We were invited to attend the NTU Convocation 2010 on Thursday 29th July. Our eldest grandson Daryl Aw graduated with Bachelor of Accountancy Degree and we felt very proud - the first grandson to graduate. In my own heart I was praising the Lord for the way He has blessed our children and grandchildren.
Three more grandchildren - Cheryl Aw, David Lim and Rachel Lim are National University of Singapore undergraduates. Their time will come.
Daryl was performing so he was able to obtain special tickets for grandparents, parents and his girl friend. We were seated near the front close to the platform. We sat for two whole hours and watched the proceedings.
As the music played "Land of Hope and Glory" the professors processed in from the back of the auditorium to the platform. There was pomp and show. One of Daryl's professors was none other than our good friend, Professor Victor Yeo who taught Daryl Company Law. He was formerly of Balestier Corps.
After the usual speeches, there was the presentation of degrees. One by one as the names were called, walked to the platform to receive the certificates from the Chancellor.
The ceremony lasted two hours. After that we adjourned to another area for refreshments. It was a great day for us and we returned home with our hearts filled with gratitude to God for His blessings on our family. God is great, good and gracious and we thank and praise Him for Who He is and for what He has done for us.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Charisma & Character
I've been much blessed using the Love Singapore production - a 40 Day booklet of meditation on 1 Corinthians. If you do not have a copy, get one. It's not too late to start reading. You will not regret spending a couple of dollars and time reflecting on the messages. They are so well written by someone obviously living very close to God. It's one of the best devotionals available in Singapore produced in connection with our National Day celebrations.
Let me quote what the writer said, "It may come as a shock to you that people can work miracles with one hand and fondle sin with the other; cure the sick on Sunday and cuddle prostitutes on Monday. (Matthew 7: 22-23) Such things happened in Corinth. It happens today. Do we need reminding?
Paul's warning is no joke:
"One, charismatic manifestations do not prove that God is pleased with us.Two, spiritual privileges (even the sacraments) do not shield us from the judgements of God. Three, if you think you stand, mind your step! Don't dance on a razor's edge. Don't presume upon the grace of God. Don't confuse charisma with character."
Well said and timely reminder for us all. Listen to the words of Jesus.
"Knowing the correct password - saying 'Master, Master' for instance - isn't gong to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience - doing what my Father wills. I can see it now - at the Final Judgement thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master,we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don't impress me one bit. You're out of here.' (Matthew 7: 21-23 The Message)
There's a lot of hypocrisy around. I need to examine my own life each day and let the searchlight of the Holy Spirit beam into my very being. Search me O Lord and know my heart today.
Let me quote what the writer said, "It may come as a shock to you that people can work miracles with one hand and fondle sin with the other; cure the sick on Sunday and cuddle prostitutes on Monday. (Matthew 7: 22-23) Such things happened in Corinth. It happens today. Do we need reminding?
Paul's warning is no joke:
"One, charismatic manifestations do not prove that God is pleased with us.Two, spiritual privileges (even the sacraments) do not shield us from the judgements of God. Three, if you think you stand, mind your step! Don't dance on a razor's edge. Don't presume upon the grace of God. Don't confuse charisma with character."
Well said and timely reminder for us all. Listen to the words of Jesus.
"Knowing the correct password - saying 'Master, Master' for instance - isn't gong to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience - doing what my Father wills. I can see it now - at the Final Judgement thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master,we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don't impress me one bit. You're out of here.' (Matthew 7: 21-23 The Message)
There's a lot of hypocrisy around. I need to examine my own life each day and let the searchlight of the Holy Spirit beam into my very being. Search me O Lord and know my heart today.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sunday worship and reflection
Veneer is a thin cover or surface material such as a fine layer of quality wood, a fraction of an inch thick that is adhered to the surface of substrate such as in furniture. So beneath this veneer is cheaper or poorer quality substance. The veneer looks good for a time, but will not last, eventually falling apart. On the other hand, quality furniture made from solid quality wood lasts a long time.
Well it may be a all right and it is cheaper to use veneer in woodworking, but certainly it is not right to use veneer in building a church! A church that has a veneer faith, without depth or meaning is deceptive. It may fool people but not the Lord whom the church claims to love and serve.
We studied the message to the church at Sardis - a church with a reputation for being alive, but in reality dead. Donald Barnhouse comments, "It was not scandalous wickedness, but decent death; the form retained, the heart gone; Christ owned in word, ignored in deed; creeds correct, conduct respectable, life departed....His name held, His word read, His truth owned, Himself forgotten."
Now listen to what Dr. William Barclay has to say,"A church is in danger of death when it begins to worship its own past..when it is more concern with forms than with life...when it loves systems more than it loves Jesus Christ...when it is more concerned with material than spiritual things."
I had spent a lot of time in preparation and gave this study last Sunday at our Adult Bible class. I've not stopped reflecting on the message. Are we in danger when we are more concern with ceremonies, systems etc and forget to examine our own spirituality? Do we allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and reveal to us our true spiritual condition? Are we content with keeping a facade of spirituality? The Lord knows and we cannot hide from Him. God is omniscient and none of us can hide from His piercing eyes. So let's be honest with ourselves and with God.
I've been watching "Raisedup.org"- Youth convention held in Sweden. The Salvation Army has a good and glorious heritage, let's keep it, but please don't embalm it. I hope and pray the youth who attended will spread this fire in their territories.Keep the fire burning! And we older folk, let's encourage our youth. They may do things differently, but that does not mean they are wrong.
A Prayer: " O Lord my God, let the light of Your love fall upon my life. Search every corner of my heart and show me my true self. Am I living as my conscience approves? Have I been demanding of others a higher standard of conduct than I demand myself? Have I been charitable towards others. Do I allow the thought of my own gain to take precedence over the interests of others.
Search me o Lord and know my heart today. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Well it may be a all right and it is cheaper to use veneer in woodworking, but certainly it is not right to use veneer in building a church! A church that has a veneer faith, without depth or meaning is deceptive. It may fool people but not the Lord whom the church claims to love and serve.
We studied the message to the church at Sardis - a church with a reputation for being alive, but in reality dead. Donald Barnhouse comments, "It was not scandalous wickedness, but decent death; the form retained, the heart gone; Christ owned in word, ignored in deed; creeds correct, conduct respectable, life departed....His name held, His word read, His truth owned, Himself forgotten."
Now listen to what Dr. William Barclay has to say,"A church is in danger of death when it begins to worship its own past..when it is more concern with forms than with life...when it loves systems more than it loves Jesus Christ...when it is more concerned with material than spiritual things."
