In 1963 I first went to England to attend the International College for Officers. I carried with me a British passport. Singapore was a colony of Great Britain.
When Singapore joined Malaysia, I obtained a Malaysian passport, I was a Malaysian.
When Singapore separated from Malaysia and became an independent nation 47 years ago, I took on a Singapore passport. I am a Singaporean. I still hold this red passport.
These are earthly passports, but when I became a Christian, I took on Heavenly Passport. I am a citizen of heaven and that's where I belong. I shall carry this invisible passport when Jesus comes to take me Home to Glory. Hallelejah!
Lord by Your grace keep me faithful. I want to retain my Heavenly Passport till you come for me.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Keep praying for Singapore.
Forty seven years ago Singapore got booted out of Malaysia. Pessimists thought this would spell the end of Singapore. What with no hinterland, shortage of water, one day Singaporeans would be crawling back to plead to be reaccepted into Malaysia. They were proved wrong!
In desperation we thrive. Thank God for men like Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Keng Swee, Rajaretnam and other true blue Singaporeans who did not flinch in face of crisis. After the initial trauma and tears, they thought hard, work hard, made sacrifices, took the bull by the horns and have transformed Singapore into what it is today. We thank God for such leaders - they were men for the hour.
In one generation Singapore was transformed from third world to first world.
And don't forget Christians prayed and still do for our nation. We cannot be complacent. We must keep praying for the new generation of leaders that they be given wisdom and courage to do the things that are right.
God commands us to pray for all men everywhere, and especially for our national leaders. "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim 2:1-4 NIV) Amen
In desperation we thrive. Thank God for men like Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Keng Swee, Rajaretnam and other true blue Singaporeans who did not flinch in face of crisis. After the initial trauma and tears, they thought hard, work hard, made sacrifices, took the bull by the horns and have transformed Singapore into what it is today. We thank God for such leaders - they were men for the hour.
In one generation Singapore was transformed from third world to first world.
And don't forget Christians prayed and still do for our nation. We cannot be complacent. We must keep praying for the new generation of leaders that they be given wisdom and courage to do the things that are right.
God commands us to pray for all men everywhere, and especially for our national leaders. "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim 2:1-4 NIV) Amen
Monday, July 30, 2012
Showing courtesy
My wife and I were out visiting someone on her birthday in Yishun.
After the visit we got on the train to come home. Immediately a Malay lady complete with tudong got up and give my wife her seat. My wife thanked her and accepted the offer.
I stood in front of a young man who just conveniently ignored me. A lady coming up behind me went straight to him, pointed a finger at him and ordered him to get up and give me the seat. He sheepishly complied and walked away.
This middle aged lady speaking in Cantonese to her friend made this remark. “Fancy wearing a cross and not be courteous.” I must add she got up every time she saw an older person walk into the train and gave up her seat. She certainly walked her talk.
I’ve been thinking, the world does expect the Christian to maintain a certain standard of conduct, not least in showing courtesy. This young man wore a cross but that does not necessarily mean he was a Christian.
Courtesy comes from the old French word ‘courteis’ which means gentle politeness and courtly manners.
I wonder how many of us remember to say, ‘thank you’ for a gift or some kindness we have received.
In Luke 17: 11-16 we read of Jesus who met ten lepers and healed them at their request. Jesus then commanded them to go and show themselves to the priests. It was another way of telling them they were healed. Only those who had been healed were supposed to go to the priests.
These men did as Jesus told them. One man shouted praise to the Lord, then turned around and ran back to Jesus as fast as he could to say “thank you.”
Jesus was surprised to see the one man and said. “But weren’t there ten who were healed, where are the other nine?” He then added “You can go now; your faith has saved you and made you better.”
What happened to the nine? Perhaps they were too proud or too lazy to make the journey back to thank Jesus. Or they were thinking they had so much to do and a lot to catch up on
How often do we thank God? And by the way did you thank the one who gave you the seat on the train or bus? Have you thanked the one who sent you a gift? It is courteous to be kind to people and courteous to say thank you for any kindness shown you. Get that hand phone and send an sms to say thank you, if you cannot personally go and meet the person who has shown courtesy, kindness or generosity.
"A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love."
Saint Basil
After the visit we got on the train to come home. Immediately a Malay lady complete with tudong got up and give my wife her seat. My wife thanked her and accepted the offer.
I stood in front of a young man who just conveniently ignored me. A lady coming up behind me went straight to him, pointed a finger at him and ordered him to get up and give me the seat. He sheepishly complied and walked away.
This middle aged lady speaking in Cantonese to her friend made this remark. “Fancy wearing a cross and not be courteous.” I must add she got up every time she saw an older person walk into the train and gave up her seat. She certainly walked her talk.
I’ve been thinking, the world does expect the Christian to maintain a certain standard of conduct, not least in showing courtesy. This young man wore a cross but that does not necessarily mean he was a Christian.
Courtesy comes from the old French word ‘courteis’ which means gentle politeness and courtly manners.
I wonder how many of us remember to say, ‘thank you’ for a gift or some kindness we have received.
In Luke 17: 11-16 we read of Jesus who met ten lepers and healed them at their request. Jesus then commanded them to go and show themselves to the priests. It was another way of telling them they were healed. Only those who had been healed were supposed to go to the priests.
These men did as Jesus told them. One man shouted praise to the Lord, then turned around and ran back to Jesus as fast as he could to say “thank you.”
Jesus was surprised to see the one man and said. “But weren’t there ten who were healed, where are the other nine?” He then added “You can go now; your faith has saved you and made you better.”
What happened to the nine? Perhaps they were too proud or too lazy to make the journey back to thank Jesus. Or they were thinking they had so much to do and a lot to catch up on
How often do we thank God? And by the way did you thank the one who gave you the seat on the train or bus? Have you thanked the one who sent you a gift? It is courteous to be kind to people and courteous to say thank you for any kindness shown you. Get that hand phone and send an sms to say thank you, if you cannot personally go and meet the person who has shown courtesy, kindness or generosity.
"A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love."
Saint Basil
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Gideon's son Abimelech
This morning at our Adult Bible Study we focused our thoughts on an unusual story of Abimelech. I cannot recall ever heard a sermon preach on this chapter of the Bible. Nevertheless it has some valuable lessons to teach us.
Abimelech the son of Gideon’s concubine was not a judge, nor a deliverer of the nation. Somehow he got mention in the Book of Judges. He was quite a unique figure.
In earlier chapter we read that Gideon had pledged that neither he nor his son would rule over Israel. Here we have this son who apparently played on the fears of his own people and got them to crown him king of Shechem.
He implemented his plan by going to Shechem his mother’s home town to drum up support from his mother’s side of the family. He took advantage of the kinship with his relatives who were Canaanites. They supported him against Israel.
Shechem was an important city, crossroads for the trade routes and a natural link between the coastal plain and the Jordan valley. Those who controlled Shechem would dominate the countryside.
So the Shechemites made him king and even gave him 70 shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-berith to start up his campaign. Getting the support of the gangsters and half brothers from his mother’s side, he killed 69 of his half brothers on his father’s side! The youngest brother Jotham managed to escape to Mount Gerizim. From this place of safety he shouted out the parable of the trees as recorded in Judges 9:7-21.
It was the first recorded parable in the Bible. In the parable the worthy trees – the olive tree, the fig tree and the vine, all refused to be king of the forest. But the unworthy bramble or thorn bush thought differently and accepted the honour.
