recommendation, they had one called "Blue like Jazz". I saw a drama base on this book 2 years ago, this week when I read it, it hits me hard. God spoke to me through this book and I have to say this is the second book that changed my life other than the Bible.

The book is about the author's spiritual journey, I really like his writing because even I'm a slow reader I finished the book in 4 days. He's got a sense of humor in his writing, it's like reading his journal and see his life being changed. The book mainly talks about sin, faith and love, its written in a way that's extremely relevant to us, because of the similar cultural background, and we have also experienced many of his doubt and sin towards God. I like he start with talking about sin — our sinful natural, our self addiction. Then it talks about God's love and we should response to His love; that is to love the people around us and the less fortunate. So that people would see God love in us.

I learn more about my purpose as a Christian, I start to see God's plan on me and JF and I found I'm different when I pray with the non-Christian basket ball players last night. Cos I truly believe God will change them when I pray with them & for them passionately with love.

I just think its a great and truly beautiful book, I was kind of in tears in the last chapter, I really hope that you will read it too.

- By Arnold

Examen

2007-10-16T17:20:00.000-07:00

Learnt Examen (a form of prayer) from Children Sunday Worship. We tried to teach children to do an examen every night before they go to bed. I find that prayer is not limited to children, it really helps me to get close to God, to become more aware of His presence during my daily life.

Below is the step-by-step guide for Examen:

(1) Be silent – take a deep breath and then breath slowly to focus your attention on God’s presence in you and with you.

(2) Answer the below three questions in your mind:

(a) When was I happiest today and why?

(b) When was I sad or mad today and why?

(3) Think about your answers and listen to what God may be saying to you.

(4) Close your prayer by telling God ANYTHING and say goodbye to God.

On Evangelism

2007-10-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

胡志偉牧師 -
佈道事工的再思（一）
佈道事工的再思（二）

1 Timothy 4:7-10

2007-10-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

要棄絕那世俗的言語、和老婦荒渺的話、在敬虔上操練自己。
操練身體、益處還少．惟獨敬虔、凡事都有益處．因有今生和來生的應許．
這話是可信的、是十分可佩服的。
我們勞苦努力、正是為此．因我們的指望在乎永生的　神．他是萬人的救主、更是信徒的救主。

Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God - no spiritual flabbiness, please!
Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever.
You can count on this. Take it to heart.
This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We're banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.
[The Message]

ACTS

2007-10-03T21:38:00.001-07:00

ACTS is a basic outline/pattern of prayer. ACTS stands for:

A – Adoration

C – Confession

T – Thanksgiving

S – Supplication

Begin the prayer with adoration, or worship. Adoration reminds us of who God is and whom we are praying to. The ONE who is worthy of our adoration.

Then, deal with your sin specifically. And, ask for God’s forgiveness, and ask God to work on your sins. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Not only feeling grateful, but express your thanks to God.

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

天路歷程漫畫版

2007-10-03T21:33:00.000-07:00

Some of you might already heard Kenneth’s sharing/recommendation on the天路歷程漫畫版 last Friday’s fellowship. I finished reading it during the weekend. And, WOO! Must highly recommend this book! If you are afraid of the novel version (too many words), you should read this, and it will only take you 1-2 hours (or even less).

The main character went over many challenges during his trip to 天城. Some of the challenge he faced during the trip are the ones that we might face or already faced. And, by reading the story, it just makes me reflect on my belief and my trust in Him.

The book is up to borrow (to my knowledge, Carmen is next), feel free to borrow the book!

Habit of Prayer

2007-09-27T23:56:00.000-07:00

Let prayer becomes your habit. You can achieve that by first setting up a regular time and place for your daily prayer.

Regular Prayer Time: Have a regular time for prayer. Once a day (EVERYDAY), shut the world out and tune into God.

Regular Prayer Place: It can ensure a minimum of distractions. Most importantly, once you identify a place, and pray in that place regularly, it will become a holy place for you – the place where God meets with you.

“If we spend sixteen hours a day dealing with tangible things and only five minutes a day dealing with God, is it any wonder that tangible things are 200 times more real to us than God?” William R. Inge

Evangelize or Fossilize

2007-09-26T08:51:00.000-07:00

Hehehe, another daily devotion from Pastor Greg Laurie I like and would like to share with you all ^_^

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Evangelize or Fossilize

The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.

— Proverbs 11:25

Have you ever noticed that when you start talking about one of God's qualities, by the time you have finished the conversation, you find yourself enjoying and appreciating that very quality even more? You start telling people how wonderful Jesus is, and by the time you are finished, you are in awe of Him too.

You will sometimes hear people say, "I am so spiritually dry, even though I have been going to church and studying the Bible." My questions to the person making such a statement would be: When is the last time you shared your faith with someone? When is the last time you got into a dialogue with someone about what you believe? When is the last time you reached out to someone who was really hurting?

It is an amazing thing, but as you give out, God gives to you. There is something very interesting about the Christian life, the dynamic of truth that God puts in the lives of His people. The more you give it out, the more God gives to you. The more you keep it to yourself, the less impact it has on your life. When you are sharing the gospel with someone and telling them about what God has done for you, it just comes alive. Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you" (Luke 6:38).

If you generously give out your faith to others, God will replenish your supply. But if you hoard your faith and rarely share it with other people, then you will find yourself stagnating spiritually. Here is your choice: Evangelize or fossilize.

