As the lunar new year just passed, we celebrate the ever awaited Chinese New Year which many look forward to. Yet we cannot forget the roots of such a celebration! The tradition started with a folk tale that a mythical beast called “Nian” would terrorise Chinese folk, bringing disaster wherever it went. There were 3 ways many tried warding Nian away:
- Wearing and decorating with red as it was known the colour scares Nina away
- Playing loud sounds (shooting fireworks, gongs etc.)
- Showing fire (through fireworks or fire crackers)
Chinese versus European dragons
In Chinese culture, in contrast to how Europeans depict their dragons. Chinese dragons are long and slender and opposite to its European counterparts are destructive and havoc-wreaking. Chinese dragons were known to bring luck. Even in the Chinese new year, everyone is chasing after luck, yet despite the Chinese myth, we understand a greater power that can bring black and that’s God.
Point 1: Knowing that God is the one bringing blessing
The existence of God
Throughout millennia, we as humans have always questioned does God exist. Yet with the development of science, we have understood a lot more than we did before. Some proofs:
- The creation of life from non-life (as we see no other example of this in the past)
- Even the theory of evolution topples over as we realise the probability of simple proteins coming together to form life through random chance is closer to 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000 chance.
How does God work through my life?
Ultimately, God has the power to work though your life.
Matthew 22:29 Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
The only issue is will you allow him to?
- You must be humble
James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
- You must be a great listener
Proverbs 18:13 If one answers before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
- You must put it into practice
Philippians 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
First you must read the Bible but then after learn to master them and apply it into our lives. People today often run away from our problems, yet only the Bible encourages the facing of fears, dealing with people and changing our attitudes.
Human’s love hurts while God’s love heals
Unlike love from man, God’s love is unconditional.
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his won love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
It is a love that loves through mistakes, through hardship with no expectation of anything in return. It encourages others constantly and is available to everyone regardless of culture, background, or anything.
Point 2: Following God, the powerful one
Understanding what God is for, we must then be eager to follow him. God expects and wants to give more to us provided we want to follow.
- To give us power
2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self- discipline.
- To give us a good plan in life
Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
- To give us the truth
John 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
God is calling you today to receive his blessings, the only thing is what is stopping you from receiving it?
- Money?
- Relationships?
- Pleasure?
- Parents?
- Education?
Sadly, we will learn eventually all these things will not give us the happiness and security we hoped it would.
How much more money do you need to be happy? That’s the question many millionaires ask with no answer in sight. With relationships, do you have full confidence that the one you are dating is the one you will marry and end up with? Even with pleasure, you will need more and more pleasure to satisfy yourself, eventually you will end up unsatisfied with what you have. With parents, throughout our lives to please man is impossible, and eventually the standards they have for you will go unmet.
To end it all off, are you satisfied with life? And the ultimate takeaway is from now on who will you be following?