6.30 a.m. we had our Sunrise Service at the balcony facing the main road. The band was on duty to accompany the singing. One doctor living at Glendale could hear our music and came to the meeting. He told me later he wished he had known we were holding the sunrise service, he certainly would attend. He assured me he would join us next year. We had a large attendance this year.
I seems most years we have been invited to other churches to preach on Easter Sunday, but this year we did not receive any invite so we worshipped at our own church downstairs.
After the sunrise service we adjourned to the Fellowship Hall to have our Easter breakfast. There was plenty of food available - nasi lemak, fried beehoon, plus fried chicken, porridge, Indian Chennai plus curry and western breakfast. So folk could take their pick - Chinese, Indian, or western. We are not used to a heavy meal, so we kept to corn flakes and bread.
After breakfast it was time for fellowship games and fun. We decided to take a rest in our own flat upstairs so did not join in the fellowship. We had been awake since 4.00 a.m. and felt we needed a little time to ourselves in our home before joining the folk for worship at 10.00 a.m.
The service lasted more than an hour and a half. I took part in praying. After the meeting one sister asked if she could have a copy of my prayer. I had to disappoint her as I do not write my prayers. I've been taught through the years to have extempore prayers. Nothing wrong to read one's prayers, most people seem to do so these days, but we've been brought up in the old fashioned Salvation Army way. We may be called upon to pray anytime without notice. In the olden days, the officer or whoever was leading would say something like this, "After singing the prayer chorus, the meeting is open to anyone to lead us in prayer" or "After the chorus, I call upon Brother So and So or Sister So and So to pray." We just got up and pray.
Well we had a good Sunday - this Easter Day! Christ the Lord is risen today Hallelujah!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
A loving act by two disciples
On this day between Good Friday and Easter, I've been reflecting on two men who suddenly appeared to take the body of Jesus for burial. Certainly this was a brave thing to do - secret disciples suddenly came out into the open to perform a beautiful act of love for the Lord.
It was the custom to leave the bodies of executed criminals to creatures like dogs and vultures. But these two disciples decided to prevent such indignity.
Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin who earlier had not supported the decision to put Jesus to death, went to Pilate to ask permission to take the body of Jesus for burial. This loving act was the fulfillment of prophecy "And He made his grave...with the rich in death." Isaiah 53: 9
Nicodemus the man who came to Jesus by night as recorded in John 3 and later as a member of the
Sanhedrin spoke up on behalf of Jesus (John 7: 45-62), joined forces with Joseph to perform this loving act.
We hear messages preached or messages written about Peter's denial, Judas; betrayal, and a lot of ugly scenes, we seem to ignore such a beautiful scene. I wish I had the artistic skill to paint this scene which fills my memory today.
So the last scene at Calvary - the last gifts from two disciples, Joseph and Nicodemus - one gave his tomb, the other spices and clothing. I can see the tender hands of these two men, the tears that fell on the on the linen.
I often wish I have more to give the Lord, but all He wants of me is 'all that I have and all that I am"
So on this quiet Saturday, I once again in front of this screen before me, dedicate myself to Him.
Thank you Joseph and Nicodemus for showing me this loving act. As age creeps up on me, I can do less and less, but by Your grace help me to do what I can to show my devotion to You. So Lord I come to the cross and pray,
Jesus, keep me near the cross'
There a precious fountain,
Free to all a healing stream,
Flows from Calvary's mountain.
Near the cross a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the bright and morning star
Shed its beams around me.
Near the cross! O Lamb of God:
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadow o'er me. Fanny Crosby
Friday, March 29, 2013
Good Friday
What a blessed time we had this morning at our Combined Good Friday meeting held at the Central Corps (church) auditorium. The church was full to overflowing.
The combined band (William Booth and Central) under the leadership of David Lim played well. After the prelude and call to worship we all joined in the singing of that song of praise, "O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise."
The worship team was led by Rachel Lim. The pieces sung were "This is our God" and "How great is our God" and "Thank You for the cross." It was good to include these contemporary songs that catered for the younger generation. If the church is to survive we need to be relevant. Even the older folk entered fully into worship; singing enthusiastically, raising hands in praise to God and clapping. I was truly blessed by the singing and playing of the Central Corps Worship team.
We were blessed by the two testimonies, the first speaker was Pauline Lee who spoke about the fear and trepidation she had when she was first employed at Kallang Centre. And now after serving there for some time, she really felt a sense of fulfilment. New people, young, middle age and elderly have been brought to the Army. A number have accepted the Lord and on Easter Sunday 31st March, quite a few adults and children will be enrolled as soldiers of the Balestier Corps. Balestier is now a thriving church. We were there on Palm Sunday and what a blessing we received as we ministered to the folk. Yes, Pauline's testimony - "Christ the dearest name to me" blessed the people in the congregation.
The other testimony was from Timothy Ooi, son of John and Esther Ooi, long time members of Balestier. We know the parents well, I grew up with John in the Balestier area. Esther has been working as staff nurse in Peacehaven and in recent months work only part time, so that she can devote the rest of the week in ministry at Kallang and Balestier. Timothy now goes to Changi Corps where he has a special ministry in the sound system. He testified of the trauma he went through after a fall and the healing he received. His subject was "I could not do without Him" Yes, none of us can do without Christ our Lord.
Our Chief Secretary, Lieut. Colonel Lyndon Buckingham gave an excellent message that touched our hearts. We knew his parents, and he really preaches like his father Commissioner Hilmon Buckingham who was promoted to Glory some years ago.
When the appeal was given many seekers came forward to the Mercy Seat. That was a sight to behold people moving forward to the Mercy Seat and seeking the Lord at the foot of the cross as the congregation sang, "Jesus, thou art everything to me."
The meeting ended with a song of praise, "All hall the power of Jesus' name, let angels prostrate fall."
We left the hall for home singing praises to God for a giving us the privilege of sharing in worship on this Good Friday. Great is our God.
We give thanks to God that our three grandchildren are active in this vibrant church. It was good to see our grandson David and grand daughter Rachel leading the Combined Band and the Worship team respectively. It was a joy to see them in action, using their musical talents.
The combined choir led by Captain Zane Haupt sang the beautiful song - "At Calvary" with its refrain, "Mercy there was great and grace was free,
Pardon there was multiplied for me;
There my burdened soul found liberty
At Calvary"
We give thanks to the pastors, Majors Paul and Stephanie Herring (New Zealanders) who are very caring and whenever we mentioned to her about our grandchildren she always says, "I love them to bits!" They are true shepherds of God's flock and we give thanks to God for them.
To me it was one of the best Good Friday meetings I've ever attended. The meeting was well planned, and well timed, the speakers and music were good and God glorifying. To God be the glory.
The combined band (William Booth and Central) under the leadership of David Lim played well. After the prelude and call to worship we all joined in the singing of that song of praise, "O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise."
The worship team was led by Rachel Lim. The pieces sung were "This is our God" and "How great is our God" and "Thank You for the cross." It was good to include these contemporary songs that catered for the younger generation. If the church is to survive we need to be relevant. Even the older folk entered fully into worship; singing enthusiastically, raising hands in praise to God and clapping. I was truly blessed by the singing and playing of the Central Corps Worship team.
We were blessed by the two testimonies, the first speaker was Pauline Lee who spoke about the fear and trepidation she had when she was first employed at Kallang Centre. And now after serving there for some time, she really felt a sense of fulfilment. New people, young, middle age and elderly have been brought to the Army. A number have accepted the Lord and on Easter Sunday 31st March, quite a few adults and children will be enrolled as soldiers of the Balestier Corps. Balestier is now a thriving church. We were there on Palm Sunday and what a blessing we received as we ministered to the folk. Yes, Pauline's testimony - "Christ the dearest name to me" blessed the people in the congregation.
The other testimony was from Timothy Ooi, son of John and Esther Ooi, long time members of Balestier. We know the parents well, I grew up with John in the Balestier area. Esther has been working as staff nurse in Peacehaven and in recent months work only part time, so that she can devote the rest of the week in ministry at Kallang and Balestier. Timothy now goes to Changi Corps where he has a special ministry in the sound system. He testified of the trauma he went through after a fall and the healing he received. His subject was "I could not do without Him" Yes, none of us can do without Christ our Lord.
Our Chief Secretary, Lieut. Colonel Lyndon Buckingham gave an excellent message that touched our hearts. We knew his parents, and he really preaches like his father Commissioner Hilmon Buckingham who was promoted to Glory some years ago.
When the appeal was given many seekers came forward to the Mercy Seat. That was a sight to behold people moving forward to the Mercy Seat and seeking the Lord at the foot of the cross as the congregation sang, "Jesus, thou art everything to me."
The meeting ended with a song of praise, "All hall the power of Jesus' name, let angels prostrate fall."
We left the hall for home singing praises to God for a giving us the privilege of sharing in worship on this Good Friday. Great is our God.
