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Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Gracious Spirit, dwell with me
EXODUS 25:8
I LISTENED recently to a programme on Radio 4 that was concerned with the end of the world. Apparently there is a belief that 21 December 2012 is the date on which all that we know will come to an end.
It seems that humans have an innate desire to know the mind of God – to pin him down.
In Thailand every building, from the grandest hotel to the smallest shanty dwelling, had a spirit house on its roof or in its grounds. They come in a variety of sizes but take basically the same form and are there to house the spirits who have been displaced by the building of the hotel, office or house. The new landowner is obliged to provide a new home for the spirits that previously lived on the site.
You may think such a practice primitive, superstitious or ridiculous, but the Thai people are not the only ones who have constructed dwelling places for their gods.
Looking at the book of Exodus, chapter 25, we see the beginning of the lengthy and detailed instructions that God gave to Moses for the building of the tabernacle: ‘Let them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them’ (v8 all quotations from New International Version unless stated otherwise).
The instructions God gave were specific and elaborate. First, for the Ark of the Covenant, which would house the stone tablets; then for its cover, the mercy seat, and on through the other items of furniture to the tabernacle itself, the priests and their garments.
But why was it all necessary?
In his explanatory notes on verse 8, John Wesley wrote that the sanctuary was intended as a place of public and solemn worship, and amplifies God’s word ‘that I may dwell among them. Not by my essence, which is everywhere, but by my grace and glorious operations.’
This sanctuary was to assist the people of Israel on their journey – literally (it was portable) and spiritually, because it would focus their minds on God. There had been nothing like this before – nowhere to go to worship God, nothing visible to remind them of his presence.
God’s purpose was not to limit himself with any suggestion that he could be contained or was no longer omnipresent, but to enable his chosen people to have confidence that he was there with them as they journeyed. The people of Israel would no longer have to repeat the question, ‘Is God still with us?’, because they could ‘see’ and know.
Hebrews 11:1 states: ‘Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.’
Despite the fact that we are a people of faith, we still like to see. We look for evidence of God, we want to be reminded of his presence; it helps us, as it helped the Israelites to go forward. And would we still be on our journey if the evidence were not found?
God reveals himself. He keeps his promises. He has promised his presence – there is no need to doubt or to demand proof.
The Ark of the Covenant has long since disappeared. It may have been recovered, it may be held in a church in Ethiopia – no one knows for sure. The old covenant has been superseded by the new. Where can God be found now?
God’s eternal plan has been to live among his people. The Message paraphrases John 1:14: ‘The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood.’
God is where you are. God is where I am.
Leviticus 26:11–13 reveals the reward that the people of Israel could expect for their
obedience. God says: ‘I will put my dwelling-place among you, and I will not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.’
It’s not necessary to go to a particular place at a particular time to experience the presence of God. He lives among his people. Immanuel – God is with us!
• Major Woodhouse is corps officer at Thornton Heath
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Announcements
1. Youth Worship
Date: 19/02/12 (Sun) Time: 7:30pm. Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Praise & Worship: Jihhan, Preaching: Capt Tan, Bible Reading: William, Offering: Soon Kean.
2. Study on Jesus Parabbles
Date: 19/02/12 (Sun). Time: 12:30pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
A study on Jesus parables for cell group leaders, also open for people who are interested to study.
3. Voter Education Seminar
Date: 19/02/12 (Sun). Time: 2:00-4:30pm (register at 1:30pm)
Venue: Church of the Assumption (3 Farquhar Street, Penang)
Learn How To:
- protect the secrecy of your vote
- exercise your rights as a voter
- contribute towards a free and fair elections
- many other useful info
4. Penang Flag Day
Date: 10th & 17th March 2012 (both Saturday) Time: 7:30am Venue: TSA Children's Home
Please pray for the fund raising and also sign up as volunteer for the street collection.
5. Visit of Programme Secretary
Date: 11th - 13th March 2012
Major Raelton and Lynn Gibbs will be visiting Penang.
