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1 Samuel 2:29,30 recorded that God had promised the priest, Eli that members of his family would minister before God forever. But subsequently when he honored his sons more than God by giving in to the sons and did not discipline them, the Lord declared: ‘Far be it from Me! Those who honor Me I will honor, but those who despise Me will be disdained'. This is a serious warning to parents who are child-oriented and who put the children's interests above all else. The most often paraphrased is from Proverbs 13:24, "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." (King James Version.) Other passages are Proverbs 23:14, "Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell," and Proverbs 29:15, "The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." O, dear Lord, how we need Your guidance and wisdom to teach and guide our children. Reveal to us more from Your

In Acts 20:24, Apostle Paul said that no tribulations nor trials moved him; nor he counted his life dear to himself, so that He may finished his race with joy, and the ministry which he received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Circumstances may be against us as we serve God. Fatigue and frustrations may hinder our progress. Our dear Lord Jesus knowing all these and hence, gave us Hebrews 12:1-2 to cheer us - it is said that we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us and FIX OUR EYES ON JESUS, the Authur and Finisher of our faith. Just as Jesus had ensured Apostle Paul to finish his race with JOY, likewise, as we focus on Jesus, He too will hold our hands, lead and guide us to the finishing line. C'mon Brothers and Sisters, Hey! Ho! Buckle down, focus and let's go - we can do ALL things through Christ wh

Most, if not all people will definitely love to receive favour not only from God but also from men. Ruth asked the question as to why she was granted favour by Boaz. The reply given to her was "It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before." (Ruth 2:10-11 NKJV). Ruth had been loyal, sincere, righteous, faithful and dedicated to her mother in law irrespective of whatever the circumstances. This shows that we should continue to do right and have Christlike character - God will know and the favour and rewards will come in due course. Not "Just Do It" but "Just Do Right". Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭21‬) https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

We think we receive God's favour when our prayers are answered. In Psalms 106:14-15, it is stated that "But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, And tested God in the desert. And He gave them their request, But sent leanness into their soul.". It appears to me that God answered the Israelites' prayers in anger and void of love. Hence, we must be careful of what we pray! God may just grant the requests as we pleaded so many times BUT if the motive is JUST to satisfy our carnal desires, we have to think twice. We must put our spiritual needs first. No wonder the famous hymn, "It is well with my soul" could be penned down by Horatio Spafford in 1873 despite the fact it was after a traumatic event that robbed the lives of his wife and his 4 daughters. He was very certain that their souls were well in the arms of His Heavenly Father in Heaven. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? (Mark 8:36) https://twitter.com/Esthe

We do experience times when we read the Bible and we are not able to understand. In Proverbs 25:2, it reads as "It  is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter." Hence, we are to search the Scripture with all our heart, soul and mind. We are to medidate upon it day and night just as stated in Psalms 1:2-3 where we delight in the law of the Lord and meditate the Word day and night....whatever we do shall prosper. As we go to church today, do stay back and join whatever classes that will assist you to go deep in the Word of God. https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

We do hear politicians who say that they have many many people who support them. But, in Acts 18:9-10, we hear our Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent;  for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” Our Lord said that He had many people in the city of Corinth and hence, He assured Paul to continue to SPEAK and NOT BE SILENT for no one will hurt him. Can our Lord count on us as His people to protect, support and underpin our leaders who speak up for Jesus? Jesus was so sure when He spoke to Paul that NO ONE would attack him. Can He trust us to provide the same assurance to our leaders who speak up for Him? https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

We go to work almost daily and spend at least 8 hours a day in the office. Hence, office or better known as marketplace, is the best ministry place for us to serve God. Apostle Paul in Acts 17:17, reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. Of Jesus’ 132 public appearances in the New Testament, 122 were in the marketplace, of 52 parables Jesus told, 45 had a workplace context and of 40 divine interventions recorded in Acts, 39 were in the marketplace. Oswald Chambers once said “The spiritual manifests itself in a life which knows no division into sacred and secular.”  Let our prayer be this, "Dear Lord, please bring to me daily people whom You want me to reach out to. In Your precious Name. Amen." https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

