Be a Contributor to Bless, Influence and Transform Lives

Pray Like Never Before Just over a few days, much has happenned to our beloved nation. As Christians, the least we must do is to pray. In Ezra 6:21-7:28, we read of how the Lord turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel. The king of Assyria granted Ezra all his request, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord , and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel. The Assyrian king further wrote a letter to Ezra and mentioned that "whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it diligently be done for the house of the God of heaven. For why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?" Let us pray that God will put such  a  thing as this in our king’s heart and to extend mercy to Malaysia. Pray that the hand of the Lord our God will be upon our Christian politician leaders, just as He

Like Sheep, Let Us Follow our Shepherd Psalm 23 is the most read and memorized Psalm. Have we wonder why sheep is used as opposed to goat? A sheep follows its shepherd and is contented to be led, responds to the shepherd's voice and goes where he directs. But, not so the goat - a goat follows only its own lead, sometimes creating disunity when comes in contact with others in the flock. Due to this independent nature, the goats may have contention with the shepherd for leadership of the flock, leading some astray. Sheep like to graze on grass, while goats prefer to graze on anything they can, including leaves, twigs and anything edible they can reach—sheep would avoid because they have no real value and cause sickness. Knowing these differences, let us conduct ourselves well and submit to our beloved Shepherd, bearing in mind Matthew 25:31-33 that ultimately Jesus will separate the goats from the sheep. https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

Be Sober and Be Vigilant There are people who write long "discourses" to prove their points - if their purpose is to encourage, it is very much commendable. On the other hand, if the purpose is to suspect and to judge someone, one needs to examine one's purpose(s) of such writing. I was shocked when I read Ezra 4:4-5 and discovered that people in the past had even hired counsellors to go against the people of Judah to discourage them and to frustrate their purpose to build the Temple. Counsellors are professionally trained people to encourage or at least be listeners but beware that the evil ones can hire or "use" such people to do the opposite. Hence, how we must be sober, be vigilant; because our adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. We must resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by our brotherhood in the world (1 Peter 5:8-9). https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

God's Love Endures Forever and is Unfailing From the reading of Psalm 21:5-7 penned down by King David, it is encouraging to note that God had bestowed on him splendor and majesty, granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of His presence and he would not be shaken through the UNFAILING love of the Most High. Further, in Ezra 3:10-11, when the foundation of the temple of the Lord was laid,  with praise and thanksgiving the people sang to the Lord : “He is good; his love toward Israel ENDURES forever.” If this is how God loves the people in the Old Testament, His love for us will be the same as His promise is that He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

Disciple Until our Disciples disciple Others Yesterday, we read of how Apostle Paul spent time, effort and "sweat" to nurture the relationship with his disciple, Timothy to build him up in the faith. As seen in 2 Timothy 2:2-6, when Timothy was discipled well, the next charge that Apostle Paul gave him was to "commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also". He was further asked to endure hardship, not to be distracted by the affairs of the world but devote himself  to the Lord Jesus, followed His commands/rules and be diligent . He gave him the assurance that a hardworking farmer would be the first to partake the crops. Let us disciple well until our disciples are able to teach others to do likewise. https//twitter.com/EsrherOngHC

Genuine Relationship to B.L.E.S.S Nowadays, when we see 2 persons of the same gender in close proximity, our mind may think of something else! However, in 2 Timothy 1:3-4 we read of how Apostle Paul enjoyed such close relationship with his disciple, Timothy that he remembered him in prayers night and day, GREATLY desiring to meet him. He even recalled Timothy's tears and he longed to meet Timothy. This shows such a genuine and close relationship that seeks the welfare and growth of the other person. Apostle Paul truly wanted to disciple and bless this young man. Today, I was in Singapore's Covenant EFC church and was impressed with the meaning they gave to "BLESS" i.e. Begin with prayer, Listen, Eat, Serve and Share your story with a friend. Let us on a lookout to always bless and disciple a friend like Apostle Paul. https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

Seek God to Hear Him Do we ever expect that God speaks even through our "enemies"? This is exactly what happened in 2 Chronicles 35:20-22, when King Josiah went to war against Egypt despite the message sent by the king of Egypt, Necho that Necho did not have anything to do with Josiah and did not intend to go against him. In the process, King Josiah was killed in the war. What surprised me is verse 22 that says clearly that King Josiah "did not heed the words of Necho FROM the mouth of God". Who will ever think that our "enemies" carry words from the Lord? With this revelation, let us not be quick to judge the words from others and seek the Lord earnestly to verify and confirm whether it is a message from our Almighty! https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

