Saturday, 11 December 2021

The Season of Advent


Advent brings us about the seasonal Christmas preparation as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s second coming. Truly, it’s the season that we can all rejoice!

This gives me the reason to pray for God to cleanse me from all sins of dirt away and for Him to sanctify my whole body of being as I present myself as a blameless creature while I wait for Christ’s second coming return as I noted how the apostle Paul prayed, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:24, NIV)

Truly, we got to prepare our hearts as we look forward to Christ’s return who’ll be clothed with great power and glory around Him (Mark 13:26, NIV). By this, I praise God to understand how my life is filled with God promises through the incarnation, and fulfillment of Christ’s second coming. As such, I let Christ renew my hope and vision of Him through His saving grace of salvation so that I can grow my faith (Ephesians 2:8a, NIV) with a clearer perspective on the life that He has intended for me today. So, I take time reflect upon Christ who’s my source of salvation as I look forward to His return and live with the view of eternity ahead.

Hence, the season of Advent offers us an opportunity to invest some time and energy for us to consider how our lives reflect the character and promise of God on earth that portrays the biblical story of Christmas today, while I reflected upon my weekend’s reading.

Are you living your faith out as you reflect upon Christ – the source of your salvation as you look forward to Christ’s return and live with the view of eternity today?

(Written by Jeremy Koh, 28th November 2021)

Profile Background:
Jeremy Koh is a disabled graduate from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore – formerly known as Spastic Children Association (1987-1997). He graduated with Certificates in Microsoft Office Skills. Jeremy has worked in ServeHope Pte Ltd – Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant for 5 years (March 2008 – August 2013). And, Jeremy did a research work for the keyguard at (these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months in World United College South East Asia (Tampines Branch). He was Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017). Jeremy worked as GB Connector in GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd (October 2018 to December 2019). Today, he continues to be in GB Youth Organizing Team/as a GB Youth Facilitator in YouthCorps Singapore, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster in YCS, and a Founder in the ground up initiative project called – Project Story for LIFE that serves the Special Needs Community at-large in society today.

Prayer Response to this featured article:
Jesus, help us to live out our life in the view of eternity as you renew our hope and vision of your saving grace today.

Saturday, 27 November 2021

Godly Contentment

Notice:
Effective from today, all articles will be posted on Saturdays around 6.30pm in the evening. The 5th week of the month will also be shifted to Saturdays too.

As I did my devotional reading, I reflected upon how God has blessed Naomi and Ruth with Boaz, then Obed who became the father of David who then became the greater genealogy of great son in Lord Jesus Christ (Ruth 4:13, NIV). As such, I give thanks to God for delivering His Son Jesus Christ into the world to be the Bride of the Church who redeemed His people by the saving grace of God.

Indeed, I do also reflected how I should be freed from evil & cultivate Godliness in my Christian life that speaks of justice and integrity through possessing the Righteousness of God to help me live a contented life (1 Timothy 6:11, NIV).

Let’s live a contented life today!

(Written by Jeremy Koh, 3rd February 2014)

Profile Background:
Jeremy Koh is a disabled graduate from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore – formerly known as Spastic Children Association (1987-1997). He graduated with Certificates in Microsoft Office Skills. Jeremy has worked in ServeHope Pte Ltd – Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant for 5 years (March 2008 – August 2013). And, Jeremy did a research work for the keyguard at (these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months in World United College South East Asia (Tampines Branch). He was Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017). Jeremy worked as GB Connector in GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd (October 2018 to December 2019). Today, he continues to be in GB Youth Organizing Team/as a GB Youth Facilitator in YouthCorps Singapore, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster in YCS, and a Founder in the ground up initiative project called – Project Story for LIFE that serves the Special Needs Community at-large in society today.

Prayer Response to this featured article:
Lord, help us to live in contentment by walking in godliness possessing the Righteousness of God in my life.

Friday, 12 November 2021

The characteristic of blessings

Notice:
Effective from 27th Nov, all articles will be posted on Saturdays around 6.30pm in the evening. The 5th week of the month will also be shifted to Saturdays too.

As I did my today’s reading, I find the example of a person who reaps dividends that a miser can never know in comparison to a hoarder who keeps the food off the market in a time of famine, hoping for greater return as price goes up. Likewise, whatever we do for others returns a blessing whereas a selfish person profits things to satisfy himself that would result as impoverishing and starving others (Proverbs 11:2526, NIV).

As such, I thank God for His every spiritual blessing upon my life which has He given me to receive Christ’s blessing in my life (Psalm 128:4, Ephesians 1:3, NIV).

The Lord spoken to me saying, “Have a generous heart to bless others” who are poorer and needy. This makes me wonder if the world is perishing for the bread of life and it will always be free. This also brings a question into my mind, “What am I waiting for?”

This teaches me to bless others with spreading of the gospel in which is the good news of God to the one who sells grain in the market. This reminds me how I can have the Righteousness of God to bless others just as the transformed life of Zacchaeus in which have made him alive in Christ (Luke 19:7, NIV).

