The Bible Said it First’: in this series Rosemary Dawson looks at everyday expressions that originated in the Bible. This week: ‘The salt of the earth’
Imagine chips without salt. Unsalted crisps. Bland, tasteless food. Ugh!
We may be urged to ration our intake of salt as part of a healthy lifestyle, but this simple ingredient has been an essential part of daily life for centuries. It is used as an antiseptic, and - before the age of freezers - was a valuable means of preserving food, especially fish and meat.
Cakes of salt were once used as money. Officers and men in the Roman Army received a salt allowance, called a salarium. It’s the origin of our word ‘salary’. In the Middle Ages, the salt cellar was a token of separation. At a banquet, noblemen sat ‘above the salt’ while lesser mortals sat below it.
One of the highest compliments you can give someone is to call them ‘the salt of the earth’. It means they are good, totally trustworthy and reliable.
So who said it first? Perhaps surprisingly, it was Jesus. Talking to his followers in what is called the Sermon on the Mount, he said: ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot’ (Matthew 5:13 New International Version).
This is one of many common phrases we use every day, without necessarily realising that they come from the Bible. In this series, we will be looking at the story or background behind some of them.
Jesus used the qualities found in salt to illustrate the kind of influence he wanted his followers to have in society. For example, he wanted them to bring a zest and flavour to life. He wanted their goodness to encourage others and to help cleanse a corrupt and degraded world. He expected them to preserve high standards of morality.
But, as Jesus also pointed out, salt is totally worthless if it loses its flavour. It is sometimes said of people who don’t measure up to the expected standard that they are not worth their salt.
How do we measure up?
UK & Ireland War Cry 26 April 2014
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Prayer Points
1. Please intercede for Bro Tan Seow Hwee, Loo Thoe and Khye Lin and family.
2. Please intercede for upcoming event, Church Sport and Outing, Mother's Day Celebration and Senior Citizen Fellowship
3. Please intercede for one another in your pray, especially those that are not feeling well.
• Pray for God's anointing and wisdom for Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn as they lead out Territory in these challenging days
• Pray for Major Brenda who is currently at ICO in London for attending intense spiritual seminar. Pray also for Major Tan and the ministry at Kuala Lumpur.
• Pray for Malaysia. The latest car accident tragedy of Mr Karpal Singh is a further blow to a political progress of the nation. Pray for God power to move His people and protect them from evil forces.
• Pray for all Salvation Army Churches in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. Pray God for faithful Local Officers and pray for God to raise up more Salvationist who will commit to ministry.
WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
http://smm.salvationarmyspirituallife.org
Facebook: Spiritual LifeDevelopment.SMM
2. Please intercede for upcoming event, Church Sport and Outing, Mother's Day Celebration and Senior Citizen Fellowship
3. Please intercede for one another in your pray, especially those that are not feeling well.
• Pray for God's anointing and wisdom for Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn as they lead out Territory in these challenging days
• Pray for Major Brenda who is currently at ICO in London for attending intense spiritual seminar. Pray also for Major Tan and the ministry at Kuala Lumpur.
• Pray for Malaysia. The latest car accident tragedy of Mr Karpal Singh is a further blow to a political progress of the nation. Pray for God power to move His people and protect them from evil forces.
• Pray for all Salvation Army Churches in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. Pray God for faithful Local Officers and pray for God to raise up more Salvationist who will commit to ministry.
WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
http://smm.salvationarmyspirituallife.org
Facebook: Spiritual LifeDevelopment.SMM
Announcement
10th May 2014: Senior Citizen's Fellowship: Venue: Dim Sum, Macalister Road; Time: 8:00am
13th May 2014:Church Family Day Venue: TBA; Person In Charge: Bro Kim Aun & Sis Jasinta
2014 Helping Project for Children in Myanmar; Women's Ministry team is organizing a walkathon in support for this project fundraising; Venue: TBA
13th May 2014:Church Family Day Venue: TBA; Person In Charge: Bro Kim Aun & Sis Jasinta
2014 Helping Project for Children in Myanmar; Women's Ministry team is organizing a walkathon in support for this project fundraising; Venue: TBA
Friday, April 25, 2014
Work Of Heart
Breaking. Jesus was seen multiple times in many forms at St Marylebone Parish Church between 6 March and 17 April. No, really. Public art enterprise Art Below teamed up with the parish church at the start of Lent to stage an exhibition of 20 representations of the passion of Christ. Posters across 14 London Underground stations also showed pieces from the exhibition.
One work in particular, though, didn’t make the cut. 'Kill Your Idol' by Antony Micallef was declined by the Tube’s governing body, Transport for London, for not complying with its advertising policy. The picture shows Jesus wearing a crown of thorns and standing before a 'Pop Idol'-type panel.