Faithful

2007-09-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

I came across this Daily devotional from Pastor Greg Laurie's Devotional and would just wanna share with you all.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Faithful

His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."

— John 2:5

When David was called by God to be king, he was out watching sheep, just being faithful. The day David killed Goliath, he didn't wake up that morning and hear God say, "David, today you are going to the valley of Elah. There will be a giant Philistine named Goliath, and you will kill him with a stone." No, David was taking food to his brothers, just being faithful on an errand for his dad. It was a little thing, but he was faithful.

What was Gideon doing when God called him? He was hiding from his enemies. He was terrified. But God saw his potential, and the next thing Gideon knew, he was leading his troops into battle.

And what was Elisha doing when Elijah called him to carry on the work? He was out plowing in the field.

Even Moses was watching sheep when God called him to deliver the Israelites.

Then there was Daniel, who was so faithful to the Lord that his enemies could not find one thing wrong with him. They had to make up lies about him so that he would be sentenced to death.

My point is this: They were faithfully doing what God had set before them. They weren't running around, looking for big things to do. They were simply doing the little things.

Sometimes, we have great ideas of what God will do. But we have to wait on Him. What are your dreams right now? Maybe you want to do something for God, but you think it will never happen. Maybe it will. Maybe it even will surpass your wildest dreams. Just be faithful to do what God has set before you right now.

Gossip and Rumors

2007-09-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

One day, the great philosopher Socrates came upon an acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students?"

Socrates replied, "Before you tell me, I'd like you to pass a triple filter test to filter what you're going to say."

The first filter is TRUTH. "Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?" The man replied, "No, actually I just heard about it."

The second filter is GOODNESS. "Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?" The man replied, "No, on the contrary..."

Socrates continued, "You want to tell me something bad about him, even though you are not certain it's true?"

The third filter is USEFULNESS. Socrates asked, "Is what you are about to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?" The man replied, "No, not really."

Socrates concluded, "If what you want to tell me is neither true, nor good, nor useful, why tell it to me at all?" The man was embarassed, ashamed and felt defeated.

...... Keep this profound wisdom in mind the next time you either hear or are about to repeat gossip or a rumor ......

---HE WHO GOSSIPS TO YOU WILL GOSSIP OF YOU---

Hebrews 6

2007-09-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

I'm reading Hebrews 6, and in it Paul teaches to "go forward" instead of staying at the foundations of our belief.

I find it interesting to see this in the early churches.

You can sometimes see this attitude in us (and Chinese Christians) too --- of staying at the "foundation" of the gospel. The result is our faith becomes disconnected and our lives are useless to God.

God permitting, let us go on to maturity.

Alternative Trinity: I, Me, and Myself.

2007-09-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

Interesting clips from Alan Yu's blog.
They are funny and something for us to think about how we worship.

Life Without Limbs

2007-09-16T23:02:00.000-07:00

http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/stuff.php

http://www.hourofpower.org/video/nick.php

http://www.wretch.cc/video/ritahsia&func=single&vid=2282608&p=0

Deuteronomy 申命記 30:19-20

2007-09-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

我今日呼天喚地向你作見證、我將生死、禍福、陳明在你面前、所以你要揀選生命、使你和你的後裔都得存活。
且愛耶和華你的神、聽從他的話、專靠他、因為他是你的生命．你的日子長久、也在乎他．這樣、你就可以在耶和華向你列祖亞伯拉罕、以撒、雅各、起誓應許所賜的地上居住。

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Friday 8pm Fellowship

2007-09-11T23:07:00.000-07:00

We're going to have Alan Yu from AFC to provide another workshop for us. ^.^

Topic: Career, related to career management

Speaker: Alan Yu from AFC

Place: usual fellowship room at church

Summer Camp - HOW BAND

2007-09-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a HOW Band Group photo that I came across when I was browsing through my photos... :D

911

2007-09-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

time flies, it's been 6 years... I can still remember moments on that day

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/09/11/911.anniversary.ap/index.html

基督教聯合書展

2007-09-10T23:37:00.000-07:00

Please click on the image or here for larger view of the poster

Joy of Reading

2007-09-10T23:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long waiting, below are some of the books that b&s shared during our fellowship program “Joy of Reading”:

* The Grace Awakening - Charles R.Swindoll

* Becoming a Contagious Christian - Bill Hybels & Mark Mittelberg

* Regarding the Pain of Others - Susan Sontag (art & photography)

* The Wealthy Barber – David Chilton (finance)

* 10個跑贏兔子的方法 - 施以諾

* 氣質，是最好的名牌 - 施以諾

If you want to know more about the “urgent-important” matrix that Alan Yu talked about during the time management workshop, you can check the below book out:

* The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Steven Covey (time management)

NOTE: If there is a book (any types) that you would like to share with all b&s, feel free to send it to me, I’d love to post them for you (not only the book name and the author, your sharing on the book is also welcome). ^_^

