January 2006 Prayer Requests

A new year is to start! May our relationship with God is all the more closer and sweeter in 2006! Please post your prayer requests by adding comments to this post. Bring your thanks, or praises, or worries or burdens to the Lord, pour out your heart before Him. We'll pray for you too.

满有恩典和体会的诗：快乐与喜乐 (Happiness and Joy) - 潘王莎姐妹作

Happiness and Joy

Happiness is of the world, Joy is of the Lord
Happiness generates excitement, Joy brings serenity
Happiness can be bought, Joy has no price-tag
Happiness numbs pains, Joy lightens sorrows
Happiness is pregnant with pride, Joy gives birth to humility
Happiness subsides to emptiness, Joy leads to fulfillment
Happiness carries no guarentee, Joy offers full security
Happiness keeps enemies, Joy allows no hatred
Happiness covers up aimlessness, Joy manifests hope
Happiness can be pursued, Joy is a gift received
Happiness is sensual enjoyment, Joy is spiritual delight
Happiness brings laughter, Joy brings peace
Happiness is conditional, Joy fears no circumstance
Happiness can be simulated, Joy cannot be imitated
Happiness may mingle with sin, Joy contains no evil
Happiness gratifies self, Joy praises God
Happiness is intoxicating, Joy is sober
Happiness is pleasure for the moment, Joy is blessing for eternity

Poem by sister Pan, Wang-sha, who with other brothers and sisters started the Kingston fellowship in 1975.

快乐在乎人，喜乐在乎神
快乐使人兴奋，喜乐使人安宁
快乐钱财买得到，喜乐金银换不来
快乐麻木痛苦，喜乐减轻忧伤
快乐使人骄傲，喜乐叫人谦卑
快乐过后空虚，喜乐令人满足
快乐没有保证，喜乐绝对安全
快乐时仍可恨人，喜乐中没有仇敌
快乐目的渺茫，喜乐基于盼望
快乐可以追求，喜乐只能领受
快乐是身心的感觉，喜乐是属灵的体验
快乐是嘻嘻哈哈，喜乐是平平安安
快乐因事而变，喜乐不受影响
快乐可以假装，喜乐无可模仿
快乐中可能犯罪，喜乐里没有邪恶
快乐自我陶醉，喜乐赞美父神
快乐令人昏迷，喜乐叫人清醒
快乐是短暂的刺激，喜乐是永远的福份

我们的团契就是潘王莎老姐妹和其他弟兄姐妹于75年在这里兴起的。她原写的是英文版，我们认为英文版的更能体现诗的意思。

The LORD will quiet you with his love

Zephaniah 3
The Future of Jerusalem

14 Sing, O Daughter of Zion;
shout aloud, O Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
O Daughter of Jerusalem!

15 The LORD has taken away your punishment,
he has turned back your enemy.
The LORD , the King of Israel, is with you;
never again will you fear any harm.

16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem,
"Do not fear, O Zion;
do not let your hands hang limp.

