Mar 27
Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying … My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Lord’s death brought changes in 3 aspects :
1. The curtain parted (v.38) — The separation between men & God vanished, by Him we can come to God again!
2. The gentiles believe (v.39) — The centurion admitted Jesus was the Son of God. Symbolizing the whole world can be saved!
3. Be a disciple boldly (v.43-46) — Joseph who had been a disciple secretly , now stood up bravely. (It’s time to witnesses Him!)
* Tommy Lo, a college lecture, experienced a car accident. He reviewed his life in a second. He called, “O Jesus, save me!” in his heart, and he realized that “a man may designs for his way, but the Lord is the guide of his steps.” Since then Tommy relied on Lord for his life and not to walk his own way anymore.
* Easter holiday approaching, prayed in alert for the cities where we live. Use the opportunity to win both the men and the land for Lord. (Pay attention to the various bible conferences & gospel meetings, gain younger generation for Him.)
Mar 26
… mocked Him… lead Him out that they may crucify Him. <15:20>
Men’s choice, Lord’s choice :
1. Fatal decision?v.1…15?– Never sacrifice your faith in exchange of short-term gains like Pilate!
2. Determination of sacrificing?v.16…32?– Our Lord abandoned both the world & Hmself, only to obey the Father. Lord, we now follow your steps into the narrow path!
? Both 3 generations of David C. Lam the entrepreneur loved the Lord. His grandfather taught in a poor village. A foreign pastor came, but no one responded during altar call ! The elders of the village elected Mr. Lam to raise his hands so to ‘save’ the pastor from embarrassment…but Spirit worked & he became true disciple & a pastor, his son Lam Chi Fung ??? and grandson David C. Lam??? also became educationist and philanthropist. ?Remember to preach, so as to pray!?
Mar 25
… a cock crew. And Peter remembered the word that Jesus said to him… he wept.
Compulsory course in life — everyone is leaving except God :
1. Only the Father accompanies us forever?v.32…65?…When you face a bitter cup alone, you find that God is closest!
2. Only God is the unchanging friend?v.66…72?…Time reveals the truth. One day we will find that God is still on our sides!
? David C. Lam the entrepreneur worked hard towards success. His biography I concluded 4 factors for his success:
1. study hard ?he kept on studying encyclopedia even though he has left school!?
2. walk the talk?on religion, business or politics?
3. make good friends
4. rely on God in prayer
When Lam was young ,one night his classmates invited him to take a walk. Lam instead stayed home to seek God in prayer. Afterward he heard from his classmates that they saw Lam knelt & prayed, at same time also a man in white clothes knelt on his opposite. The classmates were shocked, and Lam’s mother only told him that this was a blessing & protection from God. So Lam loved God and man for his whole life, became an educationist as well as a faithful servant of Lord.
Mar 24
…but not what I will, but what thou wilt.
Walk through the adversity — the way of suffering with a servant’s heart ?Mk 14?:
1. Overcoming all difficulties , pour out your heart before the Father?v.32…35?
2. Put aside your own will , subdue to God’s will.?v.36?
? Today the Ming Pao Daily published a recent survey indicating the “night youths” (youths wandering on streets in midnight) number to 50,000 in HK, with a average age of 12. And the Shun Pao Daily made a special report on the orphanage HKSKH St Christopher’s Home which had 71 years of history. The director sighed that in the past the orphans were mainly caused by poverty, but now they were mainly caused by man-made breaking of families! She quoted Prov 22:6 to state that investments on children never lose. (check it up in your Bible!)
? 400 youths in my church l have a special gathering on Sat. Pls pray for their testimony of Jesus schools – to win souls for the next generation.
Mar 23
… she has wrought a good work as to me; <14:6>
Life and chance — pour all for Jesus :
1. Why waste? — Life is like the precious ointment. Only one. Don’t waste it on things meaningless.?v.1…4?
2. Why not? — Life is short, like tiny dust in winds. Crazy are those who don’t grasp hold of chance to sacrifice to Lord! ?v.5…9?
? David C. Lam, first Chinese Lieutenant Governor in Canadian history, attended Sunday school since youth. His father gave him 2 coins, one for offering , another his pocket money. (In the beginning he spent both of them on snacks!) This practical training shaped his self-giving & sacrificing character. At his 2nd year in secondary school he pledged to accepted Jesus as Saviour- in front of 1000+ people. Afterward God used this young man in strengthening education, medical & charity services over the world! (Remember to bring your kids to church!)
