Kindness

This afternoon after doing my shopping, I got on the bus which was quite full. As soon as I walked in a little girl about 10 or 11 years old seated on a seat behind the driver got up and offered me her seat.  It was one of those seats sufficient for an adult and infant or small child but insufficient for two adults. I actually wanted to move in further, but felt I should be gracious enough to accept her offer. I thanked her and added "You are a good girl, God bless you." She gave me a lovely smile.

I must admit most who offered us their seats are ladies - perhaps eight out of ten!  Some men are either too sleepy or too busy looking our of the window, or reading the Ipod to notice two elderly people. Of maybe they are praying with their eyes shut. God bless them.

It's nice to be old and with white hair and wrinkled face. During the week a lady rang me about 8.30 p.m and asked if we were home. We answered in the affirmative. On her way home from work, she had stopped at a cake shop and bought us a cake! She said she thought the cake look nice and we would enjoy it. Well, we are still enjoying it - we limit ourselves to one small piece per evening.

There are many kind people in Singapore and we have been recipients of their kindness.

William Penn said this:

"I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore , there be any kindness I can  show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now and not defer or neglect it as I shall not pass this way again."  That's good philosophy.

And when we are on the receiving end, let us accept kindness graciously and thank God for many kind people around us. I believe they are God's angels!

I see God's hand

John Gowans had little time for false divisions between sacred and secular; he saw God's hand on and in everything - one reason why a diversity of people was drawn to him.

You do not always sign Your work,
But I can tell!
I recognise Your handiwork,
I know it well.
On Christian things
Your name is bright and clear,
In Christian songs
Your music I can hear.
But here and there,
In unexpected places,
I see Your hand -
At any rate the traces.
In 'godless' music
I detect Your song:
In 'pagan' joys Your beauty.
Am I wrong?  (From "O Lord!" by John Gowans)

Visit to Bedok Multi Service Centre for the elderly

What a great time we had this morning at the Bedok Multi Service Centre for the Elderly. The last time we visited this centre was some ten years ago! What a great deal of improvement in this Centre that provides care for the elderly, quite a number handicapped or suffering from dementia. They come in the morning and return to their own families in the evening.

Attendance at this meeting we conducted is entirely voluntary. Some continue with their exercises, other carrying on with their games, or sit around to chit chat.

I led them in the singing using my concertina. They chose the songs and we were pleasantly surprised they wanted to sing songs like "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound" "Great is Thy faithfulness" "How great Thou art" etc. We sang in English and Chinese (Hokkien and Cantonese)

The meeting was quite informal and free and easy, plenty of interaction! It was great we were able to give our testimonies and talk about the blessings of God.

One lady was so interested to know that my wife came from the same school that she attended - Raffles Girls School. And they spent quite some time recalling names of teachers and principals.

The meeting lasted an hour and when we wanted to stop, they asked us to continue. We were having such fun as we shared the word and our experiences. Anyway soon it was near lunch time and we had to close in prayer.

We really had a great time and are looking forward to our next visit. Thank God for another day that God has given us. We came back and the the old chorus I learned since I was a child kept coming to my mind. That's my experience, each day with God is a wonderful day.

Everyday with Jesus is sweeter than the day before,
Everyday with Jesus I love Him more and more;
Jesus saves and keeps me, and He's the one I'm waiting for,
Everyday with Jesus is sweeter than the day before. (Robert Loveless)

Home to Balestier - Balek kampong

What a day we had! For me it was "balek kampong" - back to my home church Balestier, the place where I spent my childhood and teenage years until I went to the Salvation Army Training College in January 1954. I was quite nostalgic!

"Nostalgia is the file that removes the rough edges from the good old days." Doug Larson.
"There is a certain nostalgia and romance in a place you left behind." David Guterson

We were there to conduct the Sunday morning service. There were the old friends, and there were many new people joining the church - children, youth, middle age and the elderly.

Brother Tony Leong and his wife came for us at 10.15 a.m. Traffic was heavy today because of Chinese New year coming and road works. From the moment we stepped out of the van, we were warmly welcomed. After the service, we joined the folk on the second level for lunch. What a great time of fellowship.

