tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10132111627034192862024-03-14T14:01:40.994+08:00Church of the Good Shepherd, Johor Bahru<b>motivate & equip for mission & ministry</b>
<br><br>
67 jalan kemunting <br>
taman kebun teh <br>
johor bahru
malaysiaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-3652372729616277782010-03-28T02:33:00.002+08:002010-03-28T02:39:57.371+08:00OUR NEW WEBSITEWe now have our own website at <a href="http://www.cogsjb.net">http://www.cogsjb.net</a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cogsjb.net"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 197px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/S65QICU9UrI/AAAAAAAAAY8/L9xw1G1ZxnQ/s400/cogsjbnet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453384297786200754" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-<br /><br />I read about why God placed the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden.<br /><br />The author wrote <span style="font-style: italic;">(paraphrased)</span>:<br /><br />"God placed the tree so that we have a choice. And because he LOVES us, God could not deny us the right to make a choice - because of that love."<br /><br />I like that.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-16335448821969218542009-11-04T13:46:00.003+08:002009-11-04T13:51:56.646+08:00Please Release Bibles<h1 style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" id="story_title">Authorities asked to release 15,000 seized Bibles</h1> <h2 id="story_byline"><span style="font-size:85%;">By SHAILA KOSHY</span></h2><b>KUALA LUMPUR:</b> The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) has called for the immediate release of the 15,000 Bahasa Malaysia Bibles being withheld by the authorities. <p>It said the seizure contravened Article 11 of the Federal Constitution which gives all Malaysians the right to profess and practise his faith.</p> <p>“This constitutional right is rendered illusory if Christians in Malaysia are denied access to Bibles in a language with which they are familiar,” said its chairman Bishop Ng Moon Hing and executive committee in a statement Wednesday.</p> <p>They said withholding the Bibles deprived Christians in Sabah, Sarawak and in the peninsula, a large majority of whom use Bahasa Malaysia, “the right to use the Holy Scriptures in Bahasa Malaysia, to practise and profess their faith and to nourish themselves spiritually.”</p> <p>They said it was baseless to withhold the Bibles on the ground that they were prejudicial to public order since they had been in existence before independence and had never caused public disorder.</p> <p>“Since the 1970s and in consonance with the Government’s policies in education and the national language, Christians in Malaysia have received their education in Bahasa Malaysia.</p> <p>“To deny the same Christians the right to read and study the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia is thus ridiculous and offensive. In fact, it is this action by the authorities themselves which is an affront to good public order.</p> <p>“We call on the relevant government officials who have neither the authority nor the right to act in this unconscionable manner to explain their action to the church leaders and to the public,” they said, adding that churches stood to their commitment to Bahasa Malaysia as the national language.</p> <p>They said the Government had in an agreement in 2005 stated Bahasa Malaysia Bibles could be distributed so long as the symbol of the cross and the words “A Christian publication” were printed on the front page.</p> <p>They called on the Government to walk the talk of its 1Malaysia policy and not impose conditions on the freedom of citizens to worship, pray and read the Holy Scriptures in Bahasa Malaysia.</p> <p>“How can the first pillar of the Rukunegara, that is, ‘Belief In God,’ be made a living reality if the Government imposes restrictions and conditions on the constitutional and fundamental right of citizens to freedom of religion?” they said.</p><p><br /></p><div id="story_navigation"><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span> <!-- end ad tag --> <!--ad_skyscraper--> </div> <!--END story_navigation--> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> <h3 id="story_date"><span style="font-size:78%;">Published in TheStarOnline: Wednesday November 4, 2009 MYT 1:26:00 PM</span></h3><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-56767203422806168372009-08-07T11:53:00.006+08:002009-08-07T12:47:09.767+08:00LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING<span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;font-size:180%;color:#000000;"><b><i>Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.</i></b> </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"> <ul><a href="http://www.searchgodsword.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+13:6" target="new">1 Corinthians 13:6</a>, New International Version </ul> </span><br />*******************************************************************<br /><br /><br />Like oil and water, good and evil, black and white - love dictates how you act.<br /><br />Love for God, love for your spouse, love for one another.<br /><br />We claim that 'love is lacking' in a person, thus he/she acts so indifferent or angry or unhelpful.<br /><br />But we always forget that the root of such love is from God. We tell the person straight in his/her face that "HEY! YOU DON'T HAVE GOD'S LOVE!"<br /><br />Hmmm...<br /><br />Not the most tactful way of telling. But nobody likes to acknowledge the fact that they don't love God enough.<br /><br />We all WANT to and KNOW that we need to love God with all our heart, with all our mind and with all our soul.<br /><br />Decisions are hard to make, but making the decision to love God is essential to start loving God.<br /><br />Love will change our perspective on so many things in life that hurt us and disappoint us. Love will cause us to look at people through God's eyes. Love will fuel us to do what is right and good.<br /><br />Let us make the decision to think about the love God has for us since the beginning of time.<br /><br />It will change your life forever...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SnuwvvGudgI/AAAAAAAAATg/lwjFewETIYQ/s1600-h/love+badge.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 252px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SnuwvvGudgI/AAAAAAAAATg/lwjFewETIYQ/s400/love+badge.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367077715087095298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />****************************************************<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-33880571551215973692009-08-05T09:38:00.003+08:002009-08-05T09:40:52.503+08:00What do You Love More?The story goes like this. . . . . . .<br /><br />A man was polishing his new car..., his 6 yr. old son picked up a stone and scratched on the side of the car. In anger, the furious man took his child's hand and hit it many times, not realizing he was using a wrench.<br /><br />At the hospital, the child lost all his fingers due to multiple fractures.<br /><br />When the child saw his father, with painful eyes he asked:<br /><br />'Dad when will my fingers grow back?'<br /><br />The man was so hurt and speechless. He went back to the car and kicked it many times. Devastated by his own actions, sitting in front of the car he looked at the scratches; his son had written:<br /><br />'LOVE YOU DAD'.