Jotham applied this parable to the city of Shechem who had chosen a worthless man to be their king. Unlike the olive tree, fig tree and vine, the bramble was useless, producing no fruit or shade. It is hardly worth using as fuel for burning.
People who desire power always outnumber those who are able to use power wisely once they have got it. Power somehow has a way of taking over and controlling the person using it. Leaders beware of the danger. How important it is for us to keep our relationship with the Lord right that we may use whatever power or gifts given us for His glory.
Abimelech the son of Gideon’s concubine was not a judge, nor a deliverer of the nation. Somehow he got mention in the Book of Judges. He was quite a unique figure.
In earlier chapter we read that Gideon had pledged that neither he nor his son would rule over Israel. Here we have this son who apparently played on the fears of his own people and got them to crown him king of Shechem.
He implemented his plan by going to Shechem his mother’s home town to drum up support from his mother’s side of the family. He took advantage of the kinship with his relatives who were Canaanites. They supported him against Israel.
Shechem was an important city, crossroads for the trade routes and a natural link between the coastal plain and the Jordan valley. Those who controlled Shechem would dominate the countryside.
So the Shechemites made him king and even gave him 70 shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-berith to start up his campaign. Getting the support of the gangsters and half brothers from his mother’s side, he killed 69 of his half brothers on his father’s side! The youngest brother Jotham managed to escape to Mount Gerizim. From this place of safety he shouted out the parable of the trees as recorded in Judges 9:7-21.
It was the first recorded parable in the Bible. In the parable the worthy trees – the olive tree, the fig tree and the vine, all refused to be king of the forest. But the unworthy bramble or thorn bush thought differently and accepted the honour.
Jotham applied this parable to the city of Shechem who had chosen a worthless man to be their king. Unlike the olive tree, fig tree and vine, the bramble was useless, producing no fruit or shade. It is hardly worth using as fuel for burning.
People who desire power always outnumber those who are able to use power wisely once they have got it. Power somehow has a way of taking over and controlling the person using it. Leaders beware of the danger. How important it is for us to keep our relationship with the Lord right that we may use whatever power or gifts given us for His glory.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Value your family
Philip Yancy was inspired to write this counsel for us. Let's heed this admonition. Don't take your family for granted, but value your family.
"Families are flawed, difficult to transform, and full of eccentric characters. But few people entirely give up on their families. We stick it out because we value what we hold in common, and in the process we learn to think less about our own needs and more about others."
Apply this also to your church family and let us live in unity of spirit.
"Families are flawed, difficult to transform, and full of eccentric characters. But few people entirely give up on their families. We stick it out because we value what we hold in common, and in the process we learn to think less about our own needs and more about others."
Apply this also to your church family and let us live in unity of spirit.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Sobering thoughts
On 30th July 1880 The Salvation Army in England commenced evangelical ministry among children. This coming Sunday 29th July has been designated to focus prayer on the world’s children. This day links specifically with our Mission Priority from the International Vision Statement: “We will reach and involve youth and children.”
We have many children in our Homes, churches and centres. We have our own families. Let us not neglect them.
At our usual prayer meeting this morning held at our Territorial Headquarters we focused out prayer thoughts especially on children. We prayed for parents to take Deuteronomy 6 seriously and teach their children the principles of God’s word from a young age.
For my own private devotion, I used two books – Words of Life (SA publication) and also the 40 Day daily devotions produced by Love Singapore. This morning message was on “Re-focus on the family” based on the story of Joseph.
The writer appeals to parents to ensure they carry out their spiritual duties. “Fathers, your family needs you. Have you been absent in their lives – absent physically, absent emotionally? Have you used your ministry or career as an excuse?....
“Praying mothers. There is no perfect family. Each is dysfunctional in its own way. What is the skeleton in your closet? Be encouraged by the Joseph story. Nothing is impossible with God.”
There was reference to Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision. Sadly, we read this about Bob Pierce who gave his life to feed the world, but neglected his family.
Bob Pierce's daughter, Marilee Pierce Dunker, wrote "My father went to China a young man in search of adventure. He came home a man with a mission."
But his family fell apart, his daughter committed suicide. In 1970, Pierce legally separated from his wife. He met only once again with his family, in September 1978, and died four days later.
Pierce, wrote, "Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God." Pierce was certainly a man of compassion, and his heart was indeed broken, but the man with a broken heart also broke hearts, including his own, and perhaps God's as well, perhaps because he attempted God's mission in his own strength, not God’s. How important it is to maintain our relationship with God and our loved ones.
World Vision grew out of an incident that happened in Xiamen China. But we should learn the price Pierce paid that when on a mission for God, we should not shirk from that mission, but be careful to use God's methods and God's priorities, not our own. Let us not sacrifice upon altars that we, not God, have erected. Our families are important.
I pray this prayer again.
A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never-dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill;
O may it all my powers engage
To do my Master's will!
Arm me with jealous care,
As in thy sight to live,
And oh, thy servant, Lord,
Prepare a strict account to give!
Help me to watch and pray,
And on thyself rely,
Assured, if I my trust betray,
I shall forever die.
Let's not lose our focus and direction.
We have many children in our Homes, churches and centres. We have our own families. Let us not neglect them.
At our usual prayer meeting this morning held at our Territorial Headquarters we focused out prayer thoughts especially on children. We prayed for parents to take Deuteronomy 6 seriously and teach their children the principles of God’s word from a young age.
For my own private devotion, I used two books – Words of Life (SA publication) and also the 40 Day daily devotions produced by Love Singapore. This morning message was on “Re-focus on the family” based on the story of Joseph.
The writer appeals to parents to ensure they carry out their spiritual duties. “Fathers, your family needs you. Have you been absent in their lives – absent physically, absent emotionally? Have you used your ministry or career as an excuse?....
“Praying mothers. There is no perfect family. Each is dysfunctional in its own way. What is the skeleton in your closet? Be encouraged by the Joseph story. Nothing is impossible with God.”
There was reference to Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision. Sadly, we read this about Bob Pierce who gave his life to feed the world, but neglected his family.
Bob Pierce's daughter, Marilee Pierce Dunker, wrote "My father went to China a young man in search of adventure. He came home a man with a mission."
But his family fell apart, his daughter committed suicide. In 1970, Pierce legally separated from his wife. He met only once again with his family, in September 1978, and died four days later.
Pierce, wrote, "Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God." Pierce was certainly a man of compassion, and his heart was indeed broken, but the man with a broken heart also broke hearts, including his own, and perhaps God's as well, perhaps because he attempted God's mission in his own strength, not God’s. How important it is to maintain our relationship with God and our loved ones.
World Vision grew out of an incident that happened in Xiamen China. But we should learn the price Pierce paid that when on a mission for God, we should not shirk from that mission, but be careful to use God's methods and God's priorities, not our own. Let us not sacrifice upon altars that we, not God, have erected. Our families are important.
I pray this prayer again.
A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never-dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill;
O may it all my powers engage
To do my Master's will!
Arm me with jealous care,
As in thy sight to live,
And oh, thy servant, Lord,
Prepare a strict account to give!
Help me to watch and pray,
And on thyself rely,
Assured, if I my trust betray,
I shall forever die.
