9 March 2025 - ENCS

Ivy Toh continued the series on social responsibility

Per Genesis one, God created mankind we do see

As we were made in God’s image, per Genesis nine

Treat others with dignity and honour, per God’s design

To know God is both intellectual and experiential

Per Jeremiah twenty three, both are essential

Christian Social Responsibility also reveals God

He is almighty and all-powerful, not a facade

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is shared in Luke ten

Showing the reaction of three different types of men

Remember we are each in desperate need of God’s love

To be our Good Samaritan, Jesus was sent from above

15 October 2023 - ENCS

Pastor Joey today spoke on “The Heart-Eye Connection”

Per Matthew six, our eyes are like lamps giving direction

If our eyes are healthy, then our body will be full of light

If our eyes are unhealthy, our body will be dark like night

The biblical perspective is that values determine vision

So what, why, and how you see follows with precision

Social media algorithms reveal what our focus has been

If values are wrong, we see the wrong thins on screen

Vision is powerful, so the devil wants to take it away

The eye is the lamp of the body, Matthew six does say

Per Proverbs twenty nine, without vision, people perish

In Jeremiah twenty nine, God’s promises are not bearish

Joey concluded with how to have a healthy vision 

Pray unceasingly, as Daniel did when facing a decision

Always meditate on God’s word as per Philippians four

And fellowship with God’s people, find a good mentor

In other words, treat the ENCS mantra as a big tip

Always PMPF - Pray, Meditate, Proclaim, Fellowship

8 October 2023 - ENCS

Pastor Mark spoke on “Values, Treasures, and the Heart”

In Matthew six, about types of treasure Jesus did impart

We should not lay up temporal treasures here on earth

As eternal treasures in heaven have so much more worth

Mark said we should remember that our hearts do pursue 

Those things, temporal or eternal, which we most value

Firstly, recognise how valuable we are in Christ’s eyes

His words in Matthew six about birds we should memorise

Per John ten, we are so valuable He will not let us go

As Romans five, Hebrews thirteen, and Luke twelve show

We are valuable masterpieces, per Psalm one thirty nine

Because per John one, we are in Christ’s direct bloodline

Secondly, realign our perspective using heaven's eyes

Doing things that upset God is foolish and clearly not wise

We should all create and add value to people around us

Although storing and increasing value is not superfluous

In First Timothy six, in a passage that is never outdated

The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, Paul stated

Finally, reposture our hearts and reorder our values

Do a heart check and seriously consider God’s views

For the heart is often deceitful, per Jeremiah seventeen

So the Lord tests our hearts, in the passage it is seen

We should clear the blockages and take proactive care

“Slowing, stopping, silence, solitude” Mark did share

And in the absence of those on a South African trip

I would add “Pray, Mediate, Proclaim, Fellowship”

