Last Saturday, 25th June, we attended the Fun Fair at Gracehaven. The Home celebrated its 21st anniversary. We had a great time, met friends, witnessed the concert given by the residents, enjoyed the games and of course the delicious food.
It was on 22nd December 1989 that an agreement was signed between the Singapore Government and The Salvation Army on the operation of Gracehaven, the children and young persons complex at Yio Chu Kang. Signatories to the agreement were Lieut. Colonel Moira Wright, Officer Commanding of The Salvation Army and Mr. Koh Cher Seng permanent secretary, Ministry of Community Development of Singapore. This significant event was the climax of almost two years of negotiations between the Government and The Salvation Army. The first admission of 60 young people was made on 27th December 1989 at this Home. It was officially opened in 1990
Designed and purpose-built by the Public Works Department on an 11,680 square metre site at 3 Lorong Napiri, Gracehaven replaced four Government Homes. This six million dollar complex comprises three interlinked, but self contained blocks and living quarters for the superintendent and staff. Each block has its own living area, study room, dining hall and sleeping accommodation and bathrooms. A central kitchen and central laundry cater for the needs of the residents of the whole Home. There is also a large assembly hall, activity rooms, and outdoor multipurpose court and open field.
Envoy and Mrs. John Ove Zetterlind from Sweden were the first superintendents to take charge of this Home. During these twenty one years, many have passed through the Home and today are useful citizens of this country.
The current officers in charge - Aux.Captains Raymond and Cathy Aloba will be leaving the Home to take up new appointments at William Booth Corps. From 1st July Lieutenants Anthony and Wai Chan Yong will take over the responsibilities.
God bless the staff. volunteers and residents of Gracehaven.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
New salvationists added
It is always joy to see new people coming to join us in worship, and an added delight when these people made commitments to become 'soldiers of The Salvation Army,' Last Sunday 26th June four salvationists were publicly enrolled at out Church. What a delight to see their relatives coming to witness the ceremony conducted by our pastor Major Ruth Pascoe. We are pleased our church is growing in numbers as well as spiritual maturity.
The four were Sylvia Lim (not the recently elected opposition member from the Workers' Party) Karina Devadas, Victor Tay, and James Wong - all smartly dressed in their new uniforms! We thank God for them and pray that God will keep them faithful to their vows.
We left the meeting just as the Major was about to begin her sermon. We had a quick lunch and then met Captain Julian Wong who took us to the Balestier Corps, my home corps. (I joined the Army at Balesiter when I was only five years old) It was their farewell meeting, but I was invited to give the message. This was quite unusual, as normally the farewelling officer gives the message.
After the meeting, we joined the folk for a meal and fellowship before returning home. When we got back it was 5.00 p.m. It was a long day for us. We thank God for another blessed Sunday.
Thank God for the privilege of worship. It was Archbishop William Temple who wrote these beautiful lines about Worship.
WORSHIP -
To quicken the conscience with the holiness of God,
To feed the mind with the truth of God.
To purge the imagination with the beauty of God,
To open the heart to the love of God.
To devote the will to the purpose of God.
The four were Sylvia Lim (not the recently elected opposition member from the Workers' Party) Karina Devadas, Victor Tay, and James Wong - all smartly dressed in their new uniforms! We thank God for them and pray that God will keep them faithful to their vows.
We left the meeting just as the Major was about to begin her sermon. We had a quick lunch and then met Captain Julian Wong who took us to the Balestier Corps, my home corps. (I joined the Army at Balesiter when I was only five years old) It was their farewell meeting, but I was invited to give the message. This was quite unusual, as normally the farewelling officer gives the message.
After the meeting, we joined the folk for a meal and fellowship before returning home. When we got back it was 5.00 p.m. It was a long day for us. We thank God for another blessed Sunday.
Thank God for the privilege of worship. It was Archbishop William Temple who wrote these beautiful lines about Worship.
WORSHIP -
To quicken the conscience with the holiness of God,
To feed the mind with the truth of God.
To purge the imagination with the beauty of God,
To open the heart to the love of God.
To devote the will to the purpose of God.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Wait, watch and work
I did Bible class today and dwelt on Revelation chapter 16. John in his vision presents the third group of seven judgments depicting the climax and the end. It is interesting to read the comments of Dr. Billy Graham on this subject,
"The sigh of insecurity heard across the world is perhaps the death rattle of civilisation as we have known it. We have reached and impasse. On the human level the situation seems hopeless. Events are now in the hands of God. It is His turn to act, and the Scripture promises that He will. He is the Lord of history, Nothing is taking God by surprise. Events are moving rapidly toward a climax, but it will be God's climax.
