Weeks 17 & 18 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

I spent last weekend with Kim in Utrecht speaking in a Bible seminar organized by Hope Utrecht. It always gives me great pleasure to see Albert and his dear wife Claire and their lovely children.

Albert is one of the early church planters in Europe. If God were to give an award for the most persevering church planter ever lived, Albert would win it. His church had been 3 people for a long time, yet he never gave up, when most people would.

We met in a very nice conference centre in Utrecht. Some 14 people attended. I spoke on the issue of Faith based on Hebrew 11, a topic I believe is vitally important as we get closer to the Day. We will see greater deception that even the elect will be deceived [Matt. 24:24].

I touched on Ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair converted to Catholic and started an All-Faith Foundation. The Pope has just made a trip to Israel to proclaim peace in the Holy Land. More and more influential figures are putting their weight behind an All-Faith world which will eventually lead to One World Religion, all in the name of peace.

In the Seminar, a Hungarian man also attended. I actually met him last year in a similar setting. This time I had more time to talk to him. He was clearly a highly intelligent man, teaching in a number of universities in Utrecht and Geneva on learning strategies. He boasted that he could learn a language in a matter of days. He believed that the world would be a better place if everyone would be eager to gain knowledge like him. This is nothing new. Since Adam’s time, man has been looking for gaining knowledge and wisdom [1 Cor. 1:22], but knowledge without the knowledge of God would cause men to be proud and reject the true God [1 Cor. 8:1-3].

At the end of the seminar he came to talk to me and informed me that everything could now be explained scientifically or mathematically including the existence of God, the origin of mankind etc… I told him that Faith to me meant that I would not believe anything that contradicted the Word of God. I think my “stubbornness” had shaken his “faith” a little bit. :o)

Yes, sadly, “the fool says in his heart, "There is no God." ….. God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one……!” [Ps 53:1-6 NIV]

God is the source of our everything, including wisdom. When King Solomon asked God for wisdom to govern the people well, God granted his request. “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt…….He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom. [I King 4:29-34 NIV].

Indeed, “a man can receive only what is given him from heaven…….The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." [John 3:27-36 NIV]

We need God's wisdom in building His house successfully. “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. Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say. [Prov 24:3-7 NIV]

Amen!

Weeks 15 & 16 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

As Prime Minister, Tony Blair famously "didn't do God" but, having left office, he is travelling the world to launch his new Faith Foundation.

On a cold winter's day in New Haven, Connecticut, Tony Blair is preparing for a new challenge – teaching. His new inter-faith foundation has linked with Yale University and launched a new course, on Faith and Globalisation. He commented to BBC Religious Affairs Correspondent Christopher Landau that "If globalisation is a force pushing people together, does religion become a force pulling people apart? In the light of what's going on in the world, they are important themes to explore."

In front of 25 handpicked students from diverse religious backgrounds, Mr Blair leads discussions about the complex dilemmas politicians face when taking account of religious belief. “I'm really and always have been in a way more interested in religion than politics”, Mr. Blair said. He gives examples of controversial incidents during his premiership – including debates over euthanasia, gay adoption and abortion.

The academic course is just one part of the planned work of the Foundation. It has other educational programmes planned, including the production of impartial religious education materials, and the development of a new inter-faith centre in London. What makes the foundation's work distinctive is its emphasis on uniting people of different religious traditions in practical action. Young people are being recruited to work for the foundation as "Faiths Act Fellows".

The concept of an inter-faith foundation pre-dates him becoming leader of the Labour Party or prime minister, he says. And the launch of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation is a response to him being "really, really committed to finding a way of making religious faith relevant to the modern world". Mr Blair says the secular world needs to understand religion, and religions need to understand each other. "I believe this whole issue to do with inter-faith is absolutely where the 21st Century needs to be in social and cultural terms," he says. "So I've got a very clear strategic sense of it as well. A powerful sense of mission on it. Every bit as powerful as I felt in politics."

He has been a very successful politician. No doubt he will also do well building his inter-faith foundation. Its development is every bit as interesting as how the nations came together economically as the result of the recent financial crisis. One day, the nations will come together and support a One World Religion. Tony Blair may well be laying the "foundation" for such a day.

As the world moves further and further away from the truth in the Bible, many will be sucked into the world system due to fear and ignorance. Many will buy into a One World Religion in the hope of finding lasting peace. But it will just be an illusion to deceive many.

But for true Christ followers, it is a time to be discerning and strong, trusting that "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea...... There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us......... Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth........"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." [Ps 46:1-11 NIV] That is a promise from God.

