Will update this blog when I return home next week

Sorry for not posting recently. Was super, super and extremely busy with papers, some admin stuff and many other responsibilities. I will continue to update the blog when I go back home :D

It is almost 5am and I am so exhausted! Was really stretched this semester. See you in the next post! Need to catch a short nap soon....!

Living for Christ

"To live for Chirst, we must die to self"

Romans 8:12-18
12.
Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation--but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it.
13.
For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
14.
because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
15.
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ""Abba," Father."
16.
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
17.
Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
0.
Future Glory
18.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

We can't be committed to both Christ and the world at the same time. Jesus says so. We must choose either one and let go of the other.

A friend puts this line "It is easier to carry the cross than dragging it" as her Yahoo Messenger status. It certainly seems easier to take up the Cross and follow Jesus rather than living a life of instant pleasures which will end with regrets, bitterness and sorrow later on.

It is an intentional choice: how do we live our life and for whom(or what) we want to live for. If we choose to follow Jesus, there is something we must do, that is, to die daily to ourselves (Luke 9:23-24). This means we are to let go of all our selfish desires, ambitions and goals. Our lives are no longer our own. Instead we are to do things that pleased God.

If we continue to trust in Jesus and walk with Him, not only will He gives us a victorious life on Earth, we will also have our rewards in Heaven; they are treasures that "moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:20)

Reminder: Living the Christian life is never easy, but with Christ's help, we will live a victorious and Spirit-filled life.

Is there any life so blessed

As one lived for Christ alone,

When the heart from self is emptied,

And instead hecomes His throne? ---Anon

Amazing Love

In the New Testament II class, I learnt that Jesus's blood was poured out first before water because He was so broken hearted. He really did die with a broken heart for the sins of the whole world.

Right now I am writing a paper on the three possible options of salvation and world religions for my World Religions class: inclusivist (good people can go to Heaven without even knowing Christ because He is God and thus has the ability to save all), exclusivist (salvation through Christ alone) and pluralist (all major religions lead to salvation).

I will tell you my stand once I finish my papers. LOL!

True Fasting and True Worship

What a timely reminder for me!

True worship is more than religious rituals, going to church, fasting, listening to sermons and Scripture readings. A close relationship with God is very very important.

Fasting is one of the spiritual disciplines we should practice, but it is more than not eating. Fasting is meaningless in God's eyes if I am not doing it with the right attitude and perspective. If I do not reach out to those in need, if I have no compassion for the lonely, poor, helpless and oppressed or if I am harbouring resentment, anger, bitterness towards others, my fasting has lost its significance meaning.

Religious practices are important, but what is most important is my heart and attitude towards God and men.

Isaiah 58 (NIV)
True Fasting
1.
"Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the house of Jacob their sins.
2.
For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them.
3.
'Why have we fasted,' they say, 'and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?' "Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.
4.
Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.
5.
Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself ? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?
6.
"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
7.
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8.
Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
9.
Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10.
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
11.
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
12.
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
13.
"If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
14.
then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob." The mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Prayers

Was using this book "Reaching out to the Father" by Teresa Tay for my Quiet Time since yesterday. I learned something new about prayers today (Tay Teresa, Reaching out to the Father, 2004, pages 14-15):

"Praying for others is a form of giving; it is a part of giving of ourselves for others in order to see God's will being fulfilled in thier lives. When we pray for others, we are accpeting God's call to be partners with Him. Jesus said, 'Give and it shall be given unto you.' Praying for others puts us in a position to receive what God promises in many scriptures, such as:

'If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and

satisfy the needs of the opressed, then your light will rise

in the darkness and your night will become like the noon

day. The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy

your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen

your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a

spring whose water never fail.' (Isaiah 58:10)

'My command is this, love each other as I have loved you.

Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down

his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do as I

command you.' (John 15:12-14)

It is indeed a privilege to pray for others! Let's rememer to uphold our family, friends, church, workplace/school, community, nations and the world in our prayers.

Like Eagles (Isaiah 40:29-31, CEV)

29 The lord gives strength

to those who are weary.

30 Even young people get tired,

then stumble and fall.

31 But those who trust in the LORD

will find new strength.

They will be strong like eagles

soaring upwards on wings,

they will walk and run

without getting tired.

An Invitation to Pray

I believe prayers shape a large part of our Christian life. Christians should be people of prayer. Romans 12:12 says that we ought to be "patient in affliction, faithful in prayers". We are to "devout ourselves in prayers" (1 Cor 7:5).

Below is a poem "An Invitation to Pray" taken from the book "Reaching Out to the Father" written by Teresa Tay. My mum gave this book to me.

An Invitaiton to Pray:
The Mighty One looks down from heaven
His eyes filled with tears
This is the world He created
Yet many know Him not
His heart is grieved to see evil everywhere

The Lord pondered from heaven
Waht shall I do with these people
With His heart of mercy and love
He wil march out like a Mighty Man
Like a warrior He will stir up His zeal
With a shout He will raise the battle cry

Awake, My peoole, awake
Come with Me on your knees
Humble yourselves and pray
Seek the Lord while He may be found
Repent of your sins and I will hear
The Lord will lift up His banner to the peoples
And triumph over His enemies
You will say to the captives 'Come out'
And to those in darkness 'Be free'
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace

Such is the inheritance of the Lord
When they take heed to pray
Today as you hear His call to pray
Rend your hearts to Him and say
We will go on our knees
Till Your Kingdom come Your will be done

Take My Hand (The Kry)

Hope this song will minister to you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwwnIr5yZ7E&feature=related
I know there are times your dreams turn to dust
you wonder as you cry
why it has to hurt so much
give Me all your sadness
someday you will know the reason why
with a child-like heart
simply put your hope in Me

Chorus:
take My hand and walk where I lead
keep your eyes on Me alone
don't you say why were the old days' better
just because you're scared of the unknown
take My hand and walk
don't live in the past
cause yesterday's gone
wishing memories would last
you're afraid to carry on
you don't know what's comin'
but you know the one who holds tomorrow

I will be your guide
take you through the night
if you keep your eyes on Me
take My hand and walk where I lead

keep your eyes on me alone
don't you say why were the old days better
just because you're scared of the unknown

just like a child holding daddy's hand
don't let go of mine
you know you can't stand on your own.

The Hope & Power of the Resurrection

12 April 09

The Resurrection of our Lord, Easter Sunday

The Hope & Power of the Resurrection

Mark 16:1-8

1.
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body.
2.
Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb
3.
and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"
4.
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.
5.
As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
6.
"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.
7.
But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "
8.
Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

On the first Easter morning, three women came to visit the tomb of their beloved teacher and friend. He had filled their lives with love and hope, made them to think and feel as they had never done before. He had also promised them that He would rise from the dead. Did they come, then, to check whether this promise had been fulfilled? Did they come to see the empty tomb, perhaps to see the risen Christ? No, they came out of devotion to their dear dead friend.

The first words, by an angel, about the Lord at the resurrection were, "He has risen". The angel was instructed to tell the disciples that Jesus who was going ahead of them into Galilee, the place where the action was when our Lord was alive. That was where most of those who believed in Him would be.

What is worth nothing is that our Lord said He would be 'going ahead' of them. Indeed the resurrection is about our Lord 'going ahead' of and for us. He has 'gone ahead' to prepare a place for each one of us in the Father's house (John 14:2). This is the resurrection hope! He has also 'gone ahead' of us to meet us in each situation and circumstance in life. He wants to empower us for our preservation unto eternity. He accompanies us and carries our burden so that we may faithfully complete our pilgrimage on earth. He is there up on the mountain of disappointments and loneliness and down in the valley of suffering and pain. He is there even before we are. Our Lord is alive and He is moving among us!