Every private conversation I hold with world leaders indicates that they all believe we are moving towards this climax, and that we stand at the threshold of either world destruction or a new era of mankind."
Before we can contemplate the glories of Messiah's rule, John shows us, we must see how judgment is intensified until one decisive stroke destroys the whole fabric of civilisation.
Seven appointed angels pour out seven bowls of God's wrath. Each is universal in its reach and unique in its horror.
It is a call for us to live in a state of preparedness.In view of the imminent crisis involved in the battle between God and the forces of evil, Jesus Himself counsels the church to be ready for the day. It will come like a thief - no thought of furtiveness, nor suddenness of the Lord's return, but unexpectedness. Paul likens the coming of Christ to the coming of a thief ( 1 Thess. 5: 2) For those who are awake to His coming, the return of our Lord will be no surprising, unexpected event but a glad deliverance from this chaotic world in which we find ourselves. Let us wait, watch and work till the Lord comes.
"The sigh of insecurity heard across the world is perhaps the death rattle of civilisation as we have known it. We have reached and impasse. On the human level the situation seems hopeless. Events are now in the hands of God. It is His turn to act, and the Scripture promises that He will. He is the Lord of history, Nothing is taking God by surprise. Events are moving rapidly toward a climax, but it will be God's climax.
Every private conversation I hold with world leaders indicates that they all believe we are moving towards this climax, and that we stand at the threshold of either world destruction or a new era of mankind."
Before we can contemplate the glories of Messiah's rule, John shows us, we must see how judgment is intensified until one decisive stroke destroys the whole fabric of civilisation.
Seven appointed angels pour out seven bowls of God's wrath. Each is universal in its reach and unique in its horror.
It is a call for us to live in a state of preparedness.In view of the imminent crisis involved in the battle between God and the forces of evil, Jesus Himself counsels the church to be ready for the day. It will come like a thief - no thought of furtiveness, nor suddenness of the Lord's return, but unexpectedness. Paul likens the coming of Christ to the coming of a thief ( 1 Thess. 5: 2) For those who are awake to His coming, the return of our Lord will be no surprising, unexpected event but a glad deliverance from this chaotic world in which we find ourselves. Let us wait, watch and work till the Lord comes.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Use of spiritual gifts
Paul writing to the Corinthians has this to say, ‘Your body has many parts – limbs, organs, cells – but no matter how many parts you can name, you’re still one body. It’s exactly the same with Christ. By means of His one Spirit, we all said good bye to our partial and piecemeal lives. We each used to independently call our own shots, but then we entered into a large and integrated life in which he has the final say in everything… Each of us is now part of the resurrection body, refreshed and sustained at one fountain – His Spirit where we all come to drink.” (1 Cor. 12: 12-14 The MESSAGE by Eugene Peterson)
The local church is a microcosm of the church universal, so it may be regarded as a body. By God’s design and appointment, this body, like the human body has different members and different functions, interacting with each other. There is that interdependence of the members of the body.
It is clear that the diversity Paul has in mind is not only to do with our outward estate, but also the bestowal of spiritual gifts. (1 Cor. 12: 4-11, 27-31) This is why there is repeated emphasis in the Bible that spiritual gifts are given for the edification of the church (1 Cor 12: 7, 1 Pet. 4: 10, Rom. 12: 5, Eph. 4: 11-16) This being the case, the faithful exercise of spiritual of gifts by members of the church is essential to the building of unity of the church. We learn to depend on each other.
The Bible gives us several lists of gifts, but they are not intended to be exhaustive. Each of us possesses certain gifts, some more gifted than others. That does not mean one is more important than the other. The more a person gifted, the more is expected of him or her. When we meet a gifted person, let us not be jealous or envious of him. Rather let us thank God for him and pray that he will use his gifts to glorify God. If you feel you are very gifted, thank God for your gifts and there is no reason to boast. Beware of spiritual pride. Be humble and dedicate that gift to Him to be used for His glory.
The implication of this thought is that unity of the church is promoted as members learn to serve God and one another with specific gifts. We minister to each other and encourage one another as we work together for the good of our church.
May the Lord grant us that we may know how to stir to flames the gifts that He has given us for the building up of His church to the end that His name be glorified.
