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“I’m sorry” is a phrase that we likely use often as we go about daily activities. We might have accidentally bumped into someone, unintentionally got into someone’s way, or mistook another’s item as our own. These apologetic moments tend to be fleeting, we acknowledge and quickly move on, and hardly remember them afterwards.  Then there are times where we feel deeper levels of sorrow - for instance after lashing out in anger with hurtful words/actions at a loved one in a way we would not usually do, and deeply regretting it afterwards. This often sticks much longer than the fleeting moments above, usually prompting some sort of mental resolve not to do that again in future. Considering the spectrum of different levels of sorrow, we realise that sorrow does serve some kind of purpose. It can help avoid escalation of arguments or anger, spur us to become better in our own words and actions, or even contribute to mending relationships. On the flip side, we have also heard of people in the world “dying of a broken heart”, or drowning their sorrows in alcohol or illegal substances. So sorrow can also be detrimental if taken to certain extremes or if it leads to behaving in ways contrary to what God intended.  In our world today, sorrow tends to be something to be avoided - generally with negative connotations. We tend to see phrases like “good vibes only” or “be happy always”. It is true that feeling joy can be a positive emotion encouraged as part of Christian living. When the apostle Paul was writing to the churches of Galatia, after mentioning the works of the flesh to be avoided (in Chapter 5 of Galatians), he stated “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy , peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” ( Galatians 5:22-23).  However, what about feeling sorrow? Can there be a purpose for that? The Bible reveals that there are different types of sorrow - worldly sorrow and godly sorrow, the latter being a kind of sorrow that can be redemptive rather than destructive. The apostle Paul gives the clearest insight into this when he was writing to the church at Corinth -  “Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:9-10) The believers at Corinth responded to Paul’s rebuke with humility and remorse over their sin. It was a deep recognition of how their actions had wounded their relationship with God, and that godly sorrow led them to repentance and ultimately salvation.  The Difference Between Godly and Worldly Sorrow It is important to note though, that there is a stark contrast between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. One example of worldly sorrow can be seen in Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. In Matthew 27:3-5, it reads: ‘Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.’ Judas clearly felt sorry for having betrayed Jesus for financial gain. So much so that he even gave up the pieces of silver. However, it was worldly sorrow that grieved over the consequences of his actions and possibly sadness over being exposed. He felt remorse but not repentance — his guilt consumed him, and he ended his life in despair, a worldly action that went against God. Peter, on the other hand, also failed Jesus when he denied Him three times. Yet his response was different. Luke 22:62 records, “So Peter went out and wept bitterly.”  His crying was not just regret over what he had done, but deep anguish over having broken the heart of his Lord. That godly sorrow led to repentance and later, Jesus lovingly restored him in John 21:15–17 after He was raised from the dead. Peter was called to “feed His lambs”, “tend His sheep” and ultimately die for the cause of Christ in a way that would glorify God. Godly sorrow points us back to God and godly actions. It humbles us, awakens our conscience, and produces genuine transformation. The Fruit of Godly Sorrow Godly sorrow produces fruit — a changed life. Paul commended the Corinthians, saying their godly sorrow had produced qualities that became a catalyst for growth - “For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” ( 2 Corinthians 7:11) When we experience godly sorrow, we become more sensitive to sin and more eager to please God and depend on Him. It purifies our hearts and makes us convicted to do the right thing according to the will of God. Conclusion Godly sorrow is not about dwelling in guilt but walking toward true repentance, restoration, and renewal. While worldly sorrow leads to death, Godly sorrow leads to a life reconciled with God and transformed by His grace and mercy. Therefore, let us not harden our hearts when striving to overcome sin and walk in the light. Let us respond as David did in Psalms 51:17 -  “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.” When our hearts are contrite in Godly sorrow, it will produce true repentance leading to salvation. ### Ask Myself: What is the difference between Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow? What was one example of godly sorrow in the Bible that led to repentance? How can we support one another to have godly sorrow leading to repentance? Suggested Answers: Godly sorrow produces genuine repentance and turning away from sin, which leads to salvation. Worldly sorrow however, leads to regrets and ultimately death.   “Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you  were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly  sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the  world produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:9-10) The apostle Peter denied Jesus three times and had godly sorrow afterwards (Luke 22:62) which led to repentance and ultimately restoration as a passionate disciple of Christ (John 21:15-17). You may discuss this with the writer or your Bible class teacher.

