Next week is our training trip.I suppose to finish all the needy things. But this week we still have not finalized the recruitment list. Participants still await coming in.
4 new ones will join us but a few cannot come too. So even today we have not finished the list.One get married,one has just been hurt in an accident,one needs to take care of his pregnant wife.It's not easy to prepare with such changes all the time. Even the cook said she might quit her job ! Thanks to God that He would provide our needs amid the changes.We have to trust Him to work out things good for all in His faithfulness.
It happens the quotes today on my desk is the following words:
The person who is willing to wait is happy.
Lord ! Help me to rest in you and be happy to see it's your work!
2008年2月27日 星期三
2008年2月26日 星期二
13 ways to Rejunvenate
I read 13 ways to refresh your soul by Skye Jethani from the Leadership Journal where many pastors have done to benefit the soul.
1. Take a walk.
2. Pray the daily offices.
3. Say no.
4. Make a "non-utilitarian" friend.
5. Fast from media, even ministry books.
6. Exercise.
7. Laugh.
8. Take a pilgrimage.
9. Find a spiritual director.
10. Meditate on the Lord's Prayer.
11. Begin a hobby.
12. Write an encouraging letter.
13. Break something.
1. Take a walk.
2. Pray the daily offices.
3. Say no.
4. Make a "non-utilitarian" friend.
5. Fast from media, even ministry books.
6. Exercise.
7. Laugh.
8. Take a pilgrimage.
9. Find a spiritual director.
10. Meditate on the Lord's Prayer.
11. Begin a hobby.
12. Write an encouraging letter.
13. Break something.
Rejuvenate
I read 13 ways to refresh your soul by Skye Jethani in the leadership journal which mention various pastors have done to benefit the soul.
1. Take a walk.
2. Pray the daily offices.
In the early centuries, Christians gathered at designated times during the day for prayer. These prayer times, known as "offices," are still practiced by believers today. With the aid of a prayer book, you can pray alone knowing that others across the globe are sharing in your prayers at the same time. David Robinson, pastor of Harvest Fellowship Church in Manhattan, Kansas, says, "Learning to pray along with the Church and for the Church has significantly changed the scope and perspective of my prayers from simply the 'world around me' to the overriding and delivering promises of God's glory."
3. Say no.
Erecting proper boundaries is a critical discipline for a pastor. Even Jesus turned down certain requests. People are always clamoring for our time and energy. Learning to say no, even to good ministries and opportunities, will give the soul room to breathe and find rejuvenation.
4. Make a "non-utilitarian" friend.
Ministry is about people, but sometimes we can see people as a commodity necessary to advance our ministry. We may take a member to breakfast, but in the back of our mind, we know that a stronger relationship with this person is a resource for the church's ministry. Of course, this attitude goes both ways. Many people try to use pastors to advance their agenda as well.
So Brian McLaren suggests at least a few "non-utilitarian" friendships: "This is when we intentionally have a friendship because we like the person and we're not trying to use them for our success. It's to be with people just because you appreciate who they are, and they appreciate you." That kind of friendship creates the safety and grace the soul needs to thrive.
5. Fast from media, even ministry books.
The amount of information available today is never-ending. Even the literature available to pastors about ministry is overwhelming. While some of it is clearly beneficial (like the journal you're presently reading, we trust), sometimes we need to rest from filling our heads with new insights and the pressure to implement them. One pastor told us, "Sermons, articles, and books that reveal how dysfunctional my church is drain me and do nothing beneficial for my soul."
6. Exercise.
Many pastors told us regular exercise is critical to the health of the soul as well as the body. And research has shown that a healthy body positively impacts a person's emotional and mental capacities.
Jeff Weddle from Rhinelander Bible Church in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, says, "Exercise outside is the best way for me to recharge. Some of my best prayers are said on my bike. It also allows me time alone to develop my sermon illustrations and ideas."
7. Laugh.
One pastor, name withheld, says, "After a difficult Sunday at church I like to come home and watch my DVD collection of Tom and Jerry cartoons. The slapstick humor helps me fight the temptation to take ministry, or myself, too seriously." This may explain why subscribers to Leadership routinely rank the cartoons as their favorite feature of the journal. Laughter, as the saying goes, is good medicine.
8. Take a pilgrimage.
Vacations are about relaxation, mission trips are about serving, but pilgrimages, says Tony Jones, "are an outward expression of an inward journey." The word may conjure images of superstitious peasants seeking ancient relics, but some pastors today are finding personal pilgrimages meaningful.
David Fitch, pastor of Life on the Vine in Long Grove, Illinois, plans a pilgrimage every year to visit his childhood home. He says, "I spend a few days walking the streets of my upbringing, contemplating what God has done in my life, praising him, and praying about the future."
