Common sense and humour

"Common sense and a sense of humour are the same thing moving at different speeds. A sense of humour is only common sense dancing." Clive James.

I look out of my window and see some squirrels jumping around. They are enjoying themselves. God's creatures have a lot to teach us.

Thanksgiving

Every morning when I wake up, I give thanks to God for another day. "This is the day that the Lord has made! We will rejoice and be glad in it. As the day goes on, there is much to thank God for. Blessings abound wherever He reigns. At the end of the day, I thank the Lord and commit myself to Him. It's wonderful to leave all our worries and concerns with Him.

Last night we were out with the family to the new Plaza called JEM (Jurong East Mall) I have yet to get used to these big shopping centres. Are we not privileged living in Singapore? We had our a delicious dinner. Prices are reasonable and within our means. Thank God.

Thank God I can still walk, write, type and care for myself. I've passed my 81st birthday and still enjoying life. Thanks be to God.

"When cares of earth your soul distress.
When fears for future days oppress,
When loads increase, and strength grow less,
      Try thanksgiving.

When you see no ray of light,
When you must walk by faith, not sight.
When sorely battled in the fight,
      Try thanksgiving.

When sorrow comes with you to say.
When those you love are called away,
When grief besets your pilgrim way,
     Try thanksgiving.

For God who heard in days gone by,
Still hears His children when they cry,
So we will seek His Throne on high,
      With thanksgiving,    -Doris Rendall.

Rejoice or weep?

Today's devotional reading from "Words of Life" take our thoughts to the song "I feel like singing all the time." It's been a long time since I last sang this song. We don't seem to sing the old songs these days which is a pity. When my wife and I conduct a service, we always want to plan our own programme or order of service. We make it a point to revive some of the old songs.

I must confess I cannot truthfully claim, "I feel like singing all the time." Some days I feel like crying and not singing. Life has its ups and downs - times of rejoicing and times of mourning.

Whatever our situation we know deep in our hearts there is that peace of the Lord. We may not feel like singing, but we have that sense of calm in our hearts.

Here is an old chorus, one of my favourites.

Peace, peace, sweet peace, wonderful gift from above.
O wonderful, wonderful peace, Sweet peace the gift of God's love.

And here is another of my old favourites: "Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee."

Well next Sunday we shall be at Balestier Corps to conduct the meeting. It will be  for me 'balek kampong' (returning to my old village) Thank God that day in 1937, The Salvation Army held an open air meeting and this five year old and his siblings watched them with interest and followed them to the hall at Balestier Road.

We had a good day today. I did the Adult Bible class then attended the Holiness meetings let by our Chief Secretary Lieut. Colonel Paul Posadas and his wife Evelyn.  Our Corps officer is away in Ipoh.

To God be the glory.

Celebration lunch - Sarah Fang and Ryan Kir

Sarah Fang and Ryan Kir were married in Australia last December. Many of their family members and friends are in Singapore, so today the couple held a Celebration lunch at Stellar at 1-Altitude, Raffles place. It was our first visit to this beautiful restaurant situated on the 62nd floor of the building. What a view of Singapore from such a height! I've never been to such a tall building before.

We were seated at the main bridal table- indeed a great honour we had not expected at all. I was requested to say grace before the meal, and I took the opportunity to beseech God's special blessing on the bridal couple and the family. There is a saying that marriage is made in heaven, and we know for sure whether one believes this or not, has to be worked out on earth. We all need God at every stage of our journey.

We have known the parents since we were appointed as Corps Officers (pastors) of Singapore Central Corps at Clemenceau Avenue where we served for four years. Sarah's father Freddy Gek Hor was one of the boys from the neighbourhood who attended our Sunday School and Torchbearer Youth Group.

Susan Siew Gek the mother came from the Serangoon Road area and was also a faithful attender. Both Susan and Freddy became active salvationists. Later they and their two daughters emigrated to Australia.

So today, it was the gathering of old friends to celebrate the marriage of their daughter Sarah to Ryan. My wife and I were privileged to be invited and asked to take part.

On the way home I was reflecting on the wedding at Cana where Jesus and his mother were invited. Jesus was on the great mission to save the world, yet He took time to attend a wedding and take part in the festivities. Jesus participated in the wedding celebrations because they involved people. He came to be with people. We too have a mission, it this means involving with people in joyous times like wedding celebrations as well as times of sorrow and sadness.