Repay Our Parents In Confucianism, filial piety is the important virtue and primary duty of respect, obedience, and care for one's parents and elderly family members. Some elderly chinese parents forbid their children to become Christians because they are afraid that once they are Christians, they will not be filial anymore. But, in 1 Timothy 5:4 says, "But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God." Hence, let people know that Christianity emphasizes filial piety as well. In fact, we are commanded to honour our parents in the 10 Commandments (only commandment that comes with a promise of long life and that all will go well with us). Further, our dear Lord Jesus Himself emphasized this again in Matthew 15:4. I am in Singapore now and I love their posters that say "Parents are our heroes in our life" and indeed they are! https://twitter.com/Esthe

Respond and Devote to God I am sure the best reward a leader, be it a Teacher, Pastor or an Elder, looks forward to would be that people respond to the teaching and guidance. This is exactly what was commanded by King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 31:4-10 that the people who dwelt in Jerusalem to contribute support for the priests and the Levites, that they might DEVOTE themselves to the LAW OF THE LORD. As soon as the commandment was circulated, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of grain and wine, oil and honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything. And Azariah the chief priest, from the house of Zadok, answered the King and said, “Since the  people began to bring the offerings into the house of the Lord , we have had enough to eat and have plenty left, for the Lord has BLESSED His people; and what is left is this great abundance.” Let us respond and devote ourselves to the teaching of God's Word and tru

The Importance of Prayers Recently, I read an article by Shirley Dobson on how she and James Dobson were very tired 1 day but nevertheless crawled out of bed, got on their knees, and offered yet another daily prayer for their children’s well‐being. Later she learned that at the exact moment they were praying, a strange‐looking man sought by the police tried to get into the parked car where their daughter, Danae, and a girlfriend were sharing a fast‐food meal. By the grace of God, the door was locked, and Danae was able to start the car quickly and escape. In 2 Chronicles 30:10-20, we learnt of how the hand of God was on Judah to give them singleness of heart to obey the command of the king and the leaders, at the word of the Lord. King Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the good Lord provide atonement for everyone who  prepares his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he  is not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.” And the Lord listened to H

Listen To Your Conscience By and large, people act appropriately because human beings have conscience. From the Bible, we know that we are created in the image of God. In 1 Timothy 1:18-19, Apostle Paul charged Timothy, whom he regarded as his son to wage the good warfare by having faith and a good conscience. In fact, the very basic idea of sins is when we act against our conscience as stated by St. Thomas Aquinas, "Every judgement of conscience, be it right or wrong, be it about things evil in themselves or morally indifferent, is obligatory, in such wise that he who acts against his conscience always sins." Listen and act when your conscience speaks for repeatedly ignoring your conscience will eventually result it being seared! https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

Our Lord Is Able to Give MORE The tendency not to waste resources is good BUT not when God asked us to do otherwise. When God instructs, we better obey! In 2 Chronicles 25:6-11, we read of an account of how King Amaziah spent 100 talents of silver to hire 100,000 mighty men of valor from Israel for a war. However, God specifically instructed King Amaziah not to allow the army of Israel to go with him. The King was arguing that the 100 talents would go to waste. But God replied, “The Lord is able to give you much more than this.” So Amaziah discharged the troops that had come to him from Ephraim, to go back home. Yes, our God is ABLE TO GIVE more than we can think of. We can never outgive God. Trust God and know that  our Lord is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20,21) https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

Remember Kindness of Others At the point when we receive kindness from others, we will usually feel thankful and even at times, "promise" to return the favour. We may forget that "promise" but the least we do is not to harm the persons who have rendered the kindness. We find such episode of ungratefulness in 2 Chronicles 24:22-25 on how King Joash did NOT remember the kindness which Jehoiada the priest did to him and he killed the priest's sons. The Lord delivered a very great army into the Syrians where they executed judgment against Joash and left him severely wounded. It was his own servants who conspired against him because of the blood of the sons of Jehoiada and killed the king on his bed, buried him in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings. Hence, be grateful, remember the kindness of others and find opportunity to do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

