The Invisible Epidemic (rewrite)

Featured / Kay Loke / Leave a comment

01/10/2020

updated from 31/05 and 14/06/2020

I was stunned to what says WHO (World Health Organization) dated May 21, 2020, that the number of the confirmed COVID-19 case reached Five-million, worldwide. Later, from theGardain, UK (www.thegardain) that ‘the COVID-19 is affecting almost everything that’s happening on the planet at the moment.’ The statement inspirited me to post a write-up on 31/05/2020. However, I put it back to the draft, a few days later. I know that God didn’t send down the COVID, but did it make it a criterion for a miracle that mirrors the same process of how Jesus miraculously feeding the 5000 with the microscopic means ( 2-fishes and 5-loaf-of bread) with COVID pandemic? It is difficult for people to understand God’s will and God’s way, if they don’t have the faith.

Let us go back and take a good look from the beinning. The World Health Organization told us that  COVID-19 is a family of virus. Now, woefully, months later, people around the world are still asking the same questions like how long the virus can survive on the open? How does the contagion work? Would warm temperature help ward off the virus? All countries still face the same challenge from day one. Such as ‘The Testing of the COVID-19,’ the scared supplies of Test Kits (www.cdc.gov). All the public health systems are too crushing to cope with demands. Ether people died before they reach the hospital, or died in the presence of their loved ones at home, or died alone at nursing homes. www.oecd.org. 

We saw horrific and graphic news coverages in the first quarter of 2020. Many cities such as New York or cities in Italy all toils with the death tolls of COVID-19 because all funeral homes and churches overflow. Clinically, some symptoms are treatable, but no specific treatment approved for it yet. Finally, it says that Coronavirus has different species so that the safe and affordable vaccine would need times to test and validation. Most of all the affected countries have implemented the recommended preventive measures such as mask-ups, social distance, washing hands, quarantines, and travel restrictions, yet, the spread of Coronavirus and the spike of the death toll without ceasing. Considering the pandemic that no Test is available for all, no drugs to cure-all, the vaccines are still in the embryonic stage, is that our immune system what are left for us to fight for this virus?

It says that the old life-style died hard. Long before people become more aware of the importance of exercises and balanced/nutritious meals, we heard the eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt tests positive for COVID-19 after partying in Jamaica. And Bolt is not the only Olympic gold medalist tests positive. Many young people have gone into the same path. By God’s mercy that not all who test positive would end it up in ICU beds, and not all of infected resulted in death. It is why many countries have toyed with the decision to lift the social distancing, travel restrictions and other recommended preventative measures either for social or economic reasons. The most significant global challenge is how to have a safe return to school for children.

At first, I saw a broken window, and the word ‘ONE’ like a repeatedly audible voice to me. I meditated on what it meant if that’s “Oneness ?’ Or ‘is it One Step at the time?’ At that point, the copy of the Bible come to the mind that puzzled me a great deal. Next day, I couldn’t believe with my own eyes to see the reruns of the world news covered ‘President Trump stands in front of Church holding his Bible after threatening military action against protesters.’ I assumed that holding up the copy of the Bible must have been President Trump’s conviction in the given situation that he has faced. It’s the validation of my vision. The Bible is God’s Word, God’s Word is intangible because of what it signifies. The Word is tangible, because it become flesh, and that’s alive and active. 

I ponder deeply on that is it for me to dive deep into the Word again? Or for others to take it on? God is forever faithful. With no coincidence, and by chance, I have been in my third week of Bible studies on the book of Genesis, under the structure of www.bsf.com, International Bible Study Fellowship. In the third chapter of the book is about ‘The Serpent’s Deception” that attributes to our sinfulness nature and in the fourth chapter says how human race has suffered fatal consequences. The studies have affirmed my assumption that the spirit of Fear and the Sinfulness of human that spring from the Coronavirus is the invisible pandemic, which is probably more lethal and destructive than the spread of the Coronavirus.

The danger of the widespread misinformation, which was a great deal of truth merged with an element of untruth. There was also in those fabrications that gave the power to deceive. People would share it and send it without reservation. Eventually, it would be like the contagious pandemic. A special report from the BBC Trending might give us a perspective. The title reads “Coronavirus: The seven types of people who start and spread viral misinformation” – (https://www.bbc.com) 4 May 2020, by Marianna Spring. Take, for example, that racial injustice/racial discrimination has unmasked in every aspect of American life for many decades. During COVID-19 pandemic, with ‘Floyd’s killing,’ the ‘open window effect‘ has triggered the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement to protest against all racially motivated police brutality.

It has made the general public sentiment of ‘white supremacist,’ ‘anti-immigrant and ‘ hate crimes‘ escalated. In Asia, the Anti-government riot had shaken Hong Kong for months since June 2019. The rioters smashed a few of the central subway stations, occupied the airport. It were showing no signs of dying down, but, by the grace of COVID, the level of the violence scale down a bit, but didn’t die down. It presents threats that the protests would carry into the year 2020 and beyond. In Thailand, we saw young people openly and boldly vent their grievances on the street of Bangkok to protest against the leader of their country. for months. What went wrong with the world that we live at now? Immediately, the following scripture come to me“ The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 NIV)

Fear is a kind of emotional disorder that is never from God (2 timothy 1:7).  However, after Adam sinned against God, the fear of death cleves the entire world. The fear due to the impact of the COVID-19 would be too long to list. And let us profile how emotional the spirit of Fear factor into the financial and business world. As the case search upsurge, a sense of panic attacked the Wall Street 2020 stock market crash on 09/03/2020, the Black Monday. With the OIL Price saga (http://Opec.org), and the anticipation of wars consumed people. In this present darkness of the pandemic, people are fearful of this virulent diseases, fearful of death or simply paranoid. We saw the news that people were hoarding and clearing up things on the shelves in supermarkets, especially toilet paper. Why toilet paper, Is hoarding psychology of Fear?

