Your Mercy and Grace

Lord, we do not know what tomorrow holds but we know You have complete control over us. When the journey gets more challenging, we rest in Your quiet love. We draw strength from You. We cry out for Your mercy and grace. You are God almighty, ever faithful and true. We cannot live without You. We bow in humble submission to You. Let Your name be magnified in all the earth. We worship and adore You. We give You the highest praise.

Five Loaves and Two Fishes

This morning, Monte is invited to preach at His Sanctuary.  We are thankful for every ministry opportunity.  God grants us His mercy and grace to serve Him in season and out of season.  We offer our five loaves and two fishes to the Lord.  We call out to the Lord to do what we are incapable to do.  As we posture our hearts to serve God and His people, the Lord empowers us.  He graces us with His strength to do the work of the ministry.  God's faithfulness reaches to the sky and His tender mercies are new every morning.

The Hand of God

God pours His mercy and grace on us daily. We need the Lord every moment of every day. We need Him like fish needs water.

God brings us renewed hope. His love never fails. All we need is the hand of God on us. His loving hands that guide, protect and embrace us in the darkest hour. 

Touch our lives and bless our hearts. Draw us by Your Spirit, Lord. 

We posture our hearts to seek You. We live to taste Your goodness. We live to see a sign of Your love. Your hand is upon our broken lives.

The Sustaining Power of God

A few days ago, Monte and I ran into a dear sister in the Lord, Sis A. She is in her seventies. We sat down with her and her son at the coffee shop in Tampines.

She is a caregiver to two family members. She shared that in the earlier days, she was at a loss and struggled to make sense of what she was going through. God came through for her and continues to help her to face the difficulties and challenges.

We prayed together. Monte and I were deeply encouraged by what the Lord is doing in Sis A's life. Though she continues to shoulder the heavy responsibilities of caregiving, what makes the difference is the sustaining power and grace of God. Our God who empowers us in our powerlessness. He is our helper and refuge.

Fellow Sojourners

Life can be tough at some junctures. Pressure and stress are part and parcel of life. Things fall apart, relationships sour.  We battle with unanswered questions and the great unknown.  

The word of God tells us that in life we will face tough times. 

Some of us are hurting from betrayal. Some have lost loved ones to diseases and accidents.  Some have faced tragedies and destruction.

We are fellow sojourners; we are not alone.  We can encourage one another.  We can lift each other up. 

The hand of God is never too short to reach us. He inclines His ears to hear our heart cries. 

He promised help and deliverance. As we call on the name of Jesus, the Lord reaches out to us in His mercy and grace. 

In Him, we find solace and strength. He is our hiding place; He is our high tower; He is our only hope. 

We call to mind the faithfulness of God this day. His faithfulness reaches to the sky. There is nothing our God cannot do. He wants our complete trust. We cling to Him. We find eternal hope in God.

Matchless

You are infinite

We are finite

You are limitless
We are limited
You are all powerful
We are powerless

Lord, we bow

We fall at Your feet

We worship You

The God of the universe

You are boundless

Matchless

Invincible

Your splendour and glory

Fill the earth

And Your presence

Floods our hearts

You are strong

We are weak

Eternity in Our Hearts

Thank you, Lord
 For putting eternity

In our hearts

We have a living hope

Life has meaning

Joy floods our hearts

Our purpose and destiny
Are rooted in Your love

Bring us to a place of release

A place of overflowing grace

A place of wonder

A place where Your mercy reigns

Lord, thank you
For putting eternity

In our hearts

His Mercy and Grace

 

God in His love extends His mercy and grace to us.  Every day, we start on a clean slate.  The Lord gives us renewed hope and purpose to live.  He sharpens our vision and gives us His perspective.  We are mindful where we came from and what the Lord has done in and through us his earthen vessels.  Our hearts begin to melt in His presence when He speaks. He fills us with courage, strength and joy.  We cannot live for another second without Him.  Each breath comes from our maker.  He sustains us moment by moment.  Each breath shows our vulnerability.  He empowers us to persevere.  He pours His grace to all who put their complete trust in Him.  Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord!

