Christian Behaviour

Every Friday we hold a cell or small group at our home. The numbers vary from about six to 12 people -retirees, housewives. others work in shifts or in part time occupation.

Yesterday we had a great time having fellowship and sharing the portion of Scripture on Col. 4: 5-7 on Christian behaviour especially towards people of other faiths. Living in our multi racial and multi  religious society we certainly need to be very sensitive to culture and religion.

The Bible puts it plainly we are to walk with wisdom   "Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be ^[with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."

May the Lord help us to be gracious in the way we speak, showing kindness and compassion to others. In other words, we are reminded to 'walk the talk.'  All of us regardless of the length of time we have been Christians are on the learning curve. We need the help of God's Holy Spirit in our lives.

Missing Prayer meeting, but not prayer

Thursday, normally we join the folk at Bishan for the Prayer meeting. The Salvation Army is at work in 125 countries, but people in 130 countries form part of the prayer chain every Thursday.

My wife had a doctor's appointment, so both of us were at the clinic. We missed the prayer meeting, but we joined in prayer too. We used the same programme prepared by Major Pascoe. So we were part of the prayer chain.

God is omnipresent - He is present everywhere and He listens to our prayers.

"The strength unity gives is something inconceivable. The power of each individual member is increased to a large degree by the inspiration of fellowship with a large and conquering host.... It was as the disciples were all with one accord in one place on the Day of Pentecost that they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. United prayer brings the answer to prayer!” Andrew Murray, “Secret of United Prayer,”

Growing old with grace

Here is a lovely prayer written by Commissioner Flora Larsson.

"Help me to grow old with grace, Lord!
Even as I pray the words I smile to myself,
       for physical grace is somewhat lacking
       in my joints and movements.
Gone is the lightness of youth
       the supple swiftness,
       each muscle part of a well trained whole.
The kind of grace is beyond me now.

It's inward grace I crave, Master,
       the grace of gratitude.
I call up the good memories
       relive happy scenes and savour brief triumphs.
It's been a long life, but a good life.
For all this (and much more) I thank You.

I ask too, Lord, for the grace of humour.
Help me to see the funny side of living.
       to enjoy a joke
       to make a few myself!
To laugh when I fumble in my purse for coins
       or when my memory slips a cog.

And then I ask for the grace of patience:
       not to lose out
       on the last lap of the race.
Jog me into lively interest in my surroundings,
       in world events.
Don't let me settle into a snug, self interest cocoon.
Keep me alert in mind,
       even when the body responds reluctantly.

Lord, help me to grow old with grace."

My daily prayer - To be like Jesus

I recall reading Evelyn Underhill who on one occasion said something like this, "Most of us spend our times conjugating three verbs - "to want, to have, to do."  That seems to be our culture today. I must confess my weakness here and I need to remind myself the most fundamental verb - TO BE. If we get that right, all other things will fall in place.

General John Gowans (R) wrote a beautiful prayer and I sing it often,

To be like Jesus!
This hope possesses me,
In every thought and deed,
This is my aim, my creed;
To be like Jesus!
This hope possesses me,
His Spirit helping me,
Like him I'll be.

 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt. 5: 13-16)

Notice this - Jesus emphasizes what Christians are before telling us what Christians do.  When we are the salt and light as we should be, we will  shine to glorify our Father in Heaven. All that I am and all that I do is to bring glory to my Father in heaven.

Comfort - found in Jesus Christ

Early this morning I had my personal devotions using the Bible and Words of Life. The text given today is "Comfort, comfort my people, says the Lord." Isaiah 40: 1. In my intercession I included Peacehaven Nursing Home, the place we would visit later in the morning.

We meet all kinds of people there - the godly, the worldly, the appreciative, the grumblers, all kinds. They all need words of encouragement and comfort. What a beautiful word - comfort. The child needs it, the sick needs it, the youth needs it, the middle aged needs it, the elderly needs it. I pray that each day the Lord will give me some words of encouragement and comfort for someone who needs it.

This old song came to my mind - "Take the name of Jesus with you."

1. Take the Name of Jesus with you,
   Child of sorrow and of woe,
   It will joy and comfort give you;
   Take it then, where’er you go.
   
   • Refrain:
     Precious Name, oh, how sweet!
     Hope of earth and joy of Heav’n;
     Precious Name, oh, how sweet!
     Hope of earth and joy of Heav’n.
2. Take the Name of Jesus ever,
   As a shield from every snare;
   If temptations round you gather,
   Breathe that holy Name in prayer.
3. Oh, the precious Name of Jesus!
   How it thrills our souls with joy,
   When His loving arms receive us,
   And His songs our tongues employ!
4. At the Name of Jesus bowing,
   Falling prostrate at His feet,
   King of kings in heav’n we’ll crown Him,
   When our journey is complete.

Salute our local officers, bandsmen and songsters

Where would The Salvation Army be without the support of local officers  - lay people who take up positions such as elders of deacons in the church. Or even as bandsmen and songsters, worship team participants, Sunday School teachers. They have their own occupation to earn a living, but give voluntary service to the church. Some are undergraduates with lots of assignments to complete, burning the midnight oil.

