Weeks 07 & 08 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

We saw a kinder and softer side of British politics this week when a little boy passed away after suffering from a severe form of epilepsy combined with cerebral palsy and needed 24-hour care for his entire 6-year life. His name is Ivan and he is the first child of the Leader of the opposition Conservative Party David Cameron. The father described him as a "magical" son who made him the "happiest father ever".

Leading tributes in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister Gordon Brown told MPs that every child was "precious and irreplaceable" and that the death of a child "was something that no parent should have to bear". Mr. Brown, whose daughter Jennifer Jane died aged just 10 days in 2002, added: "I know that in an all too brief life, he brought joy to all those around him and I know also that for all the days of his life, he was surrounded by his family's love."

Mr. William Hague, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party said: "Ivan's six years of life were not easy ones. His parents lived with the knowledge for a long time that he could die young, but this has made their loss no less heart-breaking. Ivan suffered much in his short life, but he brought joy and love to those around him."

It is tough to talk about God or His love at a time such as this. Many may even question the heart of God in Ivan's case. But one thing is certain, little Ivan's suffering is no more and he is now in a better place!

The greatest test of a man is his ability to love even when it hurts. The greatest test of a man of faith is his trust in God no matter what he is going through in life. King David knew this principle very well when he said "LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts......" [Ps 15:1-5 NIV]

King David's complete trust in God is something we can emulate. He consulted God on the fight against the Philistines and he would only do so when God gave him the go ahead. He did so because his people were afraid of the might of the enemy. "When David was told, "Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors," he inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" The LORD answered him, "Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah." But David's men said to him, "Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!" Once again David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him, "Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand." So David and his men went to Keilah, fought the Philistines and carried off their livestock. He inflicted heavy losses on the Philistines and saved the people of Keilah." [1 Sam 23:1-6 NIV] King David's total trust in God allowed him to have victory over the enemy and to win the trust and respect of his followers.

We see similar kind of strong faith in this gentile woman. "Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. "First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." "Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter." She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone." [Mark 7:24-30 NIV] Her humility and trust in Jesus allowed her daughter to be delivered from demon possession.

At a time of economic downturn and financial difficulties affecting everyone, do we have faith to trust in God's provision? Do we believe in the Word of God when it says "... Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed......When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him......In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps......Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD." [Prov 16:1,3,5,6,7,9,11,20,33] This is testing time for everyone who confesses God is love and Jesus is Lord!

Amen!

Weeks 05 & 06 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

A few days ago, 4 top leaders in the UK banking sector apologised in front of the Treasury Select Committee for their mistakes. They were Sir Tom Mckillop & Sir Fred Goodwin of Royal Bank of Scotland and Lord Stevenson and Andy Hornby of HBOS. Buying the toxic rump of ABN after the start of the credit crunch in the autumn of 2007 by RBS, the dependence on unreliable finance from wholesale markets and excessive lending to property and construction companies by HBOS were some of the remarkable errors made. There were however no explanations on why such mistakes were made in the first place!

The issue of leadership has been on my mind a lot recently. The role of leadership is hugely important whether it is to do with the government, the family, the workplace or the church. The well being of the people they lead would depend directly on their leadership. The best leadership is based on Biblical principles.

On the Sunday before, I preached on Biblical Leadership based on [1 Peter 5:1-4]. It followed on from [1 Peter 4:17] "For it is time for judgement to begin with the family of God.....". Keys of Biblical Leadership include responsibilites and correct attitudes.

I believe God is getting ready to judge the world. Indeed He will begin His judgement with the family of God, setting an example for the world. When I look around the world today, it is blatantly clear that unbiblical leadership is common, because not many believe in the God of the Bible or put His principles into practice. Sadly, we see unbiblical leadership in churches too!

