I always had the impression that memorial services are kept short, but tonight I attended one that lasted 2 full hours. A typical service would have some singing, testimonies and a short preaching by the Pastor. Essentially the service I attended tonight follows the same format, except for some differences. The testimonies are long and extremely weepy. I am only a colleague of the mother, whose own mother passed away. I don't even know the deceased's name, until I step into the house. However, I found myself sobbing away at the testimonies of mostly the grandchildren of the deceased.
At first I find the distraught family very much a concern. Surely they know that they will meet their ma ma once day in heaven? And now she is in a better place, with the Lord Jesus. She feels no pain for she is now Home! I always believe that a Christian service should be a solemn but joyous one, for the deceased is for better off being taken Home then to suffer much in illness. Besides, we look forward to God's glorious coming where we will be given perfect body, where there will be no pain. Surely this is hope enough not to be too weepy?
Then, I took a step back and survey the people at the wake, they are not really mourning like people of other religion, where death is the end for them. This is a godly Christian family, full of love and care of each other. I was in awe by the love surrounding this lovely old lady. She spent time with the youngsters, befriend them and was a very big part of their lives. I was moved by the emotional but sincere testimonies of the grandchildren. By the time the fourth testimonies was read out by a granddaughter, the whole yard was filled with weepy and sniffling guests.
I attribute this to the fact that the testimonies were delivered by youngsters, for they may not have fully grasp the hope that is in the deceased. Thank God for the last testimony, a closing speech by the head of the household. It is a balanced testimony about good memories to be remembered for this dear ma ma. Some of them were even funny, and this lighten the mood greatly. The Elder's sermon was another great encouragement, for the emphasize was rightly on the salvation and hope of our Lord Jesus Christ. In all, it ended on the positive, as it should be.
"And when my task on earth is done, when by Thy grace the victory own. Even death's cold wave I will not flee, since God through Jordan leadeth me." An except from the song "He Leadeth Me", sang at the Memorial Service.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Bible Land Pilgrimage - Testimony (1)
Having been to the holy land last year, Greece and Turkey are quiet unlike Israel. For one, due to the vast distance between biblical sites, we had to spend longer time travelling on the road. The initial disappointment of having such long ‘downtime’ was turned into blessed time of rest and praying for God’s direction for me in my life. With only few hours of sleep during the night, the long bus journeys helped in recuperating in physical strength so as to better focus on our guide’s sharing of the background to the historical sites. During such long journeys I was able to quieten my soul while communing with God through prayers, committing my life’s supplications unto His loving hands. I found that I had run ahead of God as I tried to deal with my life’s problems through my own might. As the beautiful Greek landscape rolled outside the window, God spoke in the stillest of my heart and I realized my lack of faith in Him over the events of my life and sought His forgiveness. The time spent on the cruise while waiting to reach the Greek islands also allowed me chance to ponder on God’s direction for me in my life. I learnt to be patient and wait upon Him for guidance in times like these. “Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily beset us and run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrew 12:1-2.
Monday, September 19, 2011
The Lure of Israel
What is the lure of Israel? Why would pilgrims return and yet desire to visit the Holy Land again? Some pilgrims visit Israel year after year. Why?
Israel is unlike any place in this world. Currently it is war torn and even dangerous. Its climate is harsh – months without rain and finally when it did, it blizzard so badly that planes have to be grounded. However, it is also a place full of evidence of God’s Blessings.
Take Ein Gedi Botanical Gardens for example. It is not far from the dead sea, a sea where nothing grows. All around it are bare hills and dry sand. But everything that the Kibbutz decided to grow, it always grow bigger, better and stronger! With a little irrigation and a whole load of God’s Blessings, nothing could stop the flowers, fruits and plants demonstrating God’s grace upon this land.
Truly, Israel is a land of milk and honey!
Originally Posted on SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2011
Israel is unlike any place in this world. Currently it is war torn and even dangerous. Its climate is harsh – months without rain and finally when it did, it blizzard so badly that planes have to be grounded. However, it is also a place full of evidence of God’s Blessings.
Take Ein Gedi Botanical Gardens for example. It is not far from the dead sea, a sea where nothing grows. All around it are bare hills and dry sand. But everything that the Kibbutz decided to grow, it always grow bigger, better and stronger! With a little irrigation and a whole load of God’s Blessings, nothing could stop the flowers, fruits and plants demonstrating God’s grace upon this land.
Truly, Israel is a land of milk and honey!
Originally Posted on SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2011
God's Providence, Blessings and Gifts
The pride of life is one of the three greatest sins of man. The sole goal of a person without God is to amass wealth. Wealth not only in terms of money, but possessions, status and recognition. Few realized that man - naked as he come, naked will he go.
A spiritually right person will realize that he is but only on a short journey of three score and ten years on this earth, before he finally reach his destination. On this short journey, God may bless him with gifts and provisions so that the journey is a God-glorifying one. Man is but a steward of such provisions and gifts that are graciously given by God. Like the parable of the good servant, man needs to guard these provisions, make best use of them and multiply them for God's purpose and use. For he knows that one day he will stand in front of God and be counted.
