After teaching “The Promise of the 7th Day” on 31 Oct, Dr Bruce Allen invited the pastors up that he might pray for us.  This is the transcript of the prophetic word released over me that day …

Father I thank you for this brother.  To whom much is given, much is required.  You’ve counted the cost.  You’ve willingly laid down at the feet of the cross, in front of the cross and said, “Yes, Lord.”  Because you have said “Yes, Lord.” And were willing in the day of His visitation, you’re being released now … to the glory of God and the God of glory.  Speak forth a release of that destiny now, Father.  And that which You have given me, Father, I impart to this brother … more, Lord.

This day, a shift has taken place and within this next 24-month period, you will see more accomplished for the Kingdom of God in your life and in your ministry than you have in the last 24 years.  For God is not only accelerating prophetic fulfilment, but He is redeeming the time and He is making the words that you speak and the anointing with which you operate by … effective and far-reaching beyond your scope of imagination.  More will be accomplished in the next 24 months than in the last 24 years.  And the desire and the vision and the birthing that has taken place in your life and in your ministries is about to come forth now.  And there will be a maturity and a fulfilling of the promise of God and the destiny of God through you that will affect the destiny of many lives throughout the earth is being released today.  Thank You for it, Father.

Sounds good, but along with these words is an awesome responsibility.  I am now praying for understanding and the right response to this word.  At the same time, it calls for me to position myself to receive all that has been prophetically declared.

If you are reading this, I also covet your prayers for me, my ministry and my family that we will stay and walk in the perfect will of God.

I don’t really know much about the Hebrew calendar.  So when a brother sent me an email entitled “Hebrew Yr 5770″, I didn’t know what to expect when I clicked to read its contents …

The year is good. Hebrew year 5770 is likely a milestone in the end of this age and the transition in the next.

One scholar has studied the Torah and the frequency of year mentions throughout the Torah code. Of the 20 years he studied out, 5770 or the year 2010 was mentioned far more often than any other year. When most other years are mentioned hundreds and thousands of time, 5770 turns up randomly in 222,503 instances! The scholar remarks about this, “The year 5770 (AD 2010) is potentially present in such large numbers that it is almost impossible to estimate its probability of significance statistically. If the alphabet and numbering system were actually designed with coding in mind, then 5770 is a significant year just by its sheer numbers.”

Another Hebrew scholar writes about the spiritual significance of 5770. “The number of the Hebrew year 5770 is pregnant with great meaning. We are living the times that the Earth is coming into a new comprehension of holiness in the physical realm.  There is some talk about the re-emerging glory of Solomon’s Temple which boldly displayed the Glory of God and His renown in the world.  One thing’s for sure…. we’re in for something monumental in the coming days.” (Melissa Flores, Sep 3, 2009)

“I believe that this Rosh Hashanah (Sep 18-20) marked a significant shift in seasons and we have now entered the era of the establishment of the kingdom where Jesus will reveal Himself not only as Saviour and Bridegroom but as rightful King and Honoured Head of His church. And if there is one word burning in my heart right now it is this: fear God! ” (David Damien, Sep 2009)

I still don’t understand the significance fully, but certain statements by the scholars are extremely consistent with what God has impressed in my heart and what He has been saying through His servants and prophets.

For quite a while now, I have felt that the year 2010 will be a very critical year, pivotal.  Something big is going to take place that will trigger a series of end-time events.  This will happen both in the spiritual as well as in the natural.  I haven’t the slightest clue what these may be – just that we need to be positioned to respond appropriately when it happens.  Yes, 2010 will be a significant year.

At “The Promise of the 7th Day” Seminar on 31 Oct, Dr Bruce Allen spoke about how the earthly and spiritual realms will become even more seamless.  Bill Johnson, David Herzog and many others have been talking about heaven invading earth, a glory invasion, “in earth as it is in heaven”.  Interesting that Flores should comment that there will be “a new comprehension of holiness in the physical realm.”  I am believing that the miraculous will be a way of life, that the supernatural will be a common occurence for the people of God!  Hallelujah!

