Peace And Goodwill To All Men

'And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men."  Luke 2:10,11 and 13,14 (KJV)

Merry and Blessed Christmas! 

The first Christmas greetings under the night sky of Bethlehem was proclaimed by the angel and multitude of the heavenly host to the shepherds. There were two messages

• The birth of Jesus Christ, long awaited and a fulfillment of prophecies, 

'For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulders. And He shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' Isaiah 9:6-7

• The prayer and expectation of Peace on Earth. Jesus was declared the Prince of Peace.

Christians rejoice at the coming of Jesus, our Saviour who forgave our sins and ushered us into a new and living relationship with God. For more than two thousand years Christians enjoy this reality. But the promise of peace appears elusive; many lament the fact that peace on earth is never experienced even since the birth of Christ. 

Let me share my journey in understanding this Peace.

The first is Elusive Peace. This was most sarcastically commented by this rendition of Silent Night by Simon and Garfunkel over the Seven o'Clock News read by Charles O'Donnell.

That album was released in the 1966, things have not changed. Since then there has not been a Christmas in which there is no war, crisis or conflict somewhere in this world. This Christmas the war in Ukraine rages on and there will be no Christmas truce this time. Is Christmas and its promise of peace on earth good will among men irrelevant today?

The second is Inner Peace. How can we find peace in the midst of dismal circumstances? If peace cannot be found externally, can it be found within us? Having peace within, perhaps we can be at peace with others. A Chinese poem reads,

If there is a light in the soul there will be beauty in the person,

If there is beauty in the person there will be harmony in the house,

If there is harmony in the house there will be order in the nation,

If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.

"Let There Be Peace on Earth" is a song written by Jill Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller in 1955. Jackson-Miller, had been suicidal after the failure of her marriage, she wrote the song after discovering what she called the "life-saving joy of God's peace and unconditional love." The main message is in the refrain, 'Let peace begin with me.' 

The third is Heavenly Peace. There is another kind of peace, not coming from within but peace from above, transcendental peace. This is the peace offered by Christmas, Jesus said,

'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.' John 14:27

Saint Paul described this as a peace which passed all understanding,

 'And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' Philippians 4:7

This was the peace Saint Francis understood when he prayed 'Make me an instrument of thy peace.' The peace comes from God and if we can become just instruments, conduits of this peace, there is a chance for peace and good will among men.

Enjoy this Christmas carol, Silent Night. 

Merry Christmas! May the Light of Jesus Christ be the light in your souls!

Lionel

God Answers Prayers

'I prayed to the Lord and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.' Psalm 34:4-5 (NLT)

Two recent experiences taught me some truths to the reality of this often used phrase, God answers prayer

We went on a family holiday, mission trip and spiritual retreat to Thailand. My brother-in-law John was most keen to go on this trip. He wanted so much to see the mission work in Phrao. But the night before, John spotted a fever of 41 degrees centigrade. He was devastated; so were we because a drop-out from the trip would have spoilt the entire holiday. We all resorted to prayer for him that his condition would not be so severe as to have him opt out of the trip. Early next morning John saw his General Practitioner. The ART for Covid-19 was negative, so was the test for Dengue and the GP cleared him to go on vacation. God answered our petition positively and the entire 8 of us with John had a wonderful 16 days of family vacation and bonding.

Our next experience was not answered by God in the manner we had hoped for. Pat's friend, developed severe lung infection on vacation in Europe. Her cough went on for couple of months. We prayed for healing, however she developed respiratory failure and had to be on respiratory support for several weeks. We kept a prayer vigil for her recovery. Pat would write prayer responses which her daughter would read to the mother. Sadly she died. God chose not to answer our prayers the way we wanted, which is for recovery. But several days before she died, she chose in one of her more lucid moments, to be baptised. A professing Christian for many years, her more recent baptism anchored her faith. We knew then that God had answered our prayers in a far better manner that we had hoped for; Pat's friend had a home-coming and stood before her Lord Jesus Christ.

We can sometimes lose interest and faithfulness in prayer because we treat prayers to God as in going to an ATM to draw out cash. We expect always to have God answer our prayers in the way we wished for. Some even believe that if we persistently badger God, He will answer. They use this passage as justification.

'Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.' Matthew 7:7-8

Hence, some believe that if they are very persistent in praying, they will get what they want. They simply lack faith, if they don't, and they should pray even more. They fail to read the following verses wisely,

'Which of you, if your son asks for bread will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to you children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who asks Him!' Matthew 7:9-11

These verses tell us that God will always answer our prayers, not in the ways we wanted but in ways that is best for us. Sometimes, what is best is a 'No' as an answer or sometimes it is 'Wait' for God's good timing. Simply put, God knows what's best.

What Jesus is teaching us in the passage in the Sermon on the Mount is not to treat God as an automated answering machine nor attempt to placate God with our offerings in order that our prayers will be answered. We need not pester God into getting our way. More than a practice of prayer, Jesus is trying to establish a special relationship between us and God through our faithfulness in prayer  

So whether, answered positively or negatively, God answers prayers for our good. Build a prayer relationship with Him and as this song emphatically puts it, 'God Answers Prayer'

Have you ever talk to God above?

Tell Him that you need a friend to love

Pray in Jesus name believing

That God answers prayer

Have you told him all your cares and woes?

Ev'ry tiny little fear He knows. 

You can know He'll always hear

And He will answer prayer.

You can whisper in a crowd to Him

You can cry when you're alone to Him

You don't have to pray out loud to Him;

He knows your thoughts

On a lofty mountain peak, He's there.

In a meadow by a stream, He's there

Anywhere on earth you go,

He's been there from the start.

Find the answer in His Word; it's true.

You'll be strong because He walks with you

By His faithfulness He'll change you, too

God answers prayer.

Lionel

Climb Up Higher

Starting the Climb to Mount Sinai

'When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai.... to the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.' Exodus 24:15,16a and 17 (NLT)

On the 4 Dec 2010, the tour-pilgrimage group from Singapore reached St Catherine's Monastery. We journeyed by bus via a tunnel under the Suez Canal and through the Sinai Desert for about 7 hours.

At this spot at the foot of Mount Sinai, Moses encountered God in the burning bush, where he received the commission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. On a second occasion, at the top of the mountain, Moses received the Ten Commandments. We all felt that we were on Holy Ground

A much smaller group, 5 out  of 37 of us, decided to brave the biting cold and make the 3 hours climb up to the summit, 2285 metres high. They wished to see the sunrise at the mountain peak. More importantly, in making the climb they hope in the stillness of the dawn to very personally find God at a most sacred place. The rest of us lesser mortals settled in our beds to rise up early to worship at the foot of the mountain.

The Bible passage in Exodus 24 describes a similar group of pilgrims; the Israelites arriving at this same location after several days of walking through the Sinai desert. Here, the Lord God called Moses and the Israelites into a covenantal relationship with Him. Just like us, at the invitation to climb higher up the Sinai, the congregation separated; this time into 3 groups. Bishop Robert Solomon expounding from the passage described this as 3 levels of intimacy, the general congregation at the foot of the mountain, the seventy elders at mid-level and Moses alone at the mountain top.

At the foot of Sinai, the general congregation experienced their first introduction into a relationship with God :

'Moses then wrote down everything the Lord had said. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel' Exodus 24:4 

Sacrifices were made and blood was shed. This reminds us of baptism, which hinges on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and His blood shed as atonement for our sins.

The second level is represented by the elders who went with Moses halfway up the mountain. It was recorded that they ate and drank at the feet of God:

'Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of sapphire, clear as the sky itself. But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank.' Exodus 24:9-11

The scene depicted the communal relationship of God's people, among themselves and with God. In the church we express this in the Holy Communion.

Then, Moses was invited alone into a deeper relationship with God; he was called to come up to God.

'The Lord said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and commands I have written for their instruction.' Exodus 24:12 

There was a cloud covering the mountain, which appeared to be on fire. In a spiritually charged atmosphere, Moses worshipped God alone.

Pilgrims from Singapore by the walls
of St Catherine Monastery

On that cold morning on 4 Dec 2010, every one of the 37 pilgrims who came from Singapore to Mount Sinai wanted to feel very close to God.

The five that went up the mountain will no doubt always remember the physical feat that led to a very special spiritual experience. At the summit, they worshipped and sang 'How Great Thou Art'. The rest of us worshipped by the walls of the Monastery of St Catherine, at the foot of the mountain. We sang 'To God Be The Glory'.

Here, on this historical site, God revealed himself so dramatically in ages past. 'This is holy ground.' We were glad that we came. During our worship, a special communion transpired between  our human spirit and the Holy Spirit. We knew that wherever we are and whatever level we are at, God will still beckon us to 'Come Up Higher'.

