At YWAM class yesterday, we had Joseph Chean come talk to us about missions. It was an inspiring class.
One thing that struck me deeply was just how God's hand had always been on Singapore. We are a tiny red dot nation, located in the backwaters of Southeast Asia. But God knew he had a destiny for our little land. And He sent missionaries from the early days to evangelise our forefathers.
So shortly after Stamford Raffles arrives to found Singapore in 1819, the first Protestant missionary sets up a local ministry here. In 1826, the Anglican church is founded in Singapore. In 1835, the Armenian church, founded by the Sarkis Brothers who built our iconic Raffles Hotel, is built. The missionaries also set up schools and hospitals - praise God for them! In 1885, Rev William F. Oldham arrives to head the work of the Methodist Church of Singapore - I grew up a product of the Methodist Church!
In the 1930s, John Sung - known as the Billy Graham of Asia - preaches in China and the overseas Chinese population in Southeast Asia. Wikipedia says by 1936, it is believed that more than 100,000 Chinese were converted through his ministry. Today, some in Singapore are second or third-generation Christians because their parents or grandparents believed in God after hearing John Sung.
In 1978, Billy Graham preached in Singapore, and people crowded into the 55,000-seat National Stadium each night to hear the message. More than 19,600 people - many of whom are leaders and pastors today - surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ. It was Billy Graham who called out Singapore's destiny - saying God wants our little nation to be the 'Antioch of Asia' ... a hub or stepping stone for the rest of the world into Asia. I think our strategic location in the middle of key trade and air routes is no coincidence!
I was almost in tears when I considered our illustrious Christian heritage. What are we after all? A citystate with no natural resources and no hinterland, and just over 4 million people. It is a miracle that we survived independence, let alone be transformed from a third-world country to a first-world nation in one generation. For that, we have to thank God and the leaders He gave us. Indeed, in Singapore, we have been blessed beyond all measure - both materially and spiritually. And now, we have this amazing calling as 'Antioch of Asia' - to send out missionaries, to bless the Asia people materially, to be a place of refreshing and refuelling for the church workers in our neighbouring lands.
As I was reminded of the torchbearers - the men and women God sent our way to point the way to Christ - I thank God for their obedience. Truly God, you have done this. May we do the same for those who do not yet know Him.
Postscript: In 2017, Lou Engle released a prophetic word over Singapore. 2018 marks the 40th year of Billy Graham's word to Singapore that we are an Antioch to Asia. 40 years is a significant timeframe in the Bible, as it denotes a generation. Would we come into fulfillment of our calling and would we care enough to contend for it, or would we be satisfied with where Singapore is now? Would we pay the price for our nation to come into its fullness of all God has for us? To read what he said, click here.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
God's assignments for us
"About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, 'Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?" "Who are you, Lord?" I asked. "I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 9My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me. "What shall I do, Lord?" I asked.
"Get up," the Lord said, "and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do." (Acts 22:6-10)
Jesus had assignments for Paul. Likewise, I believe God has assignments for us all. Recently at YWAM, we have been learning about calling and destiny. What is our calling? What is our destiny?
Some lessons: God is liberal with our destiny. And He has big dreams for us. He called Gideon a mighty man of valour, before Gideon ever achieved anything for God.
Was at a bookshop recently, and noticed that there are plenty of self-help books and books on self-esteem. Self-esteem and self-confidence are wonderful, I thought. Especially the right esteem about ourselves in God's eyes.
Until I read this in the notes a friend shared with us this evening, and it makes so much sense: "Self-esteem is focused on self. Christ-esteem is recognising I’m filthy, sinful and have no good apart from God – I look to Christ – Jesus alive in me. I don’t have to struggle because my self is dead. And I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
"You can be everything you want to be – that’s the world view. But what does Jesus want me to be? That's the kingdom view."
"Don’t discourage children and their big dreams, but refocus it to how they can align their dreams with God."
Prayer today: Father God, I want big dreams. But I want them to be aligned with your big dreams. My vision, no better how big, is still much smaller than yours; because you are a Big God, and you are liberal when it comes to destinies. Help me to live the fullest life that you intended me to live when you conceived me in your mind. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"Get up," the Lord said, "and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do." (Acts 22:6-10)
Jesus had assignments for Paul. Likewise, I believe God has assignments for us all. Recently at YWAM, we have been learning about calling and destiny. What is our calling? What is our destiny?