<br /><br />Next day, that man committed suicide.<br /><br />Remember, Anger and Love have no limits . . .<br /><br />Always remember... "Things are to be used and people are to be loved"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SnjidxB-V2I/AAAAAAAAATE/2qyooBRyiqM/s1600-h/hugs-12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SnjidxB-V2I/AAAAAAAAATE/2qyooBRyiqM/s400/hugs-12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366287957017646946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />But the problem in today's world is....<br /><br />"People are being USED & Things are being LOVED"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/Snjids5bBSI/AAAAAAAAAS8/L2V1Xyah-dI/s1600-h/frens.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 238px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/Snjids5bBSI/AAAAAAAAAS8/L2V1Xyah-dI/s400/frens.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366287955908035874" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-62503061928582442282009-07-24T16:20:00.002+08:002009-07-24T16:29:35.944+08:00The Eyes of Love<i>(Taken from http://amazinglyblessed.com) </i><br /><br />A grandmother and a little girl whose face was sprinkled with bright red freckles spent the day at the zoo.<br /><br />The children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger paws.<br /><br />"You've got so many freckles, there's no place to paint!" a boy in the line cried.<br /> <br />Embarrassed, the little girl dropped her head. Her grandmother knelt down next to her. "I love your freckles," she said.<br /> <br />"Not me," the girl replied.<br /> <br />"Well, when I was a little girl I always wanted freckles" she said, tracing her finger across the child's cheek. "Freckles are beautiful!"<br /><br />The girl looked up. "Really?" "Of course," said the grandmother. "Why, just name me one thing that's prettier than freckles."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/Smlwy6SMBQI/AAAAAAAAAOk/fInCb7mt278/s1600-h/old+young.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 278px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/Smlwy6SMBQI/AAAAAAAAAOk/fInCb7mt278/s400/old+young.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361940851302597890" /></a><br /><br />The little girl peered into the old woman's smiling face. "Wrinkles," she answered softly.<br /><br />-Author Unknown<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-3399850425403649132009-07-24T15:29:00.003+08:002009-07-24T16:00:46.895+08:00Family<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/Smljw54l2wI/AAAAAAAAAOc/7bZ95LG27WA/s1600-h/family.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 90px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/Smljw54l2wI/AAAAAAAAAOc/7bZ95LG27WA/s400/family.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361926523184339714" /></a><br /><br />God created a family because it is in our nature to require communication and a sense of belonging. <br /><br />Since we broke that sense of belonging with God by sinning, God gave us the ability to create children so that we can have a community to belong to. <br /><br />It was from the beginning that God separated us into tribes and clans. Starting from Cain founded a city, naming the city after his son, Enoch. <br /><br />We find comfort and security in our family. When the secure bond between God and us broke, God gave us our family to reflect what we had, and what we can have, with God our Father. <br /><br />-----------------<br /><br />Psychologists have observed and tested and verified that people who grow up without a family, as orphans, tend to be more defensive, they don't trust easily and the percentage of being mentally and emotionally unstable is higher. <br /><br />Humans are made to love. Humans are made to have communion with others. Humans are made to have a relationship with God. <br /><br />Without love (whether from other people or from God), we feel lonely and depressed and our other emotions become very extreme. <br /><br />Without contact with other humans, we become isolated and many 'good' and 'healthy' characteristics such as kindness, gentleness or even generosity will not be learnt and portrayed. <br /><br />Without a relationship with God, we feel empty. It is best described as empty because that is exactly how we feel. There is always a spiritual element in us that has been evident from since the stone ages, when people have worshiped almost anything and everything. <br /><br />---------------------<br /><br />God our Father, gave us our family. <br /><br />Despite all that has been done to wreck or destroy our relationship with our family, where we are and who we are in our family is God-appointed. Hence, let's not blame God for anything, but in all things, know that God has good plans for all of us. <br /><br />-----------------------<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/Smljw54l2wI/AAAAAAAAAOc/7bZ95LG27WA/s1600-h/family.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 90px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/Smljw54l2wI/AAAAAAAAAOc/7bZ95LG27WA/s400/family.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361926523184339714" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-14245169679851991662009-07-13T14:56:00.003+08:002009-07-13T15:31:36.050+08:00FOCUS on DISTRACTIONWe are continously distracted by everything and everyone around us.<br /><br />Distraction is such a common occurrence that we do not even realise we are being distracted.<br /><br />To be able to focus on one thing and one thing only is slowly becoming impossible.<br /><br />Information is easily available and our minds are being opened to all forms of ideas and facts - both good and bad.<br /><br /><br />--------<br /><br />That is why I am always reminded to think about Him and all he has done.<br /><br />At a recent dinner, there was a speaker who mentioned about copying great leaders and reading about their biography. To emulate successful people.<br /><br />For us, we copy Jesus. His biography is the bible's new testament, written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.<br /><br />From leadership skills, to character building and personality enhancements - we use Christ as our benchmark.<br /><br />Some say it's a benchmark too high to attain. But if it's easily attainable, then Jesus would not be called the Son of God.<br /><br />:)<br /><br />Therefore, let's continue to focus on one thing only - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jesus</span>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-45318297220751969902009-07-04T12:51:00.001+08:002009-07-04T12:59:02.972+08:00Indonesian Worship SongsI like this song...<br /><br />May it bless your heart today....