Janet's sister and brother-in-law arrived from Toronto yesterday.
We met them during lunch today after worship. We had buffet together in the hotel which they stay. I had a rather full meal taking a lot of fresh salmon meat.
Usually taking buffet would enable our stomach to do more exercise. I had more than enough.I had better be moderate for tomorrow I have to go to China for ten days trip and I have to maintain good health.
2007年7月22日 星期日
2007年7月21日 星期六
7 Ds of Stakeholders in expressing a company
I read a book on essentials of Corporate communications yesterday.
It introduced 7 Ds with the intersection of three circles each on Power,Legitimacy and Urgency.It's a matter of identifying 7 key stakeholders.
1.Dormant
2.Discretionary
3.Demanding
4.Definitive
5.Dangerous
6.Dependent
7.Dominant
I just think that in our church lives and serving leaders,would there be all these 7 types in the three intersecting circles with the definitive one in the very middle,while the discrete ones of dormant,discretionary and demanding are on their own,with the dangerous,dominant and dependent ones in any two of the three intersecting circles ?
Try to draw it out in a piece of papers to see the result of the 7 Ds.
It introduced 7 Ds with the intersection of three circles each on Power,Legitimacy and Urgency.It's a matter of identifying 7 key stakeholders.
1.Dormant
2.Discretionary
3.Demanding
4.Definitive
5.Dangerous
6.Dependent
7.Dominant
I just think that in our church lives and serving leaders,would there be all these 7 types in the three intersecting circles with the definitive one in the very middle,while the discrete ones of dormant,discretionary and demanding are on their own,with the dangerous,dominant and dependent ones in any two of the three intersecting circles ?
Try to draw it out in a piece of papers to see the result of the 7 Ds.
Ten days outside HK
I am going on a 10 days trip outside HK tomorrow. Since I would be in CAN areas and so I do not think I can go on website to write anything.
It's glad to write daily and it's a good practice for me. I enjoy receiving news from anywhere and put on the web in case it's meaningful for me and good for others.
When I engage upon training work I need more time to concentrate in teachings and attend to inquiries of questions. Remember my enough sleep and loving patience to understanding more of what's the real problems.
It's glad to write daily and it's a good practice for me. I enjoy receiving news from anywhere and put on the web in case it's meaningful for me and good for others.
When I engage upon training work I need more time to concentrate in teachings and attend to inquiries of questions. Remember my enough sleep and loving patience to understanding more of what's the real problems.
SVM2
I received the SVM2 i.e. Student Volunteer Movement 2 news again this morning.
I received their news since I knew Ryan Shaw in 2002 when he came to HK. As I am not involving myself in Student work I just received news continually without doing any extra work.
If anyone is interested in knowing more can go to the following website SVM2 is an informal international network of students, ministries, churches, and organizations serving a grassroots mission movement among the emerging generation toward the fulfillment of the great commission in our lifetime.
SVM2.net
I received their news since I knew Ryan Shaw in 2002 when he came to HK. As I am not involving myself in Student work I just received news continually without doing any extra work.
If anyone is interested in knowing more can go to the following website SVM2 is an informal international network of students, ministries, churches, and organizations serving a grassroots mission movement among the emerging generation toward the fulfillment of the great commission in our lifetime.
SVM2.net
2007年7月20日 星期五
A refund of donations
HKACM standing committee came together this morning to discuss a refund case.
A lady with mental defects,asked to refund her donated money sent last October due to her poor health. She donated a large sum of money to different places last year voluntarily. Then in her poor health soon after this,she requested all agencies and churches to pay her back the donated sum of money she urgently needed right now.
Legally speaking it's not sound & possible as it's voluntary donations but she even called the police to ask for her money back. After careful consideration we decided to refund her money due to compassion reason.
But it's not a good example and will lead to bad consequences if widely known.
Voluntary offering is a sign of love for God.
A lady with mental defects,asked to refund her donated money sent last October due to her poor health. She donated a large sum of money to different places last year voluntarily. Then in her poor health soon after this,she requested all agencies and churches to pay her back the donated sum of money she urgently needed right now.
Legally speaking it's not sound & possible as it's voluntary donations but she even called the police to ask for her money back. After careful consideration we decided to refund her money due to compassion reason.
But it's not a good example and will lead to bad consequences if widely known.
Voluntary offering is a sign of love for God.
2007年7月19日 星期四
A Young Man's shift
K emailed me asking me to be his referee in job applications.
He's been serving as our SAW in Thailand before. He found school teachings not his interests and so he wanted to apply a government post.
It's my gladness to help even though right now I am not that much time in HK.
Young people these days need much encouragement for them to have a bright future as there are numerous choices.
Unlike our days,they are more confused as there are too many possibilities
He's been serving as our SAW in Thailand before. He found school teachings not his interests and so he wanted to apply a government post.
It's my gladness to help even though right now I am not that much time in HK.
Young people these days need much encouragement for them to have a bright future as there are numerous choices.
Unlike our days,they are more confused as there are too many possibilities
Some Prayer Reflections
Another prayer quotations found on webs for thoughts:
We Have to be biblical, bold, be a blessing and brief while we prayed.
