Blessed To Be A Blessing

 

'May our sons flourish in their youth like well nurtured plants

May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace.

May our barns be filled with crops of every kind.

May the flocks in our fields multiply by the thousands, even tens of thousands, 

And may our oxen be loaded down with produce

May there be no enemy breaking through our walls

No going into captivity, no cries of alarm in our town squares' Psalm 144:12-14

Today, 22 January 2023 is Chinese New Year, ushering in the year of the Rabbit. Both Pat and I are born in the year of the rabbit which comes along every 12 years in the Chinese Lunar calendar. We wish everyone 新年快乐，万事如意,  xīn nián kuài lè, wàn shì rú yì meaning Happy New Year and May All Go Well With You.

The Lunar New Year celebration is filled with rich customs and meanings. Over the years it dawned on me that these customs are symbols of the passing on of blessings year after year such as in the CNY greeting above. In Chinese traditional thought, there  are the "four blessings" which are happiness (xi 喜), success or prosperity (lu 禄), longevity (shou 寿), and good fortune (fu 福). 

After greeting our elders during Chinese New Year in the Peranakan (Straits-born Chinese) tradition, the elders are blessed by the young ones with the phrase, 'Panjang, Panjang Umur'; best translated by Mr Spock's Vulcan greetings 'Live Long and Prosper.' The elders will in turn wish the younger ones with phrases like '生意兴隆' (booming business), '学业进步' (progress in studies), ' 步步高升 ' (to rise steadily).

Such blessings project the blessings of a Good Life which is from the Lord and well noted in the verse below.

'Yes, joyful are those who live like this!

Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord.' Psalm 144:15

Another CNY tradition is the giving and receiving of Ang Paos or red packets of money given to children and youths. More than just the giving of money or wealth this popular tradition connotes the passing on blessings and instilled from an early age, the virtue of generosity. We are blessed to be a blessing!

This requirement for Christians to be generous to one another and especially to the poor and needy, is mentioned several times in the Bible and especially in Malachi 3:8.

Nicky Gumbel wrote in the 'Bible in One Year Day 350,' "The prophet accuses them of robbing God by their failure to get their giving sorted out. He urges them, 'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the Lord Almighty, 'see if I do not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.' This shows how important your giving is in God's eyes. Prioritise giving to the church you attend. If the church community gives generously, then you can expect that God will throw open the floodgates and pour so much blessing that we will not have enough room for it."

We are prone to think of giving only in monetary terms and perhaps the Ang-Pao of CNY and our tithes and offerings during church service help anchor this thought. But God blesses us with much more than just riches and wealth. Every gift, every talent, every act of kindness comes from God and we are to reciprocate this same kindness to others.

'Each of you has been blessed with one of God's many wonderful gift to be used in service to others. So use your gift well.' 1 Peter 4:10 

“I will bless you,” God says to Abraham, “and you will be a blessing. . . . and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” Genesis 12:2-3.

God spoke these words to Abraham and laid down a principle for us to follow. Abraham's benefit is not the end of God's purpose. God will bless him so that he might be "a blessing to others." Think about the blessings God has given us and how we can use them to bless others. 

Ask the Lord to 'Make Me a Blessing.' 

Out in the high-ways and by-ways of life,

Many are weary and sad;

Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,

Making the sorrowing glad.

 

Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing --

Out of my life May Jesus shine;

Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,

Make me a blessing to someone today.

 

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,

Tell of His power to forgive;

Others will trust Him if only you prove

True, every moment you live.

 

Give as 'twas given to you in your need,

Love as the Master loved you;

Be to the helpless a helper indeed,

Unto your mission be true.

Be Strong and Courageous – Defining the Christian Leader

'Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will show you which path to take.' Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

Today 15 Jan 2023 we will install the leaders of Charis Methodist Church, our Local Church Executive Committee. We pray that they will take the advice of the writer of Proverbs not to trust in their own understanding but to seek God's will and guidance always. 

Christian leaders are called of God. Many people will not dare to take on a role so demanding of character, time and sacrifice. Why would anyone take on such onerous responsibilities and duties? They are called and commissioned by God and He ensures the transfer of leadership from one generation to the next. We see this transfer from Moses to Joshua as the Israelites were about to cross the river Jordan into Canaan.

'Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise; cross this Jordan, you and all these people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.' Joshua 1:2

Pastor Clarence Goh, in his book, Called to Soar, expounded on the word, Arise, "It is a call to be counted. It's a call to be more involved and active in advancing the kingdom's work." (Ref 1) It is call to leadership.  

There will always be an enduring church leadership because God will provide. Yes, despite the perennial shortage of volunteers, there are still good Christian men and women who are willing to serve. There are three reasons for this: 

• God selects our leaders
• God guides our leaders
• God promises leaders, success.

The opening verses of the book of Joshua, which described the successful transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, give us insights into this:

 

'Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.' Joshua 1:6-9

God Selects Leaders

Leaders are usually selected because of their business experiences, financial contributions, political connections, professional career, management skills and connections. Holiness and good character which are important traits of spiritual leadership, are not immediately recognisable whilst administrative and organizational skills are more obvious and proven by track records. Hence the marks of spiritual maturity are often ignored in preference for leaders who are glib speakers with the right boardroom and management skills.

However, a wise congregation should quickly learn to leave the matter of leadership to God’s selection. They will seek to find God’s chosen person through prayerful discernment. Whilst we can discern the outward qualities, only God can fully assess the spiritual maturity and character. Such people will be called by Him. By their leadership and example, they should set and preserve the highest standards of ethical conduct. Jesus said,

'You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.' Matt 5:13

God Guides Leaders

God provided Joshua with the much-needed encouragement and guidance he needed. The words “be strong and courageous” were emphasized three times in the passage. Guidance was to come from God’s Word and it will shape his leadership. 

'Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.' Joshua 1:7

God Promises Success

All leaders need resilience, tenacity and endurance. Will the work and efforts of Christian leaders enjoy success so that the church can grow, minister and endure through times of difficulties and blessing?  God promised Joshua, 

'I will give you every place where you set your foot on, as I promised Moses.' (Joshua 1:3).

Charis Methodist Church needs leaders of sterling characters. We pray for them to 'Be Strong and Take Courage.' 

Be strong and take courage

Do not fear or be dismayed

For the Lord will go before you

And His light will show the way

Be strong and take courage

Do not fear or be dismayed

For the one who lives within you

Will be strong in you today

Why don't you give him all of your fears

Why don't you let him wipe all of your tears

He knows, He's been through pain before

And He knows all that you've been looking for

Nothing can take you out of his hand

Nothing can face you can't command

I know that you will always be

In His love, in His power you will be free!

So, be strong and take courage

Do not fear or be dismayed

For the Lord will go before you

And His light will show the way

Be Strong and take courage

Do not fear or be dismayed

For the one who lives within you

Will be strong in you today

Lionel

Ref 1: Clarence Goh, 'Called to Soar - a devotional on the Book of Joshua.' 2022 AdventTransformation.

Peace And Goodwill To All Men

'And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men."  Luke 2:10,11 and 13,14 (KJV)

Merry and Blessed Christmas! 

The first Christmas greetings under the night sky of Bethlehem was proclaimed by the angel and multitude of the heavenly host to the shepherds. There were two messages

• The birth of Jesus Christ, long awaited and a fulfillment of prophecies, 

'For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulders. And He shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' Isaiah 9:6-7

• The prayer and expectation of Peace on Earth. Jesus was declared the Prince of Peace.

Christians rejoice at the coming of Jesus, our Saviour who forgave our sins and ushered us into a new and living relationship with God. For more than two thousand years Christians enjoy this reality. But the promise of peace appears elusive; many lament the fact that peace on earth is never experienced even since the birth of Christ. 

Let me share my journey in understanding this Peace.

The first is Elusive Peace. This was most sarcastically commented by this rendition of Silent Night by Simon and Garfunkel over the Seven o'Clock News read by Charles O'Donnell.

That album was released in the 1966, things have not changed. Since then there has not been a Christmas in which there is no war, crisis or conflict somewhere in this world. This Christmas the war in Ukraine rages on and there will be no Christmas truce this time. Is Christmas and its promise of peace on earth good will among men irrelevant today?

The second is Inner Peace. How can we find peace in the midst of dismal circumstances? If peace cannot be found externally, can it be found within us? Having peace within, perhaps we can be at peace with others. A Chinese poem reads,

If there is a light in the soul there will be beauty in the person,

If there is beauty in the person there will be harmony in the house,

If there is harmony in the house there will be order in the nation,

If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.