We give thanks to God that our three grandchildren are active in this vibrant church. It was good to see our grandson David and grand daughter Rachel leading the Combined Band and the Worship team respectively. It was a joy to see them in action, using their musical talents.
The combined choir led by Captain Zane Haupt sang the beautiful song - "At Calvary" with its refrain, "Mercy there was great and grace was free,
Pardon there was multiplied for me;
There my burdened soul found liberty
At Calvary"
We give thanks to the pastors, Majors Paul and Stephanie Herring (New Zealanders) who are very caring and whenever we mentioned to her about our grandchildren she always says, "I love them to bits!" They are true shepherds of God's flock and we give thanks to God for them.
To me it was one of the best Good Friday meetings I've ever attended. The meeting was well planned, and well timed, the speakers and music were good and God glorifying. To God be the glory.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Maundy Thursday reflection
What a hallowed time we had this morning as we joined our friends for the Thursday Prayer meeting. Today this was held at the Central Corps (Church) auditorium. Major Paul Herring and his comrades have spent a lot of time and put in a lot of effort to set up the the props and displays depicting the suffering, pain, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The church is open every day this week for visitors who wish to visit, spend time in prayer and meditation.
We joined a number of folk in the lunch hour meeting at Central Corps conducted by Major Ruth Pascoe. The message today was the cry of Jesus on the cross "I thirst."
Jesus our Lord is still thirsting. You and I can hold the cup to His lips by reaching out to suffering humanity and ministering in His name.
King Jesus longed -
And from His dying lips broke forth the cry -
"I thirst", and someone ran and filled a sponge
With vinegar, and put it on a reed and gave it to Him.
This happened long ago.
But still that yearning, still the deep desire,
That thirst for souls for whom He gave His life,
Remains unsatisfied. Hark! still He cares
And some who love Him unto death go forth
To tell those who've never heard His name.
Of His great love - for Him they love to die.
These earnest lives, laid as an offering
At His dear feet, are wasted, do you say? Maud Pittock.
Here is my testimony beautifully expressed by William Cowper
"E'er since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die."
We joined a number of folk in the lunch hour meeting at Central Corps conducted by Major Ruth Pascoe. The message today was the cry of Jesus on the cross "I thirst."
Jesus our Lord is still thirsting. You and I can hold the cup to His lips by reaching out to suffering humanity and ministering in His name.
King Jesus longed -
And from His dying lips broke forth the cry -
"I thirst", and someone ran and filled a sponge
With vinegar, and put it on a reed and gave it to Him.
This happened long ago.
But still that yearning, still the deep desire,
That thirst for souls for whom He gave His life,
Remains unsatisfied. Hark! still He cares
And some who love Him unto death go forth
To tell those who've never heard His name.
Of His great love - for Him they love to die.
These earnest lives, laid as an offering
At His dear feet, are wasted, do you say? Maud Pittock.
Here is my testimony beautifully expressed by William Cowper
"E'er since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die."
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
The cry of dereliction
This morning Captain Hary came for me and we went to Ang Mo Kio to have lunch. Then we made our way to Bishan, Singapore Central Corps (church) to join our friends in lunch time meeting. I spoke on the text, "My God, My God why has Thou forsaken Me." Matthew 27: 46. It was the cry of dereliction.
The ladies who had come for their usual women's meeting on a Wednesday decided to join us before going to the Social Hall for their meeting. So we had a good congregation.
Here is the summary of my message:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Many are the things we cannot understand, all around me mystery I see." How often have I sung this beautiful song. We are surrounded by mysteries, many of them are so profound they are beyond our puny minds to comprehend despite our efforts to plum and probe. In the end we just have to bow in humble adoration and accept this divine mystery. One day when we come face to face with Lord in heaven will this mystery be revealed.
The Pain Jesus felt.
Picture the events from Gethsemane to Calvary. There in the garden, He agonised in prayer. He would rather not take the cup of suffering, but He submitted to the Father's will when He cried "Thy will be done."
This was followed by the betrayal by one of His trusted disciples, Judas Iscariot.; then the rigged trial and the torture. Finally He ended at Calvary where He was nailed to the cross.
There recorded for us in the gospels were seven sayings - the first three expressed His concern for others, then his fourth one, this cry of dereliction. In those few moments, Jesus felt the weight of the sins of the world, from Adam to the last man on earth, placed upon Him. He who knew no sin took upon the curse of sin upon Himself..
The Father Who is all holy turned His face from the ugliness of sin, stretched out his hand and covered the whole world with darkness. Jesus felt the loneliness and abandonment that sin always produces. He felt God-forsaken - it was the mutual acceptance of separation that took place between Father and Son, voluntary acceptance by both because of the sins of the world.
The Perplexity He experienced
The psalmist made this strong declaration in his testimony, "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread." Psalm 37:25. There are many Bible references to God's care and protection for those who trust Him. And when bad things happen to good people all of us are tempted to question God. Why? It is the cry of the baffled heart.
When we seek words to describe a scene of utmost desolation, we call it 'God-forsaken.' Who can fathom the meaning of that word forsaken.
We visit the Peacehaven Nursing Home and often we encounter those placed in the Home by their families expressed their feeling of being abandoned by their children. There are those who cannot accept the fact of being place in the Home.
It is a paradox that this God-forsakeness was real, but the unity of the Trinity was unbroken!
The Person He addressed
In the gospels we read that He often addressed God as "My Father." But on that day, that awful moment, the cry of dereliction on the lips of the One twisted tortured Figure, clamped by crude nails came the words of the Psalmist "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me." Psalm 22. This prophetic psalm of David goes on to tell us of the torture as life ebbs away, "My hands and my feet are withered as you lay me in the dust of earth."
It was a terrible cry on the lips of our Lord. The incarnation is real. He descended into hell- that apartness from God, He just could not address God as "My Father" but "My God."
The Power He gives
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin." Hebrews 4: 15
Commissioner Herbert Lord taken prisoner by the communists, forced to take part in the death march where he saw his fellow prisoners dying one by one, one day felt so down hearted, he cried "Where are you God? Have I been wrong all these years proclaiming a God of love, a God who cares....? then suddenly like a flash of light came the words of Psalm 23 : 4 "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me, they rod and staff they comfort me"
Let me conclude with a thought. You and I who keep our faith in God cannot be forsaken because our Lord was forsaken in our place.
The ladies who had come for their usual women's meeting on a Wednesday decided to join us before going to the Social Hall for their meeting. So we had a good congregation.
Here is the summary of my message:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Many are the things we cannot understand, all around me mystery I see." How often have I sung this beautiful song. We are surrounded by mysteries, many of them are so profound they are beyond our puny minds to comprehend despite our efforts to plum and probe. In the end we just have to bow in humble adoration and accept this divine mystery. One day when we come face to face with Lord in heaven will this mystery be revealed.
The Pain Jesus felt.
Picture the events from Gethsemane to Calvary. There in the garden, He agonised in prayer. He would rather not take the cup of suffering, but He submitted to the Father's will when He cried "Thy will be done."
This was followed by the betrayal by one of His trusted disciples, Judas Iscariot.; then the rigged trial and the torture. Finally He ended at Calvary where He was nailed to the cross.
There recorded for us in the gospels were seven sayings - the first three expressed His concern for others, then his fourth one, this cry of dereliction. In those few moments, Jesus felt the weight of the sins of the world, from Adam to the last man on earth, placed upon Him. He who knew no sin took upon the curse of sin upon Himself..
The Father Who is all holy turned His face from the ugliness of sin, stretched out his hand and covered the whole world with darkness. Jesus felt the loneliness and abandonment that sin always produces. He felt God-forsaken - it was the mutual acceptance of separation that took place between Father and Son, voluntary acceptance by both because of the sins of the world.
The Perplexity He experienced
The psalmist made this strong declaration in his testimony, "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread." Psalm 37:25. There are many Bible references to God's care and protection for those who trust Him. And when bad things happen to good people all of us are tempted to question God. Why? It is the cry of the baffled heart.
When we seek words to describe a scene of utmost desolation, we call it 'God-forsaken.' Who can fathom the meaning of that word forsaken.
We visit the Peacehaven Nursing Home and often we encounter those placed in the Home by their families expressed their feeling of being abandoned by their children. There are those who cannot accept the fact of being place in the Home.
It is a paradox that this God-forsakeness was real, but the unity of the Trinity was unbroken!
The Person He addressed
In the gospels we read that He often addressed God as "My Father." But on that day, that awful moment, the cry of dereliction on the lips of the One twisted tortured Figure, clamped by crude nails came the words of the Psalmist "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me." Psalm 22. This prophetic psalm of David goes on to tell us of the torture as life ebbs away, "My hands and my feet are withered as you lay me in the dust of earth."
