As I was reading today text from Our Daily Bread on " Times & Seasons', I was reminded of the goodness and faithfulness of God throughout the year 2008.
I am thankful of His mercy that are new every morning as I wake up,
I am thankful of His grace that carried me through, my daily life when I need it,
I am thankful of His provision that are ever sufficient towards my family,
I am thankful of His promise that He will deliver and comfort me when I faces challenges in life,
I am thankful of His protection as He will watch over our coming and going forevermore,
I am thankful of His presence because in His presence there is fullness of joy,
I am thankful of His spirit that empowered me to live a God honoring life,
I am thankful of His peace that passes all understanding,
I am thankful of His living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
I am thankful of His love because His love endures forever.
As we begin the new year, 2009, let's embrace the lessons and opportunities of every season that comes to us. Ecclesiastes 3 : 1-2 recorded that There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
WORRY ! WORRY !! WORRY !!!
Britain is becoming a nation of worriers, according to a new survey, with the financial crisis giving people ever more reason to fret about their lives.
The average Briton now spends two and a quarter hours of every day worrying - six and half years of the average life span - a figure up 30 minutes a day from last year, according to the worry index compiled by reallyworried.com, a support group.
Young adults - those aged between 16 and 24 - worry the most, and women worry substantially more than men, according to the survey of 1,400 people nationwide.
The top five concerns in 2008 were : the cost of living, energy pricings, personal health, income and personal debt.
If you're a worrier, there's hope for you too ! Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life, wrote : "When you think about a problem over and over in your mind, that's called worry. When you think about God's Word over and over in your mind, that's meditation. If you know how to worry, you already know how to mediate !"
Worry may be a symptom of a bigger problem. Sometimes it's a lack of gratitude for the way God has cared for us in the past. Or Perhaps it's a lack of faith that God really is trustworthy. Worry is sin. It is caused by lack of faith, a failure to believe God's Word. Yet it is a sin that many Christians find hard to overcome.
Matthew 6 : 25-34 reminded us "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
We Christians need not fear the perils around us because the eyes of the Lord is always upon us.
Philippians 4 : 6 tell us "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. "
Remember WORRY DOES NOT IMPROVE THE FUTURE, IT ONLY RUINS THE PRESENT and WORRY IS LIKE A ROCKING CHAIR - IT WILL GIVE YOU SOMETHING TO DO, BUT IT WON'T GET YOU ANYWHERE
The average Briton now spends two and a quarter hours of every day worrying - six and half years of the average life span - a figure up 30 minutes a day from last year, according to the worry index compiled by reallyworried.com, a support group.
Young adults - those aged between 16 and 24 - worry the most, and women worry substantially more than men, according to the survey of 1,400 people nationwide.
The top five concerns in 2008 were : the cost of living, energy pricings, personal health, income and personal debt.
If you're a worrier, there's hope for you too ! Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life, wrote : "When you think about a problem over and over in your mind, that's called worry. When you think about God's Word over and over in your mind, that's meditation. If you know how to worry, you already know how to mediate !"
Worry may be a symptom of a bigger problem. Sometimes it's a lack of gratitude for the way God has cared for us in the past. Or Perhaps it's a lack of faith that God really is trustworthy. Worry is sin. It is caused by lack of faith, a failure to believe God's Word. Yet it is a sin that many Christians find hard to overcome.
Matthew 6 : 25-34 reminded us "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
We Christians need not fear the perils around us because the eyes of the Lord is always upon us.
Philippians 4 : 6 tell us "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. "
Remember WORRY DOES NOT IMPROVE THE FUTURE, IT ONLY RUINS THE PRESENT and WORRY IS LIKE A ROCKING CHAIR - IT WILL GIVE YOU SOMETHING TO DO, BUT IT WON'T GET YOU ANYWHERE
Friday, December 26, 2008
The Power Of Christmas
The Power Of Christmas was manifested on Christmas night when the church was packed with more than 450 people turning up for the musical presentation.