In part 1 of the article, we discussed time management matters, let us look deeper for part 2. Social issues With social media and lack of parental supervision, our children are exposed to issues such as: Cyberbullying Pop culture and its effects Gangs and bad company Premarital sex, abortion and suicidal thoughts Lack of control over spending/finances Vaping/smoking/drugs Do we teach our children to ‘flee from all appearances of evil’ (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Or ‘Do not be deceived (misled), bad company corrupts good character, stop sinning for there are some who are ignorant…Awake to righteousness….’ (1 Corinthians 15:33-34). Are the things from the Holy Scriptures taught to them early? If not, why not?  A 2023 article on the American Psychological Association (APA) website suggested that parents not only  monitor social media use, but talk to the teens weekly. Three steps. First, communicate with your child. Second, discuss behaviour in general, not just online. Last, look out for behaviour changes. Bible Examples Eli and his sons (1 Samuel 2:12) Though Eli was a good man, a priest and judge, his sons turned out to be evil. God was excessively displeased and the sons were eventually killed. Eli failed as a father, he did not want to offend his sons. The result was that he committed a far greater sin, he offended God. How many times have parents not insisted on the children going to church and decided not to offend them? The child is yours to shape and discipline in the Lord. Excuses such as ‘I can’t force him to attend, he does not have friends there, he prefers to study, he does not enjoy the time in church etc.’ So, we become like Eli. We are known to be good and faithful, but it’s ok if we leave the child at home. Proverbs 13:24 “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.” Note the importance of discipline in the home. Does not the Bible say ‘children obey your parents’ (Colossians 3:12, Ephesians 6:1-2, Deuteronomy 5:16)? Are we going to permit them to disobey us and by extension, God’s commandments? The importance of timely discipline (Proverbs 13:24) cannot be understated. In Australia (and I suspect in the western world in general), the churches, even churches of Christ are marked by the absence of youth attending services. These churches are effectively ‘old folks’ homes. The parents did not insist on their children and teenagers attending church with them, gave them the freedom of choice early, ‘don’t block the sunlight’. Eventually, these churches will cease to exist. Lois and Eunice – Timothy 2 Timothy 3:14-15 Paul says “But continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” If there ever is a verse that informs us of the necessity of teaching our children from a young age, it will be 2 Timothy 3:14-15. Paul’s words to Timothy are the inspired Word of God. Earlier in 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul affirms the role played by Lois (grandmother) and Eunice (mother) in his early life that influenced Timothy to be an evangelist. In Acts 16:1, we note that Eunice is a Jewish woman, Timothy’s father (unnamed) was a Greek who was also ‘well-spoken of’. Here is also a case that the influence of a mother/grandmother can have over a son. Example of David’s Parenting King David was a good man, war hero, sincere to God. He served God acceptably and did not indulge in idolatry that distinguished him from his successors. He had some serious flaws, though. We find him at best, an absent parent from his children’s lives. He indulged at times, the sinful behaviour of his sons. David mishandled his relationships with his wives and was a poor father figure. The implications were that he was mostly absent from their lives and did not groom them in the Lord. We want them to go to heaven, but leave the spiritual health of our children to them. Is this right and pleasing to God? Do we wish for our children to be extremely successful in their careers but lose their soul? Or do we hope for a well-balanced child who loves God and permits God to bless them in their paths and in their careers? Why God chose Abraham? Genesis 18:19 – “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice,…” God affirmed that Abraham by and large fulfilled what he was chosen to do and that he was successful as a father. Knowing this about Abraham, God chose this blood line to bring our Lord Jesus into the world and through this family, the plan of salvation.  Test Let me provide the reader a 5-question test for you to test your primary/secondary school student child (or even higher). Q1: Name 7 of the apostles out of 12 plus Paul 13. Q2: Why did Joshua and the Israelites fail to capture the city of Ai in the first attempt? Q3: Name 5 prophets from the OT and 3 from the NT. Q4: What was the situation the apostle Paul found at Athens? Q5: Which city did God ask Joshua to go to and why? (Oral question, oral answers; not checking the Bible or their handphone.) The test results are not a barometer of spirituality, but at least those who read the Bible and attend church will have no problems answering. Conclusion Are we ‘idol worshipping’ our children at the expense of their spiritual life and growth? Have we put the child before God through our behavior or lack of discipline? Can we as parents stand before the judgement seat and bravely assert that we have trained up our children in the way of the Lord, and our children are in the church, faithful? God will hold us responsible for the child, at least up for the time he is within our house. We command him or her under our roof under the authority given by the Almighty. Summary Raising the child in the Lord is the responsibility of both parents (in dual parent homes). For as long as the child remains in the household, the child must obey the parent on faith building, education and attending church. Discipline the child; that is a commandment from God. Place priority on spiritual growth of the child, not concentrating efforts on secular education. As parents, set a good example for the child. Tell them the dangers of social media from young and monitor their behaviour. Ask Yourself: Name 3 dangers the child faces in the modern era. Name two fathers in the Old Testament who failed in their duties. Do we have a responsibility for the spiritual health of the child whilst they are under our roof? Suggested Answers: Cyber Bullying, pre-marital sex, suicidal thoughts, pressure. David and Eli. Yes God expects this, this is a solemn role of parents.

