Weeks 33 & 34 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

Finally, I am entitled to a free bus pass and a winter heating allowance. Also, Kim gave me a "60 - Older & Wider" badge (see pic.), which reminds me that the dream of a "6-pack" will now remain a dream, not that it was ever my life goal to have one. Someone says that age is only a number. It is how one feels in the heart that counts. I could not agree more. :o)

Kim & I have been enjoying our time in Hong Kong, sampling the best Hong Kong has to offer (all kinds of cuisines), making myself “wider” in the process. Good job we are staying with our son Nic; the 90 steps climb to his 5th floor flat provides the badly needed exercise each day. In the 32 degree C heat, it really helps to burn up a lot of surplus calories.

We met up with an old relative Uncle Chiu & his wife. Uncle Chiu came from my Dad’s village in China and he worked as a hair dresser with my Dad for many years before he retired some 20 years ago. Today, he is 87 years old and his wife is a young 85. They both keep fit by swimming 30 min. every day. They are a picture of excellent health (see pic.) that put many people 50 years their junior to shame.

The Word of God says in [Ps 90:10] that “The length of our days is seventy years — or eighty, if we have the strength…….” Living to 85 or 87 is a great achievement, yet, because we live in a fallen world, everyone has to face death one day!

The Word of God also says in [1 Tim 4:8] that “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” Swimming 30 min. a day is a great discipline that deserves high praise and encouragement, but God’s promise of eternal life has greater value.

At 60, when the physical strength begins to decline sharply, I truly appreciate and understand the value of good health at an old age. But, being in Christ, it means so much more. I cannot help but "praise the LORD…..all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's…….” [Ps 103:1-6] Yes, when I am in Christ, my youth is renewed like the eagle’s. :o)

Although I came to accept Christ as my Lord & Saviour at a late age of 42, I believe it has helped me to appreciate God more, because I have been forgiven more. In Hope London, I encourage the people to have 3 special occasions a year that we can celebrate God’s goodness. Just like what God commanded Moses, "three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles. No man should appear before the LORD empty-handed: Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.” [Deut 16:16-17] Each year, I encourage everyone to attend the Easter Camp, the Euro-convention and the Church Anniversary as our way of thanking the Lord for what He is doing among His people. They are also special times of jubilant celebration.

We celebrate the fact that we will not have to face death in eternity, because Jesus has substituted it with His own death on the cross. "Jesus…..now crowned with glory and honour because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone……and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death…….For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people……...” [Heb 2:9-18]


"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers. [Prov 24:3-6] May the Lord grant us His wisdom, understanding & knowledge that we may have the power & strength to live victorious lives while we are still living in this sinful world.

Amen!

Weeks 31 & 32 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing have no doubt caught the attention of the world in the past week, overshadowing the rather serious conflict between Russia & Georgia. But I am sure both occasions are important in the End-time economy!

The venue of the Opening Ceremony was at the main stadium in Beijing, affectionately referred to as the Bird's Nest - a marvelous piece of structural engineering (see picture). China raised the bar of the Opening by putting on a display that was both spectacular and powerful. Besides the fireworks outside the stadium, the mobilisation of a thoudand performers/dancers played to China's strength - drums, tai-chi, dances, the giant scroll, the moving-type printing etc. - a real feast for the eyes. Sadly, the beautiful and moving singing towards the end was mimed by a cute little girl named Lin Miaoke (on the right) . The real singer was Yang Peiyi; she was replaced because of her look (on the left)!

In men's perspective, the show was perfect. But in God's perspective, it was another "Tower of Babel" - men making a name for themselves. [Rom 1:23] says it well. Men have "exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images......." and "my people have exchanged their Glory for worthless idols [Jer 2:11]. God alone deserves all the Glory and worship. In God's opinion, Yang Peiyi did not need to be replaced. It was God who gave her the beautiful voice in the first place and, as far as God is concerned, Peiyi is "fearfully & wonderfully made". I hope she will find out one day!

I pray that one day Peiyi will "Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength......Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth." [Ps 96:1-9 NIV]


God reminded the Israelites to "destroy completely all the places on the high mountains and on the hills and under every spreading tree where the nations you are dispossessing worship their gods. Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and burn their Asherah poles in the fire; cut down the idols of their gods and wipe out their names from those places. You must not worship the LORD your God in their way." [Deut 12:1-7 NIV] As God's people, we should do likewise.

