From Meet Me in the Meadow, Roy Lessin. Posted 01 Oct 2010
No one is good but One, that is, God. Matthew 19:17 NKJV
Because God is good, everything that comes to us from Him is meant for our benefit. God’s good is the highest good; after His goodness there is no better or best. The Gospel is the “Good News” because it comes to us from God. We are also assured that He will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly before Him.
We are told in the Scriptures that God is able to work all things together for the good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. In ways that we may not fully know or understand, God is able to take even the hard and difficult things we go through and use them for the good. Goodness, not evil, will always have the final say in our lives as we trust God to fulfill His purposes for us.
After years of hardships, unfairness, rejection, and isolation, Joseph was able to say, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:20 NKJV. Joseph understood the goodness of God because he was able to witness the purpose of God fulfilled through all he experienced. The good purpose of God was something much greater than just the life of Joseph, it was to save the lives of the children of Israel and the lives of the Egyptians, in whose land they had come to dwell and grow into a great nation.
Our lives are not just about God being good to us, but also about God using us to extend His goodness to others. We can see this in the lives of people like Corrie Ten Boom and Amy Carmichael. God used the incredible hardships of Corrie Ten Boom for the good purpose of bringing hope, comfort, and encouragement to people all around the world. Amy Carmichael came to understand that God was able to use her pain for the good purpose of ministering, with empathy and compassion, to others who were hurting and going through great suffering.
Whatever you may be going through today, no matter how dark the sky may be, or how deep the valley takes you, be assured that God has not abandoned you, and because He is with you, goodness has not abandoned you…it will follow you all the days of your life, and goodness will prevail in the end.
Today's devotion affirmed my last thoughts last night before I went to bed, about the Yeo family in Labuan, their hardships and loss and how God did a Genesis 50:20 and brought Kong into our lives, my life.
Friday, 1 October 2010
Victory and Rest
"There remaineth, therefore, a rest to the people of God" (Heb. 4:9).
The rest includes victory, "And the Lord gave them rest round about; ...the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand" (Joshua 21:44).
"He will beautify the meek with victory" (Ps. 149:4).
From Streams in the Desert, Devil's Burden
The rest includes victory, "And the Lord gave them rest round about; ...the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand" (Joshua 21:44).
"He will beautify the meek with victory" (Ps. 149:4).
From Streams in the Desert, Devil's Burden
Turning Your Pain Into Purpose
Is God withholding something from your life? If so, it could be that He is preparing you for ministry - a ministry that will turn the bitter areas of your life into a blessing.
What are you still waiting for God to bring about in your life? The accomplishment of a dream? Could His area of withholding be your place of ministry as well?
Here are three principles to help you direct your desperation into a delightful end that will bless others and bring blessing into your life, as well:
1. Realize God Knows What He's Doing in Your Life
Although Nicole was disappointed to be divorced and desperately wanted another man in her life, she realized that she could continue to make mistakes and get into another bad relationship if she insisted on her way. So she chose to trust that God is in control, that He knows what He's doing in her life, and that His timing is far better than hers. God knows what He's doing in your life, too. It's all about trust.
2. Reflect on What God Has Already Given You
Nicole was able to see her blessing among the bitterness: a beautiful daughter that came out of a miserable marriage and a closer relationship with God that she hadn't known before. Focusing on those blessings, she moved forward as a single mom who was determined to make the best of it. What do you have right now that is a blessing in your life? Focus on that and ask God how He wants to use you right now with what you have.
3. Redirect Your Focus onto Others
Instead of continuing to dwell on the fact that she was lonely and lacking, Nicole chose to be a part of a ministry that ended up not only making a difference in others' lives, but hers as well. God has a way of blessing us when we choose to bless others. Look around at other women who may be longing for the same thing you are and ask God "How can I minister to women who are in similar circumstances?"
Are you a woman who is still desperately seeking something? Then, like Nicole, be a woman who desperately seeks God. As you take your desire for fulfillment and lay it at God's feet, He will give you a heart of gratitude for what you have and contentment in your circumstances. And He just may give you a ministry out of it, too.
