16 July 2023 - ENCS

The Firm Foundations series Pastor Joey did continue 

About elementary truths in Hebrews five we can view

Repentance, faith, baptism, laying on of hands we see

Today Joey focused on resurrection, Embracing Eternity

To start, we must have an understanding of physical death 

For it is just a matter of time before we take our last breath

As per Second Corinthians four, we waste away outwardly

Our days are finite, in Psalm ninety and James four we see

Ecclesiastes three states that there is a time for everything

When we are born or when we die, control we cannot bring

The verse goes on to say everything is beautiful in its time

That God has set eternity in the human heart is a paradigm

Pastor then said we must understand Christ's’ resurrection

After Jesus died for our sins despite having no imperfection

As per Mark twelve, God is for both the living and the dead

So many resurrection witnesses could not have been misled

Acts seventeen says we are God’s offspring and should obey

Meaning that we should repent and in His name act and pray

This clearly has implications for our lives each and every day

We have God's power to resurrect any part of life, Joey did say

First Corinthians fifteen talks about our resurrection spiritual

The body that is sown is perishable but is raised imperishable

Similarly, the dishonourable becomes glorious thanks to Christ

The weak become powerful, in eternity for what He sacrificed

19 March 2023 - ENCS

Pastor Josh continued the series on relationships this day

All of them are in the context of God’s big picture, he did say

We are to have an abundant life, per John ten verse ten

But so then why do we face challenges again and again?

Chrina Hansen from Rohei Philippines with us did share

Comfort has a habit of slipping away, despite much prayer

But their massive grief is where God’s vision in them began

God made room in their lives and hearts to see His plan 

We should deny ourselves and follow Jesus, per Mark eight

Matthew eighteen states that the least of us shall be great

To do service for other people is the position of leadership

If we follow God’s own heart, He will us adequately equip

Submission is a topic discussed in James chapter four 

Romans thirteen and Ephesians six add that much more

Gifts, talents, and opportunities can fall into submission 

Submission is what is given, what is taken is oppression

In summary, Josh said surrender, self-sacrifice, submission

Surrender your life to really live per The Great Commission

Self-sacrifice as the last will be first, per servant leadership

Submission personally, positionally, preferentially on life's trip

We should not lose heart, as per Second Corinthians four

Regardless of outwardly wasting, inward renewal is more

Our momentary troubles help us to achieve an eternal glory

So we should keep our eyes focused on the unseen eternity

1 January 2023 - ENCS

Pastor Josh started a series “Miracles” in church today

The aim of miracles is to let God be known, he did say

It is very challenging when unanswered go our prayers

Per Second Corinthians five, have faith for God cares

John wrote about Jesus’ miracles so we would believe

Per chapter five, healing a sick man could not achieve

An angel would appear when the pool water was stirred

But the man’s pleas to get into the water went unheard

Jesus then asked the man if he wanted to be made well

This actually related to the man’s identity, Josh did tell

Our challenges can be physical, emotional, or mental

Not following and believing in Jesus is quite detrimental

Sans explanation, Jesus told the man to arise and walk

The man was cured and walked away without more talk

Jesus said to take his mat, thus getting rid of the past

But then by the Jewish leaders the man was harassed

The Jewish leaders were wrongly focused on traditions

Jesus tried to rid them of their external-focused positions

The healed man did not know Jesus, let alone wax lyrical

We should be focused on the miracle man, not the miracle

All things are possible for one who believes, per Mark nine

We should pray for help with our unbelief from God divine

This is a passage that we should remember all life long

For where we are weak, the Lord God can make us strong

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

5 June 2022 - ENCS

On “Relationship Matters” Pastor Mark did speak today

The reason is clear even in Genesis one, Pastor did say

“Let us make man in our image” from verse twenty six

Does bring the concept of the Holy Trinity into the mix

The "three persons in one" is mentioned in Matthew three

Christ’s baptism both the Spirit and the Father did see

Each is fully God regardless of the specific nomenclature

Pastor said this indicates that God is relational by nature

As we are made in His image, we are relational by design 

Per Hebrews ten, "meeting together" is guidance divine

Helping us “spur one another toward love and good deeds"