17 The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."


西 番 雅 書 3

14 錫安的民哪、應當歌唱．以色列阿、應當歡呼。耶路撒冷的民哪、
應當滿心歡喜快樂。

15 耶和華已經除去你的刑罰、趕出你的仇敵．以色列的王耶和華在你中間、
你必不再懼怕災禍。

16 當那日、必有話向耶路撒冷說、不要懼怕。錫安哪、不要手軟。

17 耶和華你的　神、是施行拯救、大有能力的主、
他在你中間必因你歡欣喜樂、默然愛你、且因你喜樂而歡呼。

God is working in my family - another miracle

On 12/25/05, I called my brother Bryan to wish him happy holidays and more importantly to tell him our mom had been saved! I started to share the testimonies of the brothers and sisters. 30 minutes into the conversation, my brother was not put off by it, which was completely surprising to me. He normally would try to change topic if we were talking about any spiritual issues. I then found out my sister-in-law Liping was also listening to the conversation between Bryan and me. She seemed to be really enticed by my stories. I shared one story after another. Several hours passed by, but she was still highly interested. Bryan did not leave the conversation either. In the middle of this, I sensed that the Spirit was working among us, and I asked Bingxuan and my mom pray while I was on the phone. I could see the invisible hands behind what was happening. After I was all done with the stories, and concluded it with the salvation with my mom. Liping told me that she had been praying on various situations, but she prayed mainly to ask for help from GOD. She said that maybe she was not doing it the right way. She continued, "After listening to these testimonies, I realized that I need to give my heart to God!" I was awed by her comment. Great are the works of the LORD! Higher are HIS ways! She told me that she wanted to believe in GOD, but felt that she was unworthy to come before the LORD. I quoted a number of scripture verses, including Romans 10:9 "If you confess in your mouth He is LORD, and believe in your heart God has raise HIM from dead, you will be saved" and Eph 2:8 "It is be grace you have been saved through faith ...". Liping asked me to slow down so that she could write down these verses. I knew she had hunger in her soul. I then told her that Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you." (Mt 7:7). After that, we prayed together. Liping thanked God for lots of the things in her life, and she prayed, "God, I want to give you my heart. And I know that I am not a good person, and I want you to change that in me." At the end, Liping asked me if I could do her a favor to find a fellowship for her.

It is amazing how God works. My mom was thinking about going back to preach the gospel to Bryan and Liping, and yet God had already opened a door and started working in Liping's heart. When my mom was told that God had worked on Liping's heart, my mom bursted into tears and was grateful that God's grace is with our family.

Praise the LORD! You are beautiful beyond description, too marvelous for words. Too wonderful for comprehension, like nothing ever heard or known. Who can grasp your infinite wisdom? Who can fathom the depth of love?

Greeting from Lisa (Kunkun), Ruiguang's daughter

Thanks for your card. Seasons come seasons go, time has flown by quickly.I'm very greatful for everything God has given me.I'm doing great here.My grades are usually the third in my class(there are 58 students in my class). Life is very interesting here. But I will always remember my wonderful childhood in R.I. and all the kind-hearted people. Just wanna say: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Best wishes!

Praise, praise and praise

Dear Brothers and sisters in Christ, I wish all of you were in our midst last night. We experienced God's presence and love tremendously in our gathering.

Sister Liu Lijuan brought another sister from Cranston to the meeting. Hongwen and her mom were here. Liang Yali and Liu Zhiwei were there. We had a full house except for Tiegeng and Liu Yu's family. It is our family, our godly family. I thank the LORD for HIS love endures forever and HIS love never fails.

During the prayer time, all were touched by the Spirit. God's presence was so real. Oh, our LORD is a living GOD. My mom confessed that she had sinned against God, because she did not believe in HIM. She was so touched. I burst into tears. I truly praise God for HIS ways are higher than our ways, and HIS thought than our thoughts. HIS timing is better than mine. While I was very happy for the baptism of Hongwen's parents, my heart ached when I thought about the fact my mom was still astray. However, God has better plans. HE used my mom as an instrument to bring me closer to HIM. HE re-captured my heart before He did my mom's. All the glory to HIM! Her belief also strengthened the hearts of other brothers and sisters. I knew very clearly in the Spirit, God had entered her heart, and new life had been formed. How can I thank God enough for HIS mercy and grace?

Praise the LORD for turning Sister Hongwen's heart around! Praise the LORD for Hongwen's mother's sincere prayer. Praise the LORD for Ying's parents successfully getting their visas to US. Praise the LORD for Brother John's love and burden for our little fellowship. Praise the LORD for Sister Liu Lijuan's humble and thirsty spirit. Praise the LORD for the seeking hearts of Yali and Zhiwei. Priase the LORD for Sister Guihua's love for this fellowship, and for Brother Xiulong's willingness to obey God's will. Praise the LORD for the work you have done in the life of Tiegeng and Liu YU. I can not count all the spiritual blessings the LORD has bestowed our little group. And yet they will be more to come, for HE is our living water.

The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens! Let HIS name be praised both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised!

