A Place I Call Home

Hello All,

Do you dream of a sky with no more rain, a world with no more pain, and a life with no more stain?

This is another song I’ve written so you could listen to it here.

A Place I Call Home

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling

Do you dream? Do you dream?

Of a sky with no more rain

With no more rain

Do you dream? Do you dream?

Of a day when clouds are not grey

When flowers don't wither

And streams always flow

Do you dream? Do you dream?

Of a world with no more pain

With no more pain

Do you dream? Do you dream?

Of a day when wrongs are made right

When justice trumps evil

And love conquers hate

Do you dream? Do you dream?

Of a life with no more stain

With no more stain

Do you dream? Do you dream?

Of a day when wounds are made whole

When pure joy trumps sorrows

And grace conquers fear

Do you dream? Do you dream?

Of a land with no more pain

With no more pain

Do you dream? Do you dream?

Of a day when scars are no more

When mercy brings healing

And life conquers death

There is a place I call home

In a land far, far away

There is a place I call home

I'm not there yet

I'm on my way

There is a place I call home

God will bring me there one day

Our present pain cannot compare

With the glory of our future hope

Our tears Christ dries, He knows our pain

He will bring us to our future home

Do you know? Do you know?

Of a place, you can call home

You can call home...

Points for Reflection:

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

(Romans 8:18 ESV)

·       For those of us who trust in Christ, we can look forward to such a place that we can call home. It’s a place of perfect rest and perfect relationship with God and one another. Conflict, grievances, and traumas of the past have no place in such a heavenly home.

·       In the meantime, we are not left to trudge through the daunting paths on our own. God’s Spirit dwells in us and strengthens us at the most unexpected moments.

·       God has also given us fellow Christians to remind us of God’s love and faithfulness and to share our heavy load.

·       For now, we are pilgrims on a seemingly neverending, tiring, and painful road. But we know that this life is not all there is. A glorious future awaits us.

The Bottle and the Sand

Hello All,

I’ve recently started putting tunes into words. This is one of the first songs I’ve written and if you are interested, you could listen to it here.

‘Broken’ and ‘shattered’ are common words used to describe events and relationships that have gone wrong.

Living in a world suffering from the effects of humanity’s rejection of a loving God, we are often relieved during the rare times when things do turn out right. In a world where everything has gone wrong, we find it hard to recognise what’s right.

The Bottle and the Sand

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling

Broken

It's now all broken

Shattered

It's now all shattered

It's now in pieces

The bottle and the sand

Broken

This heart is broken

Shattered

This heart is shattered

Its unspoken shame

Secrets and disgrace

Broken

This life is broken

Shattered

This life is shattered

It's used and wasted

The bottle and the sand

Yet I see God's loving hands

Working in this vessel

His loving hands are holding

The bottle and the sand

I see the nail-pierced hands

I see the hands of grief

I see the curse He bore

For you and me

I see the hands of love

I see the hands of hope

I see life He's won

For you and me

Jesus

You make the broken whole

Though pain is all I see

The bottle and the sand

Points for Reflection:

[4] He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

[5] And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also, he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’

(Revelation 21:4-5 ESV)

·       Are you disheartened at life’s brokenness? Are you suffering from the pain of broken dreams and relationships?

·       The brokenness in life finds its comfort in the nail-scarred hands of Jesus Christ. He chose to enter a world of brokenness to bring hope and life to all who trust in Him.

·       Have you found comfort in the loving, suffering Saviour who now sits enthroned in the heavens?

·       Come to him with your brokenness and find comfort in His embrace.

I Can’t Pray Now

Hello All,

Are there times in your life when you cannot find the words to express your feelings?

Are you at a loss for words?