Every time we celebrate Easter, we must proclaim to the world and also to ourselves the Hope and Power of the resurrection: indeed He has 'gone ahead' of and for us. What a hope! What a comfort! What an assurance!

(Rev Dr William Chang,

Senior Pastor,

Jurong Christian Church)

Commitment:

Christians are people of Hope and Victory because of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us focus on te Hope (of eternal life) that we may be focused in our earthly life.

Prayer:

O Lord, help us to remember that you are alive and that you dwell among us so that we too may be alive and be among others as your witnesses. Amen.

"The Silence before Victory"

11 April 09

Holy Saturday

The Silence before Victory

John 19:38-42

38.
Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away.
39.
He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.
40.
Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.
41.
At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid.
42.
Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Their hopes were dashed, their faith shaken; thier Lord Jesus Christ lay dead. A spear that pierced through His side had ensured that He could not be revived. The fact that thier beloved master was really dead was finally sinking in, as the two men held his bloodied and lifeless body in their hands.

Three years of knowing Jesus had given Jospeh and Nicodemus hope that the Messiah had come. Observing Him from afar, speaking to Him in secret, the two men had grown courageous as they became more and more convinced that Jesus was the Son of God. Though aware that following Jesus would result in their being ostracised from their community, the two men decided to be His disciples, albeit secretly.

Now the Hope of Israel was dead. God seemed strangely silent in the face of His Son's tortured death. Though broken and defeated, Joseph and Nicodemus did what they could to honour their lifeless master.

But God was not silent. Beneath the stillness of death, unseen by the human eye, God had torn down the gates of hell, and plundered Satan's domain. Christ's victory over death and hell would only become obvious the next day. For Saturday, there was just the stillness of death.

There are seasons in our lives when we are faced with God's silence in the midst of the enemy's attacks. The devil and the opponents of all that is fod apprear to have won. We may have dutifully followed Christ; we may even have made sacrifices for the sake of Christ; but the devil seems to have had the upper hand.

In such times, we are called to continue to honour our Lord Jesus Christ. And believe in our heart of hearts that in the apparent silence of God, Christ is working out another mighty vitory.

(Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li,

Senior Chaplain,

Prison Fellowship Singapore)

Commitment:

As you face opposition while following Christ, determine t ohnour Him still. Continue in the hope that even as God appears silent, He is working out a mighty victory for us.

Prayer:

Father, help me to continue to honour you even when things do not go the way I wish them to. Help me to trust you and believe that your mighty works of salvation are often disguised as your defeat. Amen.

"The Heart of the Giver"

10 April 09
Good Friday

The Heart of the Giver
Isaiah 52:13-53:12

The Suffering and Glory of the Servant
13.
See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
14.
Just as there were many who were appalled at him-- his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness--
15.
so will he sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.


1.
Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2.
He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3.
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4.
Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
5.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
6.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7.
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
8.
By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
9.
He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
10.
Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
11.
After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light [of life] and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
12.
Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.


When we give gifts to our loved ones, our giving is often tainted by mixed motives. On the other hand, we give to bring delight to the person receiving our gifts. On the other, we hope to impress the receiver as well as onlookers. We secretly draw attention to ourselves, hoping that our generosity, our creativity, or our stature will be noticed by all. Our desire to bless another is often tainted by a self-seeking motive to be recognized, admired, and applauded.

When God gave us His Son Jesus Christ, He gave out of the purity of His love. His giving was not tainted by mixed motives. The gift was given exclusively for our sakes. He gave us Christ the Saviour simply because we needed a saviour. In fact, the gift was so nondescript that the prophet Isaiah exclaimed concerning him, “Who has believed our message, to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” The power and majesty of God was not apparent in His servant Jesus Christ. Isaiah went on to describe the gift thus:
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
Nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows,
And familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces,
He was despised and we esteemed him not.

God gave us His most precious gift, not to elicit our admiration, but to save us from our sin. He had no other motivation for giving us His only Son, except that He loved us absolutely.

God’s gift to us seemed unattractive and marred, not because God did not give us His best, but because He placed His best gift at our complete disposal. Jesus was disfigured, afflicted, pierced, and oppressed because He carried upon Himself our disfigurement, our iniquities, our punishment, and our wounds. In Christ, God was saying to us, “Here’s my most precious Son. He will take in all the abuse, all the wounds, all the rejection and contempt, and all the punishment that is needed to make you whole.” In Christ, God held nothing back from us.

Have you doubted that God would give you good gifts, gifts that you really need? Have you felt that you are not worthy to be blessed by God, and that you need to do better to earn God’s blessings? If so, you do not know how God feels towards you. If God would allow His most precious Son to suffer abuse and rejection and death just because this suffering was the only way He could lift us out of the mess that we are in, how can we imagine that God who withhold any good thing from us? The problem is not that God doesn’t love us enough; the problem is that we have not taken the effort to observe and understand God’s love for us.

(Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li,
Senior Chaplain,
Fellowship Singapore)

Commitment:
We are so blind to the fact that God loves us unreservedly, deeply. Lord I want to be still and allow You to pour Your love into my heart.

Prayer:
You gave me your best without withholding anything from me. Draw close to yourself today, and let me understand with my mind and my heart your love for me. Amen.

"Love one another as I have loved you"

"Proclaim the Lord's Death"

09 April 09
Maundy Thursday

Proclaim the Lord’s Death
1 Corinthians 11:23-26


23.
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,
24.
and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."
25.
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."
26.
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

There was a time when what you believed about the Lord’s Supper was a matter of life and death.

From 1555 to 1558, two hundred an eighty-eight English Prostestant Reformers wee burned at stake by the Roman Catholic Queen Mary, They were burned alive over what they believed was the meaning of the Lord’s Supper. Was the Lord’s body literally and physically present in the Bread and Wine? Martyrs like Nicholas Ridley, Hugh Latimer, and Thomas Cranmer all through this was a matter worth dying for.

Today, some take a more lackadaisical attitude towards the Lord’s Supper. Some aren’t even sure what it stands for. 1 Corinthians 11 reminds us that the Holy Communion itself proclaims the Gospel----the eternal life-giving and sin-cleansing Life and Resurrection of Jesus.

Whenever we take Holy Communion, we eat at Jesus’ table. He is there with us in fellowship. We remember what Jesus had to go through in order that we might have the privilege of sharing bread and wine with Him today. The memories of Jesus should fill is at His table, and lead us to feed spiritually on Him, drawing from Him all that we need to sustain us.

Today is called Maundy Thursday, from the Latin Mandatum, or ‘command’ (“a new command I give you…-John 13:32).

Let us this day remember our Lord’s command to love each other as Hr loves us. Let us also determine to remember what Holy Communion means, and how we can proclaim the Gospel, the good news of what God offers.

After all, for Jesus it was a matter worth dying for.

(Rev Chiang Ming Shun,
Pastor-in-charge,
Aldersgate Methodist Church)

Commitment:
Think of Jesus’ sacrifice, and surrender your timidity in proclaiming His Gospel. Give up all the anger, bitterness and grudges you may harbour against others, and choose to live and love as Jesus did!

Prayer:
Jesus, I thank you again for al that you had to suffer through so that I might live. Help me to remember this whenever I take Holy Communion, ad give me strength to love as you love. Amen.

"Run Your Race to the Finish"

08 April 09
Wednesday of Holy Week

Run Your Race to the Finish
Hebrews 12:1-3

Foe some Christians, life in Christ is a stroll in the park. We have believed in God, but it has made little difference in our lives: no difference in the way we spend money, no difference in life’s goals, no difference in the way we treat our maids. We continue merrily on our own way, stopping by once a week in church.