6. World Day of Prayer
Date: 16/03/2012 (Fri) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Trinity Methodist Church.
All are welcome.
Date: 19/02/12 (Sun) Time: 7:30pm. Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Praise & Worship: Jihhan, Preaching: Capt Tan, Bible Reading: William, Offering: Soon Kean.
2. Study on Jesus Parabbles
Date: 19/02/12 (Sun). Time: 12:30pm Venue: Corps Worship Hall
A study on Jesus parables for cell group leaders, also open for people who are interested to study.
3. Voter Education Seminar
Date: 19/02/12 (Sun). Time: 2:00-4:30pm (register at 1:30pm)
Venue: Church of the Assumption (3 Farquhar Street, Penang)
Learn How To:
- protect the secrecy of your vote
- exercise your rights as a voter
- contribute towards a free and fair elections
- many other useful info
4. Penang Flag Day
Date: 10th & 17th March 2012 (both Saturday) Time: 7:30am Venue: TSA Children's Home
Please pray for the fund raising and also sign up as volunteer for the street collection.
5. Visit of Programme Secretary
Date: 11th - 13th March 2012
Major Raelton and Lynn Gibbs will be visiting Penang.
6. World Day of Prayer
Date: 16/03/2012 (Fri) Time: 8:00pm Venue: Trinity Methodist Church.
All are welcome.
Prayer Request
1. Pray for Corps ministries and Cell groups.
2. Pray for Penang Flag Day on 10 & 17th March 2012
3. Pray for Corps family: Blessy, Ah How, Sam Ooi & Tian Seng
4. Pray for Corps family: Chris and Shiela Lee
5. Pray for Corps family: Tong Seng, Iris and Yoke Peng.
2. Pray for Penang Flag Day on 10 & 17th March 2012
3. Pray for Corps family: Blessy, Ah How, Sam Ooi & Tian Seng
4. Pray for Corps family: Chris and Shiela Lee
5. Pray for Corps family: Tong Seng, Iris and Yoke Peng.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Partners in mission
by Major Richard Welch: 2 CORINTHIANS 8:1–15
IN my present role, you would expect me to be an enthusiastic advocate of the Self-Denial Appeal. And indeed I am, for it provides the resources that enable The Salvation Army to continue to proclaim the good news about Jesus. The very survival of some territories depends on this worldwide giving.
The projects it funds strengthen and support the Army’s spiritual mission – as well as increasing our organisational capacity – especially in new and developing territories. Recent projects include new corps halls and community centres, corps cadet camps, music schools, adult evangelism training and anti-trafficking projects.
Self-denial and giving are nothing new. In fact, we have evidence in our study passage that Paul spent some ten years raising funds from the Gentile churches for missionary efforts and famine relief in support of the Judaean believers. The situation in Palestine was fuelled by overpopulation, food shortages and crippling taxation on an already unstable financial market. The appeal lasted till AD 57, when Paul – with representatives from contributing Gentile churches – took the funds to Jerusalem.
In verse 3 Paul uses the example of the Macedonian Christians, who – though poor and persecuted – overflowed in love, joy and generosity in giving to this cause: ‘They gave as much as they were able’ (New International Version). They did not concentrate on their own needs or desires, but on others. Indeed, they begged Paul for the chance to give.
Motivating Christians to give is difficult enough in good economic times, let alone when finances are stretched! Yet we see in this example, at a time of extreme hardship, that – after first giving themselves to the Lord – the Macedonian churches felt compelled to help the ongoing mission of Christ. Their response was the privilege of sharing what little they could spare with those who were struggling.
Despite today’s economic woes, we still live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Compared with many people in developing countries, we are blessed.
So what can we learn from Corinth’s role in this fundraising effort? Not only were they the first church to give, but also the first to have the desire to do so. Interestingly, Paul makes no direct appeal for money; his approach is to provide the Church with challenges and incentives. In so doing, he also challenges us as we consider our response to self-denial.
