Holding On To Your First Love For God and People

"For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers;" (Ephesians 1:15-16; AMP)

In the above Scripture verse, Paul was commending the believers at Ephesus for their faith in our Lord Jesus and their love for all God's people.

Alas, many years later, the church in Ephesus was chided by the Lord Jesus for having lost their first love for Him in the Book of Revelation.

"But I have this [charge] against you, that you have left your first love [you have lost the depth of love that you first had for Me]." (Revelation 2:4; AMP)

I submit to you that it is harder to love people whom we have seen than to love God whom we have not seen. After all, God is love, and all people are work-in-progress of growing from glory to glory in love, at best.

"If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates (works against) his [Christian] brother he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen." (1 John 4:20; AMP)

Let us establish our faith in Christ alone by being His follower; a disciple who practices spiritual disciplines such as : hearing, reading, studying, meditating and  memorising God's Word; praying in fullness of faith; praising and worshipping God wholeheartedly; fasting from desires of the flesh; trusting and obeying God's Word all the time; and giving tithes and offerings regularly.

Remember, our calling is not to be a church member or a cell group member. We are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ who would grow unto maturity as His sons and daughters, friends, and kings and priests. We need to have our own Quiet Time with the LORD and know Him personally. Do not neglect Him and relegate our personal time with the LORD to corporate settings with the Pastor or your Cell Group Leader.

When you have a personal walk with the LORD, it doesn't matter whether your family and friends are in church or cell group. You are there to meet with the LORD in the presence of other believers. Meeting with the LORD is not just a social gathering; join a recreation club if you are looking for social interactions per se.

Even if there is no physical church to attend like during a lockdown, you will still enter into the Presence of God at home like what you are already doing in your Quiet Time with Him.

Keep loving the Lord Jesus and give Him the preeminence in your life. And, keep loving other people.

"And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should also [unselfishly] love his brother and seek the best for him." (I John 4:21; AMP)

In a corporate setting, extending warmness is a good starting point. I have met other believers who are sincerely warm with the love of Christ shining forth (quite rare, but they do exist in the body of Christ). Imagine how wonderful this would be, especially if you are on the receiving end as a new visitor.

Question for us to contemplate: Are we believers who are looking out for our family and friends only while treating everyone else as aliens in a corporate setting as we are consumed to reserve seats and plot where to go for a meal after the service?

Hear then the Words of our Lord Jesus:

"I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.” (John 13:34-35; AMP)

We need to deepen our love for God as well as enlarge our love for one another with help of the Holy Spirit and in obedience to the Lord Jesus.

Valuing Our Relationship With God

The following notes are adapted from Rev Aries Zulkarnain's preaching on "Valuing Our Relationship With God" as preached in City Harvest Church on 1 July 2023.

Don't give up at half-time, concentrate on winning the second half.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NIV) reminds us that: "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride." 

"Then the Lord said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way." (Exodus 33:1-3; NIV)

God was not convinced that the Israelites were aware of their depravity in sinning against Him. Nevertheless, He was still going to fulfill His promise to their forefathers and bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey.

Many of us may rejoice over the blessings of God, but do not truly value our personal relationship with Him.

But, Moses had an incisive recognition and understanding of God's heart. ""Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here."" 

The gift of the fear of the LORD is Jesus' delight (Isaiah 11:3). Jesus puts greater value on His relationship with the Father than what the Father can provide and do through Him.

Here is how we can value our relationship with God:-

1.  Valuing the Presence of God

Exodus 33 (NIV)

v.3 "But I will not go with you...". You can have My blessing without a personal relationship with Me.

"I obey to delight in and resemble Him." - Timothy Keller

Idolatry may cause us to be distant from God.

v. 15-16 The he said to Him, "If Your presence does not go with us..." What makes us distinct is our relationship with God. The presence of God carries the grace and favour of God. Just because you are blessed does not mean you have the grace and favour of God. The presence of God will ensure that you remain blessed in both good and hard times.