I also reflected on our wedding 55 years ago. There was not the elaborate celebration, but we included our Lord in the celebration and we thank Him He has journeyed with us throughout the 55 years. Thank You Lord! You've been good to us!

The secret place of prayer

I just had my quiet devotions at my favourite place - the balcony. I call it my sanctuary. Across on the other side of the fence is Trinity Theological College. At the moment four Salvation Army cadets are attending their courses at this college. I pray for them everyday.

Right in front of me are several pot plants - the bougainvillea flowers are beautiful. God is the perfect Designer.

Let me share a beautiful poem on prayer by an unknown writer.

I need not leave the jostling crowd
  Or wait till daily tasks are o'er
To fold my hands in secret prayer
  Without the close shut closet door.
There is a viewless cloistered room
   As high as heaven, as fair as day,
Where, though my feet may join the throng,
   My soul can enter in and pray.
When I have banished wayward thoughts
   Of sinful works the fruitful seed,
When folly wins my ear no more,
  The closet door is shut indeed.
No human step approaching makes
  That blissful silence of the place.
No shadow steals across the light
  That falls from my Redeemer's face!
And never through these crystal walls
   The clash of life can pierce its way,
Nor ever can a human ear
  Drink in the spirit words I say,
One, hearkening, even cannot know
   When I have crossed the threshold o'er,
For He alone who hears my prayer
  Has heard the shutting of the door.  - Author unknown.

Call to Prayer - 2013 High Council

We were privileged to join our brothers and sisters in Christ at the Global Prayer meeting held at our Territorial Hqrs chapel at Bishan this morning. For the first part of the meeting, we concentrated on the main topic - The High Council

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." Ephesians 6: 18

We are called to prayer - always.
We are called to pray for all the Lord's people
We are called to pray for our leaders.

 ^"Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust." Acts 14: 23

With Paul and Barnabas as our example
We are calling The Salvation Army
To unite in prayer and fasting, as our leaders
Meet to elect the next General of
The Salvation Army, trusting God for
A Spirit-led High Council.

Pray for each of the 117 members of the High Council (see list at: http//www.salvationarmy,org/ihq/highcouncil2013members)

Pray for the Chief of the Staff, Commissisoner Andre Cox as he oversees the opening of the High Council.

Pray for the President and Vice-President of the High Council, as they take on the responsibility of leading the nominations and election of the next General of The Salvation Army.

Pray for an election led by the Holy Spirit.

Pray for unity.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3: 15-17

(Call to Prayer produced by Centre for Spiritual Life Developement, IHQ)

 

God is faithful

One of the most prized attributes is 'the faithfulness of a friend.' And we have many we can put in this category. We thank God for these faithful friends we can turn to at any time.

Sometimes we may be going through a period of anxiety and how good it is when someone turns up and we can share freely our problems. Here is a verse we have three thoughts to ponder.

"Know therefore that the Lord your God; he is the faithful God..." Deut. 7: 9

First He is the Lord our God.
Second He is God the Almighty.
Third, He is faithful.

My favourite hymn "Great is Thy faithfulness"

“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

• “Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!“
    Morning by morning new mercies I see;
  All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
      “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! -Thomas O Chisholm

 

Waiting on God.

The great English poet John Milton (1608-74) after going blind,  wrote the poem "On His Blindness". In the sonnet's last line, he reflects that even with his disability he has a place in the world:

When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide,
"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need
Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o'er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait.

Many of us I'm sure find waiting rather tedious and taxing to our patience. We want things done quickly. We love speed and envy those who move around quickly. As age creeps up on me, I find it important to accept the philosophy "They also serve who only stand and wait"

Kipling another poet gives us this jewel of wisdom concerning patience, "If you can wait and not be tired of waiting... you'll be a man, my son."

So I share this pearl of wisdom with you. Waiting on God is not wasted time. Patient and faithful waiting on God is essential to spiritual growth.

We pray, we expect answers, but God answers in His own time. He wants to give His children the best. Wait on the Lord.