I am exhorted and encouraged by God's promises in [Ps.11]. "The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them. The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face." [Ps. 11:1-7 NIV]

When the world is falling apart around us with many losing their jobs and facing an uncertain future, there is great fear and depression in the air. The challenges are formidable. When the Israelites were confronted by the 9ft (3m) tall giant Goliath, great fear also gripped them. But David had exceptional courage in God. "David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty.......This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head.......All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's.......As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground." [1 Sam 17:45-51 NIV] David overcame his challenges with God's help. So can we if we have David's faith.

We saw similar kind of faith in the 4 men who brought a paralytic for Jesus to heal him. " Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." ........He said to the paralytic, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." [Mark 2:1-12 NIV]

Let us be wise children of God because "A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.......Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.........He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded........He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored." [Prov 13:1,10,13,18 NIV]

Amen!

Weeks 03 & 04 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

On 28th Jan. 2009, the World Econmic Forum started the 5 day event as usual in Davos. The theme this time is unsurprisingly "Committed to Improve The State of The World". There used to be something symbolic in Davos, all those movers and shakers going to the Swiss mountains to talk about capitalism being on top. Although Davos is still Davos, but not as we know it. The schmoozefest has turned into a gloomfest. Nearly all the business leaders and politicians here are using the word gloom again and again. No wonder the swagger of bankers and hedge fund managers is gone. In fact, it is difficult to find bankers here. Most of Wall Street's top bosses have decided to stay in New York in their offices. The people that have come to Davos fall into two categories: they are either humbled or deeply concerned.

Kenneth Rogoff, a professor at Harvard University and former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund comments that there needs to be "very dramatic, forceful action" to help fix the global economy.

In his keynote address, President Putin describes the global economic crisis as "the perfect storm" and called on the world to avoid sliding into isolationism or "economic selfishness". "Regardless of their political or economic system, all nations have found themselves in the same boat," he says. Mr Putin also argues that the world needs a range of reserve currencies and more policy openness in the countries which issue them. Countries should try to avoid the "blind belief" that the state can solve all problems, he adds.

Definitely, as we move closer to the End-time, we will see greater co-operation among the nations in the world economy and world peace, esp. in the Middle East. These will be key indicators to watch.

Despite of the gloom surrounding the world, be sure to know that "Blessed is the man who....delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." [Ps. 1:1-6 NIV]

Saul was anointed by God with great power in the beginning. When Jabesh Gilead in Israel was besieged by the Ammonite who would only make a treaty "on the condition that I gouge out the right eye of every one of you and so bring disgrace on all Israel."......When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger. He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, "This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel." Then the terror of the LORD fell on the people, and they turned out as one man. When Saul mustered them at Bezek, the men of Israel numbered three hundred thousand and the men of Judah thirty thousand......The next day Saul separated his men into three divisions; during the last watch of the night they broke into the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them until the heat of the day. Those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together" [1 Sam. 1,2,6-11 NIV]. But when Saul did not walk with the Lord later, the Lord rejected him as king! Yes, God cannot be unfaithful to His Word.

Although the indicators do provide hints of the End-time, "No-one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man........"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come " [Matt 24:36-51 NIV]. The important thing to do is to live each day as if the Lord is coming back on that day!

"Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?....I raise my voice to all mankind........My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.......Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies........To fear the LORD is to hate evil......By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just.....I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honour, enduring wealth and prosperity. [Prov 8:1-18 NIV] Thus says the Lord. Let us heed His Word.

Amen!

Weeks 01 & 02 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

On 20th Jan. 2009, the North Thames Branch of the Institution of Structural Engineers, where I serve as Hon. Secretary will install a new Chairman. On the same day, President Elect Barack Obama will take office, becoming the most powerful man in the USA and in the world. There is of course no relationship in the two completely separate events, although our new Chairman would be proud of the coincidence and will no doubt remember the day!

In the meantime, the fire power of Israel is relentlessly pounding Hamas strongholds in Gaza, trying to stop Hamas rockets firing into Israelite territories. No doubt President Barack Obama's in-tray would be full on Day 1. The two pressing issues facing him would be solving the economic ills in the country and finding a peace solution in the Middle East. Whilst the first problem is much harder to solve, Barack Obama would be the most likely US President to broker a lasting peace solution between Israel and Palestine. This would of course be a key End-time indicator which I am watching with keen interest.