Soften Our Heart

Lord, soften our heart

We cry

Remove all hardness

Remove all barriers

Remove all that is not of You

Soften our heart

We want to hear Your voice

We want to see Your face

We want to feel 

The gentle nudge of Your love

Lord of glory 

Lord of grace

Lord of all

Soften our heart

We pray

We Rejoice in You

We cherish each breath from You

We celebrate life
We celebrate You

We rejoice in You

 

We revel in Your love

In You we live and move

And have our being

We rejoice 

With exceeding great joy

Love Lifted Us

When our life spiral downward

Love lifted us

When darkness and gloom engulf us

Love lifted us

When all things seem to fall apart

Love lifted us

Only You can satisfy

Only You can bring hope in our despair

Only You can restore us

Lord, Your love lifted us

From the miry clay

From our hopelessness

From our destitution

We thank You, Lord

For Your love lifted us

We Live

We live to see a sign of Your goodness
We live to see Your glory
We live to see You
In all Your splendour and power
We live to hear Your voice

We live to taste Your goodness
We live in Your awesome presence
Beholding Your beauty
And Your ever increasing glory

Great is the Lord

View from My Window on 15 April 2016

Great is the Lord

Awesome

Majestic

Glorious

Full of splendour

Wonderful

All creation worships You

Every knee shall bow 

Every tongue confess 

That You are Lord

All glory, honour and power

Be unto God 

Who reigns in all eternity

God’s Opened Door

In 2008, the Lord's opened door for me to be on the judging panel of FAME2008.  This was an inter-boarding school singing competition for some boarding schools here in Singapore. It was held last night at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) Boarding School. Along with me were three other judges. We had a great time together.

When I was first approached to be a judge, I was thinking to myself that maybe someone else who was more qualified could do a better job. When I finally accepted the offer, I felt so honoured and privileged. The competition was so well planned. We spotted some real good talents. I learnt so much through the experience.

Another incident of God’s opened door happened when we were in Asia Pacific Theological Seminary (APTS) in Baguio, Philippines between 2000 and 2001.  The late Dr Chin Do Kham, who was then the Dean of Students, was not able to honour a commitment as something unforeseen had crept up and he asked if I could take it on. When I found out that I had to minister at a worship seminar at Baguio Assembly of God, I was hesitant.  He could have asked any student in the seminary or the faculty member to stand in for him.  I was deeply honoured of the invitation.  I felt that it was a little too much to fill his shoes. 

Monte encouraged me to go ahead as he felt that I could do it. To cut the long story short, I took on the challenge. It turned out to be a great blessing. I went away encouraged and thankful for God's help, grace and strength because His enablement and empowerment was more than enough for me to accomplish the task.

When God opens the door, He graces us with all that is necessary to do the job. In our inadequacy and timidity, we may miss the His blessings. When we step out in faith and confidence in Him, He lifts us up to greater heights. He teaches us new things and opens us to the realm of the supernatural.  He broadens our horizons.  He stretches us to trust Him for we are incapable to do anything without His empowerment.  He shows us the smallness of our strength and the greatness of His power.

Come in Your Power

Lord of all creation

Lord of host

Lord of all who call on You

Master

Redeemer

Coming King

Builder

Restorer

Pour Your Spirit on us

Engulf us with fresh fire

Wash us with Your word

Come in Your power

Come in Your might

Come and rule and reign in us

Miracle Working God

God has led Monte and I on an amazing journey especially so in light of His opened door to the Society of Pentecostal Studies (SPS) Annual Meetings in recent years.  God has allowed Monte to minister in this little platform; we are deeply grateful to God’s opened door.

Back in 2011, Monte and I received news that the Society of Pentecostal Studies (SPS) had accepted a paper he had earlier submitted for the 2012 SPS Annual Meeting, our hearts leapt with great joy. 