• He motivates us by comparing attitudes, not money. The joyful, eager and heartfelt attitude of the Macedonian churches is presented to the Corinthians, not the sum of their contribution. How does our attitude compare? Are we joyful, eager and sincere in our giving to resource Christ’s mission?
• He challenges us to be selfless. Paul did not benefit in any way from the church collection. What is our motivation for giving?
• Paul’s fellow Christians required the basic necessities of life – a worthy cause. The Self-Denial Appeal is also a worthy cause! By giving, we become partners in the worldwide mission.
• Paul points out that generous giving is an act of divine grace (v1). It is only as God enables that we are able to give. Spend time in prayer, thanking God for his providence and abundant blessings. What are we doing in response?
• Paul’s relief fund served as a visible expression of the interdependence of believers worldwide. Through self-denial, we are involved in the ongoing mission of the Army and fellow Salvationists throughout the world.
• We demonstrate the unity of the gospel (see Galatians 3:28).
Paul tells the Corinthians: ‘Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal’ (v14 New Living Translation).
We may still be wealthy materially, but in terms of church membership in the West we are in decline and under real attack from an increasingly secularist society. The territories where Salvation Army numbers are growing are those whose mission we are supporting from our abundance today. Could it be that very soon they will be supporting us from their abundance? One day the UKT may need officer reinforcement!
Let us be open to God’s will. May it also be said of us: ‘They gave as much as they were able.’
IN my present role, you would expect me to be an enthusiastic advocate of the Self-Denial Appeal. And indeed I am, for it provides the resources that enable The Salvation Army to continue to proclaim the good news about Jesus. The very survival of some territories depends on this worldwide giving.
The projects it funds strengthen and support the Army’s spiritual mission – as well as increasing our organisational capacity – especially in new and developing territories. Recent projects include new corps halls and community centres, corps cadet camps, music schools, adult evangelism training and anti-trafficking projects.
Self-denial and giving are nothing new. In fact, we have evidence in our study passage that Paul spent some ten years raising funds from the Gentile churches for missionary efforts and famine relief in support of the Judaean believers. The situation in Palestine was fuelled by overpopulation, food shortages and crippling taxation on an already unstable financial market. The appeal lasted till AD 57, when Paul – with representatives from contributing Gentile churches – took the funds to Jerusalem.
In verse 3 Paul uses the example of the Macedonian Christians, who – though poor and persecuted – overflowed in love, joy and generosity in giving to this cause: ‘They gave as much as they were able’ (New International Version). They did not concentrate on their own needs or desires, but on others. Indeed, they begged Paul for the chance to give.
Motivating Christians to give is difficult enough in good economic times, let alone when finances are stretched! Yet we see in this example, at a time of extreme hardship, that – after first giving themselves to the Lord – the Macedonian churches felt compelled to help the ongoing mission of Christ. Their response was the privilege of sharing what little they could spare with those who were struggling.
Despite today’s economic woes, we still live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Compared with many people in developing countries, we are blessed.
So what can we learn from Corinth’s role in this fundraising effort? Not only were they the first church to give, but also the first to have the desire to do so. Interestingly, Paul makes no direct appeal for money; his approach is to provide the Church with challenges and incentives. In so doing, he also challenges us as we consider our response to self-denial.
• He motivates us by comparing attitudes, not money. The joyful, eager and heartfelt attitude of the Macedonian churches is presented to the Corinthians, not the sum of their contribution. How does our attitude compare? Are we joyful, eager and sincere in our giving to resource Christ’s mission?
• He challenges us to be selfless. Paul did not benefit in any way from the church collection. What is our motivation for giving?
• Paul’s fellow Christians required the basic necessities of life – a worthy cause. The Self-Denial Appeal is also a worthy cause! By giving, we become partners in the worldwide mission.
• Paul points out that generous giving is an act of divine grace (v1). It is only as God enables that we are able to give. Spend time in prayer, thanking God for his providence and abundant blessings. What are we doing in response?
• Paul’s relief fund served as a visible expression of the interdependence of believers worldwide. Through self-denial, we are involved in the ongoing mission of the Army and fellow Salvationists throughout the world.
