It has been a wet weekend-raining all the time. Nice to be home and for us going to worship means taking the lift to go to level one and walk a little to the hall.
We had our Bible class and I conducted my 26th lesson on Revelation. We did Revelation chapter 10. God's mercy or grace in the midst of wrath is revealed during the interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets.
John gives us the vision of him taking the scroll and eating it and went through a bittersweet experience! The word of God is sweet "they are more precious than gold than much pure gold, they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb." Psalm 9: 10 His words can also be bitter as it convicts us when it speaks of judgement.
Much time was spent discussing life's bittersweet experiences. Life has its ups and downs and we leave God to order all our ways.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
This is my story - 50
50 – Moved into HDB flat at Clementi West
At the age of four, my family moved out of Grandma’s home at Kim Keat Road into a Singapore Improvement Trust unit at Lorong Limau. These SIT flats, the first public housing in Singapore were built by the British colonial government. We, a family of six lived in a tiny flat with no electricity or modern conveniences. Twelve families shared a common tap. And that’s how I grew up until I went into The Salvation Army Training College.
The successor to SIT is the HDB (Housing and Development Board) These flats are located in Housing Estates which are self-contained satellite towns with schools, supermarkets, clinics, hawkers’ centres or food courts, community centres, sports and recreational centres – a far cry from the simple SIT flats where I grew up. The majority of Singaporeans, around 85% live in such flats.
As mentioned in earlier chapters, our International Leaders had indicated that they would like us to serve overseas. Certainly we would have to leave our two older children, Gladys and Stephen behind.
Singapore citizens are entitled to the privilege of purchasing their own flats and payment be made in instalments over a period of years using CPF (Central Provident Fund) The Command had applied to International Headquarters to join the scheme but this was turned down. (Officers today are on CPF. This came into effect in 1995)
After discussing with our two older children, now in their teens, we decided to register for a flat. We pooled all our resources and managed to pay the deposit. By the time we were called for balloting, we were offered one with three bedrooms at Clementi West, Block 728 Clementi West Street 2. What excitement to have our own home! The price of the flat at that time was about S$32,000.00 to be paid over a period of ten years. It was a venture of faith on our part.
In 1980, we moved into this new flat on the 9th floor. The lifts stopped only at the 6th and 11th floors. Stephen a teen ager helped me move most of our possessions. For obvious reasons we made minimal renovation, bought linoleum to cover the rough cement floor, paid for some of the stuff from our jumble store at Headquarters. There was no RSI in those days.
Major Moira Wright, the Social Secretary had received farewell orders to go to Hong Kong as the General Secretary and she sold us her personal furniture and furnishings. We were pleased as we got them cheaply. Central Home League members led by Captain Ruth Pascoe presented us with a folding kitchen table with formica top at our house warming. Command Headquarters gave us a rental allowance of $200.00 per month. From this amount I paid $15.00 per month for a HDB parking lot for the General Secretary’s official vehicle.
Our two older children were very good and co-operative. Stephen worked at Yaohan during school vacation to earn his own pocket money. Gladys taught piano to pay for her own piano fees. We had paid for her music lessons up to Grade 8. She then enrolled with the London Royal College of Music and worked for her licentiate. She insisted on being personally responsible for the course which normally would have taken three years, but she did it in one. She has been a piano teacher ever since.
There was another reason for us to move out of Army quarters at Clemenceau Avenue. The Army was short of accommodation for officers. Captain and Mrs. Roy Bungay needed somewhere to live on their return to the Command to be the Education Officer at the Training College and Command Youth Officer. So the timing was just right for us to move out of 207 Clemenceau Avenue.
I left home every morning at 6.30 a.m. to avoid paying for the ERP charges. Most of the time, my wife worked at home to look after our handicapped daughter. She would be in Headquarters at least once a week and stayed the whole day and leave with me in the evenings after Songsters and Women’s Fellowship returning home by 10.00 p.m. We employed a Malay woman to look after Poh Chin on the days when my wife’ needed to be out. I would then send this lady home.
We left for overseas service in January 1983 and Gladys and Stephen continued living in the flat. The responsibility of servicing the debt fell on Gladys until she got married in 1984 and moved to their own unit at Jurong East. When Stephen completed his national service and was gainfully employed he took over the responsibility of paying for the rest of instalments for the family flat.
In 1985, he married Dolly. Some time later we signed off the flat to them as we were still serving overseas. Later they upgraded to a bigger one in Choa Chu Kang.
Their intention was to have a three tier generation family sharing the same premises. However, my wife and I have chosen to live independently. We rent a Salvation Army apartment in Praisehaven at Upper Bukit Timah as the two older children and their families live on the western side of Singapore – Gladys seven kilometres away at Jurong East and Stephen six kilometres at Verde Villa. The Lord has wonderfully provided for Poh Chin our youngest child a place at the Peacehaven Nursing Home where she receives tender loving care. We are grateful for the subsidies given by the Government and the Army towards her maintenance fees.
The Lord has been good to us in making provision for our all our needs. “Trust in the Lord and do good: dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:3-4
At the age of four, my family moved out of Grandma’s home at Kim Keat Road into a Singapore Improvement Trust unit at Lorong Limau. These SIT flats, the first public housing in Singapore were built by the British colonial government. We, a family of six lived in a tiny flat with no electricity or modern conveniences. Twelve families shared a common tap. And that’s how I grew up until I went into The Salvation Army Training College.
The successor to SIT is the HDB (Housing and Development Board) These flats are located in Housing Estates which are self-contained satellite towns with schools, supermarkets, clinics, hawkers’ centres or food courts, community centres, sports and recreational centres – a far cry from the simple SIT flats where I grew up. The majority of Singaporeans, around 85% live in such flats.
As mentioned in earlier chapters, our International Leaders had indicated that they would like us to serve overseas. Certainly we would have to leave our two older children, Gladys and Stephen behind.