Let Us Pray and Intercede In 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, we can learn from Apostle Paul how he interceded for the Thessalonians. Ist and foremost, he prayed that our God will count us worthy of His calling. 2ndly, he prayed by His power, He will bring to fruition every desire for goodness, 3rdly that God will give us the power to accomplish all the good things our faith prompts us to do. Lastly, the Name of our Lord Jesus be honoured because of the way we live as we will be honoured along with Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Let us spend some time today, being a public holiday to pray and to intercede for God's sake. https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

Be ProActive and Warn People When we receive a piece of news and if we know that danger is imminent, we would give warnings to people. Similarly, in 2 Chronicles 19:10, we read of how King Jehoshaphat selected priests and told them, "Whatever case comes to you from your brethren who dwell in their cities, whether of bloodshed or offenses against law or commandment, against statutes or ordinances, you SHALL WARN them, lest they trespass against the Lord and wrath come upon you and your brethren. Do this, and you will not be guilty." This reminds us to be more pro-active and be more urgent about sharing the greatest good news of all, the Gospel. We need to warn people of the urgency as Second Coming of our dear Lord Jesus is sooner as the days go by. Read Ezekiel 33:3-6. https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

Be Cautious, Test Every Spirit People surely do want encouragement words. Who wants to hear negative words? Nevertheless, when comes to God's Words, we have to be extra careful and cautious that we speak NOTHING but the TRUTH from God, irrespective positive or negative statements. In 2 Chronicles 18:12-21, we see a glimpse of what was happening in the spiritual realms, "Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, “Now listen, the words of the prophets with one accord encourage the king. Therefore please let your word be like the  word  of one of them, and speak encouragement.” And Micaiah said, “ As the Lord lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak.” Then he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace.’ ” So he said, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And the  Lord said, ‘You shall persua

Rely On Him,  Loyal To Him Loyalty is a precious character and a rare one nowadays. We hear how employees could work for more than 20, 30 or even 40 years in a same establishment in those yesteryears. In 2 Chronicles 16:8-9, we see how the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is LOYAL to Him.  Besides, if  you rely on the Lord , He delivered your enemies into your hand. Hence, let us rely and depend on Him, be loyal to Him and God will show Himself strong! Colin Powell says "Success is the result of perfection, hardwork, learning from failure, LOYALTY and persistence." https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

Be Purposeful and Intentional In life, we face femptations and trials. In 2 Chronicles 14, we read that King Asa DID what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord. We need to BE INTENTIONAL and PURPOSEFUL in our actions. Just as King Asa REMOVED, BROKE and CUT down the wooden images of the foreign gods, we need to run away, remove ourselves, break and cut any ties or relationships that may tempt us to sin against God. 2ndly, King Asa commanded Judah to SEEK THE LORD and to OBSERVE the law and the commandments. This means we need to PUT TO ACTIONS God's Words. 3rdly, King Asa said “Let us build these cities and make walls around them, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us, because we have sought the Lord our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered. How then, we need to protect ourselves by building walls and boundaries in our relationships and go to God always to take refuge, rest and abide in Him. John

Turn, Serve and Wait Following from what I have shared yesterday, that we are to be a Contributor and a Blessing to people, in 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10, we learnt from the Thessalonians that after they have TURNed to God, they SERVEd the living and true God and WAITed upon the return of God's Son from heaven. Apostle Paul was truly encouraged how their faith has grown not only in Thessalonica but they had sounded forth the Word of the Lord to Achaia, Macedonia and in every place. As we go to church today, let us not just go home after the worship but stay back and find ways to SERVE Him while we WAIT expectantly and enthusiastically upon the return of our Lord and Saviour! https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

Say No to Carnality, Say Yes to Christ Following from what we prayed yesterday, i.e. to pray that we fear God, we need to then, move on to 1st, set our minds on things above (Christ), not on things on the earth (carnality). For us Christians, we can identify ourselves with Christ in His death on the Cross by putting to death our anger, wrath,malice, filthy language, lies, fornication, uncleanness,covetousness and the like, which is idolatry. 2ndly, put on the new person, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of God Who created us. 3rdly, knowing the position that we are the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another. 4thly, put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 5thly, let the peace of God (i.e. allow God to) rule in your hearts. 6thly, let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and sp