Many memorable quotations of prayer
We Have to be biblical, bold, be a blessing and brief while we prayed.
Many memorable quotations of prayer
- Pray and let God worry;
- God's answers are wiser than our prayers;
- In prayer, it is better to have a heart without words than to have words without heart;
- The value of a consistent prayer is not that He hears us but we hear Him;
- Prayer does not fit us for greater work, prayer is the greater work.
We are to light up our fire for Christ.
I read from David Chan 's church website essay sharings which quoted the following that's meaningful for thoughts :
We are to light up our fire for Christ.
We are to light up our fire for Christ.
- Life is too short,
- death is too sudden,
- hell is too hot,
- heaven is too sweet,
- eternity is too long and
- Jesus is too precious and we should all be lighted up or even fired up for Him.
Two ways of training
Mr. M shared this morning there were two ways of training he learnt.
One is called "Parrot Picking tongues" 鸚武學舌That means you just pass on what you learnt and there's no more. That's a transferabilty way of learning and passing on mode of learning and training. Sometimes HK education is more or less such kind of teaching and learnings. There's of course advantage too of this kind of learning when the trained have no basics and have to master first the info needed for further progress. There's the disadvantage of sort of mechanical and robot type of input without one's initiatives and creativities.
Another one is called "Sophisticated In Simple out ". 深入淺出 That's a more holistic and intuitive way of learning and training. That's also called a digested way of mastering something and put it forth in a simple way for teachings. 深入淺出 is what we all want in our learnings and understandings.
Mr. Ma agreed that he's right now learning how to use the second way of training. It can be a hot topic for continual discussion on whether the ongoing trainings should more be a parrot type or better the 2S type.
Personally I prefer a mixed type instead of relying on either type. The parrot type is needed most of the time to teach the beginners and the second type is much better for those who are already starters and need more guidance instead of information.
For China churches today I think it's a gradual change from parrot type training towards more creative type of trainings.
One is called "Parrot Picking tongues" 鸚武學舌That means you just pass on what you learnt and there's no more. That's a transferabilty way of learning and passing on mode of learning and training. Sometimes HK education is more or less such kind of teaching and learnings. There's of course advantage too of this kind of learning when the trained have no basics and have to master first the info needed for further progress. There's the disadvantage of sort of mechanical and robot type of input without one's initiatives and creativities.
Another one is called "Sophisticated In Simple out ". 深入淺出 That's a more holistic and intuitive way of learning and training. That's also called a digested way of mastering something and put it forth in a simple way for teachings. 深入淺出 is what we all want in our learnings and understandings.
Mr. Ma agreed that he's right now learning how to use the second way of training. It can be a hot topic for continual discussion on whether the ongoing trainings should more be a parrot type or better the 2S type.
Personally I prefer a mixed type instead of relying on either type. The parrot type is needed most of the time to teach the beginners and the second type is much better for those who are already starters and need more guidance instead of information.
For China churches today I think it's a gradual change from parrot type training towards more creative type of trainings.
2007年7月17日 星期二
Different needs
A missionary colleague wrote to me of her burnout situation has not improved. She was recommended to take rest and early Home Assignment. Another 's son will have a large increase in coming year's education school support and the increase is more than 55 % than before as the child will study in International school. One other will change from a one year Serve Asia to being long term associate with us...... There are different needs among these persons.
As I already shifted to a training role,I still cared for these coming up needs. I pray to the Lord to provide for them,both physically and financially. I also have to keep in touch with their home church in the meantime. I thank the Lord for my going fast in all these news and so manage to updates all the time,even during these past two weeks.
Mission executive most of the time 's role is to deal with all these in a proper and sensible way.
But I like to teach anyway and will soon drop down all these administrative cares and contacts.
Lisa is on leave this week and so today I have to be more focused to finish all the needs mentioned for tomorrow I would be in another office.
As I already shifted to a training role,I still cared for these coming up needs. I pray to the Lord to provide for them,both physically and financially. I also have to keep in touch with their home church in the meantime. I thank the Lord for my going fast in all these news and so manage to updates all the time,even during these past two weeks.
Mission executive most of the time 's role is to deal with all these in a proper and sensible way.
But I like to teach anyway and will soon drop down all these administrative cares and contacts.
Lisa is on leave this week and so today I have to be more focused to finish all the needs mentioned for tomorrow I would be in another office.
Psalm 51:17
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
I read prayer news from Dr. Ang HK and found it useful for reflection below:
‘The Calvary Road’, written by Roy Hession, which was first published in 1950.
One of these colleagues shared a sentence from the book which had made an impact on her:
‘Every humiliation, everyone who tries and vexes us is the Father’s way of breaking us, so that there is yet a deeper channel in us for the life of Jesus.’ This helped her to be willing to pay the price of brokenness for the prize of growth, a growth which will allow the ‘likeness of the One who redeemed me to be manifested in my life’.
As Roy Hession puts it, “The Lord Jesus cannot live in us fully and reveal Himself through us until the proud self within us is broken. This simply means that the hard, unyielding self, which justifies itself, wants its own way, stands up for its rights, and seeks its own glory, at last bows its head to God’s will, admits its wrongs, gives up its own way to Jesus, surrenders its rights and discards its own glory- that the Lord Jesus might have all and be all.”