For others, it was a short jog. We did a few laps energetically and enthusiastically, but now we are tired and we have slowed down. We are still in the race, but we leave the running to the more passionate or younger people ---- we had our turn.

The letter to the Hebrews was written to a church that was slowing down; it was getting tired and no longer running. This passage is not only a reminder that the Christians journey is a is long race, it is also an encouragement to persevere, to endure, to be strong, to carry our cross, and to keep running.

Millions of other Christians have gone on before us and finished their race by faith. Just beyond the finishing line, they are cheering us on. But our greatest encouragement is the example of Jesus. It is Jesus who will perfect our faith and make us triumph. If He could do it, if the other Christians before us could do it, we can also!

So run the race set before you! Don’t stroll, don’t slow down! Lay aside all that slows you down in your Christian journey, especially sin which clings closely. Don’t give up! Run your race to the Finish!

(Rev Chiang Ming Shun,
Pastor-in-charge,
Aldersgate Methodist Church)

Commitment:
I strip off from me all bad habits and sins that keep me from following closely after Jesus, and I hold to the promise that those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary (Is 40:31).

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, keep my eyes focused on you and the race you have laid out before me. Help me to run my race in faith that I, too, may be a witness and source of encouragement to others. Amen.

"Wisdom from Foolishness"

07 April 09
Tuesday of the Holy Week

Wisdom from Foolishness
1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Christ the Wisdom and Power of God
18.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19.
For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
20.
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21.
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
22.
Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom,
23.
but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
24.
but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25.
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
26.
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.
27.
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
28.
He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are,
29.
so that no one may boast before him.
30.
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
31.
Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

About 200 years after Paul wrote these words, a pagan stood before a wall in Rome to draw some graffiti. He scratched the sentence, "Alexamenos worships his god," and illustrated it with a picture. On the left side of the picture was Alexamenos standing with his hand raised to hail his god. What he faced as he performed this act of worship could be seen on the right: a figure stretched out on a cross. But the most sriking thing abut the drawing was that the human figure stretched out on the cross had the head of a donkey!

With that blasphemous drawing, the graffiti artist showed what he thought of Christianity. You might as well worship a donkey! Unwittingly, he illustrated the truth Paul had expounded in this passage. The gospel of Christ crucified is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power and wisdom of God.

Paul makes it clear that the gospel is not a refinement of worldy wisdom. It is not the progression of religious instinct into a more advanced development. It could not be that, for the gospel originated from the mind of God, and it stands in utter contrast to all the best that the human spirit has achieved or deemed noble. The contrast is so vast that God's gospel wisdom is foolishness from a human perspective. Paul is not alone in perceiving that contrast. The ministry of Jesus dramatised that contrast, as depicted by the oppostion of the Pharisees and Sadducees, and underscored it with every drop of blood that fell from His wounded flesh. Jesus' opponents preferred killing Him to hearing His heavenly wisdom.

That puts us on our knees in gratitude for being favoured with the gospel and with faith to received it. Here we are, men and women who know that the gospel of Jesus Christ and nothing else is the wisdom of God - the One Thing Needful. More than that; we are men and women who have been called to serve as ministers of the gospel. Woe to us if the One Thing Needful does not receive its due from us!

(Dr Tan Tee Khoon,
General Secretary,
Fellowship of Evangelical Students)

Commitment:
I surrender my human wisdom in exchange for God's foolishness.

Prayer:
Lord, make me a fool for Christ so that I can be blessed with your divine wisdom to speak your oracles to the world. Help me, Lord, not to despise the cross for it was where your Son disarmed the principalities and powers, and reconciled me to you. Thank you for the cross. In Christ's name, Amen.

"Jesus Anointed at Bethany"

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

(Mark 14:3-9)

0.
14:1-11pp -- Mt 26:2-16 14:1,2,10,11pp -- Lk 22:1-6 14:3-8Ref -- Jn 12:1-8
1.
Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him.
2.
"But not during the Feast," they said, "or the people may riot."
3.
While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
4.
Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume?
5.
It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly.
6.
"Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.
7.
The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.
8.
She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.
9.
I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
10.
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them.
11.
They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

""Jesus Spells Freedom"

06 April 09
Monday of the Holy Week

Jesus spells Freedom
Isaiah 42:1-9

The middle section of Isaiah, chapters 40-55, ws set in the period when the Jews were permitted to return home from their exile in Babylon. The pagan Cyrus of Persia had overthrown the Babylonians and ordered the release of the Jewish captives. Isaiah sees this in a cosmic context, and, in 41:1 through 42:9, he describes two “trials” in the court of heaven that vindicate the sovereignty of Israel’s Lord. Cyrus is described as the Lord’s instrument in His plan to free the Jews. The second trial ends with today’s passage, the selection of the Lord’s servant, and the assignment of a mission to the servant.

The servant was probably a figure for the people of Israel, or for a faithful remnant within the people. Later, the early church saw the aspects of Jesus’ own life and mission foreshadowed in the Servant Songs.

The Lord chooses the servant, upholds him, is pleased with him and gives the servant His spirit. This servant’s role is to establish justice on the earth (v1,4), open the eyes of the blind, release prisoners and those in darkness (v7). He does so in gentleness and patience [not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard, not breaking the bruised reed or quenching the smouldering wick (v2-3)]. However the servant’s mission is not confined to Israel only but extends to the rest of the nations as well (v6).

Jesus has come to offer liberty to all who are sin-bound. The invitation is open to all and each one who accepts Him will experience newness of life (v9). In essence, Jesus spells FREEDOM to the oppressed and downtrodden. In Him, there is deliverance and fullness of joy.

(Dr Tan Tee Khoon,
General Secretary ,
Fellowship of Evangelical Students)

Commitment:
I surrender unwholesome habits that I cannot be freed from and will ultimately ruin my walk with God unless I bring them to Jesus. He will break the fetters and chains of these habits, and release me to do His will.

Prayer:
Lord, the good I want to do, I don’t do but the evil I don’t want to do, I find myself doing. Cleanse me from my sin, set me free from the wretched man that I am. I desire to walk free in your righteousness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

"Truly this Man was the Son of God!"

05 April 09
Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday)

Truly this Man was the Son of God!
Mark 15:1-39

It started on such a high note. Nothing could hold back the crowd in Jerusalem. The people were jubilant ---- waving their palm branches, shouting hosannas and they were welcoming Jesus as their King into the very city of God! The air was indeed thick with hope.

But who would have thought that in less than a week, the adulations would turn into ridicule and hatred as the crowd turned against Jesus. They had asked for Him to be put through the cruelest form of punishment and their request was granted. In crucifying Jesus on the cross, the world was witnessing one of the darkest moments in the history of humankind. Not only was a sinless person sentenced to die on the cross. It was God Himself hung on that cross. He was supposed to be the Saviour ---- the One who had come to save the world and bring deliverance to all who placed their hope in Him. But now, on that cross, He seemed so helpless and forsaken. The darkness that fell over the land only served to confirm the sense of doom.

Just when everything appeared to be lost and hopeless, a declaration was made by, of all people, the centurion who had witnessed all that had taken place. His words like a beam of glorious light seemed to penetrate the darkness of the gloom that hung in the air. “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Somehow, through all that had happened, he was able to see that this was what Jesus had earlier described Himself to be. Though he might not have fully anticipated what was to follow, the centurion spoke for all who believed and would believe: “It was Friday and my Jesus was dead on the cross. But that was Friday and Sunday’s coming!”

