Weeks 47 & 48 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

If you ask a mainland Chinese who has visited Hong Kong where Canton Road is, I believe most of them can tell you. It is well known for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo …….. And very often you see cash rich mainlanders queuing up outside the shops as if a big sale is on (even when it is not)!

Once on TV, I saw this group of Mainland Chinese men coming to Hong Kong regularly on shopping trips, each spending 6 figures at a time! These days, Mainland Chinese spend an average HK$7,000 plus, surpassing the Europeans on HK$6,000 and the SE Asians on HK$4,000. What a change from 30 years ago before China’s modernization. Is it a good thing or not? I will let God be the judge!



Whilst Chairman Mao has successfully imposed himself as the only god for his people to worship, modern China is hungry for a new form of worship. The heart of worship that God has created in all of us will always be empty without an idol, be it the true God, an imitation deity or a man-made object.

This is nothing new. I have been there. I see how my form of worship changed over the years:

As a poor boy, I worshipped the toy cars that my friends owned. I went as far as stealing one of them!

In my school years, I worshipped my Chemistry teacher for his self-confidence & cool look, and my History teacher for her beauty.

After graduation, I worshipped money for the many dream things that I could buy. For a season, I worshipped Seve Ballesteros when I was crazy about golf.

Then 20 years ago, I found an idol (Jesus Christ) that can give me true peace, even in the midst of all the troubles that we face today in different parts of the world. Now I can understand what Jesus meant when he said:

[John 14:27] “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

And although Job in the Old Testament was before Jesus’ time, I can believe that he had God’s peace in his heart when he went through the trial that Satan put him through with God’s permission. It is interesting to note that when one is doing a “Job” time, there are always a few “Eliphaz/Bildad/Zophar” on hand to provide folly advices. I am experiencing that right now!

Jesus can give us peace because He is the Word of God and a timely Word of God (not words of man) can do wonders. In the past 2 weeks, I was reading a paragraph of Psalm 119 a day and every one was a gem. They reflected my heart cry. “Righteous are you, O LORD, and your laws are right. The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words. Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts. Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true. Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight. Your statutes are forever right; give me understanding that I may live. [Ps 119:137-144 NIV]

If you are truly a servant of God, He can strengthen you in times of trouble. “He said to me, "You are my servant….in whom I will display my splendor." But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God."……But this is what the LORD says: "Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save. I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine. Then all mankind will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer……." [Isa 49:1-4,25,26 NIV]

When Jesus was persecuted, He only spoke when it was time to do so. “At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. "If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us." Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God." They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied, "You are right in saying I am." Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips." [Luke 22:66-71 NIV]

If you are interested in what God says about us, here they are. “It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel……The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?......A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much. …….If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness……A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?.......The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being.” [Prov 20:3,5-7,19,20,24,25,27,29 NIV]

Amen and amen!

Weeks 45 & 46 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

I was up early on Sunday morning, sitting in my comfortable serviced apartment and watching a beautiful sunrise. My next day job still has not materialized and I was praying and seeking God.

Then I read the e-mail of my dear friend Dr. Johan Combrinck, Founder of AFnet. AFnet was started some 25 years ago and it is a ministry that is blessing the churches in Africa through the training of thousands of pastors and is blessing the continent through various social programs.

Below is an extract from the AFnetAid website www.afnetaid.org :

AFnetAid is not just slapping a temporary superficial bandage on a huge underlying problem, HIV/AIDS in Africa. The AIDS pandemic is killing an entire generation of fathers and mothers and leaving millions of children without the physical and emotional support of parents. Our aid brings healing from within as we reach out to these children so a new generation can break the cruel and seemingly hopeless cycle of poverty and disease. AFnetAID seeks to inspire hope for the future as we take AIDS orphans off the streets and give them back their childhood, equip them with the skills they need to thrive rather than just survive, and provide compassionate care to meet their physical needs of food, clothing, shelter, and medical attention. Band-aids represent healing, but also love and caring. You can help us wipe the tears, kiss the boo boos, and treat the wounds. Hope and healing is happening!