This breaking of the proud self within us is often painful and unbearably humiliating, so we try to avoid it. Yet it is necessary. He must increase and we must decrease if He is to receive the glory and we are to grow in His likeness.
It's indeed true Lord for our proud self to be crucified in order that we can be humble to have further growth.
I read prayer news from Dr. Ang HK and found it useful for reflection below:
‘The Calvary Road’, written by Roy Hession, which was first published in 1950.
One of these colleagues shared a sentence from the book which had made an impact on her:
‘Every humiliation, everyone who tries and vexes us is the Father’s way of breaking us, so that there is yet a deeper channel in us for the life of Jesus.’ This helped her to be willing to pay the price of brokenness for the prize of growth, a growth which will allow the ‘likeness of the One who redeemed me to be manifested in my life’.
As Roy Hession puts it, “The Lord Jesus cannot live in us fully and reveal Himself through us until the proud self within us is broken. This simply means that the hard, unyielding self, which justifies itself, wants its own way, stands up for its rights, and seeks its own glory, at last bows its head to God’s will, admits its wrongs, gives up its own way to Jesus, surrenders its rights and discards its own glory- that the Lord Jesus might have all and be all.”
This breaking of the proud self within us is often painful and unbearably humiliating, so we try to avoid it. Yet it is necessary. He must increase and we must decrease if He is to receive the glory and we are to grow in His likeness.
It's indeed true Lord for our proud self to be crucified in order that we can be humble to have further growth.
Two weeks in new office
It's glad to be in my new ministry for these past two weeks.
I feel relax as I am a fast person to finish my notes,my plannings and my sharings all on or before the deadline.
I feel fresh to know many of the nearby colleagues and staff and get to know their names one by one.
I feel encouraged to see quite a number of volunteers to help in the place when they dedicate their time to serve the Lord either half day most of the week or even come everyday.
I feel safe to prepare travel together with two other colleagues coming weeks and months.
I feel in touch to involve my life with christians in CAN and learning from them in days ahead.
I thank the wisdom of the Lord to lead me in His hand.
Thank You Lord for the new changes.
I feel relax as I am a fast person to finish my notes,my plannings and my sharings all on or before the deadline.
I feel fresh to know many of the nearby colleagues and staff and get to know their names one by one.
I feel encouraged to see quite a number of volunteers to help in the place when they dedicate their time to serve the Lord either half day most of the week or even come everyday.
I feel safe to prepare travel together with two other colleagues coming weeks and months.
I feel in touch to involve my life with christians in CAN and learning from them in days ahead.
I thank the wisdom of the Lord to lead me in His hand.
Thank You Lord for the new changes.
2007年7月16日 星期一
Last Turn
I read from a church Website that an early fifties pastor in Canada,whom I knew when I was a new Christian more than 30 years ago,that he would move back HK to teach in a bible seminary this coming August. He visited my office about April before going back to Vancouver.
I used to read reflections from his church webpage. It's his last turn as he said himself after 28 years in both US and Canada,serving in church ministries. He thought that his further contributions would be maximizing his pastoral training gifts to help Chinese churches to train up good pastors in this last turn. He got doctoral degree in preachings and it's good that he had gone with quite a number of well known scholars in this particular area. I am looking forward to seeing how HK churches can have better pastors and preachers in days ahead.
Last night I went to his website again and downloaded most of his sharings on preachings. May be some time later I can have more reflections out of these.
I used to read reflections from his church webpage. It's his last turn as he said himself after 28 years in both US and Canada,serving in church ministries. He thought that his further contributions would be maximizing his pastoral training gifts to help Chinese churches to train up good pastors in this last turn. He got doctoral degree in preachings and it's good that he had gone with quite a number of well known scholars in this particular area. I am looking forward to seeing how HK churches can have better pastors and preachers in days ahead.
Last night I went to his website again and downloaded most of his sharings on preachings. May be some time later I can have more reflections out of these.
Distraction from Hunger
A baby in MTR cried aloud in his mother's arm. I could see that he 's hungry. The father tried to calm him down and told him five more minutes would be home. But the little one still suffered from hunger and cried non stop. I could see that both the parents still maintained smiles amid such kind of difficulty.Then the father used a empty plastic bottle striking by his fingers to make noises for the baby.This distraction as well as attraction seem work for a while and the crying stops.
Amid our spiritual hungers of cries would our Father distract and soothe us by His kind way ?I do not know the answer. I just know that I am that baby and needs someone to fill my hunger.
Lord ! Allow us a moment to fill our hunger. The baby needs milk food somehow to end his cries. We need your nourishments to feel strong & satisfied.
Amid our spiritual hungers of cries would our Father distract and soothe us by His kind way ?I do not know the answer. I just know that I am that baby and needs someone to fill my hunger.
Lord ! Allow us a moment to fill our hunger. The baby needs milk food somehow to end his cries. We need your nourishments to feel strong & satisfied.
2007年7月15日 星期日
Our influence
I attended a funeral service last evening.