Eventually, by God's grace, everyone will receive his or her due in God. "The LORD has rewarded.....according to.....righteousness, according to....cleanness in his sight. "To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low. You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall........It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect......You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great." [2 Sam 22:25-36 NIV].

But I am even more amazed at God's grace towards Peter, one of his closiest ally. "seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly. [Luke 22:54-62 NIV] Despite of Peter's repeated denial of Jesus, God forgave him and made him one of the greatest apostles and servants of God.

Yes even "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. There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD." [Prov 21:1-3,30-31 NIV]

Amen!

Weeks 13 & 14 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

In my last message, I shared about the financial difficulties our company was facing and my pay was cut by 66%. I would like to share about God's amazing providence again.

I testified about God miraculously openning a door for me to work in my profession in civil/structural engineering just over 3 years ago. It was a miracle because no company would normally employ someone who has not worked in the profession for 7 years, who is 57 years old and who can only work 3 days a week!

God didn't only open the door, He also blessed me to help grow the business unit from 20 people to 60 people. Then we had the severe economic downturn following the near collapse of the financial institutions in the past 6 months. Many companies are still laying people off. It is expected to continue for another 12 months or more.

The testimony starts on 4th November, 2008, the day when Senator Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the USA. On the same day, my director boss Iain C phoned me to inform me that he was sacked. He asked for my home e-mail address to keep in touch. I wrote him and told him that I would pray for him to get a new job. One the day my pay was cut by 66% towards the end of February, Iain started work at AECOM, a global Consulting Engineer. They have 740 offices around the world, serving clients in over 100 countries and employing 43,000 professionals worldwide. On the day our company announced the closing down of our branch office where I worked, I got an offer letter to join AECOM. Today (8th April) was my first day in the new company. I continue to work 3 days a week in a nice office in Central London. I even get an increase in salary and benefits. Only God could make it possible in a recession!

I am thankful for God's timely providence. I am even more excited about the harvest opportunities in a mega global company, starting with Iain. All glory to Him!

With a God like this, I cannot be silent. I just want to say 'I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart. I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD. I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.' [Ps 40:8-11 NIV]

King David won the heart of his followers. They would not desert him even when he was running for his life from Absolom. 'The king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why should you come along with us? Go back and stay with King Absalom........You came only yesterday. And today shall I make you wander about with us, when I do not know where I am going? Go back, and take your countrymen. May kindness and faithfulness be with you." But Ittai replied to the king, "As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be." David said to Ittai, "Go ahead, march on." So Ittai the Gittite marched on with all his men and the families that were with him. The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people passed by.' [2 Sam 15:13-14,19-26 NIV]. King Jesus has also won my heart. I will follow where He leads me. He will lead those who trust Him through the 'valley of hardship' at this challenging time!

Angels are sinless creatures. They find it absolutely amazing that sinners like myself could actually be saved. 'Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."' [Luke 15:1-7 NIV] No wonder there are so much rejoicing in heaven each day as sinners got saved. This same excitement should energise us to reach out to the lost!

Indeed the harvest is plentiful. Let us not retire until the job is done because '.....he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward......The desire of the righteous ends only in good.......One man gives freely, yet gains even more;.......A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise......' [Prov 11:18-19,23-25,30-31]

Amen!

Weeks 11 & 12 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

G20 world leaders (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the US and the EU), representing 85% of the world economy, will be arriving in London for the G20 Summit to be held on 2nd April in the UK Capital. This is a follow up meeting from the November meeting in Washington when the G20 Chair was held by the US Government. The rotating G20 Chair has come to UK and it has become vitally important for our Prime Minister Gordon "Save The World" Brown whose political fortune hinges on the successful outcome of this Summit.

In the past week, Mr. Brown has been seen jetting between Europe and the Americas, laying down the ground work for what he is hoping to be the impetus for global co-operation in reviving the world economy. He passionately believes that an early recovery from recession will depend on the joint action of the major economic nations around the globe.

Mr. Brown believes that the aim of the London summit is no less than the redesign of the world financial system. First, leaders want to reach agreement on more co-ordinated action to revive the world economy, both by more interest rate cuts and more spending by governments to bring countries out of recession. Secondly, there will be efforts to prevent a future crisis by strengthening the international regulation of banks and other financial institutions. Thirdly, they also hope to agree a blueprint for future reform, including changes to the international organisations charged with regulating the world economy, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to give a greater voice to poorer countries.

No doubt it is in everyone's interest to see the economy recovering, reviving the businesses and providing jobs for people from all walks of life. But I am more interested in the hidden agenda of development of global economic and financial cooperation. It will pave the way to an eventual One World Government, something I am watching closely!