Introduction Coming from a non-Christian background and converting to Christianity, I often wonder about the importance of teaching, sustaining our children to remain in the church. It is extremely troubling that children are not attending services (converted and the unconverted) living in Christian households. Why and how this has occurred and the roles the parents have played in their upbringing? For as long as the child remains in the Christian home, he/she is subjected directly to the authority of their parent. It is our duty to instill in them the faith once and for all delivered to us (Jude 1:3) and our responsibility to ensure they stay in the church. Ephesians 6:4 ‘And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.’ (NKJV) (in some translations “rear them up”, “raise them up”, etc.) This applies to fatherless households too. “Provoke” is translated from the Greek word ‘ parogizette ’ (Strong’s Greek 3949), meaning to be “unfair, cruel behavior, or blatant favouritism, to anger.” The emphasis of this verse is the commandment to raise them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Proverbs 19:18 further adds– ‘Chasten your son while there is still hope.’ Foundation If the foundation within the family is weak, then the children (or child) will likely not be fed with the Word of God. One example is where the father or mother is not a Christian (one parent a faithful Christian). The child faces pressures from the parents pulling in different directions. By foundation, I refer to parents not being strong Christians themselves. It certainly will impact the emphasis given to church attendance or Bible study. Bible Emphasis – God’s Word Proverbs 22:6 ‘Train up a child in the way he should go. And when he is old he will not depart from it.’ (NKJV) Psalms 127:3 ‘Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward.’ (NKJV) When do we begin our biblical studies with our children? The answer is obviously from the time they are very young, just like when we ‘train’ them up with the numbers and alphabets. To ‘train up’ is to teach, start or give instructions. The Hebrew word is ‘ chamak ’, which means to dedicate the child according to his way (Strong’s Hebrew 2596). Strong words indeed. Why? So that as he grows up, he will not depart from it. From what?  From God’s Word and God’s ways. Have we failed in our duty to the heritage that God has given us? In short, your children are not just your own, they are the heavenly Father’s children. Priorities and Choices Let us examine how we may have failed our children. Secular Education From the very beginning, the emphasis is on preparing the very young child for secular education, nursery, K1, K2 etc. Getting into the best schools, the emphasis on tuition and exams, telling them directly or indirectly that this is the most important stage of their lives- that not even God and His church should stand in the way, failure to emphasize on ‘Seek ye first His kingdom’ (Matthew 6:33) - Kids soak in everything we tell them at this stage. Hours and hours spent on tuition and assessment books. Exams on Monday or Thursday? Skip church on Sunday. Forget Bible class on Wednesday evening. As the child grows, this mindset and practice is ingrained. Very important work or meeting on Monday? Skip Sunday, no worries, ‘God will understand’. How many of us will insist our children read the Bible daily and discuss what they have read with us? Do we ourselves read and study the Bible?  Then there is Co-curricular Activities (CCA) from schools. This is treated as important too as it is related to secular education. The richer ones insist that on ‘free’ days, their children take up piano, flute, ballet or other enrichment classes. No wonder, we bring up stressed-out children. Mental Health – Singapore A significant portion of youth in Singapore has experienced severe or very severe symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress. The first nationwide survey on youth mental health by Institute of Mental Health has found that a third of young people aged 15 to 35 reported symptoms that include feeling empty, tense or upset most of the time. (Straits Times, 19 Sept 2024) In other words, in their formative years, they have been exposed to all the secular pressures leading to this mental stage. Just think, from a 1-year-old to 15-year-old, if they were ‘trained’ in God’s Word – His ways, whilst growing up in a good home environment: I believe they will grow up well-adjusted and still do well in their secular education and grounded in the faith. God’s Word affirms as such. More primary school kids are calling helpline over mental health (Straits Times, 29 Dec 2024). Is this helpful to our children? Time Management In the same mental health report, Singapore youth reportedly spent 27% in excessive social media use daily (1 in 4). I suspect this may be higher. With parents working, equally stressed, no time for the child’s biblical health and placing great emphasis on education and other pursuits, our children are unlikely to grow up and stay in the Lord. (To be continued next week…) Ask Yourself:  What are some emphases by parents today? Is there a command for Christian parents to teach our children the Bible? Or this is optional? What takes up children’s time today? Suggested Answers: Secular studies and social enrichment classes.  It is a command. Social media, games, other pursuits.

If you are a Christian who is thinking about marriage, what kind of person should you marry? Let it be someone whom you love. There is more. Marry one who respects you, your needs, and your desires. Of course, make sure the one whom you will marry has a scriptural right to marry. And, let your heart be determined to marry only a person who is a faithful member of Jesus’ blood-bought church. Why is that so important?  Reason No. 1: History – King Solomon’s non-Israelite wives played a huge role in turning his heart away from the Lord and causing him to sin (1 Kings 11:1-4). The only bride whom Jesus chose is one who serves God (2 Corinthians 11:2; 1:2). As a Christian, you are married to Jesus (Romans 7:4). If you choose a mate who is not, perpetual perils await.  Reason No. 2: Priorities – A faithful saint’s top goal for his marriage is to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31); other things are far more important to a spouse who is not in Jesus. Jesus’ faithful followers put God’s Cause first (Matthew 6:33); a non-Christian mate will never feel comfortable with or support such a notion.  Reason No. 3: Unity – Only two faithful servants of Jesus will be “on the same page” when it comes to their concepts of what is right and wrong in the Lord’s sight (Romans 12:9). If both spouses are not active members of Jesus’ body, they will not agree on the importance of assembling with the saints for study and worship. They also will not agree on the value of the soul and what one must do in order for his/her soul to be saved eternally (Matthew 16:26; Hebrews 5:9).  Reason No. 4: Prayers – Prayers are hindered if one mate is not a saint (1 Peter 3:7). If he is not a member, prayers will be awkward because a Christian wife will not ask him to lead a prayer: “Mommy, why doesn’t Daddy say prayers before we eat?” If she is not a member, he will never be able to pray, “Father, forgive us  of our sins,” because he has no right to ask God to forgive his wife if she is not in the Christ.  Reason No. 5: Offspring – If you have kids, you will take to heart your duty to train them to serve the Lord (Ephesians 6:4); a non-Christian will focus only on earthly goals for the children. You will use the Bible to teach your kids about the Messiah, modesty, and meeting God in judgment. You will train them to sing about God, talk to God, and listen to God; you will do it alone. Why? Your mate will be uninterested.  Do you plan to marry? We beg you to marry one who (1) loves God more than he/she loves you and who (2) will help you and your kids go to heaven! (extracted from TRUTH , a monthly publication to help educate, edify, encourage, and equip the saints of God.)