Singapore citizens are entitled to the privilege of purchasing their own flats and payment be made in instalments over a period of years using CPF (Central Provident Fund) The Command had applied to International Headquarters to join the scheme but this was turned down. (Officers today are on CPF. This came into effect in 1995)
After discussing with our two older children, now in their teens, we decided to register for a flat. We pooled all our resources and managed to pay the deposit. By the time we were called for balloting, we were offered one with three bedrooms at Clementi West, Block 728 Clementi West Street 2. What excitement to have our own home! The price of the flat at that time was about S$32,000.00 to be paid over a period of ten years. It was a venture of faith on our part.
In 1980, we moved into this new flat on the 9th floor. The lifts stopped only at the 6th and 11th floors. Stephen a teen ager helped me move most of our possessions. For obvious reasons we made minimal renovation, bought linoleum to cover the rough cement floor, paid for some of the stuff from our jumble store at Headquarters. There was no RSI in those days.
Major Moira Wright, the Social Secretary had received farewell orders to go to Hong Kong as the General Secretary and she sold us her personal furniture and furnishings. We were pleased as we got them cheaply. Central Home League members led by Captain Ruth Pascoe presented us with a folding kitchen table with formica top at our house warming. Command Headquarters gave us a rental allowance of $200.00 per month. From this amount I paid $15.00 per month for a HDB parking lot for the General Secretary’s official vehicle.
Our two older children were very good and co-operative. Stephen worked at Yaohan during school vacation to earn his own pocket money. Gladys taught piano to pay for her own piano fees. We had paid for her music lessons up to Grade 8. She then enrolled with the London Royal College of Music and worked for her licentiate. She insisted on being personally responsible for the course which normally would have taken three years, but she did it in one. She has been a piano teacher ever since.
There was another reason for us to move out of Army quarters at Clemenceau Avenue. The Army was short of accommodation for officers. Captain and Mrs. Roy Bungay needed somewhere to live on their return to the Command to be the Education Officer at the Training College and Command Youth Officer. So the timing was just right for us to move out of 207 Clemenceau Avenue.
I left home every morning at 6.30 a.m. to avoid paying for the ERP charges. Most of the time, my wife worked at home to look after our handicapped daughter. She would be in Headquarters at least once a week and stayed the whole day and leave with me in the evenings after Songsters and Women’s Fellowship returning home by 10.00 p.m. We employed a Malay woman to look after Poh Chin on the days when my wife’ needed to be out. I would then send this lady home.
We left for overseas service in January 1983 and Gladys and Stephen continued living in the flat. The responsibility of servicing the debt fell on Gladys until she got married in 1984 and moved to their own unit at Jurong East. When Stephen completed his national service and was gainfully employed he took over the responsibility of paying for the rest of instalments for the family flat.
In 1985, he married Dolly. Some time later we signed off the flat to them as we were still serving overseas. Later they upgraded to a bigger one in Choa Chu Kang.
Their intention was to have a three tier generation family sharing the same premises. However, my wife and I have chosen to live independently. We rent a Salvation Army apartment in Praisehaven at Upper Bukit Timah as the two older children and their families live on the western side of Singapore – Gladys seven kilometres away at Jurong East and Stephen six kilometres at Verde Villa. The Lord has wonderfully provided for Poh Chin our youngest child a place at the Peacehaven Nursing Home where she receives tender loving care. We are grateful for the subsidies given by the Government and the Army towards her maintenance fees.
The Lord has been good to us in making provision for our all our needs. “Trust in the Lord and do good: dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:3-4
Thursday, January 20, 2011
True Friendship - commitment
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18: 24
We have three types of friends:
a. Friends who give to us.
b. Friends whom we give to.
c. Friends where there is mutual giving and receiving.
Some friends are in reality acquaintances, others are colleagues, workmates, business associates, fellow believers or worshippers. We meet them, a week later we can't even remember their names.
We have friends of different types. Social demands may be too much for us to handle, so we settle for shallow relationships and lose out on true lasting friendships. Good to have friends and facebook friends keep recommending more, so we add to our list of friends.
Fair weather friends are easy to come by, but do they stand by you no matter what your situation is?
We have friends who are there in the hour of need. They are a pillar of strength. They are always loyal. "What a man desires is unfailing love." Proverbs 19: 22
Friendship is not based on how often we socialise, or how many dinners or meals we have together, although they contribute to some extent. I think true friendship involves the appreciating the inner person - the qualities rather than what we observe of the outward appearance of the person. Appreciation and acceptance are important. We love the person, warts and all! We see beauty in the inner person.
We need good committed friends who will stick by us through thick and thin. Some friends do not last, some are closer than blood brothers, loyal and committed. Real friendship is based on commitment - it is the bottom line of friendship.
I mentioned in a previous article that we live in a throw away society. We get hurt or upset, we break the friendship. True love does not take offence easily. There is another thought, we hurt most the people we love most. There is a price for true friendship - giving of ourselves and if that price is not paid, superficiality will be the result. The basis of true friendship is commitment.
In this 'give and take' friendship we cannot depend on the other person to make us happy. This means that to be a good and committed friend, we need to be at peace with ourselves - to be governed by the peace of God. We need to be willing to give and to receive. Lord help us!
"A friend of Jesus! O what bliss
That one so vile as I,
Should ever have a friends like this
To lead me to the sky,
A friend when other friendships cease,
A friend when others fail,
A friend who gives me joy and peace,
A friend who will prevail.
Friendship with Jesus, fellowship divine
O what blessed sweet communion'
Jesus is a friend of mine.
(Joseph Ludgate -SASong Book No 709)
We have three types of friends:
a. Friends who give to us.
b. Friends whom we give to.
c. Friends where there is mutual giving and receiving.
Some friends are in reality acquaintances, others are colleagues, workmates, business associates, fellow believers or worshippers. We meet them, a week later we can't even remember their names.
We have friends of different types. Social demands may be too much for us to handle, so we settle for shallow relationships and lose out on true lasting friendships. Good to have friends and facebook friends keep recommending more, so we add to our list of friends.
Fair weather friends are easy to come by, but do they stand by you no matter what your situation is?
We have friends who are there in the hour of need. They are a pillar of strength. They are always loyal. "What a man desires is unfailing love." Proverbs 19: 22
Friendship is not based on how often we socialise, or how many dinners or meals we have together, although they contribute to some extent. I think true friendship involves the appreciating the inner person - the qualities rather than what we observe of the outward appearance of the person. Appreciation and acceptance are important. We love the person, warts and all! We see beauty in the inner person.