Encouragement from believers is one of our core needs

A key relational component is trust, also known as faith

We need faith to be close to God, Hebrews eleven sayeth

Knowing this, the enemy seeks to fracture relational lines

Causing mistrust and making us busy are two clear signs

That God’s laws are fundamentally relational is no surprise

All about relationships, the Ten Commandments do advise

Per Exodus twenty, the first four are all about the Lord God

The fifth about parents; about neighbours the rest give a nod

But Jesus’ focus was not on the letter, but the spirit of the law

He referred to this often, as in Mark two twenty seven we saw

Pastor Mark also said we have a debt to love, to be relational

Per First John “we love because he first loved us” - sensational

2 April 2021 - Good Friday

Many words have been shared about Good Friday

There are hundreds of messages for us to take away

The day reminds us that Jesus suffered much pain

During his trials and on the cross again and again

Jesus did all that for us, willingly atoning for our sin

Even though He was God’s only son, the next of kin

I am thankful yet saddened, as I am guilty I know

This is increasingly evident as my faith does grow

Jesus’ last words convey strong messages as well

Seven phrases from the cross, the four gospels tell

In Luke twenty three, forgiveness Jesus does imbue

“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”

And a few verses later comes the promise of salvation

Said to the criminal but applicable for all of creation

The importance of relationship is quite clearly seen

“Woman, behold thy son” He said in John nineteen

Jesus felt abandonment, asking why God did forsake

A point Matthew twenty seven and Mark fifteen make

Beyond emotions, Jesus’ physical distress was severe

In John nineteen, Jesus saying “I thirst” others did hear

The magnitude of His triumph cannot be diminished

A mere two verses later, He stated that “it is finished”

A promised reunion with God, per Luke twenty three

“Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit” we do see 

I derive a message when I contemplate those seven

A reminder of some of what God offers from heaven

God promises forgiveness, salvation, and a relationship

Even when we feel abandonment and distress on life’s trip

Then Jesus’ triumph on the cross and His resurrection

Promise us a reunion with God instead of condemnation 

20 October 2019 - Wayne Community Church

On Jesus' parables Jim Van Cott spoke on Laity Sunday

They are stories within stories with a moral, he did say

A parable is a teaching device for deeper understanding

Per Matthew thirteen, they help in knowledge expanding

Experts say that the Bible contains parables thirty one

All within Matthew, Mark, and Luke since John has none

Jesus went on to say he would proclaim what was hidden

So speaking in parables was welcomed, not forbidden

Jim said that parables can have a very powerful impact

On individuals, multitudes, and nations - that’s a fact

Parables contain teachable moments despite their size

Jesus was a gifted teacher who told the truth, not lies

Jim said Jesus also used parables to make us ponder

Especially about complex moral issues from yonder

His words penetrate souls dispersing “misconfusion”

That is a made-up word but is still an apt conclusion

With Jesus’ compassion, using parables was consistent

Truths are revealed gently rather than in a way insistent

Parables get absorbed by going to our innermost being

Thus leading to a more positive response and agreeing

Jim referred to “Understanding the Bible” by John Stott

Which says that like a rabbi, with parables Jesus taught

A parable is like a diamond with so many faceted sides

Across different audiences, critical tenets it provides

But parables leave open room for other interpretation

Jim referred to the Good Samaritan as an illustration

Does the parable reflect the basics of the Golden Rule

Or by shaming those ignoring those in need, is it a tool?

