READY FOR THE NEW YEAR

I write less than 8 hours from midnight; the beginning of 2012 in this time zone. Some of you still have 20 hours or almost 23 hours left in 2011, but the beginning of a New Year is in sight for all of us.
Jan and I have rejoiced this year in two special highlights: one was the birth of our third grandchild, Amara, in April, to Jeannie and Chris. It was a special treat that Jan was able to be present in Manhattan when Amara arrived. The second was to participate in the birth of the second expat congregation of Hanoi International Fellowship in November.
The year has also brought it's share of sadness. We were sorry to be kept from starting a new expat congregation in Ho Chi Minh City. We thought that was our God given assignment for 2011. However it was not to be.
The year brought sad news of many deaths: the closest to us, the death of my older sister Yvonne, who had struggled with limited health for many years. Following our mother's death, Yvonne was the matriarch of our extended family. She was to Jan and me a loving sister and a partner in ministry through both prayer and giving.
Along with millions in the evangelical world, we thanked God for the life and ministry of John Stott who died in 2011: preacher, pastor, scholar, author. I was 16 when I first heard him preach; subsequently I read most of his books and commentaries; I did a major paper on Stott as a preacher while studying for my doctorate. Perhaps as much as any preacher, writer or theologian, he impacted my thinking and preaching.
News of other deaths have come to us - as they have to you - during this year. News of one more acquaintance passing suddenly into the presence of the Lord greeted me as I opened my email on this last morning of 2011.
I have mentioned in an earlier blog that I begin tomorrow morning (at a time when those in North America are still enjoying New Year's Eve) an 8 week series of sermons from the book of James. James has a very sobering word for all of us - especially for those who have pretty much planned out the coming year.
"Now listen you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:13, 14
As we enter 2012, none of us knows what lies ahead. In these unsettled times, let's live each day by faith, knowing that this could be the year in which God calls us home. Let's be ready to meet our Judge, our Saviour, our loving heavenly Father.

VARIETY OF FEELINGS

Wednesday at noon Jan and I were picked up by a hotel 16 seat bus for the two hour (80 km) ride to Ninh Binh, south of Hanoi. In the bus with us was a family from Australia, whose father a physician from Sri Lanka, via Australia was friendly and outgoing. For a time, as we bumped our way down a not always smooth highway, he and I discussed Christianity and his disbelief. He attended a Catholic school and mostly appreciates Christian values . In fact he works for an NGO and is committed to improving Vietnam's medical care for mothers and infants. However I could not get through to this humanitarian atheist that Jesus was worth his consideration and belief. Frustrating.
In the area of Ninh Binh are limestone outcroppings that rise 50 to 200 meters out of rice fields. These massive "mini" mountains jut out of absolutely flat land and seem so incongruous. In one area with our guide we rented a boat (with female rower) and for two hours travelled among these outcroppings, passing by boat through 8 different caves from 30 meters to 300 meters in length. Often we needed to duck in our row boat to avoid the low hanging cave roof. At times we experienced complete silence other than the regular sound of the oars. Lovely.
We took another boat ride - larger boat with motor, female pilot - on a river that wound among rice fields. Wonderful close up view of workers and their water buffalo tending the wet fields. These fields will be flooded when the mid April rainy season begins and the river rises for six months. But now they are being planted and will yield a crop of rice before the fields are once again drowned in the annual rainy season. Fascinating.
So we enjoyed two lovely quiet days in the quiet country side. Such a contrast with the noise and congestion of life on Hanoi streets. Our return trip took 4 hours due to Friday afternoon bumper to bumper traffic. Even the normally buzzing motorbikes were reduced to a crawl. And when we arrived home I found that my computer is "crawling" instead of speeding to websites. Irritating.
Life here provides a never ending variety of visuals and experiences.

BABY BRINGS DIVISION

"Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:34, 35 Sobering words that have proved to be sadly true over 20 centuries.
At Christmas we often like to dwell on the words of the prophet Isaiah, predicting the the One to come would be known (among his many titles), as "Prince of Peace". Or the wonderful, encouraging words of the angels to the shepherds on that first Christmas night "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
But the prophetic words of Simeon, spoken to Mary just days after the birth of Jesus, have proven sadly true. When grown to adulthood, Jesus himself spoke about this. Wherever Jesus went, and wherever the Good News of Jesus goes, He brings division. Some "fall" farther away from God by rejecting Him and actually speak against Christ. Others "rise" in relationship with God by faith in Christ. The response to Christ has caused "the thoughts of many hearts (to be) revealed."
We rejoice to know that the Good News has spread even farther this Season, as multiple thousands, in a variety of countries have heard the Christmas story for the first time. Many of them have been drawn toward belief.
Yet others have immediately rejected this news of Jesus. And many who know about Christ have continued to reject Him and anything about Him. Various people have once again, in actions and words, spoken against the baby born in Bethlehem, who is Christ the Lord.
So He brings division in our family, and perhaps in yours. He brings division in our community and in yours. Simeon prophesied, and Jesus made it even more clear: no one can remain neutral regarding the one born in Bethlehem. Our response to Him brings division; brings spiritual life or brings spiritual death. Our response to this One makes huge, everlasting difference.

HIS PEACE AT CHRISTMAS

I am writing at 10:30 am on Christmas Day in this time zone. We enjoyed two Christmas Eve services last night with a total of about 700 attending from so many nations. We sat behind Filipinos, beside a Vietnamese, in front of a family from the Netherlands, walked out and spoke with people from Nigeria, Indonesia, Canada, the USA, Australia, China, etc. It is joy to work and worship among such an international group. We don't even ask but we know they also come from a large variety of denominational backgrounds.
During the days leading up to Christmas, in my personal reading I like to survey all of the prophetic passages that point toward Christ, plus the familiar Gospel accounts of our Lord's birth. I suspect many of you do the same. Have you read and thought about Micah 5 this Christmas Season?
Micah 5:2 is the well known passage that prophesies that from Bethlehem Ephrathah will come "one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient days." This was the passage the Jewish religious leaders gave to Herod when he asked them where the King of the Jews was to born. Herod in turn passed this information on to the Magi.
We are told more about the Coming One in Micah 5:4, 5. "He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace."
We who know Christ as our Saviour do live securely, even in the midst of uncertain times, even dangerous times. We know our eternal security is safely in His care.
Although His Rule has not yet been fully extended over the entire world population, yet in every country there are those who acknowledge Him. We know "his greatness has reached to the ends of the earth." And for all believers, Christ is our peace!
Jan and I pray for all of you, that the peace of Christ is firmly planted deep in your heart and soul - on this Christmas Day, 2011, and will be your experience in each day of the New Year. Merry Christmas!

MANY NEEDS MANY CHOICES

Our friends who moved to Hanoi 15 years ago tell us there was no choice. When it came to food there were no "western" grocery stores, not even small ones. When it came to restaurants, it was Vietnamese or nothing. But many changes have come to this city in a decade and a half.
We are hosting several Christmas dinner parties this year. One night 8 Filipinos, tonight 8 Nigerian University students and on Christmas Day 6 or 7 people from several different nations. This has involved a lot of grocery shopping for Jan (as well as much food preparation). If we were living in a North American city, she would have shopped at one or maybe two different grocery stores. However to purchase all we wanted to serve to our Christmas guests in Hanoi, it has involved shopping at 5 or 6 stores. Two or three cater to grocery items from the west; one is Korean store that mimics Costco; add in a couple of Vietnamese grocery stores, ---. It takes time and knowledge of which stores stock what, if you are to find your choice in groceries.
Many people around the world approach religious faith like shopping for groceries. "Here are my needs, wants, wishes and desires. So I will take a little of this religion, and believe a little in that kind of god; then I'll add some of what I think god should be like. I hope this mix will meet my religious shopping list." They recognize no absolute truth, and no ultimate Creator God; so, like shopping here for groceries, they feel it is simply finding what you want, wherever you can.
In contrast to the idea of many choices, the Bible clearly presents Jesus as the One who is uniquely God come to earth in the form of a baby; growing up to be a wise teacher, miracle worker; willing and able to die and take the punishment for our global and individual rebellion.
The Hebrew Scriptures point ahead to One who will come as the Unique Shepherd, the Unique Light, the Sent One from God. And the NT tells us Jesus Christ fulfilled those OT prophecies. He was and is the One.
John wrote from first hand experience: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14
We all have many needs. There is One Choice who meets those needs. (And if we follow Him, He help us reshape our most important wants so that they too are met.) We thank God at this Christmas Season that God, after sending prophets and angels, finally sent the Superior One - born in Bethlehem. (Hebrews 1:1 - 3)

MARY'S TRIAL

With Christmas just around the corner, I read Mary's song today; commonly called the Magnificat, from the first word in the Latin translation of her song. (Luke 1:46 - 55) I also quietly listened this morning to two Christmas songs that feature Mary, sung by an Irish singer. One is fairly well known: "Breath of Heaven". The other I have not heard before titled "Magnificat", with a nice musical rendition of the first sentences of Mary's words.
It is good to again pause and think about Mary's burden, her "trial" in bearing the One born of the Holy Spirit. Supported by Joseph, encouraged by Elizabeth, nonetheless her road in those first nine months was not an easy one. How lonely she at times must have felt. We don't really know what inner feelings and thoughts troubled her, nor how much social ostracism she may have experienced. All we can affirm is that her experience was indeed unique among women. And the blessing/trial of being the mother of our Lord did not stop, if ever, until after Jesus rose from the dead.
Trial and blessing; pain and joy; they do go together for believers. James talks about it: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ---".(1:2, 3). Peter writes about it: "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."(I Peter 4:12, 13) Paul affirms the same thing: "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character , hope."(Romans 5:3)
Thinking about Mary's difficult road; living presently in a land of much suffering; knowing of friends who presently are suffering; I am thankful for clear biblical teaching and biblical models. Trials and blessings do go together - even if in the worst times, even if, at the time, the blessings portion may be hard to discern. 

HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS

Monday is my day off and on Mondays, the elementary school next door starts its day and school week with a "general assembly". The school is built as a two storey quadrangle, with a large gate on the street side, and three storeys of classes at the opposite side. (Of course as with most public buildings, there is a large portrait of Ho Chi Minh very visible in the quad. Parental motorbikes drive in and out of the gate at the beginning and end of each school day, with the quadrangle acting as a large parking lot/drop off/pick up zone.
After the "drop off" on Monday's, when all the motorbikes have departed, several hundred students sit in the quadrangle on rows of very small plastic stools. The other students stand or sit in the open sided hallways, looking out onto the quadrangle. Quite loud recorded music always begins the "general assembly". It soars up to our 19th floor apartment and through our windows, closed or open, with no problem at all.
Of course, if there are words to the song, they are in Vietnamese. Except this past Monday, when we heard a familiar tune. It took a few moments for it to register with me: the words sung were in English and yes, they actually were "Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus, right down Santa Claus lane". Very few of the students would have such good English that they would understand. I assume some translation was provided prior to the song.
Our 60 year old language tutor (yes, we are trying to learn some more Vietnamese) assured us that some younger Vietnamese families are actually beginning to practice the western custom of exchanging gifts at Christmas. This is surprising since this culture, as with other Asian cultures, has its major gift giving celebration at the Lunar New Year. Here it is called Tet and this year comes early - from January 23 - 27th. I would be surprised it gift giving at Christmas becomes a tradition in many households.
We are daily reminded at this time of year, that few Hanoi residents know anything about the great Gift our world received on that first Christmas morning.

THE CHRISTMAS STORY

Good news still needs to be passed along. An expat friend manages a company here in Hanoi. He hosted his management team for a fun Christmas party last week and during the party shared the true Christmas story. Later during the evening one of his employees was talking with him and said something like this. "I have never heard that story before. I've worked in hotels and helped cater many Christmas events and Christmas parties over the years. But I never knew the real origin of Christmas!"
Another friend works with an organization that brings practical help to several quite poor villages in the surrounding area. They hosted a Christmas party for mothers and young children, providing practical gifts to meet some of their needs. During the party my friend was sharing the real story of Christmas, speaking to a group of about 150. He asked them if anyone knew the name of the One who came on the first Christmas day. No one offered a suggestion. They did not know the answer. Finally one boy, about age 12, raised his hand and gave the Vietnamese name for the baby born at Bethlehem. One - out of 150.
So we pray that the Good News will be told wide and far at this special time of year. It is an old story to many of us. But it is still unknown to many, and very new to some hearing it for the first time this Christmas Season.

FOUR VISIONS

Joseph's role in the birth and life of Jesus seems relatively minor according to the Gospel records. On the other hand, I find it very interesting that Matthew records Joseph receiving angelic messages in four dreams. The first we easily remember; the angel assured Joseph that Mary was with child by the Holy Spirit; Joseph was to name the baby "Jesus" for he would "save his people from their sins."
The next three dreams were given to Joseph for direction. The first was direction to get out of Bethlehem because Herod was hunting for the "One born to be King of the Jews". The second and third guided Joseph back from Egypt to Palestine and then away from Bethlehem to Galilee. Each time Joseph, in faith, obeyed God's messenger.
After recording Joseph's obedient response to the dreams, Matthew mentions Joseph no more. Luke, however, gives us the childhood Temple scene. You remember: Joseph and Mary lose their twelve year old son, thinking he is with friends or relatives. When they return to Jerusalem they find Jesus in the Temple "discussing theology" with astonished Jewish teachers. Mary rebukes her son for causing "your father and I" anxiety. And Jesus responds: "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" Luke 2:41 - 52
I have always been impressed with Joseph's faith and obedience. Although he is called upon to play a secondary role, he faithfully plays it well.
What caught my attention especially this morning is the moment in the written narrative at which Joseph fades from the Gospel story stage. Mary, his mother, is mentioned at several points in each of the four Gospels. But not Joseph. He disappears once the words of Jesus are recorded: "I had to be in my Father's house". Apparently the authors want no confusion in the ongoing story as to Who is the Father of Jesus. Yes, Joseph played his faithful part in the life of the human/divine Jesus. But all who read the Gospel accounts are reminded many times that God in heaven was the One who delighted in his divine/human Son and the Son delighted in, and obeyed his Father.

INCLUSIVE YET EXCLUSIVE

There is a debate raging in segments of the Christian community as to how inclusive is God's love as it affects the eternal welfare of all people. It seems that a God of love must surely, ultimately welcome every human, no matter how evil or rebellious she or he may have been. 

Early in the book of Revelation we read the warm invitation of Christ: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." (3:20) The invitation is given to the church of Laodicea with whom Christ is not pleased. It may be read as an invitation to spiritual cold believers and also to unbelievers who are spiritually "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked". It is very clear that is an inclusive invitation to "anyone" who will "open the door".

As the book closes, we read another general invitation: "Whoever is thirsty, let him come: and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." (22:17) The call is clear: it is to people of every nation, ethnic group, socio-economic group. All are included. There are no outsiders.  Everyone, anyone who is spiritually thirsty is invited to come and receive the free gift of the water of life.

Yet sadly the Scriptures tell us in this same passage and elsewhere, that while the invitation is all inclusive, the invitation must be accepted or it is of no effect. Those who choose to ignore God, to go their own way, will be tragically excluded from the Holy City were Christ shines in all His glory. (21:27) God's pure righteousness - His Light - will not allow any sin/darkness in His Holy Presence.

This is why all of us need to be washed clean (22:14; 7:14) in the blood of the Lamb. We need the forgiveness found only through faith in Jesus Christ and his death for us. Only those cleansed from their sin "may go through the gates into the city."

SOME THINGS MISSING

In my last post (which I cannot view, nor can Jan. I can blog, but I cannot get onto my own blog address and view previous posts from our location. Don't know why.) I was sharing about the future Holy City in which will live all followers of Jesus. I noted how the description in Revelation 21:22 - 22:5 mentions that many things to which we have become accustomed will be missing in the New Jerusalem.
There will be no Temple; no darkness - no need for lights - artificial or natural (the glory of God outshines everything and his holiness obliterates all that is unrighteous); no closed gate (absolute security) and no impurity. At least that is what I think I noted two days ago. :)
In the Holy City there will be no curse. Finally, we all will be free from the result of the Fall, described so vividly in Genesis 3. The practical implications of this are many. Several are listed for us in 21:4: "There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Can you imagine how different life will be with these that so constrict our lives are banished?
We need to keep our eyes on this wonderful future home. It will be of great comfort and strength when we pass through major difficulties. I will preach tomorrow on these verses and about how an orientation focused on Jesus and the Holy city offers so much hope and can be of great help to all of us. Today I was given two sad illustrations of our need for that future hope.
A middle aged believer just moved to Hanoi and joined with us at HIF in August. He brought his wife over to join him two weeks ago. Two days ago he was diagnosed with heart problems. With his wife he flew to Singapore (known in the region for excellent medical care). While in the hospital awaiting surgery he suddenly died. His wife must be in terrible shock right now. How important that her faith, her  future and her joy are grounded in Jesus and our eternal home.
The other immediate application involves one of our Philippino families. They leave on Thursday for a long planned visit to celebrate Christmas with all of their relatives on the southern island of Mindanao. Just a few hours ago they heard news of the devastating flash floods resulting from a tropical storm that struck their city. The wife's family home was damaged. The husband's family home was totally destroyed. Now they have no idea where they will stay - or where all of their relatives are staying. We will send some financial help with them from our fellowship as they leave.
A future city indestructible and unmarred by the results of the curse! What a glorious home awaits all who go to be with Jesus. What warm encouragement it brings to those who have lost a loved one or lost their home. Whatever your circumstances this week, and especially if they are difficult circumstances, follow in Jesus' footsteps: "who for the joy set before Him endured the cross".

