Eight days after our 43rd National Day celebrations, we celebrate the 22nd Anniversary of Faith Community Baptist Church (FCBC). Singapore and FCBC are the BIG homes that we are all a part of. God has purposefully planned the place for each one of us to grow up in. Acts 17:26b-27 (NIV), "... and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us."
All homes, have the dual characteristic of being both comfortable and uncomfortable. We rest in it's care and comfort; struggle when we see shortcomings. Our loved ones can either make us laugh or cry! Ouch. Perfect and imperfect. Yet altogether precious because God has purposed these homes as the place where you would seek and find Him.
Today, you can choose to view these homes where you are a part of, as some random lot. Or you can choose to embrace God's plan for your life by treasuring your place and the inheritance in the homes He gave to you. Take time to thank God for your own family, your Spiritual family and Singapore!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Why Do I Love Singapore?
Why do I LIKE Singapore (or, "what she gives to me")?
1. Amazing selection of good and affordable food
2. "Clean and green" - Roads, buildings and people in a huge garden
3. Cheap and efficient transport network
4. Security is so good that we almost never worry about crime
Why do I LOVE Singapore (or, "why I would give my best to her")?
1. Because when I love her, I love myself.
* "Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." (Jeremiah 29:7 NIV)
2. Because Singapore loved and gave to me long before I ever contributed to her.
3. Because God loves Singapore, I will love her too.
In Hosea 11, God expresses His love for Ephraim (Israel). Imagine these same words of love for our nation, Singapore.
* "It was I who taught Ephraim (Singapore) to walk, taking them by the arms." (Hosea 11:3 NIV)
* "I led Ephraim (Singapore) with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them." (Hosea 11:4 NIV)
* "How can I give you up, Ephraim (Singapore)? How can I hand you over? … My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused." (Hosea 11:8 NIV)
God Bless Singapore!
1. Amazing selection of good and affordable food
2. "Clean and green" - Roads, buildings and people in a huge garden
3. Cheap and efficient transport network
4. Security is so good that we almost never worry about crime
Why do I LOVE Singapore (or, "why I would give my best to her")?
1. Because when I love her, I love myself.
* "Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." (Jeremiah 29:7 NIV)
2. Because Singapore loved and gave to me long before I ever contributed to her.
3. Because God loves Singapore, I will love her too.
In Hosea 11, God expresses His love for Ephraim (Israel). Imagine these same words of love for our nation, Singapore.
* "It was I who taught Ephraim (Singapore) to walk, taking them by the arms." (Hosea 11:3 NIV)
* "I led Ephraim (Singapore) with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them." (Hosea 11:4 NIV)
* "How can I give you up, Ephraim (Singapore)? How can I hand you over? … My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused." (Hosea 11:8 NIV)
God Bless Singapore!
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Next Generation Wanted: Dead or Alive!
Senior Pastor preached a hard message last Sunday. Not the typical comforting message about The Good Shepherd's TLC (tender loving care) for the sheep, but a message that calls for us “To Die, To Dare and To Decide” to have a shepherding heart - not just for your cell nor for your network, but for our nation.
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11 NIV)
How does a message about transforming nations affect the average young person, struggling to cope with his or her own little world of studies, exams, work and relationships?
If the response to the altar call were anything to go by, there's hope for the world - our world. We have a generation made up of not just the "average young person". We have a generation prepared to give up their small ambitions to see God's Big Dream fulfilled.
Where do we start? Right where you are, by doing what you're already doing, but with excellence, integrity and extravagant love and service. Be faithful
with the little you have. God's call is not a destination. It is a journey.
"Ministry is what you do to bring your life and your sphere of influence under kingdom rule." - Sunday Adelaja
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11 NIV)
How does a message about transforming nations affect the average young person, struggling to cope with his or her own little world of studies, exams, work and relationships?
If the response to the altar call were anything to go by, there's hope for the world - our world. We have a generation made up of not just the "average young person". We have a generation prepared to give up their small ambitions to see God's Big Dream fulfilled.
Where do we start? Right where you are, by doing what you're already doing, but with excellence, integrity and extravagant love and service. Be faithful
with the little you have. God's call is not a destination. It is a journey.
"Ministry is what you do to bring your life and your sphere of influence under kingdom rule." - Sunday Adelaja
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Eagles Soaring
If you have been following the 40-Day Prayer Guide, you would have been greatly encouraged by the testimonies of seven godly men and women who have made tremendous impact for God's Kingdom, particularly among the poor and needy: William Wilberforce, George Mueller, Amy Carmichael, William Booth, Jackie Pullinger, Henri Nouwen, and Mother Teresa.