On Monday the officers (pastors) many of them will be taking the day off to rest or to go sightseeing or do their own thing .I don't begrudge them. But these local officers cannot, for they have to start early Monday morning to go back to the office, the classroom, the factory, and fulfil another day's work. They work five or six days a week and give their evenings or weekends working in the church for free. They are not paid for work, but pay to work and many of them do so cheerfully. They do it unto the Lord.

While the officers can take a weekday or days to prepare sermons or Bible studies, prepare power points etc, the local officers have to do these things after work and work till the wee hours of the morning.

While the officers can charge bus fares (if they are thrifty) or take taxis in the name of convenience, they put through their expenses. Nothing wrong with that. But our local officers pay their own fares, use their own vehicles, pay their own parking fees and ERP charges. They contribute to the church without complaints at all.

God bless our local officers. I salute them and if any of our local officers, bandsmen, songsters, etc reading this, be assured there are people like me, salute you and call you blessed. We appreciate your contribution. Where would The Salvation Army be without these dedicated local officers and other lay workers?

Stand in awe of God - He is great

Had a good day at church. First we attended the Adult Bible class led by Corps Secretary Terence Tan. He really put a lot of research and continued his series on "the theology of work." Plenty for us to ponder and digest.  God works and we are to work with Him to make this world a better place.

At our main worship service we focused our thoughts on the Greatness of God. The theme was "Stand in Awe of God - He is Great!" "Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise, Hie greatness no one can fathom." Psalm 145: 3.

We ended the meeting with the praying of this prayer.

"Dear God, I stand in awe of Your greatness, power and love. The hand that measured out the seas and marked off the heavens is the hand that hold me close to Your heart, O God.  The hand that laid the earth's foundation and directed the stars to their places is the hand that directs me to my eternal hope through Jesus. The hand that shaped the mountains and levelled the earth is the hand that defends and comforts me. The hand that was nailed to the cross is the hand that wipes away my tears. The hand that holds all things together is the hand that will never let me go. Thank You, Father!

How wonderful it is to know that the God Who calls each of the stars by name knows each of us by name. The God who brings order to creation brings order to our lives. The God who designed the planets and keeps them on their paths has designed a destiny for us and keeps us on our path as we trust Him. Lord, when I am stressed out, teach me to spend time in Your presence receiving new strength to praise You and to stand in awe of You." Amen

Thanks be unto God.

As I did my morning walk this morning, I thank God for the workers who are building the new train station. Come 2015 we shall have the Hillview Station right at our very door step! Engineers are now pumping water under our building and doing a lot of things to prevent it from collapsing. The angels of God are holding it up!  Most of the workers are foreigners who have left their own families to work in our land. I pray that God will take care of them and their families.

As I look out of my window I thank God for the gardeners and other workers who keep this compound clean and the garden looking so beautiful. Thank God for the greenery all around us.

As I turned on the tap, I thank God for giving us water. I thank God for those who man our reservoirs and those who look after the plants producing New water.

I sleep comfortably and peacefully because I know there are thousands of people are working round the clock looking after Singapore – the police, the armed forces, the security guards, the firemen, you name it.

I thank God for the Government which includes the opposition as well. Above all I thank God our Heavenly Father who watches over me.

All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above;

Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all His love.

Love one another

^"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."
Colossians 3: 12-14 Message

"A new command I give you. Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13: 34-35 NIV

Born for such a time as this

Have you ever wished that you were born earlier, say alive during the time when Jesus walked the earth as a man? Or would you rather be alive during the time of William and Catherine Booth? The past seems to be more glorious and exciting. We can learn much from the past. History teaches us lessons. Anyway, however glorious or glamorous the past may appear to be, we cannot go back to the past. Time moves in one direction. Each generation has its own privileges and challenges. You and I are here today, because it is God's time for us. We are here for such a time as this.

One song writer Jemima Luke wrote this

"I think when I read that sweet story of old,
When Jesus was here among men,
How he called little children as lambs to his fold,
I should like to have been with them then.
I wish that his hands had been placed on my head,
That his arms had been thrown around me,
And that I might have seen his kind look when he said,
'Let the little ones come unto me.'

I was not there, you were not there, but today He is with us. The writer goes on to claim and you and I can make the same claim and enjoy the same privilege.

"Yet still to his footstool in prayer I may go,
And ask for a share of his love."

What a privilege to take everything to Him in prayer.

Faith Support System - a necessity

Discouragement affects us all at some time or other. Sometimes we are physically and emotionally tired we are tempted to give up. There are times when our best plans fall apart after we have put in plenty of effort. We get frustrated and give up and the sad part is to give up our faith in God. That’s tragic.

We all need a Faith support system. Friends need each other, family members need each other. All of us regardless of age, race or culture need encouragement that comes from this Faith Support system. Let’s find time to give our family and friends some form of Faith support system. Sadly friends, siblings, church members have grown apart for not having some system of connecting with each other to encourage one another. Get together for a fellowship meal.

