Writing the blog

In May 2009, one of our grandchildren, David and his girl friend Yurong visited us. In our conversation, the subject of blogging came up. I must have mentioned that I read and enjoyed their blogs. Doing so keeps me in touch with the young people and be up to date with events and modern thinking. Elderly folk must learn to interact with the younger generation to be relevant. Interaction with the elderly may be comforting as we recall with nostalgia the good old days. But we have to live in the present and prepare for the future.

The question was posed to me, "Why don't you blog?"
"This thought never entered my mind, besides I am busy enough already" was my response.

To cut the long story short, I was persuaded to blog. She went to the computer and within a couple of minutes, had everything set up for me. She asked me to give a name for the blog. Immediately I thought of Jeremiah who said,".. his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones." Jer. 20:9 Hence the name of this blog.

So I've been writing, not just my thoughts but my autobiography as well. "This is my story" was originally written for our family. I want our grandchildren and subsequent generations to catch something of the past. Later friends came to know about this and requested to be included in the mailing list. So the best way is to put it on the blog and those who want to read can do so from the blog. A copy is sent to Jessie Kwong The Salvation Army's archivist. She files them, and adds pictures to them as well.

Amos 7:14 we read these words
Amos answered Amaziah, "I was neither a prophet nor a prophet's son, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees.
New Living Translation (©2007)
But Amos replied, "I'm not a professional prophet, and I was never trained to be one. I'm just a shepherd, and I take care of sycamore-fig trees.

Let me plagiarise and change the words a little to apply to myself, "I was neither a writer nor a writer's son, but I was a pastor, and I took care of the sheep under my care"
"I am not a professional writer, and was never trained to be one.I am just a pastor and I take care of the people the Lord gives me."

Lieut. Colonel Catherine Baird, Salvation Army poet wrote this beautiful poem entitled "Lines to a Writer".

When strong men lie divested of their power,
When youth is robbed of beauty's early flower,
When silver tones like echoes slowly die,
And useless riches all corroded lie -
Thy work shall teach the beauty of his will,
When thy own heart is cold and thy lips lie still;
For unto thee, most honoured among men,
As to another one, he gave - a pen;
His hidden secrets haloed in new Light,
To thee he whispers, then he bids thee: "Write."

So I continue to write, my thoughts, my vision, my life's story. All is done to the glory of the God I love and serve.

The Last things

Having completed the series of studies on the Book of Revelation, I am now spending time during the month of November to dwell on the subject of Last Things. The Adult Bible class goes into recess in December as we are involved in Christmas kettling and other festive season activities.

We had very good discussion this morning. There are many things that are mysterious to us and we just have to wait till we see the Lord in heaven face to face.

No one knows when the Lord will come again. No study of signs will remove the sense of surprise even among the faithful (Matt. 24: 44) Only God the Father knows the time, so let us not speculate on dates.

Over the years many Christians have believed the signs were just right, the end was imminent. There are dangers with preoccupation on this subject. The 'last days' commence when Jesus came to earth in human form, the First Advent and will complete when the Second Advent arrives.

Let us just get on with our work, continue to do God's will and live in the spirit of watchfulness and preparedness. The conflict between good and evil continues in intensity. The precise time of His coming lies with Almighty God who holds eternity in His hands.

"He's coming soon, He's coming soon,
With joy we welcome His returning.
It may be morn, it may be night or noon.
I know the Lord is coming soon.

Call to Prayer

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin a afresh each morning. I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance; therefore I will hope in Him." Lamentations 3: 22-24

We began our Prayer meeting with the whole congregation reading these lovely words of assurance from God's word. Yes, it was not a large group, but the Lord was there with us as He is with me at this very moment.

One Army. We see a God-raised and Spirit-filled Army for the 21st century - convinced of our calling, moving forward together. For the first part of our prayer meeting, we prayed for the deepening of our spiritual life. It is our prayer and desire that the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible reading, meditation, solitude and silence will become daily habits of Salvationists world wide. Holy living must take priority in ourselves and in the Army.

As it is Self Denial month, we focused our prayers on our partner - the India Western Territory.

