Weeks 15 & 16 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

Anyone who thinks that he or she has control over his or her own destiny has been proven wrong this week. 10s of thousands of people were stranded in various locations around the globe after their holidays because their homebound journeys were affected by a volcanic eruption in Iceland. This included my wife Kim who came to visit me in Hong Kong during her Easter school break. Her return flight is now rescheduled to the 28th. Although she told me that she could not wait to get on the plane, I am sure she did not mind the extended holiday. :o)

The Economist, under an article titled “Earthly Powers” presented 2 arguments that arose from “this demonstration of earthly power. The first is immediate and practical: was all this chaos man-made – an immense and costly overreaction by regulators to a spectacle that posed only a minor and manageable risk? The second is more philosophical: what does this say about man’s apparent inability to control nature?”

It went on to say that “…….there is no technology to plug volcanoes which pierce the earth’s crust, or to bind the faults which cause earthquakes. There is not yet even a science for predicting when faults and volcanoes will let lose. To that extent, mankind is still vulnerable to the vagaries of the planet. But the story of human development is one of becoming better at coping with them…..”.

In closing, the article said that “…….When people talked about charms of powerlessness in the face of nature, part of what they are saying is that they don’t want to be bothered with facing up to what humans can do, and to what they might have at risk. The business of looking after a planet requires being bothered in advance …….”.

The author clearly thinks that man can control his or her own destiny. Through human development, including scientific ones, the author is advocating that even “nature” is within human power to control!

This is positive but wishful thinking. I would also consider this as a kind of faith. Sadly, if my understanding of what the future holds is correct, the author’s faith is misplaced. He or she will be unpleasantly surprised and greatly disappointed one day.

It is important to discern the time we are in and take note of the signs of the many events (earthquake in China, tornado in USA, financial crisis in Greece…..) that are happening around the world. Everyone needs to make a choice about what kind of faith one should have in order to face each day and, more importantly, one’s future.

For me, I choose to believe that there is a Creator who made all things. He decides when and which volcano will erupt and when and where an earthquake will occur. He controls our destiny and the destiny of Planet Earth. Indeed, “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........” [Ps 24:1-10 NIV]

The story of Job in the Bible reminded us that God is the only true boss of the Universe. Even the devil can only act with God’s permission. “One day…….a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off…….The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants…….The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off.……Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead……….Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. [Job 1:13-22 NIV]. The most incredible thing is that despite of what Job suffered, he did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. No wonder God said that "there is no one on earth like Job; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil" [Job 1:8 NIV].

Job was truly a man of great faith. He trusted God even though he had suffered so much. It was because he was sure of what he hoped for and certain of what he did not see. Yes “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see…….By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible……And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him…....they are…..longing for a better country-a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” [Heb 11:1-16 NIV]

Be confident to know that “By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared……The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame. [Prov 3:19-35 NIV]

Amen and amen!

Weeks 13 & 14 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

I have just made a lightning visit to the UK, attending the Hope Fest (Easter Camp). I landed at Heathrow Airport early on Easter Friday morning, went home for a quick shower, picked Marcus up at Luton Airport, stopped for a good pub lunch along the way before arriving at the camp site in the pm. I left the camp on Easter Monday pm and flew back to Hong Kong in the evening. I thank God for sustaining me during this short visit!

It was great to meet up with friends in our UK churches after being away in HK for about 6 weeks. I also met 3 new friends from Paris. The camp was beautifully organized with all the churches contributing to leading worship, presentations and teaching. We had a record attendance of over 280 people. It blessed my heart to see all the churches growing and people are on fire for God. I was encouraged to see pastors and leaders rising up to lead God’s flocks. To God be the glory!

The theme was on “The Saints” (A Sanctified Church). We learnt about what it meant to be a true Christian, walking in holiness with God, growing into the likeness of Christ until the day we meet God face to face in Heaven.

This is a huge challenge because we are living in a fallen world. We are being influenced by values that are not helpful to this course, especially living in a materialist society like Hong Kong. There are so much temptations around us – money, sex and power, the same 3 challenges that tempted mankind since the beginning some 6000 years ago. They are the same 3 challenges that caused the first man Adam to fall [Gen. 3:6], when he disobeyed God. They are the same 3 challenges that confronted Jesus, who overcame with the Word of God [Matt. 4:3-10].