We need good committed friends who will stick by us through thick and thin. Some friends do not last, some are closer than blood brothers, loyal and committed. Real friendship is based on commitment - it is the bottom line of friendship.
I mentioned in a previous article that we live in a throw away society. We get hurt or upset, we break the friendship. True love does not take offence easily. There is another thought, we hurt most the people we love most. There is a price for true friendship - giving of ourselves and if that price is not paid, superficiality will be the result. The basis of true friendship is commitment.
In this 'give and take' friendship we cannot depend on the other person to make us happy. This means that to be a good and committed friend, we need to be at peace with ourselves - to be governed by the peace of God. We need to be willing to give and to receive. Lord help us!
"A friend of Jesus! O what bliss
That one so vile as I,
Should ever have a friends like this
To lead me to the sky,
A friend when other friendships cease,
A friend when others fail,
A friend who gives me joy and peace,
A friend who will prevail.
Friendship with Jesus, fellowship divine
O what blessed sweet communion'
Jesus is a friend of mine.
(Joseph Ludgate -SASong Book No 709)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Visitors from Australia
We have many overseas friends and it is always a joy to meet them for fellowship when they pass through Singapore. Yesterday, we had two friends, Lieut. Colonel Olive Lucas and her daughter Helen who called on us on their way home after visiting Vietnam. It was so kind and thoughtful of them to do so. They travelled all the way from the city by bus.
We worked together with Lieut. Colonel Lucas when she was appointed the Under Secretary for South Asia. She lived not far from us in Beckenham and we had been to each other's homes for meals and fellowship.
We recall many years ago, when she and her husband passed through Singapore. Her husband was a Salvation Army missionary doctor in India at that time. He was promoted to Glory while serving the Lord in India.
The time spent together yesterday passed very quickly. We talked about our many friends in England and in Australia and recalled the happy times spent with them. Thank God for friends who are committed to each other. The time passed very quickly but those were sacred moments when we shared fellowship.
I think of the day we shall meet our loved ones in Heaven. What a day of rejoicing that will be and we shall live in heaven for forever with the Lord. Praise be unto God.
We worked together with Lieut. Colonel Lucas when she was appointed the Under Secretary for South Asia. She lived not far from us in Beckenham and we had been to each other's homes for meals and fellowship.
We recall many years ago, when she and her husband passed through Singapore. Her husband was a Salvation Army missionary doctor in India at that time. He was promoted to Glory while serving the Lord in India.
The time spent together yesterday passed very quickly. We talked about our many friends in England and in Australia and recalled the happy times spent with them. Thank God for friends who are committed to each other. The time passed very quickly but those were sacred moments when we shared fellowship.
I think of the day we shall meet our loved ones in Heaven. What a day of rejoicing that will be and we shall live in heaven for forever with the Lord. Praise be unto God.
Good medical care in Singapore
This morning, our grandchildren, David and Rachel came for us at 9.20 a.m and gave us a lift to National University Hospital. They had to attend lectures at National University at 10.00 a.m. so the timing was perfect as their faculty is not too far from where we wanted to be, the Kent Ridge wing of NUH. When we arrived at the entrance, a smiling security guard came to open the car door for us. We were treated like VIP's
Thank God for the medical facilities in Singapore. The hospital staff are always very efficient, courteous and friendly. The place is always spotless and we sit and wait in air conditioned rooms. There are always newspapers and magazines available.
We lived and worked in several countries and I must admit, our facilities are the best. Pardon me boasting, but this is a fact.
Everyday I have something to thank God for. Above all I enjoy His abiding presence with me.
Thank You , Lord. Grant that I shall always have this serenity that allows me to lose myself in humble contemplation of you.
Thank God for the medical facilities in Singapore. The hospital staff are always very efficient, courteous and friendly. The place is always spotless and we sit and wait in air conditioned rooms. There are always newspapers and magazines available.
We lived and worked in several countries and I must admit, our facilities are the best. Pardon me boasting, but this is a fact.
Everyday I have something to thank God for. Above all I enjoy His abiding presence with me.
Thank You , Lord. Grant that I shall always have this serenity that allows me to lose myself in humble contemplation of you.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
A relaxing Sunday - day of rest
We attended Adult Bible class at 9.30 a.m. Mrs. Lim Li Ching, did her second lesson this year - the subject "New Testament Prophecy" Her two studies relate to my series on Revelation. I shall recommence our studies on this book next Sunday.
Our Sunday worship was conducted by our Corps Officer (pastor) Major Ruth Pascoe. Her message was based on the verse, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden in light" Matthew 11: 28-30. She divided the message into four segments:
Come to Me
Take my yoke
Learn from Me
Rest for your soul is the result.
The meeting ended with the singing of this beautiful song sung to the tune of Brahms' Lullaby.
Let thy heart be at rest.
For the Father is shown
In the love of the Master
Whose work is made known:
Only walk in his way
And thy soul shall be free,
For the peace of the Lord
Shall be laid upon thee.
Let thy heart be at rest
When life's pathway runs steep,
And with death there's a tryst
That the body must keep:
Though the future is veiled
Thou shalt not be afraid,
For the peace of the Lord
On thy heart has been laid.
He has journeyed before thee,
A place to prepare;
Now the Comforter gives thee
To be with him there:
In the heart of the Father
Thy dwelling shall be,
For the peace of the Lord
Has been laid upon thee.
Isn't it wonderful to have the peace of the Lord. Isn't it wonderful that when we meet for worship on a Sunday like this, our Lord is among us and in us? What a privilege it is to belong to The Salvation Army, part of the universal church of Jesus Christ.
Our Sunday worship was conducted by our Corps Officer (pastor) Major Ruth Pascoe. Her message was based on the verse, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden in light" Matthew 11: 28-30. She divided the message into four segments:
Come to Me
Take my yoke
Learn from Me
Rest for your soul is the result.
The meeting ended with the singing of this beautiful song sung to the tune of Brahms' Lullaby.
Let thy heart be at rest.