21 May 2023 - ENCS

Pastor Joey continued the series on God and work today

God’s call is irrevocable, in Romans eleven Paul does say

Our vocation is a calling, a way for us the world to impact

“Answer the call” was Pastor Joey’s title as a matter of fact

God’s call is universal for His purpose, per Romans eight

His call is unique, as each has unique skills to activate

Paul was called to be an apostle, as per Romans one

Each of us is a unique piece in a jigsaw God has done

When we listen to it. God’s call is where you are blessed

Per Genesis twelve, though Abram was older than the rest

God calls us to a relationship with others who are called

Akin to being a lighthouse for the masses so far sprawled

Per Romans one, God calls us to obedience from our faith

Everyone confirms their calling, as Second Peter one saith

God’s call is clear and evident, again per Romans eight

Passions, proclivities, and personality are clues to our fate

Your call is not just what you do, but it is God’s handiwork

Per Ephesians two, to do good works we should not shirk

In Philippians three, Paul implied your call is progressive

We have constant opportunities for as long as we will live

Your call fits God’s plans, per Jeremiah chapter twenty nine

His plans give us hope and a future much more than fine

Joey concluded by answering “How?” we answer today

Following what our conscience and God’s word do say

Ensuring that we are always acting out of faith not fear

And doing what will glorify God the most try to adhere

19 February 2023 - ENCS

Pastor Josh continued the “What is Church” series today

Church is one body in Christ, Romans twelve does say

God sets us as He pleases per First Corinthians twelve

Into what this means for us, Pastor Josh did then delve

All we do is for the glory of God, per First Corinthians ten

First Corinthians three says Jesus is the foundation, amen

Paul also said faith should be based on the power of God

So to mere human wisdom we should never give the nod

The people who know their God, per Daniel chapter eleven

Will be strong and do great exploits with power from heaven

Second Timothy two says to be strong in Christ’s grace

This will inevitable lead to action points in our earthly race

Social responsibility is referenced in Jeremiah twenty two

Per Acts thirteen, applying our unique gifts in what we do

"Serving the city" can be also be stated as bringing good 

By helping the poor, needy, and downtrodden in the hood

In summary, Josh said church has three foundations

Missional: socially responsible, generations, nations

Spiritual: Honour God, Christ-centred, Spirit power

Relational: family, cultural and faceted every hour

11 December 2022 - ENCS

Today we heard Pastor Quentin of United Family Fellowship

Via Bangkok from Nashville USA  he made the very long trip

An ex-professional pianist, two churches he now pastors

Also running a coffee shop, many skills Quentin masters

He appropriately titled today’s message “Trust The Process”

Obeying God’s plans has amazed, albeit with some stress

From musician, part time preacher, and airline employee

He was approached with a challenge while making coffee

Referring to Jeremiah chapter twenty nine verse eleven

We are promised a future and hope from God in heaven

So we should all hope for a better twenty twenty three

And then believe that God will make it an eventuality

Three key points Pastor Quentin did with us then share

God always has a plan for our lives for He does care

Per Mark eleven, we must pray to God and believe

God will give us provision so our vision we do achieve

4 September 2022 - Keene UCC

On Sunday I visited the United Church of Christ Keene

Pastor Cindy spoke about Jeremiah chapter eighteen

“Vesseling” was the title of her sermon and example

(For illustration, we each used a play-doh sample)

God can do with us as we did with the balls of clay

Allowing ourselves to be malleable is the best way

God wants to change our evil ways, Pastor told us

And like a potter with a wheel, God can re-mold us

And very apt were the lyrics from the final hymn

For God, "Our Potter” is an appropriate synonym

"Change my heart Oh God, make it ever true.
Change my heart Oh God, may I be like You.
…………...You are the potter, I am the clay,
Mold me and make me, this is what I pray."