It’s 6AM, you reach for your handphone ‘just to check the time’ but 30 minutes later, you are scrolling through a friend’s staycation photos at Marina Bay Sands, reading WhatsApp messages, laughing at some TikTok reels, or comparing your ‘out of bed’ appearance to someone’s perfectly filtered morning selfie. Sounds familiar? We live in an age of endless scrolling, one-click purchases, and constant connectivity. While technology brings wonderful benefits, it has also become a silent thief – stealing moments that could be spent in God’s presence, quality time with our families, and the peace of mind that comes simply by being still. Modern Martha In Luke 10:38-42, we read of an account of Martha who was ‘distracted with much serving’. When she complained to Jesus that Mary was not helping, Jesus gently redirected her saying, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’  Distractions of today may seem to look different than Martha’s food preparations, but the core issue remains the same. We are so busy scrolling highlight reels, hunting for flash sales on Shopee at 1AM, binge-watching YouTube videos about Korean skincare, childcare, new recipes, or home improvement hacks, that we miss giving our attention to studying the Bible, praying, and doing the Lord’s work. The Hidden Costs of Digital Age The Comparison Trap Social media feeds us carefully curated glimpses into the lives of others. We are constantly bombarded by influencers in their perfect makeup and outfits, showcasing their beautifully renovated and immaculately styled apartments or sipping coffee leisurely in some quaint café in Tiong Bahru. Overexposure to such content can create discontentment and a sense of inadequacy in us. When we constantly measure our real life against their ‘reel’ lives, we lose sight of God’s unique plan for us. In 1 Timothy 6:6, the apostle Paul reminds us ‘Now godliness with contentment is great gain.’ Paul knew the secret that eludes us in our scrolling – true satisfaction comes not from having what others have, but from resting in what God has provided. That is why he declares in Philippians 4:11 ‘…I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.’ Yet, how often do we trade contentment for the anxiety of endless comparison? The Spiral of Instant Gratification Online shopping promises immediate satisfaction with one click - whether it is that Taobao haul, the latest K-beauty products arriving via Lazada, or browsing Shopee until late at night during their flash sales. But Proverbs 21:5 reminds us ‘The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.’ How many impulse purchases have we made?  Jesus warned, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses (Luke 12:15)’. Yet, we click ‘Add to Cart’, believing the lie that one more purchase will finally satisfy. Remember Matthew 6:19. ‘Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.’ Those midnight shopping carts are filled with temporary treasures that fade, distracting us from eternal investments. The Fragmented Heart Our devices fragment our attention into tiny pieces. We skim rather than study, scroll rather than reflect. Between WhatsApp group chats, TikTok reels, Telegram updates, and constant notifications, our minds never find rest. Yet, God calls us to love Him. with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30) – a wholeness that requires focused, uninterrupted time. Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28, ‘Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ But how can we hear His invitation when notifications drown out His voice? The Psalmist knew the secret – ‘Be still, and know that I am God…’ (Psalm 46:10). Stillness is the very thing our digital age has stolen from us, yet this is the very thing that our souls desperately need to draw nearer to God. The Physical and Emotional Toll Hours of screen time can take a real toll on our bodies. Eye strain, neck pain, headaches, insomnia, and the sedentary lifestyle that comes with endless scrolling affects our physical health. But the damage goes deeper than the physical. Constant exposure to curated perfection breeds anxiety and depression, comparison steals our joy and the dopamine hits from notifications create addictive patterns that leave us feeling restless. We were created for movement, for looking up at creation, for using our hands for more than just swiping, and for peace that surpasses understanding – not the anxiety that comes from digital overload. 1 Corinthians 6:19 reminds us, ‘Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?’ Moreover, in Philippians 4:7, we are reminded, ‘and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus’. But this peace cannot co-exist with the constant mental chaos of digital consumption. Biblical Women who Chose Wisely The Bible offers us beautiful examples of women who understood the sacred value of time and chose to invest it wisely. Take for instance, Mary of Bethany (Luke 10:38- 42), who sat at Jesus’ feet with a deep hunger for God’s word and a devoted heart to learn from her Saviour. She wisely recognised that listening to His teaching was the most valuable use of her time. The woman in Proverbs 31 managed her household with strategic wisdom and maintained physical strength through active living; not passive consumption (Proverbs 31:17, 27). Hannah, in her deepest distress, poured out her heart before God in focused prayer rather than seeking distraction, and her concentrated time with God led to breakthrough and blessing (1 Samuel 1:9-20). Lydia (Acts 16:14) used her influence and her resources to advance God’s Kingdom. Her wise stewardship of time and resources helped establish the church in Philippi. Dorcas (Acts 9:36) invested her time in acts of service and compassion for her community. The entire community mourned her death and God raised her back to life through Apostle Peter. These women understood that time is a gift from God, not to be fritted away on trivial pursuits, but invested purposefully in what truly matters. Your Time, His Glory I am not suggesting that we abandon all technology, but merely advocating that we use it wisely. Technology can serve beautiful purposes when used intentionally; connecting with family or friends overseas, finding the best deals for household needs, learning new skills, staying updated and sharing church activities, just to name a few. However, when our devices begin to use us; when we find ourselves mindlessly scrolling, binge-watching content, or sitting hunched over screens for hours – it is time to reassess. Remember, Satan has many devices in his arsenal to snatch unsuspecting souls. Technology is undoubtedly one of them.  The enemy does not need to tempt us with obvious sinful things to steal our time. He is perfectly content to keep us busy with endless, mindless digital distractions that slowly erode our intimacy with God and our families, while also damaging our physical and mental health. But you have a choice, dear sisters. You can choose Mary’s better portion. Whether you are a busy mother rushing between work and childcare pick-up, a homemaker managing household needs and elderly parents, or a young woman starting out on your career – do not let the thief steal one more moment. Your Father in heaven is waiting, your family is watching, and your soul is longing for the peace that comes only from being fully present to what and who matters most. If Jesus returned today and asked you to account for how you spent your time this past week, how many hours could you say were truly invested in eternal things and how many were lost to the scroll?

