Weeks 22 & 23 (07) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

Recently I was reading a Guide on "Your First Full Marathon" (yes I am seriously considering doing the one in April 2009), it suggests that it is all about endurance and that preparation is key (surprise, surprise).

Near our house, there is a route comprising running on the road for a mile, followed by a path through a field for another mile and back on the road again for a third mile coming home. The final half a mile or so is uphill (hur.... hur....)!

The first few times when I did it, I had to walk the final uphill stretch. Now, after about 6 weeks, I could run (very slowly) all the way. It took about 30 minutes and by the time I got to the bathroom, I would have worked up a healthy sweat and suitably exhausted.:o)

But a full marathon is 26.2 miles. That means doing 9 times my regular distance in one go!

The Guide also suggests that the preparation means a weekly total of 65 to 80k (40 to 50 miles), and having the ability to comfortably cover 25k (15 miles) in one go! This means running two times my regular distance 7 times a week and having the ability to comfortably cover 5 times my current distance in one go!!! A looooooonnnnnnng way to get ready yet. :o)

I thank God that I am a plodder. That has been my experience walking with God. Many people would find that boring. But I am happy just making it to the finishing line. Speed to me is not that important. It is interesting to note that the shortest book in the Bible, which occurs in the centre of the Bible, says that "........the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever........". God is also a plodder when it comes to His faithfulness towards us - it ENDURES FOREVER. That is why the psalmist says "Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples...." [Ps 117:1-2 NIV].

In life, we also need to be patient in our decision making. It is our human nature to run away from difficult situations. Right now I am feeling the same with my boss at work. But when I look at Jacob, who had to work 14 years for his uncle Laban to get the woman he loved. And he had to continue to endure Laban's unfair treatment for another 6 years. My situation is nothing in comparison. And it is good to see that in God's time, "Jacob noticed that Laban's attitude toward him was not what it had been. Then the LORD said to Jacob, "Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you." [Gen 31:1-3 NIV] Jacob would only leave Laban when God says so. So be patient PK. :o)

Jesus once warned His disciples about their hearts not to be ".......weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life.......Be always on the watch.......and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you be able to stand before the Son of Man." [Luke 21:29-36 NIV] The same warning applies to all believers. But praise God that we are in the Body of Christ. We have one another for encouragement and support in running the marathon.:o)

It is a huge encouragement to hear God says "Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD." [Prov 8:32-36 NIV] Yes Lord, I am more than happy to wait at your doorway. :o)

Weeks 19 - 21 (07) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

In our leaders' meetig of 21st May, during worship time, as we were singing "......we are the people of the Lord.....", I saw a vision of a scene in mid-air. A bright light symbolizing the throne of God was in the centre, with a brilliant light of rainbow colours radiating outwards. Multitudes of people were marching towards the centre from north, south, east and west. They were dressed in white, yet reflecting the colourful lights - a glorious sight. I was encouraged to see that the people of the Lord were coming from ALL directions as mentioned in [Luke 13:29] "People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God."

The Holy Spirit moved my heart to prophesy that the Lord has not forgotten the people in the West. Despite of what is happening in the natural right now - a tiny and weak Church in the West, it will change in God's time. But we cannot rush God. When we are ready God will move. The last thing we want to do is to manufacture a move of God and open the Church to deception. I know for sure that we will see a sovereign move of God in Europe at the right time!

One of God's tests for us is perseverance and endurance, not giving up too easily. To build up my endurance physically, I have started running again after a break of over 2 years. I am feeling better and my stamina is improving. I am actually contemplating running the London Marathon in April 2009, after I have turned 60. All things are possible with God. I may come to you for sponsorship in due time. :o)

God is touching the nations. We are seeing great things happening in many nations. One day, every nation in the world will have people of the Lord in big numbers. Yes in big numbers in Europe too. "Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens."[Ps 113:1-9]

As I was reading the story of Isaac, who would move from place to place, digging a well in each place, I thought of church planting. Where Issac's well was accepted by the local people, he knew that the Lord would bless it. " Isaac's servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there. But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen.......He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, "Now the LORD has given us room and we will flourish in the land."..........the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants........"[Gen 26:19-25]. As we continue to dig more spiritual wells in the UK & Europe, may the Lord give us room and allow us to flourish in the land!

I shared with the Hope UK people the 4 Ds in serving God. One of the Ds is "Dispense our all" - i.e. serve God with all our talents. Let us look forward to hearing God say "'Well done, my good servant!'......'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.'.........everyone who has, more will be given,......."[Luke 19:16-27]

Friends, "if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD.....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 2:1-8]

Weeks 16 - 18 (07) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

In my last e-mail I shared about how God has blessed us with a wonderful Easter camp. It was also marvellous to see the excitement continuing in the church in the following weeks. That must have upset the devil, who would remind us from time to time that he is still the ruler of the present world.