9. Find a spiritual director.
Not exactly therapy, not quite coaching, a spiritual director offers something else: a God's-eye view of your soul. Dieter Zander, pastor of spiritual formation at Bay Marin Community Church in Novato, California, visits his director, Father Tom, once a month.
"Just the discipline of going to him and submitting to his insights has been a rich experience for me," he says.
Brian Owen, from Campus Crusade, credits his spiritual director for helping him recognize God's movements in his life. "My spiritual director helps me step back and notice the activity of God in the intimate details of my life. I often leave our sessions with a fresh sense of hope, with greater awareness of God's will."
10. Meditate on the Lord's Prayer.
The Eastern Church has a tradition known as "hesychasm." This is the practice of repeating a short prayer, such as the Jesus prayer ("Lord have mercy" or the extended form, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner") over and over.
The goal is to focus your mind on God so you can commune with him more intimately. Many short passages of Scripture are used for this kind of prayer, but one of the most common is the Lord's Prayer.
Try sitting in silence for five minutes, and then say the Lord's Prayer reflectively aloud. Afterward, center your thoughts on one word or phrase and allow it to inspire your own prayers to God. One pastor reports using this practice three times a day or whenever he feels frazzled.
11. Begin a hobby.
When we asked pastors how they refresh their souls, many said they rely on a hobby unrelated to ministry. Some hobbies were highly physical, like surfing or rock climbing. Others were more contemplative and creative, like model-building or painting or writing poetry. David Kuo, a Christian who found himself serving amid the political chaos of Washington, D.C., says he found rejuvenation through fly-fishing.
12. Write an encouraging letter.
Proverbs 12:25 says, "Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up." The proverb does not specify whether the benefit is for the heart that receives the good word or the heart that gives it. Take time to reflect on a person who has blessed your life and ministry. After thanking God for him or her, write the person a letter of gratitude and encouragement. The exercise might bring cheer to both of your hearts.
13. Break something.
No one denies that ministry is a stress-inducing job, but many church leaders suppress the tension until it manifests itself in unhealthy ways.
Dave Johnson, senior pastor of Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove, Minnesota, tells how he handled stress during a period of rapid expansion and increasing pressure. The church had just been given a plaque for being one of the fastest growing churches in the area. Johnson and an associate hung the award on a tree and shot it to pieces with their rifles.
D
1. Take a walk.
2. Pray the daily offices.
In the early centuries, Christians gathered at designated times during the day for prayer. These prayer times, known as "offices," are still practiced by believers today. With the aid of a prayer book, you can pray alone knowing that others across the globe are sharing in your prayers at the same time. David Robinson, pastor of Harvest Fellowship Church in Manhattan, Kansas, says, "Learning to pray along with the Church and for the Church has significantly changed the scope and perspective of my prayers from simply the 'world around me' to the overriding and delivering promises of God's glory."
3. Say no.
Erecting proper boundaries is a critical discipline for a pastor. Even Jesus turned down certain requests. People are always clamoring for our time and energy. Learning to say no, even to good ministries and opportunities, will give the soul room to breathe and find rejuvenation.
4. Make a "non-utilitarian" friend.
Ministry is about people, but sometimes we can see people as a commodity necessary to advance our ministry. We may take a member to breakfast, but in the back of our mind, we know that a stronger relationship with this person is a resource for the church's ministry. Of course, this attitude goes both ways. Many people try to use pastors to advance their agenda as well.
So Brian McLaren suggests at least a few "non-utilitarian" friendships: "This is when we intentionally have a friendship because we like the person and we're not trying to use them for our success. It's to be with people just because you appreciate who they are, and they appreciate you." That kind of friendship creates the safety and grace the soul needs to thrive.
5. Fast from media, even ministry books.
The amount of information available today is never-ending. Even the literature available to pastors about ministry is overwhelming. While some of it is clearly beneficial (like the journal you're presently reading, we trust), sometimes we need to rest from filling our heads with new insights and the pressure to implement them. One pastor told us, "Sermons, articles, and books that reveal how dysfunctional my church is drain me and do nothing beneficial for my soul."
6. Exercise.
Many pastors told us regular exercise is critical to the health of the soul as well as the body. And research has shown that a healthy body positively impacts a person's emotional and mental capacities.
Jeff Weddle from Rhinelander Bible Church in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, says, "Exercise outside is the best way for me to recharge. Some of my best prayers are said on my bike. It also allows me time alone to develop my sermon illustrations and ideas."
7. Laugh.
One pastor, name withheld, says, "After a difficult Sunday at church I like to come home and watch my DVD collection of Tom and Jerry cartoons. The slapstick humor helps me fight the temptation to take ministry, or myself, too seriously." This may explain why subscribers to Leadership routinely rank the cartoons as their favorite feature of the journal. Laughter, as the saying goes, is good medicine.