I am sure those who have their own businesses echo with me that the most important assets in a company are our staff personnel. It is not so much of skill that we look for but their loyalty, faithfulness and their character. Likewise, our  loving Heavenly Father looks for the same traits in us. In Psalms 101:6-8, it is said that "His eyes shall  be on the faithful of the land, That they may dwell with Me; he who walks in a perfect way, he shall serve Me. He who works deceit shall not dwell within My house; he who tells lies shall not continue in My presence. Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land, That I may cut off all the evildoers from the city of the Lord." No deceit, no lies, no wickedness - but the faithful ones and those who walk in a perfect way, serving God with fervant and fervid enthusiasm are the ones God is looking for in the city of the Lord where they would be made kings and priests to our God and shall reign on the earth. Read Revelation 5:9-10. http

 In Judges 11, we read of the account of Jephthah who was expelled from Gilead home but had a Godward inclination and whose name was listed amongst the hero of faith in Hebrews 11. He called upon God and made a vow to God. His daughter whose name was never mentioned in the Bible , only known as "Jephthah's daughter" had such a commendable character. After knowing of her father's vow to sacrifice to the Lord, she showed no resentment nor rebellion. Her reply was most heroic in Judges 11:36, .."she said to him, “My father, if you have given your word to the Lord , do to me according to what has gone out of your mouth, because the Lord has avenged you of your enemies....”  Let us learn to have this true devotion and obedient spirit to our Heavenly Father who knows and gives us the best. https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

In Chapter 8 of Judges, we read of  Gideon and the 300 men who were with him crossed over the Jordan  exhausted but still in pursuit of the kings of Midian, he requested for bread from the men of Succoth. In the same way, he went up from there to Penuel and spoke to them in the same way. Both ridiculed Gideon and refused to render any help in any way whatsoever. Subsequently, upon victory over the Midianites, Gideon took the elders and taught the men of Succoth a lesson. He also tore down the tower of Penuel. We are not asked to give an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth (Matthew 5:38) but suffice for us to learn that we are to be ready to render help or just to "give a piece of bread"  to those who are needy around us. Remember, whatever we do (or don't do) to the least of our brothers or sisters, we are doing (or not doing) for our Lord Jesus Christ. Read Matthew 25:40-45 https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

Do we know that the very fact that we believe in Jesus Christ is purely by God's grace? There is nothing so great about us, Christians that God has chosen us. In Acts 13:48, it is stated that ..."when the Gentiles heard this (means the Gospel), they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed." How we must really thank God that God appoints us to eternal life and because of the appointment, we believe. We have the capacity and capability to believe because God has appointed us to eternal life. Good news is that the Lord is... longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

We know that it is important to fear God. We vote for a leader who is God-fearing. But, what does it mean to fear God. In Acts 12:21-24, we read of how as king Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them....Then, immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God grew and multiplied. One aspect is to give God His glory and the effect is His Word will grow and multiply. We must echo what John the Baptist said in John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease." Let us go to church today and proclaim the name of the Lord : Ascribe greatness to our God. He is  the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He. (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

We know from James 1:13-14 that God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. However, God test us. In Judges 2:22, God said He would use the enemies to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the Lord and walk in it as their ancestors did.” Further, in Judges 3:4, it is stated "They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the Lord ’s commands, which he had given their ancestors through Moses".  Hence, just as we prepare ourselves (and our children) for examinations after examinations, let us put in the same if not more effort to ensure we pass the tests that our God gives us. https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

In his old age, our Patriarch Joshua came to this conclusion that he had seen all that the Lord His God had done to all these nations...., the Lord His God was the One who had fought for them (Joshua 23:3). In fact, he had such confidence and trust in God that he subsequently said in Joshua 23:10 that "One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you." What a comfort to know that we can face a thousand for our God is He who fights for us. We just need to stand firm  and be steadfast in the Lord. He will surely give us VICTORY if we allow Him to fight for us for the battle belongs to the Lord. Read Ephesians 6:10-13. https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

Often, we see homes are decorated with Words from the book of Joshua 24:15 that says .."choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord .” It is interesting to note the verses after that. In Joshua 24:16, 18, "So the people answered and said: “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; ...We also will serve the Lord , for He is our God.” Subsequently, Joshua challenged them in verse 22 & 27 that they themselves had to be witnesses that they chose the Lord to serve Him and set a stone to be the WITNESS against themselves if they were untrue to their God. Hence, we need to have accountability partners to be our witnesses and a memorable object which can be the verse that is hung at our homes to REMIND us of our commitments we made to God. https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