For the Father is shown
In the love of the Master
Whose work is made known:
Only walk in his way
And thy soul shall be free,
For the peace of the Lord
Shall be laid upon thee.
Let thy heart be at rest
When life's pathway runs steep,
And with death there's a tryst
That the body must keep:
Though the future is veiled
Thou shalt not be afraid,
For the peace of the Lord
On thy heart has been laid.
He has journeyed before thee,
A place to prepare;
Now the Comforter gives thee
To be with him there:
In the heart of the Father
Thy dwelling shall be,
For the peace of the Lord
Has been laid upon thee.
Isn't it wonderful to have the peace of the Lord. Isn't it wonderful that when we meet for worship on a Sunday like this, our Lord is among us and in us? What a privilege it is to belong to The Salvation Army, part of the universal church of Jesus Christ.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Take time to pray
Everybody seems to be very busy. Children, youth, adults, the elderly including retirees make the same complaint - busy. We received many letters during Christmas and again and again we read these words "Where has all the time gone?" I came across the following poem which I want to share with you.
We can find time for so many things
That claim it from day to day,
But we fully realise time as wings
When we fall on our knees to pray.
We can read or speak, we can sew or sing,
Or serve in the busiest way:
But it seems so often the hardest thing
To find the time to pray.
In the morning rise, be it early or late,
There are dozens of things to do,
Things so important they must not wait,
And are they not duties too?
And duty must never be left undone,
With a virtuous air we say:
So from time rising to setting sun,
We can't find time to pray.
At night when the purple shadows fall,
And the song of the birds are still,
And bonds of weariness so enthral
Body, and mind and will:
We are too tired to keep our vow
That at the close of day
We will talk with God; for our heads we bow
In sleep when we kneel to pray.
Just how it happens we scarce can tell:
For work we plan to do
Seems often failure though done so well,
And steadfastly carried through.
We look for a blessing, and lo a blast
With lightning upon its breath,
And we find the season for prayer at last
In the hour of pain and death.
Let's not forget - make time to pray.
We can find time for so many things
That claim it from day to day,
But we fully realise time as wings
When we fall on our knees to pray.
We can read or speak, we can sew or sing,
Or serve in the busiest way:
But it seems so often the hardest thing
To find the time to pray.
In the morning rise, be it early or late,
There are dozens of things to do,
Things so important they must not wait,
And are they not duties too?
And duty must never be left undone,
With a virtuous air we say:
So from time rising to setting sun,
We can't find time to pray.
At night when the purple shadows fall,
And the song of the birds are still,
And bonds of weariness so enthral
Body, and mind and will:
We are too tired to keep our vow
That at the close of day
We will talk with God; for our heads we bow
In sleep when we kneel to pray.
Just how it happens we scarce can tell:
For work we plan to do
Seems often failure though done so well,
And steadfastly carried through.
We look for a blessing, and lo a blast
With lightning upon its breath,
And we find the season for prayer at last
In the hour of pain and death.
Let's not forget - make time to pray.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Friendship
Everyday we are making new friends and now with facebook, more are being added each day! As we look back through the years, we thank God for many people we have met and worked with, people we call friends. Our lives have been enriched by friendship.
We have friends of all ages - older ones with their maturity and experience have contributed their wisdom to our lives. Children have been among our friends and they have enabled us to see the the world through their eyes. Youth helps us to look forward and see challenges ahead of us and prevents us from being backward looking. Every age adds its own contribution to our lives.
Friendship frees us to share our joys and sorrows, strengths and weaknesses. Friends help us to widen our horizons. True friends do not push us into a mould but enable us to be free and to grow in maturity.
We have friends of different races and cultures. We have friends all over the world. I'm glad I'm in The Salvation Army. Working as an officer has taken me and my wife to many countries and experience cross cultural interactions. It has been very enriching. No regrets loving and serving God in minstry.
Dale Carnegie wrote a book called " How to win friends and influence people." I believe it became the best seller at one time. It sold more than six million copies. Does this now show the desire of human beings to have friends.
Friendships are made, planned, cultivated, built and nurtured. Never take your friends for granted.
We live in a throw away society. We have paper plates we use them and then throw them away. We buy garments, we like them, then they go out of fashion and we give them away, hopefully to Red Shield Services or perhaps throw them away. We get rid of our equipment that are out of date. Nowadays, it seems cheaper to buy a new item than to repair it. I'm afraid some of us throw away friendships in the same way. A slight misunderstanding and we break up friendship. We part and look for another one. How tragic.
The word of God tells us about commitment and we need this in the area of friendship. Here are some examples - Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi, Jonathan and David, Paul and Timothy, the list can go on.
Thank God for friends and nowadays with easy communication, its wonderful to keep in touch using such means as e-mail and face book etc. And most important, we remember our friends in prayer.
There is a scene where spirits blend,
And friend holds fellowship with friend;
Though sundered far, by faith they meet
Around one common Mercy Seat.
We have friends of all ages - older ones with their maturity and experience have contributed their wisdom to our lives. Children have been among our friends and they have enabled us to see the the world through their eyes. Youth helps us to look forward and see challenges ahead of us and prevents us from being backward looking. Every age adds its own contribution to our lives.
Friendship frees us to share our joys and sorrows, strengths and weaknesses. Friends help us to widen our horizons. True friends do not push us into a mould but enable us to be free and to grow in maturity.
We have friends of different races and cultures. We have friends all over the world. I'm glad I'm in The Salvation Army. Working as an officer has taken me and my wife to many countries and experience cross cultural interactions. It has been very enriching. No regrets loving and serving God in minstry.
Dale Carnegie wrote a book called " How to win friends and influence people." I believe it became the best seller at one time. It sold more than six million copies. Does this now show the desire of human beings to have friends.
Friendships are made, planned, cultivated, built and nurtured. Never take your friends for granted.
We live in a throw away society. We have paper plates we use them and then throw them away. We buy garments, we like them, then they go out of fashion and we give them away, hopefully to Red Shield Services or perhaps throw them away. We get rid of our equipment that are out of date. Nowadays, it seems cheaper to buy a new item than to repair it. I'm afraid some of us throw away friendships in the same way. A slight misunderstanding and we break up friendship. We part and look for another one. How tragic.