We can learn a lot from the Early Church. The folk met in the homes of the people to pray together. They prayed with each other, they prayed for each other. They worshipped and praised the Lord together. They confessed their faults, sins, hurts to one another. They shared  each other’s burdens. To put it simply they loved one another and provided that Faith support system. "Bear each other's burdens and in this way fulfil the law of Christ" Galatians 6: 2

We should learn from the Early Church and have support system for our church. “Cell groups” or “small groups” “house groups” are essential for every church.

It's vitally important that we build a good support system to help us when we find ourselves in the middle of a spiritual struggle. Find people we can trust - people who are going to support and not become a hindrance in our fight.

Satan thrives on the ‘divide and rule’ approach. Battles won alone, without the help of others are few and far between. Keep connected to the support system, whether it's the band, singing group, the choir, the worship team, women or men’s fellowship group or cell group.

What is holding people back from joining a support group? No time! I suggest make time for that which is important. Busyness seems to be a part of our culture. We allow it to control our lives. We rush from one place to another. We plunge into our emails, sms’s, meetings and fellowships with such speed that we allow no time for thought or reflection. We have little or no time to give to friends and family.

Yes, all of us are busy but if we are too busy to make time for God and spend time with fellow believers, we are indeed too busy!

Help us to help each other, Lord,
each other's cross to share;
let each our friendly aid afford
and feel each other's care.

Help us to build each other up,
Our little stock improve;
Increase our faith, confirm our hope,
And perfect us in love. (Charles Wesley)

Ministry at Peacehaven

We were at Peacehaven Nursing Home the whole morning. We conducted  chapel service on the third level. My wife spoke on the Autumn Festival, or Moon Cake or Lantern Festival as we know it in Singapore. She then led their thoughts on to Jesus the Light of the world and we are to shine as lights in the world.

As usual she spoke in Cantonese and I interpreted the message into Hokkien and English. The ladies on this floor are more alert and able to take part in the singing. We thank God for the privilege of sharing His word with the folk at Peacehaven.

After visiting folk on the whole floor, we went down to Level 1 and visited the residents there. The majority are wheel chair bound. Time went very quickly as we moved from one resident to another.

Our aging population is fast increasing. Our Government is worried for at the rate we are going, we will have serious problems in the future. Singaporeans are not replacing themselves and we are dependent on foreigners.  The majority of our nursing staff are from foreign countries - Philippines, China, India, Myanmar, Malaysia. Singaporeans are in the minority but there are positive signs of an increasing number of local folk taking up nursing and therapy. But not many are willing to work in Nursing Homes. Most prefer to work in Hospitals.

Peacehaven is doing a great work among the needy. The Nursing Home already has more than 400 residents and there is a long waiting list.

We thank God for giving us the privilege ministry at Peacehaven.

I know God cares

I went to my regular barber this morning to get my hair cut. On the way I saw another Barber shop opened, a  Chinese shop offering 50% discount for senior citizens. I was tempted to try this new shop, but changed my mind and went to my regular Indian Barber, the one I am used to.

Whilst sitting comfortably in the barber's chair some thoughts came to my mind.

Like it or not we are all creatures of habit. We like our routines and the familiar. I am so used from young to go to an Indian barber. Sounds racist, but it's not. In Hong Kong I had no choice but go to the Chinese barber at Tsim Sha Tsui. In the Philippines I had to use the Filipino barber and in England the Englishmen cut my hair. No choice! But since my return to Singapore, it's back to my Indian barber.

Seriously, I am not that conservative - I do make changes when necessary.Changes in life are inevitable and necessary. You need to change to survive. Changes bring challenges and for elderly folk like me, at times I just need that extra prod to take up the challenge.  We live a a world of rapid changes. We must adapt to our modern age.

As I sat at the barber's chair, I thought of the words of Jesus in Matthew 10: 30 "the very hairs of your head are all numbered." God's attention to detail and his knowledge is beyond our comprehension. Jesus tells us that God the Father has even taken the time to number each one of the hairs on our head! Each individual has over 100,000 individual strands of hair on the head; each one has been numbered by Almighty God.  Hard to believe isn't it, yet it's true for the Bible says so.

Frank Graeff went through some ve­ry dif­fi­cult tri­als. The per­i­od be­fore writ­ing this song was one of great de­spond­en­cy, doubt and phys­ic­al pain. When he turned to God’s Word, 1 Peter 5:7 gave won­der­ful com­fort: “He cares for you.” Af­ter med­i­ta­ting on that truth, Graeff wrote these lyri­cs, with the re­sound­ing af­firm­a­tion in the cho­rus, “O yes, He cares

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?

 

Refrain

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.

Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?

 

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?

 

Does Jesus care when I’ve said goodbye
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

I came home and this hymn has been ringing in my heart. "I know He cares."  ^"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." 1 Peter 5: 7

 

Ministering at William Booth and Eratchippu Corps.