Closer to home, our very own Senior Pastor, Apostle Lawrence Khong, led the Gateway Entertainment team into a very successful run of the MAGICBOX performances at the Esplanade! What an inspiration, these eagles of our faith!
Yet, we aren't all suddenly eagles. Eaglets learn to fly through repeated drops and catches by their parents in the air. These young ones learned to flap their wings wildly and in good time, realised that their wings do work and... they could fly!
How's your life looking like right now? If you are facing challenges that seem beyond you, God the Papa Eagle is allowing the sudden drop, and teaching you to fly above and beyond the comfy nesting days. Don't complain, argue or lament when you are out of your comfort zone. Trust Papa and work hard at flapping your wings!
James 1:2-4 (MSG) says, "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colours. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."
Eaglets out there, you have seen all the fine role models! Get ready, flying season starts now!
Closer to home, our very own Senior Pastor, Apostle Lawrence Khong, led the Gateway Entertainment team into a very successful run of the MAGICBOX performances at the Esplanade! What an inspiration, these eagles of our faith!
Yet, we aren't all suddenly eagles. Eaglets learn to fly through repeated drops and catches by their parents in the air. These young ones learned to flap their wings wildly and in good time, realised that their wings do work and... they could fly!
How's your life looking like right now? If you are facing challenges that seem beyond you, God the Papa Eagle is allowing the sudden drop, and teaching you to fly above and beyond the comfy nesting days. Don't complain, argue or lament when you are out of your comfort zone. Trust Papa and work hard at flapping your wings!
James 1:2-4 (MSG) says, "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colours. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."
Eaglets out there, you have seen all the fine role models! Get ready, flying season starts now!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Sabbath is for God-Centred Relationships
The Year of Sabbath has provided a window of opportunity for us to maintain and repair the relationships in our lives. Pastor Poh Yeang Cherng shares a personal testimony of what this has meant for him:
“In this season of focussing on interdependence, God spoke clearly to me about going back to mend some strained relationships in my life. While these were not full-scale conflicts, the presence of a few of these certainly affected me.
I realised that these unresolved conflicts reduced my capacity for existing relationships because love, trust and compassion were eroded. I also got tired easily, preferring to be alone just to avoid any situation with relational stress. Not good at all.
Repair and maintenance simply meant taking active steps to reconcile. I initiated meetings with a few people and asked for forgiveness for my part in the conflicts. I also rested my expectations and left room for God to convict them about their parts.
Romans 12:18-19 says this, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.”
When it was done, I felt so much freer, knowing that I had obeyed the Lord to do "as much as it depends on me".
Will you seek rest from strife in this season too?
“In this season of focussing on interdependence, God spoke clearly to me about going back to mend some strained relationships in my life. While these were not full-scale conflicts, the presence of a few of these certainly affected me.
I realised that these unresolved conflicts reduced my capacity for existing relationships because love, trust and compassion were eroded. I also got tired easily, preferring to be alone just to avoid any situation with relational stress. Not good at all.
Repair and maintenance simply meant taking active steps to reconcile. I initiated meetings with a few people and asked for forgiveness for my part in the conflicts. I also rested my expectations and left room for God to convict them about their parts.
Romans 12:18-19 says this, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.”
When it was done, I felt so much freer, knowing that I had obeyed the Lord to do "as much as it depends on me".
Will you seek rest from strife in this season too?
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Half-Time Check
We've just crossed the half year mark in 2008.
Do you still remember the key verse in this Year of Sabbath from Isaiah 58:13-14? Which portions do you remember more of? The "If's" of verse 13 or the promises of verse 14?
It is interesting that the LoveSingapore leadership has also chosen Isaiah 58 to be the key focus of this year's 40-Day theme. When our spiritual leaders hear the same thing from the Lord, it is time to wake up and listen!
1st July kicked off the 40-Day season of prayer and fasting. It was a momentous occasion when pastors, intercessors and leaders from different churches occupied all 28 capsules of the Singapore Flyer to pray over our nation. At the highest point of the Flyer, we declared in song, "No Other Name but the Name of Jesus!" - Awesome!
Let us continue with one heart and spirit to pray towards our nation's 43rd birthday, using the 40-Day Prayer Guide. There is power in corporate prayer and we will surely see God's hand at work in the days to come.
Do you still remember the key verse in this Year of Sabbath from Isaiah 58:13-14? Which portions do you remember more of? The "If's" of verse 13 or the promises of verse 14?