An ECF pastor's wife died of cancer after 7 years struggle. I sat with others all throughout the more than 2 hours long program. With words of remembrance and appreciations from friends and family members,the deceased was highly praised for her commitment to the Lord and for her services for others.
The final consolation message from her mentor just summed up her being a warrior for herself,for her beloved family and for her church. It's so touching as well as uplifting for all.
I asked the Lord when I die someday,it will be fine if someone has such high view of my contribution. But I prefer quietly lying there without any words from men. I do not deserve it before men.
Only the Lord knows my all and His praises worth all.
An ECF pastor's wife died of cancer after 7 years struggle. I sat with others all throughout the more than 2 hours long program. With words of remembrance and appreciations from friends and family members,the deceased was highly praised for her commitment to the Lord and for her services for others.
The final consolation message from her mentor just summed up her being a warrior for herself,for her beloved family and for her church. It's so touching as well as uplifting for all.
I asked the Lord when I die someday,it will be fine if someone has such high view of my contribution. But I prefer quietly lying there without any words from men. I do not deserve it before men.
Only the Lord knows my all and His praises worth all.
2007年7月14日 星期六
Mission
Paul was sent as the apostles of the Gentiles.
He's specially chosen to be the ambassador among them. In Acts 26 it's said that the Lord Jesus sent him to have their eyes opened,turning from darkness into light,at the same time being released from the Power of Satan unto God. These verses made me reflect upon my own calling to serve the Lord more than 25 years ago.
I was then a graduate from Chinese University. I already went with CCC colleagues serving among the university students in CU campus. Then these few verses struck upon me in an evening meeting. Of course I wouldn't think of my calling like Paul. But the verse also made me think of my life direction. It's a kind of mission out of the sending God to serve among the unbelieving students since then.
My mission was to see that they could be out of darkness & find the true Light,that 's our Lord Jesus Christ--- A into true Light ministry
My mission then was to see that they could be released from the power of Satan who blinded men's heart--- An entering Real Freedom ministry
Since then I have been a full time worker into Christian service.
This year marks my 25 yrs serving the Lord. From student ministry into church ministry into mission service and right now into China ministry.
Now I still ask the Lord to maintain my sense of mission in my ongoing service,i.e. make men out of darkness into light and being released from the power of Satan.
He is the God of mission and we are going on a mission journey to proclaim Him.
May such mission spirit be among all His children under the present confused generation.
He's specially chosen to be the ambassador among them. In Acts 26 it's said that the Lord Jesus sent him to have their eyes opened,turning from darkness into light,at the same time being released from the Power of Satan unto God. These verses made me reflect upon my own calling to serve the Lord more than 25 years ago.
I was then a graduate from Chinese University. I already went with CCC colleagues serving among the university students in CU campus. Then these few verses struck upon me in an evening meeting. Of course I wouldn't think of my calling like Paul. But the verse also made me think of my life direction. It's a kind of mission out of the sending God to serve among the unbelieving students since then.
My mission was to see that they could be out of darkness & find the true Light,that 's our Lord Jesus Christ--- A into true Light ministry
My mission then was to see that they could be released from the power of Satan who blinded men's heart--- An entering Real Freedom ministry
Since then I have been a full time worker into Christian service.
This year marks my 25 yrs serving the Lord. From student ministry into church ministry into mission service and right now into China ministry.
Now I still ask the Lord to maintain my sense of mission in my ongoing service,i.e. make men out of darkness into light and being released from the power of Satan.
He is the God of mission and we are going on a mission journey to proclaim Him.
May such mission spirit be among all His children under the present confused generation.
Reaching Goals
The past two days have thoughts on the importance of reaching goals.
Rev. Kenneth Lo shared his seven-fold goals in his past years with FEBC since his service from 1974. It's a cumulative as well as personal perseverance in attaining goals. I think my limitations are not in no goal setting but more in not persevering enough to attain set goals. Of course in reaching goals,there must be having proper personnels and good relationships working with others. But still the paramount importance in all this is having clear and distinctive goals.
I read a book by a Chinese Literature author Chang Yin Leung today. It's his new collected writings. I am amazed to know that he has become an entrepreneur from the past twenty or so years since China's open door policy. He made up all from scratch in China's West Development experience a Ningxia North Town Castle which is famous for being the main tourism spot as well as a Media creativity & trial experience centre. He is another example in illustrating the importance of having goal setting and perseverance in attaining among difficulties.
For most of us,neither the natural born intelligent ones nor all out illiterates,we must think more on having goals in our lives and ask for perseverance to reach them.
Famous persons are better in this area than most of us. They might not be such genius but they surely excel us in having clear and reachable goals,both in their daily life as well as in work and ministry.
Thanks God for knowing and reading the success examples from these men.
Rev. Kenneth Lo shared his seven-fold goals in his past years with FEBC since his service from 1974. It's a cumulative as well as personal perseverance in attaining goals. I think my limitations are not in no goal setting but more in not persevering enough to attain set goals. Of course in reaching goals,there must be having proper personnels and good relationships working with others. But still the paramount importance in all this is having clear and distinctive goals.
