Happy Birthday, Singapore

For many years, Monte and I have been trying to attend the National Day Parade (NDP) but we were not able to get tickets for it. Every year, we would find ideal locations to watch the fireworks.

This year, we balloted and won tickets for NDP 2010. We are overjoyed. Today is our country's big day. Happy birthday, Singapore! We are looking forward to the spectacular event of the year.

Each national day celebration brings back fond memories of warm tears that flow down our faces when we sing the national anthem as the Singapore flag flies across the sky. Pride, joy and gratitude overwhelmed each person's heart as we stand united as one people in this wonderful nation.

The Lord has blessed Singapore with an able and honest government. What we enjoy in this wonderful tiny country is a dream to people all over the world. We are blessed with excellent infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, education, housing and amenities. This is a safe place to live and work and build our dream. God has blessed Singapore. It is our shared responsibility and honour to pray for our country and government.

Courage of a Twelve-Year-Old Girl

Last month, I was conducting some comprehension classes to a bunch of wonderful primary six children in a school in Ang Mo Kio. I met a wonderful Indian girl from the class I was teaching. I shall call her Rani. Before each session, I would usually base myself at the school canteen and Rani would always come by and chat with me. Over the years, I learn that kids in lower primary levels are more relatable. Somehow, when they enter the upper primary levels, they grow more inhibited. However, Rani was an exception. She was cheerful, warm and conversational.

Through our little conversation, I learned that her father was chronically ill and he is unemployed. Her mother was the sole breadwinner. She did not come from a well to do family. Huge chunk of the family finance went to her father’s medical expenses.

As I think about Rani, I am amazed by her great courage and tenacity. We are talking about a twelve-year girl and not a grown woman. In many ways, her maturity overshadowed her actual age. She remained strong and focused in the face of tremendous challenges. She continued to perform well in her studies.

Time Alone with Him

As I reflect on my life with Monte, one significant area stands out. That is time alone with the Lord. We do put aside time to be with people but we guard our time with Him. Times of prayer and intercession, time reading His word. We set aside time to seek Him and to listen to His heart. These are times we locked ourselves in with the Lord. We cannot do without Him. In the stillness of His presence, we await for His infilling and empowerment. We wait in His uplifting presence as He fills us over and over again. He is ever faithful and true. We are safe and secure in His loving embrace. We need Him more with each passing day.

The Strength of His Spirit

What does not break us only makes us stronger. Trials and challenges cannot dampen  our spirit. Our courage will not melt away.

The sustaining power of God’s word gives us strength to overcome. The Lord speaks strength into our being when we cry out to Him. 

In the face of insurmountable obstacles, the riveting love of God prevails. The Lord plunges us fully in the river of His spirit. His strength penetrates through our weakness. He show us His great love and power. 

Incredible Resilience

During Monte and my time in Baguio, Philippines back in the time around 2000 and 2001, one time we experienced rain that lasted for ten days. It was amazing. Sad to say, the rain brought about life threatening landslide in the mountainous region. People were made homeless. The natural calamity brought about much hardship especially for the poor people. However, it was commendable that the people had such incredible resilience. They picked up their broken homes and lives and started all over again. They bounced back. They overcame all odds to stand up on their feet again to rebuild a new life.

The Lord builds us up continually. When we fall and fail, He helps us to stand on our feet again. Through our faith and endurance coupled with resilience, we persevere in our walk with the Lord. We grow from strength to strength. Reaching the finishing line is our main goal. With our hearts open and our hands raised, we posture our hearts toward our eternal God and Father. To whom all glory, honour and praise is due.

His Masterpiece

Yesterday, Monte and I were with Radiant Community Church. We are thankful for the Lord’s opening to bring the word to God’s people. Monte preached on The Greatest Story Ever Told. God is writing the greatest story of all time. That is the story of your life and mine. With open hearts and minds, we allow our maker to do everything necessary to fulfill His purposes in and through our lives. We are His workmanship and prized possession and He wants to present us as His masterpiece.

Mickey

Every time I hear the barking sound of my neighbour's dog, Mickey, my brother’s dog, will come to mind. Mickey has grown quite a bit. He is so cuddly and cute. He never fails to put a smile on my face.