I had spent a lot of time in preparation and gave this study last Sunday at our Adult Bible class. I've not stopped reflecting on the message. Are we in danger when we are more concern with ceremonies, systems etc and forget to examine our own spirituality? Do we allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and reveal to us our true spiritual condition? Are we content with keeping a facade of spirituality? The Lord knows and we cannot hide from Him. God is omniscient and none of us can hide from His piercing eyes. So let's be honest with ourselves and with God.
I've been watching "Raisedup.org"- Youth convention held in Sweden. The Salvation Army has a good and glorious heritage, let's keep it, but please don't embalm it. I hope and pray the youth who attended will spread this fire in their territories.Keep the fire burning! And we older folk, let's encourage our youth. They may do things differently, but that does not mean they are wrong.
A Prayer: " O Lord my God, let the light of Your love fall upon my life. Search every corner of my heart and show me my true self. Am I living as my conscience approves? Have I been demanding of others a higher standard of conduct than I demand myself? Have I been charitable towards others. Do I allow the thought of my own gain to take precedence over the interests of others.
Search me o Lord and know my heart today. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Friday, July 23, 2010
This is my story - 35
35 – The Salvation Army in Ipoh
You park your vehicle. Hanging around are some street urchins. Immediately one of them comes round and with a smile tells you, “I watch your car for you.” It’s not altruism at all. He stretches out his hand for money. Turn him down, or ignore him, you will find on your return later scratch marks on your vehicle. It’s pure intimidation from street kids known as ‘jaga kreta’ (watch your car) boys.
Such scenes were common in bygone days. The Rotary Club of Ipoh opened a Home for such boys to get them off the streets. Hearing of the good work of The Salvation Army in Penang and elsewhere, they invited the Army to take over this Home.
In 1940, Major Frederick Harvey after successfully establishing the work in Penang, went to Ipoh to commence operations in this rich tin mining town of Ipoh. He started a new Corps (church) in a rented house at Jalan Pasir Puteh. Later Lieutenant Sim Wee Lee (also known as Willie Sim) was appointed to carry on the work.
At 1.15 a.m. Monday 8th December 1941 the Japanese army landed at Kota Baru a small coastal town about 400 miles on the east coast of Malaya. The invading army moved quickly southwards and Ipoh fell to the Japanese on 15th December 1941. Salvation Army work came to an abrupt halt. Lieutenant Willie Sim returned to Singapore.
War ended in 1945 and the following year, Captain Elsie Willis was appointed to Ipoh to recommence the work of the Army. Captain Tan Beng Neo was sent to assist her and a Girls’ Home was opened on a 15 acre piece of land with a ‘house’ with a roof but no walls! She got a carpenter to build one room where she lived with a deaf girl from Penang brought by Major Bertha Grey.
A couple of months later Adjutant Gwen Norman, a New Zealand officer arrived in Ipoh to recommence evangelical work and replant the church. In her 1947 report for the War Cry, she wrote about the progress of her work from her quarters at Chamberlain Road. She had eighty women attending her Home League (ladies) meeting. She had also established a day school with forty pupils ranging from Primary 1 to those taking their GCE O level.
The Boys’ Home at Treacher Street was officially opened by the Mentri Besar of Perak in August 1948. Present in that meeting were many members of the Rotary Club that had initiated this programme, the club officially transferring it to The Salvation Army. The President Mr. J V Morais in making the transfer remarked, “In my opinion there is no duty more urgent today than the duty of saving and salvaging the unaided and the underprivileged boys and girls from the sins and slums of Malayan towns.” In accepting the document of transfer Lieut. Colonel William Darby declared the Army’s policy and conviction to train and guide young people who enter its doors.
By now the Army had three centres – the Girls’ Home at Gopeng Road with 52 girls and babies, a Corps at 41 Chamberlain Road and the Boys’ Home with 31 boys under the charge of Adjutant and Mrs. Stanley Gordon.
In 1950 there was a leadership change and Major and Mrs. Joseph Jordan took charge of this. Boys’ Home. They moved the Home to the present location, a bigger building at Tambun four miles from the city. The General Secretary Brigadier Frederick Harvey performed the opening ceremony attended by Rotarians, Government officials and well wishers. The Army since than has added extensions to cater for more boys.
Today the Army runs the Children’s Home, Boys’ Home, Corps and Home for the Aged the latter was handed over by the Sisters of the Poor to the Army in 1992.
On 4th July 1969 we began a new adventure when we took charge of the Ipoh Boys’ Home – a Home for fifty boys.
You park your vehicle. Hanging around are some street urchins. Immediately one of them comes round and with a smile tells you, “I watch your car for you.” It’s not altruism at all. He stretches out his hand for money. Turn him down, or ignore him, you will find on your return later scratch marks on your vehicle. It’s pure intimidation from street kids known as ‘jaga kreta’ (watch your car) boys.
Such scenes were common in bygone days. The Rotary Club of Ipoh opened a Home for such boys to get them off the streets. Hearing of the good work of The Salvation Army in Penang and elsewhere, they invited the Army to take over this Home.
In 1940, Major Frederick Harvey after successfully establishing the work in Penang, went to Ipoh to commence operations in this rich tin mining town of Ipoh. He started a new Corps (church) in a rented house at Jalan Pasir Puteh. Later Lieutenant Sim Wee Lee (also known as Willie Sim) was appointed to carry on the work.
At 1.15 a.m. Monday 8th December 1941 the Japanese army landed at Kota Baru a small coastal town about 400 miles on the east coast of Malaya. The invading army moved quickly southwards and Ipoh fell to the Japanese on 15th December 1941. Salvation Army work came to an abrupt halt. Lieutenant Willie Sim returned to Singapore.
War ended in 1945 and the following year, Captain Elsie Willis was appointed to Ipoh to recommence the work of the Army. Captain Tan Beng Neo was sent to assist her and a Girls’ Home was opened on a 15 acre piece of land with a ‘house’ with a roof but no walls! She got a carpenter to build one room where she lived with a deaf girl from Penang brought by Major Bertha Grey.
A couple of months later Adjutant Gwen Norman, a New Zealand officer arrived in Ipoh to recommence evangelical work and replant the church. In her 1947 report for the War Cry, she wrote about the progress of her work from her quarters at Chamberlain Road. She had eighty women attending her Home League (ladies) meeting. She had also established a day school with forty pupils ranging from Primary 1 to those taking their GCE O level.