27 September 2020 - ENCS

On Braving the Hidden Epdemic, Pastor Joey did speak

Because the health of our minds is something to seek

Millions in the world are already suffering from depression

Some say this could triple due to covid-related oppression

A spectrum goes from healthy to disordered to dangerous

Pastor Joey then referred to chapter three from Exodus

A bush burning but not consumed is what he aimed for

The outside may look ok, but the inside matters more

Per Second Timothy one, God didn't give us a spirit of fear

But the power of love and a sound mind, we did then hear

Our brain is quite light but lots of energy it does consume

Like a computer’s memory and CPU, Joey does presume

Our minds contain memories, intellect, and imagination

Knowledge, understanding, and wisdom from cogitation

Despite walking in the flesh as do all women and men

The war we wage is different, per Second Corinthians ten

Joey said that we need to be vigilant for reasons three

First, we are at war especially with those we do not see

Second, we must our divinely-powered weapons know

And we must destroy anti-God arguments that do show

Per Jeremiah twenty three, God’s word is like a fire

So let the lies be broken by His words which are higher

Third, per Second Corinthians ten, know our strategy 

Every thought should be captive to obey God, we see

Per Romans twelve two, even though it may be the norm

Paul says to the world’s pattern we should not conform

This means by earthly standards we should not be moulded 

Nor to the methods of this world should our values be folded

Instead we should be transformed by a renewal of the mind

Beyond reformed, in the right place things should be aligned

Joey added that just like a garden, we should renew and test 

Because per Romans twelve, God’s will is definitely the best

4 November 2018 - ENCS

On circumcision in Genesis seventeen, Pastor Joey did speak today

Per verse nine, in every covenant with God, we have a role to play

This concept of participation is referred to in Romans chapter four

Faith allows us to face problems, knowing God’s power is even more

Per verse ten and God’s covenant, male circumcision is a key part

But per Jeremiah four and Deuteronomy ten, this refers to the heart

Until we are ready by denying self, God’s promises He will not fulfill

Our life’s direction will change dramatically once we follow His will

Undergoing circumcision is a permanent sign, per verse eleven

It is a sign of the covenant between man and our God in heaven

In the same way that a physical circumcision does not disappear

A spiritual one ensures our relationship with God is always near

Uncircumcised people would be ostracised, per verse fourteen

Each of us can turn away, although consequences will be seen

We must make the personal choice in our heart as God will see

Our faith and relationship with God determine our place in eternity

12 August 2018 - ENCS

On Genesis and Abram, Pastor Joey did the very long series continue

In chapter fifteen, Abram was told to count all the stars, not just a few

God said he had brought Abram from Ur to the land he would possess

How would he know, a believing but dubious Abram did then express

In our lives today, the uncertainty Abram felt we do regularly mirror

We want to believe God’s promises but have doubts and some fear

God told Abram to bring a dove, a pigeon, a ram, a goat, and a calf

So Abram did so and without asking, knew to cut each animal in half

Shedding blood was an integral part of agreeing a contract those days

There was an implied threat if broken is what Jeremiah thirty four says

For a very serious matter a contract or covenant was duly considered

It always contained three main components, from Pastor we then heard

The acceptance of an offer, the terms considered, and parties involved

Walking through a river of animal blood is how agreements were solved

God’s covenant with Noah was based on a promise for all of mankind

This one with Abram was the Lord's first to a single individual confined

Abram never did waver in his faith, per Romans four from verse twenty

He gave glory to God and trusted God would deliver on promises plenty

Pastor said God’s Word is a sacred covenant that we should thus treat

The amount of time we spend with it helps make the covenant complete

To Psalm one hundred three verses two thru five, Pastor did then refer

We should bless the Lord and not forget all the benefits he did confer

Our sins He forgives, our diseases He heals, and our lives He redeems

He crowns us with eternal mercy and love as well as goodness streams

5 November 2017 - ENCS

Pastor Josh spoke on Genesis chapter eight verse twenty two

God said “while the earth remains”, seasons we would view

Akin to summer and winter, we have our individual seasons

We should remember that God does this for different reasons

Webster says that a season is a time that is suitable or fit

The key is to know what season we are in and understand it

Otherwise we get frustrated and God’s plans do not achieve 

His seasons are unique for each of us, we should believe

Know that each season has its own challenges and benefits

Both evident and not evident, as God decides and permits

Per Jeremiah seventeen five, we must trust God not man

Sometimes hardship is part of the Lord's overarching plan

We must work hard during harvest time, per Proverbs ten

Responding to God’s windows of opportunity like wise men

Blessed is he who trusts in God, per Jeremiah seventeen

They will bear fruit in every season, in verse eight is seen

God provides throughout, sometimes more, sometimes less

That is why Chisholm penned “Great is Thy Faithfulness"

Josh said patterns are a reminder of God’s steadfastness

Per James one, if we ask then with wisdom He will us bless

Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, said to preach the Word

To be ready both in and out of season was stated not inferred

In summary, our various seasons we should accept with joy

Doing God’s work while our God-given talents we do employ

4 June 2017 - ENCS

Pastor Harris revisited Genesis four in his sermon today

Specifically about what Cain’s offering actually did convey

For although Cain and Abel both gave God an offering

Per Hebrews eleven, Abel acted by faith in everything

Josh said if worship focuses on actions, it is likely vain

But if it is merely from the heart, it can be a false domain
True worship focuses on God, that should be well known

For He sees our heart and actions, from upon His throne

James chapter one says that if anyone wisdom does lack
If we ask God in faith, He will show us the inside track

Romans ten says faith comes from hearing Christ’s word

For then our vision, path, and actions will not be blurred

Paul said that he was blameless if viewed as a Pharisee

But that this counted for nothing, per Philippians three

This is consistent with a verse from Jeremiah seventeen

If we trust in ourselves, even good things remain unseen

Self-righteousness is prideful, Philippians three days saith

But righteousness from God comes from Christ-linked faith

Faith is the conviction of things unseen, per Hebrews eleven

And without faith it is impossible to please God in heaven

Faith actually requires that we believe in God’s existence

As well as that He rewards those who seek his presence

Micah six says to act justly, love mercy, and humbly walk

Doing this is tough but must influence how we act and talk
Hebrews twelve instructs us to run the race set before us

We will not grow weak or fainthearted if we look to Jesus
For Jesus loved us so much that he was willing to die

And give us a chance to our relationship with God rectify

30 April 2017 - ENCS

Using Genesis three, Pastor Josh spoke on the benefits of pain

Which of course is linked to the old adage of “no pain, no gain”

