Sowing in tears

The Psalmist declares in Psalm 126.5-6, “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Jesus came to seek and to save sinners. One day as He approached Jerusalem He could foresee the future of the city and it’s inhabitants Luke 19.41, “Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it.” Yes, He wept for Jerusalem.

It's been a long time since I sang this beautiful song. I am singing it again to remind myself of the mission of Christ my Lord.

Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,
Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve;
Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves;
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows,
Fearing neither clouds nor winter’s chilling breeze;
By and by, the harvest and the labor ended,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master,
Tho’, the loss sustained, our spirit often grieves;
When our weeping’s over, He will bid us welcome,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. Knowles Shaw

Trapped in a lift.

Eleven of us were waiting for the lift. It arrived and ten of us walked in. One lady decided to wait for the next lift. The lift door closed but then no movement. The group was silent. The someone cried out, “O dear, the lift is not working.” A few nurses were going to Bedok for a party. They all looked at their watches.

A few minutes passed in uncomfortable silence. Everyone was deep in panicked thoughts. Finally, someone said, "How?”. “ Let's just pry it open." “No, just press the alarm”  “Call Madam Low now, quick” She will fix it!

Claustrophobia kicked in. All eyes turned to me the oldest among the lot. They must have either expected me to faint, collapsed on the floor or even passed out. Or rise up and provide the answer to the plight. I don’t know!

After an uncomfortable fifteen minutes, we heard voices outside. “The engineers are coming, they should be here soon. Just keep still and wait.”

One of the nurses said, “O dear we’ll miss the party at Bedok! How?”
Someone else talked on her handphone "I'm trapped in a lift and it could be a while. I'll call you if I can when it's over."

Finally, we heard voices on the other side of the door. Then a voice yelled, "The lift people are here and they are going to get you out now — stand back!" Stand back?! How could we? Yet, people pushed backwards, I felt crushed. The doors smoothly opened. We were released from bondage!

This was the first time I ever got trapped in a lift.

Chorus came to my mind

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground

 

 

 

KIWIS responded to the Macedonian Cry

Our Territory has been blessed by many Kiwis. I don’t mean the birds but the wingless and featherless two legged human beings from New Zealand! We thank God for them and their dedicated service in this part of the world.
With the impending departure of Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn
Buckingham to the United Kingdom it looks like these human Kiwis are also an endangered species here in Singapore! So let us look after our one and only Kiwi – Major Ruth Pascoe who is still active despite living past retirement age. Reinforcement officers come and go, but Major Ruth Pascoe goes on forever!

Immediately after the war in 1945, our reinforcement officers who had just been released from prison were in need of a rest in their own homeland. Three and a half years of suffering in prison had taken its toll on their health. But they could not be spared immediately to go for homeland furlough. There was much work to be done in the aftermath of the war.
Everywhere were broken buildings and broken lives and these men and women of faith “counted not their own lives dear,” staying on to serve our people despite their own desperate need for rest.

One day one of these officers, Major Frederick Harvey, received a letter from the International Secretary in London, which said, “Delighted to hear of the good work you are doing – you are writing a new chapter to the Acts of the Apostles.” It was intended as a note of encouragement.

Major Harvey responded in his inimitable way, “Thank you. I’d rather be writing a new chapter to Exodus. When can you send someone to relieve me so I can rejoin my loved ones?”

Replacements did arrive to relieve these heroes and heroines of the faith. New Zealand was quick to answer the Macedonian call and five Kiwis were soon on their way. The War Cry of October 1946 had this report under the caption “The New Zealand party” -

“It was a coincidence that Commissioner J. Evan Smith, Territorial Commander for New Zealand called in at Singapore on his way home from the High Council meetings. The Commissioner was travelling by air and landed at Sydney on the final stage of the journey to find the five New Zealand officers who were bound for the then Malaya waiting in Sydney. They travelled by SS Marella from Sydney and were welcomed on arrival at Singapore by Lieut. Colonel and Mrs John Wainwright. (This command was then known as the Malaya Command.) This little ‘red dot’ was one of the three British Straits Settlements in Malaya.

