Today we studied the Book of Judges - chapter 7: 1-23. When Gideon and his army were preparing for battle, they already had a plan, but before the battle began God revealed to him a different plan. Gideon had planned to march into battle with 32,000 soldiers, but that plan was not in sync with God's plan. God had other ideas!
When we make our plans, we tend to stack the deck in our favour. That is human nature. However, God may have another plan for your life and mine. The test of a truly consecrated life is that it is willing to scrap one's own plan and submit to God's plan.
Gideon's mega army of 32,000 was reduced to a small contingent of 300! We today seem to be enchanted with things "mega." Fancy 300 Israelites against 135,000 Midianites. Israel was outnumbered 450 to one, but God was on Israel's side! Because the victory was without a mega army and without a fierce battle, God received the glory for the victory. Neither Gideon nor his army could go home and boast about what they did in the field of battle. How often we like to glorify ourselves!
How that story might have gone! When we turn from our plan and embrace His, victory is assured. This has been my own experience proven again and again! "To God be the glory" we often sing, but do we live this truth out.
Feeling disappointed, discouraged with the frustration of our plans? The best thing of us as His followers to seek God's will for our lives and submit our will to His will. Rick Warren says, "God never does anything accidentally, and He never makes mistakes. He has a reason for everything He creates."
Who is on the Lord's side?
Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers,
Other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world's side?
Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord's side?
Who for Him will go?
By Thy grand redemption,
By Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord's side;
Savior, we are Thine.
Not for weight of glory,
Not for crown and palm,
Enter we the army,
Raise the warrior psalm;
But for love that claimeth
Lives for whom He died;
He whom Jesus nameth
Must be on His side.
Jesus, Thou hast bought us,
Not with gold or gem,
But with Thine own life-blood,
For Thy diadem;
With Thy blessing filling
Each who comes to Thee,
Thou hast made us willing,
Thou hast made us free.
Fierce may be the conflict,
Strong may be the foe,
But the King's own army
None can overthrow.
Round His standard ranging
Victory is secure,
For His truth unchanging
Makes the triumph sure.
Frances R Havergal
Yesterday I wrote about the chorus "Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me." That song kept ringing in my heart and today while the offering was being taken, the pianist played that same song. God spoke to my heart again. I need the Spirit of the Living God to fall afresh on me each day.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me.
I've sung this chorus written by Daniel Iverson many times and it has never failed to touch my heart as I pray this prayer,
"Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me,
Break me, melt me, mould me, fill me,
Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me."
We must be willing to allow our preconceived ideas, our outworn forms and traditions to be broken and melted down so that we become part of the church God desires it to be today.
It is Saturday evening and I am going through my Bible lesson for tomorrow. It is about Gideon and his 300 men of valour who defeated the enemy. We shall be focusing our thoughts on Judges 7. Self sufficiency is a big hindrance in our spiritual life when it causes us to believe we can always do what needs to be done in our own strength.
I feel a sense of inadequacy as I think of tomorrow when I shall face the class of Bible loving Christians hungering for the word. They are willing to get up early to be at church to attend the Bible class.
Hence I am praying this prayer again, "Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me." I need that fresh anointing from you.
"Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me,
Break me, melt me, mould me, fill me,
Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me."
We must be willing to allow our preconceived ideas, our outworn forms and traditions to be broken and melted down so that we become part of the church God desires it to be today.
It is Saturday evening and I am going through my Bible lesson for tomorrow. It is about Gideon and his 300 men of valour who defeated the enemy. We shall be focusing our thoughts on Judges 7. Self sufficiency is a big hindrance in our spiritual life when it causes us to believe we can always do what needs to be done in our own strength.
I feel a sense of inadequacy as I think of tomorrow when I shall face the class of Bible loving Christians hungering for the word. They are willing to get up early to be at church to attend the Bible class.
Hence I am praying this prayer again, "Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me." I need that fresh anointing from you.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Prayer for the International Army
Just came home after the Prayer meeting at Territorial Headquarters. Amongst the subjects covered in our prayer session was the International Leaders Conference in Canada. Our Territorial Commander Colonel Gillian Downer is on her way there as one of the delegates.
General Linda Bond explains: "The purpose of this ICL is for the leaders of the international Army to meet together to prayerfully and strategically consider the International Vision Plan. The mission priorities of this plan will form the basis of of the presentations, focus group discussions and recommendations.
The General is asking Salvationists and friends around the world to pray for the IVL. "Pray for the conference as a whole, but pray also for each individual leader, for those who will be making presentations and for our discussion," she says, "We must seek the Lord's wisdom and guidance to move the Army forward as He desires."
Yes, we need the wisdom and guidance of God daily. Jesus intercedes for His disciples in John 17 when He prayed, "I am not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your Word, which is Your truth." John 17: 15-16.
