Weeks 21 & 22 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

On Thursady 4th June 2009, US President Barack Obama delivered a powerful keynote speech in the Egyptian capital Cairo (Egypt is a strategic choice of location – a land of spiritual slavery). His aim was to reach out to a billion Muslims around the world. Indeed, Muslims and non-Muslims from around the world listened to the speech (see pics).

He started by saying “I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning, and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt's advancement. Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I am grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country.”

He then considers seven issues that have to be, in his view, confronted. These are violent extremism, the Israeli/Palestinian dispute, nuclear weapons (with a reference to Iran), democracy, religious freedom, rights of women and economic development.

He said “……Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state of our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That is why the United States government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab, and to punish those who would deny it. So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations - to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity."

Towards the end of his speech, he created a sense of shared experiences by saying “……..We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written. The Holy Koran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another." The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace." The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God……. The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you. Thank you very much. Thank you.”

The key phrase he used is a new beginning, with mutual interest and mutual trust added for good effect. He quoted from the Koran before his quotes from the Torah and the Bible as a way of flattering his audience. The emphasis is on peaceful co-existence of all nations, irrespective of race, culture and religion.

No doubt, it is a speech that appeals to the common sense and the desire of every human being. But I believe it actually sets a veiled agenda for a One World Religion and a One World Government. The peace that will come in future will be temporal and virtual. One of the indicators is a treaty of peace between Israel and Palestine, by creating of a State of Palestine within the Holy Land.

When the whole world buys into the new agenda, Christians who confess Jesus as the ONLY way to heaven [Acts 4:12] will be seen as divisive and extreme. They will be attacked in the same breath as the militant Islamists of today.

This is where outrageous faith comes in, faith to believe that true peace will ONLY come when our Lord Jesus comes a 2nd time to lock the devil up for a 1000 years, followed by the Final Judgment before God.

Let us get ourselves ready for the roller-coaster ride that is to come. Let us hold true to the Word of God and not be weary and fearful when our faith is challenged. “May God arise, may his enemies be scattered……may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. Sing to God, sing praise to his name…….his name is the LORD-- and rejoice before him…….God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land……When you went out before your people, O God…..the earth shook…..You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance. Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, O God, you provided for the poor. [Ps 68:1-10 NIV]

God demonstrated His might by performing many miracles through Elijah, a person with outrageous faith. God gives and withholds as He pleases. When King Ahab of Israel did evil in the eyes of the Lord by worshipping Baal, God held back rain for a few years. Then God spoke to Elijah to present himself to Ahab and let the king know that rain is on it way. “….Elijah said to Ahab, ‘….. there is the sound of a heavy rain.’ ……Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. ‘Go and look toward the sea,’ he told his servant. And he went up and looked. ‘There is nothing there,’ he said. Seven times Elijah said, ‘Go back.’ The seventh time the servant reported, ‘A cloud as small as a man's hand is rising from the sea.’ So Elijah said, ‘Go and tell Ahab, 'Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.' Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. The power of the LORD came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.” [IKing 18:41-46 NIV] Elijah kept believing in God even when God did not answered right away. He was truly a man of outrageous faith!

For us to develop and maintain outrageous faith, we need to repeatedly ask this question – Do I believe Jesus as the Son of God and the King of all kings & Lord of all lords in the entire universe? Pilate, the Roman Governor asked Jesus a similar question. “Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’…….Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.’ ‘You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’ ‘What is truth?" Pilate asked.” [John 18:28-40 NIV] Pilate, like so many, did not believe in Jesus. As a result he gave in to the demand of the crowd who wanted Jesus to be crucified.

When Adam sinned against God in the Garden of Eden, the dominion of the world and its riches came into the hands of Satan. Satan will continue to use money to draw many away from God. So be sure of these – “.....Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse……He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance. A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him……He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. [Prov 28:6,10-11,20 NIV]

Amen!

Weeks 19 & 20 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

The UK House of Parliament along the River Thames is not only an internationally renowned iconic landmark, it is also one of the greatest institutions in history. It is a symbol of democracy and a shining model greatly admired by the free world. But in the past 2 weeks, revelations of Members of Parliament expenses claims published in a local newspaper the Daily Telegraph have more than thrown up a scandal.

