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!

Weeks 19 & 20 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

I read somewhere that the strength of the human body peaks at the age of 20, followed by a slow decline up to the age of 60. From 60 onward, the strength will decline sharply!

With 60 approaching fast, I can testify to the above statement. Whilst maintaining a disciplined life helps, it will not alter the trend.

Before I travelled to Asia 2 weeks ago, I was suffering from hay fever. The long flight to Hong Kong did not help. The change of weather in Hong Kong added to the battle. It took me almost a week to get to some kind of normality. But before I settle down to the warm climate in Hong Kong & Malaysia (where we had our Leaders Conference), I was on my way back to London!

Landing at Heathrow yesterday in the early hours, I was determined to re-adjust my body clock back to GMT. By sheer will power, I managed to stay awake till 10pm. Bedtime was extra sweet. This morning, I went for my 4.2k run. I was happy with the very modest time of 29 min., and I found the soak in a hot bath afterwards quite heavenly.:o)

I learn so much about my spiritual condition through my body. Whilst the condition of the body is controllable, I cannot say the same about the spirit. It is a battle of the mind, which is much harder!

I often ponder about what is pleasing to God as a witnessing Christian. The answer is in [Rom 12:2 NIV] "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will." However, I find "the renewing of the mind" bit easier said than done. I guess it will remain "work in progress" until the Day of the Lord. But I am willing to give it a go and press on. With God's help, I will get there one day. :o)

Spiritual warfare or "battle of the mind" will continue to be a big part of the life of every Christian who seriously live for God. We will need to continually cry out to God for help in this fight. 'O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you......Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. They who seek my life will be destroyed......all who swear by God's name will praise him.....'. [Ps 63:1-11 NIV]

For us to be victorious, we need to be constantly mindful of God's goodness in our lives, just like God's reminder to the Israelites. 'The LORD said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD your God."' [Num 15:37-41 NIV] God's blessing is a circle. When we rememember God's goodness, it will in turn remind us to obey His commands. When we do obey God's commands, we end up with more of God's blessings. Its an amazing circle of truth! But are we buying into it?

Apostle Paul understood the battle of the mind very well. He adminished the Ephesians with these strong words from God. 'So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.......do not give the devil a foothold.....'. [Eph 4:17-28 NIV] But how many of us are heeding the Word of God?

Do not be a fool.'A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions. A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.' [Prov 18:2,6-7 NIV] Let us pay attention to God's opinions and heed them instead.

Amen!

Weeks 17 & 18 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

3 pieces of news grabbed the headlines in the UK in the past 2 weeks - the tragic cyclone disaster in Burma, an Austrian man fathered his own daughter's 7 children and the "clown" of the Conservative Party Boris Johnson became Mayor of London. I firmly believe that what happens in the natural reflects the spiritual. Whilst the first 2 pieces of news are merely confirming Matthew 24 (Signs of the End of the Age) respectively in v.7b and v.12, I find the 3rd one particularly revealing.

The choice made by the people of London of a man who very few people take seriously as the Mayor somewhat perplexed me. I pondered on it and I asked God what this means for this city at this time. The impression I got was found in [Prov. 29:18] "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint...". It reminded me of the rebellious spirit the Israelites that we see in [1 Sam 8:1-22] "When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges for Israel......But his sons did not walk in his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice. So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, "You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have." But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.......When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. The LORD answered, "Listen to them and give them a king." ......"

We know from history that God gave the elders of Israel Saul as their king. So let us understand that THE PERMISSION OF GOD IS NOT ALWAYS THE WILL OF GOD!

Man is the crown jewel of God's workmanship. But if we reject Him, He will reject us. Even King David, one who was after God's own heart knew it well when he said "You have rejected us, O God......you have been angry-- now restore us! You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. You have shown your people desperate times.......But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow....Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies." [Ps 60:1-5,11-12 NIV] So, why should we be surprise when disaster strikes some people. Why should we not understand when some people experience desparate time and failure. But let those who fear God be assured that victory is on their side!

We are living in a time that demands our faith to be strong and courageous because the natural is challenging the spiritual."They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community.....they reported to them.....and showed them the fruit of the land......it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large......Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." [Num 13:26-33 NIV] We can choose to have the faith of the timid spies who were scared of the enemy that APPEARED to be powerful, or we can be like Caleb who believed in the promises of a mighty God.

Also, we will eventually be standing before God and each will have to give his or her accounts to God. "Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." [Gal 6:1-10 NIV]

Indeed let us work hard to please the Spirit. Let us ask God to grant us the strength and hardwork of an ox trusting that ".........from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest........The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good man rewarded for his....... All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." [Prov 14:4,14,23 NIV]

Amen!

Weeks 15 & 16 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

I was in Utrecht last weekend ministering in Hope Utrecht. I was met at the airport by Albert Junior (Samuel) who gave me a very nice welcome (see pic.). I was surprised to see Tor & Wanda joining us in the Saturday pm session (see pic). They were in Holland for Wanda's Mum's 70th birthday. What a beautiful divine appointment. It was great to have this opportunity of fellowshipping with them!

God truly blessed us with a wonderful weekend. I praise the Lord for many new people which God has brought to the church. I met 11 of them and, amazingly, 6 of them came to the church through the Hope Utrecht website! I give thanks to God for His faithfulness to a faithful servant Albert and his dear wife Claire. God also bless them with 2 lovely children, Samuel and Salome. It gave me great joy to spend the weekend with them and the church people!

Albert joined Hope after attending a Hope conference in Asia. Hope Utrecht was one man in the beginning. Despite of the challenges of church planting in Europe, we can see the fruits in the life of Albert - a good job, a loving wife, 2 adorable children and a beautiful church family. Only God can make it possible!Despite of what most people think or say about our Lord Jesus in Europe, the psalmist reminded me that He is the Lord over this continent. "How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth! He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet........Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne." [Ps 47:1-9 NIV] Indeed, let us hold onto the promises that He is the King of all the earth and He reigns over the nations. We should continue to sing praises to Him until we see Jesus returning in triumph to fulfil these promises!In the natural, we may not seeing this happening in Europe yet. But in the spiritual, the victory is won.

God is looking for a people who will trust and obey. "'Do not make idols or set up an image......in your land to bow down before it. I am the LORD your God......'If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit......You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall by the sword before you. Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand.......'I will look on you with favour and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you.......I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. I am the LORD your God,......I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.'" [Lev 26:1-13 NIV]

When we trust and obey, we will see our enemies defeated and experience God's favours in our lives. We can walk with heads held high!This is what faith is all about. "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands........For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we....wish....to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight."[2 Cor 5:1-10 NIV]

Our confidence comes from trusing and obeying a God who is good, righteous and just. "For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones." [Prov 2:6-12, 20-22 NIV]

Amen and amen!