25 September 2016 - ENCS

The Fast and Furious series was concluded by Rachel Ong

On “Excellence At Work” she has experience deep and long

What we do at work is a form of worship to God, she said

By building our skills, we build trust and actually get ahead

Skilled people will only serve kings, per Proverbs twenty two

Thus bringing more value to the world with what we may do

As long as we know God, then ‘secular work’ does not exist

For we are presented ministry opportunities not to be missed

In Genesis, God introduced labor before the concept of worship

The marketplace and church need each other, Rachel did quip

Workers need to create, not just add, value to an organisation

Using our gifts helps others and donors God with commendation

For God’s will to be done on earth as in heaven, Jesus did pray

On how to become excellent at work, Rachel shared many a way

The first is to find your niche, that is your purpose and calling

If we do, to our competitors our confidence will be quite galling

Our purpose is to solve problems with our God-given strength

In order to help groups of people, often going to a great length

Some of us may in fact know our calling from a very young age

For most of us, however, it takes longer to find the right stage

During that process, we must remain faithful on God’s path

Working hard every day pleases God and does not incur wrath

Remember that today is a gift, that is why it is called the present

As stewards of each day, we should give one hundred percent

We need freedom to discover our true potential and His design

We can then be fruitful, as barren land can yield great wine

But righteousness and peace must abide in the environment

To truly honour the name of God who on earth we represent

By finding our niche and remaining faithful, flourish we will

This can be a thriving city, a friendship, or a new medical pill

Having a deep relationship with God is the ultimate prize

Although we will still face battles, Rachel did then advise

God gave us the ability to work in order to the world impact

But He created earth and mankind to flourish, that’s a fact

Although God intends for us to work, we also need to rest

Trusting Him to help make decisions is always for the best

How we treat others is a critical element at the workplace

Per Romans three, if we judge others we are way off base

For only God can give us true peace as we have all sinned

Per Second Corinthians two, we must forgive and not rescind

So in summary, find your niche, remain faithful, and flourish

God will equip you to impact others if on His word we nourish

5 June 2016 - ENCS

“Experiencing church community” started the new series One Accord

Into Acts chapter two verse forty two, Rachel Ong in depth explored

Per that verse, four specific things the early Christians did in earnest

Learning, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer aided their quest

The first and the last link us with God, the other two with each other

Reminding us that in both parts of community we should smother

The early believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching

We also have access to the entire Bible plus of course preaching

To commune with God, Rachel has a yellow chair in a specific place

Similarly, we should daily read the Word at a given time and space

And in the same way that we focus on our phones and children

When we meditate on God's Word, we should pay full attention

The early believers devoted themselves to growing fellowship

We have life groups, which establish more than one relationship

Although we may get hurt, in others we should believe the best

Of course forgiving others as Jesus did is a very difficult test

For “loving your neighbour as yourself” is a godly command

By making this intentional, our diversity can be a strong stand

Also, per Genesis one, God has always wanted to be our friend

If is therefore not healthy or God-like if being solitary is our trend

The early believers devoted themselves to breaking of bread

Which is not just about eating, but also fellowship Rachel said

We can share life, hospitality, and kindness through our food

By breaking bread, into our networks we others can include

The breaking of bread is also symbolic, per Luke twenty two

As it did foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice Jesus would do