We concluded the session with the prayer, "Revive Thy work O Lord."

Revive Thy work O Lord
While here to Thee we bow
Descend O gracious Lord Descend
O Come and bless us now

Revive Thy work O Lord
Thy mighty arm make bare
Speak with the voice that wakes the dead
And make Thy people hear

Revive Thy work O Lord
Create soul thirst for Thee
And hungering for the bread of life
Oh, may our spirits be

Revive Thy work O Lord
Exalt Thy precious Name
And by the Holy Ghost, Our Love
For Thee and thine inflame.

We say Amen to that beautiful prayer.

This is my story - 64 (Hong Kong/Taiwan)

64 – International Leaders’ Conference, Berlin – 1984

On 28th April 1984, my wife and I left Hong Kong to attend the International Leaders’ Conference in Berlin, West Germany. When we arrived at Kai Tak Airport, much to our surprise, we were upgraded to Business class courtesy of KLM Airlines! Life is full of bonuses or unexpected blessings!

On the way to Berlin, the plane stopped at Bangkok, Dubai and Amsterdam. Here were we met by our old friend Brigadier B Tjeertes who took us to her home at Harlem and Keukenhof Flower Gardens near Amsterdam. O the beauty of the flowers – daffodils, hyacinths, narcissi and the tulips, the splendour I cannot find words to describe.

The next day we left for Berlin for the Conference which lasted ten days. What an experience to be among The Salvation Army’s World leaders. Sitting on the platform were General and Mrs. Jarl Walstrom and The Chief of Staff Commissioner Caughey Gauntlett and Mrs. Gauntlett. On the front rows were the International Secretaries and other Commissioners, followed by Lieutenant Commissioners and Colonels and finally right at the back were the two most junior couples - Lieut. Colonel and Mrs.William Bramwell Booth, Officer Commanding of Italy and ourselves from Hong Kong Taiwan.

These were the six primary topics tabled for discussion. Certain delegates were nominated to present papers on the various topics to be followed by open discussion.

1. The Army – identity, spiritual life, internationalism, ecumenical relationships, soldiers, youth.
2. Officers – recruitment and training, women officers, retirement
3. Administration, appointment and rank system, leadership.
4. Evangelism – message, objectives, methods, outreach.
5. Current concerns- Articles of War, world unemployment, moral issues, human rights, world service, genetic engineering
6. Independent subjects – divorce and remarriage, the Lima text.

Other items were added. Throughout the ten-day conference we could sense the unity and international spirit of the Army. And we met in a divided Berlin and Germany – east and west!

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. (John Oxenham)

God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform! Permission was granted for the Army delegates to visit Communist East Berlin! Through the auspices of Bishop of the Evangelical Church of East Berlin, General and Mrs. Jarl Walstrom with 116 conferees in full Salvation Army uniform of the different countries (navy blue, white, grey, Indian ladies in saris) were permitted to cross the border into East Germany! However, before we left the conference hall, we were told to keep strictly to the allocated seats in the coach – no changing of seats allowed! The security check was very strict.

What an international group of officers from 84 different countries; different races, cultures, languages and political systems, yet one Salvation Army under one banner! East Berliners gazed in wonder at the uniformed Salvationists. The older ones showed instant signs of recognition. Someone shouted, “Die Heilsarmee!” (German for Salvation Army). She said to one of our officers, “O I remember you well, how we loved you.”

General Jarl Walstrom said, “Berlin has a special place in the hearts of Salvationists. We cannot forget that we are in Martin Luther country, a fact of immense significance to all evangelicals. We cannot forget that the Army once operated in East Berlin. For such reasons Salvationists love all Germany and we will not forget to pray for it. The Salvation Army is committed to build bridges and not walls.”