Pastors not Princes

Bishops should be pastors  who are close to the people, rather than ambitious clerics with the mindset of princes, Pope Francis told papal representatives tasked with putting forward candidates for episcopal appointments..

Pope Francis stressed that intellectual prowess should not be a deciding factor in selecting future bishops. Scholars and theologians and theologians, he noted, are better put to different uses in the Church...

"Pastors, that's what we need" Francis said.

"Shepherds need to be in front of their flocks to indicate the path, in the midst of the flock to keep them united, behind the flock to make sure none is left behind."  - The Tablet.

Hypocrisy

6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

² “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Prayer

⁵ “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ⁶ But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Fasting

¹⁶ “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ¹⁷ But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸ so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

"Sometimes the greatest barrier between the unconverted  and Christ is a Christian's inconsistency." A hypocrite is someone who plays a part, who puts on a act; whose life is a deception.

I once read the story of a father who warned his son not to go to a theatre to watch a certain burlesque show because he would see things not meant for him to see. Quietly that night when Dad was out, he sneaked out of the house and went to the show. What a surprise awaited him - not just something, but someone he was not meant to see - his father.

Read today's message -"Future Perfect" the 40 Day devotional booklet published by Love Singapore. Plenty of food for thought.

 

Nurses' Day Celebrations at Peacehaven

What a great time we had yesterday, Thursday 18th July. It has been our privilege to attend Nurses' Day Celebrations held at the Changi Corps Hall every year. I think this year must be the best.

The meeting began with the blowing of the shofar ( a solemn moment ) and this was followed by nurses marching in to the singing of "Glory, glory, hallelujah! They marched in from the left and right and centre of the hall and assembled on the platform!  They passed the Bible round indicating our believe in the word of God. What a glorious sight.

I was invited to play the piano accordion to accompany the singing of this beautiful song.Charity one of the nurses was on the keyboard,  Kar Leong on the administrative staff was the percussionist, and Jimi the chaplain played the guitar. Wilson sang the first verse as a solo, As he sang nurses started marching in from the sides and centre of the hall.

"Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful linghtning of his terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on."

Then the congregation led by the group of singers sang the chorus twice and more nurses marched in. The volume grew louder when it came to the next verse

"He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment seat;
O be swift, my soul, to answer him, be jubilant my feel!
Our God is marching on!

When it came to the chorus again, the whole congregation sang with gusto. There was much enthusiasm and clapping. God's truth is marching on!  We are marching on led by our Great Commander - God Himself.
Invited guests included Government officials and community leaders, plus some visiting salvationists from Indonesia. Peacehaven Nursing Home is tying up with the Salvation Army Nursing School of Palu. This school will be another source of supply of nurses.

Territorial Headquarters' officers, Corps officers (pastors) from other corps (churches) and a quite a number of salvationists were present for this special event.

At the moment we do not have enough Singapore Nurses. We have to recruit nurses from Philippines, Myanmar, China and India and soon Indonesia will be another source.

There was a good programme put on by the staff, nurses and therapists. The meeting lasted two hours. We then adjourned to the dining room to have dinner together. It was a great day of celebration and testimony of God's wonder working power.

Marivic one of our Filipino nurses gave a beautiful testimony that touched the hearts of the listeners. Many were moved to tears as they heard her speak of God's leadings in her life.

My wife and I have been  much involved as volunteers at Peacehaven and its predecessor Home fo the Aged at Pasir Panjang for the last sixteen years. We thank God for this privilege.

The administrative staff, plus nurses, therapists have been very good to us and every week when we visit the Home, we are always warmly welcomed. It has been a privilege to go round the Home every week ministering the residents and staff of the Home.

We have vested interest in Peacehaven. Our youngest daughter Dora Lim Poh Chin is a resident in this Home and she is well loved and cared for by the nurses and staff. God bless Peacehaven Nursing Home.

This is my story - 82 Philippines

82 – First week in the Philippines

After seven and a half years living in a quiet compound in the New Territories in Hong Kong, some distance from Headquarters we now moved to quarters at Pasay right in the city in Manila with all the pollution.   In this compound were four duplexes; to house eight families. The Salvation Army had been renting this place for many years for the Territorial Leaders. We were the last leaders to occupy this place.   After we left Philippines, the Chief Secretary moved in, but not for long as the owner decided to take it back.

