Visit to the Fire Station

After the kids' music lessons at Cristofori Music School this morning, I brought them to the Hill Street Fire Station for a visit. We had visited it a few times and each time, Naomi and Nathan seemed to enjoy themselves. This time, while going through the exhibits at the museum on the second floor, Naomi spotted a pair of firemen costumes at the kids' corner. I didn't even notice it till now!

The kids happily wore the costumes and play dress-up firemen. It was fun for them to be in the imaginery world.


Besides teaching them about the role of the firemen, it is also important to teach them about the armour of God. Just like the costume of the firemen, which is to protect them from the perils of fire, God's full armour protects us from the enemy's assault:

"...Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." - Eph 6:10-17

Dear Jesus, thank you for preparing us to be "warriors of light". We can seek victory and protection by putting on the full armour of God. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Psalm 12

David's cries to the Lord in verses 1 to 4 were about the lies and flattering words of this world. In today's rat race society and the individual's seek for self-gratification, we sometimes take white lies for granted and use them to our own advantage.

But God's response in verses 5 to 6 is a great reminder to us that we should hold our tongues responsible for whatever words are spoken. Words are powerful and they can either bless or curse, uplift or bring down a person. I feel so awed by the revelation in verse 6: "And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times". Indeed, all men have fallen short of the glory of God, and that only God's words are pure and true. O Lord, speak to me daily and guide me with Your wisdom. May Your words be ever so refreshing in times of spiritual dryness, so comforting in times of a downcast soul, and so encouraging in times of struggle. In Jesus' precious name, amen.

Psalm 11

"For the Lord is righteous,

he loves justice;

upright men will see his face." - Psalm 11:7

Psalm 11 demonstrates the strong faith of King David when he was advised to flee from his pursuing enemies. His foundation in the Lord is amazingly and wonderfully interspersed throughout the whole psalm, especially so in the last verse (Psalm 11:7). The key is King David's listening heart, which enabled him to hear God's voice in making a decision whether to flee or to stay put.

O Lord, please allow my heart to be still before You each time I am faced with a difficult situation. Tell me clearly as to my next move and that I will not falter. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Psalm 10

Today's fast-paced and materialistic society gives rise to our nonchalant attitude towards the poor and needy among us. This psalm shows us that the foundation in our faith is more important than material gains, the latter being temporary on this earth.

Our God is "King for ever and ever and He hears the desire of the afflicted" (Psalm 10:16). So no matter how we feel about our misery today, God knows.

I pray for God's protection upon my heart that I will run this race without wavering in my faith and without succumbing to the temptations of this world. Lift me up, Lord, whenever I am downcast and helpless in any circumstance. Thank you, Jesus.

Psalm 9

My heart has been burdened by the pain and injustice before me at work. It was a painful experience confronting one of my colleagues yesterday.

Psalm 9 provided me this morning, a counselling moment. God is our vindicator for the injustice and misunderstandings happening to us. He clears us of false accusations. Even though we may not be truly recognised by others, God recognises us.

Dear Lord Jesus, may You search my heart and my motives for confronting the colleague yesterday and deliver me from any ill intents, hatred or self-pity. I pray that I will emerge stronger from this incident and that the peace of God will once again reign in my heart. Bless the colleague with success in whatever he does, and with Your gift of salvation. In Jesus' name I pray and give thanks, amen.

Psalm 8

According to Marilyn Hickey's interpretation of Psalm 9's superscription "To the chief Musician upon Mathlabben, A Psalm of David", it should rightfully belong to the footnote of Psalm 8 (Marilyn Hickey, "Psalms: Classic Library Edition", 1997, p 25). And "Mathlabben" means "the death of the champion", referring to Goliath!

Psalm 8 gives me great relevation into David's prayer life, that even when he was faced with the fearsome Goliath before the fight, he chose to pray and praise God for the wonderful creation of His works.

Dealing with the many "goliaths" of our lives are not easy. When the tough gets going, we can rest in God's peace, knowing that we are the rulers of the earth and that we are just created "a little lower than the heavenly beings". Lord, today, I choose to face up to the "goliaths" at the workplace and other areas of my life with confidence that God will always be there to help me defeat them. In Jesus' name I pray and give thanks, amen.

Psalm 7

Thank God for giving me the strength to wake up early to receive your spiritual manna for today. It couldn't be more satisfying than knowing that God has indeed sustained me throughout the night till about 1am this morning for finishing my office work.

This psalm talks about David's experience of being falsely accused by probably Cush (a Benjamite) on the grounds of plotting against King Saul. It's painful to be falsely accused and not retaliate. But God assures us that we need not "set the record straight" by our own efforts because he will vindicate us on our behalf ("My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart" - Psalm 7:10).

Thank you Lord Jesus, for Your shield of protection against any false accusations upon me and my family. Indeed, Your Word says that when our motives stand righteous before You, You will honour us and vindicate us from such false accusations. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Psalm 6

"Turn, O Lord, and deliver me;

save me because of your unfailing love." - Psalm 6:4

King David chose to confess his sins to God in this penitential psalm, humbly laying before Him his shame and cries for mercy. David accepted his state of dispair but prayed for God's deliverance. I am deeply moved by David's earnest plea for God's forgiveness and his confidence in knowing God's heart that He would heal him.

Thank God for showing me that I can be delivered and healed by Your unfailing love when I humbly confess my sins. Heavenly Father, may You teach me to be like David, always seeking You and trusting You for every circumstance of my life. In Jesus' most wonderful name I pray, amen.

Baby Joshua's Baby Dedication Celebration

Here are some pictures taken at baby Joshua's full month celebration and baby dedication service yesterday. Once again, congratulations to Edwin and May!

Nathan taking picture with baby Joshua

Parents' prayer of blessings for baby Joshua before dedication service (led by Judy)

Group photograph (from left: Nathan, Sebastian with Naomi, Patrick with baby Samuel, Shaun, May with baby Joshua, Joseph, Edwin and Edward)