Ark Channel

Alternate Disciples!

1. A centurion, an alien — There were no signs of the disciples beneath the cross. The only one who proclaimed Jesus truly the Son of God was a centurion. (v39)

2. Joseph, an honorable councilor — One who was not recognized as a disciple yet doing the dues of what disciples should do – fearlessly he asked for the body of Jesus and buried him. (v43)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 15b (v29-47)

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* Alcoholic, villain Arthur STACE experienced a complete spiritual transformation the moment he was saved. He quit drinking and built his family. He went around all corners of Sydney to serve in gospel ministry with his small gestures. For 35 years, 4 nights in a week, up till his death, he wrote with chalk the word “eternity” everywhere he went, covering 500,000 spots in the city. This was his way of alerting the world to take heed of life in eternity.  His story aroused many to look for this “Mr. Eternity” and was made into dramas and movies, testifying for Christ.

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* And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab over against Beth-peor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. (Deuteronomy 34:6)

Deuteronomy 33-34: God delivered Moses out of water when he was a baby, buried him Himself when he died. This is life testimony that God’s presence with us is all life long.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Our Lord! One Who Mingles With Sinners!

1. A murderer — Jesus was associated with sinners all His life but under God’s plan, His death traded the life of Barabbas,. (v15)

2. Two robbers — Jesus was associated with sinners even to His moments on earth – He was crucified with two robbers on His side. (v28)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  Mark 15a (v1-28)

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* Arthur STACE in Sydney, an alcoholic, was once jailed for excessive drinking. One day, while roaming on the street, he went into a church and heard the pastor’s message that one should give thoughts on one’s ending. He shouted, “Eternity! Eternity! May everyone in town hear “Eternity”.  Let’s face it! Where will you spend your eternity!” The message touched Arthur right at his heart, bringing him to follow the Lord faithfully.

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* He (Jehovah) found him in a desert land, And in the waste howling wilderness;  (v10a)… Jehovah alone did lead him, And there was no foreign god with him. (v12) (Deuteronomy 32:10, 12)

Deuteronomy 31-32: Three pictures that depict how God loves His children: a father watching and protecting his children, an eagle covering her young, the shepherd leading and guiding.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Two Men Who Are Facing Pressure

1. Jesus was standing boldly before the counsel and faced the trial. Jesus admitted and declared He Himself was fulfilling the prophecy in the Bible. (v62)

2. Peter was with the maid in the court, hiding out and denying the Lord. Is there a chance that he could turn back? (v72)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 14c (v53-72)

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* Praises to God Almighty/頌讚全能上帝

Heaven and earth is like a big book, proclaiming the greatness of God’s creation.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Judas & Peter

1. Judas’ kiss — How heartless was Judas who marked the target of the teacher he was to betray by an act of peace and words of greeting! (v45)

2. Peter’s weakness — How shameful it was for Peter who boasted his faithfulness without realizing his weakness. He fell asleep when he should be most alert, fled on his own at the moment of tribulation. (v50)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 14b (v22-52)

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* Visiting scholar at Law School of Yale University, LIU Su Tong/劉同蘇read the Bible once for the sake of academic studies. The Bible reading did not take him before the Lord until he met an old friend he made when studying at Yale. The friend, an elderly and critically ill, has been on gospel ministry throughout China and Europe for 40+ years. He told Su Tong, “Before I got ill, I was so proud of myself…. But during sickness, God opened my eyes and caused me to see that He seeks to dwell in our heart, not in a magnificent building…” Our elderly brother described his desire for the heavenly home (at his deathbed) as “I am expecting in great joy, like when I was kid waiting for Christmas on the eve!” Su Tong was greatly touched at how one could be so joyful at the verge of death.  He became a faithful follower in the Lord and a passionate preacher in sharing His love!