According to the case tracking update via http://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ of 29/09/2020, the total number of the case was 33,872,971, and the total death toll is 1,013,146. With unprecedented speed, it says that there are probably more than hundred COVID Vaccine developers across the world. They are joining in contests with hopes to become the first to bring one to the market to lighten the global crisis. Would the safety issues of the Clinical Trials and Immunisation be able to allow people to Fear Not to inject into their bodies? Even after a vaccine is approved, it confronts other challenges when it comes to production, distribution and pricing that also includes the decision of which populations should get it first. Many vaccines also have to remain in a perpetual stage of regular study due to the complexity of the COVID-19. 

The COVID-19 has affected the world too disruptive for too long. Where do we stand and when the spread of this virus is going to end? People naturally would zero into the development of the Coronavirus, and hoping the Vaccine would be available without being delay. However, as the Coronavirus has evolved, the pervasive of the sinful human nature and the spirit of Fear spreding like any epidemic are not only more destructive, but also an impossible human condition that would be able to find cure within human sufficiences.The entire Bible has introduced God’s Love to His followers. Jesus is Love. His love endures forever, either for the multitude of 5000 or 5 million or the whole world population as Oneness. For God So Loved (John 3:16).

It says that ‘His perfect love drives out Fear (1 John 4:18).’ As we reflected on the process of how Jesus’ miraculous feeding of the 5000, with insignificant means. The multitude took the pain to go and follow Jesus to a remote place with One heart, and in One spirit listened to His teaching intently. They kept distancing with others with no unpleasantness as what Jesus told them to (Luke 9:14). After all, we have had only One planet to be at, we have had only One humankind, and we all have had only One life to live. Now, the Coronavirus is the common enemy of the entire world. We need to believe that HE will miraclously stop the pandemic in His times and in His ways, with or without the Vaccine. However, the Vaccine for the the Invisible Epidemic is His redemptive love, whenever we call upon His powerful Name, and walk with Him.(Genesis chapter 4-7).

Although HE didn’t send down the COVID to test us, globally, the Coronavirus has held us all still for a long time. Is it possible that God wants us ‘to be still and know HE is God? (Psalms 46:10),’ and’ to exalt Him to be the desire of all nations? (Haggai 2:7)?’ Finally, I am moved with tears when I heard the ’50 Countries Affected By COVID-19 Represented in One Song‘ on YouTube singing ‘Amazing Grace‘ in 50 different languages, but sang in ONE Song to glorify His Name. HE is at work. As like how HE prepares, in advance, the fish/bread to feed the 5000, and how HE was invisibly behind Noah to construct the ark (Genesis 6) and HE has been amid the pandemic with us since the first outbreak. I have taken more than four months to keep up with the ramifications of the COVID, and I don’t feel like to have another dose of a rewrite when the second wave of infections outbreak is happening in Europe. 

colossians 1:13 kjv

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

It’s All Of Him

/ Kay Loke / Leave a comment

Content and Encounter

As 2025 draws to a close, I revisited a draft from earlier this year, marking my progress through studying the second half of the Book of Revelation.

I did the entire book study in 2015, when BSF first made the Chinese version of the study available. It was also a completely new experience for me to rely on the Chinese version of the Bible for my study. Many chapters are challenging due to their visions of conflict and apocalyptic themes, and I found them more challenging to read through both versions of the biblical texts.

After the book of John, the 2024-2025 BSF returned to the book of Revelation again. Early this year (2025), I was looking forward to resuming the second half of the book after the holiday break. As the study became more timely due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the situation in Gaza. Together with other global concerns, although I managed to complete my homework and contribute to group discussions in class, week after week, I know that I was distracted.

Encounters Along the Way

In March, our church launched the theme, ‘His Life For Mine’, to celebrate the Resurrection Sunday.  BSF class concluded the study on Revelation 19, dated Thursday, April 17 2025. Little did I know the word ‘Hallelujah’ appears four times in the entire New Testament, and all in this very chapter. I was moved to tears on Sunday, April 2025, when the worship team sang “Hallelujah” for several minutes, leading us in worship. On the same Sunday evening, our local time, Pope Francis delivered his final Easter Message from the Vatican, and was promoted to heaven the next day, according to CNN. His passing resonated deeply, reminiscent of Psalm 116:15, which states, ‘Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His Saints.’ I only found out that 2025 is a Jubilee, a Holy Year, marked by Pilgrimages as is Catholic tradition.

I felt a deep connection to his passing, having seen him twice in person from the legendary balcony at St. Peter’s  Square. The first was in 2013, when my husband and I travelled to Rome for Christmas. We couldn’t believe it – only by my dear God’s grace were we able to find seats in the Square for the midnight Mass.  Pope Francis was newly elected and, for the first time, leading the service earlier than planned due to illness. The next day, we saw him in person on that legendary balcony as the Swiss Guard paraded below. We heard the new Pope’s first Easter Message to the world as Pontiff. On our ride to Rome, the taxi driver said to us, ‘We finally have a people’s Pope.’

Ten years later, in 2023, we promised to visit our friend in Florence after spending Christmas Eve in Rome. It was a freezing night, no Jingle Bells, no Christmas carols, no flashing neon lights – only the solemn toll of church bells and stars shimmering in the deep, dark-blue sky. Perhaps that was the most authentic Christmas spirit I’ve ever experienced. Early the next morning,  we made our way to the Square. This time, we found seats closer to the Balcony. It was heart-wrenching to witness Pope Francis’ frailty, yet moving to feel the palpable presence of God’s sustaining power as it carried him through the blessing. Just before my first tear fell, reminding me of 2 Timothy 2:21, that God always equips those He calls to do the good work. I hadn’t realised how much Pope Francis’ pastoral presence meant in my spiritual life. I walked with a different heart and stirred emotions; I was still searching for the Word. Has anything changed? Or had I?

