傷心最大的益處，.....是從中學習到一些東西。
這是絕對靈驗的。
你可能徹夜不眠，靜聽你紊亂失調的脈絡....
你可能看到你周圍的世界被邪惡的瘋子蹂躪得面目全非，
也可能得知你的榮耀被更卑劣污濁的小人踐踏在陰溝裡。
只有一樣東西可對付它----學習
學習 為何人世如此滄桑，
學習 甚麼令它變遷。
只有 學習能令你的思維
- 永不枯竭
- 永不孤立
- 永不受折磨
- 永不恐懼或懷疑 也
- 永不起後悔的念頭
- White .T.H. <<永恆的國王>>-
願我們一生都願意學習，且看見學習的益處。
2007年8月31日 星期五
學習於共同體中---共事切磋
借了Parker J. Palmer<<教學勇氣>> The Courage to Teach一書，其中一章是談及學習於共同體中---共事切磋，面頭有如下引述，很有意思 :
傷心最大的益處，.....是從中學習到一些東西。
這是絕對靈驗的。
你可能徹夜不眠，靜聽你紊亂失調的脈絡....
你可能看到你周圍的世界被邪惡的瘋子蹂躪得面目全非，
也可能得知你的榮耀被更卑劣污濁的小人踐踏在陰溝裡。
只有一樣東西可對付它----學習
學習 為何人世如此滄桑，
學習 甚麼令它變遷。
只有 學習能令你的思維
- White .T.H. <<永恆的國王>>-
願我們一生都願意學習，且看見學習的益處。
傷心最大的益處，.....是從中學習到一些東西。
這是絕對靈驗的。
你可能徹夜不眠，靜聽你紊亂失調的脈絡....
你可能看到你周圍的世界被邪惡的瘋子蹂躪得面目全非，
也可能得知你的榮耀被更卑劣污濁的小人踐踏在陰溝裡。
只有一樣東西可對付它----學習
學習 為何人世如此滄桑，
學習 甚麼令它變遷。
只有 學習能令你的思維
- White .T.H. <<永恆的國王>>-
願我們一生都願意學習，且看見學習的益處。
Restorative justice
The new issue of the bulletin of Christian Kun Sun Association shared on the concept of Restorative Justice, an organization focusing on helping with the prisoners to have new life.
It's meaningful to shed light through the 5 R s on this task.
I seldom know this area much and it's insightful to read the sharings after office hours.
It's meaningful to shed light through the 5 R s on this task.
- Rest
- Release
- Recovery
- Restoration
- Rebuild
- Reparation
- Participation
- Transformation
I seldom know this area much and it's insightful to read the sharings after office hours.
More Love,Mosquito and sweat
A lady pastor told me her feelings in China ministry. She said there were three more----More love,more sweat and more mosquitoes.
I think,
Where is our sweat for Him ?
Where is our little inconveniences ?
I pray for my own reflections on these three this day!
I think,
- More love is our dedication to the Lord of course.
- More sweat is our daily laboring for Him naturally
- More mosquitoes should be our little irritations for Him.
Where is our sweat for Him ?
Where is our little inconveniences ?
I pray for my own reflections on these three this day!
Secure,Reliable and Easy to use !
I already use psmail for a few years. I just noticed the arresting key introducing words today and that are Secure,Reliable and Easy to use.
These three characteristics are quite succinct for users in communicating important messages across to friends on the other end. The assurance of safe and reliable as well as convenient for users are highly testing.
May relationships with our Lord also be found secured and reliable before Him ?
May the Lord delight in our obedience to His will and being a good servant ?
May we too be a good steward used easily for His kingdom ?
Psmail's above three key words just reminded me once again of
Our security,
Our reliability and
Our simplicity before the Lord and for His glory we offer up ourselves.
These three characteristics are quite succinct for users in communicating important messages across to friends on the other end. The assurance of safe and reliable as well as convenient for users are highly testing.
May relationships with our Lord also be found secured and reliable before Him ?
May the Lord delight in our obedience to His will and being a good servant ?
May we too be a good steward used easily for His kingdom ?
Psmail's above three key words just reminded me once again of
Our security,
Our reliability and
Our simplicity before the Lord and for His glory we offer up ourselves.
New Year's Forward Plan
Already end of August and usually it takes time to plan for coming year's speaking schedule.
But with my present role with I-Hua,it's difficult to plan fixed dates in Sunday preaching engagements. I just have to lift up to Him who directs my steps. Never before have I been so uncertain in my planning schedules. I have to learn looking to Him for all speaking engagements.
It might be so free I need not speak or have to decline invitations from time to time due to sudden or immediate travellings. Anyway it's a learning process for obedience in whatever circumstances the Lord likes.
But with my present role with I-Hua,it's difficult to plan fixed dates in Sunday preaching engagements. I just have to lift up to Him who directs my steps. Never before have I been so uncertain in my planning schedules. I have to learn looking to Him for all speaking engagements.
It might be so free I need not speak or have to decline invitations from time to time due to sudden or immediate travellings. Anyway it's a learning process for obedience in whatever circumstances the Lord likes.
2007年8月30日 星期四
Going Fast
I do things fast,not just fast but too fast.
K pastor sort of reprimanded me yesterday that why I need to hurry to enter into another new life !!!