The local church is a microcosm of the church universal, so it may be regarded as a body. By God’s design and appointment, this body, like the human body has different members and different functions, interacting with each other. There is that interdependence of the members of the body.
It is clear that the diversity Paul has in mind is not only to do with our outward estate, but also the bestowal of spiritual gifts. (1 Cor. 12: 4-11, 27-31) This is why there is repeated emphasis in the Bible that spiritual gifts are given for the edification of the church (1 Cor 12: 7, 1 Pet. 4: 10, Rom. 12: 5, Eph. 4: 11-16) This being the case, the faithful exercise of spiritual of gifts by members of the church is essential to the building of unity of the church. We learn to depend on each other.
The Bible gives us several lists of gifts, but they are not intended to be exhaustive. Each of us possesses certain gifts, some more gifted than others. That does not mean one is more important than the other. The more a person gifted, the more is expected of him or her. When we meet a gifted person, let us not be jealous or envious of him. Rather let us thank God for him and pray that he will use his gifts to glorify God. If you feel you are very gifted, thank God for your gifts and there is no reason to boast. Beware of spiritual pride. Be humble and dedicate that gift to Him to be used for His glory.
The implication of this thought is that unity of the church is promoted as members learn to serve God and one another with specific gifts. We minister to each other and encourage one another as we work together for the good of our church.
May the Lord grant us that we may know how to stir to flames the gifts that He has given us for the building up of His church to the end that His name be glorified.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
This is my story - 58 (Hong Kong/Taiwan)
58 – Fragrant Harbour – Pearl of the Orient
Hong Kong originally belonged to China, but was leased to Britain in 1842 following the opium war. Today it is one of the two special administrative regions (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the other is Macau. When we were appointed to Hong Kong in January 1983 it was still a British colony.
Hong Kong vies with Sri Lanka, Penang, the Philippines and Shanghai for the name “Pearl of the Orient.” The meaning of Hong Kong or as the Cantonese would pronounce it “Heong Kong” literally means “Fragrant Harbour.
On 27 August 1895 a group of officers from Japan led by a certain missionary Colonel Wright visited Hong Kong. They were joined by twenty Salvationist servicemen belonging to the British Army and Navy personnel. About 350 Europeans gathered for an Army meeting in the home of a Mr. Meare. It must be a very big house to accommodate so many peole.
Two days later the group held an open meeting and distributed gospel tracts. A brass band was formed for the occasion. They attracted a large crowd of about 500 people.
The Salvation Army Year Book published annually has this introduction “In March 1930, at a meeting at Government House, Hong Kong, The Salvation Army was requested to undertake women’s work in the crown colony, a work pioneered by Majors Dorothy Brazier and Doris Lemon. This work was directed from Peking until, in 1935, the South China Command was established in Canton to promote wide evangelistic and welfare operations. In 1939 Hong Kong became the Army’s administrative centre. Later, the inclusion of the New Territories determined that the Command Headquarters move to Kowloon.”
One day, my wife and I accompanied by Major Moira Wright the General Secretary and cadets visited Happy Valley Cemetery. We saw the graves of a number of Salvation Army folk buried there. On the gravestones were the dates of their promotion to Glory – Staff Captain Frederick Symons on 25 May 1900 (35 years before the work of the Army officially began) He had served in the Army’s Naval and Military League (now Red Shield Services) from 1898 until his death. The League provided accommodation, counselling and religious services for the servicemen.
We also visited the grave of Brigadier J Sansom who was promoted to Glory in 1936 (father of Mrs. Commissioner Margaret Harris, now with her husband Commissioner Wesley Harris living in retirement in Australia) We held an open air meeting at the grave site, read the Scriptures and gave thanks to God for his life. We took photographs and sent to our friends Commissioner and Mrs.Harris at that time the Territorial Leaders in Scotland Territory.
Buried at the same cemetery was Mrs. Brigadier Darby who went to be with the Lord in 1936. Her husband later was appointed to the then Malaya Command with Headquarters in Singapore as the Officer Commanding. He was the leader of the Youth Councils the year Fong Pui Chan and I both dedicated out lives to officership in 1949. It was on the second day of Chinese New Year. The theme of these special youth meetings was the rather old fashioned - “The old chariot” and we all sang with gusto the chorus, “So we’ll roll the old chariot along and we won’t drag on behind.”
The saints of old finished their tasks before us and now it was our turn to grab the baton and continue the race. We were appointed to take the next lap which lasted seven and a half years. To God be the glory!