詩篇 Psalm 54:6

2007-09-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

我要把甘心祭獻給你．耶和華阿、我要稱讚你的名．這名本為美好。

Camp Photos

2007-08-31T00:10:00.000-07:00

Summer Camp 2007

Upcoming AFC events

2007-08-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

Sat 2007/09/22 1:30-4:30pm
Workshop - 是不是這樣的父母﹐才會這樣的綁住我?
About:
- Dealing with conflicts due to your maturity and parents' expectations.
- Responsibilities as an adult
- Reasons and history behind your parents' actions
- Improving relationships with parents
-----
Fri 2007/10/12 6:30-10:00pm
Sun 2007/10/14 7:00-10:00pm
Jubilization - 戰龍在野
-----
Sat 2007/10/27 1:30-4:30pm
Workshop - 是不是這樣的崇拜﹐才會這樣的催眠我?
About: 參加崇拜的正確方法
- Mentality, dealing with boredom
-----
Sat 2007/11/18 2:00-6:00pm
AFC Love & Relationship Conference - 贖。釋。愛
使者青年戀愛研討會
-----
Sat 2007/11/24 1:30-4:30pm
Workshop - 是不是這樣的經文﹐才會這樣的考起我?
About:
- How to read different types of Biblical writings
-----
Sun 2007/12/30 7:30-10:00pm
PP959 Coffee House - 暗戀
-----
Calendar

開會

2007-08-26T00:03:00.000-07:00

Alice: 哦﹐邊個熟歷史啊?

阿中: 唔... Wyatt 囉。

Alice: 唔係呀。 I mean 邊個熟中東歷史?

職員會: [silence]

Carmen: 梁燕城囉!

以弗所書 5:15-17

2007-08-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

你們要謹慎行事、不要像愚昧人、當像智慧人．
要愛惜光陰、因為現今的世代邪惡。
不要作糊塗人、要明白主的旨意如何。

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

腓立比書 1:3, 5

2007-08-16T23:28:00.000-07:00

我每逢想念你們、就感謝我的　神．
因為從頭一天直到如今、你們是同心合意的興旺福音。

But God says

2007-08-12T22:36:00.000-07:00

"This retreat isn't over until I say it is over."

"I will unite you and bring glory to my name anywhere, at any time."

Summer camp today

2007-08-10T00:19:00.000-07:00

Booklet cover.

It feels like I'm back to the time in Victoria, going to a camp with your best mates.
Wake up in the morning, eat with them, praise God with them, cry with them.

Luke 12:32

2007-08-07T10:35:00.001-07:00

“It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

你們這小群、不要懼怕、因為你們的父、樂意把國賜給你們。

Matthew 20:28

2007-08-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

正如人子來、不是要受人的服事、乃是要服事人．並且要捨命、作多人的贖價。

... just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

W.W.J.D.?

2007-08-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?....

That is the question, Brothers and Sisters. I don't know how many of you listen to Praise FM, but I recently came across an "advertisement". To me, it was more of a "REALITY-CHECK".

I don't exactly recall the entire details of this mini-story, but it goes something like this....

A woman gets pulled over by a police officer. She was upset that the police officer pulled her over because she was "cut-off" by another driver. The police officer asked to see her license and vehicle registration. She was even more upset because the officer pulled her over instead of the other driver, and is now asking to see her IDs etc. Once she provided the documents, the police officer was surprised that the vehicle belonged to her. The dialogue goes something like this...

Police: "Oh, this vehicle belongs to you ma'am."

Woman: "Of course this car belongs to me. I don't understand why you pulled me over in the first place! It was that jerk that cut me off!"

Police: "I'm sorry ma'am, but I see that you have a "WWJD" and "JESUS" sticker on the back of your car. You were cursing at the other driver, so I thought this car was stolen."

The story ends...

In summary, Brothers and Sisters.... "What would Jesus do?" I'll admit that at times, I can be very impatient and carry a "zero-tolerance" attitude dealing with slow drivers or crazy drivers. This mini-story came to me as a HUGE reality check! Although I do not have a "Jesus" sticker on the back of my car, I know that deep down as a Christian, I shouldn't be doing things like this.

Brothers and Sisters... how are you going to change your driving patterns today?

為萬人禱告

2007-07-30T23:37:00.000-07:00

Remeber last Sunday service's message:

"我勸你第一要為萬人懇求、禱告、代求、祝謝．
為君王和一切在位的也該如此．使我們可以敬虔端正、平安無事的度日。
這是好的、在神我們救主面前可蒙悅納。"
提摩太前書 2:1-3

If you wanna do that, but don't know where to start, you can go to:
http://www.missionpathway.org/
(first, click the "Misson Pathway" tab, then choose "宣教日引2007年")

宣教日引每日介紹一個未得之民，讓我們認識，及為他們代求。

Let us use our prayer to support these ppls!

(photo from Mission Pathway)

Lounge Gathering

2007-07-25T00:24:00.000-07:00

Good food, good drinks & a good place to relax and chat to your friends.

Please RSVP
john.fellowship.event@gmail.com

CLICK THE POSTER TO SEE MORE DETAIL!!

What's in your dream...

2007-07-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

I went back to Ascalade (last last job) these days to work on photography project, I met many old friends and I praise God that I can visit the office again in my life. All the smell, fake ceiling, cubical, not-so-active environment:P....

I've also heard that the office manager of Ascalade pass away yesterday due to cancer, he's a well known guy in the office. During his last days, he accepted Christ and got baptized. Brian told me that fews days ago while he was sleeping in great pain his wife saw him smiled/laughed. I think that was an expression when a person get face to face with God.

We who have a healthy body often feel scared/sad/worry when we Zzzzz^^

Psalm 30
1 I give you all the credit, God— you got me out of that mess,
you didn't let my foes gloat.