Well it's good that I go fast and finish things on time,both punctual and well-done.It's a God-given gift that I can be so without too great any tension.
Like Eric Liddell the fast runner for God last century,I also go fast in my attempt to serve God in His superway!
I better keep it to myself and no more proclaim my going fast.
K pastor sort of reprimanded me yesterday that why I need to hurry to enter into another new life !!!
Well it's good that I go fast and finish things on time,both punctual and well-done.It's a God-given gift that I can be so without too great any tension.
- Going fast has the danger of making decisions too earlier.
- Going fast has the danger of going wrong and having prematured actions.
- Going fast may reveal certain pride in having the delight of earlier than others.
- Going fast may not be good for physical health as I already am a HT person.
Like Eric Liddell the fast runner for God last century,I also go fast in my attempt to serve God in His superway!
I better keep it to myself and no more proclaim my going fast.
"Life is......"
I have found on the website someone's life piece as follows:
Life is ..... Pls add on your own discovery !!
- Life is self discovering.
- Life is knowing.
- Life is a process of learning
- Life is Love of Living.
- Life is knowing yourself through knowing others.
- Life is gazing inside soul
- Life is sharing
- Life is growing
- Life is buying out every seconds and every minutes
- Life is counting your blessings!
- Life is searching the unsearchable God
Life is ..... Pls add on your own discovery !!
A new training content
I have to prepare for I-Hua a new training content for the coming year.
The original one is a three year course and after several discussions we opt for a two to two and a half year course with reduced courses but more visits and interactions with the trainees.
As the training director,my role has to ensure a proposed content for final decison. I already drafted a new one with 30 courses for next Friday's meeting.
The original one is a three year course and after several discussions we opt for a two to two and a half year course with reduced courses but more visits and interactions with the trainees.
As the training director,my role has to ensure a proposed content for final decison. I already drafted a new one with 30 courses for next Friday's meeting.
2007年8月29日 星期三
Victorious Christian Service
I reread Alan Redpath's book on the Victorious Christian Service this morning and reflected upon Nehemiah's life and service.
On page 171 there is the following paragraph:
Let the principle be recognized that the most obscure task in the service of the King of kings is as important as the most public one when it is done in the will of God.
Let there therefore be neither strife,nor envy,nor contempt,nor ill will between those who are the valiant men holding key positions and those who are doing the unseen,the unrecognized, unreported tasks.
Both are needful,both are useful,both are dependent upon each other,and neither can be spared.
It's such a great reminder for our continual dedication to the Lord.
On page 171 there is the following paragraph:
Let the principle be recognized that the most obscure task in the service of the King of kings is as important as the most public one when it is done in the will of God.
Let there therefore be neither strife,nor envy,nor contempt,nor ill will between those who are the valiant men holding key positions and those who are doing the unseen,the unrecognized, unreported tasks.
Both are needful,both are useful,both are dependent upon each other,and neither can be spared.
It's such a great reminder for our continual dedication to the Lord.
Almost two months
I went back to office every Wednesday.
It's already two months in my new shift since July. But I have not evacuated my office stuffs and so I got something back home today. Bit by bit I hope can finish before end of the year.
No big changes in daily ministry in recent weeks. SY already left the team since our move. The registration for the planned Nov Cambodia trip seems having no breakthrough.
Coming Friday will have a meeting to make the decision whether we need to give up the visit or not.
It's already two months in my new shift since July. But I have not evacuated my office stuffs and so I got something back home today. Bit by bit I hope can finish before end of the year.
No big changes in daily ministry in recent weeks. SY already left the team since our move. The registration for the planned Nov Cambodia trip seems having no breakthrough.
Coming Friday will have a meeting to make the decision whether we need to give up the visit or not.
2007年8月27日 星期一
South GongDong Vacation
I went on a three days vacation trip in GongDong after 12 days training. It's because Yannie has to start her new school year early September.
We went to Taishan, Haiping, JiangMun, XinHuei and JungShan.
The trip was smooth and meaningful as Janet's homeland was Taishan. Though just a brief stay,at least it's a glimpse of what's happening right after birth,her first time back home.
I did not quite enjoy the Hotspring in Haipin though it'sYannie's gladness. I feel a bit excited playing with her on long slides in the Hotspring resort We were flooded with waters all over our faces when sliding down all the way,at least having three to four storeys building's height.
We were given a visit in JongShan to the nearby Buyi Minority people. The son of the village chief received us with enthusiasm,treating us with tea and telling us their tribe's story. It's intersting to us that they call human as animal and call animal as human in greeting e.g. 一隻人，三個狗 Ha!!. We were called 三隻人 !!!
The trip was economical with sponsorships from merchant advertisements. It's well organized and the journey was safe with good transport.
We went to Taishan, Haiping, JiangMun, XinHuei and JungShan.
The trip was smooth and meaningful as Janet's homeland was Taishan. Though just a brief stay,at least it's a glimpse of what's happening right after birth,her first time back home.
I did not quite enjoy the Hotspring in Haipin though it'sYannie's gladness. I feel a bit excited playing with her on long slides in the Hotspring resort We were flooded with waters all over our faces when sliding down all the way,at least having three to four storeys building's height.