A security guard armed with a gun sat at the gate guarding the compound 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so we felt quite secure. We were happy living there as it was not far from Territorial Headquarters about fifteen minutes drive in the morning. We always left home everyday at 6.00 a.m. In the evening it took longer time because of the heavy traffic. I had to get used to driving on the right side of the road, and not left as in Singapore and Hong Kong, former British colonies.

A week after our arrival, we attended the ground breaking ceremony for Dynasty Village. The Army had bought the land and now were ready to put up a building for officers – retired and active.

In the same month we visited the Northern Division at Urdaneta for our welcome by the Divisional Commander and his wife, Major and Mrs. Wilson Urbien. We also did three sessions of Officers’ Councils and met all the officers of this Division. We only visited two Corps in the Central Division – Manila Central and Tondo in the first month. 

Then on 27^th June, hardly a month in our new appointment, we left for London for the International Congress. This lasted more than a week of interesting and inspirational meetings – Opening ceremony at Wembley stadium, meetings conducted by the General at Royal Albert Hall and other places.  We also watched the musical by John Gowans and John Larsson at Wembly stadium.  The second week in London, I spoke at the Praise meeting at the Royal Albert Hall.

Delegates were given the choice during week days to attend seminars of their choice. I was given the responsibility of conducting a seminar on “Other Faiths.” I gave talks on the different religions in Asia, like Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Islam. The purpose was to help the delegates understand something of the religions in Asia.

Celebrations over, we attended the Development Conference after which we had a short holiday at Chippenhem where we stayed with Judy and David Shewring. Judy was a girl at our Ipoh Children’s Home and later she became soldier of Kuala Lumpur Corps when we were the Corps officers.  Theirs was the first wedding we conducted at the rented shophouse at Kuala Lumpur Corps. Sadly her first husband, Ken Hammond was promoted to Glory a few years later. She emigrated to United Kingdom and married David Shewring.

We did not feel too comfortable having this short holiday but this had been planned a long time ago when we were still in Hong Kong. Had we known we were to get a change of appointment we would not have added the short holiday immediately after the Congress.

Anyway it was a joy to see some of our old friends in England in the short period of time.   Most of them had served with us in Singapore and Malaysia in the past.

We were glad to get back to the Philippines – the country we had just been newly appointed. I shall be writing about some of the adventures as we toured the archipelago.

The Difference you can make

Today's meditation on one of the sayings of Jesus, "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5: 14-16

The light of good character cannot be hid. Plato  has a striking phrase  in his Republic.
Those having torches will pass them on to others." The servant of Christ who shines with the goodness of God will influence society.

Here's that lovely song we used to sing at Sunday School.

1. Jesus bids us shine with a clear, pure light,
   Like a little candle burning in the night;
   In this world of darkness, we must shine,
   You in your small corner, and I in mine.
2. Jesus bids us shine, first of all for Him;
   Well He sees and knows it if our light is dim;
   He looks down from heaven, sees us shine,
   You in your small corner, and I in mine.
3. Jesus bids us shine, then, for all around,
   Many kinds of darkness in this world abound:
   Sin, and want, and sorrow—we must shine,
   You in your small corner, and I in mine. -Susan Bogart Warner

Salt of the earth

The 40-Day Devotional produced by Love Singapore is a gem!! I've been blessed and blessed over and over again!

"You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot" Matthew 5: 13

Having given us instructions on principles and qualities that make Christians distinctive, our Lord now tells us what it means to behave as followers of Christ. What can of impact do we have in the society we are in? What is Christian behaviour?

We cannot survive without salt can we? Salt in our food makes a big difference. It adds taste or gives it a distinctive flavour. A Christian's presence at home, in society wherever he may be should provide that distinctive goodness that speaks about Christ living in him.

Long before the discovery of refrigeration, our ancestors used salt to preserve food, hence we have salted eggs, salted vegetables, salted meat etc. Salt arrests corruption.

Allow me to quote from the 40 day devotional.

"Salt does not exist for itself.
It has three main functions. It seasons. It purifies. It preserves. It enhances the taste of food and prevents it from going bad. In the same way the disciples of the kingdom do not exist for themselves, but make a difference in the world- a difference you can taste."