In August 2024, the BSF kicked off the book of Revelation. In September, the Pope visited Singapore for the first time, leading a Papal Mass for over 50,000 local people and participating in ‘interfaith dialogue’. I saw him on local news and felt that something special was happening. I was emotional, as if his journey were a part of my own life. In 2024, for Christmas, we didn’t travel, and it’s definitely not a coincidence that we watched the movie ‘Conclave ‘, a gripping film about the election of the new Pope.

Anchor in the Word

The 29-week, in-depth, verse-by-verse study concluded in May 2025. There are twenty-two chapters, and a little over 400 passages of scripture according to the King James Version. Homeletically, the content of the Revelation unveils  Jesus Christ, who entrusted John to testify  to what must take place  (Rev. 1:1-2) before HE proclaims His soon return (Rev. 22:20).

One heated discussion in class was on why Jesus’s robe was stained with Blood. Later, the lecture explained that the blood represents the sacrifice on the Cross for Jesus, the Son of  Man, and our redemption. It also symbolises God’s judgment, avenged upon her for the blood of His servants'(Rev. 19:2; 18:24 & 11:7). The footnote referenced Isaiah 63:1-6, which was added for scriptural understanding.

In Doubt or In Debt

I admit that I am constantly weak in spirit and shallow in knowledge of God and His Word. Doubting, I wonder how I can be fit to meet my King on that day. My dear friend Ann sent me a link to an old hymn from 1883 – ‘I Know Whom I Have Believed’ sung in Cantonese with Chinese and English subtitles. I must have listened to it more than ten times, weeping through it, raising a silent Hallelujah.

Then one quiet morning, Romans 1:14 came and stirred my spirit. ‘I am a debtor to the Greeks, and to …both to the wise and the unwise.’  In completing the study of the book of Revelation, I shared Paul’s indebtedness to Jesus, sharing the good news during his time, and I felt a sense of urgency and responsibility to live out my faith and share the love of Jesus with others, for we are in the beginning of the final time frame.

Connectivity vs Communion

/ Kay Loke / Leave a comment

It is hard to comprehend, over a feature story that covered one of China’s Maga Infrastructural projects- The Belt and Road Initiative, in a foreign newspaper I wasn’t subscribed to. And I was totally indifferent to the project’s progress from the beginning. Evidently, the project aimed to boost China’s connectivity to the world, economic growth, and global influence. However, if China’s Ancient Silk Road were first placed on its construction drawing board, or if the most economical/practical approach were to resurrect this ancient corridor, I would envision that the best philosophical reading of the doctrine of Yin/Yang should be the RBI. As a Christian, BRI can testify that my Lord, Jesus, is the “God of Time and Space.“

From draft to draft, it seemed that I couldn’t find a way to share my thoughts. Suddenly, an invitation to join a brief family trip (12-18/December)to China opened. Unfortunately, we couldn’t make rash decisions because of concerns for our health. Finally, we decided to exercise our faith to make travel plans. And three family members are celebrating birthdays in December. In the peak season, in the last minutes, scoring two seats required a miracle. Finally, we had two open seats, but no guarantee we’d sit together until we reached the airport check-in counter, three hours before take-off. We both had peace. As my husband travels in a wheelchair, we were sure that we would be able to win a sympathy vote for a change of seats, but it was God’s faithfulness that prevailed.

We have family members from three countries were planning to go to Shanghai, all of whom are arriving around the same time. Airport transfers and hotel check-ins were smooth as silk. Immediately, I realised we’d taken one piece of luggage that didn’t belong to us. That’s an unpardonable oversight on my account. We didn’t lose our cool, but the excuse was that I couldn’t find the luggage key during a rush pack at home. It left me no choice but to ask the check-in staff to wrap the small suitcases in a giant plastic bag. The wheelchair attendant graciously took our bags while I held the wheelchair. We spent less than 30 minutes making reports. And decided to have dinner first. It was ‘in His time,’ HE made our bag with the hotel Bell captain, before we returned from our dinner.

There are more impossible journeys that follow. The mapped out itineraries were for seven of us travelling by rapid trains, with stops in Hongzhou and Nanjing. In peak season, for local travel to secure seven point-to-point, direct, fast-rapid-train tickets requires another miracle. In the end, we had all the tickets; the trade-off was paying more. My husband and I were first in Hongzhou and Nanjing twenty years ago; there was no fast-train access. The changes in these two cities are beyond recognition now. In 2015, we took an impressive, high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an that felt like a modernised version of the Tokyo bullet train. Ten years later, both the interior and exterior of all trains that we rode on were in mint condition. The services, punctuality, and wheelchair access were impeccable. The waiting lounge offers many thoughtful features and comforts. The arrival meeting areas are as large as some airport arrival halls.

God was gracious enough to give me more than I could dream of: a fast train ride in China as part of the BRI encounters. On the day we left Shanghai, I felt deeply as we bade farewell to my loved ones. Every family reunion became more critical as we grew older. I followed wherever the wheelchair attendant led my husband; in a few minutes, we were at the front of the lane. As I looked up, it read “Belt and Road Lane.” I knew I wasn’t allowed to take a photo in a restricted area, but I knew I was allowed to weep discreetly with heartfelt thanksgiving. Hardly know how to describe my five-and-a-half-hour flight home, no mood to catch any in-flight movies, and spilt a whole cup of tea on myself. It was a full flight. I was blessed to use the front-cabin toilet for my casualty.

The next day,19 December, is the day for my husband’s medical review after six months of KIV (keep in view) of his condition. I was at peace; the specialist didn’t say a word, for we didn’t seek his green light to travel. After the examination, he confirmed the condition is still in its early stages and that there is no need to increase his medication dosage. The first time, I didn’t immediately unpack our things after a trip; I didn’t have the bare minimum of Christmasy decorations set up in our place, except to find a way or a timeframe to work on my latest draft. I had the framework in mind, thinking of all sorts of ways to bring it to a close.