Parables help us to get to know Jesus on a deeper level

By reinforcing the importance of not choosing the devil

The Parable of the Fish in the Net is a perfect example

There are good and bad fish (and people) in each sample

In other words, parables try to set us on a straight course

For reading between the lines can act as a strong force

Parables become our best “how to” guidelines for life

Helping us to live in a Christian manner without strife

Parables address many human conditions that perplex

Jim mentioned The Lost Sheep and Prodigal Son subjects

God’s love, loving others, plus of course forgiveness

Many moral issues the thirty one parables do address

Through the parables, Jesus speaks to us one-to-one

Going straight to our heart, they cannot be outdone

More powerful than being told what to do directly

 The best way to internalize Jesus’ teachings correctly

Jim also said that as parables come from our mentor

In that way, they act like the Bible’s Visitor Centre

They are thus a condensed version of Jesus’ teaching

Short and to the point, the parables are far-reaching

Very daunting, reading the entire Bible seems to be

But we might do so after the parables we do see

Parables whet our appetite for deeper understanding

Per Maine’s “The way life should be” motto branding

A favorite parable each one of us will eventually find

For Jim, The Parable of the Sower springs to mind

Sowing seeds on different soils leads to varying results

His first Sunday school class students are now adults

The parables adventure, Jim encouraged us to continue

Keep and use the list of parables for follow through

Parables will enlighten, uplift, strengthen, motivate

With that message, it is virtually impossible to debate

2 June 2019 - ENCS

More about relationships Pastor Joey did share today

We need love and trust, and forgiveness he did say

He spoke of the why, what, and how of forgiveness

For it is a cornerstone of relationships he did express

Forgivneess is important for health, per the Mayo Clinic

Lowering blood pressure and an immune system uptick

Paul said we are all sinners, per Romans chapter three

Thus pain and sin each day each of us will feel and see

Forgiveness acts like a reset button and a clotting agent

Per Matthew six, Jesus gave a command not just intent

Colossians three says that if we forgive, God will forgive

Like Mandela, we can choose forgiveness in how we live

Of course showing forgiveness is usually quite difficult

First, we must acknowledge pain caused or the insult

Second, per Mark six, forgiving others involves a cost

But without this step, God’s forgiveness for us is lost

His love for us never ceases, per Lamentations three

It is important that God’s forgiveness we feel and see

Third in forgiveness we should aspire for perfection

Per Matthew five, love our enemies without objection

But we must forgive others before we can show love

As Jesus did, praying for others we may be tired of

Fourth is that for God’s healing we should believe

Pain takes time to be healed, not an instant reprieve

30 September 2018 - ENCS

The sermon “The Power of Worship” was delivered by Calvin Hong

Who talked about seeing a waterfall that was scary and very strong

But once Calvin went under the water he felt refreshed completely

Worship also brings refreshment and healing, sometimes discreetly

In Psalm thirty four, David said the Lord he would bless all the time

Both in good times and when challenging obstacles he had to climb

For when we are weakest, God makes us strong via the Holy Ghost

And then in complete humility, we can give thanks and of God boast

Magnifying something means giving it focus and thus highest priority

Seek first the Lord and his righteousness, as per Matthew thirty three

Sacrificing and giving all to our Lord God in heaven is worship’s heart

For what we believe, not what we do, is what in His eyes set us apart

In Matthew six from verse nine Jesus taught His disciples how to pray 

Always starting by giving praise to God the Abba Father, He did say

And when we pray to God, He will hear our call and then will respond

God knows our daily needs because with us He has a special bond

In Mark twenty five, a woman reached out and touched Jesus’ cloak

She immediately recovered due to the faith she had and did invoke

Jesus told the woman to go in peace and from her suffering be freed

The same power is available to each one of us when we are in need

Per Hebrews eleven, faith is what is hoped for with evidence not seen

When we hear the Word of God and act in ways that do not contravene

We reap rewards if we step out of our comfort zone and pay the price

Even if our reputation and some relationships we may have to sacrifice

When we worship earnestly and then in all that we do we give our best

Per Psalm one hundred, with thanksgiving we enter His gates blessed

We should never stop believing in God for breakthroughs and healing