2-3 God, my God, I yelled for help
and you put me together.
God, you pulled me out of the grave,
gave me another chance at life
when I was down-and-out.

4-5 All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!
Thank him to his face!
He gets angry once in a while, but across
a lifetime there is only love.
The nights of crying your eyes out
give way to days of laughter.

Cell Group

2007-07-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

Last night, we discussed the topic "confrontation" during cell group. Confrontation is surely not an easy thing, but it's something we've to learn and apply in our daily lives.

FYI, the material is from the website Insight for Living. You will need to register to become a user and once completed, find the topic: "Getting through the tough stuff of Confrontation".

Matthew 6:9-10

2007-07-12T22:33:00.000-07:00

"This, then, is how you should pray:
" '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.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one

Any one can tell me what's around the FA-18 Hornet??

2007-07-12T17:09:00.000-07:00

See this picture.

See answer below :)

Some of you might know that it's a photo showing the jet is breaking the "sound barrier". The cloud would appear when the jet reach the speed from subsonic to supersonic.

I learn this photo from an elder training conference and the pastor told us that if the jet has any mechanical error, the jet will explode during the process.

Do we have some kind of "mechanical error" that would interfere our relationship with God? Can we break through the "sound barrier" to reach "super sonic"?

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!" (Proverbs 3:5-7)

詩篇 23

2007-07-06T00:58:00.000-07:00

耶和華是我的牧者．我必不至缺乏。
他使我躺臥在青草地上、領我在可安歇的水邊。
他使我的靈魂甦醒、為自己的名引導我走義路。
我雖然行過死蔭的幽谷、也不怕遭害．因為你與我同在．你的杖、你的竿、都安慰我。
在我敵人面前、你為我擺設筵席．你用油膏了我的頭、使我的福杯滿溢。
我一生一世必有恩惠慈愛隨著我．我且要住在耶和華的殿中、直到永遠。

John Fellowship Gathering this Friday 7pm July 6, 2007

2007-07-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

We'll gather at Fireside room(church) at 7pm and have salad & pizza together. During the nite, we'll have some singspiration time, chating time, one mini-game, dessert & prayer time.

Please notice that the cost of dinner will probably be around $8-$10 per person.

A Story about Prayer

2007-06-24T22:40:00.000-07:00

Heard a story about prayer yesterday. To me, the story is very powerful and reminded me again about the power of prayer and God’s grace and love. Forgot some of the details of the story, but still wanna share the story with you guys.

There was a place that experienced persistent drought. For this reason, A group of people led by a minister had gathered in the town square to pray for rain. When the minister went up to the stage and saw the crowd, he announced that the prayer meeting had been cancelled. The reason: none of the people there had brought their umbrellas.

“你們若常在我裡面、我的話也常在你們裡面、凡你們所願意的、祈求就給你們成就。” 約翰福音 15:7

奇異恩典

2007-06-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

Last nite, our choir practise is different from the usual ones. During the practise, Auntie Cathy called and notified us that she's going to all bros & sis fr church and tape some words of encouragement for an Auntie fr our church who is very very sick, weak, suffering right now.

Some of us come up with the idea, singing the song "Amazing Grace" to her. We then started practising the four parts of this songs. We're to sing God's "Amazing Grace" to encourage and comfort this sister. My heart is heavy as knowing that she may leave this world any time. Without any music instrument, we sing and sing... God's spirit is here working within us.
May God use our voice to encourage others.

奇異恩典

奇異恩典，何等甘甜，我罪已得赦免，前我失喪，今被尋回，瞎眼今得看見。
如此恩典，使我敬畏，使我心得安慰，初信之時，既蒙恩惠，真是何等寶貴。
許多危險，試煉網羅，我已安然經過，靠主恩典，安全不怕，更引導我歸家。
將來禧年，聖徒歡聚，恩光愛誼千年，喜樂頌讚，在父座前，深望那日快現。

詩篇 24:1

2007-06-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

地和其中所充滿的、世界、和住在其間的、都屬耶和華。

The earth belongs to the Lord. And so does everything in it.
The world belongs to him. And so do all those who live in it.

信心就是…

2007-06-01T16:22:00.000-07:00

These days, keep praying and asking God to help me to have more faith in Him. A verse comes to my mind – “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

Read a book called “信心就是…” published by China Sunday School Association. A book with 110 short verses to describe Faith. Very interesting. And, I pick 9 of them to share with you guys:

(1) 信心就是不看自己,只看全能的神。

(2) 信心不是信靠信心本身, 而是信靠聖經的事實 - 基督死亡的事實, 和復活的事實。

(3) 信心就是停止憂慮,把未來交託給掌管一切的神。

(4) 信心就是相信神的恩典夠我用。

(5) 信心就是最猛烈的試煉下, 最可怕的壓力下, 你仍確信神的同在。

(6) 信心就是祈禱之後, 完全相信, 用讚美和感謝去等待神的答案。

(7) 信心就是一無憂慮，凡事藉著禱告，祈求，和感謝，把所要的告訴神。

(8) 信心就是為那些尚未成就的事情感謝神。

(9) 信心就是將郵件丟進郵箱後, 就任憑它去。真正的信心就是這樣, 把事情交給神之後, 就讓它去了,神必成全。

This Friday

2007-05-27T00:51:00.001-07:00

Coming Friday June 1st Fellowship Program: Jubilization
Location: 南溫哥華頌恩堂
地址: South Van. Pacific Grace MB Church
611 East 50th Ave
Vancouver BC
V5X 1A9
(Fraser Street 夾東50街)
Please see this map.

