Goodbye 2008

We are almost at the end of this year, and I think it is a good time for us to reflect on all that has happened plus what we have learnt along the way. But more than that I like us to focus and prepare ourselves to live out God's will and plan for the coming year. Here are some suggestions for all of us to consider.

1. Commit ourselves to continual self development and improvement. In other words, never be satisfied at where you are as far as our character and life in God. We should always have an improvement mentality which can then bring God's blessing into our families' lives, into our work, our studies, our ministries and especially in our personal walk with Jesus.

2. Realize that we must live out our lives from a strong spiritual centre. In other words, everything we do should be an outworking and expression of God's love. When we are passionate for God, we will express that passion in all that we do. Many times God's work in our church suffers not for lack of giftedness, but lack of passion.

3. Pray for what we want to see happening in our church. Sometimes people pray and tell God what they don't want. I would rather that we pray for what we want to see happen! 2009 is a big year for us as we prepare move into our new church building.

We have a passion and a BIG goal to reach and have many people attending our church service. It is not an impossible goal. And I am sure that God would be pleased to see new lives enter His Kingdom. To see this happen, it would take a lot more passion, love for God, love for the lost and intense and continual commitment to excellence in all that we do, and to be impactful and influential people wherever we are (salt & light).

I am very excited about what God is going to do in our lives in 2009. But it takes more than excitement, it takes all of us willingly giving ourselves to glorify God as a church by participating actively to grow God's Kingdom.

Hope Tawau Christmas Celebration Opening Dance

An opening dance by our 2 sisters during the Chirstmas Music Celebration 2008

Don't come empty-handed

We usually don’t go to a birthday or wedding party without bringing along a gift. Since we were invited to share in the joy of the occasion, it is our privilege to shower with gifts to those whom honor is deserved.

The Feast of Tabernacles was party-time for the Israelites to celebrate God’s generosity and faithfulness! Gathering as a nation, they brought freewill offerings to God; reflecting on how much God had blessed them in the year that had passed. God commanded them never to come before Him empty-handed.

The MNC is our party-time. Hooray! We have so much to catch up on, and to share with one another. We look forward to the times of teaching and celebrations of praise. One important element of the MNC is taking time to give thanks to the Lord. Let’s not come empty-handed.

This is not limited to just bringing a financial offering. Some of us may have acquired a new gift or talent which can be offered to edify the church. Some of us may have seen growth in our business or ministry – we can bring the “first fruits” before the Lord. Some may want to fast and pray for the remaining days prior to the MNC; to make intercession as an offering to the Lord. A few of us may take this opportunity to say to the Lord, “Here I am, use/send me!”

There are many innovative ways we can bring our freewill offerings to the Lord. Let’s take stock of the blessings we have received from the Lord, and joyfully bring a freewill offering that would honor Him proportionately.

(Deu 16:16-17 NIV) Three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles. No man should appear before the LORD empty-handed: {17} Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.

The Secret of Long Life and Prosperity

Since Chinese New Year is approaching, let us blessed by God through His word:

Pro 3:1-10

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;bind them around your neck,write them on the
tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Hope Tawau Camp 2008

We have a great camp at Kuharah Court condominium during the Hari Raya holidays

Our theme is a growing church .... indeed the church of Christ will continue to grow as all living things must grow. We truly believe that our church shall grow just like a mustard seed. It starts small but it shall not remain small. God has mandated that the church should grow. There is enough evidence in Scripture that God is not pleased with a stagnating church.