SO MUCH MISSING

In this Season of Advent, (only nine days until Christmas), we remember Israel's long anticipation of the Messiah. We identify with their experience as we await the promised return of the Messiah, King Jesus.
Today I turned to the familiar verses at the end of Rev. 21 and beginning of 22. I'll be preaching on the "Future Light" this Sunday as part of our four week Christmas theme of Light. This morning I was again struck by all that will be missing in the glorious New Jerusalem. Do you remember that in that Holy City there will be:
No temple. Ancient cities - Athens, Rome, Ephesus, Corinth - all had a major temple, often the largest building in the city. Ancient Jerusalem of course had the Temple built under Solomon's rule. But there will be no need for a temple in our future home for God Himself will be fully present there.
No need for the sun, moon or artificial lighting. The glory of God will be all the light required. Notice that the sun and moon may still shine, and lamps may be used - but God's perfect light out shines them all.
No closed gate. In ancient times, where weapons were limited, strong gates connected to impregnable walls were a city's major defence against any danger. The fact that the Holy City never closes its gate signals that there will be no danger, no threat of violence. People in that city are totally secure.
No impurity. How much money, energy and time are wasted in our cities because of impurity. Think of the security measures retailers install because of dishonesty and theft. Think of the expense of police, security guards, jails, locks, burglar alarms, etc. How many lawyers are employed due simply to the impurity of people and companies that cannot trust each other? Imagine TV, movies and video games in the Holy City, devoid of all impurity! How different that city will be.
Yes, there will be so much missing, to which every city dweller on earth has become accustomed. I hope you are looking forward to His Coming and the City of the Future during this season of Advent. (Part two tomorrow)

EARLY MORNING CHALLENGE

I planned to visit a small men's Bible study meeting on the other side of the city yesterday. I suspected that cab drivers in this area might not easily find the location. So I brought the address and four area google maps showing sections of the city. Since it was a 6:30 am study, I knew we would be driving in the dark, so I even brought a small flashlight to help in reading the maps.
The taxi driver spoke no English, and my Vietnamese --- enough said.  It helped that I knew some of the route we needed to take. We stopped twice for the driver to look again at one of my maps. With a couple of wrong turns, and stopping once to ask another taxi driver for help, we made it. Fortunately traffic was light. And to save time, my driver had no problem driving through several red lights. So we actually arrived on time!
There were just three others in the study, one from the USA and two from Malaysia. We studied the testimony of Scripture about the incarnation and the uniqueness of our Saviour. We rejoiced in the free gift of salvation we have in Jesus. Then for a few moments we talked about the sad alternatives offered by a variety of religions and religious experiences.
One of the men shared the sad experience of his brother who became heavily involved in the dark side of Buddhism. He would fall into a trance and by the power of evil spirits speak in languages he had never learned. His parents and siblings were startled to hear him speak in several different Asian languages that they could recognize but knew he had never studied.
Like many others, when he entered a religious trance he would make predictions of the future. Both men from Malaysia told of how those capable of this would be encouraged to enter a trance and then asked to give out lucky numbers for future lotteries!
At HIF we continue to preach on the Christmas theme "The Light Has Come", aware that many Christians in the congregation have much more experience with the powers of darkness than we have. With these spiritual brothers and sisters we will continue to share the Good News that Jesus is the Light of the world. 

CHRISTMAS IN HANOI

You can find some very interesting Christmas items here - and some real bargains. For example for $15 or $20 you can purchase a very nice 2 meter tree in our local grocery store - artificial of course. Christmas decorations to hang on trees are also quite inexpensive.
Unusual to those of us from the west are the Santa outfits that come in all sizes for infants and toddlers. These outfits even come with a Santa hat. Next to Santa figures, snowmen are the most common here. Today we drove by a ten foot blown up Snowman outside of a furniture store. Of course very few Vietnamese have ever experienced snow first hand. However I guess they have all seen it on TV and in movies.
Thinking of warm Asian countries, I asked Jinggoy my co-worker from the Philippines about singing Christmas songs in the Philippines. Sure enough he knew the words to "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas". A white Christmas would be a disaster in the Philippines or Vietnam. Warm mittens, gloves and earmuffs are already being worn in Hanoi by those on motorbikes. Scarves are common everywhere. However even here in the north of Vietnam, the night time temperatures have not yet dropped below 12 degrees celsius or 16 degrees in the daytime. (Today it warmed up to 21 degrees.)
Yet in spite of the western commercial Christmas influence, it is rare to find a creche (manger scene) unless you visit one of the few Roman Catholic neighborhoods. On the other hand, the story of Christ is so foundational, is so much a part of our heritage in western society that it is quite acceptable to share this story in other countries at Christmas. Many of our friends take the opportunity to share the real Christmas story to English classes filled with students. I know of at least one local company and a factory owned by Christians where the Christmas story is shared at the annual Christmas party attended by Vietnamese workers.
We know that in western cultures the story of Christ and Christmas is often obscured by the commercial emphasis or at best, obscured by a total emphasis on giving to family, friends and the less fortunate. Imagine how obscure - how unknown it is in countries with no Christian heritage. 

GENEROSITY AND POVERTY

Our family volunteered to serve at an inner city Toronto mission one day during December years ago. While we were able to do some helpful things, it seemed that there were almost too many volunteers helping that day. In Calgary I was told one December that a ministry to those in need had no room for Jan and I to volunteer. They had a full roster of volunteers for the month.
It is great that at this time of year, generosity abounds. Those of us who have much are moved in special ways to serve and to give to those who have less at Christman. While we wish such generous serving and giving extended 12 months a year, we are thankful for the one month push at Christmas.
When we think of generosity and poverty we usually think of those with much giving to those who have little. However there is a great example of the reverse combination recorded in II Corinthians 8. Paul writes to challenge the Corinthian Christians to give generously. He presents the Christians in Macedonia as an encouraging example.
"And now brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity." Notice that it was God who moved these believers to have the "grace of giving"and that they were filled with "the joy of the Lord". In spite of their extreme poverty they gave generously. Or maybe their extreme poverty was part of why they gave generously. Perhaps you have seen as I have, that often those with very little give "proportionally" much more than those who are wealthy.
What a challenge to those of us who have much! Paul goes on to say that these impoverished Christians "gave as much as they were able and even beyond their ability." (II Cor. 8:1 - 3)
I hope you are giving generously, as much as you are able, to more than just family members during this Season of Giving. Thank God for His amazing, generous giving to all of us.  

BUILDING

I pause several times a day to enjoy gazing over Hanoi from our 19th floor window. This morning, looking in one direction, I began to count the number of cranes on the skyline. I can see at least 13; there may be more. High rise apartment and office buildings are rapidly increasing the density of this city.
On a smaller scale it literally seems on every other block someone is either adding a couple of storeys to their 4 storey building, is tearing down a building to build a larger one, or is completing a 6 or 8 storey building. Many of these smaller buildings are very narrow - just 4 or 8 meters wide!
On this Sunday morning I have been praying for churches that are meeting all over Asia and some churches that are meeting in Canada. Especially I've been praying for churches that gather here in Vietnam - the majority are small, without a church building. And I am reminded of Jesus' words to Peter: "I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it."
Building. Sometimes the building of Christ's church is very obvious. Often it cannot be observed. Yet quietly or with great drama, the Holy Spirit is moving in our world. People are coming to faith. Christ followers are increasing. Hundreds of new congregations are meeting today to build up disciples.
And we who are already built into the church get to be a part of this magnificent building project! Through your living, loving witness and in answer to your prayers, the construction continues.
The sun is shining on all these Hanoi construction projects this morning. Six days a week we enjoy watching workmen involved in the massive project across the street - two 40 storey apartment towers and a 20 storey office building. But with spiritual eyes, by faith, we watch something much more impressive. Christ is building His eternal church - here in Vietnam and around the world! Praise God! 

THE STARK CONTRAST

I think you would be impressed with our lovely Hanoi apartment building. It has a very nice reception area with a young security guard/doorman and a helpful young woman at the desk. Small coloured tiles and small lights are imbedded in the lobby floor to mimic a stream running through the lobby.
There are three elevators available to take us up to our 19th floor apartment. I hold my card in front of the door handle and we enter as the apartment door unlocks without a key. Very modern!
The stark contrast? Yesterday as I waited to take an elevator downstairs, the elevator used for moving furniture and for moving construction materials (many apartments are not yet finished or occupied) was stopped on our floor. In front of it was a large two handled wooden cart that could be pulled by one person. It was exactly like what may have been used 100 years ago. One of the two construction workers was a woman wearing a traditional "pyjama type" suit with traditional conical hat. (Sorry, I didn't have my camera with me.) The wooden cart was being loaded with heavy bags of sand to be used in the finishing of the tile floor in one of our neighbouring apartments.
21st century keyless entry and a woman construction worker with tools that could have stepped out of a photo from 100 years ago. Stark contrasts abound here.
At Hanoi International Fellowship we are preaching on the theme "Light Has Come" at both of our congregations. Isaiah in the OT and John especially in the NT often reference the stark contrast between light and darkness. If we look at our culture and the people around us only in physical terms, we can think they are just like us - and we like them. But John and Isaiah - and in other ways the rest of Scripture - keep reminding us to look at our world with spiritual eyes. If we do, we will daily live with the awareness that we are light in a dark world because we live in Christ, the Light of the world.
This stark contrast is even greater than the one I observed yesterday on the 19th floor of an apartment in Hanoi.

