Weeks 41 & 42 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

I have always enjoyed following the major news around the world, in order to discern where the world is heading. But these days it is mostly the same boring stuff - the world's financial crisis and global share markets going up and down like a yo-yo, despite Governments of the world's major economies doing everything possible to stem it. I guess this will continue until some kind of world system is set up to regulate financial & banking practices that every nation will have to subscribe to.

I did come across a piece of news that I found amusing. The news was about an English double-glazing salesman remarrying his first wife whom he divorced 20 years ago. They had since 4 other marriages between them, the men 3 and the woman 1. The man said it took him all these while to figure out that she was the one!

We do become undecisive sometimes with our choices, changing our mind on stuffs like which tie or shirt or jacket to wear. But taking 3 other marriages to find out that the first choice was right is......hmmm.....!!! However, I am kind of happy for the man because God's Word does encourage us to "rejoice in the wife of our youth" , implying the first wife. :o)

Indeed there is so much wisdom in God's Word. As a pastor, I know it is every pastor's dream to have a church which like their pastor. Oops, the secret is out! But it is true. And God's Word gives me insight in realising this dream. It says "May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.......May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes." [Ps 119:73-80 NIV] The answer is simple - a church which respect God will also respect their pastor who obeys God's Word. Elementary. :o)

God's Word not only teaches us God's wisdom, it also reminds us of God's power. One of the greatest miracles recorded in the Bible besides Jesus' resurrection is God stopping the sun and the moon from going down on a day when Joshua and his men were fighting the Amorites. "So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men. The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you." .........On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: "O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon." So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies........There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man......" [Josh 10:7-14 NIV] It is interesting to note Joshua's confidence in God's promises and faith in his prayer. Powerful stuff!

God's Word is absolutely key to our survival as a Christ follower. Because "Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for.......Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son." [II Jn 1:7-11 NIV]

God's Word also builds our trust in God. "Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.....The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful........Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise......for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the LORD..........." [Prov 22:2,4,12,17-19 NIV]

AMEN!

Weeks 39 & 40 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

As the "financial earthquake" referred to in my last e-mail continues to shake the world, I am seeing a glimpse of [Rev 18:10-15 NIV] "......they will stand far off and cry:'Woe! Woe, O great city, O Babylon, city of power! In one hour your doom has come!' The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes any more........The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment........". I do so with reverence in my heart!

The financial crisis that started in America has now become global [Pic shows US National Debt at over $9 trillions]. It has led to governments of large economies having to work closer together in finding ways to stem the crisis. A day after seven central banks around the world cut interest rates in a co-ordinated effort to calm financial markets, the International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Khan urged countries to act "quickly, forcefully, and co-operatively" to solve the global economic problems. The IMF chief said further co-ordinated action was necessary. "All kinds of policy co-operation are to be commended," he said. He also issued a stark warning against countries acting unilaterally to fight the crisis, referring to recent isolated moves by certain European Union member countries!

Today, finance ministers from the Group of Seven most industrialised nations - the US, Japan, Britain, Germany, France, Italy and Canada - are gathering in Washington to address the global crisis. In addition to that meeting, US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson is going to meet the G20 nations, which include major economies like Russia, China and India. Talks will also be held at the International Monetary Fund in the US capital over the weekend.

As I reflect on the Book of Revelation, I was pondering about the timing of a one-world government [Rev 17]. I can see signs of an embryonic one-world government, at least in financial policies, coming into being. Eventually, we will also see the establisment of a one-world religion [Rev 13]. The two will work in tandem, paving the way for the Anti-Christ.

It is crucial time to discern our God's leading and ask Him to "Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared." [Ps 119:33-40 NIV]

The "ark of the covenant" that symbolised God's presence was key in leading the Israelites. "This is how you will know that the living God is among you.......See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you........And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD-- the Lord of all the earth-- set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.......So the people crossed over opposite Jericho." [Josh 3:9-16 NIV] As the Israelite needed God to help them crossing the Jordan in the dry and entering the promised land, the Church will need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to chart our way ahead, giving us wisdom in building His Church at this time. We will need God's help in dealing with the one-world religious system that is to come. Only God can preserve the Church of Jesus Christ!