Yesterday, Sunday. Our Corps Officer (pastor) was away in Ipoh and my wife and I were invited to conduct meetings at two Corps (churches) We are always available to the Lord for service. There is no retirement from ministry.

We began the day with Bible Study and Terence Tan was tasked to lead the studies. He chose for his topic "Biblical concept of work." He referred to Genesis 3: 17-19

To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,' 'Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you  will eat food from it all the days of your life.  It will produce thorns and thistles for you,  and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow  you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; dust you are  and to dust you will return.”

We spent some time in discussion on work - a curse or a blessing? a duty or a privilege?  God gave the earth to our first parents and they were tasked to look after it. Sadly because of sin the ground was cursed. Labour and weariness now are part and parcel of life.

Next week we shall continue with the studies on this subject.Terence will do two weeks, after that I shall resume my studies on Judges. Good to take a rest and allow the folk to listen to a different voice.

We then adjourned to the main worship hall where we had our meeting. My wife led and I spoke on the theme 'Soldiers of Jesus Christ'

After lunch, I had a short rest. Had to miss the prayer meeting as I had to conduct the second service this time at Eratchippu. We started at 2.30 p.m. with prayer meeting, then our worship began at 3.00 p.m all done in Tamil. The only words I understood were "Hallelujah and Amen."

We started the meeting with the song, "Thou Christ of burning cleansing flame, Send the fire." The tune was slightly altered here and there! They sang with enthusiasm and I joined them singing in English. Of course with translation the meeting the sermon took longer to deliver. By the time we finished it was about 5.00  p.m

I thank God at my age of 80, I still can make my contribution to Salvation Army and the Kingdom of God.

At 5.30 pm two of our friends now worshipping with us at William Booth Corps, took us and another couple for dinner at Pu Tien Restaurant. Thank God for friends who care for support and encourage one another.

We end the day thanking God for giving us yet another day. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

 

Contentment

“Not enough. I want more.” People are wanting and desiring more. This seems to be the spirit of our age. More pay increases, higher pensions, more holidays, and more perquisites. We have become very materialistic. Are we ever satisfied?

"Happiness is not getting what you want, but wanting what you've got." Let’s be content with what we have. Love life, thank God for family and friends. Let us live for Christ. “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Philippians 4: 11-12

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” Matthew 16: 26

Great time at Kallang

Captain Hary came for us at 12 noon today and took us to Kallang Baru. First we went to the Food Centre to have our lunch. The food was good and we enjoyed the meal. Good to visit the old familiar places. Then we made our way to the hall for our meeting with the elderly.

There must be about 35 elderly folk or more in the hall. The singing was led by Tommy and Jessica and later joined by a taxi driver Alvin. They sang Hokkien songs - how well they sang, clapped their hands and did the actions. It was like the old style Salvation Army meeting. It was a real time of rejoicing and praising the Lord.

At the request of Captain, I gave my testimony in Hokkien and my wife gave hers in Cantonese. The congregation listened very attentively. It was most encouraging to speak to such a responsive congregation.

Kallang is the outpost of Balestier Corps. When Captain Hary took over there was some work with the youth and children, but nothing much. It has been hard work for him, but he has been well supported by the comrades of Balestier. The results are now evident.

He and his team surveyed the area and found there were a many elderly people living alone. So after much visitation, he has got this group of elderly coming every Friday for fellowship. He is reaching them with the gospel.

The work in Kallang is once again growing - youth centre, children receiving tuition and now elderly.
We were truly blessed this afternoon. Thank God for the privilege of sharing fellowship and the gospel with the folk.

Unity of Spirit

Had a great time today - first at our cell we shared fellowship and had a good discussion on 'removing barriers.' No doubt in the early days of Christianity one of the most marvellous thing was its astonishing unifying influence. The ancient world at that time was full of division. The Jews looked down on the Gentiles and there was much hatred between them. The Greeks looked upon those unable to speak Greek as barbarians. The Greeks considered themselves as the elite of society and looked with contempt on others. There was always the barrier between the free person and the slave. Slaves were regarded as living tools. There was the division between male and female, the latter had no legal rights.

The word of God declares -There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal. 3: 28

Barriers still exist in our society today, hence we hear the plea from the Prime Minister to be more gracious society. Some Singaporeans resent the presence of foreigners. Even among citizens there are differences.  We have a long way to go and much to learn. Let's seek God's grace to be gracious to others.

Blest be the dear uniting love 
That will not let us part;
Our bodies may far off remove, 
We still are one in heart.

Joined in one spirit to our Head,
Where he appoints we go,  
And still in Jesus' footsteps tread, 
And do his work below.

O may we ever walk in him, 
And nothing know beside, 
Nothing desire, nothing esteem, 
But Jesus crucified! 

We all are one who him receive, 
And each with each agree,
In him the One, the Truth, we live;
Blest point of unity! 