<br /><br /><div style="width: 300px;"><object width="300" height="110"><param name="movie" value="http://media.imeem.com/m/s-NFf_0An5"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://media.imeem.com/m/s-NFf_0An5" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="300" height="110"></embed></object><div style="padding: 1px; background-color: rgb(230, 230, 230);"><div style="padding: 4px 4px 0pt 0pt; float: left;"><a href="http://www.imeem.com/"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/embedsearch/E6E6E6/" border="0" /></a></div><form method="post" action="http://www.imeem.com/embedsearch/" style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt;"><input name="EmbedSearchBox" type="text"><input value="Search" style="font-size: 12px;" type="submit"><div style="padding-top: 3px;"><a href="http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=0&ek=s-NFf_0An5" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/152/10/" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=1&ek=s-NFf_0An5" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/153/10/" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=2&ek=s-NFf_0An5" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/154/10/" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=3&ek=s-NFf_0An5" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/155/10/s-NFf_0An5/" border="0" /></a></div></form></div></div><br /><a href="http://www.imeem.com/people/J0YvFz/music/Yp6a2sNz/nikita-11-betapa-hatiku/">11. Betapa Hatiku - Nikita</a><br /><a href="http://www.imeem.com/paradox941/music/HV5xvqR7/nikita-allah-peduli/"><br /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-43373586935139099702009-06-04T10:46:00.003+08:002009-06-04T10:55:48.012+08:00My dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ...<h2 style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-family:verdana;"><br /><a href="http://www.deslide.com/cool.aspx?c=funny"><img src="http://img.deslide.com/funny/Funny_098.jpg" title="deslide.com Funny Images & Scraps" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Now is the time<br /></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:180%;">for us to<br /></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:180%;">hold firm to the Word of God<br /></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:180%;">and<br /></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:180%;">pray<br /></span></h2><h2 face="verdana" style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:180%;">like never before</span></h2><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-64647464584697329712009-05-26T17:35:00.003+08:002009-05-26T17:49:59.707+08:00Church Camps / RetreatsIt is a common practice for churches to have church camps or church retreats, where the congregation goes off to some holiday resort or faraway place, to spend a few days in one another's company and to dwell upon God's word for the few days that they're there. <br /><br />We shall be having our church camp at Sri Malaysia Hotel at Genting Highlands. <br /><br />With the theme: <br /><br /><h3>MATURITY in CHRIST</h3><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/Shu613XpTII/AAAAAAAAAIw/aIaXDcKDNz4/s1600-h/The_cross_by_jeedub.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/Shu613XpTII/AAAAAAAAAIw/aIaXDcKDNz4/s400/The_cross_by_jeedub.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340067217736813698" /></a><br /><br /><br />The place is old and in the middle of the highlands, making it not as cool as people would like it. There's no fun facilities like the theme park or beautiful garden or a golf course or arcade games. <br /><br />Sometimes, we are so pampered by holidays and vacations that we squirm and complain and go 'eewwww' when we go into a room and find the paint peeling off the wall. <br /><br />Yes, we would like to have SOME comfort. <br /><br />If it was about general cleanliness, by all means, say it out. <br /><br />But if it were because the TV wasn't working. Or if it was because the cup had a crack. Or if the toilet didn't have those free shampoo. Does it warrant a big complaint and telling yourself, "I won't go for another church camp. Such lousy lodgings."<br /><br />In order to appease all parties in the church, we go to all measures to find a cheap and good place. Serviceable, affordable and comfortable enough. <br /><br />We should be thankful. For some who did not know. Several trips were personally made and TONNES of phonecalls made to the hotel to confirm and to ensure that they give us everything that we want. <br /><br />Thanking God is in order... <br /><br />Fellowship with God is not determined by the venue. Fellowship with people is not deterred by surroundings. <br /><br />Each individual plays a part in making the whole camp successful. God will already be there, to welcome us with open arms and to tell each of His child:<br /><br /><h3>"I'm so happy that you decided to spend some time with Me."</h3><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-73120890938752322162009-02-11T09:11:00.002+08:002009-02-11T09:35:31.611+08:00God the Artist<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SZIl-BScgSI/AAAAAAAAAIo/aiK4gaTnUZI/s1600-h/pandasit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SZIl-BScgSI/AAAAAAAAAIo/aiK4gaTnUZI/s400/pandasit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301341458796413218" /></a><br /><br /><br />God's creations display not only God's magnificence, but also his humour and creativity. <br /><br />A little panda cub. Cute as cute can be. <br /><br />God created them for our pleasure. God created them for us. <br /><br />God made us such that we would appreciate these things He gave us. It's like a Christmas tree with heaps of presents underneath. There are still some boxes we have not opened yet. <br /><br />Boxes which include the sea creatures at the bottom of the sea, flowers that grow on icy cold mountains, the kindness of a stranger, or even the colour of your eyes. <br /><br />Let's put our life on <span style="font-weight:bold;">PAUSE</span> - then look around at God's love - just next to you, for you.<br /><br />------------<br /><br />I was looking at the full moon on chap goh meh (15th day of the chinese lunar calendar, marking the last day of chinese new year celebrations), and i was so taken by the large round orange moon. <br /><br />It was right there, so near, yet so far. <br /><br />Glancing upon the moon and thinking how complex it was for God to ensure that we get moonlight, time, gravity and the change of tides - because of the moon. <br /><br />------------<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-69554999026727638162009-02-03T12:27:00.004+08:002009-02-03T14:44:02.888+08:00It's All RightDear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God — for God is love.<br /><br />God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.<br /><br />Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us. <br /><br /><i>1 John 4:7-12 (NLT)</i><br /><br />----------------------------<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.christian-wallpaper.com/backgrounds/sky-clouds-and-heavenly-light-rays.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://www.christian-wallpaper.com/backgrounds/sky-clouds-and-heavenly-light-rays.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />To take the intangible,<br />Hold on to it firmly, <br />With the assurance and trust that the intangible is so very good <br />- It eventually becomes tangible in us. <br /><br /><br><br />Because God first loved us, we are given a gift, a feeling. This feeling will naturally overflow out of us to others around us. <br /><br />But how do we obtain or acknowledge this love God has for us? <br /><br /><i>1. It was already given the day we were born. </i><br /><br />We do not need to seek it. It's already there. So, it is a question of whether we want to accept it in our hearts and believe in it. God made it our choice to decide if we want His love in our lives. <br /><br /><i>2. Love is tangible.