Twice, my work suddenly disappeared from my eyes’ watch. I was frustrated and panicked, so I called tech support to recover my piece, only to be told it was a tech problem. Tech problem? I wonder if I did something right that displeased the evil one? Immediately  1 John 4:4 came to mind. I paused because what if it were divine intervention. In the meantime, I went shopping for flowers, groceries, and a wreath made of natural pine, holy, and other festive elements. And the next morning, 21 December, we left our place at seven to attend the Church Christmas Celebration (Peral Of Great Price – http://www.newcreation.org.sg). All the extraordinary song selections, particularly the one with lyrics, ‘Love Has Come Down,’ brought tears to my eyes for days that followed. In devotion, in prayers and in chewing on His word that gave me the peace to share my view of ‘Onnectivity-BRI’ on Christmas Day, 2025. From glory to glory, my family reunion trip and rapid train rides in China gave me the boldness to share my communion with my dear Lord, Jesus, on the last Sunday, 28, December 2025.

Today- 11.11.22

/ Kay Loke / Leave a comment

11/11/22 drafted /20/12/23published, edited 28/04/2023

Today 11 November (11.11), I accidentally learned the news about an ‘Electrical failure” delayed service on Shanghai Metro Line 11 –ChinaDaily.com.cn -11. Today (11.11.11) in Singapore is an Opening Event for commuters to ride and explore 11 new stops on an existing local Metro Line for free with a lucky draw and sinning door prize. Today(11.11), most Singapore retailers work for weeks with their all-out commercials and highlight the GST hike to lure shoppers into their stores to grab this legendary offer of an 11% discount on merchandise, ONE day only. Today (11.11.11) in History, on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 @ 11 hours after more than four years of brutal flight in the war, the loss of millions of young lives, finally, the Allies and Germany initiated an Armstic on the Western front. US President Woodrow Wilson and the US government acted as the intermediate between the US’ main Allies of France/Britain and German to map out the Peace Program. The ever-famous ‘Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points’ set the final tone to end WWI.

Coincidently it appears as the repetition of the number Eleven but is the repetition of the number one. Philosophically, number one is Oneness in the Chinese saying that means All and about All. For example, this morning’s service disruption on Shanghai Metro Line 11 is not a single incident. it will bring people’s concerns to the entire train system. Negotiating peace treaties amid wars among countries is complex and full of challenges. It requires the redemption of time, selecting a logical location for open dialogue with shared common purposes, and without the personal agendas of the commander-in-charge or country leaders. It needs prayers and is a miracle. Spiritually, Christians may be versed well in it better. It is the mutual dwelling between Jesus and His followers. It’s that God is in them, and they are in God to experience the perfect unity (John 17:23). The mystery of marriage is also talking about the Two becoming ONEness (Genesis 2:24/Matthew 19:5)

My last upload was in November 2021. My dry-up experience was due to my inability quick to discern news from Factur/Fade news, which distressed me. Later, either/both information brought grief to my spirit. God is faithful. The online Bible studies and worship put me in perspective. HE orchestrated two timely Bible studies for BSFers worldwide – 29 weeks of the book of Matthew (2021-2022). This year we are studying the Old Testament (2022-2023) and we just finished pairing up all the kings/prophets into the study of ‘KingdomDivide’ (BSF 2022-23) before the holiday season break. Today is like yesterday; tomorrow is the day that the LORD has made we should all rejoice in it. When the Number Eleven (11.11.) nestles up with date/day/hour that’s time not merely a number. It has given me peace to choose ONEness as the keyword in the review of 2022.

For nearly three years, the pandemic has humble all of us personally. And no country in the world has COVID – FREE/ZERO yet. Thinking of says God that ‘Don’t think that I bring peace to people, but a sword (Matthew 10:34). Human oversights would undoubtedly happen to any Metro Train System and no exemption for Shanghai. The blessings that God has bestowed upon Singapore are phenomenal. When much is given, it needs to offer up more in return; it says in (Luke 12:15 b) that ‘man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things he possesses‘ Thus, 11% of discount is probably the world temptation we should flee from it. It says that History may not repeat itself, but it definitely mirrors the education in the past. In 1918, US President Wilson was the architect to sketch out the peace program to end WWI. Has WWI truly ended? What about WWII?

Human hearts are deceitful, desperately wicked beyond cure (Jeremiah 19:9-10). ‘What is happening now has happened before; which is to be happen already happen (Ecclesiastes 3:15). It has been over 70 years since WWII ended. Now, we have this pressing moment in need of God to raise architect (s) to act; when there are wars, speculations of wars and all sorts of discords among nations, Christians should fret not as it says it all in Matthew 24 that we are at the beginning of the last day. And I have to be fair to praise of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olimpic, the enchanting ballet on ice. and the most cheer-on FIFA World Cup 2022. God is Good, HE is outside TIME and SPCE, and HE is the God of balance. We can only be HIS light to the world when our ONEness with Jesus is intact. The world can have perfect peace when HIS kingdom reigns.

Ps I have to dedicate this piece to Pastor Pauline Ching, NCC, in thanksgiving for her prayer support during my dark days, she may not know the full details, but I felt her prayers.

The ‘Existence With Enough’

/ Kay Loke / Leave a comment

14/09/21

The ‘Existence With Enough’ 

‘In His hand is the life of every living thing and breath of all mankind (Job 12:10)

One of the recent stories from a fiction blogger says that people’ lack of understanding for Existence with enough.’ Without being philosophical, I ask myself whether only I exist on earth or live life? Without being mindful of other presence in God’s Creations, people, naturally all in wants, only in lack of different things, and to the point as Michael Douglas says in his 1987 film, ‘Wall Street’ that ‘Greed Is Good.’ As what enough is enough for being a Christian, all I could discern is that it’s all about Jesus and His finished work on the Cross.

