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READ:

Psalm 103:2

² Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

EXHORTATION:

The proper response to divine favours received is a personal commitment to bless the LORD. Thankfulness leads the beneficiary to worship the Giver, who is the LORD. In the previous verse, the psalmist has already exhorted his soul twice to bless the LORD. Now for a third time, he says, “Bless the LORD”. Such repetition denotes the earnestness of his desire to express his gratitude. Besides, he stirs up his soul to employ itself in grateful worship of the LORD. The worship of the LORD must arise from the inner man. It is a soul-work. Jesus reprimanded those who engaged in “lip-worship”. Citing Isaiah, He said, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8; cf. Isaiah 29:13; Ezekiel 33:31). No worship exists when the heart is not sincerely and earnestly employed in praising the LORD.

In Deuteronomy 8:10-14, the LORD warned Israel against forgetting His benefits – “When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God ...”

Recollecting and recognising the LORD’s help, guidance, rebuke, promises, spiritual blessings, physical provisions, strength, hope, etc. will provide genuine impetuses for the worship of His name. Grateful emotions make the soul yearn to bless the LORD. Recognition of the LORD’s blessings in his life causes the psalmist to cry out: “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people” (Psalm 116:12-14).

In order to mould oneself to be a better worshipper of the LORD, one should awaken one’s memory to the benefits one has received from the LORD. Our memory is like a large storehouse. Recollection will bring to our present awareness those things stored up in the memory, producing powerful emotions of gratitude and worship in our hearts.

READ:

Psalm 103:1

¹ Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

EXHORTATION:

This is the first line of a psalm of praise, which glorifies the Lord for all His gracious blessings upon His servant, David. The object of praise in this psalm is the LORD; and that is clearly set forth right at the beginning of the verse, when it says, "Bless the LORD." The LORD is worthy of our praise at all times. As Psalms 145:3 tells us, "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised" (Cf. Ps. 48:1; 96:4; 147:5).

What does it mean to say "Bless the LORD"? When the LORD "blesses" us, He mercifully bestows upon us His goodness. But when we "bless" God, we add nothing to Him, for He lacks nothing, and needs nothing from us. Our blessing the LORD is a grateful acknowledgement that He is the source of all our blessings. When we joyfully recognise and exclaim that the LORD had done great things for us and praise Him for His blessings, we bless the LORD. Each of His children must say, "I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth" (Ps. 34:1; Cf. Deut. 8:10; 1Chr.29:20; Neh. 9:5; Ps. 16:7; 26:12; 34:1; 103:1-2,20,22; 104:1; 115:18; 134:2; 135:19-20).

The psalmist's commitment to worship and praise the LORD is revealed in his self-exhortation, "Bless the LORD, O my soul." Furthermore, he summoned all his powers and passions to praise the LORD, saying, "And all that is within me, bless his holy name." A genuine worshipper would employ his heart, his mind, his emotions and all his strength to render praises to the LORD.

Twice, in this verse, the psalmist urged himself to bless the LORD. Such reiteration would help the believer to avoid slothfulness or negligence that would prevent him from worshipping the LORD wholeheartedly. He fortified his self-exhortation to bless the LORD by citing another solemn reason for the worship of the LORD, namely, the fact that the LORD is holy. So He said, "Bless His holy name."

It is most reasonable that we bless the LORD, for He is Holy. Before the LORD, who is holy we must bow in humble and solemn prostration. Like the Seraphims, the angelic hosts that surround the heavenly throne, we must worship the Lord saying, "Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory" (Isa. 6:3). Psalms 99:5 also teaches us, "Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy."

READ:

Isaiah 25:1b

^1b I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

EXHORTATION:

Praising God is the outflowing of a thankful heart. When a heart is full of gratitude towards God, it hastens to bless His name. A thankful heart is resolute to praise God’s name, just as Isaiah said, “I will praise thy name”. Here the prophet was determined to praise God.