We were given a visit in JongShan to the nearby Buyi Minority people. The son of the village chief received us with enthusiasm,treating us with tea and telling us their tribe's story. It's intersting to us that they call human as animal and call animal as human in greeting e.g. 一隻人，三個狗 Ha!!. We were called 三隻人 !!!
The trip was economical with sponsorships from merchant advertisements. It's well organized and the journey was safe with good transport.
2007年8月24日 星期五
Cantonese & Mandarin
是次培訓於餐桌上有因普通話發音不準而來三則花絮 :
1. 賞賜與想吃 --- 天上賞賜甚麼與天上想吃甚麼 ?
2. 報紙與包子---賣報紙與賣包子 ?
3. 蚊子與文字---蚊子的作用與文字的作用 ?
只須運用下想象力，不用多說可想會弄出甚麼笑話來。
1. 賞賜與想吃 --- 天上賞賜甚麼與天上想吃甚麼 ?
2. 報紙與包子---賣報紙與賣包子 ?
3. 蚊子與文字---蚊子的作用與文字的作用 ?
只須運用下想象力，不用多說可想會弄出甚麼笑話來。
Eight Rules in Human Relationships
A sister leader during my revelation session asked me to write someday on human relationships.I did not know why she thought I was capable on this. As I reflected upon the theme later & read on Romans 12 :9-16. The following rules emerged out of that morning :
- Awareness --- Have self understanding
- Blessings--- Always hope for the best of others
- Concern --- Be a caring person
- Distance --- Give enough space for mutual growth
- Empathy--- Stand with others & step in others' shoes
- Forgiveness--- Act as how the Lord deals with us
- Generosity --- Be broad in mindset when treating others
- Hospitality --- Be kind in making others at home
唐三藏的家書
今天回來後，在 Janet 電郵中，找到台灣大姊下列的記趣 :很有深度哦！ 請慢慢欣賞。
[唐三藏的家書]
親愛的悟空：
我這封信寫的很慢，因為知道你看字不快。
八戒和我已經搬家了，不過地址沒改，因為搬家的時候把門牌也帶過來了。
這禮拜下了兩次雨，第一次下了3天，第二次下了4天。
昨天我們去買披薩，店員問我要切成 8片還是12片，我說 8片就成了，12片吃不完。
我給你寄去了一件外套，因為怕郵寄時超重，所以把扣子剪下來，放在外套口袋裡。
你受教較晚，記得要多讀點書，多用成語，免得別人笑你沒水平，最後告訴你，現在工作難找，你又猴子猴孫滿堂，本來想寄點錢給你度年關的，可惜信封已經封上了。
PS：新年到了，別忘了給孩子們講講我們很久很久很久以前的事：
那時候天是藍的，水是綠的，
莊稼是長在地裡的，
豬肉是可以放心吃的，
耗子是怕貓的，強盜是怕捕快的，
法庭是講理的，殺人是要償命的，
結婚是先談戀愛的，
理髮店是只管頭頂的，
藥是可以治病的，大夫是救死扶傷的，
拍電影是不需要陪導演睡覺的，
照相是要穿衣服的，
孩子的爸爸是清楚的，
欠錢是要還錢的，錢莊是一諾九鼎的，
學校是不圖掙錢的，
夫子兩袖清風，腰桿是硬的，
白癡是不能當官的，
百年老店是萬金不換號的，
賣狗肉是不能掛羊頭的，
結了婚是不能泡美眉的，
買東西是要付錢的，
看完笑話不轉寄出去是要被打屁股的。
莊稼是長在地裡的，
豬肉是可以放心吃的，
耗子是怕貓的，強盜是怕捕快的，
法庭是講理的，殺人是要償命的，
結婚是先談戀愛的，
理髮店是只管頭頂的，
藥是可以治病的，大夫是救死扶傷的，
拍電影是不需要陪導演睡覺的，
照相是要穿衣服的，
孩子的爸爸是清楚的，
欠錢是要還錢的，錢莊是一諾九鼎的，
學校是不圖掙錢的，
夫子兩袖清風，腰桿是硬的，
白癡是不能當官的，
百年老店是萬金不換號的，
賣狗肉是不能掛羊頭的，
結了婚是不能泡美眉的，
買東西是要付錢的，
看完笑話不轉寄出去是要被打屁股的。
- 這年頭到底是怎麼搞的 ?
- 我們是活在怎樣的年代 ?
A Fruitful TM Training
The past 12 days were finished with great satisfaction.
Got to know a few smart Chinese church leaders in the training sessions. My preparation on the book of revelation was received with high enthusiasm from them and a great joy for my own. I was even given the invitation to come to special devotional meetings in coming October from one of them. PTL
Janet & Yannie came to join our last day of training yesterday and we came back home together today. In our stay during the training,I came across a special mosquito cover which is quite refined but alas,still could not prevent the little ones flying in !
Got to know a few smart Chinese church leaders in the training sessions. My preparation on the book of revelation was received with high enthusiasm from them and a great joy for my own. I was even given the invitation to come to special devotional meetings in coming October from one of them. PTL
Janet & Yannie came to join our last day of training yesterday and we came back home together today. In our stay during the training,I came across a special mosquito cover which is quite refined but alas,still could not prevent the little ones flying in !
2007年8月12日 星期日
Another 12 days
I'll be away for a training course today onwards until Aug 24 back home late in the evening.