We influence others by serving them, per John seventeen

This servant leadership was in Jesus’ life constantly seen

Finally, the early believers also devoted themselves to prayer

During which we should listen, not just talk, for God does care

Jesus showed us how best to pray, per verses in Matthew six

Rachel said we can not pray right until our priorities we do fix

For when we do manage to put God’s will first, all else will flow 

God will inspire us in prayer and then into the world we can go

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

29 March 2015 - ENCS

The 'Grace Changes Everything' series was continued by Rachel Ong

She spoke about "Encounters With Jesus" with a sermon quite strong

Starting with Zacchaeus the tax collector in Luke chapter nineteen

To the short wealthy man in the crowd, Jesus was unable to be seen

So Zaccheaus climbed a sycamore tree in order to get a better view

Jesus saw him and shocked all with what he said he was going to do

At the tax collector's house that night He was going to eat and stay

The sinner Zaccheaus' entire life was thus transformed right away

No more shame and guilt, Jesus has healed Zaccheaus' soul

Which, whether a person was rich or poor, was Jesus' goal

The public and the Pharisees did not fathom this amazing grace

But Jesus knew what He was doing for this was not a test case

Once Zaccheaus' life was transformed, he made it up to the poor

Doing the math, Rachel said, he eradicated poverty and then more

 

Rachel then shared a video on Reena, who at 28 lost her sight

It took Reena quite a long time to accept her unfortunate plight

But once she used a cane, allowing God to provide the guidance

Her attitude changed, refusing to let the blindness be a hindrance

Reena now believes that her blindness is actually a blessing

Helping others and making a difference is far from distressing

 

Reena joined in person so her own testimony with us she did share

She grew up a Hindu but now to God and Jesus she goes in prayer

When she first heard John 3:16, Reena first felt inner peace

Now, per Psalm 119, God's guidance for her does not cease

She finds she is able to use her other senses better now

She is courageous, as Deuteronomy 31 tells her how

Once she learned Braille, the Bible she was able to read

Reena says that God is now with her, fulfilling every need

God enables her to bless others and impact many lives

Helping the poor, orphans, and sick wherever she arrives

For her daily encounters with God ensure His light shines

And that her daily activities are consistent with His designs

 

In summary, it can perhaps be said that man's disappointment

Often times provides an opportunity for a Godly appointment

But an encounter with Jesus does not mean no suffering

In fact, some suffering is often what glory does to us bring

But when that happens, as Rachel and Reena discussed

Per many verses in the Bible, in God we must fully trust

1 March 2015 - ENCS

The "Family" series was extended a week by Rachel Ong

Talking on "Singles Rock" in a voice that was quite strong

This demographic group is often overlooked, she did say

But its mission is to honor God at the workplace each day

Rachel based her sermon on Colossians one verse ten

We are to "bear fruit in every good work", Paul said again

She pointed out that God only ever authored one book

So it is to that book, the Bible, that we should always look

From reading the Bible daily, sin will keep us from doing

But keeping us from sin we get from daily Bible viewing

And for us to be fruitful in every good work, Rachel stated

Jesus Christ needs to be present in our lives unabated

 

Steve Murrell said that to 'honor' is to know one's place

For commandments one and five, this is indeed the case

In order to honor parents, with them we should spend time

For singles, this is easier to do when all are in their prime

Rachel added that since honor stems from one's heart

Worshiping and praising God is how we fulfill that part

 

For most singles, it can be said that work is a calling

Which cannot be found with your best effort installing

There is no such thing as secular work, Rachel said

As secular means 'without God', something we dread

And since we have God by our side, as well as His grace

We are effectively full time ministers in the marketplace

It is interesting that God introduced labor before worship

When we are working, God's pleasure should us grip

As we were created in His image, we should try to be great

Whether married or single, our effort should be first rate

 

It is important that we find time daily to be with God alone

Since we need Him constantly, this we should not postpone

In doing so, He will equip us for our workplace ministry

More than our church, the inside of our office we do see

We must make the most of each and every opportunity

Our actions there speak louder than words or a plea

God entrusts us with opportunities if we walk in excellence

With greater purity, even greater influence He will dispense

 

Whatever season we are in, we should exercise contentment

Timothy said contentment brings God to life in the present

We should not walk in the counsel of the wicked, per Psalm one

We will prosper if meditating on the Lord is what we have done

So in closing tonight, Rachel reiterated her primary exhortation

We should honor God and study His word through life's duration

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

23 February 2014 - ENCS

Rachel Ong concluded the series titled "The Core" this week

On "I am in a church, but am I in a community?" she did speak

It has become tougher over the years as the church has grown

The importance of life groups has thus been clearly shown

For as a church gets bigger by adding many a new member

The value of community is something we must all remember

Rachel's three communities on the screen we did see

She then shared three blessings of being in community

 