Hong Kong originally belonged to China, but was leased to Britain in 1842 following the opium war. Today it is one of the two special administrative regions (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the other is Macau. When we were appointed to Hong Kong in January 1983 it was still a British colony.
Hong Kong vies with Sri Lanka, Penang, the Philippines and Shanghai for the name “Pearl of the Orient.” The meaning of Hong Kong or as the Cantonese would pronounce it “Heong Kong” literally means “Fragrant Harbour.
On 27 August 1895 a group of officers from Japan led by a certain missionary Colonel Wright visited Hong Kong. They were joined by twenty Salvationist servicemen belonging to the British Army and Navy personnel. About 350 Europeans gathered for an Army meeting in the home of a Mr. Meare. It must be a very big house to accommodate so many peole.
Two days later the group held an open meeting and distributed gospel tracts. A brass band was formed for the occasion. They attracted a large crowd of about 500 people.
The Salvation Army Year Book published annually has this introduction “In March 1930, at a meeting at Government House, Hong Kong, The Salvation Army was requested to undertake women’s work in the crown colony, a work pioneered by Majors Dorothy Brazier and Doris Lemon. This work was directed from Peking until, in 1935, the South China Command was established in Canton to promote wide evangelistic and welfare operations. In 1939 Hong Kong became the Army’s administrative centre. Later, the inclusion of the New Territories determined that the Command Headquarters move to Kowloon.”
One day, my wife and I accompanied by Major Moira Wright the General Secretary and cadets visited Happy Valley Cemetery. We saw the graves of a number of Salvation Army folk buried there. On the gravestones were the dates of their promotion to Glory – Staff Captain Frederick Symons on 25 May 1900 (35 years before the work of the Army officially began) He had served in the Army’s Naval and Military League (now Red Shield Services) from 1898 until his death. The League provided accommodation, counselling and religious services for the servicemen.
We also visited the grave of Brigadier J Sansom who was promoted to Glory in 1936 (father of Mrs. Commissioner Margaret Harris, now with her husband Commissioner Wesley Harris living in retirement in Australia) We held an open air meeting at the grave site, read the Scriptures and gave thanks to God for his life. We took photographs and sent to our friends Commissioner and Mrs.Harris at that time the Territorial Leaders in Scotland Territory.
Buried at the same cemetery was Mrs. Brigadier Darby who went to be with the Lord in 1936. Her husband later was appointed to the then Malaya Command with Headquarters in Singapore as the Officer Commanding. He was the leader of the Youth Councils the year Fong Pui Chan and I both dedicated out lives to officership in 1949. It was on the second day of Chinese New Year. The theme of these special youth meetings was the rather old fashioned - “The old chariot” and we all sang with gusto the chorus, “So we’ll roll the old chariot along and we won’t drag on behind.”
The saints of old finished their tasks before us and now it was our turn to grab the baton and continue the race. We were appointed to take the next lap which lasted seven and a half years. To God be the glory!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Faith of our fathers
1.Faith of our fathers, living still
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword,
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene'er we hear that glorious word!
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!
2.Our fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free;
And blest would be their children's fate,
If they, like them should die for thee:
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!
3.Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto thee;
And through the truth that comes from God
Mankind shall then indeed be free.
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!
4.Faith of our fathers, we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife,
And preach thee, too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life.
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death! (Frederick W Faber)
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword,
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene'er we hear that glorious word!
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!
2.Our fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free;
And blest would be their children's fate,
If they, like them should die for thee:
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!
3.Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto thee;
And through the truth that comes from God
Mankind shall then indeed be free.
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!
4.Faith of our fathers, we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife,
And preach thee, too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life.
Faith of our fathers! holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death! (Frederick W Faber)
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Father's Day
Some thoughts on Father's Day tomorrow
"Don't handicap your children by making their lives easy." [Robert A. Heinlein]
"To be in your children's memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today."
[Barbara Johnson]
"The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him."
(Solomon - Proverbs 20:7 NKJV)
"Don't handicap your children by making their lives easy." [Robert A. Heinlein]
"To be in your children's memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today."
[Barbara Johnson]
"The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him."
(Solomon - Proverbs 20:7 NKJV)
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Being Candid
"Better is open rebuke than hidden love. The kisses of an enemy may be profuse, but faithful are the wounds of a friend" Proverbs 27: 5-6
Open rebuke can wound and hurt, but the wounds caused by a true friend can be trusted. It hurts you and it hurts the friend who administers the rebuke. That hurt will not harm you. We need to distinguish between hurt and harm. Kisses from an enemy will not hurt, but they harm. Think of the kiss of Judas.