It has always been a huge honour to be elected a Member of Parliament since its inception in 1295. Members are referred to as “honourable” gentlemen and “honourable” ladies. However, that image was badly tarnished when the revealed expenses claims include ones for clearing a moat, maintaining swimming pools, a £1,645 "duck island" and a claim to fit mock Tudor beams to the front of a house. One MP claimed for a house that was neither in London, nor her constituency. Two MPs continued to claim for mortgage interest payments, after the mortgages had been paid off. Claims for small items have also been ridiculed - including a trouser press, a bath plug and some Hob Nob biscuits.

No doubt the esteemed Institution is shaken to its core and the House is literally in deep water. Political Party Leaders were quick to condemn their respective offending or guilty members and agreed measures to clean up the system. They came to the conclusion that self-regulation does not work, even for “honourable” members.

I believe it is a wake-up call for all who aspire to the high calling of public servant-hood. I am particularly conscious of my own calling as a servant of God. It is one viewed not from self but God perspective.

God’s Word in [Rom 3:23] says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” and in [Ps 51:4] “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.” How true!

I believe men will continue to struggle to do the right things consistently in this fallen world. Our only hope is to know that God alone is always righteous and just and He will judge the world and all in it. God is right when He says that “Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge uprightly among men? No, in your heart you devise injustice…… the wicked will be swept away. The righteous will be glad when they are avenged…….Then men will say, "Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth." [Ps 58:1-11 NIV]. The question is “what should be our response to a righteous and just God?”

At the beginning of King Solomon reign, He revered and worshipped the true God. His offered up on the altar tens of thousands of cattle at a time. “Then the king and all Israel with him offered sacrifices before the LORD. Solomon offered a sacrifice of fellowship offerings to the LORD: twenty-two thousand cattle and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats……..On that same day the king consecrated the middle part of the courtyard in front of the temple of the LORD, and there he offered burnt offerings, grain offerings and the fat of the fellowship offerings, because the bronze altar before the LORD was too small to hold the burnt offerings, the grain offerings and the fat of the fellowship offerings. So Solomon observed the festival at that time, and all Israel with him-- a vast assembly…… They celebrated it before the LORD our God for seven days and seven days more, fourteen days in all. On the following day he sent the people away. They blessed the king and then went home, joyful and glad in heart for all the good things the LORD had done for his servant David and his people Israel. [IKing 8:62-66 NIV] But his love for foreign women led him to sin against God when he worshipped the gods of his many wives!

Jesus says that “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."……… You judge by human standards……….But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me………I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me......."You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world………I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is reliable, and what I have heard from him I tell the world……..When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him." [John 8:12-30 NIV] When we walk in Jesus, we walk in the light and guided by the light. Our chances of falling are minimised.

Coming back to the issue of honour. In God’s perspective, “a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold……A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. …….He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend. [Prov 22:1,3,9,11 NIV]

Amen!

Weeks 17 & 18 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

I spent last weekend with Kim in Utrecht speaking in a Bible seminar organized by Hope Utrecht. It always gives me great pleasure to see Albert and his dear wife Claire and their lovely children.

Albert is one of the early church planters in Europe. If God were to give an award for the most persevering church planter ever lived, Albert would win it. His church had been 3 people for a long time, yet he never gave up, when most people would.

We met in a very nice conference centre in Utrecht. Some 14 people attended. I spoke on the issue of Faith based on Hebrew 11, a topic I believe is vitally important as we get closer to the Day. We will see greater deception that even the elect will be deceived [Matt. 24:24].

I touched on Ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair converted to Catholic and started an All-Faith Foundation. The Pope has just made a trip to Israel to proclaim peace in the Holy Land. More and more influential figures are putting their weight behind an All-Faith world which will eventually lead to One World Religion, all in the name of peace.

In the Seminar, a Hungarian man also attended. I actually met him last year in a similar setting. This time I had more time to talk to him. He was clearly a highly intelligent man, teaching in a number of universities in Utrecht and Geneva on learning strategies. He boasted that he could learn a language in a matter of days. He believed that the world would be a better place if everyone would be eager to gain knowledge like him. This is nothing new. Since Adam’s time, man has been looking for gaining knowledge and wisdom [1 Cor. 1:22], but knowledge without the knowledge of God would cause men to be proud and reject the true God [1 Cor. 8:1-3].