Some lessons: God is liberal with our destiny. And He has big dreams for us. He called Gideon a mighty man of valour, before Gideon ever achieved anything for God.
Was at a bookshop recently, and noticed that there are plenty of self-help books and books on self-esteem. Self-esteem and self-confidence are wonderful, I thought. Especially the right esteem about ourselves in God's eyes.
Until I read this in the notes a friend shared with us this evening, and it makes so much sense: "Self-esteem is focused on self. Christ-esteem is recognising I’m filthy, sinful and have no good apart from God – I look to Christ – Jesus alive in me. I don’t have to struggle because my self is dead. And I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
"You can be everything you want to be – that’s the world view. But what does Jesus want me to be? That's the kingdom view."
"Don’t discourage children and their big dreams, but refocus it to how they can align their dreams with God."
Prayer today: Father God, I want big dreams. But I want them to be aligned with your big dreams. My vision, no better how big, is still much smaller than yours; because you are a Big God, and you are liberal when it comes to destinies. Help me to live the fullest life that you intended me to live when you conceived me in your mind. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, July 13, 2009
The heavens are telling of the glory of the Lord!
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings, and crowned him with glory and honor (Psalms 8:3-4)
Recently, I saw a Louis Giglio video on the stars that God created. Before this, I thought stars were little twinkling things in the sky (a misnomer probably caused by the nursery rhyme one learnt at kindergarten). When I realised that some of the stars in our universe are way way bigger than Earth, it took my breath away. It really caused my mind to be quite blown away. And this is just fingerwork for God!!!!
What a Great God we serve!
Recently, I saw a Louis Giglio video on the stars that God created. Before this, I thought stars were little twinkling things in the sky (a misnomer probably caused by the nursery rhyme one learnt at kindergarten). When I realised that some of the stars in our universe are way way bigger than Earth, it took my breath away. It really caused my mind to be quite blown away. And this is just fingerwork for God!!!!
What a Great God we serve!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Christian the Lion
Saw the book on Christian the Lion at the bookshop today, and remembered what a wonderful story it is. This is a true story... and the following is an account from Wikipedia: "Christian was a lion originally purchased by Australians John Rendall and Anthony "Ace" Bourke from Harrods department store of London in 1969 and ultimately reintroduced to the wild by conservationist George Adamson. One year after George Adamson released Christian to the wild, his former owners decided to go looking for him in Africa to see whether Christian would remember them. Surprisingly, he did and with him were other lions in the pride who were also friendly."
This is so immensely touching. Impossible? On this earth, it's very likely a one in a million ... but I am looking forward to when Christ establishes His kingdom, and when even the predatory animals become peaceable :) Just like Christian the Lion.
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them (Isaiah 11:6)
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD. (Isaiah 65:25)
This is so immensely touching. Impossible? On this earth, it's very likely a one in a million ... but I am looking forward to when Christ establishes His kingdom, and when even the predatory animals become peaceable :) Just like Christian the Lion.
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them (Isaiah 11:6)
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD. (Isaiah 65:25)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
A believer's identity and destiny
"For God's gifts and his call are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29)
At YWAM's iDTS school last Saturday, we learnt about Identity and Destiny. What is our identity in Christ? What is our destiny? They teach that in YWAM because God calls us to lead purposeful lives. And God places a wonderful calling on each of our lives ... we just need to know it!
As believers, our identity is an awesome one - we are children of our Abba Father, the Great High God. That blows my mind away. Our destiny...or calling in life... is more tricky, and often, it's as we walk close to God that we know what it is.
Today, a colleague told me about a friend who was undergoing cancer. It started off as a cancer in the lung but has spread to the brain. It's a tough road but this cancer sufferer's journey is made just a little easier with the help of a caring oncologist. This oncologist is a Christian, and every morning, she would gather all her patients' files and pray over them. WOW! This really inspires me. Talk about identity and destiny. This oncologist's identity is as a child of God. Her destiny is to use her God-given skills as a doctor to treat the sick, to make them better. But what a power-packed destiny it is, because she also has access to the throne of grace of her Abba Father, who is God Almighty! May I also walk out my God-given destiny by accessing the love and power of my Abba Father, to bless those around me.
