Friday, August 29, 2014
Our small group meeting
We've been studying the Book of Job in our small group that meets every Friday morning; the drama reflects our own deep struggle trying to comprehend the ways of God. He moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform.
Job suffered one calamity after another. He lost his sons, lost his possessions, lost his health, lost the support of his wife. His three friends came to comfort him; they noticed this pathetic figure, his horrible plight, his calamities and to give them credit, they sat with him for seven days and seven nights without saying word.
Sadly when the friends began to speak, their words brought no comfort. They only added to his grief. They gave him 'advice' in rounds of discussion, blaming poor Job that he was suffering for his own personal sins. They did not see the reason God permitted the sufferings to come to Job.
For weeks we have been going through the discourses. What valuable lessons we learned from them in this book. Job's friends talked about God, but Job talked to talk. He could be frank with God.
One thing is clear, God never allows us to suffer more than we can bear through His help. I am reminded of Ballington Booth's lovely song which has brought much encouragement and comfort to my own heart.
Job suffered one calamity after another. He lost his sons, lost his possessions, lost his health, lost the support of his wife. His three friends came to comfort him; they noticed this pathetic figure, his horrible plight, his calamities and to give them credit, they sat with him for seven days and seven nights without saying word.
Sadly when the friends began to speak, their words brought no comfort. They only added to his grief. They gave him 'advice' in rounds of discussion, blaming poor Job that he was suffering for his own personal sins. They did not see the reason God permitted the sufferings to come to Job.
For weeks we have been going through the discourses. What valuable lessons we learned from them in this book. Job's friends talked about God, but Job talked to talk. He could be frank with God.
One thing is clear, God never allows us to suffer more than we can bear through His help. I am reminded of Ballington Booth's lovely song which has brought much encouragement and comfort to my own heart.
- The cross that He gave may be heavy,
But it ne’er outweighs His grace;
The storm that I feared may surround me,
But it ne’er excludes His face.- Refrain:
The cross is not greater than His grace,
The storm cannot hide His blessed face;
I am satisfied to know
That with Jesus here below,
I can conquer every foe.
- Refrain:
- The thorns in my path are not sharper
Than composed His crown for me;
The cup that I drink not more bitter
Than He drank in Gethsemane. - The light of His love shineth brighter,
As it falls on paths of woe;
The toil of my work groweth lighter,
As I stoop to raise the low. - His will have I joy in fulfilling,
As I’m walking in His sight;
My all to the blood I am bringing,
It alone can keep me right.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Alex and Ruth Craig visit to Singapore
On Wednesday, we had fellowship lunch with three old friends. The lunch was hosted by Mrs. Lim Soo Noi at Tung Lok Vivo City. Soo Noi and her husband were salvationists of Central Corps - he was the Corps Secretary and she the Corps pianist. Soo Noi now worships at Wesley Methodist church. Tee Houw was promoted to Glory three years ago. Soo Noi was my wife's Sunday School teacher. She was a school teacher by profession and her last posting was to Raffles Girls' Primary School as the principal.
Visiting Singapore were two Australian Salvationists - Alex and Ruth Craig from Canberra. The last time we saw them was 41 years ago! They worshipped at Central Corps in the 60's and 70's. He played in the band and both sang in the Songster Brigade. We came to know them well when were appointed as Corps Officers from 1970 to 1974. They left Singapore in 1973 and went to work in Vietnam.
What a lot to share with each other after all these years. Good to journey down memory lane. Thank God for friends.
"Life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade and the memories last forever."
Precious memories, unseen angels,
Sent from somewhere to my soul;
How they linger, ever near me,
And the sacred past unfold.
As I travel on life's pathway,
Know now what the years may hold;
As I ponder, hope grows fonder,
Precious memories flood my soul.
Precious memories, how they linger
How they ever flood my soul.
In the stillness of the midnight,
Precious sacred scenes unfold. " J B F Wright
Visiting Singapore were two Australian Salvationists - Alex and Ruth Craig from Canberra. The last time we saw them was 41 years ago! They worshipped at Central Corps in the 60's and 70's. He played in the band and both sang in the Songster Brigade. We came to know them well when were appointed as Corps Officers from 1970 to 1974. They left Singapore in 1973 and went to work in Vietnam.
What a lot to share with each other after all these years. Good to journey down memory lane. Thank God for friends.
"Life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade and the memories last forever."
Precious memories, unseen angels,
Sent from somewhere to my soul;
How they linger, ever near me,
And the sacred past unfold.
As I travel on life's pathway,
Know now what the years may hold;
As I ponder, hope grows fonder,
Precious memories flood my soul.