At the end of the seminar he came to talk to me and informed me that everything could now be explained scientifically or mathematically including the existence of God, the origin of mankind etc… I told him that Faith to me meant that I would not believe anything that contradicted the Word of God. I think my “stubbornness” had shaken his “faith” a little bit. :o)

Yes, sadly, “the fool says in his heart, "There is no God." ….. God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one……!” [Ps 53:1-6 NIV]

God is the source of our everything, including wisdom. When King Solomon asked God for wisdom to govern the people well, God granted his request. “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt…….He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom. [I King 4:29-34 NIV].

Indeed, “a man can receive only what is given him from heaven…….The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." [John 3:27-36 NIV]

We need God's wisdom in building His house successfully. “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. Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say. [Prov 24:3-7 NIV]

Amen!

Weeks 15 & 16 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

As Prime Minister, Tony Blair famously "didn't do God" but, having left office, he is travelling the world to launch his new Faith Foundation.

On a cold winter's day in New Haven, Connecticut, Tony Blair is preparing for a new challenge – teaching. His new inter-faith foundation has linked with Yale University and launched a new course, on Faith and Globalisation. He commented to BBC Religious Affairs Correspondent Christopher Landau that "If globalisation is a force pushing people together, does religion become a force pulling people apart? In the light of what's going on in the world, they are important themes to explore."

In front of 25 handpicked students from diverse religious backgrounds, Mr Blair leads discussions about the complex dilemmas politicians face when taking account of religious belief. “I'm really and always have been in a way more interested in religion than politics”, Mr. Blair said. He gives examples of controversial incidents during his premiership – including debates over euthanasia, gay adoption and abortion.

The academic course is just one part of the planned work of the Foundation. It has other educational programmes planned, including the production of impartial religious education materials, and the development of a new inter-faith centre in London. What makes the foundation's work distinctive is its emphasis on uniting people of different religious traditions in practical action. Young people are being recruited to work for the foundation as "Faiths Act Fellows".

The concept of an inter-faith foundation pre-dates him becoming leader of the Labour Party or prime minister, he says. And the launch of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation is a response to him being "really, really committed to finding a way of making religious faith relevant to the modern world". Mr Blair says the secular world needs to understand religion, and religions need to understand each other. "I believe this whole issue to do with inter-faith is absolutely where the 21st Century needs to be in social and cultural terms," he says. "So I've got a very clear strategic sense of it as well. A powerful sense of mission on it. Every bit as powerful as I felt in politics."

He has been a very successful politician. No doubt he will also do well building his inter-faith foundation. Its development is every bit as interesting as how the nations came together economically as the result of the recent financial crisis. One day, the nations will come together and support a One World Religion. Tony Blair may well be laying the "foundation" for such a day.

As the world moves further and further away from the truth in the Bible, many will be sucked into the world system due to fear and ignorance. Many will buy into a One World Religion in the hope of finding lasting peace. But it will just be an illusion to deceive many.

But for true Christ followers, it is a time to be discerning and strong, trusting that "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea...... There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us......... Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth........"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." [Ps 46:1-11 NIV] That is a promise from God.

Eventually, by God's grace, everyone will receive his or her due in God. "The LORD has rewarded.....according to.....righteousness, according to....cleanness in his sight. "To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low. You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall........It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect......You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great." [2 Sam 22:25-36 NIV].

But I am even more amazed at God's grace towards Peter, one of his closiest ally. "seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly. [Luke 22:54-62 NIV] Despite of Peter's repeated denial of Jesus, God forgave him and made him one of the greatest apostles and servants of God.

Yes even "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. 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 13 & 14 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

In my last message, I shared about the financial difficulties our company was facing and my pay was cut by 66%. I would like to share about God's amazing providence again.

I testified about God miraculously openning a door for me to work in my profession in civil/structural engineering just over 3 years ago. It was a miracle because no company would normally employ someone who has not worked in the profession for 7 years, who is 57 years old and who can only work 3 days a week!