“Their coming was timely and they were referred to by the Officer Commanding in the welcome meeting as the New Zealand party for their healthy Salvationism and ready-for-anything spirit which indeed brought new life and inspiration to us.

“Within a few hours of the arrival the officers joined with local comrades and Salvationist servicemen for a visit to the Singapore Leper Settlement. It was symbolical perhaps that the inmates of this hospital should be amongst the first to extend a welcome to the New Zealand officers. Their outstretched arms, some without fingers or hands, seemed to echo the Macedonian cry for help from a far country.”

One of the five was Captain Agnes Morgan who prior to her arrival with the team to Singapore had received her appointment to China. After a short term of service in Singapore, she proceeded to China and served during the last days of the Kuomingtang. She became very fluent in Mandarin.
When the communists took over China, she returned to Singapore and served many years in different capacities till she was Promoted to Glory following a car accident at Batang Kali, Malaysia. She and two cadets were on their way to visit us in Kuala Lumpur where we were the Corps Officers (pastors.) Upon receipt of the news from the police, I rushed to the hospital and saw her just before she breathed her last breath. I was the last person to see her alive.

This command has never ceased to welcome people from abroad. The Macedonian cry goes out loud and clear “Come over and help us.” The Salvation Army is an international Army and as such knows no boundaries. The word “missionary” used in the past has been changed to “reinforcement” and all our overseas officers are reinforcement officers. As such they work alongside our national officers for glory of God.

“The fields are white unto harvest, but the labourers are few.” No matter what your race or nationality is, God needs you. Respond with “Here am I, my Lord, send me.”

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My life in God's hands

The moment I am awake, I give thanks to God for giving us yet another day. Every evening before we sleep, my wife and I have our prayer time together.

We pray for our family - children, grandchildren and spouses and great grand children.

We mention names of our friends and commend them to God. We bring before the Lord those living alone. We think of a number of our friends with their spouses suffering from dementia and now living in Nursing Homes. Separation of happily married couples in their golden years must be painful. The list goes on.

We then commit ourselves to the Lord as we switch off the lights and go to sleep.

Gone are the days when I used to read a book before sleep. My eyesight is not as good so sleep is welcome. Last night in the darkness the song by Anna Waring came to mind. It is. It expresses her humility, and a willingness to fill a small and unheralded place of service, in the will of God.

1) Father, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me,
And changes that are sure to come
I do not fear to see;
I ask Thee for a present mind
Intent on pleasing Thee.

2) I ask Thee for a thoughtful love,
Through constant watching wise,
To meet the glad with joyful smiles,
And wipe the weeping eyes;
A heart at leisure from itself,
To soothe and sympathize.”

3) I would not have the restless will
That hurries to and fro,
Seeking for some great thing to do
Or secret thing to know;
I would be treated as a child,
And guided where I go.

4) I ask Thee for the daily strength,
To none who ask denied,
A mind to blend with outward life
While keeping at Thy side
Content to fill a little place
If Thou be glorified.

In God's hands

My wife is now in Hospital and tomorrow will have the procedure done to her liver. We believe she is in the capable hands of the specialists and certainly in the hands of the Almighty God who is present everywhere.
Paul wrote: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Certainly we can pray for healing, and ask others to do so as well on our behalf. We know God hears our requests and answers our prayers according to his merciful will and purpose in our lives.

Serendipity

God gives us pleasant surprises to bless us. Both of us were home and my wife was talking about her forthcoming visit to hospital for some procedure. concerning liver – not a very pleasant subject.

In fact on that same week I shall be at another hospital to undergo further extensive tests concerning my eyes. I shall have my cataract surgery soon after.

We do have very good medical facilities and doctors in Singapore. People from other countries come to Singapore to seek medical treatment.

Suddenly we received a phone call. Four friends of ours were in the vicinity and decided to visit us. One couple – the husband was my classmate and his wife was my wife’s classmate in Raffles Institution and Raffles Girls’ School respectively in the early ‘fifties.

Another couple the wife was my wife’s classmate. What a lovely time we had as we recalled the good old days. They are all evangelical Christians and before we parted sang “Great is Thy faithfulness” followed by a time of prayer.