We all have blind spots. The person who says he has not got any certainly has at least one. It takes a true friend to point out to us. A true friend makes it his business to point out a blind spot - a weakness which we are not able to see ourselves.
Let us be candid with each other. When I am heading for the wrong direction and someone points it out to me I ought to be grateful. Let us be thankful to the one who takes the time and makes the effort to help us."An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips." Proverbs 24: 26
Let us look at some of the principles for rebuking a friend.
Compliment in public, but correct in private. If we want to lose a friend real quick,correct in public. Let us not rebuke a friend until we have proven we are open to rebuke from him or her. Criticism should be a two way street. A true friend tells you your fault because he loves you, not because he has anything to gain by giving you the rebuke. The motive is love. That's the kind of friendship that should exist between married couples.
Look at the timing. We want to be candid or frank, but there is a time for this. Rebuke when he is up, not when he is down, when he is feeling good, not when he is feeling bad. When a person is overwhelmed with problems, troubles in the office, in the family that is not the time to criticise. Administer rebuke at the right time. There is a time for comfort, there is a time for criticism.
We all need someone who has the freedom to speak frankly with us when we have made a mistake. We need someone whom we can pour our hearts out after we have made a mistake or committed some sin. If we have such a friend, you are indeed blessed, if not we are heading for trouble.
So here's a message to married couples - be good friends with each other. Here's a message to those who are dating - develop this type of friendship.
The best friend I have is Jesus. I go to Him everyday and seek His help.
"What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear.
What a privilege to carry
Everything to Him in prayer."
Open rebuke can wound and hurt, but the wounds caused by a true friend can be trusted. It hurts you and it hurts the friend who administers the rebuke. That hurt will not harm you. We need to distinguish between hurt and harm. Kisses from an enemy will not hurt, but they harm. Think of the kiss of Judas.
We all have blind spots. The person who says he has not got any certainly has at least one. It takes a true friend to point out to us. A true friend makes it his business to point out a blind spot - a weakness which we are not able to see ourselves.
Let us be candid with each other. When I am heading for the wrong direction and someone points it out to me I ought to be grateful. Let us be thankful to the one who takes the time and makes the effort to help us."An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips." Proverbs 24: 26
Let us look at some of the principles for rebuking a friend.
Compliment in public, but correct in private. If we want to lose a friend real quick,correct in public. Let us not rebuke a friend until we have proven we are open to rebuke from him or her. Criticism should be a two way street. A true friend tells you your fault because he loves you, not because he has anything to gain by giving you the rebuke. The motive is love. That's the kind of friendship that should exist between married couples.
Look at the timing. We want to be candid or frank, but there is a time for this. Rebuke when he is up, not when he is down, when he is feeling good, not when he is feeling bad. When a person is overwhelmed with problems, troubles in the office, in the family that is not the time to criticise. Administer rebuke at the right time. There is a time for comfort, there is a time for criticism.
We all need someone who has the freedom to speak frankly with us when we have made a mistake. We need someone whom we can pour our hearts out after we have made a mistake or committed some sin. If we have such a friend, you are indeed blessed, if not we are heading for trouble.
So here's a message to married couples - be good friends with each other. Here's a message to those who are dating - develop this type of friendship.
The best friend I have is Jesus. I go to Him everyday and seek His help.
"What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear.
What a privilege to carry
Everything to Him in prayer."
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Pentecost Sunday
This morning in our meeting we sang William Booth's well known song, "Thou Christ of burning cleansing flame, Send the fire!" One of the lines says, "We want another Pentecost, Send the fire."
Another Pentecost? It set me thinking - is this possible! Can we expect God to repeat in our church the scene in the Upper Room where the Holy Spirit came upon the group of praying followers of Christ as seen in Acts Chapter 2. I believe what happened that day was unique - it happened only once, like 'tongues of fire that separated and that came to rest on each them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.' Specific features of the outpouring of the Spirit never again occurred again in the Scripture precisely in the same way at Acts 2.
In another sense, we can expect another Pentecost. It is not the repeat of the primary happening we need but a repeat of the outpouring and infilling power and presence of the Holy Spirit whatever the form or method. God does not confine to one way of bestowing His blessings. God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform.
