THANK YOU (Ray Boltz)
I dreamed I went to heaven
And you were there with me;
We walked upon the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea.
We heard the angels singing
Then someone called your name.
We turned and saw a young man running
And he was smiling as he came.
And he said, “Friend you may not know me now.”
And then he said, “But wait,
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight.
And every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start.
And one day when you said that prayer,
I asked Jesus in my heart.”
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.
Then another man stood before you
And said, “Remember the time
A missionary came to your church
And his pictures made you cry.
You didn’t have much money,
But you gave it anyway.
Jesus took the gift you gave
And that’s why I’m here today.”
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.
One by one they came
Far as the eye could see.
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity.
Little things that you had done,
Sacrifices made,
Unnoticed on the earth
In heaven, now proclaimed.
And I know up in heaven
You’re not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes.
As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord.
He said, “My child, look around you.
Great is your reward.”
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=8ThAzuW8MwU&feature=related
Synopsis: The first time I heard this song, it was at Pastor Richard Ng’s wake, but I never appreciated the lyrics and what the words meant…until recently…at Elder SP Chua’s wake…and at Church, I was reminded of why I am currently in this BB ministry…and why I should press on despite the mounting challenges.
For those feeling weary after their years of service with the Church and the Brigade, may this hymn be the source of strength, encouragement, hope, perserverance and holistic guidance as we continue to serve God for His Cause. Sure and steadfast shall be our resolve and with the cross of Christ guiding us, let us continue to answer this call, fulfil our conviction and reaffirm commitment. In Christ we trust, Amen!
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Verse 1
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit!
Oh, what needless pain we bear!
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
Verse 2
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Verse 3
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our refuge;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Verse 4 (Optional)
Blessed Saviour, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer;
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.
Synopsis:
God gives all those who receives Jesus Christ as Saviour the right to call God, Father (Romans 8:15). Christ has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Yet many of us still doubted and distrusted God in time of our need; relying on own personal wisdom and judgement instead of that from God. As a result, we are always in conflict with others, and in turmoil and confusion ourselves when doubt and challenges sets in. We look everywhere for help, except from God, who is always there, ready with a helping hand and an listening ear, if only we call out to Him. So like the hymn, we have forfeited the peace and bore needness pain, because we have not carried everything to God in prayer.
Remember:
God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.
God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river, turbid and deep.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
God himself does not promise an easy life, but He gives us the privilege of taking “everything to God in prayer” and knowing that He hears, and will answer us (1 John 5:15). Jesus remarked before “Come to me, all ye who are weary and I will give you rest”. Jesus offers us refuge, santuary and solace in His divine peace, when we are battered, broken and dispirited from our earthly toils. Through His Spirit He offers us inner peace and strength, and the assurance for us to press on, knowing that he’s always near, and walking with us, like the story of the Footprints, until it’s time for us to be called home to Him.
Brothers and Sisters of the Christian faith, we who rally themselves under the banner of Christ, who are privileged to call ourselves precious sons and daughters of the Living God, it is time we cast our our full and proud selves aside, and learn to listen to the still small voice of our Heavenly Father.
God is always near, ready to listen to our cries and help; we need only call out to Him in prayer. Thank you Lord, for being so ever faithful and true! Amen.
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Redeemer, Saviour, Friend
Verse 1
I know you had me on Your mind,
When You climbed upon that hill.
For you saw me with eternal eyes,
While I was yet in sin,
Redeemer, Saviour, Friend!
Verse 2
Every stripe upon Your battered back,
Every thorn that pierced Your brow,
And every nail drove deep through guiltless hands,
Say that Your love knows no end,
Redeemer, Saviour, Friend!
Chorus
Redeemer, redeem my heart again,
Saviour, come and shelter me from sin.
You’re familiar with my weakness,
Devoted to the end,
Redeemer, Saviour, Friend!
Verse 3
So the grace You poured upon my life,
Will return to you in prayer.
And I’ll gladly lay down all my crowns,
For the name by which I’m saved,
Redeemer, Saviour, Friend!
Ending
Redeemer, Saviour, Friend!
Redeemer, Saviour, Friend!