The word of God tells us about commitment and we need this in the area of friendship. Here are some examples - Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi, Jonathan and David, Paul and Timothy, the list can go on.
Thank God for friends and nowadays with easy communication, its wonderful to keep in touch using such means as e-mail and face book etc. And most important, we remember our friends in prayer.
There is a scene where spirits blend,
And friend holds fellowship with friend;
Though sundered far, by faith they meet
Around one common Mercy Seat.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
This is my story - 49
49 – Participation in Salvation Army musicals
Good Salvationists from overseas always make it a point to link up with The Salvation Army on arrival in a new country. We were privileged to have two excellent Salvationists from United Kingdom – Jim and Marjorie Webb. Brother Jim was employed by Coopers & Lybrand and his office was at Supreme House just across the road from our Headquarters. Jim and Marjorie lived at 28 Barker Road and every morning he would park his car at the Army compound and walk across to his office. They both made much contribution to the Central Corps where they were soldiers.
Jim was our Music Director - Songster Leader and Bandmaster. During his time the Central Corps performed four musicals under his direction.
This musical was based on the book written by Colonel Edward Joy called “The Old Corps” It described the early days of The Salvation Army in Folkestone. Stories about personalities of the Corps were well known in Army circles in the United Kingdom. There were several stories woven into the musical called “Glory.” One story is about a lady, an aristocrat who came to The Salvation Army meetings by carriage and pair. Her footmen would carry a cushion and put it on the hard bench. (no comfortable chairs like we have in our halls today!) She would be followed by her maid. In the same Corps was a poor man called Jimmy who looked filthy and degraded. No one except the Corps Officer knew where he lived.
One day, this Lady Beatrice came to the Mercy Seat. There were shouts of ‘glory’ and ‘hallelujah’. Lo and behold dirty Jimmy went forward to the Mercy Seat too and knelt beside this lady. Tears streamed down his grimy face and the odours were rising!
The Captain looked down from the platform, turned to Jimmy and said, “Move along, please, Jimmy, kneel over here’ pointing to a spot away from Lady Beatrice. He meant well I’m sure. But the lady, lifting a tear stained face, said, “Leave him alone, Captain, we are seeking the same Lord.”
Jimmy was greatly touched and cried out, “Thank you for saying that. I’ve found Him. Hope you’ve found Him too.” The gospel is for the whosoever – bond or free, masters or servants, Jew or Gentile; there are no sex barriers, class or social barriers in Christ. Mrs. Marjorie Webb and YPSM Ooi Inn Bok acted the parts of Lady Beatrice and Dirty Jimmy respectively and sang that beautiful duet “We are seeking the same Lord.” Many hearts were touched.
Some of the Balestier folk also participated in the musical. I recall the excellent performance of the percussionist Andy Lim, one of the youth from Balestier Corps. He later entered training and became an officer. Our daughter Gladys was the pianist. In the first musical, called ‘Glory’ Major Roy Bungay, Command Youth Secretary, played the part of the Corps Officer and I, the Corps Sergeant Major.
When my wife and I were stationed in England (1993-1997) it was our privilege to be invited to conduct meetings one weekend at this Folkestone Corps. What a thrill, yet humbling experience to stand on the same platform and see seekers streaming to the Mercy Seat seeking the same Saviour and Lord.
The success of the performance of “Glory” led to our second venture when we did “Jesus Folk.” This musical not only told the stories of lives transformed by the power of Jesus, it portrayed our Lord’s death and resurrection as well. I was given the role of Peter. It was hard work and I recall having a small portable tape recorder in the car (the car I used did not have air conditioning, let alone a built in cassette player, but it served us well during my nine years as the General Secretary). I would listen to the songs as I drove to work each morning. By that time we were living in our own HDB flat at Clementi West at West Coast Road.
Everywhere I went I had the songs of the musical with me. I sang on my journey to the various centres in Malaysia. In those days, there were not too many expressways and journeys took much longer than today.
I really enjoyed playing that role, first the impulsive and over confident Peter, then the repentant disciple who declared his love for Jesus. The song “Knowing my failings, knowing my fears” is still my favourite song. I recall the many times when I’ve failed Him; then crying out to Him “You know I love You, use me again.” Even in retirement as the different faculties weaken, and with decreasing mobility, I stretch out my hand each day to Him and pray, Lord “promise your presence, travel with me.”
The third musical was “Spirit” and I acted the part of Saul. Scenes from the Acts of the Apostles came alive on the Central Corps platform. The first part would deal with Pentecost, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the impact upon the followers of Christ. The latter part was about the conversion of Saul. I was challenged to take the role of the persecutor Saul who later became Paul the apostle.
We had good co-operation from the comrades, soldiers and officers. Captains Keith and Doreen Sharp and their children, at one time stationed at the Boys’ Home in Changi (the present location of Peacehaven) would travel all the way to participate in Corps activities. Their children Paul Estelle and Zahrah would commute by bus to attend Sunday school and other Corps activities. Later Captain Sharp became the Public Relations Secretary and the family lived at the Headquarters compound. Another couple, Envoy Roger Horton and his wife Carol took active part in Corps activities. The Sharp and Horton families were all involved in the musicals. Their involvement in such activities brought them very close to the local Corps folk. These musicals were performed during the periods when Lieutenants Alan and Marie Hickman and Captain Ruth Pascoe were the Corps Officers or pastors.
Captain Keith Sharp handled much of the logistics and being a very handy man himself prepared a lot of the props as well. As the Public Relations Secretary he made sure the musicals were well publicised. His wife Doreen worked with the ladies to sort out garments for costumes.
We made arrangements for someone to look after our special daughter Dora Poh Chin, the evenings when my wife would join us for Songsters and participation at the musicals. It was good for her to get away from home to participate in Corps activities.
Encouraged by the response from our people, the Corps decided to perform the fourth musical ‘Hosea.’ It tells the story of Hosea called by God to prophesy to a backsliding nation. Hosea’s own personal tragedy is an intense illustration of Israel’s national tragedy. It’s a story of one sided love and faithfulness that represents the relationship between Israel and God. It speaks of God’s love for lost sinners.