請注意:
* 聚會係7:30pm正式開始, 所以要7:00pm到, 好位先到先得.
* 要 tickets入場. Call Alpha.
* Park on the street. 最好carpool 及早些到.

I'm a Christ Follower (Mac vs. PC Parody) Part 04

2007-05-22T23:51:00.001-07:00

I'm a Christ Follower (Mac vs. PC Parody) Part 01

2007-05-22T23:50:00.001-07:00

Christian vs. Christ Follower

2007-05-22T23:49:00.001-07:00

It's a good video, feel free to discuss about the topic.

"不要驚訝。我真的認識基督徒是像片中那女子那樣的。
但想深一層，我們是不是或多或少都有一些這樣的心態呢？
我們的行為及生活模式像Christian還是Christ-follower?" quote from PP959

點解要屬靈（加長版） With Commentary

2007-05-22T23:45:00.001-07:00

Many of us has seen the video in the AFC's Jubilization, this is a version with good commentary from the AFC staff. It's a good review to our spiritual life.

箴言 22:6

2007-05-17T22:39:00.000-07:00

教養孩童、使他走當行的道、就是到老他也不偏離。

禱文

2007-05-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

“求主作我唯一的愛慕,唯一盼望,唯一追求。”
– 卡西安

詩篇 Psalm 18:1

2007-05-11T01:36:00.000-07:00

耶和華，我的力量啊，我愛你！

I love you, O LORD, my strength.

因主的名

2007-05-10T18:10:00.001-07:00

造物主，今高唱您名字；和平之君，得勝者。
地上古今的君王，也折服於您面前。

造物主，今高唱您名字；全能之主，安慰者。
全憑主恩典憐憫，令我滿心溫暖！

全因主的聖名，勞苦可得安靜；
行走於孤單困惑裡面有主傾聽。

全因主的聖名，愁心可得歡樂；
祈禱的必得勝，我以性命來做證！

This is a song that every one of us is very familiar with. We sang this song on last Sunday worship, and the lyrics touch me deeply, especially the last sentence: “祈禱的必得勝，我以性命來做證”.

Christians experience the same life ups and downs as non-Christians. Similar or same problems happened to us in the areas of relationship, family, career, health etc. The only difference is how we take it and how we react to it.

And, it should be different, as God is 全能之主, and He has a plan for all our lives. We know as long as we walk in the will of God, our future are secure in His hands. We might experience 軟弱 from time to time. But we always can ask for God’s help thru prayer.

“你們祈求，就給你們；尋找，就尋見；叩門，就給你們開門。因為凡祈求的就得著，尋找的就尋見，叩門的就給他開門。” 馬太7:7-8

Let us all use our lives as a testimony for Him.

Does he looks like Arnold?

2007-05-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

When Kenneth and I were on the plane, we saw this picture from a Japanese magazine. And, Kenneth thought this guy looks a little bit like Arnold. To me, he does look a little bit like Arnold in some angles la.

So I have decide to post this picture on blog, and let all of us to take a vote? And, especially, Weslie, what do you think?

靈命高

2007-05-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

[My Utmost for His Highest] Faith— Not Emotion

If we continually try to bring back those exceptional moments of inspiration, it is a sign that it is not God we want. We are becoming obsessed with the moments when God did come and speak with us, and we are insisting that He do it again. But what God wants us to do is to "walk by faith."

"We walk by faith, not by sight" — 2 Corinthians 5:7

Numbers

2007-04-26T00:42:00.000-07:00

前幾日係 My Utmost For His Highest 睇到有個 Entry 寫得很好﹐對我有很大的提醒。
我想同你地分享: April 24th - The Warning Against Desiring Spiritual Success

有些時候我們會以為多人接受福音就ok﹐多人決志就好﹐而咁就算數。
但是我們會忘記去使萬民作祂的門徒。 It's not a simple numbers game.

申命記 8:18

2007-04-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

你要記念耶和華你的神，因為得貨財的力量是他給你的，為要堅定他向你列祖起誓所立的約，像今日一樣。

But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

Vision

2007-04-18T00:48:00.000-07:00

"It is easier to serve or work for God without a vision and without a call, because then you are not bothered by what He requires. Common sense, covered with a layer of Christian emotion, becomes your guide. You may be more prosperous and successful from the world’s perspective, and will have more leisure time, if you never acknowledge the call of God. But once you receive a commission from Jesus Christ, the memory of what God asks of you will always be there to prod you on to do His will. You will no longer be able to work for Him on the basis of common sense."

- from My Utmost for His Highest, March 4.

For the last few weeks, a few of us have been discussing about vision --- seeking God's vision for us now, and in the future. I would like to use this blog post to talk about this challenge.

You may ask why. For one thing, this is necessary. Whether you like it or not, the world is changing at an exponential rate. Our politics, technology, communication, culture, and way of thinking are all changing at a very rapid rate. This has an impact on many things: For example, you might have noticed that for our friends, an evangelistic altar call isn't as effective as other ways of evangelism. Their careers are different too -- you all heard Edward's talk -- it's full of new tools and ways of thinking/working... and so on, there's a lot more.