Mar 22
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. <13:31>
Right at the door — only a step left :
1. The fig tree puts out their leaves?v.28?… The rebirth of Israel marks the time of harvest of this world!
2. Lord is right at the door?v.29?… We depleted our thoughtfulness for fame & riches on earth, and for our children…but did we prepared for the time when Lord returns?
? I am reading the “Biography of David C. Lam”???? published by Ming Pao. He is a philanthropist and the first Chinese Lieutenant Governor in Canadian history. His mother, a devoted Christian, influenced him the most. When Lam Sze King ???, the sixth brother in Lams family, passed away due to heart disease, the mother said, “Let’s pray together, to thank God for bringing him up as a dentist. Now God calls him back to heaven, but I’m sure that I will meet him later.” His mother didn’t cry. Her strength of hope and courage rooted deeply in David Lam’s heart.
Mar 21
…but he that has endured to the end, ; he shall be saved. <13:13>
Don’t be troubled — 3 signs before the Lord’s Return :
1. Wars and battles?v.7…8?
2. Darkness covering earth and sky?v.24…26?
3. Jews gathers from every parts of the earth?v.27?
The world situation is irreversible, but the gospel has first to be preached to all the nations?v.10?.
So preach hard to speed up Lord’s return!
? Sister Ruth, the widow of bro Chan Sou Chi ???, had another touching words : “…I don’t want to waste any time. Every one of us can live meaningfully if we want to. The meaning of life is something we have to seek by ourselves. Don’t just sit and try to evade the difficulties – this will only leave ourselves to invasion of pressure and fear.
Mar 20
…but she of her destitution h as cast in all that she had, the whole of her living.
God look over all our deeds – Lord’s view on the poor widow’s offering :
1. With hope of resurrection when helpless?v.18…27? — God is not the God of the dead. Husband on earth can pass away, but the widow knew the God of the living!
2. Love God with all the heart on ends of road?v.30?41…44? — Today Jesus also watching : are we willing to give our life for God’s family!?
? After famous doctor bro Chan Sou Chi??? had passed away for 8 years, his wife recalled : ”We can’t rely on anyone to take care our lives…but the abundant and everlasting love of my husband still became the strength which support me to go ahead. The unchanging love, only love, only love from God…and I am going to stay on earth, to complete my mission…”
Mar 19
… love the Lord thy God with all thy heart… <12:30>
Lord’s example — determined to the goal :
1. Love God with all your heart?v.38…41? — Bible Studies is all for the purpose of loving God and nearer to God .
2. All sacrifice to God?v.41…44? — The widow gave all to God. Your sacrifice to God are known by Lord!
? Yesterday an police officier witnessed that though he received Christ for more than 20 years, the complicated working environment made his spiritual life down. But a verse kept him in these 20 years, which is the verse he heard God speaking to him when he newly believed: “Not giving up our meetings”?Heb 10:25?. So he came to gatherings even he kept sleeping in meeting hall. Now his whole family is blessed, and they open their home for saints every week. So be obedient and come to gatherings!
Mar 18
… Jesus answering… Have faith in God.
Be God’s excellent employees :
1. God grant men authority & grace to take care of vineyard (God’s home )?11?27…33? — are we good servants ? Have we misused His authority & grace?
2. God commended us -our lives, families & church, do we manage nicely (12?1…2? — do we treasured everyday to bear fruits?
? Biblical law on mental & physical health :
Adjust your life, improve your physical fitness & self-confidence
Regular life with proper goal: 1 Cor9:24…25 : Phil 3:13…14
Positive thinking: Prov 4:23; 2:1…6
Advance bravely: Heb 2:18; Col 3:23…24
Manage time properly: Prov 6:6…11
Balanced diet: 1 Cor 6:19…20; 10:31
Self-strengthening: 1 Tim4:8 Prov 3:1…6
Build up supporting network : Prov 17:17; 18:24; 22:24; 27:9
Enjoy the peace of Lord: 1 Peter 5:7; Palms 29:11; Mt 11:28…29
Mar 17
But if you do not forgive …<11:26>
3 missions of God’s servants :
1. Lord as the King?11?1…11? — Open your hearts now , welcome His authority to exercise in us!
2. Lord as the Judge?11?12…26?– He came to sanctify us!
3. Lord as the Prophet?11?27…12?44? …Ask Him to direct us – from daily problems to life after, from politics to religions!