How could we ever forget “Checkpoint Charlie” the spot we crossed into East Berlin. The Berlin Wall built in 1961 to stop East Germans fleeing to the West, was torn down in 1989. It symbolised division and separation. Here we were standing in the East Berlin Cathedral, we all prayed The Lord’s Prayer in different languages. Suddenly and spontaneously the whole group burst forth into singing the Founder’s Song, “O boundless salvation, deep ocean of love.” Many of us were choked with emotion. To me that scene remains vividly in my memory. Finally before we left, the Bishop prayed for the Army and pronounced the benediction. The last verse of that song says,

And now, hallelujah! the rest of my days
Shall gladly be spent in promoting His praise
Who opened His bosom to pour out this sea
Of boundless salvation, of boundless salvation,
Of boundless salvation for you and for me. (William Booth)

So The Salvation Army keeps marching on to save souls, grow saints and care for suffering humanity.

Down memory lane

The new Balestier Corps will be officially opened and dedicated on 11th November 2011
The Corps Officer (pastor) Captain Hary Haran wants a video made depicting the history of the Corps.

Yesterday, after the Prayer meeting, Terence Nah came to THQ and fetched me to Anne Kwong's place. The three of us went first to Kim Keat Road and Lorong Limau. There I pointed to them the spot where The Salvation Army had the first Home for boys under the care of Adjutant and Mrs. Harold Matthews. These officers not only cared for the boys they also went out into the neighbourhood to preach the gospel. The Matthews were later sent to Malacca to pioneer Army work there.

I lived nearby at Lorong Limau and as a child of five I used to watch the open air meeting conducted by the Army near my home. I can still remember the spot and pointed it out to Terence and Anne who took pictures and videod the scene. Of course the area has changed. Those small units built by the Government were demolished long ago and now there are tall buildings. The Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) became the HDB (Housing and Development Board) I remember the tiny unit we lived in used to cost us $7.00 per month! The rent collector would call each month to collect rent! The Army outpost was held in one of these units belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Syd Henson who later moved to Siglap and started the Siglap Corps.

Terence, Anne and I went from there to Balestier Road and I pointed out to them the shop house where the Army held meetings. It was called Balestier Road Corps. My older siblings and I attended Sunday School there. My mother attended the Home League and was also employed at the hall keeper. That shop now sells lamps.

I showed them the spot at the corner of Martaban/Balestier road where the Army used to hold open air meetings. Then we went to the spot where on the land provided by Mrs. Palmer the Army built an atap house to hold meetings. Later the Army bought over the land for a token sum of $3000.00 and put up the first purpose built building in 1961. When the land was sold the Corps moved to Bishan as its temporary home and in November will move to our own building.

We filmed the new building a former Eye Hospital, next door to the Seventh Day Adventist Church. I recalled many years ago, when the Community Church closed down they offered to sell the building to the Army. But the Army had no money to buy it so the Seventh Day Adventist Church bought it. By strange providence of God, or Divine arrangement we are now side by side sharing the same fence with the Seventh Day Adventists.

The final part of the video had me standing outside our new building saying, "We are now back to Balestier, not to bask in our own glory, but to do battle for the Lord."

One Army, One Mission, One Message

To day at the Prayer meeting held at Territorial Headquarters, we watched the video - The Launch of of the International Vision by General Linda Bond - One Army, One Message, One Mission

One Army
The General spoke to Salvationists around the world when, referring to the biblical promise that God would care for his people, she said: 'I truly believe Salvationists need to know we have a hope and a future.'

The General told the congregation that in order to be 'One Army', The Salvation Army 'needs to be marked by holiness and prayer'. She took this point further: 'People should look at us and say: "Here is a holy people of God – a people with a passion for the gospel."'

She called on Salvationists to see self-denial – sacrificial giving to the Army's world mission – as a vital part of their service. She spoke of the willingness she sees by people from poorer countries to help even those who have greater resources, saying: 'We need each other – we need each other's money!'

One Mission
Moving on to the next aspect of the vision, the General reaffirmed the importance of The Salvation Army's integrated mission, saying that it 'has to be emphasised again and again and again'.

The vision statement speaks about going 'into the world of the broken, lonely, dispossessed and lost, reaching them in love by all means'. The General sought to ensure that this was understood fully, explaining that the broken and lost could refer to people in physical and financial need but that it could just as easily describe 'the unsaved and people who are outside the fellowship'.