A Pillar of Strength

One of my greatest pleasures is reading. Very often, the writers have challenged and inspired me through their writings. Currently, I am poring through Henri Nouwen’s book entitled THE ROAD TO DAYBREAK. I would like to quote a portion of his writing that touched me deeply. It read “This morning, I woke up somewhat depressed. I could not find any reason for it. Life just felt empty, useless, fatiguing. I felt invaded by somber spirits. I realized that this mood was lying to me. Life is not meaningless. God has created life as an expression of love. It helped me to know this, even though I could not feel it. Based on this knowledge, I can again choose joy. This choice means simply to act according to the truth. The depressed mood is still there. I cannot just force it out of my heart. But at least I can unmask it as being untrue and thus prevent it from becoming the ground for my actions.”

At one point or another, we had gone through what Nouwen so candidly expressed. Perhaps some of us are in the midst of depression. The heaviness and bleakness overshadow the bigness and greatness of the Lord. We seem to be blinded and groping in darkness. Our hearts are so cold that we fail to cry out to God.  Nevertheless, the fact remains that the Lord is unchanging. He alone can rescue and lift us up again.  All it takes is for us to acknowledge that we cannot manage on our own. All we need to do is to lay our burdens, our heartaches, our anguish and pain at the feet of Jesus.  He promised to carry them for us. He desires to make us whole again. He is a pillar of strength to every weak, weary and heavy-laden child.

A Jewel in the Making

We are jewels in the hand of God. We shine brilliantly because our maker takes great pride in us. We are jewels that display His beauty and glory.

The Lord does not focus on our failures. He sees the potential and goodness in us. He continues to polish, chisel and smoothen our rough edges patiently. Rough stones miraculously turn into precious jewels in the hand of the living God.

We are jewels in the making. He is not quick to chug us aside when we do not meet His standard. On the contrary, He never gives up on us; no matter how challenging it can be. He promised to be with us till the very end of our journey. He works in and through us to reveal His glory and greatness.

A Prayer of Abandonment

“Father,

I abandon myself into your hands;

do with me what you will.

Whatever you may do, I thank you;

I am ready for all, I accept all.

Let only your will be done in me,

And in all your creatures.

I wish no more than this,

O Lord.

Into your hands I commend my soul;

I offer it to you with all the love

of my heart,

for I love you, Lord,

and so need to give myself,

to surrender myself into your hands,

without reserve

and with boundless confidence.

For you are my Father”

Charles de Foucauld

Charles de Foucauld prayed this powerful prayer. A life of total surrender to a loving God is not a mistake. God is His mercy picked us up from the miry clay and set my feet on safe grounds. All we can do is to abandon ourselves to Him completely. Our fragrance and fruit bear witness to the goodness and faithfulness of our great God. He takes total being and make us into His vessel of honour.

Open Channels

More than anything in this world, we want to hear the voice of Your spirit. We want to be open channels for Your glory.

We receive from Your throne of grace. Flow through our broken lives to touch a broken people. 

More than anything this world can offer, we desire to seek You. To seek Your face and Your divine favour. To seek You. To love You.

You are irreplaceable, incomparable and unchanging. We entrust each day into Your loving hands. Direct and lead us for You are the shepherd of our soul. We give full control to Your lordship. 

Turn our hearts like rivers of water. Make us a blessing today. Anoint and empower us to move in the power of Your Spirit.

Tender Loving Care

In 2010, our friends, C and T, gave us some seeds to plant. They also reside in Sengkang.

Subsequently, we planted the seeds into some soil. It took a while for germination to take its course. On the surface, nothing very much seemed to be happening.Then one day, we were delighted to see a green shoot emerging. 

The plant grew and at different times, flowers have even bloomed. It was pure delight.

As I observe this precious plant, it speaks to me about the tender, loving care of the Lord. The Lord picks us up, nurtures and loves us to life. His loving hands protect and comfort us. He gives us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning. He fills our mouths with laughter and makes us whole again.

The Lord watches over us. He keeps us from harm and danger. He covers us with His unfailing love. He loves us deeply.

Nothing in this temporal world can replace Him. We rely completely on the Lord of our lives. We live for Him. We live to bring honour and glory to the Lord.

Opera in the Park

On 19 June 2010, Monte and I caught to an amazing performance called Opera in the Park at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. We never get tired of the many musical events that the Singapore Botanic Gardens displayed. Like many in the audience, we ate our dinner while soaking in the melodious songs and music in the great outdoor.

Rooted in His Love

When our love is rooted in the love of God, we will always feel safe and secure. His love empowers and strengthens us. The storms of life cannot destroy us as long as we are deeply rooted in His love. Tragedy may hit us but our Saviour’s great love and grace always cover us. He protects us from all harm and danger. He is our defender and helper in time of need. His supreme love is endless, beautiful and great.