From Crosswalk, 30 Sept 2010. Cindi McMenamin
What are you still waiting for God to bring about in your life? The accomplishment of a dream? Could His area of withholding be your place of ministry as well?
Here are three principles to help you direct your desperation into a delightful end that will bless others and bring blessing into your life, as well:
1. Realize God Knows What He's Doing in Your Life
Although Nicole was disappointed to be divorced and desperately wanted another man in her life, she realized that she could continue to make mistakes and get into another bad relationship if she insisted on her way. So she chose to trust that God is in control, that He knows what He's doing in her life, and that His timing is far better than hers. God knows what He's doing in your life, too. It's all about trust.
2. Reflect on What God Has Already Given You
Nicole was able to see her blessing among the bitterness: a beautiful daughter that came out of a miserable marriage and a closer relationship with God that she hadn't known before. Focusing on those blessings, she moved forward as a single mom who was determined to make the best of it. What do you have right now that is a blessing in your life? Focus on that and ask God how He wants to use you right now with what you have.
3. Redirect Your Focus onto Others
Instead of continuing to dwell on the fact that she was lonely and lacking, Nicole chose to be a part of a ministry that ended up not only making a difference in others' lives, but hers as well. God has a way of blessing us when we choose to bless others. Look around at other women who may be longing for the same thing you are and ask God "How can I minister to women who are in similar circumstances?"
Are you a woman who is still desperately seeking something? Then, like Nicole, be a woman who desperately seeks God. As you take your desire for fulfillment and lay it at God's feet, He will give you a heart of gratitude for what you have and contentment in your circumstances. And He just may give you a ministry out of it, too.
From Crosswalk, 30 Sept 2010. Cindi McMenamin
Turning Your Pain Into Purpose
Is God withholding something from your life? If so, it could be that He is preparing you for ministry - a ministry that will turn the bitter areas of your life into a blessing.
Waiting to be Born
Waiting To Be Born (from Sound Bites, 30 Sept 2010)
Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born.
-- Dr. Dale Turner
Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born.
-- Dr. Dale Turner
All Heaven Waits
From: Connection! (Devotions for Every Day Life) posted 01 Oct 2010
“All heaven waits with bated breath for saints on earth to pray,
Majestic angels ready stand with swords of fiery blade.
Astounding power awaits a word from God’s resplendent throne.
But God awaits our prayer of faith that cries, “Your will be done!”
Father, Your throne room must be a spectacular place of expectation! Teach me to continually remember that my prayers are a fragrant incense offered to the One I love the most. May I never take the power of prayer for granted, but always expectantly await Your will to be accomplished in the lives and situations for which You lead me to intercede
“All heaven waits with bated breath for saints on earth to pray,
Majestic angels ready stand with swords of fiery blade.
Astounding power awaits a word from God’s resplendent throne.
But God awaits our prayer of faith that cries, “Your will be done!”
Father, Your throne room must be a spectacular place of expectation! Teach me to continually remember that my prayers are a fragrant incense offered to the One I love the most. May I never take the power of prayer for granted, but always expectantly await Your will to be accomplished in the lives and situations for which You lead me to intercede
Enthroned as Intercessor
From: Connection! (Devotions for Every Day Life) Posted 30 Sept 2010
But Christ is the ultimate intercessor not only because He prayed on earth but even more because He continues His intercessory ministry in heaven today. Though Jesus’ “cross work” is complete, his “throne work” goes on. The author of Hebrews reminds us that, “because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. . . . He always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:24–25). Similarly the apostle Paul notes, “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34).
Jesus’ primary task as our enthroned intercessor is not simply to forward our prayer lists on to the Father. It is rather to intercede for the issues on the Father’s heart: His glory, His kingdom, and His will, as well as for our provision, our pardon, and our protection.
But Christ is the ultimate intercessor not only because He prayed on earth but even more because He continues His intercessory ministry in heaven today. Though Jesus’ “cross work” is complete, his “throne work” goes on. The author of Hebrews reminds us that, “because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. . . . He always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:24–25). Similarly the apostle Paul notes, “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34).