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* The secret things belong unto Jehovah our God; but the things that are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:29)

Deuteronomy 28-30: Take our children into the covenant with God. Do not expect to know everything but we need to take heed in understanding and upholding truths that are revealed to us.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Preparation For Death

1. This woman anointed the Lord — A woman inadvertently prepared Jesus for His burial by pouring perfume on His head, showing her love for the Lord Jesus in amidst the darkness. (v8)

2. That man betrayed the Lord — A man schemed to usher in Jesus’ death; the one who was in the inner circle, ultimately proved himself to be outside the circle. (v49)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 14:1-21

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* Shirley LOO’s/羅乃萱 piece – Prayer of the Blessed Children -

reminds us that our God’s plans for us are always the most suitable, and the best for us.

http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_46eb551801013mrn.html (traditional Chinese)

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* and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, Lord, have given me. (Deuteronomy 26:10)

Deuteronomy 25-27: The Israelites solemnly offered the first fruits of the harvest; bringing what the Lord had given and offering it back to the Lord is a concrete expression of thanksgiving to the Lord.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Be On Your Guard

1. Diligent at work — The master assigns to all workers his duties before he leaves for his journey. Are you faithful in accomplishing your duties and be able to give him an account when he returns? (v34)

2. On your guard — It is responsibilities of all disciples to be alert and watchful: And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch! (v37)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  Mark 13b (v24-37)

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* Today Can Be So Different/今天可以不一樣

Count on Jesus and your life can be so different.

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* For the Lord your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, … (Deuteronomy 23:14a)

Deuteronomy 22-24: God’s demand on holiness in the children of God penetrates on all aspects to our daily living, even to the smallest details. God is holy and He demands that His people are also holy.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Four Things at the End Times

1. The Temple and Christ — The magnificent temple will be destroyed, and those who claim to be Christ will arise, we must be on guard! (v1-6)

2. Disasters and Persecution — There will be much turmoil in nature and in government, pure faith will be persecuted, we must endure! (v7-13)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 13a (v1-23)

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* Footsteps of the Saints -
- KC CHEUNG ZHANG/張家洲 and YK SHIU/邵也娟 (Vancouver), Timothy CHOI/蔡仕傑 and MY CHI/戚明燕 (Calgary) have visited the Saints in HK. These families have moved to N. America for many years, still faithfully serving the Lord. – YC CHU/朱池恩 (HK), who has served the Lord for many years, has undergone cataract surgery

- Sam KONG will have a post-therapy full body scan this Thursday;

- Chaplain in hospital Peggy MY YIP/葉美燕 will have her fifth chemotherapy on Friday.

Please pray for all of these loyal servants of Christ!

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* When you go to war against your enemies… do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. (Deuteronomy 20:1)

Deuteronomy 19-21: For the people of God, their weaponry and energy to fight come from the fact that the Lord is present with them. The history behind Exodus is the most convincing proof.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

A Scribe vs A Widow

1. Teaching on God’s Judgment — How cynical the fact that Christ was preaching to sinners about forgiveness while he was preaching to the scribes about condemnation! (v40)

2. A Model Offering — The widow went beyond the rule of tithe in offering one tenth of what she has. Without much thought, she offered all her living to the ‘den’. Isn’t it a waste! (v43)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 12b (v28-44)

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*I used to detest smokers, thinking that they are selfish and heedless of how people feel. Like described by a little boy, smokers are like moving trains that keep emitting waste gas. One day, in my moments of devotion, I was pondering when Jesus was living when on earth, eating and drinking with us, all sinners, never did He mind how bad we once were. He said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick”.  He also said, “love thy enemies”. Thank God for His mercy! He lets me see that I myself used to be sick too, He changes my attitude to not look down on others, giving me the heart to pray for people who smoke. — Samuel/HK

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* …(for you came out of the land of Egypt in haste) – that all the days of your life you may remember the day when you came out of the land of Egypt.  (Deuteronomy 16:3b)

Deuteronomy 16-18:  Exodus out of Egypt is a collective memory for all children of God. Let’s cherish the moments of God’s salvation on days of Passover, year in, year out!

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Challenged By 3 Schools – Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees

1. Image of Caesar — It may not be difficult for us to render unto Caesar things that are his. The true test is in whether we can render God things that are God’s. (v17)

2. Fantasy of Resurrection — The hope in a Godly man is not only gaining life in resurrection but in change in life through the great might of God. (27)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 12a (v1-27)

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*I was so lonely those years! – Venue TAM/譚詠珊was once addicted in 3 drugs, causing her to be unclear in speech, unsteady in walking, a frequent deserter from home when as young as 14. She was trapped in drug use with her husband after getting married and continued to do so even when becoming a mother…. She was enlightened by a small ant and made a turn in repentance, all out of mercy of the Lord. Her story in video:

http://www.gnci.org.hk/beta/gospel/read_gospel.php?gospel_id=403

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*  There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. (Deuteronomy 15:11)

Deuteronomy 13-15:  The real world is full of people in need. God asks His people to be generous and compassionate – two top priorities in life of a God fearing man.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Fruit  Search