For the Sake of Knowing Christ

For the sake of knowing Christ, many have traveled thousands of miles from their homeland to fulfill the call of God in their lives. Many have left their comfort zones; many have changed career paths and sacrificed. Yet, I have never once heard a servant of God regretting serving the Lord. On the contrary, the fire in their hearts burn stronger when they love and serve God with no reservation. Whatever sacrifice they make pales in comparison with all that the Lord has done. The blessing and joy of giving continue to pour forth as they abandon themselves completely into the loving embrace of the Father. Nothing we have done for the Lord is wasted; He uses every circumstance and situation to reveal His awesomeness and goodness.

Savouring Every Moment

God gives us life. As we journey with the lover of our soul, we are mindful that He keeps us close to Him with every step we take. 

Our journey with the Lord is ecstatic, at times challenging. We want to reach our destination but more importantly, we must learn to savour every moment of the journey. The joy and the sorrow, the highs and the lows.  

We are on an amazing adventure of our lifetime. The Lord widens our horizons and deepens our understanding. He teaches and guides daily. He makes every day memorable.

Lord, we thank You for every breath that You have given us. We thank God for the power of Your Spirit upon our lives. Move upon us. Move in us. Move through us.

The Shepherd's Heart

While Monte and I were in Baguio, Philippines from June 2000 to April 2001, the Lord graciously opened doors for us to minister.  One time, Monte was preaching at a church on the mountain in another area. The name of the pastor was John.  Pastor John was a wonderful man. We learned that the his wife was taken ill for a prolonged period. So along with another church member, we visited her at home. Pastor John's house was next to the church.

It is one thing to minister when things are going smoothly. But, for dear pastor John, he ministered with the burden of caring for a very sick wife. He kept on track because God empowered him daily.  He trusted the Lord.  He persevered against all odds

Oftentimes, pastors brave through tremendous difficulties and trying circumstances to serve the Lord. They perseveres through insurmountable challenges that weigh heavily upon their hearts. The love of God compels them to keep on going on. God has put within each one of them His shepherd’s heart. A heart that goes all out to reach every sheep within his fold.  A heart that is filled with God's rich love.  They do not hold back in fear and discouragement but surge forward through the might and strength of almighty God.

Hands of Grace

God has blessed us with all things beautiful. We stand in awe and wonder before Him. He made all things. He holds all things together. He is the beginning and the end. He is Alpha and Omega. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.

Geoff Bullock in his book, Hands of Grace, put it so beautifully when he said: “It seems to me that when I am found at my lowest, my weakest, and my worst, there I find God in His highest, His strongest and His best.”

Our God is never far away. He waits patiently for us to draw near to Him. He draws us by His Spirit.  He first loved us. He will walk us till the end of the road. He strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Breathtaking Sunset

Monte and I were cycling in Sengkang two days ago. I captured a beautiful sunset. The glorious view was breathtaking and awesome. We behold the beauty and glory of the Lord daily through amazing His creation. All creation worship You, Lord!

Unwavering Love

If we want to know about someone, the best person to ask is none other than the person's spouse. A married couple knows each other thoroughly. They see each other at their best and their worst. Their unconditional love is not dependent on changes in status, financial standing or career paths. They show constant support and encouragement and cover each other in loving prayer. The love relationship between a couple is built on Christ the solid rock. The firm foundation brings stability and strength to the lasting bond that God so graciously put together. With persevering, undying and unwavering love, a godly couple will live in the overflowing grace of our loving God and Father.

She takes Pride in what She does

Through a pre-operation check-up before my mother’s cataract condition, we learnt that she has diabetes. Subsequently we have seeing a wonderful dietician regularly. She is such a blessing. Every time we see her, she was cheerful, pleasant and helpful. She painstakingly runs through my mother’s daily diet from breakfast down to the last meal. The Lord brings people into our path to help us in various circumstances. As for my mother’s drastic change in dietary patterns and need, the kind help and guidance of this amazing dietician helps tremendously. She certainly takes pride in what she does.

Always Enough

God gave the children of Israel fresh manna for each day and should they keep any for the next, the manna would turn bad. A lesson we can draw from here is that the Lord provides for our daily needs and we are never to worry about tomorrow and the day after. Interestingly, being human sometimes, we worry about things that may not happen and we waste precious energy on empty speculation. Faith dwindles when we fail to put our complete trust in God. Crippling fear overwhelms us and paralyses us when we least expect. The Lord teaches us to rest securely and safely in His divine love and providence.