Josh said pain is actually an extension of God’s grace and mercy

For Adam and Eve should have died after eating from the tree

Lamentations three encourages us to bear the yoke in youth

Handling various tribulations without shouting words uncouth

Doing chores as children results in us being taught diligence

Sometimes we end up facing persecution that is quite intense

But remember that God has compassion and the pain will end

Death can produce life, which is why God did Jesus to us send

The fact that pain can often lead to growth is well supported

Job chapter forty two says no purpose of God can be thwarted

Through his immense pain, Job's understanding of God grew

Later on, all of Job’s possessions God turned from one to two

We should likewise not waste our pain, Pastor Josh did say

For pain can be a catalyst for growth in many a different way

It was also mentioned that pain can lead to additional strength

In Jeremiah twelve, God spoke of the need for this at length

Paul said he received comfort, per Second Corinthians one

So he could comfort others in the way for him God had done

In order to face tougher challenges, we often need to improve

Pain should draw us closer to God, not the relationship remove

Pain, suffering, and persecution can also lead to leadership

Per Genesis thirty seven to forty five, look at Joseph’s life trip

Throughout his tough times, the Lord was with him always

And at all times, Joseph made sure to give God all praise

Per Psalm sixty six, God tests us by putting us through fire

But always brings us to a place of abundance much higher

7 August 2016 - ENCS

Pastor Josh said that we should all love Singapore, our nation

Whether we are citizens, residents, or just here on a vacation

Per Jeremiah twenty nine, the Israelites were in forced exile

But were told by God to pray for that city, which did them rile

Josh said that if a nation is blessed, its population will be too

To invest in Singapore is what this should encourage us to do

Christ’s Great Commission, per Matthew chapter twenty eight

Says to make disciples of all nations, no matter how they rate

Helping others follow Jesus, allowing baptism to bring new life

Obey Jesus’ commands to love God and others, avoiding strife

In First Corinthians chapter nine, Paul said not to aimlessly run

For we need a purpose to guide our action until our life is done

Our faith overcomes the world, per First John five verse four

It determines what we see and therefore believe, that’s for sure

Pastor Josh did then refer to King David and his faith so strong

Per First Samuel seventeen, Goliath’s taunts lasted all day long

But David knew that his faith and God would help him overcome

For Goliath was small relative to God, so would have to succumb

But per Second Samuel twenty one, even David did weary grow

A new sword and spearhead Ishbi-Benob the Philistine did show

David was only saved thanks to the intervention of his nephew

Whom David had trained as a youth, part of his life’s legacy too

As Solomon later wrote in Psalm one hundred and twenty seven

Children are a reward and a heritage from the Lord in heaven

Yet David’s own son Absalom conspired to take over the throne

Per Second Samuel fifteen, his devious behaviour was shown

David then fled the palace and went up the mountain to pray

His friend Hushai the Arkite finally helped him save the day

This reminds us of the value of having even one good friend

And challenges us to be such a friend for others until the end

In Psalm sixty eight, David praised God with an apt quote

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows” he wrote

Reminding us God reveals himself whenever we feel alone

For every one of us is His child, whom He will never disown

If anyone mistreats a widow or orphan, per Exodus twenty two

God will certainly hear their cry and His anger will then ensue

So we need a purpose to life and faith to guide us through

We also rely on our family, friends, and of course God too

3 July 2016 - ENCS

Tonight Pastor Josh started a new series on leadership

He said we are all influencers so we all need to equip

Our position matters far less than our attitude and action

Leaders help others achieve their goals with satisfaction

5Cs of leadership, starting with confidence is the intent

