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

16 November 2014 - ENCS

The Redemption Stories series was continued by Rachel Ong

Despite fighting God's call at first, her testimony is very strong

For through her companies she can now reach the marketplace

Bringing to others the messages of God's joy, hope, and grace

 

She then referenced the book of Job, with chapters forty two

Job was apparently blameless and upright in all that he did do

With a large family and ten thousand cattle, he was called great

He lost everything but refused to blame God on that woeful date

His family, wealth, health, and good name did all disappear

But in the end, all was restored and he lived for many a year

 

Rachel asked God about areas of life numbering four

Little did she know what for her was soon to be in store

About health issues, she told God that she did not understand

She might have kept silent if she knew what God had planned

 

A diagnosis of appendicitis due to immense pain in her side

But a twenty three centimeter tumor the doctor then spied

Rachel never questioned God over the next six days

In fact, she continued to trust Him and give Him praise

For God does not owe us anything, including our health

Everything we have comes from His immense wealth

 

The operation was successful although the tumor had grown

Hearing that it weighed seven kilos made many of us moan

There was no cancer and one ovary was able to be saved

The doctor said "divine intervention" on her should be engraved

From a very painful recovery she did not shirk

But after four weeks, Rachel returned to work

 

Three points about her story Rachel then with us share

They serve as a wonderful reminder not to ever despair

The first is that our God is bigger than any pain we may face

"Hope against hope, for hope never fails" due to God's grace

 

The second is that some pain is actually good for our soul

It provides a perspective that helps us to others console

Rachel also said it gives us a small understanding

Of the pain to Jesus that his crucifixion did bring

This relates to Philippines chapter three verse ten

Paul wanted to share in Christ's sufferings again

Bad things happen to good people, that is quite plain

But through all of our suffering, God will always reign

 

The third is in God we should give our wholehearted trust

Increasing our faith instead of fear, Rachel said is a must

Googling about symptoms tends to merely add to our fear

Whilst going to God in earnest prayer helps us to persevere

 

By referring to Job forty two verse ten, Rachel did conclude

For Job's family, wealth, health and name were all renewed

Job lived another one hundred forty years being blessed

We should also believe in miracles and not be stressed

For God reigns, whether circumstances are good or bad

That fact in itself should make us joyful instead of sad

15 June 2014 - ENCS

Pastor Larry continued the "Greater Than" series this Father's Day

Talking about suffering which of course happens in many a way

But first we took some time to hear the testimony of the family Brill

Who went through tough times but are now living per God's will

To Joel chapter two verse twenty five they in conclusion did refer

That God can repay the years of suffering, they clearly do concur

 

From John sixteen and James five, Pastor Larry did then read

Despite our worldly troubles, God offers all the mercy we need

"God is Greater than Bad Days" was the apt title of Pastor's talk

Reminding us that none of our bad days compared to Job's walk

On one day, he lost all his cattle and most of his family as well

On the second, he got sores all over his body the Bible does tell

Into his life and actions and faith, Job's wife and friends did prod

Job corrected them, prayed, remained silent, and repented to God

 

Job suffered loss and emotional pain greater than most could bear

But per Isaiah sixty one, we are told to praise instead of despair

When Job was faced with the losses and pain, God he did worship

"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away," he did astutely quip

 

Job suffered sickness and much physical pain, Pastor went on to say

Per John nine, sometimes this comes so God's work He can display

When faced with this, Job's wife asked him to curse God and die

He rebuked her strongly and instead focused on how to God glorify

 

Job suffered accusations from his friends and therefore mental pain

Per Matthew five, for the kingdom of heaven the persecuted will attain

Despite that, Job knew that God knew the way that Job would take

God was ultimately in control and happy is what He would Job make

 

In conclusion, Pastor Larry then read from First Peter chapter number four

Which said that no matter what trials we face, we will be blessed even more

So remember that struggles and challenges this world will momentarily bring

And we should worship, glorify, and give thanks in the midst of any suffering

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As I listened to Pastor's sermon, I thought of another poem once done

About suffering and perseverance, using Romans five from verse one

"Therefore", the start of this passage sayeth
"We have been justified through faith"
"We have peace with God through Christ"
For it was his sacrifice that sufficed
"In the hope of the glory of God" we rejoice
But also in our sufferings, for we do have a choice
For "suffering produces perseverance"
Which then leads to character's appearance
From character we then get hope
Can hope disappoint us? Nope!
"For God has poured out his love into our hearts"