I really am glad that I am a Christian with the Bible (the Word of God) providing a manual for holistic living. I feel fulfilled and satisfied, and I look forward to living each day with excitement and purpose. But there is a price to pay – strict discipline. A true Christian walk requires strict discipline in body, mind and spirit. Unless we approach the walk holistically, failure in one area would make it a failure. I may be 61 years old today, I feel healthier and happier when I apply God’s principles in my daily life – good work ethics, faithful relationship (spouse, family and friends) and healthy lifestyle (in eating, exercising, resting). I can experience God’s power and help in a very challenging world. This is truly the abundant life that Jesus came to give us [John 10:10], a life that is meaningful and worth living.

Yes, we need to know the time we are in and discern God’s leading in the way forward. “May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support……May he remember all your sacrifices……..May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests…….Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” [Ps 20:1-9 NIV]

Esther was able to discern God’s timing for her people and responded accordingly despite of the danger. “When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther's instructions. [Est 4:12-17 NIV]. Because of her faith, God used Esther to save a whole nation!

God will hear our prayers and can use us when we walk in obedience. Jesus was no exception when he was on earth as man. Let us stop being a spiritual infant, understand this truth and become mature. “…… During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek. We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. [Heb 5:1-14 NIV]

For those of us who are spiritual leaders, let us faithfully lead God’s flocks. Indeed our rewards will be great. ‘“He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored. Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats' milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls.’ [Prov 27:18, 23-27 NIV]

Amen and amen!

Weeks 11 & 12 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

Hong Kong is a city of contrast. It is a city of contrast between the haves and have-nots. The have-nots could be earning as low as HK$20/hr. (US$2.5/hr.). Yet a meal can be either HK$20 or HK$2,000. This allows the haves and have-nots to co-exist in this dynamic city called the Pearl of the Orient.

It is also a city of contrast between new and old. Traditionally, old low rise buildings are often demolished to make way for new high rise ones, allowing the developer to increase the salable floor areas by up to 10 folds. Hence property development is big business here, producing some the richest men (and a few women) in the world.

In the past decade or so, there is an increasing trend to conserve old buildings of historical value. One recent case that caught the imagination of the public was Wing Lee Street, a row of terraced apartments, made famous by a recent Hong Kong movie. Despite of its derelict condition, the conservationists won the fight against a Government led Urban Renewal Scheme.

Also, creative landlords convert old unattractive buildings into trendy apartments. Old ground floor shops became chic art/antique shops or restaurants.

The longer I stay in Hong Kong, the more I fall in love with the city, which is also my birth place. The people are amazingly adaptable, creative and hard-working. But one thing has not changed – it is the dream of almost everyone to get rich one day. I was one of them since young. But God changed my dream to something much greater. No amount of money can buy the satisfaction and peace that I have now.

I was one day having dinner in a restaurant. Sitting nearby were two young ladies in their early 30s and they were comparing notes on property speculation. They spoke with such excitement about the properties they have bought and their appreciation in value. Money was clearly something very close to their hearts, because where one’s treasure is, there one’s heart will be also [Matt 6:21]!

A rich man can have so much yet has nothing in the end if he does not know the Lord. Even in the present, he can only satisfy his carnal nature – lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride. But the soul is sadly empty and unfulfilled. Yes “I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave…….You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” [Ps 16:7-11 NIV]

I am excited about what God has installed for me in this city of Hong Kong and the vast country of China. I wish all these people can understand the love of God that I have experienced. They will be able to understand the joy of living in God’s Kingdom, just like the Israelites after rebuilding the Wall of Jerusalem, there was great celebration. “At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. The singers also were brought together from the region around Jerusalem.......for the singers had built villages for themselves around Jerusalem………on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away. [Neh 12:27-30,43 NIV]

I will continue to pray for this city and this nation. I pray that one day many will hear the Gospel and humble themselves. “So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion……..See to it…..that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.” [Heb 3:7-14 NIV]

I am working harder now than when I was half my age. I derived a lot of satisfaction in getting a job well done. Now 5 weeks into my job, I am seeing great results, with God’s help. So be warned against laziness, it is not God’s way. “I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. [Prov 24:30-34 NIV]

Amen and amen!