I still have to get used to such kind of long days away from home from time to time.Of course Yannie and Janet will have to adjust my absence too.They'll join me at the end of the training sessions.
I am going to teach on the book of Revelation this time and altogether will be divided into 9 sessions. Time might not be all enough for the whole talks.
On coming Sunday I have to preach. So altogether with the evening prayer meets, there are more than 14 talks for this coming two weeks.
Pray for those who are coming for mercy journey.
I still have to get used to such kind of long days away from home from time to time.Of course Yannie and Janet will have to adjust my absence too.They'll join me at the end of the training sessions.
I am going to teach on the book of Revelation this time and altogether will be divided into 9 sessions. Time might not be all enough for the whole talks.
On coming Sunday I have to preach. So altogether with the evening prayer meets, there are more than 14 talks for this coming two weeks.
Pray for those who are coming for mercy journey.
Art of Presentations
It's an art to learn to present.
Someone got lots of substantial materials for sharings but if not in a way for audiences to pick up or digest,it's still a great waste.
Some tips for well presentations are as follow:
Hopefully we all can be such kind of learners.
Someone got lots of substantial materials for sharings but if not in a way for audiences to pick up or digest,it's still a great waste.
Some tips for well presentations are as follow:
- Concise and compact
- Convergence or having focus
- Customer-centered or audience-oriented
- Christ's words or bible based
- Construction or well organized
- All Sunday preachings need to work on in a form for easy understandings.
- All teachings got to be well organized for better memory.
Hopefully we all can be such kind of learners.
2007年8月9日 星期四
Surprises in encoutering with Jesus
I changed my theme of sharing this morning among MSI colleagues.
I adopted two recent surprises as a start.
1. The challenge of Known Common Sense.
--- the surprise of asking "Who touched my clothes ?" to the woman of great bleeding in Mk 5:30-31
2. The challenge of our Self-Centredness
--- The surprise of giving the order "You give them something to eat !" in Mk 6:37
3. The challenge of a Higher-Level Understandings
--- The surprise of " Could someone have brought Him food ? " in Jn 4: 33
4. The challenge of our Professional Expertise
---The surprise of "Put out into deep-water,and let down the nets for a catch "in Lk 5:4-6
5. The challenge of our Supernatural Faith
--- The surprise of "Why are you so afraid,do you still have no faith ? " in Mk 4:40-41
Being disciples of Jesus,we ought to learn from the Master. We all the more need to experience surprises in our daily lives.
I adopted two recent surprises as a start.
- The surprise of not having hot weather in the hot furnace city in past China trip.
- The surprise of no need to pay my repaired digital camera two days ago.
1. The challenge of Known Common Sense.
--- the surprise of asking "Who touched my clothes ?" to the woman of great bleeding in Mk 5:30-31
2. The challenge of our Self-Centredness
--- The surprise of giving the order "You give them something to eat !" in Mk 6:37
3. The challenge of a Higher-Level Understandings
--- The surprise of " Could someone have brought Him food ? " in Jn 4: 33
4. The challenge of our Professional Expertise
---The surprise of "Put out into deep-water,and let down the nets for a catch "in Lk 5:4-6
5. The challenge of our Supernatural Faith
--- The surprise of "Why are you so afraid,do you still have no faith ? " in Mk 4:40-41
Being disciples of Jesus,we ought to learn from the Master. We all the more need to experience surprises in our daily lives.
2007年8月8日 星期三
Leadership Transitions
I prepared to speak on the text of Joshua 1:1-9 tomorrow,the theme is leadership transition.
As Moses passed away and Joshua took on the new leadership,the Lord's words to him meant a lot.
Only in that way would he be prosperous in all his ways.
Successful leadership hinged upon skills and capabilities of course,but more essential still is on a leader's life and obedience to the word of God.
How's our walk before Him matters most,much more so than our knowledge and skills.
As Moses passed away and Joshua took on the new leadership,the Lord's words to him meant a lot.
- Joshua had to be strong and courageous
- He had to obey all the law precepts received from God
- Do not let the Law depart from his mouth.
- Meditate on it day and night
Only in that way would he be prosperous in all his ways.
Successful leadership hinged upon skills and capabilities of course,but more essential still is on a leader's life and obedience to the word of God.
How's our walk before Him matters most,much more so than our knowledge and skills.
Right Living & Teaching
This morning's group devotion time we focused on Titus 1:5-14.The theme on right living and right teaching.
As Paul left Titus to be on guard in Crete,he had to make sure teach the leaders to have right living and right teaching.
It's true our goals in training ministries are two fold:
Healthy workers and Healthy church.
Healthy Church surely based on right teachings,only right living leads to right teachings.
Also I received this morning a sent sermon by John Stott on becoming more like Christ. It's his recent talk on the July UK Keswick Convention(Roman 8:29,II Corin 3:18,I John 3:2),covering all the past,present and future perspectives.
We are advised to be more like Christ in five aspects :
As Paul left Titus to be on guard in Crete,he had to make sure teach the leaders to have right living and right teaching.
It's true our goals in training ministries are two fold:
Healthy workers and Healthy church.
Healthy Church surely based on right teachings,only right living leads to right teachings.
- Right teachings mean workers have to put enough time on studies.
- Right living means workers need to focus more on right relationships with God.