Isaiah was about to proclaim the great wonders which will occur upon the establishment of the LORD’s kingdom on earth. In chapter 25, Isaiah (speaking in the first person) described the great wonders which will occur when the LORD’s kingdom is established on the earth. His heart, being full of adoration and thanksgiving, was greatly excited to express itself to magnify the LORD. It is those who are so stirred up within themselves to praise God that will stir up others also to do the same. Isaiah thus began with an intensely personal affirmation that the LORD is his God. He had already laid claim that the LORD is his God; he had earlier said, “O LORD, thou art my God”. Such acknowledgment of the LORD as one’s God provides the desire and motivation to exalt Him.

Having in his heart the knowledge of the great wonders of God which will occur when the LORD’s kingdom is established on the earth, the prophet determined to praise God. Here he gave two specific reasons for praising the LORD. The first reason for exalting the LORD is that He “hast done wonderful things”. In fact, Scripture presents our God as “the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things” (Psalm 72:18). Even when the LORD acts to chasten us or try our faith, we must confess that all His works are wondrous. His works are perfect, great (cf. Psalm 92:5), marvellous (cf. Psalm 139:14), powerful (cf. Psalm 111:6), merciful (cf. Psalm 145:9), holy (cf. Psalm 145:17), and in truth (cf. Psalm 33:4).

The second reason for Isaiah’s dedication to the LORD’s praise is that His “counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” The ancient counsels of God’s Word are perfectly trustworthy. All that God has revealed in the days of old remain steadfast and true even today. Not a word of His revealed counsels shall fail. The fact that His promises and prophecies continue to be fulfilled assures us of the veracity and profitability of all the counsels of the Scriptures. Isaiah later declared that “the LORD of hosts… is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working” (Isaiah 28:29). Praise the LORD!

 

READ:

Isaiah 25:1a

^1a O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee.

EXHORTATION:

The prophet Isaiah gives himself wholly to the worship of the LORD. He appears to be totally consumed by the desire to glorify the LORD. Nothing is more important to Isaiah than exalting his God. Every child of God must be gripped and driven with this singular passion to exalt the LORD.

Like Isaiah, Moses said in Exodus 15:2, “The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” Similarly, David said in Psalm 34:3, “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together”. In Psalm 99, the psalmist twice exhorted, “Exalt ye the LORD our God” (vv. 5, 9).

What place has the worship of God in your life? Have you consecrated yourself wholly to praise and magnify the LORD? Do you promptly join the church to worship the LORD? Do you joyfully participate in the service of God? Are you mindful to exalt the LORD as your God through daily private and family worship? Have you been mindful to speak of the LORD’s goodness before your family members, friends, colleagues, and neighbours? Oh, how greatly it would please the LORD, if you would dedicate yourself to glorify Him! Jesus exhorted us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Isaiah’s consecration to exalt the LORD proceeded from his love for the LORD. With great delight, he said, “O LORD, thou art my God”. He unreservedly acknowledged the LORD as his God. There was no hesitation on Isaiah’s part to declare his allegiance to the LORD. It was his absolute joy, honour and privilege to have the LORD as his God.

Like the prophet Isaiah’s testimony, the testimony of God’s people should be heard and seen everywhere. Every believer must be ready always to testify that the LORD is his God. Let our attachment to our God be known to all, both friends and foes. None of His people should be reluctant in affirming his relationship with the LORD. Our heart’s love for the LORD must be openly confessed. He takes note of our open avowal of love and adoration for Him, and shall speak of it even in eternity. Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32; cf. Luke 12:8).

 

Sermon Text: Psalm 97:1–12
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 29th December 2024

READ:

Psalms 36:5

⁵ Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.

EXHORTATION:

David was greatly troubled by the cruel premeditated designs of the wicked. Concerning the wicked, he said, “The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil” (vv. 3-4). Against the backdrop of the malicious purposes of the wicked, David purposefully recollected and exalted the LORD’s mercy and faithfulness. Amidst the depravity of man, we must turn our eyes to the LORD’s glorious mercy and faithfulness.