(Stanley Tay,
Parish Worker,
St John’s ---- St Margaret’s Chruch)

Commitment:
I surrender my sense of hopelessness and despair, as well as the inability to see beyond my Fridays into the coming Sundays.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to be able to always declare, “Truly, you are the Son of God!” Help me to believe that you are always present in the midst of all that we go through and especially in situations of extreme difficulties and daunting challenges. Amen.

Blessed is the One who Comes

4 April 09
Saturday of the Fifth Week in Lent

Blessed is the One who Comes
Psalm 118:1-2; 19-19

Why do humans find it hard to comprehend God’s faithfulness; to believe that His love for us is so strong that it is unconditional? Many think that God’s faithfulness means life should never have problems and pain, and that it should always be comfortable and serene. May our meditation on Psalm 118 help us to truly know God, and in every discovery of His goodness and faithfulness, be provoked to trust and praise Him!

Psalm 118 is a celebration of a victory worthy of a great king. It expresses the king’s personal experience in relation to the faithfulness of God. He was rejected by his country men, experienced many ordeals and struggles, and was discarded like one of those stones that builders deemed unfit for the building. But God heard his cry for help, answered him, rescued and restored him, and gave him a position of prominence. In the name of the Lord, the king routed all his adversaries, and rose to the throne. And now, the Psalmist describes, in the first person, his burst of praise as he enters the temple to fulfill his vows, “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His steadfast love endures forever! You h salvation….Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

The New Testament identifies Jesus Christ as “the One who comes in the name of the Lord.” The eternal purpose of God for Israel and for us finds its fulfillment in the single-handed work of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. In His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus is “the rejected stone that has become the chief cornerstone.”

Some stumbled over Christ because they reject Him or refused to believe that He is who He says He is ----- the royal, the victorious, the almighty Saviour in whose hands our souls are safe! Concerning this rejection, there is nothing in His character, nothing about Him that would give men cause for doubt and anger, except that Jesus unmasks the pride of the heart, and exposes the hypocrisy and sins of human beings. But for those who accept Him as He is, “to them He gave the right to become the children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”

This exalted Christ, this precious Cornerstone is present in the world, binding God and people together in eternity. His Gospel triumphs over all opposition! Let use then renew our confession of faith that “The Lord is God”. Let us open our eyes to see that all of life bears the imprint of God’s wisdom and His marvelous love towards the human race. Let us with joyful hearts, sing and confidently cry out to Him, “Save all those who are around us! Save them al! Save them now!”

(Ms How Kim Chin,
Parish Worker,
St John’s ---- St Margaret’s Church)

Commitment:
I surrender the darkness of life threatens to engulg the light. Speak Lord, for your servant heareth.

Prayer:
Forgive us O Lord, for our faltering steps at times. Show us more clearly the Way. Shine anew the light of your presence into our lives so strongly that a new love for your will be kindled. Speak Lord, for your servants. Amen.

"Death on a Cross"

2 April 09
Thursday of the Fifth Week in Lent

Death on a Cross
Philippians 2:1-11

In this passage, we see how Jesus completely humbled Himself. Although He was God, He didn’t demand His rights and privileges as God. Instead He became a bondservant. A bondservant is someone who belongs fully to his master. He goes only where his master wants him to go and does only what his master wants him to do. A bondservant serves even when there is no recognition.

The founder of the Navigator was the great Dawson Trotman. At his funeral in 1956, people from all around the world were asked what they remembered of Mr. Trotman. A pastor from Taiwan stood up and spoke of a time when he was serving together with Mr. Trotman in Taiwan. They went on a hike on day and the ground was very muddy. They came back that evening extremely tired and fell into bed immediately. The next morning when the Taiwanese pastor woke up, he found that his shoes had been washed and shined. Mr Trotman had gotten up early, cleaned his shoes and tidied the room. Mr. Trotman understood the value of serving people even when there was no applause or praise. He served with a pure motive, simply because he loved God and he loved people. Jesus sais, “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” (Matt 20:2).

Servanthood is the key to promotion. This is the attitude and mindset of Christ. The Apostle Paul encourages us to change our attitude to be more like Christ.---- serving people even if no one appreciates us publicly. Before the glorious resurrection, there has to be the humble death on the cross.

(Rev Dr Kong Hee,
Senior Pastor,
City Harvest Church)

Commitment:
Lord, I am willing to be your servant for all and for life.

Prayer:
Jesus, help me to have the same attitude as you have, to love people through serving them. Amen.

"God Promises Future Blessings"

1 April 09
Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Lent

God Promises Future Blessings
Haggai 2:1-9; 20-30

The returned exiles saw a temple which was in ruins .Haggai has the unenviable task of encouraging them to rebuild it. The Lord’s message was that “I am with you” (Haggai 1:13). In our passage, Haggai goes on to proclaim the coming glory of the temple. The word “glory” comes from the Hebrew root kobed which means weight. “I will fill this house with glory” is what Haggai now says, the promise of a temple more weighty than before. The glory of the temple is to be more than that of silver and gold, for all that already belongs to the Lord of hosts. Solomon’s temple was indeed filled with silver and gold.

Today the temple of the Lord is our body (“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” asks Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:19). God can indeed fill our temples with a greater glory because it is God’s Spirit who will fill it, not just silver and gold. It is God’s Spirit which will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land, so that all the treasures of all nations will come into His temple. Today we know that the temple was never rebuilt to its former glory; what was rebuilt was furthermore destroyed by the Romans. However, you and I are able to receive of the Holy Spirit that which is needful to build God’s temple in our very bodies. Even though our bodies will turn back into dust, the Holy Spirit will raise them from the dead, in the same way that the Spirit raised Jesus from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Cor 15:20). Praise God for His promises!

(Dr Lee Soo Ann,
Chairman,
Impact Christian Communication)

Commitment:
I surrender myself and my body to be the promised temple of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer:
Lord, God of Hosts, build your temple in me by the infilling of the Holy Spirit into every aspect of my life and body. Amen.

"The Holy Spirit as Resurrection Power"

31 Mar 09
Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Lent

The Holy Spirit as Resurrection Power
Acts 2:14-24

Jews from many countries gathered annually at the feast of weeks fifty days (pente-) after the sabbath of the Passover, to present a grain offering of new grain to the Lord (Numbers 23:16). Little did they know that on this Pentecost two thousand years ago, they were to experience God offering them instead a gift ----- the Holy Spirit. The Spirit came upon those gathered so that they spoke in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. To their asking each other what this all meant, Peter proclaimed that this was the fulfilment of the prophecy given in Joel 2:28-32, that the Holy Spirit would be poured out on all flesh, the same Holy Spirit who had raised Jesus from the dead. Today it is the same Spirit who gives utterance to those who preach the gospel, knowledge to those who translate the scriptures to many languages, courage to those who live out their faith in their homes and business, vision to the young who execute tasks, and dreams to the elderly to inspire others. Today many seek power, but if such power is not from God, it will perish with those who exercise it. Resurrection power is no respecter of persons for anyone can receive it.

Resurrection power is limitless for it is by the Holy Spirit, as Peter proclaimed, that Jesus was raised from the dead. Come Holy Spirit, come and give us the power to make all things new.

Resurrection power is from generation to generation, for it is from Jesus who is alive today, and seated on the right hand of God. Let us ask Jesus today for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

(Dr Lee Soo Ann,
Chairman, Impact Christian Community)

Commitment:
Lord, I surrender what power I may have: grant me the power which is in your resurrected body.

Prayer:
Risen Christ, help me to recognize how weak I always am, and in great need of your resurrection power. Amen.