The last two weeks have been very challenging in my work. A change in management (a new director) in my client's office has made life very difficult for everyone involved in the project. I submitted 14 tenders just before the Easter holidays, and under normal circumstances, I would expect to win a few. I was shell-shocked when I was told later that we have not won a single one. I have since found out that 2 new consultants were brought in and they under cut my tenders by up to 45%!

When I sent an e-mail to the client suggesting ways to make the tendering fairer, I was called in to meet the new client director with my boss. At the meeting the new director rebuked me for writing that e-mail and demanded the e-mail be withdrawn. The client implicated that my e-mail suggested unfairness on their part. Sadly, my boss sided with the client (surprise, surprise). I swallowed this rather large humble pie, wrote another e-mail to the client to withdraw my suggestions. What challenged me most was the fact that my boss felt that I should have tried harder to win the tenders. That really rubbed salt into the wounds! If I did not have God's purpose in my heart, I would have simply walked away from it all!

In the midst of the trail I received an e-mail breaking news of how 3 Christians were killed in Turkey. All they were doing was simply trying to share the love of Christ. They were tortured for 3 hours by 10 youth, before their throats were slit [full story in http://www.blogger.com/ ]. That really put my own trial in perpective. My trial bears no comparison to the suffering of these 3 men of God. Then God spoke to me in [Rom. 5:1-4] "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.....And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." And God used the story of these 3 brave men to illustrate His point!

I can smile again. I can "Praise the LORD......the man who fears the LORD.......will be blessed........who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken.......He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes." [Ps 112:1-10 NIV]. The devil is a loser, merely hanging onto his power for a littlle longer.

When it comes to trully trusting in God, very few could beat Abraham. When "God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" ....Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering......." Early the next morning Abraham got up.....He took with him.....his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.......Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife.......When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son." [Gen 22:1-18 NIV] Wow! Wish I have a tenth of Abraham's trust in God!

Despite of the challenges that we will face in the world as Christians, Jesus encouraged us to "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door........People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God...."[Luke 13:22-30 NIV] What a party it will be. I can't wait. :o)

"Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech......whoever listens........will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."[Prov 1:20-33 NIV]

May the wisdom of God bless you.

Amen!

Weeks 14 & 15 (07) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

We experienced a 10-day heat wave since Easter Friday. We had amazingly warm weather during the Easter Camp - the best since Kim & I came to London in 1998. The Camp itself was also the best one so far. Ps. PN and his family joined us during this time. It was their first visit to the UK and it was an added blessing to the whole event.

The theme was on A Bonded (Covenant) Church. God was with us all the way and I believe everyone was touched by God in different ways. One thing common to all is the bondedness (unity), even after the camp. The church is spiritually on fire, symbolised by the camp fire we had one evening (see pic). We had so much fun. All praises to God! For more pics, visit http://uk.new.photos.yahoo.com/neo21/albums.

As I shared in the beginning of the year, 2007 is a crucial year for the Church. Cindy Jacob called it The Year of Finishing. God will enable us to accomplish great things for Him. In parallel, the devil will work 24/7 to stop them from happening. Some of us have experienced some setback in our personal lives & ministries. I was therefore really thankful to God that, through the camp, He demonstrated that He has never forsaken us. It was like a mini revival!

God's love and faithfulness make me sing. "I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth.......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 108:1-6,12-13 NIV]." It is so essential to know that it is the help of God that will give us victory, not men.

When our faith is challenged in difficult times, we can find strength and resolve in God's Word, even when the Word sounded incredible at times. "Abraham.....laughed and said to himself, "Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?"......Then God said, "Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him [Gen 17:17-22 NIV]." If we have to make a choice between man's wisdom and God's Word, let us put our faith in His Word.

It is interesting to know that God has kept His mysteries from the wise & learned but reveals them to those with child-like faith. ".... Jesus....through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure [Luke 10:17-24 NIV]." Indeed, when we approach the Word of God with child-like faith, we can understand God's plan & purpose for this world.

One of that plan & purpose is advancing the Kingdom of God through building His Church (God's people). "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 [Prov 27:12, 18 & 23 NIV];" God will bless and honour those who do just that.

Weeks 12 & 13 (07) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

A historical moment took place in the UK a few days ago when Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams sat down and agreed to sharing power in governing N. Ireland starting 8th May (see pic). Ian is a Protestant priest turned politician, leading the Democratic Unionists Party (DUP), the largest political party in N. Ireland. Gerry Adams is leader of Sinn Fein, the 2nd largest party who used to support the IRA (representing the Catholics) arms struggle against British rule. Ian had always branded Sinn Fein as terrorists and did not accept them as a credible political party. It is a miracle that the two have agreed to rule N. Ireland jointly. It is the power of forgiveness!

This week echoes the most significant week in the history of mankind when Jesus entered triumphantly into Jerusalem riding a little donkey some 2000 years ago, preparing to pay the Price of Forgiveness on behalf of all men. The price cost God's Son's life. This wonderful act paved the way for receiving God's Forgiveness of our sins and empowers us to forgive others of their wrongs!