So in the face of these changes, how do you think God will respond? How does he want His people to respond? In the face of these changes, do we dare to "practice a faith in a world that no longer exists"? (to quote Stevens)

Another aspect is that you are growing. Your mind is growing more mature and you have new responsibilities. Also, your service in the church is increasing. Some day you might find yourself as a core member in the church, in a leadership position... If that happens, how will you perform your service for Christ? How will you approach each project? How do you respond to God's call to participate in solving this world's hunger?

So it is within this context that we need to start dreaming. We need to have a prayerful pursuit of God's vision --- not only for us, but for this church.

And when you have a vision, your focus and your energies will be different. (I mean... A Black Gospel Choir isn't going to practice Anglican hymns, right. They are focused on what God has asked them to do.)

So here are a couple of points to get us thinking, feel free to add to this list.
1.) What is our (RGAC) identity today? (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats?)
2.) What sort of "need" is emerging, over the next 5 to 10 years?
3.) In what areas God's gifts for us help to work on these?
4.) How do you envision this church will be like in 5 years? 10 years?

Cheers :)

雅各書 4:14-15

2007-04-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

其實明天如何、你們還不知道。你們的生命是甚麼呢．你們原來是一片雲霧、出現少時就不見了。
你們只當說、主若願意、我們就可以活著、也可以作這事、或作那事。

14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
15 Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

Good Friday

2007-04-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Good Friday service tomorrow will start at 11.30 a.m. in the sanctuary.

Also, just a gentle suggestion for you to carpool with others, and park further away from church towards the back of the parking lot to make space for the elderly and families.

不是一個人的。

2007-04-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

Some food for thought from 'Becoming',

不錯，對你來說，可能已經很好了。但對那位司琴呢？有沒有想過他因此而要承受的壓力？有沒有想過他並不如你所感覺的「很好」？有沒有想過他因為當場要面對一首他從來沒有唱過的歌，彈不出來（或彈錯）的那種尷尬、羞愧和自責的感覺是多難受？

但你還是要顯明自己有理：「哎，我們根本沒有要求這樣完美！」

你不要求完美是你的問題，你就是沒有權要求別人不必獻上他們的最好給神！但你明白，當你明明深知自己若可以有一兩天練習，就已經可以很不同，但事情卻永不會這樣，因為別人沒有做好自己的本份，所以你就算想也沒有可能獻上叫自己滿意、無愧與神的事奉，那時你的感受是怎樣？

以賽亞書 53:12

2007-03-28T23:58:00.000-07:00

所以我要使他與位大的同分、
與強盛的均分擄物．
因為他將命傾倒、
以致於死．
他也被列在罪犯之中．
他卻擔當多人的罪、
又為罪犯代求。

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.

Together

2007-03-25T01:37:00.000-07:00

"Fellowship time" isn't limited to Friday nights only :)

Our Prayer Blog

2007-03-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

In case you don't know already, our prayer blog is located at http://john-prayers.blogspot.com/. (你也可以在這個 blog 的右下角找到這個 link。)

For those of you who don't have access, check your email inbox for an invite. You'll have to register an account :)

Quiet Time

2007-03-19T00:12:00.000-07:00

Ah Liang is at a quiet retreat right now and till Tue. There would no computer, tv, etc...for a few days but a quiet time with Him. I guess it's hard to find this kind of quiet time in my daily life or in liang's >> he just can't keep himself away from the computer...haha, just like what I'm doing right now.

Actually, I really want to have some quiet time with Him, but it seems that I can't help myself...I'm always occupied myself with smthg else a lot of time...bad time mgmt..I guess it's my bad habits... my priority..

May be I should do something like this (quite retreat)too

歌羅西書 3:23

2007-03-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

無論作甚麼、都要從心裡作、像是給主作的、不是給人作的。

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men

5

2007-03-11T00:21:00.000-08:00

今晚有機會駕車經過 No. 5 Road。
我突然有個奇想:

有些時候我們會沾沾自喜﹐覺得 "嘩﹐教會好 warm" ﹐
"培靈會/abc 聚會證明大溫有很多基督徒啊! 我們真勁!"

這是真實嗎?

It is so sobering to drive down Number 5.

以弗所書 6:5-7

2007-03-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

你們作僕人的，原懼怕戰兢，用誠實的心聽從你們肉身的主人，好像聽從基督一樣。不要只在眼前事奉，像是討人喜歡的，要像基督的僕人，從心裡遵行上帝的旨意。甘心事奉，好像服事主，不像服事人。

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men,

chorus Hallelujah

2007-03-06T23:46:00.000-08:00

Last nite, it's our first choir practice for the song "chorus Hallelujah" for the upcoming Easter. This is my first time to sing with so many bros & sis in choir (round 50 ppl, normally it's around 10 -15)I think it's the first time for our church too. As our choir leader said, ppl may worry that there would be less audiences than usual.......but oh yes, our real audience is up there, our Almighty God.

When we put 4 parts altogether…Amazing! Let’s image when we’re in heaven and singing to our Lord “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns” I'm so glad to be part of this, singing to our Lord.
This is a difficult & very challenging piece for us (my skill is not good and I’m not even sure if I could reach some keys~.~), by faith, we’re giving it a try. I was so tired after the practise last nite but very joyful. Please pray for our practices & heart in offering this song to our Lord.