Jesus warned about the end of the age by asking His followers to "..... keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." Apostle Peter said about the last days that "........ scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised?........But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 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. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness." [2 Pet 3:3-7,10-13 NIV]

"A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth. A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered." [Prov 17:24,27 NIV] Yes Lord, grant us your wisdom, your knowledge and your understanding that we may discern the time we are in and walk according to your will.

AMEN!

Weeks 37 & 38 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

During the evening of Friday the 5th Sept. at the Leaders Conference in Hong Kong, I was moved by the Holy Spirit to prophesy that "the next 7 years is a window of opportunity when God will build an army to inflict maximum damage to the kingdom of darkness."

The UK have experienced a decade of exceptional "prosperity". House prices grew between 200 - 300 % during this time. People, Christians included, generally felt richer and spent more. They felt happy and good during this time of abundance in credit and income. But all these slowly came to end in the past months, starting with the collapse of the sub-blime property market in the US.

The financial market turned on its head when financial giant Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy on Monday 15th Sept., following the emergency meeting of Friday 12th Sept. convened by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, who declined to back them. What followed was a "financial earthquake" that shocked the global finance and torn it apart. Governments around the globe have no choice but to pump billions of £s & $s to shore up financial institutions that affect the livelihood of ordinary citizens who have mortgages and savings with them.

For God's people, it is a time for financial prudence - debts cutting and sensible spending. God will take care of those who are wise in their walk with God. God will also create a window of opportunity for His people to reach out to a generation of people who cannot find security in the world system any more. Let us be ready for harvest!

At a time such as this, people who worship mammon will suffer further if they do not turn to God, because "their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but they cannot smell; they have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but they cannot walk; nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them." [Ps 115:1-8 NIV]

It is a time for God's people to be strong and courageous. God will lead us who are not faint-hearted into the promised land. Just like what God said to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous, because you will.....inherit the land.....Be strong and very courageous.......Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go......Get....ready......you will......go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own.'" [Josh 1:6-11 NIV]

This is a worthy saying. "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever." [1 Pet 4:1-11 NIV]

Also, it is important to know that "He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment. From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor. The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions." [Prov 12:11,14,24,27 NIV]

AMEN!

Weeks 35 & 36 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

During my 3 weeks in Hong Kong, I also attended the service of a local church. The preacher reassured the congregation about Jesus' promise of an abundant life in [John 10:10]. He used the word "eternal happiness". He pointed out that some Christians did not receive the promise fully because of negative experiences stored up in the "sub-conscience". Unless it is dealt with fully, any trigger will bring back the unpleasant memories and unhappiness!

I was woken up at around 5:00 this morning. I went back to bed after making a visit to the bathroom. As I laid there I sensed the presense of God. The Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart that my "self-righteousness" is a problem that has robbed me of His promise of "eternal happines" at times. My unbalanced sense of "right and wrong" had lead me to focus on the mistakes of others disproportionately. This led to inappropiate anger, bitterness and unforgiveness in my heart!

I can remember a number of instances in my life how that have happened, going back tens of years before I was a Christian. I can recall how I reacted strongly to mistakes made by others. I continued to do so after I became a Christian, even up to now. The Holy Spirit asked me to let God be the only Judge, not myself [James 4:12].

I was reminded of Apostle Paul's "Struggling With Sin" in Romans 7. As I sat down in the living room to read Romans 7 & 8 again, God spoke to me again in [Rom 7:21-25] "So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members." Yes, I can testify to the power of evil that works in my mind at times. But praise God in [Rom 8:2] "because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." As I was reading the Bible, I noticed an advertisment in a magazine next to me [see pic]. It was God's confirmation for me to set myself free from the sin of self-righteousness. Righteousness is from God that originates from humility, but self-righteousness is from the devil that comes from pride!