Antony tells 'The War Cry' that he feels ‘disappointed’ by the decision not to place the poster. ‘Oxford Circus is a very busy station,’ he says. ‘I thought the "Pop Idol" piece would fit very well there. When I was commissioned to do a painting for the Stations of the Cross, I decided it would be a good idea to have a modern-day version of a judging panel in the place of Pontius Pilate.
‘We live in a society where everything is judged in this manner. Our popular culture is very unforgiving. I thought the painting would be an interesting way of implying that.’
Unforgiving attitudes are timeless. That’s why God commissioned his Son, Jesus, to carry out his work - to redeem us. Jesus went about healing people who were sick, comforting those who were broken-hearted and forgiving those who were sorry. The authorities, however, judged him and painted him in a bad light. They considered his work offensive.
Jesus faced judgment. He was rejected. He was put to death on a cross. But he died so that we can be forgiven. His death created a way for us to have eternal life.
Death was not the end for Jesus. God raised him to life. His resurrection is an assurance that no matter how many times we fall, we can get back up. Our personal failures do not have to be the end of the story. If we ask God for forgiveness for the wrongs we’ve done and follow Jesus’ teachings, we can look forward to a life with God that begins today.
Carry your judgment?
UK & Ireland War Cry 19 April 2014
One work in particular, though, didn’t make the cut. 'Kill Your Idol' by Antony Micallef was declined by the Tube’s governing body, Transport for London, for not complying with its advertising policy. The picture shows Jesus wearing a crown of thorns and standing before a 'Pop Idol'-type panel.
Antony tells 'The War Cry' that he feels ‘disappointed’ by the decision not to place the poster. ‘Oxford Circus is a very busy station,’ he says. ‘I thought the "Pop Idol" piece would fit very well there. When I was commissioned to do a painting for the Stations of the Cross, I decided it would be a good idea to have a modern-day version of a judging panel in the place of Pontius Pilate.
‘We live in a society where everything is judged in this manner. Our popular culture is very unforgiving. I thought the painting would be an interesting way of implying that.’
Unforgiving attitudes are timeless. That’s why God commissioned his Son, Jesus, to carry out his work - to redeem us. Jesus went about healing people who were sick, comforting those who were broken-hearted and forgiving those who were sorry. The authorities, however, judged him and painted him in a bad light. They considered his work offensive.
Jesus faced judgment. He was rejected. He was put to death on a cross. But he died so that we can be forgiven. His death created a way for us to have eternal life.
Death was not the end for Jesus. God raised him to life. His resurrection is an assurance that no matter how many times we fall, we can get back up. Our personal failures do not have to be the end of the story. If we ask God for forgiveness for the wrongs we’ve done and follow Jesus’ teachings, we can look forward to a life with God that begins today.
Carry your judgment?
UK & Ireland War Cry 19 April 2014
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Disquiet On The Western Front
Even though I had been a First World War tourist for only a few hours, by the time I reached Ypres my soul was shell-shocked. Arriving too early for the daily act of remembrance for the war dead at the Menin Gate, I ended up at the cathedral.
On entering, I saw various depictions of Jesus’ crucifixion. The raw brutality seemed strangely in keeping with all the slaughter on Flanders Fields. Soldier and Saviour had shared the experience of what war does to a person. As I left the church, I was confronted with a larger-than-life crucifix, positioned at floor level.
In my imagination, I was transported back 2,000 years and was standing on a hill just outside Jerusalem. I tried to conjure up the scene, hear the sounds and sense the atmosphere as men were being put to death in front of my eyes. Surrounding me were Roman soldiers, religious leaders, excited crowds, Jesus’ frightened friends and heartbroken mother.
Then, I noticed underneath the nailed feet of Jesus there was a collection box. It seemed so out of place; somehow, so wrong. I was offended but not sure why. Maybe it is because I know I cannot buy or earn my salvation. Forgiveness and eternal life are gifts from God.
The Bible reminds me that ‘it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast’ (Ephesians 2:8, 9 New International Version).
God is not impressed by my bank balance, good deeds, charitable giving or lifetime achievements. Even if I put them all together, they are not good enough to atone for my wrongdoing. It is through trusting in Jesus that God saves us - not as a reward but as a gift.
When I think about the generosity of such grace, I realise that my gratitude cannot be contained within a collection box. I have to find a greater way to express it.
by Ron Thomlinson
UK & Ireland War Cry 19 April 2014
On entering, I saw various depictions of Jesus’ crucifixion. The raw brutality seemed strangely in keeping with all the slaughter on Flanders Fields. Soldier and Saviour had shared the experience of what war does to a person. As I left the church, I was confronted with a larger-than-life crucifix, positioned at floor level.
