NHCF Blog

Guest Postby Dave GriffithsThe truth is, we have been experiencing a very difficult and trying time. Here in the retirement village, many of the elderly are stressed, having not seen family for the past sixth months.We see on the news that many have died from this virus in the absence of their families.If ever there was a time to put our trust in God, it is now, and this requires that we know the truth with certainty. So what is the truth? Perhaps a definition could help. The bible teaches that truth is consistent with the mind, will, character, glory and being of God. So, “truth is the self-expression of God”.Jesus said of Himself “I am, the truth” (John 14:6) He is truth incarnate. He said the written Word of God is truth. We cannot separate the written Word of God and the incarnate Word of God (Jesus). God has revealed Himself to humanity through Scripture and through His Son.If people abandon a biblical definition of truth, the inescapable result is that God will give them over to a debased mind to do what they want to do on their own (Romans 1:28). We simply cannot rely on human philosophers, as all of the very best have all utterly failed to account for truth and the origin of human knowledge, apart from God. Fact is, God is the necessary starting point.At Jesus trial the question of truth came out clearly. Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”  Pilate said to Him, “What is the truth?” (John 18:37-38).To know the truth with certainty as Christians, the Gospel message is essential and absolutely clear. It is both simple and clear.“God so loved the world (you and me) that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus) that whosoever (anyone and everyone) who believes in Him, (that is, puts their total faith and trust in Him, will not perish (be destroyed) but will have eternal life (in heaven with Him).   (John 3:16)We have no idea how long this virus will be with us. Many world experts are at a loss. Today is the day of salvation. Make a decision for Christ now, and be certain of your future. Sincerely, Dave.

by Graham MolThis afternoon I took the kids to go get some ice cream after school. We're definitely heading into spring now and according to the weather report it was getting as warm as 30 degrees today! For me getting an ice cream - especially the soft-serve version in a cone - is something I associate with happiness. It probably has to do with the fact that I have so many contented and happy memories associated with having an ice cream. It reminds me of summer days at the beach, at Gold Reef City, or when I was a child and my mom would get us delicious caramel dipped ice creams from the Steers next to the school clothing store after we had endured getting new uniforms for the upcoming term (some things just seem to stick in my memory!)I must admit, while I reflected on happy ice creams and the fact that we are moving into Spring and Summer I was feeling hopeful. The number of positive Covid-19 cases is coming down daily, and the recoveries are going up. The lockdown is loosening up and although things won't ever quite be the same again, a great deal of things are returning to normal. The proverbial phrase, "Hope springs eternal" comes to mind. In looking up the origin of the phrase I found out that it was penned by the great English poet, Alexander Pope in his An Essay on Man.Hope springs eternal in the human breast:Man never is, but always to be blest:The soul, uneasy and confin’d from home,Rests and expatiates in a life to come.Pope observes that us humans have a tendency to be optimistic about the future. Even when we've gone through tough and difficult times, we tend to believe that things will get better. Sometimes this optimism is misplaced or naïve. However, we as Christians always have reason to hope. For us, not only does hope spring eternal but our hope is founded in the eternal. The Apostle Peter expresses this truth as he encourages the believers who have gone through times of suffering:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:10-11)Amen indeed! God BlessGraham

by Caryl MollThe basin of the internet stands on its pedestal. In it lies the water of the social media. The temperature of the water changes depending on which tap is opened and on which water will flow into this basin.   On most days it is only the cold tap that is working well – the sad, harsh, cold reality of the secular world we live in. Those who wash their faces in this icy water experience an instant shock. But on other days, a small miracle takes place in the basin. It’s a miracle that possibly can make all the difference to our world.This miracle - in the form of new warmth- suddenly emerges from the hot tap. It invites bathers to linger longer and feel how their senses are invigorated. At times, it affects their whole body. On these days, they wish the basin is bigger, so that they can submerge themselves totally and forget about the cold of the world for a while.As you have realised, there are two taps that hover above this basin; one is cold, the other hot. They beg the question: “Which temperature do you prefer?” The cold tap brings the water of reality. It is untouched – real and harsh – and hasn’t seen any heating device. Those who dip their hands into this water feel no need to stay and ponder. But like all human beings, they are curious.In response, some see it as a challenge. They put up all their defences and brace themselves to fight the basin. Gritting their teeth, they plunge their hands in adding more cold water to make it hurt. As expected, it is shocking. They justify this action by saying that their experience is true - unblemished. But, it does nothing for their souls and they leave perturbed.How can this be good?“Feel it like it really is!” they suggest. “Experiencing the warm water won’t change anything – in the end, all water goes cold anyway. What’s the fuss?” “It’s the way of the world,” they say. “Why cover it up with warmth?” “Reality is reality!”But, on other days the small miracle is noticeable. Deep in the heart of the plumbing, someone lights a fire and hot water starts seeping into the basin. It turns the whole experience into an inviting, interesting oasis. Those who choose to put their hands in this water, feel a new beginning. Is it called “hope”?Hope? Yes - for something different, something possible, something warm, something positive. Indeed, warm water nurses our souls and comforts us. It invites us to consider how we, too, can make a difference. In my opinion, this water is good.As many of you know, I choose to interact in social media POSITIVELY. This is not because the world is all positive. If anything, it is because it is not! Neither, is it because I am naïve. I, too, see it like it is. My intention, however, is to write positively in the hope that I will make…

by Luke KincaidThere have been many times while driving when the car in front of me has saved me from driving into a pothole by making a point of missing it in a noticeable way. One time I was super grateful because the driver even made the added effort of putting on their hazard lights a few moments before assisting me in dodging a potential tire-eating sized pothole. What is interesting to me is that to benefit from this offered assistance I needed to be aware of what was going on around me. I could have simply ignored the warning signs and continued driving and then needed to deal with the reality of a potentially damaged tire and/or wheel.While thinking about these encounters with kind drivers I felt like I was being challenged by God in regards to how willing I am to follow the Holy Spirit in my daily life. Do I even pay attention to the Spirit’s leading on a daily basis or do I simply take it for granted or think that I know a better way? While dodging a pothole every now and then is of some benefit to me, what I can experience from following the Holy Spirit is far more valuable. This is what Paul has to say in Romans 8:5-11 & Galatians 5:16-17; 25:5 For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. 6 Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him. 10 Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit] gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through] his Spirit who lives in you. 16 I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want...  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.Keeping in step with the Holy Spirit on a daily basis means that I choose to walk in a way that pleases God and choose to walk in the way of life and righteousness. This is only possible through the Holy Spirit’s assistance because even as a disciple of Jesus we can live in ways…