</i><br /><br />Love is an emotion. It is deemed as unseen. We cannot see God. But how do we know He's there? We were created to 'know' certain things. I call these things 'truths'. It could be a mere belief. But once you believe, the actions and manifestation of the love you receive will be what makes it tangible. <br /><br />-------------<br /><br />We're not only commanded to love. We're politely <b>asked</b> to realise that we have this ability and this emotion of love, to love others. We're well-equipped to love others. <br /><br />Enjoy your day... loving someone with the love of God.<br /><br><br><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-47638121137941575972009-01-04T02:06:00.001+08:002009-01-04T02:08:57.504+08:00Blessed New Year 2009<div style="text-align: center;">From all of us at Church of the Good Shepherd...<br /></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">BLESSED NEW YEAR<br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">and<br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">MAY YOU SEEK HIS KINGDOM FIRST</h2><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Let 2009 be a year of new experiences with Jesus!<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-39859251521272556532008-12-15T16:48:00.002+08:002008-12-15T17:04:00.732+08:00Children's Christmas Party - 20 Dec (Sat)<div align="center"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#990000;">This year's Children's Party will be even </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#990000;">BIGGER and BETTER </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#990000;">than previous years.<br /><br />We have </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#990000;">games and clowns </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#990000;">and food and drinks </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#990000;">and presents and party packs </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#990000;">and not forgetting good ol' Santa Claus!<br /><br /></div></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SUYcEoKuriI/AAAAAAAAAIM/BBiQ93R2qcY/s1600-h/children+party+web.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279938478965960226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 436px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 548px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SUYcEoKuriI/AAAAAAAAAIM/BBiQ93R2qcY/s400/children+party+web.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><br /><br />So bring your friends and relatives and neighbours and classmates!<br /><br />IT'S FREE! </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-83899546025994709902008-12-11T11:31:00.003+08:002008-12-11T11:52:40.943+08:00Fun, Joy & LaughterThe Joy of the Lord is my Strength.<br /><br />Joy is repeated often in the Bible. To be happy is to be contented.<br /><br />To be able to laugh and smile in times of pain and suffering is the ultimate "YOU MUST BE CRAZY".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SUCOEQnVB2I/AAAAAAAAAH0/0FSjoGJDubA/s1600-h/stress.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 390px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SUCOEQnVB2I/AAAAAAAAAH0/0FSjoGJDubA/s400/stress.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278374967108765538" /></a><br /><br />Our human emotions will follow what our circumstances are. If we're facing all forms of challenges, our faces will automatically show the stress and strain.<br /><br />It would take a person who either 1. doesn't care (indifferent) or 2. knows how to handle the situation - to be able to laugh and smile while others are complaining and having their blood pressure shooting up.<br /><br />I look at adverse situations from various angles:<br /><br />1. God knows what He's doing.<br /><br />2. I have something to learn out of all these awful happenings.<br /><br />3. This will not be forever.<br /><br />4. It's no use worrying about it because I will be blinded by my worries, such that I can't find the solution.<br /><br />5. The joy of the Lord will strengthen me to go through it.<br /><br />6. The people around me who are stressed need someone who is calm and level-headed to bring some 'balance' to the whole atmosphere.<br /><br />---------<br /><br />The last one sound really 'new age'. But it's true how in every situation or company or group, you need a balance of characters to bring the best out of the team.<br /><br />So, I hope this short note will give us something to think about and not WORRY about our current situation.<br /><br />You're not ALONE in this problem. And it's really NO USE TO WORRY since you don't have a solution yet.<br /><br />Might as well find the answer instead of wasting time and worrying about what you cannot solve.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SUCOazvx4RI/AAAAAAAAAH8/Lmqei1lyjVQ/s1600-h/joy77.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 249px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SUCOazvx4RI/AAAAAAAAAH8/Lmqei1lyjVQ/s400/joy77.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278375354496573714" /></a><br /><br />So, please...<b> LET GO AND LET GOD</b>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-73928601985321747412008-10-31T11:06:00.006+08:002008-10-31T11:29:23.159+08:00Upcoming November ProgramsSeminars and guest speakers are a great way to learn and as reminders to our gingko-deficient memories.<br /><br />We're in constant need of encouragement and God knows that.<br /><br />He constantly reminded His people about obeying Him and to dwell on His word so that we may stand firm.<br /><br />Below are a few programs that we're having. And we hope to see you there! For more info, please email us at <b>cogsjb@streamyx.com</b> or call <b>07 3328277</b>.<br /><br /><i>CLICK ON IMAGES BELOW FOR LARGER IMAGE</i><br /><br /><b>7th - 9th November 2008 (Friday - Sunday) </b><br />Daren Tay will be coming to tell us more about Holy Spirit - our Comforter and Friend that Jesus gave to us when He left this earth.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SQp4GI1t0nI/AAAAAAAAAG4/qVuV_g2Eb04/s1600-h/DT.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SQp4GI1t0nI/AAAAAAAAAG4/qVuV_g2Eb04/s400/DT.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263151161383178866" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>15th November 2008 (Saturday)</b><br />Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia - Men's Seminar 2008<br />A full-day seminar for all men!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SQp687hNAKI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/X6ajBpMiAd8/s1600-h/menofsubstance-front2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SQp687hNAKI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/X6ajBpMiAd8/s400/menofsubstance-front2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263154301723541666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SQp6s9XdRdI/AAAAAAAAAHI/O4Vuh92Ihq8/s1600-h/menofsubstance-back3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SQp6s9XdRdI/AAAAAAAAAHI/O4Vuh92Ihq8/s400/menofsubstance-back3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263154027341628882" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-67704518712815517652008-10-10T22:59:00.002+08:002008-10-10T23:57:06.656+08:00Pelangi Cell Farewell Dinner<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SO964NMkq5I/AAAAAAAAAGw/YFeyKsmglbk/s1600-h/P+Cell.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SO964NMkq5I/AAAAAAAAAGw/YFeyKsmglbk/s400/P+Cell.