Well, it is my Home church and nice to be Home. The elderly who knew me with my idiosyncrasies and awkward teen age years have all gone. The rough edges of those days have been removed and forgotten. O I must be careful, I'm no saint even if Paul uses that word to describe Christians. We are all saints in the making.

Thank You Lord for another good day you have given me. I pray this prayer.

If I have wounded any soul today
If I have caused one foot to go astray
If I have walked in my own willful way
Dear Lord, forgive

If I have uttered idol word or vain
If I have turned aside from want or pain
Yes, I myself shall suffer through the strain
Dear Lord, forgive

Forgive the sins I have confessed to Thee
Forgive the secret sins I do not see
Oh, guide me and love me and my keeper be
Dear Lord, forgive(Oh, Lord amen) -Maude Battersby

The fellowship of kindred minds

"I am part of all that I have met" declares Tennyson in Ulysses.  Relationships with family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances - all play a part in our lives. They help us to grow, to find fulfilment and blessing.

It was good last Saturday evening to meet our officer friends, plus Territorial Headquarters' Heads of departments and their families at Jalan Peminpin residence of our Territorial Commander, Colonel Gillian Downer. We gathered near the swimming pool to have barbecue. We had a great time having fellowship.

I spent some time with Mr. John Ng our Property Director who kindly showed me some of the latest development of properties. Thanks to modern technology, he was able to show me on his Ipod pictures of the various projects in Banting (which we have never visited) and Kuching our family ground for we spent three years working there in the Church and Boys' Home.

It was good to be able to go round chatting with the various people. Then we came home and I kept thinking of Colonel Burridge.

The last time we had such fellowship was on Sunday 18th April 2010 when we met at the residence of Colonels Keith and Beryl Burridge. In fact last evening on the way to Jalan Pemimpin I kept thinking of the Burridges such lovely Christians who in a short space of time did much for our people in this territory.

That Sunday evening a group of us met at 80 Sunset Way, the quarters of the Territorial Commander. We had fellowship and dinner and when that ended, they shook hands with all the guests. That same night he had a heart attack and was taken to be with the Lord.

It shook us all, we just could not believe the news. When someone phoned me on Monday morning all I said was "No, it can't be."  What a loss to our territory! We bade farewell to a great man who in a very short period of time, did a lot for our people. Well, it has been nearly three years since his promotion to Glory, but his influence lives on. We can never fully understand life's mysteries and who God allows certain things to happen, but we believe God never makes a mistake.

I was privileged to be requested to give the message at the Service in memory of our dear friend on Tuesday evening 22nd April 2012.

The quarters is now rented out and Colonel Gillian Downer our current Territorial Commander lives in a  rented unit at Jalan Peminpin not far from our Headquarters. She made a very wise decision.

"Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love!
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
That sympathising tear.

When we asunder part
It give us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.  John Fawcett

Yes, I am part of all I have met! Cherish our relationships.

Achilles' Heel

In Greek mythology, Achilles was the son of a human king named Peleus and a sea goddess named Thetis. Achilles was the greatest, bravest, strongest and most handsome soldier in his father’s army. The legend goes that Thetis held her infant son by the heel and dipped him in the waters of the River Styx. The magical powers of the river rendered Achilles invulnerable in every part of his body, except his heel, which had not been dipped in the river. That small, little part of his flesh was vulnerable to attack. Later, in the heat of battle, Achilles was struck in the heel by an arrow and was killed. That myth has become a proverb by which each of us live our lives.

We all have our Achilles’ heel - those areas of life in which we are vulnerable to attack and prone to fail. The writer of Hebrews calls it “the sin which doth so easily beset us”, Heb. 12:1. That sin varies from person to person, but whatever that sin is in our life, it is our Achilles’ heel.

For some people Achilles’ heel could be illicit sexual relationships. For others it might be the quest for money, fame, popularity, position, ambition, or power. For some it might be pride, lust, selfishness, gossip, anger, malice, or a host of other sins. Whatever that “besetting sin” might be for us, if we are not able to conquer it through the power of the Holy Spirit, it will be our downfall.

