Every morning

Find rest my soul, in God alone.

Psalm 62:5

Don't be neutralized in defeat, be expectant of God's great love to come to you.

The Lord be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.

Isaiah 30:18

Faith is largely expectancy - expectancy set on fire by the Holy Spirit.

The Lord's compassion never fails, they are new every morning.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Cultivate closeness to God every morning like John Stott would say: 'Good morning Heavenly Father, good morning Lord Jesus, good morning Holy Spirit.'

In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you.

Psalm 5:3

To you I pray, Yahweh, at daybreak you hear my voice; at daybreak, I lay my case before you and fix my eyes on you. - The New Jerusalem Bible.

Our being sensitive to God is no reason that He is attentive to us, but when we give ourselves to Him, we became increasingly conscious of His loving, constant watchful over us. 

God has shown me great mercy in my recent encounters, I am truly thankful for that. In my darkest day thus far, I was able to pass it superbly, uneventfully, and somewhat peaceful. At my lowest point, I could not read the Bible, not devotional materials, to be exact, not any books that need thinking. I could only pass time with mindless tasks, something I enjoy doing but does not stress my brain, help me forget my pitiful state, and the outcome of the tasks gives me much sense of compliance. In other words, I was restless and I needed to pass time without sitting idle. I was a bit upset with myself and the circumstances I was in but there was no backing out option, I just had to psych my mind to remain steady and tolerate it.

But I cry to you for help, O Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you. Psalm 88:13

Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. Psalm 55:17

It's like:-

When life brings you joy, embrace it 

When life brings you sorrow, grieve along

When life brings you surprises, take it

When life brings you inconvenience, go along

When life brings you pain, endure it

When life brings you adventure, take it up 

When life brings you bitterness, swallow it

When life brings you sunshine, take it all I'm

When life brings you rain, use your umbrella

When life brings you storm, call on Jesus to calm it

When life brings you unrest, ask God for rest

When life brings you a rainbow, enjoy it

So, whatever life present, you take it up, you may not like it but you can tolerate it and there is always a good reward awaiting you. No pain, no gain, right? So, Just Do it! 

At the lowest point, I considered myself selfish, pitiful, and arrogant. I think of the opportunities I have missed for not sharing God's love to others, I missed the opportunity to be light and salt. I was pretty useless to God's kingdom. I was struggling inwardly, feeling sorry for myself. Yet, God was faithful and watchful over me. 

When I think of Bible verse, I read out in my mind: 'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.' Tears started to flow because I knew there is a verse further down about 'going through the valley of death', I didn't like that. So I stopped. Then I thought how about recite That Prayer? What's it called? That prayer Jesus taught? Blank. 

Nurses came to talk to me about the final preparation before surgery, I was distracted for a while. I needed to walk to my stretcher bed waiting for me outside. I laid myself down, helping vulnerable and helpless. All the way to Surgery room was like in television scene. I was just following it through. All the way into Holding area and finally the surgery room, I felt some cold. Then I told them I need to urinate and that gave me some time to recall that prayer. Finally, figured out its The Lord's Prayer and I said, "Our Father who art in heaven, hallow be Thy name." Then, I said, "Lord, please take care of me and I trust you know what to do. Amen." 

This was the divine exchange with God that  I had on 9 May 2016 at 8:15 am in QEH2 Operation Theater, Level 2 or 3. The only thing I could say to God. Pretty unspectacular kind of faith. But God is faithful. 

A Call to Honour

Topic: A Call To Honour

Text: 1 Peter 2:17

21 Jan 2018

Ps Chong Mei Ling

It is obvious that the Culture of honour is lacking in the society. It’s so sad when the culture of honour is absent in the church, in the body of Christ. We can see children dishonouring parents, parents dishonouring their children, and spouse dishonouring one another. Can you recall an incidence when you have been dishonoured? How did you feel? Dishonour can be communicated by just a look, a look of contempt, that makes you look so small. It may have happened years ago but it has left a mark in your heart.

1.    Definition of Honour

Hebrew – H3513 Kabad. To make heavy. To consider weighty.

Greek – G5092 Timao. To prize ,to value, to fix a value upon, to respect.

Honour (consider weighty)	Dishonour (make light of)
To prize	To treat as ordinary or common
To treasure	To discount
To value	To disrespect
To respect	To ignore
To revere	To put down

2.    Who should we honour? The world honour those who are gifted, talented, beautiful and handsome, who are rich, successful, those who has power and position. We honour people who have made it. As Christians, are we different? Example of our response to have a newcomer who is a heart surgeon coming to our church and how we show respect outwardly, but not in our heart when we found out that she is arrogant, proud, rude and boastful. Honour is always the attitude of the heart.