This is holy ground,

We’re standing on holy ground,
For the Lord is here
And where He is holy.
This is holy ground,
We’re standing on holy ground,
For the Lord is here
And where He is holy.

These are holy hands,
He’s given us holy hands,
He works through these hands
And so these hands are holy.
These are holy hands,
He’s given us holy hands,
He works through these hands
And so these hands are holy.

We are standing on holy ground

And I know that there are angels

All around

Let us praise Jesus now

We are standing in his presence

On holy ground

We are standing on holy ground

And I know that there are angels

All around

Let us praise Jesus now

We are standing in his presence

On holy ground

We are standing on holy ground

And I know that there are angels

All around

Let us praise Jesus now

We are standing in his presence

We are standing in his presence

We are standing in his presence

On holy ground

Lionel

Updated 1st published 4 Dec 2010

Spiritual Retreats

 

St Anthony's Monastery

'Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.' Mark 1:35

We visited the ancient Monastery of St Anthony on 2 Dec 2010. It is sequestrated in the parched Egyptian desert at the foot of mountains, by the eastern bank of the Red Sea. Here, about 112 Coptic monks live and work, dedicated to a secluded life seeking after a special communion with God and a community of like-minded brethren.

This monastery was founded in 356 AD and is reputed to be the oldest monastery in the world. St Anthony, whom many claim to have founded the monastic movement, lived as a hermit in a cave on the slope of the mountain behind the monastery. What drove him and many others down through the ages to forsake the world and live in solitude and seclusion?

Even today, there are such men living in caves in the desert. Many gave up their worldly possessions to live in this manner. St Anthony surrendered his family properties to live an ascetic life for nearly ninety years. He received his calling when he overheard the scriptures read from Matthew 19:21, 

'If you want to be perfect, go sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow me'.

Some may consider such men to be eccentric, deranged and paranoid, battling personal demons that infest their souls.

In their desire to be completely pure and holy in God's presence, men like St Anthony speak of having to deal with such demons both within and without that would tempt them away from the holiness they seek. These struggles were probably very dramatic, even frightening. Some even describe near-death experiences. Eventually, many succeed to subdue these 'spirits' and establish an inspirational spirituality that few can ever hope to achieve.

Some may think that such desert fathers are just simply obsessed with evil, sin and guilt. In actual fact, they focused on imitating Christ by following a life of self sacrifice that will embody their dependence on God for their ultimate personal worth and salvation (Ref 1). Accordingly, the desert provides the opportunity to shake off all kinds of earthly encumbrances and limitations in order to stand unfettered in the very presence of God.

Realising this need for focus explains the sanity of their sacrifice. The experience of the physical desert makes giving up material things easier.

In contrast, in the material world of Singapore, following Jesus' advice to give all and follow Him, can be extremely difficult if not impossible. Hence, many of us will suffer missed opportunities just like the Bible's rich young ruler.

We are all the poorer for this; we clutch at our possessions, unable to release their stranglehold on us. As a result, we may never taste the pure and holy spiritual moments with God. Who, then, is more insane?

Nevertheless, trapped as we are, we should still define the spiritual space of our own desert and cultivate an attitude of detachment from material things. We should find time and space for much contemplation and worship; in our personal spiritual retreat. 

On the 21 Oct 2022 at a meditation group, Fabrice Desmarescaux, author of the book, 'The Art of Retreats: A Leader's Journey Toward Clarity, Balance and Purpose' gave 4 tips which he said are the essence of retreats.

• Solitude - Find time to be with yourself and to connect with yourself

• Silence - Find quietness and peace. Time opens up when we are not speaking; nothing and no noise to distract us
    
• Space - Find a space and surrounding that will inspire.

• Spirit - Find ourselves. We have been doing things all our lives now we can learn to just be ourselves, present and connect with our spirit. Henri Nouwen call this human being and not human doing. 

Then, more importantly, at these times of retreat, we will discover to whom we belong; we belong to God. Bishop Solomon wrote in 'Spiritual Discipline for Urban Christians' (Ref 2), "We need to find ourselves alone in God's redeeming and healing presence and find and receive our God-place. When we realise that each of us has a unique place given to us by God, we can truly rest instead of searching endlessly and fighting for a place of our own."

There is a hymn that tells us to retreat into a garden to find Jesus, 'In the Garden.' 