For both individual and corporate prayer God finds extremely appealing

17 June 2018 - ENCS

Pastor Josh spoke about “Why Dads?” on this Father’s Day

Starting with what to Jesus at His baptism His Father did say

Per Mark chapter one, via the Holy Spirit coming like a dove

God said Jesus was His Son who he loved and was proud of

All children look for such affirmation, affection, and availability

Fathers should thus try although there is no earthly infallibility

Josh noted three things fathers do to foster that environment

To defend, define, and discipline should be the ongoing intent

Defending the family involves providing, protecting, praying

Per First Timothy five, a believer not providing is dismaying

Nehemiah four says to fight for our families against intrusion

Prayer is the best because human control is a mere illusion

There are many Bible stories about fathers using their voice

Genesis thirty five, Luke one, and Numbers thirteen - rejoice

Isaac, Zechariah, and Moses each saved the day somehow

Per Numbers thirty, a father’s words can nullify a child’s vow

Josh said children need healthy boundaries for life to enjoy

Proverbs thirteen says we spoil if the rod we do not employ

Per Hebrews twelve, God disciplines us for our own good

We are actually illegitimate if He does not do as He should

No earthly father is perfect for a variety of obvious reasons

But per Psalm sixty eight, God is our father for all seasons

John fourteen says that if we love Jesus, God will us love 

Per Romans eight, we will then be adopted by God above

To have a wonderful earthly father, I am very very blessed

And having God on my side ensures I will not be oppressed

For my children and godchildren, I pray for the right direction

So I remember to affirm, be available, and to show affection

1 April 2018 - PLMC

Three PLMC pastors reflected on the meaning of Easter Day

As we gathered for service to greet the morning’s first sun ray

Pastor Chris asked what if Christ was not raised from the dead

And leaving us with only Good Friday and forgiven sins instead

Our faith would be futile, per Paul in First Corinthians thirteen

For without the resurrection God’s work is incomplete, it is seen

Pastor Irene concluded that Easter makes our faith a daily event

Per Romans eight, in us dwells the Holy Spirit that God has sent

The women shared the good news, as per Matthew twenty eight

We should do likewise with other people, for it is never too late

God will give us strength, according to Ephesians chapter three

Christ’s power enables us to do more than we imagine, we see

Pastor Jonathan spoke about the heavy stone in Mark sixteen

It can represent obstacles in our lives, both visible and unseen

Whe the women reached the tomb, the stone was rolled away

The promise that God deals with our obstacles holds true today

In conclusion, Easter provides us hope and promises salvation

This good news we should share without further procrastination

21 January 2018 - ENCS

On leading an abundant life, Pastor Josh did continue

For per John ten, that is what Christ wants us to do

Paradoxically, we do so by denying self and serving

God values our service and He is always observing

Following Jesus brings us the correct relationships

For then our vision, other individual do not eclipse

And if God is who two people are mutually pursuing 

Then the end result is far better than random wooing

Being great, Jesus said in Mark ten verse forty three

Requires us to continually adopt a servant mentality

We should show this to avoid being a stumbling block

At home, the office, and at church - around the clock

Our bodies should be living sacrifices, Paul did say

Per Romans twelve verse one, this is the holy way

It is both reasonable service and spiritual worship

So between two translations, Pastor said not to trip

In Luke ten verse forty, about serving Jesus did speak

Martha was serving while knowledge Mary did seek

Jesus focused on each woman's underlying intention

If serving, details should not cause worry or tension

There are many ways to worship God, Josh did relate

And importantly, serving and worship are not separate

For we are not required to choose one from the other

If we have the heart, we can learn skills from a brother

Per Romans twelve, we are told our bodies to present

Just showing up indicates that we have the right intent

The term “a living sacrifice” implies a servant mentality

Which is how our lives as Christians really should be

In summary, Josh said serving helps us grow spiritually

And without service, incomplete is our worship actually

We should listen to God and to His instructions obey

He will empower us as we serve and follow His way

14 January 2018 - ENCS

His series on the New Year, Pastor Joey did today continue

Into New Year’s resolutions, he shared his point of view

We should focus on that what is timeless, per Matthew six

In other words, on God’s kingdom our hearts should affix