The Boys’ Home at Treacher Street was officially opened by the Mentri Besar of Perak in August 1948. Present in that meeting were many members of the Rotary Club that had initiated this programme, the club officially transferring it to The Salvation Army. The President Mr. J V Morais in making the transfer remarked, “In my opinion there is no duty more urgent today than the duty of saving and salvaging the unaided and the underprivileged boys and girls from the sins and slums of Malayan towns.” In accepting the document of transfer Lieut. Colonel William Darby declared the Army’s policy and conviction to train and guide young people who enter its doors.
By now the Army had three centres – the Girls’ Home at Gopeng Road with 52 girls and babies, a Corps at 41 Chamberlain Road and the Boys’ Home with 31 boys under the charge of Adjutant and Mrs. Stanley Gordon.
In 1950 there was a leadership change and Major and Mrs. Joseph Jordan took charge of this. Boys’ Home. They moved the Home to the present location, a bigger building at Tambun four miles from the city. The General Secretary Brigadier Frederick Harvey performed the opening ceremony attended by Rotarians, Government officials and well wishers. The Army since than has added extensions to cater for more boys.
Today the Army runs the Children’s Home, Boys’ Home, Corps and Home for the Aged the latter was handed over by the Sisters of the Poor to the Army in 1992.
On 4th July 1969 we began a new adventure when we took charge of the Ipoh Boys’ Home – a Home for fifty boys.
Health matters
This week and last week, I made four visits to the National University Hospital. No I wasn't sick but just for blood tests and medical check ups. We thank God for the excellent medical facilities in Singapore.
The ENT clinic specialist had recommended that I should go for MRI, just in case there was a tumour.
Last week for the first time I had my head scanned - MRI. I was placed on a narrow bed, and at the press of a button by the nurse, the bed slid into a tunnel. I felt I was in a coffin where I remained for the next half an hour. I had been told to keep still and not move at all. Then the banging and the knocking and grinding, I felt I was at a construction site with hundreds of workers working away at the same time using hammers, drills and other heavy equipment. Throughout this period of time, I sang in my mind the familiar songs like "Be still and know that I am God", "In Thee O Lord do i put my trust."
I was glad when it was all over and was released from this tube. I saw the smiling face of the nurse, "It's all over" she said.
Today, a week later I went to see the doctor to get the result. With a smile the lady doctor assured me I was all right - nothing wrong with my head. Good to know that. And yesterday another doctor gave me the good news "You are all right" - my blood pressure, cholesterol level perfect. Of course, I am under medication following my angioplasty three years ago.
Well the Lord has always been good. Of course, I have to do my part - be careful about my diet. I now make sure my alarm is set at 5.00 a.m. (often I'm awake before the alarm well before 5.00 a.m.) when I get up to do my exercise, first on the exercise bicycle then go for half an hour walk in the compound.
The Lord is good!
The ENT clinic specialist had recommended that I should go for MRI, just in case there was a tumour.
Last week for the first time I had my head scanned - MRI. I was placed on a narrow bed, and at the press of a button by the nurse, the bed slid into a tunnel. I felt I was in a coffin where I remained for the next half an hour. I had been told to keep still and not move at all. Then the banging and the knocking and grinding, I felt I was at a construction site with hundreds of workers working away at the same time using hammers, drills and other heavy equipment. Throughout this period of time, I sang in my mind the familiar songs like "Be still and know that I am God", "In Thee O Lord do i put my trust."
I was glad when it was all over and was released from this tube. I saw the smiling face of the nurse, "It's all over" she said.
Today, a week later I went to see the doctor to get the result. With a smile the lady doctor assured me I was all right - nothing wrong with my head. Good to know that. And yesterday another doctor gave me the good news "You are all right" - my blood pressure, cholesterol level perfect. Of course, I am under medication following my angioplasty three years ago.
Well the Lord has always been good. Of course, I have to do my part - be careful about my diet. I now make sure my alarm is set at 5.00 a.m. (often I'm awake before the alarm well before 5.00 a.m.) when I get up to do my exercise, first on the exercise bicycle then go for half an hour walk in the compound.
The Lord is good!
Peacehaven Nurses Day
What a great time we had last evening at the Nurses' Day celebrations. The meeting began with the singing of that great song,
"Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible sword;
His truth is marching on!
Glory, glory, Hallelujah! His truth is marching on!
To me this has added significance as I am in the midst of teaching the Book of Revelation at our Adult Bible class here at William Booth Corps.
And here to join in the singing of this great song with flags and banners waving, every one clapping, it was very touching. My emotions were greatly stirred. We all look forward to the Day of the Lord when the King returns to reign.
Salvationist Madam Georgina Low Mui Lan the Executive Director/Nursing Director gave her message highlighting the mission of The Salvation Army. After the nurses had recited the Nurses Pledge, all of them made their way to the Mercy Seat to rededicate themselves for the ministry of healing. Officers and salvationist knelt with them to pray. I was asked to offer the dedicatory prayer for the nurses. It was a very solemn moment and we could all feel the Spirit of the Lord moving in our midst. And glory crowned the Mercy Seat!
The Peacehaven Nursing Home now looks after 400 residents - the biggest Nursing Home in Singapore. The Home is also an accredited training centre.
People planning to set up Nursing Homes come to the Army to observe our work. Overseas visitors frequently visit Peacehaven to learn from us. The HOPE Centre is the only dementia home in Singapore.
We thank God for the privilege of serving the people of Singapore in this ministry of healing - physical, emotional and spiritual.
My wife and I count it a privilege to be involved in ministry at Peacehaven for the last thirteen years. We will continue to do so as long as the Lord gives us the strength.
After the programme, we joined the guests, staff and nurses for dinner. It was great day and we went home singing, Glory, glory, hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
"Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible sword;
His truth is marching on!
Glory, glory, Hallelujah! His truth is marching on!
To me this has added significance as I am in the midst of teaching the Book of Revelation at our Adult Bible class here at William Booth Corps.
And here to join in the singing of this great song with flags and banners waving, every one clapping, it was very touching. My emotions were greatly stirred. We all look forward to the Day of the Lord when the King returns to reign.
Salvationist Madam Georgina Low Mui Lan the Executive Director/Nursing Director gave her message highlighting the mission of The Salvation Army. After the nurses had recited the Nurses Pledge, all of them made their way to the Mercy Seat to rededicate themselves for the ministry of healing. Officers and salvationist knelt with them to pray. I was asked to offer the dedicatory prayer for the nurses. It was a very solemn moment and we could all feel the Spirit of the Lord moving in our midst. And glory crowned the Mercy Seat!
The Peacehaven Nursing Home now looks after 400 residents - the biggest Nursing Home in Singapore. The Home is also an accredited training centre.