The word of God says we should honour all people. (1 Peter 2:17, 18.) love the brotherhood, fear God, honour the king. the emperor at that time persecute the Christians. How were the readers’ reactions? Peter went on to say “Be submissive to your masters, not only outwardly but with respect.” The respect comes from the heart. As you hear this, many of you find it hard to accept. There are a few people you find it hard to honour, impossible to honour or you don’t want to honour. Ask for the grace of God be upon us, that we will not close our heart toward His Word. God’s values are always different, love our enemy, bless those who curse us, honour those whom we think are not honourable. It is difficult. But God’s Word is the truth. When we choose to obey God’s Word and the truth, it brings life to our spirit, it brings freedom. That’s why it is so foolish if we do not obey the Word of God. Example of her experience in one occasion when she was not invited for celebration and was asked to man the office. When she forgave them, the shame was lifted from her spirit and the peace of God came. Learn to be honest with God. She did not retaliate. She was tempted to, but God held her back by His grace.

3.    What is the effect of allowing shame/hurts to lodge in our heart? Dishonouring Heart is a breeding ground for a spirit of anger. When we dishonor someone, anger will come in, condemnation will come in and self- righteousness. We think we are better. It gives us the right to hate the person, to give up on that person. Example of a cell leader gave up on a problematic cell member. She was relieved when that member left. Years later she met this member who was then transformed by the Lord and the word. This cell leader was rebuked by the Lord for give up on that person. That is dishonoring . (Cell group leader take note. ) thank God that he never give up on us.

4.    Why is it that we need to honor one another? Because God created us as “Beings” of honour (Genesis 1:26, Psalm 8:5). We are made according to God’s kind. It’s such an honor to be made God’s kind. God predestined us to adoption as sons, through Jesus Christ to HIMSELF according to the good pleasure of His will. (Ephesians 1:5). It is God’s pleasure to adopt us as His sons. We are so precious. May God enlighten our hearts to see who we really are. Prayer: (Pray aloud to be heard by yourself): I am made in God’s image, according to Gods’ likeness. God has crowned me with His glory and majesty. He has adopted me as his son according to the good pleasure of His will, Heavenly Father I want to thank you for making me me. Forgive me for I often have dishonored myself for looking down on myself. Restore honor in my inner being as I honour who you made me to be. I also honour you because you are my Creator. I will heed your call to honor one another who are created in your likeness. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

We are people of honor. We are not rubbish.

5.    Example of dishonor (Matthew 13:54-58). Jesus was dishonored in his hometown. They judged Jesus by the outward appearance, by his circumstances. Because of their unbelief, they did not see the Messiah they were longing for. As a result, they did not experience the fullness of Jesus’ power. When we dishonor one another, we limit the person, when we dishonor our children, we will not see their potential. Whom have you treated as common or as nothing? Have you seen yourself like that?

6.     

Honouring Heart	Dishonouring Heart
-See & recognize the value of the person	-See the person as common & ordinary
-To treat the person with dignity & respect	-To discount or ignore the person
	-To put down

7.    Family: To love is to honour. The hallmark of love is honour.

a.    Wife to honor the husband (1 Peter 3:1-2) You find favor with God if you choose to obey and honour.

b.    Husband to honor the wife (1 Peter 3:7) so that your prayer will not be hindered. It’s a command and a warning. To shut your out heart and you life form your wife is most dishonoring. Honour is the fuel that runs a healthy marriage.

c.    Parents honour children. Do you see your children as blessing from God? Or a burden? To compare your child to others is most dishonoring act.

d.    Children to honour the parents (Ephesians 6:2-3). Life will go well with you. You may live life long on earth. You cannot agree with your parents but still honour them in your heart.

Honouring God

a.    To love God is to honour His Word. If you love me, you will keep my commandments (John 14:21, 1 John 2:4). We can obey God’s Word and yet do not have honour. Ask God to help us to obey out of love. I give tithes because God has given me so much. If I give tithes so that I receive more, I better forgive (others), otherwise God will not forgive me. This is true but is self-focus. That is not honour.

b.    To love God is to honour His Commands (John 14:21, 1 John 2:4).

Questions:

1.    Which group of people you find easier to honor or dishonor? Give examples of things you will do to honor/dishonor someone.

2.    Refer Matthew 13:54-58, why do you think it is difficult for people to honor Jesus? What is the consequence of dishonoring Jesus?

3.    To love God is to honor His ?. How does this truth apply to you and what do you plan to do to honor Him?

GBM Exco 5th Committee Meeting Chaplain's Sharing

Devotion by National Chaplain on 20 January 2018 - 
GBM Exco Committee Meeting at GBM HQ

Joshua 1 New International Version (NIV)
Joshua Installed as Leader

1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west.5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”


Sharing God is a very personal God. In the 9 verses, "I" was used 7 times and "you" was mentioned 14 times. He cares about our personal needs.

Verse 2 "NOW" is the moment for Joshua to lead, He is with him to start the new journey. God is into the current moment in time. We may not know the future but He is concerned about "Now".

Verse 3 Stay in the land that God gives to us. Don't move out the will of God like Naomi who moved away from the land, came back bitter and asked them to call her as "Marah" which mean bitter.