We also had another visitor, a retired nurse and former salvationist. What a wonderful time we had spending time together reminiscing the good old days when we were in our teens and now all in eighties eighties! Truly I can only describe the afternoon in one word – serendipity. I believe God has arranged this fellowship to cheer us up.

What a work the Lord has done
By his saving grace;
Let us praise him, every one,
In his holy place.
He has saved us gloriously,
Led us onward faithfully,
Yet he promised we should see
Even greater things.

Chorus
Greater things! Greater things!
Give us faith, O Lord, we pray,
Faith for greater things.
2.
Sanctify thy name, O Lord,
By thy people here,
For the altar or the sword!
Save us from our fear
When the battle rages fast;
Help us in the fiery blast,
Let us not be overcast,
Prove thy greater things.
3.
Every comrade, Lord, we pray,
Thou wilt richly bless;
Lead us forth into the fray,
One in holiness,
One in faith and harmony,
One in perfect charity;
Then we know that we shall see
Even greater things.
Albert Orsborn (1886-1967)

Thank God for friends who care

Nowadays as I age, I find it comfortable to stay home. There are so many things to do around the house. Yes, just to do housework. – sweep the floor, wash clothes, the list goes on.  It keeps me busy and I don’t mind at all.  If I am engrossed in an activity or pursuit then time really does fly by as I am having fun. The older I get the more I just want to stay home. But the Lord has other plans for our benefit. He has provided us with friends who care for us.

My wife and I were invited out to a meal by some kind and very close friends. And it’s on the western side of Singapore – Watten Estate to be precise. O we did not feel like going, but we could not decline this kind invitation for the host even arranged transport for us.

So we accepted the invitation and went. I tell you once we got there, we enjoyed every moment of it and that lunch in a Vietnamese Restaurant lasted a long time. Time simply sped by while we chatted.

Looking back, glad that we went or we would have missed out on that lovely afternoon. It did us good. Thank God for friends who care.

Allan Lord - He sacrificed his life for another.

In our former Command Headquarters at 207 Clemenceau Avenue, Singapore, there was a room named “Allan O. Lord Memorial Primary Room.” After the war when plans were made to renovate the old Headquarters, Commissioner and Mrs Herbert Lord, pioneers of our work in Singapore gave a special donation for the fitting out of this Primary Room in memory of their son Allan. Even in the early seventies when my wife and I were the Corps Officers (pastors), this room was still used for the Primary children on Sundays. Other groups such as the Torchbearers Youth Group, servicemen and others used it too during the week.

Regrettably as years went by, leaders unaware of the history of the place, removed the sign. I can still see the signboard in my mind as I write this article. The tiny tots who made use of the facility would now be senior citizens. I wonder how many still remember attending the primary in this” Allan Lord Memorial Primary Room”? One Officer Commanding, faced with the pressure for space for an expanding Headquarters, annexed this hall and used it as an Office. Allan’s contribution to the Command was forgotten except by the very few now in their eighties. Such heroism needs to be told again.

Allan came with his parents in 1935 and knew something of the challenges of pioneering work. Singapore was a backwater, far from being a developed country like it is today. Life was hard and money was scarce. Throughout the seven years he was in Singapore till the fall of Singapore in February 1942, he rarely missed Sunday School. He loved the children and gave of his best to develop the Young People’s work. He was kind and gentle and much loved by the young people especially.

When war came he joined the Volunteer Forces of the island. Following the tragic defeat of the British by the Japanese, he was taken prisoner of war. Lieut. Colonel Arch R. Wiggins in his book Campaigning in Captivity had this to say, “Allan Lord, twenty three year old son of the Colonel in command of the Army’s work in Malaya…he fell in with the idea of beginning Salvation Army activities in Changi (meaning the Prison camp). Allan became a librarian at this new camp of which he was also practically the padre. The padre of the civilian camp, who often met him, spoke most highly of his influence, his cheerful spirit, good attitude and his constant willingness to help his fellow prisoners of war. When young Allan Lord heard that men of more than twice his age were being sent to Thailand or Burma, he offered to take the place of one of them. Eventually, having volunteered, he went to Burma and took part in what became known as the Death March, from which he never returned.”