One of the first few things that we learn as a Christian is that God loves us. 1 John 4:9 says: “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” We are so familiar with this fact, that we may start to take this for granted. But if we pause and think about how incredible and marvellous this is, then we may also realise how strongly we need to respond. How Marvellous the Love of God is First, consider our insignificance . Psalm 8:3-4 says: “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” We consider the vastness of the universe, and realise how tiny we are. Estimates say that the observable universe is 93 billion light years in diameter at present. How big is that? A light second is roughly 299,000 kilometers, or 7.5 times the circumference of the earth. Multiply that by the number of seconds in a year (around 31.6 million), and you still need to multiply that by a billion, and even then you are at barely 1% of the observable universe. A Being that created all that – and still cares about us? Another way to consider our relative insignificance is to look at John 10:11: “   I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” The picture here is a shepherd dying because of His sheep. Put into our everyday life context, this may seem quite strange. It may not even appear logical. A shepherd, to protect his wife or children, may lay down his life. That seems logical. But to get hurt over a sheep? People may wonder why he didn’t run away if the sheep was attacked. Worse still, to die for a sheep? Yet that is what Christ did. Consider that the God of the universe came, and died on the cross for insignificant us. If we are hearing this for the first time, we may wonder what made such an infinite Being do this for us. Second, consider our sinfulness . Romans 5:8 says: “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” So we are not just insignificant – we are sinful. We are like sheep that rebelled against the shepherd. We waywardly went our own way, into the lion’s den. We were told not to, but we disobeyed. So it’s not even the case that we were good sheep, obediently staying in safe areas, and deserving of protection from the shepherd. No, we deserved death – and yet Christ saved us, and died for us. Putting this in our everyday life context – a shepherd goes out of his way to save a sheep that wandered into the lion’s den, and ends up dying for that. A non-believer may find this absurd. Third, consider our lack of reciprocal love . Oftentimes, we fail the standards expected of us. Philippians: 3:7-8 says “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” Now that we are saved by the shepherd, do we count all things as loss for Christ? The shepherd just saved us from the lion’s den. Or do we delight in worldly matters still, and run back at times to the lion’s den? Psalm 1:2 says: “   But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” As rescued sheep, do we meditate on Christ’s grace and love all day? What is our Response? How do we respond to such great love? Matthew 22:37 says “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Considering how absurdly great Christ’s love for us is, and how absolutely undeserving we are, doesn’t that seem like the appropriate response? The converse is also true. Not responding to such great a love is an appalling act. Jeremiah 2:13 says: “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” So, we see this mutually reinforcing design. The more we realise how great the God of the universe is, how sinful we are, how ungrateful we are - the more we realise how undeserving of God’s love we are, the more we appreciate how deep God’s love must be for Christ to die for us, how strongly we must respond to such a love, and how sinful it is to continue loving the world. Ask Myself: How do I help myself understand the marvellous love of God? What should my response be to God’s great love? What can I do if I am struggling with all these? Suggested Answers: Consider our insignificance, our sinfulness and our lack of reciprocal love. Love Him with all my heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:37). Seek help from elders and Bible class teachers.

Have you ever prayed for something… and then just waited? Waiting is not wrong, but sometimes, we confuse waiting with being passive. Let us look at what the Scripture says: Jeremiah 29:12-13 – ‘Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.’ Matthew 7:7 – ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.’ Prayer is more than just speaking – it is seeking. It is about pursuing God with our whole being – heart, mind, and action. That means prayer is not passive. We do not just talk and then sit still. We ask, seek, and knock, and then we look for His response. That could be through opening our Bibles more, seeking counsel with fellow Christians, or by being alert to what God is doing around us. But one thing is for sure: God responds to those who seek Him wholeheartedly. Let us look at Nehemiah. He heard about Jerusalem’s broken walls. He wept, fasted, and prayed. But then… he acted. He went to the king, made a plan, and rebuilt the city walls. His prayer was not just lip service – it moved him to action. Now, let us flip the perspective. What if… you are the answer to someone’s prayer? James 2:15-16 says, ‘If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,    and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?’ And in Galatians 6:2, Paul writes – ‘Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.’ That is the heart of God. He often answers prayer through His people. Think about Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. The eunuch was reading the Scriptures but did not understand it. God sent Philip to explain it and that man was baptised that day. Let us look at a couple more examples:In Exodus 3:7-10, God heard the prayers of the Israelites and His answer was to send someone willing to act to deliver them. God sent Moses. In Acts 9:10-18, Saul, blinded and praying, was met by Ananias, a believer but not an apostle. Yet God told him, “Go.” And through his obedience, Saul was healed, baptised, and began his ministry as Paul. Remember that we are all the body of the Church, the hands and feet of God. Let us not miss the moments where we get to be God’s instrument. We are not called to be passive spectators in faith. God calls us to take part in the very answers we seek. And He also calls us to participate in His redemptive work. When someone needs a word of encouragement, God may use your voice. When someone is hungry, He may use your hands to feed. When someone is lost, He may use your feet to go and find them. You may be the very answer someone has been crying out to God for. You are not just attending church - you are the Church. Let us live in such a way that God can use us fully, as His arms and legs, to touch lives and point people to His love. Ask Yourself: How can I better seek God’s answers – not just speak my requests? Who might be praying for something I can help with today? Maybe someone needs encouragement, a listening ear, financial assistance or a prayer.