For weeks, I didn’t have the flow to write. September was ’emotional’ because of the 20th anniversary of 911. I could share what happened to me on that day, 20-years ago, but I didn’t feel led to change the topic. I felt restless in my spirit, and films/TV series such as the ‘Homeland,’ The Turning Point,’ and Michael Moore’s ‘Fahrenheit 911’ were available for viewing. In the end, I have glued my eyes to Netflix as if watching 3 or 4 episodes a day was not enough. Finally, enough was enough for me when the study of Matthew kicked start from ‘The Temptation of Jesus’ to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.’

Believing, all Christians would aim to live to pleasing  God, filled with His blessings, and be Holy as He is Holy.  However, after Adam sinned against God in the Garden, our excruciating Existence is that the Sin’s DNA is ‘our wilful independence’ from God.According to (Exodus 19:4-7), ‘when God asked Moses to tell His people to obey His voice and keep His covenant and shall be unto God a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Immediately, The people all responded together, “We will do everything the LORD has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD.”

Subsequently, we see in the next chapter (Exodus 20), God wrote His Ten Commandments on two stone tablets with His finger (Exodus 31:1). Moses heeded to bring them down as ‘tablets of Covenant’ for God’s people after his mountaintop experiences with God from the Biblical Mount Sinai. And, we know that the First Five Books in the Old Testaments is the Torah. The sacred scriptures of Jewish Faith and Ritual comprise 613 additional commandments translated as ‘law’ to guide the Jews concerning many facets of their daily life, such as dietary, personal hygiene, and family.

What shall we consider having 613 guiding principles to preside over people’s life?  If ‘For whoever keeps the whole yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it (James 2:10)?’ Or as what Apostle Paul quoted from scriptures in the Old Testament saying that “There is no one righteous, not even one (Romans 3:10).” And knowing that what it says ‘For the wages of sin is death’ in  (Romans 6:23a), whereas “God is jealous.” – (Exodus20:5). ” not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” . –  (2 Peter3:9).

It was the immeasurable depth, height, width and the length of His love, His long-suffering patience toward us and understanding that His people need a Savour. HE sent His Son Jesus as His gift for our Salvations. Given ‘the Passion of Christ’ and Jesus’ obedience to the Cross, And God’s redemptive love made us victors over our Sins (past/present/future), Death, and Guilts. And the Righteousness of God in Christ was accredited to us when the Grace saved us through Faith (Ephesians 2:8a). That’s “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” -(Galatians 3:27) –

Then we have the Holy Spirit as the second helper (John 14:16-26) in us to live life on earth. So, we are all set. But why Apostle Paul says in Romans 7:15 that ‘For I do not understand, my actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate?’ He is talking about his sin conscious actions in the passage. Considering all of his epistles, which take up 1/3 of the New Testament, were to warn us that if we are constantly thinking about Sin or Laws, the sin consciousness will arouse us to sin more. The word ‘SIN’ mentions 25 times in his entire book of ‘Romans’ but more than 20 times are as ‘Nouns’ not ‘Verbs.’  

Apostle Paul wants our focus on the Grace of God that is Jesus. –Titus 2:11-14. We all have been there, like what Apostle Paul struggled, even for born again Christians. Our spiritual muscles are not strong enough; our knowledge of our dear Lord of God, Jesus and His truth is shallow. We strive without ceasing and naively believe that we can use our religious behaviours or performances to impress God and others. And we have pathetically reduced our Faith into following a list of Do’s/Don’ts rituals while we know that our God looks into our hearts, motives our beings. 

Moses’ Law tells us what God considers as Sin and what HE detests. God’s Law must be observed not in part, but in total perfection. And Jesus did that already. As in Paul’s letter to Corinthians sayings that “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.1 Corinthians 15:56  Apostle Paul quoted from the Old Testament as it’s written that “Death has been swallowed up in victory,” 1 Corinthians 15:54 to point us to Jesus’ finished work on the Cross .- (John17:4).There are 30 scriptures about the blood of Jesus and I love the one from Romans 5:9 :

 ‘Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.”

In the New Testament, ‘In Christ’ is the key. No actions are enough when I move to the goal of my ‘Utmost for His Highest,’ except to be in Him with His resurrection power in me. When we felt that HE forgave much of our unpardonable sins, we would love Him much. For example, Jesus has repaid my times recently eaten by the Netflix with my times to relearn His’ Sermon on the Mount.’  So, next time, I will think twice before I flap my remote control. I know neither that I would be like His friend,  Martha in the Bible, as cooking is not my favourite spots; nor I would buy the exquisite perfume and sitting next to Him, because  I allergic to scent, and will none stop sneezing,

But I could ask Him to make me a true ‘Sarah’s daughter, how with her gentle and quiet spirit toward Abraham, her husband.’ If HE ever thought my husband needs a new wife, may it be me as I plead? After all, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – (Hebrew 11:6)  Finally, what enough is enough for my soul to live, and that’s what says so profoundly, as follow, and I should start to pray to be able to enjoy Him and appreciate His great sense of humour.

‘The more you grasp that God is your good Father, the more you will seek to interpret life from His perspective.’ 

In His Time

/ Kay Loke / Leave a comment

01/09/2021

: “Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.” Matthew 2:7, NIV

Time is fleeting, and the class break is over. The new term of study finally kicked it off last week. The audio lecture after the introduction and announcement was uplifting. The written note has promised me new learnings. Initially, I decided to miss it because I thought the book was too familiar, even though it marks my first time studying Matthew in Chinese. However, it seemed that God had had a firm grip on my soul; that’s like every turn I made, either during my quiet times, readings or critical verses from the pulpits, all passages of scriptures pointed me to the book of Matthew. I got it, afforded not to ignore it, and immediately I finished reading the entire book. That’s what I know for the first time how I prepared my heart for the study. 

