Weeks 23 & 24 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

I celebrated Father’s Day last Sunday going hiking with our elder son Nic. Our younger son Ben was away in Canada.

We went to a place called Bride’s Pool, a scenic area in the NE part of Hong Kong, near the China border. Although the total walk was more than 5 hours, I enjoyed every minute of it.

We saw some beautiful scenes of old villages, lovely flowers and a gorgeous waterfall, which I was tempted to jump in for a swim because it was a hot day.

We were also amused when we saw an old banner which says “Should you come across any suspected illegal immigrants please call the police by dialling 999 or 112”. It was displayed in this general area at a time when many Chinese crossed the border trying to come into Hong Kong illegally.

We also had a yummy lunch in a small village close to Sha Tau Kok, an area that straddles the Chinese border. I was involved in the planning and redevelopment of Sha Tau Kok into a new town for the 4000 villagers living there way back in 1986.

I really enjoyed the bonding time with Nic, something I would like to do a lot more with him and Ben. Looking back, I can see that I have not been a model father in their growing up years. Although I provided for the family comfortably, sent the boys to good schools and universities, I did not spent near enough time with them, when they needed my guidance most.

Now I am older and wiser, after knowing Christ, I understand God’s plan for a family, the basic unit of a healthy society. I understand the leadership role of a father, which is a lot more than simply providing for the family. If you ask 10 children today which one they like better, mother or father, I am certain that 9 out of 10 would say mother, sadly!

God holds a father accountable for the well being of his family, the wife and the children. The Bible is very clear in the roles the man should play as a husband and as a father and the wider role of leadership in the work place and society. The world would be a much better place if men understood God’s principles and plans for them.

The failures of fathers playing their correct roles have caused much misery in the world today. The failures have also caused many to misunderstand the heart of God the Father, resulting in their rejection of God’s love and His plan of salvation for mankind. It is up to the Church to live up to God’s ways and principles and to bring about changes in God’s people to rectify the mistakes and to repair the brokenness in families and societies.

It is important for man to have this understanding. “For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others. Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves. But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. Though while he lived he counted himself blessed — and men praise you when you prosper — he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light [of life]. A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish. [Ps 49:10-20 NIV]

The question is "Can anyone teach knowledge to God, since he judges even the highest? One man dies in full vigor, completely secure and at ease, his body well nourished, his bones rich with marrow. Another man dies in bitterness of soul, never having enjoyed anything good. Side by side they lie in the dust, and worms cover them both.……” [Job 21:22-34 NIV]

For “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. This is the one who came by water and blood-Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. [1 John 5:1-12 NIV]

This is the advice of a wise father to his son. “Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding. The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!” [Prov 23:19-35 NIV]

Amen & amen.

Weeks 21 & 22 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

Israel and the Middle East will no doubt take centre stage as we enter the final chapter of the history of mankind in the years ahead.

On Monday 31st May, Israel caused an international furore when its commandos shot dead 9 protestors on a Turkish ship that was bound with humanitarian supplies for Gaza, which Israel has been blockading. The commandos boarded the ship before dawn in an effort to prevent it from reaching Gaza but opened fire when some on board tried to repel them with sticks and, according to the Israelis, knives. The Israelis impounded 6 ships in all and detained 600 campaigners with a view to deportation. Most governments deplored Israel’s actions but America was more hesitant, persuading the UN Security Council not to lay the blame exclusively on Israel.

For years, many in the international community have been complicit in a policy that aimed at isolating Gaza in the hope of weakening Hamas, a radical Islamic organisation who are Israelis phobic. But the policy turns out to strengthen Hamas in its grip over the strip that measures 10kmx40km. No doubt the conflict will continue and no one can predict the future.

The nation of Israel has a special place in the Kingdom of God. In the Old Testament, we see how God deliver the Israelites from slavery and turned her into a proud nation who worship God. But along the way many rebel against God, unknowingly crucified the Messiah and are still waiting for the Messiah to come. The Bible says that they are the last to be saved when the full number of the Gentiles has come in [Rom 11:25-26].

I saw a recent e-mail calling to pray for Israel. Yes, it is the right thing to do. Let us pray for a softening of heart. Let us pray for the knowledge of the Lord to be made known to the Israelis. It will bless God’s heart!

Let the Israelis one day say that “we have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us what you did in their days, in days long ago. With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our fathers; you crushed the peoples and made our fathers flourish. It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them. You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob. Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.” [Ps 44:1-8 NIV]

Indeed, "What is man, that he could be pure, or one born of woman, that he could be righteous? If God places no trust in his holy ones, if even the heavens are not pure in his eyes, how much less man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks up evil like water!” [Job 15:2-16 NIV] Man is but a filthy rag without God’s grace. His forgiveness allows us to receive the gift of righteousness.