* Michael Chang prayed for HK : Dear Heavenly father. Since there are pressures from work, school, family, and peers to deal with. But Lord, would You come and reveal the truth, the Truth that in Your eyes, we are precious, and fearfully and wonderfully made. I pray that You would free those people tonight that have been believing and holding in their hearts that they are somehow less; show them how beautiful they really are. I pray that You would touch their hearts, to seek a better way in life – your way. Amen — Michael Chang?free VCD of his testimonies
click)
Mar 16
…to serve , and give His life a ransom for many. <10:45>
Serve humbly today, rewards in tomorrow :
1. No ambitions or selfishness in following Christ?v.35…41?– I had been impressed by the statement “I know nothing for myself, I want everything for the Lord (by Watchman Nee the martyr), when I was newly believed. Are we taking the cup of Jesus?
2. Unlimited love & aspiration?v.42…52?– When the poor, blind & hopeless come & seek help, can we say “silver and gold I have none, but we can give you the name of Jesus?!”
? A beat less — Dr Shum ??? learnt to rely on Lord humbly after experiencing SARS. 2 days before he talked to students on the way of success . He recalled the events when confronting SARS. He said after that, he noticed his heart beats is one time less compared with normal. And he felt that every heartbeat is not by chance- but by the grace of God!
Mar 15
Then come, follow me.” (v.21)
3 wonderful philosophies of life :
1. Relationship with spouse: 2 becomes 1 (v.1-12) — Don’t just falling in love . Looking from the beginning, God puts couples together! No way to escape!
2. Relationship with the Father: like a child (v.13-16) — Are we in our “fittest” condition: be simple, eager and pure in heart?
3. Relationship with Christ: first become last (v.17-31) — We can’t rely on our experiences or history to be a Christian. Are we still leaving all for Lord today?
* In musical gospel meetings of my church ( last 2 Saturdays), 80 youths believed in Christ. Pls pray for the fresh blood in HK!
* “God’s Life and Me” – tennis champion Michael Chang ‘s testimonies in VCD, touching & edifying. VCD in both Cantonese & English, subtitles in both simplified / traditional Chinese. Now available on demand (free of charge) . May used for preaching to Chinese youths over the world.
Click (Before 20/3)
Mar 14
… Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another. <9:50>
The Greatest work, the deepest Serving :
1. Lord’s humble serving?v.33…49?– “Child” and “slave” is the same word in Aramaic. Great are those who serve God and help people with an innocent heart like a child!
2. Lord’s reconciling serving?v.50? — Though family problems appear on newspaper daily, we are sons of peace who can eliminate all enmities in faith!
? The famous doctor SC Chan ??? (Dr. Avery Chan) was optimistic although he was suffering from an incurable disease. He still helped his patients and read the Bible with his wife as usual. His bravery towards death inspired many colleagues. Dr. Wong Lap Wing ??? was invited by him to gospel meeting in which he believed in tears. After Dr. Chan had passed away, Dr. Wong witnessed that through Chan God reminded him to be humble. Instead he should fear God and look forward for heavenly home.
? Frankie Choy’s mother Chan Yin Kiu had a successful excision of her lower leg. Before operation, the family prayed in sincere heart, asking God to strengthen her faith again.
Mar 13
Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. (v.8)
This is the life of the cross — glory on the hill, labour down the hill :
1. Look & listen — with heart (v.1-13) — Don’t be superficial in revivals. Fix your eyes on Jesus , use your heart in renounce with God’s words!
2. Be diligent in serving– by faith (v.14-38) — The true life of cross is one hidden in serving the crowd. Prolonged silence, slaving hard & wearying…
The Lord promised – there will be harder life ahead!
* I am reading a book by female Chinese scientist Esther Su ???. She treated Bible as manual of life, with her 4 kids raised up in truth. Sis. Su ‘s children entered universities when they were only 9-12. They all have excellent achievement on areas like computer science, genetics, medicine, chemistry & music. Sister Su & her husband Dr. William Ho ??? loved both God & men, they helped children all according to Jesus’ words. Those parents pursuing utilitarian-based books like “Harvard Girls” should read careful the book “Biblical Secrets in Good Parenting” by sister Su. (publisher: Truth Monthly)
Mar 12
for what should a man give in exchange for his soul? <8:37>
Way of Holy Success —- 3 Secrets of Lord Jesus :
1. Secret #1: Suffering leads to glory ?8:27…9:13?
2. Secret #2: Power comes from faith ?9:14…29?
3. Secret #3: Serving brings glory ?9:30…50?
? Frankie Choy, who laboured with us in gospel work, had his father, wife, daughter, sister & brother turned to Lord after he believed in Christ. But his mother hasn’t believed yet, now she was old & sick. Tomorrow she will receive an operation to remove her left leg. Please pray for this old Mrs Choy ????, so that she can fully turn to Jesus in her sickness.