What a responsibility to be salt in the little area call earth! If we fail, salt losing its distinctiveness as salt, it becomes 'good for nothing' to be rejected, thrown out and be trampled under the feet of people.

Lord, help me not be become a 'spiritual reject.' Keep me by your grace and help me to be salt.

National University convocation

Thursday afternoon we were invited to National University of Singapore to witness two of our grand children- David and Rachel receiving their Graduation Certificates. We were fortunate to be included. Each graduate was given two invitations for their parents and seeing the two siblings were graduating at the same time, Rachel gave us hers. She managed to get one from her friend, Andrew the youngest grandchild was able to attend too. Lovely to have the whole family together at the convocation.

It was a proud moment for us and I was thanking the praising the Lord for the way He has blessed our family. Come to think of it, my father came from China as a stowaway, penniless and now our grandchildren, the fourth generation have the privilege of University education.

Two of our grandchildren graduated earlier and are now gainfully employed. I refer to our daughter's children, Daryl and Cheryl. We were at Daryl's graduation at Nanyang Technological University two years ago. He was given extra tickets because of his participation in the musical item.

God is so good, is so good to us. Daily we thank God for our family - three children and six grandchildren.

Hated by happy

The Salvation Army's Daily Devotional "Words of Life" currently deals with the Book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah was the cup bearer to the King of Persia, a highly trusted position in the palace. One day his brother Hanani from Judah brought a report about the condition of Jerusalem - the walls broken down, the gates burned with fire. This distressing scene greatly disturbed Nehemiah.

He obtained permission from the King to return to Jerusalem to repair the walls. The king helped him. He also had many supporters. At the same time he had enemies who sought to destroy him and the work he was doing. He was severely persecuted.

I read the story - the opponents tried every possible way to get him to give up the good work, but with God on his side, he prevailed.

Now the eighth beatitude which says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matt. 5: 10-12

Turn to 2 Timothy 3: 12 we read "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."

The 40-day devotional by Love Singapore begins with this statement, "Happy are the hated - for the right reason. Well said.

The early church suffered much persecution. They endured terrible cruelties- they were thrown to the lions, burned at the stake all because of the stand they took for Christ.Today Christians still suffer in some countries.

Persecuted for righteousness sake! Righteousness means more than ethical conduct or morality. Our righteous living includes concern and compassion for others for their physical and spiritual welfare. Our  witness my cause resentment, we may be misunderstood.

It may be our stand on certain issues or principles. Our values should be values of the kingdom of God - truth and righteousness that some of our friends may not agree.

I love the song, "Keep on believing" one verse says,

"If all were easy, if all were bright,
Where would the cross be and where the fight?
But in the hardness God gives to you
Chances of proving that you are true."

Nehemiah persevered and built the wall. Mission accomplished.
Our Lord suffered persecution, He pressed on even to the cross and death. But He rose again, highly exalted and now sits at the right hand of God. Mission accomplished.

Peace on earth

To day's meditation as suggested by the 40-Day Devotional published by Love Singapore is about Peace.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5: 9

"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1

Our Lord is telling us, we are blessed people for when we are peacemakers we are recognizably the children of God. Children become like their parents, simply the result of observation, watching how their parents act and react. The do it without conscious effort. They have their parents genes.

We live so closely with our Lord, we have the mindset of God! We are not just peace lovers, but also peacemakers.

Let's pray this prayer attributed to St.Francis of Assissi

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Log on to www.lovesingapore.org.sg and read this Devotional on line. You will truly be blessed.

The Pure in heart

Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?
    Who may stand in his holy place?
Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
    who do not worship idols
    and never tell lies. Psalm 24: 3-4 Living Bible

Yesterday we meditated on this beautiful verse "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."

Monday, on arrival at Peacehaven Nursing Home, we made our way to the Board Room where we joined the staff at their prayer meeting. They were in the midst of singing Psalm 51: 10-12

"Created in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit."

O how blest we were as we sang these words several times. Yes, we all need clean hearts.

The devotional "40-Day 2013' brings our thoughts to this beautiful verse.It begins with "What's at the centre? In Judaism the heart forms the centre of our thoughts, feelings desires and will. It is like the axle of as wheel. Whatever is at the centre determines everything else from the inside out."

