The Year of the Tiger

Acts 4:13 (NLT)  The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.

Tomorrow (Sunday for us) many Asians, especially the Chinese, will celebrate the Lunar New Year.  It is a 2 week celebration in some cultures and everyone takes a break.  I liken it to Thanksgiving with a little Christmas mix.  Thanksgiving because everyone in the family gathers for a Reunion Dinner on the eve of the new year, much like the Thanksgiving feast.  Then on the first day of the new year, the younger generation will take the time to visit their elders and celebrate and there is an exchange of red packets containing cash.  If you are single (to a certain age I suppose), you’ll most likely get one.

This year has some significance for me as I was born in the year of the Tiger (according to the Lunar Calendar).

I only just realized it a few days ago and it got me thinking.  So when the thinking comes on, so does some creativity, hence this post.  My friend Aik told me that I don’t seem like the typical “tiger” personality.  I don’t have an aggressive personality or display the “roar”.  My mind quickly went back to the scripture (above) from Acts.

I had used that passage to challenge people at my church at the end of last year when I got to speak.  And we have been on a series at church called “Bold (New Year)” – living bold lives (in giving, in worship and in the Spirit).  The passage came back to mind as Aik was jokingly teasing me about my lack of “tiger” personality.  I know I want to be bold like Peter and John and have people be amazed enough to ask questions about it.  I also want to be recognized having been with Jesus – working on this discipline, need to spend more time with Him.  I want to be ready and able to give a reason for my faith/hope in Jesus (1 Peter 3:15) and live my life so it demands that answer.

I am looking forward to an awesome Year of the Tiger!  What about you?  Do you have a fresh start?  Are you living boldly for Jesus?  Have you met the real Jesus?  It is never too late!

Peace!