It is interesting that the LoveSingapore leadership has also chosen Isaiah 58 to be the key focus of this year's 40-Day theme. When our spiritual leaders hear the same thing from the Lord, it is time to wake up and listen!
1st July kicked off the 40-Day season of prayer and fasting. It was a momentous occasion when pastors, intercessors and leaders from different churches occupied all 28 capsules of the Singapore Flyer to pray over our nation. At the highest point of the Flyer, we declared in song, "No Other Name but the Name of Jesus!" - Awesome!
Let us continue with one heart and spirit to pray towards our nation's 43rd birthday, using the 40-Day Prayer Guide. There is power in corporate prayer and we will surely see God's hand at work in the days to come.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
"Who R U?"
This was the question posed by Pastor Wes Richards as he shared from the book of Nehemiah at our staff worship time.
How would you answer this question? It's so important to know who you are, because if you can't answer this question, somebody else is going to answer it for you!
Many of us let other people or our circumstances define who we are, and how we should feel about ourselves. Have you experienced days when you feel like a worm? You know... so small, so insignificant, so easily trampled upon and crushed? Well, hear what Winston Churchill has to say,
"All men may be worms
But I am a Glow-worm!"
Your identity will define your sense of confidence and how you carry out any work assigned to you, whether in your job or studies. Your identity will keep you from going down when facing adversity, and help you achieve your destiny. Pastor Wes brought a timely message for to FCBC as a church, as we press on with our prayers and support for our Senior Pastor and
Pastor Nina for the successful launch of MAGICBOX
Nehemiah knew who he was and what he was called to do - to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Let us stay strong and focussed, with everyone working hard at what he or she is assigned to do, and we will see the victory when all will realise "that this work had been done with the help of our God" (Nehemiah 6:16 NIV).
How would you answer this question? It's so important to know who you are, because if you can't answer this question, somebody else is going to answer it for you!
Many of us let other people or our circumstances define who we are, and how we should feel about ourselves. Have you experienced days when you feel like a worm? You know... so small, so insignificant, so easily trampled upon and crushed? Well, hear what Winston Churchill has to say,
"All men may be worms
But I am a Glow-worm!"
Your identity will define your sense of confidence and how you carry out any work assigned to you, whether in your job or studies. Your identity will keep you from going down when facing adversity, and help you achieve your destiny. Pastor Wes brought a timely message for to FCBC as a church, as we press on with our prayers and support for our Senior Pastor and
Pastor Nina for the successful launch of MAGICBOX
Nehemiah knew who he was and what he was called to do - to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Let us stay strong and focussed, with everyone working hard at what he or she is assigned to do, and we will see the victory when all will realise "that this work had been done with the help of our God" (Nehemiah 6:16 NIV).
Sunday, June 22, 2008
More Than These
How much do you love? What a question! Is there a way to measure the extent of our love for God? Well, Jesus asked Peter this question in John 21:15 (NASB),
"So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You" He said to him, "Tend My lambs."
What is the "MORE THAN THESE"?
Jesus could not be referring to the rest of the disciples nor the fishes, because I believe Jesus had no doubt that Peter would love Him more than these. So what does the word, "THESE", refer to?
I believe it is probably referring to the miraculous catch. You can see the impact of the catch through the fact that the disciples actually COUNTED every fish caught - one hundred and fifty-three (as shown in verse 11).
Jesus knows the conditions of our hearts. He knew, in the case of Peter, that he was attracted to Jesus through the spectacular acts of God. When Peter was called, he was called right after a catch too. It is of no wonder that Jesus created a similar experience to allow Peter to revisit his motivation to love.
Peter was confronted with this pointed question - Do you love Me more than the miraculous, more than the spectacular, more than the world could offer? And in his brokenness, Peter confessed his love for Jesus and as a result brought the much awaited healing for his soul.
Do you love God more than _________________ (fill in your own blank)?
Only when we truly love God, more than the rival thrones in our lives, can we live out the healed life that God intends for us.
Finally, from the sequence of Jesus' question and prompting, we can see love precedes labour. It matters to God that our service for Him is accompanied by our passion for Him.
So, how much do you love God?
"So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You" He said to him, "Tend My lambs."
What is the "MORE THAN THESE"?
Jesus could not be referring to the rest of the disciples nor the fishes, because I believe Jesus had no doubt that Peter would love Him more than these. So what does the word, "THESE", refer to?
I believe it is probably referring to the miraculous catch. You can see the impact of the catch through the fact that the disciples actually COUNTED every fish caught - one hundred and fifty-three (as shown in verse 11).