Dear friends, I would like to borrow Apostle Paul's words in Philemon that "I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ........" [Philemon 1:4-7 NIV]


Let us be assured that "the king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.....All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.......to do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice........He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. [Prov 21:1-3, 20-21 NIV]

Amen!

Weeks 29 & 30 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

In celebrating its Centenary, The Institution of Structural Engineers (an international qualifying body for structural engineers) have commissioned the world's leading architectural artist Stephen Wiltshire MBE to produce a drawing featuring iconic structures around the world [see picture]. Stephen, who suffers from autism, produced the drawing from photographic memory of the structures he has seen.....a truly amazing gift!

The Bible says that "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights..." [James 1:1] and "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." [1 Pet 4:10]. I am not sure whether Stephen is a Christian or not; if he is, he would thank our Heavenly Father for the gift of being a brilliant architectural artist. Indeed each of us should give thanks for our gifts and talents which are from above and we should use them to serve others faithfully.

I was sharing with my leaders recently that now we are believers in Christ, our lives take on a whole new perspective. We have a mission on this earth to use our gifts to serve others. I also shared that God allows us to accumulate lessons and experiences in our life journey, which equip us to serve more effectively. These include bad experiences!

Sometimes I am glad that God called me to serve Him when I was relatively advanced in age, by Hope standard that is. :o) I believe my life experience more than compensate for the loss in physical strength. I also believe that, with age, one has more wisdom, understanding and knowledge, which are so essential in building a church in the European context. At least I think so anyway, although my younger European co-workers may not agree. :o)

Because of this, "I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself........The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it." [Ps 89:1-11 NIV]

Sometimes we can feel isolated in the big wide world as Christ followers; that true believers are in the minority. It is therefore amazing to know that "the LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and......that he......redeemed you from the land of slavery.......Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands........He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land-- your grain, new wine and oil-- the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks........You will be blessed more than any other people.........The LORD will keep you free from every disease........." [Deut 7:7-15 NIV]

Although we are a minority in the world that is hostile to Christ, esp. in Europe, we shall not be fearful. We shall hold our heads high and not be ashamed of the Gospel, "for God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord,........But join.....in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life-- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.....What you heard......keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you-- guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us." [2 Tim 1:7-14 NIV] Yes, the Word of God and the Holy Spirit will sustain us till the end!

Add to that an attitude of revering our great God, for "he whose walk is upright fears the LORD. A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil........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 27 & 28 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

The UK have enjoyed a decade of prosperity, which has in some way disguised its brokeness. With the recent economic downturn, we seem to see this brokeness surfacing, due, may be, to more media attention. One of the issues is the stabbing of young people, with 21 youth killed in London alone in the first 6 month in 2008.

Another indirectly linked issue is the church split problem the Anglican Church is facing on the appointment of gay bishop (Gene Robinson of New Hampshire) and women bishops.

I shared in my last e-mail on recent statistics that UK weekly church attendance is about 6%, but declining at 2.3% a year. Church leaders are desperately looking for answers to reverse the trend. Reported revival in Florida has attracted many UK church leaders to visit. Many are now holding revival meetings after their return.

I attended one such meeting recently out of curiosity. Sadly, despite of the efforts put on, I would not call it revival yet. The worship was great and the speaker shared some very encouraging testimonies of signs & wonders, esp. in Africa, but the meeting itself was more of the same of "Slaying in the Spirit". Some call it carpet time. Some call it soaking time.

I believe in the miraculous power of God in healing & deliverance. I strongly encourage praying for those who are in sickness and in bondage. But I also believe that God will build His Church on the firm foundation of the Word of God. Jesus commanded us to make disciples who would obey His teachings, which are also confirmed with signs & wonders. We need both in building the church of Jesus Christ!

The Church needs to be patient in building it God's way and should not look for shortcuts. "He has set his foundation on the holy mountain; the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, O City of God: Selah "I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me - Philistia to, and Tyre, along with Cush - and will say, 'This one was born in Zion,'" Indeed, of Zion it will be said, "This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High himself will establish her." [Ps 87:1-7 NIV] God loves the Church of Zion and He will establish her in all the nations in His time.