The Genealogy of Jesus, our LORD, is not a list of names for us casually skim through. Still, an incredible vision to see God’s timeline that 14 generations after 14 generations to testify Jesus’ linkage to be the Son of man. And how the five women with questionable background listed in Jesus’ family tree is no more puzzling, but to take rest that HIS thoughts are not ours, nor HIS ways are our ways. I was stunned to relate my last upload, ‘The Second Resolution’, to the personal question in the homework assignment –‘when has obeyed God been costly for you? How has GOD met your needs and demonstrated His faithfulness?’ My experiencing personal God wouldn’t merit a significant impact on others, but to share how God can drum up the vision in the past into future reality in His time. Therefore, my answer in group discussions would be that ‘God is faithful, whenever we are faithful,’ and that’s not a cliché. Faith must be tested. 

The world that we live in now is getting darker and darker. All nations are in combat with the pandemic for the past eighteen months; the mutation of the COVID have out-run the fast-track vaccines that warrant not much protection, and the availabilities are in shortage demand. In the primetime news, we saw the drama and trauma of the US sudden withdrawer from Afghanistan that after their troops stationed in that country for more than twenty years. In tune with the latest update on the Afghan withdrawal, there were suicide bombers attacks, 13 American troop members, 170 civilians were killed. Many children have died of starvation. People who couldn’t make it to the Kabul airport on time with proper travel documents would be left behind. I wonder who determined the timeline? 

We did have the Olympic game in the summer, but it wouldn’t counterbalance when people suffer from natural disasters such as a large scale of earthquakes, bush fires, tsunamis and floods here and there. Who would expect to see a surge in Central Park in New York City? And it is devastating to hear that hurricane Ida batters Louisiana on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Nearly a million customers are without power. It may take weeks before people can have it back. The ongoing hate crime in the US has widely spread into Asian American society. We have more reports on young people batters the old defenceless Asian women while no Samaritan walking by. 

Mine relearn on why king Herod was troubled and wanted to kill the baby Jesus in Matthew and reflection on what happened to baby Moses during king Pharaoh’s period in the Old Testament that help me to decern the manifestations of ‘SINO phobia ‘in the world of politics, military, and trades. What has gone wrong? What must we do as Christians? We need to seek His face to find out that is it ‘the beginning of the final day (I like David Possum’s quo better than the term of ‘the end time,’ but not on his teaching on salvation). ‘It makes the study of Matthew timely. Especially chapter 24. We need to pray for the salvation of our loved ones; pray for ourselves to allow God to expound His truth that is found in His words to tone up our spiritual muscles to prepare for His return, and no one would be left behind. 

It says that when we receive much, we must give much. Being the case, we need to be mindful the purpose of the Cross and God’s heart desires is that ‘none should perish, but to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9b). Thus, we need to reach out to pre-believers. It is probably the most challenging period for Christians to share the good news and telling people how Jesus has personified God’s love as in John 3:16. First, our nature brainwaves are not receptive to Spiritual things above; second, our emotional make-up is not capable of loving. Apostle Paul says that the Jews look for signs, and Greeks look for wisdom; Jesus’ crucifixion is the stumbling block for the Jews and the foolish things for the gentiles (1 Corinthians’ 2:22-23). 

In reflection, with many things going around beyond our human comprehension, and our life has been much affected by the epidemic, we probably wouldn’t be able to go back to where we were even after we are COVID free. Given travel restrictions, social distancing, city lockdowns, not even for children to attend school, believers to have physical, public worship, and people have employment but don’t have an office to go to but work from home. Therefore, now is probably the best time for Christians to get equipped to win souls for Christ and in His time; otherwise, it would be labour in vain. Although I am not a Roman Catholic, it is wise to echo Pope Francis’ call for all Christians to pray for world peace. 

Ecclesiastes 3:17
I said in my heart, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked, since there is a time for every activity and every deed.”

Joseph Wept

/ Kay Loke / Leave a comment

26/05/2021

This week concluded the BSF book studies of Genesis. It has always been a soul searching study, no matter how many times people study it repetitively. The final homework assignment is for us to prepare an answer and share what truth any patriarchs challenged us the most? I picked Joseph. At first, he was the leading man of the story from Genesis Chapter 37 to Chapter 50, but I remembered Pastor Prince often contends from his propel that Joseph was like the Jesus Christ pre-incarnated.

As each of us only had two minutes to share our answers. I picked another question to share. After intensive studies, I had an acute sense to go back to look up some scriptures again and found it noteworthy to ponder on Joseph’s emotional made-up before his first tear dropped (Genesis 42:24). He had a roller-coastal life. He was his father, Jacob’s favourite son. Out of jealousy and mentioning his dreams, his brothers loathed him and sold him to Egypt when he was seventeen (17). 

However,  the Lord was with Joseph throughout (it stated four times in one chapter alone Genesis 39:2;3;21;23).’ From Potiphar’s slave, to be fully in charge of Potiphar’s household. Although he was able to flee from the sexual temptation but faced an unjust jail term. The prison warden discerned that the Lord was with Joseph and promoted him in charge of all the inmates. God helped Joseph to interpret dreams (Genesis 40:8b) for the king’s cupbearer and baker. When the cupbearer was set free, he forgot to putting a good word to the king for Joseph. Two years later, God facilitated Joseph to interpret Pharaoh’s two dreams. 

It knocked the Pharaoh that ‘God revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do (Genesis 41:25b). With the God-given first-rate administrative skills and disciplined stewardship of resources of the land, Joseph won Pharaoh’s complete trust. It paved a safe landing for him to become the Prime minister of Egypt. He was on top of the selling of the grins. When his father, Jacob, heard that there were corns available for sale in Egypt, he sent 10 of his sons down to Egypt. He kept his youngest boy, Benjamin, with him in Canaan. That lead up to the whole drama (Genesis 41). 

The ten brothers bowed their faces down to Joseph on their first arrival. That was the first time he saw his brothers after the long-suffering separation. But he was harsh with them, accused them of being spics and locked them up. On the third day, he said unto them, ‘This do, and live, for I fear God (Genesis 42:18).’ Joseph  held one of the brothers in hostage and, in his authority, made a demand in exchange for Benjamin (Genesis 42:20) their youngest brother (Genesis 42:20) to prove their innocence on their returned trip. 

