As we continue our study of the book of 1 Samuel, we cannot help but notice the stark contrast between Saul and his son Jonathan.  Saul was insecure and constantly worried about what other people thought of him; Jonathan, by contrast, was secure and unconcerned with the opinions of others. ...

This entire week I was home, sick with the flu! All that I planned to do, including attending our Wednesday Bible Study, I had to cancel.  Men propose; God disposes! We must make plans, but we must not hold on to the plans; instead, as James (4:15), the brother of Our Lord teaches us, we [&hell...

Five years ago, around this time of the year, I was scheduled for prostate removal surgery. It was finally postponed to the beginning of 2022 because doctors found blockages in my arteries which required immediate treatment. Today we are celebrating the 46th anniversary of our church; five years hav...

We are familiar with the notion that Jesus was also tempted like we were tempted; the difference is that He did not sin, while we did, as plainly stated in Hebrews 4:15, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has […]...

One of the most unpopular ministries is the ministry of listening; far more popular is the ministry of speaking, isn’t it?  We don’t usually get praised for listening, do we?  We get recognition for speaking.  One day Henri Nouwen drove through Los Angeles and saw so many billboar...

One of the men that God has used mightily is John Wesley, who along with his brother, Charles, started a movement that became the Methodist Church.  While John was known to be a prolific preacher, Charles was known to be a prolific hymn writer.  Some of his hymns have become the church’s...

A long time ago, when I was still actively involved in giving family seminars, from time to time I got questions from participants about the role of wife and mother, whether wife and mother should be full-time homemakers.  You can perhaps guess that it’s the women who asked this question, and...

In their book, They Call Me Pastor, seasoned pastors, H. B. London, Jr and Neil B. Wiseman share their observation that at some points, every church ministry experiences “obstacles.”  Be that as it may, “Turning obstacles into opportunities, with God’s help, is something Christians do w...

Last Monday, Our Lord Jesus came and took Pei Pei home. She was the niece of our sisters Jenny, Enge, and Citra; so, she was one of Tante Lydia’s grandchildren.  Most of you did not know her because she did not come to church regularly.  From the very first time I met her, she was [&hell...

If God’s willing, we will have our Thanksgiving Retreat again.  The topic that I have prayerfully prepared is “I am but a pilgrim,” taken from Psalm 119:19. The messages will center on preparation for the day of our departure.  We’re pilgrims, we’re walking home; so, let’s be p...