Whatever He Says To You, Do It

Mary, the mother of Jesus, understood the very essence of faith and obedience. In the gospel of John chapter 2 at the wedding at Cana in Galilee, Mary in her answer to the servants when they told her that the wine was gone was: “Whatever he (Jesus) says to you, do it.” Mary was totally committed to Christ. She set an example for many who have set their hearts to follow Christ.

When we submit our lives completely to the Lordship of Jesus, He turns our lives around. He gives us hope to live out every new day. Christians who walk in total liberty in Christ become a beacon of light to this dark world. We have the one and only hope that many are dying to get a hold of. Right at this moment, people are seeking, they are lost, they need someone to help them. They need peace that money cannot buy. Lord, fill our hearts with compassion and love for those who need You today.

Life's Little Pleasure

Last night after spending some time at Changi beach, Monte (my husband) and I headed towards Hougang for some XO durians. After purchasing the durians, we found a place to sit and prepared our disposable gloves to keep our hands clean. The durians were so good; creamy, rich and sweet. Sometimes, people who passed us by would say; “ang mo jia liu lian” which means that a Caucasian is eating durians. It is very unusual to find Caucasians who like durians. They will stay miles away if they smell it. However, Monte, is an exception, he loved eating durians. Every once in a while, we just crave for durians. It is certainly one of life’s little pleasures for us.

No Price Tag

Some people will tell you that if you have money, you can do anything and the world is at your disposal. I beg to differ. There is no price tag on peace, joy, freedom, hope, courage and love. All the resources combined together cannot measure up to what God gives us. His presence in us is priceless. The things of this temporal world leave us high and dry but the presence of God empowers and strengthens us. All we ever needed is found in Christ and Christ alone, the hope of glory and our eternal God and King.

Be Generous With Praise

From July to October in 2008, I had the privilege to conduct weekly training in Oral Communication to a bunch of wonderful eleven year old children at a school at Victoria Street. On the last session, I told them that I had a wonderful time with them and thanked them for their participation, involvement and enthusiasm. They really did well and I lavished much praise on them. However, what was interesting was their reaction. They were a little squeamish; probably they were not used to receive praise. Maybe, it had been a long time since someone last praised them.

In the eastern culture, most are not very good in accepting compliments. We see it more like showing modesty and humility. What can be helpful is to encourage people to receive compliments with thanks. As for our young people who are maturing daily, this can be helpful in building confidence and hence encouraging them to do better not forgetting to remain sincere and humble.

Miracle Working God

Last Sunday, a visiting speaker, Art Sanborn, ministered a powerful message at the church service. He is a walking miracle because he should not be walking around; he should have been wheelchair bound all his life. You see, after a bodysurfing accident. Art was reduced to a quadriplegic. God healed him miraculously and he went on to plant 12 churches in Thailand, pioneered mission work in several Asian countries, led 61 outreaches and directed 25 YWAM (Youth With A Mission) and SMMI training schools. The healing power of God speaks of His greatness and goodness. He is the great physician and our faith arises to see the master at work in His awesome power and glory. I invite you to watch a video clip on the amazing touch of Jesus upon Art Sanborn at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACovSQSnf28

Appreciating People

From time to time, people would refer me potential trainees who are keen to be in my vocal training, At other times, some fellow trainers in my enrichment training will link me up to some companies or establishments that I can collaborate with. I thank God for all these people who have extended their help to me. No man is an island, we cannot be on our own all the time. Some times, God send different people to help and assist us at different juncture of our lives. It is a blessing to give but it is also a blessing to receive. As we align our lives in accordance to the will and work of God, He grants us His special favour and help along the way. Thank you, Lord.

They Deserve Our Honour

In the Chinese culture, we have a common saying “Jia you yi lau, ru you yi bao”.(家有一老, 如有一宝). It means you have an elderly person at home you have a treasure. In other words, they are very important. For that reason, we have often got three generations living under one roof. However, sometimes this is not possible because of space constraint, changing mindsets or some logistical constraints or other reasons.

The elderly people have sacrificed tremendously to make Singapore what it is today. It is a known fact that some aged people have very little savings to carry them through retirement because they have spent most of their money on their children and loved ones. Some gave heavily towards their children's education, especially those who pursued further education abroad. There are instances where parents would help their children with their wedding costs, home renovation costs or other financial commitments. One time, I learned that a friend’s parents helped them to get a car because of the arrival of their first-born. This is the extent of parental love and concern because in their eyes their children will also be their priority despite of the fact that their children have set up their own families. We can never ever repay their love and sacrifice.

I am so proud of all the government is doing for this special group of people. Often concessions and special discounts help in lowering their expenditures. As we continue to grow into a gracious society, one of the most crucial areas is to attend to the need of these people as they age graciously into their golden years.

His Heart Beats for Them

God miraculously touches and transforms us daily into His image. We constantly keep our maturity and spirituality in check out of the deep desire to follow Him. He empowers us and work in our life and ministry. We allow the search light of the Holy Spirit to shine on us.

Jesus sets an example for us. He had His own setbacks and challenges; He was misunderstood, betrayed, despised, rejected and even looked down upon. But He was not inward looking, He ministered to the poor, sick, disadvantaged, marginalised, the down-and-outs, the have nots, the outcasts and people on the fringe. The very people that the world despise and neglect are put into our paths because God's heart beat for them.

Lord, help us to reach out to people who need You desperately. Fill out hearts with compassion. Flow through us to touch someone with the love of Christ.

Stand Amazed At His Glory

How can a God so great and mighty live in our hearts? How is it possible that God can be so personally present in our lives? Our natural mind can never fully comprehend God. We can only stand and behold His glory and beauty. Wave upon wave of His glory overwhelms us as we worship Him with wholehearted devotion. He sets us apart for His good purpose. He knows what is best for us.

The angels cry holy. holy, holy is the Lord, God almighty. Every time, we bless the name of the Lord in worship, we have company, the angels worship the Lord unceasingly. Lord, saturate our whole being with You. Let Your presence envelop and empower us to pursue You till the end of time.