We know that the Lord has opened this door.  We know that God is in this. While we were overwhelmed with great joy, our immediate response was that it will take a miracle for Monte to go to Virginia, USA in March 2012 to present his paper.  He was concerned and felt that it was way beyond us.  In the meantime, God overrules, He gave us a quiet assurance and confidence to trust Him for the need.  God would come through for us.

Deep in our hearts, what had transpired was not a small thing; it was a significant move of the hand of God.  God birthed a dream, He birthed a desire to see His wonders and miracles.  He has the all the resources to do the work of the ministry.  

Subsequently, in the following four years, God provided miraculously for Monte to attend more SPS conference in four other different parts of the States.  The last being the one at St Dimas in Pasedena.  In this last trip, God provided for me to join Monte.  As Pasedena is a four hour drive, we visited our family in Fresno, California.  This was my first time visiting the family and also my the first time I stepped onto US soil.  For the first time in my life, I held snow in my hand.  God is so good to us.  We had a fruitful time at SPS conference.  We also had a wonderful time with our family.

Since Monte started going to the SPS meetings, we knew that something had to give.  In the past, every once in a while, we would take short trips to neighbouring Malaysia or Batam in Indonesia.  We enjoyed every trip we took.  Since Monte embarked on the SPS conference involvement, we did not have any funds for a break.  In my heart, I longed for a break.  God answered my prayer.  Last June, my brother, Nicholas, blessed me with a short holiday at Legoland, Malaysia.  Along with him, my mum, my niece, Eliska and my brother’s helper, Mimi, we had a memorable holiday.  God is so good.  My limited vocabulary is incapable to describe His goodness and greatness.  His faithfulness reaches to the sky! Hallelujah!

We Bow in Humble Adoration

Lord, this misty Monday morning

Brims with new found hope

And radiates with Your beauty

We bow in humble adoration

You are our maker and redeemer

Breathe upon us

Breath of God

Wash over us

Renew and empower us

To live in the light of Your glory

Thank God for Our Family

Monte and I at Upper Pierce Reservoir on 9 Feb 2016

Monte and I had an amazing time in the States. We thank God for bringing us safely home. Our hearts are indebted to everyone who has made our trip so memorable and beautiful. They have gone out of their way to make our trip amazing. We cherish each of them dearly.

When we reached Singapore yesterday morning, my brother, Nicholas, came to meet us at Changi Airport. We had a scrumptious lunch and he took us home by taxi. When we reached home, we were overwhelmed by the things that met us. My two brothers, Nicholas and Edwin, repaired and restored many of our home fixtures and furnishings during our absence. They even bought us new cleaning devices. Nicholas added more fishes to our aquarium and stocked us with so much fish food which will last us for a very long time.
We moved into our flat in August 2001 and may things have fallen apart over time. My brothers fixed our lights, window fixtures, bathroom fixtures and furniture. Meanwhile, my mum also came by to clean our home. We are thankful to our family for their love, care and concern all these years.

As I reflect on all that God is doing in this season, I am mindful that my mum has taught my brothers and I through her life.  She genuinely cares for people.  When I was young, I remember the times when my mum would send me off to my ex-neighbours carrying food she wanted to share with them. I thank God for a wonderful mum.

Each day, I pray for my family in the States and in Singapore. I pray that God will pour His Spirit on each of them. That God will bless them bountifully. God has blessed us with our family and we are deeply indebted to each one of them.

Great is the Lord

The light of Your glory

The power of Your love

The strength of Your Spirit

The certainty of Your hope

You are the reason our heart beats

You are our life

You are our everything 

In You, we are complete 

In You, we find hope and meaning

To live in and through You

Amazing God

God is with us in every season of our lives. He leads us to the highest mountain and the deepest valley. We savour times of abundance and trust Him in times of lack. He is with us in the raging fire. He is with us in the deep blue sea.

God is actively at work in our darkest hour. The Lord does the deepest work in us when abandon ourselves to Him unreservedly.

