You Were Made For A Mission

Life Through The Spirit

2010-09-15T04:56:00.002+08:00

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.And so he condemned sin in sinful man,in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. - Romans 8:1-17(NIV)

We Are Beautifully and Wonderfully Made

2010-08-30T08:39:00.000+08:00

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you. - Psalm 139:13-18(NIV)

"I and the Father are One"

2010-07-21T21:03:00.000+08:00

Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one." John 10:25-30(NIV)

Proclaim the Kingdom of God and Heal the Sick

2010-06-18T08:09:00.000+08:00

He told them: "Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." - Luke 9:3-5(NIV)

In the Kingdom of Heaven

2010-06-05T15:57:00.000+08:00

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

“And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. - Matthew 18:1-5(NIV).

God Is Truthful

2010-05-10T08:42:00.001+08:00

“The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful.For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” - John 3:31-36(NIV).

Compassion VS Indifference

2010-05-08T23:35:00.002+08:00

Compassion in the home includes:

· Realizing each other’s needs for love and attention, and planning outings and activities to meet those needs.

· Sensing each other’s need for respect and listening to ideas with an open mind.

· Seeking to understand another’s struggles from his or her viewpoint and experiences.

· Being willing to give up activities that could disappoint and hurt one another.

Rewards of Compassion:

· Favour: A person who diligently seeks the good of another will receive approval and favor of those who observe their unselfish actions.

· Friendship: Becoming involved in the life of another brings a deeper level of intimacy and friendship.

I will:

· Stop to help.

· Listen when other want to talk.

· Give of my resources to help those in need.

· Look for lasting solutions.

· Comfort others without regard to race, gender, faith, age, or nationality.

"He Has Made Me Possible"

2010-05-06T17:21:00.004+08:00

Brothers & sisters in Christ,

May the peace of God be with you.

My name is Adeline Lim, I am from Miri. I am just a young believer in Christ, I started to join GMC in 2007 and I started to join cell group in 2008. I have never thought that I am able to serve the Lord in this way even to stand here today is an “Impossible” to me. I am always not convinced that I am being good enough to share with others. I am still a person who needs to be transforming into Christ likeness. So in order to live a Christian life, I have decided I should serve the Lord as much as I can.

This was my 3^rd trip to Selangau. The first trip was last year August 2009 and the second trip was on November 2009. After the two previous trips to Selangau I still do not have the confidence that God would use me like how he would use others, all my previous teammates are gifted and talented. They could lead smoothly and effectively. I think I have only managed to assist them in a small area only. It was a BIG challenge for me to join the mission trip because I am not fluent in Malay and definitely not understanding any of the Iban language.

The reason why I decided to go back to this mission trip is because I wanted to continue to serve the Lord. We can only serve him with our heart and yet he doesn’t need anything from us, therefore we should try our best to serve him in the area that we are gifted. During the two previous mission trips I have actually build a strong relationship with the local people at Selangau. They are all very warm hearted and friendly nice people. I wanted to go back and to see the transformation of the people.

There is a “BIG Difference” of this trip compare to the two previous mission trips. It is something that I have never expected. When I promised to join the 3^rd mission trip then only I found out that all my previous teammates were not going and I was anxious and extremely worried but I have already promised that I will attend the first meeting. So during the meeting I had brought up a discussion suggested to postpone our trip so that others were able to join us. But my team leader responded that we should go on this date because it was a school holiday and all the children would be around. They assigned me to lead on children ministry. At that moment, my mind was like having “Millions of Impossible” of how could I lead? There’s a language barrier and I am so young in Christ. When I went home, I had the thought that I should not go and I couldn’t sleep the whole night I even thought to call my team leader to cancel my name. But I have been thinking the whole night if I don’t go, I won’t be able to find a replacement in such a short notice. I put my faith in God and my family prayed for me so I decided to go lastly.

