~ Beware The Rupert

Aug 18,2009
Sunday

READ:
2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 12-15

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Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
-2 Corinthians 11:14

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In the June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion of Europ, an armada of Allied ships assaulted the beaches of Normandy, France. Simultaneously, thousands of airplanes dropped hundreds of rubber dummies behind the enermy lines. Called "Ruperts," these dummies were intended to simulate an attack to confuse the enermy. As the Ruperts, landed, some German outpost were tricked into fighting the "paradummies," creating a vital crack in the walls of Fotress Europe.

We accept that kind of deception as part of a legitimate militaty operation designed to thwart oppressive forces. What we should not accept is the deception Satan throws our way. Paul explained that the devil "transforms himself into an angel of light" ( 2 Cor. 11:14), and his servants appear to be people who are promoting righteousness (v. 15).

We must be alert! Our spiritual enermy would love to have followers of Christ distracted by false teaching and faulty doctrine. But as we keep our eyes on Jesus and the clear teachings Scripture, our Lord can keep us aimed in the right direction.

Don't be tricked by Satan's Ruperts. - Bill Crowder

Each day amid life's noisy throng
We're bound to hear this world's case,
And if we're not alert to wrong,
The Saviour's name we may disgrace. - D. De Haan

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God's truth uncovers Satan's lies.

~ Our Legacy

June 21,2009
Sunday

READ:
Psalm 127

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Children are a heritage from the Lord.
-Psalm 127:3

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A friend of mine wrote recently, "If we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family left behind would feel the loss for the rest of their lives. Why then do we invest so much in out work and so little in our children's lives?"

Why do we sometimes exhaust ourselves rising up early and going late to rest, "eating the bread of anxious toil" (Ps. 127:1-2 ESV), busying ourselves to make our mark on this world, and overlooking the one investment that matters beyond everthing else- our children?

Solomon declared, "Children are a heritage from the LORD"- an invaluable legacy He has bequathed us." Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the childten of one's youth" (v.4) is his striking simile. Nothing is more worthy of our energy and time.

There is no need for "anxious toil," working night and day, the wise man Solomon proclaimed, for the Lord does take care of us (Ps. 127:2). We can make time for our children and trust the Lord will provide for all our physical needs. Children, whether our own or those we disciple, are our lasting legacy- an investment we'll never regret. - David Roper

Our children are a heritage,
A blessing from the Lord;
They bring a richness to our lives-
In each, a treasure stored. - Fasick

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Time spent with your children is time wisely invested.

~ A Donkey In Lion's Clothing

July 18,2009
Saturday

READ:
Matthew 7:15-23

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Beware of false prophets...in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
-Matthew 7:15

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In the final book of C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, The Last Battle, a devious ape named Shift finds an old lion's skin and persuades a simpleminded donkey to put it on. Shift then claims that the disgusted donkey is Aslan (the Lion who is the rightful king of Narnia) and forms an alliance with Narnia's enemies. Together they set out to control and enslave the subjects of Narnia. Young King Tirian, however, can't believe that Aslan would actually be involved with such brutal practives. So, with the help of the real Aslan, he defeats Shift and his counterfeit lion.

The Bible tells us that the devil is in the business if imitating God. His goal is "to be like the Most High" (Isa. 14:12-15). Through deception, Satan tries to replace Christ with a substitute. Jesus Himself warned us of false prophets and false christs:" Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many" (Matt.24:4-5).

How can we tell the real Christ from the counterfeit? The only authentic Christ is the one described in Scripture. Anyone or anything that portrays a different Jesus that the One represented in the Bible is promoting "a donkey in lion's clothing."- Dennis Fisher

Beware of anyone who claims
To speak directly from the Lord
If what he says does not agree
With everything that's in God's Word. - Sper

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God's Word gives wisdom to discern what is false.

~ Dangerous Freedom

July 4,2009
Saturday

READ:
Galatians 5:1-6,16-21

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Do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
-Galatians 5:13

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Freedom is dangerous in the hands of those who don't know how to use it. That's why criminals are confined in prisons with barbed wire, steel bars, and concrete barriers. Or consider a campfire that is allowed to spread in a dry forest. It quickly becomes a blazing inferno. Unchecked freedom can create chaos.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the Christian life. Believers are from law's curse, its penalty, and its guilt=producing power. Fear, anxiety, and guilt are replaced by peace, forgiveness, and liberty. Who could be more free than one who is free in the depths of his soul? But here is where we often fail. We use freedom's luxury to live selfishly, or we claim ownership of what God has merely entrusted to us. We slip into patterns of self-indulgent living, especially in affluent societies.