Monte and I have constantly remind ourselves that God is truly our provider. Without God's providence, we would never have bought a flat, gone to (APTS) Asia Pacific Theological Seminary to pursue Monte's further education. He sustains us daily and continues to provide for us.  He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider. He is always enough.  

God and God alone

I accepted the Lord in 1980 and embarked on an amazing journey with Him that I have never regretted right from the beginning. Soldiering on bravely by the power and strength of His spirit, I can only stand amazed at His goodness and grace.

In our walk with God, we soon discover that we have not arrived. Our journey has just begun. We will explore and discover more with the ticking of the clock. At the breaking of a new day, we purpose in our hearts to pursue the lover of our soul with our whole being. The love of God consumes every part of us as we abandon ourselves to Him with reservation. Only God and God alone can satisfy our deepest longing. He has the answer to our problems. He knows our thoughts before we could speak them out. How great and awesome is the privilege to worship and honour the God of this universe.

Always with us

He carries the world upon His shoulders; there is nothing He cannot do. The daily grind of life, the burdens, the heaviness of heart, the pain in the body, the distress in seemingly difficult circumstances glare loudly at our faces. But they will never overcome us as long as we fix our eyes on Jesus. He helps us to persevere and press on because He opens our eyes to see light at the end of the tunnel. Hope and faith burn brighter as we near the end of the race. Nothing can separate us from His love. We rest secure and safe in the arms of our loving God. He is always with us. We have peace that passes understanding and hope that never diminish. We live each day by the grace and power of God.

He has a soft Spot for the Needy

Years ago while we were in the Philippines, one time Monte preached at a mountain church. We had such a wonderful time of ministry to the villages. The people were so warm and kind. They may be poor but they were full of the joy of the Lord. The Lord always has a soft spot for the poor and the needy. As we ministered among the poor in the land, God’s power and grace flowed from His throne to touch those precious and needy people. After the service had ended, they served us chicken with rice for lunch. Chicken was a delicacy for these poor villages. Our hearts warmed up by their hospitality and kindness. They served us their best portions and for that, we received with immense gratitude.

So Proud of Him

I am very thankful for the privilege to conduct an oral communication class to primary four students at a school in Jurong from 15 - 19 March 2010. In the class, there was an autistic boy and I shall call him ‘John’. John was at times a little inattentive but otherwise he was coming along. At the end of the programme, I asked the kids to make an oral presentation individually in front of the class. When it was John’s turn, he willingly stood up and started with his presentation. I was so proud of him. It was not easy for him to stand before so many of his classmates to speak. What I like about my training job is that I am encouraged to see precious children excelling, improving and most of all growing in confidence.

Living in His Glory and Grace

One day, Monte and I were walking by the roadside when we saw these beautiful flowers shown in this post. Very often, we bypass God’s beautiful creation in the hustle and bustle of daily living. The Lord beckons us to look to Him. His loving, gentle nudge, His reassuring and life giving word, His abiding and awesome presence lure us deeper into loving Him. He consumes our total being completely. His life and light penetrate deep into our heart and spirit so that we can live in His glory and grace.

The Power of a Transparent Life

Men and women of God who made great impact on people for the cause of the gospel take enormous amount of risks. For some it is leaving their comfort zone, while others had to endure hardship, physical harm and danger. There is yet another type of risk and that is the risk of vulnerability. The Lord allows them to share some of their life experiences transparently to testify of His unwavering faithfulness. These sharing and testimonies not only challenge our faith but ultimately God’s great name is glorified and magnified.

By living a transparent life, nothing is hidden except for God’s grace and glory, which shine through gloriously. People who are open and transparent in life and ministry always lead others to a deeper walk with the Lord. Things may not be always rosy but the amazing grace and power of God emanates through broken people.  They are people who are not afraid to admit their weaknesses.  God ultimately gets all the glory because when the name of Jesus is lifted high, all men will be drawn to Him.

Rebuilding Our Shattered Lives

Our money plant is durable and easy to maintain. However, occasionally, diseases come and the leaves turn yellow. 

At least on two separate occasions in the past, we had brought it down to ground zero.  

Everything above the soil had to go. Soon new green shoots emerge. These new plants are luscious, green and healthy.