Brother Jim Webb very kindly agreed to my request to be released from playing major roles. We were very busy, besides we felt the prominent roles should be allocated to the younger ones. My wife and I sang in the choir. Our nephew Leonard Goh took on the main role of Hosea and he did extremely well. His siblings too, Elaine and Anne participated fully in the musical dramas. For this musical the Central Corps rented the PUB Auditorium at Somerset Road and tickets were sold. Still the auditorium was packed.
We thank God for the privilege of serving Him in the then Singapore/Malaysia Command. There was plenty to do in the office, but we made it a point to be involved with the Corps folk in ministry. And we were blessed by our participation in the various Corps activities. When we give of ourselves to others, we receive far more in return. That’s what we and the team of officers and comrades, local and overseas experienced. It is still true today.
Good Salvationists from overseas always make it a point to link up with The Salvation Army on arrival in a new country. We were privileged to have two excellent Salvationists from United Kingdom – Jim and Marjorie Webb. Brother Jim was employed by Coopers & Lybrand and his office was at Supreme House just across the road from our Headquarters. Jim and Marjorie lived at 28 Barker Road and every morning he would park his car at the Army compound and walk across to his office. They both made much contribution to the Central Corps where they were soldiers.
Jim was our Music Director - Songster Leader and Bandmaster. During his time the Central Corps performed four musicals under his direction.
This musical was based on the book written by Colonel Edward Joy called “The Old Corps” It described the early days of The Salvation Army in Folkestone. Stories about personalities of the Corps were well known in Army circles in the United Kingdom. There were several stories woven into the musical called “Glory.” One story is about a lady, an aristocrat who came to The Salvation Army meetings by carriage and pair. Her footmen would carry a cushion and put it on the hard bench. (no comfortable chairs like we have in our halls today!) She would be followed by her maid. In the same Corps was a poor man called Jimmy who looked filthy and degraded. No one except the Corps Officer knew where he lived.
One day, this Lady Beatrice came to the Mercy Seat. There were shouts of ‘glory’ and ‘hallelujah’. Lo and behold dirty Jimmy went forward to the Mercy Seat too and knelt beside this lady. Tears streamed down his grimy face and the odours were rising!
The Captain looked down from the platform, turned to Jimmy and said, “Move along, please, Jimmy, kneel over here’ pointing to a spot away from Lady Beatrice. He meant well I’m sure. But the lady, lifting a tear stained face, said, “Leave him alone, Captain, we are seeking the same Lord.”
Jimmy was greatly touched and cried out, “Thank you for saying that. I’ve found Him. Hope you’ve found Him too.” The gospel is for the whosoever – bond or free, masters or servants, Jew or Gentile; there are no sex barriers, class or social barriers in Christ. Mrs. Marjorie Webb and YPSM Ooi Inn Bok acted the parts of Lady Beatrice and Dirty Jimmy respectively and sang that beautiful duet “We are seeking the same Lord.” Many hearts were touched.
Some of the Balestier folk also participated in the musical. I recall the excellent performance of the percussionist Andy Lim, one of the youth from Balestier Corps. He later entered training and became an officer. Our daughter Gladys was the pianist. In the first musical, called ‘Glory’ Major Roy Bungay, Command Youth Secretary, played the part of the Corps Officer and I, the Corps Sergeant Major.
When my wife and I were stationed in England (1993-1997) it was our privilege to be invited to conduct meetings one weekend at this Folkestone Corps. What a thrill, yet humbling experience to stand on the same platform and see seekers streaming to the Mercy Seat seeking the same Saviour and Lord.
The success of the performance of “Glory” led to our second venture when we did “Jesus Folk.” This musical not only told the stories of lives transformed by the power of Jesus, it portrayed our Lord’s death and resurrection as well. I was given the role of Peter. It was hard work and I recall having a small portable tape recorder in the car (the car I used did not have air conditioning, let alone a built in cassette player, but it served us well during my nine years as the General Secretary). I would listen to the songs as I drove to work each morning. By that time we were living in our own HDB flat at Clementi West at West Coast Road.
Everywhere I went I had the songs of the musical with me. I sang on my journey to the various centres in Malaysia. In those days, there were not too many expressways and journeys took much longer than today.
I really enjoyed playing that role, first the impulsive and over confident Peter, then the repentant disciple who declared his love for Jesus. The song “Knowing my failings, knowing my fears” is still my favourite song. I recall the many times when I’ve failed Him; then crying out to Him “You know I love You, use me again.” Even in retirement as the different faculties weaken, and with decreasing mobility, I stretch out my hand each day to Him and pray, Lord “promise your presence, travel with me.”
The third musical was “Spirit” and I acted the part of Saul. Scenes from the Acts of the Apostles came alive on the Central Corps platform. The first part would deal with Pentecost, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the impact upon the followers of Christ. The latter part was about the conversion of Saul. I was challenged to take the role of the persecutor Saul who later became Paul the apostle.
We had good co-operation from the comrades, soldiers and officers. Captains Keith and Doreen Sharp and their children, at one time stationed at the Boys’ Home in Changi (the present location of Peacehaven) would travel all the way to participate in Corps activities. Their children Paul Estelle and Zahrah would commute by bus to attend Sunday school and other Corps activities. Later Captain Sharp became the Public Relations Secretary and the family lived at the Headquarters compound. Another couple, Envoy Roger Horton and his wife Carol took active part in Corps activities. The Sharp and Horton families were all involved in the musicals. Their involvement in such activities brought them very close to the local Corps folk. These musicals were performed during the periods when Lieutenants Alan and Marie Hickman and Captain Ruth Pascoe were the Corps Officers or pastors.
Captain Keith Sharp handled much of the logistics and being a very handy man himself prepared a lot of the props as well. As the Public Relations Secretary he made sure the musicals were well publicised. His wife Doreen worked with the ladies to sort out garments for costumes.
We made arrangements for someone to look after our special daughter Dora Poh Chin, the evenings when my wife would join us for Songsters and participation at the musicals. It was good for her to get away from home to participate in Corps activities.