I knelt down and repented. But I know in my heart that the proof of true repentance will be in how I rid myself of self-righteous behaviour in future. Please pray for me to overcome!

I will need God's help and power to overcome my weaknesses. Indeed "......Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.......He has shown his people the power of his works.......The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy........" [Ps 111:1-10 NIV] Yes, His precepts are trustworthy. His promises are true!

I often find the Word of God in [Deu. 28-30] both encouraging & frightening - blessings in obedience and curses in disobedience. And God does not mince His words when He said "I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. But if.....you are not obedient......you will certainly be destroyed.......This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses." [Deut 30:15-20 NIV] May God help us to make the right choice!

Whilst Jesus came to give us an abundant life, the devil came with an agenda of destruction and death. The only way to fight the devil is to "Submit yourselves.....to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.......Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." [James 4:7-10 NIV]

"There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers." [Prov 6:16-19 NIV] Knowing what God hates, I hereby ask God to forgive me in the sins I have ever committed in any of these 7 areas and watch over me from committing them again, in Jesus name!

May the Lord help us to walk in obedience . May the Lord bless us with the abundant life that He has promised.

AMEN!

Weeks 33 & 34 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

Finally, I am entitled to a free bus pass and a winter heating allowance. Also, Kim gave me a "60 - Older & Wider" badge (see pic.), which reminds me that the dream of a "6-pack" will now remain a dream, not that it was ever my life goal to have one. Someone says that age is only a number. It is how one feels in the heart that counts. I could not agree more. :o)

Kim & I have been enjoying our time in Hong Kong, sampling the best Hong Kong has to offer (all kinds of cuisines), making myself “wider” in the process. Good job we are staying with our son Nic; the 90 steps climb to his 5th floor flat provides the badly needed exercise each day. In the 32 degree C heat, it really helps to burn up a lot of surplus calories.

We met up with an old relative Uncle Chiu & his wife. Uncle Chiu came from my Dad’s village in China and he worked as a hair dresser with my Dad for many years before he retired some 20 years ago. Today, he is 87 years old and his wife is a young 85. They both keep fit by swimming 30 min. every day. They are a picture of excellent health (see pic.) that put many people 50 years their junior to shame.

The Word of God says in [Ps 90:10] that “The length of our days is seventy years — or eighty, if we have the strength…….” Living to 85 or 87 is a great achievement, yet, because we live in a fallen world, everyone has to face death one day!

The Word of God also says in [1 Tim 4:8] that “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” Swimming 30 min. a day is a great discipline that deserves high praise and encouragement, but God’s promise of eternal life has greater value.

At 60, when the physical strength begins to decline sharply, I truly appreciate and understand the value of good health at an old age. But, being in Christ, it means so much more. I cannot help but "praise the LORD…..all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's…….” [Ps 103:1-6] Yes, when I am in Christ, my youth is renewed like the eagle’s. :o)

Although I came to accept Christ as my Lord & Saviour at a late age of 42, I believe it has helped me to appreciate God more, because I have been forgiven more. In Hope London, I encourage the people to have 3 special occasions a year that we can celebrate God’s goodness. Just like what God commanded Moses, "three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles. No man should appear before the LORD empty-handed: Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.” [Deut 16:16-17] Each year, I encourage everyone to attend the Easter Camp, the Euro-convention and the Church Anniversary as our way of thanking the Lord for what He is doing among His people. They are also special times of jubilant celebration.

We celebrate the fact that we will not have to face death in eternity, because Jesus has substituted it with His own death on the cross. "Jesus…..now crowned with glory and honour because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone……and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death…….For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people……...” [Heb 2:9-18]


"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers. [Prov 24:3-6] May the Lord grant us His wisdom, understanding & knowledge that we may have the power & strength to live victorious lives while we are still living in this sinful world.

Amen!

Weeks 31 & 32 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing have no doubt caught the attention of the world in the past week, overshadowing the rather serious conflict between Russia & Georgia. But I am sure both occasions are important in the End-time economy!