"God's Glory in Christ"

30 Mar 09
Monday of the Fifth Week in Lent

God’s Glory in Christ
2 Corinthians 3:4-11

What exactly do we mean when we say something is glorious or has its own glory? J.I. Packer, the famed theologian, calls God’s glory “His splendour on display.” I believe God’s glory means the fullness of who He is. Nothing we do or don’t do will ever add to or subtract from God’s glory. Thus when we say that God’s glory was in Christ, it means that the full expression of all that God is was found in Christ.

Moses, the one whom God chose to be the Lawgiver, had a glory that was reflected and temporal, unlike our Lord’s intrinsic glory. The old covenant given through Moses through the Law offered no inner transformation, but the new covenant administered by the holy Spirit brings about the total transformation of both the inner and outer man. The greatest privilege of a Christian is to be transformed into that glory day by day ---- a metamorphosis made possible by God’s indwelling Spirit and this glory, instead of fading away day by day, will glow brighter and greater with each passing day.

Today, we do not need to veil our faces as in Moses’ days. For God’s Spirit who fills our lives will reveal His glory in and through us for all men to see. We, however, need constantly to yield our lives to Him for cleansing and sanctification.

Rev Edwin Lam,
Senior Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church;
Chairman, Singapore Baptist Convention;
Chairman, Fellowship of Missional Organisations in Singapore.


Commitment:
Lord, I want to repent of everything that does not reflect your true glory to the world around me.
Lord, I want to repent in the following areas of my life so that the fullness of your glory might be found in me: ________________.

Prayer:
Lord, may your glory shine through me as I conform more and more to the likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

"Through Suffering, Christ Saves"

27 Mar 09
Friday of the Fourth Week in Lent

Through Suffering, Christ Saves
Hebrews 5:5-10

To describe Jesus as the Great High Priest, a priest who lives forever, seems incongruous with the idea of suffering and tears. Ought not someone holding such a ‘high’ office be above normal human experience and emotions? Those in senior church leadership today would want to quickly respond with a resounding “no”. Not only do such people remain as ‘human’ as you and I, regardless of the office they hold, but sometimes the office itself can place upon them a burden of leadership and example which draws from them a greater level of suffering and human emotion.

Verse 7 is the pivotal verse in this 14-verse chapter and it is here that the writer takes us to the heart of the priesthood of Jesus. It says, “In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.” Clearly, the writer has in mind those agonizing moments in Gethsemane as Jesus wrestled in prayer with the Father, before going to the Cross. Charles Hutchison Gabriel, in his hymn, “I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene”, expresses in poetry that moment in the garden which led Jesus to the Cross:

For me it was in the garden
He prayed: Not my will, but Thine;
He had no tears for His own grief,
But sweat drops of blood for mine.

He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore my burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.

The sublime nature of the Priesthood of Jesus is found, not in a parade of His greatness, but in the actions of humility and submission to the will of the Father. And through such obedience, “He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (v9)

Commissioner David Bringans,
Territorial Commander, The Salvation Army,
Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory.


Commitment:
Praise God today that through the obedience of Jesus, the burden and suffering of sin has been lifted from us as He Went to the Cross.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, “What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest Friend, For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end? O make me Thine for ever! And should I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never, Outlive my love to Thee.” Amen. (Paulus Gerhardt).

"God is Our Light"

25 Mar 09
Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Lent

God is Our Light
Isaiah 60:15-22

The world is in a terrible mess: wars: indiscriminate terrorist bombings, religious tensions, ethnic conflicts, global warming, HIV/AIDS pandemic, starvation and widespread poverty. As I write this devotion, the worldwide financial crisis, fuelled by human greed and acquisitive spirit, has been described by Alan Greenspan, the former chairperson of the American Federal Reserve as a “once-in-a-century credit tsunami”. In the face of such calamities, it is easy to think that we are trapped in a quagmire which is so deep that we cannot extricate ourselves. The future seems so bleak.

Yet, in spite of the overwhelming problems sometimes caused by natural disasters but often brought about by human sinfulness (Is 59:2-15a), God in His grace has promised a bright future for those who know Him and seek to follow His way of righteousness. It is a future when a battered world of stubborn darkness will give way to a new world of God’s penetrating and transforming light. It is a new world with a future which is available to those who trust in Him and not those who put their trust in the false promises of a sin-inflicted world.

Commitment:
My foolish inclination to be attracted to and blinded by the distractive light of the world instead of following the true Light.

Prayer:
Help us, O Lord, not to contribute to, to be caught up with, the sinful ways of the world. Use us, instead, to be your light that will point people to your way of salvation. Amen.

"God is Faithful"

24 Mar 09
Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Lent

God is Faithful
1 Corinthians 10:6-13

The lesson of history is that man doesn’t learn from history. The recent financial turmoil is a sad reminder of this. The world was drunk, so to speak, when impressive and easy gains were offered. People played the securities markets even though they are known to be of un-sustainable foundation. It is not unlike the self-created idolatrous belief in the power of the Golden Calf to lead and provide.

Millions of seemingly innocent people have suffered unimaginable loss. Were they innocently enticed by marketing schemes promising attractive and easy gains instead of contentment with stable returns in cautious saving? It is difficult to admit it was no less than greed succumbing to the temptation of financial promises.

The wilderness wanderings of the Israelites were written for our instruction. God’s people should listen and take heed. It is scary to witness the collapse of the most august institutions whose names were synonymous with the creation and growth of the modern financial systems.

Would people ever learn from history? While regulations may be necessary, they are not of more value if the underlying issue is not recognized and addressed. We must ask for grace to have the courage, humility and honesty to name the true underlying cause of the crisis.

We are exhorted to ask the Lord for wisdom. The Lord does not tempt but man tempts himself in his own weakness and greed (Jas 1:5, 12-15). Indeed, the Lord is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. He has kept faith by first sending His only Son to live on earth and walk resolutely against temptations. The “way of escape” is not the absence of temptations but confronting these temptations by the power of the Cross. Paul declares that we are more than conquerors because of God’s unconditional love (Rom 8:31-39). Our confidence and ability to endure surely comes from this wisdom and this alone!

(The Most Rev Dr John Chew,
Bishop of Singapore & Primate of the Province
Of South East Asia (Anglican))

Commitment:
Lord, I surrender my wisdom and human confidence in standing up to temptation through your faithful provision of “the way of escape”, the Cross of Christ.

Prayer:
Lord, grant me the peace, wisdom, humility and courage not only to name the real temptation in life but also to embrace the real “way of escape” in the power of the Cross Amen.

Jesus Cares for you!

(One of my favourite pictures!)

"Christ is Faithful as Son"

23 Mar 09
Monday of the Fourth Week in Lent

Christ is Faithful as Son
Hebrews 3:1-6

One of the challenges of contemporary living is the fast pace of change. One has hardly the time to register the changes that take place, let alone think about them. In 2008, we were impacted by the ups and downs of many unprecedented global events. How should these events be perceived and understood?

In times like these, the exhortation to “consider Jesus” is crucial. To “consider” requires disciple and cost. Consideration takes time when “no time” is on the lips of many. It requires sacrifice when “opportunity lost” is to be avoided at all cost. It clamours for substance when the world is satisfied with “performative rhetoric”. It demands a cultivated nature and the mental ability to weigh things up and think things through. What does the church have to offer if it does not give due consideration to the issues that are common to all? The church should always ask “What would Jesus do?”