Weeks 07 & 08 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

I landed at Hong Kong International Airport on Thursday 18th Feb. evening. I moved into the serviced apartment the next day because I could only check in before 6:00pm. I thank God for the apartment because it only takes me 30 min. to get to work door to door. The apartment is part of a 4-star hotel which is well facilitated with a Health Club and swimming pool, which I have yet to visit. :o)

My apartment is on the 15th floor, with a nice view of a bay, although the 3 famous bridges could only be seen from a different part of the building. The apartment is a studio flat, but its 400 sq. ft. is the size of a normal 2-bed flat in Hong Kong! It has a double bed-room area, separated by a blind from the living room / study area. It also has a nice sized pantry equipped with fridge, microwave cooker and a small stove, if I am keen enough to cook something simple. It also has a hotel - style toilet / shower room. The apartment is serviced twice a week, including cleaning and reprovisioning of fresh bed sheets, pillow cases, towels etc.. It is plenty of space for myself, and for Kim when she visits.

On Saturday 20th I conducted a water baptism for my cousin sister who came to faith in Christ last October when her husband was facing terminal cancer. The husband also became a Christian although he has now gone home to the Father. The baptism was done in the bath tub of her flat and it was witnessed by my sister, her daughter, her son-in-law, sister of the son-in-law and 2 of her grandchildren. It was followed by a yummy hot-pot dinner making the whole occasion joyous and celebrative. The date was actually the 7th Day of the Chinese New Year which is called “Yan Yat” – everyone’s birthday. This will help her and myself to remember the special day easily. :o)

My cousin sister is the 3rd daughter of my father’s older brother. Like our family, they were also from working class background. Whilst on our side, only father & mother work to raise 5 of us, a few of their 7 children had to support their father in selling fish door to door since young. I am not sure how many of the children actually completed primary schooling. The oldest son became a policeman, who was found dead in a cemetry one day some 25 years ago. He committed suicide and I subsequently found out that he was in serious debt which he couldn’t repay! I can imagine that their upbringing must be much tougher than ours, because our parents managed to put all of us through primary & secondary schoolings. I was the only child who went on to college and training as a structual engineer in the UK. It therefore blesses my heart to see my 3rd cousin sister becoming a Christian. It brought tears to my eyes when I saw the glowing joy on her face when she shared about her faith before the baptism. It could only come from knowing the true and loving God!

On Sunday 21st evening, the day before I started work, I did a Jericho prayer walk around the office building where I will work in the next 6 months. It was already dark and the whole place was deserted except one security guard. After about the 4th round my prayer walk caught the attention of the guard. He must be wondering what I was up to, but he did not do anything because I was walking on the public footpath. :o) After the 7th round, the building did not fall down, but I knew in my spirit that some of the strongholds had been demolished. I believed that God had acknowledged my prayers and prepared the place for me to minister and be His salt & light.

I have just completed a full 5-day week at work. The project has already been going for a good 9 months, so I was thrown into the deep end on Day 1. I praise and thank God that He gave me the strength and wisdom to cope. I also thank those of you who have been praying for me. I will share more in my next e-mail as this one is getting rather long. :o)

The joy of my cousin sister is a testimony of our great God. His glory fills the whole earth. “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise…….When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? ……..Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! [Ps 8:1-9 NIV]

For my marketplace ministry, I expect very intense warfare going forward. The prayer walk was my acknowledgement of God’s power & help, without which my labours would be futile. Nehemiah recognised this in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. He positioned watchmen in strategic locations and he mobilised every worker to be on guard. “…….Wherever you turn, they will attack us. Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows……..From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked……. [Neh 4:10-23 NIV].

As I pray about the next 6 months and beyond, I try to contemplate what God has installed for me. I am reminded of Apostle Pauls’s encouragement to Timothy. "I Have been reminded of your sincere faith......For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 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 with me 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…….Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you-guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us……...” [2 Tim 1:5-15 NIV].

As I make plans about the future I also understand that “To man belong the plans of the heart,but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue. All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. The LORD works out everything for his own ends — even the wicked for a day of disaster…….Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. 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……The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. [Prov 16:1-7,9,11,20,33 NIV]

Amen and amen!

Weeks 05 & 06 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

In my last message, I have missed out something I did in Hong Kong when I was there. I went for a job interview with AECOM Asia, the Asia counterpart of my current company (AECOM Europe) in Hong Kong. I can confirm that I am offered a job because the contract is now signed. I will be working in a senior role on the West Kowloon Terminus of the Express Rail Link to China which had a lot of controversy and protests recently because of its high costs. However, if it is viewed in perspective, the cost of the 26km high speed rail link is nothing compared to the 10,600km of high speed rail network that is being planned and built in China. The infrastructure investment would help the Hong Kong economy in the long term.