The venue of the Opening Ceremony was at the main stadium in Beijing, affectionately referred to as the Bird's Nest - a marvelous piece of structural engineering (see picture). China raised the bar of the Opening by putting on a display that was both spectacular and powerful. Besides the fireworks outside the stadium, the mobilisation of a thoudand performers/dancers played to China's strength - drums, tai-chi, dances, the giant scroll, the moving-type printing etc. - a real feast for the eyes. Sadly, the beautiful and moving singing towards the end was mimed by a cute little girl named Lin Miaoke (on the right) . The real singer was Yang Peiyi; she was replaced because of her look (on the left)!

In men's perspective, the show was perfect. But in God's perspective, it was another "Tower of Babel" - men making a name for themselves. [Rom 1:23] says it well. Men have "exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images......." and "my people have exchanged their Glory for worthless idols [Jer 2:11]. God alone deserves all the Glory and worship. In God's opinion, Yang Peiyi did not need to be replaced. It was God who gave her the beautiful voice in the first place and, as far as God is concerned, Peiyi is "fearfully & wonderfully made". I hope she will find out one day!

I pray that one day Peiyi will "Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength......Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth." [Ps 96:1-9 NIV]


God reminded the Israelites to "destroy completely all the places on the high mountains and on the hills and under every spreading tree where the nations you are dispossessing worship their gods. Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and burn their Asherah poles in the fire; cut down the idols of their gods and wipe out their names from those places. You must not worship the LORD your God in their way." [Deut 12:1-7 NIV] As God's people, we should do likewise.

Dear friends, I would like to borrow Apostle Paul's words in Philemon that "I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ........" [Philemon 1:4-7 NIV]


Let us be assured that "the king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.....All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.......to do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice........He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. [Prov 21:1-3, 20-21 NIV]

Amen!

Weeks 29 & 30 (08) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

In celebrating its Centenary, The Institution of Structural Engineers (an international qualifying body for structural engineers) have commissioned the world's leading architectural artist Stephen Wiltshire MBE to produce a drawing featuring iconic structures around the world [see picture]. Stephen, who suffers from autism, produced the drawing from photographic memory of the structures he has seen.....a truly amazing gift!

The Bible says that "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights..." [James 1:1] and "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." [1 Pet 4:10]. I am not sure whether Stephen is a Christian or not; if he is, he would thank our Heavenly Father for the gift of being a brilliant architectural artist. Indeed each of us should give thanks for our gifts and talents which are from above and we should use them to serve others faithfully.

I was sharing with my leaders recently that now we are believers in Christ, our lives take on a whole new perspective. We have a mission on this earth to use our gifts to serve others. I also shared that God allows us to accumulate lessons and experiences in our life journey, which equip us to serve more effectively. These include bad experiences!

Sometimes I am glad that God called me to serve Him when I was relatively advanced in age, by Hope standard that is. :o) I believe my life experience more than compensate for the loss in physical strength. I also believe that, with age, one has more wisdom, understanding and knowledge, which are so essential in building a church in the European context. At least I think so anyway, although my younger European co-workers may not agree. :o)

Because of this, "I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself........The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it." [Ps 89:1-11 NIV]

Sometimes we can feel isolated in the big wide world as Christ followers; that true believers are in the minority. It is therefore amazing to know that "the LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and......that he......redeemed you from the land of slavery.......Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands........He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land-- your grain, new wine and oil-- the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks........You will be blessed more than any other people.........The LORD will keep you free from every disease........." [Deut 7:7-15 NIV]

Although we are a minority in the world that is hostile to Christ, esp. in Europe, we shall not be fearful. We shall hold our heads high and not be ashamed of the Gospel, "for God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord,........But join.....in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life-- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.....What you heard......keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you-- guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us." [2 Tim 1:7-14 NIV] Yes, the Word of God and the Holy Spirit will sustain us till the end!

Add to that an attitude of revering our great God, for "he whose walk is upright fears the LORD. A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil........He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death." [Prov 14:2,16,26,27 NIV]

Amen!