Another Year Is Dawning

by Admin | Jan 2, 2025 | Violet James, • Timely Word •

Another Year Is Dawning

We are approaching the dawn of another new year! The hymn that Isaac Watts wrote is ringing in my mind once again:

O God our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Our shelter from the stormy blast,

And our eternal home.

Watts (1674-1748), the English Hymn writer, based this hymn on some of the verses from Psalm 90. Like the psalmist, Watts recognized the transcendence of God and the temporariness of humankind.

The unknown is often challenging and can be very scary too! Both the psalmist and Watts remind us to find comfort and security in this unshakeable certainty – that our God is eternal, and we can find our eternal rest in Him alone!

The Psalmist bursts forth in his opening verses by declaring – Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations; from everlasting to everlasting, you are God; for a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday (Psalm 90:1, 2 & 4).

Watts uses imageries of God as our ‘Shelter from the stormy blast’; God as our ‘Defense and Help in ages past’; God as our ‘Eternal Home’!

How then should we approach 2025 as Christ’s disciples? Can we entrust our lives into the hands of the God of all ages? Can we let Him lead and guide us step by step despite our fears and uncertainties of what tomorrow may bring us?

Ira Stanphill (1914-1993) wrote a hymn in 1950 after he came out from a deep depression – I Know Who Holds Tomorrow. The chorus below is a wonderful reminder of how we can respond to the new year that is fast approaching – in times of sorrow, uncertainties or challenges we may encounter:

Many things about tomorrow

I don’t seem to understand,

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand’.

We do not know what tomorrow may hold but it’s comforting to know that our eternal God is our ‘Shelter’, ‘our Hope for years to come’; our Guard while troubles last’; ‘and our eternal Home’.

As the new year dawns, let us with confidence greet one another with these words:

BECAUSE CHRIST LIVES,

WE CAN FACE ALL OUR TOMORROWS!

Have a Blessed New Year!

By Dr Violet James

The Best Gift of All

by Admin | Dec 20, 2024 | Dorcas Leong, • Timely Word •

The Best Gift of All

Upon reading and reflecting on the narrative of the wise men visiting Jesus from Matthew 2:1-12, I only just realized that this visit happened some time after Jesus’ birth. So, it is highly likely that Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus were no longer in the stable where Jesus was born, unlike what is depicted in our nativity scenes.

These wise men from the east, a special class of priests from the Persian Empire, were just doing their job of looking at the stars. I can imagine they might be similar to present-day astronomers who look forward to catching that once-in-a-lifetime Halley’s Comet – but of course we now know that this special star which they saw would appear only once in anybody’s lifetime!

No doubt their travels from afar, along with their three precious gifts, would not have been an easy journey. The most logical place to go to first when looking for the king of the Jews would have been the palace. But as was emphasised in last week’s sermon, our Most High God chose to be born as a man in the most humble and lowly of circumstances rather than as an earthly king. After the pit-stop at Herod’s, how amazing it would have been to be led by the special star, directly to where Jesus was!

The significance of the gifts is also worth pondering upon. Gold was meant for a king, and frankincense was meant to worship deity. But why would they have brought myrrh with them, which is an embalming oil which can be interpreted as a symbol of death?! As Hope Bolinger, a writer for www.christianity.com put it, “embalming liquid never appears to top the lists of baby shower gifts in society today.”

As we have been reflecting on the responses of various eye-witnesses who were there at Jesus’ birth more than 2000 years ago, we must certainly return to the question of our own response. How have we been changed by the birth of this baby? What is our response to the Gospel message? Like the wise men who “rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” when they finally saw the newborn king, and lay the precious gifts at his feet as they worshipped Him, there are two practical applications we could draw from this passage.

First, we can examine how we approach this season in terms of both giving and receiving gifts. For example, do we buy gifts for family, friends, and colleagues for the sake of it, because it is expected, or the office’s culture? Could we be unintentionally contributing to the consumerism culture by gifting items that people don’t really need? And in terms of receiving gifts, this year especially, I am finding it challenging to teach my 4-year-old son the importance of having a grateful heart, even as he has been so blessed with early Christmas gifts, and unfortunately, has very little patience to wait until Christmas Day to open them!

Second, and perhaps more importantly, we can reflect on our attitude of giving to God and towards His people and missions work. If we truly believe that everything we own belongs to the Lord, and we are only stewards of our material possessions, can we hold more loosely to our money, our time or even our talents?

Ultimately, we know that the best gift of all is Jesus Christ, and the Good News that He brings to us, which is what we celebrate during Christmas time. May this truth be apparent in our lifestyles and in everything we say and do especially during this season.

By sister Dorcas Leong

Waiting with the Shepherds

by Admin | Dec 15, 2024 | Aaron Lee, • Timely Word •

Waiting with the Shepherds

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” – Luke 2:15

Christmas, that most anticipated time of the year, is approaching once more. Did you know that the account of Jesus’ birth is recorded only in the gospels of Matthew and Luke? It is noteworthy that both accounts differ in structure and focus. Matthew tells of the wise men, who were mysterious and wealthy, but not the shepherds. Luke speaks of the shepherds, who were simple folk who kept to themselves, but never mentioned the wise men. The Bible gives two separate accounts of Jesus’ birth and the picture that it paints is a composite of different stories and details.