Be vigilant, watch and pray lest we enter into temptation. We need the power of God’s Holy Spirit in our lives at all times.

Saying "Yes" to my Lord

Today I've been singing this lovely song written by John Gowans. This is my prayer right now.

I want to say yes to the Lord of my life,
Say yes to His will and design.
I want to say yes to His plan for my life,
And no to ambitions of mine.
I want to say yes to the Lord of my life,
My will to His will to align.

Yes to Your will, and Your will alone.
Yes to Your plans and no to my own.
Take all I have Lord, I cannot give less;
Here is my answer- it's yes.  (From The Meeting)

Place your life before God.
"So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking around life - and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him." Romans 12: 1 (The Message)

A song from a wheelchair

We were at Peacehaven this morning and spoke to many people who are wheelchair bound. We listened to their stories, shared their joys and sorrows and prayed with those who allowed or requested us to do so. The morning passed very quickly and soon it was lunch time.

Years ago I met a wonderful lady in a wheelchair. I was one of the Hong Kong delegates to the Lausanne Congress of Evangelsm held in Manila. I can never forget Joni Eareckson, a quadriplegic, paralysed from the shoulders down from a diving accident at the age of seventeen. Instead of mourning and groaning, she said this in her testimony "God has used my wheelchair to change me and make me more like Him." On another occasion she said this, "I learned long ago that God's purpose in redeeming us is not to primarily make our lives happy, healthy or free from trouble. God's purpose in redeeming us is to make us more like Jesus."

Today she is still in a wheelchair. She is married to a lovely Christian man named Ken Tada, so today she is known as Joni Eareckson Tada. They are  a lovely couple and he looks after her and supports her ministry.

Joni is a mouth artist, has written books, made recordings, talented vocalist, radio host and continues today in her wonderful ministry. If you want to know more you can google for information in the Internet.

After 43 years as a quadriplegic, she now has breast cancer, but that does not stop her in his ministry. You see when I can home from Peacehaven Nursing Home today, I have been reflecting on the scenes I saw this morning and the conversation we had with these people. I hope and pray that what I have shared with these folk would be of some help to them. I thank God for the privilege of continuing in ministry of helping people to know Christ and bringing that word of comfort to those who need it.

I love reading poetry and when I find it relaxing to just sit, read or recite poems. My mind went to a poem Joni wrote. Here it is

I have a piece of china,
  A pretty porcelain vase.
It holds such lovely flowers,
  Captures every gaze.
But fragile things do slip and fall
  As everybody knows,
And when that vase came crashing down,
  Those tears began to flow.

My life was just like china,
  A lovely thing to me.
Full of porcelain promises
  Of all that I might be.
But fragile things do slip and fall
  As everybody knows,
And when my life came crashing down,
  Those tears began to flow.

Now Jesus is no porcelain prince,
  His promises won't break.
His holy words hold fast and sure,
  His love no one can shake.
So if your life is shattered
  By sorrow pain, pain or sin,
His healing love will reach right down
  And make you whole again.

Joni's beautiful 'song in the night' speaks to us today as it did when it was first written and published. In life, things do get broken. I can recall the many times, when my own heart was broken but thank God I bring those broken pieces to my Lord and Saviour for He heals and mends the broken heart.

My soul be on thy guard

What a privilege and joy it was to spend another day in God's house to worship God and have fellowship with friends on Sunday. It was a great day and I look forward to Sunday every week. We always go to bed early on Saturday and prepare ourselves for the Lord's Day - the day that commemorates the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. So it is a day of celebration, worship, fellowship, listening and sharing the word. The Bible tells us,

 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

We began the day with our Adult Bible Class which I have been given the privilege to conduct. We are still on the Book of Judges and this morning came to Chapter 18 - "The tribe of Dan adopted Micah's idolatry."

The story of the Danites is a sad story. In Revelation 7 we notice the tribe of Dan was omitted in the list of the 'sealed'  - all because of disobedience and idolatry.

How easy it is for us to allow so called 'harmless habits' to control our lives. We adopt the world system of values instead of seeking God's will for our lives. 'Each person did what he saw fit' - a verse repeated so many times in the Book of Judges.

