There’s a land unseen by our mortal eyes, And its joys no tongue can tell;
Where in robes of white, in its vales of light, We shall meet, and forever dwell.
O Eden, dear Eden, Home bright and fair,
Soon our bark will land on thy golden stand, And our rest will be glorious there.
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
More About the Blackout
The blackout last night was such a big 'event' that it is being reported extensively today. Widespread blackouts are quite rare in Singapore, and we don't often think of how fortunate we are to have a consistent power supply.
The blackout caused quite a bit of chaos last night. Some people, including an 11 year old boy, were trapped in HDB lifts. Traffic lights went out and some accidents occurred. Since the lights were out, some young people decided to stay out to enjoy themselves. Lots of unpleasant things happen when the lights go out.
In the same way, the Lord says we are lights in this world. What would happen when spiritual lights go out or remain hidden? Spiritual darkness will reign, no doubt, and unrighteousness will increase. People will be directionless and lost, and some will get hurt or hurt themselves.
It's little wonder, then, that the Bible calls us lights, and reminds us several times to let our lights shine and point people to God (Matt 5:14-16, Phi 2:15). While Christ was on the earth, He was the Light of the world. Now His light shines through His people, and if His people choose to hide His light, the world will remain lost in its darkness. How important it is for us to let our light shine!
The blackout last night was such a big 'event' that it is being reported extensively today. Widespread blackouts are quite rare in Singapore, and we don't often think of how fortunate we are to have a consistent power supply.
The blackout caused quite a bit of chaos last night. Some people, including an 11 year old boy, were trapped in HDB lifts. Traffic lights went out and some accidents occurred. Since the lights were out, some young people decided to stay out to enjoy themselves. Lots of unpleasant things happen when the lights go out.
In the same way, the Lord says we are lights in this world. What would happen when spiritual lights go out or remain hidden? Spiritual darkness will reign, no doubt, and unrighteousness will increase. People will be directionless and lost, and some will get hurt or hurt themselves.
It's little wonder, then, that the Bible calls us lights, and reminds us several times to let our lights shine and point people to God (Matt 5:14-16, Phi 2:15). While Christ was on the earth, He was the Light of the world. Now His light shines through His people, and if His people choose to hide His light, the world will remain lost in its darkness. How important it is for us to let our light shine!
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Massive Blackout!
I just came back from Campus meeting about an hour or so ago. It was quite scary as the whole neighbourhood had a blackout. The blackout was quite massive and even Kong who lives at the other end of the island was experiencing it.
You know, when it's all dark around like that, light is very very much appreciated. Light attracts people, and people long for it and would gravitate towards it. Being in the dark is kind of scary. I guess it doesn't take a genius to learn a few spiritual lessons from this, and why the Lord tells us to let our light shine in this dark sin-filled world :)
I just came back from Campus meeting about an hour or so ago. It was quite scary as the whole neighbourhood had a blackout. The blackout was quite massive and even Kong who lives at the other end of the island was experiencing it.
You know, when it's all dark around like that, light is very very much appreciated. Light attracts people, and people long for it and would gravitate towards it. Being in the dark is kind of scary. I guess it doesn't take a genius to learn a few spiritual lessons from this, and why the Lord tells us to let our light shine in this dark sin-filled world :)
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Quotable Quote
We don't go to church, we are the church!
~ Andrew Farmer ~
We don't go to church, we are the church!
~ Andrew Farmer ~
Friday, June 18, 2004
Let Us Exalt His Name Together
1982 Stuart Dauermann
At all times I will bless Him; His praise will be in my mouth
My soul makes its boast in the Lord.
The humble man will hear of Him; the afflicted will be glad
And join with me to magnify the Lord.
Chorus:
Let us exalt His name together forever.
I sought the Lord; he heard me and delivered me from my fears.
Let us exalt His name together forever.
Oh, sing His praises, magnify the Lord.
The angel of the Lord encamps 'round those who fear his name
To save them and deliver them from harm.
Though lions roar with hunger, we lack for no good thing.
No wonder, then, we praise Him with our song.
chorus
Come, children, now and hear me if you would see long life.
Just keep your lips from wickedness and lies.
Do good and turn from evil; seek peace instead of strife.
Love righteousness and God will hear you cry.
chorus
This beautiful song is taken from Psalm 34.
1982 Stuart Dauermann
At all times I will bless Him; His praise will be in my mouth
My soul makes its boast in the Lord.
The humble man will hear of Him; the afflicted will be glad
And join with me to magnify the Lord.
Chorus:
Let us exalt His name together forever.
I sought the Lord; he heard me and delivered me from my fears.
Let us exalt His name together forever.
Oh, sing His praises, magnify the Lord.
The angel of the Lord encamps 'round those who fear his name
To save them and deliver them from harm.
Though lions roar with hunger, we lack for no good thing.
No wonder, then, we praise Him with our song.
chorus
Come, children, now and hear me if you would see long life.
Just keep your lips from wickedness and lies.
Do good and turn from evil; seek peace instead of strife.