I read a book by a Chinese Literature author Chang Yin Leung today. It's his new collected writings. I am amazed to know that he has become an entrepreneur from the past twenty or so years since China's open door policy. He made up all from scratch in China's West Development experience a Ningxia North Town Castle which is famous for being the main tourism spot as well as a Media creativity & trial experience centre. He is another example in illustrating the importance of having goal setting and perseverance in attaining among difficulties.
For most of us,neither the natural born intelligent ones nor all out illiterates,we must think more on having goals in our lives and ask for perseverance to reach them.
Famous persons are better in this area than most of us. They might not be such genius but they surely excel us in having clear and reachable goals,both in their daily life as well as in work and ministry.
Thanks God for knowing and reading the success examples from these men.
2007年7月13日 星期五
Two way Headsets
I went to find some headsets for the new office. The present one just for listening without having the micro-speakers. That's just one way in listening. I need to have both for conversations for the Skype conversations.
We need two-way communications in our fellowship with the Lord.
One way listening is fine but we still need two-way for satisfactory talks.
It's amazing that the present headsets are so cheap. I found one shop offering just $ 18 dollars per set. Last year I bought one for over $ 30 dollars. The decreasing price means more demands for the increases in supply. That also means that more persons use modern technology.
We need two-way communications in our fellowship with the Lord.
One way listening is fine but we still need two-way for satisfactory talks.
It's amazing that the present headsets are so cheap. I found one shop offering just $ 18 dollars per set. Last year I bought one for over $ 30 dollars. The decreasing price means more demands for the increases in supply. That also means that more persons use modern technology.
Care & Fellowship
Two colleagues asked me for fellowship talk yesterday afternoon.
It's great to have mutual care among our ministries. If HK pastors and ministry workers can form a habit of caring talks,it will greatly change the fast-mode atmosphere that envelops all under the present highly competitive situation.
Leisure talks can relieve tensions and alleviate anxiety most of the time. Laughters can help improve even our depressed state. I am fine as they concern my transition since July changes.
English proverbs says that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
The Spirit would say that a colleague in care is a colleague in touch.
I would like to say a friend is someone you want to meet again after first meeting.
Lord ! Help your servants to build up caring company and long lasting friendships in Christ.
It's great to have mutual care among our ministries. If HK pastors and ministry workers can form a habit of caring talks,it will greatly change the fast-mode atmosphere that envelops all under the present highly competitive situation.
Leisure talks can relieve tensions and alleviate anxiety most of the time. Laughters can help improve even our depressed state. I am fine as they concern my transition since July changes.
English proverbs says that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
The Spirit would say that a colleague in care is a colleague in touch.
I would like to say a friend is someone you want to meet again after first meeting.
Lord ! Help your servants to build up caring company and long lasting friendships in Christ.
2007年7月12日 星期四
Mistake & Help
Janet's mobile charger got stuck few days ago. So Yannie's original mobile was given for her temporal use.
Yannie longed for a new mobile herself with updated model. We finally agreed to buy her a new one for her liking. This for two reasons,she needs a new one when mom got her handphone and she's rewarded for her good grade in her recent school exam results.
But the new bought mobile was found a misplaced charger,instead the mistaken charger was found to be the exact one Janet needs for her failed charger.
So it's amazing that Janet needs not find a new charger herself but just need to ask for the corrected one for Yannie and buy the misplaced one.
Its' entirely a mistake due to misplacement. But it 's wonderful the mistake turns out to be a help instead.
May the Lord grant us a mistake but at the same time a help to us ? A theological paradox !
Yannie longed for a new mobile herself with updated model. We finally agreed to buy her a new one for her liking. This for two reasons,she needs a new one when mom got her handphone and she's rewarded for her good grade in her recent school exam results.
But the new bought mobile was found a misplaced charger,instead the mistaken charger was found to be the exact one Janet needs for her failed charger.
So it's amazing that Janet needs not find a new charger herself but just need to ask for the corrected one for Yannie and buy the misplaced one.
Its' entirely a mistake due to misplacement. But it 's wonderful the mistake turns out to be a help instead.
May the Lord grant us a mistake but at the same time a help to us ? A theological paradox !
2007年7月11日 星期三
Mentoring talks
My new ministry is not just spending time in preparing notes. Rev. Lo takes time to talk and share how he treats people and look at things.
It's glad that I can learn in this way and know more.
It's glad that I can learn in this way and know more.
Keep in Step with the Spirit
I read JI Packer 's Keep in step with the Spirit this morning.It's a new version I received two days ago.
Four key words started the first chapter in his description of the Spirit's work among Christians.
Power,Performance,Purity& Presentation
Power ! How's our inner energy today ?
Performance ! How's our outward witness today ?
Purity ! How's our inner sanctity today ?
Presentation ! How's our outward example today ?
All His presence and programs are resulted from these!
Four key words started the first chapter in his description of the Spirit's work among Christians.
Power,Performance,Purity& Presentation
Power ! How's our inner energy today ?
Performance ! How's our outward witness today ?
Purity ! How's our inner sanctity today ?
Presentation ! How's our outward example today ?
All His presence and programs are resulted from these!
2007年7月10日 星期二
Relationships
Janet reminded me to be aware of relationships with Yannie.