The Lord loves the Nation of Israel which the faithful will eventually be embodied in spiritual Israel, the Church. He has preserved it in the thousands of years of its history and for 2000 years as far as the Church is concerned. God's people should ".....Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above........He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.....for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. He has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his saints, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD." [Ps 148:1-14 NIV] It is so good to know that we are close to God's heart!

Like the days of old when the God of Israel struck fear in the hearts of the Philistines, He will strike fear in all who do not believe in Him. Even their gods will bow down to Him. "After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. Then they carried the ark into Dagon's temple and set it beside Dagon. When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD! They took Dagon and put him back in his place. But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained......The LORD's hand was heavy upon the people of Ashdod and its vicinity; he brought devastation upon them and afflicted them with tumors.....When the men of Ashdod saw what was happening, they said, 'The ark of the god of Israel must not stay here with us, because his hand is heavy upon us and upon Dagon our god.'" [1 Sam 5:1-12 NIV]

Our God's power is awesome throughout the ages, in both the Old & New Testament times. When Jesus the Son of God was challenged to pay the temple tax, He got the money from the mouth of a fish. "After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, 'Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?' 'Yes, he does," he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. '......we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.'" [Matt 17:24-27 NIV] Wow! What power!

Jesus is the Word that became fresh. Let us listen to Jesus. Let us accept His words. "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding.....then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.....For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." [Prov 2:1-11 NIV]

Amen!

Weeks 51 & 52 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

As the year 2008 comes to an end, it is a time for reflection. It has been a very eventful year indeed in every way. The most dramatic event was certainly the global economic crisis since 15th September, when financial giant Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy. A lot of my related thoughts on End-times events have been shared in my regular fortnightly sharings in these past few months.

I truly sense and believe that we are at the threshold of a breakthrough for the Gospel in the hardest grounds of the world including Europe, where the enemy is strongest. The keys of victory shared in my last sharing are therefore very significant!

I emphasised that the most important key is HOLINESS - personal holiness and holiness in the Church. God will purge the Church of evil and wickedness before He would use her as His instrument to advance God's Kingdom and His plan of salvation any where in the world.

We have started renovating our house of 10 years since about 3 weeks ago. It is amazing how filthy the house can get in 10 years. A lot of dirt and dust showed up when the desks, wardrobes etc. are moved to make room for new paints on the walls and new floorings (see pics). The house cleansing/renovation is kind of prophetic, comparing to God cleansing His House and making it beautiful before His return!

Holiness starts with the "fear of the Lord". When we are determined to have nothing to do with evil and wickedness, and cry out to God for help, He will hear our prayers and protect us. "O LORD, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you ....... Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers......Let a righteous man strike me-- it is a kindness; let him rebuke me-- it is oil on my head.......Yet my prayer is ever against the deeds of evildoers....... my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge-- do not give me over to death. Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, from the traps set by evildoers. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety." [Ps. 141:1-10]

There will come a time when we have to decide which God to follow - the god of the world or the God of the Bible. Ruth has set us a very good example. ".......said Naomi, "your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her. But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." [Ruth 1:14-17 NIV] She was determined to follow the true God despite of possible loss of benefits.

Jesus did not mince words when it comes to sinful or wicked men who live in secrecy or darkness. Above all, have no fear of the devil who can only kill the body. "So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known......Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell......Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven." [Matt 10:26-34 NIV] Christians who would not acknowledge our Father in heaven before men watch out. Jesus will disown them before the Father!

Let us be wise and truthful in how we build God's Church. Because " by wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures......" [Prov 24:3-4 NIV] Let us warn our brothers who are sinning and rescue them before God's judgement. God will not forgive us if we pretend to be innocent. "Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?" [Prov 24:3-4,11-12 NIV]

Amen!

WISHING YOU AND FAMILY A WONDERFUL AND FRUITFUL NEW YEAR IN THE LORD!