Mar 11
I have compassion on the crowd, because they have stayed with me already three days and they have not anything they can eat <8:2>
The hungry crowd, the forgetful disciples :
1. Don’t leave from Lord’s presence?v.1…2?…Our Lord is full of mercy , always gives us a second chance!
2. Don’t forget the Lord’s deeds?v.3…10?…Remember with heart every grace of Lord.
Previous miracles encourage us to rely on Him again – now!
? Few days ago we mentioned about Bro Cheng??? who is undergoing chemotherapy. Though start losing his hair, he is still in joy. Pls continue to pray for him.
?Yesterday night a newly-believed Japanese brother told me – there are few Christians in Japan, he recalled that he read a set of wonderful books when he was young (30 yrs ago). They had 7 volumes altogether. He read them over and over, which sowed the seed of his belief. What books? It is the Japanese version of Narnia by C.S.Lewis! Gospel seeds harvest after 3 decades! I am greatly encouraged by this. (So I continue to write today’s Ark Channel !)
Mar 10
He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him…Be opened!” … the man’s ears were opened (v.34-35)
Mark’s exclusive report — growing of seed, healing of deaf-mute and the blind :
1. Lord said “just like day & night, sleeps & get out” — seeds of gospel will sprout & grow by themselves. So just preach & relax.?4:26…29?
2. Lord “looked up with a deep sigh” — merciful is his heart! Just bring the ignorant before Him…?7:31…37?
3. Lord “took the blind man by hand” — and lead him to light step by step. The key is to be patient!?8:22…26?
? Everyone needs Jesus — Jesus’ 33.5 years was surely a legend ! Last week Vessel Music held musical gospel meeting “Legend 33.5” in church. The hall filled with students, plenty believed. Next show in Causeway Bay tomorrow afternoon. Recently many tragedies happaend in HK, suicides including university students, girls, famous doctor & senior police officer. Pls pray for HK.? inquiry : 2369 5106?
Mar 09
Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”
3 reminders from Greatest Teacher – instructions on facing a ridiculous world :
1. Dealing with ritual keepers?7:1…23? — Great faith is not a matter of rituals but heart. Be upright to men , be sincere to God!
2. Dealing with people?7:24…8:9? — Great power comes from simple faith. Lord is teacher of life as well as merciful doctor!
3. Dealing with disciples?8:10…26? — Great mission is built on the truth & the true God. It should be logical, rational as well as sensible – don’t be confused!
? Years ago Bror Cheng ??? was wounded by gangs with knife and only merely survived. He set up an alter at home in hope to attain sorcery body protection. He was also indulged in gambling. 15 years ago he heard the gospel. He rejoiced in it and gave his life to the Lord. But recently he doesn’t feel well and is going to receive the second dose of chemotherapy. Pls pray for him.
? Be alert – Stephen Cheung reminds everyone -there is a new type of computer virus. Don’t open the attachment with file name ”?????.pps”
Mar 08
And they all ate and were satisfied. <6:42>
In adversity or darkness? God’s Servant is Near :
1. Toiling in rowing?v.48?… Dangers in life often, but facing trouble in midnight…
2. Terrified?v.50?… His work you can’t imagine. Fear not but to welcome Him!
3. Amazed?v.51?… He had been praying on the hill, but he rushed to help. Relief, for He will be present in every scene in your life!
? God loves the broken-hearted — Today Ming Pao Daily HK reports – yesterday a pregnant woman aged 27 wanted to commit suicide . She was later saved by a Christian sister Ng. Sister Ng was brave as well as caring, persuaded the woman sincerely by telling her “God loved the world. Even nobody loves you, you should cherish yourself” and “God loved the world. Men can’t give up their lives” , so finally she saved the 2 lives!?Many women are in difficulty. Go and care the others, Never say too busy!?