• We demonstrate the unity of the gospel (see Galatians 3:28).
Paul tells the Corinthians: ‘Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal’ (v14 New Living Translation).
We may still be wealthy materially, but in terms of church membership in the West we are in decline and under real attack from an increasingly secularist society. The territories where Salvation Army numbers are growing are those whose mission we are supporting from our abundance today. Could it be that very soon they will be supporting us from their abundance? One day the UKT may need officer reinforcement!
Let us be open to God’s will. May it also be said of us: ‘They gave as much as they were able.’
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Prayer Request
1. Pray for Scott Ooi who is going to Melbourne for his further study, Jonathan Lim going for his 1st year University level and others youth as well.
2. Pray for Penang Flag Day on 11 & 18th March 2012
3. Pray for Eng Wong, Hock Sun and Majors Kamala their save traveling.
4. Pray for Corps family: Bro Seow Hwee, Sis Loo Thoe & Khye Lin
5. Pray for Corps family: Chew Pong Hoe & It Hoe families.
2. Pray for Penang Flag Day on 11 & 18th March 2012
3. Pray for Eng Wong, Hock Sun and Majors Kamala their save traveling.
4. Pray for Corps family: Bro Seow Hwee, Sis Loo Thoe & Khye Lin
5. Pray for Corps family: Chew Pong Hoe & It Hoe families.
Announcements
1. Youth Special Night
Date: 12/02/12 (Sun) Time: 7:30pm. Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Person-in-charge: Lt Fiona. All youth please take note.
2. Cell Group
Date: 17/02/12 (Fri). Time: 8:00pm Venue: Bro Tan Home
Please come and join us.
3. Voter Education Seminar
Date: 19/02/12 (Sun). Time: 2:00-4:30pm (register at 1:30pm)
Venue: Church of the Assumption (3 Farquhar Street, Penang)
Learn How To:
- protect the secrecy of your vote
- exercise your rights as a voter
- contribute towards a free and fair elections
- many other useful info
4. Penang Flag Day
Date: 11th & 18th March 2012 (both Satruday) Time: 7:30am Venue: TSA Children's Home
Please pray for the fund raising and also sign up as volunteer for the street collection.
5. Visit of Programme Secretary
Date: 11th - 13th March 2012
Major Raelton and Lynn Gibbs will be visiting Penang.
Date: 12/02/12 (Sun) Time: 7:30pm. Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Person-in-charge: Lt Fiona. All youth please take note.
2. Cell Group
Date: 17/02/12 (Fri). Time: 8:00pm Venue: Bro Tan Home
Please come and join us.
3. Voter Education Seminar
Date: 19/02/12 (Sun). Time: 2:00-4:30pm (register at 1:30pm)
Venue: Church of the Assumption (3 Farquhar Street, Penang)
Learn How To:
- protect the secrecy of your vote
- exercise your rights as a voter
- contribute towards a free and fair elections
- many other useful info
4. Penang Flag Day
Date: 11th & 18th March 2012 (both Satruday) Time: 7:30am Venue: TSA Children's Home
Please pray for the fund raising and also sign up as volunteer for the street collection.
5. Visit of Programme Secretary
Date: 11th - 13th March 2012
Major Raelton and Lynn Gibbs will be visiting Penang.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Prayer Request
1. Pray for Senior Citizen Programme & Banana Leaf ministry
2. Pray for Penang Flag Day on 3rd & 17th March 2012
3. Pray for Corps family: Bro Steven, Casey & Allison Foo
4. Pray for Corps family: Bro John, Shirley, Cheryl, Robin and Michelle.
2. Pray for Penang Flag Day on 3rd & 17th March 2012
3. Pray for Corps family: Bro Steven, Casey & Allison Foo
4. Pray for Corps family: Bro John, Shirley, Cheryl, Robin and Michelle.
Announcements
1. Youth Sport and Outing
Date: 5/02/12 (Sun) - All youth please take note. Youth sport and Outing at 7:00pm.
Please meet at the Corps.