For Only US$35 a month, you can ensure a child receives:

- Tuition and a uniform for school

- Day care for younger siblings

- Meals before and after school

- Care packages for extended family

- Medical care access

- Educational and legal assistance

- Grief and trauma counselling

- Vocational training

I was humbled by the passion and love my dear friend has for God and the people of Africa. It changed the perspective of my own situation and my mission for God.

It reminded me of the following scriptures:

[Matt 25:31-40 NIV]

31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.

32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,

36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?

38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?

39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Our Lord God is much bigger than our problems. Let us reflect upon the love of God and what He has done for us. Let us roll up our sleeves, fix our eyes on Jesus and start doing the will of God. Whatever we do on this side of eternity, make sure that we will end up on the right side of God!

Indeed God has been faithful in all these years I have known Him. I want to “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD……I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation……..This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. O LORD, save us; OLORD, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you…….You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. [Ps 118:1,19-29 NIV]

In my search for my next job, I have been evaluating various opportunities. I am looking for confirmation and want to make sure that it is from God. God’s warning to His people is loud and clear. "Woe to the obstinate children," declares the LORD, "to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin; who go down to Egypt without consulting me; who look for help to Pharaoh's protection, to Egypt's shade for refuge. But Pharaoh's protection will be to your shame, Egypt's shade will bring you disgrace……..because of a people useless to them, who bring neither help nor advantage, but only shame and disgrace." [Isa 30:1-5 NIV]

Jesus has shown us how to resist the temptation of the world. “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'" The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'" [Luke 4:1-13 NIV]

I will continue to seek God’s guidance through studying His Word and listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. “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, and 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 gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair — every good path.” [Prov 2:1-15 NIV]

Amen and amen!

Weeks 43 & 44 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

Follow on from my last message on the story of the 33 Chilean miners who were trapped over 600m below ground for 69 days, I can see that that they faced it with determination and strong will (or faith?). One of them ran the equivalent of 5 km a day, pulling a heavy weight behind him. Instead of focusing on the problem, the hopeless situation of waiting to be saved, they practiced positivity.

In these past 2 weeks in particular, I have been learning to wait upon the Lord. I have also been trying to comprehend the meaning of God’s Word in [Ps 127:2] “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat — for he grants sleep to those he loves.”

I praise God that while I am waiting for my next job, I did not lose any sleep. Indeed God grants sleep to those He loves :o)

But I am also digging deeper in my faith – “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” [Heb. 11:1]

Daniel in the Bible was a man of integrity with no weak spots, no scandals, and no sins that his enemies could identify. And when King Darius came into power during Israel's 70-year captivity, he relied on Daniel's wise, insightful counsel. Yet there were others who didn't like this Hebrew prophet.

Because Daniel had a habit of praying openly every day, his enemies convinced King Darius to foolishly sign a law that would prohibit prayer to anyone except the king. The penalty for breaking this law was being thrown into a den of lions. Sure enough, Daniel prayed as he always had, and it was reported to Darius. The frustration for the king was that as powerful as he was, he couldn't change a law that he himself had set into motion. So Daniel was sent to die in a den of lions. Yet the Bible tells us that Daniel slept while the king was up all night. I find it interesting that the child of God in the den of lions slept peacefully, while the faithless man in the palace with all its luxuries was up and worried and stressed out. Yes, God gives rest to his loved ones.

And so it is for the person who puts his or her trust in God. When we are worrying, we are really saying that God isn't in control, that God is not paying attention. When we worry, we are not trusting in the providence of God.

And what is the providence of God? It is the belief that God is in control of the universe. And specifically as Christians, it means we believe there are no accidents in our lives. Nothing touches us that has not first passed through His hands.

Although I have a number of job opportunities, the waiting is not over yet. Besides, I want to be sure it is from God.