Also I received this morning a sent sermon by John Stott on becoming more like Christ. It's his recent talk on the July UK Keswick Convention(Roman 8:29,II Corin 3:18,I John 3:2),covering all the past,present and future perspectives.
We are advised to be more like Christ in five aspects :
- in His incarnation,
- His service,
- His love,
- His endurance and
- in His mission.
- Knowing more the mystery of His suffering,
- Enthusiastic in facing the challenge of evangelism and
- Have the full indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Paul's theology afresh
I might need to teach on the book of Romans coming October.
It's also time to read more on Paul. Leo lent me books and articles on Romans and I started to read this morning.
NT Wright's book is systematic and insightful to me in the past as I skimmed through them.
I need to read in a conscientious way.
It's also time to read more on Paul. Leo lent me books and articles on Romans and I started to read this morning.
NT Wright's book is systematic and insightful to me in the past as I skimmed through them.
I need to read in a conscientious way.
Camera Repair & a surprise
My Canon digital camera cannot take shots suddenly before my ten days trip.
I brought it to the shop today asking for advice,though already passing the maintenance date.
To my delight,Canon maintenance even helped me to replace the main part of the camera lens free of charge. It's said that they knew the problem might due to humidity and causing its malfunction. To my further surprise,the service even extended to free delivery once back to normal.
May be the competition these days are too great that they try to win as many customers as possible.
Thanks God I even need no pay for the initial inquiry as said by the shop owner to charge 200 HK dollars.
I brought it to the shop today asking for advice,though already passing the maintenance date.
To my delight,Canon maintenance even helped me to replace the main part of the camera lens free of charge. It's said that they knew the problem might due to humidity and causing its malfunction. To my further surprise,the service even extended to free delivery once back to normal.
May be the competition these days are too great that they try to win as many customers as possible.
Thanks God I even need no pay for the initial inquiry as said by the shop owner to charge 200 HK dollars.
Seven churches
Ephesus (Rev. 2: 1-7)
l Discerning power
Real and first love
Fruit bearing
Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11)
l Facing afflictions
Preparing for martydom
Faithful to the end
Pergamon (Rev. 2:12-17)
l Sufferings in trials
The compromise test
Rationalize world values
Thiatira (Rev. 2:18-29)
l Economic temptations
Modern Pluralisms
Pressing to the end
Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6)
l Should be alive but actually dead
Inner renewal
Perseverance to the end
Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13)
l With a little strength
With God's protection from trials
Be God's pillar and has His new name
Laodicea (Rev 3:14-21)
l Receive Scolds from Jesus
Free from crisis of material wealth but spiritually poor
Repent
2007年8月7日 星期二
Inputs for learnings
I read a short essay on the influence of Chinese word character on a person's learning.
Researches found out 83 % of our learnings are from eyesight,11% from hearings and the rest contributes just the other 6%.
Chinese squarely characters obviously caught mainly from perception in terms of their shape and so Chinese picks up learnings mainly from sight.
The western people are better at hearings as their alphabetical sequence words are more tonic in pickup. This also explains why Chinese are more intuitive in their ways of learnings and westerns are more analytical.
It's an interesting topic in further thoughts and explorations.
Researches found out 83 % of our learnings are from eyesight,11% from hearings and the rest contributes just the other 6%.
Chinese squarely characters obviously caught mainly from perception in terms of their shape and so Chinese picks up learnings mainly from sight.
The western people are better at hearings as their alphabetical sequence words are more tonic in pickup. This also explains why Chinese are more intuitive in their ways of learnings and westerns are more analytical.
It's an interesting topic in further thoughts and explorations.
啟示錄各章題要
為了基督 神的道和耶穌基督的見證 （啟一：2）
從心悔改 回想你是從哪裏墜落的…行起初所行的事 （啟二：5）
愛的管教 凡我所疼愛的，我就責備管教他 （啟三：19）
天上寶座 見有一個寶座安置在天上，又有一位坐在寶座上（啟四：2）
屬天新歌 你配拿書卷，配揭開七印；因為你曾被殺 （啟五：9）
羔羊發怒 忿怒的大日到了 （啟六：17）
受印覆庇 等我們印了我們神眾僕人的額 （啟七：3）
天使與金香爐 另有一位天使拿著金香爐來站在祭壇旁邊 （啟八：3）
生死之間 願意死，死卻遠避他們 （啟九：6）
小書卷 我從天使手中把小書卷接過來吃盡了 （啟一○：10）
量殿和人 將神的殿和祭壇並在殿中禮拜的人都量一量 （啟一一：1）
鐵杖牧萬國 婦人生了一個男孩子…用鐵杖牧萬國 （啟一二：5）
羔羊生命冊 名字…沒有記在被殺之羔羊生命冊上的人 （啟一三：8）
跟隨羔羊 羔羊無論往哪裏去，他們都跟隨祂 （啟一四：4）
海的頌歌 唱神僕人摩西的歌和羔羊的歌 啟一五：3）
儆醒看守衣服 那儆醒，看守衣服，免得赤身而行…的有福了 （啟一六：15）
羔羊與大淫婦 同著羔羊的，就是蒙召被選有忠心的 （啟一七：14）
巴比倫倒了 巴比倫大城傾倒了，傾倒了 （啟一八：2）
聖經的中心 預言中的靈意，乃是為耶穌作見證 （啟一九：10）
審判的寶座 我又看見幾個寶座，也有坐在上面的 （啟二○：4）
羔羊的新婦 新婦，就是羔羊的妻 （啟二一：9）
願 阿們！ 主耶穌啊，我願你來！ （啟二二：20）
2007年8月6日 星期一
Office visitor & Tea-Break Chat
On & Off there will be office visitors drop in.