In my imagination, I was transported back 2,000 years and was standing on a hill just outside Jerusalem. I tried to conjure up the scene, hear the sounds and sense the atmosphere as men were being put to death in front of my eyes. Surrounding me were Roman soldiers, religious leaders, excited crowds, Jesus’ frightened friends and heartbroken mother.
Then, I noticed underneath the nailed feet of Jesus there was a collection box. It seemed so out of place; somehow, so wrong. I was offended but not sure why. Maybe it is because I know I cannot buy or earn my salvation. Forgiveness and eternal life are gifts from God.
The Bible reminds me that ‘it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast’ (Ephesians 2:8, 9 New International Version).
God is not impressed by my bank balance, good deeds, charitable giving or lifetime achievements. Even if I put them all together, they are not good enough to atone for my wrongdoing. It is through trusting in Jesus that God saves us - not as a reward but as a gift.
When I think about the generosity of such grace, I realise that my gratitude cannot be contained within a collection box. I have to find a greater way to express it.
by Ron Thomlinson
UK & Ireland War Cry 19 April 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Dead and Buried, But It Was Not The End
In the build-up to Easter, ROSEMARY DAWSON looks at key events in the life of Jesus. This week: Resurrection (John 19:38 to 21:14)
When a celebrity dies, especially in tragic circumstances, the papers and news bulletins are full of reports, pictures and reflections on that person’s life. Close friends talk about happy times. Commentators offer analysis of a lifetime of achievements. Fans shed a silent tear. Sometimes national grief pours on to the streets. Vigils are held, flowers are laid, silence is maintained.
During his ministry, Jesus often attracted large crowds. They followed him wherever he went, listening to his every word, watching him do amazing things. On a couple of occasions, he fed the thousands who had gathered to hear him. Many people, including his closest followers, believed him to be God’s long-promised Messiah.
But when Jesus died a slow and painful death on a cross on Good Friday, there were few who stayed with him. With sunset approaching, Jesus’ body was hastily buried in a sealed tomb. There was no ceremony, no flowers and no eulogies.
When his followers arrived at the tomb early on Sunday morning, they found that the stone sealing the guarded entrance had been moved. Looking in, they saw that the tomb was empty. The body of Jesus was gone. All that remained were his folded burial clothes. At first, they feared the body had been stolen. But as Jesus revealed himself to them in a number of appearances - in a garden, in a locked room and by the seashore - they gradually realised he was not a ghost, but had indeed risen from death.
The Resurrection is the central truth of Christianity. If it didn’t happen, then there is no point having faith and there is no life after death. But if the Resurrection is true, then Jesus really did defeat the power of sin and death, and eternal life is a possibility for all who put their trust in him.
That’s why Easter is the most important Christian celebration and deeply significant - and not just for a select few, but for every man, woman and child on the earth. By his death and resurrection, Jesus has opened up the way for us to find forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Easter celebrates not only a past event but also a present reality - Jesus alive in the world today. How will you be celebrating?
UK & Ireland War Cry 19 April 2014
When a celebrity dies, especially in tragic circumstances, the papers and news bulletins are full of reports, pictures and reflections on that person’s life. Close friends talk about happy times. Commentators offer analysis of a lifetime of achievements. Fans shed a silent tear. Sometimes national grief pours on to the streets. Vigils are held, flowers are laid, silence is maintained.
During his ministry, Jesus often attracted large crowds. They followed him wherever he went, listening to his every word, watching him do amazing things. On a couple of occasions, he fed the thousands who had gathered to hear him. Many people, including his closest followers, believed him to be God’s long-promised Messiah.
But when Jesus died a slow and painful death on a cross on Good Friday, there were few who stayed with him. With sunset approaching, Jesus’ body was hastily buried in a sealed tomb. There was no ceremony, no flowers and no eulogies.
When his followers arrived at the tomb early on Sunday morning, they found that the stone sealing the guarded entrance had been moved. Looking in, they saw that the tomb was empty. The body of Jesus was gone. All that remained were his folded burial clothes. At first, they feared the body had been stolen. But as Jesus revealed himself to them in a number of appearances - in a garden, in a locked room and by the seashore - they gradually realised he was not a ghost, but had indeed risen from death.
The Resurrection is the central truth of Christianity. If it didn’t happen, then there is no point having faith and there is no life after death. But if the Resurrection is true, then Jesus really did defeat the power of sin and death, and eternal life is a possibility for all who put their trust in him.
That’s why Easter is the most important Christian celebration and deeply significant - and not just for a select few, but for every man, woman and child on the earth. By his death and resurrection, Jesus has opened up the way for us to find forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Easter celebrates not only a past event but also a present reality - Jesus alive in the world today. How will you be celebrating?