What heroism, courage and sacrifice for a young man! Allan sacrificially gave his life for another. Had he not done this, he might not have died. We think of Jesus who gave Himself for the whole world. Jesus Christ who was our Substitute is clearly stated in Scripture. Most scholars agree that the Gospels see Jesus as the Suffering Servant portrayed in Isaiah 53. He was the One who “took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows… pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed… The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6.

The high priest Caiaphas concerned with political expediency, but not with innocence or guilt of person made a statement”… it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation should perish.” John 11:50. That statement was an unwitting prophecy!

Jesus Christ, the entirely righteous One, took upon Himself our sin, endured the punishment we deserved of death and separation from God. He became the substitute thus made it possible for us to received His righteousness and be reconciled to God.

He died that we might be forgiven,
He died to make us good,
That we might go at last to heaven,
Saved by His precious blood.
Cecil Frances Alexander

Contentment

Contentment enables us to grow where God Has placed us.

I have passed my 85th birthday. Whether I shall live to see my next birthday here on earth, no one knows except God who is Sovereign – He decides. One thing I am certain, I’m in His hands. Eighty years ago I made my way to The Salvation Army at Balestier Road and I am still a salvationist and will be till He calls me home.

Whatever my limitation, it is a gift from God, and He wants me to serve Him using this gift. It is a fact whether our limitations are - emotional, physical, or intellectual, God has allowed it. Paul was right when he boasted in his weakness for it was in weakness that God’s power was revealed in him. “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Cor. 12:9

My faith in God enables me to go about my duties with confidence and courage. It is not right to complain, feel sorry for myself; I make myself available to God for His intended purposes.I just learn to accept things as they are and to be content, knowing that in the love, wisdom, and providence of God this moment is as good as it can possibly be. And I am well supported by my wife and family and friends.

Daily I pray for my family – son, daughters, grandchildren all loving and serving the Lord. He has added to the list two great grand children. It was my privilege to conduct the dedication ceremony on 11th June at church, Singapore Central Corps. To me that was the event of the year- to hold little Josiah in my arms and dedicate him to God. O I almost burst out in tears of joy - that precious moment given by God.

Normally I need my walking stick or tongkat, but I had the confidence to dispensed with it and just trusting the Almighty God to hold me. He did, He never fails me. My wife stood by me, the pastor Major Mark Hall behind me – I did not falter or fall, the Lord upheld me. Praise the Lord Almighty.“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41: 10

Pray: Dear Lord, thank you for being so good to me and my family for four generations. Continue to be with them and bless them as you have blessed me and my wife all these years.

Let me share my favourite song.

I shall not fear though darkened clouds may gather round me;
The God I serve is one who cares and understands.
Although the storms I face would threaten to confound me,
Of this I am assured: I'm in his hands.

Chorus
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.
2.
What though I cannot know the way that lies before me?
I still can trust and freely follow his commands;
My faith is firm since it is he that watches o'er me;
Of this I'm confident: I'm in his hands.
3.
In days gone by my Lord has always proved sufficient,
When I have yielded to the law of love's demands;
Why should I doubt that he would evermore be present
To make his will my own? I'm in his hands!
Stanley E. Ditmer

Importance of reading

John Wesley, writing to a younger minister, said:

"What has exceedingly hurt you in time past, nay, and I fear, to this day, is lack of reading. I scarce ever knew a preacher who read so little. And perhaps, by neglecting it, you have lost the taste for it. Hence your talent in preaching does not increase. It is just the same as it was seven years ago. It is lively, but not deep; there is little variety; there is no compass of thought. Reading only can supply this, with meditation and daily prayer. You wrong yourself greatly by omitting this. You can never be a deep preacher without it, any more than a thorough Christian.

Oh begin! Fix some part of every day for private exercise. You may acquire the taste which you have not; what is tedious at first will afterward be pleasant. Whether you like it or not, read and pray daily. It is for your life; there is no other way; else you will be a trifler all your days, and a pretty, superficial preacher. Do justice to your own soul; give it time and means to grow. Do not starve yourself any longer. Take up your cross and be a Christian altogether. Then will all the children of God rejoice (not grieve) over you, and in particular yours."