Let me end with a thought by Dean Inge, "The soul is dyed the colour of its leisure thoughts"
Keep the heart and the mind pure.

Mercy

Here is a lovely text to remember as we journey through life.
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6: 8

Thank God, He is always merciful, compassionate and loving. We His children who have experienced His mercies ought to show mercy to others. We all need forgiveness and it is expected of us to show forgiveness or mercy or compassion to others.

In the 40- Day Devotional published by Love Singapore, today's reading ends with this plea. Let us "pray that Singapore will become a City of Mercy, extending arms of compassion beyond her shores as a blessing and an example to other nations."

Founder's Day

The first week in July The Salvation Army celebrate Founder's Day. I've read a lot about The Founder General William Booth, truly a great man of God. How exciting to live in that era, but it is God's will that I live at a time such as this. We cannot choose the place or the time of our birth or death.

He was converted in his teen age years at the Methodist Church.. After his conversion, he had a strong conviction to engage in evangelical mission with his compatriots. They held home and street meetings and one day he marched his bedraggled band of 'gutter' people, the so called 'down and outs' into the chapel and sat them in the nice seats much to the disgust of the elders and the congregation.

Fast forward to 1865, Sunday night and William Booth was returning with his 12 year old son Bramwell. They had left Mile End Waste and gone a few yards along the road he pushed open the door of a drinking saloon.

What he saw shocked him - filth, noxious fumes of drink and tobacco. There were men bearing marks of brutishness and violence, drunken women with dishevelled hair.

Both father and son surveyed the scene and William Booth said to his son, "Son, these are our people. I want you to live your life for them and bring them to Christ."

Fast forward this time to 1898. It was late at night and William Booth was waling up and down in his room, "Dad, what are you doing at this hour?' William Booth had a headache and was trying to find comfort from the wet towel worn as a turban. William looked up and said, "I'm thinking about these people and their sins. What will people do with their sins?"

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When He saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Matt. 9: 35-36

We cannot live in William Booth's time. But we can be Booths of today followers of Christ.
Here's a quote from William Booth for our reflection.

“While women weep, as they do now,
I'll fight
While little children go hungry, as they do now,
I'll fight
While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now,
I'll fight
While there is a drunkard left,
While there is a poor lost girl upon the streets,
While there remains one dark soul without the light of God,
I'll fight-I'll fight to the very end!”

The Beatitudes

I've been greatly blessed these few days meditating on the Beatitudes. The first three might be considered negative by some people. They speak to us about giving up we are prone to as human beings.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven." In our so called affluent society there are still many poor people. It seems we are saying "Happy are the poor." Does this extol the virtue of poverty? Poverty in itself does not elevate, it depresses and degrades. As Christians we should do all we can to help those who are poor.

Jesus was referring to the poor in spirit. By ourselves we cannot cope with life's demands, so we turn to the Lord for help. We must know our inadequacy, our own helplessness and turn to Him who is the Great Provider of our needs. We come to Him with empty hands to receive His rich blessings.

"Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted." This verse is linked with the previous one. We recognise our spiritual poverty and mourn over this state. We read that Jesus is a 'man of sorrows and acquainted with grief'.  He is also a man of joy. As the writer of the devotional puts it "Jesus is not only a man of sorrows, He is also as man of furious joy. The oil of gladness flows, not from outward circumstances, but from the centre of his being where God lives and rules. Those who share in his suffering know the secret of his joy. They will be comforted." God sees our tears and sees our aching hearts.

William Barclay has this to say, "O the bliss of the man whose heart is broken for the world's suffering and for his own sin, for out of his sorrow he will find the joy of God."

The next speaks about the virtue of being "meek" We used to sing in our younger days the song,
"Gentle Jesus, meek and mind, Look upon this little child,
Pity my simplicity, suffer me to come to Thee."

The word 'meek' is a much misunderstood word. Again let me refer to William Barclay who says,
"Those whose strength is in their gentleness."

Catherine Baird in one of her poems expressed

"His Kingdom cometh not by force
    But by the gentle power
Of righteousness and truth and grace,
   He triumphs every hour."

So may we too. Se have much to learn about gentleness or meekness. It is strength in control.