1. Tree Without Fruit — The fig tree symbolizes Israel for its abundance in leaves but not bearing any fruits. Can the Lord find fruits in you? (v20)

2. Temple Without God — The temple as the center of religion, busy with actions and activities, is in fact occupied with worldly rituals. Let’s take heed in not repeating the same in our church today. (v17)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 11b (v12-33)

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* It’s been one full year since the 311 Earthquake in Japan…. It is amazing to know that so many friends are praying for us, lending us support from outside our nation. I am paying great respect to friends from on all lands in their care and support. — Brother Shin, Japan

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Entering the City

1. Into Jerusalem — Everyone had something to offer on that day: their colt, their garments, clothes, their chant in Hosanna…. The Lord, though silent, sent a message “I am here to save”. (v10)

2. Unto Bethany — Coming out of the temple, the Lord returned unto Bethany instead of staying in Jerusalem. Was it because pilgrims were too many that the Lord could not find a place to stay? (v11)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 11a (v1-11)

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* The Lord was very explicit in His stand about worldly wealth. Wealth in itself belongs to the world and not of the righteous quality as in God. Let’s be a honest steward over what others entrust in our custody, let’s aim at producing eternal worth. (Luke 16). Greg SMITH, a senior executive of international investment bank Goldman Sachs/高盛 resigned voluntarily from his job. In his 2 page article “Why I Am Leaving Goldman Sachs” on New York Times, he shares his views on how money rots heart of man, how threatening the financial system is in this end times!

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/14/opinion/why-i-am-leaving-goldman-sachs.html?scp=1&sq=Greg%20smith&st=cse

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*  Thou shalt fear Jehovah thy God; him shalt thou serve; and to him shalt thou cleave, and by his name shalt thou swear. (Deuteronomy 10:20)

Deuteronomy 10-12:  “Cleave” best describes the bond between man and wife, one relying on the other. Likewise, the Israelites, the children of God should also love and bond with God!

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Bartimaeus the Blind Man

Bartimaeus’ faith in calling out: Hearing, calling, calling again, throwing aside his cloak, jumping up, and walking towards Jesus. (v.50)

This scripture of calling used the word “shout” thrice, this is a story of the Lord calling someone, and clearly records the name of the one being called. (v.49)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 10:28-52

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* Grace in addition to marriage  〈Video (Cantonese & Mandarin)〉

Shirley LOO/羅乃萱–As a marriage counselor, she helps mentor and guide young people. She is certain that love is a type of  commitment and promise. Because of Jesus’ love, broken families can be healed; because of Christ’s love, close-knit families can be built.

http://www.sobem.org.hk/media_detail.php?id=239

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* … and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (Deuteronomy 8:3)

Deuteronomy 7-9: During the days that the Israelites were wandering in the desert and eating manna, the ultimate goal was to learn to trust every word that came from the Lord!

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

The Rich Man’s Choice

1. Grief of the Rich Man — Jesus’ call on the rich man was a 5-step command: go, sell, give, come, follow! How would you respond to such a call? (v21)

2. Disappointment of Peter — Peter, in a tone of melancholy sought assurance of Christ as to what the reward would be at the price of having left all to follow Him. (v28)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 10a (v1-27)

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* CHENG Xiang /程翔, reporter of The Strait Times/新加坡海峽時報 (Singapore) was reading the Bible when in jail. He was particularly touched when reading the Book of Job and Psalm 23, moving him in tears. He accepted the Lord and continued reading the books of Romans, II Corinthians, James, Nehemiah, Philippians, Gospel of John, Proverbs, Psalm… the Word of God heals him and gives him strength, bringing this advocate in materialism to submission.

Full story in his new book “My 1000-day Ordeal But No Regrets” / 千日無悔

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* Hear, O Israel: …. And thou shalt love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

Deuteronomy 4-6：Acknowledge this great truth (hear, 聽=Shema) that our God is only and only and He demands that we love Him with all our heart, all our soul and all our might.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Salt & Fire

1. Fire in Hell — Eternal life and Hell are the two paths that disciples have to choose between, the most important part being that there is no second chance to choose after death. (v47)

2. Salt that Prevents Decay — Humble service, generous hospitality to other saints, and caring for the smallest brother… these are hallmarks of a ‘salty’ disciple! (v50)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  Mark 9b (v23-50)

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* CHENG Xiang /程翔, a reporter, was jailed and tortured for three years. He read many books on Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism etc., and had learned much, but realized that only the Bible could make him cry while reading it, while also creating a desire to speak with God, to pray, and eventually to believe in Christ. Which scripture do you think he read? (To be continued tomorrow.)