It was a terrible cry on the lips of our Lord. The incarnation is real. He descended into hell- that apartness from God, He just could not address God as "My Father" but "My God."
The Power He gives
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin." Hebrews 4: 15
Commissioner Herbert Lord taken prisoner by the communists, forced to take part in the death march where he saw his fellow prisoners dying one by one, one day felt so down hearted, he cried "Where are you God? Have I been wrong all these years proclaiming a God of love, a God who cares....? then suddenly like a flash of light came the words of Psalm 23 : 4 "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me, they rod and staff they comfort me"
Let me conclude with a thought. You and I who keep our faith in God cannot be forsaken because our Lord was forsaken in our place.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Caring and comforting others
"Comfort, or comfort my people'. This was the message given to Isaiah. It came forcibly to me as we went round visiting the residents and staff at Peacehaven Nursing Home today. People need to hear the message of comfort, of hope and encouragement.
We feel without any doubt at all that we as Christians, the recipients of His comfort are to be the messengers of comfort.
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, ...He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted... to comfort all who mourn, ...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy
instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." (Isaiah 61: 2-3)
Often we meet pastors and Christian workers of other denominations and it encourages our hearts to know there are still people who care. It is my fervent prayer that our own salvationists remember our mission - to save souls, grow saints and care for suffering humanity.
Today I found myself reflecting and singing an old American folk hymn which says,
"There is a balm in Gilead, to make the wounded whole;
There is a balm in Gilead, to heal the sin-sick soul.
Sometimes I feel discouraged,
And think my work's in vain,
And then the Holy Spirit
Revives my soul again.
There is a balm in Gilead, to make the wounded whole:
There is a balm in Gilead, to heal the sin-sick soul.
Then when we got home today, I received the latest copy of The Salvationist and I read this from an article by Dr. John Coutts a Salvationist and son of the late General Fred Coutts. In his article he was referring to those who are suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Among the number we visited today were those with dementia.
"It's all too easy for long-faithful Christians to be left unvisited and apparently forgotten. But keeping in touch calls for wisdom and stamina, and caring for those with memory loss can be hard going indeed."
Yesterday I wrote on "The Outstretched Arms of Jesus" that speak of invitation. He welcomes all even those who have loss their memory. These precious souls still need the human touch. You may need to get out the comfort of your office to those in need. Sms and facebook messages are no substitute for personal contact.
Except I am moved with compassion,
How dwelleth Thy Spirit in me?
In word and in deed
Burning love is my need,
I know I can find these in Thee. (Albert Orsborn)
Lord grant me this compassion as seen in Jesus. As I end the day, I can still hear the crying need in people young and old, rich and poor, healthy and sick which can be met in Jesus the Compassion one.
As a follower of Christ, let me be the the agent of compassion.
We feel without any doubt at all that we as Christians, the recipients of His comfort are to be the messengers of comfort.
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, ...He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted... to comfort all who mourn, ...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy
instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." (Isaiah 61: 2-3)
Often we meet pastors and Christian workers of other denominations and it encourages our hearts to know there are still people who care. It is my fervent prayer that our own salvationists remember our mission - to save souls, grow saints and care for suffering humanity.
Today I found myself reflecting and singing an old American folk hymn which says,
"There is a balm in Gilead, to make the wounded whole;
There is a balm in Gilead, to heal the sin-sick soul.
Sometimes I feel discouraged,
And think my work's in vain,
And then the Holy Spirit
Revives my soul again.
There is a balm in Gilead, to make the wounded whole:
There is a balm in Gilead, to heal the sin-sick soul.
Then when we got home today, I received the latest copy of The Salvationist and I read this from an article by Dr. John Coutts a Salvationist and son of the late General Fred Coutts. In his article he was referring to those who are suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Among the number we visited today were those with dementia.
"It's all too easy for long-faithful Christians to be left unvisited and apparently forgotten. But keeping in touch calls for wisdom and stamina, and caring for those with memory loss can be hard going indeed."
Yesterday I wrote on "The Outstretched Arms of Jesus" that speak of invitation. He welcomes all even those who have loss their memory. These precious souls still need the human touch. You may need to get out the comfort of your office to those in need. Sms and facebook messages are no substitute for personal contact.
Except I am moved with compassion,
How dwelleth Thy Spirit in me?
In word and in deed
Burning love is my need,
I know I can find these in Thee. (Albert Orsborn)
Lord grant me this compassion as seen in Jesus. As I end the day, I can still hear the crying need in people young and old, rich and poor, healthy and sick which can be met in Jesus the Compassion one.
As a follower of Christ, let me be the the agent of compassion.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Outstretched Arms of Jesus on the Cross
Jesus said, 'I, when I am lifted up from the earth will draw all men to Myself.' He said this to show the kind of death He would suffer. John 12: 32-33
Lifted up! This was a challenge - let them kill Me, put Me on the cross, lift Me up there. They were not idle words nor an idle boast. This prophecy has found fulfilment. From the cross and to the cross Jesus draws men and women to Himself. There is this wonderful magnetism of the cross. That Figure, hanging on the cross, so helpless, so pathetic, yet so appealing. The outstretched arms of Jesus makes an appeal. Christianity has this unique symbol in the cross of the outstretched arms.
The outstretched arms of Jesus speaks of Invitation. "COME" is a beautiful word. You arrive at the door of a friend. He opens the door and says, "Come in. You are welcome." How beautiful the outstretched hands or arms of a welcoming friend.
We are familiar with that welcoming invitation of Jesus that has brought comfort to many in distress.
"Come to me, all who labour and and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Matthew 11: 28.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Come unto me and rest;
lay down, thou weary one, lay down
thy head upon my breast."
I came to Jesus as I was,
so weary, worn, and sad;
I found in him a resting place,
and he has made me glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Behold, I freely give
the living water; thirsty one,
stoop down and drink, and live."
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in him.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"I am this dark world's light;
look unto me, thy morn shall rise,
and all thy day be bright."
I looked to Jesus, and I found
in him my Star, my Sun;
and in that light of life I'll walk
till traveling days are done. Horatio Bonar
This is holy week. Let us quieten our hearts and minds and meditate on the sufferings, paid and death of our Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins. Speak Lord for Thy servant is listening.
Lifted up! This was a challenge - let them kill Me, put Me on the cross, lift Me up there. They were not idle words nor an idle boast. This prophecy has found fulfilment. From the cross and to the cross Jesus draws men and women to Himself. There is this wonderful magnetism of the cross. That Figure, hanging on the cross, so helpless, so pathetic, yet so appealing. The outstretched arms of Jesus makes an appeal. Christianity has this unique symbol in the cross of the outstretched arms.
The outstretched arms of Jesus speaks of Invitation. "COME" is a beautiful word. You arrive at the door of a friend. He opens the door and says, "Come in. You are welcome." How beautiful the outstretched hands or arms of a welcoming friend.
We are familiar with that welcoming invitation of Jesus that has brought comfort to many in distress.
"Come to me, all who labour and and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Matthew 11: 28.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Come unto me and rest;
lay down, thou weary one, lay down
thy head upon my breast."
I came to Jesus as I was,
so weary, worn, and sad;
I found in him a resting place,
and he has made me glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Behold, I freely give
the living water; thirsty one,
stoop down and drink, and live."
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in him.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"I am this dark world's light;
look unto me, thy morn shall rise,
and all thy day be bright."
I looked to Jesus, and I found
in him my Star, my Sun;
and in that light of life I'll walk
till traveling days are done. Horatio Bonar
This is holy week. Let us quieten our hearts and minds and meditate on the sufferings, paid and death of our Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins. Speak Lord for Thy servant is listening.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
A Word of Confidence
When Jesus had cried with a loud voice, He said, "Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit."
Luke 23: 46
This cry of victory makes it possible for us, believers to share in His triumph over death. Paul exalts in this glorious truth when he said, "O death where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?....Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
(I Cor. 15: 55,57)
The certainty about our life is death. Thank God, when we have Christ in our hearts and keep faithful by His grace, when our pilgrimage is over, we can also pray, "Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit."
Prayer was Jesus' vital breath,
Praise to God, His daily bread,
Orisons began the day.
Ere He slept a prayer He said:
"While in sleep I now recline,
Father, keep this soul of mine."
While they nailed Him to the cross
Pardon for His foes He pled;
Ere His spirit took its flight,
Unto God He spoke and said:
"Father, into hands of Thine,
I commend this soul of mine."
When the day of life is done,
Unknown realms thy soul must dare;
Lift thine eyes to Heaven in trust,
Speak the name of God in prayer;
"Father into hands of Thine,
I command this soul of mine: Anon
Let us pray
"Hide me, O my Saviour hide,
Till the storm of life be past:
Safe into the haven guide:
O receive my soul as last" Charles Wesley.
