We begin a New Year today. All kinds of thoughts come to my mind. What will the new year bring? How will I cope? Will I be around this time next year? Questions come to mind, but one thing I know. God is sovereign, He holds the universe in His hands. I cling on to God's promise.
Jeremiah 29:11"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. NLT Praise the Lord.
A New Year's Prayer
I would commence this brand New Year with Thee.
But for Thy hand, the time and space this year
Presents. could stretch like sullen. open sea.
'This the strong hand assures me of care.
Created love had planned for me a way,
And, born of love, this way must be the best.
I therefore gladly dedicate this day
And know that I can trust Thee for the rest.
I am concerned just what the year may hold
Of burden, even sorrow. strain or stress.
But grace, with its resources makes me bold.
I will hold on, I know that Thou will bless.
The challenge of this year, I gladly take.
And face it well - and that for The dear sake. -Harry Read.
Showing posts with label thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thanksgiving. Show all posts
Friday, January 1, 2016
Thursday, December 31, 2015
The Old Year 2015
Today is the last day of 2015. When we were about to retire, I made a wish that the Lord would allow me five years of retirement to enjoy myself. But the Lord has other plans, I have lived to see the end of 2015 and hopefully will wake up tomorrow to greet the New Year.
My wife and I have no complaints - God has been good to us and has blessed abundantly. Let me share a poem written by Commissioner Harry Read, retired officer living in England.
THE OLD YEAR
I look with gratitude on this old year,
I have good cause to show that gratitude.
So many times I've seen God's loving care
A problem turn into beatitude.
Though ill wind seems at times to blow,
And difficult indeed the course to hold;
All needful grace has then begun to flow,
With mercy rich. and mercies manifold.
It's true, I've sometimes worked below my best;
Have failed to work to my capacity,
Yet God has always love to me expressed.
Encouraged, strengthened and established me.
His goodness has o'er shadowed all these days.
And I look backward, with a heart of praise. _Harry Read.
My wife and I have no complaints - God has been good to us and has blessed abundantly. Let me share a poem written by Commissioner Harry Read, retired officer living in England.
THE OLD YEAR
I look with gratitude on this old year,
I have good cause to show that gratitude.
So many times I've seen God's loving care
A problem turn into beatitude.
Though ill wind seems at times to blow,
And difficult indeed the course to hold;
All needful grace has then begun to flow,
With mercy rich. and mercies manifold.
It's true, I've sometimes worked below my best;
Have failed to work to my capacity,
Yet God has always love to me expressed.
Encouraged, strengthened and established me.
His goodness has o'er shadowed all these days.
And I look backward, with a heart of praise. _Harry Read.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Joyful, joyful we adore Thee
"I will be joyful in God my Saviour." This lovely verse greeted me when I turned to today's devotional reading from "Words of Life."
Joy is certainly the hall mark of the Christian.
Jesus our Lord and Master made this remark, " I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:11
Paul said, "The fruit of the Spirit is joy...." Galatians 5: 22
The hymn quoted for our meditation, expressing the joy of the Lord was written by Henry van Dyke, gifted author and poet.
Joy is certainly the hall mark of the Christian.
Jesus our Lord and Master made this remark, " I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:11
Paul said, "The fruit of the Spirit is joy...." Galatians 5: 22
The hymn quoted for our meditation, expressing the joy of the Lord was written by Henry van Dyke, gifted author and poet.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Lieut. Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn Buckingham
After prayer meeting, my wife and I joined a number of our comrades in having our cup of tea or coffee at the Kopitiam near Headquarters. Then we returned to Headquarters' chapel for the welcome of our new Chief Secretary Lieut. Colonel Lyndon Buckingham and his wife Lieut. Colonel Bronwyn Buckingham who takes the appointment of Secretary of Women's Ministries.
One thing that impressed me was their enthusiasm. They seemed to be very excited to be in Singapore and they expressed their warmth and eagerness to be here. Enthusiasm is invigorating and refreshing.
The word enthusiasm is derived from the roots en — in or within — and theos — God. It means having God within or being one with God. In other words enthusiastic people are those whom the Holy Spirit has taken full possession or control of their lives.
We were privileged to work with the parents of Lieut. Colonel Lyndon Buckingham. In 1988, we were invited to New Zealand to speak at the Holiness convention held in Wellington. The Training Principal who was also the organiser of the event was the Colonel's parents, then Major and Mrs. Hilmon Buckingham, very enthusiastic and spiritual couple.We met them as few times, in Australia and New Zealand. We recall spending an evening in their home when Mrs. Buckingham cooked us a lovely dinner.
We thank God for bringing such people into our lives. My prayer today is
"Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine.
Make me a blessing, make me blessing
Make me a blessing to someone today. (Ira Wilson)
One thing that impressed me was their enthusiasm. They seemed to be very excited to be in Singapore and they expressed their warmth and eagerness to be here. Enthusiasm is invigorating and refreshing.