Introduction The first five books of the Old Testament are called “the Torah” or “the Books of Moses”. They reveal how God chose a nation, redeemed them, sanctified, guided, and instructed them. Overview of Exodus Exodus means a “going out” or a departure. This book begins with the Israelite nation in Egypt and ends at Mount Sinai. It covers only about two years of history and that is the last year before Israel leaves Egypt and the first year of their journey. The theme of Exodus is redemption and shows the nature of God, whereby He is unchangeable and kept His promise to Abraham. It shows God’s choice of Moses and him being developed to be a leader, lawgiver, and liberator. The general outline of Exodus is Deliverance (Chapter 1 to 18), Covenant/Law (Chapter 19 to 24) and Tabernacle (Chapter 25-40). Overview of Leviticus Leviticus means “Law of the Priest” or “Law of the Levite”. This book shows the duties of the Levites and priests and follows very naturally from Exodus. The key word in the book is “holy”, and as such, the main emphasis is the holiness of Israel as a nation that is sanctified for God’s service and glory. Leviticus contains laws to govern the Israelites in their religious and social life. It shows how a sinful person may approach a holy God. We get to know of the three annual feasts that were important to the people of Israel, which were the Passover of Feast of the Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles. The Passover Feast was to remind the people of how the angel of the Lord passed over their houses and spared their firstborn, then brought them safely across the Red Sea on dry ground. The Feast of Weeks was to take place fifty days after the Passover and was to remember the less fortunate (Leviticus 23:22). It was also known as Feast of the Firstfruits, Feast of Harvest, and in the New Testament, the Pentecost. The Feast of Tabernacles was also called the Feast of Ingathering and was to remind the Israelites of their wandering in the wilderness. The five different types of burnt offerings were introduced. They were the burnt offering (purpose was dedication to God), meal offering (purpose was to show gratitude to God), peace offering (purpose was communion with God), sin offering (purpose was atonement for sin in general) and the trespass offering (purpose was atonement for specific acts of wrongdoing). Both Leviticus and Exodus also provide types and antitypes. For example, Moses was a type of Christ and the tabernacle was a type of the Church. Overview of Numbers The Book of Numbers shows two separate censuses or numberings of the Israelite men. There were a total of 603,550 Israelites in the first numbering (with the tribe of Levi not being numbered) and 601,730 in the second numbering. This book records Israel’s unfaithfulness in the wilderness between Mount Sinai and Canaan and shows their growth as worshippers and warriors. We will read of several murmurings or complaints of the people of Israel, including a rebellion. Numbers begins with the Israelites at Mount Sinai and ends with them at the east of Jordan River after wandering for forty years. Overview of Deuteronomy Deuteronomy means “second law”. At this point in time, the older generation of Israelites had died and it was a new generation who was ready to enter the promised land. The book of Deuteronomy shows a repeating of God’s law by Moses to Israel before they entered Canaan. It is an appeal for obedience to God. The book ends with the death of Moses. Lessons Learnt First, there is a necessity to heed the commandments of God. The instructions on how to worship Him, what is to be done to keep one clean, the construction of the tabernacle, and many more are so precise and detailed. God is particular about us following His instructions closely. Based on this fact that we are aware of, we should be mindful of how we hear and read God’s instructions. Only when we hear and read well will we do the correct thing that pleases God. In addition, as much as details are important to God, it must also be important to us. The law was given by God to protect His people and keep them sanctified for His purpose. This comes as a result of God’s great love for His people. Even in the Christian dispensation, God also loves us. He loves all man and is impartial. Although we do not live under the Old Law, we are now under the law of Christ where God’s love caused Him to give us His Law. As a result, our love for God should cause us to keep His Law. God also does not approve of murmurings and disobedience. He showed His grace and mercy by taking care of the people of Israel, even though they continued murmuring and complaining. It is important to note from Numbers 16 that we need to submit to those who have rule over us and that will be the elders. They have been ordained by God and thus rejecting and not cooperating with them will mean rejecting God. God knows and understands us. There were feasts which were instituted and all these were done to help man remember what He has done for them. God knows that we, being mortal beings, will be forgetful. For Christians today, we do not have the Passover, but we have the Lord’s Supper in which we partake of the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine on the first day of the week weekly to remember Christ’s death on the cross. We also need to do so continually until He comes again. When I partake of the Lord’s Supper, I remember the cross and remind myself of God’s great love for mankind. It is also necessary for us to have continued trust and faith in the Lord, knowing that He keeps to His promises. God made three promises to Abraham in Genesis 12 and we see how God kept His promises and took great care of His people throughout Exodus to Deuteronomy. This could be seen in how the people were led across the Red Sea on dry ground, given the Law to guide them and also God’s provision of manna in the wilderness. We also need to be contented people. The Israelites had nothing but manna everyday throughout the forty years that they were wandering in the wilderness. Imagine just feeding on manna and not having anything else to eat for such a long period of time. As such, we need to be content with our provisions, knowing that godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6). Conclusion The overview of Exodus to Deuteronomy has enabled us to see several attributes of God. We see His great love, power, mercy and also compassion in taking care of His chosen people. Even though God is full of compassion, that does not mean that He will not punish. In fact, God punishes because He is holy and He loves us. As we continue to live out our Christian life on earth, let us always remember that the Old Testament scriptures are not without use but are there for our learning. We can get much needed advice, comfort and encouragement. Ask Yourself: Is the Old Testament important? How do we know that God is loving from these 4 books? What will I do to show my love for God as He loves me? Suggested Answers: It is written for our learning that we may have comfort and hope (Romans 15:4). God redeemed His people from bondage by taking them out of Egypt, giving them a leader in Moses to lead them, gave them laws to follow so that they could be protected, guided them in their worship of Him through a priesthood, and promised a land flowing with milk and honey. You may discuss this with any Bible class teacher. Sources : Campell, Roger, D., A General Overview of the Bible , 2007. Simmons, H.D., “Leviticus – An Introduction” in Studies in Leviticus , Edited by Dub McClish, 2005.

