Every Moment Matters

‘Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.’ Eph 4:15-17 

One of my most satisfying duties as the chairman of the Dover Park Hospice was to commission a new logo for the hospice. Designed by DP Architects’ creative unit, the logo features two forms, the Circle of Life and the Dove. The Circle represents the passage of life, the trials and experiences of life well-lived. Significantly, the Circle is not enclosed, allowing the Dove to soar free and take flight, full of hope and dignity. The tagline “Every Moment Matters” is inspired by the words of Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the modern hospice movement.

“You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life.” - Dame Cicely Saunders. 

Every moment matters is a philosophy for living. We should live as if we savour every moment, every minute and every day. With every passing moment we should live well, not only for ourselves, but also for others and God. A certain smile, a kind word or a brilliant thought can have an everlasting impact. Conversely, a momentary inattention, a missed opportunity can exact dire consequences. (See Panasonic Commercial below for a dramatic illustration).

We are familiar with the phrase ‘In God we live and move and have our being.’ In theology, this refers to ‘Coram Deo’, which is Latin for ‘before the face of God.’ Coram Deo, conveys the idea of living one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God and to the glory of God. 

Benjamin Franklin understood this when he said, "Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of." 

When we visited the Amish county at Lancashire, Pennsylvania in 1992, I bought a wooden plaque engraved with an Amish proverb, ‘Ve get too soon oldt and too late schmardt.’

Consider the life of Charles Thomas Studd. He established an enduring Christian missionary society, the World Evangelisation Crusade. Studd was the son of a wealthy indigo planter and a leading cricketer. He played for England in the 1882 cricket match between England and Australia which was the origin of the famous Ashes cricket tournament. Despite the chance to be a famous international sportsman, in February 1885, C.T along with a group of young men, called the ‘Cambridge Seven’ set sail from England to become missionaries. They volunteered to serve in China after attending meetings at Cambridge University, following Hudson Taylor in the newly established, China Inland Missions.

After more than 10 years service in China C.T. Studd left the country to pastor a church in South India from 1900 to 1906. In 1910 he went to the Sudan and Belgian Congo. In 1913, he started four mission stations and went on to  establish the World Evangelism Crusade which today continues to send missionaries to South America, Central Asia and the Middle East as well as Africa.

C.T. gave away a sizeable portion of his family inheritance to help the work of George Muller, D. L. Moody and others on the mission field. At the age of seventy, C.T. Studd died, but his vision for China, India and Africa had expanded to reach the whole world.

He wrote this poem, One Life. 

Two little lines I heard one day,

Traveling along life's busy way;

Bringing conviction to my heart, 

And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, 

Soon will its fleeting hours be done;

Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, 

And stand before His Judgment seat;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, 

Gently pleads for a better choice

Bidding me selfish aims to leave, 

And to God's holy will to cleave;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, 

Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;

Each with its days I must fulfill, 

living for self or in His will;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, 

When Satan would a victory score;

When self would seek to have its way, 

Then help me Lord with joy to say;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, 

In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;

Faithful and true what e'er the strife, 

Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, 

And from the world now let me turn;

Living for Thee, and Thee alone, 

Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, 

Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;

And when at last I'll hear the call, 

I know I'll say "'twas worth it all";

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last

Make the best use of the time we have. There is much good to do with our lives. May the Lord show us the way. Every moment matters.

In His time, in His time

He makes all things beautiful

In his time

Lord please show me everyday

As you're teaching me your way

That you do just what you say

In your time

In your time, in your time

You make all things beautiful

In your time

Lord my life to you I bring

May each song I have to sing

Be to you a lovely thing

In your time

Lord please show me everyday

As you teaching me your way

That you do just what you say

In your time

Lord my life to you I bring

May each song I have to sing

Be to you a lovely thing

In your time

Be to you a lovely thing

In your time

Lionel

Updated 1st Published Jul 2012

Time's Running Out! Find Purpose

Bright candle in the darkness
Photo by Markus Merz

Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." John 12:35-36

Time flies. Even though Christians are assured of everlasting life and spending eternity with Jesus, we know that life on earth is finite. Hence there is a certain urgency, with the passing of time to seize the day to live in such a manner as to  please God. Jesus told us to make use of the opportunity before our time on this earth run out.