Remarkably, the wise men and shepherds were each led to Jesus in their own ways. The wise men saw a bright new star in the sky, while an angel appeared to the shepherds. Some say that shepherds and wise men represent the spectrum of humanity. The shepherds symbolize the simple while the wise men represent the learned.

As we reflect on the shepherds in the Luke account, several lessons are brought to mind.

First, the Lord identifies Himself with the lowly and the outcasts. Such were the shepherds, who were despised as being at the bottom of the social pyramid, sharing the same status as tax collectors and dung sweepers. Yet the Lord chose to identify himself with the lowly people by being among them at His first coming, being born in a nondescript town to an ordinary Israelite girl. This very fact should remind us to care deeply about the poor and the oppressed.

Second, we need to listen and obey as the shepherds did. After the angel’s announcement of the Saviour’s birth, they decided to see for themselves what God had done (Luke 2:11-15). So they travelled to Bethlehem and found that everything was as the angel had said. The baby Jesus was there in a manger, wrapped in cloths (Luke 2:12, 16). We can learn from the examples of these shepherds, having the same eagerness to listen to God and obey Him. An angel may not appear to every one of us, however all of us have His Word and are blessed when we hear and obey (Luke 11:28).

Third, ordinary people can tell others about Jesus. These ordinary shepherds, who were outcasts among their people, were the first to hear of Jesus’ birth and to spread that news. It can be said that they were the “first evangelists”. We can follow their example.

Fourth, hearing and spreading the good news should lead us to respond in worship. After seeing Jesus for themselves, the shepherds went and told others about what they had experienced. They also returned to their flocks praising and glorifying God (Luke 2:20). They could not help but worship the Lord.

How about us? There are times when life feels so full of trouble, and we, and those around us, grow soul-weary. This Christmas, let us “wait with the shepherds” in expectancy. Let our celebrations be full of worship and adoration to God, and let us share the “good news of great joy” with renewed hope in our hearts to those around us. Afterall, Jesus is the reason for the season, and he is the greatest gift of all. Alleluia!

By Elder Aaron Lee

Mary’s Story (Luke 1:26-38)

by Admin | Dec 6, 2024 | Shem Khoo, • Timely Word •

Mary’s Story

Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary as told in Luke 1:26-38 can be compared with his visit to Zechariah. There are striking parallels in both accounts – both were “troubled” when the angel Gabriel appeared to them:

Gabriel gave them both the same reassurance – “Do not be afraid”
Both were told of impending miraculous conceptions
Both responded with a question that contained an element of incomprehension (Luke 1:18, 35)

Yet only one of them was admonished. Zechariah was punished with temporary muteness. The differing responses to Mary and Zechariah highlight some important aspects of faith, doubt and God’s response.

1. Mary’s question versus Zechariah’s doubt

Mary asked, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” Her question expressed confusion, a desire for understanding, but not disbelief. She accepted the angel’s words and was willing to trust in God’s plan, even if she did not fully comprehend how this was humanly possible.
Zechariah’s question, on the other hand, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced well in years” betrayed his doubt, skepticism and lack of faith in God’s power.

2. Faith as the Central Theme

Mary’s response represents a model of faith and trust in the Almighty God despite not being able to humanly comprehend how God’s plan could manifest itself – a model of simple, child-like faith, obedience and submission that all of us believers can learn from. This is underscored by her response, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
Zechariah, on the other hand, displayed a moment of faithlessness, despite being a priest and a righteous man – both he and his wife Elizabeth were described as “righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.” The manner in which he questioned Gabriel suggests that Zechariah was making the statement, “This is impossible; show me how it is possible!”

3. God’s Personalised Response 

The differing responses to Mary and Zechariah demonstrate that God deals with each of us uniquely, addressing the condition of our faith, hearts and personal circumstances.

Little is known of Mary’s background and upbringing. But it is most likely that, as with most young women of her time, she had no education and formal religious training. Yet, she displayed a child-like faith and belief in our miraculous God. Furthermore, her heart of obedience and willingness to submit cannot be understated, especially in light of the cultural norms of her time. God’s response to her condition was a reassuring, gentle and detailed explanation of the divine conception that was to take place in her womb.
On the other hand, Zechariah was a priest, who might have been expected to respond with faith to the announcement, especially given the parallels to stories of miraculous births in Scripture – Sarah and Isaac, Hannah and Samuel – stories that a priest would be well-familiar with. Zechariah’s disbelief in a miraculous God was corrected by another miracle. God instantly muted him and made him unable to speak until the birth of John, no doubt giving him time to reflect on and repent from his disbelief and lack of faith.

May we all learn from Mary’s simple faith in and submission to God. May we never take for granted or be desensitised to the many daily miracles that God places around us – the miracle of life, the daily rising and setting of the sun, the functioning of our bodies. And may we daily be convicted that we serve and worship the God of miracles.

