by Admin | Feb 18, 2024 | Tay Yong Thai, • Timely Word •
Reflections on LENT
Matt 26:36-41
We just celebrated Chinese New Year last weekend. It is a time of great celebrations and festivities and marks the start of the Chinese people’s Spring season (春节). This year, while still celebrating the Spring season, a very different season is starting. Last Wednesday, 14 Feb was Ash Wednesday and marks the start of the Lent season, a six-week season that leads up to Easter. It is one of the most significant times of the year for many Christians around the world. It is a time of preparation, personal reflection and going deeper in our relationship with God as we prepare our hearts and minds for Good Friday and Easter.
Thoughts on Matthew 26:36-41
In preparation for LENT, I recently read Matt 26:36-41. This passage is about the Prayer of Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane.
It was the moment before the greatest event in history, the salvation of all mankind but it was also a time of great sorrow for our Saviour. We had all to gain but He suffered all the pain for our sins. It was a lonely grief as His closest companions were found to be sleeping when He needed them most. However, He found solace in praying and seeking the Heavenly Father.
Time to slow down and make room for Jesus
As we enter into the LENT season, it is a time for us to slow down and reflect on what our Lord Jesus had done for us. The loneliness and pain that He felt as He prepared himself for His crucifixion and on the cross. (1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed)
God promises us that when we spend time with Him, He will draw near to us. ( James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you”). To draw near to God means to get to know God better and be familiar with His voice. Jesus said He leads His sheep with His voice. (John 10:3“The sheep hear His voice, and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out”)
Lay down something to focus on Jesus
Jesus denied himself, took up the cross and bore our sins so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. In the same way, Lent is about laying something down and picking something up.
Jesus went ahead with this tough journey because of His love for us. What is our response to His love for us?
Fasting, or giving something up, is a very common practice for Christians during Lent. The idea is to give up something that is a regular part of our lives as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. It should lead us to set our focus on Jesus.
As I consider what I need to lay down to spend more time on God’s word, I realise that one of the things that I can do, is to exchange the time that I spend on social media for reading God’s word. With this, I might feel less connected with the virtual world of friends, but it is a chance for me to spend more real time with God.
We all have different life circumstances and I am sure that we can find something meaningful that we can lay down to focus on Him.
By Elder Tay Yong Thai
by Admin | Jan 22, 2022 | Tay Yong Thai, • Timely Word •
On the morning of Feb 15, 2021, we woke up to a very cold house in Houston, Texas. We had been warned that a winter storm was coming, the coldest (-12℃) that Texas had seen in a hundred years, but were not prepared for a power outage in the midst of this storm. Without power, we could not run our central heating and the house lost its heat fast. We also quickly found out that the gas fireplace in our house was more ornamental than functional in heating the house.
With spotty cellphone signals, we tried to connect with members of our Small Group in Houston and soon discovered that like the majority of Texas, we were all out of power as many powerplants had shut down due to the hard freeze. Isolated and cold, we hunkered down as a family to pray for power to be restored and for protection from the cold. That same evening, we were so overjoyed when we heard our central heating blowers kick-in. However, we found that we were the minority and many of my colleagues and SG members were still without power. Concerned for our friends, we offered up our house as a shelter from the bitter cold. The next day, an SG member took up the offer and his family of five stayed with us for a week until power was restored to his house.
In the two years I spent in the US, my Small Group in Houston became a community that we could depend on in times of need. Initially when I joined the group, I was attracted by the similarity in culture (most of us were Singaporeans) and food that reminded us of home. Through the help of a caring leader, we bonded together as a community of God’s people and learned to extend help to each other as we faced our individual challenges and natural disasters. The Small Group was a great source of practical help and support as we weathered the many natural disasters (hurricane season, winter storms, COVID) and personal challenges (illnesses, economic hardship) together. Through the ministry of the Word, deeds and the Holy Spirit, we saw a few amongst us heed the call to be baptised and accept the Lord into their lives. The fellowship that I experienced felt like what was described in the early church (Acts 2:42-47)
It was the most enriching Small Group experience I had in all my years of involvement in Small Group ministry. As I reflect on the sense of community that we had, I realize there were a few factors that made us grow closer together.