Jesus’ primary task as our enthroned intercessor is not simply to forward our prayer lists on to the Father. It is rather to intercede for the issues on the Father’s heart: His glory, His kingdom, and His will, as well as for our provision, our pardon, and our protection.
Promise
Amos 3:8
Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.
Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.
He has turned back your enemy
Encouragement from Doreen:
Zephaniah 3:14-20 (New International Version - UK)
Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem!
The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy.
The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.
On that day they will say to Jerusalem, Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
The sorrows for the appointed feasts I will remove from you; they are a burden and a reproach to you.
At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you; I will rescue the lame and gather those who have been scattered.
I will give them praise and honour in every land where they were put to shame.
At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home.
I will give you honour and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes, says the LORD.
Zephaniah 3:14-20 (New International Version - UK)
Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem!
The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy.
The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.
On that day they will say to Jerusalem, Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
The sorrows for the appointed feasts I will remove from you; they are a burden and a reproach to you.
At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you; I will rescue the lame and gather those who have been scattered.
I will give them praise and honour in every land where they were put to shame.
At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home.
I will give you honour and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes, says the LORD.
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Friday, 3 September 2010
... God Is
…God Is (from Meet Me in the Meadow, Roy Lessin)
Posted: 03 Sep 2010 05:35 AM PDT
For every hectic day, God is your quiet rest.
For every painful experience, God is your healing touch.
For every disappointment, God is your certain hope.
For every turbulent storm, God is your calming peace.
For every hurtful action, God is your forgiving love.
Happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) is he who has the God of [special revelation to] Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God. Psalm 146:5 AMP
Posted: 03 Sep 2010 05:35 AM PDT
For every hectic day, God is your quiet rest.
For every painful experience, God is your healing touch.
For every disappointment, God is your certain hope.
For every turbulent storm, God is your calming peace.
For every hurtful action, God is your forgiving love.
Happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) is he who has the God of [special revelation to] Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God. Psalm 146:5 AMP
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
Receptive prayer
"In receptive prayer the agenda is God’s and we are ready to receive whatever He offers. We “delight” in Him (Ps. 37:4, NIV), enjoying everything that expresses Him. We may immerse ourselves in a gospel story, captivated by Jesus’ love; stand in rapt silence by the crib of a newborn, amazed at the miracle of this precious life; listen to the thunder of a cascading waterfall, enthralled by the magnificence of God’s creation; or simply look back over an ordinary day, remembering so many occasions of unexpected grace. Moments like these are crucial for replenishing our faith. They furnish fresh reasons for casting ourselves unreservedly on God’s mercy, living by His promises, and depending on Him for our daily!
From Connection! (Devotions for Every Day life) 22 Aug 2010
From Connection! (Devotions for Every Day life) 22 Aug 2010
Shui diao ge tou
An excerpt from a poem by Song Dynasty poet, Su Shi quoted by Eugene Sim at the class reunion in Penang last weekend!
"People have their griefs and joys, their togetherness and separation,
The moon has its dark and clear times, its waxings and wanings.S
ituations are never ideal since long ago.
I only hope we two may have long long lives,
So that we may share the moon's beauty even though we are a three hundred miles apart."
"People have their griefs and joys, their togetherness and separation,
The moon has its dark and clear times, its waxings and wanings.S
ituations are never ideal since long ago.
I only hope we two may have long long lives,
So that we may share the moon's beauty even though we are a three hundred miles apart."
Tragic end for HK tourists in Manila
Two days ago, the hijacking of a bus-ful of HK tourists in Manila by a disgruntled ex-police officer who had been dismissed ended in tragedy when he shot eight of them.
I read the heartbreaking account of a Mrs Leung in today's Straits Times who survived by pretending to be dead as she lay on the floor of the bus when the shooting started. Later she discovered that not only her hussband but their two daughters had been killed as well. Her son, 18 is now in intensive care with a head injury.
I read the heartbreaking account of a Mrs Leung in today's Straits Times who survived by pretending to be dead as she lay on the floor of the bus when the shooting started. Later she discovered that not only her hussband but their two daughters had been killed as well. Her son, 18 is now in intensive care with a head injury.