Following up on last week’s message, values often shift

After nine eleven, church attendance did massively uplift

But instead of reacting to a crisis, we should be proactive

Ensuring that we have the right priorities each day we live

Pastor said that In order to make God our topmost priority

We must overcome habits occupying of our time a majority

Two-thirds of who we are habits actually end up defining

How habits are developed Joey then spent time outlining

Discover something, desire it, make a decision, and delight

Per Genesis three, these decisions can be wrong or right

Where hearts are focused and habits exist, actions do show

And if actions are oft repeated, addictions develop and grow

To prevent bad addictions becoming an individual’s destiny

Implementing a real strategy for change habits is the key

At the core of any change must be a plan as well as prayer 

Prayer reminds us that God does exist and He does care

We should pray and listen through the day if we believe

An additional benefit is that stress levels He will receive

To build new and healthy habits, old ones we must break

Therefore a desire and decision to change we must make

But changing bad habits to good can often result in a dip

Thus gyms are only full for three months, Pastor did quip

The way around this conundrum is to a new delight find

This is effectively dying to our old self, Pastor did remind

Discipleship also involves dying to one’s self every day

We must adopt a servant mentality, Mark ten does say

For Christ came not to be served by others, but to serve

We must die to bad habits, even if that hits a raw nerve

Dying to self is not easy and requires even more prayer

But it helps relationships and health, Pastor did declare

Christianity is also to die to self, per Matthew sixteen

We are to emulate how Jesus lived, it is clearly seen

By following Christ and carrying our individual cross

We can gain abundant life serving the eternal boss

In summary, we should each make a new resolution

To align our values and die daily is the biblical solution

----------

Last year, I changed health habits and lost some weight

Now I must take similar steps to other good habits create

12 November 2017 - ENCS

Pastor Josh shared on the start of Genesis nine today

Sometimes, even for God, a rebooting is the only way

“Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth”, per verse one

Echoing Genesis one twenty eight, His plan not done

For God’s overarching plans never actually change

Even when circumstances and situations are strange

Humans were then allowed to eat meat, per verse four

But only after there was not blood, or life, anymore

That blood equates to life isbBiblically very important

How to maximise life’s value is a topic quite constant

God now values human life above that of an animal

So partaking of dead animals is actually quite practical

But we should therefore value human life all the same

God created everyone in His image and with a name

Objectifying or degrading any other is clearly not right

Respecting our bodies, all are valuable in God's sight

God repeated what He said in verse one in verse seven

Reminding Noah what was important to Him in heaven

All believers do overcome the world, per First John five

But not necessarily all good times while they are alive

Our mission is to change death to life, darkness to light

Giving others an inheritance of spiritual life that is bright

Per the gospels, enabling everyone to have a new birth

This is how we become fruitful, multiple, and fill the earth

Jesus is the Son of God, per First John and John eight

His Spirit, water, and blood all testify that He is great

Blood of God is more powerful than of human or animal

In Jesus’ blood, there is power which is quite valuable

To heal bodies, cleanse minds, and restore relationships

Per Ephesians two, religious prejudices it can eclipse

Per First John five, our God offers us life that is eternal

All we must do is bring Jesus into a relationship internal

Whoever does not believe in Jesus will not have that life

And will no doubt have a lack of peace and endure strife

But if we have life, we should share it in ways clearly seen

For we are to proclaim the gospel to all, per Mark sixteen

11 September 2016 - ENCS

Pastor Josh spoke on “Fast and Furious” part two

Reminding us of God’s purpose in all that we do

We should not let 'urgent' from 'important’ distract

Life can be a stressful mess, that is indeed a fact

Jesus said that it is tough to enter the narrow gate

Per Matthew seven, it is worth it and is never too late

As we find our purpose, there are enemies three

Comfort, convenience, and control they would be

Choosing what is right is harder than status quo

By ceding control to God, a fulfilled life will show

Luke nine says to deny self in order to Jesus follow

Taking up the cross daily and letting earthly idols go

Responding to Peter’s quip, Jesus said in Mark ten

