Weeks 05 & 06 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

The Archbishop Rowan Willaims, Head of the 80m Anglican Communion worldwide, provoked outrage when he suggested on February 7th that the adoption of elements of Islamic sharia law in Britain was "unavoidable". This underminded further his authority in trying to bring unity to the Communion which has been divided over the issue of homosexuality between the liberals and the conservatives in the Communion.

This also weakens the position of the state church which has been seen by the increasingly secular Britain as privileged yet irrelevant. By trying to extend religious rights that Christians enjoy to the Muslims, it actually upsets the secularists further. They are already calling for a smaller official role of the church in Britain. At present 25 bishops sit in the House of Lords.

I personally believe that Christians have to find their voice in society like anyone else, without any advantage over non-Christians. To demonstrate our faith and the greatness of our God, we have to reflect God's greatness in our lives. This means that Christians have to raise the bar in our performance in the classroom or in the workplace, wherever God puts us. There is a greater need for us to shine for Jesus in the world in order to attract people unto Him. Whilst the classroom continues to be a fertile ground for harvest, I believe that the marketplace is where the biggest battle for souls is fought. The challenge is immense; serving God, not money. The key is living out the Gospel with the help of God.

I count myself privileged to be playing this dual role of serving in the church and actively engaging people in the world (in the marketplace). Christians can no longer afford to be marginalised and silenced in the market place. Our voice should become louder and louder based on merits; and actions speak louder than words. When people in the world, who are seeking the truth, see Christians succeeding by living out Jesus' principles, they will be attracted to Jesus. The Word of God in [Prov 29:2] "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice...." will come true.

In my two years of working in the marketplace again, I can testify the help of God when I follow His ways. It is hugely difficult trying to break away from the practice of the world - looking after No.1 (the earthly boss). But even No. 1 has to bow down when we submit to the Boss in Heaven. It works every time because "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him....."[Lev 4:3-12 NIV]

I am not a fan of the Book of Leviticus, but it is the Word of God all the same. When it says that "If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the LORD a young bull without defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed. He is to present the bull at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD. He is to lay his hand on its head and slaughter it before the LORD", [Exod 40:1-16,34-38 NIV] I have no choice but to search my heart always and repent before the Lord (a sin offering) for any committed sin, in order not to bring guilt on the people under my care!!!

Apostle Paul is always a great example to imitate. "Because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done--..... through the power of the Spirit." [Rom 15:14-22 NIV]

It is my prayer and dream to see more and more Christians glorifying God in the marketplace because "when the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; ....Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted........."[Prov 11:10-11 NIV]

Amen and amen!

Weeks 03 & 04 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

My boss has just been made a Director overseeing 2 Railway Divisions (offices) in the South East of England, an area of huge growth potential and great job opportunities. When I joined him 2 years ago, the 2 Divisions were less than 10 staff each. They have since grown to 25 each. With God's help, I have contributed in no small way to that growth, and my boss is well aware of it. In my annual appraisal 2 days ago, he thankfully acknowledged it and asked me for more of the same. But I reminded him that I only work for him 3 days a week and the church is my top priority.

When I look back at the past 2 years, returning to my consulting engineering profession after a gap of over 7 years (at the age of 57 and working only part-time), I am finding the whole experience incredible. Not only was the job a miracle, the success God has given to me was beyond my imagination. I have no choice but to give all the glory to my great God!

My boss is a natural leader. Despite of his humble academic background, he is very ambitious and visionary. He wants to see 100% growth every year. Sadly, I can see his dream being hindered by the 2 Division heads that he has under him. He shared with me privately his disappointment and he is considering bringing in a new head to lead the 2 Divisions if the existing heads do not perform in the next 3 months. The problem is leadership!

Indeed, this is the problem in the world today - in the family, in the workplace, in the government and in the church. This has not changed since Adam's time. Poor leadership results in failures or lack of success all round, affecting the leaders and the ones they lead!

The best leader in the world is of course our Lord Jesus. There is so much wisdom in his Word. "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes..........he ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold......." [Ps 19:7-11 NIV]

As God's creatures, God the Creator is the one who can empower (anoint) us to do great things that brings Him glory. When we follow and obey God like Moses did, we will experience His anointing & His presence. ".....the LORD said to Moses: "Set up the tabernacle...... Place the ark of the Testimony in it......Bring in the table.......bring in the lampstand .......Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony.......Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it.......anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils..........dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest........Moses did everything just as the LORD commanded him. Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle......" [Exod 40:1-16,34-38 NIV]

God showed His mercy first to the Jews (the nation of Israel). But thanks be to God, the same mercy is also extended to us the Gentiles. We, "though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root,........Do not be arrogant, but be afraid........Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off......." [Rom 11:17-24 NIV] Let us keep our faith and remain in Christ till the end. If we do so, we will continue to enjoy the blessings (nourishing sap) that comes from the Lord (the olive root).

Therefore, "My son, keep your father's commands.......Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life,"[Prov 6:20-35 NIV]

Amen!