There was failure of the Levites (the clergy); there was failure of the people to support the Levites. Where there is no prophetic voice to proclaim and clarify the truth calling us to accountability, the result is heresy.

In our study, we notice no one desired to worship God instead they wanted just to use God for their selfish ends.

Lord, help us to be vigilant - to watch and pray lest we enter into temptation.

My soul, be on thy guard, Ten thousand foes arise, And hosts of sin are pressing hard To draw thee from the skies. Oh, watch, and fight, and pray, The battle ne’er give o’er, Renew it boldly every day, And help divine implore. Ne’er think the vict’ry won, Nor once at ease sit down; Thine arduous work will not be done Till thou hast got the crown. Fight on, my soul, till death Shall bring thee to thy God; He’ll take thee at thy parting breath Up to His blest abode.

Life's Sacred Trust

It is Saturday. Another week has come to an end and tomorrow we begin another week - Sunday the Lord's Day. I shall continue with the series of studies on the book of Judges, some strange tales about the fallen clergy - the Levites. It seems the writer of Judges enjoyed 'copy and paste' when this verse is repeated several times and ends with "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit." Freedom without restraint brings chaos.

Each of us is a steward, a trustee, a partner. We fulfil our stewardship for God's glory and the good of the world we live in. We are all accountable to God for the gifts and possessions He has given us. We are not owners but stewards or trustees of time, talents and treasures.

Frances R. Havergal wrote this beautiful prayer of consecration and I make this my prayer today as I prepare for tomorrow, God willing to continue with my ministry.

1. Take my life and let it be
   Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
   Take my moments and my days,
   Let them flow in endless praise.
2. Take my hands and let them move
   At the impulse of Thy love.
   Take my feet and let them be
   Swift and beautiful for Thee.
3. Take my voice and let me sing,
   Always, only for my King.
   Take my lips and let them be
   Filled with messages from Thee.
4. Take my silver and my gold,
   Not a mite would I withhold.
   Take my intellect and use
   Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.
5. Take my will and make it Thine,
   It shall be no longer mine.
   Take my heart, it is Thine own,
   It shall be Thy royal throne.
6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
   At Thy feet its treasure store.
   Take myself and I will be
   Ever, only, all for Thee.

Visited Chinatown

Every now and then, I would make a visit to Chinatown Hong Kong St. to buy from the wholesalers different types of nuts - cashew, walnut, almond, etc. You see every morning for breakfast we have our oat porridge and bread and nuts. Then for supper we have our cup of milk, biscuits and nuts. Nuts I was told are good for you. And I get them much cheaper than from the supermarket near our place. I fill my knapsack with nuts of all kinds.

I always take Bus No 961 up to Hong Lim Green and walk to Hong Kong Street. Sometimes I would take my packet of sandwiches and have lunch at the park usually quite deserted during the day time. One day, a young man walked came up to me and said, "Uncle, how can this fill you. You will be hungry." I enjoy my picnic lunch at Hong Lim.

Anyway, I buy from my regular shop Teck Sang and they know me. I spent about $63.00 worth of nuts this time. I get my exercise and on my way home would walk to Stamford Road to take Bus 171 which brings me right to our place.

Life is wonderful. Everyday I thank God for keeping me fit. At the age of 80 plus coming to 81 this May, I have no complaints. Everyday is a bonus. True visits to the clinic or Hospital have increased in frequency, but we have good medical facilities and affordable too. What more do we want. God is certainly good.

Thank You Lord for all your goodness through the years. 

God uses broken things

God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever." Vance Havner.

My prayer at this moment,

"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."

Sharing burdens at Peacehaven

In Matthew 11:28, we hear the invitation of Jesus to us,
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." NIV
"Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." NLB

In Galatians 6:2 Paul tells us,
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." NIV
"Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ". NLB

We bring our burdens to our Lord, that's a privilege. We share each other's burdens, that's our responsibility. We talked to quite a number of people, the majority bed ridden and in wheelchairs. Some find it hard to accept, others are resigned to their present situation in a Nursing Home, but there are those whose faith in God is strong. It's a joy to hear the testimonies of the latter.