Through these challenging times and seasons, we emerge stronger. The fire of God burns bright and strong in our hearts.

I call to mind the goodness of God. I remember vividly how the Lord provided miraculously for our wedding in March 1999. Monte and I waited upon the Lord. He provided miraculously for us. His divine providence left us in great amazement and wonder. We can never out give Him. We know that there is nothing our God cannot do.

Our finite human minds can never fathom the things of God entirely. In His love and mercy, He reveals Himself to us. He pours His abundant grace on all who wait on Him. Those who love Him without reservation have no regrets. Our God is faithful.

At the core of our being, we are fulfilled as we live in His plans and purposes. We avail ourselves completely to our Master. All those who seek Him will find Him.

Sugar Rush

For many years, I was always ordering Teh C (tea with evaporated milk and sugar) at the coffee shop. In recent years, I switched to Teh C Siew Dai (tea with evaporated milk and little sugar).  Then I went to to Teh O Siew Dai (black tea with little sugar).  Now, I have graduated to Teh O Kosong (black tea with no sugar).

I feel fantastic after reducing my sugar intake.  On other fronts, I try as much as possible to choose to have low salt, low fat and low sugar diet. 

For as long as I can remember, my routine medical check up will usually involved the doctor's offer to prescribe drugs for my raised cholesterol.  I will dutifully suggest to the doctor that I do not want to go on any medication.  I will exercise and watch my diet.

Three days ago, on my routine medical appointment, the doctor mentioned that my cholesterol is very good.  I am thankful to the Lord and happy to receive the good report.

We Bow in Humble Adoration

Your faithfulness reaches to the sky

Your love so divine

Your grace so rich

Your hope, our anchor

We cry out to You this day

Our everlasting God and king

Worshipping You with grateful hearts

Bowing in humble adoration

You are worthy, Lord

Of our praise

From now till all eternity

Happy Birthday, Monte!

Monte and I at the Istana

Monte and I at Upper Pierce Reservoir on 9 February 2016

Monte looking on as I was conducting a vocal training workshop at Lifeline Family Church
on 15 November 2015

Monte

My beloved husband
Lover
Soul mate
Life partner
Companion
Inspiration
Best friend
Confidante
Prayer partner
Supporter
Helper
Comforter
Encourager

God has blessed Monte and I beyond what we could even imagine. We have been through thick and thin. We have tasted the height, the depth and the width of the Lord's incredible love all these years. God is not a figment of our imagination, He is actively at work in us as we posture our hearts to seek Him. We live to savour His unending mercy and grace each day.

God has blessed me with Monte. I appreciate his loving support and constant encouragement. He lovingly sacrificed and always has my well being at heart. I am grateful for a wonderful and loving husband. I pray that God will pour His bountiful blessings on Him and He will make His shine on him. Happy birthday, Monte! I love you!

How Great is our God

Lord, this is the day that You have made

We call on Your great name

You are mighty God

Our creator

Restorer

Comforter

Our refuge

Our strength

Our hope

Our mighty fortress

Our hiding place

The Rock of ages

Coming King

And eternal God

We give You glory, honour and praise

All the days of our life

Enjoying Training

On the 3 January, I received these photos from my friend, S. She saw my photos in her daughter's school year book.  It was such a pleasant surprise.  

Between February and March last year, I had the privilege to train a few Primary 5 children for an inter-school debating competition.  These kids were from a school in the east.  They were very enthusiastic and polite.  I had wonderful time with them.

Thankful

On 15 Nov 2015, I was honoured and thankful to conduct a vocal training workshop at Lifeline Family Church.  I went through some singing techniques with the participants.  The enthusiastic people were so encouraging.  I enjoyed my time with them tremendously.

I thank God that Monte was with me.  All these years, he has supported me in my life and ministry.  He encourages me to allow God to grow and develop me daily.