What is your view of time? The Ancient Greeks have two words for time

• Chronos (χρόνος) or Every Moment Passes that is the measure of time
• Kairos (καιρός) or Every Moment Matters that is the meaning of time

Chronos refers to chronological or sequential time, it is quantitative. Kairos signifies the proper or opportune time, the defining moment. Kairos suggests that time has value and is not just a quantity. In the New Testament, Kairos is used to describe the appointed time or the God-ordained time.

We should use the Kairos time wisely. Jesus Christ exhorts us to, 

“Walk while you are in the light before darkness overtakes you.” 

There are defining moments that we should seize to influence others for good. We should walk in the light so that the wisdom, the guidance, the influence that will shape and mold us are not lost as the time passes; that light around and within us can also shape and influence friends and family. There is a purpose to life. 

Many years back, our church the Charis Methodist Church launched the '40 Days of Purpose' Campaign. It was centred on the book “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. Then our Pastor, the Rev Yeo Lay Suan introduced the campaign asking the question “What on earth are we here for?” 

Pastor Yeo told an anecdote of an eaglet which fell into a farmer’s coop and was raised amongst the chickens. All its life, the eagle thought that it was a chicken and never knew the truth of what it is like to fly and to feel the wind beneath its wings. How tragic?

It would also be tragic for us to live life if near the end we assess it to be futile. That was the lament of the preacher in the Bible book Ecclesiastes, 

 'Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!

But life matters! Jesus tells us to stay in the light; the man who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. Be in the Light of Jesus so that we can see that we are no chickens but eagles and fulfil our purposes in life. 

In the search for meaning in life during the 'hippie days' of the 1960s, the song 'Turn Turn Turn' written by Peter Seeger became very popular. 

To everything (turn, turn, turn)

There is a season (turn, turn, turn)

And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die

A time to plant, a time to reap

A time to kill, a time to heal

A time to laugh, a time to weep

A time to build up, a time to break down

A time to dance, a time to mourn

A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together

A time of love, a time of hate

A time of war, a time of peace

A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing

To everything (turn, turn, turn)

There is a season (turn, turn, turn)

And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose

A time to rend, a time to sew

A time for love, a time for hate

A time for peace, I swear it's not too late

Using the theme from Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, this song tells us that there is a purpose to life. Time does not just flit away, Kairos not Chronos. Find Purpose, Find Meaning, Find God.

“For I know, the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Lionel

Updated 1st published 15 Aug 2007

God Of The Second Chances

 

Starry Starry Night - Australian Academy of Science

'When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is mankind the you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?' Psalm 8:3-4

The Book of Jonah depicted a merciful God and told the story of a God of the Second Chances. 

God sent Jonah to Nineveh to warn the city of the impending doom if they did not turn from their wickedness. The Assyrian empire were extremely cruel. Their victories were followed by violent slaughter, enslavement and barbaric torture. The reluctant prophet Jonah, did not expect that the people would heed the warnings and repent of their evil deeds. Even so, Jonah did not expect God to be so merciful. Yet, dramatically and unexpectedly the Ninevites repented.

'And the people of Nineveh believed God's message, and from the greatest to the least they declared a fast and put on burlap (sackcloth) to show their sorrow.' Jonah 3:5 (NLT)

Nineveh

The king of Nineveh declared

"People and animals alike must wear garments of mourning, and everyone must pray earnestly to God. They must turn from their evil ways and stop all their violence. Who can tell? Perhaps even yet God will change His mind and hold back His fierce anger from destroying us." Jonah 3:8,9 (NLT)

God gave them a reprieve, a second chance

'When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, He changed His mind and did not carry out the destruction He had threatened.' Jonah 3:10

The Bible is replete with accounts of the many times the people of God rebelled, worshipped false gods and created idols for themselves. Time and time again God relented, gave them many chances when they humbled themselves and turned to him.

Exodus 32 recorded the great sin of the Golden Calf at the time when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. The Israelites turned against God and to idolatry. God had said that His anger will burn against them and that He may destroy them. But Moses sought favour with God and in the end it was recorded in Exodus 32:14, almost to the letter, as in Jonah 3:10,

'Then God changed His mind and did not bring to His people  the disaster He had threatened.' 

