Weeks 07 & 08 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

Yesterday (26Feb), just before 01:00 GMT, UK experienced the biggest earthquake for nearly 25 years. It has shaken homes across large parts of England. People in Newcastle, Yorkshire, London, Manchester, the Midlands and Norfolk and also parts of Wales, felt the tremor. A man suffered leg injuries when a chimney collapsed in South Yorkshire. The British Geological Survey (BGS) said the epicentre of the 5.3 magnitude quake was near Market Rasen in Lincolnshire, NE of England. Bev Finnegan, who lives in the town, said: "I was terrified to be honest. The noise was really, really terrifying... it was so deep and rumbling. And Justin Cowell, in Gainsborough, told BBC News that it "started as a massive shake. People had come out into the street. It seemed the whole town had woken up."

If people think that the relatively minor earthquake was really, really terrifying, let us be warned of the prophesy of the day of the Lord in [Isa 13:9-13] "......the day of the LORD is coming- a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger-- to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it. The stars of heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.......I will make the heavens tremble; and the earth will shake from its place......". This prophesy is reiterated by Jesus in [Matthew 24]. A lot of people who are in spiritual slumber now will for sure be woken up on that day!

Clearly, God is doing many things in the world today to warn people of that fateful day. But sadly, many are either blind to them or choose to ignore them! But for those of us who believe and trust in the Lord, we can confidently proclaim that "The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?........For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling.......I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living......" [Ps 27:1-6,13-14 NIV]

Amazingly, God has, throughout the ages, initiated a plan of redemption for all mankind. But we need to acknowledge that we are sinners who cannot save ourselves. "'If a person sins.......he must confess in what way he has sinned and, as a penalty for the sin he has committed, he must bring to the LORD ......a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin." [Lev 5:1-6 NIV] In our case, Jesus is both the sin offering and the priest who has made atonement for our sins when He died on the cross. All we need to do is to "confess with our mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved." [Rom. 10:9]

Once upon a time I thought I was wise by human standards. Seventeen years ago I thought I was strong and needed no help. "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." [1 Cor 1:26-31 NIV]. I am thankful to God for proving me wrong and for opening eyes to see the truth in Christ Jesus!

Today, I live in awe of the mightiness of our Great God and choose to have a healthy fear of the Lord. This is because "he whose walk is upright fears the LORD.......A wise man fears the LORD.......He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death." [Prov 14:2,16,26-27 NIV]

Amen!

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!

Weeks 01 & 02 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

I have developed a niggling pain between my neck & my left shoulder after sleeping on a high pillow when I was in Hong Kong. After nearly a month, it still refuses to go away. I went to see the doctor today and I was told that it could take a few months to recover fully. I do not have a high pain threshold and I do not fancy the prospect of "a pain in the neck" for another 2 or 3 months. :o(

I am learning the lesson of "satisfaction with God" under all circumstances, especially in hardship, difficulties & pain. Funny enough, last Sunday I preached on "A people of praise & thanksgiving - even in fiery trials". The Word of God in [1 Peter 1:6] says that"..... all kinds of trials.....have come so that our faith......may be proved genuine....". In front of the congregation, I loudly asked God "to bring it on" so that my faith may be proved genuine. And you have guessed it, my pain seemed to have got worse since Sunday. Who says God has no sense of humour? :o)

In his dark hours, King David cried out to God. "How long, O LORD?.....How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?.......Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;........But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me"[Ps 13:1-6 NIV]. Can I honestly say I trust in God's unfailing love when I am in sorrow? Can I gladly sing to the Lord and say He has been good to me when I am in pain? The lesson of "satisfaction with God" under all circumstances is one for all believers if we want to run this race victoriously till the end.

The longer I walk with God, the more I sense the intensity of His love for us. It is not unlike that of a jealous husband who will not share his wife with anyone else. ".....the LORD said: "I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the LORD, will do for you. Obey what I command you today. I will drive out before you the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites......Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God."[Exod 34:10-14 NIV]

In reply we can boldly proclaim "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?......in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."[Rom 8:31-39 NIV]

Let us put our faith in His Word. Let us "pay attention to what He says; listen closely to His words. Do not let them out of our sight, keep them within our heart, for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard our heart, for it is the wellspring of life....."[Prov 4:18-27 NIV]

Amen!

Weeks 51 & 52 (07) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

Kim & I had a 10-day Christmas break in Hong Kong. We arrived back in London early yesterday morning, but for the whole day I was like a zombie. It is so unfair that jet-lag appears to have a bigger affect on older folks. I fought to stay awake, trying to get my body clock back to Greenwich Mean Time, 8 hours behind Hong Kong. By 6 pm my brain went blank. I had to keep standing up to avoid falling asleep. The Nativity Story DVD had zero effect. It was a good job that Bruce Almighty came on at 8pm. It kept me awake till 10pm. Bedtime finally arrived. Last night, the bed and the pillow were extra heavenly!