UK & Ireland War Cry 19 April 2014
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Prayer Points
1. Please intercede for Bro Tong Sing, Sis Iris, Jesslyn and Hui Man Family.
2. Please intercede for upcoming event, Church Sport and Outing, Mother's Day Celebration and Senior Citizen Fellowship
3. Please intercede for one another in your pray, especially those that are not feeling well.
• Pray for our Territorial Leaders, Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn and Lieut. Colonels Paul and Evelyn. Pray for God’s continuing anointing on their leadership and for God’s wisdom and courage to lead us forward!
• Pray for each officer and Salvationist in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter. Pray for a new sense of wonder and commitment as we focus on God’s love and mercy, and the grace we receive because of Jesus’s death and resurrection.
• Continue to pray for Malaysia and the continuing search for MH370. Pray for the families of passengers and crew.
• Pray for one another’s needs as shared in your prayer group. Pray also for the sharing of God’s Word during the coming weekend. Pray for people to be transformed by the Word and the Spirit of God.
WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
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2. Please intercede for upcoming event, Church Sport and Outing, Mother's Day Celebration and Senior Citizen Fellowship
3. Please intercede for one another in your pray, especially those that are not feeling well.
• Pray for our Territorial Leaders, Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn and Lieut. Colonels Paul and Evelyn. Pray for God’s continuing anointing on their leadership and for God’s wisdom and courage to lead us forward!
• Pray for each officer and Salvationist in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter. Pray for a new sense of wonder and commitment as we focus on God’s love and mercy, and the grace we receive because of Jesus’s death and resurrection.
• Continue to pray for Malaysia and the continuing search for MH370. Pray for the families of passengers and crew.
• Pray for one another’s needs as shared in your prayer group. Pray also for the sharing of God’s Word during the coming weekend. Pray for people to be transformed by the Word and the Spirit of God.
WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
http://smm.salvationarmyspirituallife.org
Facebook: Spiritual LifeDevelopment.SMM
Announcements
26th - 27th April 2014: Visit of Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn Buckingham.
26.04.2014: Worship Practice Venue: Worship Hall (5:30pm)
27.04.2014: Sunday School (9:15am), Prayer Meeting (9:45am), Holiness Service (10:30am), Youth Fellowship (7:00pm) Venue: Corps/Church
26.04.2014: Worship Practice Venue: Worship Hall (5:30pm)
27.04.2014: Sunday School (9:15am), Prayer Meeting (9:45am), Holiness Service (10:30am), Youth Fellowship (7:00pm) Venue: Corps/Church
Lent Bible Reading Series - 20th April 2014
Bible Reading – John 20:1-18
For thine is the Kingdom, the Power and Glory, forever and ever. Amen.
• THE LORD IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
How Mary must have ran to tell the disciples the amazing news that first Easter morning, “I have seen the Lord” she shouted!
He’s alive, he’s alive he’s alive forevermore
Jesus has risen from the dead.
Sin no longer has dominion; Satan’s power is broken down,
He is Risen hallelujah and he wears the victor’s crown
He’s alive, he’s alive he’s alive forevermore.
Jesus has risen from the dead.
(E Williams)
Consider
• Do we live as Easter morning disciples?
Pray:
• As we share in celebration on this Easter Day, may our gracious Lord transform our lives with his risen power, and teach us to praise him all our days. To our glorious King be praise. Amen
For thine is the Kingdom, the Power and Glory, forever and ever. Amen.
• THE LORD IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
How Mary must have ran to tell the disciples the amazing news that first Easter morning, “I have seen the Lord” she shouted!
He’s alive, he’s alive he’s alive forevermore
Jesus has risen from the dead.
Sin no longer has dominion; Satan’s power is broken down,
He is Risen hallelujah and he wears the victor’s crown
He’s alive, he’s alive he’s alive forevermore.
Jesus has risen from the dead.
(E Williams)
Consider
• Do we live as Easter morning disciples?
Pray:
• As we share in celebration on this Easter Day, may our gracious Lord transform our lives with his risen power, and teach us to praise him all our days. To our glorious King be praise. Amen
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Lent Bible Reading Series - 19th April 2014
Bible Reading – Matthew 27: 57 – 6 and John 16: 1-4
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil
We pause today, and with Mary and Mary Magdalene watch and wait. Of course in our waiting we know Easter morning will soon be here but for those first disciples’ what did they think? Frightened for their safety some left the city; others maybe just found a quiet space to weep, for it seemed all hope was gone. Is this what Jesus had meant in John 16 when he told them they would be put to the test?