By Deacon Shem Khoo

The Birth of Jesus, As Seen Through the Eyes of Joseph

by Admin | Dec 1, 2024 | David Yap, • Timely Word •

The Birth of Jesus,
As Seen Through the Eyes of Joseph

It was devastating for Joseph when he learnt that his betrothed was pregnant. He knew the child wasn’t his. He had conducted himself properly in their premarital relationship. Heartbroken and deeply troubled, many thoughts must have swirled through his mind. As he weighed the options carefully, he reckoned it would be best for him to annul the betrothal and to take care of things quietly, so Mary would not be disgraced (refer to Matt 1:18-19).

The Lord’s revelation

It was at this point when God chose to reveal His plan and purpose to him. An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. That message delivered would completely change his outlook for the days ahead. Joseph was told that the Child within Mary was conceived through God’s supernatural act, and not a product of sexual union.

There was also specific information and instructions in that revelation. Joseph was told that:

he should have the confidence to complete his marriage to Mary
she would give birth to a Son, and
“you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (v 21)

This amazingly staggering news would be difficult for him to fully wrap his mind around the consequences. Yet, we know that Joseph believed. It is significant that Matthew draws our attention to the prophesy, as recorded in Isaiah some 700 years earlier. “Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they shall name Him Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us” (Matt 1:23, a quotation from Isaiah 7:14). This revelation from God speaks of the fulfilment of God’s promised intervention into human history. This Child, begotten of God, is God with us! All the pieces begin to fall into place within Joseph’s mind.

Joseph’s obedient response

Joseph’s faith was demonstrated by his obedient response — he did as the angel of the Lord commanded. He willingly took Mary as his wife, even though he knew his actions would draw negative attention. We’re also specifically told that “he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born” (v 25, NLT). Joseph named the Son “Jesus”— showing us that he believed, however much he understood it, that this Child would save His people, Joseph included, from their sins.

Conclusion

Joseph is identified by Matthew as the first to trust in Jesus as the promised Messiah. For Joseph, he humbly took God’s Word as revealed to him without hesitation, even though it was way beyond his human understanding, even though it would mean taking on full responsibility as Jesus’ earthly father in every sense of the word, and all the major life adjustments that he would have to make.

We can learn from Joseph to trust in the God who fulfils His promises and who works out His purpose in His own way and time. And, as Joseph was given the opportunity to exercise faith in God, we likewise are invited to place our trust in Jesus. We have the benefit of reading God’s revealed Word which tells us the Messiah has come, walked on this earth, and has completed His mission. The name given to Him reveals His mission. His name is Jesus, “for He will save His people from their sins.” We can respond humbly, trusting in Jesus to be our Saviour and our Lord.” Faith in Jesus is not just a beautiful slogan. It must be demonstrated by our obedient response to Him.

By Ps David Yap

God of All Comfort

by Admin | Nov 22, 2024 | Phua Huijia, • Timely Word •

God of All Comfort

Recently a friend of mine, R, went through a period of great distress as she and her significant other were a target of online attacks over several weeks. The attacks were relentless, and seemed to escalate every day. What made it worse was that the attacks were instigated by people whom they knew to be friends. R confided that she was very frightened, to the point of losing her appetite and sleep.

Before I share further, here is some context – R was someone I knew from work, and we gradually nurtured a friendship beyond a professional client-partner relationship. While we often met up for chats, I never thought about sharing my faith with R, an atheist. It just never crossed my mind, and R had never expressed interest in finding out about Christianity.

When the incidents started happening, I was surprised when R reached out to me. She shared that I was the first person she thought of when she needed someone during this dark period. R was someone who came across as fearless and confident. A very gregarious person with many friends. I felt strongly that God must have placed me in her life at this point in time to be a blessing and comfort to her. I was reminded of the times the Lord had comforted me during my distress through the support and counsel of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I recalled the verses from 2 Cor 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

For the first time, I felt compelled to share, with R, that I would be praying for her and her significant other. The Lord also prompted me to send R the following verse: “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble” Psalm 59:16.

I shared the context behind this verse with R, which seemed to mirror her current experience. It was written by David and inspired by his timely escape from a group of assassins sent by King Saul, who used to be close to David. Despite living in constant danger, David remained confident in the Lord’s love and trusted that God would continue to deliver him. He was “patient in affliction and faithful in prayer”. I told R that I deeply hoped for her to experience the peace of the Lord, which “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7), and that I would continue to listen to her, pray for her and journey with her. R received my prayers with openness and gratitude, for which I am thankful.

Then one morning, R excitedly texted me to ask if I could take a call. She shared that a “divine intervention” happened – the online attacks came to an abrupt halt because a key mastermind behind the attacks was suddenly arrested for other reasons. This happened right before she and her significant other had to make a painful decision on whether they wanted to file a police report and pursue a litigious route.

Through my conversations with R in the days after, I could sense that she seemed more open to learning about God. I am grateful that the Lord opened a door, and I am reminded that God can use any of us, at any time, to bring someone closer to Him. May the good Lord continue to help us to be sensitive to the urging of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives as we extend our friendship and comfort to others.

By sister Phua Huijia

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