Despite of this, the Hong Kong Trip was great. Seeing our two sons Ben & Nic and their WAG (a premier footballer's term for wife & girlfriend) Suki & Wai Wa is always a joy. Nic treated Kim & I to a night in the super-luxurious Venetian Hotel in Macau. All the furnishings were gold-plated. Even the toilets in the public areas out-shone some of our top London hotel rooms. The Macau trip was an eye-opener in itself. Five-Star hotels combined with casinos were growing like mush-room. Cash-rich farmers (turned property developers) from mainland China are feeding the growth in a big way. Yet behind the glittering fascia I discern a soul-less interior. It is an illusion. It is a screen-saver!

During our stay in Hong Kong I had an opportunity to meet Mr. Cheng Hon-Kwan for breakfast at the swanky Hong Kong Club. Mr. Cheng, who turned 80 recently, put Hong Kong on the map of Structural Engineering. He was mentored by a missionary when young. He shared about the grace of God and how God blessed him with an abundant life and a good family. At 80 years old, he is still actively serving in a number of Government boards and charities. By coincidence, on the flight back, I watched the interview of two golfing giants Gary Player and Jack Nicholas, both in their twilight years. Between them they have won over 300 Championships, over 30 of which were Majors. Besides enjoying lustrous careers, they both have very blessed families. Gary freely thanked God for loaning him his golfing talents!

People of God are people of praise & thanksgiving. Like the psalmist, "I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High......" [Ps 9:1-10 NIV].

God rightly deserves our thanksgiving. God reminded the Israelites to do it twice a day, one in the morning and the other at twilight. "This is what you are to offer on the altar regularly each day: two lambs a year old. Offer one in the morning and the other at twilight......a pleasing aroma, an offering made to the LORD by fire.....They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them....."[Exod 29:38-46 NIV].

The three senior gentlemen referred to above have one thing in common. Throughout their lives, they follow God whole-heartedly. Their devotion and gratitude are from the heart. "A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God." [Rom 2:25-29 NIV]

"A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit. Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly."
[Prov 26:24-26 NIV] May the Lord keep deceit from our lips; may He guard our hearts against wickedness.

Amen.

Weeks 49 & 50 (07) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

We round up another year of church planting in the UK with a Christmas celebration service in London yesterday. It was also attended by our people in Birmingham, Bristol, Hatfield, Reading and Ealing. It was great service with lots of joy and a wonderful Christmas spirit. I sincerely thank everyone in the UK for their dedication and hardwork in the past year!

My Christmas message was on Jesus God the Son, the last of 3 messages on the God of Trinity. Heb. 1(1-3) gives a pretty comprehensive description about the Son of God. One of them is that Jesus holds the universe and everything in it together "sustaining all things by his powerful word", including our breath. It is comforting to know that our life is in God's hands.

As I am writing, my 96 year old father had another heart attack and is recovering in hospital in Vancouver. 11 years ago, he had quite a serious one a few days before Christmas. I flew over from Hong Kong, arriving on Christmas Eve. He was sleeping when I arrived. I laid my hand on his heart and asked God to heal him. The next morning he woke up completely healed. It was a beautiful white Christmas morning. The doctor said the recovery was miraculous. May be he did not know that our God works miracles. :o) My father has since enjoyed a normal & active life. I know in my heart that my father's life is in God's hands. He is a born-again Christian and has lived a full life. It is up to God to determine his hours on this side of eternity and I have complete peace about it.

True peace is a precious commodity that only Jesus can give, not financial security, not possessions. I have experienced that peace through many tough times in my Christian walk, especially in the past 9 years of church planting. It brought great joy each time one came through the valley of darkness and one's faith was strengthened. I sense that God is training us to be stronger by giving us tougher trials as we progress. This prepares us to do greater thing for Him and only He gets the glory!

Without fail, "the LORD will hear when I call to him.......trust in the LORD..........Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." [Ps 4:1-8 NIV] There is no safer place to dwell than the presence of God.

"The LORD said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give. These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen.......onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. "Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you." [Exod 25:1-9 NIV] We are temples of God the Holy Spirit. It is my prayer and desire that my life measures up to God's gold standard that He specified to Moses in making the tabernacle so that I may have the favour of His presence!

When one tries to advance God's Kingdom, the devil will do everything to stop it. Apostle Paul faced opposition time and time again. "My accusers........cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way........and I have the same hope in God as these men.......So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." [Acts 24:12-16 NIV] But Paul always maintain the right attitude in facing adversity by keeping a clear conscience before God and man.

Let us understand that our God is the Lord of the Universe. The victory of our life is in His hands. "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD." [Prov 21:1-3,30,31 NIV]

Amen.

Weeks 47 & 48 (07) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

As we step into December, it is that time of the year again - the season of Christmas. Instead of doing my usual sharing on God's guidance based on His Word, I have decided to do something different to launch this Season of Joy. So Kim & I are going to present to you a Christmas dance. You can watch it by clicking the following link. Enjoy. :o)

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1120907470

May the Joy of the Lord fill your heart in this very special time!