That is where the work of the Holy Spirit starts

9 March 2014 - The Attributes of God (part two of two)

In Psalm eighty six, to God David did earnestly pray

“Hear…and answer me, for I am…needy” he did say

“You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you”

“Have mercy on me” for I call to you in everything I do

“Bring joy to your servant, for to you…I lift up my soul”

For God is “abounding in love to all”, David did extol

Per Ephesians two, all were dead in their transgressions

“Gratifying the cravings” and desiring many possessions

By following the “desires and thoughts” of our sinful nature

“We were by nature objects of wrath”, the law does ensure

But our God is merciful and “made us alive in Christ”

Proving that His love and grace more than sufficed

“Job replied to the Lord”, Job chapter forty two reported

“You can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted”

In Psalm sixty eight, the power of God David did proclaim

For God is all-powerful and awesome, deserving acclaim

Jeremiah, in chapter thirty two, did on God praise shower

God “made the heavens and the earth by [His] great power”

“Nothing is too hard” for the “great and powerful God”

His great purposes and mighty deeds are no facade

For His “eyes are open to all the ways of men”

He rewards everyone’s conduct, time and again

In Revelation four, John said that worthy is the Lord

His “glory and honor and power” should not be ignored

In Psalm one hundred thirty nine, David did declare

He could not flee from God, for God is everywhere

In the heavens, on earth, and “on the far side of the sea”

To guide and protect, God’s right hand would there be

Jeremiah twenty three emphasized God’s great worth

He is nearby and far away, filling “heaven and earth”

The disciples were commissioned in Matthew twenty eight

His authority over everything, nobody should ever debate

“Go and make disciples of all nations”, Jesus did say

“Everything I have commanded you”, “teach them to obey”

His last words were “and surely I am with you always”

“To the very end of the age”, throughout all the days

God knows everything, per Psalm one thirty nine

He knows our actions and thoughts for He is divine

Before we speak, He knows the words on our tongue

This is true even if we are very old or very young

In Romans eleven, Paul talks about God’s knowledge

It is unfathomable no matter how many years of college

“The word of God is living and active”, per Hebrews four

It is sharper than any sword, so every heart it can explore

Since “nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight”

“Everything is uncovered and laid bare”, Paul did write

Moses told Israel “the Lord is One” in Deuteronomy six

Love God with all heart and soul, so there are no conflicts

God “will be king over the whole earth”, per Zechariah fourteen

Then, only one Lord, his name being the only name, will be seen

Romans three says God is of the Jews and the Gentiles too

Since there is only one God, he will justify all without ado

“There is but one God”, in First Corinthians chapter eight

“From whom all things came”, the apostle Paul did state

“There is one body and one Spirit”, per Ephesians four

“One Lord, one faith, one baptism” Paul did implore

About God, Psalm one hundred twenty four imparts

“O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts”

“End the violence of the wicked”, David did then plea

“Make the righteous secure”, for righteous God will be

God talks of a righteous Branch in Jeremiah twenty three

“The days are coming” when “a King will reign wisely”

Then “Judah will be saved” and Israel will not be mauled

“The Lord our Righteousness” is the name He is called

Jesus will speak to God in our defense, per First John two

He is the atoning sacrifice for sins the world does accrue

1 February 2014 - The Names of God (part three of three)

Per Psalm 29, “the Lord sits enthroned over the flood”

“The Lord is enthroned as King forever” with royal blood

He gives His people strength and blesses them with peace

From the psalmist David, praises for God never cease

In Isaiah chapter forty three verse fifteen, God is speaking

“I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King”

Pilate asked Christ, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

In Luke twenty three, Jesus confirmed that news

In Revelation 19, John did a rider on a white horse espy

King of Kings and Lord of Lords was on his robe and thigh

God spoke to Israel in Isaiah sixty verses fifteen and sixteen

Their nation had “been forsaken and hated” it was seen

But God promised to make them “the everlasting pride”

“And the joy of all generations”, for He was on their side

That He was their Redeemer, they would then know

“The Mighty One of Jacob” would help them grow

After finding out she was with child, Mary did say

“My spirit rejoices in God my Savior” every day

“For the Mighty One has done great things for me”