And about the “re-emerging glory of Solomon’s Temple” … that made my heart skip a beat when I read it.  Since Nov 2007, the Lord led me to preach the message, “Building. Shaking. Filling.”* from Haggai 2:4-9.  Without doubt, this is the time to build our spiritual lives and maturity.  The shaking we have experienced is nothing compared to what will be coming.  Whatever can be shaken will be shaken that only what cannot be shaken, the Kingdom of God, will remain.  Those who have built on a firm foundation of kingdom principles and dynamics will not only withstand the shaking, but also expect to be filled with the glory of God.  This is the glory of the latter temple that will far exceed the former … “the re-emerging glory”.  In the words of Flores, “One thing’s for sure … we’re in for something monumental in the coming days.”  How awesome is this? GLORY!!!

I am excited as I consider the “significant shift in seasons”.  Looking at the signs of the times and the state (of mess) the world is in, this presents such hope and promise for those who would walk close to God and be found in His perfect will.  I remember saying to a few members of our church when we celebrated our 1st Anniversary on 1 Nov – that I sense we have crossed from one place to another, from one season into another … we have moved into a new phase of what God has in store of our church.  And yet, not just our church, but for the entire Body of Christ.

Personally, this resonates strongly in every fibre of my being, having just been ordained and freshly appointed to a new role.  I, too, have moved into a new phase of my call.  I must now prepare and position myself for the next move of God through me as His vessel!

That said, it’s not about us or what we can do.  It has been and it will always be about Jesus!  What great expectation I have in my heart to know that this is the season where Jesus will “reveal Himself” to His people.  That has been a desire of my heart, “Visit me, Lord Jesus!  I want to see You!”  I can’t wait for the day I see Jesus face-to-face … and I don’t mean in heaven, but right in my very own bedroom!

Certainly, now is not the time to be distracted or deceived by the things of the world nor the enticing doctrine of misunderstood grace.  I hear the words, “Gird up your loins.”  More specifically, in 1 Peter 1 :13-21, Peter says, “Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober … as obedient children … be holy in all your conduct …” Paul says the same thing albeit in different words … “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind …” Romams 12:1,2

Yes, now is the time to press in and not let go until we are found in the loving arms of the Bridegroom.  I fully concur with David Damien that it’s time to regain a correct perspective of the fear of the Lord.  Fear God!  For too long, we have taken things too lightly.  The King of kings and the Lord of lords is coming soon.

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.  For he who sows to the flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” Gal 6:7,8

 

* “Building. Shaking. Filling.” can be purchased from Covenant Vision Centre or Covenant Vision E-Store.

The next day, after celebrating CVCC’s 1st Anniversary and receiving my ordination and new appointment, we left for Bintan Lagoon Resort for our family vacation.  Yes, a whole week together!

At Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal awaiting boarding time.

Serene had done an awesome job, packing for seven children.  Everything was ready the night before, save for a few last items in the morning.  Loaded with bags and kids, our two cars headed for Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.  Traffic was very smooth and weather was great.  We reached there in good time, checked in, cleared immigration and even had a few moments to take some photos before boarding.  The children were all excited and looking forward to this break.  The ferry left on time too and we arrived in Bintan within an hour, cleared Bintan immigration and before we knew it, we had arrived at our holiday destination!  Praise God for journey mercies!!!

Our very own villa complete with private buggy

Should have received a prize for squeezing all nine of us into the little buggy meant for four!

After lunch, we checked into Cempaka Villa 50, unpacked and got ready for a week of fun in the sun!  And that was the pattern over the next days as we explored the pools, the beach, the restaurants and the leisure centre … swimming, sliding, soaking, splashing, sandcastle building, jumping waves, snookering, carrom-ing and even Wii-gaming where the older kids tried their hand at bowling, tennis, golf and baseball.

Sarah, David & Aaron having a ball of a time in the pool

Even little Anna Joy enjoyed her very first dip in the pool

It was nice break for all of us – although with seven children, it was really not much of a break   Serene had her hands full with Anna Joy; and I was physically stretched being with the other children.  We had to keep extra vigilance at the beach and pool to make sure all the children were safe in the water.  We had a little scare at the pool when our 2 yr-old tripped in the pool and went under.  Serene was nursing the baby a distance away, and could only watch helplessly.  I was over at the opposite end of the pool, sliding with the others.  Thankfully, Aaron (who was closest to her) reacted promptly and pulled Deborah out of the water.  At the beach, as Ruth and Deborah went to fill their buckets, a big wave came in and rocked their balance.  Ruth tottered as the strong current pushed her along and Deborah cried out for help.  Thank God both regained balance and composure rather quickly, otherwise, it would have posed a big challenge for me if I had to jump in.