Partakers of the Savior's grace, 
The same in mind and heart, 
Nor joy, nor grief, nor time, nor place, 
Nor life, nor death can part. (Charles Wesley)

Moses Kway took us for prayer meeting

Major Pascoe is away in Ipoh to conduct Youth Councils and other meetings. So last night A/Captain Raymond Aloba booked a taxi to take four of us to Bishan for Prayer meeting this morning

The taxi came early and the driver was already waiting for us when we got downstairs at 6. 55 a.m. Now on our journey we were to hear an interesting story from Moses Kway the taxi driver that cheered our hearts.

It happend that last night when Moses was looking at the screen of the Taxi company, he noticed there was a booking for a taxi this morninng. It mentioned The Salvation Army, 500 Upper Bukit Timah  as the point for picking passengers up. Although he lived in Eunos, he accepted the booking and came for us early this morning

He told us that he as  a baby was put into The Salvation Army Nursery Home at Upper Bukit Timah Road  (present site of Praisehaven where we live) some 50 years ago and grew up in The Salvation Army. Eventually he 'graduated' from the Salvation Army's Boys' Home in Changi (present site of Peacehaven Nursing Home)

He went on to name the names of officers who looked after him  - such as Captain and Mrs. Keith Sharp, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lee, Major K Vataja and Captain Barnum etc. He recognised us as we were Corps Officers (pastors) at Central in the early seventies. He could remember our two older children playing the piano and organ at the Church. He used to attend our meetings. Memories of the past, how precious!

We soon arrived at Bishan and although the metre registered about $24.00  he wanted just $10.00 from us! We know he had to pay for the hiring of the taxi and with petrol prices rising, it would not be fair to let him take just $10.00. In the end Raymond made him accept $20.00. He was certainly grateful to The Salvation Army who had brought him up.

.He is married and has a 17 year old son. He does not drive on Saturday and Sunday. He spends weekend and evenings with his family. The family attends Victory Centre church.It was a real encouragement for us to meet this man and hear his testimony. God bless Moses and his family

Sometimes we get rather discouraged with the lack of visible results but when we meet people like Moses, we give thanks to God for what He has done through The Salvation Army.

Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.” John 4: 37-38

 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.  So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.  The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 1 Cor. 3: 5-8

A Peaceable Kingdom

^" The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." Isaiah 11: 6-9

 

What a beautiful picture I read this morning in my devotions using "Words of Life" That thought has been with me throughout the whole day. The commentary ends with these words,

"No more racism, prejudice, abuse, violence. No more hatred, wickedness, evil. No more jealousy, envy, poverty, injustice. No more social disorder. A peaceable kingdom. Lord, let it begin in me!

Amen! That's my sincere prayer.

The kingdom of heaven is a gracious society - loving and caring for one another.

 

Danger of spiritual death

In my reading I came across some remarks made by Dr. William Barclay concerning the church.
"A church is in danger of death when it begins to worship its own past.... when it is more concerned with forms than with life.... when it loves systems more than it loves Jesus Christ....when it is more concerned with material than spiritual things."

Pastors, church elders, missionaries, church board members and certainly all Salvation Army officers, take note. The danger signals are there.

I recall my school days studying the poem "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor  Coleridge. Scary picture of corpses rising to man the ship, pull oars, hoist the sails and steer the vessel.

I pray that the church that I belong to does not become like that. We can go through the motions, but lacking in one thing - spiritual life. It's time to examine ourselves.

My prayer on this Monday evening as I pen these thoughts

Search me, O God, and know my heart today,
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray;
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free.

 

I praise Thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
Fulfill Thy word and make me pure within;
Fill me with fire, where once I burned with shame;
Grant my desire to magnify Thy name.

 

Lord, take my life, and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine;
Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;
I now surrender, Lord, in me abide.

 

O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee;
Send a revival, start the work in me;
Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need;
For blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead. (James E Orr)

Bible study - Jephthah and the Ephraimites

We dealt with the portion of Scripture found in Judges 12: 1-7. Israel had just won a great victory over the enemy, but instead of the nation celebrating, there was pettiness and quarrelling, a repeat of an earlier incident with a previous judge Gideon. Judges 8: 1-21. The jealous disposition of the Ephraimites reared its ugly head once again. Jephthah however did not show himself as moderate in his reaction as Gideon and hostility broke out.

The end result there was mass massacre - 42,000 people were killed. Some lessons we learned from this sad episode. The Ephraimites had inflated opinion of their own importance. They saw themselves as the leading tribe which should have played a significant part in the battle. They felt rejected when they were not included in the victory parade.  We need to examine our own hearts in this respect. Nursing a hurt, be it real of imaginary is bad for our spiritual life and can lead to serious consequences.

Another interesting thought brought out in our studies has relevance for us living in a cosmopolitan society like Singapore. In our multicultural, multiracial, multi religious society (not to mention multidenominational church) this problem is more keenly felt. The problem of communication exists. The Hebrew word 'Shibboleth" meaning "flood, stream" or "ear of corn" in Judges 12: 4-6) was a password used by the Gileadites to distinguish their own men from fleeing Ephraimites because the latter could not pronounce the "sh" sound and would say "sibboleth."