As I am a man of thoughts and always just want to read books,I have to be conscious of my time at home. I need to spend time watching TV together with Yannie,not just focusing on my own books and computer. In this way,there's still time for exchanges. I agree on the whole of her suggestion and learn to be not selfish on my own time use. These days teenagers are facing their identity and seek for companionship,if being parents I do not see to it and miss the opportunity,sooner or later they won't come to you anymore.
God ! Help me to be tactful and mindful in spending time with family members.
As I am a man of thoughts and always just want to read books,I have to be conscious of my time at home. I need to spend time watching TV together with Yannie,not just focusing on my own books and computer. In this way,there's still time for exchanges. I agree on the whole of her suggestion and learn to be not selfish on my own time use. These days teenagers are facing their identity and seek for companionship,if being parents I do not see to it and miss the opportunity,sooner or later they won't come to you anymore.
God ! Help me to be tactful and mindful in spending time with family members.
2007年7月9日 星期一
Quotations
This morning prayer meet sharings put forth a reflection for us.
How proper do we quote from others ? Do we need to be very careful in terms of using others' articles and speeches in our uses ?
The gist of the thing hinged upon the integrity of the very person we quote. Like using regular hymns from modern authors,if the background for these persons are controversial,can we without discrimination & quote them ?
For careful and conservative colleagues ,there should be no problems in using good songs even knowing that the person is not perfect and even with problems of integrity.
But for more elderly pastors,both our consistent lives & our personal integrity are important. Our songs and conduct have to be matched without separation.
In present days when personal freedom is a must for all to express,it's hard indeed,not that not possible,to still persist in a conservative stance.
Lord ! Help me to be careful in using quotes with your wisdom.
Grant me courage to use it in a proper & conscientious way.
How proper do we quote from others ? Do we need to be very careful in terms of using others' articles and speeches in our uses ?
The gist of the thing hinged upon the integrity of the very person we quote. Like using regular hymns from modern authors,if the background for these persons are controversial,can we without discrimination & quote them ?
For careful and conservative colleagues ,there should be no problems in using good songs even knowing that the person is not perfect and even with problems of integrity.
But for more elderly pastors,both our consistent lives & our personal integrity are important. Our songs and conduct have to be matched without separation.
In present days when personal freedom is a must for all to express,it's hard indeed,not that not possible,to still persist in a conservative stance.
Lord ! Help me to be careful in using quotes with your wisdom.
Grant me courage to use it in a proper & conscientious way.
Windows of the Soul
This is a very good book by Ken Kire. I do not know this author but it's a book I bought during the 2005 Philippine field visit. I read it before and this morning I re-read it.
There are 5 introducing opening chapters followed by 14 windows of the soul chapters.
There are moments in our life we long for something,something from God to speak a phrase to us,some insights out of our lives around us. The 14 chapters just spread out these moments of blessings from Him when we really pause ourselves before Him and listen to Him and watch on Him.
Window of Vocation---- Prayer for Joy
Window of Stories ---- Prayer for Revelation
Window of Art--- Prayer for Humility
Window of Wilderness --- Prayer for Transformation
Window of Poetry--- Prayer for Understanding
Window of Movies --- Prayer for Moments
Window of Memory ---- Prayer for Remembrance
Window of Dreams---Prayer for Insight
Window of Writings ---- Prayer for Discovery
Window of Scripture ---- Prayer for Intimacy
Window of Humanity--- Prayer for Incarnation
Window of Tears --- Prayer for Courage
Window of Depression --- Prayer for Dawn
Window of Nature --- Prayer for Learning
May these 14 windows of our soul help us more
in our reflections & walk with the Lord !
A glass window stands before us. We raise our eyes and see the glass;we note its quality,and observe its defects;we speculate on its composition. Or we look straight through it on the great prospect of land and sea and sky beyond. ---Benjamin B. Warfield---
There are 5 introducing opening chapters followed by 14 windows of the soul chapters.
There are moments in our life we long for something,something from God to speak a phrase to us,some insights out of our lives around us. The 14 chapters just spread out these moments of blessings from Him when we really pause ourselves before Him and listen to Him and watch on Him.
Window of Vocation---- Prayer for Joy
Window of Stories ---- Prayer for Revelation
Window of Art--- Prayer for Humility
Window of Wilderness --- Prayer for Transformation
Window of Poetry--- Prayer for Understanding
Window of Movies --- Prayer for Moments
Window of Memory ---- Prayer for Remembrance
Window of Dreams---Prayer for Insight
Window of Writings ---- Prayer for Discovery
Window of Scripture ---- Prayer for Intimacy
Window of Humanity--- Prayer for Incarnation
Window of Tears --- Prayer for Courage
Window of Depression --- Prayer for Dawn
Window of Nature --- Prayer for Learning
May these 14 windows of our soul help us more
in our reflections & walk with the Lord !
A glass window stands before us. We raise our eyes and see the glass;we note its quality,and observe its defects;we speculate on its composition. Or we look straight through it on the great prospect of land and sea and sky beyond. ---Benjamin B. Warfield---
A new kind of training for me
I already finished my coming months training ministry notes today. I'm glad for that as I can be freed out to think more on the training ministry needs as training director.