I will be working in the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) Office in Kam Ting, in the NW of Hong Kong. I will initially be staying close to the office to save travelling time. It is a serviced apartment in Ting Kau, right next to the 3 modern long span cable-suspended bridges in Hong Kong, 2 of which were designed by my previous company Mott MacDonald. They are the famous Tsing Ma, Kap Sui Mun and Ting Kau Bridges, engineering masterpieces that visitors to Hong Kong will witness coming from the airport into the city by bus or car.

I take this opportunity to testify about God’s amazing providence in the past 12 years since I left Hong Kong for church planting in Europe. I left a high flying career in Hong Kong and started church planting using our savings. Two years later, God opened doors for Kim and I to work, making enough for our daily living. Four years ago, God miraculously opened a door for me to rejoin my old profession in civil/structural engineering. It was a miracle because I was already 57 years old and not having worked in the industry for some 8 years. Also, the company employed me to work in the railway sector, something completely new to me. The 3-days a week income allowed us to pay for our 2 sons’ weddings and helped them onto the property ladder in Hong Kong. The 2nd miracle is that the 4 years of railway experience prepared the way for my new job in Hong Kong.

In the 12 years, we managed to establish 4 churches and 4 centers in pioneering stage in West Europe. Whilst in Hong Kong, I retain overall responsibility over Hope West Europe, which has in place local leadership structures for their day-to-day running. I shall stay in touch with all the top leaders and provide continuous guidance through e-mails & Skype calls. I shall also return for major events like church camps & conferences.

Whilst in Hong Kong, I aim to reach out to people in the market place, a ministry also close to my heart. “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel….” quoting Apostle Paul’s word in [Eph. 6:19]. I pray and hope that God will use my new job and position to touch many senior professionals for the Gospel in Hong Kong & beyond. I pray and hope that I can be a bridge builder for the Gospel.

Today, very sadly, “The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD…..The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill."….. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession” [Ps 2:1-12 NIV]. Indeed, I will continue to seek God and ask Him for His favour in making known clearly the mystery of the Gospel wherever He sends me!

God is building His Church all over the world. It is not unlike the instruction given by the Holy Spirit through King Cyrus in building the temple of God in Jerusalem. “Let the temple be rebuilt……..Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God.……May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there…..Let it be carried out with diligence” [Ezra 6:3-12 NIV]. Let us diligently build the Church of Jesus Christ in preparation for His glorious return one day!

Borrowing Apostle Paul’s word again, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service…….The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…..But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me…….Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen” [1 Tim 1:12-17 NIV]

This is what the Lord says - "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 honour, 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 8:12-30 NIV]. May we love & seek God with all our heart and enjoy an abundant life as Jesus promised both now and forever.

Amen & amen!

Weeks 03 & 04 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Asia. I thank God for the blessed time in Chiang Mai, Thailand where we had our Hope International Ministries [H.I.M.] Global Conference. It has been many years since I was in Thailand and it was great to fellowship with our Thai brethrens again. They have always inspired me in their zeal and faith in serving the Lord.

I also spent a week in Hong Kong, catching up on many old friends, besides, of course, our 2 amazing sons and wonderful daughters-in-law. Among my friends were my old Technical College classmates of 40 years. We had a reunion lunch and had some very interesting conversations. Most of them have started enjoying their well earned retirements, after successful careers in civil/structural engineering. One of them, however, has just completed a Master Degree in Divinity and will start his ministry next month. We used to share a studio flat when we first went to the UK for our engineering training some 40 years ago. It is amazing that we both come to faith in Christ fairly late in our lives and both are now in ministry.

There were 8 of us at the lunch. There was one other born-again Christian and a Catholic. We tried to share our faith with the other 4 not-yet believing classmates. The exchanges were interesting and challenging at the same time. One of them has become a fervent Buddhist who believes in becoming a better person through hard work. He confessed to feeling depressed many times when he failed to attain his ideal of being good all the time. The Word of God in [Rom 7:18] “…For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out” came to mind. God certainly knows us better than we do. :o)

As I walked the streets of this tiny city (in size) of 7.5 million people, I really feel for the vast majority of them who live each day without knowing why they are here. Money becomes their god and main goal in life. I was like them 20 years ago, so I can relate to them. It will be great if they can have what I have now in Christ – peace that transcends all understanding!