Each of us recognized that we needed help as we were in a foreign land with many natural disasters and we were unfamiliar with how things worked. We were also willing to ask for help as everyone had their challenges and there was no need to feel embarassed or “paiseh” to ask for help. The Small Group was part of the social safety net. All of us were willing to help in whatever way we could. When one member fell ill with COVID, we took turns delivering meals to the member as their family lived far away. This built upon itself as once we found we could depend on each other, it made us more prepared to face whatever challenges that came our way.
I believe that Small Group Churches in YCKC can also do a lot more. We are all going through difficult times, and we can go through our challenges together as God’s people if we take the initiative to ask for help and extend our help to those who are in need.
by brother Tay Yong Thai
by Admin | Jan 19, 2020 | Tay Yong Thai, • Timely Word •
As of July 15,2019, we were officially migrant workers in Houston, Texas. We touched down in George Bush International Airport with just 10 suitcases of belongings. We had 15 days to find our permanent lodging, purchase our cars and one month to prepare the kids for school in Houston.
We had to re-establish our lives in the US in the shortest time possible but were not familiar with the bureaucracy and the system. We found that even getting the basic essentials like internet (yes, that is an essential), water and gas was an adventure. As I stand at the start of a new year, I look back at 2019 and marvel at His faithfulness and the exciting ride that I had just taken with Him.
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2)
I had depended on Him to be my rock, fortress and deliverer in times of trouble. But a quotation from Tony Evans which was shared during one of the sermons in the church in Houston offered a new perspective.
“Sometimes God lets you hit rock bottom so that you can discover He is the Rock at the bottom.”
That quotation was very apt for me. 2019 was a year of trial, testing and uncertainty. It was through these challenging times that I learnt to rely on the dependable Rock that is our Lord. The first few months in Houston was a period of great adjustment, discovery and learning. Adjustment to the work culture and way of life. Discovering and learning the way things work here.
Things that locals know intuitively from the years spent growing up in America, I had to put in much effort to research and learn what to do. There was no simple answers to some issues like deciding which church I should go to, figuring out the health care system, credit score system for applying credit cards and resolving my first speeding ticket (my bad!). All these required much internet research and conversations with colleagues and friends. God is faithful and always provides an answer to the most urgent of our pleas (Psalm 86:6-7). Sometimes, it felt like I was mustering the strength of my entire body to swim to the other bank of a fast moving river and at moments when I felt I couldn’t make it through, I could rest my tired body on the Rock of my salvation and safely reach the other bank. I made it through 2019 through His strength.
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:13-14)
The Chinese church I attend in Houston has been going through Philippians as part of their sermon series and this verse kept repeating in my mind. What was God trying to tell me in my situation? In Phil 3:4-8, Paul shared that although he could have confidence in his own effort, things he once thought valuable are now worthless in the light of what Jesus has done. Yes in this foreign land, I need to “forget” the things that I had my confidence in and trust God to provide my every need. All my networks, relationships, experience and knowledge count for very little now and I have to walk by faith and rely on God to learn and adapt to the new surroundings. It is an adventure! Made all the more exciting because I knew who was my shepherd and guide.
As I look back at how far I have come over these 6 months. I have seen how the Lord has carried me and my family through the many unknowns. Each new challenge is a chance for me to rest upon the Rock whenever I felt helpless. My response as His beloved child is to strain forward to what lies ahead and press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
By Tay Yong Thai (YCKC Bulletin 19 January 2020)
by Admin | Jun 9, 2019 | Tay Yong Thai, • Timely Word •
It was late in the evening and as I listened to the song “Trust in You” by Laura Daigle, tears filled my eyes as I thanked God for carrying us through a very difficult period. I realized that I needed to surrender my dreams and desires to Him. Dreams that things could have happened differently.
We received news in January that my wife Li Hsing was detected with DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ), an early stage breast cancer. It was terrible news to us and I sought the Scriptures for answers. I knew that she had a family history of breast cancer and reconciled that it was genetic (Psalm 139:13-14) and unfortunate circumstances can befall us at any time (Eccl 9:12).