Synopsis: Life is a mystery, challenge, and training ground. We are created, fashioned in God’s image and equipped with a unique array of talents and skills that He deem best to serve His purpose. However we are often troubled and burdened by the partiality and slight of this world, and we lose sight and focus of our direction in life, and the very reason for our existence. Who/ Where should we turn to?
Our heart. Our soul is encased in it, our inner self thrives in it, the values we hold in high regard are found within and most importantly, our Saviour lives in it. This is why whenever you feel lost and tired from being battered around in the physical world, step into the spiritual realm, come home and listen to your heart. The tranquil sanctuary and divine peace of God is found there, because Lord Jesus Christ lives there; ever ready to help, comfort and guide; we need only knock and enter. Why should we go to Him?
Christ is our Redeemer: By his loving sacrifice, by enduring hardship, suffering and finally dying on the cross, we have peace with God again. Redeemed in the eyes of God, we need no longer fear death as the consequence of sin.
Christ is our Saviour: When we receive Him when we confess our shortcomings, He lives in us and will watch out for, protect and assist us, when on His name we call in prayer.
Christ is our Friend: Christ is our great teacher and role model, but more importantly He is also our bosom friend; ever faithful, ever loving, ever patient, ever gracious, ever understanding, devoted to the end.
So let us truly take rest in the Lord, let us go forward with the heart of seeking Christ and wanting to know His heart, and He will provide the solace, comfort, direction, hope and strength for us to move on.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28-30
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Grace Alone- Maranatha Promise Band
Verse 1
Every promise we can make,
Every prayer and step of faith,
Every difference we will make,
It’s only by His grace.
Every mountain we will climb,
Every ray of hope we shine,
Every blessing left behind,
It’s only by His grace.
Chorus
Grace alone, which God supplies,
Strength unknown, He will provide,
Christ in us, our cornerstone
We will go forth in grace alone!
Verse 2
Every soul we long to reach,
Every heart we hope to teach,
Everywhere we share His peace,
It’s only by His grace.
Every loving word we say,
Every tear we wipe away,
Every sorrow turns to praise,
It’s only by His grace.
Repeat Chorus 3X
Ending
We will go forth in grace alone
Synopsis:
This song is a gentle reminder that God, our Heavenly Father is the reason behind every success story and every successful individual. He has provided with us with abundant grace, boundless strength, and unfailing love and made possible all our memorable moments.
His merciful grace compelled God to send His begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ to die for our sins so that we can be redeemed.
His faithful grace saw us and will see us through our trials and challenges, because God is always around, ever ready to stretch out a helping hand.
His wondrous grace enables us to perform great deeds in His name, so that all may be drawn nearer to His kingdom, and come to know of this God who loves us.
His redeeming grace enables us to turn from our erroneous ways in pursuit to be a better individual, turning from darkness to light.
His compassionate grace comforts us when we are in pain and sorrow, holding us in tight embrace.
His reassuring grace renews our mind, rejuvenates our spirit when we are lost and weary, and provides us with endless optimism, and hope for a better tomorrow.
His loving grace made us His precious children, and us to call Him our Heavenly Father.
Yes, it’s His; God’s grace alone that made all things possible.
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The Potter’s Hand- Darlene Zschech
Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Saviour
I know for sure, all of my days are held in Your hands,
Crafted into Your perfect plan
You gently call me into your presence
Guiding me by Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord to live all of my life through Your eyes
I’m captured by Your holy calling
Set me apart, I know You’re drawing me to Yourself
Lead me Lord I pray
Chorus:
Take me, Mould me, use me, fill me
I give my life to the Potter’s hand
Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the Potter’s hand
You gently call me into Your presence
Guiding me by Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord to live through Your eyes
I’m captured by You holy calling
Set me apart, I know You’re drawing me to Yourself
Lead me Lord I pray
Repeat Chorus
Synopsis:
A powerful inspiring song, the lyrics is a call for us to surrender everything;
all our hopes, dreams, plans, burden and sorrows unto the Lord.
Many a times we encounter difficulties and challenges in our lives because we
tried to go on our own. Many a burden, many a care encountered because we do not trust
God enough. Man’s wisdom and judgement is often clouded by his partiality,
often not able to see beyond, because we are too obsessed with short-term gains.
The Bible states that we are created from dust, shaped in God’s image.