It was William Booth's longing that is expressed in that song, "Thou Christ of burning cleansing flame."
Thou Christ of burning, cleansing flame,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
Thy blood-bought gift today we claim,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
Look down and see this waiting host,
Give us the promised Holy Ghost;
We want another Pentecost,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
God of Elijah, hear our cry:
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To make us fit to live or die,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To burn up every trace of sin,
To bring the light and glory in,
The revolution now begin,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
’Tis fire we want, for fire we plead,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
The fire will meet our every need,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
For strength to ever do the right,
For grace to conquer in the fight,
For pow’r to walk the world in white,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To make our weak hearts strong and brave,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To live a dying world to save,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
Oh, see us on Thy altar lay
Our lives, our all, this very day;
To crown the off’ring now we pray,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
Another Pentecost? It set me thinking - is this possible! Can we expect God to repeat in our church the scene in the Upper Room where the Holy Spirit came upon the group of praying followers of Christ as seen in Acts Chapter 2. I believe what happened that day was unique - it happened only once, like 'tongues of fire that separated and that came to rest on each them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.' Specific features of the outpouring of the Spirit never again occurred again in the Scripture precisely in the same way at Acts 2.
In another sense, we can expect another Pentecost. It is not the repeat of the primary happening we need but a repeat of the outpouring and infilling power and presence of the Holy Spirit whatever the form or method. God does not confine to one way of bestowing His blessings. God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform.
It was William Booth's longing that is expressed in that song, "Thou Christ of burning cleansing flame."
Thou Christ of burning, cleansing flame,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
Thy blood-bought gift today we claim,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
Look down and see this waiting host,
Give us the promised Holy Ghost;
We want another Pentecost,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
God of Elijah, hear our cry:
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To make us fit to live or die,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To burn up every trace of sin,
To bring the light and glory in,
The revolution now begin,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
’Tis fire we want, for fire we plead,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
The fire will meet our every need,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
For strength to ever do the right,
For grace to conquer in the fight,
For pow’r to walk the world in white,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To make our weak hearts strong and brave,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To live a dying world to save,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
Oh, see us on Thy altar lay
Our lives, our all, this very day;
To crown the off’ring now we pray,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Our 53rd Wedding Anniversary
Today, we got up and thanked the Lord for giving us fifty three years of wedded bliss. The Lord is great and has been good to us all through these years.
We began our spiritual journey as children at different Salvation Army churches. As teen agers we joined the Torchbearer Youth Groups - Balestier and Central. There were occasions when the youth of the two Churches met for united youth meetings.
It was during the 1949 Youth Councils held at The Salvation Army Hall, 30 Oxley Road that we both distinctly heard the call of God to be Salvation Army officers. Unknown to each other, we both knelt at the same Mercy Seat and made commitment to serve Him full time.
We both entered the Training college in the same session called "Shepherds." We were ordained and commissioned and sent to two different places miles apart - I to Malacca and she to Kuching, Sarawak. We kept in touch using aerogrammes the cheapest mode for communication. There were no e-mails! No hand phones!
God brought us together on that day 7th June 1958, we were married at the Central Corps Hall. The ceremony was conducted by the Officer Commanding, Lieut. Colonel John W Blake.
We serve the same Lord, we share the same goal in life.We firmly believe God's word as expressed in Psalm 127:1 "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain."
As for God, His way is perfect! Psalm 18:30
Let God choose for you, it will be the right decision.
Let God guide you, it will be the right direction.
Let God plan for you, it will be in the right timing.
Let God measure for you, it will be the right portion.
Let God help you, it will be the right care.
Let God instruct you, it will be the right teaching.
Let God prepare you, it will be the right training.
Let God counsel you, it will be the right perspective.
Let God fight for you, it will be the right outcome.
Let God work in you, it will be the right result.
-Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer
We began our spiritual journey as children at different Salvation Army churches. As teen agers we joined the Torchbearer Youth Groups - Balestier and Central. There were occasions when the youth of the two Churches met for united youth meetings.
It was during the 1949 Youth Councils held at The Salvation Army Hall, 30 Oxley Road that we both distinctly heard the call of God to be Salvation Army officers. Unknown to each other, we both knelt at the same Mercy Seat and made commitment to serve Him full time.
We both entered the Training college in the same session called "Shepherds." We were ordained and commissioned and sent to two different places miles apart - I to Malacca and she to Kuching, Sarawak. We kept in touch using aerogrammes the cheapest mode for communication. There were no e-mails! No hand phones!