Verse 9  God reminds us that He is the Commander and control the situations. Do not be terrified, fearful and shaking in our shoes; for God is with us wherever we go. 

You must have time for God's word. In everything give Thanks and know God is in control and able to work out the good for us.

A Journey of Starting Over

Sunday Sermon 14/01/18
by Rev. Renny Khoo

Topic: A Journey of Starting Over

Text: Jeremiah 31:3

Jubilee Concept

The Jubilee Year is the 50th year at the end of 7 cycles of sabbatical years (7x7). According to Lev.25:8-13 slaves and prisoners will be freed, debts forgiven and land that had been sold will be returned. It is a year of release and a reset button to start over because God is a redemptive God.

1) Redemption of God

Redemption means to buy back with a price. To release someone from bondage a ransom has to be paid. Salvation is not free. To free us from the deadly consequences of our sins God bought us back at a tremendous price and the price tag is the blood and death of his son Jesus Christ.

2) Regimental Journey Vs Redemptive Journey

Discipleship is not a regimental Journey but a redemptive Journey.
While the regimental journey focusses on Performance, Work, What we must do and the demands of the law; Redemptive Journey on the other hand focusses on Pilgrimage of following Jesus, walking with Jesus, What Christ had accomplished and Abounding grace the unmerited favour of God.

3) Redemption Rooted in Love

Rom. 8:35-39 reassures us that Christ's love for us is eternal. Though we may face hardships, persecution, illness, imprisonment even death we are more than conquerors in him who love us and nothing can separate us from his love.
It is often said that God's love is unconditional but it is also conditional because besides being a loving God he is also a holy God and he demands holiness.
The good news is his standard of holiness which we can never achieve is fulfilled in Christ Jesus on our behalf. Though conditionally unconditional, his love is illogical because no one in his right frame of mind will go to this extent of giving love.

Starting Over is Coming Home

God is inviting us to come home and start over again. No matter whatsoever we have done or become he wants us to start afresh with him in a new relationship because his steadfast love never ceases and his mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning and great is his faithfulness Lam. 3:22-23. You may press your reset button now.

Questions

1) Share your 'starting over' experiences. What made you decide to start over?

2) Read Rom. 8:31-39 aloud. Identify and share truth statements from this passage.

3) Describe your present relationship with God. Would you say that it is a loving relationship? How so? or How not so? Pray for one another.

Let’s Journey! - Discipleship Journey

7^th Jan 2018

Rev Renny Khoo

Sermon Outline

Topic :  Let’s Journey! - # discipleship journey

Text    :             Col 2:6-7

         
   Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (Col2:6-7)

1.  Introduction: Let’s Journey!

 This journey is the call for us to go on with Christ in the same way we received Him.

For example, when we experience God’s goodness, like when He died for us, what did it feel like?        How can we keep this first love?

However, what does it mean ‘to journey on’?

It means to take a series of steps, one step at a time.

2.  Let’s Journey: Grow in Spiritual Vitality

a. The journey is about progression, not perfection.

    Eg. we can take 4 steps forward and then  2 steps  backward. 

It is about taking a series of steps from where we are at the present moment.

 Along this walk, God meets us (God Moments!) where we experience God and hear His voice.

 Thus, it is really important for us to learn to be sensitive to God.  Little moments may lead to defining moments and breakthroughs may be at our doorsteps or thresholds.  So we got to make a decision at that precised moment or the opportunity will not be ours to take.

b. The journey is about growth, not deliverance.

     The journey has a purpose and destiny.  Eg. Do you want to take it up?  We can cry out to God during distress but we can put Him aside too.  However, growth is not like this! We need to have a relationship with Him.

3.  Let’s Journey: Grow in Relational Maturity

a.  The journey is about a relationship with God.

God wants to empower us as He walks together with us. So it is important for us to be accountable in how we walk with Him and build this relationship with Him.

b.  The journey is about a relationship with one another.

As we journey with God, we are also journeying with one another. We need to build our relationship with one another. As we walk together, we have relational growth with one another i.e. we can help one another in overcoming our human problems. Thus as time is the essence, we need to join a CONNECT GROUP  to sharpen and be accountable in our walk with Christ.

4. Let’s Journey! Together.

 What kind of a journey? It’s Discipleship Journey.

Our discipleship journey is a redemptive journey.  “Jesus said: Come one come all!”

So we can or need to start over because Jesus has redeemed us .  We can feel God all over again.

Conclusion

‘May we learn to claim and receive in a spirit of Thanksgiving, may we learn to walk with God and one another.  May we have ears of faith to hear your words’

Questions:

1.  Share your initial impressions as you see this word – ‘Journey’.  What are some pictures, key words, experiences associated with this word?

2.  Read Col 2:6-7 again.  How do you understand (in bold and underline),.. “walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith,...”

3.  In the context of Discipleship Journey, share your intents, reminders to self, action or growth plan as a response to one of the following:

  The Journey is about a Relationship, with God and with one another.

   The Journey is about progression, not perfection.

  The Journey is about growth, not just deliverance.