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255554396198316946" /></a><br />This is just the beginning of LOTS of food... <br /><br />Don't we just love feeding them and sending them off to a food haven?<br /><br />It's the Chinese way of saying... we love you!!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-86882815174620936962008-10-06T11:02:00.003+08:002008-10-06T11:15:34.428+08:00Why Do I Go to Church?<dir align=justify><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" >Taken from http://www.heartlight.org<br />by Sarah Stirman<br /></span><hr size="1" width="100%" align="left" noshade="noshade"> <table align="right"> <tbody><tr><td> <a href="http://www.heartlight.org/cgi/simplify.cgi?20081003_gotochurch.html" onmouseover="window.status='View a simpler page format that works well with printers.'; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" title="Printer-friendly Version"><img src="http://img.heartlight.org/heartlight5.0/icon2_printer.gif" alt="Print This Article" width="28" border="0" height="20" /></a> <a href="http://www.heartlight.org/cgi/forward.cgi?20081003_gotochurch.html" target="note" onmouseover="window.status='Send this article to a friend.'; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="OpenNoteWindow('');" title="Send this article to a friend."><img src="http://img.heartlight.org/heartlight5.0/icon2_email.gif" alt="Send it to a Friend" width="28" border="0" height="20" /></a> </td></tr></tbody></table> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" > <!-- StartText --> <!-- google_ad_section_start --><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Newsflash: I don't go to church to worship God. </span></span><p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" >Oh, I DO worship God when I go, but if MY church were going to be all about ME and MY best way to worship God, MY church would only have ME in attendance, and I would be outside somewhere talking with and worshipping God. I have had the privilege and responsibility of being in on some discussion about "worship planning" recently. I finally told the group: "Not gonna happen — you will NEVER plan a worship service that is perfect for me, or anyone else for that matter. I don't worship best in 'the pink room' (what I call our horribly outdated auditorium)." </span></p><p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" >Besides not lovin' the setting for "corporate worship," I'm generally busy. I interpret services for the deaf. That means I'm HEARING what is said and sung and prayed, but I can only process it in the part of my brain that translates it into another language, not the part that absorbs it and lets it transform me or reflect praise to our Father. Even when I'm not "working" by interpreting, I'm "feeding" signs to the person who is interpreting. (The very funny part about our deaf ministry is that we are positioned in the auditorium where the speakers shoot the sound over us — the interpreters can't hear a thing where we are!) Again, even if being surrounded by hundreds of people were my "thing" for worship, I'm a little occupied. </span></p><p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" >But, I do GO to church: I'm one of those "every-time-the-doors-are-open" kind of people. (I'm also one of those "last-ones-leaving-because-they're-turning-off-the-lights," but that's a whole other issue.) Even though I am openly professing to not attend church for the number one cited reason for attending, I think it is a crucial part of my faith and "Christian walk." I'm also teaching that to my children. My children know where we will be "every-time-the doors-are-open," and they know we don't plan events or things that would interfere with our attending. </span></p><p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" >So ... you GO to church, but you don't go to church to worship God? HUH? </span></p><p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" >So, why do I go to church? </span></p><p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" >I actually started thinking about all of this for several reasons. First, the church where I worship has started making an intentional difference in our two morning services. The second service is "less traditional" in nature. And our "more traditional" service is struggling over some bumps of its own. This, as you might imagine if you are a regular attender somewhere, has ruffled a few feathers and created some exciting end-of-the-pew discussion. I have also been included in some committee discussions regarding planning worship. Our "corporate worship" time has been on my mind lately. </span></p><p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" >Someone is unhappy with the song choices ... or song tempo ... or song leader. Others aren't happy with the screens or temperature or preacher or what-have-you. And — true confessions — I'm right there with them in many regards. As I mentioned — you can't plan a perfect worship for me, especially if there are people involved! </span></p><p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" >While all of this ha-rumphing was fresh on my mind, I sat down and encountered notes from a worship conference I attended last summer. This was on the top page: </span></p><blockquote> <p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" >Evaluating worship based on doing the right things in the right way or 'did it make me feel good' is having low expectations. Instead, evaluate worship on whether or not God showed up. There is NO worship renewal without expecting to meet the Almighty God.<span style="font-size:85%;"> (Randy Harris)</span> </span></p></blockquote> <p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" >That quote makes me feel better about not feeling like I am really able to worship at church. Oh, I feel certain the Almighty God is THERE — but I am only able to worship Him by serving His people while in "the assembly," not by chatting with Him and listening to Him. The best part is, I'm not missing my time with God if I don't get it inside the church building. The Almighty God shows up to talk to me and walk beside me on my morning walk. He listens so patiently while I fold the clothes. He blesses us again and again while I pray over carpool. My entire life — SHOULD I CHOOSE TO DO SO — can be a time of worship, complete with the presence of the Almighty God. Because He will ALWAYS show up — I just have to show up, as well. </span></p><p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" >And while the songs sung or words said and images displayed at church may or may not stir my soul, I can still worship because I will be in the presence of the Almighty God. </span></p><p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" > </span></p><blockquote> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" ><i>May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice</i><span style="font-size:85%;"> (<a href="http://www.searchgodsword.org/desk/?sr=1&t=erv&query=Psalm+141%3A2" onclick="versedisplay('http://www.searchgodsword.org/desk/verses.cgi?t=erv&query=Psalm+141%3A2'); return false" target="bible" onmouseover="window.status='Display and study Psalm 141:2 in another window.'; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" title="Study Psalm 141:2 more...">Psalm 141:2</a>)</span>. </span></blockquote> <hr width="20%" align="center"> <p> </p><p> <!