In the meantime, I practice positivity:

1) I do 45 min. of prayer jog plus aerobic exercise every morning.

2) I rented an office space and launched the BBC (Building Biblical Churches / Building Bridges for Christ) school last Saturday

Along the way I had a couple of pleasant surprises:

1) HSBC sent me HK$550 worth of SOGO gift certificate for being a good customer

2) A good Christian friend and business owner offers to pay me to help him with a small engineering project

While I am waiting for God to open the right door, I shall continue to “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” [Ps 118:1]

I can relate to the Psalmist when he said, “I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD:"O LORD, save me!" The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simple hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living. [Ps 116:1-9 NIV]. That is my kind of worshipper!

It would be very sad if this is what God think of me and my worship. “The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men. Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish." Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their work in darkness and think, "Who sees us? Who will know?" You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "He did not make me"? Can the pot say of the potter, "He knows nothing"? [Isa 29:13-16 NIV]

When Jesus contemplated on the cross, he also had to dig deep in his faith. His human body simply could not cope. “……..Jesus….began to be deeply distressed and troubled. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch." Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." [Mark 14:32-42 NIV]

Even the wisest and richest of al kings felt hopelessly inadequate and unworthy in front of the Almighty God. King Solomon couldn’t help but confessed “ "I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man's understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know! "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.” [Prov 30:2-6 NIV]

Amen and amen!

Weeks 41 & 42 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

It is not often one hears about a good news story in the news media these days. The exception is the recent Chilean miner story. Before you switch off, please allow this story to strengthen your faith and hope in Christ. It has certainly helped me. :)

I finished my 6 month contract working on the high speed rail project on 20th August. So it has been 62 days and I am still job hunting. I keep reminding myself how God has provided for me in the past and how God made me wait for nearly a year in 2005 before opening the door for me to work in my profession again. The 4 years working experience on rail projects has helped me to land the HK job.

This is our human problem. We forget easily. And when we are waiting again, we find it hard going!

But I will continue to believe God to give me the best. :)

This brings me back to the miner story.

It is inspiring because of the scale of the problem – 33 lives trapped 622m below ground when the mine shaft collapsed.

It is inspiring because it brought out the best in the Chilean people.

First we have a Billionaire President Sebastian Pinera who had his rating boasted above 70% because he portrayed himself as a man of the people He was at the mine on 23 August to announce that the men were still alive, telling TV cameras: "It will take months to get them out. It will take time, but it doesn't matter how long it takes to have a happy ending. He has been a constant presence, and was on hand at the final rescue, proclaiming the operation a "miracle", giving thanks to God!

Secondly, they have an equally caring mining minister Laurence Golborne. Mr Golborne has been at the mine almost constantly since August, briefing journalists with equal affability in Spanish and English. His approval ratings are said to be about 85%. His twitter feed has added 15,000 followers in the last week of the rescue. Some commentators have already labelled him the most popular man in Chile!

Then they have companies helping in the rescue operation.

Firstly, Schramm Inc describes itself as a "century-old Chester County, Pennsylvania manufacturer and global supplier to the hydraulic drilling industry". The firm can have had few better publicity campaigns than the Chile mine rescue. Their machine - the Schramm T-130 machine, known as Plan B - was the second of three machines assembled at the site, but it proved more effective than the other two drills. The T-130 eventually bored the rescue shaft that was used in the rescue.

Secondly, State-run mining firm Codelco, the world's top copper producer, also played a major part in the rescue. Analysts say it showed expertise and resourcefulness during the crisis.

Thirdly, Barcelona star David Villa signed two shirts for the miners. Football clubs are among the most prominent groups keen to send their support. Real Madrid sent signed shirts and invited the minors to a game in the Spanish capital. Manchester United reportedly made a similar offer. They were both following the example of Barcelona striker David Villa, who got in early by donating a signed shirt to the miners. Villa's father and grandfather were both miners.