Let's not lose our focus and direction.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Sally and Ray Mundy
About a year after we were married, in 1959 my wife and I were appointed to Penang to run the church there. We were really excited and enthusiastic and spent two and half very happy years in this appointment. Our two older children were born in Penang at the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital.
The RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) was stationed at Butterworth. The staff and their families were provided with accommodation in the island in Penang. So a number of them attended the church and gave very good support.
The Red Shield Officer/Chaplain at that time was Major James Tait. He had to travel all over Malaysia ministering to the Aussies. Whenever he was in Penang, he would stay with us for the weekend and joined us in worship at the church. Sometimes he would conduct the meeting for us.
On the day Gladys was born, Major Tait was at our meeting. He joined us in celebrating the birth of our first child on Mothers’ Day 1960. He missed his family and he was pleased to be accepted as part of the family in Penang.
Today we were able to have his youngest daughter Sally and her husband spend the afternoon with us. They are members of the Adelaide Congress Hall band. Sally is a beautiful singer and folk enjoyed her solos during the weekend at William Booth corps.
Sally and Ray Mundy will be in Singapore till Sunday evening, so on Sunday will be attending the Central Corps at Bishan.
The RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) was stationed at Butterworth. The staff and their families were provided with accommodation in the island in Penang. So a number of them attended the church and gave very good support.
The Red Shield Officer/Chaplain at that time was Major James Tait. He had to travel all over Malaysia ministering to the Aussies. Whenever he was in Penang, he would stay with us for the weekend and joined us in worship at the church. Sometimes he would conduct the meeting for us.
On the day Gladys was born, Major Tait was at our meeting. He joined us in celebrating the birth of our first child on Mothers’ Day 1960. He missed his family and he was pleased to be accepted as part of the family in Penang.
Today we were able to have his youngest daughter Sally and her husband spend the afternoon with us. They are members of the Adelaide Congress Hall band. Sally is a beautiful singer and folk enjoyed her solos during the weekend at William Booth corps.
Sally and Ray Mundy will be in Singapore till Sunday evening, so on Sunday will be attending the Central Corps at Bishan.
Majors Colin and Hazel Smith
Yesterday we spent time with Majors Colin and Hazel Smith. They are members of the Adelaide Congress Hall Band. The majority of the bandsmen left on Sunday night for Adelaide, but the Smiths chose to stay for a few extra days.
We took them to see The Salvation Army's former Headquarters building at Clemenceau Avenue. Now it houses the Chicago Booth Management Institute. The visit brought back memories for the Smiths lived here in the early 1970's when Colin served in the Australian Forces. They lived in Seletar. At one time he was the acting Bandmaster of the Singapore Central Corps Band. We were then the Corps Officers (pastors) The family were very involved in Corps activities.
While they were here in Singapore, I enrolled two of their boys as junior soldiers.
We went to Plaza Singapura for our lunch at Kopitiam. From there at their request we took Bus No 162 to our present Headquarters and Central Corps. There we toured the building and spent some time with the folk at THQ.
It was a tour down memory lane. Our lives have been enriched by folk like the Smiths who came to work our country. They loved and worked well with local folk. I recall the day when they were leaving the youngest son cried and refused to leave the building. He threatened to run away and hide somewhere in Singapore and not go back with their parents to Australia!
We took them to see The Salvation Army's former Headquarters building at Clemenceau Avenue. Now it houses the Chicago Booth Management Institute. The visit brought back memories for the Smiths lived here in the early 1970's when Colin served in the Australian Forces. They lived in Seletar. At one time he was the acting Bandmaster of the Singapore Central Corps Band. We were then the Corps Officers (pastors) The family were very involved in Corps activities.
While they were here in Singapore, I enrolled two of their boys as junior soldiers.
We went to Plaza Singapura for our lunch at Kopitiam. From there at their request we took Bus No 162 to our present Headquarters and Central Corps. There we toured the building and spent some time with the folk at THQ.
It was a tour down memory lane. Our lives have been enriched by folk like the Smiths who came to work our country. They loved and worked well with local folk. I recall the day when they were leaving the youngest son cried and refused to leave the building. He threatened to run away and hide somewhere in Singapore and not go back with their parents to Australia!
Monday, July 23, 2012
A pleasant surprise
Just received word from our Public Relations Department that a certain Ng Kim Loh of Malacca has been trying to contact me. Looks like he has just started doing e-mail.
Needless to say, I responded straightaway and now await the communication. I first met Ng Kim Loh when a fellow cadet and I went for our cadets' campaign early 1954. Then in October 1954 at the age 22, I was appointed the pastor of the church in Malacca and Kim Loh and family attended the meetings regularly.
The parents owned a sundry goods shop in the kampong (since then demolished) and Kim Loh helped in the shop. He was not in school. I persuaded the mother to send him to school although he was about ten plus then. The principal of the Methodist School accepted him into Primary 3 on condition that I coach him. So every day I gave him lessons. He did well in school.
To cut the long story short, he later attended the Teachers' Day Training Centre and became a teacher! What a story of achievement. Now he is retired and gives private tuition.
Since our return to Singapore we did make contact, but looks like he has lost our address, but wise enough to contact The Salvation Army.
Needless to say, I responded straightaway and now await the communication. I first met Ng Kim Loh when a fellow cadet and I went for our cadets' campaign early 1954. Then in October 1954 at the age 22, I was appointed the pastor of the church in Malacca and Kim Loh and family attended the meetings regularly.
The parents owned a sundry goods shop in the kampong (since then demolished) and Kim Loh helped in the shop. He was not in school. I persuaded the mother to send him to school although he was about ten plus then. The principal of the Methodist School accepted him into Primary 3 on condition that I coach him. So every day I gave him lessons. He did well in school.
To cut the long story short, he later attended the Teachers' Day Training Centre and became a teacher! What a story of achievement. Now he is retired and gives private tuition.
Since our return to Singapore we did make contact, but looks like he has lost our address, but wise enough to contact The Salvation Army.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Adelaide Congress Hall Band
What a great weekend for us at William Booth Corps. We had the visit of The Adelaide Congress Hall Band. Following their visit to Indonesia, they came to Singapore to spend the weekend with us.
There was a concert on Saturday evening. Comrades from other Corps in Singapore joined us for the occasion. It was a great night.
This morning they took part in our usual Sunday morning meeting. Our own bandsmen joined them in providing music this morning.
Adelaide Congress Hall Band was the first Salvation Army Band to be formed in the Southern Hemisphere. Captain Sutherland, the first Salvation Army officer in Australia established it in 1881 with just eleven players. Through the years the band has continued to play a prominent part in the civic life of the City of Adelaide and represents The Salvation Army throughout South Australia. Extensive touring has seen the band visit most Australian states and also New Zealand and now Indonesia and Singapore.
Today the band continues its fine tradition of service to both The Salvation Army and the community of Adelaide. It is seen in the streets of the city, visiting Hospitals and Care Homes, at civic functions maintaining its primary objective of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
This morning Captain Matt Reeve, their Corps Officer (Pastor) gave the message based on Romans 6: 1-14 entitled "The changing Kingdom."
We give thanks to God for another wonderful and blessed weekend.
There was a concert on Saturday evening. Comrades from other Corps in Singapore joined us for the occasion. It was a great night.
This morning they took part in our usual Sunday morning meeting. Our own bandsmen joined them in providing music this morning.