The first blessing is "to be able to walk together and do life"

This means sharing in times of joy as well as times of strife

A good community can effectively reduce life's weight

And its judgment can help us keep our walk straight

To Ecclesiastes four verses seven to ten Rachel did then refer

Without relationships, happiness the man's wealth did not confer

Despite more people in the world, loneliness is a big issue

Mobile phones and the Internet interfere - that is very true

We should spend more time connecting face to face instead

This helps us be content is what both Paul and Timothy said

 

The second blessing is that "our family and children prosper"

For the community is a safe place with role models proper

When in a community, we are also more open to feedback

For encouragement and true support we will never lack

To develop wholesome relationships, the church is the best place

We can learn how to love unconditionally while in a trusted space

Remember that according to Ephesians one verse five

By adopting us as his sons, great pleasure did God derive

 

The third blessing is that "our destinies intertwine and are fulfilled"

Per 1 Corinthians two verse nine, none of know what God has willed

But we know that was has been prepared has been with love

For that is the key attribute of our Lord God in heaven above

In a related way, a community is basically an extended family

A picture of four pastor's kids on her staff we did then see

We need courage to be vulnerable, Rachel did then say

That is much easier to do in a small community today

In such a community, we should think the best of each other

Whether it be a friend, a parent, a child, a sister or brother

That means that there should be no jealousy or envy

And offenses are forgiven quickly in this community

 

Rachel concluded her sermon by referencing a Tim Keller quote

Spiritual friendships go deeper, as they don't do things by rote

Remember that the purpose of everything that God has done

Is to enable friendships with others, and of course with His Son

Rachel's last line was that friendships are a sign of good health

And they are far more valuable to us that any material wealth

22 September 2013 - ENCS

About “Being A Servant”, today Rachel Ong did speak

At Matthew chapter 20 verse 26 we first did peek

“You must be a servant” in order to “become great”
This follows the example of Jesus, she did state

She then mentioned four in God’s “Hall of Fame”

Samson, David, Solomon, and Joseph by name
They all descended from Abraham and were leaders
That all were tempted is known to biblical readers
There were also differences, Rachel did impart
Samson the strong man, David the shepherd heart
Solomon the wise leader, and Joseph the servant
The latter stayed strong despite temptation fervent
Joseph is the only one who did not into immorality fall
Because on his servant heart he did continually call

Rachel said that a true servant has traits numbering four

Although these can easily lead one to generate more
A desire to do great things for those they served is first
Also to concentrate on being profitable without being reversed
Always having an attitude of joyfulness was third
Fourth was not holding grudges, even when slurred
It is clear that these four traits did Joseph possess
So in resisting temptation, he had lots of success

To develop a servant heart, Rachel mentioned four ways

These are useful reminders to remember all of our days
First is a desire to accomplish great things for God
Rachel gave John chapter 14 verse 12 a big nod
Second is to turn manual tasks into expressions of love
Per 1 Corinthians 10:31, do all for the glory of God above
To develop the five essential qualities of a servant was third
Availability, initiative, diligence, creativity, and wisdom we heard
The fourth step is to develop competence and skill
Per Proverbs 22:29, don’t be just run-of-the-mill

Jesus was the ultimate servant-leader when here on earth

What others said and did to him did not determine his worth
He humbled himself, Paul said in Philippians two verse seven
Even though he had strength and wisdom from heaven
By taking on this servant mentality, he did not ever sin
In the end, he sacrificed his life so salvation we could win
As per the song, we should dare to do more
By serving others, we open heaven’s door

9 June 2013 - ENCS

"The Code" series Rachel Ong did continue today

About "Having Relationships" she had a lot to say

We all read from Mark, chapter 12 verses 29-31

Loving God completely is commandment one

Loving others as we love ourselves is number two

But only by loving God, can this second one we do

 