Let’s have a generous heart to bless others today!

(Written by Jeremy Koh, 2nd February 2014) 

Profile Background:
Jeremy Koh is a disabled graduate from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore – formerly known as Spastic Children Association (1987-1997). He graduated with Certificates in Microsoft Office Skills. Jeremy has worked in ServeHope Pte Ltd – Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant for 5 years (March 2008 – August 2013). And, Jeremy did a research work for the keyguard at (these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months in World United College South East Asia (Tampines Branch). He was Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017). Jeremy worked as GB Connector in GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd (October 2018 to December 2019). Today, he continues to be in GB Youth Organizing Team/as a GB Youth Facilitator in YouthCorps Singapore, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster in YCS, and a Founder in the ground up initiative project called – Project Story for LIFE that serves the Special Needs Community at-large in society today.

Prayer Response to this featured article:
Lord, will you help us lay hold on the truth of ‘the characteristic of blessings’ that we have been confronted with today. Enable us to multiply those blessings into fruitful ones.

Sunday, 31 October 2021

CHRISTIAN VIEWPOINT FEATURE #3

“Through your life, many were saved”: How a secondary school teacher in the 1960s brought more than 200 students to Christ:
Many are familiar with The Clocktower Story at Anglo-Chinese School (ACS), which has been widely recognised to be one of the triggers of the Charismatic Movement in Singapore.
 
Started in July 1972, the ACS Clocktower revival was birthed after a group of school boys began gathering at their school’s clocktower every recess to pray, resulting in an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on many of their schoolmates
 

Archeologists Find Rare Gemstone Near Jerusalem’s Western Wall:
Just north of the City of David (ancient Jerusalem), archaeologists believe they have found the first of its kind engraving on a precious gem of a biblical plant known to many as the balm of Gilead.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.charismanews.com/opinion/standing-with-israel/87198-archeologists-find-rare-gemstone-near-jerusalem-s-western-wall by Julie Stahl – inside CBN News – 26th Oct 2021)

No – A Christian worldview isn’t a code word for ‘whiteness’
Because a Christian worldview is not and has never been about “whiteness;” It’s about being faithful to God’s Word in all of life. And we shouldn’t let any progressive, elitist academic tell us otherwise.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.christianpost.com/voices/no-a-christian-worldview-isnt-a-code-word-for-whiteness.html by William Wolfe – inside Christian Post – 26th Oct 2021)

Billy Graham's grandson says “sin is fun” but living for Christ is “more fun”:
Billy Graham’s grandson Will Graham told hundreds gathered for prayer and worship over the weekend in Iowa that while sin can be “fun,” the gratification one receives from it eventually wears out and leaves them searching for a more permanent gratification and purpose in their lives.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.christianpost.com/news/will-graham-says-sin-is-fun-but-living-for-christ-is-more-fun.html by Nicole Alcindor, CP Reporter – inside Christian Post – 6th Oct 2021)

Christianity grows by nearly 1% in Muslim–majority Indonesia:
The Southeast Asian country, which is home to the world’s largest Muslim population, now has 20.4 million Protestants and 8.42 million Catholics, who together comprise 10.58% of the total population of 272.23 million, according to data from the Directorate General of the Department of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, International Christian Concern said, adding that the 2010 census data showed that 9.87% of the population was Christian.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.christianpost.com/news/christianity-grows-by-nearly-1-percent-in-muslim-majority-indonesia.html by Anugrah Kumar, Christian Post Contributor – inside Christian Post – 5th Oct 2021)

Thousands make decisions for Christ during Franklin Graham's Route 66 “God Loves You”' tour:
More than 56,000 people attended the free outdoor events along Route 66 that began in the Chicago area on Sept. 19 and finished outside Los Angeles in San Bernardino, California, on Saturday. Over 5,000 people indicated they made decisions for Jesus Christ at the events, a BGEA spokesperson told The Christian Post.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.christianpost.com/news/thousands-make-decisions-for-christ-during-franklin-graham-tour.html by Leah MarieAnn Klett, Christian Post Reporter – inside Christian Post – 4th Oct 2021)

Max Lucado urges Christians to live courageously amid cultural upheaval: “God is working in our story”:
Bestselling author Max Lucado understands that the Christian community is emotionally weary following a contentious presidential election, deep divisions within the Church and a pandemic.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.christianpost.com/books/max-lucado-urges-christians-to-live-courageously-amid-trauma.html by Leah MarieAnn Klett, Christian Post Reporter – inside Christian Post –1st Oct 2021)

Spirit-Filled Pastor Says to Light Your Candle on the Front Porch of Hell:
Many Christians today are unaware of the ongoing battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. They are woefully ill-equipped to engage in the work of spiritual warfare and they unintentionally open themselves up to demonic forces.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.charismamag.com/spirit/spiritual-warfare/50319-spirit-filled-pastor-says-to-light-your-candle-on-the-front-porch-of-hell by Shawn A. Akers – inside Charisma News – 23rd Sept 2021)

