It was a clear and beautiful sea. The surface is calm and tranquil. It looks like the perfect place for a little dip in the water. Well, for the naval officers who know, that place is famous for very strong under-current. It can be so strong that one can be swept into deep territories before realizing it. By then it will be too late to try to get back to shore. The ability to swim against the tide is beyond normal human strength.

We all love a rosy picture. As long as things are going well, we do not want to touch or change it. Sometimes we just want to bask in the sunshine there, not wanting to move forward. That is a very human response. However, we must know that the sky is not always blue and good things do not last forever. We must be prepared for eventuality. Also, we should be aware of any hidden dangers lurking in the dark.

To be aware of such things and not be a wet blanket with regards to many things, we need wisdom from on high. The church must come together to pray and discern the needs for the church. We cannot take prayer lightly. There is the urgency to pray and pray hard. Individually, we must pray for the church not just our personal needs. We are one body, therefore, we must protect the body. Then the aspect of corporate prayer must come into play. If the church is important to you, then come to pray for the church and the body of Christ.

There are way too many people who are complacent on the good things that we are presently enjoying. By all means enjoy them. But do not take them for granted. We are where we are because of the mercy of God. A country like ours needs God to survive let alone thrive the way we did. When we become arrogant and forget to rely on God, then we are bound for hard times ahead. Praying and relying on God is the only way for us to make sure that the good times keep rolling for us and our children.

Brothers and sisters, pray unceasingly. Seek wisdom from on high and live by it. May the Lord have mercy on us.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

这是一片十分清澈和美丽的海面。它的表面安静和祥宁。这看起来能够在其中畅游完美的地方。当然，海军军官们都晓得这里是出了名的暗流汹涌。这些汹涌的暗流可以大到在你还没有意识到之前，就将你带进入到深海里。这时候试着要回到岸边是已经太迟了。单靠着人单薄的力气与潮水搏斗也是无济于事。

我们都喜爱一片美景。只要一切事都进展顺利，我们不想碰触或改变它。有时候我们甚至在当中享受而不想前行。这是非常人性的回应。可是，我们要知道天色不是常蓝，好的事物并不是永远的长存。我们需要准备面对事物变化的可能性。

另外，我们也要警惕潜伏在黑暗中的危险。要意识到这些事情，也不要做扫兴的人，我们需要从上头来的智慧。教会需要常在一起祷告和分辨什么是教会所需要的。我们不要轻视祷告。现今时代祷告和努力不懈地祷告更加急迫。每一个人不单为着自己的需要祷告，也要为教会祷告。我们是一个身体，如此，我们一定要保护这一个身体。这样，公共的祷告会就有必有扮演其角色。如果教会对你来说是重要的，那么，一起来为教会和基督的身体祷告。

有很多人正在为着自己所享受的美事感到满足。无可厚非可以好好地享受。但是不要视为理所当然。我们之所以有今天的成就全都是因为上帝的怜悯。我们的国家需要上帝才能生存，让我们承先启后对国家的繁荣。当我们骄傲以及忘记了依靠上帝，那么，等着我们前面的是挑战。唯有不断的祷告和依靠上帝才能确保我们与下一代有永不断绝的福祉。

弟兄姐妹，让我们不断的祷告。寻求从上头来的智慧和活出它。愿上帝怜悯我们。

上帝赐福,
在基督里服事的,

Barry Leong