Let us seek God's guidance and grace in keeping the spirit of unity in our church. (John 13: 35, Col. 3: 14, 1 Cor. 1: 12-13) It is not wrong to have differences of  opinion concerning non essential matters like worship styles or methods, but it is important that we as Christians accept each other as brothers and sisters in Christ and live in the spirit of unity. Let us heed the words of Paul the Apostle of Jesus Christ.

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1–6

RSI celebrates 10th anniversary

To day marks the 10th Anniversary of the opening of Red Shield Industries Thrift store at Upper Bukit Timah. It began at 10.00 a,m and even as I write it is still on. We were able to join them this afternoon. It will close at 9.00 p,m

RSI helps to fund The Salvation Army's many projects throughout Singapore. We thank Brother James Tian Toh Kian and his team of workers for the work they are doing.

It is quite a common sight to see RSI vans all over Singapore collecting furniture and other bulky things and transporting them to the store at Upper Serangoon. The vans also pick up from the donation bins all over the island. The collected items are sorted out, labeled and sent to the various Thrift shops in Singapore for sale to the public.

We are in the recycling business. Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction thus we are also contributing to save the environment.

The Salvation Army's mission is the recycling of human lives. Our message is about Jesus who can take the worst of sinners and turn them into saints. No one need to feel hopeless for Christ is our Hope. And He is our Saviour who can transform lives. Hallelujah!

This is my story - 71 (Hong Kong/Taiwan)

71 – International Salute – Crystal Cathedral

What a privilege for us to join the crowd estimated to be more than 4000 at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, USA for the Army’s International Salute. There was the grand procession of flag bearers marching in with the ‘emblem of a thousand battles.’ Timbrelists with happy smiling faces waved their tambourines to music of the bands playing “There’s only one flag for me” “Yellow star with red and blue... with the chorus “I’ll be true, true to the colours yellow red and blue.” I learnt this chorus when I was a child at the Sunday School at Balestier Corps.

Then as the songsters sang, “We’ll lift up the banner on high, the Salvation Army banner of love,” the biggest flag 30’ x 50 ‘was raised from the stage to the vaulted ceiling of the Cathedral. There was thunderous applause!

The Territorial Commander of the host territory Commissioner Willard Evans welcomed our General and the world leaders of this international Army. Commissioner Andrew Miller (the father of wife of the current Chief of Staff Commissioner Swanson) one of the American Territorial Commanders referred to General William Booth using the Crystal Palace in London, made of glass for special events of his day. Over a hundred years later the Army 6000 miles away in America met at the Crystal Cathedral for another great gathering. (Crystal Palace in London was burned down in 1936. Crystal Cathedral was sold to the Roman Catholics)

General Eva Burrows declared, “This conference is significant to The Salvation Army world. Our purpose is unchanged – to be an evangelical force. We on the platform are one people of Jesus Christ. The Salvation Army is alive and well and God is blessing our Army round the world.”

Following her introductory remarks, the Army leaders from the 52 territories and commands were individually presented to the General. We wore the uniforms of our territory or command – navy blue, grey, white, saris, what a variety yet we were one Army with one message and mission.

There was plenty of good music. Lieut. Colonel Norman Bearcroft composed a special march for the occasion named “Lake Arrowhead.” Among the songster pieces sang that evening was Ivan Boszanko’ rendition of songs like “To God be the glory” and “Come join our Army to battle we go.”

The delegates chosen to participate in testimonies came from different zones. Finally the General gave a challenging message on “Towards 2000 – Vision and Task.” She reminded the congregation of the need for vision. She called upon all to service and task of proclaiming the message of salvation. She challenged the congregation to be obedient to the heavenly vision.

At the conclusion of her challenging message, she made the altar call which was met with overwhelming response.

And finally the congregation sang the Founder’s Song, “O boundless salvation, deep ocean of love.” And the beautiful fountains near the platform erupted. O it was magnificent sight to behold! I’ve never seen anything like this before or since that evening. The scene remains vividly in my mind and even as I type I can still feel the emotions of that moment.

What a thrill to end with the final verse of the song,

“And now, hallelujah! The rest of my days

Shall gladly be spent in promoting his praise

Who opened his bosom to pour out this sea

Of boundless salvation for you and for me”

It was a night to remember! Events of that evening remain vividly in my memory and as I recall and pen this article, I thank God for The Salvation Army. The unity of spirit within The Salvation Army was evident. I pray that this unity of spirit will remain and be strengthened. We are one Army, with One Mission and One Message!

Prayer meeting

Got up very early this morning, did the usual walk in the compound, had breakfast, prayers etc and at 7.00 am we left home for our usual prayer meeting. Good to see Majors Susan and Amaro Pereira and Lieut.Lalrinzuali from Myanmar joining us at Prayer meeting. The latter has been appointed to the Finance Department at Territorial Headquarters. Joining us for the first time was  Sister  Catherine from Central Corps.