The proper use of freedom is "faith working through love" to serve one another (Gal. 5:6,13). When we rely on the Spirit and expend our energies on loving God and helping others, the destructive works of the flesh will be restrained by God (vv.16-21). So let's always use our liberty to build up, not to tear down.

Like a raging fire, freedom without limits is dangerous. But when controlled, it is a blessing to all. -Dennis De Hann

Christ came to give us liberty
By dying in our place;
Now with new freedom we are bound
To share His love and grace. - D. De Haan

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Freedom doesn't give us the right to do what we please, but to do what pleases God.

~ War In Heaven

May 19,2009
Tuesday

READ:
Revelation 12:7-12

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War broke out in heaven....[And Satan] was cast to the earth.
-Revelation 12:7-9

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Philip Pullman is a gifted writer of fantasy books. His Dark Materials trilogy includes The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass and is very popular among young reader. But below the surface of these sympathetic characters and compelling subplots is a sinister purpose. The story culminates in a great war against God.

In these books, Pullman views the fall of Satan as a righteous cause for personal independence from God's "tyrannical" control. He implies that Satan's attempt to usurp the throne of God was the right thing to do!

In the book of Revelation, we read of the endtimes: "War broke out in heaven.... [And Satan] was cast to the earth" (Rev.12:7-9). That future was is being preceded by an eathly conflict on the battlefield of our minds.

We must recognize Satan for what he is - a liar (John 8:44). His strategy is to take God's words out off context and twist them into falsehood (Gen. 3:1-7). Our best defense against him is hold firmly o the truth of God's Word (Eph. 6:10-18).

our loving heavenly Father is "not willing that any should perish" (2 Peter 3:9). But neither will He force our obedience. He leaves the choice to us.

The prince of darkness grim-
We tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure-
One little word shall fell him. - Luther

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When Satan strikes, strike back with the Word of God.

~ The Secret Is

May 15,2009
Friday

READ:
1 Corinthians 2:6-16

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We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages.
-1 Corinthians 2:7

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If you believe Rhonda Bryne, author of the bestselling book The Secret, "The shortcut to anything you want in your life is to be and feel happy now!" According to Byrne, this has to do with something called the law of attraction. If you think only about things that make you happy, she says, happy things will be attracted to you.

Sounds easy enough.

However, the Bible says that "the secret" to is something very different. It has to do with "the law of the Spirit of life" that sets us free from "the law of sin and death" (ROM.8:2), not with the "law of attraction."

According to the apostle Paul, the most important thing to know is " Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). To those who are concerned with happiness now, this indeed foolishness (v1.4). They do not recognize the power of God in what appears to them as weakness.

The Lord created us with a desire to know what is secret. In His wisdom, He kept certain things hidden in mystery for a time (v.7).But now, through His Holy Spirit, He has made them known. And the secret He reveals has nothing to do with having happy thoughts in order to obtain happy things; it has to do with having the mind of Jesus Christ (v.16).- Julie Ackerman Link

There is a law that made us free-
In Romans 8 this truth is heard;
The secret is to walk with God,
And daily lean upon His word. - Hess

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To know lasting happiness, we must get to know Jesus.

~ In the Worst of times Is the Best of times

Hi, I have a good news for everyone! A new event coming up in Kuala Lumpur by RBC Ministries Bible Teaching Session. Please refer below for more details!

Date: Saturday, 6th June 2009
Time: 7.30p.m.-10.00p.m
Venue: Chinese Methodist Hokkien Church
Address: No.1 Lorong Hang Jebat, 50150 Kuala Lumpur.
Speaker: Albert Lee

Please click image below for larger and detail map view.
Credits: RBC Ministries.

~ The World Is Watching

May 11,2009
Monday

READ:
John 13:31-35

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By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
-John 13:35

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My friends were serving in a ministry that was directed mainly to Christians when an opportunity came for them to change jobs and touch the lives of thousands of non-believers. They decided to make what they believed to be an exciting change.

Many people, even some who didn't personally know them, were shocked and accused them of seeking fame and fortune in the world. But believing that Jesus came "to seek and to save that which was lost: (Luke 19:10), they decided to pursue what they considered an even greater opportunity to serve the "lost" in their community.