I come to the garden alone

While the dew is still on the roses

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses

And He walks with me

And He talks with me

And He tells me I am His own

And the joy we share as we tarry there

None other has ever known

He speaks and the sound of His voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing

And He walks with me

And He talks with me

And He tells me I am His own

And the joy we share as we tarry there

None other has ever known

I stayed in the garden with Him

Though the night all around me is falling

But He bids me go, through the voice of woe

His voice to me is calling

And He walks with me

And He talks with me

And He tells me I am His own

And the joy we share as we tarry there

None other has ever known

None other has ever known

Lionel

Updated 1st Published 2 Dec 2010

Ref 1 The relevance of the 'Life of Anthony' today written by a solitary monk living on St Anthony's Mountain, Mt Colzim, Egypt. In St Anthony, His Life and Sayings, Monastery of St Anthony, 2010 pp 173.

Ref 2 Bishop Robert Solomon, Spiritual Disciplines for Urban Christians, Genesis Book 2021

A People After God's Heart

'But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who had called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.' 1 Peter 2:9 

What a strange way to describe Christians? A peculiar people. Perhaps this peculiarity describes a special relationship of Christians as a people belonging to God. Why? There is a covenant made between God and us as there is a covenant made between God and Israel in the desert of Sinai.

A covenant is a formal agreement between two or more persons or groups of people. This covenant was first described in Exodus Chapter 19. Here God tells the Israelites that they will be His chosen people, ”out of all the nations you will be my treasured possessions.” 

These people will enjoy special privileges. Their part of the bargain was to obey God fully. After hearing from Moses the covenant God had to offer, the people responded together 

'We will do everything that the Lord has said.' Exodus 19:18

God promised 

'I will look on you with favour and increase your numbers and I will keep my covenant with you. I will walk among you and be your God and you will be my people.' Leviticus 26:9 and 12.

But the Israelites failed miserably to keep to their side of the agreement. Even in the Sinai Desert, through the times of the Kings and Prophets we read of numerous occasions when the Israelites deliberately disobeyed God. 

By the time of the Gospels, this blatant disobedience had turned the people towards a self-centredness, that brought forth the legalism of the Pharisees; a religion built on man’s ability to meet the demands of religious laws.

Then Jesus Christ came and the covenantal relationship was renewed. In the Last Supper, Christ’s mentioned this new covenant which He said was sealed in His blood. He was referring to the imminent sacrifice for us on the Cross by which we are set free from sin. By Christ's sacrifice we receive freedom from sin and enter into this special relationship between God and us. 

'This cup is the new covenant in my blood which is poured out for you' Luke 22:20b 

How do we now translate our part of the covenant? There is a question in the Scottish catechism which asks, “What is the Chief aim of man?” To which, the answer is “the chief aim of man is glorify God and to enjoy him forever.”

The apostle Paul wrote 

“whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:31

In the simplest of terms this is the answer to why we exist, to our purpose in life and to the mission of our churches.

How to make this practical? Charles Swindoll wrote 3 suggestions which are worth repeating.

(1) Cultivate a habit of including God in every segment of our lives. Everything we do, every plan we make; Is God in it? Is God getting the glory?

(2) Refuse to accept any of the glory that should belong only to God. Our selfish nature are huge sponges always ready and willing to soak up all praises. We should constantly remember to claim nothing for ourselves and give all the glory to God.

(3) Maintain a priority relationship with God that is more important than any other on earth. There are many challenges to this priority e.g our children, our spouses, our families. Nothing wrong with loving our families or planning for the future but keep our total commitment to God.

This special relationship is not to be expressed only in personal terms but collectively as well. A church share values together in a collective desire to be God's Chosen People. When Charis Methodist Church became independent, we chose a motto that is also an aspiration; to be “A people after God’s heart.”

With that the aspiration Charis Methodist Church emphatically looked to God to 'Build His church.'  

For I’m Building A People Of Power

And I’m Making A People Of Praise

That Will Move Through This Land By My Spirit

And Will Glorify My Precious Name

Build Your Church, Lord

Make Us Strong, Lord

Join Our Hearts, Lord, Through Your Son

Make Us One, Lord

In Your Body

In The Kingdom Of Your Son

Lionel

Updated 1st Published on 1 Dec 2007

Welcome To The Family

The Charis Methodist Church Family

'Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. They tell of Your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty. They tell of the power of Your awesome works. They celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. ' Psalm 145:3a,4a,5a,6a,7

 

Why do we go to church?