Be A Contributor, Be A Blessings! I am sure we have asked this question before on why do we exist on this earth? Why not God saves us and He just bring us to be with Him - why still on earth? In the times of King Solomon, we read in 2 Chronicles 9:23 that "all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart". Further, it is prophesied respectively in Zechariah 8:23 and Micah 4:2 that ‘In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you" and "many nations shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord , To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion the law shall go forth, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." We, Christians, have the Word of God, the Living Water, the Bread of Life, the Sword of the S

Pray that We Fear God We know that it is good to have a God-fearing man or woman as a leader. The least we can take comfort is that the person will have a conscience to abide by. In 2 Chronicles 6:29-31, we can learn from King Soloman's prayer,"..whatever prayer, whatever supplication is made by anyone, or by all Your people Israel, when each one knows his own burden and his own grief, and spreads out his hands...then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men), that THEY MAY FEAR YOU, to walk in Your ways as long as they live.." Let us do our part to pray for our leaders and let God do the rest! https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

God Present Us Holy IF Continue In Faith Logically speaking, we want to work at or on something to get the sense of fulfillment. Not only that, we feel we only deserve to get something after we have worked at it. However, it is not so for our God. He took the initiative that while we were yet sinners, He died for us to reconcile us to God (Romans 5:8). Having been reconciled, He continue to present us holy, blameless and above reproach in His sight IF indeed we CONTINUE in the faith, grounded and steadfast and are not moved away from the hope of the Gospel (Colossians 1:21-23). Let us then, CONTINUE to be faithful to God and as Nick Vujicic said it, "The pinnacle of the fulfillment I can ever experience for my spirit and soul is to hear from the Lord, when I see Him face to face, is "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

Have Faith, No Doubt When Pray In times of anxiety and difficulty, most people would talk to all people EXCEPT God. In Philippians 4:6, we are exhorted to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. However, let us pray in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he  is  a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (James 1:6-8). We truly need to take heed on this that we need to HAVE FAITH and have NO DOUBT when we pray. In fact, Jesus Himself reminded us in Luke 4:24-27 that when people were doubtful of God, there were not many miracles as seen in the times of Elijah where there were many widows but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath,  in the region of Sidon and in the time of Elisha and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” We got to

One Thing I DO, I Press ON Having differences in not uncommon even in the era of Apostle Paul. We sure remember the sharp argument that occured between Barnabas and Paul so much so both of them departed BUT both continued to press on and both did mighty things for God. Let us not major in differences BUT to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. (Philippians 3:15,16) As shared yesterday, if we sincerely seek God, He will be found. God test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness (1 Chronicles 29:17). Let us willingly offer to God in the uprightness of our heart, trust in the Lord with all our heart, lean not on our own understanding, in all our ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct our paths. Read Proverbs 3:5,6. https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

What Do the NIV, Satan, and Gay Sex Have in Common? In a word...everything!        Did you know that Zondervan publishers (who publish the New international Version of the Bible) is owned by Harper Collins?  Harper Collins also publishes The Joy of Gay Sex and The Satanic Bible.  Tragically, many professed Christians know this yet continue to use their corrupted NIV bible.  Oh how apostate America has become when even it's professed Christians are using corrupted Bibles that blasphemy and dishonor the Lord Jesus Christ. It is absolute blasphemy what the NIV translators did to Philippians 2:6... King James Bible: "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: New International Version: "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped," Verse 5 makes it clear that this Scripture is speaking about Jesus Christ, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"  The NIV

Sincerely Seek God & He Will Be Found In 1 Chronicles 28:9-10, King David gave a very good piece of advice to his son, Solomon, "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.”  In the midst of all the commotions of the different translations of the Bible, we can take heart that our Lord SEARCHES all hearts, intents and thoughts. If we SINCERELY seek Him, we know we have Him. We just got to be strong and be an overcomer and DO good deeds. Continue to reach out to many more lost souls out there as indeed the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. (Matthew 18:11 - the missing verse in NIV). https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC

For To Me, To Live Is Christ! The oft-quoted words from Apostle Paul is from Phillippians 1:21, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." He was hard-pressed from 2 directions, first the desire to depart and be with Christ and secondly, to remain on in the flesh. What was the conclusion? In verses 25 & 26, he was very confident and knew for certainty that he should remained and continued with the people for THEIR progress and joy of faith. For Christians,to live is Christ and that means living for the sake of our fellow men and women, boys and girls' progress. Yes, dealing with people is not easy but for THEIR progress, let us therefore, not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith (Galatians 6:9-10). https://twitter.com/EstherOngHC