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* (It takes eleven days to go from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by the Mount Seir road.) In the fortieth year (Deuteronomy 1:2-3)

Deuteronomy 1-3：Over only 11 days of journeying, the first generation of Israelites disobeyed God, and wound up wandering in the desert for 40 years.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

A Stubborn Demon

1. Faith of the Disciples — The disciples were not able to cast out demons! Was it because they were not qualified to do so or that they were incompetent! But according to the Lord, it was due to their lack of faith. (v19)

2. Faith of the Father — The father of the child admitted frankly that he lacked the faith. He begged for the Lord’s mercy because he saw his own weakness. Isn’t this precisely a demonstration of his faith. (v24)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 9a (v1-22)

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*Praise the Lord! Evangelist Franklin GRAHAM/葛福臨was preaching Faith, Hope and Love in Sendai, the quake-hit area of Japan’s 311 earthquake. The Holy Spirit did great wonders on this piece of arid land, magnifying the name of Jesus. Total attendance was 12000 in 3 days, 400 said YES to the altar call. Let’s cease not in praying for the lost ones in Japan!

Messages in Sendai meetings: http://www.billygraham.org/articlepage.asp?articleid=8172

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*  Give three on this side of the Jordan and three in Canaan as cities of refuge. (Numbers 35:14)

Numbers 34-36: Cities of refuge provide a shelter for the manslayers. Wherever you were, whether in Canaan or on this side of the Jordan, all tribesmen were in the care and mercy of God.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

The Blind Man of Bethsaida

1. Seeing Jesus for the first time — After laying His hands upon the blind man for the first time, Jesus asked “Seest thou aught?” This tells us that Jesus’ healing is first with his physical body. (v23)

2. Seeing Jesus for the second time — After laying His hands upon the blind man, he was fully restored and able to all things clearly. This tells us that Jesus’ healing is wholesome, even our inner blindness is healed. This opens up to what follows in Peter’s great understanding about Jesus. (v25)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  Mark 8b (v22-38)

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* Precious photos from all lands. (Reflection on the anniversary of the 2011-311 Earthquake of Japan, Part 2).

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

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*  And Moses said unto the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to the war, and shall ye sit here? (Numbers 32:6)

Numbers 32-33: History proves to us that the Reubenites and Gadites have made a bad choice in picking the lands because they were suitable for livestock and left their brethren to go to the war on their own.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

The Mystery About Messiah

1. The enemies’ resistance — What hinders the ministry of the heavenly kingdom lies with the disbelief of the leaders in religion. The Lord took a deep sigh in His spirit out of frustration, discouragement and grief. (v12)

2. The disciples’ stubbornness — The disciples saw with their own eyes a series of miracles but lacked the understanding as to who the Lord really was! Isn’t this reflecting our condition too! (v17)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 8a (v1-21)

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*May the Lord teach us to cherish God’s grace and salvation this very moment and strive to pursue the eternity in its reality.
(Reflection on the anniversary of the 2011-311 Earthquake of Japan).

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

A Beautiful Thing

1. The good intention of the Lord — The Lord took the deaf and the dumb to His side privately, freeing them from the pressure of the multitude! How true that our Lord is thoughtful and compassionate. (v33)

2. The great power of the Lord — The Lord demonstrated His power to heal like in a mime: put fingers into one’s ears to open the hearing, spat and touched one’s tongue to loosen the speech, looked up heavenward and sighed. (v35)

Scripture of the Day (NT):  Mark 7b (v24-37)

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*Taoist LU DongBin/呂洞賓 was in fact a Christianity underground?  In research of renowned scholar Prof. LO Hsiang Lin/羅香林, there are proofs that LU Dong Bin, founder of Taoism could possibly be a disciple of Jesus. Taoism was his way to disguise his real faith, as a means to avoid persecution by the government. In Prof Lo’s book “Jinggiao as in Tang and Yuan Dynasties”, there are numerous proofs that the spell-like scriptures of Lu Dong Bin, when translated in Syriac alphabet, in fact were his words of praises to Christ. One example is “An shana lirabrbatha mashiha” , meaning “yes, the Christ did go up to high things” （誠哉,，基督是從諸天降臨者…） More such examples can be found in the book of Prof Lo.