She explained further that the Army must not hand over its 'service to suffering humanity' to its social services; nor could it leave it to the officer training colleges to do all the work to grow saints within the Army.

She had a clear message for corps, social service centres and headquarters everywhere: 'If there is a Salvation Army shield on your building, you do all the mission!'

The General was equally clear about the Mission Priority to reach and involve youth and children. 'The future of The Salvation Army,' she said, 'may hang on the priority to which we give our approach to children and youth.' She said that work with young people should not be ignored because of a perceived lack of time or resources, and she committed IHQ to involve young people in its public meetings.

Speaking about the Mission Priority to 'stand for and serve the marginalised', she challenged her listeners by saying that The Salvation Army needs to 'find its voice and stand for people who are marginalised in society,' explaining that the Army is 'married' to such people.

Innovation in mission, said the General, is to be encouraged. 'Just go for it and give us good ideas,' was her call to the Army. She backed this up – despite admitting to being naturally conservative – with a call for Salvation Army boards to have a 'can-do' attitude such that their natural response to ideas should be 'yes' (unless there was good reason to say 'no'!) rather than being over-careful and instinctively negative.


One Message
The General admitted that in parts of the world where The Salvation Army is adored by the public there is a danger that 'we wouldn't want to jeopardise it by being politically incorrect'. She said that the Army should always make clear that it does its work because 'the love of Christ compels us', adding that she would love to see that phrase on the wall of every Salvation Army social centre. Taking a strong stand on its motivation may mean that the Army sometimes loses money, admitted the General, before adding: 'But I would rather have the blessing of the Lord.'

Picking up on another of the Mission Priorities, the General called for a reaffirmation of the belief in transformation, explaining that – through the power of the Holy Spirit – a person can change his or her life not by making resolutions but by undergoing a revolution!

Communication was highlighted as a priority. The General said that she loved Salvation Army open-air meetings but warned against holding them 'next to a brick wall' where no one was listening. She called on Salvationists to grab the opportunities presented by modern technology. 'We need to use the World Wide Web,' she said. 'We could have a million people at our open-air meetings!'

Drawing her thoughts to a close, the General admitted that there was nothing inherently new in the International Vision. However, holding up her Bible, she told the congregation and those watching online that from Genesis to Revelation there was a common thread – 'God's relentless pursuit of relationship with humanity.'

The General wondered what Salvation Army Founder William Booth would think of the International Vision, concluding that he would probably say: 'Go and do something about it!'

'I want you to be encouraged,' said the General to Salvationists at IHQ and around the world. 'I believe God raised up The Salvation Army.' And while the International Vision contains 'nothing new', she hopes that it creates opportunity for Salvationists everywhere to look at what they say and do so they will 'use new language and find new ways of doing it'.

A place of quiet rest

There is so much noise around us - the roar of the traffic, the noise from the construction site, the hustle and the bustle of life, I need to quieten myself.

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:
“Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved.
In quietness and confidence is your strength.(Isaiah 30: 15 NLT)

God tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46: 10 NIV)

There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.

Refrain
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee
Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where we our Savior meet,
Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where all is joy and peace,
Near to the heart of God. Cleland McAfee

Completed the series on Revelation

On 16th May 2010, I commenced a series of studies on the Book of Revelation. It has been a challenging, profitable and interesting exercise for me. It has taken me more than a year to complete the series.

This morning I did the last chapter. John's vision comes to an end and he closes the book with some reflections on what he has written, makes a appeal, pronounces the benediction and ends with Amen.

Amen! Nothing can thwart God's will and purpose. Satan thinks he can, some people in their pride think they can, but God is sovereign.

Amen refers to the title of Christ as 'the God of Truth'. When we say Amen, we mean "So be it" and "most assuredly." We proclaim the affirmation of His Truth and ways.

For the next few weeks, I shall be looking at the subject of "Last things." Salvation Army Doctrine No. 11 states, "We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked."

Opening of Balestier Corps Hall

We all look forward to the official opening of the Balestier Corps building at Balestier Road. It will be Back to Balestier on 11th November 2011.