KNOWING WHERE TO LOOK

One of our new friends, a Chinese woman who has been here for a few years asked Jan recently where she shops for groceries. They laughed together as they agreed that you could not just shop at one store. No grocery store has everything. So in Hanoi you go to Metro for somethings, to the Big C for some, to FiviMart for others; and then for specific "western hard to get" items you try the smaller specialized Dan's or L's Place. These are all adequate stores, but none are quite as well stocked with western goods as we enjoy in a large Canadian store.
It would be nice of course if these stores were all in one shopping center. Instead they are scattered around the city. It took Jan a couple of months to discover all of them. Now she can find almost everything if she looks hard enough. On the other hand, Jan has not yet been able to find cranberry sauce - but one of our friends has.
Finding groceries for western tastes in an Asian city depends on knowing where to look. Friends have been very kind in helping Jan on this search. Finding true living water; finding the bread of life - also depends on "knowing where to look"! In our city and numerous other world cities, that crucial information is much harder to find than in a Canadian city.
As we move toward Christmas, we hope people are intrigued enough by the Christmas decorations and Christmas music in stores to look for the meaning of Christmas. We hope local and expat friends use this season as a time to share with others where they can find water and bread that truly satisfies. There is great joy when someone finds us (or we find them) and through us finds Him!
Can you offer a warm invitation to a Christmas service this month that will help someone "know where to look"? Or maybe you will have the opportunity to personally tell them about living water and the bread of life.  

THE IMAGE OF GOD

Jesus is the image of the invisible God. (Colossians 1:15, ) Amazing! The Bible presents God as all powerful, all present, all knowing, all righteous - far beyond and above humanity; yet at the same time presents God as so very personal that He has been "touched with out infirmities"; He has fully identified with our humanity; He has been made very "knowable" in Jesus; God in human flesh. It is an old story, we celebrate at Christmas time.
It can become too familiar to us. But present this story to a Muslim, who has 99 names for God but none that bridge the gap between an awesome God and tiny humans on planet earth; they find it hard to believe that the great Creator God could possibly come as Jesus did. Every time I stop to really consider what is being said in this Christmas story, I find it  almost beyond belief, don't you? Who would have imagined God stooping so low?
It was Philip who said "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."I don't know what Philip expected Jesus to say but it was probably not the straight forward yet astounding claim. "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." (John 14:8, 9)
The apostles, despite the many months spent with Jesus; despite the Divine testimony to Jesus at His baptism and at the Transfiguration, had still not comprehended fully who Jesus was. Millions of people at this time of year will hear all or portions of the Christmas story - whether in Vietnam, Canada or a hundred other countries. We pray they will be enabled to truly see and believe this amazing, "almost impossible" story - the Great Creator became a human baby.
Not only is it hard to understand and believe, there is a spiritual enemy who wants to keep people from believing. It is so sad that: "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." II Corinthians 4:4 May many for whom we pray this Christmas see beyond pretty Christmas lights to "the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ - the image of God."

GREATNESS OF CHRIST

I came home later than usual from the church office last night. It was 6:00 pm and dark as I walked down our lane (just enough space for two cars if there are no motorbikes in the way - a rarity!) that has no street lights. I passed the last of a line of a dozen small stores and I was suddenly struck by light! I had been warned, but for the first time I saw our apartment building lit up with thousands of white Christmas lights - all strung across on the first two floors of the building. The light is almost blinding! Vietnamese do like light - lots of light! (You should see some of the massive karaoke signs in this city!)
This morning I opened my Bible to Colossians 1, and read again the marvellous words about Jesus Christ. They are almost blinding in the grand picture they paint. Who can possibly describe the greatness of Christ? Inspired by the Spirit, Paul tried his best. "He is the image of the invisible God ---. For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, ---. He is before all things and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead ---. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him ---." 1:15 - 20
With Paul we say "I want to know Christ." Yet when I read the words of Colossians, I wonder have if I have even begun to know this Great One. With Job I say "How great is God - beyond our understanding!" Job 36:26 I think about the Christ described in Colossians and I fully feel the truth "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror;" I Cor. 13:12
We do right to sing "How great is our God, sing with me, How great is our God!"We should read, sing and meditate on His greatness. We slowly comprehend a little of His Majesty (which of course involves the intellect but also the spirit, the emotions and a life of obedience and worship). But I suspect that as happened to me yesterday, as I moved through the dimness of our lane to the front of our building, we will one day be dazzled, overwhelmed with brightness; and it will be the awesome grandeur of our God and Saviour.
Enjoy the Christmas lights, but in this Season of the Incarnation, prepare yourself for a "sight far beyond our present comprehension."

LEARNING THE SECRET

There is something innately mysterious about secrets. To know something that is not widely known attracts us. From early childhood we are attuned to the whispered words "I'll tell you a secret."
In Philippians 4:12  a technical term meaning "to initiate into the mysteries"occurs - the only place in the NT where it is used. It was a term used in certain religious cults and Paul borrows it just this once.
The apostle Paul is writing from his own experience in prison, explaining that he has "learned the mystery" or "the secret" of being content in all circumstances. Although Philippians is a well known NT book, and though contentment is mentioned right next to an often quoted verse, the secret of contentment still seems to be "a mystery" to a lot of believers. And in our market driven, consumer oriented, advertising saturated culture, most businesses and governments don't want you to learn and enjoy this secret.
When so many of us live with serious discontent; when our culture seems to cultivate the attitude that enough is "just a little bit more"; how do we as believers develop an attitude of contentment? How do we truly live "satisfied with our lot in life" financially and otherwise?
Paul provides several parts of an answer to this question in the immediate context of testifying about his contentment. First, notice that this comes just after He has given us the great verses on prayer and peace.  If we practice the discipline of taking our needs to God with thanksgiving (which indicates some degree of faith), we are promised an amazing sense of God's peace. This seems to me to be very close to the feeling/attitude of contentment.
Second, this testimony comes just after challenging us to fill our minds with thoughts that are "true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable". Learn to consistently think this way will surely increase our contentment.
Third, still in the immediate context, Paul affirms "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." This verse has been twisted and stretched to apply to almost anything and everything. It has been claimed as an almost "Think it and you will do it." But in the context, it seems Paul is most likely referring to the fact that God has given and will give him (and us) the strength to serve God well through both easy times and difficult times; times when we have a lot and times when we have little.
Fourth, and finally for this short post, Paul provides a wonderful promise to his immediate readers. The Philippian believers had apparently sent a very generous gift to him. Perhaps it was even more than they  could logically afford to give (4:15 - 19). So he assures them: "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (20) His supply is unlimited in Christ Jesus. He will provide all our needs (not greeds) and in that we should indeed find contentment.
The road to a life of contentment is quite clear in this and other passages of Scripture. No insurance company, no investment portfolio, no government assurances; nothing can provide the contentment that God offers for us to enjoy every day.

WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

I remember a speaker from my teen age years saying, "You are not what you think you are. But what you think, you are!" The first half of this quote reminds me that I never have a fully accurate perception of myself. And I am rarely (never?) as important as I think I am.
However it is the second half of the quote that ran through my mind this morning as I read Philippians. "What you think, you are." We cannot control all of the thoughts that flash across the screen of our active minds. However we can control what stays on the screen for more than a second or two. We choose to hit the pause button - or not; we choose the subject on which we will focus our thinking. And gradually, as we continue to make those thought choices, we shape our character, our outlook, our perceptions. We become what has dominated our thought life - what our mind has been "dwelling on". Spend a little time with a pessimist and then an optimist and you realize that their thought patterns are absolutely different.
We need to heed the wise advice "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable - if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise - dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8
I recall some long ago acquaintance who struggled with addictions talking about negative thoughts as "stinkin' thinkin'". He knew that the "stinkin' mess" of his life had been largely the result of his negative, self defeating, critical and impure thoughts. In contrast, may your mind continually revert to the "sweet smellin' thinkin'" described in Philippians; because "what you think, you are".  