Praise the Lord on the next day my younger brother, Addam decided to join me to the mission trip. On the last week itself, 6 people from Bintulu Immanuel Church decided to join us. There are all very gifted in Children Ministry. They are assigned to teach the children. I myself and Monica will lead on the singing and Artwork. We only practiced for 2 times on the children songs even I was so nervous when leading the singing but GOD DID AMAZING WORK, the Holy Spirit was with us and the prayers were answered. The children enjoyed the singing and responded well. They were very eager to learn. Thank God all my teammates were very supportive and encouraging to each others. We made it!!!

I praise God because He has made me possible. I never thought that God will use me to lead and bless the children. I am very joyful because I can praise the Lord and God has built my confident to serve him.

“GOD WILL MAKE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE”

Thank you!

Sharing by Adeline Lim

Posted & Photos by Peter Yong

Made New In the Attitude

2010-05-05T21:41:00.000+08:00

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. - Ephesians 4:22-24(NIV)

The Lord Will Provide

2010-04-22T08:37:00.000+08:00

Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.

Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."

Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you."

Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?"
"Yes, my son?" Abraham replied.
"The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"

Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together.

When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied.

"Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."

Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."

The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." - Genesis 22:1-18(NIV)

Made Alive in Christ - It is the Gift of God

2010-04-21T09:45:00.001+08:00

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephehians 2:1-10(NIV)

Life by The Spirit

2010-04-06T17:31:00.004+08:00

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. - Galatians 5:16-26(NIV)

Living Hope

2010-03-17T08:51:00.002+08:00

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. - 1 Peter:3-9(NIV)

Mighty To Save

2010-03-12T09:39:00.000+08:00

"Who Do You Say I Am?"

2010-03-11T11:08:00.002+08:00

The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.

He replied, "When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away.

When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. "Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

They discussed this among themselves and said, "It is because we didn't bring any bread."

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, "You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"

They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" - Matthew 16:1-15(NIV)

"Go and do likewise"

2010-03-06T08:23:00.003+08:00

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"

He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." - Luke 10:25-37(NIV)

"Do you still have no faith?

2010-03-05T08:57:00.002+08:00

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" - Mark 4:35-41(NIV)

God So Loved the World

2010-02-28T18:23:00.001+08:00

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. - John 3:16-17(NIV)

"I have food to eat that you know nothing about"

2010-02-23T08:13:00.002+08:00

"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor." - John 3:34-38(NIV)

Education Mission to Bakun Penan Longhouses

2010-02-02T11:12:00.006+08:00

Posted and photographs by Peter Yong

This sharing is in photos slide. This was a three days short term mission trip to Belaga, Bakun@22nd-24th January, 2010 by a group of ten members team from Miri various Methodist churches. Their mission were to share the gospel and continuous love, support in educating the Penan there in the jungle.

Hears My Words and Put Them into Practice

2010-01-04T20:48:00.001+08:00

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." - Luke 6:46-49(NIV)

God So Loved the World

2009-12-20T05:56:00.001+08:00

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16(NIV)

49 Characters: 37. Punctuality Vs Tardiness (continue from last week)

2009-12-19T19:30:00.000+08:00

Punctuality is demonstrating the worth of people and time by arriving for appointments before they begin.

· Punctuality is respecting the time of others. My five-minute delay means that each one waiting for me loses five minutes of irreplaceable time.

· Organizing our lives and surroundings so that we can be on time.

Personal Evaluation: How punctual are you toward others?

· Do you arrive punctually for mealtimes and other family gatherings?

· Do you arrive early at your place of employment?

· Do you keep appointments that you make with others?

· Do you promptly pay your bills?

· Do you write thank-you letters and notes in a timely fashion?

· Do you punctually return books and other items that you borrow?

· Do you fulfill the promises you have made to others?

49 Characters: Punctuality Vs Tardiness

2009-12-11T22:59:00.001+08:00

49 Characters:

37. Punctuality Vs Tardiness

Punctuality is demonstrating the worth of people and time by arriving for appointments before they begin.