-- StartCallout --> <table valign="top" width="250" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="15" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td align="center"> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:Verdana,Arial;font-size:180%;" > <b><i>I will be in the presence of the Almighty God.</i></b></span></td></tr> </tbody></table> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" > <!-- EndCallout --> </span></span></p><p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" >Sarah is part of The Coffee Group, a varied group of women who express their love, faith, and praise for God with ladies they love. They do ladies' retreats and special speaking on God's work in their lives, as well as the importance of sharing your faith story. </span></span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" >Check out their website:<br /><a href="http://www.thecoffeegroup.net/" target="_blank">http://www.thecoffeegroup.net</a> </span></span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Geneva,Helvetica;font-size:100%;" >Come visit them on their blog:<br /><a href="http://www.espressohislove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://www.espressohislove.blogspot.com</a> </span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><br />---------------------------<br /><br /><b>Charlotte's Thoughts</b><br /><br />It's true. I sometimes forget too, how to <b>expect</b> God's presence in church. <br /><br />We get distracted by so much "works" (programs, quality of music, people attending, pastor's message depth, etc) that we lose the meaning of the church and why we go to church. <br /><br />Let's pull our minds back to God's way of thinking... <br /><br />Let's go back to wanting to meet God, face to face. <br /><br /><br /></dir><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-2239284356016676712008-09-26T11:28:00.006+08:002008-09-29T11:50:58.131+08:00Pastor Chris' Birthday Surprise?Laying in wait outside pastor's house at 9pm on 20th Sept. We all crouched down behind a car and looked like refugees in party hats. It's hilarious. Everyone squatted until some complained of cramps in their legs.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SNxY2RM16uI/AAAAAAAAAFw/cZZFBHB8myQ/s1600-h/P1010073.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SNxY2RM16uI/AAAAAAAAAFw/cZZFBHB8myQ/s400/P1010073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250168954960603874" border="0" /></a>We had to eventually stand up when Pastor himself came out and saw 'shadows' outside his house and so many cars. So we stood and sang birthday song...<br /><br /><br />How old is he this year? I forgot.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SNxY2glDz7I/AAAAAAAAAF4/dBoVRnnqlEE/s1600-h/P1010098.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SNxY2glDz7I/AAAAAAAAAF4/dBoVRnnqlEE/s400/P1010098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250168959088709554" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Dear God, bless him with your wisdom and strength and patience...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SNxY2ovQ38I/AAAAAAAAAGA/Z6KxWeTYirY/s1600-h/P1010099.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SNxY2ovQ38I/AAAAAAAAAGA/Z6KxWeTYirY/s400/P1010099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250168961278992322" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The whole crowd for the night.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SNxY3AfWGoI/AAAAAAAAAGI/SQRjinbKtuc/s1600-h/P1010112.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SNxY3AfWGoI/AAAAAAAAAGI/SQRjinbKtuc/s400/P1010112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250168967654677122" border="0" /></a>L-R: (top) Sharon, Miaw Yee, Bryan, Margaret, Charlotte, Zin Vi, Paul, Nicholas<br />(mid row) Hooi Ping, Qing Rong, Canest, Doreen<br />(front) Quintin, Joe, Qing En, Pastor Chris, Mandy, Nerisa, Regina, Mei Yi, Catherine<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I know it's slanted. Timer - which Joe took ages to figure out - placed on the sofa.<br />Hence, slanted...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SNxY3WZLrGI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/_JKVdAt5uzY/s1600-h/P1010116.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SNxY3WZLrGI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/_JKVdAt5uzY/s400/P1010116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250168973534407778" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SOBOjNePEoI/AAAAAAAAAGg/TxYs_nSabrc/s1600-h/DSC00327.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SOBOjNePEoI/AAAAAAAAAGg/TxYs_nSabrc/s400/DSC00327.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251283532332864130" border="0" /></a>They couldn't get the timer on the camera to work properly. Getting into position and having Joe accidentally snap heaps of pictures was really funny.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SOBOitqYeFI/AAAAAAAAAGY/AwdpYFjYvew/s1600-h/DSC00324.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SOBOitqYeFI/AAAAAAAAAGY/AwdpYFjYvew/s400/DSC00324.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251283523793877074" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SOBOjpODrpI/AAAAAAAAAGo/r2eVWhcLyVs/s1600-h/DSC00371.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SOBOjpODrpI/AAAAAAAAAGo/r2eVWhcLyVs/s400/DSC00371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251283539781201554" border="0" /></a>The TOAST... Arm on right side of pic is holding a glass of Irish Cream... And a bowl of ???<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Mandy has a 3/4 cup full of Irish Cream which she gamely downed in 30 seconds. We had Red-Lobster-Faced-Mandy after that.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-846152781975396572008-09-19T11:07:00.002+08:002008-09-19T11:49:05.750+08:00It's Almost The End of the Year... againHere we are, in September, with another 3 months to December 25th. <br /><br />How time flies... <br /><br />I just remembered how we went door-to-door caroling last year. And how we were at shopping complexes the previous year in 2006. It's already 2008 and here we are, still wondering what to do for this Christmas. <br /><br />----------<br /><br />Now, I need to sit myself down and wonder, what IS the purpose we try to do so much during Christmas every year? <br /><br />What is the meaning of Christmas IF we don't do all that we do every year. <br /><br />What if we didn't do a single thing this year? <br /><br />Or what if we did something ELSE other than what we did last year and the year before that? <br /><br />--------<br /><br />Before I go into a round of stressful rantings, let's just talk about the birth of Jesus. <br /><br />--------<br /><br />Jesus was born. Jesus is the reason we are called Christians. <br /><br />Then with the birth of Jesus, I want to only mention two main reasons for Christmas: <br /><br />Firstly...<br />To remember how God sent His one and only Son - that whoever would believe in Jesus, will have eternal life.<br /><br />Secondly...