Today Mr. Ma's wife came the first time in her summer vacations. It's good to have family member coming know more of our ministry.
It's not all just work during office time and we have fun and tea break too. Usually around 3:15 p.m. everyday you are welcome if you like to join the set tea time together. You can chat during this moment with other department's staff within the same block of the building.
I join sometimes but not all days,pending on needs.
Mr. Ma and someone else have habits of not taking lunch and this tea-break time may really be their lunch-supper ?!
I usually take my lunch and so the tea-break is mostly a chat time.
Today Mr. Ma's wife came the first time in her summer vacations. It's good to have family member coming know more of our ministry.
It's not all just work during office time and we have fun and tea break too. Usually around 3:15 p.m. everyday you are welcome if you like to join the set tea time together. You can chat during this moment with other department's staff within the same block of the building.
I join sometimes but not all days,pending on needs.
Mr. Ma and someone else have habits of not taking lunch and this tea-break time may really be their lunch-supper ?!
I usually take my lunch and so the tea-break is mostly a chat time.
On Top of Integrity & Skills
After my thoughts on integrity & skills,I found there's one more aspect which's important for our dealing with people and that's humor.
Beyond our squarely inner integrity and our gentle outward relationships,an important link of the two is humor. A man of humor is a good greasing agent among conflicts and strict rules & high standards.
In our pastoral ministry it's the proper use of humor which can solve difficult situations and bring foes into friends. Knowing how to laugh at oneself and admit mistakes is a high way of changing a tense situation.
The Lord's servants need to be gentle in words and still stick to high biblical standards. When someone accused Jesus being friend of sinners and knew only eating and drinking,Jesus did not retort but kept calm. He rather adopted parables to teach and let people know by themselves. Parables are indirect ways of presenting truths and can most of the time include humors into such use.
The wealthy cannot enter Kingdom easily just like a donkey passing through a needle hole.
What an immense contrast and funny way of highlighting an impossibility ?
What a sarcastic way of telling the truth ?
Beyond our squarely inner integrity and our gentle outward relationships,an important link of the two is humor. A man of humor is a good greasing agent among conflicts and strict rules & high standards.
In our pastoral ministry it's the proper use of humor which can solve difficult situations and bring foes into friends. Knowing how to laugh at oneself and admit mistakes is a high way of changing a tense situation.
The Lord's servants need to be gentle in words and still stick to high biblical standards. When someone accused Jesus being friend of sinners and knew only eating and drinking,Jesus did not retort but kept calm. He rather adopted parables to teach and let people know by themselves. Parables are indirect ways of presenting truths and can most of the time include humors into such use.
The wealthy cannot enter Kingdom easily just like a donkey passing through a needle hole.
What an immense contrast and funny way of highlighting an impossibility ?
What a sarcastic way of telling the truth ?
Integrity & Skills
Psalms 78:70-72 describe King David's callings to be Israelites' king.
His twin shepherding tools are Integrities of heart and skillful hands.
The present day theological trainings usually emphasize three areas: knowledge,life and skills.
It's wonderful here in David's reminders that he did not mention knowledge but instead integrity of heart which is a person's inner life and handful skills.
Life and skills are what a pastoral worker mostly needs.
Firm innerly but smooth outwardly. What we Chinese mean being square inside but be a circle outside.外圓內方. When treating people we have to be mild and smooth like a circle but can be firm and stick to our principles inside.
I know for the past years I was just not up to the expectation,being stern outside and firm inside too. We need humility and kindness from the Lord to be at ease with people most of the time . We also need to be stern in our Christian principles to stand firm for the Lord and the bible.
Lord ! Help me to be gentle in handling with people in their mistakes.
Lord ! Help me to be kind to those who fails in our expectations.
Lord ! Help all of your servants to be smooth outside but square inside to be your faithful ambassadors.
His twin shepherding tools are Integrities of heart and skillful hands.
The present day theological trainings usually emphasize three areas: knowledge,life and skills.
It's wonderful here in David's reminders that he did not mention knowledge but instead integrity of heart which is a person's inner life and handful skills.
Life and skills are what a pastoral worker mostly needs.
Firm innerly but smooth outwardly. What we Chinese mean being square inside but be a circle outside.外圓內方. When treating people we have to be mild and smooth like a circle but can be firm and stick to our principles inside.
I know for the past years I was just not up to the expectation,being stern outside and firm inside too. We need humility and kindness from the Lord to be at ease with people most of the time . We also need to be stern in our Christian principles to stand firm for the Lord and the bible.
Lord ! Help me to be gentle in handling with people in their mistakes.
Lord ! Help me to be kind to those who fails in our expectations.
Lord ! Help all of your servants to be smooth outside but square inside to be your faithful ambassadors.
Alertness in Outreachings
Before 2008 Beijing Olympics,it's estimated that the PRC would tighten her control of all foreigners' activities in China,which means all the training and related activities would also be under close scrutiny. We have to be more careful in terms of inland journeys.