“Holy is His name” and wonderful is His mercy

He helped Israel, Luke chapter one does then continue

Speaking to Abraham’s descendants all the years through

In chapter nineteen of the book bearing his name

“I know that my Redeemer lives”, Job did proclaim

“And that in the end He will stand upon the earth”

For Job would see God at the time of his rebirth

In Psalm nineteen verses twelve to fourteen, David did pray

For God to forgive his faults and keep “willful sins” away

Then David would be blameless and innocent of transgression

Making his words and meditations a pleasing progression

In Isaiah chapter forty four verses six through eight

“I am the first and I am the last”, God did solemnly state

To believe otherwise is to His uniqueness mock

There is no other God and “there is no other Rock”

Psalm nine says “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed”

“A stronghold in times of trouble”, He is up to any test

Those who know His name will trust in him, per verse ten

For The Lord has never forsaken them, be it now or then

In Psalm sixty one, David asked God to listen to his prayer

From the ends of the earth, facing any enemy he would dare

For God was David’s refuge, “a strong tower against the foe”

To take shelter in God’s tent forever, David wanted to go

Jeremiah called on the Lord, his strength and his fortress

Per chapter sixteen, Jeremiah’s “refuge in time of distress”

To God the nations will come from the ends of the earth

Their ancestors only had false gods which had no worth

God will teach them, his power and might he will show

That His “name is the Lord” then everyone will all know

To Israel, in Deuteronomy thirty two, Moses did recite a song

His words came from the Lord so they could not be wrong

“He is the Rock, his works are perfect” per verse three

“A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He”

In 1 Samuel chapter two, to the Lord Hannah did pray

“There is no Rock like our God” she did earnestly say

David penned Psalm eighteen whilst hiding from King Saul

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress” to whom David did call

The Lord God did declare, in Isaiah chapter forty three

“So that you may know and…understand that I am he”

“And apart from me there is no savior”, per verse eleven

“I have revealed and saved and proclaimed” from heaven

God’s grace has appeared to all, per Titus chapter two

It teaches us to be upright and godly in all that we do

While for our Savior Jesus Christ’s return we do wait

Knowing that He will purify his people, Paul did state

Per Isaiah forty, “the Sovereign Lord comes with power”

“His recompense accompanies him” every single hour

“He tends his flock like a shepherd” who is doing his part

Gathering his lambs and keeping them close to his heart

In Hebrews chapter thirteen verse twenty, it was clearly said

God brought Jesus, the great Shepherd, back from the dead

So that He could equip people with everything to do His will

Enabling people to please Him as His plans they do fulfill

About the angels, John wrote in Revelation seven

He then described the throne of God in heaven

“The Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd”

“Who will lead them to springs of living water” undeterred

21 January 2014 - The Names of God (part one)

“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh”, Moses did God ask

In Exodus three, God said He would be with Moses for the task

Moses asked what name he should use when referring to God

“I AM WHO I AM” came the response, which sounded a bit odd

“Yahweh is the God of your fathers” – of the entire Israelite nation

And that this was how He should be remembered in every generation

For although to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob He had appeared

His name Yahweh to them He had until this time not volunteered

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed…and in times of trouble”

Psalm nine says that He will not forsake those, even in rubble

Exodus twenty verse seven says not to misuse the Lord’s name

He will punish anyone who does, the commandment does exclaim

We are to praise His greatness, per Deuteronomy 32 verse four

His works are perfect, his ways are just - and there is much more

We are to call on His name, per 1 Chronicles chapter sixteen

And make known to the nations all the wonders that have been

From Proverbs 18:10, the Lord’s name is a strong tower

“The righteous run to it and are safe” because of His power

Similarly, Jeremiah ten verse six does state

That “no one is like you, O Lord, you are great”

King David said to the Lord, in 2 Samuel seven verse twenty two

“How great you are, O Sovereign Lord…there is no God but you”

David also said that God had redeemed Israel as a nation

His “great and awesome wonders” are cause for celebration

God established the Israelites as His “very own forever”