Encouraged by the response from our people, the Corps decided to perform the fourth musical ‘Hosea.’ It tells the story of Hosea called by God to prophesy to a backsliding nation. Hosea’s own personal tragedy is an intense illustration of Israel’s national tragedy. It’s a story of one sided love and faithfulness that represents the relationship between Israel and God. It speaks of God’s love for lost sinners.
Brother Jim Webb very kindly agreed to my request to be released from playing major roles. We were very busy, besides we felt the prominent roles should be allocated to the younger ones. My wife and I sang in the choir. Our nephew Leonard Goh took on the main role of Hosea and he did extremely well. His siblings too, Elaine and Anne participated fully in the musical dramas. For this musical the Central Corps rented the PUB Auditorium at Somerset Road and tickets were sold. Still the auditorium was packed.
We thank God for the privilege of serving Him in the then Singapore/Malaysia Command. There was plenty to do in the office, but we made it a point to be involved with the Corps folk in ministry. And we were blessed by our participation in the various Corps activities. When we give of ourselves to others, we receive far more in return. That’s what we and the team of officers and comrades, local and overseas experienced. It is still true today.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Meeting at William Booth Corps
During the week, our Corps Officer (pastor) was not well. She made a request for us to conduct the meeting for her on Sunday. Of course, we gladly accepted the responsibility. We are always ready to do anything for our own church and the Kingdom of God.
So very hurriedly I set about to prepare my sermon. I was led to speak about "Divine Guidance" using the experiences of Joseph as recorded in Matthew 2: 13-23. At each step of the way, the Lord appeared to Joseph to give him guidance - first to take Mary as his wife, to provide for her and help her in looking after the Baby Jesus, to take the family into Egypt for safety and eventually to return to Nazareth after the death of Herod.
Yes, the Lord guides us. We need to ensure our wills are in sync with His will. Divine guidance is always assured. Scripture is replete with assurances of Divine guidance. "The Lord will guide you always" Isaiah 58:11. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." Psalm 37: 23
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3: 6
Thank God His will is discernible. He guides us one step at a time. Someone put it "not only the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, the stops of a good man are also ordered by Him."
We sang some old favourites -"Guide me O Thou great Jehovah" , "Precious Promise God has given, I will guide thee with My eye," "Hold Thou my hand, so weak I am and helpless" and "He leadeth me, O blessed thought."
It was wonderful to see seekers at the Mercy Seat. Praise the Lord.
So very hurriedly I set about to prepare my sermon. I was led to speak about "Divine Guidance" using the experiences of Joseph as recorded in Matthew 2: 13-23. At each step of the way, the Lord appeared to Joseph to give him guidance - first to take Mary as his wife, to provide for her and help her in looking after the Baby Jesus, to take the family into Egypt for safety and eventually to return to Nazareth after the death of Herod.
Yes, the Lord guides us. We need to ensure our wills are in sync with His will. Divine guidance is always assured. Scripture is replete with assurances of Divine guidance. "The Lord will guide you always" Isaiah 58:11. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." Psalm 37: 23
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3: 6
Thank God His will is discernible. He guides us one step at a time. Someone put it "not only the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, the stops of a good man are also ordered by Him."
We sang some old favourites -"Guide me O Thou great Jehovah" , "Precious Promise God has given, I will guide thee with My eye," "Hold Thou my hand, so weak I am and helpless" and "He leadeth me, O blessed thought."
It was wonderful to see seekers at the Mercy Seat. Praise the Lord.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Our first cell group meeting 2011
The strength of a church cannot be measured by the number of people attending the Sunday morning meeting, although it is a good sign when the congregation grows. The true effectiveness of a Corps or Church is to be seen by the people who are actively engaged in witness for the Lord during the week. The services and teaching of the church should aim at the building of relationships. Those who attend church on a Sunday become active participants in propagating the gospel in the community. They become encouragers of others in our pilgrim journey from earth to heaven. We all as fellow travellers along the road of life need mutual support. And that's what cell, our house groups are all about.
The early church devoted themselves to "the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer." Acts 2: 42
On Friday 7th January, a group of us met at our home for the first time this year for our cell group. We meet regularly every Friday morning from 10.00 to 11.30 a.m. We had a good time of discussion on the subject of getting 'closer to God.'
The early church devoted themselves to "the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer." Acts 2: 42
On Friday 7th January, a group of us met at our home for the first time this year for our cell group. We meet regularly every Friday morning from 10.00 to 11.30 a.m. We had a good time of discussion on the subject of getting 'closer to God.'
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Prayer in the morning
The Secret by Ralph S Cushman
I met God in the morning
When the day was at its best,
And His presence came like sunrise,
Like a glory in my breast.
All day long the presence lingered,
All day long He stayed with me,
And we sailed in perfect calmness
O'er a very troubled sea.
So I think I know the secret,
Learned from many a troubled way;
You must seek Him in the morning
If you want Him through the day.
Jesus showed us a perfect example of beginning the day with God. "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place where He prayed." Mark 1: 35.
I met God in the morning
When the day was at its best,
And His presence came like sunrise,
Like a glory in my breast.
All day long the presence lingered,
All day long He stayed with me,
And we sailed in perfect calmness
O'er a very troubled sea.
So I think I know the secret,
Learned from many a troubled way;
You must seek Him in the morning
If you want Him through the day.
Jesus showed us a perfect example of beginning the day with God. "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place where He prayed." Mark 1: 35.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Covenant Sunday at Changi Corps
We were at Changi Corps to conduct Covenant Sunday meeting, the first Sunday in January 2011.
It's always a joy to meet the folk there and to share fellowship and worship with them. We have some of the most faithful salvationists there and we thank God for them. One sister, Emelie now a grandmother was a childhood friend of mine. We were neighbours at Lorong Limau and attended Balestier Corps together.
Jimi Tan the chaplain from Peacehaven came for us at 9.00 a.m Sunday morning. On the way to church, he picked up his family at Pasir Ris and we travelled together to the Corps.
We began the meeting with the Song: "Thank You Lord for all Thy goodness, through the years of yesterday" (Song 552 SASB) Beautiful words penned by August Ludwig Storm and translated into English by Flora Larsson the mother of General John Larsson (R). We thank God for all His goodness - present blessings, each new revelation and things God has chosen to hide from us; sunlit pathways and byways rough. And the phrase that touched me most as I sang, 'for the peace you give me even when the spirit bleeds.' There are times when our spirit bleeds, but the Lord is there in our trials, pain and suffering.