I was jogging in a nearby park one morning and a young man caught my attention. He was sitting on a bench with his eyes closed and his head bowed in prayer. There was a bible on his lap. I ran past him a couple of times, and he was still deep in prayer. After my run, I purposely stopped close to him and kept an eye on him while I did some stretching. When he opened his eyes, I greeted him and started a conversation. He was uncomfortable with a total stranger disturbing his quiet time and he tried to decline my fellowship by telling me he had to leave for work soon. When I commended him on his quiet time early in the morning, he politely described his fairly long devotion as “fast food”. I told him that I was a pastor in London having my holiday in Hong Kong. He told me with a hint of sadness in his tone that less than 2% of the population is confessing Christians. I really admired his faith and I quietly asked God to bless him as he departed in a hurry.

This young man’s devotion reflected the heart of this psalmist who cried out to God. “O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief……I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land…..Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul……Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” [Ps 143:1-12 NIV]

Whilst I can understand the young man’s disappointment with the small Christian population, he should be aware of a deeper problem of Christians’ unwillingness in giving to God. Unlike the Israelite exiles returning from captivity, who gave generously towards the rebuilding of the house of God, out of the little they had. “Now these are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken captive to Babylon (they returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town…..When they arrived at the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, some of the heads of the families gave freewill offerings towards the rebuilding of the house of God on its site. According to their ability they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 drachmas of gold, 5,000 minas of silver and 100 priestly garments….... [Ezra 2:1,68-70 NIV]

But I am confident that as we faithfully give to God (in time, energy, talents, finance…) we will see His Kingdom advanced all over the world. “For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed — God is our witness……We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.” [1 Thess 2:1-20 NIV]

Finally, “….pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” [Prov 4:20-27 NIV]

Amen & amen!

Weeks 01 & 02 (10) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

The start of the new decade in 2010 has seen the United Kingdom and many countries in the Northern Hemisphere frozen in sub-zero temperatures for over 2 weeks.

The country was caught out in the supply of salt to grit the roads. Despite of lessons learnt last February when we also had unexpected heavy snow fall, the local governments and Highways authorities were unprepared for worse weather conditions this time. The low supply caused many minor roads un-gritted, resulting in slippery road surfaces. It got so bad that in places walkers had to crawl on the icy surfaces because walking was not possible!

Whilst many school children were pleasantly surprised by the extended Christmas holidays because of impossible transport / traffic conditions, a lot of businesses were badly affected by the deep freeze. Not an encouraging start for the UK economy as the country was hoping to come out of recession and into positive growth soon!

Then a detrimental earthquake shock the capital of Haiti on the 12th January, killing tens of thousands and adversely affecting millions of lives. In the word of President Barack Obama, it is “cruel” for this to happen to one of the poorest countries in the world that is not unknown to natural disasters!

In my quiet moments I could not help but looked to Heaven and asked God, “Why God? What are you trying to tell us?” God did not answer me with an audible voice. I was somehow assured in my heart that He was not blind to what was going on.

The Lord of the universe, our Lord God, is still the Lord of all. The world may be under the control of the evil one temporarily, the eyes of the Lord are watching over everything that is happening on this planet.

Please do not be angry with me if I say “God allowed all man-made and natural disasters to happen in order to get our attention.” This is what I sense in my spirit! Time is running out. This new decade is a time of ingathering of souls. The world events will quicken this process. Many will respond positively to the signs of the end of the age. There is no room for pride. It is not a time to reason against God.

I came to faith in Christ at the age of 42 when I finally dropped my pride and my human reasoning against the Lord of the Universe, the Maker of Heaven & Earth. “…… Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. The LORD will fulfil [his purpose] for me; your love, O LORD, endures for ever — do not abandon the works of your hands.” [Ps 138:1-8 NIV]

The Lord admonishes the people of the world “……Do not be stiff-necked…..submit to the LORD. Come to the sanctuary, which he has consecrated for ever. Serve the LORD your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you. If you return to the LORD, then your brothers and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will come back to this land, for the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him."
[2 Chron 30:6-12 NIV]

The truth is that “…..Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds….But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation — if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven……present to you the word of God in its fullness — the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” [Col 1:21-29 NIV]

My question is “……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?....Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” [Prov 30:1-9 NIV]

Amen and amen!