They said later, " Some Christians were so cruel to us, and wrote hateful e-mails. Our non Christian friends were kinder to us than our fellow Christians. We didn't understand that, and were hurt deeply." They told me that their desire was to follow God's directive to be "salt" and "light" in the world (Matt. 5:13-14).

When someone we know is making a decision or change, it can be helpful to ask about his or her motives. But we can't fully know another's heart. We don't want to "bite and devour" our fellow Christians (gal.5:15), but instead to love them in a way that others will know we are Jesus's followers (John 13:35). The world is watching. - Anne Cetas

We join our hearts and hands together,
Faithful to the Lord's command:
We hold each other to God's standards-
All that truth and love demand. - D. De Haan

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Only God sees the heart.

~ Check Your Attitude

Apr 15,2009
Wednesday

READ:
1 John 3:22-36

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He must increase, but I must decrease.
-John 3:30

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A music professor with a well-trained voice usually sang the major male solo parts in the choir of a large church. A young man named Bob with no training sometimes took a few shorter solos. As the choir director prepared for Christmas cantata, she felt Bob's voice and style made him a natural for the lead role. However, she didn't know how she could give it to him without offending the older man.

Her anxiety was unnecessary. The professor had the same thoughts as she did, and he told her that Bob should take the part. He continued to sing faithfully in the chorus and was a source of much encouragement to Bob.

People who can set aside selfish ambition and genuinely seek the good of others have an attitude that pleases God. Do you remember how John the Baptist reacted when the crowd left him and began following Jesus? He said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).

What did John the Baptist and the music professor have in common? The were able to set aside "selfish ambition." They were happy to see others elevated above themselves when it was for the common good. Can the same be said about us?- Herb Vander Lugt

This is the highest learning,
The hardest and the best-
From self to keep still turning
And honor all the rest. - MacDonald

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When we forget about ourselves, we do things others will remember.

~ Be Thankful for What You Have

Human life is really "fragile". Recently, my family and I have visited my uncle during Chinese New Year. Every year, my uncle and my aunt host the Chinese New Year celebration for the big family. We are suppose to feel happy on that day. However, I felt very sad when I saw my uncle lie on the bed. He was unable to move as he got stroke on last year August 2008. I am not sure what can I do in order to help him. His memory getting worse after the 3rd brain operation on last few days according to what my aunt told us. When he look at my family members, he took very long to figure out our name. He was like a bionic or super-man to us. He can install house electrical components, paint the whole house, repair his own cars and many other things he can do by himself. He was also a workaholic. However, now he looks really weak and very thin.

Everything is unexpected. My uncle took his medical check up on May 2008. Everything was fine except slightly low blood pressure. However, just within 3 months his life has changed. He fainted in his car before he started to drive. Luckily, there was a kind cab driver quickly send him to hospital when he spotted my uncle. Doctor said that he has high blood pressure and has a blood clot in his brain. Immediate brain operation has to be carried out. My aunt told us that my uncle was very afraid as he do not know whether he could survive on the 3 operations.

Do not put too much stress or pressure on yourself. Yes, we need to work hard but we should know our limit before we start to work or complete a task. Most of us work very hard in order to find more money. Sometimes, don't you think we are like the slave of money? We have to wake up. For example like my uncle's case, he did find more money in these few years but he pushed himself very hard. Oh, I forgot to mention his age. He is now aged 60+. My aunt told us that most of his money now spent on his medical usage like medicine and operations. Remember, we still have a very invaluable asset i.e. our health. We can't use money to buy our health. Besides that, our family members and friends feel more sad than us if anything happen to us. Do not hurt your loved ones. So, take care my friends.

Now, I hope my uncle can recover quickly. Let us pray for him. Amen!

~ Gifts Within the Gift

Dec 6,2008
Thursday

READ:
1 John 5:9-13,20

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Thanks be to God fo His indescribable gift.
-2 Corinthians 9:15

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Sharon's favorite Christmas gift last year from her husband Andy was an antique treasure chest. Inside were three boxes with additional gifts of chocolates and jewelry. She enjoyed each gift within the gift.

When God sent His Son Jesus to be the Savior of the world, He gave us many gifts within the Gift. Now when people receive the gift of Jesus, they also receive these special gifts, which they could obtain in no other way:

Forgiveness of sin. "In [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7).

Teaching from the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised, "The Helper, the holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things" (John 14:26).

Eternal life and home in heaven. John said," He who has the Son has life" (1 John 5:12). Jesus promised, " In My Father's house are many mansions;...I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2).

A love like no other. "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you....Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (Jon 15:9,13).