8. Take a pilgrimage.
Vacations are about relaxation, mission trips are about serving, but pilgrimages, says Tony Jones, "are an outward expression of an inward journey." The word may conjure images of superstitious peasants seeking ancient relics, but some pastors today are finding personal pilgrimages meaningful.
David Fitch, pastor of Life on the Vine in Long Grove, Illinois, plans a pilgrimage every year to visit his childhood home. He says, "I spend a few days walking the streets of my upbringing, contemplating what God has done in my life, praising him, and praying about the future."
9. Find a spiritual director.
Not exactly therapy, not quite coaching, a spiritual director offers something else: a God's-eye view of your soul. Dieter Zander, pastor of spiritual formation at Bay Marin Community Church in Novato, California, visits his director, Father Tom, once a month.
"Just the discipline of going to him and submitting to his insights has been a rich experience for me," he says.
Brian Owen, from Campus Crusade, credits his spiritual director for helping him recognize God's movements in his life. "My spiritual director helps me step back and notice the activity of God in the intimate details of my life. I often leave our sessions with a fresh sense of hope, with greater awareness of God's will."
10. Meditate on the Lord's Prayer.
The Eastern Church has a tradition known as "hesychasm." This is the practice of repeating a short prayer, such as the Jesus prayer ("Lord have mercy" or the extended form, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner") over and over.
The goal is to focus your mind on God so you can commune with him more intimately. Many short passages of Scripture are used for this kind of prayer, but one of the most common is the Lord's Prayer.
Try sitting in silence for five minutes, and then say the Lord's Prayer reflectively aloud. Afterward, center your thoughts on one word or phrase and allow it to inspire your own prayers to God. One pastor reports using this practice three times a day or whenever he feels frazzled.
11. Begin a hobby.
When we asked pastors how they refresh their souls, many said they rely on a hobby unrelated to ministry. Some hobbies were highly physical, like surfing or rock climbing. Others were more contemplative and creative, like model-building or painting or writing poetry. David Kuo, a Christian who found himself serving amid the political chaos of Washington, D.C., says he found rejuvenation through fly-fishing.
12. Write an encouraging letter.
Proverbs 12:25 says, "Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up." The proverb does not specify whether the benefit is for the heart that receives the good word or the heart that gives it. Take time to reflect on a person who has blessed your life and ministry. After thanking God for him or her, write the person a letter of gratitude and encouragement. The exercise might bring cheer to both of your hearts.
13. Break something.
No one denies that ministry is a stress-inducing job, but many church leaders suppress the tension until it manifests itself in unhealthy ways.
Dave Johnson, senior pastor of Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove, Minnesota, tells how he handled stress during a period of rapid expansion and increasing pressure. The church had just been given a plaque for being one of the fastest growing churches in the area. Johnson and an associate hung the award on a tree and shot it to pieces with their rifles.
D
2008年2月25日 星期一
A New Bookshelf !
Last Saturday morning my home bookshelf collapsed after a lifespan of more than 12 years.
At noon after lunch with the church elder visitors,Janet & I went shopping for a new one. We decided to buy steel plates in 實惠 to set up on our own a new shelf for the large amount of books. We had to remove numerous heavy books from the old shelf before putting them onto the new one.It's another large expenses after the renovation work. We thanked the Lord to have Mr.Y to help us remove the old shelf and helped connect the steel plates together into the new shelf.I was exhausted that evening before our meal time finish putting back all the books on the new shelf.
It's miracle to us just within half day launch a new bookshelf into existence.I never thought of we can have it within the same day. A day before we do not even think of the old shelf would crumble next day. Then we never think of buying a new one immediately and the whole process is such smooth.
Actually miracle happens daily and we have to be aware of it!
Thank the Lord for His timely help and move His messenger to finish the work !
At noon after lunch with the church elder visitors,Janet & I went shopping for a new one. We decided to buy steel plates in 實惠 to set up on our own a new shelf for the large amount of books. We had to remove numerous heavy books from the old shelf before putting them onto the new one.It's another large expenses after the renovation work. We thanked the Lord to have Mr.Y to help us remove the old shelf and helped connect the steel plates together into the new shelf.I was exhausted that evening before our meal time finish putting back all the books on the new shelf.
It's miracle to us just within half day launch a new bookshelf into existence.I never thought of we can have it within the same day. A day before we do not even think of the old shelf would crumble next day. Then we never think of buying a new one immediately and the whole process is such smooth.
Actually miracle happens daily and we have to be aware of it!
Thank the Lord for His timely help and move His messenger to finish the work !
2008年2月24日 星期日
A Psalm of Confidence
I shared psalm 25 this morning.
1.It's basically a personal lament.Yet the end points to prayers for the whole nation.