I Can’t Pray Now

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling

I can't pray now, but I can cry

I can't pray now, but I can weep

Tears trickle from a cloudless sky

Tears water wounds that run too deep

I can't pray now, but I can sob

I can't pray now, but I can wail

Tears trickle, then gush like a mob

Tears utter deep groans when words fail

I can't pray now, but I can rest

I can rest now in God's strong arms

Tears run dry in these endless tests

But Jesus will shield me from harm

Points for Reflection:

Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

(Romans 8:26-27 ESV)

·       When we can’t find the words to pray, God’s Spirit intercedes on our behalf.

·       That does not give us the excuse not to pray, but it brings comfort to know that God still hears our wordless cries.

·       When the hole you are in is too deep, or the waters too high, do not be afraid to cry out to God. He sees our tears and comforts us.

·       ‘Groanings which cannot be uttered are often prayers which cannot be refused.’ – Charles Spurgeon

The Dark of the Night

Hello All,

Does your cry for help seem to go unanswered? Do you see no light in the darkness of your night?

There are distressing thoughts that keep us awake at night. We lie awake in our beds wondering if they will ever go away.

The Dark of the Night

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling

I lie awake in the dark of the night

I'm so afraid; my heart is filled with fear

My heart is racing with all of its might

Abba Father, please let me know You're here

My world is now a dark, unfeeling pit

I'm lost and trapped; I can't find my way out

So in this dark, unfeeling pit I sit

I cry out for help in a desperate shout

My loud, desperate cry echoes from the walls

I cannot see the light, God, please help me

Listen to me; answer my earnest call

To my murky waters, bring clarity

Points for Reflection:

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

(Psalms 42:11 ESV)

·       Have you ever tried talking to yourself? Have you tried motivating yourself about your ability to face a challenge (i.e. ‘You can do it!’)?

·       Like the psalmist, have you tried asking yourself, ‘Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?’ What would your reply be?

·       There are many hurdles and heartaches that can throw us off balance and we cannot seem to get up. We are too wounded to continue fighting the battles of this tumultuous life. Our souls are downcast and in turmoil.

·       Yet the psalmist does not end with that question but reminds himself of the hope he has in God, his salvation.

·       Jesus faced the darkness of God’s judgment as He hung on the cross in agony. He bore the pain that we deserved for our sins. Instead of darkness, we have received the Light of our salvation.

·       God may or may not save us from our trials. But He will walk with us in the darkest of nights.

Chasm of Fear

Hello All,

The dark chasm of fear runs deep. It traps and threatens to consume us. We are helpless and lack the control we think we need to feel secured.

Uncertainties abound in the unknown. We try our best to secure our future, which is a wise thing to do. However, those measures of security are never enough. It is impossible to cover the loopholes of fears and uncertainties with our meager resources.

What are your fears and uncertainties? Do you feel paralysed by them? Do they threaten to consume you?

Chasm of Fear

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling

Dear God, help me in this chasm of fear

It's so dark and shadows lurk around me

The waters are so murky and unclear

The path before me, I just cannot see

Dear God, help me in this chasm of fear

I don't want to linger here anymore

It's painful, your refining fire sears

Me, an earthen vessel; I'm weak and sore

Dear God, help me in this chasm of fear

Shed light and illuminate this dark pit

I'm frightened, Lord, I cannot feel You near

So in this dark, unfeeling pit, I sit

Points for Reflection:

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

(Psalms 121:1-2 ESV)

·       Where are you looking to for help? Are you looking to God, the Maker of the universe? He is all-knowing and we can commit our fears and uncertainties to Him. We may not get an answer to the fears that are besetting us, but we can find comfort in His love and grace.

·       The fears of this life are only temporary. But the fear of what happens after death is for eternity.

·       The Good News is that Jesus Christ has dealt with that fear and has saved us from the chasm of eternal death and torment. He died in our place and took on God’s judgment upon Himself to save us. Instead of death and judgment, those who trust in Him have received life and hope. Have you put your trust in Jesus Christ?

·       Jesus is the Light that illuminates the darkness of our sinful soul and the chasm of our fears. Come to the Light and abide in Him.

Who is Jesus Christ?

Hello All,

Some say He was a wise teacher. Some perceive Him as an all-knowing prophet. Others view Him as a powerful miracle-worker.