Jesus knows the conditions of our hearts. He knew, in the case of Peter, that he was attracted to Jesus through the spectacular acts of God. When Peter was called, he was called right after a catch too. It is of no wonder that Jesus created a similar experience to allow Peter to revisit his motivation to love.
Peter was confronted with this pointed question - Do you love Me more than the miraculous, more than the spectacular, more than the world could offer? And in his brokenness, Peter confessed his love for Jesus and as a result brought the much awaited healing for his soul.
Do you love God more than _________________ (fill in your own blank)?
Only when we truly love God, more than the rival thrones in our lives, can we live out the healed life that God intends for us.
Finally, from the sequence of Jesus' question and prompting, we can see love precedes labour. It matters to God that our service for Him is accompanied by our passion for Him.
So, how much do you love God?
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Appreciating You, Fathers!
Today, our thoughts turn to the first man in our lives... our fathers. It's Father's Day! Amidst all our busyness with life's demands and things that call for our attention, let's pause to give thanks for the fathers we know.
Whatever your emotions may be when you think of your Dad, there is one way to be able to celebrate this day, and that is with thanksgiving and gratefulness in our hearts.
In his book, ‘Touching The Father's Heart’, Pastor Cesar Castellanos said that, "The highest position a man could ever aspire to have in life is to be a father". I know this is the aspiration of my husband and the father of our three children! And I believe that it is the desire of every father to be the best father to his children.
The greatest Father of all is God. He is the Heavenly Father who is LOVE, and who teaches us daily how to love like Him. He wants to deposit that Father's heart into each one of us, so that we can love like Him. When we come to know God as our Heavenly Father, He can fill every empty void in our heart and give you a new starting point in your life.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! ” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Yes, He makes all things new and that includes your relationship with your earthly father.
Let's pray for all the fathers today! Pray that they will find their joy in the Lord and delight in their roles as leaders, nurturers, mentors, teachers and builders, not just of their children, but of the next generation!
Whatever your emotions may be when you think of your Dad, there is one way to be able to celebrate this day, and that is with thanksgiving and gratefulness in our hearts.
In his book, ‘Touching The Father's Heart’, Pastor Cesar Castellanos said that, "The highest position a man could ever aspire to have in life is to be a father". I know this is the aspiration of my husband and the father of our three children! And I believe that it is the desire of every father to be the best father to his children.
The greatest Father of all is God. He is the Heavenly Father who is LOVE, and who teaches us daily how to love like Him. He wants to deposit that Father's heart into each one of us, so that we can love like Him. When we come to know God as our Heavenly Father, He can fill every empty void in our heart and give you a new starting point in your life.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! ” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Yes, He makes all things new and that includes your relationship with your earthly father.
Let's pray for all the fathers today! Pray that they will find their joy in the Lord and delight in their roles as leaders, nurturers, mentors, teachers and builders, not just of their children, but of the next generation!
Sunday, June 08, 2008
That you may believe
Starting points are always exciting. After five months of reading Psalms, we have moved to the Book of John. From the Old Testament to the New Testament. From a Poetical book to a Gospel. I believe John's Gospel is the first introduction to the Bible for many of us as it was for me. That's why it remains one of my favourite books of the Bible till this day.
I remember how excited I was to be introduced to Jesus, the Son of God. I had made a decision to follow Christ and I hungered for more of Him. I was taught well. I came to know a God who "became flesh and dwelt among us.... full of grace and truth” and I beheld His glory (John 1:14, NKJV).
My first memory verses came from John 3:16-18. Yes, I was expected to memorise a whole portion, not just one verse! Then I went on to memorise each of the "I am" statements made by Jesus. I thank God for that early foundation because it instilled in me a love for the Word of God.
As you read each chapter of John daily, you have begun another adventure in knowing God. He will reveal Himself to the God Seekers and God Chasers. Let's begin with the end in mind, shall we?
"... That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:31, NIV).
I remember how excited I was to be introduced to Jesus, the Son of God. I had made a decision to follow Christ and I hungered for more of Him. I was taught well. I came to know a God who "became flesh and dwelt among us.... full of grace and truth” and I beheld His glory (John 1:14, NKJV).
My first memory verses came from John 3:16-18. Yes, I was expected to memorise a whole portion, not just one verse! Then I went on to memorise each of the "I am" statements made by Jesus. I thank God for that early foundation because it instilled in me a love for the Word of God.
As you read each chapter of John daily, you have begun another adventure in knowing God. He will reveal Himself to the God Seekers and God Chasers. Let's begin with the end in mind, shall we?
"... That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:31, NIV).
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