God didn't only open the door, He also blessed me to help grow the business unit from 20 people to 60 people. Then we had the severe economic downturn following the near collapse of the financial institutions in the past 6 months. Many companies are still laying people off. It is expected to continue for another 12 months or more.

The testimony starts on 4th November, 2008, the day when Senator Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the USA. On the same day, my director boss Iain C phoned me to inform me that he was sacked. He asked for my home e-mail address to keep in touch. I wrote him and told him that I would pray for him to get a new job. One the day my pay was cut by 66% towards the end of February, Iain started work at AECOM, a global Consulting Engineer. They have 740 offices around the world, serving clients in over 100 countries and employing 43,000 professionals worldwide. On the day our company announced the closing down of our branch office where I worked, I got an offer letter to join AECOM. Today (8th April) was my first day in the new company. I continue to work 3 days a week in a nice office in Central London. I even get an increase in salary and benefits. Only God could make it possible in a recession!

I am thankful for God's timely providence. I am even more excited about the harvest opportunities in a mega global company, starting with Iain. All glory to Him!

With a God like this, I cannot be silent. I just want to say 'I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart. I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD. I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.' [Ps 40:8-11 NIV]

King David won the heart of his followers. They would not desert him even when he was running for his life from Absolom. 'The king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why should you come along with us? Go back and stay with King Absalom........You came only yesterday. And today shall I make you wander about with us, when I do not know where I am going? Go back, and take your countrymen. May kindness and faithfulness be with you." But Ittai replied to the king, "As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be." David said to Ittai, "Go ahead, march on." So Ittai the Gittite marched on with all his men and the families that were with him. The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people passed by.' [2 Sam 15:13-14,19-26 NIV]. King Jesus has also won my heart. I will follow where He leads me. He will lead those who trust Him through the 'valley of hardship' at this challenging time!

Angels are sinless creatures. They find it absolutely amazing that sinners like myself could actually be saved. 'Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."' [Luke 15:1-7 NIV] No wonder there are so much rejoicing in heaven each day as sinners got saved. This same excitement should energise us to reach out to the lost!

Indeed the harvest is plentiful. Let us not retire until the job is done because '.....he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward......The desire of the righteous ends only in good.......One man gives freely, yet gains even more;.......A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise......' [Prov 11:18-19,23-25,30-31]

Amen!

Weeks 11 & 12 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

G20 world leaders (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the US and the EU), representing 85% of the world economy, will be arriving in London for the G20 Summit to be held on 2nd April in the UK Capital. This is a follow up meeting from the November meeting in Washington when the G20 Chair was held by the US Government. The rotating G20 Chair has come to UK and it has become vitally important for our Prime Minister Gordon "Save The World" Brown whose political fortune hinges on the successful outcome of this Summit.

In the past week, Mr. Brown has been seen jetting between Europe and the Americas, laying down the ground work for what he is hoping to be the impetus for global co-operation in reviving the world economy. He passionately believes that an early recovery from recession will depend on the joint action of the major economic nations around the globe.

Mr. Brown believes that the aim of the London summit is no less than the redesign of the world financial system. First, leaders want to reach agreement on more co-ordinated action to revive the world economy, both by more interest rate cuts and more spending by governments to bring countries out of recession. Secondly, there will be efforts to prevent a future crisis by strengthening the international regulation of banks and other financial institutions. Thirdly, they also hope to agree a blueprint for future reform, including changes to the international organisations charged with regulating the world economy, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to give a greater voice to poorer countries.

No doubt it is in everyone's interest to see the economy recovering, reviving the businesses and providing jobs for people from all walks of life. But I am more interested in the hidden agenda of development of global economic and financial cooperation. It will pave the way to an eventual One World Government, something I am watching closely!