Do you wish you had more time on your hands? Have you ever wondered where your time had gone at the end of a typical day? What if each day has twenty five hours instead? Or if each week is upsized to ten days? Perhaps the greatest illusion with which we deceive ourselves is believing that our time belongs to us. We are free to spend our time in whatever way we like. But God has given us all the same amount of time, twenty four hours per day, seven days per week. Time is a precious gift from our heavenly Father. Since we are called to be stewards of God's gifts to us (Matthew 25:14-30), we must learn how to use or manage our time effectively to glorify God. Let us examine two guiding principles from the Scriptures. Our time on earth is very short. Our lives are like a vapour that appears for a little time and then vanishes away (James 4:14). Additionally, our days are like handbreadths and our ages are nothing before God (Psalm 39:5). We may prolong our lifespans by staying fit and healthy or by adhering to God's statutes and commandments (Deuteronomy 4:40), but there is no sure way to know when we will die. How we use our time on earth will determine how we will spend eternity. As God has appointed a day of judgment for mankind (Hebrews 9:27), we must give an account of what we have done (Romans 14:12). Are we using our time to pursue  physical things like education, career, wealth, or entertainment? Or are we using our time to lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)? I am not saying that physical things or "me time" are not important, but that they should not be our focus in life. Rather, we should prioritise spending time on spiritual things like serving God, studying His Word, participating in Church activities, evangelising to our community, helping the poor, building brethren up, etc. On the flip side, we must also not be lazy (Proverbs 6:6-11), such that we have too much free time. The lazy man desires but has nothing (Proverbs 13:4). The one-talent servant did not use his talent to gain more talents like his fellow servants did (Matthew 25:14-30). Since every hour of our time is an opportunity, let us put our time into good use for our Lord. In whatever we do, we are called to do it heartily as to the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Plan Your Time! The key to managing our time well is to plan our time beforehand. As the common saying goes: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Let us consider the following questions: What tasks must I complete or complete a portion of today? Between what times of the day and how much time should I spend on each task? Are these tasks considered physical or spiritual? Similar to school bells, you can use an alarm if you find it difficult to stick to your plan or timetable. Plan by hours if half-hours or fifteen minutes may be too short. Prioritise fixed timings every day to spend an hour (or more) reading and studying the Bible, praying, or on any other spiritual task. Conclusion Our time does not belong to us but to God. We must strike a balance between spending our given time on physical and spiritual tasks, but priority must be given to spiritual tasks. By planning each day and its corresponding tasks, we can strive to use our time effectively to glorify God. Let us walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16). Ask Yourself: Why should we pursue spiritual things rather than physical? what other methods can we use to plan our time besides using a timetable? Suggested Answers: We pursue after spiritual things so that we can lay up treasures in heaven. You may discuss this with any mature brethren.

Disappointment is part and parcel of life, and at some point, we all experience it. During times of disappointment, we can either find ourselves drawing closer to God or pushing Him away. We may forget the many blessings He has given us, begin to doubt Him, question His plans, and, sadly, even turn away from Him. Also, disappointment is not limited to people today; even great men and women in the Bible faced it. Figures like Job, David, Elijah, Simon Peter, Sarah, Ruth, and Elizabeth all experienced disappointment. No one is exempt from it, but what truly matters is how we respond to it, whether it brings us nearer to God or drives us further away, James 1:2–4. Throughout my life, I have had my fair share of disappointments. One of the earliest and most memorable was the disappointment I faced during my school placement. I had hoped to attend a particular secondary school, but was placed in another one instead.  At that time, I was disheartened. Why had things not gone the way I planned? However, looking back, I see how God used that experience for good. I now realise that if I had not gone to that school, I would not have met the wonderful people I now call my friends, nor would I have encountered those who helped me come to know the true God, hear the gospel, and follow Christ. As humans, we often see only what we desire and are limited by our inability to predict the future. We focus on what we want, but sometimes, what we long for is not what is best for us. God, in His infinite wisdom, understands this. So, when our prayers are met with a "no" or we experience disappointment, it may actually be His way of guiding us toward something better, Isaiah 55:8–9; Proverbs 16:9. Over time, I have learnt to appreciate what I once saw as disappointments. I now see them as opportunities God provided to shape me and help me grow spiritually. Not everything I desire is beneficial, especially in the spiritual sense. Some things I once prayed for might have satisfied personal desires but could have led me further away from God or into temptation. Ultimately, trust is essential. Whether God’s response to our prayers is "yes," "no," "wait," or even a replacement, it is always for our spiritual good, Romans 8:28. When we view disappointments through these lenses, we can see them not as setbacks, but as divine providence, guiding us to become better children of God, 2 Corinthians 4:17–18. So brethren, when life’s disappointments come, stand firm in your faith for they may be God’s way of shaping us for eternity, 1 Peter 1:6–9.