God brought us together on that day 7th June 1958, we were married at the Central Corps Hall. The ceremony was conducted by the Officer Commanding, Lieut. Colonel John W Blake.
We serve the same Lord, we share the same goal in life.We firmly believe God's word as expressed in Psalm 127:1 "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain."
As for God, His way is perfect! Psalm 18:30
Let God choose for you, it will be the right decision.
Let God guide you, it will be the right direction.
Let God plan for you, it will be in the right timing.
Let God measure for you, it will be the right portion.
Let God help you, it will be the right care.
Let God instruct you, it will be the right teaching.
Let God prepare you, it will be the right training.
Let God counsel you, it will be the right perspective.
Let God fight for you, it will be the right outcome.
Let God work in you, it will be the right result.
-Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer
Monday, June 6, 2011
Wet Sunday, but warm fellowship
It rained cats and dogs yesterday, but our folk braved the heavy rain and floods to attend the Adult Bible class. I was greatly encouraged.
We came to Lesson 35 on Revelation and are more than half way through this difficult book. It has been a very challenging exercise for me, but it's been worth while.
Some people sadly neglect the this book, others elevate it to a prominent position shared by no other book in the Bible. Apart from the messages to the Seven churches in Chapters 2 and 3, Revelation is almost given over to exotic and florid literary terms. We seem to encounter weired visions which many find it 'too difficult to comprehend.' Not too many Christians in our generation are interested in pondering over such subjects as 'seven headed beasts' or 'apocalyptic horsemen' So it is quite natural for many to ignore this book and concentrate on parts of the New Testament which are easily understood.
I think the neglect of Revelation is to some extent related to to the fact that there are those who give undue prominence. Some preachers, Bible expositors, futuristic gurus, self proclaimed 'experts' spend time mapping out in detail the chain of events that seem to scare people out of their wits. It is a fact that being 'an expert' in interpreting future events is a way to fame and even fortune. People flock to consult fortune tellers.
To me, Revelation is primarily a book of worship. The word 'worship' occurs 24 times. It is a book of encouragement as well as warning. The great theme is the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ who will return to receive His church. It was customary in those days to greet each other with the word "Maranatha" meaning "The Lord is coming soon." When will this happen - no one knows except God Himself. This is clearly stated in the Bible that no one except the Father knows the day or the hour when He will return. All we need do is to live in a state of preparedness and at the same time get on with our work. Let's wait, watch and work for the Lord.
Yesterday we did Revelation 14. We focused our thoughts on the final harvest. John gave a portrayal of the Last Days and the Second coming of Jesus Christ. The passage is not just about judgment, it is also about how we are called to life too. God patiently offers His love and grace. We can reap His love, goodness and reward, or His judgment, all from what we want and desire.
I am reminded of that wonderful song we sing in our meetings.
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 swift sword;
His truth is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;
His day is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His day is marching on.
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet;
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free;
[originally …let us die to make men free]
While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! While God is marching on.
He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is wisdom to the mighty, He is honor to the brave;
So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of wrong His slave,
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.
We came to Lesson 35 on Revelation and are more than half way through this difficult book. It has been a very challenging exercise for me, but it's been worth while.
Some people sadly neglect the this book, others elevate it to a prominent position shared by no other book in the Bible. Apart from the messages to the Seven churches in Chapters 2 and 3, Revelation is almost given over to exotic and florid literary terms. We seem to encounter weired visions which many find it 'too difficult to comprehend.' Not too many Christians in our generation are interested in pondering over such subjects as 'seven headed beasts' or 'apocalyptic horsemen' So it is quite natural for many to ignore this book and concentrate on parts of the New Testament which are easily understood.
I think the neglect of Revelation is to some extent related to to the fact that there are those who give undue prominence. Some preachers, Bible expositors, futuristic gurus, self proclaimed 'experts' spend time mapping out in detail the chain of events that seem to scare people out of their wits. It is a fact that being 'an expert' in interpreting future events is a way to fame and even fortune. People flock to consult fortune tellers.
To me, Revelation is primarily a book of worship. The word 'worship' occurs 24 times. It is a book of encouragement as well as warning. The great theme is the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ who will return to receive His church. It was customary in those days to greet each other with the word "Maranatha" meaning "The Lord is coming soon." When will this happen - no one knows except God Himself. This is clearly stated in the Bible that no one except the Father knows the day or the hour when He will return. All we need do is to live in a state of preparedness and at the same time get on with our work. Let's wait, watch and work for the Lord.