The word enthusiasm is derived from the roots en — in or within — and theos — God. It means having God within or being one with God. In other words enthusiastic people are those whom the Holy Spirit has taken full possession or control of their lives.
We were privileged to work with the parents of Lieut. Colonel Lyndon Buckingham. In 1988, we were invited to New Zealand to speak at the Holiness convention held in Wellington. The Training Principal who was also the organiser of the event was the Colonel's parents, then Major and Mrs. Hilmon Buckingham, very enthusiastic and spiritual couple.We met them as few times, in Australia and New Zealand. We recall spending an evening in their home when Mrs. Buckingham cooked us a lovely dinner.
We thank God for bringing such people into our lives. My prayer today is
"Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine.
Make me a blessing, make me blessing
Make me a blessing to someone today. (Ira Wilson)
Friday, August 10, 2012
God bless Singapore
Yesterday National Day was a quiet day rest day for us. As it was Thursday, we spent time going through the programme prepared by Major Ruth Pascoe in connection with The Salvation Army’s Global Prayer embracing the whole world. We prayed on the subjects given in the paper. We prayed for our nation’s leaders.
In the evening we watched the parade on television. What an event! It was heart warming to see the enthusiasm of our people. God bless our nation of Singapore.
“There was a time when people said
That Singapore won't make it
But we did
There was a time when troubles
Seemed too much for us to take
But we did
We built a nation
Strong and free
Reaching out together
For peace and harmony
This is my country, this is my flag
This is my future, this is my life
This is my family, these are my friends
We are Singapore, Singaporeans
Thank God for Singapore!
In the evening we watched the parade on television. What an event! It was heart warming to see the enthusiasm of our people. God bless our nation of Singapore.
“There was a time when people said
That Singapore won't make it
But we did
There was a time when troubles
Seemed too much for us to take
But we did
We built a nation
Strong and free
Reaching out together
For peace and harmony
This is my country, this is my flag
This is my future, this is my life
This is my family, these are my friends
We are Singapore, Singaporeans
Thank God for Singapore!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
God's blessings in my life
My wife and I were at Peacehaven this morning to do chapel services and visit the residents. Many are in wheelchairs, others unable to get out of their beds, many cannot do anything for themselves. Thank God for those who give of themselves to serve others. A wonderful ministry goes on at Peacehaven. Thanks be to God.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.”Philippians 4:8
Most if not all reading this blog have a pretty good life.
We have a roof over our heads.
We have sufficient food or water
We have good health care system. Our hospitals are very well equipped. We have efficient doctors, medical staff and social workers.
Most of our basic needs are met; in fact, most of us don’t even lack the things we want
We live in Singapore - pretty safe place. No typhoons, earthquakes and the kind of disasters that affect our neighbours.
We have friends who care.
We can worship in freedom and without fear.
The list can go on.
Charles Dickens said, “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many - not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
Thank you Lord!
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.”Philippians 4:8
Most if not all reading this blog have a pretty good life.
We have a roof over our heads.
We have sufficient food or water
We have good health care system. Our hospitals are very well equipped. We have efficient doctors, medical staff and social workers.
Most of our basic needs are met; in fact, most of us don’t even lack the things we want
We live in Singapore - pretty safe place. No typhoons, earthquakes and the kind of disasters that affect our neighbours.
We have friends who care.
We can worship in freedom and without fear.
The list can go on.
Charles Dickens said, “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many - not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
Thank you Lord!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
National Day Thanksgiving Service
I went with the Cadets and Major Pascoe to the National Day Thanksgiving Service organised by the National Council of Churches of Singapore. It was held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Monday 17th August. A number of officers were present.
I had not been to the Cathedral for a long time. It was great to see the familiar place again and to worship in the new wing with fellow believers belonging to other denominations.
The participating musical groups were – St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral Choir, Breakthrough Missions Pte Ltd and Wesley Ensemble and Friends. We were ushered to sit quite near the front on the third row. I sat quite close to the band and how I wished I could be one of the players!
Various church leaders including our Territorial Commander Colonel Keith Burridge took part. The President of the National Council of Churches, Bishop John Chew who is also the Anglican Bishop gave the message. The theme was “The Life much needed.” He based his sermon on the Beatitudes and put much emphasis on Christians being salt of the earth and light to the world. It is good to be reminded of the blessings we are enjoying and at the same time to be challenged concerning our responsibility to our nation.
The meeting was rather long – from 7.45 p.m. to about 10.00 p.m. But it was a good service and those who were present were blessed. It was well worth making effort and spending time in worship and fellowship with fellow Christians. A few Members of Parliament were present.
When I was the General Secretary here ( 1973-1982) I represented The Salvation Army in a number of organisations such as Bible Society, Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore, Keswick committee and of course the National Council of Churches of Singapore. I was president of NCCS for two years in the seventies. When I went to this thanksgiving meeting I had expected to meet a number of my old friends but they were not there. Some have gone to be with the Lord in Heaven, others have returned to their own countries, some might be getting too old or frail to come to the service. Some might still be travelling doing mission. They have their reasons. Anyway, I did have the privilege of meeting friends like Dr. Bobby Sng the president of Bible Society.