"Well done my good and faithful servant, come thou into the kingdom of heaven." Oh how we yearn to hear our Saviour say...
Originally Posted on MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 2011
A spiritually right person will realize that he is but only on a short journey of three score and ten years on this earth, before he finally reach his destination. On this short journey, God may bless him with gifts and provisions so that the journey is a God-glorifying one. Man is but a steward of such provisions and gifts that are graciously given by God. Like the parable of the good servant, man needs to guard these provisions, make best use of them and multiply them for God's purpose and use. For he knows that one day he will stand in front of God and be counted.
"Well done my good and faithful servant, come thou into the kingdom of heaven." Oh how we yearn to hear our Saviour say...
Originally Posted on MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 2011
Unfair? A Reflection on God's Permissive Will
Recognizing that nothing in this world ever happens by chance, it is then logical for us to acknowledge God's sovereign will on all things that happens in this world.
If by having a "new doctrine" make a school "new", then we would have tons of schools sprouting up like mushrooms. If a school, by having new theories, new inventions, new thinkings, new paradigms; they are then deemed to be a different school from the previous that they came from, then no schools would encourage any new thoughts!
The absurdity of the verdict for this case is just that; and worst. There simply isn't any doctrine adopted by the college that is new! If VPP is new, then it is as new as the bible since there are so many verses from both new and old testament that supported VPP. To miss this point entirely is simply an indication of the lack of Holy Spirit's illuminating work. Unfortunately this is so for the Judge.
The lesson learnt is this - wait upon the Lord and abide in Him, trusting that he will provide according to His will. All things works for the good of those that loves him. Fret not, fear not, depress not, for our treasures are in heaven and we will see our Lord face-to-face very soon.
Originally Posted on SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2010
If by having a "new doctrine" make a school "new", then we would have tons of schools sprouting up like mushrooms. If a school, by having new theories, new inventions, new thinkings, new paradigms; they are then deemed to be a different school from the previous that they came from, then no schools would encourage any new thoughts!
The absurdity of the verdict for this case is just that; and worst. There simply isn't any doctrine adopted by the college that is new! If VPP is new, then it is as new as the bible since there are so many verses from both new and old testament that supported VPP. To miss this point entirely is simply an indication of the lack of Holy Spirit's illuminating work. Unfortunately this is so for the Judge.
The lesson learnt is this - wait upon the Lord and abide in Him, trusting that he will provide according to His will. All things works for the good of those that loves him. Fret not, fear not, depress not, for our treasures are in heaven and we will see our Lord face-to-face very soon.
Originally Posted on SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2010
Tossing a Coin - A Q&A with Pastor
Q: Is tossing a coin the same as casting lots? Is tossing a coin biblical? Can we use tossing of a coin to know God's will?
A: No, tossing a coin is like gambling, it is not biblical.
Q: Why?
A: We should be guided by the Word of God and not by gambling. It is like deciding between 2 girls to marry. So you flip a coin and pray that head is this girl and tail is that girl. So when the girl asks you why you want to marry her, you say "I flip a coin!" Ridiculous. You can flip a coin for trivial matters that is not life and death, like in a football match, deciding who goes first; but not important life decisions where you need to be guided entirely by God's commandment.
(My view: this is true – what if both girls are non-believers and you decide to flip a coin. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” 2 Cor 6:14. God’s will for you could be neither head nor tail!)
Q: But isn't tossing the coin like leaving it up to God to decide on the outcome, similar to casting lots in the bible? It’s it like voting done in churches now?
A: We do not know exactly how the lots were casted in the bible as it did not go into details. Voting in churches firstly is required by law. Secondly it is done with the guidance of God’s word. The Board of elders carefully examine each candidate for election and only shortlist those that are eligible. Then they will allow the congregation to vote between the candidates, but the decision largely lies in the board of elders who are guided by the biblical principles of the eligibility of the candidates. There is extensive application of God’s word in the whole process.
(My view – I think the voting only decides the final candidate, but all shortlisted candidates have already been carefully chosen with God’s help, so exactly who the final candidate is does not matter all that much.)
Bottom line - "That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4. But how do we know the will of God then? We need to read and study to understand his will. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15. So only with more reading and studying you will be able to discern the truth and know God’s will for you.
Originally Posted on SUNDAY, APRIL 4, 2010
A: No, tossing a coin is like gambling, it is not biblical.
Q: Why?
A: We should be guided by the Word of God and not by gambling. It is like deciding between 2 girls to marry. So you flip a coin and pray that head is this girl and tail is that girl. So when the girl asks you why you want to marry her, you say "I flip a coin!" Ridiculous. You can flip a coin for trivial matters that is not life and death, like in a football match, deciding who goes first; but not important life decisions where you need to be guided entirely by God's commandment.