Whilst it is the hope of every man and woman, myself included, to see the hardship that unemployment can bring coming to an end, our true hope should rest on our Lord. It is because "the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth--he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine." [Ps 33:5-19 NIV]

Young King David was a very successful king because he was after God's heart and the Lord blessed him. He was revered by all because the Lord was with him and granted him victory over his enemies. "When Tou king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer, he sent his son Joram to King David to greet him and congratulate him on his victory in battle over Hadadezer, who had been at war with Tou. Joram brought with him articles of silver and gold and bronze. King David dedicated these articles to the LORD, as he had done with the silver and gold from all the nations he had subdued: Edom and Moab, the Ammonites and the Philistines, and Amalek. He also dedicated the plunder taken from Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah. And David became famous after he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He put garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The LORD gave David victory wherever he went." [2 Sam 8:9-14 NIV]

I sense there is a lot of fear in the world today, with the recession just starting and unemployment rising. But what should be our response? May be we can see a parallel in this Bible story that "One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him." [Luke 8:22-25 NIV]

Our company, like many others, is struggling financially. Many staff have been laid off and my pay is reduced by 66%. It is not a comfortable position to be in. I can choose to panic like the disciples in the storm or I can choose to trust God to calm the storm in my heart. God has been faithful in the past 18 more years since I started walking with Him and I believe nothing has changed. I therefore choose to "pay attention to what God says; listen closely to His words. Do not let them out of my sight, keep them within my heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.......Let my eyes look straight ahead, fix my gaze directly before me. Make level paths for my feet and take only ways that are firm." [Prov 4:20-27 NIV]

Amen!

Weeks 09 & 10 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

On Monday 09.03.09, Andrew Marr, a renowned Political Commentator wrote and presented the first episode of the 3-parts series "Darwin's Dangerous Idea" on BBC 2, exploring how Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection has taken on a life of its own far beyond the world of science.

Over the 150 years, Darwin's idea challenged the need of a creator, undermining religious authority, and provided new ways of looking at the origins of human morality. Darwin's personal encounter of an "uncivilised" native tribe in Tierra del Fuego at the southernmost tip of South America during his travel raised questions in his mind about the origins of the human race. The development of Darwin's ideas has found a range of influences: from the existential philosphy of Friedrich Nietzsche to the battlefields of the First World War, from the Freudian psychoanalyst's couch to the Vatican; and from the genetic logic of kindness to an Islamic creationists's claim that Darwin is to blame for modern terrorism.

The BBC programme strategically coincides with the 200th widespread anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his book ‘On the Origin of Species’. The public awareness has been heightened as the media have picked up on the various events surrounding it. Richard Dawkins, a staunch athiest who wrote "The God Delusion" has recently launched a poster promoting atheism with the slogan, “There's probably no God. So stop worrying and enjoy your life” on the side of 800 British doubledecker buses. Darwin's idea of 150 years is making a strong comeback. It is dangerous because of the simple fact that it attacks the Christian faith at its core, which is centred on a God of Creation.

In response, the Westminister Chapel is conducting a 2-evening conference on 12th and 13th, inviting Ken Ham, President of the leading creationist organisation 'Answers in Genesis' to speak on a theme "Doubts About Darwin". The conference should be helpful for Christians to better understand this very important subject.

As we are getting closer and closer to the "End", the time of great deception is upon us. This is time to be strong in our faith. This is no time to allow the enemy to plant seeds of doubt in our minds. Be confident to know that "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God....Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-- he is the King of glory." [Ps 24:1-10 NIV]

I am continually amazed at David's faith and his attitude of trusting God in his daily decision making. He inquired of the Lord often. "In the course of time, David inquired of the LORD. "Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?" he asked. The LORD said, "Go up." David asked, "Where shall I go?" "To Hebron," the LORD answered. So David went up there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns. Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah." [2 Sam 2:1-7 NIV] This is a very good way of walking with God, even for us 21st century earth dwellers, that we consult God on our decision making. Yes, our God is the same "yesterday, today and forever." :o)

Just in case you are not sure, God does guide us through different media. God broke the news of Jesus' birth to the shepherds through an angel. "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." [Luke 2:8-20 NIV] Yes, God can guide us through His Word, our prayers, prompting of the Holy Spirit, visions and dreams, your spouse, trustworthy friends etc.....and angels if He chooses. :o)

In my own experience, God guides me principally through His Word, prayers and prompting of the Holy Spirit. Indeed "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar." And, this is a good prayer at a time of economic challenges: "Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. [Prov 30:5-9 NIV]

Amen!

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!