Consider:
• Taking part in a prayer vigil until Easter morning.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil
We pause today, and with Mary and Mary Magdalene watch and wait. Of course in our waiting we know Easter morning will soon be here but for those first disciples’ what did they think? Frightened for their safety some left the city; others maybe just found a quiet space to weep, for it seemed all hope was gone. Is this what Jesus had meant in John 16 when he told them they would be put to the test?
Consider:
• Taking part in a prayer vigil until Easter morning.
Friday, April 18, 2014
Lent Bible Reading Series - 18th April 2014
Bible Reading – Luke 23:26-49
Forgive us our trespassers as we forgive them who trespass against us,
Who did Jesus pray this forgiveness prayer for, was it the Roman soldiers, the religious leaders, the crowd, you and I perhaps? Edmund Newell a writer of ‘Seven words for Three hours’, imagines the thoughts of a monk as he sits and translates this part of the gospel story, he writes. ‘As the story before him unfolds, it takes him to the crucifixion of the one about whom he writes. A phrase has come to mind; a familiar phrase ascribed to that man on the cross, and handed down by reliable witnesses. ‘Father forgive them; for they know not what they do’. His sheer revulsion at the crucifixion pushes away thoughts of forgiveness – instead the image evokes feelings of powerlessness, frustration, hatred and revenge. And yet this phrase will not go away, it challenges his instinctive feelings just like so much he knows about this man. That compassionate, understanding, forgiving phrase seems apt for the man about whom he writes –the man who gives his life meaning.
Pray:
• Amazing love how can it be that thou my God should die for me!
Forgive us our trespassers as we forgive them who trespass against us,
Who did Jesus pray this forgiveness prayer for, was it the Roman soldiers, the religious leaders, the crowd, you and I perhaps? Edmund Newell a writer of ‘Seven words for Three hours’, imagines the thoughts of a monk as he sits and translates this part of the gospel story, he writes. ‘As the story before him unfolds, it takes him to the crucifixion of the one about whom he writes. A phrase has come to mind; a familiar phrase ascribed to that man on the cross, and handed down by reliable witnesses. ‘Father forgive them; for they know not what they do’. His sheer revulsion at the crucifixion pushes away thoughts of forgiveness – instead the image evokes feelings of powerlessness, frustration, hatred and revenge. And yet this phrase will not go away, it challenges his instinctive feelings just like so much he knows about this man. That compassionate, understanding, forgiving phrase seems apt for the man about whom he writes –the man who gives his life meaning.
Pray:
• Amazing love how can it be that thou my God should die for me!
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Lent Bible Reading Series - 17th April 2014
Bible Reading – Luke 22:7-20
Give us this day, our daily bread,
The meal was planned, the table laid, with all the best dishes for the Passover meal. Included would be unleavened bread, wine, candlesticks, and the cedar plate containing the bitter herbs, as well as fruit and nuts, and roast lamb. Each element of the meal had a meaning, which the disciples would have understood. Jesus took the bread and said the blessing, ‘Blessed are you Lord our God, ruler of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth’, thanking God for his continued provision. However this time was very different for, as Jesus broke the bread he said ‘this is my body broken for you’. On this night the full implications of his words could not be denied, Jesus’, own body was to be broken for the sins of the world.
Consider:
• Sharing with friends in a Passover meal
Pray:
• ‘My life must be Christ’s broken bread, My love his outpoured wine.
A cup o’er filled, a table spread beneath his name and sign.
That other souls refreshed and fed may share his life through mine.’
(SASB 512)
Give us this day, our daily bread,
The meal was planned, the table laid, with all the best dishes for the Passover meal. Included would be unleavened bread, wine, candlesticks, and the cedar plate containing the bitter herbs, as well as fruit and nuts, and roast lamb. Each element of the meal had a meaning, which the disciples would have understood. Jesus took the bread and said the blessing, ‘Blessed are you Lord our God, ruler of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth’, thanking God for his continued provision. However this time was very different for, as Jesus broke the bread he said ‘this is my body broken for you’. On this night the full implications of his words could not be denied, Jesus’, own body was to be broken for the sins of the world.
Consider:
• Sharing with friends in a Passover meal
Pray:
• ‘My life must be Christ’s broken bread, My love his outpoured wine.
A cup o’er filled, a table spread beneath his name and sign.
That other souls refreshed and fed may share his life through mine.’
(SASB 512)
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Lent Bible Reading Series - 16th April 2014
Bible Reading – John 12: 27-36, Mark 14:32
Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,
‘It was quiet the last time he went to the garden to pray, but tonight the peace had gone. It was a time of tension; Jesus struggling with himself, striving with God. Somehow, it’s easy to get smug, gloss over the struggle, and concentrate on Jesus decision “Yet not my will, but thine be done”. Nice and easy, “Ah, we say ‘He always did his fathers will’. True, but there was nothing easy about it, look at the struggle! It echoes our own struggles. The constant battle of our will versus God’s; we fight to go our own way and not God’s. Obedience, a free decision we make towards God, leads to a freedom from self.’ Eddie Askew
Pray:
• Be still, in quiet prayer.
Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,
‘It was quiet the last time he went to the garden to pray, but tonight the peace had gone. It was a time of tension; Jesus struggling with himself, striving with God. Somehow, it’s easy to get smug, gloss over the struggle, and concentrate on Jesus decision “Yet not my will, but thine be done”. Nice and easy, “Ah, we say ‘He always did his fathers will’. True, but there was nothing easy about it, look at the struggle! It echoes our own struggles. The constant battle of our will versus God’s; we fight to go our own way and not God’s. Obedience, a free decision we make towards God, leads to a freedom from self.’ Eddie Askew
Pray:
• Be still, in quiet prayer.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Lent Bible Reading Series - 15th April 2014
Bible Reading – Matthew 26: 6-13
Thy Kingdom come,
‘They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west and sit down in Kingdom of God, Both the rich and the poor, the despised the distressed’. This line from the pen of John Gowans came to my mind as I pictured the scene that Matthew describes. The host is named as ‘Simon the Leper’! What a name to be given, was he one of the lepers Jesus healed? The woman who poured oil, is not named by Matthew; (John’s gospel names the woman as Mary the sister of Martha.) It has been suggested that the unnamed woman was Mary Magdalene, out of whom Jesus cast seven demons. Whoever she is, she was certainly a very brave woman, who recognised Jesus as her Lord and King, demonstrating this by pouring oil on his head. Each, by their actions and devotion would be included in the Kingdom of God.
Pray:
• I will offer up my life in spirit and truth,
Pouring out the oil of love as my worship to you.
In surrender I must give my every part;
Lord, receive the sacrifice of a broken heart.
Jesus what can I give, what can I bring to so faithful a friend,
To so loving a King? Saviour, what can be said, what can be sung,
As a praise of your name for the things you have done?
Oh, my words could not tell, not even in part,
Of the debt of love that is owed by this thankful heart.
(Matt Redman)
Thy Kingdom come,
‘They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west and sit down in Kingdom of God, Both the rich and the poor, the despised the distressed’. This line from the pen of John Gowans came to my mind as I pictured the scene that Matthew describes. The host is named as ‘Simon the Leper’! What a name to be given, was he one of the lepers Jesus healed? The woman who poured oil, is not named by Matthew; (John’s gospel names the woman as Mary the sister of Martha.) It has been suggested that the unnamed woman was Mary Magdalene, out of whom Jesus cast seven demons. Whoever she is, she was certainly a very brave woman, who recognised Jesus as her Lord and King, demonstrating this by pouring oil on his head. Each, by their actions and devotion would be included in the Kingdom of God.
Pray:
• I will offer up my life in spirit and truth,
Pouring out the oil of love as my worship to you.
In surrender I must give my every part;
Lord, receive the sacrifice of a broken heart.
Jesus what can I give, what can I bring to so faithful a friend,
To so loving a King? Saviour, what can be said, what can be sung,
As a praise of your name for the things you have done?
Oh, my words could not tell, not even in part,
Of the debt of love that is owed by this thankful heart.
(Matt Redman)
Easter Journey Nears Its End
In the build-up to Easter, Rosemary Dawson looks at key events in the life of Jesus. This week: Crucifixion (Luke chapters 22 and 23)
The end is in sight. For Jesus, the Easter journey is almost over. What began with a triumphant procession into Jerusalem, accompanied by cheering crowds, is ending in disgrace with a slow and painful crucifixion in the company of criminals. Cheers become jeers. Friends and followers drift away. Jesus faces death alone.
After his betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is questioned by the Jewish religious leaders. Unhappy with his answers, they take him to Pilate, the Roman Governor. Pilate tries to pass the buck and sends him to the Galilean King Herod, who happened to be in Jerusalem. But he only returns him to Pilate.
Pilate declares that Jesus ‘has done nothing to deserve death’ (Luke 23:15 New International Version) but says he will have him flogged and released. However, a crowd of people say they would rather he release Barabbas, who is in prison for insurrection and murder. They demand that Jesus be crucified. Eventually Pilate gives the crowd what they want. Jesus begins the journey to the place of crucifixion.
Two other men, both criminals, are to be executed with him. The crowds taunt Jesus with jeers and insults. He has saved others, they say, but cannot save himself. Jesus responds with a prayer: ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’ (23:34).
One of the men hanging with him joins in: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ (23:39). But the other rebukes him and points out that, whereas they are being punished for crimes, Jesus has done nothing wrong. Then he says to Jesus: ‘Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ Jesus answers him: ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise’ (23:42, 43).