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*  And Moses sent them, …, to the war, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for the alarm in his hand. (Numbers 31:6)

Numbers 30-31: The priests led in the war, using vessels of the sanctuary. This teaches us that this war was a means of purifying His people from the evil and sins due to blending with the aliens.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Challenging Traditions

1. Men’s Inherited Problems — The detestable part of the Pharisees was that they were keeping all the statues of the law while straying from the overarching principle of God’s immense love. (v9)

2. Impurity in the Heart — The Lord notes the inner state of our heart; true purity is not of washing hands, but of clearing of the impurities in our hearts. (v.23)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 7:1-23

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* Bro. Omar/S. America knew his brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was young. At that time, Omar was only 12 years old; his brother had only 3 months left to live. They prayed and left it all in the Lord’s hands. While the Lord worked a miracle, his brother still died —- but 45 years later! Omar was greatly encouraged, and lived for the Gospel from then on, even speaking and teaching for 450 nights straight at gospel meetings, planting 187 local churches. Many years on, the gospel meetings have produced much fruit, with 64% of them taking root. They deeply believe what was written in Amos 8:11 – why don’t you take a look at it too?

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…one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd. (Numbers 27:17)

Numbers 27-29：Moses knew that he could not enter the promised land, but did not complain, instead keeping his people’s welfare at heart. How unselfish!

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Twelve Basketfuls

1. Need of the multitude — Simply entrust our life in the hands of the Lord. He will take it, bless, break and give to the people around Him. (v41)

2. Need of the disciples — There is always a seal that marks God’s provisions. They are always ample and more than enough to provide for use by the disciples. (v43)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 6b (v30-56)

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* “A Simple Life” /桃姐an award winning movie based on a true story, tells of the simple and genuine friendship of a employer/employee relationship. Sister Peach, in reality was working in a Christian family, who cared enough to take her before the Lord and be baptized in 2000. View video of the personal recount by the screenwriter and hero in the story.

http://channelj.org.hk/images/stories/videos//sh/sh_epi_02.mp4

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*  But among these there was not a man of them that were numbered by Moses and Aaron the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. (Numbers 26:64)

Numbers 24-26: The Israelites numbered the population once again before entering the Promised Land. There were only two warriors of faith left from the last head count.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Not Respecting When Becoming Too Close

1. Friends marveling — The story begins with friends marveling at the big contrast between those men and those things that happened, causing them to detest the Lord. (v3)

2. Jesus marveling — The story ends with the Lord marveling at their unbelief. He ended His ministry here and went on to other places teaching and preaching. (v6)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 6a (v1-29)

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* Brother WT TONG/唐外德 Ottawa visits HK and shares splendid fellowship. It’s been over than ten years that he and family immigrated to Canada from HK. The local church grows strong, starting out with less than a hundred and now more than three hundred, all the time faithful in gospel sharing. Let’s intercede with prayer for the Church in Ottawa and for Bro. Tong in particular that he remains faithful in tending the sheep in his capacity of elder in the church.

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*  For from the top of the rocks I see him, And from the hills I behold him: lo, it is a people that dwelleth alone, And shall not be reckoned among the nations. (Numbers 23:9)

Numbers 22-23: This is Balaam’s quick glimpse of glory in Israel, who were special, set apart and sanctified, not meant to be blending with the world.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Two Miracles Interweaving

1. Woman who suffered issue of blood for 12 years — Though the woman interrupted the plan of the Lord’s healing, He reassured her of her faith personally, granting her peace inside out. (v34)

2. Daughter of Jairus — Being interrupted on the way, the condition of her illness got worse to the point of death. But by the power of the Lord, death was no more than a condition of falling asleep. (v39)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 5b (v25-43)

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* Trapped in big and small troubles of the world? Why not begin the new week with calling out like “Prayer of a Child” /孩子的禱告.

Listen to: 

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* … ye believed not in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, …. ye shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them. (Numbers 20:12b)

Numbers 20-21: While someone can be a blessing to someone else, he can also lose his portion of blessing if he sinned. Let’s take heed of this solemn warning.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Great Affairs in Life

1. Men possessed by demon are in great chaos, man who detour from the way of God suffer immensely both in spirit and body! What Jesus does to them are truly great affairs in their life. (v19)

2. Men liberated with the demons cast out are back to sense. Let him put on a new cloak, come back to senses and serve the Lord with both spirit and body the rest of his life. (v20)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 5a (v1-24)

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* Let’s pray for Iranian Pastor Yousef NADARKHANI/尤素福·納達克哈尼, a very faithful pastor serving his country. For refusing to deny the name of the Lord and holding regular home meetings, he is sentenced to death and suffers great torture in jail, soon to be executed. Let’s pray fervently for our brother, his wife and his two children.