· Punctuality is respecting the time of others. My five-minute delay means that each one waiting for me loses five minutes of irreplaceable time.

· Organizing our lives and surroundings so that we can be on time.

Personal Evaluation: How punctual are you toward God?

· Do you meet God punctually each morning for prayer and reading scripture?

· Do you go to bed early so that you can get up early?

· Do you arrive for church early so that you are ready at the appointed time?

· Do you tithe punctually?

· Do you quickly do all you can to meet a need that God brings to your attention?

· Do you seize opportunities to share the Gospel as God directs you?

"Go and do likewise."

2009-12-02T07:24:00.003+08:00

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"

He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." - Luke 10:25-37(NIV)

Hidden Treasure

2009-11-23T13:13:00.002+08:00

My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,

turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,

and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,

and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,

then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.

For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.

For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.

Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,

who leave the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,

who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,

whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.

It will save you also from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words,

who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before God.

For her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.

None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.

Thus you will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.

For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;

but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it. - Proverbs 2-1-22(NIV)

Give Thanks

2009-11-20T11:43:00.000+08:00

Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations. - Psalms 100:1-5(NIV)

Emily Tiang's Testimony

2009-11-17T18:08:00.007+08:00

Balingian Mission Trip 22-24th Aug 2009

Emily’s sharing
__________
I am Emily Tiang, I am 16 years old. I joined the short term mission trip because my mother signed me up since it was a week of school break. This is my first time and I do not know what to expect.

When I reach there, it was a lot better than I had expected. I was glad that I had gone. I had actually enjoyed the stay.The adults and children at the longhouse were very friendly and lived simple lives. I feel relaxed to be among them. The food is simple yet nice like bamboo shoots, midin, tapioca leaves, oil palm shoot, most of which are obtained from the jungle. I was also not bitten by mosquitoes, Praise the Lord.

I helped with the drawing and colouring in the children’s ministry. Helped the children tie their hair while some got their hair cut. It was a joy to be able to see so many people, 35 of them, from infants to adults, being baptized at the Selangau church.

I hope more youths will join such mission trips in the future.
Thank you.

Article distributed by Wendy Tiong. Posted by Peter Yong

Melanie Tiang's Testimony

2009-11-17T17:33:00.006+08:00

Balingian Mission Trip 22-24th Aug 2009

I am Melanie Tiang, I am 14 years old. This is also my first time to a mission trip. I have similar expectation to Emily’s. But it turned out a lot better than what I have expected.

The longhouse folks and children are very friendly and they welcomed us warmly when we arrived. I am quite comfortable with their living environment and fitted in well.I helped with the drawing and colouring in the children’s ministry. We also played some games with the children. I can see that the children enjoyed the children ministry.The children enjoyed singing the songs of praise which were taught to them. They even performed on the last night and also did the puppet show about the lost sheep to the longhouse folks. I am privileged to be part of the team.

I hope that more youths will go for trips like this to serve them.

Thank you.

Article provided by Wendy Tiong. Posted by Peter Yong

To Share What We Have

2009-11-16T16:29:00.004+08:00

Sharing by Jocelyn. Article provided by Wendy Tiong.
Posted by Peter Yong

I went to this mission trip because I had wanted to do so last year but had missed the opportunity.

So this year when this came up and it was during the one week school holiday, I brought my children with me as well. I had not stayed at a longhouse before, and did not know what to expect. Nevertheless, I felt peace in going. I had to drive with a backup driver. The longhouse folks were very friendly and we quickly settled down with our unloading. We had to bath in rain water collected in a tub since there is no piped water. It was so refreshingly cold after a long journey.