David remembered and affirmed that the mercy of the Lord “is in the heavens”. Mercy is divine love extended to persons who might expect to be pronounced guilty. The LORD’s mercy gives us the hope of forgiveness and blessings instead of condemnation and death. All His goodness, forbearance and help are the expressions of mercy. Indeed, “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not” (Lamentations 3:22; cf. Ezra 9:9; Nehemiah 9:32).

While we are on earth, the mischief of the wicked may disturb us. However, the mercy of the LORD that fills the heavens shall come to us as showers of mercy. The heavenly mercy is divine, eternal, pure, refreshing and renewing. It is of the highest and noblest kind. It never changes nor diminishes. Its goodness and praise are as high as the heavens. Elsewhere, David reiterated, “For thy mercy is great unto the heavens” (Psalm 57:10).

David also recollected and praised the faithfulness of the LORD – “thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds”. The Hebrew word for “faithfulness” (’emuwnah) comes from the root word “amen” (’?m?n), which means “truth”. God’s faithfulness means that He is true to all that He has revealed Himself to be, and to all that He has revealed about the past, present, future, as well as to all His promises and works. His fidelity to His people is so lofty that it is aptly said to reach to the clouds. Though the treachery of the wicked abounds, God’s faithfulness is steadfast.

The LORD’s mercy forgives and saves us. On the other side of the same coin, His faithfulness secures us by His Word and His Spirit. Similarly, while His mercy gives us His promises, His faithfulness delivers His promises to us. The LORD’s faithfulness is His mercy affirmed and applied in our lives.

 

Dear brethren, 

I look forward to our gathering together for the Watchnight Service. Come prepared to praise God at the Watchnight Service. To keep your testimony within the 5-10 minute limit, jot down your key points beforehand in a clear and concise manner. This will help you share effectively, and ensure everyone has an opportunity to testify. To encourage you to do the same, I publish the following article. 

The Bible consistently encourages believers to approach God with thanksgiving. Psalm 92:1 proclaims, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High”. Similarly, Psalm 75:1 echoes this sentiment: “Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.”

However, it’s not just about feeling thankful; it’s about actively giving thanks to God. Many may feel grateful, but expressing thanks to God is what the Bible exhorts us to do. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us to offer thanks in all circumstances – “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” The Greek phrase, “in every thing”, implies a comprehensive scope, leaving no room for exceptions. This means giving thanks to the Lord in every situation life presents. We must express gratitude to the Lord in both positive and negative life experiences, knowing that it can change our perspective and bring us closer to Him.

Even in difficult situations like accidents, failures, or illnesses, we can find reasons to give thanks, trusting in God’s sovereignty and ability to use all circumstances for His glory. Romans 8:28 reminds us that all events work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. While individual events may not be inherently good, they contribute to a greater beneficial outcome in God’s plan.

As believers, we should maintain faith and trust in God’s sovereignty, recognising that everything in this world is arranged to benefit us according to His purpose. We should not be bitter or ashamed of our circumstances. Instead, we should rejoice that God is present and working in our lives. Let us shift our focus from worldly possessions to God’s redemptive work, recognising that all things ultimately lead to His glory.

In 2 Corinthians 4:15, we are reminded that “all things are for [our] sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.” Let us be mindful to thank God in everything, trusting in His provision and relying on His strength, even amid trials and tribulations. He never forsakes us in our ordeals, and will use us for His glory.

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YAF-YF Combined Retreat 2024 (Kuching) Report

Report by Juffrey Balicao

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1).

The LORD and our God blessed this year’s YAF-YF Combined Retreat, held at the Waterfront Hotel in Kuching, East Malaysia, on the theme: “Living by the Spirit”. The retreat was attended by 108 brethren from both Singapore and Kuching, including adults, young adults, youths, and children. Over three days, the Lord preserved and strengthened the participants to feast and be nurtured from God’s Word, and to have a blessed time of fellowship during breaks and the game session. Additionally, God enabled all the speakers, namely Pastor Koshy, Pr Samson and Pr Cornelius, to expound God’s Word through 7 theme messages.