The doctor had provided the prognosis and the proposed treatment options. Next, we went about gathering all the information we could about this disease. At the same time, we sought the Lord and asked for prayers for healing. We searched the Scriptures and claimed upon Psalm 33:18-19 as the verses to tide us through this period. We boldly prayed for healing of the affected cells, knowing that our God is a great God and these are just small cancer cells which extend a few millimetres, surely He can command them to disappear if it is His will.
The operation to remove the tumour was planned for 4th March, and Li Hsing was extremely nervous about her first operation under general anaesthesia. I was anxious and expectant to witness God’s miracle as the radiographer did another mammogram before the operation. However, a miracle did not happen, the tumour was still there and the two hour operation would need to proceed as planned.
A week later, when we reviewed the results of the biopsy, we were told the good news that it was still early stage breast cancer, but the operation did not fully remove the tumour and Li Hsing had to be operated on again. It would be a much longer and more complicated operation this time – 11 hours to remove the entire breast followed by reconstruction of a new breast. We quickly scheduled for the operation for 2nd April.
We were back into the cycle of feeling anxious, seeking God for peace in the Scriptures, praying and waiting expectantly as the day of the operation approached. The stakes were higher in this operation and Li Hsing was getting increasingly anxious as the day approached. We were brought down to our knees in prayer as we realized that there was no way we could fight this battle on our own. Only God, our Creator and Sustainer of Life could see us through. I reminded Li Hsing that God is ever watching over her and would deliver her (Psalm 33:18-19). At the same time, if anything were to happen, she would be in a better place (Phil 1:21). As for me, I clung onto 1 Cor 10:13, and trusted that God would provide a way for me no matter what happened through this trial.
On the day of the operation, Amy Ong and I prayed for her as she was wheeled into the operating theatre. Li Hsing told me later that the surgeon actually prayed for her in the operating theatre before the anaesthesia was administered. It would be the longest 11 hours I had ever endured. There was nothing I could do about the outcome and I imagined that God was at work guiding the hand of the surgeon and the medical team. It was radio silence until late evening when I got a call from the surgeon telling me that the surgery was a success.
About one month after the surgery, we had a follow up with the surgeon and he noted that Li Hsing was making good progress. He also made the comment that she has conquered the mountain and what remains are little hills to overcome. Yes, there are times when we fear the mountain and really want God to move it, but sometimes He chooses to give us strength to overcome it instead (2 Cor 12:9).
By Tay Yong Thai, Elder (YCKC Bulletin 9 June 2019)
by Admin | Jul 28, 2018 | Tay Yong Thai, • Timely Word •
Just last week, I was asked to speak at a forum in the office about work place flexibility and I had a chance to share about how everyone needs to find the balance between the personal (including spiritual), family and work aspects to be productive.
Over the course of my work-life, God has provided me the opportunities to meet and work with many colleagues who are good witnesses at the work place. They have inspired me also to constantly strive to be the best witness I can be at the workplace.
In the early part of my career, I learnt from my seniors that my direct supervisor was the person with the most influence on my career and ranking. Coming straight out of university, where we were left pretty much on our own to figure out how to “score” in the examination, it was hard work trying to figure out what the boss in the workplace wanted. It got more difficult when I was either changing roles or bosses every 1 to 2 years.
After about a decade of chasing after what each new boss wanted, I had an epiphany when I came to realize who my boss really is — God. As Paul exhorts in Col 3:23-24, we should work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. We are not serving man but the Lord Christ.
Working for the Lord enabled me to consistently behave in a way that reflects my beliefs and values. Trusting in the Lord for my work and career, allowed me to rejoice always, giving thanks in all circumstances for I know that He is in control (1 Thess 5:16-18). It liberated me from the need to be a “people-pleaser” but to treat people sincerely and to do what I sincerely believe in (Col 3:22).
- Excel in our work (Col 3:17)
One of the first things fellow colleagues and supervisors look out for in us is our quality of work. In a highly connected workplace, we are all dependent on each other for the performance of the work we are responsible for and how it fits into the big picture. However, as Christians, there is the added dimension of Christ in our work. In Col 3:17 Paul reminds us that “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
We are representatives of Christ at the workplace and our behaviour and actions should be the best that we can achieve to reflect Him working in our lives. Being a good co-worker also opens the doors for us to share about our lives and what is important to us with others.