"Let There Be Peace on Earth" is a song written by Jill Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller in 1955. Jackson-Miller, had been suicidal after the failure of her marriage, she wrote the song after discovering what she called the "life-saving joy of God's peace and unconditional love." The main message is in the refrain, 'Let peace begin with me.' 

The third is Heavenly Peace. There is another kind of peace, not coming from within but peace from above, transcendental peace. This is the peace offered by Christmas, Jesus said,

'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.' John 14:27

Saint Paul described this as a peace which passed all understanding,

 'And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' Philippians 4:7

This was the peace Saint Francis understood when he prayed 'Make me an instrument of thy peace.' The peace comes from God and if we can become just instruments, conduits of this peace, there is a chance for peace and good will among men.

Enjoy this Christmas carol, Silent Night. 

Merry Christmas! May the Light of Jesus Christ be the light in your souls!

Lionel

God Answers Prayers

'I prayed to the Lord and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.' Psalm 34:4-5 (NLT)

Two recent experiences taught me some truths to the reality of this often used phrase, God answers prayer

We went on a family holiday, mission trip and spiritual retreat to Thailand. My brother-in-law John was most keen to go on this trip. He wanted so much to see the mission work in Phrao. But the night before, John spotted a fever of 41 degrees centigrade. He was devastated; so were we because a drop-out from the trip would have spoilt the entire holiday. We all resorted to prayer for him that his condition would not be so severe as to have him opt out of the trip. Early next morning John saw his General Practitioner. The ART for Covid-19 was negative, so was the test for Dengue and the GP cleared him to go on vacation. God answered our petition positively and the entire 8 of us with John had a wonderful 16 days of family vacation and bonding.

Our next experience was not answered by God in the manner we had hoped for. Pat's friend, developed severe lung infection on vacation in Europe. Her cough went on for couple of months. We prayed for healing, however she developed respiratory failure and had to be on respiratory support for several weeks. We kept a prayer vigil for her recovery. Pat would write prayer responses which her daughter would read to the mother. Sadly she died. God chose not to answer our prayers the way we wanted, which is for recovery. But several days before she died, she chose in one of her more lucid moments, to be baptised. A professing Christian for many years, her more recent baptism anchored her faith. We knew then that God had answered our prayers in a far better manner that we had hoped for; Pat's friend had a home-coming and stood before her Lord Jesus Christ.

We can sometimes lose interest and faithfulness in prayer because we treat prayers to God as in going to an ATM to draw out cash. We expect always to have God answer our prayers in the way we wished for. Some even believe that if we persistently badger God, He will answer. They use this passage as justification.

'Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.' Matthew 7:7-8

Hence, some believe that if they are very persistent in praying, they will get what they want. They simply lack faith, if they don't, and they should pray even more. They fail to read the following verses wisely,

'Which of you, if your son asks for bread will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to you children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who asks Him!' Matthew 7:9-11

These verses tell us that God will always answer our prayers, not in the ways we wanted but in ways that is best for us. Sometimes, what is best is a 'No' as an answer or sometimes it is 'Wait' for God's good timing. Simply put, God knows what's best.

What Jesus is teaching us in the passage in the Sermon on the Mount is not to treat God as an automated answering machine nor attempt to placate God with our offerings in order that our prayers will be answered. We need not pester God into getting our way. More than a practice of prayer, Jesus is trying to establish a special relationship between us and God through our faithfulness in prayer  

So whether, answered positively or negatively, God answers prayers for our good. Build a prayer relationship with Him and as this song emphatically puts it, 'God Answers Prayer'

Have you ever talk to God above?

Tell Him that you need a friend to love

Pray in Jesus name believing

That God answers prayer

Have you told him all your cares and woes?

Ev'ry tiny little fear He knows. 

You can know He'll always hear

And He will answer prayer.

You can whisper in a crowd to Him

You can cry when you're alone to Him

You don't have to pray out loud to Him;

He knows your thoughts

On a lofty mountain peak, He's there.

In a meadow by a stream, He's there

Anywhere on earth you go,

He's been there from the start.

Find the answer in His Word; it's true.

You'll be strong because He walks with you

By His faithfulness He'll change you, too

God answers prayer.

Lionel