Finally, Nasa sent a group of experts to help the rescue team advise the miners on diet and the psychological effects of spending long periods of time in isolation.

After more than two months underground, the first of the 33 miners was brought safely to the surface on 13 October. Here are the details:

• Ascent 622m

• Temperature 36°mine 8-18°surface

• Time 15-20 mins

• Speed 1m/s

The miners were brought to the surface one at a time in a specially-designed capsule. The capsule, dubbed "Phoenix" after the mythical bird that rose from the ashes, will carry the men nearly half a mile through solid rock in a shaft just wider than a man's shoulders as their two month ordeal draws to an end.

The story is truly a testimony of hope and faith in action.

For your information, I am seeking God on 3 fronts – church ministry, marketplace ministry and job. While I am waiting for God to provide my next job, I am learning from the miners rescue story to keep working hard towards the result, instead of wondering and doing nothing. I will share more in the next message.

God’s love, care & promises for His people were wonderfully demonstrated when He delivered the Israelites out of Egypt. “He brought out Israel, laden with silver and gold, and from among their tribes no one faltered. Egypt was glad when they left, because dread of Israel had fallen on them. He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night. They asked, and he brought them quail and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. He opened the rock, and water gushed out; like a river it flowed in the desert. For he remembered his holy promise given to his servant Abraham. He brought out his people with rejoicing, his chosen ones with shouts of joy; he gave them the lands of the nations, and they fell heir to what others had toiled for — that they might keep his precepts and observe his laws. Praise the LORD.” [Ps 105:37-45 NIV]

Prophet Isaiah used the 3 major nations of his time (some 2700 years ago) to represent the nations of the world, that one day people from every nation will worship the true God. “…In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the LORD at its border. It will be a sign and witness to the LORD Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them. So the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and keep them. The LORD will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the LORD, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them. In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying, "Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance." [Isa 19:16-25 NIV]



Indeed there is hope for everyone who comes to the Lord by faith. God welcomes everyone in the world who chooses Him. The pagan woman who begged Jesus to deliver her daughter despite of Jesus initial comment was an excellent example. “…..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 7:24-37 NIV]

King Solomon, the wisest king ever lived, exhorts us with these words of wisdom “Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear. Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters. Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give……Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor. Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble. Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart…….Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked……Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. [Prov 25:12-14,18-20,25,26,28 NIV]

Amen and amen!

Weeks 39 & 40 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

I have been observing the nations of the world on the issue of “the temple and the land”. The two are intimately linked. If the temple (the church) is strong in a nation, the land will also be blessed. The opposite is true if the church is weak and poor!

China, since 1949 when Chairman Mao established the Peoples Republic of China, has undergone some amazing changes. Chairman Mao has done China a favour by destroying all idol worshipping. In the midst of the Cultural Revolution, God moved through the underground churches. A conservative estimate put China in front of many western Christian nations in terms of its Christian population. A figure of a few hundred millions of born again Christians has been mentioned. These are mostly in rural China.

Although China is still Communist in name, she is a social capitalist in reality. Economic growth at double digits will make China the largest economy in 10 years’ time. I can see God blessing the land through the temple!

When God moves, Satan is there also to try to hinder the move.

I was in Shenzhen last weekend for 3 days, teaching and ministering in a Shenzhen church retreat. The city is becoming richer after 30 years of open-door policy and economic growth. You can hardly see a bicycle on the street. I would say there are more expensive European cars than bicycles.

I see the same 3 areas of temptation in the city (sex, money and power) that Satan deploys since the beginning of mankind. Many will fall and be destroyed if they do not find Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

The retreat was in a nice beach resort in Dapeng Bay, where many Chinese swam to Hong Kong to escape Mao’s Cultural Revolution in the 70s. The programme had a lot of fun time – games, BBQ, swimming and frisbee on the beach. I was asked to speak on “balancing church/work/family in a busy life”. We also had a long Q & A session, including difficult questions on business ethics and unbelieving business partners.