On Thursday morning we attended the Global Prayer meeting. In the afternoon, two comrades from Balestier Corps came to consult me reading the video the Corps is making for the opening. Balestier has an interesting history. I began my spiritual journey at the age of five when together with my two older siblings, we attended our first meeting in 1937

We looked through the old photographs and it brought a sense of nostalgia. What memories. We are planning for next week when we shall be visiting the area where the Corps began -

Kim Keat Road where the Army started a Home for Delinquent Boys,
Lorong Limau where they had the first Outpost Sunday school in the home of Mr. and Mrs Syd Henson and also open air meetings.
Balestier Road where the Army rented a shophouse for the Corps.
Martaban Road where we first put up an atap hut, them bought over the land and put up a building in 1961.
Towner Road where we had a kindergarten to raise funds for the building.

This is my story - 63 (Hong Kong/Taiwan)

63 – God’s Provision of Day Care for Poh Chin.

When we sincerely do God’s will we can always be assured of His resources available to us at all times. The Lord always provides for the needs of His servants, not necessarily in the way we anticipated but in His best interests and for our good. All through the years we have experienced His involvement in every aspect of our lives.

I mentioned in earlier chapters our concern for Dora Poh Chin our special handicapped fourteen year old daughter needing full time care and attention. We employed a lady to look after her during the day when my wife had to be in office, thanks to the generosity the Advisory Board members. But we could not expect this arrangement to continue indefinitely.

One day we got word that there was a vacancy in a certain Day Care Centre for the mentally handicapped. We made our way there with Poh Chin and much to our delight she was accepted. The centre opened at 8.00 a.m and closed at 4.00 p.m. Every morning on our way to office we dropped her at the Centre and at 4.00 p.m. the Rehab Bus picked her up and took her to our Salvation Army Home at Lai King. The staff looked after her till we collected her on our way home.

Captain Keith Cheng our Social Services Secretary who was also the superintendent of Lai King Home made arrangements to care for Poh Chin on Sundays when we had to conduct meetings at the various centres. When we visited Taiwan Division, Poh Chin stayed at the Home and the Rehab Bus transported her to and from the Centre. Captain and Mrs. Keith Cheng were very caring officers.

One day when we got to Lai King Home to fetch Poh Chin, I discovered the car had a flat tyre. Well, I tried to change the tyre, but could not unscrew the bolts. They were very tight. I tried and tried and was quite exhausted when a passer-by, the exposed part of his body covered in tattoos walked towards me. He was a burly fellow and appeared quite aggressive. I became quite apprehensive and defensive, wondering what he would do next. He grabbed the tool from me and I was trembling all over, thinking he was going to rob me.

Instead, he changed the tyre for me! I believe the Lord sent him there at the right moment for me. When I thanked him and wanted to pay him, he brushed me aside, waved and walked away. I felt rather ashamed of myself for misjudging him. God’s angels come in different shapes and forms, not necessarily with wings and wearing halos.

We have been blessed by the deeds of kind and caring people. To God be the glory.

Someone cares

After conducting chapel service at SPARROW on Level 2 and visiting the residents on the same floor, we went over to HOPE Centre. What a pleasant surprise to meet so many ladies from the Bedok Methodist Church chatting with our residents. I was told these ladies attend their Tuesday Bible class and today, in instead of meeting at their church, they all came to visit Peacehaven.

Thank God for people who care enough to share their time with others. Time is a precious commodity God gives to us. Let's use it for God's glory.

The Nursing Home has more than 400 residents and not all have families come to visit them. They always appreciate visitors who are willing to sit and chat with them.
It's always good to know - Someone cares.

Children - God's gifts to us

This article is in this month's Singapore/Malaysia/Myanmar War Cry. I want to share this with overseas friends who do not get our War Cry, but read my blog.

Children – God’s gifts to us.

At every election, politicians on campaign are seen going around meeting the people, fussing the children, picking up and kissing babies. Of course the elderly, these "aunties and uncles" as there are affectionately addressed are not forgotten! Politicians take special interest in children; certainly a good strategy to win the hearts of parents! And hopefully votes too! I am not questioning their sincerity, but merely making a personal observation.