Like this plant that needs rebuilding, the Lord painstakingly rebuilds and restores us when we lose our luster and shine. 

God will never leave nor forsake us. He lovingly rebuilds our shattered lives. He always sees the best in us.

God restores all that the locusts and cankerworms had eaten. He blesses us till we burst at the seams. He assures us that we are in His good hands.

We do not lament over the lost years. God is faithful. He brings restoration and hope. God is merciful.

The Lord sees us through every life challenge. When we surrender our lives completely to Him, He turns our lives around. He is God of the second chance.

He shines and polishes us till we are fit for display. We are His masterpieces. We are His priceless possessions. Lord, thank You for rebuilding our broken lives.

Love Made Them One

One of the things that stood out in my late parents-in-law's relationship was their deep love for each other. They loved and cared for each other dearly. My late mum-in-law was physically sick, my late father-in-law cared for her lovingly.

Their deep love and affection was a powerful testimony. Love bound them together.

God causes marriages to flower and flourish. He is the cement that binds a husband and a wife together. We love through His love. He deepens our love for our spouses.

My late parents-in-law left us a great legacy. A legacy of lasting love and commitment.

A Tribute to My Mother-In-law, Barbara Jean Ham

My mother-in-law, Barbara Jean Ham went home to be with the Lord in early May this year. She was a wonderful person. She loved the Lord dearly. She was also nice and caring towards people. She was bubbly and cheerful.

For many years, she had to face much health challenges but that did not cause her faith to waver. She remained strong and faithful to the Lord. She persevered to love and serve the Lord wholeheartedly.

My parents-in-law were in Singapore about ten times over the years. We appreciated them for visiting us in Singapore. Making the trip here each time was not easy. Even as our families feel the pain of losing her, we know that one day we will meet her again. The place that we dwell in on this earth is only a temporal place. As we turn our eyes upon Jesus, He empowers us to press on till the very end.

Thankful

We are thankful for the invitation for Monte to preach at His Sanctuary on 17 April, 2010. We extend our thanks to Pastor Luke and his church for the wonderful opportunity to bring the word to their congregation. We are humbled by the grace and goodness of our almighty God.

The word of God is so precious. He leads and directs us through His word. We are mindful that His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. He uses His word to purge us of all uncleanness and filth. He also refreshes us with His life giving word. No wonder the psalmist said that he loved the law of the Lord. For His word brings us life and wholeness.

The Sunrise of Hope

Every sunrise glimmers with hope and optimism. We rise to boldly declare that our God is great. He invites us to go an awesome journey with Him each new day. We can live triumphantly through the power of His Spirit.

As surely as the sun would rise, sunset will follow. Every sunrise speaks of the faithfulness of our great God. His mercies never ends.

His reassuring and abiding presence is more than enough for everyday living. He calls us to fix our eyes on Him. His love compels us to pursue Him wholeheartedly. 

We serve a God who will never fail us. He is forever faithful and true. He is completely dependable and trustworthy. We live because He gives us the reason to live. We live with expectancy. We live triumphantly. The hope of God burns bright and strong in our hearts.

Vocal Training at Chapel of Christ the Redeemer

I am very thankful for the Lord’s opening for me to conduct vocal training at Chapel of Christ the Redeemer (CCR) over four sessions of training from 17 April to 15 May 2010. I am also appreciative of the leadership of CCR for this wonderful opportunity to go back there to share. I last trained there in 2008. It was a wonderful time of training with people who not only encouraged me by their commitment but also their infectious enthusiasm.

In my final session yesterday, I shared on the importance of continual learning. We will never stop learning, sometimes the source of information and knowledge can spring from the most unexpected places. No one can say that we have arrived because if we are open to learn, we will never leave empty-handed. There are times when people who may have less experience than us can open our eyes to see things we have never seen before.

How Great Is Our God

Notice the person standing before the magnificent rice terraces. This is beautiful picture depicting our smallness and the vastness and greatness of almighty God.

In the face of trials and tribulations, we see the smallness of our strength. Our weak and feeble knees reveal our limitations and weaknesses. But God in His mercy pours His strength and grace on all who call upon Him. 

His ears are inclined to our desperate cries. His hands are never too short to reach us. We serve a great and awesome God. He will never forsake us. He walks with us and He talks with us. He leads us by the hand and shows us His greatness. 

As we journey with the Lord, He reveals His might and power. We behold His glory. We taste His goodness. We dwell in His presence. We live in the light of His love.