(quoted in D. A. Carson and John D. Woodbridge, Letters Along The Way (Wheaton, 1993), page 169)

Make me a blessing

At my age there is the tendency to be nostalgic. O I miss the old songs.  I find myself singing this beautiful song. It is my prayer for myself and my friends.

Proverbs 11:11 – “By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.”

Out in the high-ways and by-ways of life,

Many are weary and sad;

Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,

Making the sorrowing glad.

CHORUS:

Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing --
Out of my life May Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.

 Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,

Tell of His power to forgive;

Others will trust Him if only you prove

True, every moment you live.

 Give as 'twas given to you in your need,

Love as the Master loved you;

Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.  Ira B Wilson

 

 

Keswick Convention

Reminiscing - the good old days.

In the 1970’s when I was the General Secretary of the The Salvation Army Singapore/Malaysia Command, I was very much involved w...ith the National Council of churches, the Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore, Bible Society of Singapore etc and the Keswick Convention Committee which organized meetings annually. I worked together with Dr. Benjamin Chew, Rev. Alfred Yeo, Rev Prahbu Das and others to plan these annual meetings. Those were the days!

Keswick began in 1875 by an Anglican Vicar and a Quaker layman who invited Christian friends to come together for quiet time with God. The purpose was simple and clear – it was to enable believers to seek God’s will for their lives and what provision God had made for them to fulfil that will.
Speakers such as Alan Redpath, Stuart Briscoe, Philip Teng and other evangelical preachers were invited to be our speakers. The convention drew crowds. I had the privilege of leading some of the meetings. O those were the days.

Keswick is one of the lovliest parts of England in the English Lake district.

Abide with me fast falls the eventide

In my quiet meditation my mind went to the old hymn, "Abide with me" It brought much blessing to my own heart.

Shortly before we left England, on the weekend 3/4th May 1997, my wife and I visited a small Corps (church) at Brixham, a coastal town in Devon to conduct services. It was in this small town that the hymn ‘Abide with me’ was written.

The author Henry F Lyte (1793-1847) pastored a poor parish church among the fisher folk in Brixham. He battled with asthma and tuberculosis throughout his life. Despite physical frailty, he laboured diligently and was much loved by the people. When admonished to spare himself, he coined the well known phrase, ‘It is better to wear out than to rust out.’

His health worsened and he was forced to seek for warmer climate in Italy. It was recorded that he almost had to crawl to the pulpit to preach his last sermon in 1847. Shortly before his move, weakened by lung disease and sorrowing to leave his parish, he walked by the sea with a very heavy heart. He watched the setting sun and the thought came to him, his own life was ebbing at the close of ‘life’s little day.’ During those sad moments he pondered the prayer. He returned to his study and wrote the poem “Abide with me.’

Francis Lyte never made it to Italy. He was overtaken by death en route.
The poem was based on Christ’s appearance to His two disciples on the Emmaus Road and their request ‘Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.’ (Luke 24: 29) The tune was composed in just ten minutes by William Monk (1823-1889) who wrote it while experiencing deep personal sorrow.

Every believer travels on the road of disappointment and sorrow at times. We get discouraged and ask questions. The risen Lord comes alongside us, sometimes unrecognised. He walks with us, talks with us and opens to us the glowing meaning of His word and His mighty work on our behalf.

The words of the hymn are essentially about death, hence it is often used at funerals, but we need not confine to such occasions. It can be our daily prayer as we ponder over the ebbing tide of life, the deepening darkness as we read the newspapers and watch the television screen, the fading glories as we think of global warming and consequences for us. The song climaxes with the shadows fleeing before the breaking of heaven’s morning.

As we journey through life, we all need the abiding presence of God’s Holy Spirit. Make this your prayer today.

‘I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.’

The Mercy Seat

Walk into any Salvation Army Corps (Church) and you will notice in front of the platform is the Mercy Seat – our Altar.

The Year Book describes... it: “A bench provided as a place where people can kneel to pray, seeking salvation or sanctification, or making a special consecration to God’s will and service. The Mercy Seat is usually situated between the platform and the main area of Army halls as a focal point to remind all of God’s reconciling and redeeming presence.”