• To worship God
• To sing praises
• To sing hymns
• To pray
• To hear God's Words read from the Bible.
• To hear inspirational sermons
• To hear good music and chorale singing
• To enjoy sanctuary.
• To fellowship with friends and encourage one another.

The answer to the question should be all of the above and in that answer we give the full expression for church attendance, as one family and the body of Christ,  Total Church. 

There is a special meaning for me to come for the worship service of my church, Charis Methodist Church. I come to join my friends, my brothers and sisters in worship and confession of my faith. It is my spiritual refreshment at the start of every week. King David wrote of the joy of corporate worship.

'I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord.' Psalms 122:1 (NLT) 

Nowadays the standard of the preaching or the quality of the music seem to be the main attractions. Many move from church to church, now from zoom to zoom, to hear the great speakers that can inspire and deliver good sermons every week. Others are attracted to the praise singing or the choir. Unfortunately not all local churches will be so endowed or gifted, thus leaving some members disappointed. 

If we come for Sunday service only for the sermons and music, we fail to understand the two imperatives for regular church attendance

• To worship God -the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit
• To profess the spirit of the Christian family - the Body of Christ

Every Sunday serves to bring out these two aspects of the church, the Corporate Worship and the Family of Believers. 

When a person enters the house of God, he should be struck by reverential awe. The architecture of the sanctuary, whether simple or ornate should help the worshipper sense peace and beauty. 

St Peter's Church, Munich

'One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.' Psalm 27:4

The Orthodox Christians celebrate Christ, the Lord of Hosts and adorn their churches with gilded icons and golden coloured frescoes to uplift the Christus Pantocratos. The crucifix in Catholic churches draws attention to the suffering and sacrifice of Christ. The simple cross in Protestant churches celebrates the victory of the resurrected Christ. Yet some others, like the Quakers believe in making their sanctuary simple and minimalistic. 

Some churches used the organ, piano and choir in the prelude, during and postlude to help in the worship. Others use prayer and praise sessions. Still others use silence and prayer. All should help direct the congregants' attention to God and enhance the spirit of connection.

The song, 'Come Now Is The Time To Worship' helps express this connection.

 

Come, now is the time to worship
Come, now is the time to give your heart
Come, just as you are to worship
Come, just as you are before your God, Come

One day every tongue will confess You are God
One day every knee will bow
Still the greatest treasure remains for those
Who gladly choose You now

The second imperative to come to church is the gathering of the family of God. This gathering allows 'Koinonia' or Fellowship. We build our friendships and learn to grow along with others as Christian brothers and sisters. We help, comfort, and strengthen each other. The Bible encourages us to meet together regularly for mutual encouragement and spurring each other to remain faithful.

'And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another...' Hebrews 10:24-25

This expression of family strengthens the church and in turn allows the congregation to go beyond themselves to consider outreach and service to others. We engage as one family in missions, evangelism, witnessing, social concerns and outreach. Just as worship enables the vertical relationship between Church and God, fellowship strengthens the horizontal relationships between friends, families and reaches out to the the community. This is an expression of the Total Church

This song, 'Welcome to the Family' sends a powerful message of our Christian bonds and expressions of love for one another.

Welcome to the family
We're glad that you have come
To share your life with us
As we grow in love and
May we always be to you
What God would have us be
A family always there
To be strong and to lean on,

May we learn to love each other
More with each new day
May words of love be on our lips
In everything we say
May the Spirit melt our hearts
And teach us how to pray
That we might be a true family

Going to church is not personal, the church is family. It is timely that we free ourselves from personal preoccupations with sermons or music, important though they may be, but to consider brothers and sisters, coming together, to express 'Total Church.'

Lionel

We Soldier On

'If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So whether we live or die we belong to the Lord.' Romans 14:8

Pat's Uncle George passed on to Glory this week. He was 93 years old, the last surviving sibling of the my father-in-law's family of 3 girls and 4 boys. This generation had a Bishop, a senior pastor and one Bible woman.

At the wake, the family shared fond memories of Uncle George. He was quite a resourceful person, a maverick, who was in the timber business in the jungles of Indonesia when young and a contractor when he was older. But most of all we recognised Uncle George for 

• His Fervent Faith. 
• His Generosity
• His Love for Friends and Family.

