Weeks 41 & 42 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

On Saturday 17 October, I officiated the wedding ceremony of our elder son Nic & Wai Wa. Because of work commitment, Kim & I departed from London after work on Thursday night, arriving in Hong Kong on Friday evening, and the wedding was on the next day. I prayed for a good night sleep!

On Saturday morning, Kim & I woke up at around 6am. We decided to stay in bed and prayed in agreement for the whole day’s proceeding. I sensed God’s presence throughout.

The wedding was held at the Canadian International School, Nic's place of work. The ceremony was conducted in a large space with nice high ceiling and a large terrace. It was excellent for the service and for refreshments afterwards. Nic invited the children from his class (Reception 1). Over twenty 3 – 4 years old children turned up with their parents, all dressed up smartly for the occasion. One little blonde haired girl came in a flowery cheungsam (Suzie Wong dress) because the Mum was expecting a “Chinese” wedding! All the children were so cute and well-behaved.

The evening reception was held in Helena May, a women club housed in a colonial building on Garden Road. The venue was cosy and beautiful, a great setting for a western wedding reception. The friends of Nic & Wai Wa put together a very interesting programme, which included a very nice video of Nic & Wai Wa. The food was buffet style, with a quality that rivalled that of a 5 star hotel. The choices of dessert were also wonderful. It was a brilliant idea because we had guests from all kinds of background and culture. Everyone was able to find something to suit one’s taste bud.

Looking back, I can see God’s hand and blessing on the wedding day. I was surprised how alert I was and practically unaffected by jet-lag throughout the whole day. Also, everything went better than expected. All praises and thanksgiving to God!

As parents, Kim & I are absolutely delighted (and relieved) that both our sons are now married and we have 2 beautiful daughters (in law) added to the family. Our younger son Ben took a picture of Kim & I relaxing at home after the wedding and someone commented that it was a picture of 2 contented parents with both their kids finally married. Funny, but true :o).

I am also thankful to God for His amazing provision, and I am not referring to our sons’ wives, although they are God-sent. The fact that God miraculously opened a door for me to work in my civil engineering profession again some 4 years ago allowed me to comfortably finance the 2 weddings!

It is interesting to note that the middle of the Bible is also the shortest chapter in the whole Bible. Yet it encapsulates the essence of what all creatures should do with our lives. “Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love towards us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.” [Ps 117:1,2 NIV] The psalmist (possibly King David) reflects the correct attitude and heartbeat towards our great God through these simple words.

King David also demonstrated his words in action in wanting to build a great house for the Lord. Although God told him that it will be his son Solomon who will build the house, David did his utmost in preparation and supply of materials and labour. “Then David said, "The house of the LORD God is to be here, and also the altar of burnt offering for Israel."……. David said to Solomon: "My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God…… "Now, my son, the LORD be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the LORD your God, as he said you would. May the LORD give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave to Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. "I have taken great pains to provide for the temple of the LORD a hundred thousand talents of gold, a million talents of silver, quantities of bronze and iron too great to be weighed, and wood and stone. And you may add to them. You have many workmen: stonecutters, masons and carpenters, as well as men skilled in every kind of work in gold and silver, bronze and iron — craftsmen beyond number. Now begin the work, and the LORD be with you." …….Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the LORD." [1 Chron 22:1-19 NIV]

Our devotion and humility before God stem from the fact that it is God who made us. All we have in material possessions, talents, health, career, families etc are from Him. Hence our boasting is in the Lord. “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not — to nullify the things that are, so that no-one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God — that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." [1 Cor 1:26-31 NIV]

Only God is wise. His advice and instruction are the best. Therefore “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails……..The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble……..Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” [Prov 19:20-29]

Amen and amen!