Adelaide Congress Hall Band was the first Salvation Army Band to be formed in the Southern Hemisphere. Captain Sutherland, the first Salvation Army officer in Australia established it in 1881 with just eleven players. Through the years the band has continued to play a prominent part in the civic life of the City of Adelaide and represents The Salvation Army throughout South Australia. Extensive touring has seen the band visit most Australian states and also New Zealand and now Indonesia and Singapore.
Today the band continues its fine tradition of service to both The Salvation Army and the community of Adelaide. It is seen in the streets of the city, visiting Hospitals and Care Homes, at civic functions maintaining its primary objective of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
This morning Captain Matt Reeve, their Corps Officer (Pastor) gave the message based on Romans 6: 1-14 entitled "The changing Kingdom."
We give thanks to God for another wonderful and blessed weekend.
How are the mighty fallen
Everyday we face challenges, no matter at what stage of life one may be in. And the higher we rise it seems the greater the fall.
Our Bible study was on the fall of Gideon. After his victory over the enemy, the people wanted him to be their king. But he rejected the proposal put out to him. He knew their motives.
Recall the story in John 6 verses 1-15. Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the 5000 with five loaves and two fishes. The crowd saw in Jesus the man who could fill their stomachs. So Jesus refused to take up the offer and slipped away from the crowd.
Back to Gideon, sadly while he was able to resist the temptation to be their king he succumbed to the temptation to wealth and pride. Materialism has always been a great attraction to all regardless of who we are.
He took the gold and made an ephod, a garment worn by the priest. This religious symbol set up in his own town soon became an idol. Worshippers instead of going to Shiloh gravitated towards Ophrah to worship the ephod. It became a snare or trap for Gideon and his family.
The final chapter on Gideon's life closed with a tragic note. Our hero, the man of God, married many wives and had 70 sons. And added to that, he had a mistress in Schechem and produced a son called Abimelech, the subject of our next study.
This great man, Gideon lost his testimony, his influence and his family. After his death the nation continued its downward slide in idolatry.
Our Bible study was on the fall of Gideon. After his victory over the enemy, the people wanted him to be their king. But he rejected the proposal put out to him. He knew their motives.
Recall the story in John 6 verses 1-15. Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the 5000 with five loaves and two fishes. The crowd saw in Jesus the man who could fill their stomachs. So Jesus refused to take up the offer and slipped away from the crowd.
Back to Gideon, sadly while he was able to resist the temptation to be their king he succumbed to the temptation to wealth and pride. Materialism has always been a great attraction to all regardless of who we are.
He took the gold and made an ephod, a garment worn by the priest. This religious symbol set up in his own town soon became an idol. Worshippers instead of going to Shiloh gravitated towards Ophrah to worship the ephod. It became a snare or trap for Gideon and his family.
The final chapter on Gideon's life closed with a tragic note. Our hero, the man of God, married many wives and had 70 sons. And added to that, he had a mistress in Schechem and produced a son called Abimelech, the subject of our next study.
This great man, Gideon lost his testimony, his influence and his family. After his death the nation continued its downward slide in idolatry.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Golden years given by God
This morning at 10.00 a.m, Rachel, our grand daughter came for us and took us to NUH where my wife underwent endoscopy. We are pleased everything went well, thanks to the doctors, surgeons and nurses and of course God.
As we age our visits to the hospital and clinic increase in frequency, but thank God, we have good medical facilities here in Singapore. And we can wait in comfort too. I cannot say the same thing concerning hospitals in other countries where we were privileged to spend our time. However, no regrets. The Lord has preserved us.
Rachel stayed with us the whole time so she and I had lunch at the canteen and spent time together. Rachel was busy marking papers, while I enjoyed my new toy the iPad - thanks to another grand daughter Cheryl. God has blessed us with three children and six grand children all loving and serving the Lord.
I did a lot of reading and one of the articles was about aging. I understand from this writer, that the average age for men now is 80 and women 85. So I am on my last lap and maybe making my final sprint into eternity.
During the week one of my former classmates, Dr. Benny Cheng sent me a photo of a group of old men, some bald, most grey or silver, wrinkled faces and he asked me if I could identify any of them. Frankly I can't; not after parting with them for some 60 years! I could only recognise Benny as I did meet with him some time within the last 15 years since our return to Singapore.
I continued googling and read more about aging. Listen to what Dr. Donald McGavran founder of Church Growth Movement had to say when he was 92 years old, "Some people think their lives stop when they retire, that their real work has ended. When I retired at the age of 68, the most important work of my life began. I strongly believe that real life is only beginning at retirement, and probably the most important contribution will be made in individuals during these years." Point taken Dr.
Let's read what the Bible tells us. "Grey hair is a crown of splendour, it is attained by a righteous life." Proverbs 16: 31.There is no need to dye your hair! Save your money.
Caleb in Joshua 14: 10-11 said this, "Now then, just as the Lord promised, He has kept me alive...So here I am today, eighty five years old. I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then." I cannot make the same claim like Caleb, but I thank God I can still walk and do housework, plus preparing messages and Bible studies. To God be the glory.
As we age our visits to the hospital and clinic increase in frequency, but thank God, we have good medical facilities here in Singapore. And we can wait in comfort too. I cannot say the same thing concerning hospitals in other countries where we were privileged to spend our time. However, no regrets. The Lord has preserved us.
Rachel stayed with us the whole time so she and I had lunch at the canteen and spent time together. Rachel was busy marking papers, while I enjoyed my new toy the iPad - thanks to another grand daughter Cheryl. God has blessed us with three children and six grand children all loving and serving the Lord.
I did a lot of reading and one of the articles was about aging. I understand from this writer, that the average age for men now is 80 and women 85. So I am on my last lap and maybe making my final sprint into eternity.
During the week one of my former classmates, Dr. Benny Cheng sent me a photo of a group of old men, some bald, most grey or silver, wrinkled faces and he asked me if I could identify any of them. Frankly I can't; not after parting with them for some 60 years! I could only recognise Benny as I did meet with him some time within the last 15 years since our return to Singapore.
I continued googling and read more about aging. Listen to what Dr. Donald McGavran founder of Church Growth Movement had to say when he was 92 years old, "Some people think their lives stop when they retire, that their real work has ended. When I retired at the age of 68, the most important work of my life began. I strongly believe that real life is only beginning at retirement, and probably the most important contribution will be made in individuals during these years." Point taken Dr.
Let's read what the Bible tells us. "Grey hair is a crown of splendour, it is attained by a righteous life." Proverbs 16: 31.There is no need to dye your hair! Save your money.
Caleb in Joshua 14: 10-11 said this, "Now then, just as the Lord promised, He has kept me alive...So here I am today, eighty five years old. I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then." I cannot make the same claim like Caleb, but I thank God I can still walk and do housework, plus preparing messages and Bible studies. To God be the glory.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Coat of many colours
Engineers tell us that the only way metal can safely be used is after testing it. And it must exceed the testing requirements, repeatedly. The metal to be used must be pure and the order for it to be purified - it must go through fire. It must be melted, moulded and fit the designer's purpose.
In the same way we have to be tested before God will use us for His purposes. This is what happened to Joseph. He was being tested and purified that he might bring about an even greater work for God. He was faithful in the smaller things and God was preparing him for more - to save the nation.
He was sold as a slave, wrongly accused, thrown into prison, forgotten by one who promised to help.