Every week we are there to lend that listening ear, counsel  and pray with them if they are agreeable. A number request for prayers.

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
   All our sins and griefs to bear!
   What a privilege to carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
   Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
   Oh, what needless pain we bear,
   All because we do not carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
2. Have we trials and temptations?
   Is there trouble anywhere?
   We should never be discouraged—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Can we find a friend so faithful,
   Who will all our sorrows share?
   Jesus knows our every weakness;
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
   Cumbered with a load of care?
   Precious Savior, still our refuge—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
   Take it to the Lord in prayer!
   In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
   Thou wilt find a solace there.
4. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
   Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
   May we ever, Lord, be bringing
   All to Thee in earnest prayer.
   Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
   There will be no need for prayer—
   Rapture, praise, and endless worship
   Will be our sweet portion there.  Joseph M Scriven

Limited Liberty

Everywhere there are cries for freedom and more freedom. Even in my own country I hear comments of 'more liberalisation.' I agree, but one has to remember too,  liberty has its limits.  In Christ we have perfect freedom for He came into the world to set us free from sin and the bondage of sin. We are free to love and serve Him and our fellowmen.

I recognize also, there are restraints in my freedom. There is limit to liberty. We have been studying the Book of Judges and I have come to the last three chapters of this book. It tells the stories of people who have abused freedom.
The comment "Each man does what he thinks fit in his own eyes" is repeated several times and in fact the last sentence in the book sums it all up.

Look at Paul's statement "“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything." 1 Corinthians 6: 12.  Should my liberty be limited? Of course! Freedom has restraints, liberty has its limits.

I am allowed to eat what I like, there is perfect freedom, but I limit myself for the sake of my own health. It is wrong to indulge in bodily appetites.  In his letter, Paul was writing on the subject of sexual indulgence. Lust by whatever name we call it, is a deadly sin. So also with appetite, gluttony, sloth  and other indulgences. The Bible clearly states that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

For the sake of God's Kingdom, for my own sake, for the sake of others, I place limits on my liberty. We are not our own, we are bought with a price. In one of our songs we have this statement, "A life of self renouncing love is one of liberty.

I love the old hymn written by Anna Laetitia Waring entitled "Father I know that all my life is portioned out for me." The last verse ends with this beautiful prayer and on this Monday evening, I  make again this plea to my Lord whom I love and serve. My friends who read this blog, please pause a while and join me in this prayer.

"In a service which Thy will appoints there are no bonds for me;
My inmost heart is taught the truth that makes Thy children free
A life of self-renouncing love is one of liberty."  Anna Laetitia Waring

 

O the wonder of it all

It is Saturday evening and I am going through my message for tomorrow, plus the Bible Study for Adult Bible Class. I thank God for health and strength to be able to continue in ministry. Our pastor is on holiday and we are filling in for her.

I shall be preaching on the subject "The wonder of it all" based on Psalm 139. I've been singing and enjoying every moment of it George Beverley Shea's "O the wonder of it all."

There's the wonder of sunset at evening,
The wonder as sunrise I see;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that God loves me.

Refrain
O, the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all!
Just to think that God loves me.
O, the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all!
Just to think that God loves me.

Verse 2
There's the wonder of springtime and harvest,
The sky, the stars, the sun;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is a wonder that's only begun.

Wonder and Worship help us to put life into perspective. Wonder is an emotion, a God-given emotion. Pause and wonder over God's wonderful love for each one of us.

This is my story - Hong Kong/Taiwan - 75

75 – Visit to Nanjing

We left Beijing for Nanjing. When we arrived at our Hotel, there were three church ministers from the Three Self Movement waiting at the lobby to welcome us. After checking in, we were taken straight to the Nanjing Theological Seminary and given a tour of the building and told its history.

During the Cultural Revolution this Seminary was taken over by the Red Guards. It was returned to the church in 1980. At the time of our visit, there were some 200 students from all over China resident there preparing themselves for the ministry. We were told many young people were embracing Christianity and there was a real shortage of pastors.