First Day of Retreat (18 December)

Upon arrival in Kuching, the participants visited the Kuching mission church station, and then proceeded to the retreat venue. This marked the commencement of studying God’s Word. 

The 1st theme message was preached by Pr Cornelius, on the topic: “The Person and Personality of the Holy Spirit”. In explaining the relationship of the Holy Spirit to the Father and to the Son, Pr Cornelius emphasised that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father, is sent by the Son, yet is co-equal with God. In expounding the reasons for the doctrine of the Personality of the Holy Spirit, he highlighted that the Holy Spirit has the attributes of personality, such as intellect / wisdom (1 Cor 2:10), emotions (Ephesians 4:30), will / volitional capacity (Acts 13:2; 1 Cor 12:11). The actions of the Holy Spirit are further mentioned, which are to guide (John 16:13; Romans 8:14), to teach (John 14:26), to testify (John 16:26; Rom 8:16), to convict of sin (John 16:8), to intercede, to restrain (Acts 16:7), to sanctify (1 Peter 1:2), to equip in service (1 Cor 12:7), to call for special service (Acts 13:2), and to assure us of salvation (2 Cor 1:21-22; Gal 4:6). Moreover, the Holy Spirit can be obeyed (Acts 10:18-24), mistreated / abused (Acts 5:3), quenched (1 Thes 5:22), grieved / angered (Eph 4:30; Heb 10:29), blasphemed (Matt 12:31). Pr Cornelius concluded the 1st theme message with the right response to the Holy Spirit. As believers, we must know how the Spirit works, and worship Him accordingly; we must live by the Spirit and submit ourselves to His leading.

To end the first day, Pr Samson delivered the 2nd theme message on “The Works of the Holy Spirit”. He highlighted the first four works of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. They are the work of regeneration or quickening (Eph 2:5; 2 Cor 3:6), work of baptism by the Holy Spirit, work of the sealing of the Holy Spirit in assurance of the final redemption (Eph 1:13; 4:30), and work of indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19; 2 Tim 1:14). 

Second Day of Retreat (19 December)

On the second day, Pr Samson continued with the 3rd theme message, where he elaborated on five more works of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. They are the work of adoption of the Holy Spirit (John 1:12; Rom 9:25-26), work of filling of the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:19-20) which speaks of the outcome of the Holy Spirit’s filling (desire to serve / minister, joyful singing, a thankful heart, and mutual submission), work of empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:41-47), work of equipping / perfecting of the Holy Spirit (Heb 13:21; 2 Cor 13:11), and work of bestowment of spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:1; 14:1, 12; Eph 4:11-12). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit intercedes for the believers (Rom 8:26), guides the church and believers (Rom 8:14), enables the believers (Acts 13:2), and comforts the believers (2 Cor 7:13; John 15:26). Truly, every genuine believer of Christ has the Holy Spirit, who is working in him mightily. 

The 4th theme message (by Pr Cornelius) focused on “The Fruit of the Holy Spirit”. He firstly explained the two opposing forces which war in a believer’s life, i.e. the Holy Spirit and the flesh. The fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) opposes the works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21). Thus as Christians, we are responsible to obey the Spirit’s working in us, so that the Spirit’s fruit is preserved, increased, and strengthened. A healthy Christian life is one that bears fruit, whereas a life driven by the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God. Though the fruit of the Spirit is to be distinguished from the gift of the Spirit, both ought never to be absent in a believer’s life. Without the fruit of the Spirit, the gift of the Spirit is thwarted and poorly applied. The participants were encouraged to have a greater devotion to God which will result in a fruitful character. Devotion to God includes fearing Him, loving Him and leaving sin (Eph. 4:22-24). In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul listed nine godly qualities or traits, which believers cannot pick and choose but are commanded to bear them all. Is it overwhelming for a believer to bear these nine listed qualities? It is only by the divine dimension that we can be kept from becoming frustrated and defeated in our desire to exemplify all these godly traits in our lives. The manifestation of the Spirit’s fruit in us is progressive and is never finished until we are perfected by God. Even in the areas where we have grown, there is always a need for further growth.