Today's reading is on the verse, "Blessed are those whose hunger and thirsty  for righteousness, for they will be filled. Hungry - well we Singaporeans know that. Look at the Food Court, the Kopitiam, the Restaurants, Cafes - they are doing good business.

It's a positive statement! Hungering for righteousness, thirsting for justice! We are not only to practise righteous living, but take our stand for justice and truth! Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people (Prov. 14: 34) I love that beautiful verse in the Shepherd psalm, "He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake" Psalm 23: 4

Let's continue reflecting on the precious truths of the gospel.

Meekness

Meekness and majesty manhood deity
In perfect harmony the Man who is God.
Lord of eternity dwells in humanity
Kneels in humility and washes our feet.

O what mystery, meekness and majesty
Bow down and worship for this is your God.

Wisdom unsearchable God the invisible,
Love indestructible in frailty appears.
Lord of infinity stooping so tenderly
Lifts our humanity to the heights of His throne.  Graham Kendrick.

I am meditating on the word "meekness"  Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek"
Meekness is not weakness, but strength in control.

40 Day 2013 - Future Perfect

I must admit the Devotional produced by "Love Singapore" is one of the best devotionals I've ever used and I certainly look forward to receiving it every year. I know it is written for the 40 days leading to National Day. I wish we could have this for the whole year. This year the writer takes out thoughts to 'the Sermon on the Mount.'  Yes, I've read it many times, and have preached sermons on this wonderful sermon.. Each time I read the Sermon on the Mount I receive blessings.

It was Dr. Samuel Johnson who once said something to the effect that we all need to be reminded of what we already know than to be taught new things. I listen to sermons every week, preach sermons often, but really I am not saying anything new. It is as the song writer days, "Tell me the old, old story for I forget so soon."

The King James version uses the word "blessed" - I love that word. Some translators use the word "happy.' Frankly I prefer that word 'blessed' to any other word.

Another writer said, "The Beatitudes' should be thought of as 'be-attitudes'-what we are called to be. I think it should become our 'mind set' -to have the mind or attitude of Christ.

The Beatitudes seem to turn upside down our modern values which people of our day and generation hold dear.

Read Bishop Henson's parody of  the Beatitudes.

"Blessed are they who have high notion of their own rights, for they shall secure deference and high regard.
Blessed are the light-hearted and the unthinking, for they shall enjoy life.
Blessed are the ambitious for they shall rise in the world.
Blessed are the opportunists, for they shall escape disaster.
Blessed are the close-fisted, for they shall make money.
Blessed are the self indulgent, for they shall make the most of life.
Blessed are the litigious and self assertive, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are the time-serving, for they shall be honoured.

Take a look at Kingdom values as recorded in the first beatitude.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5: 3
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Luke 6: 20
You're blessed when you are at the end of your rope. With less of you, there is more of God and His rule. (The Message)

Isaiah 57:15 says, "The dwelling place of God - in Heaven and also in the humble heart. The gospel begins with a spirit which recognises insufficiency of self and dependence on Another - God.

Let me quote from the devotional this suggested prayer. "Lord, bless the ministry of your Word in this city with revelation that majors on Jesus and deeply impacts all listeners and learners."

If you do not have a copy, get one from your pastor. You won't regret using it.

"Heralds of Grace" cadets

The new session of cadets are called "Heralds of Grace." What a beautiful name. The two couples - Tan Bee Yit and Bee Geok from Central and Wee Keang and Joyce Tan from Chinese Corps are  are good people. I've seen them in action and they certainly hold promise for the future. I believe they are answers to our prayers.

We were at Kallang last Friday and what a joy to see the two cadets participating in the programme. They certainly have love for people.

God bless the six new cadets - the Heralds of Grace.

What a beautiful morning

I am praising the Lord for a great morning. We woke up early as usual and at 6.00 a.m. tuned on to the TV to find out the PSI. It was 25 - that's good and healthy range! I praised the Lord as I listened to our national anthem and watched the happy faces of our fellow citizens singing Majulah Singapura! I thank God for a good elected Government.

Do you want to make a good start in the morning. Begin the day with God. This is my own personal experience and a tried and proven formula for Christians who love the Lord.

"In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly" Psalm 5: 3

Begin the day by seeking the best Person as your Companion - God.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!