The past week's training actually involved more than we had expected in numbers and taking part in place where it 's easily spotted. It's great and thankful that we had no problems when in review this morning. But we have to be more alert and avoid large numbers of trainees next time.
I started to realize that it's no easy job and have to entrust to God for His protection each time of the coming trip.
This week is preparing for coming week's trip to China.I have to make final preparation for talks on revelation.Notes already at hand but details have to be tailored made at the final stage.
Do pray !
The past week's training actually involved more than we had expected in numbers and taking part in place where it 's easily spotted. It's great and thankful that we had no problems when in review this morning. But we have to be more alert and avoid large numbers of trainees next time.
I started to realize that it's no easy job and have to entrust to God for His protection each time of the coming trip.
This week is preparing for coming week's trip to China.I have to make final preparation for talks on revelation.Notes already at hand but details have to be tailored made at the final stage.
Do pray !
2007年8月5日 星期日
Church message
I continue to preach on church message for TSTCC this morning.
Ephesian 4:11-16 is my text.
It's quite a standard text on the normal and healthy functions of a local church.
I talked on four points.
Ephesian 4:11-16 is my text.
It's quite a standard text on the normal and healthy functions of a local church.
I talked on four points.
- Healthy church won't miss her main focus on building up the full measure of Christ 's body. i.e. The building up work and discipleship function.
- Healthy church members will exercise their designated gifts to serve one another.
- Healthy church members will occupy their various roles in this building up processes.
- Healthy church takes time to grow and in a lovingly manner.
2007年8月4日 星期六
Church anniversary sermon
I went to Yuen Long to speak on a church's 20 yr anniversary night meeting. My theme is Deep Root and Fruit bearing.
It's quite a long program as after my sermon of 40 minutes,there's still a show on a short term visit to Central Asia by a sister who recently went there for learnings and exposure. It took another 10 or so minutes. Then they also introduced the long years' church life photos which occupied another 15 to 20 minutes. By the time the meeting finished it was already past 10 p.m.
I seldom had sermon on an unknown church but it's great to share their joy after all these years. It started from zero when the pastor and his wife bought an area for meeting then up till now.
May the Lord bless His own church and see to it her healthy growth.
It's quite a long program as after my sermon of 40 minutes,there's still a show on a short term visit to Central Asia by a sister who recently went there for learnings and exposure. It took another 10 or so minutes. Then they also introduced the long years' church life photos which occupied another 15 to 20 minutes. By the time the meeting finished it was already past 10 p.m.
I seldom had sermon on an unknown church but it's great to share their joy after all these years. It started from zero when the pastor and his wife bought an area for meeting then up till now.
May the Lord bless His own church and see to it her healthy growth.
Beauty of Math!
I received the following miraculous figures from my sister-in -law today:
Beauty of Math!
1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321
1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111
9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888
Brilliant, isn't it?
And look at this symmetry:
1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111=12345678987654321
Now, take a look at this...
101% From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:
What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?
Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?
We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER 100%.
How about ACHIEVING 101%?
What equals 100% in life?
Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these questions:
If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.
If:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
And:
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
But:
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:
L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%
Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:
While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there,
It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!
It's up to you if you share this with your friends & loved ones just the way I did.
Have a nice day & God bless!!!
犯人與烈士
讀上官子木細說中國人一書，其中一篇有論及人性評價的困境。
一青年因仗義傷人致死而入獄。但假釋間回鄉探親，又遇上因救助孩童遇溺招至身亡。其雙親悲痛之餘要求當局授與兒子烈士之名而除去犯人之稱。
作者說按中國文化，是很難作出上述的改稱，此實一高難度倫理課題。因由是西方人沒如中國人般作出英雄偶像化般的崇拜。按中國人的觀點 :
好人永遠是好的，壞人一生亦沒機會平反其惡。由是上述困境更難解拆。
中國人是否難如西國般善於以層次化、階級性思維去看別人 ? 按我有限經驗，華人的文化看人，亦真的易陷於上述困難。
但天父如何看我們 ?我們是罪人，已蒙赦免的罪人 。可惜我們卻往往未能按人的實況去看他。
上述青年既是犯人亦是義士。他既惡且善，是英雄亦是罪犯。他是英雄亦是囚徒，二者都是他人生實存境況，惟有在基督裡人能同時看見自己既是英雄亦是囚徒。
期盼他悲傷的至親亦能如此看他。
一青年因仗義傷人致死而入獄。但假釋間回鄉探親，又遇上因救助孩童遇溺招至身亡。其雙親悲痛之餘要求當局授與兒子烈士之名而除去犯人之稱。
作者說按中國文化，是很難作出上述的改稱，此實一高難度倫理課題。因由是西方人沒如中國人般作出英雄偶像化般的崇拜。按中國人的觀點 :
好人永遠是好的，壞人一生亦沒機會平反其惡。由是上述困境更難解拆。
中國人是否難如西國般善於以層次化、階級性思維去看別人 ? 按我有限經驗，華人的文化看人，亦真的易陷於上述困難。
但天父如何看我們 ?我們是罪人，已蒙赦免的罪人 。可惜我們卻往往未能按人的實況去看他。
上述青年既是犯人亦是義士。他既惡且善，是英雄亦是罪犯。他是英雄亦是囚徒，二者都是他人生實存境況，惟有在基督裡人能同時看見自己既是英雄亦是囚徒。
期盼他悲傷的至親亦能如此看他。
Disney & wealth
Yannie came to Disney with Daniel her cousin brother from Toronto past Wednesday.The teenagers enjoyed the trip and time there. I did not have a chance to go and won't spend money there myself. It's however good to see they enjoyed very much their time and being satisfied.