Who is Jesus Christ to you?

Who is Jesus Christ?

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling

Christ was born not in a palace of gold

He was born in the town of Bethlehem

He was born there, in a stable so cold

In a manger laid the pure, perfect Lamb

Christ was clothed not in fine vestments of gold

He was clothed in thin wraps of poverty

He was clothed thus, in a stable so cold

In a manger laid the frail, weak Baby

Christ was crowned not in the splendour of gold

He was crowned in the shame of mocking thorns

He was crowned so, in Calvary, we're told

On a cruel cross hung the pure, perfect Lamb

Christ was scorned by mocking sinners, we’re told

He was scorned by people He’d come to save

He was scorned so, nailed to the cross of old

On the cruel cross, He died for the depraved

Christ was placed in a tomb so dark and cold

But He rose from the grave and conquered death

He gives us life; more precious than gold

In this Saviour, we find life-giving breath

Do you trust in Jesus’ death to save you?

Have you found life in His resurrection?

What’s keeping you from trusting what’s true?

In the Gospel are truth and salvation

Points for Reflection:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

(John 3:16 ESV)

·       Jesus was indeed a teacher, a prophet and a miracle-worker. But He is so much more than that.

·       He is God, the Creator of the universe, who chose to save us by becoming one of us. He took on mortality so that He could take the punishment we deserve and die in our place.

·       He is the Creator of the world and the Saviour of mankind.

·       Who is Jesus Christ to you?

·       Do you trust in Jesus’ death to save you? Have you found life in His resurrection? What’s keeping you from trusting what’s true? In the Gospel are truth and salvation.

A Warm Cabin of Love

Hello All,

Life can be cruel. We feel like giving up in the chest-deep snow of pressure, stress, disappointment, betrayal, and hurt. There are times when we feel so lost in the snow and we lose the will to trudge through the snowstorm of adversities.

Sometimes the pain of trauma and loss become so big in our eyes that we lose sight of the little warm cabin of love in the distance. The fireplace of care keeps our cold, blistered hands warm and safe.

 

A Warm Cabin of Love

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling

In the cold and blistering winter wind

In the bitter deluge of chest-deep snow

When strength is diminished and courage thinned

A warm cabin, like a fireplace, glows

I see the warm cabin from a distance

With God’s strength, I trudge through the chest-deep snow

After hours of tears and persistence

I reached the lovely, warm cabin that glows

I step into the warm cabin of love

A warm fireplace in the corner glows

I hear laughter that warms me like a glove

God shows His love through the people we know

‘Where have you been? We’ve been looking for you!’

The care of my loved ones warms my cold hands

I see God’s love in theirs; now that is true

God’s love binds us like a strong rubber band

Our love is a reflection of God’s love

His love was shown through Christ’s death on the cross

He came down to earth from heaven above

Life and hope we’ve gained through His death and loss

I see God’s love in a prayer of a friend

I see His love in a loved one who’s there

They reflect divine love that knows no end

I’m in a warm cabin of love and care

Points for Reflection:

We love because God first loved us.

(1 John 4:19 ESV)

·       God brings people into our lives to help us through the hard times and to bring joy in the bitter cold. The care shown by our loved ones is but a reflection of God’s perfect love. Their love is not perfect, but God’s love is.

·       Perfect, divine love was demonstrated on the Tree where Jesus Christ died for you and me. His bloodied, nail-pierced hands warm our cold, blistered hands. His death brought us life and the Father’s rejection of Him, as He hung on the cross, brought the Father’s acceptance of unworthy sinners like us.

·       There is no greater hero than our Lord Jesus, Christ - the Saviour of the world.

·       This Christmas, as we celebrate the joy of glowing lights and sparkling tinsels, let us remember our Saviour who came down from heaven to earth, born in a humble and filthy manger so that He could save us through His death and resurrection.

·       This Christmas, let us see God’s love through a prayer of a friend and a loved one who’s there. They reflect divine love that knows no end. Let us rest in a warm cabin of love and care.