2 Timothy 2:11a & 13 says "This is  a faithful saying:  ......If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself." Yes, we have a faithful God. He will keep His promises. He will never go against His own Words. InJoshua 21:43-45, we read of how the Lord gave to Israel all the land of which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and...The Lord gave them rest all around, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers. And ...the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand. Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass. But, we all know that this promise was only fulfilled AFTER 40 years of "wasted" life in the wilderness. Therefore, take heed that we ourselves will not delay or even hinder the fulfillment of His promises to us. https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

When we pray, we long and desire that God will answer our prayers by instantly change the circumstances or even change the person(s) overnight! In Acts 7:34, we have a glimpse of how God answered prayers. He said to Moses that He had surely seen the oppression of His people who were in Egypt; He had heard their groaning and had come down to deliver them. How? By sending Moses to Egypt. Have we ever thought that we are the answers to prayers. Moses had defended his own brethren when they were oppressed in Egypt (Acts 7:23-24). God knew his passions and desires and used him to answer the groans of His people. Let us be alert to our surroundings; listen to their needs. God may want to answer their prayers through us. Are we willing to be the vessels for His noble's use? https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

What is our idea of Heaven? Some may think that we do nothing but to sing hymns all day long!? In Psalms 93:1-2, it reads "The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength. Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved. Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting." Our God reigned from the past, is reigning at present, will reign forever and His throne is everlasting! The good news is that we are going to REIGN WITH HIM. In Revelation 22: 3,5, it is said that His servants shall serve Him and they shall reign with Him forever and ever. Hence, equip ourselves now with all His principles from the Word of God so that we know how to reign with Him. In fact, start practising His principles in your work, studies and in whatever your hands find to do. https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

In Joshua 14:14, we read of Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel. We knew that Caleb was one of the only two who believed that the Israelites could conquer the Promised Land upon their initial exodus out of Egypt. You may also be one of the very few Christians in your circle of friends or families. Take heart - even in the Beautitudes, in Matthew 5:3, 5, 10, Jesus taught us that the poor in spirit, the meek and those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake inherit the kingdom of heaven. In the Lord's Prayer, in Matthew 6:10, we are taught to pray for His kingdom to come. His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. As long as we WHOLLY followed our Lord like Caleb, we will inherit His Kingdom forever. Thank Him today in church for this assurance. https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

Today has been REALLY a busy day. Some very long time client came, clients who work in Singapore came and Pastor from Taiwan came as well. Not to mention that I needed to attend to the usual work and the unusual task of our room' s tap which was leaking and hence the need to see through it that it was duly repaired. Huh! It is only now I could read Bible and meet Jesus. What a comfort to read Psalm 92:1-2 that says, "It  is  good to give thanks to the Lord , And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night." Yes, despite all the busy-ness, it is indeed so good to give thanks and count my blessings and most of all, that by night now, I know He is so faithful to me. How great is His faithfulness to me and by tomorrow morning, I know His love and compassion will be new and never fail! Read Lamentations 3:22-23. https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

At times, we sigh of a corrupted world we are in. Just yesterday, in Petaling Jaya, a man, aged 66, fought back after a robber broke into his house. He held on to his bag tightly, not wanting to let it go. The robbers pushed him to the ground, took his bag and left him to die. In Acts 2:40, the Apostle Peter pleaded with the people in Jerusalem, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” How? In Acts 2:38-39, Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Let us then, like Apostle Peter, pleaded with our loved ones or friends and relatives or our even our children (if pre-believers) to save themselves by believing in Jesus and receiving the Holy Spirit. Now is the time of God's favor; now is the day of Salvation. Read 2 Corinthians 6:2. https//twi

I am sure we have been hurt or cheated before, more so by our loved ones or the ones whom we trust. What should we do? In his old age, King David had this to say in Psalms 71:13 & 24, "Let them be confounded and consumed Who are adversaries of my life; Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor Who seek my hurt. My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long; For they are confounded, For they are brought to shame Who seek my hurt." We are also asked to love our enemies and to bless them (Matthew 5:44). Yes, this we must. Above all, we must pray for their salvation and their repentance, perhaps, in their reproach, they know God and realise their sins and ultimately repent of their sins and be made right with God as what King David said he talked of God's righteousness all day long. Read 2 Peter 3:13. https//twitter.com/EstherOngHC