Knowing with their confidence that they were in front of an Egyptian ruler who would understand not what they said among themselves without an interpreter, The brothers then openly talked about what they did to Joseph and openly confessed their fear of God’s punishment and retribution. Joseph turned himself about from his brothers and Wept (Genesis 42:24a). Joseph ordered to return everyone his money, fill up their bags with grains and food for their trip home. 

When the brothers bowed their faces facedown before Joseph, he remembered his dream of them while they were all in their father’s house. He would have the vindictive pleasure in his mind, not tears on his face. If what his brothers had done to him was so vivid in his memories, that would only bring out the root of his bitterness toward them, not tears. Joseph can’t forgive the brothers and forget their wicked deeds. If I were Joseph, I could only think of the classic story of Count of Monte Cristo and his strategy of revenge.

‘On the Third Day (Genesis 42:18)’ things had its dramatic turn that stunning everybody, including probably himself. Given the shortest scripture in the entire Bible found in (John 11:35), ‘Jesus wept’ as the Son of Man on earth when his friend, Lazarus, died and buried for days. It said in (John 11:36 NLT) that”the people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him. If Jesus personified love with His tears, then what gave away Joseph’s tears? 

With the premise of ‘the Lord with Joseph’ in mind, I would use these three of ‘R’ words – ‘Relay,’ Repent,’ and ‘Rely on’ to profile Joseph’s frame of mind. In a humanly impossible situation, Joseph compelled to Relay who his God was to him openly (Genesis 42:18). Because he was fearful of hurting HIS Lord’s feeling with his unrighteous mind, he had to Repent to change his precious mindset. Finally, he had to Rely on God’s all-sufficient grace to forgive his brother wholeheartedly with HIS divine Spirit. It’s not far fetch  saying that Joseph’s tears personified the Holy Spirit that done it all and said it all for Joseph.

Seven times account for Joseph’s weeping, and an essay (1) entails the remaining six scenes of Joseph’s weeping with each given situation.(Genesis 42:24 to 50:17). The beautiful ending of the entire story glued with two additional ‘R’ words (BSF Lesson 27 Note) that Joseph revealed his identity (Genesis 45) and reunited with Jacob (Genesis46:1-30)… The key phrase of ‘On the Third Day'(Genesis 42:18) drew a beautiful and powerful parallel to my dear Lord of God, Jesus, who came back to life on the third day for us all. The resurrection power made Joseph a victor, not a victim of his past emotional affliction, and the Lord was with Joseph all and all. 

1.Seven Scenes of Joseph Weeping

March 27, 2017 by mitchchase

p.s. I would like to dedicate this essay thanksgiving to Esther, our group discussion leader, for her love and devotedness to aid our study during this COVID crises.

The Gift of Giving

/ Kay Loke / Leave a comment

21/03/2021

THE GIFT OF GIVING  

Recently, a God-fearing God-serving young man gave a bombshell confession saying that he had struggled to tithe to chruch. God gave him a promotion and pay increase during the pandemic crisis after he started to tithe. If it didn’t sound like that, he followed the teaching from Malachi 3:9-10 or God is a commercial God. I rejoice not for the promotion but for his giving spirit. The reluctance to give either to God or to others is human nature.  

I had been there myself. The first time I attended church service was long before I become a Christian.  I remembered that I felt uncomfortable with the sceptic mind when the pulpit appealed for money, which I knew not that offering/tithing was part of the order of worship. Unfortunately, the prejudice of faith that associates with money cemented my mind for a long time until I was in America to further my education and become a Christian. 

None like many born-again Christians shared their up-lifting testimonies telling stories behind their conversations. I inventory how God has bestowed me with His guide, goodness and guard since I landed on US soil. Soon, I uttered the sinner’s prayer with a thankful heart and deep conviction. The process was uneventful; without knowing the spiritual significance, my heart clamour inside when the offering bag was before me. 

Tithing is the matter of Christianity 101. In Bible studies, I have never come across any study on this specific topic. With the BSF this year, on the book of Genesis, we have father Abram, who gave Melchizedek a tenth of his possessions. He did not do it to invoke God’s blessing but did it in response to God’s blessings and divine protection for his entire family (Genesis 14:19-20).  

Jacob (Genesis 28:20-22) responded to a dream from God that he built an altar and vow that he would give God a tenth of his belongings in exchange for God’s promise and protection for him and his family. Later, Moses introduced that the Tithing is Law (Leviticus 27:30-34). The first 10% shall be set apart as “Holy” that belonging to God. Therefore, the giving of ten per cent was the giving in faith.  

However, in New Testament, Jesus‘ woe to those who give religiously according to Moses’s Law and neglect the “weightier issues “(Matthew 23:23), which says in Micah 6:8 – 

“to act justly and love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” 

God does not need anything from us, and we give God what already belongs to Him a hundred per cent. God’s all-sufficient Grace gave Apostle Paul the faith (Ephesians 2:8) to tell the Corinthians that “God loves a cheerful giver.” Unfortunately, man’s emotional decisions are unreliable. For example, 10% of One hundred is easy to give, and 10% of One million may be challenging. Whether 10% is the sum that is after-tax or before tax?  

The milage from our thankful emotion to physically opening our bank book can go on indefinitely. He knows our hearts, and HE is merciful. Only HE is willing and is able to make us give cheerfully. A few years ago, my former church had members answer pages of questions to help us lookout for spiritual gifts either for our evaluation or to plug into serving in various ministries, and “Giving” is one of them. 

2 Corinthian 9:6-7 

“Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and …” 

God of the Bible

      Prayers of father Abraham’s Servant

      / Kay Loke / Leave a comment

      Prayers of father Abraham’s Servant

      01/03/2021

      We finished the lesson on Genesis Chapter 24 before the BSF took a break for the Chinese New Year holiday. Comparatively, this is the longest chapter of the book of Genesis. With the COVID-19, all group sharing, and lectures are virtual except the written notes. The lesson is a familiar story in three parts. The father Abraham (Gen.24:1-9), an unnamed servant (24:10-61), and the detail on Isaac and Rebecca is brief (62-67). 