Praise God for the wonderful weather and clear blue skies.

Picture perfect: The LIM Tribe on holiday

On the final night, we decided to give ourselves a treat … BBQ at the Villa!!!  And what a treat it was … sirloin steaks, minute steaks, lamb chops, chicken drumsticks, prawns, squids, salad and fresh fruits … YUM!  What a nice way to wrap up our family vacation.

Check out the BBQ spread

The next day, Saturday, we checked out and began our journey back home.  The young ones were tired out and the waiting didn’t help at all.  To add to that, the ferry had a faulty engine and that delayed the arrival time by 40mins – not fun at all   When we finally reached Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, we rushed to get our bags and drove off quickly for dinner – a simple meal at Bishan Kopitiam, then off home to bed.

One more family pix for the road ...

This has been our longest vacation as a family, 2-7 Nov, Monday to Saturday.  Truly, we thank God for providing for everything.  Even as we thought about having a holiday, a brother emailed me, saying he’d like to contribute something.  Over the weeks, others blessed us financially.  Before we left for Bintan, our holiday had already been fully paid for – praise the Lord!!!  We were able to enjoy ourselves and not worry about how we were going to afford this or that!  What a joy and privilege!  Our God takes care of everything

I received a nice surprise this morning after church service.  After our 1st Anniversary Service last week (and my ordination and promotion), our family left for Bintan the very next day and disappeared for the entire week

While we were away, the dear sister who made me a birthday agar-agar previously presented me another agar-agar creation, this time to congratulate me on being ordained as “Reverend”!

Don't you just love the agar-agar face with the little mortar board?

Ministry can be tough and demanding, and at times, thankless, even.  To receive such expressions of love and support is always heartwarming and encouraging.  She could have just bought a cake off the shelf.  Instead, it was a painstaking effort and labour of love as she created each letter and put them all together.

Praise God for such gestures of encouragement and love from the people.  Definitely gives me new strength to keep ministering and to keep keeping on!

It happened today, 1 Nov … my ordination and a new appointment … at Covenant Vision Christian Church’s 1st Anniversary Service (ParkRoyal on Beach Road).  A simple affair, but no less significant.  Family and friends attended the event, showing their love and support.  That was very encouraging; affirming too.

Bring prayed for by Rev Dr John Tay, Bishop Ho Chee Sin, and my Senior Pastor, Rev Francis Khoo.

Receiving the new appointment as Deputy Senior Pastor from Rev Francis Khoo.

After service, I received many “congratulations” as people addressed me as “Reverend”   Sounds good, but I must admit it did sound a little funny too – will get used to it, I guess.

I am now ordained and have also assumed a new role as Deputy Senior Pastor.  “To whom much is given, much is required.”  (Luke 12:48)

It’s a new day, a new season.  It’s exciting, and I’m wondering what the Lord has in store for me, and the church.  There’s only one place to go to find out … in His presence.

Just received the feedback and comments from the recent talk, “Building a Household of Faith”, conducted at Wesley Methodist Church on 21 & 22 Oct 2009.

Did this seminar benefit and help you understand the role of parents in the family and what it entails in building a household of faith? What was the message or verse that God had impressed upon you during the two sessions?

            18 Yes                      No

Please let us have your comments. If yes, how? And if not, why?

- God’s words are absolute. Be serious and apply them in our lives. Ps Henson is an excellent teacher of God’s Word.
- Good practical teaching.
- The 7 main headers – condensed well to remember the course.
- God is the head of our household. Apart from Him, everything falls.
- Joshua 24:15
- What to do around home to build strong household of faith.
- Eph 4:11-13 Helping our children to maturity
- Galatians 6:7-10 Let us not grow weary in due course we shall reap, don’t lose heart.
- Good workshop. Praise God for using Henson to speak God’s truth unflinchingly.
- Ps Henson has made a very difficult subject easier to understand by his discussing and friendly ways.

Praise God for the encouragement and affirmation.  It’s always nice to know that people have been blessed by the sharing and presentation.  May God continue to work in the lives of these leaders of the households that strong families be raised for the glory of His Kingdom!