The celebration started at 6-00 pm where 9 candidates took the step of faith in water baptism. After the baptism, they were served with a hot dinner (rice with 4 dishes) cooked at the basement car park. At about 7-15 pm, the crowd started queing up eagerly at the door of the sanctuary to be among the first to enter. It took more than 20 minutes for the crowd to be seated as more chairs were needed to fill up the place. Children were then ushered to the multi- purpose hall for the children programmes under Pastor Grace.
The musical presentation started with a musical pieces by 7 musicians followed by a 15 members choir singing Christmas carols. The sunday school and youth children then presented a dance each followed by a solo number from Sister Soo Khim. A 'Light and Darkness Mime' team of 7 members took over the stage for 15 minutes before the Choir came back for more Christmas carols. The musical presentation ended with a message on "The Power Of Christmas" by Pastor Geoffrey where PEACE, HOPE and LOVE were shared.
Truly God is Good. Even as we seeked and asked of Him to fill the sanctuary with people for the Christmas night presentation, many lives were blessed and again the name of JESUS is lifted up and glorified.
BLESSED CHRISTMAS & VICTORIOUS NEW YEAR 2009
The celebration started at 6-00 pm where 9 candidates took the step of faith in water baptism. After the baptism, they were served with a hot dinner (rice with 4 dishes) cooked at the basement car park. At about 7-15 pm, the crowd started queing up eagerly at the door of the sanctuary to be among the first to enter. It took more than 20 minutes for the crowd to be seated as more chairs were needed to fill up the place. Children were then ushered to the multi- purpose hall for the children programmes under Pastor Grace.
The musical presentation started with a musical pieces by 7 musicians followed by a 15 members choir singing Christmas carols. The sunday school and youth children then presented a dance each followed by a solo number from Sister Soo Khim. A 'Light and Darkness Mime' team of 7 members took over the stage for 15 minutes before the Choir came back for more Christmas carols. The musical presentation ended with a message on "The Power Of Christmas" by Pastor Geoffrey where PEACE, HOPE and LOVE were shared.
Truly God is Good. Even as we seeked and asked of Him to fill the sanctuary with people for the Christmas night presentation, many lives were blessed and again the name of JESUS is lifted up and glorified.
BLESSED CHRISTMAS & VICTORIOUS NEW YEAR 2009
Monday, December 22, 2008
No Place To Call Their Home
Upon read 'The Star' newspaper on Sunday, this headline struck my attention "No Place To Call Home".
I was reminded of our recent visit to the General Hospital 'neuro' ward where the neighbouring bed patient after being knocked down by a motor vehicle, could only remember his home address and his wife name. Upon further probing from visiting church members, we found that his wife passed away a week ago and his only daughter is married to Singapore. We suspected that he could be in a state of depression or denial due to his wife departure. The hospital authorities is now facing problem to discharged him as there is no one to take him home.
It is very sad that youngster nowadays while busy earning a living, forget about their responsibilities to care for their elderly parents. What is a big house for, when there is no one staying in to create a HOME ? What is all the money for, when there is no one to share it with ?
We have to remember that our children are observing us and they can do the same to us when we grow older, it could be a vicious cycle as the saying goes, WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.
The Bible in Ephesians 6 : 1-4 reminded us that ... Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
I was reminded of our recent visit to the General Hospital 'neuro' ward where the neighbouring bed patient after being knocked down by a motor vehicle, could only remember his home address and his wife name. Upon further probing from visiting church members, we found that his wife passed away a week ago and his only daughter is married to Singapore. We suspected that he could be in a state of depression or denial due to his wife departure. The hospital authorities is now facing problem to discharged him as there is no one to take him home.
It is very sad that youngster nowadays while busy earning a living, forget about their responsibilities to care for their elderly parents. What is a big house for, when there is no one staying in to create a HOME ? What is all the money for, when there is no one to share it with ?