People planning to set up Nursing Homes come to the Army to observe our work. Overseas visitors frequently visit Peacehaven to learn from us. The HOPE Centre is the only dementia home in Singapore.
We thank God for the privilege of serving the people of Singapore in this ministry of healing - physical, emotional and spiritual.
My wife and I count it a privilege to be involved in ministry at Peacehaven for the last thirteen years. We will continue to do so as long as the Lord gives us the strength.
After the programme, we joined the guests, staff and nurses for dinner. It was great day and we went home singing, Glory, glory, hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Singapore Garden Festival
My wife and I went to the Garden Festival on Monday. What a great time we had. This Festival had taken close to 18 months to prepare and it involves a community of over 500 volunteers.On show at Suntec Singapore were over 200,000 plants from Singapore and all over the world.
In land scarce Singapore the majority of people do not have the privilege to have their own gardens. However, we do have gardens everywhere for people to enjoy for ours is a garden city.It is the policy of our Government to keep the city clean and green.
We bought a booklet and we now enjoy reflecting on the beautiful pictures in it.How lovely it is to be in a garden to meditate and reflect on the beauty of creation and the goodness of God. We were privileged to live in England for four years. O how we enjoyed the big and beautiful gardens.
We used to sing in the Songsters a lovely song entitled 'Make my heart a garden"
Make my heart a garden, so that flowers may grow,
Shedding heavenly beauty in this world below;
Jesus, Thine own fragrance by Thy love impart;
Lily of the Valley, bloom within my heart.
Chorus:
Jesus, Jesus, Lily of the Valley
Bloom in all Thy beauty in the garden of my heart.
Make my heart a garden where at eventide,
In the solemn stillness, God walks by my side;
There in sweet communion, as we dwell apart,
Lily of the Valley bloom within my heart.
Make my heart a garden, wherein streams my flow,
So that flowers of Eden beautifully may grow;
But the choicest blossom, fairest of the fair,
Lily of the Valley, bloom in radiance there.
Yes, I've been singing this old song by S E Cox again and again. I've been greatly blessed.
In land scarce Singapore the majority of people do not have the privilege to have their own gardens. However, we do have gardens everywhere for people to enjoy for ours is a garden city.It is the policy of our Government to keep the city clean and green.
We bought a booklet and we now enjoy reflecting on the beautiful pictures in it.How lovely it is to be in a garden to meditate and reflect on the beauty of creation and the goodness of God. We were privileged to live in England for four years. O how we enjoyed the big and beautiful gardens.
We used to sing in the Songsters a lovely song entitled 'Make my heart a garden"
Make my heart a garden, so that flowers may grow,
Shedding heavenly beauty in this world below;
Jesus, Thine own fragrance by Thy love impart;
Lily of the Valley, bloom within my heart.
Chorus:
Jesus, Jesus, Lily of the Valley
Bloom in all Thy beauty in the garden of my heart.
Make my heart a garden where at eventide,
In the solemn stillness, God walks by my side;
There in sweet communion, as we dwell apart,
Lily of the Valley bloom within my heart.
Make my heart a garden, wherein streams my flow,
So that flowers of Eden beautifully may grow;
But the choicest blossom, fairest of the fair,
Lily of the Valley, bloom in radiance there.
Yes, I've been singing this old song by S E Cox again and again. I've been greatly blessed.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness
Today we studied the message to the church at Thyatira - the church that placed emphasis on works. The people were commended for their love, patience and ministry.However,they tolerated a woman who called herself a prophetess to head up apostasy and lead many into sin. This woman was like Jezebel, wife of Ahab in the Old Testament.
When we studied the message to Ephesus, we noted the church was strong in resisting false doctrine but weak in love. Thyatira on the other hand seemed to be the opposite - strong in love, but weak in resisting false teaching. We need more than ever to take heed of Paul's injunction to the Ephesian Christians and to us today,"speaking the truth in love we will in all things grow up into Him Who is the Head." Ephesians 4: 15.
Amazing grace of God. He is patient and longsuffering. God is calling His wayward children to repent. He wants the best for us and for His church.
After the hour of Bible study, we adjourned to the main hall to join other worshippers in our Holiness meeting. Our Corps Officer is going through the Doctrines of The Salvation Army. Today she expounded on the third doctrine. "We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory."
General F Coutts commented "There is no richer diversity than is manifest by the Trinity, yet no diversity is more completely a unity, with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit sharing every act of thought, will and feeling."
When we studied the message to Ephesus, we noted the church was strong in resisting false doctrine but weak in love. Thyatira on the other hand seemed to be the opposite - strong in love, but weak in resisting false teaching. We need more than ever to take heed of Paul's injunction to the Ephesian Christians and to us today,"speaking the truth in love we will in all things grow up into Him Who is the Head." Ephesians 4: 15.
Amazing grace of God. He is patient and longsuffering. God is calling His wayward children to repent. He wants the best for us and for His church.
After the hour of Bible study, we adjourned to the main hall to join other worshippers in our Holiness meeting. Our Corps Officer is going through the Doctrines of The Salvation Army. Today she expounded on the third doctrine. "We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory."
General F Coutts commented "There is no richer diversity than is manifest by the Trinity, yet no diversity is more completely a unity, with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit sharing every act of thought, will and feeling."
Thursday, July 15, 2010
World Youth Convention 2010
The World Youth Convention is being held in Stockholm Sweden from 15-18th July. We are praying for the leaders and all the participants. (Of special significance for me - our grandson David Lim is one of the delegates from our territory)
The enthusiasm of youth has never failed to impress me. Those of us who are older tend to be somewhat complacent and that is dangerous. I hope and pray that we older ones will not lose this enthusiasm for the Lord even when the expression of it is somewhat different from our youth and young people.
I share the view of Dr. Samuel Johnson who expressed his desire to be in the company of young people because it tended to keep him from thinking and acting like an old man. Senior citizens who resent and criticise young people forget that they were once young. Happy are they who love, accept the young and willing to lend a listening ear.
The Greeks have a word 'enthousiasmos' which means “possessed by a god” That’s an archaic but better description than the meaning given in our dictionaries as “eagerness or strong excitement of feeling on behalf of a cause or a subject” So when we allow God's Holy Spirit to posses our hearts and lives, we cannot help but be enthusiastic. True enthusiasm is Divinely inspired. Paul writing to the Ephesians said, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:18-19 When We are Spirit filled enthusiasm flows.