Prayer today: Father God, as your children, we are highly privileged. Help me to use my God-given skills, but more importantly my access to you, to bless those around me. Help me to always remember my identity as a child of God, and live out my full destiny. All the days of my life were written in your book before one of them came to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.
At YWAM's iDTS school last Saturday, we learnt about Identity and Destiny. What is our identity in Christ? What is our destiny? They teach that in YWAM because God calls us to lead purposeful lives. And God places a wonderful calling on each of our lives ... we just need to know it!
As believers, our identity is an awesome one - we are children of our Abba Father, the Great High God. That blows my mind away. Our destiny...or calling in life... is more tricky, and often, it's as we walk close to God that we know what it is.
Today, a colleague told me about a friend who was undergoing cancer. It started off as a cancer in the lung but has spread to the brain. It's a tough road but this cancer sufferer's journey is made just a little easier with the help of a caring oncologist. This oncologist is a Christian, and every morning, she would gather all her patients' files and pray over them. WOW! This really inspires me. Talk about identity and destiny. This oncologist's identity is as a child of God. Her destiny is to use her God-given skills as a doctor to treat the sick, to make them better. But what a power-packed destiny it is, because she also has access to the throne of grace of her Abba Father, who is God Almighty! May I also walk out my God-given destiny by accessing the love and power of my Abba Father, to bless those around me.
Prayer today: Father God, as your children, we are highly privileged. Help me to use my God-given skills, but more importantly my access to you, to bless those around me. Help me to always remember my identity as a child of God, and live out my full destiny. All the days of my life were written in your book before one of them came to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Prayer requests: Nothing is too small or too specific for God
Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. (Isaiah 59:1)
This week, God reminded me of the power of specific prayer. At the workplace, my team and I were organising a community event whereby 20 colleagues had volunteered to have their heads shaved, to raise money for a children's cancer charity organisation. The event was to take place at the cafeteria at our workplace - and it had a capacity of 200+ persons. My team and I were involved with executing the entire event - from publicising it internally, rallying for donations, and planning the logistics.
While we did everything we could to ensure flawless execution of the programme, there was one thing that was completely out of our control - the number of people who would turn up. We didn't want to be contrived about it ... and to invite only select people. We wanted all our people who would support the cause to come, and to cheer on our brave colleagues who were having their heads shaved. Yet, we knew that if people turned up in droves, we would have a crowd control problem on our hands. So we prayed a specific prayer: God, please let the RIGHT NUMBER of people come.
It's funny how I can believe that God is the maker of the universe, and doubt that He would be able to answer this prayer. So I was pretty stressed about it all. Ten minutes before the event, no one was there. But when it started, God brought in just about 200+ people - the ideal number - so much so that the atmosphere was electric! There was loads of camaraderie and cheering; but we weren't packed like sardines :)
And I'm still really inspired and awestruck by the event, and how generous everyone was! Within 3 short weeks, we've raised over SGD 100,000 for the cancer-stricken kids, and we have another week of fund-raising to go! That God brought in the right number of people sounds like a small thing. But for me, it's another example of an answer to specific prayer, and God being in control of everything and everything! This one will go into my personal chequebook of faith of just how great our God is!
Prayer today: Abba Father, thank you for making our charity event such a success. While I could plan the logistics to flawless execution, the number of attendees was completely out of my control. But it was completely in your control. I know that now. You are awesome Father, and I praise you that no prayer request is too small or too specific for you to answer! :)
This week, God reminded me of the power of specific prayer. At the workplace, my team and I were organising a community event whereby 20 colleagues had volunteered to have their heads shaved, to raise money for a children's cancer charity organisation. The event was to take place at the cafeteria at our workplace - and it had a capacity of 200+ persons. My team and I were involved with executing the entire event - from publicising it internally, rallying for donations, and planning the logistics.