CITIZENSHIP

Yesterday we worshipped for the first time as an international congregation in My Dinh, a district on the west side of Hanoi. Since this was the beginning of the congregation, we asked people to identify by their citizenship - their passport country. The largest groups attending this first service were from China, Korea and North America (we asked Canadians and Americans to stand together). There were at least 13 countries represented, most being from S.E. Asia.
In the afternoon we attended the huge annual bazaar, sponsored by the Hanoi Women's Club. It is held at the United Nations International School. There were several hundred booths and thousands of people there, mostly expats. Many booths sold items made in Vietnam and from countries around the world. A large number of booths provided a vast variety of foods from different countries of the world. Many European countries and some Latin American countries provided booths with delicious food. Nigeria had a large booth with their ambassador in attendance. The Canadian booth offered nanaimo bars and maple syrup among other things and had a man dressed as an RCMP officer. Dozens of  nationalities were sprinkled among the large crowd. While eating sausages from Germany we sat with a German and several people from Botswana. Later we talked with folks from Nigeria, USA, Canada, Germany, etc.
It was invigorating to mingle with citizens from all over the world yesterday. It was even better to worship with Christians from a thirteen different countries. We have a unique connection that can't be determined or identified by a passport. We identify ourselves by our One Great Saviour. So we share a unique belonging: we have an eternal citizenship in an eternal homeland. I just read this morning:
"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies, so that they will be like his glorious body." Philippians 3:20, 21

CALLED SERVANTS

Tomorrow morning we begin a new congregation on the west side of the city. This means that both the original location and the new location need volunteers. We have almost doubled our need for volunteers without increasing the size of our church!
Thankfully a number of our leaders have been recruiting for weeks - welcomers, ushers, technical people, worship teams, KidzQuest leaders, etc. I think we are ready to begin at both sites. In less than 24 hours we will discover how well prepared we really are.
As we have recruited volunteers, I have been reminded again of the church in Ohio that stopped talking about volunteers. They decided they would instead use the biblical term "servants". Every follower of Jesus is a "saint - holy one" because we are forgiven and made holy by the sacrifice of Christ. Every follower of Jesus should also be a servant as we follow the model of our Lord. You remember how Jesus said that He "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28 He calls us to serve others as He served others.
It seems that almost every church is looking for volunteers, but really, what we need are servants. Our
local churches should be full of people who have a strong servant attitude: "how can I help?"; not the attitude of a volunteer "I may choose to help." Each of us with different gifts, at different stages of life, with different schedules and energy levels: but all of us with the same servant heart, following our Lord, the Servant King. (You can find the lovely song/hymn The Servant King on YouTube).

COME EMMANUEL

This has become an occasional blog, rather than a daily blog. Part of the reason is that I am now busier that when we were in Ho Chi Minh. However it is also because sometimes, such as the past couple of days, I just cannot get onto blogger.com - even though I get onto other websites. Anyway here I am today, on November 25th. Jan and I, before breakfast wished our children and grandchildren a Happy Thanksgiving (using skype). They (12 hours behind us) were just concluding their Thursday American Thanksgiving celebration.
My reading this morning was in Philippians 2, the wonderful passage about our Lord's humility, sacrifice and glorification. The first few verses of the chapter remind me of my decades long struggle to harness my "selfish ambition or vain conceit" and "in humility consider others better than myself." What a challenging passage; what an amazing model we are given.
Thinking of the Lord's humility, and preparing for the first Sunday of Advent; and since today marks just one month until Christmas, I turned to a couple of Christmas carols as part of my devotional time. I dialled up YouTube and enjoyed hearing "O Come, O Come Emmanuel". We do rejoice that He came to "ransom captive Israel" - and to be a "Light to the Nations".
We also are moved to pray "maranatha", "O Lord come" - again. Our world seems so helplessly out of control - witness the European financial mess; the apparently hopeless US Congress stalemate; the turbulence in Middle East countries; etc. Only one form of government, only one Ruler can ever "put things right." So we are moved to pray again: "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
So we move into the Season of Advent, filled with joy and hope. We know the Saviour has come, and we know He will come again. Praise God.

PATIENCE AND PRAYER

Many of us have friends, colleagues or family members who have no faith in Christ. We may have talked with them once or many times. We have often prayed for them. We wonder why they don't choose to follow the One who loves them and died for them. We struggle with why the Truth does not seem true to them.
And then we read a passage like Ephesians 4:17 - 19. This passage describes unbelievers as "darkened in their understanding - futility of their minds - hopelessly confused" (pick your own English translation). It is impossible to "think right" about God without His help. Choosing to live apart from Christ is to choose darkness and this affects how our minds perceive truth, righteousness and faith in Christ.
This passage also describes unbelievers as having an "ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts." This is another way of stating the same truth that perspective and perceptions are clouded because of a negative response to the One who calls them to follow Him.
So we should not be surprised that those we care for don't respond to the Good News. After all we also know Jesus' parable of the Sower and four kinds of soil, only one of which was truly fertile. As our Lord indicated on numerous occasions, it is not easy to enter the Kingdom of God.
So we must be patient, keep loving and keep praying. God can shine His light into darkened minds. God can soften hard hearts. Please Oh God, would you graciously do this in the minds and hearts of those we love? 

WORKING AT UNITY

This was a busy and interesting weekend. The very interesting topic for our leadership seminar on Friday and Saturday was cross cultural coaching. Then tonight we had a special prayer meeting with 20 people who are part of the group who will help us start a new congregation on November 27th. The 20 people represented six countries - Canada and the USA, Nigeria, Philippines, Korea, and China.
This morning I preached from Ephesians 4, challenging our International Church to remain unified even as we begin next week to meet in two locations with two congregations. It is most interesting that Paul first challenges believers to live a life worthy of their calling and then challenges them to grow Christian character - humility, gentleness, patience and forbearance with love. Only then comes the challenge: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (4:3)
It seems to me that if we are growing those four characteristics (and other qualities found in passages such as Galatians 5:22, 23) we will be the kind of people who promote and develop peace in any congregation. While some congregations have divided over moral or theological issues, far more have divided due to a lack of godly qualities such as humility and love. Of course the divisive ones often hide behind biblical verses or theological issues, but the real cause of division is pride and a lack of love.
There is so much that unites believers: see the nine commonalities Paul lists in 4:4 - 6. Compared to these, our differences should rarely divide us.
God is pleased with believers who truly live a life worthy of their calling, growing the fruit of the Spirit and fostering unity in the body. It is not always easy - "make every effort" writes Paul. But for God's reputation we need to do all we can to strengthen the unity of the Spirit.

KNOWING GOD BETTER

Is there any greater goal in life? Is there anything more important you could pray for someone you love?

Paul's prayer for the Ephesians reads in part: "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of Wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better." (1:17) I prayed this prayer for my children, my wife and myself yesterday. And I prayed it also for all who read this blog. To grow in knowledge of the Eternal One, we need His help - His wisdom made available to us; His revelation being clear to our poor spiritual sight.
I remembered how the Apostle Paul said of himself, "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord". (Phil. 3:8) He knew that knowledge of Christ was something to be pursued through both increased understanding and experience. It involves tapping into His power and sharing in his suffering, as we live daily with and for Him.
I think the only place where Jesus defined eternal life is in John 17:3 where he prayed, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
How amazing is this - that average humans, just tiny specks in a vast universe, are given the privilege of knowing and talking with the Almighty Creator God!
So if you are a believer who has come to know God through Jesus Christ - boast about it! That is correct.  Don't boast about your wisdom, your wealth or any position of power that you may presently enjoy. Believers should "boast about this; that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight." Jeremiah 9:23, 24
Oh, and since our God delights in these things, we who know Him had better pursue "kindness, justice and righteousness."

DEPENDS ON YOUR PERSPECTIVE

Many people who perhaps should serve God in another country, fear the difficult life that would entail. It is true that in some parts of the world, life is simply painful and difficult for everyone all the time. However many of those serving in other countries could list a number of advantages to living away from their home country. Life in many places is difficult or wonderful depending upon the perspective, the attitude and the focus.
I could tell you that life here is tough. For example I had to walk this morning about 50 meters out to the main road near our apartment. I had to step to the curb and hail a taxi. Usually I have to tell the taxi driver where I want to go, then show him a map and then pay attention that he in fact does take me to the proper location. We don't have an office for me in our church office building, so I have to sit at a folding table on the third floor in our only small meeting room. I have to walk down a flight of stairs to talk with the other staff members. I hear loud construction noise from near by and right now a sixth grade staff member's child is sharing this room, reading as she waits for her father. In a little while, I will need to walk up a narrow alley to the nearby street, walk a block to get to a major intersection, hail a taxi, make sure the driver knows where I want to go and that the meter is actually working. I will ride home with this total stranger driving (probably too fast) through dense, chaotic traffic.
A few moments ago however I was joking with a staff member that I could describe the same situation  this way.
I have my own car and driver every day when I go to the church office. Driving through dense traffic I can watch the numerous motor bikes, make a phone call or text message, pray or do whatever I want. Right now it is 27 degrees and sunny, with a caressing breeze blowing through the open window. Oh yes, the church offices are located in a small three storey house. So I can look out this third floor window, or step out onto the balcony and look over a shining lake just 30 meters away. In fact a moment ago, I watched five slim, sleek kayaks paddle by. My "office" is huge - 4 meters by 8 meters and I have a library and washroom at the end of the office.
Both paragraphs are true. It all depends on how you look at the situation. Of course for those who are Christ followers, we have only one way to look at things, right? Whatever our situation, this is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Or as we read in Philippians, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice!"(4:4) I'm rejoicing as I soon head out to look for a taxi.