David Yonggi Cho, controversial founder of world’s largest church, dies at 85:
Christians mourned publicly across continents Tuesday as news spread of the passing of David Yonggi Cho, the co-founder of Yoido Full Gospel Church, the world’s largest congregation headquartered in Seoul, Korea, which encompasses a network of churches that once claimed more than 800,000 members.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.christianpost.com/news/david-yonggi-cho-founder-of-yoido-full-gospel-church-dies.html by Leonardo Blair – inside Christian Post –14th Sept 2021)

Did 9/11 Change How Evangelicals See Muslims?
This year marks 20 years since 19 men hijacked four planes, driving two of the aircraft into the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon, and one into a field in Pennsylvania, after several of the passengers fought back. The attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and left 25,000 people injured and were organized by Osama bin Laden, who used his faith as justification for the attacks.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/quick-to-listen/muslims-christians-evangelicals-september-11-podcast.html by Morgan Lee – inside Christianity Today –10th Sept 2021)

America’s New Civil War – A Battle without Weapons:

In 1776, a pamphlet titled “The American Crisis” opened with the memorable phrase: “These are the times that try men's souls.” In that same year, America officially declared independence, and our great country was born.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.charismanews.com/politics/opinion/86663-america-s-new-civil-war-a-battle-without-weapons by Shane Idleman – inside Charisma News –9th Sept 2021)

Afghanistan’s underground church is under threat like never before; Christians are fearing for their lives:
As the Taliban tighten their grip on Afghanistan, Release International warns that their swift advance will embolden extremists and attacks on Christians will rise as a result. (For more info, do click the link – https://www.premierchristianity.com/opinion/afghanistans-underground-church-is-under-threat-like-never-before-christians-are-fearing-for-their-lives/5380.article by Andrew Boyd – inside Release International –16th Aug 2021)

Houses of Prayer Everywhere (HOPE) as Day of His Power 2021 livestreams for the first time:

There were no auditoriums and stadiums to fill by the thousands as in years past. Those who gathered to intercede for Singapore ahead of National Day could not clasp hands in solidarity as they had done almost every year since 1994. Yet, there was unity of hearts, minds and spirits as almost 9,000 people attended the first-ever English livestream of Day of His Power 2021 tonight (August 6) to stand in the gap for Singapore and its people.

(For more info, do click the link –
https://saltandlight.sg/news/one-people-many-venues-in-houses-of-prayer-everywhere-hope-as-day-of-his-power-2021-livestreams-in-english-and-mandarin/ by Christina Leow – inside Salt & Light –8th Aug 2021)

“I have a calling” – What Does it Mean?
When we use the word, “calling”, it implies that the particular role or activity calls out to us. Calling moves us to action because it provides us with purpose. (For more info, do click the link – https://embraceourcalling.com/what-do-people-mean-when-they-say-i-have-a-calling/ by Marcus Mok – inside the Embrace our Calling– 20th Dec 2020)

USA: Revival hits army base with 1459 receiving Christ:
Army Chaplain Jose Rondon believes “there is nothing more exhilarating in life than seeing people come to Christ.” In the last six months, he has witnessed 1,459 professions of faith at his U.S. Army base Fort Leonard Wood. He speaks of a spiritual awakening.

Because of his reputation for being intentional in his ministry, many have come to hear Rondon share the Gospel on Sundays. “God is doing great things at Fort Leonard Wood among the hundreds of soldiers who have come to know Christ personally,” Rondon said.

Retired Major General Doug Carver, executive director of chaplaincy for the North American Mission Board, says what is happening at Fort Leonard Wood is not an exception. Right now there are reportedly 1,348 military chaplains in the Southern Baptist Convention at work. “Our troops, who are increasingly hungry for truth and relevancy in their lives, are finding a faith that works through a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ,” Carver said. “The current spiritual awakening at Fort Leonard Wood is indicative of a great move of God taking place within the Armed Services today.”

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.godreports.com/2018/08/revival-hits-army-base-with-1459-receiving-christ/ by Josie Rabbitt Bingham – inside GOD Reports News – 15th Aug 2018)

What is the Difference Between Holiness and Legalism?
Holiness is beautiful; legalism is binding; holiness brings life; legalism brings death. They are as different as night and day, and yet at first glance, they can seem similar, because they both stand against sinful behavior and call for holy living.

(For more info, do click the link – https://askdrbrown.org/library/what-difference-between-holiness-and-legalism by Michael L. Brown – inside GOD ASK DR BROWN News – 5th Jan 2013)



Together, Praying as the Body of Christ

Ps Jeff Chong: Hi everyone! Welcome to Day 40 of 40.Days · 40.Voices · 40.Prayers. We made it: The final day. What a powerful journey this h...