Forgiveness is the hallmark of Christianity and anyone who does not forgive cannot claim to a Christian, in the truest sense of its spirit. Broken relationship can be mended through forgiveness. Normal relationship can be enriched through a forgiving spirit. God understood its importance and He was willing to allow His Son to suffer for it. "Praise the LORD ..... who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion ...... he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities....." [Ps 103:1-22 NIV]


God is a God of blessings for those who obey Him. The obedience was initiated by God through His Son's example, even to the extent of dying on the cross. That same obedience was seen in Abraham when God asked him to leave home and go to a foreign land. "The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country...... I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." [Gen 12:1-3 NIV]. We are the offspring of Abraham and we are God's blessed people when we walk in obedience.

That obedience applies to following Jesus. It is a tough choice sometimes between God and our personal affairs. But Jesus made it plain. "Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." [Luke 9:57-62 NIV]. I can testify to God's tremendous blessings in my life, my family and my ministry when I follow Jesus fully in obedience.

May this Easter season renew our love for Jesus as we meditate on what He went through this week some 2000 years ago and what He has done for us on the cross. May this message be "like the coolness of snow at harvest time....refreshes the spirit.......like cold water to a weary soul.....from a distant land." [Prov 25:12-14,18-20,25-26,28 NIV]


Have a wonderful Easter!

Weeks 09 - 11(07) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

For many years I have a burden for the city of Birmingham, the 2nd largest city in the UK with a population of over one million. At the beginning of this year, God opened a door for 2 brothers Nong & Kyu to study PhD there. I went to visit them last Saturday and we had a powerful time praying for the city!

Birmingham is a spiritual stronghold that needed God's power to have a breakthrough for the Gospel. I was so glad to see God moving in the city by blessing the growth of the Vineyard church there. They rent an old church building right in the heart of the shopping centre - the Bull Ring and is attracting a lot of interests. Praise the Lord!

We started the morning praying & worshipping God in Kyu's flat. Then we went praying at the 2 universities where Nong & Kyu studied, and met up with their care group visitor. We also prayed in the city - the shopping district and around the Government house. When we were in the Bull Ring, I saw the powerful looking bull. The Lord led me to put my hand on the horn and symbolically subdued the spiritual stronghold to His Lordship [see pic]. I felt that the Lord had shown me that He is far more powerful than the enemy, which is binding the souls of the city. I believe the souls will be set free one by one in the days to come!

More recently, I also felt the Lord telling me and the church to live in His presence and His power by leading a blameless life. 'I will sing of your love and justice....O LORD.....I will be careful to lead a blameless life.....I will set before my eyes no vile thing......I will have nothing to do with evil......' [Psalm 101:1-8 NIV]

I also encourage people in the church to believe in the miracles and power of God, which is throughout the whole Bible. One of them was when men became proud and tried to glorify themselves by building a tower that reaches to the heavens, God confused their language. 'The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city.....the LORD confused the language of the whole world......'[Gen. 11:1-9 NIV]

Jesus demostrated God's power to Simon, the professional fisherman, by catching a lot of fish that Simon failed to catch. 'Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break......'[Luke 5:1-11 NIV]

Let us have faith to believe in a God of miracles and power. I have witnessed God's miracle in His provision in my life, and I am convinced that no children of God should live in lack. But we must be wise not to live beyond our means. 'In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.'[Prov. 21:20,21 NIV]

Amen!

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

Our two offices in Croydon have recently moved into a new building - more central and of higher quality. The two offices have become one with a combined staff of about 140, occupying 2 floors. The Director in charge of the move did a great job and the move went like a dream. Then I learnt last week that he was leaving the company, because someone else has overtaken him in promotion!

In fact there is nothing new in this. People climbing the corporate ladder are in a rat race and I have been there before. When one gets to the top of the ladder, the view is no necessary better than that lower down! [Eccl 2:10-11 NIV] describes it really well - "I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun."

Before I came to London for church planting, I wrote to about 300 of my business associates about my decision. I got about 30 replies back, mostly surprised by the news. But quite a few were really complementary, with one commenting that "as we climb the ladder, we could lead a better life but the main goal in life has always been questionable."

I am glad that, although I am back in the business world, I am able to detach myself from the rat race. All I do is to be a good witness and pray for my colleagues that one day they will find true meaning and happiness in life when they know the Lord! "......the LORD......has done marvelous things.....The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations....."[Ps 98:1-3 NIV]

I was sharing in church last Sunday about God's sign of covenant through the rainbow - "God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature......I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth."[Gen 9:12-17 NIV] And you know what, as I looked out of the office window this week on Wednesday, there before my eyes was a rainbow [see pic]. It put a big smile on my face.:o)

It is my dream and hope that as we "go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation......whoever believes.....will be saved.....And these signs will accompany those who believe.......drive out demons.....speak in new tongues.......sick people..will get well."[Mark 16:15-20 NIV]

It is assuring to know that "the LORD works out everything for his own ends"[Prov 16:4-5 NIV]. Before too long, we will see the plan of God being accomplished before our eyes.

Amen!