NHCF Blog

by Graham MolWhile collecting my kids from school today, I saw one of the parents of a child in my daughter's class. Due to the lockdown and the social distancing procedures at the school, the last time I had seen this other parent was near the beginning of the year when her son had had his 6th birthday party and my daughter (and us the family) were invited. Greeting each other it was clear that we both were thinking of how long ago that was when she made the comment that she couldn't believe that the school year was nearly over and that there had been so much that the kids had missed out on with there being far less to none of the usual parties and playdates that would have taken place. They hadn't got to enjoy the full experience of their first year at "big school" and all the relationship building with new friends. I was reminded of the fact that we all have experienced losses this year; some small, some life alteringly big. Amidst it all I think of one of my favourite verses of Scripture:I will repay you for the yearsthat the swarming locust ate,the young locust, the destroying locust,and the devouring locust—my great army that I sent against you.(Joel 2:25 CSB)This promise of restoration is spoken by God through the prophet Joel to His people. Although they had brought the Lord's judgement upon themselves by refusing to obey Him and turning from His ways, He promises to repay them for the years the locusts ate. Although these words are specifically spoken to the people of that time, into their situation, the heart of God can be seen in them and this promise to repay is one that I have held onto in my life. I know that God will make it right, He will restore to us what was taken away. Whether that be in this life, as we see He did with Job, or in the life to come (see for example Matthew 19:28-30).This also means that God sees our distress. He is aware of every hurt, every bit of suffering and loss. We are not alone, He is with us and will make it right. Knowing this is a great source of comfort and encouragement in my life and I pray that it will be for you too. God BlessGraham

by Caryl Moll"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."Colossians 3:1‭-‬2 NIVhttps://thenewharvest.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/WhatsApp%20Video%202020-11-12%20at%2008.29.09.mp4With love, in Christ,Caryl

by Luke KincaidToday I am sharing a song with you that I have been listening for quite some time now. It is entitled "Run to the Father" by Cody Carnes. I love the truth contained in the lyrics and the reminder that I think many of us need to hear today. Whenever we find ourselves goin through a troubled or trying time we should run to God the Father instead of away from Him because He is where our safety is. He is the source of the grace we need. He is where we find true life. So run to the Father today as you read through these lyrics or sing along if you are able to follow the link to YouTube:https://youtu.be/HcpeLDp0FooI've carried a burden for too long on my ownI wasn't created to bear it aloneI hear Your invitationTo let it all goI see it nowI'm laying it downAnd I know that I need YouI run to the FatherI fall into graceI'm done with the hidingNo reason to waitMy heart needs a surgeonMy soul needs a friendSo I'll run to the FatherAgain and again and again and again You saw my conditionHad a plan from the startYour Son for redemptionThe price for my heartAnd I don't have a contextFor that kind of loveI don't understandI can't comprehendAll I know is I need YouMy heart has been in Your sightsLong before my first breathRunning into Your armsIs running to life from deathAnd I feel this rush deep in my chestYour mercy is calling outJust as I am You pull me inAnd I know I need You now  Much love,Luke

by Calven Celliers I recently came across a quote by British evangelist Rodney “Gipsy” Smith who said that, “There are five Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the Christian, but most people will never read the first four.” The Five Gospels – Matthew. Mark. Luke. John. YOU! Have you ever heard the slogan that the only Bible some people may ever read is you? This is a reminder to us as believers that we need to keep our behaviour beyond reproach since non-Christians will judge Christianity by the day-to-day lives of Christians. The idea is that people form their impressions of Christianity not just from what Christians say, but also by what Christians do and how Christians treat others. I have a confession, there’s a reason I’ve always been reluctant to put a fish symbol on the back of my car. Come to think of it, do people even do that anymore? There was a time when it was the ‘in thing’ in many Christian circles, but in all honesty, I hardly ever see fish symbols on Christians bumpers these days. The point, however, remains true. What if I go over the speed limit? What if I don’t always manage to merge gracefully into traffic? People will start to form a negative impression of all Christians. The pattern holds true whether it’s a Jesus fish on our bumper or a cross around our neck or even if someone just happens to know that we go to church. Once it’s known that we’re Christians, then we’re on the witness stand. The truth is that we are all role models. Each one of us is setting an example for someone. You can’t walk away from that reality.  The people you interact with, in your sphere of influence, are watching what you do.  And by your words and actions, you are influencing others. People will look at us as followers of Christ and make judgments about what Christians are all about. This can have negative consequences if we display bad behaviour, but it can also have profoundly positive ones too. “One must not overlook the stark reality that the way one’s life is lived out will determine the impact.” (Ravi Zacharias) In his letter to Titus, an early church leader and trusted companion, the apostle Paul wrote, “7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” (Titus 2:7NLT)  Paul clearly knew that a principle of ‘do as I do’ rather than ‘do as I say’ is a most effective way to train others in the things of God, and he advised this trusted colleague to present himself to his brothers and sisters in Christ, as a worthy pattern of the good behaviour and the godly conduct that should be the hallmark of every believer. The people you interact with each day aren’t walls.  What you say and do, doesn’t just bounce off them. We impact other…