There is a hope by Stuart Townend

I have been again blessed - now by the lyrics of a recent hymn written by the modern British hymn writer, Stuart Townend. I found the lyrics both spiritually and theologically rich. Here they are:

THERE IS A HOPE
by Stuart Townend and Mark Edwards
Copyright (c) 2007 Thankyou Music.

There is a hope that burns within my heart,
That gives me strength for ev'ry passing day;
a glimpse of glory now revealed in meager part,
Yet drives all doubt away:
I stand in Christ, with sins forgiv'n;
and Christ in me, the hope of heav'n!
My highest calling and my deepest joy,
to make His will my home.

There is a hope that lifts my weary head,
A consolation strong against despair,
That when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit,
I find the Savior there!
Through present sufferings, future's fear,
He whispers, "Courage!" in my ear.
For I am safe in everlasting arms,
And they will lead me home.

There is a hope that stands the test of time,
That lifts my eyes beyond the beckoning grave,
To see the matchless beauty of a day divine
When I behold His face!
When sufferings cease and sorrows die,
and every longing satisfied,
then joy unspeakable
will flood my soul,
For I am truly home.

May my life be always defined by a hope that is rooted firmly in the truth of Your glorious resurrection. May my current sufferings remind me that though I am in this world, I am called by You to embody a vision of life as You would have it. May I always look ahead, knowing that by Your grace alone, You will indeed lead me safely home.

Here's the link if you want to hear & watch it on youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyMWBx6vvJo

Zion Church Camp 2009

As promised, here are the camp photos (selected ones only!)

Miranda, the turtle?

Miranda rehearshing her steps for talent night

Talent night...

Melissa...

Me... in jest!

The discussion group I was in...

Was trying to take a shot but got shot instead!

Dr Chris Gnanakan expositing from the Book of Haggai

Workshop on Creation Care

More from Dr Gnanakan...

The children's group had a separate programme

All adult campers posing for the memories

Melissa wearing the jester hat!

Still, my soul be still

Heard this new song by Keith & Kristyn Getty. I found the lyrics meaningful and the song ministered to me. I hope it would minister to you, those of you who are going through trials, temptations or suffering in your life.

You can listen to a portion of it here: http://www.gettymusic.com/usa/lyrics.asp?id=174

Still, my soul be still
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow

God, You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone

Still, my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows

Still, my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise As stars appear when day is dimming

Death does not have the final word - life does

Just this 22nd, Elder Chou Choon King went to be with the Lord. Despite his infirmities, Elder Chou was a man who care deeply for others. Many have testified to that from the number who came up to give him the tributes. Each time I met him in church, he would never fail to enquire about my family and I. He was genuinely concerned for Juliana's health. I remembered him calling up and talking with me on the phone when Juliana was called home. Among the many things he said for which I was straining to make out, he apologised for not being able to come and visit me and said he'll pray for the comfort of God to be on me. That touched me deeply for one who himself is coping with his own illnesses. Well, I'm glad that Elder Chou is now free from all ills and sufferings and is enjoying eternal peace with God!

This just reminded me again on what Sittser said in one of his chapters: "...we live in the present, which is often full of sorrow and pain. Suffering engenders a certain degree of ambivalence in those of us who believe in the resurrection. We feel the pain of our present circumstances, which reminds us of what we have lost; yet we hope for future release and victory. We doubt, yet try to believe; we suffer, yet long for real healing; we inch hesitantly toward death, yet see death as the door to resurrection. ...We are creatures made of dust; yet we know we were made for something more. A sense of eternity resides in our hearts. Living with this ambivalence is both difficult and vital. It stretches our souls, challenging us to acknowledge our mortality and yet to continue to hope for final victory -- the victory Jesus won for us in His death and resurrection, a victory that awaits us only on the other side of the grave."

Like Sittser, my soul increases its capacity for hope as well as for sadness. I end up believing with greater depth and joy than I had before, even in my sorrow!

More on Bill Stuntz...

For those who would like to read what else did Bill Stuntz say, here is the rest of his sermon. Bill is not writing academically here although he's a Harvard law professor. He writes from the depths of his heart. Read on, and you'll know that he has been through much suffering himself! Here's the link: http://intervarsity.org/gfm/resource/three-lessons-on-suffering I do hope it will minister to those who are suffering.

Wise Words from William Stuntz

Today, I'd like to share some wise words from Bill Stuntz and this was what he said: "Christians err when we imagine that God is supposed to heal all our diseases. That is not promised to us, not in this life. More the opposite: Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble” — not “might have,” but “will have.” But while God does not offer to take my cancer or my pain away, He offers something even better: that good will come from those illnesses, and that the good will be larger than the suffering it redeems. Romans 8:28 says that “in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him.” Cancer and chronic pain remain ugly, killing things, enemies of all who love life and beauty. But try as they might, those enemies do not get the last word. Our pain is not empty; we do not suffer in vain. When life strikes hard blows, what we do has value. God sees to it. That is an enormous mercy."

How do I overcome? My eyes must always be fixed on Jesus!

Sittser again...

The Lord continues to bless through the pen of Jerry Sittser! Consider these impactful words ...

"Loss provides an opportunity to take inventory of our lives, to reconsider priorities and to determine new directions. Loss invites us to ask basic questions about ourselves – such as “What do I believe?” “Is there life after death?” “Is there a God?” “What kind of person am I? “Do I really care about other people?” “How have I used my resources – my time, money and talent?” “Where am I headed with my life?” Deep sorrow is good for the soul for another reason too. It can make us more alive to the present moment.

Gifts of grace come to all of us. But we must be ready to see and willing to receive these gifts. It will require a kind of sacrifice, the sacrifice of believing that, however painful our losses, life can still be good – good in a different way than before, but nevertheless good. I will never recover from my loss and I will never get over the missing ones I lost. But I still cherish life.

I will always want the ones I lost back again. I long for them with all my soul. But I still celebrate the life I have found because they are gone. I have lost, but I have also gained. I lost the world I loved, but I gained a deeper awareness of grace. That grace has enabled me to clarify my purpose in life and rediscover the wonder of the present moment."

In my next post, I will share some photos of our recent church camp in KL.