列王記上 3:7-10

2007-03-01T20:41:00.000-08:00

"Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.

耶和華我的　神阿、如今你使僕人接續我父親大衛作王、但我是幼童、不知道應當怎樣出入。
僕人住在你所揀選的民中．這民多得不可勝數。
所以求你賜我智慧、可以判斷你的民、能辨別是非‧ 不然、誰能判斷這眾多的民呢。
所羅門因為求這事、就蒙主喜悅。

預苦期

2007-02-25T22:51:00.000-08:00

今天打開靈修日記﹐發覺原來今天是預苦期的第一主日。

它寫著這兩句話:
「靈修﹐禁食﹐禱告﹐默想主的受難﹐體會施捨的精神。」
「耶穌定意上耶路撒冷﹐順服上帝﹐為世人捨命。」

May we keep thoughts of Jesus' ultimate submission in our hearts during March.

What is our response?

2 Timothy 2:22-23

2007-02-22T21:20:00.000-08:00

"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

人若自潔、脫離卑賤的事、就必作貴重的器皿、成為聖潔、合乎主用、預備行各樣的善事。你要逃避少年的私慾、同那清心禱告主的人追求公義、信德、仁愛、和平。

Sharing

2007-02-20T12:51:00.000-08:00

I almost hit someone when I was driving on my way home last nite…*.* I’m so shocked & scared at that moment…THANKS GOD, it didn’t happen & no one was hurt!
I was talking with Ah Liang another day about driving and car accidents. I’m thankful that God protects me and I wasn’t involved in any car accident (excluding those small ones^.^) since I’ve got my driver’s license, and I said don’t worry God will look after me when I was driving. Well, this time, it once again reminds me it’s God’s grace that I’m safe & healthy.

Spiritual Death

2007-02-19T00:20:00.000-08:00

Spiritual death is wat had happended to me for the past 8months or maybe longer...my spirital death was like cooking a frog in warm water. it kills gradually, kills u in a way that u wouldn't even know. But, it's too late once u know. Ironically, i have been claiming that i feel so peaceful inside. Until, 2weeks ago, i began to ponder rather there's peacefulness or emptyness that my heart holds. i finally come to admit that i have depression---- spiritual depression. A few very sincere brothers and sisters would come to me with love and care. Thou i tend to refused in a gentle way, and with the most exceptable reason "i have been feeling very tired". Yes, i have been very tired dealing with some personal and family matters. so, i was not totally lying. Yet, i was also tired with implications of: tired of ppl, preaching, God's words; mostly i am tired of disappointment. i am so tired of seeing the false/fault of others, i can not stand silly comments, responses and strong opinions and remarks anymore. Basically, the love and grace in me were gone. i seriously feld hard, and i mean REALLY hard. To an extreme, i wanna quit. And wat i mean by quiting is, once i go, i won't come back.

But then, my heart lingers u all. And i dare not to forget wat Jesus said:" I am the vine; you r the branches...apart from me you can do nothing" i said to God: " i know your words, but, i am too weak to stand up and walk with You again." So, for a long time , i didnt pray, i deleted all of the daily bread devotion emails. i stopped all my sharings. i stopped to care. Because i dont give a 'danm" anymore. Tell me, wat is the point of continuing to love and care, when i try so hard in serving & caring and in return get stike down by negative remarks and gain no supports. i felt like i am making a fool of myself. i have been baring so much pressures with my own&family matters already, i thought my fellowship is my support and my shelther, and where there would still be love&encouragments. yet, wat is the point to come to fellowship to get hurt and disappointed again. Ironically, i took up the serving post in the committee this year. And, i totally regreted it in early committee meetings; i got this strong noise in me to tell me to quite.

Yet, God has so much love and grace on me. thank God i survived once again in God's grace. When God wants to speak to u, He has a way. Thou, i cut down all the fellowship time and sunday worships. God used the last fri's AFC jubilization to speak to me face to face. Actually, i have decided to give up when i refused to go AFC with the fellowship on fri. at that time. But, so thankful that the holy spirit pull on me to go on sunday. There are 3 points that cut deeply into my heart in AFC that night.
P1. you get hurt, but it's ok. Let God heal u and u go and love again. In short, get hurt, get heal and love again.
P2. we r already in the spiritual battle once we decided to take God's side. (Ephesians 6:13-18)

P3. let your life depended on God's word alone.

That night, i committed to God that my life would live&build on God's words alone. Since then, i regain my love and strenghts from the Holy spirit. nevertheless, this is my testimony to all of you who have been praying for me quietly. God listened to all the prayers from those who have been praying for me. Praise the Lord~~~ ^_^Y
Thou, plz continue to pray for my spirital well being. ^_~

哥林多前書 13:7

2007-02-15T20:16:00.000-08:00

凡事包容．
凡事相信．
凡事盼望．
凡事忍耐。

It always protects,
always trusts,
always hopes,
always perseveres.