Luke 23: 46
This cry of victory makes it possible for us, believers to share in His triumph over death. Paul exalts in this glorious truth when he said, "O death where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?....Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
(I Cor. 15: 55,57)
The certainty about our life is death. Thank God, when we have Christ in our hearts and keep faithful by His grace, when our pilgrimage is over, we can also pray, "Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit."
Prayer was Jesus' vital breath,
Praise to God, His daily bread,
Orisons began the day.
Ere He slept a prayer He said:
"While in sleep I now recline,
Father, keep this soul of mine."
While they nailed Him to the cross
Pardon for His foes He pled;
Ere His spirit took its flight,
Unto God He spoke and said:
"Father, into hands of Thine,
I commend this soul of mine."
When the day of life is done,
Unknown realms thy soul must dare;
Lift thine eyes to Heaven in trust,
Speak the name of God in prayer;
"Father into hands of Thine,
I command this soul of mine: Anon
Let us pray
"Hide me, O my Saviour hide,
Till the storm of life be past:
Safe into the haven guide:
O receive my soul as last" Charles Wesley.
Balestier blessings!
It was a great day, a day of blessings as we shared the Word with our Balestier comrades. It is Palm Sunday - we recall the day when Jesus entered Jerusalem in triumph to the shouts of "Hossana to the Son of David. Blessed in the name of the Lord is He who comes. Hossana in the highest."
How thrilled we were to see the lovely people of Balestier. Some have been in the church for many years, from before the war and they are still loving and serving the Lord. Auntie Jean as she is called, was a five year old girl when I first knew her. We were in Sunday school together way back in 1937!
Many of our peers have gone, but we are still on our pilgrim journey.
We met many new friends who started coming to the church since Captain Hary was appointed. Two were from a mega church, but after being introduced to The Salvation Army through our Kallang Centre now worship with us. They will be enrolled as 'Salvation Army soldiers' next Sunday by our Territorial Commander Colonel Gillian Downer. They find they have a ministry in our church.
God is blessing the church. Former Salvationists are returning home.
To God be the glory, great things He has done!
Thought: "We cannot organize revival, but we can set our sails to catch the winds of heaven."
G Campbell Morgan
How thrilled we were to see the lovely people of Balestier. Some have been in the church for many years, from before the war and they are still loving and serving the Lord. Auntie Jean as she is called, was a five year old girl when I first knew her. We were in Sunday school together way back in 1937!
Many of our peers have gone, but we are still on our pilgrim journey.
We met many new friends who started coming to the church since Captain Hary was appointed. Two were from a mega church, but after being introduced to The Salvation Army through our Kallang Centre now worship with us. They will be enrolled as 'Salvation Army soldiers' next Sunday by our Territorial Commander Colonel Gillian Downer. They find they have a ministry in our church.
God is blessing the church. Former Salvationists are returning home.
To God be the glory, great things He has done!
Thought: "We cannot organize revival, but we can set our sails to catch the winds of heaven."
G Campbell Morgan
Saturday, March 23, 2013
A Word of triumph
"When Jesus received the vinegar, He said, 'It is finished'" John 19:30
Jesus came into the world for one purpose - to save the world. So when He uttered those words, it was not a cry of despair or relief, but a cry of victory!
Earlier in His ministry He said, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." John 4:34. Later He was to declare "I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do." John 17:4
"It is finished" is an accounting term - "Fully paid" - The debt completely wiped off and forever. He took the curse of sin upon Himself and paid the price.
"Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God" Hebrews 10:11-12
The old covenant was finished.
"Finished all the types and shadows
Of ceremonial law,
Finished all that God had promised,
Death and hell no more shall awe.
It is finished! It is finished!
Saints from hence your comfort draw. Jonathan Evans.
Wonder of wonders! on the cross He dies!
Man of the ages, David's mighty Son,
The Eternal Word who spake and it was done,
What time, of old, He formed the earth and skies.
Abashed be all the wisdom of the wise!
Let the wide earth through all her kingdom know
The promise of the Lamb of God, whose blood should flow -
For human guilt the ground sole sacrifice.
No more need altar smoke, nor victim bleed:
'Tis finished! the great mystery of love,
Ye sin condemned, by this blood, 'tis decreed.
Ye stand absolved; behold the curse removed!
O Christ! Thy deadly wounds, Thy mortal strife
Crushed death and hell and give immortal life.
'Tis finished all: the veil is rent,
The welcome sure, the access free:
Now then we leave our banishment,
O Father, to return to Thee. Horatius Bonar.
Praise the Lord! It is finished! Redemption complete! Now it is up to each individual to accept the salvation offered to us.
Jesus came into the world for one purpose - to save the world. So when He uttered those words, it was not a cry of despair or relief, but a cry of victory!
Earlier in His ministry He said, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." John 4:34. Later He was to declare "I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do." John 17:4
"It is finished" is an accounting term - "Fully paid" - The debt completely wiped off and forever. He took the curse of sin upon Himself and paid the price.
"Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God" Hebrews 10:11-12
The old covenant was finished.
"Finished all the types and shadows
Of ceremonial law,
Finished all that God had promised,
Death and hell no more shall awe.
It is finished! It is finished!
Saints from hence your comfort draw. Jonathan Evans.
Wonder of wonders! on the cross He dies!
Man of the ages, David's mighty Son,
The Eternal Word who spake and it was done,
What time, of old, He formed the earth and skies.
Abashed be all the wisdom of the wise!
Let the wide earth through all her kingdom know
The promise of the Lamb of God, whose blood should flow -
For human guilt the ground sole sacrifice.
No more need altar smoke, nor victim bleed:
'Tis finished! the great mystery of love,
Ye sin condemned, by this blood, 'tis decreed.
Ye stand absolved; behold the curse removed!
O Christ! Thy deadly wounds, Thy mortal strife
Crushed death and hell and give immortal life.
'Tis finished all: the veil is rent,
The welcome sure, the access free:
Now then we leave our banishment,
O Father, to return to Thee. Horatius Bonar.
Praise the Lord! It is finished! Redemption complete! Now it is up to each individual to accept the salvation offered to us.
Friday, March 22, 2013
A Word of Agony
" Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty." John 19: 28
It's a short cry of anguish - I am thirsty! It was a cry of physical suffering, a sequel to the cry of spiritual desolation heard in that dark hour. Yes, He was God, but He took on our humanity and here is another evidence of this fact.
I thirst! I thirst! the Saviour cried
With burning lips before He died;
A cooling draught He asked of those
Who mocking looked upon His throes.
Angelic hosts from heaven's height
In sorrow gaze upon the sight;
But yet the sky no water drips
To cool the Saviour's parched lips.
A thousand fountains flowed that day,
A river flowed not far away;
But not one cup by friend or foe
Was brought to mitigate His woe.
He suffered thirst on Calvary's hill
That He our thirsty hearts might fill,
To open wide a fount of grace
For all who seek the Saviour's face.
"O come," we hear the Saviour's call -
The invitation is for all:
"Ho, all ye souls athirst, come ye.
And drink the living water free." Anon.
Prayer: "We implore You, by the memory of Your cross's hallowed and most bitter anguish, make us fear you, make us love You, O Christ." St. Bridget 453-523
As I end another day, I think of my Lord who still thirsts. He is thirsting for the souls to be won into His Kingdom. Lord create soul thirst in me. Amen.
It's a short cry of anguish - I am thirsty! It was a cry of physical suffering, a sequel to the cry of spiritual desolation heard in that dark hour. Yes, He was God, but He took on our humanity and here is another evidence of this fact.
I thirst! I thirst! the Saviour cried
With burning lips before He died;
A cooling draught He asked of those
Who mocking looked upon His throes.
Angelic hosts from heaven's height
In sorrow gaze upon the sight;
But yet the sky no water drips
To cool the Saviour's parched lips.
A thousand fountains flowed that day,
A river flowed not far away;
But not one cup by friend or foe
Was brought to mitigate His woe.
He suffered thirst on Calvary's hill
That He our thirsty hearts might fill,
To open wide a fount of grace
For all who seek the Saviour's face.
"O come," we hear the Saviour's call -
The invitation is for all:
"Ho, all ye souls athirst, come ye.
And drink the living water free." Anon.
Prayer: "We implore You, by the memory of Your cross's hallowed and most bitter anguish, make us fear you, make us love You, O Christ." St. Bridget 453-523
As I end another day, I think of my Lord who still thirsts. He is thirsting for the souls to be won into His Kingdom. Lord create soul thirst in me. Amen.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
A hot, hot day!
Early this morning I accompanied my wife to the Dental Centre at Singapore General Hospital where she received root canal treatment. While she was with the dentist, I walked from the Hospital to Hong Kong Street to buy nuts! And with my knapsack filled with nuts, it got heavier and heavier. Well it was hot, very hot indeed and by the time I got back to the Dental clinic, I was soaking wet with perspiration.
Thank God I can still walk, climb pedestrian crossings and eat nuts! To God be the glory.