God relented.

Repentance and revival occur with communities and churches; it also can occur for us in personal encounters. This was Jonah's experience in the belly of the fish. Jonah had refused to obey God's call, ran away from Him only to be brought to the depths of despair. In that desperation Jonah came to his senses, 

'Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. He said, "I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and He answered me. I called to You from the land of the dead, and Lord, You heard me....But you, O Lord my God, snatched me from the jaws of death! As my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord." Jonah 2:1 and 6b, 7a (NLT)

Mr Guan Yeow Kwang, speaking at the Charis Methodist Church on the 26 June 2022, described this second chance as being rescued from the ultimate low, plucked out of the watery grave. Guan said, when we repent we will

• Remember God
• Receive God's Grace
• Rediscover God's Intimacy

This was King David's experience too and he eloquently described this in Psalm 51.

'Have mercy on me, O God, because of Your unfailing love. Because of Your great compassion, blot out the stains of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognise my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from Your presence, and don't take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You.

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.'

Amazing Grace! Timothy Keller dedicated his book on Jonah (Ref 1), The Prodigal Prophet to John Newton. Keller wrote

'In gratitude to God for the life and ministry of John Newton (1725-1807) who also turned back to God during a storm, and became a pastor who has taught us, and untold number of others, the beauty of amazing grace'

Amazing grace how sweet the sound

that saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

and grace my fears relieved;

how precious did that grace appear

the hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come:

'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,

his word my hope secures;

he will my shield and portion be

as long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

and mortal life shall cease:

I shall possess, within the veil,

a life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

the sun forbear to shine;

but God, who called me here below,

will be forever mine

We should gaze at the night sky, consider the stars and the heavens; then realise how fortunate and privilege we are, recipients of God's mercy and grace.

'But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.' John 1:12

Lionel

Ref 1: Timothy Keller, The Prodigal Prophet, Jonah and the Mystery of God's Mercy. Hodder and Stoughton, 2018

Floundering Christians

'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth.' Revelation 3:15-16

Some say that the Lord Jesus Christ reserved His harshest criticism in the letters to the seven churches for the church of Laodicea. Lukewarm describes nominal Christians. They are neither here nor there, not committing themselves, afraid to give their full love, perhaps stingy with any form of service.

Another way to describe such Christians is 'floundering' which was how the Rev Wilfred Leow described the dangers in some churches in a sermon preached some years back at Charis Methodist Church. Floundering means being neither here or there, neither hot nor cold; left stranded in the doldrums of the vast ocean.

Pastor Wilfred Leow, said that Christian service or church life is like being in a boat. To move in a clear direction Wilfred suggested that this boat need three requirements

• A light behind which he said could be the solid foundation of our faith in Christ. 
• A light in front which is having a clear focus on Jesus Christ.
• An engine in the boat to cut through the water, which is like being found in the continuing favour of Christ. 

Instead many church goers are just going nowhere. Why lukewarm? Why floundering? I can think of 3 reasons: 

• A Me-centred Christianity. Such a Christianity is concerned with what we can get from God or how we can get Him to do what we want.

• A listless Christianity. We lose passion. We may not deny our faith but we just become indifferent.

• A 'dry bible' Christianity. We switched off when listening to sermons because we think we have heard it all before. We have been there, heard all and there is nothing more to learn.

Yet, God's words tell us to be found busy in doing God's work, always being found in His service, always serving community and church. Christian service out of Christian love will reap much satisfaction. 

'Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.' 1 Cor 15:58 (ESV)

To be steadfast and immovable is to be spiritually grounded. St Paul in the Epistle to the Ephesians hoped that

'We will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here are there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their dreadful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is Christ.' Ephesians 4:14-15  

Being steadfast and immovable is gently but resolutely put in this song 'I have decided to follow Jesus.' The story behind behind this song is that of a Indian convert named Nokseng who became an evangelist to the tribes in North-Eastern India. The family was severely persecuted and eventually martyred by an Assam tribe. These were Nokseng's last words which the famous Indian missionary, Sadhu Sundar Singh put to a simple Indian melody.