But His grace will not wait forever. Although “the Lord is ……patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.” [2 Peter 3:9-18 NIV ]

The sad thing is “a fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions. When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes disgrace……Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out. From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. [Prov 18:2-3,9,12-15,20,21 NIV]

Amen & amen.

Weeks 19 & 20 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

I just came back from a great weekend in London, preaching in Hope London Central on Saturday and conducting a wedding ceremony on Sunday for Hason & Stephanie. God has blessed the wedding day with glorious sunshine. It was so warm that some of us had to stay in the shade when we were taking pictures outdoor! One normally gets this kind of weather in the English summer. In May, it was definitely a bonus.

I guess God was smiling at the new couple. I felt very happy for them too because Hason was my student 8-9 years ago when I was lecturing at London South Bank University. He became a Christian when I brought him to Hope London. Stephanie also became a Christian in Hope London. Now they are married – a beautiful story! Indeed, the story of every Christian man or woman is a beautiful story - God’s story. Our journey in Christ is both an exciting and challenging journey, but every bit of it is for a reason, for our good.

On Saturday, the Lord led me to preach a message based on [James 1:2-4] “How To Face Trouble”, a subject most Christians find it difficult to cope. The truth is Jesus said plainly that "...In this world you will have trouble..." [John 16:33 NIV]. It is because we are living in a fallen world.

[James 1:2-4] encourages us “To Face Trouble” with:
i) Correct Response – “consider it pure joy....”
ii) Correct Understanding – “testing...develops perseverance”
iii) Correct Perspective – “that you may be mature and complete”

God in His wisdom teaches Christians how to live a victorious life in a troublesome world. It will require a supernatural power that comes from the Holy Spirit. Those who rely on God and persevere till the end will be able to look back in life and give thanks for God’s amazing grace and wonderful love.

Maturity in Christ is not necessarily related to age, but is related to a faith that is unyielding when tested again and again and again. “These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.” [1 Peter 1:7 NIV] At 61, I still have some distance to go yet. :o)

Maturity in Christ is “……Trust in the LORD and do good……Delight yourself in the LORD……Commit your way to the LORD……Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret — it leads only to evil…….” [Ps 37:1-11 NIV]

Maturity in Christ is “……devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him,……put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent…..stand firm and without fear……forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by…….be secure, because there is hope…….” [Job 11:13-20 NIV]

Maturity in Christ is “…..not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you……..suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name……So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” [1 Peter 4:12-19 NIV]

Maturity in Christ is to know that “The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good…..The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness……Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil……The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous……The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor. [Prov 15:3,8,9,16,25,26,29,33 NIV]

Amen & amen.

Weeks 17 & 18 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

In my message dated 24th November last year, I said “……..This year’s Queen Speech is the last one before the General Election in May/June 2010. The Conservatives have been tipped to win the next election, ending 13 years of Labour government.......I sense that the UK is moving into a very interesting era. A Conservatives win with a big majority is by no means certain. A majority of a few seats will make policies passing into laws difficult, especially policies on finance and the economy. This may lead to the International Monetary Fund getting involved in the UK finance policy making process!”

Sure enough, on 6th May, the electorates returned a very interesting result. Not only did the Conservatives not win the election with a clear majority. The result was a “Hung Parliament”. The Conservatives, winning 306 seats, were short of a majority (of at least 326 seats). Labour came 2nd with 258 seats. Liberal Democrats came 3rd with 57 seats.

The Conservatives leader David Cameron, made a "big, open offer" to the Lib Dems about jointly forming a strong, and stable government. Entering talks with the Conservatives, Mr Clegg stressed his priorities, including "fundamental political reform", but said they would act in a "constructive spirit" in the "coming hours and days". Electoral reform is likely to be a key battleground - the Lib Dem have long campaigned for the first-past-the-post system to be replaced with a form of proportional representation (PR). But the Conservatives oppose changing the voting system.

Mr Clegg said the election result meant politicians had to talk to each other as "people deserve good, stable government". He said the Lib Dem would enter into talks with other parties in a "constructive spirit" over the "coming hours and days", and the party would press its case for its four priorities - tax reform to make the system fairer, a "new approach" to education to give a "fair start" to all children and to the economy and "fundamental political reform to our political system".

The Conservatives won most votes in the UK election but were short of a majority - Gordon Brown remains PM while the Conservatives see if they can form a government. Mr Clegg also spoke to the PM by phone on Friday. Mr. Brown has offered talks if Lib Dems cannot agree with the Conservatives. Labour has offered the Lib Dem a referendum on changing the voting system. Labour MP Ben Bradshaw told the BBC it was "not credible" that the Lib Dem would do a deal with the Conservatives without the promise of electoral reform. He said Gordon Brown could remain prime minister in a "progressive" coalition deal with the Liberal Democrats, if their talks with the Conservatives failed.

