So Close

Rom 8:38-39

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jeusu our Lord."

Nothing on this earth can separate us from the love of the Father. His love is poured into us so that we inturn can love others with His love. We can hide in His loving embrace when we are confronted by many of life's hard and threathening blows. He shields us from all harm, dangers and threats. Cling on to Him and do not let go.

So Close

I'm so secureYou're here with me.
You stay the same
Your love remains
here in my heart.
So close I believe
You're holding me now,
in Your hands I belong.
You'll never let me go;


So close I believe
You're holding me now
in Your hands I belong,
You'll never let me go.
You gave Your life and
Your endless love.
You set me free and show the way
now I am found


All along You were beside me
even when I couldn't tell
and through the years
You showed me more of You
more of You

Undaunted Optimism

A story was told of a man who sent two of his top salesmen to a remote town to sell the company’s shoes. To the horror of the two salesmen, they found out that no one in that town wore any shoes, they were all barefooted.

The first salesman came back to his boss and lamented: “Why did you send me there, no one will need any shoes there.” Meanwhile, the second salesman came back beaming: “Boss, please prepare 1000 pairs of shoes, they will buy our shoes.”

The difference between these two salesmen is that one is pessimistic while the other is exceedingly optimistic and positive. They were both posed with the same difficulty, one saw defeat and hopelessness and the other saw boundless opportunities.

(Adapted from Better Life Coaching Blog)
http://betterlifecoachingblog.com/2010/05/21/shoe-salesmen-in-africa-a-story-about-optimism

A Great Legacy

Andre De Foe was an ex-student of Monte in Assemblies of God Bible College (AGBC). He passed away on 21 Jan 2005. He could be either in his mid 40’s or early 50’s when he passed on. I knew him because I was then working in AGBC. He came across as one of the most unassuming person I have ever known. He was humble, helpful, friendly and kind. He was well loved by people. Prior to studying in AGBC, he was involved in some missionary work abroad.

One time I learnt that Andre’s mother had taken ill and was hospitalised. I bought some grapes and passed them to him for his mother. I saw tears in his eyes as he thanked me for the grapes. Right at that moment I saw the tenderness of the Lord in him. Another thing I learnt is that it is the little things in life that counts, those grapes may not cost a lot but they sure went a long way.

Andre shone for Christ while he was on earth. He left behind a great legacy. Today, many of us who are impacted by his life and we continue to journey on with the sole purpose of honouring and bringing glory to the name of Jesus.

Overflowing Kindness

It was once on a phonics and phonetics course and one of the prerequisite is to make a presentation prior to the test. While I was presenting, an Indonesian girl about 16 to 20 years old age was sitting in to observe. I learnt later that her name is Siti. She is working as a domestic helper in Singapore. Her kind employer had sent her to do the course thinking that what she has learnt can be put to use when she gets back to her home country after the end of her employment here.

Siti's employer paid a substantial amount of money for her course fees and gave her time off to attend classes. I am touched by what she had done for Siti. Her kindness and generosity is heart-warming.

I often see young foreign Indonesian girls working as domestic helpers here. They should be in school or some vocational institute but no, some of them are slogging their lives away to provide money for their families. Some are blessed with caring and understanding employers but others have to put up with punishing work environment and schedules toiling from morn till dark.

Not Everything that Glitters is Gold

The story was told of a rich man who requested that on the day of his death, he wanted his driver to prop him up and sit him at the back seat of his expensive car and drive him around town. 

On the day of his death, his wish was fulfilled. Right at that moment, a man saw an extremely well dressed man being chauffeured in a luxurious looking car and he thought to himself “How I wish I can be like him?”

Sometimes, we envy others for what they have acquired in life, but what we often see is at face value. It is only the exterior.  We do not know the actual situation they may be facing.  

Blind envy is misleading and damaging.  Covetousness rears its ugly head to trap us.  

In recent years, we often hear news of family relationships turning sour, family members fighting over properties and assets.  Family relationship is more important than earthly possessions.  A strong family bound by the cord of love stands together through thick and thin.   

(Adapted from Benny Ong's Financial Freedom Seminar at Trinity Christian Centre in the mid 90s)

More of You, Lord

We need more of you, Lord. Fill us with more of you till we overflow with your goodness. Not more money, more properties, more shares, more cars, more material goods, more degrees, more promising careers; but more of you. If we have more of You, every aspect of our life will be in place. If we have more of You, we have everything.

It Is Well With My Soul

It Is Well With My Soul

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot
Thou has taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul

It is well, with my soul
It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well, with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
et this blessed assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And hath shed His own blood for my soul
It is well, with my soul

It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well, with my soul

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part but the whole
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul

It is well, with my soul
It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well, with my soul

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul
It is well, with my soul

It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well, with my soul

Our Burden Bearer

God bears our burdens. He tells us to cast all our burdens on Him. We are often prone to worrying and empty speculations. They sap all our energy away. 

We cast our burdens on the Lord, it frees us to love and serve Him. We will no longer be downcast.  