Rachel mentioned that three relationships are key

The first is with God, the second is with our family

For our perception of God is influenced by our earthly dad

God is of course better, for He is always good and never bad

God is slow to judge and always quick to love

That is why we should always love Him above

For us to do great things is His clarion call

Which we can do since He created us all

The third relationship is with our many friends

At work, at church, at school  - the list never ends

Without relationships, a purposeful life we can not live

We must interact with others in order for God's love to give

From Proverbs 18 verse one, Rachel did then read

We can not isolate ourselves for others we do need

 

To honour relationships we must show lots of kindness

Proverbs 19:22 says all want "unfailing love", nothing less

We honour God when kindness is what we show

Whether it be for kinfolk, friends, or even a foe

Kindness often shows the worth of a person anew

Or gives honour to whom the honour is really due

This of course takes effort on our part

But in God's eyes, it is very very smart

 

But Rachel said that even if we are kind more and more

In the end, it counts for nothing unless love is at the core

This in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians we see

If we read chapter thirteen, verse number three

 

And when we give or receive honour, we must give a nod

For the appropriate credit must always be given to our God

She said that we all hope the next generation is blessed

If we are kind in love, then God will take care of the rest

 

Rachel then turned to Matthew six before ending in prayer

Reminding us to treat all with the same amount of care

We should greet strangers as we greet a good friend

For we never know how any such kind act will end

Hospitality is what leads many people to church

And we should never leave anyone in a lurch

16 September 2012 - ENCS

The "In It To Win It" series was continued by Rachel Ong
Her observations and points are very rarely wrong
Into Luke 16:10-13 we first took a peek
On "being a faithful steward" she did speak
And then to help us faithful stewards be
She delved into traits numbering three

"Being faithful with our treasure" was number one
We must choose to serve either God or Mammon
Rachel said there are three types of people here on earth
Versus takes and wasters, energy givers have more worth
About Bill Gothard she then did share
About others he obviously does care
She used him as an example of how we should live
We should be frugal in order to generously give
And then into frugal versus stingy she went
The only real difference lies in the intent
We should learn from Jesus, be meek and humble
That will keep us focused, balanced, and humble
Rachel said that money does strange things to people
This is true for some who worship under the steeple
The world says to maximise what we end up keeping
Jesus says to maximise what we give without weeping

"Being faithful with our time" was number two
Colossians 4:5 says to be wise in what we do
We each have twenty four hours each and every day
We must be resourceful, not wasteful she did say
We should be frugal with our time for the days are few
We should be spending on things with eternal value
At the workplace we should our light shine
Idle talk robs our souls and is far from fine
Clocks remind us of the value of every hour
From time, not money, we get the most power

"Being faithful with our talents" was number three
We should seek to excel, using talents skillfully
Because in God's own image He did us create
We should therefore strive to do things great
Paul for instance had certainty in his heart
Reaching out to the Gentiles was his part
Our true credentials are not some fancy degree
It is what we do and what others therefore see

Rachel then made a couple of conclusions
Referring to the first chapter of Colossians
With the knowledge of God's will
We should want our souls to fill
And by reading and studying the Holy Word
We should walk in a way worthy of the Lord

15 April 2012 - ENCS

On "The Power of a Sanctified Life" Rachel Ong did talk
As we went through the seventh chapter of our Romans walk
She talked about newness of life versus the lust of the flesh
What we want to do and not do seem to intertwine and enmesh
The law is spiritual but we are carnal says verse fourteen
If we do not refocus on God daily, more sin is then seen
Rachel also touched on verses eighteen to twenty
Our sinful nature leads us from good to stray plenty
Which is why we read in 1 Thessalonians 5 : 23
That only God himself can sanctify us completely

Rachel then talked about man's three part whole
The exterior body, our inner spirit, and our soul
The body is a dwelling place, what people see
The soul has our mind, emotions, and personality
Our spirit is our identity so we need Jesus there
To fight temptation we need to reach out in prayer
Per 2 Corinthians 5, anyone in Christ is a creation new
Jesus came to make our bodies and souls true