PEOPLE LIKE YOU

On Sunday we were looking at what happened in Antioch as the Good News was spreading. The church there was begun by some believers who had moved from Cyprus and Phoenicia. It is safe to assume that these were business people, not clergy and not international workers officially delegated to go. These were missional thinking business people, who while making money, were very interested in making new disciples for Jesus. They were the first Jewish believers to take the initiative on their own and reach out to Gentiles with the Good News of Christ.
Philip had reached out to the Samaritans, who were considered "half Jewish" with their mixed roots. He had also been specifically commanded by an angel to go to the place where he met the Ethiopian government official. (Acts 8) Peter received a Divine vision and clear instructions to go with the men who came from the Roman soldier Cornelius. (Acts 10) He shared the Good News with the house full of Gentiles gathered by Cornelius.
But in Antioch it happened for the first time: Jewish believers on their own initiative began talking about Jesus to people who were "not like them". They had heard no Divine voice, seen no vision, encountered no angel. They simply obeyed the command of Jesus and were His witnesses to the world of Jews and Gentiles. One commentator wrote that in these few restrained sentences (Acts 11:19 - 21) Luke describes one of the most important turning points in all history. The Good News is "released" to be shared with everyone.
Of course this concerned the church leaders in Jerusalem. The church had grown rapidly in their city and was spreading quickly to other places. We can assume they were a little shaken by Philip going to Samaritans with the Good News. Then they got the shocking report from Peter that he had actually entered a Gentile house; shared the Good News and saw the Holy Spirit come upon that group of Gentiles as they believed. Now they get the surprising news from Antioch about a fast growing church made up of Jews and Gentiles.
It must have seemed that things were out of control. Of course they were! The Holy Spirit can't be controlled. He continues to break through human boundaries and upset our comfortable paradigms. Only God knows where He will "break out" next!

THE TIME IS

You know that if you live in eastern Canada or the USA, when you fly west you "gain time" as you move into different time zones. Since Canada and the USA are such large countries, it is fairly common to fly through two or three time zones as you move across the continent. And if you are flying east from Alberta to Ontario, you "lose" two hours as you move through two time zones.
When we arrived in Vietnam, I discovered that flying west does not always move your clock back. I think of it tonight because Jan is in Singapore (she will fly back tomorrow with a renewed 6 month visa) and she is one hour ahead of me. Even though Singapore is to the west of Hanoi! The same is true if she were in Kuala Lumpur. You don't believe me? Check a map! Check the time zones. So Jan can do what none of you could do tomorrow.  When Jan flies east tomorrow, she will actually gain an hour.
I know, some of you are thinking, so what? Sorry, I just find this anomaly quite interesting. I also had never given much thought, until moving here, to the fact that a country as large as China maintains its entire country as one time zone. As we approach the longest nights of the year in the northern hemisphere, I am wondering just how late in the day comes the sunrise in the far northwest of the country - or in summer, how early comes the sunrise if you live in the northeast of the country.
OK, is that enough to give you deep thoughts today? Or at least at the office, you can ask someone, "Is it possible to fly east and gain an hour?" You can tell them that a friend of yours will do that on Wednesday! Amazing!
Far more amazing fact? One day, we will not be concerned about turning on lights,time zones or wondering about how much sunshine we will be receiving. That will indeed be wonderful and fascinating. (See Revelation 21, 22).

WHO DO YOU BELIEVE

We humans have to believe in something. We have an innate desire to believe that Someone or something greater than ourselves is in control. Or else we come to believe that we are the masters of our fate. When we are separated from God, we often will believe almost anything.
Sadly, many people here in Vietnam are highly superstitious. While they may pray only to ancestors, they do believe in all kinds of good luck, and even more in bad luck. Many Vietnamese regularly visit fortune tellers and take their predictions seriously. Recently, friends in our fellowship were visited by a young couple who were very distraught. Their family had insisted they should visit a local fortune teller before their wedding.
They made the visit and this is what the bride and groom were told. If they proceed with this marriage, the bride's father will die and the new husband will go insane!
Imagine for a moment that you believe the fortune teller really does know the future. You don't believe in One who truly knows the future and loves you. This terrible prediction has been given to you. What would you do?
I don't know how this story will develop. I am glad that the couple shared their dilemma with the Christians in our fellowship. I do know that the couple have now heard about One who loves them and wants the best for them; One in whom they can put their trust  for the future. But even if they choose to believe in Christ, how will they proceed?
If the bride goes ahead with the wedding, the family will believe she is choosing to have her father die.
On the other hand, the very kind (!) fortune teller has offered some way to avoid this terrible fate. Of course it will cost money, but surely any price is not too high if you can prevent your father's death and your husband becoming mentally insane!
People living in the shadows, believing in anything and anyone. How tragic when the Son has come and  the light of his love and truth is available to all who will believe in Him   

SHADOWLAND

Zechariah's song comes after the birth of his son, John the Baptist. (Luke 1:67 - 79) Toward the end of it he speaks of "the tender mercy of our God by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death".
I read those words this morning as the sun was shining brightly through the windows of our 19th storey apartment. As I sat in our sun filled little office, with windows wide open, I was moved to thank God for the sunshine, but so much more for the Son who came "from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and the shadow of death."
From our apartment office we can look south and west over countless roofs and toward dozens of tall apartment buildings. There are perhaps 500,000 people living within our sight, almost all of whom live "in darkness and the shadow of death" even though the Son came 2,000 years ago. I am often moved deeply as I reflect on the needs of this city and of our world.
Our apartment building is 21 stories high. Very near us are two 40 storey apartments under construction along with a 20 storey office building. We know that tall buildings like these cast a long shadow. If you happen to live in a house near a tall building, no matter how brightly the sun shines, you will live in the shadow at certain times of the day.
So here in Hanoi (and where you live), the Good News of the Son who is the Light, has failed to  penetrate the shadows in which so many people live there whole lives. There are such a variety of tall barriers that keep people in spiritual shadows. Thankfully each of us can allow the Son to shine through us, and His light can bring some of these people out of darkness.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

We know Christmas is coming. Jan was in a local grocery store today and heard several lovely Christmas Carols being played. Our apartment building is offering a special gift to any Vietnamese who purchases an apartment during this season. The sales brochure features a Christmas tree, so two weeks ago, before the end of October, a three meter Christmas tree, well decorated, was placed in our lobby. Christmas is coming to Hanoi.
Of course most Vietnamese will not celebrate Christmas at all. They may dress their children in Santa outfits, decorate their stores and crowd out into the streets on Christmas eve. But unless they are Roman Catholics or Protestant believers, they will celebrate nothing on Christmas Day. (They do not exchange presents at this season.)
On the other hand, I've been reading in Luke 1 the past couple of days and quietly celebrating the Christmas events. Again I am awe struck by the Christmas account. Gabriel insulted by Zechariah's unbelief; Zechariah struck speechless; Mary given the most amazing announcement and assignment; Elizabeth's baby leaping for joy while still in the womb. The list goes on and on. I have not yet, after countless readings over many decades, become bored by reading this amazing story again and again.
As we approach the Christmas Season (yes, it is getting cold here - temperatures at night are now going down to almost 20 degrees!) may we all marvel and worship again; when alone with God and when we are surrounded by fellow worshippers. And may we in small ways and large, seek to share the Good News of Christmas with those who need our Saviour.

A GREAT PRAYER

Have you ever noticed Paul's prayer in I Thessalonians 1:11 - 13? In part Paul prays "that our God --- by his power (he) may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of the Lord Jesus may be glorified in you ---.""
I prayed this for myself today. I asked God today to fulfill the good purposes I have which will bring Him glory. Right now of course it is beginning a new congregation with the goal of encouraging and strengthening more believers and bringing more people to faith. What we are doing with others to make this happen are acts prompted by the faith that God will provide the needs we have. I am sure that these will bring glory to God. Therefore with Paul I can pray this with confidence.
Of course sometimes I have purposes which are self-centered, and while bringing pleasure and comfort to me and mine, would probably not bring glory to God. I have often been involved in actions that were not at all prompted by faith. That is why I like this prayer. It reminds me of the need to align my purposes and actions with faith and the glory of Christ. Then, and only then, can I pray for myself what Paul prayed so long ago for those early believers.
So I pray this prayer for everyone who reads my blog, so that the name of the Lord Jesus may be glorified.

PRIMED FOR WHAT?