The hospital will find a big increase in the water bill this month considering the number of cups of water I drank from their dispensing machine - all at no cost to me.
We thank God for good medical and dental services in our country. And very polite doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital too. I came back thanking and praising God for yet another good day.
Thank God I can still walk, climb pedestrian crossings and eat nuts! To God be the glory.
The hospital will find a big increase in the water bill this month considering the number of cups of water I drank from their dispensing machine - all at no cost to me.
We thank God for good medical and dental services in our country. And very polite doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital too. I came back thanking and praising God for yet another good day.
A Word of Dereliction
"Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani? that is to say, My God, My God why hast Thou forsaken Me."
When we seek words to describe a scene of utmost desolation, we call it 'God forsaken'. In His dying moments in terrible pain and loneliness, He cried out to God,"My God, why has Thou forsaken me?" In deep anguish of spirit as He bore the sins of the world, He used the words of the Psalmist (Psalm 22) and directed His prayer to God. This was what he dreaded as He agonised in the Garden of Gethsemane as He prayed to the Father to take the cup from Him. But He had to pass through that spiritual abyss of being forsaken by the Father.
I recall listening to Commissioner Herbert A Lord, the pioneer of work of the Salvation Army in Singapore and Malaya and also Korea tell this incident in his life. He was taken prisoner of war and imprisoned in Changi Prison for three and half years - 1942-1945)
After the war, he was sent back to Korea to be the Territorial Commander. He was taken prisoner by the communists and forced to participate in the notorious 'death march' where he witnessed the pain, suffering death of the so many fellow prisoners.
One day as he was marching with the weary and sick prisoners under the watchful eye of the soldiers, the thought came to him, "Is there a God after all? Have I been wrong all these years proclaiming the God of love to all mankind, the God who cares for all mankind? God, where are you in times like these?"
Suddenly the verse of Scripture from Psalm 23 flashed across his mind "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me. Thy rod and staff they comfort me" Psalm 23: 4
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet without sin." Hebrews 4: 15 Yes, and that includes being forsaken by God! We who keep our faith in Him cannot be forsaken because our Lord was forsaken in our place.
"Many are the things I cannot understand, all around me mystery I see." we often sing. We are surrounded by mysteries and many of them are so profound they are beyond our puny minds to to comprehend, despite our efforts to plumb and probe. In the end, we just have to bow in humble adoration and accept this divine mystery - "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me."
"Deserted! God could separate from His own essence rather,
And Adam's sins have swept between the righteous Son and Father;
Yea, once Immanuel's orphaned cry His universe hath shaken,
It went up single, echoless, "My God, I am forsaken!"
It went up from the holy lips amid His lost creation,
That, of all the lost, no son should use those words of desolation
That earth's worst frenzies, marring hope, should mar not hope's fruition. Elizabeth Barret Browning.
When we seek words to describe a scene of utmost desolation, we call it 'God forsaken'. In His dying moments in terrible pain and loneliness, He cried out to God,"My God, why has Thou forsaken me?" In deep anguish of spirit as He bore the sins of the world, He used the words of the Psalmist (Psalm 22) and directed His prayer to God. This was what he dreaded as He agonised in the Garden of Gethsemane as He prayed to the Father to take the cup from Him. But He had to pass through that spiritual abyss of being forsaken by the Father.
I recall listening to Commissioner Herbert A Lord, the pioneer of work of the Salvation Army in Singapore and Malaya and also Korea tell this incident in his life. He was taken prisoner of war and imprisoned in Changi Prison for three and half years - 1942-1945)
After the war, he was sent back to Korea to be the Territorial Commander. He was taken prisoner by the communists and forced to participate in the notorious 'death march' where he witnessed the pain, suffering death of the so many fellow prisoners.
One day as he was marching with the weary and sick prisoners under the watchful eye of the soldiers, the thought came to him, "Is there a God after all? Have I been wrong all these years proclaiming the God of love to all mankind, the God who cares for all mankind? God, where are you in times like these?"
Suddenly the verse of Scripture from Psalm 23 flashed across his mind "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me. Thy rod and staff they comfort me" Psalm 23: 4
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet without sin." Hebrews 4: 15 Yes, and that includes being forsaken by God! We who keep our faith in Him cannot be forsaken because our Lord was forsaken in our place.
"Many are the things I cannot understand, all around me mystery I see." we often sing. We are surrounded by mysteries and many of them are so profound they are beyond our puny minds to to comprehend, despite our efforts to plumb and probe. In the end, we just have to bow in humble adoration and accept this divine mystery - "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me."
"Deserted! God could separate from His own essence rather,
And Adam's sins have swept between the righteous Son and Father;
Yea, once Immanuel's orphaned cry His universe hath shaken,
It went up single, echoless, "My God, I am forsaken!"
It went up from the holy lips amid His lost creation,
That, of all the lost, no son should use those words of desolation
That earth's worst frenzies, marring hope, should mar not hope's fruition. Elizabeth Barret Browning.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
A Word of devotion
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her,“Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:25-27
"And Mary stood beside the cross! Her soul
Pierced with the selfsame wound that rent His side
Who hung thereon. She watched Him as He died,
Her Son! Saw Him paying the cruel toll
Exactly by the law, and unbelief,
Since He their evil will had dared defy;
There stood the mother, helpless in her grief,
Beside the cross, and saw her firstborn die. Clyde McGee
Beside our Lord on Calvary
Behold His mother near;
Her love so true, so strong, so pure
Hath conquered all her fear.
She dares the fury of His foes,
Endures the scoffers' scorn,
That she might share the Saviour's woes
And comfort Him forlorn.
O come, behold ye mothers all
Of every race and state!
Behold in the pattern true
For you to emulate.
And come ye sons, behold the Christ,
The noblest Son of earth!
In death's dark hour, He looks in love
On her who gave Him birth..
Come, Holy Spirit, breathe on us,
His love to each impart;
Regenerate the soul, create
His image in my heart. Anon.
Even in His last hour on earth, He thought of His mother and made that last arrangement for her. He committed her to the disciple whom He loved - John.
"And Mary stood beside the cross! Her soul
Pierced with the selfsame wound that rent His side
Who hung thereon. She watched Him as He died,
Her Son! Saw Him paying the cruel toll
Exactly by the law, and unbelief,
Since He their evil will had dared defy;
There stood the mother, helpless in her grief,
Beside the cross, and saw her firstborn die. Clyde McGee
Beside our Lord on Calvary
Behold His mother near;
Her love so true, so strong, so pure
Hath conquered all her fear.
She dares the fury of His foes,
Endures the scoffers' scorn,
That she might share the Saviour's woes
And comfort Him forlorn.
O come, behold ye mothers all
Of every race and state!
Behold in the pattern true
For you to emulate.
And come ye sons, behold the Christ,
The noblest Son of earth!
In death's dark hour, He looks in love
On her who gave Him birth..
Come, Holy Spirit, breathe on us,
His love to each impart;
Regenerate the soul, create
His image in my heart. Anon.
Even in His last hour on earth, He thought of His mother and made that last arrangement for her. He committed her to the disciple whom He loved - John.
Thank God for family
Last weekend it was our joy to have meals with our son's family on the Saturday and our daughter's family on Sunday. And today I had lunch with our youngest grandson. I suppose I have spent more time with him than with the rest of the grandchildren, as he was born after we came back home to Singapore to retire.
So this last few days we enjoyed the fellowship of all the members of our family. Never underestimate the importance of family relationships. All God's creatures need that sense of belonging. There is born within us the desire to belong and feel accepted. Values are passed on from one generation to the next.
My wife and I live on our own. Our married children live with their own families, rightly so. They don't live far from us - our son's family live only about six kilometres from where we are and our daughter's family seven kilometres in the opposite direction. We are glad, despite their busy schedules these days, they make time to have us for fellowhip and meals.
Our youngest, God's special child Dora Poh Chin is very tenderly and lovingly cared for by the staff and nurses of our Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing Home. We see her every Tuesday when we visit the Home to do ministry. There is a wonderful caring ministry at Peacehaven.
When young I used to sing a lovely chorus which says,
"With Jesus in the family, Happy, happy home"
And we have the church family the members care for each other.
So this last few days we enjoyed the fellowship of all the members of our family. Never underestimate the importance of family relationships. All God's creatures need that sense of belonging. There is born within us the desire to belong and feel accepted. Values are passed on from one generation to the next.
My wife and I live on our own. Our married children live with their own families, rightly so. They don't live far from us - our son's family live only about six kilometres from where we are and our daughter's family seven kilometres in the opposite direction. We are glad, despite their busy schedules these days, they make time to have us for fellowhip and meals.
Our youngest, God's special child Dora Poh Chin is very tenderly and lovingly cared for by the staff and nurses of our Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing Home. We see her every Tuesday when we visit the Home to do ministry. There is a wonderful caring ministry at Peacehaven.