True, youthful enthusiasm may not always take into account of reality at times. Youth is impatient for action and results. Obstacles and pitfalls appear small, opportunities on the other hand look big. So youth takes risks and at times there is no clear line of demarcation between confidence and rashness! I am writing from costly experience! We all have been cautioned to "look before you leap", but in my younger days, I sometimes practised "leap before you look."
We older folk need to maintain that enthusiasm or zest for living if we are to be of help to the young. We need to resist the temptation to smugness with the false assumption that we have arrived. We tend to posses the attitude of superiority and quick to quote our own experience to curb the enthusiasm or perceived rashness of youth.
The media portray scenes of demonstrations by impatient youth for change. Youth cannot accept the status quo that does not work anymore. Sadly these scenes show violence and destruction causing much damage to their own countries. If only their energies could be challenged to the building up of programmes for the good of the people.
Jesus called twelve disciples and they were fairly young, despite their beards. Look at them when the Holy Spirit fell on them on the day of Pentecost. They were full of the spirit and did wonders for the kingdom.
Rise up O youth, for mighty winds are stirring,
Men’s hearts grow faint through all the earth today;
Evil with evil everywhere conferring,
Summons its legions forth in dread array.
Forward O youth! But first in true submission,
Bring all thou hast and art to Christ, thy Lord;
Take from his hand his glorious commission,
Rise then, and in his name unsheathe thy sword.
Hear then our answer; Lord lead us on
Fighting nor resting until thy war is won.
Youth of today the church of God needs you.
The enthusiasm of youth has never failed to impress me. Those of us who are older tend to be somewhat complacent and that is dangerous. I hope and pray that we older ones will not lose this enthusiasm for the Lord even when the expression of it is somewhat different from our youth and young people.
I share the view of Dr. Samuel Johnson who expressed his desire to be in the company of young people because it tended to keep him from thinking and acting like an old man. Senior citizens who resent and criticise young people forget that they were once young. Happy are they who love, accept the young and willing to lend a listening ear.
The Greeks have a word 'enthousiasmos' which means “possessed by a god” That’s an archaic but better description than the meaning given in our dictionaries as “eagerness or strong excitement of feeling on behalf of a cause or a subject” So when we allow God's Holy Spirit to posses our hearts and lives, we cannot help but be enthusiastic. True enthusiasm is Divinely inspired. Paul writing to the Ephesians said, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:18-19 When We are Spirit filled enthusiasm flows.
True, youthful enthusiasm may not always take into account of reality at times. Youth is impatient for action and results. Obstacles and pitfalls appear small, opportunities on the other hand look big. So youth takes risks and at times there is no clear line of demarcation between confidence and rashness! I am writing from costly experience! We all have been cautioned to "look before you leap", but in my younger days, I sometimes practised "leap before you look."
We older folk need to maintain that enthusiasm or zest for living if we are to be of help to the young. We need to resist the temptation to smugness with the false assumption that we have arrived. We tend to posses the attitude of superiority and quick to quote our own experience to curb the enthusiasm or perceived rashness of youth.
The media portray scenes of demonstrations by impatient youth for change. Youth cannot accept the status quo that does not work anymore. Sadly these scenes show violence and destruction causing much damage to their own countries. If only their energies could be challenged to the building up of programmes for the good of the people.
Jesus called twelve disciples and they were fairly young, despite their beards. Look at them when the Holy Spirit fell on them on the day of Pentecost. They were full of the spirit and did wonders for the kingdom.
Rise up O youth, for mighty winds are stirring,
Men’s hearts grow faint through all the earth today;
Evil with evil everywhere conferring,
Summons its legions forth in dread array.
Forward O youth! But first in true submission,
Bring all thou hast and art to Christ, thy Lord;
Take from his hand his glorious commission,
Rise then, and in his name unsheathe thy sword.
Hear then our answer; Lord lead us on
Fighting nor resting until thy war is won.
Youth of today the church of God needs you.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
This is my life - 34
34 – Coping with crisis - racial riots – Malaysia 1969
May 13th 1969 – a day to be remembered but we hope and pray that it will not to be repeated in our multi racial society. It was the worst storm we had ever been through in the fourteen years we spent in Malaysia.
It began with a victory parade coursing through the streets of Kuala Lumpur, organised by the jubilant opposition parties, all non-Malay. It was a celebration of their triumph over the Alliance ruling party comprising UMNO (Malay) MCA (Chinese) and MIC (Indian) parties. Emotions ran high among the various racial groups that took part in the elections – the victorious and the defeated. On the whole people live peaceably together, but often it is the extremists that stir up trouble.
At the Selangor State the opposition had won an equal number of seats in the state legislature. This created an impasse in the state legislature. Who should be the Mentri Besar (Chief Minister)?
UMNO supporters decided to hold a counter victory celebration on May 13th. In such a tense atmosphere, there were rumours of racial riots circulating freely. The gullible accepted the rumours as facts without checking! There was a reported incident of a group of Malays armed with parangs and other weapons surrounded a Chinese cinema at Batu Road. When the show ended the Chinese, coming out of the theatre, were attacked, resulting in many deaths.
Riots which started in the city area of Kuala Lumpur soon spread to the whole state of Selangor and beyond, as far as Penang and Singapore. A state of emergency was declared and a nation-wide curfew imposed. Thousands were arrested. In the predominantly Chinese estate where we lived, residents organised themselves to defend the area. Many of the leaders came from the massage parlour on the other end of our block of shophouses. They respected The Salvation Army; and one of them, a tough looking man whose body was covered with tattoos, said to me “Pastor, you stay home. We look after you.”
It was frightening to see through our upstairs bedroom window the men armed with poles, sticks, knives and whatever weapons they could get hold of. We could hear the shouts calling out for volunteers to join them. And when the sirens of police vehicles were heard, these men would run to hide.
Gone was the dream of an idyllic – happy, harmonious Malaysia where the different races could work together. There were the Malays who claimed that not enough had been done for the ‘bumiputras’ (sons of the soil) after twelve years of independence. The Prime Minister Tengku Abdul Rahman was blamed for allowing foreigners to remain in control of important sectors of the Malaysian economy. Dr. Mahathir Mohamed who later became the Prime Minister had written a book called the “Malay Dilemma” which was banned by the Tengku.
We had been in Kuala Lumpur for about three years. That evening when the riots started in the city, I was on my way to the home of Canadian OMF missionaries, Mr. and Mrs. Ellergodt to join them in a prayer meeting. This was a follow up of the Dr. Grady Wilson Campaign. On the way, I was told to go home – a 24 hour curfew had been imposed because of the riots. I made a hasty retreat home. We shut all the doors and windows. I peeped out of the window and soon saw police vehicles and riot squads outside our house. It was frightening and we really had to pray hard for God’s protection.