I have just started reading the interesting book by Daniel Kahneman titled "Thinking, Fast and Slow". Among other things he talks about how all of us are "primed" for certain actions, behaviours and choices by what we experience. He briefly reports the results of one psychologist's study.
People in the experimental group were exposed to money words, or to a stack of monopoly money, or a screen saver that had dollar bills floating on it. They were involved in some exercise and so did not pay direct attention to these "money indicators". However the "priming effects" of placing the idea of money on the subjects minds were measured afterward. The results were quite conclusive.
Having just been exposed to the idea of money, subjects were primed toward "a reluctance to be involved with others, or to accept demands from others." In other words they were moved to independence and selfishness. Kahneman comments that "living in a culture that surrounds us with reminders of money may shape our behaviour and our attitudes in ways we do not know about and of which we may not be proud."
We know the stern Bible warning that "the love of money is the root of all evil (or all kinds of evil)." In fact that warning is found in an extended section of I Timothy 6. There we are called to be content and not to make the pursuit of money a major factor in our life. We know that money and the things it can buy can become as controlling as any idolatry.
 These kind of psychological conclusions arrived at by experiments that are well thought out and well controlled come to us as additional warnings. Our subconscious and intuitive decision making will be affected by the things around us. In our materialistic culture we must work harder at being generous and serving others than if we lived in a culture where helping others and working in a group is clearly  encouraged more than making money.
With God's help, biblical meditation and the fellowship of other Christians, we can resist the urge to focus on money and selfish desires. We can "prime ourselves" to think of others first and so follow Christ. If we don't, our culture will "prime us" in a way we don't want to go.

EVERY BELIEVER A MODEL

Many of you know that our son Steve does very occasional modelling (more often he does commercials and hopes for more movies). His wife, Vanessa has had quite a successful career for a few years as a model (not the typical run-way model, but modelling for a variety of stores, hotel websites, certain lines of shoes, etc.) It was amusing to us a year ago, that at the same time as our daughter Jeannie was a true "growing" expectant mother, Vanessa, slim as she is, was asked to model for a maternity line of clothes, as a "pretend" expectant mother.
For some strange reason, I have never been asked to be a model for any line of clothing. Perhaps the talent scouts have not thought to recruit you either. But all of us are expected to be models/examples, if we are followers of Christ. I am re-reading I Thessalonians this week which caused me to think of modelling - the Christian life, not fashions. Paul writes to the Thessalonians as a fellowship, not as individuals, that they "became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia". This happened at least partly because they were imitating Paul's model. (1:6 - 8)
Paul says that the Thessalonian Christians "became imitatiors of God's churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus." (2:14) This happened as they accepted God's word and apparently responded in obedience and faith. The result was that they were persecuted for their loyalty to Jesus, just as the Judean churches were persecuted.
The word translated as model or example appears a number of times in Paul's inspired writings. He knew that he as a teacher and leader needed to provide a model for younger believers. He also called other individuals to make sure they were providing a good example for others - for instance see I Timothy 4:12.
We all need models, provided by those who are ahead of us in Christian maturity. We also profit greatly when others ,who are a stage or two ahead of us in life's journey, are good models of Christian commitment. Maybe no one will ever ask you to pose for photos as a model; but there are some younger believers who need you to be a model for them.

BREAKING NEW GROUND

Jan and I attended a seminar yesterday for expat believers, entitled "Breaking New Ground". Much of the time was spent in discussion groups. We studied and discussed the familiar parable of the sower that perhaps should be known as the parable of the soils. This parable always reminds me of how there are such different responses to God's Good News. It is also a good reminder of how the results of sharing that Good News are not dependent on us or controlled by us.
One topic given to our discussion groups was to list what activities and experiences are involved in a person's becoming a disciple of Jesus. One of the groups (not mine) came up with a great list. Their list included many of the different ways we might make contact with a "not yet believer"; many of the ways we might build a relationship with them; ways to bring them into connection with other believers; many of the settings in which they might hear the Good News explained; etc.
There are so many avenues through which "not yet believers" come into contact with Christians. If only all of us were alert to building relationship bridges across which they might eventually come to Christ. It happens that sometimes people come to faith through hearing or reading the Message through some media alone; or on there own attending some church service. However normally people come to faith through an initial personal relationship with a believer who is excited about Jesus. That is the way it happened for Peter, and also for Nathaniel. (John 1:35 - 51) I wonder who may come to faith through a relationship with you?
As Jan and I develop a heart for this large city, I am saddened to think of how much harder it is for someone here to even meet a Christian, when there are so few believers among so many millions.  And so we pray.

HE IS LIFE

Reading the last chapters of Revelation recently, I was impressed anew with the emphasis on life. It is crucial that each of us be sure our name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life! (chap. 20) In the new Jerusalem, John records several times that there will be both a River of Life and a Tree of Life (reminding us of the tree of life in the Garden of Eden). (chap. 21, 22) There will be no death in that city for Life abounds.
I was reminded of how often John emphasizes life in his Gospel, beginning with the opening verses that affirm in Christ "was life and the life was the light of men". Jesus offers living water to the woman at the well. (John 4) The theme that Christ is the source of life continues through the book. Jesus is the bread of life, He is the light of life, He is the resurrection and the life. Jesus is the way, the truth and the Life!
What a tragedy that some people hesitate to follow Christ because they fear they will miss some of what "life has to offer".That generally seems to mean "what sin has to offer."
Anyone who has some understanding of Scripture and of Christ would not make the mistake of thinking something or someone offers more of "life" than does Christ. If you really want to live, you must enter a relationship with Christ for He is the source of true, real life.
In fact the Apostle Paul that used this terminology (at least it is found in the oldest and best Greek manuscripts) when he wrote: "In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." I Timothy 6:19
Keep holding onto and enjoying "the life that is truly life".

KNOW WHO TO FIGHT

It is too easy for me to feel that my struggle to be Christ-like and to serve Him well involves just two opponents. I am all too aware of the opposition I receive from myself. Do I really want to discipline my tongue, my mind, my actions to be completely loving and pure? The answer sadly is sometimes "no". In fact there is a part of me that reacts to the word "discipline" and is more attracted to words like "relax" and "later". So like the cartoonist of another generation wrote: "we have seen the enemy, and it is us." (Hmm, not sure of the author or if I got that exactly correct. However the point is clear, right?)
Then of course I am aware of the enemy I see every day. The cultures we live in constantly beckon us to lust (evil desire) for more - more money, more things, more experiences, more, more, more. And while many of these things are quite fine in moderation, they can pull us away from those things which are most important. Then there are those things offered to us which are just plain evil - from which we need to run.
What I too often forget, because the enemy is sly and unseen, that I am battling with spiritual forces. Like you I know this, but I tend to forget. Therefore I can underestimate the opposition and too easily believe that this battle is mostly with my own weaknesses and sin. Nope, must not do that. I must remember the truth of Ephesians 6 - we are wrestling (or should be) with unseen opponents who do not want us to be loyal to Christ or live in obedience to our Heavenly Father.
Scripture is clear that we have an enemy who is like a prowling lion. (I Peter 5:8) So resist him, standing firm in the faith. He would love for you and me to fall into one of his damaging traps. (I Timothy 3:7; II Timothy 2:26)
So Jesus prays to the Father for us: "that you protect them from the evil one." John 17:15 And He taught us to pray: "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one." So may we pray. And so I need to remind myself: the spiritual battle is not just with the world around me and my own tendency to sin. No, I am being tempted by the same one who tempted my Saviour. And with the Saviour's help and the power of the Spirit, I can fight victoriously. And so can you.

KNOW WHAT TO PURSUE

I mentioned in my last blog, the four verbs found in I Timothy 6:11, 12. The first challenge is a negative one: know when to run from temptation. For more on running away, see I Corinthians 10:12 - 14 and II Timothy 2:22.
The second verb Paul uses emphasizes the positive: know what to pursue. I appreciate the balance of biblical teaching, providing us not only with warnings to stop and avoid but also with encouragement to start and pursue. So here the challenge is to pursue godly character: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. II Timothy 2:22 adds "peace" and we should add to this group of characteristics the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22, 23. Wherever you read a list of characteristics in the NT, understand that they are meant to provide suggestive specific qualities, not a complete list.
What is most noticeable here is the emphasis to pursue godly character, not specific actions. The move from OT laws to life in Christ makes it very clear: God wants us to be holy on the inside, with His laws written on our hearts. Believers should never be questioning "what is the minimum I have to do" or "what can I get away with." Most important in the eyes of God is who we are becoming, not what we doing. We will be doing the right things the more we are becoming the right kind of people.
This should encourage all of us in a variety of ways. One is that if you are limited in what you can do for God and others because of age, disability or other limitation, you can still be developing godly character. Another is that if you are finding few opportunities to serve right now because of your church situation or an extra busy schedule, you can still focus on "being and becoming". A third is that those of us who are very active in serving God, the church and others, should never allow service to become a substitute for pursuing what is most important. Know what to pursue!