<br />To show the world about God's love, joy, peace and His power and majesty. <br /><br />----------<br /><br />The first point is on <i>salvation</i>. <br /><br />We're so engrossed with the politics within the country and we get so worked up at our countries leaders, we tend to forget that the same things are happening right next to us. <br /><br />We have our own politics in our office, in our homes, in the church and even with our neighbours. <br /><br />Sometimes, we choose to rave and rant about the 'bigger macro picture' because we don't want to deal with our more personal issues. <br /><br />But then, it's not everyone who is like that. <br /><br />---------------<br /><br />The second point covers basically who GOD is. <br /><br /><b>"I AM WHO I AM" </b> (Exodus 3:14)<br /><br />Christmas is the one time, for our church, to reach out to our community. <br /><br />It doesn't seem like much. But it's something. So we can't take it away at all, or else we will have nothing. <br /><br />----------------<br /><br />We are the body of Christ, many parts. <br />(excerpt from 1 Corinthians 12:12)<br /><br />This is my prayer: <br /><br /><i><br />Dear Lord, <br /><br />Let us all remember our roles as part of Your body and with Christ as the head. If we think ourselves as without a function or talent, I pray you help us know it's not how much we can do, but that You see our hearts and desire to serve You and glorify You. <br /><br />Let the Christmas 2008 be a time where we can fully make known who God is. <br /><br />In Jesus' name we pray...<br />Amen.<br /></i><br /><br />--------------------<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-9280251110862388852008-09-03T16:31:00.003+08:002008-09-03T17:25:45.270+08:00Looking For A CrossIt's not looking for THE cross. It's looking for A cross. <br /><br />In Malaysia, it's rather difficult to have a church registered as a 'church'. So we have to remain as an administrative office. Since shifting to this building, we do not have a signboard or a symbol of a cross outside the building. <br /><br />Now, we have decided to put up a cross - IN the sanctuary, on stage, behind the altar. <br /><br />Outside? not sure about that yet. But it will be inside first. <br /><br />There's not much space onstage on the back wall. But I've been looking at various pictures of crosses and I would love a building with very high ceiling so that the cross can be really big and huge! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs12/i/2006/282/2/1/Backlit_Cross_on_a_Church_by_MainFragger.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs12/i/2006/282/2/1/Backlit_Cross_on_a_Church_by_MainFragger.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />------------<br /><br />The cross is like how you wear your school badge - a symbol, an identity. <br /><br />On it's own, made of metal or gold or silver or wood, it does not hold any magical powers. Movies have made the cross into a physically magical item. <br /><br />It is not about it being magical physically, but its meaning and significance that gives the cross its power. <br /><br /><br /><b>Why use a Cross? </b><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tn3-1.deviantart.com/fs11/300W/i/2006/201/6/1/Cross_by_arkansawyer.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://tn3-1.deviantart.com/fs11/300W/i/2006/201/6/1/Cross_by_arkansawyer.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Why not just flog Jesus to death? Or behead Him? Or hang Him? <br /><br />Why use a cross? <br /><br />1. The cross was about humiliation, rejection and the lowest form of punishment. <br /><br />2. To fulfill the prophesies in the scriptures mentioned about 800 years ago. (eg. Isaiah 53:5)<br /><br /><br />God has prepared us since the beginning of man's fall from holiness to redeem us for that dark pit of sin. <br /><br />This cross is a heavy burden to carry, but it lightens our spirit and soul with what the cross has achieved for us. The cross that bore Jesus - an instrumental piece of wood in helping God complete His plan to save His people. <br /><br />We say today, "the higher we climb, the harder we fall." <br /><br />For Jesus, it's <b>"The lower we crawl, the higher we fly."</b><br /><br /><br /><br><br><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-68506013419060213342008-08-27T22:14:00.003+08:002008-08-27T22:36:02.280+08:00You're EverythingFor those who has not seen this skit, may God show you how much we really want Him. <br /><br />This skit is always a reminder to me how God wants us so personally. <br /><br /><div align=center><br /><b><u>EVERYTHING - Lifehouse</b></u><br /><br />Find me here<br />Speak to Me<br />I want to feel you<br />I need to hear you<br /><br />You are the light<br />That's leading me<br />To the place where I find peace again.<br /><br />You are the strength<br />That keeps me walking<br />You are the hope<br />That keeps me trusting<br /><br />You are the light <br />To my soul<br />You are my purpose<br />You're everything.<br /><br />How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?<br />Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?<br /><br />You calm the storms<br />And you give me rest<br />You hold me in your hands<br />You won't let me fall<br /><br />You still my heart<br />And you take my breath away<br />Would you take me in? <br />Take me deeper now?<br /><br />How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?<br />Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?<br /><br />And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?<br />Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?<br /><br />Cause you're all I want<br />You're all I need<br />You're everything,everything<br /><br />You're all I want <br />You're all I need<br />You're everything, everything<br /><br />You're all I want <br />You're all I need<br />You're everything, everything<br />You're all I want <br />You're all I need<br />You're everything, everything<br /><br />And How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?<br />Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?<br /><br />How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?<br />Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?<br /><br />How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?<br />Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?<br />Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?<br /><br /><embed src="http://godtube.com/flvplayer.swf" FlashVars="viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5" wmode="transparent" quality="high" width="330" height="270" name="godtube" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /></embed><br /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-72957821559970111982008-08-19T09:06:00.008+08:002008-08-19T11:23:34.764+08:00Satisfy Me<div align=justify><br />It came to mind about how people view Christians. Of how Christians are supposed to be 'holy holy'. Of how Christians cannot be seen doing any wrong. <br /><br />I guess Christians have 'asked for it' - in a sense. Since we profess our faith and tell others about Jesus and God's love, with more fervor than other religions. With all that talk, we'd better 'walk the talk'. <br /><br />From the viewpoint of those outside the church, we're being watched with eagle eyes our every actions. We're the ones who are kind and happy and loving. <br /><br />Or are we? <br /><br /><u>Looking and Searching</u><br /><br />However, in the everyday routine of people trudging along their daily struggles and problems, we are all looking for some good against the evil we fight everyday. <br /><br />As I always hear and believe, we were all made perfect and wholesome, until someone ate the forbidden fruit. <br /><br />All of us seek that goodness, that 'thing' that satisfies us. <br /><br />Everyone is looking for some <b>love... </b><br /><br />It sounds really hippy, flower power type of statement, but it's true. <br /><br />Even during the 70s, 'love is all around'... 