After being nourished by the Word of God, participants enjoyed a delightful time of fun and fellowship during the game session. The game masters guided them through the planned activities. We thank God for keeping everyone safe.

The evening meeting featured the 5th theme message, delivered by Pastor Koshy on “Living by the Spirit”, based on Romans 8:1-14. This session was intended for a “Gospel Night”, with seven visitors in attendance. We thank God for guiding the Kuching brethren to invite these individuals to hear the Gospel preached. Pastor Koshy began his sermon by underscoring humanity’s depravity due to its sinful nature—dead in sins, condemned, alienated from God, and devoid of peace with Him. He then highlighted the love of God, who sent His only begotten Son in the likeness of man to bear our sins on the cross, and grant eternal life to all who believe. He then directed the congregation to Romans 8, emphasising several key points: there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (v. 1); the carnal mind is sinful and leads to death (v. 6); the carnal mind is hostile towards God (v. 7); and Spirit-led believers are marked as the children of God (v.14).

Third Day of Retreat (20 December)

On the last day of the retreat, Pastor Koshy continued with the 6th and 7th theme messages, preaching from Romans 8:1-14, under the topic “Living by the Spirit”. He expounded on the two opposing forces in a believer’s life—the Spirit and the flesh. The flesh, representing the sinful nature of man, corrupts the believer’s thoughts and inclines him to be carnally minded, which leads to death (Rom 8:6a). In contrast, the Holy Spirit liberates the believer from all sins, and takes permanent residence within him. Indeed, “to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom 8:6b).

The Holy Spirit leads the believer to desire, intend, and passionately love and serve Christ. Thus, the life of a genuine believer must be Spirit-led and Spirit-minded. Pastor Koshy reiterated that every genuine believer possesses the Holy Spirit, is quickened, freed from the bondage of sin, and is continually reminded of God’s Word and promises. He concluded his preaching by expounding on Galatians 5:17, which speaks of the flesh lusting against the Spirit. He warned participants that the flesh will persist in its efforts until one succumbs to its desires. Therefore, he encouraged everyone to continually fight against the flesh with the help of the Holy Spirit, and to walk in His leading. As a parting exhortation, he reminded all, “Yours is the call to become more than conquerors (cf. Rom 8:37).”

Finally, thank God for enabling the YAF-YF Retreat committee, led by Eld Low Boon Siang, to execute all the planning with unity of heart and humble spirit. Thank God for strengthening and giving good voices to the brethren who presented song items, and safe journey for all the participants. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

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Testimonies from the YAF-YF Retreat (Kuching)

Marcus Chui

I thank the Lord for the privilege of attending this year’s Combined YAF-YF Retreat on the theme: “Living by the Spirit”. It was a spiritually refreshing and edifying time, and I am deeply grateful to learn more about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and for the opportunity to fellowship with church brethren.

The retreat gave me a greater understanding of how the Holy Spirit works and how to worship Him rightly. One key takeaway is the reminder of Jude 20: “building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost”. I learned that worshipping the Holy Spirit is not just about acknowledging His presence, but also about yielding to Him in prayer and living in the Spirit. Through intentional prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit, we can grow spiritually and align our lives more closely with God’s will.

Another significant takeaway is the teaching on the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit. Regeneration is entirely an act of God, whereby the Holy Spirit makes an elect sinner spiritually alive so that he can respond to God’s divine call of salvation. John 3:8 – “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit” – beautifully illustrates that man is passive in this work of regeneration, and it is entirely by God’s grace that we are quickened to new life. I am humbled by this truth, and thankful for the Spirit’s transformative power in my life.