      The (Time) was when Abraham was old and lived in Canaan (Place/location). Concerning God’s purpose (Genesis 2:18) and promises (Gen.12:1-3), Abraham resolves to find a wife for his son, Isaac. And he asks a senior servant in his household to swear by the LORD of God of heaven and earth to see through that Isaac shouldn’t marry to any Canaanites’ daughters. And the romance of Isaac Rebecca merits separate writing. 

      I first studied the book on Genesis many years ago. This nameless servant’s prayer (Genesis 24:10-61)was exemplary of Prayer 101 to me. He is sincere, specific, concise, spirit-led in every step he takes. It had challenged me to take part in what says in Jeremiah 29:11-13 that in line with this servant’s prayer in Genesis 24 as my prayer for God’s purpose, plans and promises for me. I have also embraced scriptures from Proverbs 3:5-6 in my walk of faith.

      I thought puff-upness to be a candidate for a prayer graduate, till I put my heart on Genesis 24:10-61. Thinking of a name is essential, yet he was unnamed, which means that he wouldn’t earn anything for himself for what he did. He saw the miracle that God gave his aged master a son, Isaac. He was also an old man, himself. But with a strong sense of mission and his love for his master, he took on a 600 miles long journey on his master’s command. 

      He knew what’s ahead of him. He knew that God would be with him and enable him to keep his promise to his master in Faith. As a servant in humanity, he prayed single-mindedly and waited for God’s marching order before taking every step. He specifically asked God to point him to approach the right girl, and God was faithful. Besides his faithfulness, honourable, and love toward his master, Abraham, I saw his total reliance upon the Almighty.

      I pray for myself, my loved ones, and others like most Christians. I admitted that I could Relate (who God is), Repent (changing the mindset towards Him), but the challenge is that the third ‘R-word’ Rely (on His will and His ways). From this part of the story, Abraham’s servant needs not to have a name for people to remember who he is and his deeds for God and his master because it is all about HIM. It says that no Christian can graduate from Prayer. As we are in the New Testament time, we have had Jesus and the Holy Spirit in us, we only need to pray without ceasing as says in: 

      Luke 18:1 NIV

      Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

      Taking the COVID Vaccine

      / Kay Loke / Leave a comment

      21/02/2021

      With the publicly available information, evidently the COVID-19 pandemic has reached nearly every corner of the globe. Discussions with people/friends in medical professions and my walk of Faith, I would have been the staunch individual to say ‘NO to take the COVID-19 vaccine. And disregard which big pharmaceutical company that develops it. However, life is a serial of trade-off, and the test is that I have to have it if I intend to travel when some countries may open up their borders. Besides, I don’t have an option not to take it. Being a TCM practitioner, I received our MOH (Ministry of Health) notice to respond. Finally, by the Singapore government’s grace, it is free for all whoever would want it.

      It says that the key to getting the pandemic under control is to immunize a critical mass of the world’s population. And the vaccine is the way. We all know that’s not physible and most unlikely unless we are back into the days of Noah (Genesis)’. Besides, all vaccines must go through rigorous testing for effectiveness and safety before they get approved for public use, a process that typically takes eight to fifteen years. Take, for example, the vaccine for HIV/AIDS that is still not made publicly available. Within one year into the pandemic of COVID, multilateral organizations, governments and private firms have spent billions of dollars to fast-track the development of close to a dozen vaccines, including Pfizer, Moderna, and Sinopharm is unprecedented.

      Regrettably, all fast-tracked vaccines are up against a new set of challenges, including the new dangerous variant of the virus, global competition over a limited supply of doses, public hesitation about vaccines and the pricing of the vaccine. After the injection, I had to wait for 30 minutes. Then the gracious nurse handed me a certificate to indicate that I finished the vaccine’s first dose, including a long ‘to make’ list if serious side-effect happened that disturbed me a great deal. After all, something alien is inside my system, and I don’t know what it is? I had my share of sleeplessness for two nights till Psalm 91 comforted me. Psalme 91:10‘ no evil will befall you, no plague will approach your tent. 11 For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

      Current Event

      Valentin’s Day – “ A Way Back to Love”

      / Kay Loke / Leave a comment

      Valentin’s Day – “A Way Bake to Love”

      Today, according to the lunar calendar, is the third day of the Chinese New Year Celebration, not only in all Chinese speaking countries but also in Korea and Vietnam. It corresponds with Valentin’s day, known as the St. Valentine’s Day, holiday (February 14) when lovers express their greetings love and gifts in the Western world. Now the whole world celebrate Valentine’s day. Because COVID pandemic, this is the year people have to either scale down or cancel all forms of celebration. 

      Considered love and affection to fill a day or an occasion, and we have the number of deaths linked to COVID-19 accelerating and with the anticipated fresh outbreaks? The impeachment case against the former US President Donald Trump, together with repeated violent mob scene on January 6 on the US Capitol, monopolized all prime-time news globally. Thanks be to the Netflix search that I clicked to the Hugh Grant/Drew Barrymore movie – ‘Music and Lyrics.’

      It is a 2007 romantic comedy, the two songs from the movie ‘To Find A Way Back to Love’ and ‘Don’t Write Me Off Yet’ enables me to see that we could have more people in the world to use the lyrics of these two secular love songs singing in ONE accord to our daddy God. HE would help us to Find A Way Back to Love and to get us through this pandemic. In His loving-kindness, we can bag Him ‘Not to Write Us Off Yet‘ and give us all a second chance to make it right in the end for His name sake.

      I would say nothing further, please allow the Music of the movie fill your heart with joy and laughter for Valentin’s day, and please allow the Lyrics of the Music open your heart toward heaven and receive vision for 2021.

      #Wa

      yBackIntoLove #HughGrant