The "Sporting Event That Shall Not Be Named"

Everywhere you go in the city, there are signs of an upcoming winter sporting event that is coming soon. For years now, the preparation has been ongoing. The construction of many of the structures housing these events, have been visible but extremely costly to the local residents.
Many businesses and residents of the city have painted, put up banners and dressed up the city to support this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Athletes have been training for years for a chance to ascend the winners’ podium and do their country proud. They’ve put their lives on hold, their relationships are sacrificed, and their vocations put on the “back-burner.” All these efforts to ensure that they are at the peak of their performance level, so that they are prepared to take on the best in the world.

Everything is ready and set to go; except for one thing – no one in our great city was prepared for this warm and wet weather. The heavy rains have washed away much of the snowpack in some of the event venues.
Unfortunately this is something that no one can really prepare for: the weather!
Sometimes in life, one can prepare all their life for the most important event, and yet there may be things beyond our control.
This is another reminder of humanity’s limitations and frailty. There is only One who holds the world in the palm of His hand!

The Silver Lining

I’m pretty sure most of you have come across this proverbial saying: “Every cloud has a silver lining.”

How about adding one more of my own; “Without clouds, there would be no rainbows!”

When life's storms overake you, and all is dark and there seems to be no way out, God somehow shows up at the most unexpected ways.

It’s like taking a walk in the rain and the sun peeks through the clouds to warm your heart and brighten your way.

It is in times like this, that God seems to be is saying; “Hey guys! I’m still here; I’m still in control!”

“All things work for good to those who love Him.” Romans 8:28

Readiness

The earthquake that has devastated Haiti is another reminder about the fraity of life, and the state of unpreparedness for natural tragedies like this.

If only there were more signs so we could be more prepared!

Nothing could have prepared one for the images that floods our television screens daily as more stories emerge from this ravaged land.

However, we are advised again by our local governments to prepare for the "Big One." Living right on the edge of the San Andreas faultline, most families are unprepared should an earthquake of that magnitude ever hit us. They say that every family should have an emergency kit comprising of a first-aid kit, flashlights, blankets, and food and water for 72 hours.

Knowing all this, one would surmise that most would take it more seriously, but like most human beings, we unconsciously falsely believe that it would affect everyone else but ourselves.

On another note, as believers, I wonder if most of us are prepared for the second coming of Christ?

"Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When the buds become tender and its leaves begin to sprout, you know without being told that summer is near. Just so, when you see the events I've described beginning to happen, you can know his return is very near."

Matthew 24:32-33

Love Letters

I started doing a sermon series on the book of Revelation this month. I’ve really enjoyed studying this difficult book of the Bible, and have received some fresh insight on some important aspects of our faith.
It certainly helps when you approach it from a perspective of reading a love letter, instead of a letter of warning. It`s like the mist lifting on a sunny day.Instead of a pre-conceived notion of “another reprimand, another condemnation”, I have been blessed with this new approach.
Often our attitude to life can be coloured by how we've always viewed certain things. Perhaps we should try to put on “rose-coloured” glasses when we read the Bible.

Explosive Sunset

I captured this scene on my walk the other day – it was as if the sun was blasted out of the sky by some nuclear weapon.

This happened after a week of gloomy weather. I guess when the sun did make an appearance that day it had to leave a lasting impression on its audience. Even the homes were bathed in a warm glow that is not normally experienced in this wintry season.
This warmth is especially appreciated in the midst of a cold spell.
The light seems to shine brighter in this dark and sinister world we live in.

New Things

Sorry for the break! I've been so swamped during the last three months of the year, I just couldn't bring myself to blog.

We had a successful Christmas Musical with our two presentations. Although, we had some technical issues in the second presentation, we were pleased with the response to the Christmas message. This time round, we included children into our musical drama and it was probably our best performance to date. As expected, the final solo number by our youngest presenter stole the hearts of the audience.

When it was all over, there was not just a sense of relief, but an overwhelming joy and satisfaction in knowing we had given our best to fulfill the Great Commission.

Now, we looking forward to all the new things that God has in store for us in 2010.