To my regret, I did not give him much time of day and missed his many stories and adventures which he shared so generously to those who would listen to him. These stories inevitably led and testified to his love for the Lord. 

The youngest in the family of seven and outliving all of them, he believed in the adage

'Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.' Galatians 6:9 

George soldiered on till health got the better of him. He bore witness to a familial love  for the Jesus and service to the Church. 

What does it involved to soldier on? St Paul wrote to young Timothy using 3 metaphors to describe endurance in the Christian Life

• A good soldier 
• who can endure hardship, 
• has a single minded focus on the mission, a good witness for Christ
• is unencumbered by the burdens of life

• A prize winning athlete 
• who subjects his body to training

• A hardworking farmer
• who will enjoy the fruit of his labour

'Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.' 2 Tim 2:3-6

There is another lesson I learnt from Uncle George. That is it did not matter to him whether he lives or dies. He was happy to be released from the pain of his end-stage terminal cancer as death approached. He was willing to meet his maker many years before. This indicates an appreciation of eternity and everlasting life. 

St Paul declared to the Roman Christians that whether we live or die we belong to the Lord. This understanding and attitude frees us from the shackles and limitations of the physical life. It belies an inner strength and tenacity.

'If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So whether we live or die we belong to the Lord.' Romans 14:8

This assurance releases us from the finiteness and time-sensitivity of our current limited physical existence and gives us an unlimited eternity perspective.

So let us not be weary nor lose heart; the hymn 'Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus' extols this stoic and resolute Christianity 

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,

Ye soldiers of the cross;

Lift high his royal banner,

It must not suffer loss.

From victory unto victory

His army shall he lead,

Till every foe is vanquished,

And Christ is Lord indeed.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,

The trumpet call obey;

Forth to the mighty conflict

In this His glorious day.

Ye that are men now serve Him

Against unumbered foes;

Let courage rise with danger

And strength to strength oppose.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,

Stand in His strength alone;

The arm of flesh will fail you,

Ye dare not trust your own.

Put on the gospel armour

Each piece put on with prayer

Where duty calls or danger

Be never wanting there

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,

The strife will not be long;

This day the noise of battle,

The next the victor's song.

To him that overcometh 

A crown of life shall be;

He, with the King of Glory

Shall reign eternally.  

Lionel

Look Forward

 

Heliconia Bird Of Paradise: Look Forward

'One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press on  toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ.' Philippians 3:13-14

When King Solomon was an old man he had an advice for younger men,

'Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I have no pleasure in them." Ecclesiastes 12:1

Solomon was holding out a daunting prospect to growing old. There was nothing to look forward to other than disappointment and unhappiness. His book of Ecclesiastes started out very grimly by stating that all of life is futile and full of vanities. Towards the end of the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon discovered the life that is worth living. He remembered God. Solomon advised the young to do the same so as to avoid futility but find fulfilment.

In 2021, our dear brother Lim Chin Leng was diagnosed to have cancer. In a New Year message for 2022, Chin Leng wrote, "Looking back, although 2021 has been a difficult year, I’m thankful that God has never forsaken me or my family as we walked through the valley of the shadow of death. God also sent many people to make sure we won’t go through this scary journey alone. Our cell group, and many in Charis, fasted and prayed for us. Many also blessed us with much needed practical help. We experienced the importance of being connected to a spiritual community during this crisis.

God is still at work in our lives as we prepare to face the unknown ahead. At the end of the day, we believe that God will show us His glory, whether I get healed or not. Thank you, church, for your love and encouragement. We appreciate you all! My prayer for you is that you too will be able to experience the presence of God in every season of your life, regardless of the challenges you face. May God bless you! The Best is Yet to Be. To God be the Glory!"

It takes much courage to battle cancer. Chin Leng demonstrated this because  God is at work in his life. Despite this setback, Chin Leng remained undaunted, he looked forward. Looking forward is looking to God.

'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'  Isaiah 41:10

Bishop Solomon wrote a book (Ref 1), 'We Are Pilgrims' on the 15 Songs of Ascent (Psalms 130-134). These are the songs sung by the Jewish pilgrims as they climbed their way up to Jerusalem. These songs, wrote the Bishop, "contain profound thoughts about God amid the painful realities of life". They are filled with trusting and very poignant prayers.  These prayerful songs help us to face life, its pain as well as its joy.