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;No turning back, no turning back.

Tho' none go with me, I still will follow,

Tho' none go with me I still will follow,

Tho' none go with me, I still will follow;No turning back, no turning back.

My cross I'll carry, till I see Jesus;

My cross I'll carry till I see Jesus,

My cross I'll carry till I see Jesus;No turning back, No turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me,

The world behind me, the cross before me;

The world behind me, the cross before me;

No turning back, no turning back.

'Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; for where I am my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me.' John 12:25-26 

There is no floundering in Nokseng the martyr, no turning back.

Lionel

Updated 1st published 1 April 2007

Nurturing The Next

Children at Malbork Castle Poland

'What we have heard and known, 

what our fathers have told us,

we will not hide from our children; 

we will tell the next generation

the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, 

his power and the wonders he has done.' Psalms 78:3-4

Who will tell the next generation? This was the theme of the sermon preached by Mrs Percy Loh on the 12 Sep 2010 (Ref 1). She reminded our congregation of parental and community duty that the children receive Christian values through our examples, testimonies and teachings.

Every community feels a responsibility to impart the legacy, stories and teachings to its younger generation. I saw a group of Polish children visiting the Malbork Castle in Poland led by teachers and parents. During the excursion, these children hear the stories of medieval Polish knights; their deeds of chivalry and honour. These are the treasured lessons of past generations; the inheritance of these young children.

Despite our short history, Singapore is no exception. When Singapore staged the very first Youth Olympics. Our Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Teo Chee Hean said, “Through YOG, we hope to change the way in which we engage and view the youths. Instead of telling young people what they can or cannot do, we hope to create an environment where they receive support and are nurtured to realize their potential.”

What about the small Christian community at Charis Methodist Church? Percy reminded the church of our responsibility. She shared a video entitled “You are losing us…” 

At the National Day Thanksgiving Service, Bishop Dr Robert Solomon said, “There is a fear that we are losing our young – to values and lifestyles foreign to us. They live in a new world, both exciting and dangerous. Our young Singaporeans need guidance and we must pass on our faith to the next generation.”

It is a sobering reminder of our responsibilities as adult members of the church community to win the hearts of our children and youths. Percy shared from Psalm 78, that God had commanded us to teach the next generation,

'He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them - even the children who are yet unborn - and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting His glorious miracles and obeying His commands.' Psalm 78:5-7

Can we make a difference? The Methodist Church in Singapore believes we can. To date the MCS has 11 Methodist Schools in Singapore with over 21,000 pupils enrolled in our schools. The mission statement of the Educational Council of the Singapore Methodist Church reads:

We are called to nurture each generation of students, raising them to be men and women of godly character and integrity, equipped to make a responsible contribution to society

And the Methodist Missions Society is hoping to duplicate the education mission to young children in all our mission fields. This week, I chaired the Board Of Management of the Vineyard Methodist School in Chiangmai and the Little Candles Methodist School in Phrau in Northern Thailand. We are also building a primary school in Phrau. It is a privilege to be involved in children education and to watch the little children grow to take their places in society, some becoming Christians. 

Vineyard Methodist School, Chiangmai, Graduation

Little Candle School, Phrau - Children welcome visitors

So many children pass through our hands in Sunday Schools and in our mission schools. Sad to say, not many receive the salvation although they probably have heard the Gospel countless times. The lure of a hedonistic and materialistic society beckons. Nevertheless this will be our continuing mission, to reach out to the children, give them a good education, put in them social responsibility and pray that they will find the love for God. I got the Joy down in my Heart! Sing it along with the children!

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart to stay

I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart

I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart to stay

I've got the peace that passes understanding

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart

I've got the peace that passes understanding

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart to stay

I've got the wonderful love of my blessed Redeemer

Way down in the depths of my heart (where?)

Down in the depths of my heart (where?)

Down in the depths of my heart

I've got the wonderful love of my blessed Redeemer

Way down in the depths of my heart (where?)

Down in the depths of my heart to stay

Lionel

Updated article, 1st published 12 Sep 2010

Acknowledgement to Mrs Percy Loh for use her sermon “Who will tell the next generation?”