 

Prayer Answering God

Monte and I will be away most of the month of March. Monte will be presenting a paper ("Before His Face through Times of Refreshing") at the Society of Pentecostal Studies conference and chairing one of the ecumenical interest group meetings.

In early August, we were so glad to receive word that Monte's paper was accepted. As Pasedena is not too far from Fresno, California, we were looking into the possibility to visit our family there. This will be my maiden trip to the States.

We did not know how the Lord was going to work things out for us but we knew that the Lord is more than able to provide for our need. We prayed for God to perform a miracle.

Our God is truly a prayer answering God. He provided the funds for us to purchase our air tickets on 22 January. We stand in awe of the Lord's goodness and grace. His hand is never too short. He is ever faithful and true.

The Lord has opened the door through this platform for Monte to contribute in some small ways. We are grateful for His enablement and empowerment.

We are deeply indebted to our family and friends who are praying for us. Some have blessed us through giving (financially). Others have encouraged us along the way. We thank each of you for standing with us.

God is worthy of all our praises. As we enthroned Him, He pours His Spirit on us. He empowers us to do what we are incapable to do in our own strength. This is all for the glory and honour of His name.

We Need You

You brought us to the highest mountain

And the the deepest valley

You brought us to the greatest height

And the deepest depth

We taste Your goodness

We have endless hope

We live in the light of Your glory

You are with us in our bleakest darkness

You feel our deepest sorrow

You see us through the valleys

The joy of release

Your providential love

Your constant supply

You are endless

Boundless

Matchless

Beyond comparison

You are all we ever needed

Nothing in this world

Can satisfy our deepest longing

We need You

We need Your hand of Love

We need Your endless mercy

We need Your sustaining grace

Lead us by Your Spirit

Purify us with Your fire

Till we are found in You

Till Your purposes 

Are fulfilled in us

Thank You, Lord

Lord, thank You for honey in the rock
For manna to satisfy our hunger
For strength for every new day
For hope for the impossible
For grace so rich 
For love so tender
For courage to persevere
For peace that passes understanding
Thank you for Your work in us
Building, strengthening and shaping us
Till You see Your face in us

Our Only Hope

You calm the raging sea

You bring hope in our hopelessness 

You bring comfort in our loneliness 

You bring joy in our sorrow

Only You can meet our deepest needs 

Only You can hear the cry of our heart

When the stresses of life seem unbearable 

We hear Your voice beckoning us to draw near

We feel Your warm embrace

All that really matters is You

Your presence 

Your great love

Your work in us

Teach us to number our days

Teach us to walk in Your ways

We Worship You, Lord

This glorious morning beams with Your beauty and majesty. Lord, pour Your grace and strength on us. Your presence envelopes and empowers us in everyday living. In You we hope, in You we find courage and grace. Whom have we in heaven but You. You are the strength of our heart. You are awesome, strong, magnificent, glorious and great. We bow in humble adoration for You deserve all our praise and worship.

The Sunrise of Hope

Sunrise speaks of hope and newness.  We find fresh strength and fervour in the Lord.  God empowers us with His love.  He gives us endless hope.  

Life's journey may be challenging at times but God's abiding presence helps us to move forward in life. We embrace Him and everything He is doing in us in this season. He is more than enough.His faithfulness reaches to the sky.

Immanuel, God with Us

Yesterday, Monte and I were praying at Lower Pierce Reservoir. God is ever faithful. When we pray, we are relinquishing all control to Him. We are always vulnerable and dependent on the Lord. He breaks through our defenses and work in and through us to reveal His strength, glory and grace. God is our lifeline. We can only call upon Him in the deepest and darkest hour. He is Immanuel, God with us.

We Live for You

We live each day 

To taste Your fresh manna

We live each day

To drink from Your living streams

We live each day 

To hear Your gentle whisper

We live each day

To see a sign of Your goodness

Your greatness

Your wonder

Your grace

We would have despaired

If You have not picked us

Out of the miry clay

We rise up with praise

We rise up with adoration

Offering our lives to You

As a pleasing sacrifice