Weeks 49 & 50 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

I recently met up with the leaders in Hope UK in a Retreat to plan for 2009 and beyond. Based on a number of prophsies I gave in the last 3 years, I felt the Lord is preparing us for a time of fighting in the coming 7 years, a bit like the time when God commanded Joshua and the Israelites to enter and take posession of the promised land. I prayerfully received 7 keys which I believe are essential for victory. They are represented by the 7 letters of the word PRAYERS:

1) Prayers and intercessions without strife
2) Repentance (consciousness of sin)
3) Alertness in spiritual warfare
4) Yielding to God (humility)
5) Empowered in service (work hard & smart under God's anointing)
6) Reconciliation in the Body (unity in God's family)
7) Sanctification (personal holiness)

The last key is probably the most important of all, because our God is holy. God cannot bless people who do not walk in holiness. It is not going to be easy, but we must strive for it under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Without God's blessings, everything we do will be in vain. "Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion." [Ps 134:1-3 NIV] May the Maker of heaven and earth bless us indeed.

When Samson was walking in holiness, God blessed him with great success against his enemy. "As he approached Lehi, the Philistines came toward him shouting. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power. The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands. Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand men........Because he was very thirsty, he cried out to the LORD, "You have given your servant this great victory. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?" Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he revived....." [Judg 15:14-20 NIV] God even supernaturally provided him with water when he was thirsty!

God will also supernaturally protect us when we are in His plan, in the same way He protected child Jesus. "........an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod..........When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi." [Matt 2:13-18 NIV] God will deliver us one step ahead of the enemy's attack. He will do the same to the Church in the days to come!

We are living in the most exciting time of the entire history of mankind. For those who are commited to God's ultimate plan of building His Church, God will grant them success in everything they do. "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. The LORD works out everything for his own ends........When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him." [Prov 16:1,3-7,9,11,20,33 NIV]

Amen!

Weeks 47 & 48 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

When I witness the dawn of a new era in the political and economic world, I also sense the dawn of a new era in God's Kingdom. The natural is reflecting the spiritual. Whilst the changing world prepares the way for final chapter of the kingdom of darkness on earth, something is being planned in the Heavenly Court that will match the final outcome. There is a quickening in my spirit that God is positioning the Church for the final battle.

We had a very good Hope Europe Leaders Conference last week in Berlin. There was a spirit of excitement in the air. There was a sense of great expectation that God is beginning to do a great work in this continent. I am watching eagerly God's next move.:o)

One story in the Bible came to my mind. It was Passion Week - the final week that Jesus fulfilled His mission on earth. The first thing that Jesus did after the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem was to cleanse the temple. I believe that will also be God's first act in the final chapter of the Church age. God will prepare His Church holy and blameless, ready for Christ's return.

The closer we move towards the End, the more we can expect the devil working extra hard to destroy our faith. We need to be extra vigilant. One way is to appreciate our gift of salvation more."When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." [Ps 126:1-6 NIV] Indeed our Lord has done great things for us. Let us treasure them and allow the nations to witness how great our God is through us!

Time and time again I see how God allowed the enemy to punish His people who did evil in His eyes. "Once again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and because they did this evil the LORD gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel. Getting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join him, Eglon came and attacked Israel, and they took possession of the City of Palms. The Israelites were subject to Eglon king of Moab for eighteen years." [Judg 3:12-15,28-30 NIV] It is a time for God's people to win the battles against the enemy. Let us make sure that God is on our side by not doing evil in the eyes of God!

[Rev. 15] pictures a people who have overcome the enemy in the final battle. "......I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name. They held harps given them by God and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: "Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." [Rev 15:1-8 NIV] They fear God alone and bring Him glory, because God is holy.

One powerful weapon the devil will use to destroy Christians and their marriages is sexual immorality. The Word of God is clear. "Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?.....So is he who sleeps with another man's wife.....a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away...." [Prov 6:27-35 NIV] Let us be very careful and be very afraid at the same time.

Amen!