Jesus in His focused vocation is hardly in serious discourse or consideration among Christians today. It is not surprising because expectations of immediate and mega impact are expected and are pose d as deciding criteria of power. Faithfulness as a Son of God who appoints is very different from being faithful itself. The Son is called and sent to do the Father’s will and none other. This requires the ultimate sacrifice of the Son facing nothing less than death on the Cross! Only then is the Son worthy to be the centrality of our confession and the high priest of all creation.

We belong to Him (“we are His house”) only “if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope”. Let us learn to “consider Jesus” lest we become of no encouragement to others (Hebrews 12:3) and lest we fail to be thankful and humble (Hebrews 13:7).

(The Most Rev Dr John Chew,
Bishop of Singapore & Primate of the Province
Of South East Asia (Anglican))

Commitment:
Lord, I surrender my right to force-in worldly content and comfort to my own life but instead to “consider” the faithful cross-centred life of Jesus as the measure of my life.

Prayer:
Lord, open our blinded eyes, clear our confused minds, and soften our hearts to recapture “the vision of the Cross” and cause us to deeply consider “the breadth and length and height and depth” of His faithful love. Amen.

"The Lifting up the Son of Man"

22 Mar 09
Fourth Sunday in Lent

The Lifting up the Son of Man
John 3:14-21

There are those of us who experience life as a stern taskmaster exerting demands on us whenever we encounter obstacles and distractions from what we yearn for in life. Some of us may also encounter distressful experiences that cause us pain and guilt, leaving us wondering if the God we believe in is all but a punitive parent who delights in condemnation rather than affirmation.

Sometimes we wander about in darkness, searching for a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. SOmewhow, this eludes us as the tunnel seems so long and dark. There does not seem to be relief and each day just seems to bring about a sense of despair.

Depression often sets in, accompanied by feelings of anxiety and a sense of hopelessness. Life seems so meaningless and prevailing negative thoughts about oneself, people, the world and God obscure our perspective that life is worth living. It is comforting that in the midst of all, there is the assurance that our God, the Shepherd is with us, so that “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me” (Ps 23:4).

That was the reason God sent His Son into this world, to offer salvation and bring us into the light. This should spell deliverance from our pain and guilt, despair and distress.

God will not leave us alone for His Son is here with us, to journey with us, transforming our journey of darkness into light.

(Anthony Yeo,
Consultant Therapist,
Counselling and Care Centre)


Commitment:
I surrender to you O Lord the darkness in my life, feat and anxieties so that I may catch the light which comes from you.

Prayer:
Thank you for your assurance that you will never leave me nor forsake me. Lead me to your light and love. Amen.

"The Lifting Up of the Serpent"

21 March 09
Saturday of the Third Week in Lent

The Lifting Up of the Serpent
Numbers 21:4-9

Sometimes when life’s journey becomes dreary, we tend to be impatient, given to exasperation and complaints. Life seems to be harsh with no clear relief in view.

Such moments can be a trying experience for us as we may begin to wonder if God really cares. Some may even question if He is anywhere at all since all we may be confronted with is the harsh reality of our struggles in life.

This calls for a reminder from God that He is there and not silent. He does speak if we would only listen. What He wants us to hear is that He is involved in our struggles and demands a response.

Oftentimes He would engage His servant to minister to us and direct us to look upwards when all else below tends to be overwhelming. This is what God is doing in sending people to be there for us, so that we need not journey alone nor struggle in isolation.

What we have to do is acknowledge our need for a helping hand, a willingness to receive whatever help we need to bolster our inner strength. We do need help to raise our heads to look beyond this earthly reality with its daunting demands. And if we would look up to see the bronze serpent foreshadowing our crucified Lord on Calvary we would be empowered to live despite whatever may befall us in life.

(Anthony Yeo,
Consultant Therapist,
Counselling and Care Centre)

Commitment:
I surrender my exasperations and confusions to you O Lord, for from you comes my hope and deliverance.

Prayer:
O Lord, in my heaviness of heart, lift up my spirit to see you and know you are there. Amen.

"Covenant-----a One-sided Agreement"

19 Mar 09
Thursday of the Third Week in Lent

Covenant----a One-sided Agreement
Genesis 9:8-17

We often think of ‘covenant’ as a solemn agreement made between ‘contracting parties’, in particular between God and human beings with whom He interacted and dealt with such as the covenant that God made with Abraham (Gen 17:1-14) and with the nation of Israel (Ex 19:1-5). As Christians we always think of the New Covenant (Luke 22:14-20 and related gospel passages as well as in Hebrews) as the ultimate covenant.

One characteristic of God’s covenants is the requirement that we keep our part of the bargain, notably the call to live in obedience to God as His covenantal people. Jesus summed up our covenantal relationship with Him with these words, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments’ (John 14:15).

God’s covenant with Noah was exceptional in this regard ---- there was absolutely nothing that Noah and his children (or even the animals! V10) were required to do. It was a totally one-sided agreement, with nothing for God to gain, so to speak.

We can actually argue that the same one-sidedness is found in all the other covenants of God as well, including the New Covenant of which you and I are bound by faith in action to love, obey and serve God. But like God’s covenant with Noah, the New Covenant is also one-sided because God gains nothing from our obedience and service!


Actually, all of God’s dealings with us are one-sided: He gains nothing, we gain everything! Such an understanding of our Heavenly Father’s boundless grace should lead us to true and acceptable worship, the presentation of our lives to serve His purpose (Romans 12:1 and Heb 12:28-29) to His eternal glory and praise.

(The Very Rev Kuan Kim Seng,
Dean & Vicar,
St Andrew’s Cathedral)

Commitment: God, Abba-Father, I surrender my will to you. I seek only to do your will.

Prayer: Dear God and Father, thank you for your gracious dealings with humanity. As I recall the love, mercy and kindness with which you dealt with Noah, I thank you for your unconditional love for us. As I recall the night that the New Covenant was instituted when your Son spoke of ‘the new covenant in My blood’, help me to be forever grateful for such a precious sacrifice. In response, I now offer my life as a sacrifice, that I may do your will and serve your purpose, to your eternal praise and glory. Amen.

"Rebuilding the Temple"

18 Mar 09
Wednesday of the Third Week in Lent

Rebuilding the Temple
Ezra 6:1-16

The Jerusalem temple was destroyed in 568 BC. For seventy years, it laid in ruins. When it was finally rebuilt in 516 BC, it was a milestone event.

Firstly, the rebuilding of the temple reminded Israel to place God at the centre of her national life. In 537 BC, Persian ruler King Cyrus had allowed thousands of exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem. Although they were now back in their homeland, these returnees realized that something was still amiss. Israel had always been taught to focus its national life around the worship of God. His commandments were to be obeyed. Festivals were to be observed. Prayers and sacrifices were to be offered. In all these undertakings, the temple was the focal point. Hence the urgent need to rebuild the temple.

Secondly, the rebuilding highlighted God’s overruling hand among Gentile nations. Beginning in 539 BC when Cyrus captured Babylon, Persia gradually extended its rule over much of the ancient world. No other nation could challenge her. But God moved in the hearts of Cyrus and Darius. They set out decrees which allowed returnee Jews to rebuild their temple. Persian governors were instructed to assist them in this task. Supplies required for the rebuilding were to be provided out of the king’s treasury. And temple vessels stolen by the Babylonians earlier were to be returned to the Jews.

Thirdly, the rebuilding necessitated God’s people to do their part. God did not will the temple into existence. The Jews had to do their part. At times, the builders faced opposition and for a period, the rebuilding work ceased. But God raised up prophets like Haggai and Zechariah to encourage the people. Priests and Levites, elders and ordinary workers laboured alongside one another until the rebuilding was completed.

