Weeks 15 & 16 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

Anyone who thinks that he or she has control over his or her own destiny has been proven wrong this week. 10s of thousands of people were stranded in various locations around the globe after their holidays because their homebound journeys were affected by a volcanic eruption in Iceland. This included my wife Kim who came to visit me in Hong Kong during her Easter school break. Her return flight is now rescheduled to the 28th. Although she told me that she could not wait to get on the plane, I am sure she did not mind the extended holiday. :o)

The Economist, under an article titled “Earthly Powers” presented 2 arguments that arose from “this demonstration of earthly power. The first is immediate and practical: was all this chaos man-made – an immense and costly overreaction by regulators to a spectacle that posed only a minor and manageable risk? The second is more philosophical: what does this say about man’s apparent inability to control nature?”

It went on to say that “…….there is no technology to plug volcanoes which pierce the earth’s crust, or to bind the faults which cause earthquakes. There is not yet even a science for predicting when faults and volcanoes will let lose. To that extent, mankind is still vulnerable to the vagaries of the planet. But the story of human development is one of becoming better at coping with them…..”.

In closing, the article said that “…….When people talked about charms of powerlessness in the face of nature, part of what they are saying is that they don’t want to be bothered with facing up to what humans can do, and to what they might have at risk. The business of looking after a planet requires being bothered in advance …….”.

The author clearly thinks that man can control his or her own destiny. Through human development, including scientific ones, the author is advocating that even “nature” is within human power to control!

This is positive but wishful thinking. I would also consider this as a kind of faith. Sadly, if my understanding of what the future holds is correct, the author’s faith is misplaced. He or she will be unpleasantly surprised and greatly disappointed one day.

It is important to discern the time we are in and take note of the signs of the many events (earthquake in China, tornado in USA, financial crisis in Greece…..) that are happening around the world. Everyone needs to make a choice about what kind of faith one should have in order to face each day and, more importantly, one’s future.

For me, I choose to believe that there is a Creator who made all things. He decides when and which volcano will erupt and when and where an earthquake will occur. He controls our destiny and the destiny of Planet Earth. Indeed, “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........” [Ps 24:1-10 NIV]

The story of Job in the Bible reminded us that God is the only true boss of the Universe. Even the devil can only act with God’s permission. “One day…….a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off…….The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants…….The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off.……Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead……….Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. [Job 1:13-22 NIV]. The most incredible thing is that despite of what Job suffered, he did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. No wonder God said that "there is no one on earth like Job; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil" [Job 1:8 NIV].

Job was truly a man of great faith. He trusted God even though he had suffered so much. It was because he was sure of what he hoped for and certain of what he did not see. Yes “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see…….By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible……And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him…....they are…..longing for a better country-a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” [Heb 11:1-16 NIV]

Be confident to know that “By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared……The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame. [Prov 3:19-35 NIV]

Amen and amen!

Weeks 13 & 14 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

I have just made a lightning visit to the UK, attending the Hope Fest (Easter Camp). I landed at Heathrow Airport early on Easter Friday morning, went home for a quick shower, picked Marcus up at Luton Airport, stopped for a good pub lunch along the way before arriving at the camp site in the pm. I left the camp on Easter Monday pm and flew back to Hong Kong in the evening. I thank God for sustaining me during this short visit!

It was great to meet up with friends in our UK churches after being away in HK for about 6 weeks. I also met 3 new friends from Paris. The camp was beautifully organized with all the churches contributing to leading worship, presentations and teaching. We had a record attendance of over 280 people. It blessed my heart to see all the churches growing and people are on fire for God. I was encouraged to see pastors and leaders rising up to lead God’s flocks. To God be the glory!

The theme was on “The Saints” (A Sanctified Church). We learnt about what it meant to be a true Christian, walking in holiness with God, growing into the likeness of Christ until the day we meet God face to face in Heaven.

This is a huge challenge because we are living in a fallen world. We are being influenced by values that are not helpful to this course, especially living in a materialist society like Hong Kong. There are so much temptations around us – money, sex and power, the same 3 challenges that tempted mankind since the beginning some 6000 years ago. They are the same 3 challenges that caused the first man Adam to fall [Gen. 3:6], when he disobeyed God. They are the same 3 challenges that confronted Jesus, who overcame with the Word of God [Matt. 4:3-10].

I really am glad that I am a Christian with the Bible (the Word of God) providing a manual for holistic living. I feel fulfilled and satisfied, and I look forward to living each day with excitement and purpose. But there is a price to pay – strict discipline. A true Christian walk requires strict discipline in body, mind and spirit. Unless we approach the walk holistically, failure in one area would make it a failure. I may be 61 years old today, I feel healthier and happier when I apply God’s principles in my daily life – good work ethics, faithful relationship (spouse, family and friends) and healthy lifestyle (in eating, exercising, resting). I can experience God’s power and help in a very challenging world. This is truly the abundant life that Jesus came to give us [John 10:10], a life that is meaningful and worth living.

Yes, we need to know the time we are in and discern God’s leading in the way forward. “May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support……May he remember all your sacrifices……..May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests…….Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” [Ps 20:1-9 NIV]

Esther was able to discern God’s timing for her people and responded accordingly despite of the danger. “When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther's instructions. [Est 4:12-17 NIV]. Because of her faith, God used Esther to save a whole nation!

God will hear our prayers and can use us when we walk in obedience. Jesus was no exception when he was on earth as man. Let us stop being a spiritual infant, understand this truth and become mature. “…… During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek. We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. [Heb 5:1-14 NIV]

For those of us who are spiritual leaders, let us faithfully lead God’s flocks. Indeed our rewards will be great. ‘“He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored. Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats' milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls.’ [Prov 27:18, 23-27 NIV]

Amen and amen!