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
and bids me at my Father's throne.
Make all my wants and wishes known;
in seasons of distress and grief,
my soul has often found relief,
and oft escaped the tempter?s snare,
by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

Visited the Chiams

We thought a storm was coming when we woke up this morning. The sky was dark. But the storm clouds disappeared and we had a nice cool day instead. So we went to see some old friends. There is a saying which goes

"Make new friends but keep the old
Those are silver these are gold."

David our grandson on his way to University called for us and gave us a lift to Lorong Sarhad. We visited our good friend Jessie who just had a hip replacement. Her husband Francis had gone with the youngest son Melvin who today entered national service.  More than 30 years ago we conducted the wedding of Jessie and Francis.  Just last year we attended their daughter's wedding.

Jessie and Francis worship with us in the same church. They attend the Adult Bible class every Sunday morning and always make meaningful contribution. They are a real encouragement and inspiration to us.

Daily we thank God for friends who have contributed so much to our lives.

"True friends are the finest  of all God's gifts,
They are precious and very rare.
They come with love that laughs and lifts
When the burdens are hard to bear.
They are true when the sun is ablaze in the skies,
When life is bright and fair,
When sorrow or pain has dimmed your eyes,
There's compassion and tenderness there."  Lorie   C Gooding.

Joy of meeting an old friend

On the way to Peacehaven this morning, I received a phone call from a lady, Koh Guat Ting (referred to on Saturday's post). She wanted to know when we would be at Peacehaven as she would like to meet us there.

We arrived and did our chapel service on Level 1. Just as we had finished the lady turned up. We met for the first time in 45 years! Of course, it was easy for her to identify as we were in uniform, but frankly we could not recognise her.

She accompanied my wife in her rounds of visitation of the residents. To cover  the areas of visitation my wife and I normally split up to meet as many people as we could. There are more than 400 residents at Peacehaven now and each week we cover two floors. Some residents want to talk and request for prayers and we need to give then time. Then there are nurses and therapists who want to talk to us. They too need encouragement as their work is hard and demanding.

Anyway we were really encouraged by this lady. She recalled attending our Sunday School at Kuala Lumpur. She became a Christian and now attending All Saints Church where she teaches Sunday School. She told us she is using the choruses she learnt at our Salvation Army Sunday school for her group of children at her church. Praise the Lord.

This afternoon, when we arrived home, I went to the office as usual to collect my mail and Sze passed on a message. An old friend Margaret has been trying to get in touch with us after reading the article on the House of Tan Yeok Nee in the Sunday Times (see blogs on 27th & 29th August)
The article has generated a deal of interest and old friends many of whom we have lost contact are connecting with us again after reading the article.

I suppose when we get old, or should I say older we become more nostalgic. We tend to recall the times we have lived through and the people we shared fellowship with. Memories are like an old mixed tape which tells stories. These memories add lustre to life.

I've gone beyond my three score years and ten, past it by ten years. What memories of people and places are stored in my memory as I a write my blog, I recall the memories, some happy, others painful but everything that I've gone through has been for a purpose.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8: 28

This is my story - 70 (Hong Kong/Taiwan)

70 – International Conference of Leaders (1988)

We attended first International Conference of Leaders in 1984 a year after our arrival in Hong Kong. It was a great experience to interact with international leaders from all over the world. (see Chapter 64)

Four years later we were privileged to attend the next one, this time held at Lake Arrowhead, California, USA.

On 1^st September 1988 my wife and I left Kai Tak Airport by China Airlines for Taipei, Taiwan, en route to San Francisco. On arrival at our destination there was no one from the Army in sight. After waiting for more than half an hour we telephoned Divisional Headquarters. Good thing I had some American coins with me. We did not have hand phones so had to use a public telephone.

Finally, the Divisional Commander, Lieut. Colonel Bruce Harvey, came for us. It appeared that there was some miscommunication between the Divisional staff and the Corps Officer of the Chinatown Corps, Major Check Yee.  We had been scheduled to speak at his corps for the weekend.   

So, the Divisional Commander took us to a motel. Our son Stephen happened to be attending a course of studies at Santa Clara. We contacted him to inform him of our arrival. That same evening he drove all the way to San Francisco to see us.  By the time he arrived it was very late and we were dead tired after the longest day of our lives! The reason was we had crossed the international dateline, so that it seemed we had reached America before even leaving Hong Kong! It was well past 2.30 a.m. before we went to sleep and he stayed with us for the night. The next morning Stephen took me to the drug store to buy some grocery for breakfast.

Later that morning Major Check Yee came for us. We billeted with them.  It was our joy and privilege to speak at this well known San Francisco Chinatown Corps. It was founded in 1886. The corps is located in the Chinatown district of the city and has continued to serve the community since its founding.

Our next stop was Torrance Corps where we spoke at a weeknight meeting. From there together with other delegates we went by coach to Lake Arrowhead, the venue of the International Conference of Leaders from 6- 15 September.

The 115 delegates representing 90 countries came from all over the world. Right at the beginning of the conference General Burrows declared, “We are not a federation, but a family.”