This young generation enjoyed the new accumulated wealth since last 80s. All they have are rich gains from much labours and lots of achievements of former generations.They do not come across poverty and lackings. I would rather pray they know more of the insufficiencies in this world ,perhaps in other aspects of the globe. Many of the China youths in large cities these days also enjoyed the same wealth since the change revolutions. To be fair,many youths in the rurals do not have what they should have.
Lord Help those who have know how to share with those in needs.
Lord Help our young people enjoy your wealth but understand the meanings of the wealth.
Lord Help the parents bear their responsibility to teach their offsprings the true meanings of life.
This young generation enjoyed the new accumulated wealth since last 80s. All they have are rich gains from much labours and lots of achievements of former generations.They do not come across poverty and lackings. I would rather pray they know more of the insufficiencies in this world ,perhaps in other aspects of the globe. Many of the China youths in large cities these days also enjoyed the same wealth since the change revolutions. To be fair,many youths in the rurals do not have what they should have.
Lord Help those who have know how to share with those in needs.
Lord Help our young people enjoy your wealth but understand the meanings of the wealth.
Lord Help the parents bear their responsibility to teach their offsprings the true meanings of life.
Tiredness & Joy
Already the third day since coming back home after the ten days trip,I still felt tired.Caught a bit cold perhaps. I supposed visit a brother in hospital yesterday but Janet went instead. I just went to a nearby library for a while to return books.
I have to go to a church in Yuen Long to night for their 20th anniversary preaching. Recognized that my throat have a bit sore,I need save my voice for rest of the day and tomorrow Sunday preaching.
In tiredness we feel weak and have no choice but depend on Him for strength and wisdom.
Good news came from W & P that they finally got a baby boy this afternoon,weighing 3.43 Kg. PTL.
My tiredness brings lathargy but new life brings joy and energy. May we always be balanced between the two in our finite existence.
I have to go to a church in Yuen Long to night for their 20th anniversary preaching. Recognized that my throat have a bit sore,I need save my voice for rest of the day and tomorrow Sunday preaching.
In tiredness we feel weak and have no choice but depend on Him for strength and wisdom.
Good news came from W & P that they finally got a baby boy this afternoon,weighing 3.43 Kg. PTL.
My tiredness brings lathargy but new life brings joy and energy. May we always be balanced between the two in our finite existence.
2007年8月2日 星期四
Relationships
It's sad yesterday when a phone conversation disturbed my peace.
I was told unwelcome talking to and the one who said this later admitted such kind of comments hurts people.Human relationships take time to build but can be destroyed all at once if handled bluntly.
Forgiveness is the grace of God for each of us. We got to learn all the time.
Lord God Help me to be humble before you.
May our anger won't hinder your continual love.
May human weaknesses draw us closer to you and only you are the perfect Creator.
I was told unwelcome talking to and the one who said this later admitted such kind of comments hurts people.Human relationships take time to build but can be destroyed all at once if handled bluntly.
Forgiveness is the grace of God for each of us. We got to learn all the time.
Lord God Help me to be humble before you.
May our anger won't hinder your continual love.
May human weaknesses draw us closer to you and only you are the perfect Creator.
2007年8月1日 星期三
7 Fold Realities in our Experiencing God
My brother in -law from Canada sent me a book known as experiencing God by Blackaby and King. It's not a new book as it's been on readership for more than ten years since publication. But it's the first time I really read it.
There are seven fold realities in our experiencing God as mentioned.
There are seven fold realities in our experiencing God as mentioned.
- His work is around us
- His loving relationship is with us.
- He invites us to be in His work
- He speaks to us through the Spirit.
- Involving us in His work might create crisis of beliefs from our side.
- It takes adjustments for us in such kind of involvements.
- It needs our whole-hearted obedience to work with Him.
Ten days Trip
It's been ten days since I last wrote the blog diary.
I have been on two continual trips to China for training. On the whole it's smooth and encouraging.Except on two whole days I suffered from a bit diarrhea and terribly I got 15 disturbances in my bowel movements. Anyway it did not hinder my teachings, PTL.
My first joining the trainings was quite smooth if not for the above physical trouble. It's amazing that the place we went were supposed to be a hot furnace in China but the week we spent there was quite below normal heat temperature. We felt quite comfortable instead.
I think the Lord's grace is so abundant for three of us. I'll continue to press on to see His mighty ways in coming trips.
I have been on two continual trips to China for training. On the whole it's smooth and encouraging.Except on two whole days I suffered from a bit diarrhea and terribly I got 15 disturbances in my bowel movements. Anyway it did not hinder my teachings, PTL.
My first joining the trainings was quite smooth if not for the above physical trouble. It's amazing that the place we went were supposed to be a hot furnace in China but the week we spent there was quite below normal heat temperature. We felt quite comfortable instead.
I think the Lord's grace is so abundant for three of us. I'll continue to press on to see His mighty ways in coming trips.
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