Read the devotional booklet produced by Love Singapore - in connection with our national Day celebrations. I've been truly blessed as I meditate on God's word using this devotional.
My prayer again, "Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mould me, fill me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.'
In the same way we have to be tested before God will use us for His purposes. This is what happened to Joseph. He was being tested and purified that he might bring about an even greater work for God. He was faithful in the smaller things and God was preparing him for more - to save the nation.
He was sold as a slave, wrongly accused, thrown into prison, forgotten by one who promised to help.
Read the devotional booklet produced by Love Singapore - in connection with our national Day celebrations. I've been truly blessed as I meditate on God's word using this devotional.
My prayer again, "Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mould me, fill me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.'
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Heed the signs
The new Hillview Station is being built right at The Salvation Army Praisehaven doorstep. They are tunnelling even under the building and there are times when I feel the building shake. Come 2015 anyone coming to visit us need just take the train to Hillview Station. You exit from the station and there right before you is The William Booth Corps. We live on the 4th floor.
In the meantime we have to put up with inconveniences. However there are warning signs and direction signs everywhere. Signs along the roadway point to the dangers that lie ahead. Only a fool ignores the signs for to do so can lead to accidents, injury or even death. Wise people heed signs.
There are warning signs that our bodies give us from time to time. Pain, tenderness and fatigue are all indications that there are problems in the body. To ignore those signs can lead to serious illness or death.
There are warning signs that our minds send out when there is a problem. Feelings of sadness, of hopelessness, of anxiety and other unwarranted feelings are signs that tell us something is not right. To ignore those warning signs can lead to far serious mental issues.
Then, there are spiritual warning signs. There are times when we slack up in our commitment to the Lord. Attendance at church becomes a bore. There is lack of desire to read God’s word or to spend time communing with God. There are times when we harbour bitterness or resentment. We hold on to hurts and hard feelings toward others and unwilling to forgive. We want to hit back. There are times when we flirt with sin. We mess around in areas where we have no business being. When we ignore these warning signs, and there are many more we could mention, we are heading for spiritual shipwreck.
Heed the signs. God is preparing something good for you and me and if we follow His directions and we can be assured of eternal reward. When the time comes, our Jesus will come for us. We shall exit with Him not at Hillview Station but at our heavenly Home to live with Him forever.
In the meantime we have to put up with inconveniences. However there are warning signs and direction signs everywhere. Signs along the roadway point to the dangers that lie ahead. Only a fool ignores the signs for to do so can lead to accidents, injury or even death. Wise people heed signs.
There are warning signs that our bodies give us from time to time. Pain, tenderness and fatigue are all indications that there are problems in the body. To ignore those signs can lead to serious illness or death.
There are warning signs that our minds send out when there is a problem. Feelings of sadness, of hopelessness, of anxiety and other unwarranted feelings are signs that tell us something is not right. To ignore those warning signs can lead to far serious mental issues.
Then, there are spiritual warning signs. There are times when we slack up in our commitment to the Lord. Attendance at church becomes a bore. There is lack of desire to read God’s word or to spend time communing with God. There are times when we harbour bitterness or resentment. We hold on to hurts and hard feelings toward others and unwilling to forgive. We want to hit back. There are times when we flirt with sin. We mess around in areas where we have no business being. When we ignore these warning signs, and there are many more we could mention, we are heading for spiritual shipwreck.
Heed the signs. God is preparing something good for you and me and if we follow His directions and we can be assured of eternal reward. When the time comes, our Jesus will come for us. We shall exit with Him not at Hillview Station but at our heavenly Home to live with Him forever.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Ministry at Peacehaven
We did chapel service at Skylark. When we arrived the first question we received was "We've not seen you for a long, long time." Time passes very quickly for some, to others time drags on. Some do not seem to have any sense of time.
I've been thinking - everyone gets the same amount of time each day, no more no less. It is how we view time. One day time will be no more when we are ushered into eternity.
‘But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.’
I pray this prayer today, "Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom" Psalm 90:12 NLB
Live a day at a time. Live as though today is the last day.
"We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths;
In feelings, not in figures on a dial.
We should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives
Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best.
And he whose heart beats quickest lives the longest:
Lives in one hour more than in years do some
Whose fat blood sleeps as it slips along their veins.
Life's but a means unto an end; that end,
Beginning, mean, and end to all things—God.
The dead have all the glory of the world. Philip James Bailey
I've been thinking - everyone gets the same amount of time each day, no more no less. It is how we view time. One day time will be no more when we are ushered into eternity.
‘But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.’
I pray this prayer today, "Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom" Psalm 90:12 NLB
Live a day at a time. Live as though today is the last day.
"We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths;
In feelings, not in figures on a dial.
We should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives
Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best.
And he whose heart beats quickest lives the longest:
Lives in one hour more than in years do some
Whose fat blood sleeps as it slips along their veins.
Life's but a means unto an end; that end,
Beginning, mean, and end to all things—God.
The dead have all the glory of the world. Philip James Bailey
Monday, July 16, 2012
Majors Amaro and Susan Pereira
We were out today for lunch with friends - Majors Amaro and Susan Pereira from Myanmar, their son Timothy from England and Captain Hary Haran at Food Haven Dover Road. We enjoyed the fellowship and meal together.
Good to receive news that Myanmar is now opening up. The winds of change have affected Myanmar and there is now more freedom. We hope and pray this will continue. The work of the Salvation Army is growing fast.
Salvation Army began operations in Burmah in 1915 by Adjutant Taran Das. He was sent by Commissioner Booth Tucker from India to pioneer the work there. Since 1966 Myanmar Salvationists have developed their own witness and service despite restriction of overseas personnel to serve in the country.
In 1994, it became part of the Singapore/Malaysia Command. The Command was elevated to the status of a territory.
The Pereiras are very enthusiastic about their appointment and positive in their attitude. We will certainly pray for them and their work with the Burmese people.
Good to receive news that Myanmar is now opening up. The winds of change have affected Myanmar and there is now more freedom. We hope and pray this will continue. The work of the Salvation Army is growing fast.
Salvation Army began operations in Burmah in 1915 by Adjutant Taran Das. He was sent by Commissioner Booth Tucker from India to pioneer the work there. Since 1966 Myanmar Salvationists have developed their own witness and service despite restriction of overseas personnel to serve in the country.
In 1994, it became part of the Singapore/Malaysia Command. The Command was elevated to the status of a territory.
The Pereiras are very enthusiastic about their appointment and positive in their attitude. We will certainly pray for them and their work with the Burmese people.
Prayer for serenity
O God, grant us the serenity
to accept what cannot be changed,
the courage to change what can be changed
and the wisdom to know the difference. (Reinhold Niebuhr 1892-1871)
to accept what cannot be changed,
the courage to change what can be changed
and the wisdom to know the difference. (Reinhold Niebuhr 1892-1871)
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Pride and politics.
At our Bible class today we focused our thoughts on Judges 8:1-21 - Gideon had subdued the Midianites. After the great victory over the enemy, he and his men now had to continue with mopping up operations.
He approached the Ephraimites for assistance in subduing the enemy, but got a negative response. They were peeved and complained that they had not been included in the earlier battle. They felt they had been slighted or ignored and their pride hurt. Yes, there were those in Israel who were more concerned with their pride and their own glory than the glory of God. They were focused on their own interests. There are always politics in the church! We find their own kind in our church today!