 

In the year 2000, when I was processing the call to fulltime ministry and considering the options in various theological institutions, my pastor asked me, “Are you seeking ordination?”  Another brother, from whom I was seeking godly counsel, also posed the same question.  At that point in time, I had no idea what ordination was or what it would entail!  All I knew was that my heart was set on serving God and it didn’t matter how I got there at all – I just wanted to answer the call and be an obedient servant to Jesus Christ my Lord.

When I finally stepped out on 1 Jan 2004, I joined Bro Francis at Covenant Vision Centre.  Since everyone was “brother” and “sister” there, I automatically became known as Bro Henson.  It was nice and casual, with a ring of family (although it did give some the wrong impression that I belonged to a Catholic outfit, further confirmed by the number of children we have).  When Covenant Vision Christian Church was birthed, I was commissioned as Pastor on 18 Oct 2008.  Overnight, I became known as Pastor Henson.  One year later, in less than a week’s time, I will be ordained at CVCC’s 1st Anniversary Service, after which I will be known as the Reverend Henson Lim … eeeks!  Who would have thought?  Never in my wildest dreams have I imagined that I would be a Reverend one day.

And since that is going to a reality very soon, I thought it might be a good idea for me to finally find out what ordination is and what this title means!  So I got on the web and googled “ordination” and this is what I found … ordination is the process by which individuals are consecrated, that is, set apart as clergy to perform various religious rites and ceremonies.

The words “consecrated” and “set apart” caught my eye.  I knew these words well, having challenged many through my preaching and teaching.  These are translated from the root word … HOLY.  So, to be ordained is to be made holy, or the one who is ordained is to be holy.  1 Peter 1:16 says, “Be holy, for I am holy.”  Now, more than ever, I am to be even more set apart to God, and from the world, to serve Him and His people.  I am reminded to be holy … positionally, morally and functionally.  Ordination is the setting apart of one for the use and glory of the One who has called him to such a task.

I guess this refers to each and everyone in Christ, just that for those counted as amongst clergy, it is a formal process that comes with a formal title … Reverend.

This word “reverend” is found only once in the King James Version.  Psalm 111:9 reads, “He sent redemption to His people: He hath commanded His covenant forever; holy and reverend is His name.”  It struck me that both words “holy” and “reverend” were used to describe God’s name!  “Reverend”, literally means “to be afraid” or “to be in fear”.  Not surprising really, for we are all called to have the fear of the Lord, to honour Him, to revere Him, to be in awe of Him.  Other versions translate it as “awesome”.

Checking the etymology of the word, I found that it came from the Latin “reverendus”, which means, “he who is respected” or “one who is worthy of respect”.  Put another way, an ordained minister of the church is to be revered and regarded with awe.  That sounds good, but we all know that respect cannot be forced but earned.  People may respect the office that I am in and the title that I hold, but will they respect the person that I am?

Wow, this is heavy stuff!  This discovery is a revelation to me; but the weight of the significance is overwhelming!!!  Some may see it as a promotion, not dissimilar to those in the corporate world where one is elevated to a higher position with a corresponding title.  I am convinced otherwise though.  To me, this is a new call to humility and a greater emptying of self.  That is what true ministry is, as defined and exemplified by the Lord Jesus Himself (Phil 2:5-11).  As if that is not challenging enough, it is also a call (and warning) to embrace trials and tribulations in the face of opposition, persecutions, offences and expectations for the sake of the Master and the Gospel – some from the world, and some from within the church too.  And yet, this should come as no surprise for “a servant is not greater than his master.” John 15:20

on 1 Nov, I will be ordained, set apart, and will carry the title of Reverend.  By God’s grace and His enablement, may I live up to the call and expectation of His name, for I share in the words of Psalm 111:9, “holy and reverend is His name.”

I’m relaxing at the computer at the moment, having just preached in the morning at Singapore Christian Canaan Church.  Had a good time fellowshipping with the leaders there, as well as worshipping and praising God with His people.  This morning’s ministry engagement marks the end of a long stretch, and I get to take a short break before it starts again.

And what a stretch it’s been over the past few weeks!  I’ve been out almost every night for ministry, leaving my dear wife all alone with the children.  Exciting as it may have been, I am physically exhausted, at times finding it even difficult to stand (each time I teach, I can be standing for more than two to three hours).