We use different names to describe the Mercy Seat – the Penitent Form or the Altar. Whatever name we use is precious to the Salvationists.
The war was on. Japanese fighting planes were dropping bombs on targeted areas. Houses burning, people fleeing for refuge! The fall of Singapore was imminent. I was then nine years old experiencing the baptism of fire!

In the shadows of the evening, a group of young people in their teens made their way to the Army hall. Their eyes were focused on the Mercy Seat. All of them had at some time or another knelt at this same Mercy Seat to seek forgiveness for their sins, to seek healing, or to rededicate their lives to God. It meant much to them.

With their own pocket money they hired a small lorry. It waited outside the hall. Out came this group of youthful Salvationists carrying the wooden bench – their altar, the Mercy Seat. They placed it, plus Song Books and Bibles on to the lorry and it sped off.

When they got to their destination, other Salvationists were waiting with paint and brushes. They quickly painted over the words “TO THE UTTERMOST HE SAVES” There hidden away in someone’s home was the Mercy Seat. It remained unused for three and a half years.

Fast forward to August 1945. The British returned to Singapore. Prison doors opened and our officers returned to the hall. The first thing they did was to have a thanksgiving meeting. Never mind there was no Army flag and no Mercy Seat. For to Salvationists they were mere symbols. They sang praises unto God and thanked Him for their deliverance from prison. They read the word of God and prayed.

Suddenly a lorry arrived and stopped outside the Army hall. Out rushed the youthful Salvationists their faces radiant with joy as they carried the Mercy Seat and placed it at its rightful place!

Missionary officers and locals hugged each other and danced for joy. There wasn’t a dry eye that day as they celebrated their freedom. At the conclusion of the meeting all knelt at the Mercy Seat to rededicate their lives to God. The Mercy Seat was wet with tears – tears of joy!

I know the story is true for it was told to me by those who were present in that meeting – Commissioners Frederick Harvey and W Stan Cottrill and Major Will A Price.

Later when the Training College was opened in January 1954, this same Mercy Seat was placed at the College chapel at 207 Clemenceau Avenue. A new text is written on it, “FAITHFUL IS HE THAT CALLETH YOU.” It is a reminder that God who called us into the ministry will always remain faithful to us.

The first four cadets of the Shepherds’ Session knelt at this Mercy Seat to sign their covenants. My wife and I formed half number of cadets. Subsequent sessions did the same. Praise God, He Who called us is always faithful. We were commissioned on 25th October 1954 and today still continuing our vocation as spiritual shepherds working under the Chief Shepherd Jesus our Lord. There is no retirement from ministry.

Today that same Mercy Seat is at THQ chapel at Bishan. Our brothers and sisters in Christ still use it.

In days long past the mercy seat
Was made of purest gold;
‘Twas placed upon the sacred ark,
Love’s meaning to unfold.
Within the holiest place God planned
Redemption’s grace to show;
More sacred now is Calvary’s hill
Where healing waters flow.

Thy blood, O Jesus, spotless Lamb
Once lifted up to die,
Was shed to cleanse our fallen race
And lead them to realms on high.
No one too sinful, or too low,
Too desolate, too blind,
But here before the mercy seat
Can full deliverance find.

O hallow now our mercy seat,
Thou Son of God most high!
Here may the lame man leap for joy,
The dumb sound joyful cry,
The sin-sick soul, though wearied sore,
By evil power possessed,
The halt, the blind, the great, the small,
Find peace from sins confessed.

We seek the healing of the Thy cross,
The mercy of Thy grace;
Here at this sacred mercy seat
May we behold Thy face;
Here may we glimpse Thy holiness,
Here on our souls descend,
Here may we meet, and talk with Thee,
Our Master and our friend. (Doris N Rendell)

Go back to the old wells

Go Back to the old wells.

Abraham, as he passed through the land dug wells of water. He did that to meet the needs in his day and to pass them down to his son Isaac as well as future generations.

However, the Philistines came and plugged these wells to prevent Isaac from using them. The Philistines did not want Isaac to have them.

Isaac took time and effort to reopen those wells!

These old wells speak to us of the spiritual resources that our spiritual forefathers have left us. If we are not careful, the world will destroy everything that we have been given! Many of the wells from which our fathers drank have already been stopped in some places..