The title “In Everything, Give Thanks” is taken from 1 Thessalonians 5:18. In verse 17, Christians are asked to pray without ceasing. Thus, in our prayers, we are also to remember to give thanks for everything. In our daily prayers we make known requests, supplications, our troubles and our difficulties in life to our God. However, have we forgotten to give thanks that we are able to make these requests to God and give thanks for what God may have done for us?  We can never have any reason not to praise God and to give thanks (c.f. Colossians 3:17b). So what should we give thanks for? We should be thankful in every condition - even in adversity as well as prosperity (Philippians 4 :6). We must be thankful to God for both the spiritual and physical blessings. A true attitude of thankfulness is one that appreciates even the small things that others do for us. Without that sense of appreciation and gratitude for small things, we risk being unthankful even for big things. Let's look at some examples. First, as a Christian, we should give thanks to God for Chirst who was a sacrifice by dying on the cross so that mankind can be saved (Colossians 1:13-14). We should be thankful (Colossians 3:15). We should be thankful for God's mercy for God is good and His mercy endureth for ever (1 Chronicles 16:34; Psalm 106:1). Second, we should give thanks for our brethren around us who believe in God (2 Thessalonians 2 :13). As brethren, we are able to help each other through prayers, in teaching each other, caring for each other and encouraging one another in the faith. We should give thanks for we are able to pray and make our requests to God (Philippians 4:6). We have confidence that God will hear our prayers and help us. Next, we can give thanks to God for our daily physical blessings. Have we taken the peace we have in this part of the world for granted? Peace comes from God (cf. John 14:27). Are we ungrateful when our prayers are answered or when we are healed? In Luke 17:12-19, Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one of them came back to thank Him. Are we thankful when we may lose some physical item and someone returns it to us? Are we thankful to God for this great person? In addition, do we give thanks for the daily provisions we have such as food, jobs, studies, safety, etc.? Last, let's be reminded to always be grateful and give thanks to God for everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18) for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. In whatever we do, let us give thanks to God the Father through Jesus (Colossians 3:17). Ask Yourself: What can we give thanks for? What are we to give thanks for? Who should we give thanks to? Suggested Answers: Everything Both spiritual and physical blessings To God

Text: Philippians 4:1-8 Life is a journey of ups and downs, and inevitably, we face difficult times. These trials can rob us of our peace and distract us from focusing on God. However, as children of God, we are not left clueless on how to cope with tribulations. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we find several principles for navigating the storms of life. Stand Firm in the Lord (Philippians 4:1) When trouble surfaces, it is not a time for doubting or wavering. Instead, we are exhorted to stand firm in the Lord and be anchored in the truth (Philippians 4:1; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 16:13; Ephesians 4:14). Therefore, it is imperative that we be well grounded in our faith and doctrine so that when challenges arise, we do not lose sight of the truth and continue to remain faithful (Matthew 7:24-27). Remember to “Buy the truth, and do not sell it” (Proverbs 23:23). Rejoice (Philippians 4:4) It is interesting to note that Paul was writing to the Philippians while in prison. Yet, he could urge his brethren to rejoice in all circumstances (Philippians 4:4)!  Unlike happiness, joy does not depend on the external circumstances we are in but by our relationship with God. The key to rejoicing is found in Christ, where we can find peace, joy and strength to endure challenges (Ephesians 1:3; Romans 5:1-4). Thus, we rejoice even in tribulations, knowing that they test the genuineness of our faith and produce perseverance that strengthen our hope of ultimate glory (1 Peter 1:6-7; James 1:2-3; Romans 5:3-4). Show Gentleness (Philippians 4:5) In times of trial, how we treat others matters. Paul reminds us to let our gentleness be seen by everyone (Philippians 4:5). Our behaviour and speech should reflect the love and grace of God (Colossians 4:6; Matthew 5:16).  Even in the midst of our challenges, we are expected to exhibit mildness and tolerance when dealing with others. We must remember that God is always aware of our every action and attitude, and we are accountable to Him (Hebrews 4:13). Pray (Philippians 4:6) The antidote to anxiety is prayer. Paul encourages us not to worry, but to bring all of our concerns to God (Philippians 4:6). We need not go through our afflictions alone for we can rely on prayer to entrust our cares into the hands of God who is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). Through prayer, we can find peace and strength to overcome our adversity (1 Peter 5:7; Hebrews 4:16). Let us trust in God that His eyes are on the righteous, and His ears are open to our prayers (Psalm 34:15; 1 Peter 3:12). Guard Your Thoughts (Philippians 4:8) Our thoughts shape our actions (Proverbs 23:7; Matthew 15:18-20), and so we must guard our hearts carefully (Proverbs 4:23).  In times of difficulty, Paul exhorted us to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8). A mind filled with such virtues leaves little room for negative thoughts and temptations (Luke 6:45). When facing the storms of life, let us remember not to just think righteously, but also act according to God’s word (James 1:22-25). We must “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Summary Though we cannot escape life’s challenges, we can be faithful through them. When tribulations hit us, let these five principles be our guide: Stand firm in the Lord, rejoice, show gentleness, pray, and guard our thoughts. Let us remain faithful, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.  Ask Yourself: 1. What are the five principles for strength in tribulation? 2. Why is it always important to guard our hearts? 3. How can you stand firm in the Lord? Suggested Answers: Stand firm in the Lord, rejoice, show gentleness, pray, and guard our thoughts. Because how we think determines how we feel and act. Meditate on Jesus’ warning in Luke 6:45 and Matthew 15:18-20. By hearing the words of Jesus and do them (Matthew 7:24-27; Romans 10:17; James 1:22-25).