Then connection, competence, character, and commitment

Confidence, Josh said, is different from arrogance or pride

The main difference is in believing that God is on your side

Hebrews ten says that confidence will be richly rewarded

We must persevere with God’s will even in times sordid

The word confidence translates as “bold resolve” in Greek

Which we need as following God’s plan is not for the weak

And the meanest people are the ones needing God’s light

So in such situations we must allow His love to shine bright

Confidence can come from three places, Josh then did say

Believing in self, in our earthly situation, or in God every day

By believing in ourselves, per Jeremiah seventeen five and six

Our hearts will depart away from the Lord, leaving us in a fix

More practically, we will either be unwilling to admit mistakes

Or when we make one, our whole world collapses and breaks

By believing in our situation, in Luke twelve Jesus did warn

When the situation changes, we will feel empty and mourn

There is nothing wrong with storing surpluses as a decision

But we must worship the provider rather than the provision

The optimal route therefore is believing in God in heaven

We will be blessed, as per Jeremiah seventeen verse seven

Jesus loved, sacrificed, and forgave more than we ever can

Which is why He was the best leader ever since time began

King Abijah demonstrated this in Second Chronicles thirteen

Despite facing a bigger army, his confidence in God was seen

He cried to the Lord and the enemy was thoroughly defeated

We should also ask for help so our mission can be completed

8 November 2015 - ENCS

Based on Mark chapter five, Shirley Ong shared about compassion

Her heart is dedicated to serving others, her points she did not ration

Jesus healed a demon-possessed man in verses one to twenty

And then sent him out as the first missionary to share with plenty

In Mark four, Jesus prayed to God when in the morning He did arise

He also heard the man crying out; ergo “Pray and Hear Their Cries”

In a parallel fashion, God hears our prayers and cries of anguish

Per Romans eight, Jesus intercedes and God often grants our wish

It is of course beautiful when God does answer our heartfelt prayer

For it also serves to confirm that about each of us He does care

Jesus left Capernaum and the boat went through a very rough sea

He went despite knowing the challenge; ergo “Take That Journey”

We may go and bless others but God finds ways to bless us too

Just like when the haze messed up the team’s plan to visit the zoo

Jesus then clothed the healed man, although probably not in tweeds

Even small tokens build self-esteem; ergo “Attend To Their Basic Needs”

Shirley then shared about when she to Penang she led a church team

One of the highlights was when they were able to get the kids to dream

In order to help others, Jesus dealt with discomfort and pain immense

Volunteers often do manual work; ergo “Endure The Inconvenience”

Shirley told us about when ten of them cleaned many a wheelchair

They did it to help the disabled centre and to show that they care

The man wanted to join Jesus but to Decapolis, Jesus did him compel

When Jesus has affected our lives we must similarly “Go And Tell”

Shirley said our calling is not just about the gifting that God in us did install

It is about bringing God to the people around us, as did the apostle Paul

We should not become overwhelmed by the community’s needs 

We should instead use our giftings to do God-inspired deeds

Per Jeremiah chapter twenty two verse sixteen, all went well

For he who defended the poor and needy, Shirley did re-tell

1 November 2015 - ENCS

Tonight ENCS Kallang was blessed as Pastor Neli Atiga was back

With him leading worship, energy was something we did not lack

I was a bit surprised he did not launch into a haka like an All-Black

Before he started on his sermon which was as sharp as a tack

Neli read from Matthew chapter seven, verses twenty one to three

Doing things in accordance with God’s will was his earnest plea

If so many people do not like their jobs, why don’t they just flee?

For avoiding our calling and God’s will merely pleases the enemy

The title of Pastor Neli’s sermon was “For The Sake of The Call”