We have to remember that our children are observing us and they can do the same to us when we grow older, it could be a vicious cycle as the saying goes, WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.
The Bible in Ephesians 6 : 1-4 reminded us that ... Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Early Christmas Surprise
God is good, All the times, All the times, God is good. Amen
This morning while going to the market to get breakfast for my parents & family, I carelessly drop my wallet on my way driving my motorbike. After searching up and down the road a couple of times, I still could not find my wallet and decided to go back home. On the way back, I told God that I just need the documents [IC, driving licence] back, money is not that important.
Upon reaching home, I informed my wife and we started calling the banks to stop/cancel the credit cards. After that we started our journey to church. During the journey while driving, my wife prayed a simple prayer and thanked God that no physical harm took placed and believed that He is in control of the situation.
As we step into the church, my wife handphone rings and the caller told her that a policeman is at my home with my wallet. Together with my son, I rushed home to the waiting policeman with my wallet in his hand. The policeman asked me to checked my wallet and make sure that everything is intact. To my surprise, not only all the documents are untouched but all the money are still intact. The policeman informed me that he happen to be doing his round and notice a ' black thing ' on the ground and picked it up, and from the address he just came over to hand back the wallet.
Truly, God is full of surprises - He not only protect my wallet from being pick up by other people but make sure that the wallet is being pick up by a policemen who is willing to deliever it back to my door steps. In my carelessness, God took care of my wallet, Glory to His name !
Matthews 10 : 29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
This morning while going to the market to get breakfast for my parents & family, I carelessly drop my wallet on my way driving my motorbike. After searching up and down the road a couple of times, I still could not find my wallet and decided to go back home. On the way back, I told God that I just need the documents [IC, driving licence] back, money is not that important.
Upon reaching home, I informed my wife and we started calling the banks to stop/cancel the credit cards. After that we started our journey to church. During the journey while driving, my wife prayed a simple prayer and thanked God that no physical harm took placed and believed that He is in control of the situation.
As we step into the church, my wife handphone rings and the caller told her that a policeman is at my home with my wallet. Together with my son, I rushed home to the waiting policeman with my wallet in his hand. The policeman asked me to checked my wallet and make sure that everything is intact. To my surprise, not only all the documents are untouched but all the money are still intact. The policeman informed me that he happen to be doing his round and notice a ' black thing ' on the ground and picked it up, and from the address he just came over to hand back the wallet.
Truly, God is full of surprises - He not only protect my wallet from being pick up by other people but make sure that the wallet is being pick up by a policemen who is willing to deliever it back to my door steps. In my carelessness, God took care of my wallet, Glory to His name !
Matthews 10 : 29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
CHRISTmas
Last Monday, December the 8th, our Hokkien Ministry had an early Christmas celebration at Hai Pin Restaurant with a turnout of about 230 people (children included). God is good, as we were given the entire first floor to ourselves to have our buffet dinner. Games and fun times under Bro. Joseph were well participated with Bro. Jeffrey leading in Christmas carols.
Bro. Koay then shared on the meaning of 'Christmas'. It is not just a time of celebration but the importance of 'Christ' in it. Without 'Christ', our Saviour and Lord, Christmas is just a 'mas'. We must always treasure Christ in our lives - always having HIM in our daily walk, guiding and showing us the right path to take.
As Christ fills our lives, then only can we share out the goodness and promises of Jesus. How are we to share what we do not have ?
The celebration ended with gift exchange participated by all those that bring along a gift each.
Bro. Koay then shared on the meaning of 'Christmas'. It is not just a time of celebration but the importance of 'Christ' in it. Without 'Christ', our Saviour and Lord, Christmas is just a 'mas'. We must always treasure Christ in our lives - always having HIM in our daily walk, guiding and showing us the right path to take.
As Christ fills our lives, then only can we share out the goodness and promises of Jesus. How are we to share what we do not have ?
The celebration ended with gift exchange participated by all those that bring along a gift each.
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