禱告(讚美之泉)

2007-02-14T17:36:00.000-08:00

禱告因為我們渺小
禱告因為我們知道我們需要明瞭祢心意對我們重要
禱告以假裝不了
禱告因為祢的愛我們需要祢關懷我走過的祢都明白
有些是我只想要對祢說因祢比任何人都愛我
痛苦從眼中流下我知道祢為我擦
再早晨我也要來對祢說主耶穌今天我為祢活
所需要的力量
祢天天賜給我
祢恩典夠我用

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5hwJL5fCvY

How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth

2007-02-12T19:47:00.000-08:00

[From Karen]

Hey all brothers and sisters! For those who attended AFC's Jublization event, you would know that they recommended a few books for us to read. For those who haven't, HOW TO READ THE BIBLE FOR ALL ITS WORTH (Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart) is one of them. I have read the two prefaces, and part of the introduction (chapter one) to this book.

This is a very insightful and scholarly piece. When I started reading the prefaces, I immediately liked it due to the language. However, its not for everyone. The writing style is quite "academic", but yet the vocabulary is understandable. One should not try to read too much of it at one time....or else your mind would really get blogged down. The first chapter introduces the ideas of " then and there (exegesis)" and "here and now (hermeneuctics)". Haha...these latin terms are probably scaring you off already. Exegesis is the very first thing we should do with bible study: "to study the context and content of the bibical text". What was happening then? .....you get the picture.

So far I have found this book very interesting...and worthy for my future biblical studies.
On the other hand, I wonder if this book will give reducant information to those who have beens studying the bible for many years.

take care...more to come to come as I march on into the rest of this book...

以弗所書 6:10-12

2007-02-07T22:39:00.000-08:00

6:10 我還有末了的話: 你們要靠著主、倚賴他的大能大力、作剛強的人。
6:11 要穿戴　神所賜的全副軍裝、就能抵擋魔鬼的詭計。
6:12 因我們並不是與屬血氣的爭戰、乃是與那些執政的、掌權的、管轄這幽暗世界的、以及天空屬靈氣的惡魔爭戰。

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

In His Steps

2007-02-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

A letter from Auntie Winnie:

在1896年雪爾頓(Charles Sheldon)寫了一本書叫《跟隨祂的腳蹤行》（In His Steps）。這本高達二千萬冊的暢銷書，有一項震撼人心的主題，藉著書牧師的口，貫穿書中每個人物的一生：「我徵求一批自告奮勇的人，起願在這整年當中，每做一件事之前，都誠實地先問自己：『如果是耶穌，祂會怎麼辦？』問了這句話之後，就一絲不苟地照著耶穌可能做的去做，不問結果如何。」對於習慣於自行其是的我們，這是何等不可思議的一項呼召？但是，當時就有人立了誓願、腳踏實地的去行了，他們會遇到重重困難與問題是料想得到的。譬如，一個報社的社長得考慮，他該不該一如往常的刊登拳賽的消息？一個詩班女高音對一項高薪旅行演唱的機會，她該怎樣取捨呢？一位新得一筆遺產的女士，如何處理這筆錢財？這些人毅然地接受這項挑戰的結果是如何？一連串的事發生在教會這些參與此運動的信徒的身上，衝擊之大是事先沒能想像，但參與的人卻是一天比一天的增加。只有這麼一群見證人「活」在你的面前，使你在他們的患難與喜樂中認識何為十字架的道路。

但願此書所提出的原則，能成為我們每個人判斷自己行事為人的標準，而不是成為我們論斷別人的尺度。鑒察人心的聖靈會在不同的情況中、帶領不同的人作最合適的選擇，我們的本分就是—順服。

我願意向各團契發出挑戰，在今年內推行「如果是耶穌祂會怎麼辦？」的運動，讓願意的團友閱讀這書，並登記接受一個對基督徒身份的真正試驗：在這整年當中，每做一件事之前，都誠實地先問自己：『如果是耶穌，祂會怎麼辦？』每星期固定一次一起禱告，報告和分享他們跟隨耶穌的經驗和結果。讓我們立志「全情投入，做到滿分；團結一致，彼此勉勵；作主精兵，廣傳福音」。我深信恩典宣道會，在列治文這個社區，漸漸地發生一連串驚人的事件。

Wii Sports

2007-02-04T00:05:00.000-08:00

A look at two different boxing styles by Wyatt and Alpha:

創世紀 2:22-24

2007-02-01T13:29:00.000-08:00

2:22 耶和華神就用那人身上所取的肋骨、造成一個女人、領他到那人跟前。
2:23 那人說、這是我骨中的骨、肉中的肉、可以稱他為女人、因為他是從男人身上取出來的。
2:24 因此、人要離開父母、與妻子連合、二人成為一體。

Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
The man said,
"This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called 'woman, '
for she was taken out of man."
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Fellowship

2007-01-29T18:44:00.000-08:00

I can't help but think that we need prayer --- lots and lots and lots of prayer.

When I look around in my fellowship, I thank God for giving me such a welcoming, caring, respectful, fun and unique bunch of brothers and sisters.
Yet at the same time it's apparent that we have so many needs. When we look around in the fellowship, it seems that we are all dealing with some tough things: Job changes, career aspirations, marriage, developing relationships, health, the well-being of family, church life, moving homes, Christian service, difficulties at work....

We need love, guidance, peace, and strength. We need encouragement... But we can't get any of these things from ourselves. We recognize the need to have these things, and we wish dearly for our brothers and sisters to get it, yet we don't know how to give it to them.

As January ends, and as we move on from this topic of "Relationship between Brothers and Sisters", let's remember to keep this in our prayers, put our fellowship into His hands, and also ask that He teach us how to support one another.

May God be our strength.