I also see many challenges in the church I ministered in – broken families (divorces) and children growing up without good male role models. One good thing is that the people are all hungry and eager to learn!

I know many have and many will come to the Lord. But there is a lack of shepherds and spiritual leaders, esp. male ones in China. There is real urgency to train up more of these leaders. There is a great need to plant vibrant and Biblical churches in the land!

I am excited about the prospect of church planting in China. I often wonder why there are so many Chinese in the world. What is God’s plan for them? Yes, “How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures…….all look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works — he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. But may sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more. Praise the LORD, O my soul. Praise the LORD.” [Ps 104:24-35 NIV]

One day many people on this planet earth will wake up to the fact that the end is near. It will be a time of tribulation. “In that day men will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel. They will not look to the altars, the work of their hands, and they will have no regard for the Asherah poles and the incense altars their fingers have made. In that day their strong cities……will be like places abandoned to thickets and undergrowth. And all will be desolation. You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress. Therefore, though you set out the finest plants and plant imported vines, though on the day you set them out, you make them grow, and on the morning when you plant them, you bring them to bud, yet the harvest will be as nothing in the day of disease and incurable pain.” [Isa 17:7-14 NIV] Let us pray that it will be short.

I pray and hope that many will respond to the Gospel, just like the time of John the Baptist. “…….so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." [Mark 1:1-13 NIV]

The time has come for us to fear one thing – the Lord. Do not fear those who kill the body. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [Matt 10:28] “He whose walk is upright fears the LORD, but he whose ways are devious despises him……A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless………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 and amen!

Weeks 37 & 38 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

25 years ago, I was the Project Director in charge of the redevelopment of the Hong Kong side of a township named Sha Tau Kok, that straddles the border between Hong Kong & China. It was for some 4000 people who were living in tin huts on stilts.

Since the opening up of China in 1978, many mainland Chinese came to the China side of Sha Tau Kok to buy gold ornaments, jewelleries and Hong Kong clothing, plus taking a peep at cosmopolitan Hong Kong. But because the Hong Kong side of Sha Tau Kok looked more like a slump than the “Pearl of the Orient”, Hong Kong’s renowned name, the HK Government decided to give it a facelift. Over HK$100 millions were spent on just 4000 people, to provide them with new housings, a primary school, a community centre, a police station, a fire station and a sewage treatment works.

Shenzhen, the region that is immediately north of the border, where Sha Tau Kok (China side) is a part, is one of the fastest growing region in China. It recently celebrated its 30th Anniversary since Ex-Chinese Leader Tang Shiu Ping declared it as a Special Economic Region. Today’s Shenzhen, boasting a population of over 15 millions, rivals Hong Kong in terms of skyscrapers, hotels, shopping malls, luxury boutiques, eateries.....

Because of the relatively lower housing prices, a lot of Hong Kong people bought homes in Shenzhen and commute into Hong Kong to work.

Two recent trips to Shenzhen gave me a glimpse of the vast expanse of territories and the huge populations (1200 millions) that made up China today.

The more recent visit was to celebrate our elder son Nic’s 33rd birthday. My Shenzhen friend borrowed a chauffeured driven 7-seater to show us around the city, ending up with lunch in a posh Chinese Restaurant in Pot Portofino, a nice resort with a Mediterranean feel. The young ones plus yours truly spent the afternoon in Happy Valley, an amusement park, enjoying the many crazy & fun rides. :o)

The previous trip to Shenzhen was to meet a pastor who is leading an underground church of over 100 people. They got to know me through the sister of our Hope London member (Hason). They invited me to speak in their church retreat from 1st – 4th October.