KNOW WHEN TO RUN

I was speaking at a Men's Retreat just outside of Hanoi this weekend. Between preparing for those four messages and then sharing them, coupled with the typical interrupted sleep that comes with jet lag, I have just missed several days of blogging. But I am back.
I was speaking to the men this weekend on the theme of becoming a Man of God. In I Timothy 6: 11 and 12, there are four action verb challenges given to Timothy as a man of God - and to all of us Christian women and men. The first is the challenge to "flee" or "run away from all this". In the preceding verses, Paul has talked about the spiritual danger that comes with the pursuit of money, and that the "love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." It is from these evils that Paul warns Timothy and us to run.
When we have a strong desire for more money and the things it can buy or the security it seems to bring, we can easily fall to the temptations that arise from that desire. How tempting to be dishonest when selling an item that is damaged, because we know if we were honest we could not sell it, or at least not get the best price. And so our desire causes us to lie.
Or how common is the temptation to cheat on a tax form; or on our purchases declaration when returning to our country from a vacation. Why? Because our greed, the love of money causes us to compromise our Christian integrity - leads us into sin.
So we are counselled, run from "all this". How do I run from "the love of money" and all the temptation that accompanies it? One way is to give generously. If you regularly give away money to those who need it, you will dampen your love of money and what it can buy. Generosity is a great antidote to greed.
We can run away from "all this" by cutting way back on our trips to shopping centres that tempt and tantalize us with things we would never want to buy had we not seen them. (Or for some of us it may be by refusing to watch a shopping channel.) We can run away by consciously limiting our spending, by destroying most if not all of our credit cards; by refusing to live at the outer limits of what we can afford.
We need to know ourselves and honestly identify how much the love of money and what it can buy may be keeping us from growing in godliness.
There are three other warnings to "run away" in the NT. Maybe we can look briefly at those in tomorrow's blog. Informed by Scripture, and with prayerful self examination, we can become wise in knowing "when to run."

SACRIFICE, SHEPHERD, WRATH

As Jesus is about to begin his ministry, John the Baptist identifies him: "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." The picture of Jesus as the Lamb occurs over 30 times in the book of Revelation. It seems to be the dominant picture of Jesus in Revelation. While this description of Jesus is a frequent one, how the Lamb is experienced, or how people respond to the Lamb differs greatly.

Christ is identified in Revelation 5 as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, but when John sees Him, he appears as a Lamb as though it had been killed. There we read of great praise being offered to the Lamb of God in chapter 5, because He was killed and with His blood purchased people from every nation and language group. We join our praise with millions for Christ's sacrifice for us. "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain."

Alongside this picture of love and worship appears an the alarming description in chapter 6. There we see the powerful and rich people of the world desperately trying to hide from "the wrath of the Lamb". Who would ever link fear with a lamb? Yet this reminds us of the sobering truth that our great loving Saviour is also righteous and just. He and God the Father have a controlled, righteous wrath against all law breaking, disobedient sinners and will judge those who do not repent and believe.

Following this frightening snapshot, in chapter 7, we confront a warm, contrasting picture of the Lamb. Just as He will bring judgment against rebels, He will be a tender shepherd to those who believe and are his loyal followers. The One who died to bring forgiveness and righteousness will be our eternal Shepherd.

I encourage you to take time to meditate and enlarge your appreciation of the Lamb as He is described especially in these three chapters (5,6,7) of Revelation.

NEW BEGINNING

After 8 different beds, 12 flights and 17 days, I was in our new apartment and my own bed as mid-night approached on Tuesday. I made it from airport to airport, via Vancouver and Seoul in less than 24 hours. Not bad considering flying time involved almost 18 of those hours. Due to strong head winds, the 9&1/2 hour trip from Seoul to Vancouver, took almost 12 hours on the return trip.
It was great to see so many friends in Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto. Special thanks to the couples who hosted me and for all who came out to the arranged gatherings. Although my visits were brief, I hope they encouraged you to keep praying for us and to keep giving to Global Advance which supports us and two hundred other International Workers.
I can't put into words how good it feels to back with Jan after 17 days apart. And we both feel so good about our new beginning in Hanoi. We are delighted to be associated with HIF and all that this fellowshi is doing for the Kingdom . We look forward to great days ahead.
This weekend I will be busy speaking to an HIF men's retreat. Would appreciate your prayer as I am feeling a little over tired and under prepared.
This morning my reading was in Revelation 4 and 5. What wonderful chapters. When we worship here on earth, alone or in a group, we echo what is happening in heaven. We are also warming up and practicing for the time when we get to join that unimaginable eternal choir. Talk about a new beginning. As the old preacher said "Its only hope of dying that has kept me alive this long."

VERY BIG IFS

In the last part of I John chapter one and the first verse of chapter two, there are a total of six "if" phrases or sentences. (May vary slightly in different versions but the emphasis should remain the same.)
The first two "ifs" remind us that we cannot have it both ways. We can choose a life of sin and lose out on fellowship with God and other Christians. But "if" we choose to walk in God's light of holiness, than we can truly enjoy real Christian fellowship. We see this play out many times in our churches and small groups. As Christians or "seekers" choose to move into a more sinful lifestyle, almost always they will withdraw more and more from the Christian community. Naturally, if you are rebelling against Christ, you will not,enjoy hanging around with those who love Him. You cannot enter into sincere talk about Christ and what is involved in following Him.
The next three "ifs" deal with the issue of sin. John calls us to be honest about our disobedience and sin. He writes against anyone who would claim that we gain "sinless perfection" this side of heaven. We who follow Christ must be quick to confess our sin and to accept the wonderful reality that we are forgiven through faith in Christ's death for us.
The last "if" is most encouraging. John affirms that one of his goals in writing about sin is to warn us away from choosing sin rather than holiness and righteousness. "But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father (and advocate) in our defence - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." Don't you love that verse and that truth.
Once again I have to confess "Father, I have failed and sinned. Please forgive me. I am sorry." How amazing and encouraging to know that the One who is absolutely righteous stands in heaven as my advocate and speaks in my defence. His wounds are the visible evidence that He has paid the penalty for my disobedience. I am forgiven.
I hope you will take some time today - or sometime soon - to go back to these early verses in I John and enjoy meditating on six very important "ifs".

TESTIMONY OF EXPERIENCE

In the last couple of days I have read II Peter and I John 1. I am struck by how both writers appeal to their own eye witness account to validate what they are claiming for Christ and the Christian message. Peter writes in part:
"--- we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came ---. we ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain." I Peter 1:16 - 18
John writes: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched - this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it ---." I John 1:1 - 2
Our faith rests on eyewitness testimony. The authors are at pains to let readers know they are not constructing another religious fable but speaking from first hand experience. One crucial qualification for someone to be among the early apostles was that they "had been with Jesus." Paul qualified only because he had a vivid personal vision of the risen Christ. (I Cor. 15:7)
To a great extent our faith multiplies through millions of personal testimonies. Yes, we preachers work hard to teach and persuade people of the eternal truth. Yes God uses gifted evangelists and apologists - those who preach to thousands and those who are so effective in one to one encounters. But so many people come to faith through the witness of a friend(s) or family member(s). They have observed the change in that Christian's life; they have heard their personal testimony and that becomes one of, if not the key reason that leads them to faith.
Never underestimate the power of your personal story, even with its imperfections. We cannot point to eyewitness encounters with Jesus. But we can testify to the difference Jesus has made in our lives. And if people can observe that difference in the way we live, it carries unique impact.
As an unrelated aside: I had a nice experience at our Calgary bank today. The teller who served me had an unusual name. I asked about it and she said it was a biblical name that her parents liked. After she returned with the money exchange I requested, I thanked her and said "With a NT name, I hope you are a follower of Jesus." She smiled and assured me that she was. We are all called to live in a way that is worthy of His name.

THE JOY OF FAMILY

I could mention that James 4 on humility (which I mentioned two days ago in a blog) is followed up by I Peter 5 on humility which I read today. Two great passages on an important subject. I was tempted to write about another great verse or two in I Peter 5.
Instead I want to rejoice today at being part of the family of God. Scripture teaches us that by grace through faith we are adopted into God's forever family. God is our Father and Jesus Christ is our "elder brother" with whom we are joint - heirs of all God has prepared. God's adopted family is huge, made up of millions of believers from all ages and from all countries and cultures. Working with an International Church in Vietnam, we will be constantly aware of the diversity of this family.
However right now I am "glowing" in the aftermath of visits to the two churches I most recently pastored, one for more than twelve years, one for almost four years. As I approached both church buildings and then began to greet friends, I experienced a serious case of "homesickness". I didn't realize how much I missed these folks and these two wonderful places until I was there. Relationships between those bonded together by the Spirit through Jesus Christ are something special to be treasured. When we have the right perspective, we enjoy, cultivate and profit from being in a local church family as well as the church universal.
Of course added to the experience of being with large groups of Christians has been the pleasure of being hosted in four different homes on different nights during this trip, plus having a meal or coffee with other friends. Then add to that a warm, small group prayer meeting called for a very special need in which I participated.
Yes I know every church has many defects and short comings. I talked recently with another young adult (not the first) who told me she has not enjoyed church and so has stopped going to church but still loves and follows Jesus. Sooner rather than later, I hope she learns that God has not made us to be alone. We need companionship - and that is especially true regarding Christian fellowship and friendship. No Christian is an "only child" and we are not to live as though we are. You have brothers and sisters who can sometimes hurt and disappoint you. But I hope you, like me, have a growing gratitude that God has put us in spiritual families - local churches. Those flawed brothers and sisters share much with you - and will for all eternity.
I guess I should add (full disclosure) that on this trip I have also enjoyed a 2 hour lunch with my siblings and a two day visit with our Florida family (not enough time to visit our Philadelphia and Manhattan families.)