God is Sprit and we worship Him in spirit and in truth."You saw no form of any kind the day the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire. Therefore watch yourselves very carefully, so that you do not become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of any shape, whether formed like a man or a woman, or like any animal on earth or any bird that flies in the air, or like any creature that moves along the ground or any fish in the waters below. And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars-- all the heavenly array-- do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. But as for you, the LORD took you and brought you out of the iron-smelting furnace, out of Egypt, to be the people of his inheritance, as you now are." [Deut 4:15-20 NIV] We need to be careful in how we present God to people. "Slaying in the Spirit" can be a step too far. God may even consider it as idol worshipping!

Holding revival meetings alone is a "tempting" way to draw the people. But Apostle Paul reminded Timothy (and us) that there are no shortcuts in building God's Church. It demands faithfulness and perseverence. "This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.......devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching ........ Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them ........Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." [1 Tim 4:9-16 NIV]

Let the wisdom of God encourages us in how we should live our lives. "A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.......The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful........Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm......An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble......No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble..... A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. [Prov 12:3,5,7,10,12,13,21,26 NIV]

Amen!

Weeks 25 & 26 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

Wimbledon is with us once again & top men tennis players from around the world are congregating at London SW19 to try to lift the coveted Grand Slams Mens' Singles Trophy. Britain's No.1 Andy Murray [seeded 12] raised a ray of British hope when he beat No. 8 seed Richard Gasquet from 2 sets down to book a place in the Quarter Final. After the win, he showed off his bicep to a cheering crowd and put the win down to disciplined physical training. Sadly the British hope ended two days later when Andy lost his match in straight sets to No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal, who was fitter & stronger!

All top sports persons understand that to be the best at a Grand Slams level, they need to reach epic level physically & mentally. A whole year's of preparation and training will hopefully peak in the 2 weeks when it matters. The reality is often much tougher than what one hopes. Each round gets harder, as Andy Murray has found out!

If winning the championship is tough, I think church planting is tougher. After 10 years of church planting in Europe, I can see a lot of similarities. Both require strict training and unyielding discipline! Apostle Paul said it well in [1 Cor 9:25] "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."

The reason why I say church planting is tougher is because the grind of ministry constantly challenges one's body, mind & spirit. Above all, it is not for a month, not for a year, not for 10 years, but for life, unless one gives up. And the temptations of giving up are many!

One motivation for us to keep going is our consciousness of God [1 Peter 2:19] - consciousness of His majesty, His love and His promises. '"Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?"....Then I thought, ".....I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people.......'" [Ps 77:7-15 NIV]

The consciousness of God is cultivated by a daily walk with Him. Just like the command God gave to the Israelites through Moses. 'The LORD said to Moses, "Give this command to the Israelites and say to them: '......'This is the offering made by fire that you are to present to the LORD: two lambs a year old without defect, as a regular burnt offering each day. Prepare one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight,....This is an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD."' [Num 28:1-8 NIV] This is what strict training and unyielding discipline are all about. Without God's input, we will not have the sustainable power to run & finish the race!

Recent statistics show that UK weekly church attendance is about 6%, but declining at 2.3% a year. The Church seems to get a bad press a lot of the time and the resistance is very subtle '...... but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.......we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts......We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.......And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? [1Thes 2:2-6,13,19 NIV] Indeed, seeing lives being transformed by God is another great motivation in building the Church!

One of the temptations of giving up is distraction, distraction from the vision & purpose of building the Church. The challenge is the ability to 'let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left.........' [Prov 4:20-27 NIV] Again, this requires unyielding discipline. :o)

Amen.

Weeks 23 & 24 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

Recently God opened another door for me in market place ministry. I joined the Committee of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers UK Chapter and I was given the task to organise this year's Dragon Boat team. The London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is an annual event sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London. By the 8th June, The Dragon Boat Day, I managed to recruit a team of 21 paddlers and one drummer, mostly engineers plus three of our church members.

There were 44 teams entered this year, including 3 club teams, the "professionals". Each team had 3 heats, with the best 8 entering the Final. All our members were novices, with only a few who had done it before. With just one practice under our belt, a top ten finish would have been an amazing result.