I watched those who had been to this longhouse before with their sense of familiarity and ease. Though language is a problem for me, because I neither speak BM nor Iban, this was no obstacle to helping with the team in what they are doing. To be able to leave my comfort zone and go for this trip was a blessing for me since I felt that I do not even have the urge to complain when I see the earnestness of the longhouse folks in hearing what we have to share.

It was also a real joy to be able to witness some 35 people, from infants to adults , being baptized in the Selangau church on Sunday by the pastor there. To be able to share what we have in terms of food, bibles, quiet time, songs of praise, guitars, fun time and just by our being there, serving in whatever ways we can, can bring the gospel message alive and more acceptable.

I would urge those who have not gone to sign up for the next one.

Selangau Short Mission Trip 22-24th Aug 09

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Video clip by Wendy Tiong. Posted by Peter Yong

The Spirit Gives Life

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Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. - 2 Corinthians 3:1-6(NIV)

49 Characters: 32. Meekness Vs Anger

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Meekness is yielding our rights to God so He can demonstrate His peace and power through us.

Personal Evaluation : How meek are you ?

· Have you dedicated yourself to God and yielded all your right to Him?

· Do you have full confidence that God controls all that happens to you?

· Is it your goal to become more like the Lord Jesus Christ?

· Have you received and responded to the good tidings of the Gospel?

· Do others praise you for a meek and quiet spirit, or do they react to an angry spirit?

· Do people resist your advice or counsel when you try to help them?

· Do you speak evil of those in positions of leadership?

· Do people ask you why you are so peaceful when serious adversities come into our life?

· Have you exchanged your burdens for the yoke of Christ?

· When you do good works and are praised for them, do you deflect the honor to others who helped you?

God will make a way

2009-11-06T16:35:00.001+08:00

God’s Grace is Sufficient

2009-11-04T21:12:00.003+08:00

From Local Missionary at Pa Adang, Lawas, Sister Kong Moi Fah(26^th February, 2009)Original article in Mandarin translated by Rev. Law Hui Seng).

Posted by Peter Yong

“Thanks be to God, His grace is sufficient for me,” This is God’s promise to me. This is my third year in Pa Adang. Three years is not a long time and it is also not a short time. No matter what, they have gone. God does not forsake me. He leads me to experience Him every day.

As I recall the past, when I recount every moment of my life, I have countless thanks to give to God. God allows me to learn lots of lessons. Though in these few years, I experience lots of pain and tears, God allows me to grow, to draw close to Him, experience His love, and grace. I learn to understand His will. I know that God puts me in Pa Adang for He desires me to learn many lessons. He wants to train, mould me to become a child pleasing to him, so that I can willingly, without complain, give myself to God to walk this path of ministry.

At the moment, in Pa Adang, our ministry starts to enter into establish mode. The Pa Adang Penans have started to learn about wet padi planting, rearing fish, learning to plant vegetable, etc. Thank God for He allows me to see portion of the Penan people starting to settle down.

2009 is a year of breakthrough for the Penan people in Pa Adang. Finally, they are ready to send their children to the government school. This is the greatest encouragement to us as teachers. Thank God that finally, we have the first batch of Penans. We hope that more Penan parents can see it, open up and allow their children to go to government school to receive education.

Actually, the Penan children need a period of time to adjust themselves to the new school environment. They never learn to live with other races; they also never come out of their original environment.

Finally, I hope GMC can pray for the Penan students who are studying in the school now. Pray that God will grant them extra measure of wisdom. May God bless them with very good ability to adjust and learn new things. All glory be to God, Amen!