While we did everything we could to ensure flawless execution of the programme, there was one thing that was completely out of our control - the number of people who would turn up. We didn't want to be contrived about it ... and to invite only select people. We wanted all our people who would support the cause to come, and to cheer on our brave colleagues who were having their heads shaved. Yet, we knew that if people turned up in droves, we would have a crowd control problem on our hands. So we prayed a specific prayer: God, please let the RIGHT NUMBER of people come.
It's funny how I can believe that God is the maker of the universe, and doubt that He would be able to answer this prayer. So I was pretty stressed about it all. Ten minutes before the event, no one was there. But when it started, God brought in just about 200+ people - the ideal number - so much so that the atmosphere was electric! There was loads of camaraderie and cheering; but we weren't packed like sardines :)
And I'm still really inspired and awestruck by the event, and how generous everyone was! Within 3 short weeks, we've raised over SGD 100,000 for the cancer-stricken kids, and we have another week of fund-raising to go! That God brought in the right number of people sounds like a small thing. But for me, it's another example of an answer to specific prayer, and God being in control of everything and everything! This one will go into my personal chequebook of faith of just how great our God is!
Prayer today: Abba Father, thank you for making our charity event such a success. While I could plan the logistics to flawless execution, the number of attendees was completely out of my control. But it was completely in your control. I know that now. You are awesome Father, and I praise you that no prayer request is too small or too specific for you to answer! :)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Spiritual warfare and lies about God
10 "This is what Sennacherib king of Assyria says: On what are you basing your confidence, that you remain in Jerusalem under siege? 11 When Hezekiah says, 'The LORD our God will save us from the hand of the king of Assyria,' he is misleading you, to let you die of hunger and thirst... 14 Who of all the gods of these nations that my fathers destroyed has been able to save his people from me? How then can your god deliver you from my hand? 15 Now do not let Hezekiah deceive you and mislead you like this. Do not believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand or the hand of my fathers. How much less will your god deliver you from my hand!" (2 Chr 32:10-14)
When Sennacherib king of Assyria and all his forces were laying siege on Lachish, he taunted the people of Judah and spouted lie upon lie, to make them doubt God. He told them that Hezekiah was misleading them when he said God would be able to deliver them. Sennacherib sounded real convincing, but in fact, it was he who was lying.
In the same way, Satan is the Father of lies. He lies to us to make us doubt God's goodness, His strength, His might, His ability to deliver us. I remember one year when we were engaged in spiritual warfare to push back his kingdom, he sowed this doubt in my mind, "Are you SURE your God can keep you?" When I allowed these thoughts to assault my mind, my faith began to falter ...
That's why we need to keep our armour on - especially the belt of truth and the shield of faith. In the face of insurmountable odds, am I sure my God can keep me? Yes He can. And He will. His word says so. He is a God that cannot lie.
20 King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to heaven about this. 21 And the LORD sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the leaders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he went into the temple of his god, some of his sons cut him down with the sword.
Hallelejah. Amen.
Prayer today: O Father, forgive me when I doubt you and listen to lies. Help me discern truth from falsehood, especially falsehood about you; that I may walk secure in who you are, and whose I am. In Jesus' name, Amen.
When Sennacherib king of Assyria and all his forces were laying siege on Lachish, he taunted the people of Judah and spouted lie upon lie, to make them doubt God. He told them that Hezekiah was misleading them when he said God would be able to deliver them. Sennacherib sounded real convincing, but in fact, it was he who was lying.
In the same way, Satan is the Father of lies. He lies to us to make us doubt God's goodness, His strength, His might, His ability to deliver us. I remember one year when we were engaged in spiritual warfare to push back his kingdom, he sowed this doubt in my mind, "Are you SURE your God can keep you?" When I allowed these thoughts to assault my mind, my faith began to falter ...
That's why we need to keep our armour on - especially the belt of truth and the shield of faith. In the face of insurmountable odds, am I sure my God can keep me? Yes He can. And He will. His word says so. He is a God that cannot lie.
20 King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to heaven about this. 21 And the LORD sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the leaders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he went into the temple of his god, some of his sons cut him down with the sword.
Hallelejah. Amen.
Prayer today: O Father, forgive me when I doubt you and listen to lies. Help me discern truth from falsehood, especially falsehood about you; that I may walk secure in who you are, and whose I am. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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