Thus implying that God’s ties to them, nothing can sever

Psalm 68 says that God helps us escape from death

Psalm 70 states that God is our hope in every breath

He will destroy the unfaithful, as per Psalm seventy three

Being near God and making him our refuge is the key

“Lift up your heads, O you gates” says Psalm twenty four

So “that the King of glory may come in” through the door

For He is strong in battle and is the Lord Almighty

This is something on which the psalmists all agree

About angels singing, in Revelation fifteen John did write

“Just and true” are His ways, throughout both day and night

“All nations will come and worship before [Him]” per verse four

For revealed to all will be his righteous acts and so much more

In Job chapter thirty four, Elihu makes a statement quite strong

“Far be it from God to do evil” or “the Almighty to do wrong”

And for what a man and his conduct deserve, God will repay

“It is unthinkable…that God would pervert justice” Elihu did say

“The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power”

But because he does not oppress, we should not cower

Psalm ninety one says that God “is my refuge and fortress”

Acting as our “shield and rampart” will be his faithfulness

“I am the Alpha and the Omega”, said God in Revelation 1:8

“Who is, and who was, and who is to come” He did state

15 January 2014 - Job (Job 1-42)

There lived a man named Job who was blameless and upright

He was a great man who shunned evil, the author did write

The angels and Satan appeared in front of the Lord one day

Satan had been roaming the earth trying to get his way

God said to consider Job, the man of perfect integrity

Satan said that God had blessed Job so incredibly

Job’s blessings Satan challenged God to reverse

Saying that God was the one Job would surely curse

God accepted Satan’s challenge, with only one condition

To touch Job himself, God did not give Satan permission

His cattle, servants, daughters, and sons Job then did lose

Satan waited anxiously to see how Job reacted to the news

Job tore his robe and shaved his head for what was done

“Then he fell to the ground in worship”, per verses 20 and 21

And Job stated “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away”

“May the name of the Lord be praised”, as Job did every day

“In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing”

For a righteous and upright life he wanted to keep pursuing

Satan presented himself to God once again on another day

Job maintained his integrity despite the events, God did say

Satan said that if Job’s own flesh was struck, he would despair

God accepted the challenge, but Job’s life Satan must spare

So Job’s entire body with painful sores Satan did supply

His wife told Job that he should “curse God and die”

Job responded to his wife’s comments on the double

“Should we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

Job’s three friends heard about all of Job’s adversity

They went to comfort him but saw him and felt pity

For seven days and nights with him they sat on the ground

Nobody spoke a word because his suffering had no bound

Eliphaz said that nobody perished if they were actually innocent

But to those who sowed trouble God’s destruction would be sent

He then counseled Job to approach God with an appeal

For if God corrected him, blessed is how he would feel

After his friends shared similar views as Eliphaz had done

Job replied that their torment had lasted long after it begun

And per chapter nineteen, if it was true that he had gone astray

It was his own concern that God may have blocked his way

But even if God had denied him justice, per chapter twenty seven

Job’ lips would never speak wickedness about God in heaven

Vowing to maintain his integrity and righteousness until he died

Job continued to be upright while to his friends he replied

The Lord eventually answered Job in chapter thirty eight

“Brace yourself like a man; I will question you” He did state

Job was reminded that the earth and its wonders God created

So anyone who argues with God will have their future ill-fated

In chapter forty, Job said that he was unworthy to answer the Lord

The Lord asked Job more questions to ensure they were in accord

“I know that God can do all things”, Job said in chapter forty two

Adding that God cannot be thwarted in anything He plans to do

Job confessed that there were many things he did not understand

But he heartily repented for he had experienced God first hand

God was angry with Job’s friends for going somewhat astray

But they atoned with sacrifices and for them Job did pray

“The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first”

Prospering him again and ensuring he would never hunger or thirst

4 November 2012 - ENCS

The "Next Phase" series today Pastor Larry did start

About "Lost in Translation" thoughts he did impart

We get stronger as through challenges we go

As God becomes closer, the more we know

To Job 32 verses 18-19 Pastor then did refer

About new wine, Luke 5:37-38 does concur

God brings growth in different life seasons

He wants us to grow for various reasons

To lift the lid of growth, Pastor shared three ways

These are lessons that can help us all of our days

 

The first way is that we should let go of our past
By it, we should not be enslaved or harassed