Have you received God's indescribable Gift? You only need to ask.- Anne Cetas

The ABCs OF SALVATION
Admit that you're a sinner (Rom. 3:23).
Believe on Christ (Acts 16:31).
Confess your faith. (Rom. 10:9-10)

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Jesus is both the gift and the Giver of every good gift.

~ God Is Good

Feb 24,2008
Sunday

READ:
Genesis 3:1-7

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Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
-Psalm 25:8

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The phrase God is good, all the time; all the time God is good" is repeated by many Christians almost like a mantra. I often wonder if they really believe it or even think about what they're saying. I sometimes doubt God's goodness- especially when it feels as though God isn't hearing or answering my prayers. I assume that if others were more honest, they'd admit they feel the same way.

The serpent planted a doubt in Eve's mind about whether God had been good to her best interest at heart. He said," God knows that in the day you eat of [the fruit] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil"(Gen 3.5). Satan tried to convince her to believe that God was holding out on her and not giving her something really good- more knowledge.

Do you feels as thought God isn't answering your prayers? Are you tempted to doubt His goodness? When I feel this way, I remind myself that my circumstances aren't the barometer of God's love and goodness- the cross is. He has shown how good He is by giving His only Son Jesus to die for our sin. We can't rely on out feelings. But day by day as we choose to trust Him more, we learn to believe with confidence that God is good- all the time.- Anne Cetas

When you are tempted to deny
God's goodness, love, and grace,
Look to the cross of Calvary,
Where Jesus took your place. -Sper

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Circumstances aren't the barometer of God's love and goodness- the cross is.

~ Thank You LORD

A few days before the Christmas day celebration I felt quite upset as I realize I have no place to celebrate Christmas. My family usually does not celebrate Christmas ourselves. I hope to join my church to celebrate Christmas. Unfortunately, I was busy with my revisions for my exams during the 2 weeks before Christmas.

4 days before Christmas, my mom told me that we forgot to buy tickets for Christmas eve at church. The pastor did mention that we have to purchase ticket to attend the Christmas eve celebration. The church invited external restaurant cooks to prepare all the dishes as the church has quite large number of members. On the next day (22 Dec 08), my mom called up the church to find out whether the tickets are still available. As expected, they were sold out! I was very upset!

On 23 Dec 08, I received a Christmas invitation card! I was very happy as the card is from the previous church that I joined last time.The main reason that I join the new church is because of my family as they feel more comfortable with the new church. I didn't attend my ex-church for almost 1 year ++. However, they still remember and invite me. That's really great!

On 25 Dec 08, I alone went to church to celebrate Christmas. My family was still busy with their business as the Christmas was on weekdays. Finally, the celebration begun! We sang a few Gospels and Christmas song. There was a small "drama". All the church members enjoyed the "drama". The "drama" is about Jesus came into this world. I was really impressed with it as most of the actors and actresses (95%) were kids aged between 3-12! Besides that, new members were baptist to our big community as Christians. Although , the church is small but I still can feel the happiness and joy of Christmas! After almost 3 hours, the Christmas celebration ended with "Christmas lunch".

Once again, I want to thank LORD for preparing a wonderful Christmas Day for me. =) Amen!

~ Unlocking The Gate

Feb 4,2008
Monday

READ:
Numbers 5:5-8

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When a man or woman commits any sin....against the LORD,....then he shall confess the sin which he has committed.
-Numbers 5:6-7

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Researchers at the University of Toronto reported in 2006 that people who are suffering from a guilty conscience experience "a powerful urge to wash themselves." To study this effect, the researchers asked the volunteers to recall past sins. They were then given an opportunity to was their hands as a symbol of cleansing their conscience. Those who had recalled their sins washed their hands at "twice the rate of study subjects who ha not imagined past transgressions."

The Bible proposes the only effective way if dealing with sin - confession. In the Old Testament, one of the ways the Israelities were supposed to cleanse themselves and maintain purity before God and in their community was by confessing their sins (Num. 5:5-8). To confess means "to speak the same; to agree with; to admit the truth." When the people confessed to God, they were not telling Him anything He did not already know. But their confession was demonstration of a change of heart. Refusing to confess their sins allowed sins to take deeper root within their lives and community.

Admitting our sin unlocks the gate so that we can have forgiveness, joy, and peace. If we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9). -Marv

If we would know God's power to heal
And cleanse us from within,
We must acknowledge when we're wrong-
Confessing it as sin -Fasick

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Confession is agreeing with God about our sin.