Our spiritual forefathers opened for us the wells of Scripture, of salvation, of sanctification, of service, of the great fundamental doctrines of the faith! And the world has come along a tried to stop them. Liberalism has tried to change our beliefs! There is a need right now for God’s people to re-dig the wells that the world has tried to destroy! We must contend for the old ways, the old truths and if we do not, these will die when we do!

This year marks the 50th Anniversary Year of General Orsborn’s promotion to Glory. He has been described as the poet General. He wrote many songs and poems. Let me share this old chorus with you.

Go back to the old wells
Where the waters are sweet;
Go back to the old wells
Where joy and duty meet.
The waters of the old wells
Will your spirit restore;
Go right back to the dear old wells,
Leave them no more.

It is a pity that we do not sing these choruses any more. In my quiet time, I sit at the keyboard and enjoy singing such choruses. They bring me much blessing.

 

Watchnight Service

New Year Day 2017 fell on Sunday, so the decision was taken not to hold Watchnight Service. There was a feeling that folk might be too tired to attend the meeting on Sunday morning! I wonder how many churches kept the Watchnight Service.

Some of us still remember that at one time in the 1950’s and 60’s, The Salvation Army in Singapore used to have just one Combined Watchnight Service and it was held at Central Corps at 30 Oxley Road and later at Clemenceau Avenue.

Then someone came up with the idea to have a Chinese New Year Watchnight Service at Balestier Corps at Martaban Rd. The comrades would gather in the evening to have a service of thanksgiving at the Corps after their reunion dinner in their own homes. The officers and comrades of Central Corps would come and join us for this service. Most of the Balestier folk lived in the neighbourhood, so it was easy for them to get together for activities.

Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;
the fellowship of kindred minds
is like to that above. John Fawcett

 

Reflection on Covenant Sunday

On the first Sunday of the year, The Salvation Army in our territory observes Covenant Sunday. On this special day, I always made my way to the Mercy Seat or Altar to pray and renew my covenant. Since we got married in 1958 we have always done this together.

This year, Covenant Day fell on the first day of 2017. It has been a time of deep reflection as I look back on my pilgrim journey. Yes, I started young, just at the tender age of five when my elder siblings and I followed the Salvation Army contingent to their simple small hall at Balestier Road.  I did not know Christ then, but the influence and teaching of the officers and comrades helped me to understand the Bible and my faith. It has been a long journey of eight decades! As I knelt with my wife this song came to my mind "Have I ceased from walking close beside thee? Have I grieved thee with an ill-kept vow? In my heart of hearts have I denied thee? Speak dear Lord, O speak and tell me now." Yes, in life I have broken many promises, but thanks be to God He has enabled me to keep three special covenants intact.

As I prayed there came to my mind three very important covenants – first when I signed my “Articles of War” or “Soldier’s Covenant” at the Balestier Hall – an ‘atap’ or thatched roof hut, wooden walls, plain cement floor and no electricity. We used kerosene lamps to brighten the church for worship. That Covenant signed when I was a teenager is still intact, thanks be to God and support of fellow salvationists and friends.

I was at Youth Councils in 1949 when I felt the call to be an officer of the Salvation Army. At the conclusion of the meeting, I made my way to the Altar and offered myself to the Lord to be an officer. Unbeknown to me a young lady also made the same commitment. That lady was to become my wife in 1958. God called us at the same time in the same meeting, listening to the same messages, although we did not know each other then. We entered the Training College together in 1954 in the “Shepherds Session” Both of us signed our Covenant in the same meeting. That covenant by God’s grace is still intact.

June 7^th 1958, the then Lieutenant Fong Pui Chan and I made our Marriage Covenant at 207 Clemenceau Avenue, Singapore and tied the marriage knot. Will the Lord allow us to live till 2018 to celebrate our Diamond Jubilee Wedding anniversary? This is for Him to decide. We are in His hands, the safest  place to be.

As I write,  this song by Will J Brand came to my mind and I want to share it with my readers.                            

When from sin's dark hold thy love had won me,
And its wounds thy tender hands had healed,
As thy blest commands were laid upon me,
Growing light my growing need revealed.
Thus I sought the path of consecration
When to thee, dear Lord, my vows were given;
And the joy which came with full salvation
Winged my feet and filled my heart with Heaven.