Only God’s will gives us complete fulfilment, be it spring or fall

Our calling is not just about the gifting that God in us did install

It is bringing God to the people around us, as did apostle Paul

It is not just a platform when God calls us to a specific place

But it is for all of the people with whom we begin to interface

And it is of course not our actions that brings God’s grace

Having a servanthood heart is what matters in life’s real race

Neli asked if we are using our platforms or just building profile

God always saves the lost and blesses worshipers all the while

We should serve others in love, utilising our gifts with a smile

As Jesus laid down His life for us, in the face of crowds hostile

In verse twenty two, they called to the Lord not once but twice

If they knew him well and He knew them, once would suffice

That is the Greek ‘ginosko' and ‘oida’ are different to be precise

We must know God and therefore His heart was Neli’s advice

For once we know the Lord, we know what breaks His heart

And our hearts will in turn break for those are broken apart

In Jeremiah twenty nine eleven, a promise God does impart

From wherever we now are, His plan and purpose do start

30 August 2015 - ENCS

About “Honouring Leadership” Pastor Arnie did speak today

Since we can influence others, we all lead in a unique way

For that is the definition that first came from John Maxwell

And is consistent with the Great Commission Jesus did tell

In order to lead well, Arnie gave us important points three

Along with sharing several passages for us to read and see

The first is that as leaders we must know who to follow

The answer is God our Creator, as we should all know

He has plans for us, per Jeremiah twenty nine eleven

For we are loved unconditionally by our God in heaven

By following Jesus, according to Matthew four nineteen

He will make us fishers of men, as can be clearly seen

To lead people to Jesus is the core of our mission

He will then bring a change in their lives to fruition

Put another way, leaders should listen to God’s word

And by the Holy Spirit be led, from Arnie we heard

The second is that as we lead, we should always serve

From needs and opportunities we should never swerve

Every day there are numerous chances to others bless

In Acts six, the disciples took action to prevent a mess

Picking seven to serve others, leaving others to preach

Of good repute, full of His Spirit and wisdom were each

We cannot serve unless we have a character very strong

If secure in our identity with Christ, we won’t go wrong

For God uses our weaknesses to show His power

Steven sang His praises even in his martyred hour

The third is that as we lead, we need to demonstrate love

Even small gestures can have a big impact to be proud of

Using Facebook, Skype and other forms of technology

We can span great distance as we share our theology

Pastor Arnie then pointed us to First Corinthians thirteen

For without love, even great acts are nothing, it is seen

And remember that we love because God first loved us

So we should also love others without making a fuss

God shows His love in so many ways, per First John four

Sending His Son as an atoning sacrifice, we cannot ignore

In summary, we are all called to influence and therefore lead

Which means to follow, serve, and love as we do proceed

19 April 2015 - ENCS

The "Serve Nations" series Pastor Larry Matsuwaki did continue

In terms of reaching nations, the church takes on a world view

To support the Great Commission, each person has a different role

Some people go or fund, but about those who pray Pastor did extol

He mentioned that Singapore is hosting many events of prayer

Jesus' life and ministry revolved around prayer, he did share

This is why Jesus' disciples asked Him to teach them to pray

And why the enemy attacks our prayers, Pastor did then say

 

In Matthew twenty one, Jesus said the temple was a house of prayer

But the moneychangers and merchants turned it into a robber's lair

Jesus was a passionate prayer warrior who prayed for many others

For people of all backgrounds and situations, not just His brothers

 

Pastor Larry said that in terms of types of prayer, there are two

First is personal prayer, which is something we all tend to do

There is nothing wrong with asking for things, per Philippians four

Which also says that prayer should push anxiety out the door

But if or perhaps when our prayers are not immediately answered

Questioning God leads to doubt and uncertainty, which is absurd

For blessed are those who keep the faith without understanding

To our knowledge that "God is still God", we should always cling

It is natural at times to complain about the situation we may be in

Per Second Corinthians twelve, even Paul expressed his chagrin

But God responded to Paul that His "grace is sufficient for you"

But also that the Lord knows exactly what we are going through

 

Pastor said that the second type of prayer is prayer for the nations

Group prayer is very powerful and establishes strong foundations

God told the Jews to pray for peace and prosperity for their captor

Per the words in verse seven of Jeremiah, the twenty ninth chapter

For God had great plans for His nation, filled with hope and a future

By praying and knowing God better, they could their troubles endure

Similarly, we should pray for those who God has thrust into our life

That is how to others around the world we show love and avoid strife

8 March 2015 - ENCS

Scott Douma from EN Japan gave the sermon today

He spoke on hope, which everyone wants every day

He said buying lottery tickets is not the way to go

For as Christians, we have real hope, that we know

Interestingly hope and rope share the same Hebrew root word

For rope can connect us to whatever we want, we then heard

Connecting with God links His promise to our reality

Per Hebrews six nineteen, like an anchor hope will be

An anchor is large and brings stability in every storm

Having hope in God means stability will be our norm

God is with us and He cannot lie, Pastor did go on to say

He keeps His promises, not always in the expected way

Our hope in finances and relationships will eventually disappear

We should put our hope in Jesus, for He will always be near

 

If we are not connected, per Hebrews two verse one

We end up drifting, which is more dangerous than fun

To God and His promises, we need to connect every day

Life is not meant to be drifted, at least in a spiritual way

For ups and downs and movement, a ship's anchor does allow

Similarly Romans eight verse thirty nine is still quite valid now

Whether hoped-for miracles happen or not, God is always there

Despite the reality of a world of broken people everywhere

Without such hope, our rope would soon get very frayed

Jesus' purpose was to connect us to God, so He prayed

He became that rope to God when He died on the cross

And since God now lives in us, His death was not a loss

 

Pastor referred to Jeremiah chapter twenty nine verse eleven

"Plans to prosper...and not harm" come from God in heaven

What is oft forgot is that these words came during dark days

Israel was in decline and exile as a result of its errant ways

But we have "hope and a future" because of God's great nature

He is with us and cannot lie, so of His promises we can be sure

Per Ephesians one eighteen, we should enlighten the eyes of our heart

Getting rid of our blinders of hopelessness is the perfect way to start