Whilst the end result will not be known for days, if not weeks, British politics will never be the same going forward. The days of 2 main parties (Labour and Conservatives) taking turn to govern have ended. It opens the way to coalition government that Continental Europe are used to.

I try to discern what God is doing in the midst of this. I sense God saying “we all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way………”.

God is shaking Europe and the UK. Following the global financial crisis of 2009, more recent events included the Iceland the volcanic eruption, the financial trouble in Greece and now the uncertainty in the UK. But one thing is certain. God is trying to get our attention to turn back to Him instead of turning to our own way.

God is calling His Church to rise up at this crucial time. Through the Church, God’s message will be made known in the world. Through the Church, His blessing will flow in the midst of all these troubles and fears. “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. We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.” [Ps 33:12-22 NIV]

The struggle of Job is a great encouragement to all who are experiencing difficulties in life, whether they are believers or not. Job understood the Lordship and sovereignty of God very well. ‘"…..I will say to God: Do not condemn me, but tell me what charges you have against me…… though you know that I am not guilty and that no one can rescue me from your hand? "Your hands shaped me and made me. Will you now turn and destroy me? Remember that you molded me like clay. Will you now turn me to dust again? ......You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit. "But this is what you concealed in your heart, and I know that this was in your mind: If I sinned, you would be watching me and would not let my offense go unpunished. If I am guilty-woe to me! Even if I am innocent, I cannot lift my head…….. [Job 10:1-16 NIV]. I wish I have Job’s unshakable faith when I face the kind of troubles that Job faced!

The reality is that most people, believers included, do not understand God’s thoughts and His ways in times of trouble. Can one rejoices “……though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” [1 Peter 1:3-9 NIV] Can we pass the test of God’s refining fire so that our faith may be proved genuine?

Do we believe God’s promises that “……The righteous man is rescued from trouble……..through knowledge the righteous escape …….. The truly righteous man attains life…….Be sure of this:…… those who are righteous will go free……The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner! [Prov 11:8-10,19,21,22,28,30,31 NIV]

Amen & amen.

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!

Weeks 11 & 12 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

Hong Kong is a city of contrast. It is a city of contrast between the haves and have-nots. The have-nots could be earning as low as HK$20/hr. (US$2.5/hr.). Yet a meal can be either HK$20 or HK$2,000. This allows the haves and have-nots to co-exist in this dynamic city called the Pearl of the Orient.

It is also a city of contrast between new and old. Traditionally, old low rise buildings are often demolished to make way for new high rise ones, allowing the developer to increase the salable floor areas by up to 10 folds. Hence property development is big business here, producing some the richest men (and a few women) in the world.

In the past decade or so, there is an increasing trend to conserve old buildings of historical value. One recent case that caught the imagination of the public was Wing Lee Street, a row of terraced apartments, made famous by a recent Hong Kong movie. Despite of its derelict condition, the conservationists won the fight against a Government led Urban Renewal Scheme.

Also, creative landlords convert old unattractive buildings into trendy apartments. Old ground floor shops became chic art/antique shops or restaurants.

The longer I stay in Hong Kong, the more I fall in love with the city, which is also my birth place. The people are amazingly adaptable, creative and hard-working. But one thing has not changed – it is the dream of almost everyone to get rich one day. I was one of them since young. But God changed my dream to something much greater. No amount of money can buy the satisfaction and peace that I have now.

I was one day having dinner in a restaurant. Sitting nearby were two young ladies in their early 30s and they were comparing notes on property speculation. They spoke with such excitement about the properties they have bought and their appreciation in value. Money was clearly something very close to their hearts, because where one’s treasure is, there one’s heart will be also [Matt 6:21]!

A rich man can have so much yet has nothing in the end if he does not know the Lord. Even in the present, he can only satisfy his carnal nature – lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride. But the soul is sadly empty and unfulfilled. Yes “I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave…….You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” [Ps 16:7-11 NIV]

I am excited about what God has installed for me in this city of Hong Kong and the vast country of China. I wish all these people can understand the love of God that I have experienced. They will be able to understand the joy of living in God’s Kingdom, just like the Israelites after rebuilding the Wall of Jerusalem, there was great celebration. “At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. The singers also were brought together from the region around Jerusalem.......for the singers had built villages for themselves around Jerusalem………on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away. [Neh 12:27-30,43 NIV]

I will continue to pray for this city and this nation. I pray that one day many will hear the Gospel and humble themselves. “So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion……..See to it…..that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.” [Heb 3:7-14 NIV]

I am working harder now than when I was half my age. I derived a lot of satisfaction in getting a job well done. Now 5 weeks into my job, I am seeing great results, with God’s help. So be warned against laziness, it is not God’s way. “I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. [Prov 24:30-34 NIV]

Amen and amen!