Always enjoy the love and reception at AMKMC - such wonderful and warm people!

Starting end September, I taught a 4-week series at Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church, entitled “Higher Ways”.  Then there was a Healing Service at Faith Methodist Church on 2 Oct, followed by Children’s Ministry Meeting on Saturday, and then CVSOM Open House that same afternoon.  On Sunday, I preached at CVCC’s Family Service.

Praying for the pastors and ministry team before praying for the people of Faith Methodist Church.

The following weeks were no lighter … lunch meeting with the Ordination Committee, CVCM Council Meeting, CVSOM’s Student Interviews, ALPHA Weekend Away, Touch Jesus He Heals Service.  Also, preached “Dressed for Success” over two weeks at CVC’s Spiritual Growth Seminar.  Add to that, two nights of “Building a Household of Faith” at Wesley Methodist Church.  Yesterday, I had a great session with the Diploma students, exploring and learning about “The Righteousness of God”.

Sharing "Building a Household of Faith" with parents and couples of Wesley Methodist Church.

I just thank God for His grace and His enablement!  Some mornings are really, really tough to get going.  Coffee is good, but only for a while … Some afternoons are a real torture as I struggle to keep my eyes open through the preparation of messages.  By the time I reach home, there is so little energy left in me that I am all too ready to collapse in my bed.  Yet, that is the only time I have with Serene and we spend these precious moments catching up with one another.  I am so, so, so appreciative of my wife!  As it’s been demanding for me, it has also been challenging for her as she manages the children and household without me.

I’m looking forward to this short break where I can catch up on some rest and regain some perspective of life, family and ministry.  Next week is CVCC’s 1st Anniversary Service … where I will be ordained and appointed to a new position in the church.

Hmmmmm … better rest while I can … don’t know what new things God has in store for me

If there’s one thing I am certain of, it’s the Lord’s call for me to teach His Word.  And that is what I do across the various churches, as the Lord presents the opportunity.  I get there, I do my bit, and I leave; trusting that God will work in these lives for His glory and purposes.

Once in a while, it’s really encouraging and affirming to receive an email like this one …

“Dear Bro Henson

The 4-week sessions may seem long to many but seemingly to me ”not enough”.  Why?  God’s way, the “Narrow Way” , “High Way” , “Wilderness Ways” – these are truth.  Continue to share, illuminate, boldly to the body of Christ -  many Christians need to hear the truth.

Shalom”

For this brother-in-Christ, and others like him, I keep teaching and sharing.  That they will be touched by God, grow in His grace and used for His Kingdom.

It’s happened to me a few times before.  Yet, when it happened again today, it still surprises me.

Once, I had just parked my car and was walking to the bank.  Someone calls out from his car, “Hi, Brother Henson!”  I turn to look and I don’t recognise him at all.  Fortunately, he quickly identified himself as one who had just heard me preach in his church the previous Sunday.

On another occasion, I was buying some lunch at our neighbourhood coffee shop.  While waiting for my mee pok tah, a lady steps up.  “Hello, Brother Henson!”  She did look vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t quite place her.  Throughout our casual chit chat, I was wondering which church she worshipped at.

On an outing to Lower Peirce Reservoir with my family, a man stopped me in my tracks with an enthusiastic “Hi!”  He promptly introduced himself and his church when he noticed the puzzled look on my face.

Just last week, I was heading towards NTUC Fairprice at Thomson Plaza for my weekly groceries.  Stepping off the top of the escalator, I found myself crossing paths with yet another familiar face.  She identifies me almost immediately and warmly greets, “Hello, Pastor Henson!”  You guessed it … I have no idea which church she’s from!?

Then today, I was buying drinks for my children after their swimming lesson at Bishan Swimming Complex.  After paying, I turned to notice a Caucasian lady behind smiling at me.  Assuming she was just being polite, I returned the smile.  Then she asked, “Excuse me, are you a preacher?”  That took me by surprise.  “Er, yes,” I answered, wondering how she knew.  “Oh, you preached at our church a couple of months ago.  It was very good and we enjoyed it.  And you also teach in the Mid-Week Bible Study, yes?”

Wow!  I’d better be on my best behaviour wherever I go.  Never know who might be watching, or who I might bump into.