Gideon practised diplomacy and used the soft answer that turned away wrath. Gideon assured them that their accomplishments thus far were ever greater than Gideon's and his tribe. His diplomatic response averted further conflict with the Ephraimites. Christians must learn the art of diplomacy.
Then they were those when appraoched to help out with food, refused to contribute bread to the 300 men who were pursuing the enemy. These brave soldiers were hungry and exhausted but their fellow countrymen just simply refused to provide some food. Probably they were afraid of Midianite reprisals should Gideon's venture failed. They were more concerned for the safety of their own tribe than the welfare of the whole nation. Sadly they would not help their own people who had delivered the nation from the enemy.
Gideon gave them warning. Later when he and his men returned from victory he carried out the threat he made earlier. He reached Succoth, took the 75 leaders and punished them through thorns and briers. He came to Penial, tore down their tower and killed the elders.
Let us not be judgemental for it is difficult to determine whether this form of punishment was necessary or justified. We have the advantage of hindsight. But they lived in different times and the culture of the day had greatly influenced Gideon and his men.
Today, the church is like an army in battle. We need unity of spirit and suppport of each other. Let us not allow politics and conflicts to rob us of victory. Let us all seek first the Kingdom of God and His glory.
He approached the Ephraimites for assistance in subduing the enemy, but got a negative response. They were peeved and complained that they had not been included in the earlier battle. They felt they had been slighted or ignored and their pride hurt. Yes, there were those in Israel who were more concerned with their pride and their own glory than the glory of God. They were focused on their own interests. There are always politics in the church! We find their own kind in our church today!
Gideon practised diplomacy and used the soft answer that turned away wrath. Gideon assured them that their accomplishments thus far were ever greater than Gideon's and his tribe. His diplomatic response averted further conflict with the Ephraimites. Christians must learn the art of diplomacy.
Then they were those when appraoched to help out with food, refused to contribute bread to the 300 men who were pursuing the enemy. These brave soldiers were hungry and exhausted but their fellow countrymen just simply refused to provide some food. Probably they were afraid of Midianite reprisals should Gideon's venture failed. They were more concerned for the safety of their own tribe than the welfare of the whole nation. Sadly they would not help their own people who had delivered the nation from the enemy.
Gideon gave them warning. Later when he and his men returned from victory he carried out the threat he made earlier. He reached Succoth, took the 75 leaders and punished them through thorns and briers. He came to Penial, tore down their tower and killed the elders.
Let us not be judgemental for it is difficult to determine whether this form of punishment was necessary or justified. We have the advantage of hindsight. But they lived in different times and the culture of the day had greatly influenced Gideon and his men.
Today, the church is like an army in battle. We need unity of spirit and suppport of each other. Let us not allow politics and conflicts to rob us of victory. Let us all seek first the Kingdom of God and His glory.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Praying for all preachers of the word
This is Saturday night. I've been going through the Bible lesson I shall present tomorrow morning.
I am praying for all who will be preaching and teaching the word of God. May God grant them spiritual wisdom. May the folk who attend church hear and heed the voice of God.
Let us meet in the house of God for worship. Important we have a good rest tonight and be ready to share fellowship with others and worship God together. Worship provides the conditions in which we may become aware of the eternal world.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Holy living
"Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firm to the Word of Life" Phil. 2: 16 NLT
Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Rom. 12: 1-2 NLT
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Our prayer life
We were at the usual Thursday morning Prayer meeting early this morning. We need this discipline. I am reminded of what Nouwen once said, "Prayer is not a preparation for work or an indispensable conditon for effective ministry. Prayer is life; prayer and ministry are the same and can never be divorced." We need to restore the centrality of prayer and worship in our Christian life.
How often have we allowed pressure of work and the ever incresing demands on our time, to affect our prayer life. Let us pray without ceasing.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
The habit of reading
Thomas Carlyle once said, "what printed thing soever I could meet with I read." I wonder if he were alive today, would he make such a statement. Each age has its own challenges for us to face.
I look at my library of books, the pile of magazines; there is no shortage of printed material and it has become more and more difficult to find time to read them all. Just have to decide what to read and what to just scan through.
Of course most of the stuff I read are what we term 'religious material' to do with sermons and Bible studies. I remember the then Lieut. Colonel Fred Harvey our Officer Commanding advising me read a novel, or short stories at the end of the day. "You need a change to relax before you sleep." Good advice which I followed except for days when I was really weary and fell asleep the moment I landed in bed.
Nowadays, I cannot cope with late nights, so immediately after the 9.30 p..m news on Channel 5, I would switch off the lights and shut my eyes. It has become a habit or lifestyle to go to bed early and be up early, yes usually 4.30 or 5.00 a.m.
I love to sit at the veranda to read magazines or a book. But it gets dark very quickly in Singapore. Anyway I seize the opportunity to read as much as I can before darkness descends.
"All that mankind has done, thought or been: it is lying as in magic preservation in the pages of books."
I look at my library of books, the pile of magazines; there is no shortage of printed material and it has become more and more difficult to find time to read them all. Just have to decide what to read and what to just scan through.
Of course most of the stuff I read are what we term 'religious material' to do with sermons and Bible studies. I remember the then Lieut. Colonel Fred Harvey our Officer Commanding advising me read a novel, or short stories at the end of the day. "You need a change to relax before you sleep." Good advice which I followed except for days when I was really weary and fell asleep the moment I landed in bed.
Nowadays, I cannot cope with late nights, so immediately after the 9.30 p..m news on Channel 5, I would switch off the lights and shut my eyes. It has become a habit or lifestyle to go to bed early and be up early, yes usually 4.30 or 5.00 a.m.
I love to sit at the veranda to read magazines or a book. But it gets dark very quickly in Singapore. Anyway I seize the opportunity to read as much as I can before darkness descends.
"All that mankind has done, thought or been: it is lying as in magic preservation in the pages of books."
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Gideon and his 300 valiant men
Today we studied the Book of Judges - chapter 7: 1-23. When Gideon and his army were preparing for battle, they already had a plan, but before the battle began God revealed to him a different plan. Gideon had planned to march into battle with 32,000 soldiers, but that plan was not in sync with God's plan. God had other ideas!
When we make our plans, we tend to stack the deck in our favour. That is human nature. However, God may have another plan for your life and mine. The test of a truly consecrated life is that it is willing to scrap one's own plan and submit to God's plan.
Gideon's mega army of 32,000 was reduced to a small contingent of 300! We today seem to be enchanted with things "mega." Fancy 300 Israelites against 135,000 Midianites. Israel was outnumbered 450 to one, but God was on Israel's side! Because the victory was without a mega army and without a fierce battle, God received the glory for the victory. Neither Gideon nor his army could go home and boast about what they did in the field of battle. How often we like to glorify ourselves!
How that story might have gone! When we turn from our plan and embrace His, victory is assured. This has been my own experience proven again and again! "To God be the glory" we often sing, but do we live this truth out.
Feeling disappointed, discouraged with the frustration of our plans? The best thing of us as His followers to seek God's will for our lives and submit our will to His will. Rick Warren says, "God never does anything accidentally, and He never makes mistakes. He has a reason for everything He creates."
Who is on the Lord's side?
Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers,
Other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world's side?
Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord's side?
Who for Him will go?
By Thy grand redemption,
By Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord's side;
Savior, we are Thine.