May the Lord save him from the sword!

The court’s verdict and the CNN report:

http://hosanna-the-highest.blogspot.com/2011/11/blog-post_393.html (In Chinese)

CNN: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/02/23/white-house-state-department-condemn-iran-on-pastors-execution-orders/?iref=allsearch

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* …Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any portion among them: I am thy portion and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.… (Numbers 18:20b)

Numbers 18-19: The servants of God possess no inheritance in the world. This is precisely their privilege because they have God Himself their portion.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Who Then Is He?

1. The Lord was asleep in the midst of the wave and wind. How true that human gets tired. How true that Jesus was so sure of His might in controlling and calming the tempest. (v38)

2. The Lord was awaken and rebuked the storm on the outside as well as what stirs our inner being. He ordered Peace! Be still! (v39)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 4b (v30-41)

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* God With Me In the Same Team/神與我同一Team/Video

Sister Judith LUNG/龍懷騫, a girl with impaired vision, shares how God blesses her through blindness in her eyes.

* Copyright © ArkChannel and the authors *

Two Parables Of the Sower

1. Hopelessness causes anxiety in the sower because it is the quality of the soil that determines whether the seeds thrive. All he can do is to do his part in sowing, the rest is beyond him. (v3)

2. Hopefulness causes restfulness in the sower because there is a mighty hand working in making the seeds thrive. All he can do is tending it with care, the rest is up to the mighty nature. (v28)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 4a (v1-29)

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* Funeral service of Bro. Lawrence CHU/朱家舜 Seattle will be held on Saturday morning. About 20 friends of his daughters would attend, most of whom are non-believers. May the Lord speak to them through the gospel message in the meeting. Let’s intercede for the family and the salvation of those who hear. About Bro. Chu:

http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Lawrence-Chu&lc=4171&pid=156082521&mid=5009070&locale=en_US

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* Jesus Loves You/耶稣爱你

Hope in saints lies with the Lord’s protection and promise of love.

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* And Moses said unto Aaron, Take they censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and lay incense thereon, and carry it quickly unto the congregation, and make atonement for them: … (Numbers 16:46a)

Numbers 16-17: Moses led the people out of Egypt, seeing to their needs and the way to take, interceded for them time after time at moments of trouble, faithfully and diligently serving in the House of God!

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Feud within the Family

Opposition from Relatives — For the sake of the will of God, Jesus preached and healed many, not even caring about eating; his family could not help but express dismay at him. (v.20)

Opposition from the Teachers — In his response to the teachers’ slander, Jesus conceals a message about the Gospel – that all sins can be forgiven. (v.28)

Scripture of the Day (NT): Mark 3:20-35

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* News from Seattle – Rita’s/吳小萍 husband Lawrence/朱家舜 has passed away. A letter from the family:

Your prayers have helped Lawrence’s family… Rita and their daughters are now doing fine emotionally… with the sudden loss, there’s inevitably a lot of ripples running through the family, but we ask that the bro. & sis. do not ask too much about the accident.

There are 4 prayer requests. (1) For God’s comfort and wisdom; (2) To ask their daughters to return to the church to seek God; (3) To get a guide dog as soon as possible, to return life to normal; (4) To find sisters to pick Rita up for Bible study. Thank you again for the love and concern, may the Lord return you the favour – Rita Wu; Paul Wu. (Note: Rita has vision problems, so she has applied for a guide dog to help out in her daily life, please intercede in prayer for this.)

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* Brave through trails together – Sis. Meiyan YE/葉美燕 in Hong Kong has had her 4th chemotherapy session today (March 2), Lord, please be her protector!

* Bro. Youming Chu/朱佑明 needs a second cycle of chemotherapy for his cancer; he just had his first session. Lord, please bring him extra doses of courage and mercy! Please pray for them all!

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* Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them. (Numbers 14:9)

Numbers14-15：Joshua and Caleb’s report included 3 things: This was a good land, that God would lead them in, and God would be with them.

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