The ten-day conference was led by the General assisted by the Chief of Staff Commissioner Ron Cox. Altogether 26 sessions were held. Each day commenced with devotions and ended with evening prayers.

General Burrows made it clear that it was a ‘business as usual’ conference but one that would tackle the hard questions and seek new solutions and new directions. She added “The one who guides us is the creative Spirit, the innovative Spirit, who wants us to do a new thing.” She also commented on a warning given by the Founder William Booth many years previously that “the Army should beware of three dangers: stagnation, secularisation, and self satisfaction.” Yes we all still need to be reminded today. It is so easy to become complacent.

The conference addressed subjects on “Our Spiritual Life as a Movement” as it relates to renewal, evangelism, the Scriptures and Articles of War.  I was tasked to present a paper on “The Scriptures.” It was announced after the conference that the Articles of War would be revised. We now call it “The Soldier’s Covenant.”

Other subjects discussed were “Our human resources relative to officers, soldiers, employees, youth and women: Leadership, its characteristics and needs; Structure, Administration and Management in respect to facing changes and accountability. Then there were a number of social issues also.

Study groups discussed issues on retirement, recruitment, training, evaluation, ecumenical relations, trends in Salvation Army music and literature, positional statements and the rank system.

I think the singing was just wonderful and I cannot find words to describe the atmosphere. I felt it was a foretaste of heaven when we shall one day join the heavenly choir to sing praises unto the Lord. We sang and prayed in different languages. I recall some of the songs used – Charles Wesley’s “Christ, whose glory filled the skies,” Catherine Baird’s “We’re in God’s Army and we fight wherever wrong is found” and some of my favourite songs by Albert Orsborn “My life must be Christ’s broken bread.” “In the secret of Thy presence” and “From a hill I know healing waters flow.”

O to be at Lake Arrowhead and to enjoy the beautiful scenery – the quiet seclusion, the azure lake, the grandeur of the hills and mountains. The General said, “We have come from the hustle and bustle of the cities, from the pressures our office to the quiet and beauty of the environment where we can pray, think and plan.” Our American friends certainly spared no effort to make us comfortable.  Coming from crowded Hong Kong, a highly pressurised society we appreciated Lake Arrowhead all the more.

Sunday was set aside for worship and was truly a blessing to all. The Army’s internationalism was clearly evident as the leaders prayed in different languages. We were truly united as the scripture says “with one accord in one place.” Quietly I sang to myself Edward Henry Bickersteth beautiful hymn

Come ye yourselves apart and rest awhile,
Weary, I know it, of the press and throng;
Wipe from your brow the sweat and dust of toil,
And in my quiet strength again be strong.

With Balestier folk

What a great time we had at Balestier Corps this morning. Anne Kwong very kindly provided transportation to and from the Corps. It's always joy to go back to my home Church, the place I began my pilgrimage. It brought back happy memories.

The church is growing and what a delight to see new comers at the meeting. Now children from Kallang Centre are attending Sunday school and some have brought their parents along.

Our own Church WBC celebrates its 10th anniversary - there were two congregations today. One group comprising mainly the young people plus some older folk camped at St John's island. Major Pascoe was the leader of the meetings at the camp. The smaller group mainly older folk remained at the Corps, the meeting led by the Territorial Commander, Colonel Gillian Downer.

Our God is omnipresent - we can worship Him anywhere.

“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You, how much less this house which I have built!” (1 Kings 8:27)

“The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands;” (Acts 17:24)

"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, and the light around me will be night,” even the darkness is not dark to You, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You." (Psalm 139:7-12)

A pleasant surprise phone call

This morning we received a surprised phone call from a Malaysian lady Guat Ting who is married to a Singaporean and now living in Changi.  Recently she met one of our salvationists, Meenaci and got from her our telephone number.

She first met us when we were in Kuala Lumpur from 1966- 1969. She told us she (at that time she was 10 years old)  and her aunt Ying Fong used to attend The Salvation Army at 16 United Garden when we were the Corps Officers (pastors). The work was new then and we had to go round the neighbourhood inviting people to the meetings. Theirs was one of the homes we visited and they responded to our invitation. Her aunt got converted and became a salvationist. We moved on to other appointments and did not keep contact with them.

In the 1980's when we visited New Zealand to conduct meetings, Lieut. Colonel and Mrs. Lawrence Weggery billeted us. One evening they took us to a Chinese Restaurant at Wellington, and believe it or not, we met the manager who was none other than Yin Fong. She and her family had migrated there and opened a restaurant. We kept contact for some time until she migrated to Australia and we lost contact with her.

What a small world and we thank God for the privilege of pioneering the work in the capital city of Malaysia. These contacts have brought joy to our hearts that our labour has not been in vain. Good to know Guat Ting loves the Lord. We look forward to meeting her again after 45 years! She is a Christian now worshipping at All Saints Church.

Now in the eventide of our lives, we continue with our ministry of spreading the word concerning the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no retirement from ministry.

"Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good." Eccl. 11:6