AUGUST 9

1 Timothy 2:1-2

With a land area of about 710 square kilometres, Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world. It is also one of the most blessed in terms of living standards and good government. However, it has not always been a pretty picture of the island.

During World War II, Japan invaded Singapore on 15th February 1942 and ruled the island with great cruelty for three and a half years. Those years were unkind ones. Many thousands were killed, families torn apart and lives scarred. Some of you may have grandparents who lived through that sad episode of Singapore’s history. Ask them, and you will understand a little of how terrible it was to live under the oppression of the Japanese invaders. If we knew how dreadful it was during the war, we would be very grateful for what we have today.

Yet the Lord was merciful to Singapore. Japan lost the war and on 12th September 1945, returned possession of the island to the British. Then on 9th August 1965, Singapore gained her independence. It has been years since then and God has blessed us with good leaders and remarkable progress for an island with little resources.

What should our response as Christians be this day? Be grateful to the Lord, be thankful for the government, and as the verses remind us, pray for the government!

Thought: I must be grateful for my country.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for protecting my country. May I learn to be grateful for her, and to pray for continual peace. And may the government of Singapore be blessed with wisdom from Thee to rule in justice and equality. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.