Lost in the Snow

Hello All,

How do we calm the storm within our hearts? How do we soothe the turmoil of our souls? How do we find rest in restlessness?

There are times in our lives when we feel so lost. We do not have the strength to trudge through the chest-deep snow. We are so lost in the deluge of snow around us.

Lost in the Snow

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling

The winter wind cuts through my bones

I pull my coat tighter 'round me

Snow pelts hard against me like stones

I'm lost in the snow around me

The winter wind howls wretchedly

Oh, how do I endure this storm?

Oh, I need someone to save me!

I'm lost in the snow of this storm

The winter wind pierces my heart

I scream in pain and clutch my chest

Snow hit hard against me like darts

I'm lost in the snow of unrest

Am I all alone in this storm?

Is there no one to rescue me?

But hope is starting to take form

I'm lost in the snow of mercy

Why should I fear the howling wind?

My Saviour tells them to be still

I know I'm wretched; I have sinned!

But my heart, with mercy, He fills

My Saviour's blood washes my sin

Until they are as white as snow

Through Christ, I'm glorious from within

His mercy like a river flows

The winter wind still cuts me deep

But Christ is my Shelter and Shield

Though darkness, around my head, creeps

In His hands, my faint heart, I yield

Points for Reflection:

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

(Psalms 42:11 ESV)

·       In the never-ending trials of life, it is natural to lose sight of the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

·       When the wind of despair is howling so deafeningly in our ears, we lose sight of the solid and eternal hope we have in our Saviour.

·       God may or may not remove the deluge of snow in our path. But He gives us the strength to trudge through it.

·       Turn your eyes from the snow and storm to the Saviour who loves you dearly.

·       The winter wind still cuts me deep, but Christ is my Shelter and Shield. Though darkness, around my head, creeps; in His hands, my faint heart, I yield.

The Fragrance of Winter

Hello All,

Can you sense fragrance in the stench of despair? Can you see the good in the bad? Can you see God’s love behind the atrocities of life?

There are many sorrows and tragedies that we may not be able to come to terms with. It’s all too natural to question God’s goodness in the pit of suffering and pain.

We may not have any answers to the brokenness of this life. But God has the answers, though He may not reveal them to us in this life. His ways are higher than ours and He can see what we can’t.

The Fragrance of Winter

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling (9 November 2017)

The fragrance of winter is in the air

Elegant snow is falling everywhere

Where does fragrance come from in this season?

The trees are bare; the flowers have fallen

The fragrance of winter is in the air

There’s beauty in the winter of despair

The sweet fragrance comes from the ground below

Do you see blue flowers beneath the snow?

The fragrance of winter is in the air

God gives hope in the winter of despair

Can you smell the lovely fragrance of myrrh?

It issues from the tomb before Easter

The fragrance of winter is in the air

God’s grace lifts us from the tomb of despair

The fragrance of the Cross is shared with all

Who believe in Jesus after the Fall

The fragrance of winter is in the air

Spring comes after the winter of despair

There will be a day when all is made new

When stale rivers become fresh morning dew

Points for Reflection:

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

(Revelation 21:4 ESV)

·       Despite our questions and maybe even anger at the unfairness of life, we can draw comfort from God’s sacrificial love shown through the death of Jesus Christ.

·       We may not understand the purpose behind our pain, but we have a God who has gone through excruciating pain to save us from the hell of eternal torment. He knows your pain. He knows my pain. He knows our pain.

·       The suffering that we may be facing now is truly hard to endure but it will not last forever. For those who trust in Jesus Christ, we can look forward to the day when we see God in heaven.

·       Heaven is a joyful place with no tears. It is a place where broken relationships will be made whole. It is a place where we can enjoy being with God and His people forever. Do you long for that day? I know I do.

·       The fragrance of winter is in the air. Spring comes after the winter of despair. There will be a day when all is made new; when stale rivers become fresh morning dew.