The message that Rachel did then give
Is that to die to self is the only way to live
We each have our daily crosses to bear
About all of them, Jesus Christ is aware
The first step is to surrender our rights
So that sanctification can be in our sights
And then Rachel said, in her very next breath
We must put the "law of sin and death" to death

God can change our lives, making us a new creation
If we allow His Way to be our core foundation
But why does God let us struggle after that?
Because God loves us no matter where we're at
If we could kill sin in our lives once and for all
We wouldn't have needed Jesus to take the fall
We should humbly receive God's word per James 1:21
And delight in His Law, per Psalm number one

Remember that the rockiest soil produces the best wine
Because the grapes' strength comes from the vine
Jesus is our one true vine, per John chapter fifteen
So in the rockiest times, God's best fruit can be seen
All we need to do is to listen and abide
Not be discouraged, hopeless, or teary-eyed
We need to wait on Jesus in His time
That has been the point of many a rhyme

In summary, Rachel said with a spring
Is that sanctification leads to anointing

14 August 2011 - ENCS

At ENCS, the "Attention" series continued along
With a sermon "Have Faith" by Rachel Ong
Jesus' commands are not meant to restrict but to guide
We are to obey them, for John 14:21 we can not hide
Rachel referred to Jesus' commands in Mark 11:22-23
With a little faith, a mountain can be thrown into the sea
Rachel shared two testimonies in this vein
Her sister's short leg length did gain
And the five year old girl with only one malfunctioning kidney
Suddenly two good kidneys the shocked doctors did see
But God does not always immediately heal
For with faith, patience we must also feel
Per Hebrews 6, nothing pleases God more than faith
But God's invisibility makes this hard, Rachel did sayeth
Although it is not natural to always trust God in heaven
"We live by faith not by sight" per 2 Corinthians 5 : 7
We need to obey Him even if we do not understand
As God taught Israel en route to the Promised Land
The Greeks used "logic" to understand first
But without trusting God, the result is worst
Rachel then compared a man with no faith (red)
Versus a green man, who has faith instead

The first difference is that the green man fears God
Whilst the red man gives others and their views the nod
Rachel referred to Psalm 122 and then Proverbs 9:10
"The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom" for men

The second is that the green man rests, the red man strives
For resting in God means we can do more with our lives
The heavy laden can get rest per Matthew 11:28
Even if there are sometimes we must be patient and wait

Third is that the red man is stressed, the green man is at peace
With Jesus' peace, our troubles and fears should soon cease
The enemy wants us to focus on the future and the past
God wants us to think of today and an eternity that will last

Fourth is that the red man is angry, the green man is meek
Anger, like all addictions, is caused by relationships weak
Matthew 11 says Jesus was meek and humble (lowly of heart)
We must surrender our self to let God do His part

Fifth is that the green man has patience, the red man restless
Patience is part of God perfecting our character, Rachel did sayeth

In summary, Rachel asked if we walked in green or in red
If red, we should change our default to green instead
We should not let things get in faith's way
For we must live out our faith every day
We then saw a video of Reena, who lost her sight
But her passion for life makes her attitude right
Change can be a stumbling block or a stepping stone
To inspire others, her heart God did hone

26 June 2011 - ENCS

The "Endangered Species" series was continued by Rachel Ong
She spoke about servants after we prayed and worshiped with song
The main passage was Matthew twenty verses 26 and 27
Have a servant's heart in order to glorify God in heaven
For in order to make a difference and be great
We must start by serving, even those we may hate
Rachel told us three ways to start
If we are to develop a servant's heart

The first was the "desire to serve with no expectations of return"
We need to be humble, giving, and of course willing to learn
"Perfect hospitality", as mentioned in Luke 14: 12-14
Means inviting those from whom repayment will not be seen
By giving to those who cannot pay us back
God will bless us and ensure we never lack
And per Isaiah 2, we should not forget aliens in our land
For hospitality draws others to Christ, Rachel does understand
A true servant has no expectations, she then said
At least not from others, trusting in God instead
Per Psalm 62:5, in God alone we should find rest
For "hope comes from Him" who should be blessed