Whilst it is the hope of every man and woman, myself included, to see the hardship that unemployment can bring coming to an end, our true hope should rest on our Lord. It is because "the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth--he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine." [Ps 33:5-19 NIV]

Young King David was a very successful king because he was after God's heart and the Lord blessed him. He was revered by all because the Lord was with him and granted him victory over his enemies. "When Tou king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer, he sent his son Joram to King David to greet him and congratulate him on his victory in battle over Hadadezer, who had been at war with Tou. Joram brought with him articles of silver and gold and bronze. King David dedicated these articles to the LORD, as he had done with the silver and gold from all the nations he had subdued: Edom and Moab, the Ammonites and the Philistines, and Amalek. He also dedicated the plunder taken from Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah. And David became famous after he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He put garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The LORD gave David victory wherever he went." [2 Sam 8:9-14 NIV]

I sense there is a lot of fear in the world today, with the recession just starting and unemployment rising. But what should be our response? May be we can see a parallel in this Bible story that "One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him." [Luke 8:22-25 NIV]

Our company, like many others, is struggling financially. Many staff have been laid off and my pay is reduced by 66%. It is not a comfortable position to be in. I can choose to panic like the disciples in the storm or I can choose to trust God to calm the storm in my heart. God has been faithful in the past 18 more years since I started walking with Him and I believe nothing has changed. I therefore choose to "pay attention to what God says; listen closely to His words. Do not let them out of my sight, keep them within my heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.......Let my eyes look straight ahead, fix my gaze directly before me. Make level paths for my feet and take only ways that are firm." [Prov 4:20-27 NIV]

Amen!

Weeks 09 & 10 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

On Monday 09.03.09, Andrew Marr, a renowned Political Commentator wrote and presented the first episode of the 3-parts series "Darwin's Dangerous Idea" on BBC 2, exploring how Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection has taken on a life of its own far beyond the world of science.

Over the 150 years, Darwin's idea challenged the need of a creator, undermining religious authority, and provided new ways of looking at the origins of human morality. Darwin's personal encounter of an "uncivilised" native tribe in Tierra del Fuego at the southernmost tip of South America during his travel raised questions in his mind about the origins of the human race. The development of Darwin's ideas has found a range of influences: from the existential philosphy of Friedrich Nietzsche to the battlefields of the First World War, from the Freudian psychoanalyst's couch to the Vatican; and from the genetic logic of kindness to an Islamic creationists's claim that Darwin is to blame for modern terrorism.

The BBC programme strategically coincides with the 200th widespread anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his book ‘On the Origin of Species’. The public awareness has been heightened as the media have picked up on the various events surrounding it. Richard Dawkins, a staunch athiest who wrote "The God Delusion" has recently launched a poster promoting atheism with the slogan, “There's probably no God. So stop worrying and enjoy your life” on the side of 800 British doubledecker buses. Darwin's idea of 150 years is making a strong comeback. It is dangerous because of the simple fact that it attacks the Christian faith at its core, which is centred on a God of Creation.

In response, the Westminister Chapel is conducting a 2-evening conference on 12th and 13th, inviting Ken Ham, President of the leading creationist organisation 'Answers in Genesis' to speak on a theme "Doubts About Darwin". The conference should be helpful for Christians to better understand this very important subject.

As we are getting closer and closer to the "End", the time of great deception is upon us. This is time to be strong in our faith. This is no time to allow the enemy to plant seeds of doubt in our minds. Be confident to know that "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, who seek your face, O God....Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-- he is the King of glory." [Ps 24:1-10 NIV]

I am continually amazed at David's faith and his attitude of trusting God in his daily decision making. He inquired of the Lord often. "In the course of time, David inquired of the LORD. "Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?" he asked. The LORD said, "Go up." David asked, "Where shall I go?" "To Hebron," the LORD answered. So David went up there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns. Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah." [2 Sam 2:1-7 NIV] This is a very good way of walking with God, even for us 21st century earth dwellers, that we consult God on our decision making. Yes, our God is the same "yesterday, today and forever." :o)

Just in case you are not sure, God does guide us through different media. God broke the news of Jesus' birth to the shepherds through an angel. "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." [Luke 2:8-20 NIV] Yes, God can guide us through His Word, our prayers, prompting of the Holy Spirit, visions and dreams, your spouse, trustworthy friends etc.....and angels if He chooses. :o)

In my own experience, God guides me principally through His Word, prayers and prompting of the Holy Spirit. Indeed "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar." And, this is a good prayer at a time of economic challenges: "Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. [Prov 30:5-9 NIV]

Amen!