Moments from death, the penitent criminal has the assurance of life. His route to salvation can be ours if we acknowledge that we are sinners; confess that Jesus is the sinless Son of God; and trust that his death can be the means by which we gain entrance to God’s Kingdom.
If we do so, we too can have the assurance of eternal life.
UK & Ireland War Cry 12 April 2014
Library picture
The end is in sight. For Jesus, the Easter journey is almost over. What began with a triumphant procession into Jerusalem, accompanied by cheering crowds, is ending in disgrace with a slow and painful crucifixion in the company of criminals. Cheers become jeers. Friends and followers drift away. Jesus faces death alone.
After his betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is questioned by the Jewish religious leaders. Unhappy with his answers, they take him to Pilate, the Roman Governor. Pilate tries to pass the buck and sends him to the Galilean King Herod, who happened to be in Jerusalem. But he only returns him to Pilate.
Pilate declares that Jesus ‘has done nothing to deserve death’ (Luke 23:15 New International Version) but says he will have him flogged and released. However, a crowd of people say they would rather he release Barabbas, who is in prison for insurrection and murder. They demand that Jesus be crucified. Eventually Pilate gives the crowd what they want. Jesus begins the journey to the place of crucifixion.
Two other men, both criminals, are to be executed with him. The crowds taunt Jesus with jeers and insults. He has saved others, they say, but cannot save himself. Jesus responds with a prayer: ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’ (23:34).
One of the men hanging with him joins in: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ (23:39). But the other rebukes him and points out that, whereas they are being punished for crimes, Jesus has done nothing wrong. Then he says to Jesus: ‘Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ Jesus answers him: ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise’ (23:42, 43).
Moments from death, the penitent criminal has the assurance of life. His route to salvation can be ours if we acknowledge that we are sinners; confess that Jesus is the sinless Son of God; and trust that his death can be the means by which we gain entrance to God’s Kingdom.
If we do so, we too can have the assurance of eternal life.
UK & Ireland War Cry 12 April 2014
Library picture
Monday, April 14, 2014
Lent Bible Reading Series - 14th April 2014
Bible Reading – Isaiah 56: 4-8, and Mark 11: 12-19
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name,
Jesus is angered by the extortion blatantly on display in the Temple court. The unscrupulous dealers were not only making fat profits for themselves but, by their high pricing were excluding poorer people to worship in the temple. This was a desecration of the Temple, a violation of what God’s house was meant to be. The Temple was meant to be a place of prayer, a holy place, and a place where the most lowly and derided could come to worship.
Consider:
• Is your corps/church known for the warmth of its welcome and inclusion into the fellowship?
Prayer:
• O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,
Bow down and worship, his glory proclaim;
With gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,
Kneel and adore him, the Lord is his name.
(SASB 183)
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name,
Jesus is angered by the extortion blatantly on display in the Temple court. The unscrupulous dealers were not only making fat profits for themselves but, by their high pricing were excluding poorer people to worship in the temple. This was a desecration of the Temple, a violation of what God’s house was meant to be. The Temple was meant to be a place of prayer, a holy place, and a place where the most lowly and derided could come to worship.
Consider:
• Is your corps/church known for the warmth of its welcome and inclusion into the fellowship?
Prayer:
• O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,
Bow down and worship, his glory proclaim;
With gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,
Kneel and adore him, the Lord is his name.
(SASB 183)
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Prayer Points
1. Please intercede for Freedy Cheong, Alice Ong, Ailyn, Daniel and Sandy Family.
2. Please intercede for upcoming event, Holy Week, Good Friday Service, Sun Rise Service, and Easter Celebration.
3. Please intercede for one another in your pray, especially those that are not feeling well.
• Pray for our Territorial Leaders, Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn and Lieut. Colonels Paul and Evelyn. Pray for God’s continuing anointing on their leadership and for God’s wisdom and courage to lead us forward!
• Pray for each officer and Salvationist in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter. Pray for a new sense of wonder and commitment as we focus on God’s love and mercy, and the grace we receive because of Jesus’s death and resurrection.
• Continue to pray for Malaysia and the continuing search for MH370. Pray for the families of passengers and crew.
• Pray for one another’s needs as shared in your prayer group. Pray also for the sharing of God’s Word during the coming weekend. Pray for people to be transformed by the Word and the Spirit of God.
WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
http://smm.salvationarmyspirituallife.org
Facebook: Spiritual LifeDevelopment.SMM
2. Please intercede for upcoming event, Holy Week, Good Friday Service, Sun Rise Service, and Easter Celebration.
3. Please intercede for one another in your pray, especially those that are not feeling well.
• Pray for our Territorial Leaders, Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn and Lieut. Colonels Paul and Evelyn. Pray for God’s continuing anointing on their leadership and for God’s wisdom and courage to lead us forward!