A third important lesson is the perpetual conflict between the flesh and the Spirit – a sobering reminder that our carnal tendencies are at war with the Spirit within us. Observing the nature of young children illustrates this truth—they display natural, carnal inclinations that reflect the fallen condition we all share (cf. Rom 5:12). Truly, “they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). This verse challenged me to reflect deeply on what dominates my thoughts and to examine whether I am carnally or spiritually minded. I resolved to devote my life to being spiritually minded, as it leads to “life and peace” (Rom 8:6b), in contrast to “enmity against God” (Rom 8:7) that results from a carnal mindset. 

Finally, I thank God for enabling Pastor Koshy, Pr Samson and Pr Cornelius to faithfully expound His Word during the retreat. The 7 theme messages were spiritually enriching and convicting, helping me identify areas where I need to grow. I pray that God would grant me the grace and strength to walk in the Spirit daily. I desire to experience more of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23)—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance—so that I may be a godly testimony before the sight of God and my fellow men. May He continue to transform my life for His glory. Amen.

Joan Cheah

Praise the Lord for the retreat on the theme: “Living by the Spirit”. There were lots of spiritual lessons learnt, helping to ground us in God’s Word continually. One such lesson is that spiritual mindedness is “life and peace”, and involves fleeing carnality, which is “enmity against God” (Romans 8:6-7).

Another lesson is this: Not to grieve the Spirit is not to be engrossed with the world, but to be filled with thoughts after God. In this manner, we may bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Bearing the fruit is a mark of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which helps us to do everything to the glory of God. I am grateful to God for the works of the Holy Spirit, that I may have a regenerated mind and experience being born again (cf. John 3:3).

I thank God for real godly examples amongst us. I am particularly encouraged by many, both young and old, who displayed diligence and joy despite various challenges. Thank God for the labour of Pastor, elders, preachers, and the organising committee. I can see the Spirit’s leading through much love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance that have been displayed by them. Praise God also for the heartening spiritual acts of witnessing by brethren to the several visitors whom God had moved to come to hear the Gospel.

Besides being spiritually well fed through the exhortations, I also appreciate the physical aspects of the retreat. Much thought was given to the details, such as games, special snacks, and provision of umbrellas to shelter us from rain in boarding the bus.

May God grant me a continually thankful spirit, like the psalmist – “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion” (Psalm 111:1-4). 

Samuel Teo

I thank God for the opportunity to attend the GYAF-GYF Combined Retreat this year, held in Kuching. Thank God for the time of learning His Word on the topic, “Living by the Spirit”, and for the sweet fellowship with the brethren. I also thank God for the opportunity to have invited some of my friends over to the retreat. One of them, whom I am planning to share the Gospel with, came to listen to the Gospel message preached by Pastor Koshy on Thursday night. 

The key takeaways of the retreat’s 7 theme messages are as follows:  

Our Christian faith will manifest in good works. “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). Moreover, “...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). 

Being regenerated by the Holy Spirit, we ought to be led by the Holy Spirit, living in submission and obedience to the Spirit, in order to bear the fruit of the Spirit. A healthy Christian life must be fruitful! Without the fruit of the Spirit, the gift of the Spirit will be thwarted and poorly applied. 

May we live our lives fruitful to the Lord until He comes again! 

READ:

Psalm 27:14

¹⁴ Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

EXHORTATION:

David’s troubles had multiplied since he was anointed by Samuel to be the king of Israel. He elucidated some of his troubles in verse 2 – “the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh”. The ferocious hostility of the ungodly was relentless in David’s life. Yet he endured the cruel and vicious aggression of his enemies by waiting on the LORD. He would teach himself not to be afraid, but to valiantly do all his duties by relying on the LORD’s might. He would affirm the LORD’s protective power by making such confessions as: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (v. 1); “Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident” (v. 3). David also spoke of his confidence in the unfailing help and strength he would receive from the LORD – “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock” (v. 5). So he constantly pleaded for the LORD’s help (cf. vv. 7-13).