(My view: this is true – what if both girls are non-believers and you decide to flip a coin. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” 2 Cor 6:14. God’s will for you could be neither head nor tail!)
Q: But isn't tossing the coin like leaving it up to God to decide on the outcome, similar to casting lots in the bible? It’s it like voting done in churches now?
A: We do not know exactly how the lots were casted in the bible as it did not go into details. Voting in churches firstly is required by law. Secondly it is done with the guidance of God’s word. The Board of elders carefully examine each candidate for election and only shortlist those that are eligible. Then they will allow the congregation to vote between the candidates, but the decision largely lies in the board of elders who are guided by the biblical principles of the eligibility of the candidates. There is extensive application of God’s word in the whole process.
(My view – I think the voting only decides the final candidate, but all shortlisted candidates have already been carefully chosen with God’s help, so exactly who the final candidate is does not matter all that much.)
Bottom line - "That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4. But how do we know the will of God then? We need to read and study to understand his will. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15. So only with more reading and studying you will be able to discern the truth and know God’s will for you.
Originally Posted on SUNDAY, APRIL 4, 2010
Not My Will But Thine Be Done
When Jesus Christ submitted His human will to His divine will when He prayed at Gathsemane, He knew that His divine will coincides with God's divine will, and God's will is always the best. No matter how much He would have desired for the cup to be passed from Him, He knew - His Father's will was for Him to die for the sins of all mankind, the righteous sacrifice that can exchange for our passage to heaven.
Without Jesus' death, where will I be? Will I not submit my own will to His at all times out of the gratitude that He deserves? How can I insist on my will when I know His will is the best for me?
But..."Lord, you know the deepest desire of my heart, can it be in your will too, for me to have what I desire?"
Nonetheless, not my will, but thine be done. I submit to you, my Lord, 100%.
Originally Posted on SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2010
Without Jesus' death, where will I be? Will I not submit my own will to His at all times out of the gratitude that He deserves? How can I insist on my will when I know His will is the best for me?
But..."Lord, you know the deepest desire of my heart, can it be in your will too, for me to have what I desire?"
Nonetheless, not my will, but thine be done. I submit to you, my Lord, 100%.
Originally Posted on SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2010
The Greatest Love Story
True love is when someone is willing to sacrifice for you. Imagine...
"You are the worst criminal ever born. You live your life with the only aim of breaking all the laws ever existed and you enjoyed every minute of it! One day, you got caught, after being tried and convicted of your guilt, you finally realized how bad you are... You felt sad, remorseful and hated yourself for being such a person as you are.
However, all is lost for the wages of sin is death. No one on this earth could ever save you. You are indeed the most wretched soul on earth. You deserve to die!
Suddenly you heard the greatest most wonderful news... you have been pardoned of all your sins! Someone just took your place and atoned your sins! Someone died in your place! Someone who loved you that much that he is willing to carry all your sins and died for you! You almost cannot believe this, but it is the truth..."
How could you not be touched? You could not help but be wholeheartedly grateful to your Saviour! The only thing he asked you to do is to believe in him. Believe and you shall be saved! So easy... salvation is given to you so rich and free!
The Saviour is none other than Jesus Christ the Lord! He saved you from being a condemned sinner! Believe and you shall have everlasting life!
Will you believe?
Originally Posted on FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2010
"You are the worst criminal ever born. You live your life with the only aim of breaking all the laws ever existed and you enjoyed every minute of it! One day, you got caught, after being tried and convicted of your guilt, you finally realized how bad you are... You felt sad, remorseful and hated yourself for being such a person as you are.
However, all is lost for the wages of sin is death. No one on this earth could ever save you. You are indeed the most wretched soul on earth. You deserve to die!
Suddenly you heard the greatest most wonderful news... you have been pardoned of all your sins! Someone just took your place and atoned your sins! Someone died in your place! Someone who loved you that much that he is willing to carry all your sins and died for you! You almost cannot believe this, but it is the truth..."
How could you not be touched? You could not help but be wholeheartedly grateful to your Saviour! The only thing he asked you to do is to believe in him. Believe and you shall be saved! So easy... salvation is given to you so rich and free!
The Saviour is none other than Jesus Christ the Lord! He saved you from being a condemned sinner! Believe and you shall have everlasting life!
Will you believe?
Originally Posted on FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2010
How To Pray?
We always say that God’s answers to prayers are “Yes”, “No” and “Wait”. Actually God will always answer “Yes” so long as the prayer is done according to God’s will. As such, we must be careful how we pray - do we pray to demand things for our own selfish reasons? Given that this world is not going to last and we are but here for only 70 years, what would matter to God is how we serve him in this lifetime before we reach heaven to get our rewards. Therefore, we should always be praying to ask for His will for us while we are on earth, knowing that whatever material/ financial/ emotional needs will be taken care of by Him, for God will clothe the grass of the field, how much more would He provide for us? (Matt 6:30). So all that we need to do is to commit our cares to Him – be it salary or promotion or even marriage!
Originally Posted on SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2010
Originally Posted on SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2010
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