Brigadier Arthur Smith, the Public Relations Secretary was in Kuala Lumpur and he scheduled to conduct our meeting on the Sunday. He hurriedly left Kuala Lumpur, driving behind a convoy of Military Army trucks to Singapore.
Dora Poh Chin was born on 26th April 1969, just slightly over two weeks’ old. She was crying most of the time. She was being breast fed, but my wife had insufficient milk for her. Poh Chin kept vomiting, causing us much stress, but we could not go to the doctor as the curfew was on. The two older ones – Gladys and Stephen, nine and seven years old respectively were very good children and cooperated beautifully. We did not have enough food as we had only a small personal refrigerator (officers’ quarters were not provided with refrigerator in those days)
Next couple of days; I had to slip out quietly to buy food from the nearby shops. Gladys and Stephen would help me look out to ensure the coast was clear – no police or soldiers around. I would then run to the back lane and knock on the doors of the shops. Then when I got home again with whatever food I could get, the children would be there waiting to unlock the gate and door and let me in quickly. That was a very tense week for us all.
The Sunday following the racial riots when curfew was lifted for a few hours, our hall was full to overflowing, for Christians who could not go to church came to The Salvation Army to worship. We had to borrow chairs from the nearby coffee shop.
While the country was still in turmoil, we received farewell orders! We had to pack and leave for Ipoh in July 1969 to take up our new appointment. When curfew was lifted for a few hours, I would make my way from our quarters upstairs to the back of the hall downstairs. There was no internal staircase, so I had to get out of our quarters and enter the hall from outside. Gladys and Stephen would let down different articles in baskets tied with ropes through the air well at the back of the hall. Then I would unload and pack them into wooden cases. It was fun for the children, but quite stressful for me.
Poh Chin was sick most of the time and demanded a lot of attention. This kept my wife extremely busy seeing to housework and helping me to sort out our belongings. I still continued with my pastoral visitation during the off curfew hours. The folk appreciated my visits to read the word of God and pray with them. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson harvested vegetables in their own garden and I helped him distribute to the neighbours, including the Malays.
May 13 led to the enactment of the Sedition Act – no more discussion on sensitive race issues, the special position of the bumiputras and the citizenship rights of non- Malays. The Keturunan Malayu became an important issue – no questioning of the special privileges and rights of Malays.
The Alliance comprising the three race parties was changed to Barisan National. UMNO being the largest party had more say than the others. The simmering discontent exists to this day – forty one years later at the time of writing.
Yes, as we look back, we have much to thank God for. “The promises of God are sure to them that believe” declared William Booth, the Founder of The Salvation Army. It is in desperate moments like times like these, that we really prove His grace sufficient. An old saint once said, “You never know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you’ve got.”
May 13th 1969 – a day to be remembered but we hope and pray that it will not to be repeated in our multi racial society. It was the worst storm we had ever been through in the fourteen years we spent in Malaysia.
It began with a victory parade coursing through the streets of Kuala Lumpur, organised by the jubilant opposition parties, all non-Malay. It was a celebration of their triumph over the Alliance ruling party comprising UMNO (Malay) MCA (Chinese) and MIC (Indian) parties. Emotions ran high among the various racial groups that took part in the elections – the victorious and the defeated. On the whole people live peaceably together, but often it is the extremists that stir up trouble.
At the Selangor State the opposition had won an equal number of seats in the state legislature. This created an impasse in the state legislature. Who should be the Mentri Besar (Chief Minister)?
UMNO supporters decided to hold a counter victory celebration on May 13th. In such a tense atmosphere, there were rumours of racial riots circulating freely. The gullible accepted the rumours as facts without checking! There was a reported incident of a group of Malays armed with parangs and other weapons surrounded a Chinese cinema at Batu Road. When the show ended the Chinese, coming out of the theatre, were attacked, resulting in many deaths.
Riots which started in the city area of Kuala Lumpur soon spread to the whole state of Selangor and beyond, as far as Penang and Singapore. A state of emergency was declared and a nation-wide curfew imposed. Thousands were arrested. In the predominantly Chinese estate where we lived, residents organised themselves to defend the area. Many of the leaders came from the massage parlour on the other end of our block of shophouses. They respected The Salvation Army; and one of them, a tough looking man whose body was covered with tattoos, said to me “Pastor, you stay home. We look after you.”
It was frightening to see through our upstairs bedroom window the men armed with poles, sticks, knives and whatever weapons they could get hold of. We could hear the shouts calling out for volunteers to join them. And when the sirens of police vehicles were heard, these men would run to hide.
Gone was the dream of an idyllic – happy, harmonious Malaysia where the different races could work together. There were the Malays who claimed that not enough had been done for the ‘bumiputras’ (sons of the soil) after twelve years of independence. The Prime Minister Tengku Abdul Rahman was blamed for allowing foreigners to remain in control of important sectors of the Malaysian economy. Dr. Mahathir Mohamed who later became the Prime Minister had written a book called the “Malay Dilemma” which was banned by the Tengku.
We had been in Kuala Lumpur for about three years. That evening when the riots started in the city, I was on my way to the home of Canadian OMF missionaries, Mr. and Mrs. Ellergodt to join them in a prayer meeting. This was a follow up of the Dr. Grady Wilson Campaign. On the way, I was told to go home – a 24 hour curfew had been imposed because of the riots. I made a hasty retreat home. We shut all the doors and windows. I peeped out of the window and soon saw police vehicles and riot squads outside our house. It was frightening and we really had to pray hard for God’s protection.
Brigadier Arthur Smith, the Public Relations Secretary was in Kuala Lumpur and he scheduled to conduct our meeting on the Sunday. He hurriedly left Kuala Lumpur, driving behind a convoy of Military Army trucks to Singapore.
Dora Poh Chin was born on 26th April 1969, just slightly over two weeks’ old. She was crying most of the time. She was being breast fed, but my wife had insufficient milk for her. Poh Chin kept vomiting, causing us much stress, but we could not go to the doctor as the curfew was on. The two older ones – Gladys and Stephen, nine and seven years old respectively were very good children and cooperated beautifully. We did not have enough food as we had only a small personal refrigerator (officers’ quarters were not provided with refrigerator in those days)
Next couple of days; I had to slip out quietly to buy food from the nearby shops. Gladys and Stephen would help me look out to ensure the coast was clear – no police or soldiers around. I would then run to the back lane and knock on the doors of the shops. Then when I got home again with whatever food I could get, the children would be there waiting to unlock the gate and door and let me in quickly. That was a very tense week for us all.
