More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb (Psalm 19:10).
It was a beautiful September morning in 2017 as I was preparing for another day in my role as Dean at the Bible College of Wales. The students were preparing for the morning chapel when I suddenly heard a song being rehearsed for chapel that immediately moved me to tears. It was a song that greatly impacted me and one I had not heard sung since the early 1980’s. Why was I moved with such great emotion?
It was my 60th birthday and I saw this song as being a precious gift from God. It was a reminder of the many blessings that have been experienced over the past 60 years. More importantly, it was a reminder of God’s great love as I reflected on my early years as a newborn believer in Christ.
Later in the day another surprise awaited me. I had planned to take our guest lecturer to dinner but was interrupted by my wife as she ushered me to the back yard of our residence. The staff and faculty who were gathered around a barbecue grill began singing Happy Birthday to me. The grill was a gift as was the wonderful food and fellowship that followed. I love grilling food. That barbecue grill was used every weekend during our stay at the BCW campus.
This week Singapore as a nation will be celebrating its 60th birthday. As foreigners, my wife and I have a strong love for this nation. It has given us so much and we count it a privilege in being able to celebrate alongside our Singaporean friends. In reflecting upon my 60th birthday I cannot help but see some interesting parallels.
What gift would you like to see God bestow upon Singapore in this season? That special song I heard was not anticipated or planned but I could not think of a more precious gift. It was God affirming so many things in my life. It also rekindled afresh my 1st love fervour for Him.
As a nation is it possible that we have taken the blessings of God for granted? It would be appropriate to take time and reflect upon what this nation was like prior to its independence. Give thanks and seek to rekindle that 1st love appreciation for all God has done for Singapore (Rev 2:5). Perhaps the Lord will surprise you in a special way through a song, a verse or some experience that will reinforce your faith, fervency, and love for God. I cannot emphasize enough how meaningful that song was to me.
What desires and prayers do you have for yourself, your family, and church? The following verse is one that comes to mind.
Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).
On my 60th birthday I was not asking for a barbecue grill, but it was something my wife knew I would enjoy. The gift of the food and fellowship that cool September evening will not be forgotten. The desires upon the heart of people today go far beyond barbecue grills. There are broken homes, broken dreams, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness in the lives of many Singaporeans, even among believers. Throughout Scripture, especially in the Book of Revelation the following expression is often seen.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches…” (Rev 2:7).
God is seeking to get our attention. It is time to seek His face and come before Him in repentance, for ourselves, our family, and our nation. Many of the churches throughout Singapore have committed themselves to prayer and fasting in the lead-up to National Day. The following verse is a familiar one, but it comes to mind as we prepare for the 60th Birthday celebration for Singapore.
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).
God is always on the lookout for those who seek after Him with all their heart (2 Chron 16:7). As we seek to align and pray through the desires upon God’s heart, we soon find Him fulfilling the desires that exist in our own heart.
Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place (2 Chronicles 7:15).
That’s exactly what happened to me on my 60th birthday. I feel this is what the people of Singapore can experience in a much greater way on its 60th birthday.
By the way, what was that song that God gifted me with on my 60th birthday? It is taken from Psalm 19:7-10.
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Here is a link to the song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-ykfw3-i7s
DAILY MEDITATIONS:
Monday: 2 Chronicles 16:7
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”
Tuesday: Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
Wednesday: Jeremiah 33:3
‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’
Thursday: Job 8:7
Though your beginning was small, Yet your latter end would increase abundantly.
Friday: Acts 15:35
Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Saturday: Psalm 116:2
Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.
Sunday: Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
All scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV).
By Pastor Timothy O’Connell