All in the name of the Lord Jesus

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Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:15-17(NIV)

One New Humanity

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For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. - Ephesians 2:14-17(TNIV)

The Perfect Law

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Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. - James 1:22-25(NIV)

We are his offspring

2009-10-21T22:07:00.001+08:00

"Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man's design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." - Acts 29-31(NIV)

49 Characters: Joyfulness Vs Self-pity

2009-10-18T15:02:00.001+08:00

29. Joyfulness Vs Self-pity

• Joy is proof to the world that God can fully satisfy the human heart.
• For the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
• Joy is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God. William Vander Hoven

Personal Evaluation : How joyful are you?
• Do people see a bright countenance when they look at you?
• Do you cry out to God whenever you are faced with a difficult situation?
• Do you cry out to God and experience His working in response to your crying out?
• Do you joyfully share these experiences with everyone you can?
• Do you use the names of God in your prayers? When crying out?
• Do you enjoy times of rich, wholehearted fellowship with the Lord?
• Do you memorize rehemas from scripture?
• Do you thank god for every trial you experience?
• Are you discipling others in their spiritual growth?
• Do you put your whole heart and mind into the jobs you are given?

I am Free!

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Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23(NIV)

It is the gift of God - Love, Mercy & Grace

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"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

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What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. - James 4-1-10(NIV)

God Disciplines Us for Our Good

2009-10-12T08:25:00.004+08:00

In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.- Hebrews 12:4-11(NIV)

49 Characters: Initiative Vs Idleness

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28. Initiative Vs Idleness

Initiative is acting on the rhemas that God gives to us in His Word.

· Initiative is carrying out the will of God by being in tune with the heart of God.

Personal Evaluation: How much initiative do you have?

· Do you show initiative by rising early in the morning and seeking the Lord?

· Do you take initiative to seek direction for your life in God’s word?

· Do you show initiative by memorizing and meditating on scripture?

· Do you show initiative by asking forgiveness and being reconciled with your enemies?

· Do you display initiative by building and using a prayer list?

· Do you take initiative in setting aside times for fasting?

· Do you take initiative to honor the Lord’s Day?

· Do you participate in other initiatives to do good works?

· Do you take initiative in sharing the gospel with others?

· Do you exemplify initiative by keeping your home and car in good repair?

· Do you take initiative to search out the fatherless and the widows in your church and neighborhood and discover their needs?

· Do you exercise initiative in learning how to write down the truths that God is teaching you?

The Word is Living and Active

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For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. - Hebrews 4:12-13(NIV)

Today

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See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold firmly till the end our original conviction. - (Hebrews 3:12-14 TNIV)

Go into All the World

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Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. - Mark 16:15(NIV)

Loving Each Other

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Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. - Hebrews 13:1-3(NIV)

49 Characters:- Humility Vs Pride

2009-10-04T06:00:00.000+08:00

27. Humility Vs Pride

Humility is recognizing and acknowledging my total dependence upon the Lord and seeking His will for every decision.

Our choice: Humble ourselves or be humbled by God.

Personal Evaluation

1. When people disagree with you, do you argue to defend your position?

2. Do you tend to cut off those who ignore you?

3. Are you hurt when those whom you dislike are honored?

4. Do you find it difficult to admit you are wrong?

5. Do you inwardly react when people criticize you?

6. Do you give your opinions before being asked for them?

7. Do you enjoy sharing about your accomplishments?

8. Do you talk more than you listen?

9. Are you more concerned about your reputation or God’s?

10. Do you give the impression that you have no problems?

11. Do you seek ways to humble yourself?

12. Do you do things for praise and compliments?

13. Do you accept praise rather than deflecting it?

14. Are you quick to correct others when they make mistakes?

15. Do you react when you do not receive credit you are due?

16. Do you feel important?

Which is More Important?

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"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." - Mark 12:29-31(NIV)

The Prize

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Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27(NIV)

"Don't be afraid; just believe."

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When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, "My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live." So Jesus went with him.

A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?"

"You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?' "

But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."

While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher any more?"

Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe."

He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, "Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child's father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" ). Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat. - Mark 5:21-43(NIV)

Listen and Repent

2009-09-27T14:44:00.002+08:00

The Rich Man and Lazarus

"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'

"But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'

"He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'

"Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'

" 'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'

"He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' " Luke 16:19-31(NIV)