This is what Pastor calls the mindset change phase

If we are stuck in the past, we cannot change our ways

In Numbers 11:5-6, the Israelites complained about food

Despite being free, they kept their enslaved mood

Salvation is the biggest change and should be celebrated

God never puts lids on us to keep us down, Pastor stated

Willing vessels is what God wants us to be

Let Him do His work and then we will see

 

Pastor said the dependency phase was the next way

We should always take time to intercede and to pray

Prayer needs to be deeper, from inside our heart

This can bring growth, no matter where we start

From ourselves to God, our eyes will turn

As in Numbers 11:2,God's fire will not burn

Later in that chapter, around verse eleven

Moses poured his heart out to God in heaven

The burden of his people was for Moses too great

So he prayed to God to determine his fate

Remember that God can always bring stability

Try earnestly praying, then the results we will see

 

The faith phase was number three, Pastor did saith

Remember those who had a different spirit of faith

Joshua and Caleb did well to remember God's promse

Despite the situation, they were not like doubting Thomas

If we believe by faith, God will come through

For with Him, there is nothing we cannot do

God was testing his people in Deuteronomy 8:2

After forty years in the desert, their faith grew

In the same way, He often causes us to stumble

So that we remember lessons and remain humble

Pastor then turned to Jeremiah 29 verse 11

Plans for each of us, has our God in heaven

He wants to prosper us and allow no harm

There should never be any cause for alarm

His plans include a future and hope no less

This is true no matter how long the process

 

Pastor ended his sermon with the worship team along

We can lift our lids

19 June 2011 - Job 42:1-6

After Job faced many trials (but not the sword)
He had these words to say to the Lord
“I know that you can do all things” Job did report
Plans of yours, it is clear that nobody can ever thwart
“Surely I spoke of things I did not understand”
I did not know but all were as you planned
God says to listen when he doth speak
And answer when asked, don’t be meek
Job concluded that his eyes had now seen
What his ears had heard since he was a teen
“Therefore I despise myself and repent” Job did conclude
“In dust and ashes”, resulting in humble solitude

To me, Job’s words ring so very true
They should encourage when I am feeling blue
For Job went through many a trial and tribulation
But he never did succumb to the frustration
For in the Lord our God, complete faith he had
He remained positive even when events were sad
Dear God, from Job let me draw strength and learn
That You are the only to whom I should turn

22 February 2011 - Job 42:10-12

"After Job had prayed for his friends" there and then
"The Lord made him prosperous again"
"And gave him twice as much as he had before"
Then everyone who knew him gave him even more
"The Lord blessed the later part of Job's life more than the first"
Once again proving that His best is better than the enemy's worst

Dear God, how I wish like Job I could be strong
Instead of tears, allow me to break out in song
For although I know that you are in control
My human emotions oft overcome my soul
So please continue to remind me of others
From the Bible as well as today's brothers
Whose plight was so much tougher than mine
But whose actions and words continued to shine
For I want to be a shining beacon of light
Doing your will and conveying what is right

14 February 2011 - Job 42:1-3

"Then Job replied to the LORD"
I know that true is Your word
"I know that you can do all things" unsupported
And that "no purpose of yours can be thwarted"
For God asked, "Who is this that obscures"
"My plans without knowledge" of yours?
"Surely I spoke of things I did not understand"
"Things too wonderful for me to know" firsthand

This biblical person had the right perspective
Always praising God, not being selective
I try to remember that Job's trials were very rough
But that he was made of committed stuff
Job also understood that God's master plan
Is beyond the comprehension of any man
We should just accept that He knows best
Trust in Him, and He will take care of the rest

29 June 2010 - Job 1

There was once a holy and righteous man named Job
He had family, great riches, and more than one robe
He would sacrifice a burnt offering for each son
In case they had sinned in what they had done
God considered Job blameless and upright
Satan tried to prove otherwise, using all of his might
Job's oxen and donkeys were carried away
Many sheep and servants died on the same day
His seven sons and three daughters were killed
Yet Job's great love for God was never stilled
Verse twenty one should be memorized and taken to heart
"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart"
Then "The Lord giveth and the Lord has taken away"
"May the name of the Lord be praised" each and every day

This may not explain why good people have to suffer
But it does remind me that Job had it much tougher
Job was faithful through it all
Which is why his story we do recall
So to God I give thanks each time I pray
That really is the only way