(Dr Bobby Sng,
President, Bible Society of Singapore)

Commitment:
I must always place God at the centre of my life.

Prayer:
Blessed Holy Spirit, grant me grace to co-work with you in rebuilding your temple in my life. Amen.

"Cleansing the Temple"

17 Mar 09
Tuesday of the Third Week in Lent

Cleansing the Temple
2 Chronicles 29: 1-11, 16-19

Hezekiah ruled over the Southern Kingdom of Judah for twenty-nine years (715-686 BC). Of the twenty kings Judah had, only eight were either good or passable. The rest were bad. Hezekiah was a good king. He “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” (v2).

He was a good king despite the fact that circumstances did not favour a godly rule. His father, King Ahaz (731-715 BC), had been a bad king. He desecrated the temple, introduced foreign gods, established pagan worship throughout the land and even offered human sacrifices. Hezekiah refused to be a captive of bad circumstances. From the first year of his reign, he was determined to set right what had gone wrong. He chose to do “all that David his father had done” (v2).

Hezekiah was a good king because he recognized the hand of God in Judah’s hardships. During the period of Ahaz’s mis-rule, the land had suffered defeat at the hands of the Armeans (NE Syria) and the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Thousands of Jews had been killed and many others had been taken away as captives.

Hezekiah saw in these events God’s hand of judgement (v5-9). He was prepared to learn from the lessons of the past. Restoration only begins when we recognize where we have gone wrong.

Hezekiah was a good king as he was determined to renew the ancient Mosaic covenant with the Lord (v10). He repaired the temple doors, abolished idolatry throughout the land, instructed the priests and Levites to cleanse the temple and restored proper worship. Later, he instructed the people to celebrate the Feast of the Passover. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob became again the focal point of their national life.

(Dr Bobby Sng,
President, Bible Society of Singapore)

Commitment:
Like Hezekiah, I need to rise above bad circumstances.

Prayer:
Almighty God, help me to recognize that my “body is a temple of the Holy Spirit”. May I always glorify you in my body. Amen.

"You are God's Temple"

16 Mar 09
Monday of the Third Week in Lent

You are God’s Temple
1 Corinthians 3:10-23

The Lord Jesus had ascended into Heaven and dwells and reigns there in glory. If the Temple is where God dwells and reigns, then what about the earthly Temple? The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans, and there is no more temple there. Instead we have a new temple on earth---the church.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians describing the church in two key metaphor: “You are God’s field, God’s building” (1 Cor 3:9). The passage that follows then develops this idea of a building. He enriches the metaphor further by declaring “you are God’s temple” (v17). This can be more clearly translated from the original Greek as “you all, together, are God’s temple.” What Paul had in mind was that the church as a community, was one temple. In 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul refers to individual Christians when he wrote that each of our bodies is a temple of the Holy Spirit. But here in verse 17, the corporate church is the temple.

The implications are that as God’s temple, we are to be pure and holy, righteous and blameless. As we saw in yesterday’s meditation, God wants the temple to be cleared of all the worldly clutter and sinful rubbish. Both as individual Christians and as the corporate Body of Christ, we are to allow God’s presence to dwell in and among us, so that the world can see the glory of God in both our personal and communal lives.

There is no place for sin in and among us. If we tolerate it, we will become temples for idols, and not be the true temple of God. Are we, individually and corporately, the temple of the holy and living God? What would be the verdict ---- from heaven and on earth?

(Bishop Dr Robert Solomon,
Bishop, The Methodist Church in Singapore)

Commitment:
I surrender all the known sins within me that are incompatible with my identity as the temple of the Holy Spirit.

I surrender my sins of commission and omission that prevent the church from being the temple of church.

Prayer:
Holy God, you have chosen my heart and your church to be your temple on earth. Help us to repent of our sins so that your splendor may be displayed in and among us. Amen.

"A New Temple"

15 Mar 09
Third Sunday in Lent

A New Temple
John 2:13-22

If we are not careful, the things of the world tend to find their way into our holiest moments and places. Even temples can become cluttered and corrupted.

The anger of Jesus in ridding the temple of all those who were turning it into one large shopping mall can be understood in what He said: “Do not make my Father’s house a house of trade” (v16). Elsewhere He admonished that they had turned God’s House of Prayer into a den of thieves (Matthew 21:13). The temple authorities had allowed the Court of the Gentiles in the temple to become an “obstacle course” crowded with money-making ventures. They made lucrative profits from “religious business”, turning the worship of God into a highly profitable enterprise. Not only were they corrupting the temple with their greed and shady business practices, but they were also making it difficult for God-fearing Gentiles to visit the temple.

In so doing, the mafia that was running this business in the temple had totally distorted the sacred theological truths about worship and mission represented by God’s Temple. Hence, the anger of our Lord.

The corrupting influence of the world and the quest for wealth and power that is deeply embedded in the human heart continue to threaten our sanctuaries. If the Lord were to visit our churches, what or who would He throw out? The more we instituitionalise our churches, the more we have to be careful that we don’t turn them into obstacles to or substitutes for true worship and mission.

Jesus introduces us to a new Temple---- He Himself (v21). We can enter Him without being deceived or distracted for He is the heavenly Temple ---- fully God, and without corruption. Here we find true encouragement and hope.

(Bishop Dr Robert Solomon,
Bishop, The Methodist Church in Singapore)

Commitment:
Lord, I surrender the things of the world that I have been bringing into your holy Church.

Lord, I surrender all the corrupt and sinful things in the sanctuary of my heart that bring grief to your holy heart.

Prayer:
Lord of the Temple, cleanse, with your precious blood, our churches and our hearts of all that is deceived and deceiving, and make us holy sanctuaries, fit for your eternal purposes. Amen.

"A Dazzling Revelation"

14 Mar 09
Saturday of the Second Week in Lent

A Dazzling Revelation
Mark 9:2-8

Mountains in the Old Testament are often associated with special spiritual encounters. The awesome display of God’s power that accompanied the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai comes to mind, as well as the fiery triumph of Yahweh on Mount Carmel when Elijah vanquished the prophets of Baal. These were unforgettable episodes from Israel’s history.

Peter, James and John had an unforgettable mountain top experience too. Right after Jesus had spoken of His impending sufferings and the cost of discipleship (Mk 8:31-32a, 34f), He led them up a mountain. There they saw Jesus transformed before their very eyes, bathed in a blinding brilliance and conversing with Moses and Elijah in a cloud reminiscent of Yahweh’s revelation on Sinai.

It was a terrifying yet reassuring vision. It was as if a veil had been lifted, and they caught a glimpse of the true identity of Christ. Their soon-to-be crucified master was in truth the glorious Lord attested to by Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets (i.e. the entire Hebrew Scriptures).

Despite not knowing what to say, Peter said something anyway! His offer to build three tents was just about as silly as trying to catch smoke with a fishing net. In what amounted to putting Jesus on par with Moses and Elijah, he seemed to have missed the point of the dazzling revelation completely.

Beyond the visionary encounter, we hear the Father’s voice affirming Jesus as His beloved Son and summoning us to listen to Him. He is the Word of the Father. Listen to Him. In Him we come face to face with the truth about God, about ourselves and about all of reality. Through Him we have forgiveness of sins and access to new and eternal life. We do well to listen to Him. Will we?

(Rev Dr Mark Chan,
Coordinator, Faith and Society,
Centre for the Study of Christianity in Asia,
And Lecturer in Theology,
Trinity Theological College,
Singapore.)

Commitment:
With God’s help, I seek to build my life upon the Word of the Father and to listen to the Son of God at all times.