2. Corps Sport & Outing
Date: 07/02/12 (Sat). Time: 7:30am Venue: Ayer Itam Dam
Please meet at Ayer Itam Dam. Thank you.
3. Senior Citizen's Breakfast Fellowship
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 8am Venue: Paya Terubong
Please contact Captain Tan for more information and transportation if needed.
4. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 11am Venue: Community Hall
Volunteers are needed and help in this ministry.
5. Penang Flag Day
Date: 3th & 13th March 2012 (both Satruday)
Please pray for the fund raising and also sign up as volunteer for the street collection.
6. Children's Bible
Anyone who has Children's Bible and wanted to bless our Junior Soldiers, please contact Captain Brenda.
Date: 5/02/12 (Sun) - All youth please take note. Youth sport and Outing at 7:00pm.
Please meet at the Corps.
2. Corps Sport & Outing
Date: 07/02/12 (Sat). Time: 7:30am Venue: Ayer Itam Dam
Please meet at Ayer Itam Dam. Thank you.
3. Senior Citizen's Breakfast Fellowship
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 8am Venue: Paya Terubong
Please contact Captain Tan for more information and transportation if needed.
4. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 11/02/12 (Sat). Time: 11am Venue: Community Hall
Volunteers are needed and help in this ministry.
5. Penang Flag Day
Date: 3th & 13th March 2012 (both Satruday)
Please pray for the fund raising and also sign up as volunteer for the street collection.
6. Children's Bible
Anyone who has Children's Bible and wanted to bless our Junior Soldiers, please contact Captain Brenda.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Round and round!
By Captain Tan Guat Hai.
Chinese people love things round or circular for the character has the same pronunciation as the word “fate”. Our dining table is round-shaped, so are our Mooncakes during the winter solstice. We also enjoy the round-shaped dumplings. All these rounded items symbolize “reunion”, which to the Chinese means that there is no gap or separation.
There is a saying that comes from the Chinese people of old: “When the ‘moon is full’, people gather in unity – as a family circle where there is no gap.” It signifies completeness. From past history, people have already learnt this principle. For a home to be complete, it must be united. The people of old have also learnt from the full moon that a family needs to bond together and unite. Therefore, reunion meals further remind us that as a family, we should let go of all hatred and grievances, and sit together for a meal without any sense of disconnection, for the purpose of mutual acceptance and reconciliation. As we face each other around the table in this way, only then we will attain a true sense of unity.
In Exodus 12: 3-4, it is recorded: Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. Before facing a tremendous challenge, God wanted the Israelites to be united as a family, joining their hearts to confront the challenge ahead of them. In actual fact, it is the same for the Chinese reunion meal!
God wants us to join our hearts and face the challenges together that might arise in the coming year. Unity is strength!
It seems difficult for young people in this day and age to know how to treasure the importance of family. They always seem to feel that parents are restricting, nagging, controlling, and they would rather believe and even trust in strangers or friends, instead of parents and family members. We have to understand that not every parent is apt at expressing themselves. Usually parents mean well, but they might have used the wrong method or words, causing the children to receive the incorrect message that may have made them think their parents were interfering and meddlesome. We are unable to choose our parents, just as they cannot choose us. It is not by chance that we are brought together as a family, for it is in the providence of God. Therefore we need to have acceptance and reconciliation within our family circle to enjoy full unity before God. It is hoped that rebellious young people, after experiencing many trials and hardships, will finally wake up to the importance of their family. How much sense does it make to waste time going on a wild goose chase, before this principle is discovered?
A mother gives a great amount of her time, attention and effort into the preparation of this special traditional meal. This shows how much she values her family’s togetherness for the Chinese New Year reunion dinner!As Chinese New Year comes round again, may our celebrations remind us that as a family - parents, brothers and sisters – we should be united and in harmony, not only with each other, but with God. It is God Who completes our circle, bringing to it full unity.
Wishing you a blessed Chinese New Year! May you each have a great reunion with your family by giving God His rightful place when you meet and every day in your lives!
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