Not for weight of glory,
Not for crown and palm,
Enter we the army,
Raise the warrior psalm;
But for love that claimeth
Lives for whom He died;
He whom Jesus nameth
Must be on His side.
Jesus, Thou hast bought us,
Not with gold or gem,
But with Thine own life-blood,
For Thy diadem;
With Thy blessing filling
Each who comes to Thee,
Thou hast made us willing,
Thou hast made us free.
Fierce may be the conflict,
Strong may be the foe,
But the King's own army
None can overthrow.
Round His standard ranging
Victory is secure,
For His truth unchanging
Makes the triumph sure.
Frances R Havergal
Yesterday I wrote about the chorus "Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me." That song kept ringing in my heart and today while the offering was being taken, the pianist played that same song. God spoke to my heart again. I need the Spirit of the Living God to fall afresh on me each day.
When we make our plans, we tend to stack the deck in our favour. That is human nature. However, God may have another plan for your life and mine. The test of a truly consecrated life is that it is willing to scrap one's own plan and submit to God's plan.
Gideon's mega army of 32,000 was reduced to a small contingent of 300! We today seem to be enchanted with things "mega." Fancy 300 Israelites against 135,000 Midianites. Israel was outnumbered 450 to one, but God was on Israel's side! Because the victory was without a mega army and without a fierce battle, God received the glory for the victory. Neither Gideon nor his army could go home and boast about what they did in the field of battle. How often we like to glorify ourselves!
How that story might have gone! When we turn from our plan and embrace His, victory is assured. This has been my own experience proven again and again! "To God be the glory" we often sing, but do we live this truth out.
Feeling disappointed, discouraged with the frustration of our plans? The best thing of us as His followers to seek God's will for our lives and submit our will to His will. Rick Warren says, "God never does anything accidentally, and He never makes mistakes. He has a reason for everything He creates."
Who is on the Lord's side?
Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers,
Other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world's side?
Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord's side?
Who for Him will go?
By Thy grand redemption,
By Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord's side;
Savior, we are Thine.
Not for weight of glory,
Not for crown and palm,
Enter we the army,
Raise the warrior psalm;
But for love that claimeth
Lives for whom He died;
He whom Jesus nameth
Must be on His side.
Jesus, Thou hast bought us,
Not with gold or gem,
But with Thine own life-blood,
For Thy diadem;
With Thy blessing filling
Each who comes to Thee,
Thou hast made us willing,
Thou hast made us free.
Fierce may be the conflict,
Strong may be the foe,
But the King's own army
None can overthrow.
Round His standard ranging
Victory is secure,
For His truth unchanging
Makes the triumph sure.
Frances R Havergal
Yesterday I wrote about the chorus "Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me." That song kept ringing in my heart and today while the offering was being taken, the pianist played that same song. God spoke to my heart again. I need the Spirit of the Living God to fall afresh on me each day.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me.
I've sung this chorus written by Daniel Iverson many times and it has never failed to touch my heart as I pray this prayer,
"Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me,
Break me, melt me, mould me, fill me,
Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me."
We must be willing to allow our preconceived ideas, our outworn forms and traditions to be broken and melted down so that we become part of the church God desires it to be today.
It is Saturday evening and I am going through my Bible lesson for tomorrow. It is about Gideon and his 300 men of valour who defeated the enemy. We shall be focusing our thoughts on Judges 7. Self sufficiency is a big hindrance in our spiritual life when it causes us to believe we can always do what needs to be done in our own strength.
I feel a sense of inadequacy as I think of tomorrow when I shall face the class of Bible loving Christians hungering for the word. They are willing to get up early to be at church to attend the Bible class.
Hence I am praying this prayer again, "Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me." I need that fresh anointing from you.
"Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me,
Break me, melt me, mould me, fill me,
Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me."
We must be willing to allow our preconceived ideas, our outworn forms and traditions to be broken and melted down so that we become part of the church God desires it to be today.
It is Saturday evening and I am going through my Bible lesson for tomorrow. It is about Gideon and his 300 men of valour who defeated the enemy. We shall be focusing our thoughts on Judges 7. Self sufficiency is a big hindrance in our spiritual life when it causes us to believe we can always do what needs to be done in our own strength.
I feel a sense of inadequacy as I think of tomorrow when I shall face the class of Bible loving Christians hungering for the word. They are willing to get up early to be at church to attend the Bible class.
Hence I am praying this prayer again, "Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me." I need that fresh anointing from you.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Prayer for the International Army
Just came home after the Prayer meeting at Territorial Headquarters. Amongst the subjects covered in our prayer session was the International Leaders Conference in Canada. Our Territorial Commander Colonel Gillian Downer is on her way there as one of the delegates.
General Linda Bond explains: "The purpose of this ICL is for the leaders of the international Army to meet together to prayerfully and strategically consider the International Vision Plan. The mission priorities of this plan will form the basis of of the presentations, focus group discussions and recommendations.
The General is asking Salvationists and friends around the world to pray for the IVL. "Pray for the conference as a whole, but pray also for each individual leader, for those who will be making presentations and for our discussion," she says, "We must seek the Lord's wisdom and guidance to move the Army forward as He desires."
Yes, we need the wisdom and guidance of God daily. Jesus intercedes for His disciples in John 17 when He prayed, "I am not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your Word, which is Your truth." John 17: 15-16.
Prayer:
"I want dear Lord a heart that's true and clean,
A sunlit heart. with not a cloud between;
A heart like Thine, a heart divine,
A heart as white as snow;
On me, dear Lord, a heart like this bestow.
I want dear Lord, a love that cares for all,
A deep strong love that answers every call;
A love like thine, a love divine,
A love to come or go;
On me dear Lord, a love like this bestow.
I want dear Lord, a soul on fire for Thee,
A soul baptised with heavenly energy;
A willing mind, a ready hand
To do whate'er I know,
To spread Thy light wherever I may go. (George Jackson.)
General Linda Bond explains: "The purpose of this ICL is for the leaders of the international Army to meet together to prayerfully and strategically consider the International Vision Plan. The mission priorities of this plan will form the basis of of the presentations, focus group discussions and recommendations.
The General is asking Salvationists and friends around the world to pray for the IVL. "Pray for the conference as a whole, but pray also for each individual leader, for those who will be making presentations and for our discussion," she says, "We must seek the Lord's wisdom and guidance to move the Army forward as He desires."
Yes, we need the wisdom and guidance of God daily. Jesus intercedes for His disciples in John 17 when He prayed, "I am not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your Word, which is Your truth." John 17: 15-16.
Prayer:
"I want dear Lord a heart that's true and clean,
A sunlit heart. with not a cloud between;
A heart like Thine, a heart divine,
A heart as white as snow;
On me, dear Lord, a heart like this bestow.
I want dear Lord, a love that cares for all,
A deep strong love that answers every call;
A love like thine, a love divine,
A love to come or go;
On me dear Lord, a love like this bestow.
I want dear Lord, a soul on fire for Thee,
A soul baptised with heavenly energy;
A willing mind, a ready hand
To do whate'er I know,
To spread Thy light wherever I may go. (George Jackson.)
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Live the dream
I read the 40 Day Devotional produced by Love Singapore. The writer quoted C S Lewis one of my favourite authors. Lewis says, "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." Old people can still dream dreams! Great encouragement.