Treat others sincerely (Phil 2:3-4)
On the surface, the workplace can be quite a competitive place and some may go by the mantra, the winner takes it all. However, that attitude only works if you have only one encounter with the other party. A career can be a long journey and there are many encounters with many parties and it is important that we win someone over with our sincerity and admit our mistakes if they are our fault. Our colleagues will appreciate if we look out for their interests as well as ours (Phil 2:3-4).
I attended the retirement dinner of a Christian colleague last year and during the tribute session to her, a fellow colleague shared a quote which stuck with me.
It is from an American Poet, Maya Angelou and it goes “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
It is a reminder to me that in the course of our work, not only must we focus on the task at hand, we should take into consideration the feelings/views of others and also strive to reach a solution where everyone can take back something of value. Hopefully, we can leave behind a positive legacy and witness to others.
By Tay Yong Thai, Elder (YCKC Bulletin 28&29 July 2018)
by Admin | Jan 13, 2018 | Tay Yong Thai, • Timely Word •
Phil 4:4-8
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Do not be anxious about anything
Flipping the pages of the newspapers (or the news apps), it suddenly dawned upon me that 2018 did not get off to a good start. In the month of December 2017, there were about 7 Singaporeans who perished in road accidents overseas. There were news of terrorist acts and the New Year celebrations in Sentosa saw the introduction of crash barriers. Looking at the world around us, there are a lot to be anxious about these days. I remember before our recent trip to Europe in December, we were a bit concerned about the security and weather over there.
Anxiety is defined as the distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune. The thought of potential misfortune happening can sometimes paralyse us more than the actual event happening. There could be a lot of things that get us worried if we let ourselves get caught up with the “what-ifs” i.e. what if this goes wrong?
Phil 4:6-7 is the passage in the bible that we often quote to remind us that if we pray and leave our anxieties and worries to God, we can experience the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding”.
I was given a book “ Anxious for nothing, finding calm in a chaotic world” written by Max Lucado, for Christmas and he summarized four admonitions from Phil 4:4-8 that can help us deal with our anxiety and experience the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding”.
They are C. A. L. M.
Celebrate, Ask, Leave, Meditate
Celebrate God’s goodness.
Phil 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” We can attain peace not because we do not have any problems but because of the presence of a sovereign Lord. (Prov 21:30)
The first thing we should do when we encounter a problem is to turn our attention away from the problem and look to God and celebrate His goodness (Psalm 121:1-2). Peter was able to walk across the stormy Sea of Galilee when he kept his gaze on Jesus but started sinking when he started to gaze at the storm (Matt 14:28-30). The very first thing we should do when we face a problem is to rejoice in the Lord. He will make us ready for the challenge.
Ask God for help. Phil 4:6 “…let your requests be made known to God”. When fears strike, we can engage in despair or prayer. When we sense anxiety welling up inside us, we should instinctively cast it in the direction of Christ (1 Pet 5:7). We should pray specifically and immediately. It is said that the path to peace is paved with prayer. Let our anxious thoughts be replaced by prayerful thoughts. As we pray “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.
Leave our concerns with God. Phil 4:7 ”And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. We need to let God take charge of our anxieties and our lives and leave Him to do what is best for us. “…for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until the day of His return.” (2 Tim 1:12, NLT). While waiting for the Lord to work on our problems, we should drive out anxious thoughts with grateful ones. Just like Paul in Phil 4:11-13, let us focus on what we have and less on what we do not have so that we can strive for Christ-based contentment.
Meditate on good things. Phi 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”. We cannot control our circumstances but we can control what we think of them. The thoughts that we have determines the outcome of our battle with anxiety (Prov 4:23). Sometimes the problem that we have is not the problem in itself, but the way we think about it. We should saturate our hearts with the goodness of God by setting our minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth (Col 3:2)
By meditating on God’s word and clinging onto His promises, let’s strive for a season where we can worry less and trust Him more.
By Tay Yong Thai, Elder (YCKC Bulletin 13&14 January 2018)