In this analogy we are the clay, useless and formless and God is the potter.
When clay is put on the potter’s wheel, it is transformed,
when shaped by the Potter and baked by fire, into an artistic vessel.
Likewise when we are shaped by God, by following Him in words and deeds,
we can be made into beautiful instruments to share the Gospel, bringing warmth,
light and hope to the rest of the world.
God has a plan for each and every one of us. Trust Him, follow Him, obey Him
and you’ll see little by little, His perfect plan unfolding before your very eyes in your lives!
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“Lost In Wonder” by Martyn Layzell
VERSE 1:
You chose the cross with every breath
The perfect life, The perfect death
You chose the cross
A crown of thorns you wore for us
And crowned us with eternal life
You chose the cross
And though your soul was overwhelmed with pain
Obedient to death You overcame
(Chorus)
CHORUS:
I’m lost in wonder
I’m lost in love
I’m lost in praise forevermore
Because of Jesus’ unfailing love
I am forgiven
I am restored
VERSE 2:
You loosed the chords of sinfulness
And broke the chains of my disgrace
You chose the cross
Up from the grave victorious
You rose again so glorious
You chose the cross
The sorrow that surrounded you was mine
“Yet not my will but yours be done” You cried
(Chorus)
And though your soul was overwhelmed with pain
Obedient to death You overcame
The sorrow that surrounded you was mine
“Yet not my will but yours be done” You cried
(Chorus)
CHORUS:
I’m lost in wonder
I’m lost in love
I’m lost in praise forevermore
Because of Jesus’ unfailing love
I am forgiven
I am restored
Ending:
Because of Jesus
Because of Jesus
Because of Jesus
I’m restored
Synopsis:
The cross is more than a symbol of Christianity; it is the embodiment of Christ’s unconditional and unending love and his amazing grace for us. He willingly came down from Heaven, shouldered our sins and the wrath of God to die the agonising death on the cross, so that by His precious blood we may be redeemed before God and be reconciled with Him, pure and blameless.
Jesus Christ died for all men; apostles, followers, friends and enemies alike; then, now and future so that sins can be forgiven and salvation granted to those who believe in Him. This is the ultimate expression of unconditional love and sacrifice.
Good Friday is more than the day we commemorate our Lord’s passing. It is also a day for forgiveness and reconciliation. Anger is destructive. Hate is corrosive. Therefore make peace and forgive those who transgressed against you, because they like us, are human and thus prone to err. Learn to love and forgive and the world will be a better place for you, for me, for the entire human race, for eternity.
“Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for your grace and mercy for our sinful selves, that despite our sins you still loved us enough to send your only begotten son Lord Jesus Christ, to suffer the agonising death on the cross so that by His body, willingly given up to us and His precious blood, willingly shed for us, so that sins of the past, present and future generations can be forgiven, and that we may be made pure and blameless before you once again. Abba Father, we confess our sins before you, that many a times we have been corrupted and swayed by the ways of the fallen world and our selfish and partial inclinations; causing malicious and grievous hurt and harm to others. Father we come before you with our transgressions and humbly ask your forgiveness. Help us put aside our anger and hate and forgive those who did wrong to us. Help us deny ourselves and take up our crosses, that we may have a new beginning, new direction and new hope in life, by following the footsteps and teachings of your son Jesus Christ; to humble ourselves, to be obedient to your will and ways and love one another, regardless and unconditional. In Jesus’ name we ask, Amen”.
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God Hath not Promised
God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.
God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river, turbid and deep.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
Synopsis:
Many a times we run into trouble and obstacles in our lives because we have not trusted God enough to surrender everything to Him; more often than not we make the decision to run things our own ways, and end up in failure, lost and frustrated. And the irony?: we blame God for not being there when we need him, when we do not want him around in the first place!
Surrender your all to the all knowing God, because everything is in His hands, even the trials, obstacles and challenges we face in our lives. They are there, purposefully arranged by God, to train, develop and refine us, so that we are better equipped to do good works in His name and for His glory. We need only to trust Him. Let God take control, do things His way and things will run like clockwork! Always remember this,
Happy moments, praise God,
Difficult moments, seek God
Quiet moments, worship God,
Painful moments, trust God,
Every moment, thank God!
In God we trust,