'I lift up my eyes to You, to You who sit enthroned in heaven' Psalm 123:1

Like the pilgrims of old singing their songs of ascent, we can carry on the upward way just as this song, 'Higher Ground' encourages us to press on. St Paul encouraged the Philippi Christians to reach forward to the things ahead and press on towards the goal, the upward call of God in Jesus Christ.

I’m pressing on the upward way,

New heights I’m gaining every day;

Still praying as I onward bound,

“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith on Canaan’s tableland;
A higher plane than I have found,
  Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.

I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till rest I’ve found,
“Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 

Lionel

Lift Up Mine Eyes To The Hills

Look to the Hills

 'I lift up mine eyes to the hills and I wonder from where comes my help? My help, it comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let you stumble, He will not let you fall, the Lord is your keeper. The sun will not strike you by day nor the moon by night, the Lord will keep your life. I lift up mine eyes to the hills and I wonder, I wonder where comes my help.' Psalm 121

Psalms 121 is a wonderful promise and assurance of the Lord God protecting His people. There is a wonderful hymn 'I Lift Up Mine Eyes' by Allen Pote which so beautifully captivates this reassuring message of the Lord's protection. God’s protection is ubiquitous and all-encompassing, at all times of the day and in every hour. 

I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, 

and I wonder from where comes my help? 

My help, it comes from the Lord, 

The maker of heaven and earth. 

I lift up my eyes to the hills and I wonder,

I wonder, where is my help

He will not let you stumble, 

He will not let you fall, the Lord is your keeper. 

The sun will not strike you by day nor the moon by night,

The Lord will keep your life.

I lift up mine eyes to the hills, 

And I wonder, I wonder where is my help? 

The Lord will keep you from all evil. 

He will keep your life.

 The Lord will keep you from all evil. 

He will keep your life.

He will keep your going out, 

and your coming in from this time forth, 

And forevermore. 

He will not let you stumble, 

He will not let you fall, The Lord is your keeper. 

The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. 

The Lord will keep your life. 

I lift up mine eyes to the hills, 

And I wonder from where comes my help? 

My help it comes from the Lord, 

The maker of heaven and earth.

I lift up mine eyes to the hills 

And I wonder, I wonder where is my help?

What was the Lord God protecting us against when the Bible made mention of the sun striking by the day and the moon by night? The Psalm points to two negative emotions, fear and guilt, described as a night time terror and a day time shame.

When we are young, we are all afraid of the dark. Darkness can hide things - secrets, sins, sinister motives, evil intentions. Night brings a dark foreboding feeling of terror and evil. We all have experienced the pilo-erection of the hairs on the skin and the cold sweat on our brow when we walk down lonely, dark lanes. It is the fear of the unknown, of danger lurking in dark corners.

My grandson, James, learned to sleep by himself from about 6 months old. He used to require us to pat him to sleep and I would sing to him a simple chorus, 'I love You Lord.' However, I often had visions of James waking up at night fearing the darkness. But James is a brave boy and he settled back to sleep quickly; secured in the knowledge that his parents and grandparents are always there for him, even when he cannot see nor feel our presence. 

Like James, most of us learn to deal with our fears although some can be crippled by irrational and chronic anxieties. Such people conceive impending doom and worry over every little thing. When and if that happens,  the Shepherd's Psalm often comes to mind

'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.' Psalms 23:4 

In contrast to darkness, light exposes everything. When the sun rises, other threats loom, guilt and shame. Light exposes sin, even the hidden ones. In the Garden of Eden after committing the original sin, Adam and Eve covered their nakedness with fig leaves and hid from God. Why? Sin produces shame.

The way most Christians deal with their shame is to confess our sins and accept Christ’s forgiveness. But some continue to remain crippled by their guilt. They enter into a deep misery; feeling they must pay for their sin. Jesus has already paid the price and penalty; we confess our sin, we must let Jesus forgive.

Forgiveness brings release but guilt brings remorse. Some never experience release and they remain trapped in their remorse. They go around perpetually feeling bad about themselves. This is probably what is meant with the statement 'the sun will strike you by day.' Every morning after waking up with the sunrise, they wallow in their shame.

Fear and guilt, the threats of the sun by day and the moon by night; How do we deal with these? The Bible says to look to God. He will protect us. Dr Robert Solomon, Bishop Emeritus of the Methodist Church in Singapore advised to

• Repent, 
• Renounce
• Relinquish

these feelings of fear, guilt and shame. Then we will find Release.

Lionel