• Pray for each officer and Salvationist in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter. Pray for a new sense of wonder and commitment as we focus on God’s love and mercy, and the grace we receive because of Jesus’s death and resurrection.
• Continue to pray for Malaysia and the continuing search for MH370. Pray for the families of passengers and crew.
• Pray for one another’s needs as shared in your prayer group. Pray also for the sharing of God’s Word during the coming weekend. Pray for people to be transformed by the Word and the Spirit of God.
WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
http://smm.salvationarmyspirituallife.org
Facebook: Spiritual LifeDevelopment.SMM
Announcements
14th - 17th April 2014: Holy Week Venue: Community Hall (5pm-10pm).
Please take note that the Corps Community Hall will be open for personal or family prayer. And there will also be stations set up for reflection.
18.04.2014: Good Friday Service Venue: Worship Hall (8.00pm)
20.04.2014: Sun Rise Service Venue: Worship Hall (6.30am). Breakfast will be provided.
20.04.2014: Easter Celebration Service Venue: Worship Hall (Time : 9:00am)
20.04.2014: There will be no Sunday School, Prayer Meeting and Youth Fellowship for this coming Easter Weekend.
Please take note that the Corps Community Hall will be open for personal or family prayer. And there will also be stations set up for reflection.
18.04.2014: Good Friday Service Venue: Worship Hall (8.00pm)
20.04.2014: Sun Rise Service Venue: Worship Hall (6.30am). Breakfast will be provided.
20.04.2014: Easter Celebration Service Venue: Worship Hall (Time : 9:00am)
20.04.2014: There will be no Sunday School, Prayer Meeting and Youth Fellowship for this coming Easter Weekend.
Lent Bible Reading Series - 13th April 2014
Bible Reading – Matthew 11: 1-11, Zechariah 9: 9-10, Luke 19: 41-42
As we prepare to journey with Jesus
through this holy week, we pray that we will be attentive to his voice and that
our response will be to worship him, with all our heart.
Today on Palm Sunday we
think of Jesus commencing his journey into Jerusalem, riding a donkey, a
prophetic sign to those who understood the message of the prophets. Jesus heard
the acclamation, the joyful voices, he saw the crowds, some waving palm leaves.
Could he, just for a fleeting moment have been tempted into thinking this was a
genuine acknowledgement of who he was! No doubt there were some supporters for
whom this would have been true. Jesus though was all too aware of the
whispering plots against him, and the growing hostility. He knew he had to
fulfil his fathers will and accept the awful trial of the week ahead. Even so,
knowing this truth Luke records that Jesus in the face of his own suffering,
wept over erroneous Jerusalem.
Consider:
·
Imagine
where you would have stood as Jesus processed into Jerusalem: would you be walking
with him, shouting out from the crowd or an inquisitive onlooker?
Pray:
·
For
those who bravely face hostility for their belief in Christ, both in this
country and around the world.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Lent Bible Reading Series - 12th April 2014
Bible Reading – 1 John 4: 1-12
‘The glorious word of scripture is that we are
not left to our own resources in dealing with temptation. The great God of
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the one who revealed himself to Moses, David and
Mary is our present help in times of trouble. Jesus Christ our everlasting
prophet is with us, teaching, empowering, and loving. The blessed Holy Spirit
draws near to us in our hour of temptation, guiding, strengthening and
encouraging. And when we do stumble and fall, we have an advocate with the
Father in our Saviour Jesus’.
Richard J Foster.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Lent Bible Reading Series - 11th April 2014
·
Bible Reading – 2 Samuel
22:2, Psalm 18: 16-28, Isaiah 45:3
We all go through
trials in our lives from time to time; sometimes not of our own making. It
maybe that at such times we cry out ‘Where
are you God?’ We are in good
company; for scripture is full of characters who knew moments of despair and
desertion, characters such as Job,
Elijah, Hosea to name a few. Trials can come in many different ways,
sometimes through hardship, family
break up, illness, loss of a loved one for instance. We may find it difficult
to pray, and it is then that we appreciate the support and prayers of others.
Whilst no one would choose to go through times of trial it is however at such
times that we can see treasures in the
darkness as the Isaiah reading expresses. Treasures, such as, a friend who
stood by us, or sent us a note of encouragement, or the smile of a child, enjoying
a spring day, a particular verse of scripture, or a shared prayer of comfort.
Consider:
·
Has God
laid someone’s name on your heart today who is in need of your support, or
should you send a card of encouragement to someone, or say a prayer for or with
someone?
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