We were introduced to Ms Tan Li-ying of the Amity Foundation. She explained to us something of the work of this organisation. Bishop K H Ting was then the President of this charity established in 1985 as a non-governmental organization created at the initiative of Chinese Christians. It was through the Bishop’s vision, leadership and support that Amity Foundation entered into cooperation and ecumenical partnership with churches around the world. (He passed away at the age of 98 on 22^nd November 2012)

Ms Tan Ly-ying took us to see a Home and Centre for Mental Health which was also a research centre. Medical students from other Chinese cities were sent there to do their post- graduate training.

Our hosts then took us to see the Amity Press where Bibles in their thousands were printed each day. With the help given by United Bible Societies, the Amity Press is still sending out Bibles to people all over China hungry for God’s word. The world’s largest Bible Printing Press in Nanjing celebrated the production of their 100^th million copy of the Bible on 8^th November 2012.

That same evening Rev. Peter Han very graciously invited us to partake in what he termed a ‘simple meal.’ That ‘simple meal’ in fact was a sumptuous dinner in a Restaurant!  Among the guests was Professor Sun, a retired lecturer who displayed considerable knowledge of The Salvation Army.

In the city of Nanjing there were at that time five churches and Commissioner Robert Bath was invited to give the sermon in the main one, the first International Secretary from The Salvation Army to do so in China since the country opened up. His message was ably interpreted by our Major Karen Lam. The church was packed to capacity, many stood at the doorways and in the church compound. One elderly Lieutenant Chang was taking down copious notes of the sermon. Later I discovered that he used to work in the Editorial Department at China’s Territorial Headquarters.

The Commissioner concluded his sermon with a prayer and while he was praying, a stream of seekers came forward to kneel at the altar while others just stood near it in silent prayer.  No invitation had been given at all for seekers to come forward. The movement to the Altar was so spontaneous and I believe it was the movement of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the people. They just responded to the promptings of the Spirit. Others remained in their pews in silent prayer. After the benediction was pronounced, we moved to the main door, but with more than a thousand people, there was no time to shake hands with every one. Our hosts wanted to take us out for lunch and we had to hurry and just waved good bye to the crowd.

Back in the hotel we were met by an elderly couple Lieutenant and Mrs. Zhang Bin-wen. He spoke of the days in Mukden working with Brigadier Cedervall. Our hearts were encouraged as we heard of the evangelistic efforts of the pioneers in China.

Before we concluded our tour a quick visit was made to the former Nanjing Corps Hall in Chung Hua Street. As we walked through the hall, we were greeted by the residents; some of them remembered The Salvation Army. We were then taken by the Rev. Lin Te-an to a number of tourist spots in Nanjing. He spoke about the thriving work of The Salvation Army before the Cultural Revolution and his joy in working with Salvationists.

The Sunday ended with The Army hosting these kind pastors to dinner. They had shown us much courtesy and hospitality during our visit. They spared no effort in making us feel welcome. The fellowship with our Chinese Salvationists and other Christian was enriching and the words of the hymn “In Christ there is no east or west sprang to my mind again. It was a fellowship of hearts that differences in political systems cannot destroy.

The Chinese are open and receptive to the gospel. We cannot expect the church to function in the same way as in the western world. China has its own political system and culture that even for me a Singaporean and ethnic Chinese may not fully comprehend. The Lord can work His way through any system for He is almighty. Missionaries need to learn that each nation has its own culture and foreigner must learn to adapt.

Discipline of Prayer

For my wife and me, the day began at 4.30 a.m. when the alarm rang. On Thursdays we get up half and hour earlier than usual. This enables us to take our morning exercise, a ritual we have kept for years.  Because of road works, we feel safe just to walk in the compound.

We believe in discipline - both physical and spiritual. Henri Nouwen explains why discipline is so important to our spiritual life. Nouwen writes:

"Discipline is the other side of discipleship. Discipleship without discipline is like waiting to run in the marathon without ever practising. Discipline without discipleship is like always practising for the marathon but never participating. It is important, however, to realize that discipline in the spiritual life is not the same as discipline in sports. Discipline in sports is the concentrated effort to master the body so that it can obey the mind better. Discipline in the spiritual life is the concentrated effort to create the space and time where God can become our master and where we can respond freely to God’s guidance.