Most of us know how the wall of Jericho fell down flat after the Israelites marched around the city and went around the city once for six days and on the seventh day they marched around the city seven times and when the priests who blew the trumpets gave a long blast, they too gave a loud shout. However, prior to that, the instruction from Joshua was “You shall not shout or make any noise with your voice, nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I say to you, ‘Shout!’ Then you shall shout.” (Joshua 6:3-4, 10) Personally, I am a person who like to talk and share. Hence, if I were to ask not to utter a word for 6 days, I do not know whether I am able to comply. The lesson learnt here is that we JUST NEED TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS, especially from our leaders. We should honour, listen and pray for our leaders. Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4. https//twitter.com/EstherOngHC

I am still pondering on what our dear Lord Jesus did after His resurrection but before His ascension. Guess what? He did not stop to seek and find His disciples, He continued to pursue them, care for them, provide for them and help them. In John 21:6, He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some. ” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the MULTITUDE of fish. In John 21:9-10, Jesus Himself set up fire of coals, had fish and bread laid on it and further asked the disciples to give Him the fish they had just caught so that He would help to cook the fish for them. He then invited them to have breakfast with Him. This is exactly what He wants us to do even right now - to encounter Him, to rest in Him and with Him, to communicate with Him, so to speak to have breakfast with Him (breakfast denotes having meal with Him in the MORNING). And be rest assured He is always there to provide for us and to help us at all times! Truly,

We have just celebrated the Lord's Resurrection yesterday and let us see what did our dear Lord Jesus say after His resurrection but before His ascension to Heaven. In John 20:21, Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” This is a clear instruction - we have been sent by Jesus to be like Him on earth while He intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). Henceforth, we need to be the light and salt for Jesus while we eagerly and joyfully anticipate His Second coming. Let us remember the acronym WWJD, What Would Jesus Do and do what He would do if He is in our situations or circumstances. Let our light so shine before men, that others may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Read Matthew 5:16. https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

Our Jesus had arisen! He is Alive! He lives! He lives! In Psalm 68:1, 3-4, it says, " Let God arise, Let His enemies be scattered; Let those also who hate Him flee before Him....But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God; Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly. Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name Y ah , And rejoice before Him." These verses said it all. We, Christians have every reason to REJOICE today as our Saviour LIVES! And the beauty of it all is His own Promise which He said in John 14:19 that because He lives, we will live also! Hallelujah! What A Saviour! His love and His holiness are displayed on the cross of Calvary! This amazingly divine love demands our soul, our life and our all! As we commit our ALL to God, He will establish our plans. Read Proverbs 16:3, Psalm 37:4,5 and Proverbs 3:5. Blessed Easter! https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

All of us want blessings. No one in his right frame of mind will reject blessings. But, the crucial question to ask is how to ensure blessings come to us? In Psalms 67:7, it says "God shall bless us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him." Again, there is a condition - to those who fear God! Nowadays, the idea of fearing God seems a far distance away. In Deuteronomy 32:17-20, 23-24, God chastised the Israelites that their fathers did not fear God, they were unmindful of the Rock who begot them and have forgotten the God who fathered them. “And when the Lord saw it, He spurned them...And He said: ‘I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end will  be, For they are a perverse generation, Children in whom is no faith. ‘I will heap disasters on them; I will spend My arrows on them. They  shall  be wasted with hunger, Devoured by pestilence and bitter destruction...". Wow! Surely, we do not want these consequences! Beware then, my friends - the least we mu

Reflections for Good Friday : IMAGINE WE WERE THERE! Today is Good Friday followed by Easter on Sunday - in fact, these are the most important events in Christian calendar, more important than Christmas. If without Good Friday or Easter, our faith in the birth and the Person of Jesus would be in vain. I Corinthians 15:13-19 NKJV But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. Reading the story of Jesus’ arrest, trial and crucifixion toda

We all have our fair shares of joyful and sorrowful moments. But, in John 16:22, it says "Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you." What a comfort to know that we will see our beloved Jesus AGAIN and when it happens, we will have the joy that no one will take away from us! These words were spoken by Jesus before He was crucified. In fact, even up to the day before, which we called Maundy Thursday or  "Holy Thursday" or "Great Thursday", He shared the Passover meal with His disciples and gave the commandments to love with humility by serving one another (He set example by washing His disciples' feet) and to remember His sacrifice by observing the Last Supper until that day when He would drink it new with us in Father’s kingdom (Matthew 26:29). Let us then, celebrate Maundy Thursday today by partaking the Holy Communion and anticipate with eagerness His Second Coming! ht