When young I used to sing a lovely chorus which says,
"With Jesus in the family, Happy, happy home"
And we have the church family the members care for each other.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
The word of assurance
Jesus was crucified between two thieves.
Sadly one reviled the dying Jesus on the cross. So physically near to the Saviour, yet he died without being saved - he was rebellious and unrepentant to the very end. Sad indeed.
But the other in his last moments on earth fixed his eyes on Jesus and cried out to be remembered when Jesus entered the Kingdom. He received the response from the Lord. "Today thou shalt be with Me in Paradise"
What certainty! - Verily I say unto thee.
What speed! - Today
What glory! - In paradise meaning Heaven
What company - With Me- our Lord Jesus Christ.
"When on my aching, burden'd heart,
My sins lie heavily,
Thy pardon grant, Thy peace impart,
In love remember me." Thomas Haweis
"And when these failing lips grow dumb,
And mind and memory flee,
When Thou shalt in Thy Kingdom some,
Jesus, remember me." J. Montgomery.
Sadly one reviled the dying Jesus on the cross. So physically near to the Saviour, yet he died without being saved - he was rebellious and unrepentant to the very end. Sad indeed.
But the other in his last moments on earth fixed his eyes on Jesus and cried out to be remembered when Jesus entered the Kingdom. He received the response from the Lord. "Today thou shalt be with Me in Paradise"
What certainty! - Verily I say unto thee.
What speed! - Today
What glory! - In paradise meaning Heaven
What company - With Me- our Lord Jesus Christ.
"When on my aching, burden'd heart,
My sins lie heavily,
Thy pardon grant, Thy peace impart,
In love remember me." Thomas Haweis
"And when these failing lips grow dumb,
And mind and memory flee,
When Thou shalt in Thy Kingdom some,
Jesus, remember me." J. Montgomery.
Singing to the elderly
Spent the whole morning at Peacehaven Nursing Home. Had a great time at Skylark, third level where we did chapel service. Then we went round the whole floor and also the first level to visit the residents. We are always warmly welcomed by staff and residents.
What a beautiful sight to see a group of elderly ladies, former students of Methodist Girls' School come to visit their former teacher. They wanted to sing to this saintly lady now in her nineties, so I accompanied them on the concertina in singing two hymns - 'Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound' and 'When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died."
I always make it a point to visit Tan Thuan Miang a Central Corps soldier every other week. Today, I encouraged him to tell me about his family. Well most people love to relate their past and they long for a listening ear. Although it's not Christmas, he wanted me to sing to him 'Silent night, holy night'
Well we sang a duet!
What a beautiful sight to see a group of elderly ladies, former students of Methodist Girls' School come to visit their former teacher. They wanted to sing to this saintly lady now in her nineties, so I accompanied them on the concertina in singing two hymns - 'Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound' and 'When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died."
I always make it a point to visit Tan Thuan Miang a Central Corps soldier every other week. Today, I encouraged him to tell me about his family. Well most people love to relate their past and they long for a listening ear. Although it's not Christmas, he wanted me to sing to him 'Silent night, holy night'
Well we sang a duet!
Monday, March 18, 2013
The word of forgiveness
Our Lord hanging on the Cross spoke seven times. Every statement or prayer He made contained a great truth.
Seven times He spake, seven words of love,
And all three hours His silence cried
For mercy on the souls of men:
Jesus, our Lord was crucified.
The first word - the word of forgiveness. "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know now what they do." Luke 23:34. This beautiful prayer is in perfect harmony with His teaching in the gospels, particularly the Beatitudes.
Not easy is it? It is easy to talk or preach the subject of forgiveness until someone comes into our lives who need that forgiveness from us.
But this is what grace is all about. May the Lord grant us the grace of forgiveness.
"And from my smitten heart with tears,
Two wonders I confess:
The wonders of His glorious love
And my own worthlessness.
Thank You Lord for this another day. I remember my friends and family with love and those who have in some way offended me with forgiveness. I entrust them to your care and keeping.
Let the fire of the Holy Spirit fill my heart destroying all the meaness and hypocrisy and let the beauty of Jesus be in me and seen in me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit iwthin me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Seven times He spake, seven words of love,
And all three hours His silence cried
For mercy on the souls of men:
Jesus, our Lord was crucified.
The first word - the word of forgiveness. "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know now what they do." Luke 23:34. This beautiful prayer is in perfect harmony with His teaching in the gospels, particularly the Beatitudes.
Not easy is it? It is easy to talk or preach the subject of forgiveness until someone comes into our lives who need that forgiveness from us.
But this is what grace is all about. May the Lord grant us the grace of forgiveness.
"And from my smitten heart with tears,
Two wonders I confess:
The wonders of His glorious love
And my own worthlessness.
Thank You Lord for this another day. I remember my friends and family with love and those who have in some way offended me with forgiveness. I entrust them to your care and keeping.
Let the fire of the Holy Spirit fill my heart destroying all the meaness and hypocrisy and let the beauty of Jesus be in me and seen in me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit iwthin me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Friday, March 15, 2013
"Take up thy cross and follow Me"
I have been pondering over the remark made by the new Pope Francis 1. It applies not just to Roman Catholics but also to all believers of Christ regardless of the denomination we belong to.
"When we walk without the cross, when we build without the cross and when we proclaim Christ without the cross, we are not disciples of the Lord. We are worldly," he told the massed ranks of cardinals clad in golden vestments.
"We may be bishops, priests, cardinals, popes, all of this, but we are not disciples of the Lord," he added.
“Take up thy cross and follow Me,”
I hear the blessed Savior call;
How can I make a lesser sacrifice,
When Jesus gave His all? (Alfred H Ackley)
"When we walk without the cross, when we build without the cross and when we proclaim Christ without the cross, we are not disciples of the Lord. We are worldly," he told the massed ranks of cardinals clad in golden vestments.
"We may be bishops, priests, cardinals, popes, all of this, but we are not disciples of the Lord," he added.
“Take up thy cross and follow Me,”
I hear the blessed Savior call;
How can I make a lesser sacrifice,
When Jesus gave His all? (Alfred H Ackley)
Loving God and loving others
This morning eleven of us met at our home for fellowship, study of the word and prayer. This is our regular cell group meeting which meets every Friday morning.
Our discussion was on "Loving People". We discussed on the passages of Scripture from Matthew 8: 1-7, 9:27-30, 14: 13-14 - incidents showing us the compassion of Jesus - the leper, an outcast from society; the centurion a gentile whom the Jews despised, and a blind man.
I am reminded of the cartoon series "Peanuts", a character who said, "I love humanity. It's people I can't stand"
And someone else who once said, "He who loves the whole world often has trouble with the onery individuals who compose it." Something for us to ponder! Do we have trouble seeing people as persons for whom Christ came to save?
Think of the leper - an outcast from society in those days! Think of the centurion, a gentile working of the Romans, much hated by the Jews. Think of the blind man, the man who eked out a megre existence by begging. But Jesus saw him as a person in need.
The good news of the gospel - God is love. We are familiar with John 3: 16 and those reading this blog know it. Here is another of my favourite verses "Long ago the Lord said to Israel:“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. (NLB)
This wonderful love did not begin when we began to love God. "We love Him because He first loved us." (1 John 4: 19) When we love others we are walking in the footstepd of the our Lord who is always compassionate.
The Saviour of men came to seek and to save
The souls who were lost to the good;
His Spirit was moved for the world which he loved
With the boundless compassion of God.
And still there are fields where the labourers are few,
And still there are souls without bread,
And still eyes that weep where the darkness is deep,
And still straying sheep to be led.
Chorus
Except I am moved with compassion,
How dwelleth thy Spirit in me?
In word and in deed
Burning love is my need;
I now know I can find it in thee.
O is not the Christ ‘midst the crowd of today
Whose questioning cries do not cease?
And will he not show to the hearts that would know
The things that belong to their peace?
But how shall they hear if the preacher forbear
Or lack in compassionate zeal?
Or how shall hearts move with the Master’s own love,
Without his anointing and seal?
It is not with might to establish the right,
Nor yet with the wise to give rest;
The mind cannot show what the heart longs to know
Nor comfort a people distressed.
O Saviour of men, touch my spirit again,
And grant that thy servant may be
Intense every day, as I labour and pray,
Both instant and constant for thee. (Albert Orsborn)
Our discussion was on "Loving People". We discussed on the passages of Scripture from Matthew 8: 1-7, 9:27-30, 14: 13-14 - incidents showing us the compassion of Jesus - the leper, an outcast from society; the centurion a gentile whom the Jews despised, and a blind man.
I am reminded of the cartoon series "Peanuts", a character who said, "I love humanity. It's people I can't stand"
And someone else who once said, "He who loves the whole world often has trouble with the onery individuals who compose it." Something for us to ponder! Do we have trouble seeing people as persons for whom Christ came to save?