Thus, discipline is the creation of boundaries that keep time and space open for God. Solitude requires discipline, worship requires discipline, caring for others requires discipline. They all ask us to set apart a time and a place where God’s gracious presence can be acknowledged and responded to."

So after our physical exercise and breakfast, plus a time of quiet communion with God in personal devotions, we proceeded to Bishan Territorial Headquarters for our usual Prayer meeting led by Captain Hary. We were blessed as we shared in thanksgiving, worship and prayer.

I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, And it told Thy love to me; But I long to rise in the arms of faith And be closer drawn to Thee. Refrain: Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord, To the cross where Thou hast died; Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord, To Thy precious, bleeding side. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord, By the pow’r of grace divine; Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope, And my will be lost in Thine. Oh, the pure delight of a single hour That before Thy throne I spend, When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God I commune as friend with friend! There are depths of love that I cannot know Till I cross the narrow sea; There are heights of joy that I may not reach Till I rest in peace with Thee. -Frances J Crosby

60th Anniversary -Raffles Girls'School Classmates' celebration

Sixty years ago, my wife and her Raffles Girls' School classmates went their different ways after completing Secondary School and passing the Senior Cambridge Examination in 1953. They were all in their teens.

To day, 20 of them,  half  her class met to celebrate their 60th anniversary.  Three husbands joined this company of elderly ladies all in their 70's to celebrate. Quite a number of the ladies are widows, some husbands did not join us for different reasons such as health, or age etc. One lady is still not married and living with her sick sister at Sixth Avenue. She was one of the organisers.

Two ladies living in Perth Australia made a special trip to join in the celebrations. One now living in Canada heard about our meeting and sent a lovely bouquet of flowers.

One of the three men was a classmate of mine at Raffles Institution. We were greatly outnumbered but warmly welcomed by the ladies. Raffles Institution and Raffles Girls' School were neighbours.

We had a great time of celebration at Spice Restaurant at Orchard Road. The food was good, the fellowship was great. I don't think they will meet every year, but there are thoughts they should celebrate their 65 in five years' time! All will be in their eighties and some may not be around! Still keep hoping.

Not all are on e-mail, some don't use computer, but they can contact each other by telephone. It's wonderful to meet old friends.

I think of the day when we shall meet our loved ones and old friends in Heaven. What a great day that will be! And there will be no parting!

Visit to Peacehaven

We were at Peacehaven this morning to lead chapel service and the go round to visit the folk on Levels 1 and 3. Because of the Christmas and New Year Holidays, we missed two Tuesdays. Everywhere we went we were greeted with the words, "Have not seen you for a long time." Time drags for some of the elderly folk many of them confined to their beds or wheelchairs.

It has often been said, "Talk is cheap" True, words are trivial if they are used to make empty boasts or promises. But words can do a lot for people bringing them encouragement and hope.

"A person finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word!" Proverbs  15:23

The right words spoken with love can mean a lot to someone feeling sad, lonely and depressed.

We thank God for the privilege of visiting the residents, staff and nurses of our Nursing Home and sharing the gospel with them. We try as far as possible to bring that word of hope and encouragement to them

 

Covenant Day at Changi Corps - 6th January

What a great day we had at Changi to lead in worship and preach the word of God. It was good to see our friends once again - some we have known for many years, like Emelie and family from my same kampong Lorong Limau. We have known Grandma Emelie since she was a school girl living at x- 4 Lorong Limau while our family lived at J-13. Her mum Mrs. Irene Lim used to bake cakes and shared with us and Emelie continued in that tradition later on.

There was Charles and Helen. I remember the day when Charles came into the world. and the whole church at Balestier rejoiced with the family.

Good to meet newer friends, like Anthony Yeo and his wife Angela. They provided transport for us on Sunday and also looked after us for practically the whole day.

What a moving sight to see folk coming forward to the Mercy Seat to sign their Covenants.

We thank God for the privilege of ministry and Major Lim Chee for inviting us to conduct the meeting on the first week in January - Covenant Sunday.