As God’s chosen leader of His people, David cannot be faint-hearted. He must be undaunted by the troubles; he must exhibit courage and strength to cheer and lead God’s people forward in the ways of the LORD. Having strengthened himself in the LORD, David then exhorted God’s people at the end of the psalm to find their courage and strength in the LORD, just as he had – “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

Christians of our time do feel discouraged, troubled and faint-hearted due to the intense hostility of the world and its prince (i.e. the devil). Besides, the demands and struggles in the service of God can also render us weary and weak, as attested to by the apostle Paul – “Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?” (2 Corinthians 11:29). Paul was no stranger to severe and formidable struggles – “For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus” (2 Corinthians 7:5-6). Let us, therefore, also exhort one another to be strong in the LORD as we serve Him in the midst of opposition and trials.

 

READ:

Deuteronomy 3:22

²² Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you.

EXHORTATION:

Moses had been recounting how the LORD God had granted Israel victory over Sihon (the daunting king of the Amorites) and King Og of Bashan (a huge giant whose bed was made of iron and measured 13 feet long by 6 feet wide [Deuteronomy 3:1–11])! Moses’ purpose for narrating those stories of Israel’s resounding victories was to assure Israel that their LORD God had been their unfailing strength and help in all their battles. He then narrated how the LORD had granted the request of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River.

By narrating all of the past events in which the LORD had guided them, Moses also sought to build up Israel’s trust in God for the future battles they would face as they entered the Promised Land. At that time, Joshua was given a special commission – “Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest. Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you” (vv. 21-22). Since Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land, Joshua was commanded to courageously lead God’s people to conquer it. Many of the people who dwelled in the land were gigantic in stature. They lived in walled towns and fortified cities. But Joshua and the people should not fear them. The LORD will fight for them.

Fear is a terrible hindrance to our advancing and accomplishing of our God-given duties in God’s kingdom. Fear numbs our hearts and bodies with doubt and anxiety. Hence, God requires us to rise up in confidence in Him to do the work of His kingdom. The work of evangelism and worldwide missions need men of faith and devotion to spread the Gospel. Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38). Churches need faithful pastors to feed the flock in these days of many false teachers who destroy the flock. “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind” (1 Peter 5:2). We need dedicated, godly men to do the LORD’s work with sacrificial and joyful giving and service (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Let us, with tenacious trust in our God, renew ourselves to serve Him, and fearlessly give ourselves to fulfil all His will concerning us.

 

READ:

Matthew 1:23b

^23b And they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

EXHORTATION:

Jesus, the virgin-born Son, shall also be called “Emmanuel”. This was predicted by the prophet Isaiah. The ancient people of God had been awaiting the fulfilment of this amazing prophecy with great anticipation.

Though it says here that “they shall call his name Emmanuel”, we know of none in the Bible who calls Him by that name. He has been addressed mostly by the name “Jesus”. The meaning of the statement is not that he would be commonly known and called by such a name. Instead, the actual intent of this statement is that people would acknowledge the truth about Jesus, which is revealed by the name “Emmanuel”. This Hebrew name “Emmanuel” means “God with us”. Not only His supernatural virgin birth, but also His presence, His words, His works and all about Him, would give evidence that He is God who has come to be with man.

The apostle John in his Gospel gave witness to the fact that Jesus is God who dwelt with man, when he declared: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

In Christ, the actual presence of God has come to be with His people. It is not His shadowy presence, as it was before. As Paul says in Colossians 2:9, “in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” He also said in 1 Timothy 3:16 about Jesus – “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” Certainly He would not be a properly qualified Mediator if He did not unite both divine and human natures in His Person, and thereby bring men into an alliance with God.

According to the apostle Paul, Jesus is God who became man to be our divine Mediator. In 2 Corinthians 5:19, he wrote: “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” In 1 Timothy 2:5, he further declared, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”. Without Christ, we are alienated from God; but through Christ, we are now reconciled to God. Everyone who trusts Jesus can now call Him “Immanuel”.