It's a kind of new transition for me this past week and I am under the direction of a boss instead of all on my own like the past twenty years in terms of operation. All throughout my church years I was all on my own in decision making and even the past five years or so with Mission work in HK,I am the one who makes all the final decisions. But with this new post I have to be subjected to a manager. It's good I am not the one bearing the final responsibility. But on the other hand it's a bit not free to do as I like. Perhaps this is my new training.
It's a kind of new transition for me this past week and I am under the direction of a boss instead of all on my own like the past twenty years in terms of operation. All throughout my church years I was all on my own in decision making and even the past five years or so with Mission work in HK,I am the one who makes all the final decisions. But with this new post I have to be subjected to a manager. It's good I am not the one bearing the final responsibility. But on the other hand it's a bit not free to do as I like. Perhaps this is my new training.
2007年7月8日 星期日
Along the River During Ching Ming
Sunday Evening found ourselves visiting the HK Arts Museum to be with the Pride of China Show celebrating the return of HK to China 10th anniversary. We were just given 5 min. to see the original 5 M long painting. Not that crowded the time we were there but when we left an hour or so later many came.
It's still sort of viewing on a riding horse as we do not look into the details quite ready. I am also not that type of historian to explain and interpret,just to be there and know what's going on. There are all together nine categories of people reflected from the then city lives in the North Sung dynasty. The officials,the literati,the peasants,the doctor,the businessman,the soothsayers,the oarsman and haulers, and two other already forgot ones in my memory. It's a bit amazing for the painter Artist Cheung Chak Duen to be so refined in his production of this grand paintings. I wonder today can we still find modern man have similar outcomes in workmanship under our busy and noisy lives ?
We went to treat ourselves in TST YMCA evening Buffet nearby after the show visit.It's a grand meal and my sister treated us of the meal. PTL
It's still sort of viewing on a riding horse as we do not look into the details quite ready. I am also not that type of historian to explain and interpret,just to be there and know what's going on. There are all together nine categories of people reflected from the then city lives in the North Sung dynasty. The officials,the literati,the peasants,the doctor,the businessman,the soothsayers,the oarsman and haulers, and two other already forgot ones in my memory. It's a bit amazing for the painter Artist Cheung Chak Duen to be so refined in his production of this grand paintings. I wonder today can we still find modern man have similar outcomes in workmanship under our busy and noisy lives ?
We went to treat ourselves in TST YMCA evening Buffet nearby after the show visit.It's a grand meal and my sister treated us of the meal. PTL
2007年7月6日 星期五
Training materials
I remind myself to train people is not a matter of conveying training notes though I have to prepare for it.
I rather ask the Lord to help me prepare myself before delivering the lessions
I rather ask the Lord to help me prepare myself before delivering the lessions
2007年7月5日 星期四
Learning through typing notes
I started to type training notes these past two days. It's a bit urgent since the delivered content has been provisionally changed.
Though I am a fast person to my best but it's less than two weeks to go on the trip,and there's no ready-made notes at hand or soft copy for pasting. Last night I went through a small pamphlet on pastoral ministry and it helped a lot on my preparation. I thank the Lord for typing and learning through it simultaneously. The main content is on pastoring and the meaning of pastoring. It's a great input for me first to review and examine on my own before putting forth to others.
Though I am a fast person to my best but it's less than two weeks to go on the trip,and there's no ready-made notes at hand or soft copy for pasting. Last night I went through a small pamphlet on pastoral ministry and it helped a lot on my preparation. I thank the Lord for typing and learning through it simultaneously. The main content is on pastoring and the meaning of pastoring. It's a great input for me first to review and examine on my own before putting forth to others.
2007年7月4日 星期三
Longer Time
It takes an hour from home to new office this week as I started my role in the training ministry.
No. 40 bus is quite convenient in getting us to it.
I still adjust to the new environment and colleagues. Everything has to learn again.
Yannie had to go by herself even in getting to the bus stop this morning.
Lord! Help us to be your servant ! Entrust to you our learnings
No. 40 bus is quite convenient in getting us to it.
I still adjust to the new environment and colleagues. Everything has to learn again.
Yannie had to go by herself even in getting to the bus stop this morning.
Lord! Help us to be your servant ! Entrust to you our learnings
Day of Prayer
We had our Day of prayer for the mid-year today. It's from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. Besides the several offices' colleagues coming together,there were three young people joining our coming SEA program with us too. In addition,three field missionaries on HA in HK and three Macau colleagues came to join in praying.Then there were a couple partner came in one of the the morning sessions.
There are also together 8 sessions for the whole day. As usual we were praying through the whole Fellowship needs and the theme for us was God' s great names : Jehova Tsidhkenu,Jehova Nissi.Jehova Rophe and Jehova Jireh respectively,meaning focusing on God' salvation,God's spiritual battle,God's healing and God's provision.
7 colleagues were asked to lead the sessions and I took both the first and the last one. It's wonderful for different people to lead in a different way to make it more creative in putting forth the prayer requests. Some use beautiful pictures and background introductions,others use scripture readings and silent prayers. I started the session with explanations ot going through the four mentioned names of God.
It's a kind of training in our concern for the Fellowship needs on every DOP. It's great to have these prayers for the working day without answering phone calls but ringing our phone calls to the Lord in heaven for the day.