We were at Peacehaven yesterday and met all kinds of people - staff, nurses, residents and visitors. Some are negative, others are positive and keep hope alive. They see visions and dream dreams.
One elderly lady age 97, wheelchair bound always greets us with a cheerful smile. Every time I meet her she tells me she wants to cook me "mee siam" her special dish when she has the chance to get into the kitchen. She is happy despite her handicap and she dreams on. I always thank her and tell her, "Yes, I'm looking forward to her "mee siam." It keeps her happy and I'm happy too for her caring concern for others.
Let's encourage each other.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10: 23-25
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15: 13
We were at Peacehaven yesterday and met all kinds of people - staff, nurses, residents and visitors. Some are negative, others are positive and keep hope alive. They see visions and dream dreams.
One elderly lady age 97, wheelchair bound always greets us with a cheerful smile. Every time I meet her she tells me she wants to cook me "mee siam" her special dish when she has the chance to get into the kitchen. She is happy despite her handicap and she dreams on. I always thank her and tell her, "Yes, I'm looking forward to her "mee siam." It keeps her happy and I'm happy too for her caring concern for others.
Let's encourage each other.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10: 23-25
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15: 13
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Living my dream
I'm enjoying using the devotional booklet produced by "Love Singapore." The writer certainly is truly inspired by God to write messages for such a time as this. We need them.
To know more please visit the website www.lovesingapore.org.sg
As a Singaporean senior citizen at the age of 80 I still have my dreams. I love God and I love my nation, my people, my home and there is that intense longing to share the gospel with people.
My wife and I were at The Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing Home. We spent the morning with the residents, nurses and staff of the Home. They all need words of encouragement and that loving touch from those who care.
I join our many friends in praying this prayer written in the devotional booklet.
"Lord, harness me with Your Spirit. Free me from my own fantasies. If this dream is not from You, let it die! If it is from you deepen the passion, increase the burden within me. Help me not to blurt it out prematurely. Confirm it through others. Show me who I should share it with - and when! I rest my case with You." Amen.
To know more please visit the website www.lovesingapore.org.sg
As a Singaporean senior citizen at the age of 80 I still have my dreams. I love God and I love my nation, my people, my home and there is that intense longing to share the gospel with people.
My wife and I were at The Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing Home. We spent the morning with the residents, nurses and staff of the Home. They all need words of encouragement and that loving touch from those who care.
I join our many friends in praying this prayer written in the devotional booklet.
"Lord, harness me with Your Spirit. Free me from my own fantasies. If this dream is not from You, let it die! If it is from you deepen the passion, increase the burden within me. Help me not to blurt it out prematurely. Confirm it through others. Show me who I should share it with - and when! I rest my case with You." Amen.
Monday, July 2, 2012
40 Day 2012- Love Singapore
Since our return home to Singapore to retire in 1997, we have been using the annual publication by Love Singapore - a 40 day devotional booklet commencing 1st July till National Day on 9th August. It is one of the best devotionals I've come across and each year I look forward to receiving it. My wife and I have always been blessed by the messages. They are written very simply and in the Singapore context.
This year the theme is "Coat of many colours" a series of meditations on Joseph. Strange coincidence, or to be correct Divine leading, I did a series of Bible studies recently at our Territorial Headquarters chapel on the Life of Joseph under the caption "Dare to be different."
The thought came from a poem written by Commissioner Harry Read and the words were set to music by Dick Krommenhoek (now Commisioner and Territorial Commander for Finland.)
I dare to live a life of faith,
The life of challenge God has planned;
Of holiness and victory,
For truth and righteousness to stand.
Chorus:
Dare to be different, dare to believe.
Dare to be different, God's Spirit receive.
Dare to be different, my life sacrificed.
Dare to be different by living like Christ.
I dare to ask the Spirit come
To match with all my hearts' desire,
My life to cleanse and energize
With Pentecostal fire.
I dare to want to be like Christ
According to His will and way.
His love to know, compassion show,
And serve Him only everyday.
I mentioned that we live in a culture of copying or imitating. We yield to peer pressure so easily. We like to conform because we like to be well thought of. Everyone is doing it and we say to ourselves 'it's the done thing.' It is good and right to be relevant. Nothing wrong in keeping to our traditions.
However there are times when we need to stand up and be counted. There are values we must uphold, Biblical standards we need to keep and here we need the courage to dare to be different. Joseph provides us with a good role model.
1 His dress was different.
2 His dreams were different.
3. His dedication was different.
4. His devotion was different.
5. His disposition was different
6. His destiny was different.
This year the theme is "Coat of many colours" a series of meditations on Joseph. Strange coincidence, or to be correct Divine leading, I did a series of Bible studies recently at our Territorial Headquarters chapel on the Life of Joseph under the caption "Dare to be different."
The thought came from a poem written by Commissioner Harry Read and the words were set to music by Dick Krommenhoek (now Commisioner and Territorial Commander for Finland.)
I dare to live a life of faith,
The life of challenge God has planned;
Of holiness and victory,
For truth and righteousness to stand.
Chorus:
Dare to be different, dare to believe.
Dare to be different, God's Spirit receive.
Dare to be different, my life sacrificed.
Dare to be different by living like Christ.
I dare to ask the Spirit come
To match with all my hearts' desire,
My life to cleanse and energize
With Pentecostal fire.
I dare to want to be like Christ
According to His will and way.
His love to know, compassion show,
And serve Him only everyday.
I mentioned that we live in a culture of copying or imitating. We yield to peer pressure so easily. We like to conform because we like to be well thought of. Everyone is doing it and we say to ourselves 'it's the done thing.' It is good and right to be relevant. Nothing wrong in keeping to our traditions.
However there are times when we need to stand up and be counted. There are values we must uphold, Biblical standards we need to keep and here we need the courage to dare to be different. Joseph provides us with a good role model.
1 His dress was different.
2 His dreams were different.
3. His dedication was different.
4. His devotion was different.
5. His disposition was different
6. His destiny was different.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Founder's Day at Changi Corps
Special Day to day - Founder's Day and also Youth Day too. We did the meeting at Changi and had a great time with the folk.
The meeting began with the singing of the song written by the Founder William Booth. "O boundless salvation, deep ocean of love." We sang all the seven verses. What a beautiful climax - that last verse
And now hallelujah! the rest of my days
Shall gladly be spent in promoting His prase
Who opened His bosom to pour out this sea
Of boundless salvation for you and for me.
The sermon was entitled "Soldiers of Jesus Christ."
We ended the meeting with the last song, "Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war."
Good singing, lovely spirit, a lot of enthusiasm. We thank God for the privlege of worshipping with Changi folk and sharing God's word with them. God bless Changi. May the soldiers of Christ keep marching on to conquer in the name of our Lord.
The meeting began with the singing of the song written by the Founder William Booth. "O boundless salvation, deep ocean of love." We sang all the seven verses. What a beautiful climax - that last verse
And now hallelujah! the rest of my days
Shall gladly be spent in promoting His prase
Who opened His bosom to pour out this sea
Of boundless salvation for you and for me.
The sermon was entitled "Soldiers of Jesus Christ."
We ended the meeting with the last song, "Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war."
Good singing, lovely spirit, a lot of enthusiasm. We thank God for the privlege of worshipping with Changi folk and sharing God's word with them. God bless Changi. May the soldiers of Christ keep marching on to conquer in the name of our Lord.
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