I’m glad I am a Singaporean. It is right and good to be patriotic, to love one's country. But we should not be nationalistic because in Christ there is no east of west. The church is universal, The Salvation Army is international.
In Christ there is no east or west,
In Him no south or north,
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth.
I had not been to the Cathedral for a long time. It was great to see the familiar place again and to worship in the new wing with fellow believers belonging to other denominations.
The participating musical groups were – St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral Choir, Breakthrough Missions Pte Ltd and Wesley Ensemble and Friends. We were ushered to sit quite near the front on the third row. I sat quite close to the band and how I wished I could be one of the players!
Various church leaders including our Territorial Commander Colonel Keith Burridge took part. The President of the National Council of Churches, Bishop John Chew who is also the Anglican Bishop gave the message. The theme was “The Life much needed.” He based his sermon on the Beatitudes and put much emphasis on Christians being salt of the earth and light to the world. It is good to be reminded of the blessings we are enjoying and at the same time to be challenged concerning our responsibility to our nation.
The meeting was rather long – from 7.45 p.m. to about 10.00 p.m. But it was a good service and those who were present were blessed. It was well worth making effort and spending time in worship and fellowship with fellow Christians. A few Members of Parliament were present.
When I was the General Secretary here ( 1973-1982) I represented The Salvation Army in a number of organisations such as Bible Society, Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore, Keswick committee and of course the National Council of Churches of Singapore. I was president of NCCS for two years in the seventies. When I went to this thanksgiving meeting I had expected to meet a number of my old friends but they were not there. Some have gone to be with the Lord in Heaven, others have returned to their own countries, some might be getting too old or frail to come to the service. Some might still be travelling doing mission. They have their reasons. Anyway, I did have the privilege of meeting friends like Dr. Bobby Sng the president of Bible Society.
I’m glad I am a Singaporean. It is right and good to be patriotic, to love one's country. But we should not be nationalistic because in Christ there is no east of west. The church is universal, The Salvation Army is international.
In Christ there is no east or west,
In Him no south or north,
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Giving thanks
It's Sunday night and I am in a reflective mood. We had a good day at our Church. I got up this morning thanking God – it’s the Lord’s Day. I thank God there is freedom of worship in our land. I thank God for The Salvation Army. I've been in the Army 72 years (minus the three and half years when Singapore was occupied by the Japanese.)
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thes. 5: 18. It is God’s plan, His will for us to give thanks to him. So I sang,“When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost. Count your many blessing, name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” Thanksgiving is a daily discipline.
Many people seem to think that happiness is determined by our circumstances. Really our happiness is determined by our attitude. In reality it is in how we see things. Paul wrote these words from prison, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say it rejoice." (Philippians 4:4). Paul was in prison when he made that statement.
Being a grateful person will also enhance our relationships. There is the tendency to take our friends and loved ones for granted. We benefit from them, but we don’t thank them. Do we remember to say ‘thank you’ for that birthday gift for example? I am saddened to think that many people I know don’t bother to say thank you for gifts received or for help given them. Really there is no excuse. It’s so easy to make a phone call, send an e-mail or sms.
This morning, in our Bible class, we studied Joshua 8. Joshua's victory at Ai. They had learned their lesson in their defeat as shown in the previous chapter. Though the primary cause of their defeat was Achan's sin, the secondary cause was underestimating the enemy, overestimating themselves and presuming on the Lord. But failure need not be final. We need to refocus on God and He will give us the victory.
Thank God for the privilege of conducting the Adult Bible class. I thank God for the support given by those who attend regularly. They have been my inspiration and encouragement. Thanks be to God for these good folk.
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thes. 5: 18. It is God’s plan, His will for us to give thanks to him. So I sang,“When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost. Count your many blessing, name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” Thanksgiving is a daily discipline.
Many people seem to think that happiness is determined by our circumstances. Really our happiness is determined by our attitude. In reality it is in how we see things. Paul wrote these words from prison, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say it rejoice." (Philippians 4:4). Paul was in prison when he made that statement.
Being a grateful person will also enhance our relationships. There is the tendency to take our friends and loved ones for granted. We benefit from them, but we don’t thank them. Do we remember to say ‘thank you’ for that birthday gift for example? I am saddened to think that many people I know don’t bother to say thank you for gifts received or for help given them. Really there is no excuse. It’s so easy to make a phone call, send an e-mail or sms.
This morning, in our Bible class, we studied Joshua 8. Joshua's victory at Ai. They had learned their lesson in their defeat as shown in the previous chapter. Though the primary cause of their defeat was Achan's sin, the secondary cause was underestimating the enemy, overestimating themselves and presuming on the Lord. But failure need not be final. We need to refocus on God and He will give us the victory.
Thank God for the privilege of conducting the Adult Bible class. I thank God for the support given by those who attend regularly. They have been my inspiration and encouragement. Thanks be to God for these good folk.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)