A sister's prayer from deep down of her heart

"My heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit, You know my situation and how far I have moved away from what is good and right and holy in your eyes. I have been a dissaster to myself and to others. I confess my sin to you because it hurts your loving heart, and separates me from you and fellowship from Brothers and sisters. I need our help to do the next thing. I don't even know what the next thing is. But I want to leave the path of sins and return to you. Please forgive me and help me to crucify the flesh, the old self, help me to , remain in your power, help me to be the person you want me to be, please crush the angry bitter heart in me and give me a soft heart after you and your will, I pray this in your name Jesus. Also Lord God, Help me to release my future to you, so that you will be glorified in my life, Amen"

I believe all the sincere prayers have reached to our dear LORD, and HE will gloriy HIS name by answering these prayers according to HIS will. I thank the LORD for this dear sister's fellowship. If you feel burdened in your heart, please pray for her with the love from Christ.

A Post of Praise and Prayer

My Lord, how faithful you are! Your spirit is pure and innocent like a child, your love is patient and enduring like a parent, your discipline is the rod that leads to sweet fruit, and your promises you keep like a rainbow across the world. Your name is holy! most beautiful, faithful, mercyful and loveable, is God. You free me, from fearing and trembling in my sin, you lead me, singing and dancing in your light. I was feeble and wicked, yet you will rebuild me with your purity and grace. Your words asure me, your work guards me. Your mighty power moves the mountains in men's heart and opens the clouds in their eyes. Praise your name and may your name be exalted wherever there's thirsty soul, crying eyes, saddened heart and burdened shoulders! You are the father of the orphans, the dependable of the widow, the support of the weak, the healer of the sick, the companion and comforter of the lonely! How mercyful you are, how great you are!

信而顺服

神今天给我的话是“信而顺服”。我们要讨神的喜悦，不单要信，更要顺服。因为我们信我们的神所是的，所以我们愿意全心爱他，奉献我们所有的一切。我们愿意顺服在他的旨意之下，要他的心得到满足。我们也愿意在家中彼此顺服，使纷争止息，让神的爱在家中得到彰显。在教会中弟兄姐妹愿意彼此顺服，彼此建造，使神家满了基督的馨香。当效法我们主耶稣的顺服。

不是倚靠势力，不是倚靠才能，乃是倚靠神的灵方能成事

What an amazing week, which is full of God's blessing towards HIS loved ones. I wish I could write down all the blessings HE has bestowed us. My heart is filled with praises and thanksgiving. Without consulting with brothers and sisters, I will not share all the wonderful things online, but we will certainly fellowship in our Bible study tonight.

I am completely overwhelmed by God's greatness and love! HE is a God of providence, and HE never delays. 耶和华在山上必预备!

May our faith be lifted up above all the difficulties, all the worldly things and all the worries. May we fix our eyes on JESUS alone. May our faith be renewed every day, so that we will soar on wings like eagles.

I think the following paslm expresses my feelings right now.

詩篇 113

1 你們要讚美耶和華. 耶和華的僕人哪, 你們要讚美, 讚美耶和華的名.
2 耶和華的名, 是應當稱頌的, 從今時直到永遠.
3 從日出之地, 到日落之處, 耶和華的名是應當讚美的.
4 耶和華超乎萬民之上. 他的榮耀高過諸天.
5 誰像耶和華我們的神呢. 他坐在至高之處,
6 自己謙卑, 觀看天上地下的事.
7 他從灰塵裡抬舉貧寒人, 從糞堆中提拔窮乏人.
8 使他們與王子同坐, 就是與本國的王子同坐.
9 他使不能生育的婦人安居家中, 為多子的樂母. 你們要讚美耶和華.

GOD IS GOOD!

Love NEVER Fails!

When I turned to the LORD, HE had mercy on me.
When I earnestly seeked HIM, I entered into HIS presense.
The name of the LORD is worthy of all the praises!
Let the earth exalt HIM!
Let all nations exalt HIS name!