Yesterday we did Revelation 14. We focused our thoughts on the final harvest. John gave a portrayal of the Last Days and the Second coming of Jesus Christ. The passage is not just about judgment, it is also about how we are called to life too. God patiently offers His love and grace. We can reap His love, goodness and reward, or His judgment, all from what we want and desire.
I am reminded of that wonderful song we sing in our meetings.
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 swift sword;
His truth is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;
His day is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His day is marching on.
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet;
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free;
[originally …let us die to make men free]
While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! While God is marching on.
He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is wisdom to the mighty, He is honor to the brave;
So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of wrong His slave,
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Jesus our interecessor
More thoughts on His Ascension.
Jesus has "passed through the heavens" (Heb 4:14, 6:20). He sits "at the right hand of the Majesty on High" (Heb 1:3,13). We therefore have, as our intercessor, the very One who is closest to the Majesty on high, who sits at his side.
What a wonderful and comforting thought that our Lord Jesus has never lost interest in us. He still loves us dearly.He still shows His concern and still pleads for us. "If anyone does sin, we have One who will plead our cause with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." 1 John 2:1. He speaks to God in our defence.
This verse is not given as an encouragement for us to sin. We humans sometimes slip and fall, we make mistakes, but our Lord Jesus has compassion on us and pleads for us.
I love Charles Wesley's beautiful hymn which proclaims this truth.
Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears:
Before the throne my surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.
He ever lives above, for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:
His blood atoned for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.
Five bleeding wounds He bears; received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me:
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Nor let that ransomed sinner die!”
The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away, the presence of His Son;
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.
My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And “Father, Abba, Father,” cry
Jesus has "passed through the heavens" (Heb 4:14, 6:20). He sits "at the right hand of the Majesty on High" (Heb 1:3,13). We therefore have, as our intercessor, the very One who is closest to the Majesty on high, who sits at his side.
What a wonderful and comforting thought that our Lord Jesus has never lost interest in us. He still loves us dearly.He still shows His concern and still pleads for us. "If anyone does sin, we have One who will plead our cause with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." 1 John 2:1. He speaks to God in our defence.
This verse is not given as an encouragement for us to sin. We humans sometimes slip and fall, we make mistakes, but our Lord Jesus has compassion on us and pleads for us.
I love Charles Wesley's beautiful hymn which proclaims this truth.
Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears:
Before the throne my surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.
He ever lives above, for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:
His blood atoned for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.
Five bleeding wounds He bears; received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me:
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Nor let that ransomed sinner die!”
The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away, the presence of His Son;
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.
My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And “Father, Abba, Father,” cry
Ascension Day
The Ascension of Jesus Christ is recorded in the New Testament -Acts 1: 9-11, Ephesians 4: 8 and Luke 24: 50-53. The Ascension is defined as the event in which the Risen Lord visibly withdrew from His disciples and passed into the heavens at the close of His earthly ministry.
Jesus ascended to Heaven and now sits at the right hand of God the Father in heaven. An angel told the watching disciples that Jesus' second coming would take place in the same manner as his ascension, that is, He would descend in bodily form.
The Feast of the Ascension, celebrated 40 days after Easter, is one of the chief feasts of the Christian year. But it seems to be a forgotten festival in this part of the world. I recall one Sunday following the Ascension I gave a sermon on this subject. After the service, one sister came to me and told me it was the first time she had heard a sermon on the Ascension.
The Ascension is the sure hope of our ascension. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us in Heaven. He has promised "I go to prepare a place for you, I will come back to take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14: 3.
I have joy and peace in my heart because I believe Him and His word.
Jesus ascended to Heaven and now sits at the right hand of God the Father in heaven. An angel told the watching disciples that Jesus' second coming would take place in the same manner as his ascension, that is, He would descend in bodily form.
The Feast of the Ascension, celebrated 40 days after Easter, is one of the chief feasts of the Christian year. But it seems to be a forgotten festival in this part of the world. I recall one Sunday following the Ascension I gave a sermon on this subject. After the service, one sister came to me and told me it was the first time she had heard a sermon on the Ascension.
The Ascension is the sure hope of our ascension. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us in Heaven. He has promised "I go to prepare a place for you, I will come back to take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14: 3.
I have joy and peace in my heart because I believe Him and His word.
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