Mar 07
… and he was moved with compassion for them…<6:34>
Living in an Unbelieving Age– 2 missions :
1. What to do if your family members, enemies & disciples are not trusting you? —?v.1…6?7…29?30…56?
2. Bless and bring fullness to people’s lives; calming the tides and bring peace to people’s lives. — This is our mission that never changes!?v.33…44?45…56)
? A changed mum – Yesterday mentioned about a young friend of mine. He wanted to devote in full-time ministry after graduated from university, but his mother was against it. After working for a period of time, his mother suggested him to study further; he grasped hold of the chance to study Theology. Later his mother believed in Jesus! She read through the whole Bible in half a year and has quitted smoking also. Now she is full of joy divine!
Mar 06
He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
Behold, the triumph of God’s servants :
1. Victory over dangers (4:35-41) — Inviting Him onto your boat to redirect your way,this is the way of salvation!
2. Driving out demons (5: 1 -20) — Satan and sin comes to ruin people; Saviour comes to reestablish !
3. Healing sicknesses (5:21-34) — Use your weakest faith to touch the strongest power and it will ignite a most shocking result. Try it!
4. Conquering death (5:35-43) — Lord’s words bring forth faith, hope and love (v.36,39,41). Have we noticed God’s words ?
Hide in him this week! Why despised and defeated?
*A brother who had been a truck driver met an accident and was forced to take a rest of a few months. Like a vehicle stopped suddenly, he got peaceful times listening to God’s calling from his heart. Afterward he brought his fraternities and clients to Lord when he worked, becoming an evangelical driver.
Mar 05
… Go home … tell them how great things the Lord has done for you … <5:19>
From Tombs to Home — Glorious Liberation :
1. Hopeless life: Tombs as home ?v.1…5?
– So many people are manipulated by evil spirits, losing control of themselves & hurting others. They are just wandering from one tomb to another !
2. Almighty Savior: Home , sweet home ?v.6…20?
– Jesus made a special trip to save him, casting out unclean spirits & sent him home intact! So he witnessed bravely by the Lord’s love & His great name!
? My friend who was a policeman before. Newly after he believed , a criminal tried to escape. He was frightened and chased out at once, and he prayed on his way…5 minutes later the criminal was caught back. In anger he wanted to beat him up, but the Spirit stopped him, calming him from fierce anger.
? In this year’s Oscar, films promoting homosexuality is hot. 60,000 b/s signed up to protest against it in America. Pls pray and call on the Spirit to keep people’s heart, so that they can look through the conspiracy of Satan, which is to shake the tradition value of family.
Mar 04
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm
Towards maturity in 2 environments :
1. Growing in Peace (v.26-29) – Just sleep & rise in night and day – to let His life grows naturally in you!
2. Growing in Storm (v.35-41) – Your faith so small? Ask Him come to aid! Better to wake Him rather than trembling in pain! (though you may feel ashamed)
? Hen or egg first? — Dr. Daniel Wu ??? was once asked – which exist first: Hen or egg? He answered, “Neither. There should be a cock and a hen first.” He said the answer was in the Bible. God created male & female together …since there is a Creator . (153 students believed in Jesus in that lecture!)
Mar 03
…and there shall be more added to you. <4:24>
Miraculous seed, Peculiar barrenness :
1. Men’s heart: different sorts of soils?v.1…7?– fallen minds, misfortunes & worldliness desires are consuming people’s heart, making their lives empty!
2. God’s words: bringing harvest of life?v.8…20?– Want to rejoice all your days & bring blessings to others? Listen to the divine voices everyday with a pure & gentle heart…listen to Lord’s voices in your heart!
Mar 02
… bind the strong man… plunder his house.
Start the pilgrim’s progress — 2 major challenges :
1. Spiritual challenge?v.20…30?… Life is a series of spiritual battles. We can’t rely on our own courage to win – rely on God’s power!
2. Family Challenge ?v.31…35?… Family is not everlasting. Family relationship can be forever only if your family belongs to Jesus. Family shouldn’t be obstacle to serving; saints are family members of God, their love forever.
? The newly-married couple William Yip ??? & Ann Mok ??? have settled in Canada. William was far from God in Canada before & he raced cars with his friends. In a serious acicident, his car total loss, but the Lord spared his life. Afterward he was baptized in HK and brought his girlfriend to Lord. He equipped himself in the Word and fought with us together. This time the Lord sent them back to Richmond to bless the church as a disciple.
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