Prayer:
"I want dear Lord a heart that's true and clean,
A sunlit heart. with not a cloud between;
A heart like Thine, a heart divine,
A heart as white as snow;
On me, dear Lord, a heart like this bestow.
I want dear Lord, a love that cares for all,
A deep strong love that answers every call;
A love like thine, a love divine,
A love to come or go;
On me dear Lord, a love like this bestow.
I want dear Lord, a soul on fire for Thee,
A soul baptised with heavenly energy;
A willing mind, a ready hand
To do whate'er I know,
To spread Thy light wherever I may go. (George Jackson.)
General Linda Bond explains: "The purpose of this ICL is for the leaders of the international Army to meet together to prayerfully and strategically consider the International Vision Plan. The mission priorities of this plan will form the basis of of the presentations, focus group discussions and recommendations.
The General is asking Salvationists and friends around the world to pray for the IVL. "Pray for the conference as a whole, but pray also for each individual leader, for those who will be making presentations and for our discussion," she says, "We must seek the Lord's wisdom and guidance to move the Army forward as He desires."
Yes, we need the wisdom and guidance of God daily. Jesus intercedes for His disciples in John 17 when He prayed, "I am not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your Word, which is Your truth." John 17: 15-16.
Prayer:
"I want dear Lord a heart that's true and clean,
A sunlit heart. with not a cloud between;
A heart like Thine, a heart divine,
A heart as white as snow;
On me, dear Lord, a heart like this bestow.
I want dear Lord, a love that cares for all,
A deep strong love that answers every call;
A love like thine, a love divine,
A love to come or go;
On me dear Lord, a love like this bestow.
I want dear Lord, a soul on fire for Thee,
A soul baptised with heavenly energy;
A willing mind, a ready hand
To do whate'er I know,
To spread Thy light wherever I may go. (George Jackson.)
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Live the dream
I read the 40 Day Devotional produced by Love Singapore. The writer quoted C S Lewis one of my favourite authors. Lewis says, "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." Old people can still dream dreams! Great encouragement.
We were at Peacehaven yesterday and met all kinds of people - staff, nurses, residents and visitors. Some are negative, others are positive and keep hope alive. They see visions and dream dreams.
One elderly lady age 97, wheelchair bound always greets us with a cheerful smile. Every time I meet her she tells me she wants to cook me "mee siam" her special dish when she has the chance to get into the kitchen. She is happy despite her handicap and she dreams on. I always thank her and tell her, "Yes, I'm looking forward to her "mee siam." It keeps her happy and I'm happy too for her caring concern for others.
Let's encourage each other.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10: 23-25
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15: 13
We were at Peacehaven yesterday and met all kinds of people - staff, nurses, residents and visitors. Some are negative, others are positive and keep hope alive. They see visions and dream dreams.
One elderly lady age 97, wheelchair bound always greets us with a cheerful smile. Every time I meet her she tells me she wants to cook me "mee siam" her special dish when she has the chance to get into the kitchen. She is happy despite her handicap and she dreams on. I always thank her and tell her, "Yes, I'm looking forward to her "mee siam." It keeps her happy and I'm happy too for her caring concern for others.
Let's encourage each other.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10: 23-25
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15: 13
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Living my dream
I'm enjoying using the devotional booklet produced by "Love Singapore." The writer certainly is truly inspired by God to write messages for such a time as this. We need them.
To know more please visit the website www.lovesingapore.org.sg
As a Singaporean senior citizen at the age of 80 I still have my dreams. I love God and I love my nation, my people, my home and there is that intense longing to share the gospel with people.
My wife and I were at The Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing Home. We spent the morning with the residents, nurses and staff of the Home. They all need words of encouragement and that loving touch from those who care.
I join our many friends in praying this prayer written in the devotional booklet.
"Lord, harness me with Your Spirit. Free me from my own fantasies. If this dream is not from You, let it die! If it is from you deepen the passion, increase the burden within me. Help me not to blurt it out prematurely. Confirm it through others. Show me who I should share it with - and when! I rest my case with You." Amen.
To know more please visit the website www.lovesingapore.org.sg
As a Singaporean senior citizen at the age of 80 I still have my dreams. I love God and I love my nation, my people, my home and there is that intense longing to share the gospel with people.
My wife and I were at The Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing Home. We spent the morning with the residents, nurses and staff of the Home. They all need words of encouragement and that loving touch from those who care.
I join our many friends in praying this prayer written in the devotional booklet.
"Lord, harness me with Your Spirit. Free me from my own fantasies. If this dream is not from You, let it die! If it is from you deepen the passion, increase the burden within me. Help me not to blurt it out prematurely. Confirm it through others. Show me who I should share it with - and when! I rest my case with You." Amen.