He upholds us with His  power. He promised never to leave us or forsake us.  He carries our burdens.  He grants us release.

Lord, we lean on You and we pray that You will infuse us with Your strength and power.  

As we lay our burdens on Your altar, Your peace and hope flood our hearts.  Teach us to rest in Your love.

Jesus is the Answer

Jesus is the Answer

Jesus is the answer for the world today
Above him there's no other, Jesus is the way
Jesus is the answer for the world today
Above him there's no other, Jesus is the way

If you have some questions in the corners of your mind
And traces of discouragement and peace you can not find
Reflection of the old past, They seem to face you every day
There's one thing I know for sure that Jesus is the way

I know you got mountains that you think you can not climb
I know that your skies have been dark, You think the sun won't shine
In case you don't know, I'm here to tell you that the World of God is true yeah
And everything that He's promised, I tell you he would do it for you
Let me tell you that



Last year, 390 people in Singapore died of suicide. One of which is an acquaintance of us. He jumped to his death. He was only in his 30’s. He loved and served the Lord. Why did he take his life? We do not know the full details. There were many unanswered questions. I remember when Monte (my husband) and I were at his wake, it was so painful, especially so for his family.

If we ask God daily to direct us to someone who is in need, someone who is downtrodden and in utter despair. The discouraged, disillusioned, dismayed people are all around us. We can be that vessel to speak the hope of God into their lives. Oftentimes, they merely need a listening ear. They need someone to hold on to their hands and say we will walk through this crisis with them and Jesus is able to see them through. I recall the many difficult times I had in my life, and how people around me had encouraged me and how they had spoken words of hope to me in my hour of need. In my desperation, I cried out to God and He came to my rescue.

If we are so caught up with our personal life and the immediate needs that catches our attention, we miss out on the opportunity to the people who are in desperate need of the divine intervention of the Lord; the people who are in need of the touch of God upon them. Lord, let your compassion flood our hearts to touch the people that are upon your heart. Yes, Jesus is the answer for the world today.

Flow through Us

The Lord deserves the best because He gave His best to us. Whatever we do in this lifetime, we do it unto the Lord. 

For this reason, we shine for Him daily. God has placed us strategically to minister the love of Christ.

We saturate His life and light in every nook and corner of this earth. 

We allow God to flow through us in increasing measure. God will touch the lives of many as we touch the lives of many through every willing vessel.

 

The heart beat of God is people. Someone once said this “people do not care how much you know but they want to know how much you care”.

 

Lives are transformed and impacted for the glory of God. The agape love of God burns bright and strong.

I'd Rather have Jesus

I’d Rather Have Jesus

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold
I’d rather be His than have riches untold
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame
I’d rather be true to His holy name

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead

"It was in the thirties. Business curves were still heading downward and there was rumour of a salary cut at the New York insurance office where twenty-two-year-old Beverly Shea was employed as a clerk. Possessor of a deep melodious voice, the young man was offered a radio contract and immediately saw opportunities for fame and possible riches in his regular appearance on a secular program.

He had been pondering the matter for several days when he sat down to the piano early one Sunday morning to rehearse a hymn he was to sing in church that morning. As he played and sang his eyes fell on a piece of paper, on which was written:

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold
I’d rather be His than have riches untold!

The poem, by Mrs. Rhea Miller, had been placed where Beverly would see it by his mother, a minister’s wife, who knew of the offer her son was pondering. Above all, she wanted her son, a Christian, to become wholly consecrated to his service.

As his eyes raced over the words, the sentences I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause and I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame struck his very heart. His fingers unconsciously left the tune he was rehearsing and began to find this melody which is today known to millions."

The above account is quoted from Earl C. Willer

Thank You for Giving to the Lord

In the early 80’s, I was then a very young Christian, a sister-in-Christ who first discipled me was May Lee. At that time, she was termed as a counselor. She cared for me. We spent time weekly to study the word and to pray. She also coached me in my studies. She was so patient and kind. Her labour of love touched me deeply and I thank God for her. I have lost touch with her for many years now. It would be good to see her again. After May Lee, the Lord gave me other Christian leaders who have also impacted in my life tremendously.

What is done for God has eternal value. The Lord sees our desire to love and serve Him, be it grounding someone in the word of God, encouraging the disheartened, praying for the sick and dying on a hospital bed, the list goes on. What is done for Him with a willing heart reaps an eternal reward that money cannot buy. May the Lord grant us faithfulness and love to do His bidding.

The Leading of the Holy Spirit

One day, the Lord laid a sister-in-Christ upon my heart. I was led to send a card to her to encourage her. While I was penning down my thoughts, I was tempted to discard the whole idea because I was fearful that I could be wrong. And if it turned out to be so, it would be embarrassing. I finally sent out the card with the peace of God in my heart.

Some time later, I received a call from this Christian sister. She thanked me for the card and she was so touched because she was going through some crisis during that specific period of time. God is so good.