The Sunday following the racial riots when curfew was lifted for a few hours, our hall was full to overflowing, for Christians who could not go to church came to The Salvation Army to worship. We had to borrow chairs from the nearby coffee shop.
While the country was still in turmoil, we received farewell orders! We had to pack and leave for Ipoh in July 1969 to take up our new appointment. When curfew was lifted for a few hours, I would make my way from our quarters upstairs to the back of the hall downstairs. There was no internal staircase, so I had to get out of our quarters and enter the hall from outside. Gladys and Stephen would let down different articles in baskets tied with ropes through the air well at the back of the hall. Then I would unload and pack them into wooden cases. It was fun for the children, but quite stressful for me.
Poh Chin was sick most of the time and demanded a lot of attention. This kept my wife extremely busy seeing to housework and helping me to sort out our belongings. I still continued with my pastoral visitation during the off curfew hours. The folk appreciated my visits to read the word of God and pray with them. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson harvested vegetables in their own garden and I helped him distribute to the neighbours, including the Malays.
May 13 led to the enactment of the Sedition Act – no more discussion on sensitive race issues, the special position of the bumiputras and the citizenship rights of non- Malays. The Keturunan Malayu became an important issue – no questioning of the special privileges and rights of Malays.
The Alliance comprising the three race parties was changed to Barisan National. UMNO being the largest party had more say than the others. The simmering discontent exists to this day – forty one years later at the time of writing.
Yes, as we look back, we have much to thank God for. “The promises of God are sure to them that believe” declared William Booth, the Founder of The Salvation Army. It is in desperate moments like times like these, that we really prove His grace sufficient. An old saint once said, “You never know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you’ve got.”
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Reflection on Revelation and Genesis
At our Adult Bible class this morning, we reflected on "The Message to the church at Pergamum." The people of this church were highly commended for their faithfulness, in fact they were willing to die for their faith. Antipas was one example. According to the early church fathers, he was slowly roasted alive in a bronze kettle during the time of Emperor Domitian.
The church also received condemnation for their tolerance of false doctrines. Some believers were wavering in their steadfastness - they wanted to be 'politically correct' and tolerating teachings that were in conflict with the teachings of Christ. Twisting God's truths as revealed in the Scriptures to fit our whims and fancies and rationalizing our sin is blatantly evil.
The message ends with a wonderful promise to the overcomer - the joy of receiving the hidden manna and the white stone with a new name written on it. Just as Israel received manna in the wilderness, God promises to give believers the spiritual sustenance that he needs. He is assured of the passport to heaven symbolised by the while stone with name written on it.
After Bible class we joined in worship in the main hall. Major Pascoe spoke on our Salvation Army doctrine Number 2. "We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver and Governor of all things, and Who is the only proper object of religious worship." She based her message on Genesis chapter 1. God the Creator, Preserver and Govovernor.
I count it a privilege to conduct the Adult Bible class every Sunday morning and thank those who have encouraged me by their regular support.
The church also received condemnation for their tolerance of false doctrines. Some believers were wavering in their steadfastness - they wanted to be 'politically correct' and tolerating teachings that were in conflict with the teachings of Christ. Twisting God's truths as revealed in the Scriptures to fit our whims and fancies and rationalizing our sin is blatantly evil.
The message ends with a wonderful promise to the overcomer - the joy of receiving the hidden manna and the white stone with a new name written on it. Just as Israel received manna in the wilderness, God promises to give believers the spiritual sustenance that he needs. He is assured of the passport to heaven symbolised by the while stone with name written on it.
After Bible class we joined in worship in the main hall. Major Pascoe spoke on our Salvation Army doctrine Number 2. "We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver and Governor of all things, and Who is the only proper object of religious worship." She based her message on Genesis chapter 1. God the Creator, Preserver and Govovernor.
I count it a privilege to conduct the Adult Bible class every Sunday morning and thank those who have encouraged me by their regular support.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Listening to God
At our cell group yesterday, we watched a video - God is closer than you think. John Otberg talked about "hearing voices." Voices are clamouring for our attention. Some of the voices are distorted and destructive. We need to listen to the voice of God.
One of the most familiar figures of speech for the people of God and their relationship to God is that of the sheep and the Shepherd. Jesus mentions the amazing mutual recognition between the shepherd and the sheep.
There is a voice we need to listen to at all times - the voice of God. Jesus, our Good Shepherd tell us, "My sheep hear My voice and I know them and they follow Me."
A Prayer by Ralph S Cushman
"I met God in the morning,
When my day was at its best,
And His presence came like sunrise
With a glory in my breast.
All day long
the Presence lingered.
All day long
He stayed with me."
Stay in touch with God and in tune with Him.
One of the most familiar figures of speech for the people of God and their relationship to God is that of the sheep and the Shepherd. Jesus mentions the amazing mutual recognition between the shepherd and the sheep.
There is a voice we need to listen to at all times - the voice of God. Jesus, our Good Shepherd tell us, "My sheep hear My voice and I know them and they follow Me."
A Prayer by Ralph S Cushman
"I met God in the morning,
When my day was at its best,
And His presence came like sunrise
With a glory in my breast.
All day long
the Presence lingered.
All day long
He stayed with me."
Stay in touch with God and in tune with Him.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Celebrating Founder's Day at Balestier
We had an extremely busy Sunday. We began the day with Adult Bible class and I did Revelation - Message to the church at Smyrna. This is the eighth lesson in this series. I have been greatly blessed in my preparation and presentation of the Book of Revelation.
After the class, we joined the worshippers at William Booth Corps. We sang all the seven verses of the Founder's Song - "O boundless salvation" accompanied by the Band.It was great.
We left the hall just before the sermon started as we had to get ready for Balestier. We had a quick lunch, then Willy Lee of Balestier came for us at 1.00 p.m and took us to Bishan to join the Balestier folk in worship. Balestier is my home corps. I began my Christian journey at the age of five! So to me it was 'balek kampong' although not to the same location.
It was my privilege to enrol six new senior soldiers. I gave the message based on Luke 5: 1-11. The theme was "Launch out into the deep." The chapel was filled to capacity. And we sang the Founder's Song, again we went through the seven verses without a break.
We joined the folk for refreshments after which the Corps Officers, Captains Julian and Jane Wong took us to Tan Tock Seng Hospital to visit Mr. Wee Teow Kee an old friend of ours. He was a pre-war salvationist. During the Japanese occupation days (1942-1945) he worshipped at the Kampong Kapor Methodist Church and became actively involved in the church activities. After the war he requested to remain with the Methodists. The Salvation Army officer readily agreed to give him the transfer. He kept in touch with Army folk.