 Chorus

By the love that never ceased to hold me,
By the blood which thou didst shed for me,
While thy presence and thy power enfold me,
I renew my covenant with thee.

But my heart at times with care is crowded,
Oft I serve with weak, o'erladen hands,
And that early joy grows dim and clouded
As each day its heavy toll demands.
Have I ceased from walking close beside thee?

Have I grieved thee with an ill-kept vow?
In my heart of hearts have I denied thee
Speak, dear Lord, O speak and tell me now.

By the love that never ceased to hold me
In a bond nor life nor death shall break,
As thy presence and thy power enfold me,
I would plead fresh covenant to make.
From before thy face, each vow renewing,
Strong in heart, with purpose pure and deep,
I will go henceforth thy will pursuing,
With my Lord unbroken faith to keep.

We are in God's hands.

The Year 2016 is coming to an end. Soon it will be 2017. God has blessed us in the past and we are confident, He will continue to do so in years to come. I'm in... His hands!

1.
I shall not fear though darkened clouds may gather round me;
The God I serve is one who cares and understands.
Although the storms I face would threaten to confound me,
Of this I am assured: I'm in his hands.
Chorus
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.
2.
What though I cannot know the way that lies before me?
I still can trust and freely follow his commands;
My faith is firm since it is he that watches o'er me;
Of this I'm confident: I'm in his hands.
3.
In days gone by my Lord has always proved sufficient,
When I have yielded to the law of love's demands;
Why should I doubt that he would evermore be present
To make his will my own? I'm in his hands!
Stanley E. Ditmer

Second Anniversary of our move to Changi

To-day 16th December 2016. Exactly two years ago, we moved from Praisehaven in the west of Singapore to Peacehaven in the East! We have occupied this lovely unit on the rooftop of Peacehaven Nursing Home. We call it our Penthouse with a lovely garden.
 
When my wife and I retired in 1997, we first stayed with our son and family at Choa Chu Kang, till the unit at Hillview Park was ready - it was a very small unit, but lovely surroundings.

Then when Praisehaven was ready, we moved to a unit at The Salvation Army Praisehaven on the fourth floor. We were not far from our children and grandchildren.

Visiting our youngest special daughter, Dora Poh Chin at Peacehaven Nursing Home was no problem when I could still drive and a vehible was available. Later we had to depend on public transport it was difficult. The journey plus waiting time takes two hours each way. As we aged, we are more restricted in our movements.

Anyway the grandchildren are all grown up - two are married, and the youngest grandson is old enough to look after himself, we decided to move to our present unit.

We believe it has been God's plan. Our children and grandchildren visit us regularly. God has indeed been very good to us. We are well supported by the staff of Peacehaven Nursing Home. When we have to visit the Polyclinic or Hospital, one of the off duty nurses or caregivers would accompany us to give support. We both use walking sticks, but embarking and disembarking from vehicles pose a challenge. God has His lovely angels caring for us.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Praying for each other.

We've been living in our present unit above the Peacehaven Nursing Home for almost two years. We are not residents of the Home. We have a wonderful ministry here with the residents and nurses, particularly the Indonesians as they live in the hostel attached to the Home. Twice a week they meet at our home for fellowship, devotion, singing and supper. We take a break during the month of December. We shall recommence our fellowship next month, January 2017

On Friday evening, three girls turned up at our home to say farewell. It was their last day in Singapore. We spent some time together, read the Bible and I prayed with them like we always do when visitors drop in our home. 

Then one of the nurses, Mentari  gave us a pleasant surprise when she said, "we want to pray for you Opa and Oma." She prayed a beautiful prayer in Indonesian asking the Lord to bless Opa and Oma (grandpa and grandma) abundantly and to grant us good health." What a thoughtful and good salvationist from Palu!  How touching to have one of them praying for us.

God bless the three girls as they return to their homeland this morning. We have been blessed by the nurses and care givers serving at Peacehaven Nursing Home. This morning while I saw to housework, one of the 'off duty' Indonesian nurses Ester accompanied my wife to Changi Hospital. God surrounds us with His ministering angels!