Psalm 139:7-12 (NIV)

The people who know their God will do great exploits. They are: Resilient, Hopeful, Positive and Strong.

With God all things are possible.

God says, "I am with you."

2. Valuing God over Good

Exodus 33:2-3 "... Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey..."

The hardest dilemma is God or good.

Do not just see good equal God. God is good all the time.

Choose God over inconvenience and difficulties.

It is in the struggle that we develop strength and resilience. Recognize God in your struggles. With the presence and anointing of God, you can continue in all circumstances. Moses asked God for a glimpse of His glory.

v. 18 (NIV) "Then Moses said, “Now show me Your glory.”"

v.19 (NIV) "And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”

Moses asked to see God's glory, but God showed His goodness instead. God wanted Moses to first understand that God is good all the time.

See that God is good but do not equate good with God. God is still good regardless of our circumstances, experience in life and understanding of Him. Be patient. Spend time with God and enjoy your fellowship with Him.

God is entirely good. Blessing and riches are not our security. Many people are successful in life without having a personal relationship with God.

The presence of God makes a Christian distinctive. Surely, the presence of the King of Kings would more than meet all our needs.

3. Valuing God's Heart

Who? Me? Stiff-necked?

v. 4-6 (NIV) "When the people heard these distressing words, they began to mourn and no one put on any ornaments. For the Lord had said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you. Now take off your ornaments and I will decide what to do with you.’” So the Israelites stripped off their ornaments at Mount Horeb."

The LORD makes His face shine upon you. He is smiling when He looks at you. God is always full of love towards us. Our facial expression reflects our heart. 

Remember to consider the feelings of God in your expression during moments that are important to Him. Give due honour, praise and worship to God.

Fountain of Life
By Shirnise Lee
Prophetic Art Ministry, City Harvest Church

"The fountain of life flows from you to satisfy me. In your light of holiness we receive the light of revelation." Psalm 36:9 (TPT)

Jesus Delights In The Fear of the LORD

This article is adapted from Rev Dr Kong Hee's sermon "Jesus' Delight" as preached in City Harvest Church 0n 24 June 2023.

Click here for Kong Hee: Jesus' Delight and fast forward to one hour fourteen minutes and nine seconds (1:14:09) for the start of the sermon by Pastor Kong Hee.

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”" (John 8:12; NIV)

When the stress and troubles of life come, there is a danger of seeking external things of this world for relief instead of the domain or kingdom of God.

If we neglect to follow God's way, we fall into sin and walk in darkness. Sin causes us to reject the will of God for our life. Intentional sin is a trespass. Deeply ingrained sin becomes a stronghold of evil habit (iniquity).

However, when we tend to the garden of our soul, we can have a closer and deeper walk with God.

The good news is that the Holy Spirit is our Helper and we can ask Him for the following two gifts:

1. Ask the Holy Spirit for the Fear of the LORD

Isaiah 11:2 outlines for us the seven anointings of Jesus, including the fear of the LORD:-

"The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—

    the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,

    the Spirit of counsel and of might,

    the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—" (Isaiah 11:2; NIV)

Verse 3a reveals to us the following insight on what Jesus delights in.

"and he will delight in the fear of the Lord." (Isaiah 11:3a; NIV)

This fear has to do with our personal relationship with God; heart knowledge and not just head knowledge.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10; NIV)

The fear of the LORD is a healthy respect and reverence for God that is rooted in love.

LORD, please give us the grace not to grieve You. God is love and He has made clear to us the path of life as opposed to the way of death and destruction.

We are precious to God. The greatest battle is the fight for our soul.


2. Ask the Holy Spirit for the Mirror of Humility

"Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life." (Proverbs 22:4; NIV)

Humility and the fear of the LORD are two sides of the same coin; you cannot have one without the other.

"Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor." (Proverbs 15:33; NIV)

Humility is the deep awareness of one's own weaknesses and willingness to submit to God's grace in true surrender.


With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will indeed walk in the light of Christ Jesus and stay in fellowship with Him while steering clear of sin.

"The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." (Proverbs 4:18; NIV)

"Coming Through"
By Yip Pei Yi
Prophetic Art Ministry, City Harvest Church

Life In The Holy Spirit

"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Acts 2:1-4 (NIV)

Today is Pentecost Sunday and the ministry of the Holy Spirit is still as vital and powerful as ever.

The following sermon on Life In The Spirit as preached by Rev Bobby Chaw of City Harvest Church on 26 May 2023 is summarised here for your edification:-

"Prayer cultivates an awareness of the Spirit's Presence.

1. The Spirit assures us of God's Love

"The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." Romans 8:15-16 (NIV)

2. The Spirit helps us in our weakness

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." Romans 8:26 (NIV)


3. The Spirit empowers us in Spiritual warfare

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

After putting on the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:13-17), Paul urges us to pray in the Spirit so as to destroy demonic powers.

4. The Spirit reminds us of God's Promises

"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:26 (NIV)

We must fan the Spirit's flame through a life of prayers.

EXPECTATION to receive the Messiah and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

The 120 believers waited 10 days for the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.

Expectation is the breeding ground for miracles."

Take time to pray as Jesus did and engage the Holy Spirit in every day life to advance the cause of Christ Jesus through your life and in this world. 

Who is the most important person in your life?

Who is the most important person in your life? The answer to this question might depend on your current station in life.

For youngsters, it could be your parents or guardian who provide and care for you. It could also be someone you like such as a best friend or a beloved grandmother. For those who are married, it would likely be your spouse whom you profess you cannot live without. Or, it might even be your children or grandchildren whom you dote over.

Digressing from people, some people might well find their career, business, pet, car, annual vacation, or hobby to be the most important thing in life.

Back to people, you would probably consider yourself as the most important person as you need to take care of yourself first before you can take care of others or other matters in life.

I submit to you that we should urge ourselves to allow Jesus Christ to be the most important Person in our life. God has revealed Himself to us through His Son, Jesus Christ, and the written Word of God has so much truths that we can glean about Him such as the following verses:

"In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.

He was present originally with God.

All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being.

In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men." (John 1:1-4; AMPC)

"For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13,14; NIV)

The Supremacy of the Son of God

"The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." (Colossians 1:15-20; NIV)

""I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”" (Revelation 1:8; NLT)

"And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life." (Revelation 21:6; NLT)

When we give Jesus Christ first place in our lives, we honour Him who is so worthy of our worship, love and devotion. Surely, we can trust and obey Him who has created the cosmos and holds it all together, and also given us the breadth of life.

He has made us from dust, given us the breadth of life, and now He wants to transform us (dust) into sons and daughters of God -- the new creation.

"Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation," ( 2 Corinthians 5:16-18; NKJV)

Truly, let Jesus Christ take the supreme place in our lives and affirm with heart knowledge as with Apostle Paul, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20; NKJV)

What is the difference between a Door and Gate?

"I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture." (John 10:9; AMPC)

Click here to discover the difference between a Door and a Gate in Christendom, and discover the Door of our Hope in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Where and When is Paradise?

"And He answered him, Truly I tell you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." (Luke 23: 43, AMPC)

"Was caught up into paradise, and he heard utterances beyond the power of man to put into words, which man is not permitted to utter." (2 Corinthians 12:4, AMPC)

"He who is able to hear, let him listen to and give heed to what the Spirit says to the assemblies (churches). To him who overcomes (is victorious), I will grant to eat [of the fruit] of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." (Revelation 2:7, AMPC)

Paradise could well be closer than we think as we let the Word of God (Jesus) speaks to us.

Click here for Paradise Now with Tim Mackie as he shares with us insights on where and when is Paradise from the Word of God (Jesus).