We sang an old hymn, "Nearer my God to Thee, nearer to Thee" (Song 617 SASB). The writer Sarah Adams wrote this beautiful hymn based on Jacob's experience as recorded in Genesis 28: 10-22. My message for the morning was based on Genesis 35 God instructed Jacob 'Arise, go up to Bethel and live there; and make an altar there to God who appeared to you when you fled from our brother Esau." Yes, Jacob had to go back to Bethel, back to the place of Vision, the place where he had heard the Voice of God and the place where he had made his Vow.
Many years had passed since that night when he fled from the wrath of his brother Esau. A lot of things had happened since that terrible night. God wanted him to go back or as the Malay saying goes, "Balek Kampong."
The meeting concluded with our folk moving quietly and solemnly to the Mercy Seat to renew their covenants with the Lord. How wonderful to see couples walking hand in hand up the aisle to the Altar, families coming together and many came alone to renew their vows as the congregation sang that song of dedication,
"I would be Thy holy temple, sacred and indwelt by Thee'
Naught then could stain my commission, 'Tis Thy divine charge to me.
Take thou my life, Lord, In deep submission I pray,
My all to Thee dedicating, Accept my offering today."
What a beautiful sight - seekers at the Altar rededicating their lives to God.
After the meeting we went to Simei for lunch with a number of comrades. Again we thank God for another great day spent in Changi. Thank God for the privilege of service in His Kingdom.
It's always a joy to meet the folk there and to share fellowship and worship with them. We have some of the most faithful salvationists there and we thank God for them. One sister, Emelie now a grandmother was a childhood friend of mine. We were neighbours at Lorong Limau and attended Balestier Corps together.
Jimi Tan the chaplain from Peacehaven came for us at 9.00 a.m Sunday morning. On the way to church, he picked up his family at Pasir Ris and we travelled together to the Corps.
We began the meeting with the Song: "Thank You Lord for all Thy goodness, through the years of yesterday" (Song 552 SASB) Beautiful words penned by August Ludwig Storm and translated into English by Flora Larsson the mother of General John Larsson (R). We thank God for all His goodness - present blessings, each new revelation and things God has chosen to hide from us; sunlit pathways and byways rough. And the phrase that touched me most as I sang, 'for the peace you give me even when the spirit bleeds.' There are times when our spirit bleeds, but the Lord is there in our trials, pain and suffering.
We sang an old hymn, "Nearer my God to Thee, nearer to Thee" (Song 617 SASB). The writer Sarah Adams wrote this beautiful hymn based on Jacob's experience as recorded in Genesis 28: 10-22. My message for the morning was based on Genesis 35 God instructed Jacob 'Arise, go up to Bethel and live there; and make an altar there to God who appeared to you when you fled from our brother Esau." Yes, Jacob had to go back to Bethel, back to the place of Vision, the place where he had heard the Voice of God and the place where he had made his Vow.
Many years had passed since that night when he fled from the wrath of his brother Esau. A lot of things had happened since that terrible night. God wanted him to go back or as the Malay saying goes, "Balek Kampong."
The meeting concluded with our folk moving quietly and solemnly to the Mercy Seat to renew their covenants with the Lord. How wonderful to see couples walking hand in hand up the aisle to the Altar, families coming together and many came alone to renew their vows as the congregation sang that song of dedication,
"I would be Thy holy temple, sacred and indwelt by Thee'
Naught then could stain my commission, 'Tis Thy divine charge to me.
Take thou my life, Lord, In deep submission I pray,
My all to Thee dedicating, Accept my offering today."
What a beautiful sight - seekers at the Altar rededicating their lives to God.
After the meeting we went to Simei for lunch with a number of comrades. Again we thank God for another great day spent in Changi. Thank God for the privilege of service in His Kingdom.
Best of times, the worst of times
One of the most famous opening passages in literature was written by Charles Dickens in "The Tale of Two Cities." He gave a description of the situation immediately preceding the French Revolution. One would think he was writing about the situation today,
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way."
The media portrays the world before us - the good and the bad! We've never had it so good, at the same time we seem to be seeing the worst of times.
I comfort myself, "God is our Refuge and Strength, a very present help in trouble." Our God bids us to "be still and know that I am God." Our God reigns and with this assurance I move into the future with Him in confidence.
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way."
The media portrays the world before us - the good and the bad! We've never had it so good, at the same time we seem to be seeing the worst of times.
I comfort myself, "God is our Refuge and Strength, a very present help in trouble." Our God bids us to "be still and know that I am God." Our God reigns and with this assurance I move into the future with Him in confidence.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Blessed New Year 2011
Happy and Blessed New Year to all my friends who read this blog. The year 2010 is gone and we are now in the new year. What will 2011 bring? No one except God knows.
NEW YEAR by M Louise Haskins
I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown."
And he replied, "Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way."
Prayer:
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in every generation, be our Guide and Desire of life in the days before us.
In this new year, let our lives give evidence of the power of love and the strength of Your Spirit.
Lord free us from fruitless anxieties the result of our lack of faith in You. Our days pass away as grass of the field. Lord, we need You. Be with us and help us to face life with You. Then we know we shall be free from self pity, needless worries and fears.
Bless each one of us as we place the stained pages of our lives before You. Forgive us our sins, our doubts and fears.
Lord we stretch out our hand to you. Hold us, lead us, show us the way as journey through another year. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
NEW YEAR by M Louise Haskins
I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown."
And he replied, "Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way."
Prayer:
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in every generation, be our Guide and Desire of life in the days before us.
In this new year, let our lives give evidence of the power of love and the strength of Your Spirit.
Lord free us from fruitless anxieties the result of our lack of faith in You. Our days pass away as grass of the field. Lord, we need You. Be with us and help us to face life with You. Then we know we shall be free from self pity, needless worries and fears.
Bless each one of us as we place the stained pages of our lives before You. Forgive us our sins, our doubts and fears.
Lord we stretch out our hand to you. Hold us, lead us, show us the way as journey through another year. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
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