There are also together 8 sessions for the whole day. As usual we were praying through the whole Fellowship needs and the theme for us was God' s great names : Jehova Tsidhkenu,Jehova Nissi.Jehova Rophe and Jehova Jireh respectively,meaning focusing on God' salvation,God's spiritual battle,God's healing and God's provision.
7 colleagues were asked to lead the sessions and I took both the first and the last one. It's wonderful for different people to lead in a different way to make it more creative in putting forth the prayer requests. Some use beautiful pictures and background introductions,others use scripture readings and silent prayers. I started the session with explanations ot going through the four mentioned names of God.
It's a kind of training in our concern for the Fellowship needs on every DOP. It's great to have these prayers for the working day without answering phone calls but ringing our phone calls to the Lord in heaven for the day.
2007年7月2日 星期一
Terracosta Show
I went to Telford Plaza to see the Terracosta show during the Return celebration.
It's a small scale one when compared with the real one in China.
Anyway when I were in Xian I did not even have a chance to go ,so this might also be an opportunity to see the imitated ones,much smaller than the original. It's said the area of the Terracosta in mainland occupies two and a half area of Macau. The people around who explained to us were from Oxfarm and the show also helped her in getting money from the attendants.
We took some pictures and besides the Terracosta,there's a war chariot with four horses in the display. We were told that it's just two in the whole world from the Chin Dynasty.
It's a small scale one when compared with the real one in China.
Anyway when I were in Xian I did not even have a chance to go ,so this might also be an opportunity to see the imitated ones,much smaller than the original. It's said the area of the Terracosta in mainland occupies two and a half area of Macau. The people around who explained to us were from Oxfarm and the show also helped her in getting money from the attendants.
We took some pictures and besides the Terracosta,there's a war chariot with four horses in the display. We were told that it's just two in the whole world from the Chin Dynasty.
2007年7月1日 星期日
CMPUPG
shall take the challenge part on coming Saturday Chinese Minority Prayer meet,I just take on the CMPUPG initials as my sixfold challenges as follows:
2. 禱告之心有增長嗎 ? (禱告)
3. 有沒想及具體行動 ? (行動)
a. 組成代禱組
b.教會認領少數民族
六個步驟
C ommitment 委身 委身於神
M otivation 動機 榮神為首
P lanning 計劃 鮮明目標
U nderstanding 了解 多方吸收
P rayer 禱告 恆切禱告
G o 出去 親歷並境
ABCDE分享
ABCDE分享
有姊妹要我寫點分享，但已沒參與謝團多時，要寫分享，不知從何寫起。早前使團祈禱會同工分享後，腦際立時有如下反應，就以之發揮交差。我們這群人歲數已相當，在社會教會也頗具經驗，但屬靈追求上仍是初階，故我對自己有如此要求，盼也作為你的參考 !
一.肯定自己 (Affirmation) 弗二10
我並非凡事皆能，但知總有某處比別人強，主亦用得著，我就好好服事。不與人比較，只要是主給的機會我就把握。肯定自已有價值，縱然在家庭成長上有欠缺，但信祂總有可用之處，那就是我的安全感，那就是我的事奉。
二.均衡生活 (Balance) 約三書2
力求不浪費時間，且求家庭與事工平衝。常見人因事奉過份投入，弄至身心疲憊，別人亦感你沒有了家庭，那並非美好見證樣式。我同時亦持守每天閱讀，博聞強記以之為樂，知道付出之餘亦要進補，那就是平衡；消耗中要有進食，那亦是自然之理。
三. 投入群體 (Community & Commitment) 腓二4-5
不可只作孤單信徒，須有同路支持。要有教會生活，須具備正確教會觀。不錯天性上我傾向獨行俠型，但亦深明神旨要我與信徒分享。感謝主事奉上亦預備可諮詢前輩，那就是我事奉之樂。祈求主同時亦賜下可造就的提摩太，能給予心機使之成材。這是我所說事奉上投入群體的意思，能把時間經驗給予當得的人。
四. 勤奮紀律 (Diligence & Discipline) 箴十4
我本非聰明，只是比人作多一點。既知自已非天才輩，就更曉得要須比人多點預備，或可能有點收成。保羅說我們不是為打空氣活著，所以作事須有目標，善用時間，這須具良好紀律方能成事。大凡勤勞者，都是人值得效法的對象。人要腳踏實地，承諾在先交待在後，此乃成功人生標記。我們普通人之所以普通，往往就是在此事上談不上及格。
五.享受生活 (Enjoy Life) 傳五18
傳道者勸勉我們，要懂得及時行樂享受人生，那是敬畏神者重要領受。若只忙碌一番未能享受個中，那就是愚眛枉活。人到中年，若仍舊衝鋒陷陣地生活大抵已屬不智，我們理當享受主給予的歷練，把握並向初學者提點，那是人生該有本份。活到近五十歲，若仍不作試問該誰去作 ? 若不作並非表示謙卑，乃是忘記人生本來該有的責任，也沒享受此階段應有的歷練放送。
上面只屬無題的人生ABCDE分享，反映此刻做人事主，懇請指教為盼。
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