Think of the leper - an outcast from society in those days! Think of the centurion, a gentile working of the Romans, much hated by the Jews. Think of the blind man, the man who eked out a megre existence by begging. But Jesus saw him as a person in need.
The good news of the gospel - God is love. We are familiar with John 3: 16 and those reading this blog know it. Here is another of my favourite verses "Long ago the Lord said to Israel:“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. (NLB)
This wonderful love did not begin when we began to love God. "We love Him because He first loved us." (1 John 4: 19) When we love others we are walking in the footstepd of the our Lord who is always compassionate.
The Saviour of men came to seek and to save
The souls who were lost to the good;
His Spirit was moved for the world which he loved
With the boundless compassion of God.
And still there are fields where the labourers are few,
And still there are souls without bread,
And still eyes that weep where the darkness is deep,
And still straying sheep to be led.
Chorus
Except I am moved with compassion,
How dwelleth thy Spirit in me?
In word and in deed
Burning love is my need;
I now know I can find it in thee.
O is not the Christ ‘midst the crowd of today
Whose questioning cries do not cease?
And will he not show to the hearts that would know
The things that belong to their peace?
But how shall they hear if the preacher forbear
Or lack in compassionate zeal?
Or how shall hearts move with the Master’s own love,
Without his anointing and seal?
It is not with might to establish the right,
Nor yet with the wise to give rest;
The mind cannot show what the heart longs to know
Nor comfort a people distressed.
O Saviour of men, touch my spirit again,
And grant that thy servant may be
Intense every day, as I labour and pray,
Both instant and constant for thee. (Albert Orsborn)
Thursday, March 14, 2013
In Christ alone my hope is found
In my quiet meditation I found myself singing this beautiful song. Yes, He is my All in All. It is in our human nature we want more of everything but when Christ is my All in All, I have all my needs met in Christ. I am content.
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand. (Stuart Townsend)
Jesus, Thou art everything to me.
All my lasting joys are found in Thee.
Jesus, Thou are everyting to me. (Arthur S Arnott)
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand. (Stuart Townsend)
Jesus, Thou art everything to me.
All my lasting joys are found in Thee.
Jesus, Thou are everyting to me. (Arthur S Arnott)
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
O what a wonderful day!
It's always a wonderful blessed day at Peacehaven ministering to the sick, the disabled and the needy. The Lord has given us 16 years of ministry at this nursing Home where our youngest daughter is one of the residents. She will be 44 years old next month and still unable to care for herself and even talk.
But she is wonderfully cared for by the staff and nurses and certainly the chaplain Jimi who visits her and sings to her. What a beautiful sight to see our chaplain Jimi Tan sitting beside her and playing his guitar and singing to her and the other residents.
Earlier on we were conducting chapel service in another area of the Home.
Most of the residents want to talk not that I mind listening the same story every time. Today I was detained by a man confined to a wheel chair, a Mr. Yu who related his story. He is now 78. At the age of 13 he suffered from polio and became paralysed. Then his father died during the Japanese occupation and his widowed mother brought up the three children. They were too poor to go to school.
Later they moved to Singapore. After his mother's death, his younger brother cared for him. They had to employ a maid. God in a wonderful way, opened the way for him to attend the Peacehaven Bedok Day Care centre and now he is living at our Peacehaven Nursing Home. He knows the Lord, there is no word of complaint but full of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord who still provides.
The morning passed very quickly as moved from one Living area to another chatting and praying with the folk. In blessing others we have been truly blessed. We thank God for health and strength to work for Him.
But she is wonderfully cared for by the staff and nurses and certainly the chaplain Jimi who visits her and sings to her. What a beautiful sight to see our chaplain Jimi Tan sitting beside her and playing his guitar and singing to her and the other residents.
Earlier on we were conducting chapel service in another area of the Home.
Most of the residents want to talk not that I mind listening the same story every time. Today I was detained by a man confined to a wheel chair, a Mr. Yu who related his story. He is now 78. At the age of 13 he suffered from polio and became paralysed. Then his father died during the Japanese occupation and his widowed mother brought up the three children. They were too poor to go to school.
Later they moved to Singapore. After his mother's death, his younger brother cared for him. They had to employ a maid. God in a wonderful way, opened the way for him to attend the Peacehaven Bedok Day Care centre and now he is living at our Peacehaven Nursing Home. He knows the Lord, there is no word of complaint but full of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord who still provides.
The morning passed very quickly as moved from one Living area to another chatting and praying with the folk. In blessing others we have been truly blessed. We thank God for health and strength to work for Him.
Monday, March 11, 2013
On the Cross of Calvary - Jesus died for you and me.
During Holy Week, there will be lunch hour meetings held at the Central Corps Hall and I've been asked to be responsible for the meeting on Wednesday. 27th March. The message will be on one of the seven sayings of the cross - "The Cry of Dereliction" from the lips of our Lord hanging on the cross at Calvary. It is the cry of despair, "My God, My God why have You forsaken Me."
I've spent a lot of time reflecting on this message.This cry from the cross is really far too deep for my puny mind to comprehend. Try as I might, I find it difficult to probe and plumb into the depths of this brief cry from Jesus.
But I am comforted that however low I may feel - facing, misunderstanding, rejection, abandonment, that sense of forsakeness, my Lord has been through it all. My situation cannot be compared with His.
Think of it, the agony in Gethsemane, that last moment when He could have turned and flee, but He did not. He came to fulfil the Father's will and purpose to save the world. There followed the betrayal by one of His closest friends. Then the arrest, the rigged trial, and the pain He had to bear when the whip was lashed to His tired body. He was abused, mocked and finally nailed to that shameful cross reserved for criminals. He did it all for the whole of mankind. Yes, He did it for me!
We cannot fully understand let alone explain this terrible state of abandonment. We can only bow in humble adoration and say, It was for me that Jesus died on the cross of Calvary.
I've spent a lot of time reflecting on this message.This cry from the cross is really far too deep for my puny mind to comprehend. Try as I might, I find it difficult to probe and plumb into the depths of this brief cry from Jesus.
But I am comforted that however low I may feel - facing, misunderstanding, rejection, abandonment, that sense of forsakeness, my Lord has been through it all. My situation cannot be compared with His.
Think of it, the agony in Gethsemane, that last moment when He could have turned and flee, but He did not. He came to fulfil the Father's will and purpose to save the world. There followed the betrayal by one of His closest friends. Then the arrest, the rigged trial, and the pain He had to bear when the whip was lashed to His tired body. He was abused, mocked and finally nailed to that shameful cross reserved for criminals. He did it all for the whole of mankind. Yes, He did it for me!
We cannot fully understand let alone explain this terrible state of abandonment. We can only bow in humble adoration and say, It was for me that Jesus died on the cross of Calvary.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Felowship among believers
Twelve of us met in our home this morning for fellowship, sharing of the Word and prayer. What a great time we had. We always begin the day with refreshments - tea, coffee, cold drinks, each person helps himself or herself to whatever is on the table - cakes, cookies, biscuits. The time usually passes very quickly.
Normally those who want to stay for lunch, join us to eat what is available or what anyone brings. Today however, we had to stop at 11.30 a.m as we had an appointment to take two visitors from International Headquarters out for lunch. Majors Margaret Stredwick and Richard Welch have been conducting finance training courses for representatives from the zone. The delegates have all gone home and the two trainers will leave early tomorrow morning.
We have been recipients of hospitality when we went overseas and we feel when others visit our country, we should show courtesy. We knew Richard's parents in the late 'fifties and again in the eighties they came to Hong Kong to work for The Salvation Army. Joe Welch is now with the Lord and his wife Margaret lives in England.
Thank God for friends who have enriched our lives.
"Thank You Lord for everyone who loves You and belongs to Your family. You are our Heavenly Father and we are Your children. Thank You for the world wide family of Your people.
Lord bless the family of my church. May we accept one another regardless of race or colour of skin as brothers and sisters, finding strength and joy in our life together. Help us to strengthen our bond of fellowship in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Normally those who want to stay for lunch, join us to eat what is available or what anyone brings. Today however, we had to stop at 11.30 a.m as we had an appointment to take two visitors from International Headquarters out for lunch. Majors Margaret Stredwick and Richard Welch have been conducting finance training courses for representatives from the zone. The delegates have all gone home and the two trainers will leave early tomorrow morning.
We have been recipients of hospitality when we went overseas and we feel when others visit our country, we should show courtesy. We knew Richard's parents in the late 'fifties and again in the eighties they came to Hong Kong to work for The Salvation Army. Joe Welch is now with the Lord and his wife Margaret lives in England.
Thank God for friends who have enriched our lives.
"Thank You Lord for everyone who loves You and belongs to Your family. You are our Heavenly Father and we are Your children. Thank You for the world wide family of Your people.