In Mark’s gospel we read of that beautiful incident when Jesus took a child, set him in the midst of the people listening to His teaching and said, “Whoever receives one little child like this in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me, but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9: 37) What an interesting comment and object lesson! Children are important.

The Bible portrays children as a blessing. “Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift, the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blest are you parents with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you, you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.” (Psalm 127: 3-5 The Message)

Children are seen as wealth and heritage. They are God’s gift to us and we are to treasure them. Just as it is natural for us to protect our wealth and use it wisely, so it is the way we are expected to treat our children. They are our special investments to be guarded.

Jesus had a busy programme. Crowds were following Him to listen to His teaching. At one point in His ministry, He and His disciples were so besieged by people with all sorts of needs, that they hardly had time even to have a meal.

It was the custom in those days for parents to bring children to the rabbis to be blessed. Hence it was quite natural for the mothers to bring their children to Jesus the distinguished Teacher but the disciples stopped them. Perhaps they wanted to prevent the imposition on His time and strength. They might have felt there were more important things to do than to be bothered with the kids! Jesus was not too busy for children and to the disciples He said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belong to such as these.” (Matthew 19: 13-14) What a rebuke!

Let us heed the words of Scripture and the example of Jesus. Value the children whether they are our own or those placed under our care.

In the Old Testament, God’s Word tells us to love Him and then continues with the command concerning our responsibility to children “Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night.” (Deut. 6: 4-7 The Message) Here is clear instruction concerning the teaching of God’s Word to children.

In a relay race the lead sprinter of each team runs the first leg of the race, and then passes the baton to the next. This is repeated throughout the race till the last athlete runs with the baton to the finishing line. The race does not just depend on speed, but also on the skilful transfer of the baton from one runner to the next. A miscalculation or slight hesitation would mean the loss of the race.

As Christian parents, leaders and teachers we are under obligation to pass the baton of godly values, clean morals and faith to the next generation. We all need to do this by word and by example. So it is important that more mature Christians live out the faith.

Children who come under our influence are gifts from God. Let us treasure them.

Fill my cup Lord

This morning I found myself singing that beautiful song, "Fill my cup Lord." It is not one that we sing in our church, but the words are lovely and tune singable. A beautiful prayer.

Fill my cup Lord
Like the woman at the well I was seeking
For things that could not satisfy;
And then I heard my Savior speaking:
"Draw from my well that never shall run dry".

Chorus
Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up, Lord!
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more--
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!

There are millions in this world who are craving
The pleasures earthly things afford;
But none can match the wondrous treasure
That I find in Jesus Christ my Lord.

So, my brother, if the things this world gave you
Leave hungers that won't pass away,
My blessed Lord will come and save you,
If you kneel to Him and humbly pray:
Wanda Jackson

The New Jerusalem - A Garden City

We have come to the penultimate lesson in the series on Revelation. It has been a challenging and interesting exercise for me and I’ve been blessed researching, studying, pondering over the many symbolisms in the book and sharing them with the folk on Sunday mornings. Through the sharing, I have learned much from the participants, a mature group of Christians who truly love the Lord and the Word.

The New Jerusalem is a City when viewed from the outside (Rev. 21: 1-27) but a Garden when viewed from inside (22: 1-5). This Garden City is Paradise Restored through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

“Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

The symbolism of a river of life is seen in several parts of the Bible.

“river whose streams make glad the city of God” Psalm 46:4

Ezekiel living in exile saw the vision of the New Jerusalem – a river of water flowing from under the Temple which brought healing and life to the waters including the Dead Sea. Ezekiel 47: 1-12

Zechariah had a vision of the kingdom of God in which rivers of water from Jerusalem flowed both eastward and westward. Zechariah 14: 8

To the Samaritan woman Jesus spoke of the ‘living water” John 4: 10 & 14

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7: 37-39

The fact that the river flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb speaks of the source of all life is God Almighty.

Visited a friend in Changi Hospital

We have known Mr. and Mrs. T H Lim a long time, more than 60 years. They've been good friends of ours and we have always enjoyed their company.