The pastor is a Swiss who has been in China for 10 years. He married a Chinese lady from Hunan. I am ashamed to know that he can speak better Putonghua (Mandarin) than I do. :o(

I am very excited about it and I look forward to preaching/teaching the Word of God for the very first time in China. I want to know and understand what the Chinese are thinking in post-Communist China. May the Gospel of Christ reach and impact them before they are corrupted by materialism brought about by modernization and opening up to the “free” world. :o)

I recently listened to a sermon about the Chinese and the God of their ancestors. I was encouraged to know that our ancestors, for the past 4500 years, worshipped the God of Heaven, not Buddha. Our forefathers worshipped their ancestors, not unlike Catholics worshipping the Saints. This is a fact the later generations did not know!

Today, if a Chinese becomes a Christian, his or her unbelieving parents would call him or her betraying the ancestors. This is the work of Satan, deceiving multitudes of Chinese.

Today, many Chinese are proud to call themselves the descendents of the Dragon (Satan), not knowing that they are the descendents of God!

I pray and hope that many would realize this deception and turn around before it is too late. One day, all will see the glory of God. Yes, “The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty…..Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity……O LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea — the LORD on high is mighty. Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days, O LORD. [Ps 93:1-5 NIV]

When prophet Isaiah saw the glory and majesty of God, he was humbled. “…… I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty……" [Isa 6:1-13 NIV]

Sadly, today many religious leaders are not doing the will of God….. “Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach…….Everything they do is done for men to see……they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues……."Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!......You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? [Matt 23:1-22,33-39 NIV]

May the wisdom, the understanding and the knowledge of God come to you that you may know good from evil. God says that “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion……Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power. By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full. [Prov 8:12-21,32-36 NIV]

Amen and amen!

Weeks 35 & 36 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

In a recent news release, Professor Stephen Hawking, the celebrated UK physicist, who has motor neurone disease, will complete his last day as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics, Cambridge University, on 30 September. He will take on a new role as director of research.

The Lucasian Professorship was established in 1663 and previous holders have included Isaac Newton.

In his 1988 bestseller, “A Brief History of Time”, Prof Hawking appeared to accept the role of God in the creation of the Universe.

"If we discover a complete theory, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason - for then we should know the mind of God," he said.

He had previously argued that belief in a creator was not incompatible with science but in a new book, he concludes the Big Bang was an inevitable consequence of the laws of physics.

“The Grand Design”, part serialised in the Times, says there is no need to invoke God to set the Universe going.

“The Universe can create itself from nothing”, says Prof Hawking. “There is no place for God in theories on the creation of the Universe and spontaneous creation is the reason there is something," he concluded.

Britain's most famous physicist sets out to contest Sir Isaac Newton's belief that the universe must have been designed by God as it could not have sprung out of chaos.

Citing the 1992 discovery of a planet orbiting a star other than our Sun, Prof Hawking said: "That makes the coincidences of our planetary conditions - the single Sun, the lucky combination of Earth-Sun distance and solar mass - far less remarkable, and far less compelling as evidence that the Earth was carefully designed just to please us human beings."

He adds: "Because there is a law such as gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing. It is not necessary to invoke God to light the blue touch paper and set the universe going."

This change of view about God’s act of creation by a prominent scientist is regrettable. But again each of us has to decide for himself or herself what to believe.

For me, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You turn men back to dust, saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men."………You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning — though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered. We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. The length of our days is seventy years — or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom……May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us — yes, establish the work of our hands. [Ps 90:1-17 NIV]

Although we are sinners who deserve death in the hell of fire, God has shown us His mercy and His grace. “Come now, let us reason together, "says the LORD."Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her — but now murderers! Your silver has become dross, your choice wine is diluted with water. Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow's case does not come before them.” [Isa 1:18-28 NIV]. Let us take note of God’s warning and rebuke.

Do not remain stubborn. The Lord’s wedding banquet is being prepared. Let us accept the invitation gladly without delay. Yes, “…..the kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. "Then he sent some more servants and said, 'Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.' "But they paid no attention and went off-one to his field, another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. "Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests………."For many are invited, but few are chosen." [Matt 22:1-14 NIV]

Be sure to know that “Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways……For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it. [Prov 2:11-22 NIV]

Amen & amen.