Monday, July 2, 2012
40 Day 2012- Love Singapore
Since our return home to Singapore to retire in 1997, we have been using the annual publication by Love Singapore - a 40 day devotional booklet commencing 1st July till National Day on 9th August. It is one of the best devotionals I've come across and each year I look forward to receiving it. My wife and I have always been blessed by the messages. They are written very simply and in the Singapore context.
This year the theme is "Coat of many colours" a series of meditations on Joseph. Strange coincidence, or to be correct Divine leading, I did a series of Bible studies recently at our Territorial Headquarters chapel on the Life of Joseph under the caption "Dare to be different."
The thought came from a poem written by Commissioner Harry Read and the words were set to music by Dick Krommenhoek (now Commisioner and Territorial Commander for Finland.)
I dare to live a life of faith,
The life of challenge God has planned;
Of holiness and victory,
For truth and righteousness to stand.
Chorus:
Dare to be different, dare to believe.
Dare to be different, God's Spirit receive.
Dare to be different, my life sacrificed.
Dare to be different by living like Christ.
I dare to ask the Spirit come
To match with all my hearts' desire,
My life to cleanse and energize
With Pentecostal fire.
I dare to want to be like Christ
According to His will and way.
His love to know, compassion show,
And serve Him only everyday.
I mentioned that we live in a culture of copying or imitating. We yield to peer pressure so easily. We like to conform because we like to be well thought of. Everyone is doing it and we say to ourselves 'it's the done thing.' It is good and right to be relevant. Nothing wrong in keeping to our traditions.
However there are times when we need to stand up and be counted. There are values we must uphold, Biblical standards we need to keep and here we need the courage to dare to be different. Joseph provides us with a good role model.
1 His dress was different.
2 His dreams were different.
3. His dedication was different.
4. His devotion was different.
5. His disposition was different
6. His destiny was different.
This year the theme is "Coat of many colours" a series of meditations on Joseph. Strange coincidence, or to be correct Divine leading, I did a series of Bible studies recently at our Territorial Headquarters chapel on the Life of Joseph under the caption "Dare to be different."
The thought came from a poem written by Commissioner Harry Read and the words were set to music by Dick Krommenhoek (now Commisioner and Territorial Commander for Finland.)
I dare to live a life of faith,
The life of challenge God has planned;
Of holiness and victory,
For truth and righteousness to stand.
Chorus:
Dare to be different, dare to believe.
Dare to be different, God's Spirit receive.
Dare to be different, my life sacrificed.
Dare to be different by living like Christ.
I dare to ask the Spirit come
To match with all my hearts' desire,
My life to cleanse and energize
With Pentecostal fire.
I dare to want to be like Christ
According to His will and way.
His love to know, compassion show,
And serve Him only everyday.
I mentioned that we live in a culture of copying or imitating. We yield to peer pressure so easily. We like to conform because we like to be well thought of. Everyone is doing it and we say to ourselves 'it's the done thing.' It is good and right to be relevant. Nothing wrong in keeping to our traditions.
However there are times when we need to stand up and be counted. There are values we must uphold, Biblical standards we need to keep and here we need the courage to dare to be different. Joseph provides us with a good role model.
1 His dress was different.
2 His dreams were different.
3. His dedication was different.
4. His devotion was different.
5. His disposition was different
6. His destiny was different.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Founder's Day at Changi Corps
Special Day to day - Founder's Day and also Youth Day too. We did the meeting at Changi and had a great time with the folk.
The meeting began with the singing of the song written by the Founder William Booth. "O boundless salvation, deep ocean of love." We sang all the seven verses. What a beautiful climax - that last verse
And now hallelujah! the rest of my days
Shall gladly be spent in promoting His prase
Who opened His bosom to pour out this sea
Of boundless salvation for you and for me.
The sermon was entitled "Soldiers of Jesus Christ."
We ended the meeting with the last song, "Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war."
Good singing, lovely spirit, a lot of enthusiasm. We thank God for the privlege of worshipping with Changi folk and sharing God's word with them. God bless Changi. May the soldiers of Christ keep marching on to conquer in the name of our Lord.
The meeting began with the singing of the song written by the Founder William Booth. "O boundless salvation, deep ocean of love." We sang all the seven verses. What a beautiful climax - that last verse
And now hallelujah! the rest of my days
Shall gladly be spent in promoting His prase
Who opened His bosom to pour out this sea
Of boundless salvation for you and for me.
The sermon was entitled "Soldiers of Jesus Christ."
We ended the meeting with the last song, "Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war."
Good singing, lovely spirit, a lot of enthusiasm. We thank God for the privlege of worshipping with Changi folk and sharing God's word with them. God bless Changi. May the soldiers of Christ keep marching on to conquer in the name of our Lord.
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