God is changing my heart. For the past 2 weeks, God had showed me that I need to be more forgiving. "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."(1 Cor 13:13) Regarding different spiritual understandings, I only need to lift these things up and let the LORD work among us. HE is to ensure everyone is on the right path, not me. Love the LORD, and love your neighbor as yourself are the summary of the law. Love the brothers and sisters unconditionally, just like the LORD loves us. Lord, please forgive me and I confess that I donot know how to love, and my love is conditional. Lord, let your love overflow from me so that I can have godly love for others. LORD, thank you for your patience with me. I am still learning, and will lean on you all the more. Let me remember the verses about love.

"4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8Love never fails." - 1Cor 18:4-8

Invitation to the Thirsty

以 賽 亞 書55

6 當趁耶和華可尋找的時候尋找他、相近的時候求告他．

7 惡人當離棄自己的道路．不義的人當除掉自己的意念、歸向耶和華、耶和華就必憐恤他．當歸向我們的　神、因為　神必廣行赦免。

8 耶和華說、我的意念、非同你們的意念、我的道路、非同你們的道路。

9 天怎樣高過地、照樣我的道路、高過你們的道路、我的意念、高過你們的意念。

10 雨雪從天而降、並不返回、卻滋潤地土、使地上發芽結實、使撒種的有種、使要吃的有糧．

11 我口所出的話、也必如此、決不徒然返回、卻要成就我所喜悅的、在我發他去成就的事上〔發他去成就或作所命定〕必然亨通。

12 你們必歡歡喜喜而出來、平平安安蒙引導．大山小山必在你們面前發聲歌唱．田野的樹木也都拍掌。

13 松樹長出代替荊棘．番石榴長出代替蒺藜．這要為耶和華留名、作為永遠的證據、不能剪除。

(to avoid long text on the front page, please read English version in the comments)

The LORD will go before you

At a sleepless night, I tossed and turned. I started to imagine how our life will be so different or difficult when my mom's gone next January. How long it is going to take Ethan to adapt to the day care center? How am I going to handle work and family at the same time? How am I going to manage my daily devotional time?... Then of course, my heart was sunken. My heart was focusing on things other than the LORD. I then prayed and then prayed, but the burden was still there. At 5:30am, I got up and knelt before the LORD asking HIM to show me HIS glory, and give me his words of comfort. I felt embassessed that I worry about trivial things like this. So many brothers and sisters have major life crisis, and I ... One thing I found out is: it doesn't matter how trivail things are, if they bother you and hinder you from seeing the glory of God, you will lose peace and joy. The Lord asked us to "trust HIM at all times, and pour out our hearts to him" (Psa 62:8). So I did, I told the LORD my worries, my concerns. When reading Isaiah 52, God touched my heart by assuring me "the LORD will go before you, the God of Isreal will be your rear guard." If we are walking in God's will, we know that HE will always go before us, and prepare the way for us. Why worry? "O my soul, why are you downcast? Why so disturbed within. Put your hope in God, and I will yet praise HIM." Let's lift up eyes to heaven and remove the veil from our face, and see God face to face.

I thank the LORD for HE is my strength, my refuge, and an ever-needed help in trouble.

soar on wings like eagles

Isaiah 40
Comfort for God's People

27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
and complain, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the LORD ;
my cause is disregarded by my God"?

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.


以 賽 亞 書40

27 雅各阿、你為何說、我的道路向耶和華隱藏．以色列阿、你為何言、我的冤屈　神並不查問。

28 你豈不曾知道麼、你豈不曾聽見麼、永在的　神耶和華、創造地極的主、並不疲乏、也不困倦．他的智慧無法測度。

29 疲乏的、他賜能力．軟弱的、他加力量．

30 就是少年人也要疲乏困倦、強壯的也必全然跌倒．

31 但那等候耶和華的、必從新得力、他們必如鷹展翅上騰、他們奔跑卻不困倦、行走卻不疲乏。

An excerpt of a prayer letter from a missionary couple

As we were going through our address list we realized 2005 had been a year of great change; not only for us but also for so many of you. Some of you have moved, some have losted loved ones, and some have experienced major life changes whether you wanted to or not. How grateful we are that God is steadfast and never changes no matter how tremendously difficult the situation we face is. There is comfort in knowing no matter what, God will not change and cannot be knocked down or destroyed. (Malachi 3:6a "I am the LORD who does not change." Heb 13:8 "Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever").