To "determine to serve with all diligence" was number two
We should put complete effort into all that we do
For if we strive to be excellent and diligent
God will notice and blessings will be sent
Rachel's company has benefited from this phenomenon
A small firm getting contracts where only big ones have gone
She also spoke of "A Message to Garcia", a movie based on fact
Where Col Rowan's diligence and obedience were never off track
Rachel contrasted this with many workers today
There is a lack of independent action, she did say
She asked if we are diligent and dependable
Even if the sacrifice seems quite formidable

The third was having a "purpose to give God glory"
Rachel shared Hobby Lobby's rags-to-riches story
David Green did everything his first boss did ask
Even if it was a menial and thankless task
His stores are always closed on Sunday
To allow staff time to rest and to pray
Good work can become great when God blesses
This should encourage us when faced with messes
For a servant, a test of fire is indeed won
By responding well when treated as one
From Psalm 119:165 we then all saw
"Great peace have they who love" God's law

In summary, to Jesus the servant-king she did point
He came to serve, but as our King we should anoint
She referred to Matthew 20:28 and Philippians 2:7
Jesus humbled himself, following orders from heaven
We should be "dying to self" in the same way
Humbly submitting to God and man every day

1 May 2011 - ENCS

Rachel spoke on “The Power of Rest”
Doing so in the Lord is the best
She read from Exodus 20 verses 8 through 11
The fourth commandment from God in heaven
Of the ten , it takes up the most space
God’s way of highlighting the Sabbath’s place
And whether or not we rest on a Sunday
Taking one day off is really the only way
Sabbath means to rest, refresh, and collect strength
Rachel then examined “rest” at some length
Rest is important and so too is sleep
Our bodies need both if healthy they are to keep
The body, soul, and spirit are the focus of Romans 6-8
All need rest if we are to avoid a bad fate
Rachel said that at night before going to bed
Forget the TV, read God’s word instead
There is no reason to feel guilty about rest
God will provide, but don’t put him to the test
In fact a day of rest is a statement of faith
That is what Rachel did eloquently sayeth
Our time is something of great import
Don’t make God’s work our last resort
Rachel than talked about our life plan
Is it God’s or the possessions of man?
We need to surrender our goals to the Lord
Have no competing affections with His Word
If with His Word our thoughts begin
Then it is much easier not to sin
And so to get true rest complete
Rely on Jesus, as Paul did on Crete

Robbing us of rest is what fear doth do
Work, finances, relationships, health too
Into the past or future, our thoughts are by the enemy sent
But per CS Lewis, God wants our focus here in the present
Per Matthew 6:34, we should not worry about tomorrow
For each day brings forth its own trouble and sorrow
Per 1 John chapter four verse eighteen
Fear is cast out be perfect love, it is seen
Per Matthew 11:29 (and this is no joke)
We should learn from Jesus and carry his yoke
Exodus 34:6 talks of God’s traits five
We should remember them while we are alive
For trials we face are only temporary
Don’t ever think otherwise or be contrary
In 2 Corinthians 12 verse 9, Paul does say
God’s grace is sufficient for us every day
From Nehemiah we learn an important lesson
Keep building, even if there is fighting to be done
Rachel told us that when trials do appear
God can do great things, we should not fear
But in order to fight with a powerful sword
We must know and memorise God’s word
And reading from Psalm 116
Lots of lessons we can glean
But for today, verse seven is the best
“My soul, return to your rest”

So remember that rest is powerful and needed
If our work for God is not to be impeded

27 February 2011 - ENCS

Rachel Ong spoke about "Performance Orientation"
For the "Grace Works" series continuation
She talked about how many of us strive to be the best
By doing so much, trying so hard, and acing every test
But to Psalm 46 verse 10 she told us to refer
Instead of 'be still', 'cease striving' she did prefer