Believers are repaid many times and in eternity again

But there will also be persecution, in word and deed

Remember that with our words, others can be freed

Our purpose, per First Thessalonians chapter four

Is to walk, please God, and be sanctified even more

Josh highlighted two ‘friends’ of achieving this destiny

The first is character and the second is community

God cares more about who we are, not what we do

Per Second Peter one, all power come from Him too

Paul continued by listing characteristics of character

Knowledge, self-control, godliness, and love for sure

We must try to increase these qualities as we live

Otherwise, we will become unfruitful and ineffective

In Acts sixteen, Paul had a vision and others followed

By working as a community,  we can share the load

Josh pointed out that this is a key in choosing a career

With a good team, we can do more for God without fear

We are all members of God’s house, per Ephesians two

Therefore bear in mind our specific role in all that we do

In summary, to get closer to Christ should be our creed

So both character and community are what we do need

David called to God in prayer, per Psalm one forty three

He was asking for protection from enemies plus mercy

27 March 2016 - ENCS

Pastor Josh spoke to us about “Changing Lives” on this Easter Day

Christianity is a relationship, not a religion, is what he oft does say

God in in the business of changing lives in many a different way

To better grasp this, about our life’s purpose Josh did then convey

God created male and female in His image, per Genesis chapter one

To have fellowship with God and dominion over the earth bar none

But after Adam and Eve’s first sin, as written in Genesis chapter three

They became aware of shame and guilt, hiding so God could not see

And per Isaiah chapter fifty nine, iniquities must lead to a separation

God actually showed mercy, as the alternative was eternal damnation

Much of the Old Testament points to the need for a perfect sacrifice

Jesus was the perfect lamb, and although innocent He paid the price

Per Mark chapter fifteen, even Pilate proclaimed Christ’s innocence

The crowd wanted Him crucified, even though that made no sense

For one week earlier, they were proclaiming Him King of the Jews

Even today, that dramatic reversal of views would make the news

So Jesus was scourged, beaten, and mocked per John nineteen

He knows what it is like to be wrongly punished, it is clearly seen

Reverting to Mark fifteen, Jesus asked God why He was forsaken

God had to be separated from the sin before Jesus’ life was taken

But per Isaiah fifty three, this had been clearly prophesied to man

Even before creation, the triune God had developed a master plan

So when Jesus said that “it is finished” in John chapter nineteen

He meant that our debt was paid in full, as in the Greek is seen

So per the traditional Easter refrain “He is risen”; "He is risen indeed”

We should conclude that from sin and death we are eternally freed

13 March 2016 - ENCS

Rachel Ong shared with us on “Developing a Godly Identity”

She had us read First Corinthians fifteen from verse three

Paul wrote of who he had been and also about Jesus’ grace

His transformation was sudden, which is not always the case

In Second Corinthians twelve boasting is what Paul did do

Of his own weakness and about the power of the cross too

The concept of boasting originated on the early battlefield

To build up confidence for soldiers, like an emotional shield

“Only from the name of the Lord” would do for apostle Paul

In the same way, Jesus Christ can give strength to us all

That is far better than counting on a prestigious family name

A big bank account or job title has an impact just the same

They are mere‘rubbish’, per Philippians three verse eight

Paul gave all of that up to get new freedom which is great

As a result, calmness increases as anxiety and fear go down

And Paul faced human persecution with joy instead of a frown

For knowing Christ allows us to face death with confidence

Because we know eternal salvation His love does dispense

In terms of how we view other people, this also does help

When they offend, we can show them love instead of yelp

This is in line with Second Corinthians five verse seventeen

As a new creation is how anyone in Christ should be seen

Similarly, our self view should not be based on condemnation

Only the Word of God can overcome demonic consternation

So we must persevere and read the Bible each and every day

For to combat the enemy, Rachel said this is really the only way

In ways both spiritually and physically, Christ can us heal

Patience and tolerance become virtues we should feel

The way to stay rooted in our walk is to use God’s lens

Reading the Bible and praying help our heart to cleanse

The disciples cast aside their ‘nets’, per Mark chapter one

Can we drop our nets to follow Jesus as Peter had done?