认识真神得着真智慧

A great testimony and a pretty good summary of the Bible for seekers. including:

我的信仰的转变
圣经是一本什么样的书？
圣经到底讲了一些什么呢？
etc.

http://cclw.net/withess/3-02/rszsdzh.htm

Angela's recent picture

What a beautiful girl!

my letter to a sister

Last night, at the small group fellowship, we sang the
song 主这样的爱。 I don't know if you still
remember the lyrics of this song.

主这样的爱，象那灿烂晨光，照亮我康庄大道。主这样的爱，象那习习晚风，轻拂着朦胧树梢。他珍贵又温柔稳妥，有耶稣就满足快活。主这样的爱, 使我激动澎湃，因这爱竟临到我。

I remember this was your favorite song when you were
in RI attending the Friday night fellowship. This
song reminded me of you! How wonderful it is for
someone to be able to find rest in the LORD. No
matter what, God loves you! When you are in despair,
call out to His name, and the LORD will comfort you.
It is never too late to turn back to God. At this
Christmas season, I hope you will find love and warmth
in your heart!

Remember the story of Jonah? This was his prayer when
he was at the stomach of the big fish.

1 From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his
God. 2 He said:
"In my distress I called to the LORD,
and he answered me.
From the depths of the grave [a] I called for
help,
and you listened to my cry.
3 You hurled me into the deep,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me.

4 I said, 'I have been banished
from your sight;
yet I will look again
toward your holy temple.'

5 The engulfing waters threatened me, [b]
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.

6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you brought my life up from the pit,
O LORD my God.

7 "When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, LORD,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.

8 "Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.

9 But I, with a song of thanksgiving,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
Salvation comes from the LORD."

10 And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited
Jonah onto dry land.

Pray Jonah's prayer, and may the LORD give you peace,
joy and strength.

I will continue praying for you till one day we may be
called sisters in the LORD again.

敬畏耶和华

箴言20个「敬畏」：
1. (一7) 敬畏耶和华是知识的开端
2. ( 29) 恨恶知识，不喜爱敬畏耶和华
3. (二5) 领受，存记，侧耳听，专心求，呼求，扬声求，寻找搜求神的话，就明白敬畏耶和华，认识神
4. (三7) 敬畏耶和华远离恶事
5. (八13) 敬畏耶和华在乎恨恶邪恶
6. (九10) 敬畏耶和华是智慧的原则
7. (十27) 敬畏耶和华使人日子加多
8. (十三13) 敬畏神的命令，必得善报
9. (十四2) 敬畏耶和华行动正直
10. ( 26) 敬畏耶和华的大有依靠，儿女有避难所
11. ( 27) 敬畏耶和华是生命的泉源，使人脱离死亡之网罗
12. (十五16) 少有财宝敬畏耶和华，强如多有财宝烦乱不安
13. ( 33) 敬畏耶和华是智慧的训诲
14. (十六6) 敬畏耶和华远离恶事
15. (十九23) 敬畏耶和华的得着生命
16. (廿二4) 敬畏耶和华心存谦卑就得着富有，尊荣，生命为赏赐
17. (廿三17) 不要嫉妒罪人，只要终日敬畏耶和华
18. (卅一30) 敬畏耶和华的妇女必得称赞
19. (廿八14) 常存敬畏的，便为有福
20. (廿四21) 要敬畏耶和华与君王，一切权柄从而来。―― 张向晨《圣经六十六卷》

Dramatized Bible Stories

For those who are interested in listening to dramatized Bible stories, please bookmark this link: http://cclw.net/Bible/BibleRadioPlay/BibleRadioPlay.htm. You will find it fun and

December 2005 Prayer Requests

Please post your prayer requests by adding comments to this post. Bring your thanks, or praises, or worries or burdens to the Lord, pour out your heart before Him. We'll pray for you too.