The Reunion Continues
Singaporean MBBS 1984 will be returning Yu Gee's hospitality when he visits on 17 Sept. A dinner at Muthu's is being planned for Sat 18 Sept. I may make my way there to join them after Pastor's Class from 5-6.30pm.
Saturday, 21 August 2010
MBBS 1984
The Lost Paradise, Batu Ferringhi
Thirty of our classmates are in Penang this weekend, enjoying the gracious hospitality of Chew Yu Gee and his wife, Melody.
28 May 2010, Wong Yu Sie died a week after he suffered a massive stroke while lecturing.
16 June 2010 Lai Lai posted pictures of The Lost Paradise, Batu Ferringhi after spending a weekend at Yu Gee's home in Penang
17 July 2010 MPS Meet-Your-Peng-You Session at TCC Cafe in Great World CityRe: Kopi-O, Teh-see, Teow-hrr, Milo Dinosaur? Anyone??
Thirty of our classmates are in Penang this weekend, enjoying the gracious hospitality of Chew Yu Gee and his wife, Melody.
28 May 2010, Wong Yu Sie died a week after he suffered a massive stroke while lecturing.
16 June 2010 Lai Lai posted pictures of The Lost Paradise, Batu Ferringhi after spending a weekend at Yu Gee's home in Penang
17 July 2010 MPS Meet-Your-Peng-You Session at TCC Cafe in Great World CityRe: Kopi-O, Teh-see, Teow-hrr, Milo Dinosaur? Anyone??
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Melissa's bag of silver beads
Melissa is very pleased with her bag of silver beads and shows them to almost everyone she meets including Marcus last night!
All's well that ends well!
Victoria's 18th birthday celebration at Cedele in Wheelock Place yesterday evening with Marcus as our special guest was saved from being a disaster by the manager relenting after I spoke to her over the phone at the service counter and allowed her to choose a complimentary birthday cake. We were only informed after we had placed our orders and Victoria had handed over her Strawberry Shortcake from Bakerzin that no outside cakes were allowed to be consumed. Praise God for His divine intervention and the prayers of many during the day for Victoria and our family.
Brian in Yushu
After yet another reminder, I finally posted about a dozen pictures on our Yushu medical relief trip laast month!
Monday, 9 August 2010
Baptist Medical Missions
Alan Phua, Missions Director of the Singapore Baptist Convention, hopes to start a Baptist Medical Missions with a database of dostors, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, physiotherapists, counsellors, social workers, medical students, dentists, army medics and other healthcare workers.
Mummy
I pray Mummy will guard her tongue and that her speech will be gracious and encouraging instead of critical and condemning.
Papa
Papa had three stents inserted on 31 May at the NHC. I am thankful for Prof Ng who decided to refer him for a cardio review after an A&E ECG showed 1st degree AV block and atrial ectopics causing him to suspect underlying IHD.
Shih-Yen
After the battery of our Mazda 3 died two more times while I was in Yushu and had to be towed from Biopolis twice, SY decided to trade it in for a secondhand Toyota Camry. We took possession of the car on Fri 23 July and I pray that it serves us well, that our family will be kept safe while travelling in it, for God's protection from accidents and costly repairs and His provision to repay the car loan.
Victoria
Victoria turns eighteen tomorrow 10 August. She has temporarily suspended her chess training to focus on her 'A' level preparations and said she will resume working towards her WIM norms and title after her 'A' levels.
Yesterday we celebrated Dad's birthday at Lee Tong Kee. Richard and Victoria's friend, Marcus her senior from Hwa Chong and now serving NS, joined us. From my own experiences and mistakes, I would have preferred Brian, Melissa and Victoria to complete their tertiary studies like my medical classmates did and trust God to provide a life partner in His time and according to His will and not tie themselves down to one person in their late teens.
Yesterday we celebrated Dad's birthday at Lee Tong Kee. Richard and Victoria's friend, Marcus her senior from Hwa Chong and now serving NS, joined us. From my own experiences and mistakes, I would have preferred Brian, Melissa and Victoria to complete their tertiary studies like my medical classmates did and trust God to provide a life partner in His time and according to His will and not tie themselves down to one person in their late teens.