Prayer:
Lord, fill my heart with the brilliance of your glorious presence, and may my ears be ever attentive to your voice. Amen.

"The Forgetfulness of Ingratitude"

13 Mar 09
Friday of the Second Week in Lent

The Forgetfulness of Ingratitude
Acts 7:30-40

Instead of welcoming his people with open arms after he struck down an Egyptian, Moses’ own people rejected him with a derisive question, “Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?” Things did not pan out as Moses had hoped. Instead of a saviour, he became an exile. For the next four decades, he was a forgotten man.

But God did not forget him. Nor did the Lord forget his afflicted people in Egypt. The world may forget. Our world may fade. And we may even have grown accustomed to our chains. But the Lord remembered. He hears our cries.

Through a flaming bush and a commanding word, the Lord summoned Moses to His service. With a punishing flurry of signs and wonders, Israel was rescued from Pharaoh’s grip. God delivered on His promises through Moses.

Yet, no sooner had the erstwhile slaves tasted freedom that they began to clamour for the gods of Egypt. Rejecting Moses, the people wanted gods on their own terms. And this from those who had just witnessed and experienced the Lord’s mighty deliverance.

Unfortunately, the tribe of forgetful ingrates lives on even today. The delivered are wont to forget the Deliverer despite enjoying the blessings of deliverance. When we name no effort to recall and celebrate God’s gracious acts on our behalf, we soon find ourselves hankering after the many glamour gods of this world.

The antidote to such forgetfulness is gratefulness. Calvary is God’s definitive act of deliverance. What happened in the Exodus is but an anticipation of the more profound deliverance from sin that God achieved through Christ on the cross. Remembering Calvary and being grateful for the gift of new life in Christ keeps us firmly in God’s love.

(Rev Dr Mark Chan,

Coordinator, Faith and Society,

Centre for teh Study of Christianity in Asia,

and Lecturer in Theology,

Trinity Theological College, Singapore)

Commitment:

I resolve to keep Calvary fresh in my mind and be ever grateful to God for His wondrous deliverance in Christ.

Prayer:

Knowing how prone I am to forget you and your goodness, help me, dear Lord, to be always mindful of your presence and grace. Amen.

"The Living Stone and a Chosen people"

12 Mar 09
Thursday of the Second Week in Lent

The Living Stone and a Chosen People
1 Peter 2:4-10

Pictures of ancient temples that have withstood the ravages of time often speak of the sturdiness and enduring quality of these structures. But they only stand as monuments of the past, without the life they once had. They are mere shells of what greatness they once were. The worshippers are dead and gone.

However, Peter tells us that the Church of Jesus Christ is like a living spiritual temple, made up of ‘living stones’ believers, a people redeemed by Christ. And the reason why the church is alive today is that its foundation stone is none other than Jesus Christ, the Rock of Ages. Although many reject Christ, those who accept Him as the precious cornerstone of their lives, He has made them His ‘chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, a people belonging to God.’ He has filled their lives with praise and worship, because He has wrought for them an eternal redemption, which will not be raved by time and mortality.

Jesus had spoken of the house built upon a firm rock that withstood the onslaughts of wind and flood, whereas the one built upon sand collapsed (Mt 7:25ff). He was that rock. He told Peter, ‘Upon this rock I will build My church’. (Mt 16:18), and like the indispensable cornerstone of old which secured the stability and soundness of a building (Is 28:16-17), Jesus had Himself, in His costly death and sacrifice on the cross, paid a great price to become the sure and eternal chief cornerstone of our salvation.

The tiles accorded to His redeemed people (v9,10) speak not only of our privileged position in Christ, but of the inimitable grace of our God. He has made us so that we are able to continually draw near with confidence to His throne, to receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb 4:16) all the time.

(Elder Richard Chia E L,
Elder at Grace Bethesda Church and
Chairman of Care Channels International Ltd)

Commitment:
I surrender all my rights so that I may be truly yours.

Prayer:
Help me, Lord, to be constantly reminded of my calling: a living stone to continually declare your praises. Amen.

"I Will Restore and Heal"

11 Mar 09
Wednesday of the Second Week in Lent

I Will Restore and Heal
Jeremiah 30: 12-22

It is said that in life only two things are certain: change and death. The human body renews itself through a seven-year change. Change is vital to a person's growing years and changes in later years will also occur when our body wears down.

Through Jeremiah, God was telling His people that He is in control of change. From their captivity under foreign powers, to their release an restoration, God has been the agent of change---- 'I have done these things to you' ----- although 'He changes not'. Nothing happens without His knowledge and approval. In His sovereignty, God determines all things and everything is under His divine control.

Although His people were rejected and wounded, God in His gracious mercy had already planned to restore them (v3). Even their 'incurable wounds' which the Lord has allowed because of their sins (v 12,15).

God will cure them.

Our world has faced unprecedented changes and tragedies. We feel that we are living on the brink of hopelessness and helplessness, having no conrol of our circumstances. But the word of God in Jeremiah's day comes to us today: 'Though you are wounded and in pain, yet I will heal you' says the Lord. This promise is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who was 'wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities...by His stripes we are healed'.

How thanksful we are for the hope we have in Christ: 'Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day' (2 Cor 4:16).

Therefore we do not lose heart. Whilst all that is around us, including our mortal bodies, is "changing down", the Lord is changing our inner man 'from one level of glory to another'. And on that glorious day, He will transform us completely and give us the Resurrection body of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Elder Richard Chia E.L.
Elder at Grace Bethesda Church and
Chairman of Care Channels International Ltd)

Commitment:
All my wounds to the Lord for His healing touch.

Prayer:
I know Lord that You have caused the changes in my life, and I can trust you completely for the good and the perfect plans you have for me. Amen.

"God Asks Abraham to Sacrifice Issac"

10 Mar 09
Tuesday of the Second Week in Lent

God asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac
Genesis 22:1-9

God's command to Abraham to sacrifice Isaac is puzzling for two reasons. First, it seems to contradict God's own righteousness. How can the God who curse Cain for murdering Abel now ask Abraham to kill his son? Has God whimsically suspended his oppostion to killing? Is Abraham's God really just like all the other gods who demanded child sacrifice?

Second, the commnad to scarifce Isaac seems to thwart God' covenant with Abraham. Previously, God has promised to make Abraham very fruitful, declaring that kings and nations would come from him (Gen 17:6). But now God proposes that Abraham's son the firstborn of this great family should die as a sacrifice! Has God cancelled the covenant?

No, of course not! The point is that when God establishes a covenant with us, the only proper response on our part is to trust and obey. By means of this srange, absurd request to sacrifice Isaac, God tested whether Abraham could be faithful and obedient. While Abraham "passed" the test, his later descendants, the people of Israel, would constantly fail it. Israel's lack of faith and obedience would place a consant strain on her relationship with God.

In the end, God really did "provide for Himself the lamb" ---- His only begotten Son, Jesus, who took on our human nautre, experienced temptation, and yet remained faithful unto death. Through His obedience and suffering, Jesus established a new convenant of grace and forgiveness between God and humanity. By the gift of te Holy Spirit, the Risen Lord enables us to grow in faith and obedience, so that we can become true children of Abraham.

During this holy season of Lent, we recall how God made us His covenantal people through baptism, and we pray for His help to remain ever faithful.

(Dr Jeffrey Truscott,
Chaplain and Lecturer in Liturgy and Worship,
Trinity Theological College)

Commitment:
I surrender my faithlessness and disobedience to you, Lord Jesus.

Prayer:
God of Abraham and Jesus, strengthen our faith so that we may obediently serve you all our days, rejecting neither your unfathomable will nor the cost of discipleship. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.