Mr. Lim was one of the five delegates to the International Youth Congress in 1950. I remember attending a concert at the Kampong Kapor Methodist Church where the Torchbearers put on a drama called "The Road" to raise funds for delegates. Captain W Stan Cottrill was the Corps Officer of Central Corps at that time. I was a teen ager in Balestier then.

Mr.Lim was the Corps Secretary of Singapore Central Corps for many years and his wife was the Corps pianist. In later years, they moved to the Wesley Methodist Church, and have remained Methodists to this day. But they remained good friends of the Army. The last meeting they attended was at the opening of the Army Headquarters at Bishan. I came as the International Secretary from International Headquarters to open the building officially in 1994.

Even when were were overseas, every time we came back to Singapore they would invite us for a meal at their home.

Yesterday, we visited him at the Changi Hospital and prayed with him. He responded by making some sounds. It was sad to see him in his condition, unable to eat and had to be fed by tubes. When we bade good bye to him, he opened his eyes to acknowledge.

The Prayer of Faith
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:13-16

We live in a sin sick world. Michael Green wrote "Disease and death are all part and parcel of the spurious deal the devil gave in return for primal man's 'yes' to temptation. In some mysterious way, sin, disease and death are all part of the heritage of disobedience." Till Jesus comes again and Satan bound, we still have to encounter the effects of the fall and so the ministry of healing goes on.

We pray for healing. William Booth speaking on faith healing made this remark. "There is perfect harmony from the beginning. Nothing to the contrary has ever been taught by our authority and many instances of faith healing have occurred in the Army throughout history." However, let us not expect God to do our bidding, for there are times when healing is denied however earnestly we pray. That does not altar the fact of Divine healing. God's power is as near to us in sickness and in death as it is in healing. When we pray and immediate healing does not come it is not for us to question its reality. The servant of God needs to trust and persist in believing God for physical, mental and spiritual healing, and at the same time being aware of the effect of the fallen world on us.

A Noble Ambition

The child by John Newton

Quiet, Lord, my froward heart,
Make me teachable and mild,
Upright, simple, free from art,
Make me as a weaned child:
From distrust and envy free,
Pleased with all that pleases Thee.

What Thou shalt today provide,
Let me as a child receive;
What tomorrow may betide,
Calmly to Thy wisdom leave:
’Tis enough that Thou wilt care,
Why should I the burden bear?

As a little child relies
On a care beyond his own;
Knows he’s neither strong nor wise,
Fears to stir a step alone:
Let me thus with Thee abide,
As my Father, Guard, and Guide.

Thus preserved from Satan’s wiles,
Safe from dangers, free from fears;
May I live upon Thy smiles,
Till the promised hour appears;
When the sons of God shall prove
All their Father’s boundless love.

The Time between the Testaments

I took a rest today from conducting the Adult Bible Class. Mrs. Lim Li Ching did an interesting Bible study on "The Time Between The Testaments." She is a school teacher by profession and also a keen Bible student.

Following the conquest and subjection to different world powers, the nation of Israel underwent great changes. Many of these changes took place during approximately four hundred years that separate Nehemiah from the birth of Christ, a time commonly known as the intertestamental period (c. 432 to 5 B.C.). In this Bible study session she briefly took us through the history, literature and social development during this period. We had a good time of discussion; the time went too quickly and we wish we could have more time to discuss more in detail.

It was an interesting background study and certainly helped us to gain an insight into the changes that influenced the lives and way of worship of the Jewish people.

About once a month, either Mrs. Lim Li Ching or Corps Secretary Terence Tan does a lesson or two for me. It gives me a rest, besides the folk can enjoy listening to someone else with a different way of presentation. When we were Corps Officers (pastors) we made it a point to invite someone to preach once in four or five weeks. The congregation deserves to hear a different voice every now and again. It gives others the opportunity to share the word. Good for us too, to take in instead of giving out all the time. People get tired of hearing the same voice week after week. A change of voice from the pulpit every now and again is appreciated by the congregation.

After Bible study we joined the congregation in the main worship hall and after lunch attended the prayer meeting which is the least attended.

We thank God for another day He has given us - Sunday the day of rest also also celebration as it is the Lord's day.