Precious memories, how they linger
How they ever flood my soul.
In the stillness of the midnight,
Precious sacred scenes unfold. " J B F Wright
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
The Wounded earth in Paradise Lost
How can a powerful and loving God allow all the disasters that are happening in this world today?Just saw the news of the landslide in Japan killing at least 36 people. The search may uncover more victims. Think of what is happening in Africa - senseless slaughter of innocent people. Such pain and suffering; we cannot answer the question.
We live in a fallen world, tainted with sin, afflicted with sorrow. John Milton in Paradise Lost mentioned that when the forbidden fruit was taken in Eden "earth felt the wound." Curse entered the world. The effects of sin are still felt today - suffering, death, disasters plague mankind and will continue to do so till the Lord returns in all His glory.
God has not promised us immunity from suffering. It is the common heritage of mankind. We suffer not in despair, but in hope. God will wipe all tears from the eyes.
Last Sunday, we sang again my favourite song,
I'm in His hands, I'm in His hands,
Whate'er the future holds, I'm in His hands.
The days I cannot see, have all been planned for me.
His way is best, you see, I'm in His hands.
We live in a fallen world, tainted with sin, afflicted with sorrow. John Milton in Paradise Lost mentioned that when the forbidden fruit was taken in Eden "earth felt the wound." Curse entered the world. The effects of sin are still felt today - suffering, death, disasters plague mankind and will continue to do so till the Lord returns in all His glory.
God has not promised us immunity from suffering. It is the common heritage of mankind. We suffer not in despair, but in hope. God will wipe all tears from the eyes.
Last Sunday, we sang again my favourite song,
I'm in His hands, I'm in His hands,
Whate'er the future holds, I'm in His hands.
The days I cannot see, have all been planned for me.
His way is best, you see, I'm in His hands.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Trust in the Lord
We began the day with Prayer meeting. We specially prayed for the Christians in Iraq, Syria and Nigeria. People are suffering from persecution and dying for their faith at the hands of terrorists. Our hearts bleed when we think of the suffering of these people. We cry like Habakkuk did.
"How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but You do not listen? Violence is everywhere! I cry but You do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look I see destruction and violence."
The message this morning was on Psalm 37. Very appropriate indeed as we cry out to God. We are assured we need not worry about the fate of the wicked because their destruction is inevitable. We are asked to do four things:
* Trust in the Lord verses 3 and 5
* Delight in the Lord verse 4
* Commit your way to the Lord. verses 5 & 6
* Be still in God's presence and wait patiently for Him to act. verse 7.
"How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but You do not listen? Violence is everywhere! I cry but You do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look I see destruction and violence."
The message this morning was on Psalm 37. Very appropriate indeed as we cry out to God. We are assured we need not worry about the fate of the wicked because their destruction is inevitable. We are asked to do four things:
* Trust in the Lord verses 3 and 5
* Delight in the Lord verse 4
* Commit your way to the Lord. verses 5 & 6
* Be still in God's presence and wait patiently for Him to act. verse 7.
Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the holy One, is here;
Come bow before him now with reverence and fear
In him no sin is found we stand on holy ground.
Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the holy One, is here.
Be still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around;
He burns with holy fire, with splendour he is crowned
How awesome is the sight our radiant king of light!
Be still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around.
Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place:
He comes to cleanse and heal, to minister his grace - no work too hard for
Him.
In faith receive from him.
Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place. (David J Adams)
Come bow before him now with reverence and fear
In him no sin is found we stand on holy ground.
Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the holy One, is here.
Be still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around;
He burns with holy fire, with splendour he is crowned
How awesome is the sight our radiant king of light!
Be still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around.
Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place:
He comes to cleanse and heal, to minister his grace - no work too hard for
Him.
In faith receive from him.
Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place. (David J Adams)
Let us continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Those who died for their faith are with the Lord in Heaven where neither sorrow, suffering or death can touch.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Homes
So long as there are homes to which men turn
At close of day;
So long as there are homes where children are,
Where mothers stay -
If love and truth and Christian faith be found
Across those sills -
The Church of Christ can overcome
The gravest ills.
So long as there are homes where fires burn
And where there is bread;
So long as there are homes where Christ can dwell
And prayers are said;
Although men falter through the dark -
And nations grope -
With God inside those loving homes -
We have sure hope. Selected
At close of day;
So long as there are homes where children are,
Where mothers stay -
If love and truth and Christian faith be found
Across those sills -
The Church of Christ can overcome
The gravest ills.