Rachel then spoke of a performance oriented person
Ten characteristics she listed before she was done
Always stressed, often down, never contented were three
Not happy with self or others, all the time being a worker bee
An inability to find rest or peace, never keeping still
Constantly trying to prove something (climbing every hill)
Getting a kick out of a challenge, wondering what is next
(Or 'chasing after the wind' per the Ecclesiastes text)
While Rachel was in the midst
Of running through that list
She pointed out that if on God's word we meditate
Our inability to have rest will noticeably abate
For it makes it so much easier to sleep
If a Bible verse to memory each night we keep

Rachel then shared traits of a person overflowing with grace
An important contrast, although she spoke at a rather rapid pace
Comfortable with not doing anything (without being lazy)
Being okay without knowing the future (that's not crazy)
Next was being able to listen attentively to God and others
Not feeling obliged to always be involved, even with brothers
Being secure in knowing who they are in Christ was number five
Not having to prove anything to anyone else while being alive
They have nothing to lose or hide because they are humble
And by being content, in God's eyes they won't stumble
She referred to 1 Timothy 6:6 once again
"Godliness with contentment is great gain"

Rachel then talked of how performance orientation can be overcome
Referring to Luke 10:38-42 when to Martha's house Jesus did come
She highlighted the difference between performance and grace
Some of what would have been evident on Martha's face
She said that three things "drive Christians nuts"
Very convincingly - no ifs, ands, or buts
The first is if authorities don't give enough attention
But God is the ultimate authority was her contention
The second is trying to do God's work with our own powers
We will fail even if we work throughout all twenty four hours
Third is doing something for God that he did not tell us to do
Even if every week we might sing hymns and sit in a pew
At home and at work, we need to walk in grace
Caring about others and showing them face
If we are secure in Christ, criticism will not us faze
And our words and actions will help to others amaze
At how we spend our time Rachel asked us to look
Do we spend more time with the Bible or on facebook?
She then asked us Isaiah chapter two to see
"Go up to His mountain", per verse three
For knowing God's word is different than knowing Him
Knowledge with the brain brings pride, which is grim
But humility comes from knowledge with the heart
Letting God instruct us how to play our part

In conclusion, Rachel said that change comes from God
And versus performance orientation, grace must get the nod

16 May 2010 - ENCS

The FAQ series continued with a sermon by Rachel Ong
About God's will in our lives, her notes were very long
There are three ways God's will can be revealed
Combine them all, our future with God will be sealed
Studying God's word is like eating food
We must partake daily to have faith imbued
Add in extended time of prayer and fasting
Wise council of believers is the third thing

Blessings arise from submitting to earthly authority
Trusting God with our lives is obviously key
Rachel referred to Jeremiah 1 verse 5
God has plans for us before we are even alive
Verses 29 and 30 of the twelfth chapter of Mark
The first commandment is to love God first, Jesus did hark
Worship helps us enter into His presence
Find what ministers to you as encouragement makes sense

Titus and Timothy talk of renewing credentials every day
Psalm 37:23 says that Lord's orders we really should obey
Even if the steps are not revealed far ahead
Following them will put us in very good stead
God gives us Rhema words for specific reasons
Specific words at specific times in specific seasons

God has plans for all the various types of people
Secular workers and those housed under the steeple
Each of our fields has its own unique objective
For all of our problems, God has a solution to give
Throughout our work we must ask a question or two
Does our work glorify God and add actual value?
And does it add to the lives of others here on earth?
For doing good works is what Ephesians 2:10 sets forth

For mothers and fathers, there is also a will from our father in heaven
It is largely based on Deuteronomy 32 verses forty six and forty seven
To command our children in the words of God's law
Two must walk in agreement, from Amos 3:3 we saw
About mothers Rachel than added a little bit more
Using Proverbs 31 : 16-18 as well as verse 24