Love righteousness and God will hear you cry.
chorus
This beautiful song is taken from Psalm 34.
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Click to donate a book of the Bible to persecuted Christians for FREE!
http://www.thebiblesite.org/
http://www.thebiblesite.org/
Sunday, June 13, 2004
I received a copy of the LINK today (Teenz Ministry newsletter). It's a blessing to see the teens writing for the Lord to encourage one another. I used to do something like that in my previous church, and I just want the teens to know that this is a precious ministry. It's so precious to share what God has taught you with others to encourage them. It's great to see the teens want to write not because someone told them to, but because they want to serve the Lord. May the Lord use the LINK to encourage many as you do it in dependence on Him. As the Lord blesses, remember to always remain humble so the Lord can continue to use you.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Names of God
Names have a lot of significance in the Bible. Often they are given to describe a person's character or features. Jacob, whose name means "the supplanter", led a life characterized by taking advantage of others while his brother, Esau (which means "hairy") was born a really hairy baby (Gen 25:25,26). Sometimes names were given as a prophecy against the nation of Israel. At other times names were given as reminders. Imagine how Abram must have died of shock when God first told him that he would have a son and would call his name Isaac (which means "he laughs"). Abraham had just laughed with disbelief in his heart, and here was God telling him to name his son "he laughs" (Gen 17:17,19). Certainly Abraham was not laughing anymore. But the long and short of all of it is names had great significance back then.
God makes Himself known by His names. It shouldn't surprise us that God has several names. This does not mean God uses one name when He feels like it and then changes to another. It simply means that each name is a description of a different aspect of God's character. When God proclaimed the name of the Lord to Moses in Exodus 34, what He did was to give a description of Himself. God has revealed Himself through His names. The following are just a few of them:
Elohim: The plural form of EL, meaning “strong one.” When used of the true God, it is a plural of majesty and intimates the trinity. It is especially used of God’s sovereignty, creative work, mighty work for Israel and in relation to His sovereignty (eg. Gen 1:1).
Compounds of El:
Compounds of Jehovah:
Names have a lot of significance in the Bible. Often they are given to describe a person's character or features. Jacob, whose name means "the supplanter", led a life characterized by taking advantage of others while his brother, Esau (which means "hairy") was born a really hairy baby (Gen 25:25,26). Sometimes names were given as a prophecy against the nation of Israel. At other times names were given as reminders. Imagine how Abram must have died of shock when God first told him that he would have a son and would call his name Isaac (which means "he laughs"). Abraham had just laughed with disbelief in his heart, and here was God telling him to name his son "he laughs" (Gen 17:17,19). Certainly Abraham was not laughing anymore. But the long and short of all of it is names had great significance back then.
God makes Himself known by His names. It shouldn't surprise us that God has several names. This does not mean God uses one name when He feels like it and then changes to another. It simply means that each name is a description of a different aspect of God's character. When God proclaimed the name of the Lord to Moses in Exodus 34, what He did was to give a description of Himself. God has revealed Himself through His names. The following are just a few of them:
Elohim: The plural form of EL, meaning “strong one.” When used of the true God, it is a plural of majesty and intimates the trinity. It is especially used of God’s sovereignty, creative work, mighty work for Israel and in relation to His sovereignty (eg. Gen 1:1).
Compounds of El:
- El Shaddai: “God Almighty” or "God All Sufficient" (Gen 17:1).
- El Elyon: “The Most High God.” Stresses God’s strength, sovereignty, and supremacy (Gen. 14:19).
- El Olam: “The Everlasting God.” Emphasizes God’s unchangeableness and is connected with His inexhaustibleness (Gen. 16:13).
Compounds of Jehovah:
- Jehovah Jireh: “The Lord will provide.” Stresses God’s provision for His people (Gen. 22:14).
- Jehovah Nissi: “The Lord is my Banner.” Stresses that God is our rallying point and our means of victory; the one who fights for His people (Ex. 17:15).
- Jehovah Shalom: “The Lord is Peace.” Points to the Lord as the means of our peace and rest (Jud. 6:24).
- Jehovah Sabbaoth: “The Lord of Hosts.” A military figure portraying the Lord as the commander of the armies of heaven (1 Sam. 1:3; 17:45).
- Jehovah Maccaddeshcem: “The Lord your Sanctifier.” Portrays the Lord as our means of sanctification or as the one who sets believers apart for His purposes (Ex. 31:13).
- Jehovah Ro’i: “The Lord my Shepherd.” Portrays the Lord as the Shepherd who cares for His people as a shepherd cares for the sheep of his pasture (Ps. 23:1).
- Jehovah Tsidkenu: “The Lord our Righteousness.” Portrays the Lord as the means of our righteousness (Jer. 23:6).
- Jehovah Shammah: “The Lord is there.” Portrays the Lord’s personal presence in the millennial kingdom (Ezek. 48:35).
- Jehovah Rapha: "The Lord who heals." Portrays the Lord as the One who heals us (Ex. 15:22-26).