So long as there are homes where fires burn
And where there is bread;
So long as there are homes where Christ can dwell
And prayers are said;
Although men falter through the dark -
And nations grope -
With God inside those loving homes -
We have sure hope. Selected
Monday, August 11, 2014
Wedding of Daryl Aw and Christine Seetoh
10th August 2014 - Special Day - our first grandson's wedding. Daryl Aw was married to Christine Seetoh. The wedding ceremony was held at the Art House, Old Parliament Building.
The day began at 2.00 p.m. when the traditional Tea Ceremony was held. The bride and groom offered Chinese tea to their seniors. The couple are then rewarded with "ang pows" - red packets with money inside.
Then at 3.00 p.m. the ceremony began with the groom blowing the shofa! Then he sang a solo and the bride and her father walked in. There was no traditional wedding march.
Praise and worship was led by the worship team. The groom's sister Cheryl was on the keyboard and brother Emmanuel playing the flute.
Then it was my turn to read the word of God. I chose 1 Corinthians 13, the Love chapter - one of the most beautiful passages of Scripture. After a short commentary on this portion of Scripture, the ceremony began. After the pronouncement of "man and wife" and prayer, the couple took Holy Communion administered by Rev. Collin Gordon a pastor from Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
Major Lim Chee Kwee then led them to the signing of the marriage register. They were now legally married.
The groom and bride both gave short speeches, thanking the families, relatives and friends for their support and attendance.
After the photo taking, we then adjourned to another room for refreshments.
It was a long and happy day for all. God bless Daryl and Christine - our first grandson and his beloved lady our first granddaughter-in-law.
God will soon double His blessings for in a fortnight's time we shall add another granddaughter-in- law to the family. David will be married to Yurong at the Singapore Central Corps.
Double Happiness! Blessings keep multiplying. Glory be to God.
Our grandson Daryl Aw married Christine Seetoh at The Art House,
The day began at 2.00 p.m. when the traditional Tea Ceremony was held. The bride and groom offered Chinese tea to their seniors. The couple are then rewarded with "ang pows" - red packets with money inside.
Then at 3.00 p.m. the ceremony began with the groom blowing the shofa! Then he sang a solo and the bride and her father walked in. There was no traditional wedding march.
Praise and worship was led by the worship team. The groom's sister Cheryl was on the keyboard and brother Emmanuel playing the flute.
Then it was my turn to read the word of God. I chose 1 Corinthians 13, the Love chapter - one of the most beautiful passages of Scripture. After a short commentary on this portion of Scripture, the ceremony began. After the pronouncement of "man and wife" and prayer, the couple took Holy Communion administered by Rev. Collin Gordon a pastor from Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
Major Lim Chee Kwee then led them to the signing of the marriage register. They were now legally married.
The groom and bride both gave short speeches, thanking the families, relatives and friends for their support and attendance.
After the photo taking, we then adjourned to another room for refreshments.
It was a long and happy day for all. God bless Daryl and Christine - our first grandson and his beloved lady our first granddaughter-in-law.
God will soon double His blessings for in a fortnight's time we shall add another granddaughter-in- law to the family. David will be married to Yurong at the Singapore Central Corps.
Double Happiness! Blessings keep multiplying. Glory be to God.
Our grandson Daryl Aw married Christine Seetoh at The Art House,
Saturday, August 9, 2014
National Day - Year of Jubilee
Today is National Day and soon we shall be watching the parade. We are Singaporeans and are proud of our country.
Let me share with you the comments made in Devotional published by Love Singapore.
"Today marks the beginning of our Jubilee Year.
Thanksgiving is right. However, we cannot expect a secular society to acknowledge God as the ultimate reason for Singapore's 50 years of shalom and success. God expects the church to offer Him praise and thanksgiving on behalf of the nation.. When we do that, we're waging war against the demons of ingratitude. We're protecting ourselves from presumption and arrogance. Most of all, we're honouring our Father in Heaven and opening up our city for more blessings from above!
Give thanks to God and celebrate the good in the land!
Good governance
Outstanding leaders
Sound policies
Efficient public service
Robust economy
Excellent education
Skilled workforce
Quality healthcare
International favour
Low crime, safe streets
Disciplined army
Social cohesion
Religious freedom
Convenient public transport
Food security
Reliable power supply
Good sanitation
Clean drinking water
Beautiful cityscape
Plus the myriads of things we take for granted.
God bless Singapore!
Let me share with you the comments made in Devotional published by Love Singapore.
"Today marks the beginning of our Jubilee Year.