I understand the secret of dragon boat racing (involving 16 paddlers) is synergy, not power. 16 paddlers working in unison would generate more speed than 16 powerful paddlers who are not. Thats what I tried to work on and encourage in my briefing before each heat. The result was an excellent team spirit (see pic. attached).

The race was a 250m dash. Each heat was a 4 boat race. We won the first heat comfortably with 1 min. 18 sec.. Our 2nd heat improved by 4 sec., beaten only by a club team. We won the 3rd heat again with 1 min. 18 sec.. Amazingly, our best time of 1 min. 14 sec. got us into the Final. Although we did not do well in the Final, because by then we were all totally exhausted, it was incredible that we got into the Final nonetheless and I give all the glory to God!

Through this event, we have learnt a valuable lesson on the power of synergy. We have also made more than 20 new friends. We are working on activities to reach out to them. I pray and hope that all of them will be saved one day!

One other thing that surprised me was how God sustained me in the 4 races. I only felt the strain the next day. I echo what the psalmist says in Ps.71. 'In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame......Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone......Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.' [Ps 71:1-2,9-10,18 NIV] Yes, I will continue to declare God's power and might to all who are to come!

It is most reassuring to know that 'God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?...." No misfortune is seen in Jacob, no misery observed in Israel. The LORD their God is with them......God brought them out of Egypt; they have the strength of a wild ox.' [Num 23:18-26 NIV] God's people are blessed people. No one can curse whom God has blessed!

As we build God's church, let us continue to pray to God like Paul did 'that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ..... proclaim it clearly......Be wise in the way......act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let....conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that......may know how to answer everyone.' [Col 4:2-6 NIV]

'Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? [Prov 30:2-9 NIV] You are blessed because you know the answers and you believe. :o)

Amen!

Weeks 21 & 22 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

When I was in Kota Kinabalu for the Leaders Conference, I learnt about the Florida Outpouring. Through an unusual man by the name of Todd Bentley, God poured out His Spirit and His power and many good things appeared to have happened.

I have had a look at Todd Bentley's website. Whilst I am encouraged by the miraculous healings taking place, I am troubled by the other manifestations including a variety of animal sounds and movements. I do not deny that it could be a move of God, but I also know that every move of God would have a mixture of spirits which require discernment and regulation.

During the Empowerment Meeting of 27th April in Hope London, I gave a prophecy that Hope Europe shall experience an abundant harvest in the next 7 years (2009 - 2015). I included certain conditions for it to happen. I sense that the timing is right for the Lord to show Himself in tangible ways in this spiritually dry land. These would include signs and wonders. But I also believe that God does not want us to have it too easy. It will be more like [Mark 16:20] 'Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.' It will involve great efforts on our part. It will involve hardwork in building His Church. Yes, keep up the good work brother Peter Troung. :o)

I also shared with my leaders that more and more, we need to step up our faith by dreaming and thinking imaginatively of God's might and glory. We have seen nothing yet!

I also believe that whilst our God is loving and joyful, in His presence, we should not be like revellers getting high on alcohol. When God moves, His people will rejoice in His presence with reverence and thankfulness. Our spirit will be heightened. It will be more like that in the Psalm 'Those living far away fear your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy. You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the desert overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.' [Ps 65:8-13 NIV] Other signs would include prosperity and physical blessings.

When God moves, our understanding of God will be transformed. Our eyes will be opened. We will learn that God can do anything beyond our knowledge, including using a donkey to speak to Balaam. 'Then the LORD opened the donkey's mouth, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?" Balaam answered the donkey, "You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now." The donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?" "No," he said. Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown.' [Num 22:21-31 NIV]Come Holy Spirit!

Our desire for God to move should match that of a man in the desert longing for water. Our desire to know Christ and His power should mirror that of Apostle Paul's heart cry. '........ I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ......I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,' [Phil 3:1-21 NIV] When we are in God's presence, we share in His sufferings (in our service to Him) and His victory (resurrection power in advancing His Kingdom).

Whilst we wait upon God patiently for Him to move, we should also have the confidence that the future is in God hands. Events will unfold according to God's timing for '.....the LORD....directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases........The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.' [Prov 21:1-3,31 NIV]

Amen!