'spread love'... Although the methodology was wrong, but everyone embraced it because we all know we needed the 'love'. <br /><br />Even today, other than love, so many people are looking for trust, for security, for assurance, for refuge. Everyone is scared. <br /><br />Why are so many people hurting and frightened? <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SKo8hyaiiZI/AAAAAAAAAFc/UHgirI-Q66E/s1600-h/Frightened_by_Etoile06.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SKo8hyaiiZI/AAAAAAAAAFc/UHgirI-Q66E/s400/Frightened_by_Etoile06.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236064067938060690" /></a><br /><br />Expectations. <br /><br />A student is expected to do well or else he will not be able to find a job in future. <br /><br />A businessman has to lie and cheat and bribe in order to get the business in and continue to pay his employees. <br /><br />A 16 year old girl is obsessed with her looks and knowing her looks attract, use it, but instead, gets raped by her own father. <br /><br />A clerk has been a clerk for the past 20 years and is full of bitterness and rage at the multinational company's lack of attention on her. <br /><br />---------<br /><br /><u>Now and Here</u><br /><br />We're facing a world of injustice. This world has always been unfair. Throughout the bible, no matter where you flip, there will be unfairness. <br /><br />40 years in the wilderness - do you think the Israelites consider it fair to walk around in circles? <br /><br />Being flogged and hung on the cross - was Jesus deserving of such harsh punishment? <br /><br />Fairness is very subjective. Even as I write this, I see how justice and fairness is all about your point of view. God had all His reasons for doing the above and a lesson to be learned from it.<br /><br />We all try to find reasons for being. We all blame and get blamed. We seek justice for our pitiful lives. <br /><br />We usually don't find an answer. We feel unjust and bitter and vengeful. <br /><br />We seek the answers from church and from church members. We don't find an answer. <br /><br />--------<br /><br /><u>You, Me & God</u><br /><br />Wait... this whole write up started with why everyone is seeking something good and looking at Christians. But it ends up with unfairness and injustice?<br /><br />We are weak. Everyone is weak. We seek for something stronger, someone to look up to and depend on. <br /><br />However, when we don't understand that everyone is weak, we tend to get disappointed when we see other Christians fail in being holy and righteous. Our disappointments are bigger when our expectations are higher. <br /><br />The larger your bubble is blown, the louder and harder it'll burst. <br /><br />I've heard of so many people who left the church because of what they have seen or heard that made them disappointed in God, in God's church and in God's people. <br /><br />You say, "Well, we're here to serve God, not men. Why should we do things to please them?" <br /><br />That's true to a certain extent. Our focus should be on God. Our expectations should be based on what God wants. <br /><br />Jesus not only asked us to love God with all our heart, our soul and all our minds, but to also love one another. Jesus said He came to serve, not to be served. (Matthew 20:28)<br /><br />This verse sums up all that I intend to say: <br /><br /><b><i>"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." <br />(John 13:34-35)</b></i><br /><br />Christians are given the 'duty' to love and serve. It is through our actions that other will come to know Jesus. <br /><br />Are we able to do it? <br /><br /><b><i>But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. <br />Galatians 5:22-23a</b></i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SKooOSsY7PI/AAAAAAAAAFU/JYXfuHfTGds/s1600-h/GrapeVines_HUGE_20358_op_740x305.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G2mMW2_6rmg/SKooOSsY7PI/AAAAAAAAAFU/JYXfuHfTGds/s400/GrapeVines_HUGE_20358_op_740x305.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236041742772923634" /></a><br /><br />I always check myself to see if I have the above. It's a long and windy road, and I know it will be satisfying at the end of it. <br /><br />Those of you who are non-Christians - we are only human, like you. Our only difference is that we have God who is our <b>source of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.</b><br /><br />If we seek all those traits from man, we will definitely be disappointed. Seek it from the main source and we will never be empty again.<br /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-7951613300152240562008-08-14T09:23:00.005+08:002008-08-14T17:40:16.518+08:00Once Upon A Camp 2006 - Melaka<div style="border-right: 2px solid #999999; border-bottom: 2px solid #999999; width: 500px;"><div style="border-right: 2px solid #666666; border-bottom: 2px solid #666666; margin-right: 1px;"><div style="border: 1px solid #333333; margin-right: 1px; text-align: center; padding: 5px 10px 10px 10px; background-color: #FFFFFF;"><div style="margin-bottom: 2px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;">Church Camp 2006</div><a href="http://s14.photobucket.com/albums/a349/clowno/COGS%20Family%20Camp%20June%2006/"><img src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a349/clowno/COGS%20Family%20Camp%20June%2006/PICT0953.jpg" HEIGHT="320" WIDTH="460"></a></div></div></div><br /><br /><b>Click on picture for MORE pictures. </b><br /><br><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1013211162703419286.post-63248626746289660842008-08-12T17:02:00.003+08:002008-08-12T17:51:59.927+08:00Light of the World<b>When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."<br />[John 8:12 NIV]</b><br /><br />------------<br /><br />We're always scared of the darkness. Scared of the unknown and uncertain. The darkness denotes all things dangerous and evil. Through movies, through our own experiences. <br /><br />There might be some who say they love the dark. But I'd say it seems more like they're hiding. If I were to hide, I'd find a dark corner to huddle in. A hole. A cupboard. <br /><br />A store with bright good lighting will be the store with the most people walking in. After several years, the lights fade and the store starts to dim - in business and in its ambience. A well lit fast food restaurant gives it a clean look. People in bright clothes radiate more energy and life. <br /><br />Work and growth is during the day. Plants grow with the sunlight on their leaves. <br /><br />Night and darkness is not to be feared. It has been used by satan to <i>create</I> fear in us. God created Day and Night. God created nocturnal animals too, didn't He? And He looked after them as well, didn't He? <br /><br /><h3>"I am the light of the world."</h3><br /><br /><a href="http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2255810770099970771aNEqtW"><img src="http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/40303/2255810770099970771S425x425Q85.jpg" alt="Cedar Breaks _02"></a><br /><br />Jesus came to give us light. <br /><br />He came to help us grow.<br /><br />To help us be courageous.<br /><br />Allowing us to see far far ahead. <br /><br />His light never fades. <br /><br /><br><br><br><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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