Melissa
Melissa started her second year in NAFA on 19 July, the day Brian and I arrived back from Yushu quake relief. I was thankful for God's timing that I could drive her to school and pray a blessing upon her as I dropped her off. She was excited that they were told to purchase half a kg of silver for their jewellery design course work this semester (it cost $450, a day's wages from my locum work at Michael Koh's clinic three days later). The jewellery design HOD, Mr Desmond is an inspiration to Melissa and the other students and I pray for his health, and protection of his job and position at NAFA for the duration of Melissa's studies there.
Brian
Brian starts his third year in NUS tomorrow 10 August. I have enjoyed his company and appreciated his help with the pets and housework during his long vacation and pray God blesses him with the modules he hopes to do with his friends this semester.
Gansu Province landslide
Torrential rains on Sat 7 Aug triggered a landlslide in Zhouqu country in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Gansu Province, NW China killing 127 people and with 2000 people reported missing.
HB who helped us with the IBC-Hua Mei International Sichuan quake medical relief in May 2008 met us in Xining when Brian and I went to NW China with the Convention's team for Yushu quake relief in July 2010. He is now teaching English at a university in Gansu Province.
HB who helped us with the IBC-Hua Mei International Sichuan quake medical relief in May 2008 met us in Xining when Brian and I went to NW China with the Convention's team for Yushu quake relief in July 2010. He is now teaching English at a university in Gansu Province.
Pakistan flood relief
9 August 2010
Heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan have caused the country's worst recorded flooding that has claimed over 1600 lives and affected more than 12 million people. The rain is continuing to fall and the flood waters are flowing down the Indus River towards the sea causing half a million people to be evacuated from Sindh. Dams are threatening to burst and the harvest from Pakistan's bread basket destroyed.
Crisis Relief Singapore is considering sending a medical recce team and I am praying if and when to go.
Heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan have caused the country's worst recorded flooding that has claimed over 1600 lives and affected more than 12 million people. The rain is continuing to fall and the flood waters are flowing down the Indus River towards the sea causing half a million people to be evacuated from Sindh. Dams are threatening to burst and the harvest from Pakistan's bread basket destroyed.
Crisis Relief Singapore is considering sending a medical recce team and I am praying if and when to go.
Dr Karen Woo
9 August 2010
Dr Karen Woo was a doctor from London who was gunned down with nine other members of their International Assistance Mission (IAM) medical team in Afghanistan four days ago.
The BBC article I read online yesterday evening had a link to her blog, Dr Karen Explores Healthcare in Afghanistan.
In her last entry dated 20 July 2010, she wrote that she was sad to leave her rose garden, five kittens, two tortoises and multiple rabbits.
I wonder who is looking after them now.
Today's Straits Times reported that she was apparently planning to get married in two weeks' time.
Dr Karen Woo was a doctor from London who was gunned down with nine other members of their International Assistance Mission (IAM) medical team in Afghanistan four days ago.
The BBC article I read online yesterday evening had a link to her blog, Dr Karen Explores Healthcare in Afghanistan.
In her last entry dated 20 July 2010, she wrote that she was sad to leave her rose garden, five kittens, two tortoises and multiple rabbits.
I wonder who is looking after them now.
Today's Straits Times reported that she was apparently planning to get married in two weeks' time.
Home
9 August 2010
"This is home
Truly
Where I know I must be
Where my dreams wait for me
Where the river always flow"
"This is home
Truly
Where I know I must be
Where my dreams wait for me
Where the river always flow"
National Day
9 August 2010
Today Singapore celebrates its 45th National Day. Happy Birthday, Singapore! May Singaporeans be a blessing to the nations around them in SE Asia, Asia and beyond as we have been blessed.
Today Singapore celebrates its 45th National Day. Happy Birthday, Singapore! May Singaporeans be a blessing to the nations around them in SE Asia, Asia and beyond as we have been blessed.
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Friday, 5 February 2010
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
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