Thanksgiving is right. However, we cannot expect a secular society to acknowledge God as the ultimate reason for Singapore's 50 years of shalom and success. God expects the church to offer Him praise and thanksgiving on behalf of the nation.. When we do that, we're waging war against the demons of ingratitude. We're protecting ourselves from presumption and arrogance. Most of all, we're honouring our Father in Heaven and opening up our city for more blessings from above!
Give thanks to God and celebrate the good in the land!
Good governance
Outstanding leaders
Sound policies
Efficient public service
Robust economy
Excellent education
Skilled workforce
Quality healthcare
International favour
Low crime, safe streets
Disciplined army
Social cohesion
Religious freedom
Convenient public transport
Food security
Reliable power supply
Good sanitation
Clean drinking water
Beautiful cityscape
Plus the myriads of things we take for granted.
God bless Singapore!
Friday, August 8, 2014
Lieut. Colonels Bob and Wendy Lee
Last Tuesday it was our pleasure to have our friends, Bob and Wendy Lee visit us. We shared a meal at Teck Kee Restaurant at RailMall. After that they spent time with us at our home. We had a great time recalling old days. What memories!
When we were overseas, often when we visited Singapore they would invite us out for lunch. So it was time for us to reciprocate by giving them lunch.
We shared our common experience of the Philippines. How wonderful to belong to the international Salvation Army. We are all one in Christ.
We are one in the bond of love.
When we were overseas, often when we visited Singapore they would invite us out for lunch. So it was time for us to reciprocate by giving them lunch.
We shared our common experience of the Philippines. How wonderful to belong to the international Salvation Army. We are all one in Christ.
We are one in the bond of love.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
A blessed Sunday of worship
Our usual weekend at our Home Church - William Booth Corps. We began the day at 4.30 a.m when we woke up, had our usual walk in the compound and did our exercise. We feel we need to help ourselves to keep fit.
Had our breakfast and devotions, then attended the Prayer meeting at 9.15 a.m - sadly the least attended meeting. It is easy to talk about the importance of prayer but when it comes to attending prayer meeting, that's another matter for many people. I feel the prayer meeting in the most important meeting in a church.
At 9.45 a.m we attended the Adult Bible Class. I started this some 12 years ago, but now Major Lee Kong Yee has taken over. My wife and I support this fellowhip and I fill in for him when he is away. He does well and the lessons are very interesting and helpful. There is plenty of discussion.
We are doing 2 Samuel at the moment. We have come to the pivotal chapter 7 when David expressed his desire to build the Temple for the Lord.
At 11.00 a.m. we joined others in the main hall for our worship. The theme was "United in Jesus." Major Ruth Pascoe based her message on John 17: 9-26. We as Christians are to celebrate the bonds of unity we share as a family of God.
The verse for the week "May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you to live in complete harmony with each other, as it fitting for followers of Jesus Christ. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just has Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory." Romans 15: 5-7 (NLT)
Thank God for another day spend with fellow believers in church. We have been truly blessed.
Had our breakfast and devotions, then attended the Prayer meeting at 9.15 a.m - sadly the least attended meeting. It is easy to talk about the importance of prayer but when it comes to attending prayer meeting, that's another matter for many people. I feel the prayer meeting in the most important meeting in a church.
At 9.45 a.m we attended the Adult Bible Class. I started this some 12 years ago, but now Major Lee Kong Yee has taken over. My wife and I support this fellowhip and I fill in for him when he is away. He does well and the lessons are very interesting and helpful. There is plenty of discussion.
We are doing 2 Samuel at the moment. We have come to the pivotal chapter 7 when David expressed his desire to build the Temple for the Lord.
At 11.00 a.m. we joined others in the main hall for our worship. The theme was "United in Jesus." Major Ruth Pascoe based her message on John 17: 9-26. We as Christians are to celebrate the bonds of unity we share as a family of God.
The verse for the week "May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you to live in complete harmony with each other, as it fitting for followers of Jesus Christ. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just has Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory." Romans 15: 5-7 (NLT)
Thank God for another day spend with fellow believers in church. We have been truly blessed.
Friday, August 1, 2014
The human touch
It's the human touch in this world that counts,
The touch of your hand and mine.
That means far more to the fainting soul
Than shelter, or bread or wine.
The shelter is o'er when the night is gone,
And bread lasts only a day
But the touch of the hand and the sound of a voice
Live in the soul alway. Anon.
The touch of your hand and mine.
That means far more to the fainting soul
Than shelter, or bread or wine.
The shelter is o'er when the night is gone,
And bread lasts only a day
But the touch of the hand and the sound of a voice
Live in the soul alway. Anon.
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