Covenants

It is Saturday evening and I've been going through my sermon for tomorrow at Changi Corps (Church) It will be Covenant Sunday and folk will be invited to sign their covenant at the Altar.

How seriously do we take our covenants made with God? There are three I cannot afford to break and I seek God's daily grace to keep me faithful.

1. My Covenant to be a Soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ, to love and serve Him till I die. I signed this when I was a teenager in 1949. It is called "The Articles of War" or "Soldier's covenant"

2. My Officership Covenant - I signed this prior to being ordained and commissioned as a Salvation Army Officer in October 1954 - 58 years ago. It is a life long commitment. I am retired, but not from loving God and serving Him. This is a life long ministry.

3. My marriage Covenant - 7th June 1958 - 54 years ago.

Even as I typed this, I pray this prayer.

"By the love that never ceased to hold me,
By the blood which Thou didst shed for me.
While Thy presence and Thy power enfold me,
I renew my covenant with Thee"  (Will J Brand)

Our first meeting in the New Year

What a joy to have our first cell meeting in the year at our home this morning! We were truly blessed!

First we had our coffee or tea time together - one brought a cheese cake, another some fruit, lovely juicy sweet pineappale and guava, a stollen, etc to share with each other.

Then we had our Bible discussion on several Bible portions. It was most stimulating even though at times we strayed from the subject. The time passed very quickly and soon it was time to close the meeting in prayer. 

We had lunch together and it reminded us of the early church 'breaking bread in the homes of believers.' It was our holy communion the only difference was we had fried noodles and soup while the early Christians broke bread. Every meal should be a sacrament.

We thank God for bringing these folk into our lives. We have been blessed and enriched by their friendship and fellowship with us.

Fellowship comes from the Greek word "KOINONIA" which means 'to share in common.' This sharing is not something optional or when we have the spare time. We need to make time to have fellowship with believers and strengthen the bond among us.

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1: 7

We cannot alienate ourselves from fellowship. To do so will certainly restrict the life-giving flow of the body of Christ and lead to spiritual decline leading us away from God.

The Priority of Prayer

A group of us met at Territorial Hqrs. Chapel for prayers  yesterday and we had a profitable time. We were pleased to have two Malaysian officers who were here for Board meetings - Major Lee Kong Yee from Kuala Lumpur and Captain Tan Guat Hai from Penang join us in our prayer meeting. I am always encouraged when friends take time to participate in corporate prayer. When we pray together we strengthen the bond among us and our relationship with God.

I must confess I feel quite discouraged by my colleagues who live on the building, but don't bother to join us in prayer. They may have their reasons or excuses. Think of what they miss each week - God's special blessings. And I don't know how they can stand up to preach about the importance of prayer.

It is good to have the discipline of regular personal and corporate prayer times.

Ambassadors of Hope

Rabindranath Tagore said, "Every child that is born is a sign that God has not yet despaired of life." There is hope, so let us look forward to the future with hope despite the events threatening world peace. When we have God, we have hope.

I love the old song, the chorus goes like this.

God is still on the throne,
And He will remember His own;
Tho’ trials may press us and burdens distress us,
He never will leave us alone;
God is still on the throne,
He never forsaketh His own;
His promise is true, He will not forget you,
God is still on the throne. - Kittle L Suffield

I have been reminded in my Daily Bible Reading that we Christians are

AMBASSADORS OF HOPE.

New Year 2013

Every New Year I think of the poem written by Minnie Louise Haskins.
It's wonderful and comforting to know that our God knows each one of us more than we know ourselves. Let's keep our faith in Almighty God.

God Knows
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

So heart be still:
What need our little life
Our human life to know, 
If God hath comprehension?
In all the dizzy strife
Of things both high and low,
God hideth His intention.

God knows. His will
Is best. The stretch of years
Which wind ahead, so dim
To our imperfect vision,
Are clear to God. Our fears
Are premature; In Him,
All time hath full provision.

Then rest: until
God moves to lift the veil
From our impatient eyes,
When, as the sweeter features
Of Life’s stern face we hail,
Fair beyond all surmise
God’s thought around His creatures
Our mind shall fill. ^-