Lord bless the family of my church. May we accept one another regardless of race or colour of skin as brothers and sisters, finding strength and joy in our life together. Help us to strengthen our bond of fellowship in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
This is my story - Hong Kong/Taiwan -77
77 – Happy memories of Hong Kong and Taiwan
How privileged we were to spend seven and a half years as leaders of the Hong Kong and Taiwan Command as it was then called. Today the name is changed to Hong Kong and Macau Command. Taiwan
We had a good team of Officers and lay people working at Command Headquarters. The General Secretary Major Moira Wright a New Zealander was an excellent second-in- command. I can honestly say that she gave me and my wife one hundred per cent loyalty and support. We lived in the same compound called Pink Villa at Castle Peak Road
We had worked together in Singapore and Malaysia for many years and prior to our appointment to Hong Kong , she was the Social Services Secretary and as such worked very closely with me as the General Secretary. So we knew each other well and understood each others ways of doing things. She always went the extra mile in serving others.
When we arrived most of the Heads of Department were expatriates or what we term ‘reinforcement officers’ with the exception of the Editor and Literary Secretary, Brigadier Thomas Lau To San who was near retirement. After a couple of years there, when the expatriates returned home, we were able to appoint three local Hong Kong officers – Major James Lau as Field Secretary in charge of our evangelical work, Major Keith Cheng as the Social Secretary responsible for all our social services, and Major Alfred Tsang as our Public Relations Secretary. A few years later we were able to appoint Major Andrew Lo as the first local Training Principal.
With 1997 approaching, I felt it was necessary to have the majority of top positions manned by local Hong Kongers. So we all prayed and worked extra hard trying to raise up local leadership.
We did have some set backs. I was very sad when the marriage of Majors Alfred and Anna Tsang’s broke up. This meant that they had to resign from officership. They were good capable officers and we were very sorry to part with them.
Majors Keith and Mary Cheng decided to resign and emigrate to Perth , Australia New Zealand
Many years later they returned to officership and started the Chinese Corps (Church) in Perth
Alfred Tsang ran hotels in Hong Kong and China
Majors James and Alice Lau were transferred to Singapore Hong Kong / Taiwan Command. He was promoted to Glory while still in active service.
We learned a lot from our experience in Hong Kong and Taiwan
One thing I have learnt is the need to keep all communication channels open. First I had to concentrate on learning Cantonese. My secretary, Miss Orenda Law was a great help to me in this direction, so were the officers. My wife had an advantage in that she is Cantonese and born in Hong Kong, but grew up in Singapore
Effective teams are built upon leaders who are open and willing to evaluate ideas and listen carefully to others before formulating decisions. The team at Headquarters comprised locals, British, Australian, American, New Zealanders and Singaporean each brought up in his or her own culture. We learned to ‘agree to disagree’ at times and worked as a team for the glory of God.
I had only one bad experience when an expatriate couple felt they were a cut above others and insisted on doing their own thing. There were questions about their integrity and in the end I had to tell them their services were no longer required in Hong Kong . They were told to return to their homeland at the conclusion of their first term of office and take up a home appointment. They refused and sent in their resignation, but in recent years returned to officership in their own territory.
Sometimes God allows certain circumstance or people to come into our lives to keep us humble and trust completely in Him. It is part of our nurturing and spiritual growth.
Major Moira Wright received a change of appointment and promotion to become the Officer Commanding of Singapore/Malaysia Command and she was succeeded by Lieut. Colonel William Banks and his wife Muriel. They were British officers who had seen service in Japan and Southern Africa .
When we were appointed to be the Territorial Leaders for the Philippines
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Someone cares
I love John Gowans' poems; they inspire, challenge and encourage me in life's journey. Here is one of his beautiful ones that I find myself singing it when I came home after visiting Peacehaven Nursing Home this morning. We spent the time after chapel service, visiting the folk who enjoy companionship. Visiting the sick, the lonely and those in need is our Christian duty.
"Do you sometimes feel that no one truly knows you,
And that no one understands or really cares?
Through His people, God Himself is close beside you,
And through them He plans to answer all your prayers.
Someone cares, someone cares,
Someone knows your deepest need, and your burden shares;
Someone cares, someone cares,
God Himself will hear the whisper of your prayers.
Ours is not a distant God, remote, unfeeling,
Who is careless of our loneliness and pain,
Through the ministry of men He gives His healing,
In their dedicated hands brings hope again."
Take time to visit someone, you may be the answer to someone's prayer. People are living longer, and increasingly, spending their last years alone. One the whole we are greeted with welcoming smiles. They know someone cares enough to spend time to chat with them.
"Do you sometimes feel that no one truly knows you,
And that no one understands or really cares?
Through His people, God Himself is close beside you,
And through them He plans to answer all your prayers.
Someone cares, someone cares,
Someone knows your deepest need, and your burden shares;
Someone cares, someone cares,
God Himself will hear the whisper of your prayers.
Ours is not a distant God, remote, unfeeling,
Who is careless of our loneliness and pain,
Through the ministry of men He gives His healing,
In their dedicated hands brings hope again."
Take time to visit someone, you may be the answer to someone's prayer. People are living longer, and increasingly, spending their last years alone. One the whole we are greeted with welcoming smiles. They know someone cares enough to spend time to chat with them.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Lenten meditation on Sunday
We thank God for the privilege of worship in our church this morning. We had a number of visitors among whom was a couple from Woodlands who recalled the days when they worshipped with us at Clemenceau Avenue. There were a number of international visitors who at present are holding a Finance Seminar in our building. One of the lecturers is Major Richard Welch. His father Joe Welch used to be the bandmaster at the Central Corps in the fifties!
We are in the season of Lent. Last week the message was on "The Temptation of Jesus". Satan tempted Jesus to change stones into bread, in other words use His divine power to meet His own physical need of hunger. Besides He could use this power to turn stones into bread to feed the whole world. An easy way out to fulfil His purpose
But Jesus responded with the word of God quoting Deuteronomy 8: 3 to defeat Satan.
".... man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."
This morning our meditation was on the second temptation - more subtle than the first. Satan attack. ed again using God's word by twisting it. Satan took Jesus to the pinnacle of the Temple - the height equivalent to and HDB block of flats 20 stories high. He then quoted Psalm 91: 11-12. - God promises to take care of His own. He is saying, "If you really believe the Scriptures, then jump. Let's see if the Father cares for you. Satan conveniently left out the preceding verse "If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter..." There are always conditions to be met before benefits can be received. on God's word.
Satan has the habit of casting doubt on God's word.It reminds me of this thought from Shakespeare in "Merchant of Venice "the devil can cite scripture for his purpose"
All Salvationists subscribe to the Doctrines of The Salvation Army. The first doctrine says'
"We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian rule and practice.'
We are in the season of Lent. Last week the message was on "The Temptation of Jesus". Satan tempted Jesus to change stones into bread, in other words use His divine power to meet His own physical need of hunger. Besides He could use this power to turn stones into bread to feed the whole world. An easy way out to fulfil His purpose
But Jesus responded with the word of God quoting Deuteronomy 8: 3 to defeat Satan.
".... man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."
This morning our meditation was on the second temptation - more subtle than the first. Satan attack. ed again using God's word by twisting it. Satan took Jesus to the pinnacle of the Temple - the height equivalent to and HDB block of flats 20 stories high. He then quoted Psalm 91: 11-12. - God promises to take care of His own. He is saying, "If you really believe the Scriptures, then jump. Let's see if the Father cares for you. Satan conveniently left out the preceding verse "If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter..." There are always conditions to be met before benefits can be received. on God's word.
Satan has the habit of casting doubt on God's word.It reminds me of this thought from Shakespeare in "Merchant of Venice "the devil can cite scripture for his purpose"
All Salvationists subscribe to the Doctrines of The Salvation Army. The first doctrine says'
"We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian rule and practice.'
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Determination
"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2: 2
We make up our minds on something we feel strongly about and say to ourselves, "I am resolved or determined to carry out my conviction."
Paul the apostle was a very determined person. Before he found Christ, he made up his mind to get rid of all Christians. But he found Christ on the Damascus Road and his determination changed. He made an about turn.
He made up his mind to preach one message - Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
It is Saturday evening and my mind is focused on the Bible lesson for tomorrow. What a joy to be given this privilege to share the word with fellow believers hungering for the word of life.
We make up our minds on something we feel strongly about and say to ourselves, "I am resolved or determined to carry out my conviction."
Paul the apostle was a very determined person. Before he found Christ, he made up his mind to get rid of all Christians. But he found Christ on the Damascus Road and his determination changed. He made an about turn.
He made up his mind to preach one message - Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
It is Saturday evening and my mind is focused on the Bible lesson for tomorrow. What a joy to be given this privilege to share the word with fellow believers hungering for the word of life.
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