Then we can be free to worship Him and with others share

When we have trouble doing so, we should revert to prayer

14 February 2016 - ENCS

Pastor Josh delivered “The Heart of the Matter’ part two

On the topic of “Courtship and Dating” what we should do

With a reference to a seventy five year study he did start

For happiness, meaningful relationships are a key part

There are no specific bible verses on dating or courtship

But there are still guidelines to help everyone on this trip

“Do unto others…” is Jesus’ exhortation in Matthew seven

That summarises all the Old Testament laws from heaven

For when our relationship was broken with God above

We needed laws guiding us in the absence of pure love

But now the Holy Spirit tells us how best to approach

Relationships in a manner which is above all reproach

First Timothy chapter five says not to rebuke others

“With absolute purity” treat brothers, sisters, mothers

In Mark chapter ten to God’s words Jesus did refer

Two wholes, not halves, become one, we can infer

We should not look to another person to fill a gap

Only God can complete us, anything else is a trap

This is repeated in Colossians chapter number two

We “have been given fullness in Christ” in all we do

Being happy and complete with God is a precondition

Before moving on to marriage, per Josh’s admonition

From First Corinthians six comes additional sage advice

Do not be yoked with unbelievers even if they are nice

Two cannot walk together, per Amos chapter three

Unless in terms of what to do, they both do agree

If both are following Jesus in their walks individually

Then much easier their joint walk will of course be

Per Ephesians five, we should imitate God above

Beware life’s impurities and always walk in love

Meditating on things pure, per Philippians four

Ensures the God of peace will us never ignore

10 January 2016 - ENCS

The “Discipleship Simplified” series Pastor Josh did continue today

Discipleship is helping others follow Jesus, he did emphatically say

Getting rid of the great noise is the best way to ensure simplification

As it allows focus and eliminates things which cause consternation

To engage, establish, equip, and empower is the discipleship process

By remembering these four steps we can focus instead of face stress

The best way to engage is to discuss what is relevant to a person

Speaking the language of the culture sure helps get the job done

Given that Jesus is the answer, we need to identify the question

As caring for people for who they are is the best love expression

The most important question to ask one’s self is of course “why”

Per Second Corinthians five, Christ’s love should compel us to try

Without firsthand experience of God, it is hard to have maturation

We can always pray for others who are in pain or a tough situation

Form verse twenty of that chapter, we are ambassadors for Christ

We are reconciled with God because Jesus’ own life was sacrificed

So we must determine what is really most important and so prioritise

By focusing on the mission, we work together no matter the team size

Having head knowledge means nothing unless we for others care

One way to do this is to our individual testimony with others share

Saint Francis said to preach the gospel, using words when necessary

But our words can speak volumes, Pastor Josh did then politely parry

The other question about engaging that must be answered is “how"

Since Jesus called us, the Holy Spirit will surely gifts to us endow

Per Mark three from verse thirteen, Jesus went to a mountaintop

That is where He worshipped and communed with God nonstop

Acts chapter ten says the Holy Spirit enabled Jesus to do good

And because God was with Jesus, healing others Christ could

Fasting helps align our heart with God's, per Isaiah fifty eight 

Hearing His heart about the lost and hurting keeps us straight

And by praying for others, we often find that changes our heart

Then our light breaks through and the glory of God does its part

Per Acts ten, Peter spoke and the Holy Spirit fell on the others

Drawing them closer and turning them into Christian brothers

In summary, engaging others is critical for our discipleship

To do this, we should allow the Holy Spirit to us duly equip

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