Sometimes when the Lord drops a name or flash someone’s face before us, He may want to reach out to the individuals. As we pray for God to sensitize us, we begin to grow in faith and the things of God. We become in tune with the Holy Spirit. We become the extension of God’s love to the people who are in need of His touch and divine intervention.

Yummy Food

This sumptuous dinner was prepared by Monte (my husband). He whipped up the meal mainly comprising of a chicken dish, vegetables, bean curd with rice. It was very delicious. Last Sunday, he cooked us pasta (sea shells) with succulent sausages. It tasted so good.

Before I was married, most of the meals at home were prepared by my mother and I started picking up cooking after I got married. The cooking gets a little better over time as I put in effort to experiment different recipes. Sometimes, Monte will teach me to cook. He taught me to cook chicken rice, spageti, curry and some other dishes. I cooked a lot when we were away in Baguio, Philippines. The weather is cold and we somehow ate more than usual and it translated to some extra kilos on us.

A Tribute to Monica Wee

Monica Wee died at the age of 37 last month. You may like to visit her blog at http://www.monz-lifejourney.blogspot.com/ Many people turned up at her wake and funeral. She had to be one of the most cheerful person I have come across. She touched many lives and blessed many people around her. She did not allow her sickness to hinder her from serving the Lord. She left behind a great legacy. In the natural, dying at the prime of her life seems to be a waste but God is sovereign, Monica is now in the presence of the Lord; a place full of joy and singing; a place free from pain and suffering, a place free of heartaches and tears. One day, we will see her again.

Once Bitten Twice Shy

'Once bitten twice shy' is often what comes out when people feel they have been betrayed, marginalised or hurt. Very often our defence mechanism comes into combative mode when we are hurt by another party. Yet, the love of God compels us to give the person or persons a second chance. The Lord does not want us to write people off easily. When Peter betrayed Jesus; when David failed Hm; when those who had earlier laid palm branches to welcome Him upon His entry into Jerusalem later cried out in outright betrayal: “Crucify Him! Crucify him”, Jesus did not write off these people, He did not call down fire to banish them from planet earth. He loved them too much to write them off. He has never written off you and I or we will not be here today. His mercy triumphs over judgement. I am also thankful that I can see this excellent trait in my husband, Monte (my husband), he is never quick to write people off or harbour grudges or unforgiveness indefinitely. He always has reconciliation in mind and gives people second chances. Iron sharpens iron, we learn from one another especially so in our Christ like attitudes and values.

He Binds Us Together

I have often heard people say that when two persons fall in love and ultimately come together as husband and wife, it is as though two halves of a heart finally meet and match perfectly. However, I see it in a different light. These jagged edges of the two halves of the heart do not fit perfectly for the simple reason that these two persons are different. Very likely they have different backgrounds, upbringings, worldviews and mindsets.

God in His goodness and sovereignty join us together. He is like the superglue, the cement that binds the two halves of the heart together in His love. We become a beacon of light shinning ever so brightly to declare the goodness of our amazing God and Father. We affirm and place emphasis on the sacred vow and the sanctity of marriage. So that the Lord’s hand of mercy and love guide us to cherish and love each other just like the way God has lavished His everlasting love on us.

The Master's Approval

One day, an accomplished violinist was playing to a jam-packed crowd at a concert hall.  His amazing performance wowed the audience.  

At the end of his performance, thundering claps filled the concert hall as the audience stood to give the young man a standing ovation.  What followed was unexpected.  

The young man looked withdrawn; his focus was on his teacher and coach.  

He was the only one in the hall who was still seated.  He did not seem to think that his performance was up to par.  All he wanted was to please his teacher; all he wanted was his approval.

Just like this young violinist, all we need to concern ourselves with is winning the approval of the Lord. 

We can be trapped by the applause and accolades of the people around us if we are not careful.  

The Lord wants our obedience more than sacrifices. 

We desire the Lord to do a deep and a lasting work in our lives.  We do not compromise. Winning the approval of the Lord will be our first priority.

It's so Good to be Home

Monte and I have been residing in our Sengkang flat since August 2001. We are on the 17th floor which happens to be the highest one. We are grateful for the Lord’s providence. The photo in this blog posting is the view from our home. The night view is also absolutely spectacular. On a clear day, we can see the Shenton Way skyline. Very often, Monte and I find ourselves saying to each other, “It’s so good to be home”.

We have entertained many people in our humble home. The home environment is an excellent place to fellowship and minister to people. Sometimes we cook for our friends and guests and at other times we invite them over for tea. We have found our home to be a conducive, warm and great place for our friends and guests to mingle around. We believe this is part of sharing our lives with people.

Our All in All

O Lord! You are our all in all. For in You and through you, we find our hope and strength for everyday living. 

You are all that we ever needed. Just like the watchman who yearns to see the break of dawn; just like the deer that pants for water at the streams. So our hearts yearn and seek You, the lover of our souls. 

You are priceless, matchless, unchangeable, immovable, eternal and glorious. Let us cling to you and lean upon You, the rock of our salvation. 

Let Your name be magnified in all the earth.