In regards students, many of whom may be a teen
Rachel referred to Deuteronomy 5 verse 16
Honor your parents so your days will be long
Going against their wishes is sure to be wrong
And read Isaiah 55, verses 8 and 9
God's thoughts and ways are far better than mine

Rachel then concluded by saying that if we follow God's will
Life can be fun while his vision we do fulfil

28 March 2010 - ENCS

Before the sermon we heard from Ivy Toh
She gave and was blessed ten times moreso
That linked right into Rachel Ong's theme
Continuing the "Miraculous Power" stream
Reading from Ephesians six verse ten
We heard about the Lord's power again

Her sermon was titled "Over the Material Realm"
All can be provided if He is at the helm
As per Mark six, verses 34-44
An important miracle, mentioned in gospels four
Taking the two fish and five loaves
Jesus blessed the food and fed the droves
The disciples could not understand due their hardened hearts
When Jesus walked past as they rowed to other parts
In the same way on God we should rely
All of our resources He can supply
Miracles like this still happen every day
This message is one He wants us to convey

This is the "Principle of Multiplication"
Tithing our first fruits should be the foundation
Follow Exodus 23 verse nineteen
And your blessings will be far from lean
Proverbs 3 :9-10 and Malachi 3:10
Repeat the linkage once again
The storehouse is our local church
Give, and He won't leave you in a lurch
Our money can be blessed or it can be cursed
Divine coincidences happen when we give to Him first

Surprisingly money is mentioned in 2000 verse
Whilst faith only 500, not the reverse
And among the parables, almost a third
Are about possessions, so we heard
The Spirit of Mammon competes with the Spirit of God
A spirit of gratitude, not of pride or poverty, gets our nod
We should only care about what God may think
Not whether others care or make a stink
God does more for us than we can do for Him
But this fact should not make us grim

For per 2 Corinthians 9, verses six to eight
We shall reap what we sow, there is no debate
This is true with money and with our time
(Which is why I write a Sunday rhyme)
God can use strangers to bless us
He outgives us without making a fuss

Asking God for direction at the start of each day
Helps us deal with whatever come what may
And the busier we happen to get
The more we need Him, don't forget
Even Jesus spent time in the morning to pray
We can do the same each and every day

22 November 2009 - ENCS

Before the offering we heard from Pastor Larry
About money we should be quite wary
The twenty fourth verse of Matthew six
Says that two masters we cannot mix
In God our provider we must trust
After money we should not lust
When we work we should honor God
Not just do it for a money wad

Rachel Ong then did give the sermon
She is an encourager, we did determine
"Power to Encourage" was the title
In God's eyes, this is vital
Our lifestyle we can choose daily
Whether to proceed glumly or gaily
When it comes to energy, we can be a giver
Smiles to faces we can deliver
Or we can be an energy taker
And thus become a mood breaker
We often forget to encourage the aging
The film clip was quite engaging
Rachel then talked of key traits three
If we are to provide others with energy

The first is to be selfless and trusted
With no self agenda to be busted
Barnabas was a great example
His positive spirit was more than ample
In Acts 11, from verse twenty three
About his friendship we can see

The second is to be a listener good
Psalm 20 verse 5 should be understood
Contextual listening focuses on the heart
From outside noise we must depart
This is different from being passive or distracted
Value can then be added, not subtracted
This is what it says in Proverbs 1 verse five
By adding to learning, we make others alive
From James one verse nineteen
We should be listeners keen
Whether or not others are doing well
Constructive feedback we should tell

The third is not to give up on others
Be they strangers, friends, or brothers
God cares because we all matter to Him
He is always there, even if things seem grim
In verses 36-40 in Acts fifteen
This trait in Barnabas can be seen
Great people give their lives to God who is greater
To His plans their actions they do cater

We should also remember
The one who was born in December
With Jesus who did die for us
We should spend time without a fuss
Sitting around God's camp fire
With our gifts others we should inspire
He has big plans for each of our lives
To glorify Him until again He arrives
Encouraging others should be a pleasure
And will also help obtain His treasure