When we were stationed in Singapore (1970-1982) I was often invited to speak at Chapel Services at ACS, Barker Road, the school where Mr. Wee was one of the teachers.
In 1997 when my wife and I retired, we reconnected with him. We communicated with each other by e-mail.
Yesterday, after the meeting Captains Julian and Jane Wong took us to see him at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital. We sang to him the Founder's song - "O boundless salvation."So last Sunday, I sang this song three times!
I recall Mr. Wee used to tell me, "New friends are silver, but old friends are gold." How true! We sat and talked of old times. What a joy it was to meet Mrs. Wee and the daughter Constance as well. Lovely Christian people.
Sunday, July 4th - a day to be remembered. We had a great day, a glorious day. We thank God for the privilege to serve Him in this wonderful ministry. To Him we give thanks and glory. God has been good to us and each day when I get up in the morning, I thank and praise Him for another new day and affirm - "This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it."
Balestier is now looking forward to the day when they will move back to Balestier Road and occupy the former Eye Hospital,(now under renovation) next door to the Seventh Adventist church. It will be near a big housing estate, plenty of opportunities to serve the people there. God has set before Balestier folk an open door that no one can shut!
After the class, we joined the worshippers at William Booth Corps. We sang all the seven verses of the Founder's Song - "O boundless salvation" accompanied by the Band.It was great.
We left the hall just before the sermon started as we had to get ready for Balestier. We had a quick lunch, then Willy Lee of Balestier came for us at 1.00 p.m and took us to Bishan to join the Balestier folk in worship. Balestier is my home corps. I began my Christian journey at the age of five! So to me it was 'balek kampong' although not to the same location.
It was my privilege to enrol six new senior soldiers. I gave the message based on Luke 5: 1-11. The theme was "Launch out into the deep." The chapel was filled to capacity. And we sang the Founder's Song, again we went through the seven verses without a break.
We joined the folk for refreshments after which the Corps Officers, Captains Julian and Jane Wong took us to Tan Tock Seng Hospital to visit Mr. Wee Teow Kee an old friend of ours. He was a pre-war salvationist. During the Japanese occupation days (1942-1945) he worshipped at the Kampong Kapor Methodist Church and became actively involved in the church activities. After the war he requested to remain with the Methodists. The Salvation Army officer readily agreed to give him the transfer. He kept in touch with Army folk.
When we were stationed in Singapore (1970-1982) I was often invited to speak at Chapel Services at ACS, Barker Road, the school where Mr. Wee was one of the teachers.
In 1997 when my wife and I retired, we reconnected with him. We communicated with each other by e-mail.
Yesterday, after the meeting Captains Julian and Jane Wong took us to see him at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital. We sang to him the Founder's song - "O boundless salvation."So last Sunday, I sang this song three times!
I recall Mr. Wee used to tell me, "New friends are silver, but old friends are gold." How true! We sat and talked of old times. What a joy it was to meet Mrs. Wee and the daughter Constance as well. Lovely Christian people.
Sunday, July 4th - a day to be remembered. We had a great day, a glorious day. We thank God for the privilege to serve Him in this wonderful ministry. To Him we give thanks and glory. God has been good to us and each day when I get up in the morning, I thank and praise Him for another new day and affirm - "This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it."
Balestier is now looking forward to the day when they will move back to Balestier Road and occupy the former Eye Hospital,(now under renovation) next door to the Seventh Adventist church. It will be near a big housing estate, plenty of opportunities to serve the people there. God has set before Balestier folk an open door that no one can shut!
Love Singapore - City of God
I wish every Christian in Singapore would read "The city of God" produced by "Love Singapore." My wife and I have been really blessed in using this devotional booklet. It's a gem! You always get a feast of spiritual food for the nourishment of the soul. It is evident, the writers received inspiration from God when they penned the words. They are people who know the word and have kept in touch with people and know their needs.
God bless "Love Singapore" and those who under the direction and inspiration of God Almighty who keep the organisation going. God has raised them up for such a time as this.
God bless "Love Singapore" and those who under the direction and inspiration of God Almighty who keep the organisation going. God has raised them up for such a time as this.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Founder's Day meeting - Salvation Army Youth
I was invited to give the message at a combined meeting held at Central Corps organised by the Youth Department. A good crowd of youth, plus a number of older folk turned up to support.
There was a wonderful display of pictures giving us the history of The Salvation Army. Obviously a lot of effort was put into this event.
A lovely spirit prevailed. There was warmth and enthusiasm.
There was, however one missing element. We celebrated Founder's Day but not a single song written by the Founder was sung. I had expected the singing of
"O boundless salvation! deep ocean of love,
O fullness of mercy, Christ brought from above,
The whole world redeeming, so rich and so free,
Now flowing for all men, come,roll over me!
There are seven verses and the last one with a note of triumph.
"And now, hallelujah! the rest of my days
Shall gladly be spent in promoting His praise
Who opened His bosom to pour out this sea
Of boundless salvation for you and for me."
It would be a grand finale to march with flags waving singing this verse or the old Army song,"Come join our Army to battle we go." We are an Army! I'm old fashioned - it befits my age! I love the old Army traditions. "Tradition is the living faith of those who are dead; traditionalism is the dead faith of those still living" Jaroslav Pelikan.
The Mercy Seat was lined with seekers for which we thank God. And that's the purpose of The Salvation Army - to save souls, grow saints and care for suffering humanity.
There was a wonderful display of pictures giving us the history of The Salvation Army. Obviously a lot of effort was put into this event.
A lovely spirit prevailed. There was warmth and enthusiasm.
There was, however one missing element. We celebrated Founder's Day but not a single song written by the Founder was sung. I had expected the singing of
"O boundless salvation! deep ocean of love,
O fullness of mercy, Christ brought from above,
The whole world redeeming, so rich and so free,
Now flowing for all men, come,roll over me!
There are seven verses and the last one with a note of triumph.
"And now, hallelujah! the rest of my days
Shall gladly be spent in promoting His praise
Who opened His bosom to pour out this sea
Of boundless salvation for you and for me."
It would be a grand finale to march with flags waving singing this verse or the old Army song,"Come join our Army to battle we go." We are an Army! I'm old fashioned - it befits my age! I love the old Army traditions. "Tradition is the living faith of those who are dead; traditionalism is the dead faith of those still living" Jaroslav Pelikan.
The Mercy Seat was lined with seekers for which we thank God. And that's the purpose of The Salvation Army - to save souls, grow saints and care for suffering humanity.
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