2.It's a confessing hymn for three times at least it mentions the needs v.2,3,20
3.It's from an old aged or middle aged man.
4.It's an acrostic psalm,that means it adopts the Hebrew alphabets for construction.
(Ps 9-10/Ps 25/Ps 34/Ps 37/Ps 111/Ps 112/Ps 119/Ps 145)
13 times on prayers
4 times on guidance v.4,8,12,14
3 times on waiting for the Lord v,3,5,21
The simple structure for memory is as follows:
1-7 Prayer for remembrance
8-10 Meditate on God's Goodness
11 Confession
12-14 Meditate on how the Lord treats those who fear Him
15 Look upon God
16-22 Prayer for deliverance
The lessons: Compared with Psalm 1
1. Life is complex and enemies are with us
2. The Lord has His guidance
3. Our guilt
4. Our trust
1.It's basically a personal lament.Yet the end points to prayers for the whole nation.
2.It's a confessing hymn for three times at least it mentions the needs v.2,3,20
3.It's from an old aged or middle aged man.
4.It's an acrostic psalm,that means it adopts the Hebrew alphabets for construction.
(Ps 9-10/Ps 25/Ps 34/Ps 37/Ps 111/Ps 112/Ps 119/Ps 145)
13 times on prayers
4 times on guidance v.4,8,12,14
3 times on waiting for the Lord v,3,5,21
The simple structure for memory is as follows:
1-7 Prayer for remembrance
8-10 Meditate on God's Goodness
11 Confession
12-14 Meditate on how the Lord treats those who fear Him
15 Look upon God
16-22 Prayer for deliverance
The lessons: Compared with Psalm 1
1. Life is complex and enemies are with us
2. The Lord has His guidance
3. Our guilt
4. Our trust
2008年2月21日 星期四
Quote reflections for the day -- To live & to concern
To live is to eat slower,
sleep earlier and
see more.
For these three,I certainly
fail in the first,
so-so in the second and
pass in the last.
Dear Lord ! Help me to enjoy life to go slower,sleep more and see your beauty !
Help me to be caring for others amid life's yoke when most of the time just mind our own business
Concern for others should be appropriate-
too little is selfishness but too much is nosiness
sleep earlier and
see more.
For these three,I certainly
fail in the first,
so-so in the second and
pass in the last.
Dear Lord ! Help me to enjoy life to go slower,sleep more and see your beauty !
Help me to be caring for others amid life's yoke when most of the time just mind our own business
Concern for others should be appropriate-
too little is selfishness but too much is nosiness
Parents Day
We attended the Parents Day in OMF at lunch time. It's an annual meet of the M workers' parents here in HK. Both Janet and I were invited to come. A few elderlies came and we enjoyed the lunch,songs and short messages together. Of course we took photos too for memory.
These aged elders are healthy to attend by themselves,there's one with help of young christian to be among us. Last two years a few went to be with the Lord but we also have new ones as new workers join in.
I thank the Lord to be with them as we already shifted our area of service last year.
Due to my father's death last year near this month,we have not held this one. So it's been two years to meet some of them.
These aged elders are healthy to attend by themselves,there's one with help of young christian to be among us. Last two years a few went to be with the Lord but we also have new ones as new workers join in.
I thank the Lord to be with them as we already shifted our area of service last year.
Due to my father's death last year near this month,we have not held this one. So it's been two years to meet some of them.
2008年2月20日 星期三
Rebuilding your broken world
Gordon MacDonald's Rebuilding Your Broken World is a good book for thoughts.
For sinners,sufferers and strugglers alike,we might have to face this not uncommon,universal experience,revealed both our unguarded strength and unprepared heart,if we have not built any defenses in our unexamined lives.
We need repentance and restoration by the grace of God with the help of the community of Faith. We have to finish the running race when we are defeated and be encouraged in this rebuilding process.
In the introductory quote by C S Lewis,what suggested is but kind words from the author:"Think of me as a fellow-patient in the same hospital who,having been admitted a little earlier,could give some advice."
Insight into the truth of God
Insight into our own state
Insight into our environment of choices.
The freest person in the world is one with an open heart,a broken spirit,and a new direction in which to travel.
The Ten Peace Ledge Principles laid down in this process are :
1.Being Silent & Withdraw
2.Don't Defend Yourself
3.Enjoy the Amusement of God's Messengers
4.Assume the Ministry of the Interior
5.Listen to the Deep Things
6.Receive the Mercy,Live like a Forgiven Person
7.Walk Right through the Pain
8.Look for those Who need Grace and aren't getting it
9.Join with those who know how to Praise God
10.Look for New Themes
For sinners,sufferers and strugglers alike,we might have to face this not uncommon,universal experience,revealed both our unguarded strength and unprepared heart,if we have not built any defenses in our unexamined lives.
We need repentance and restoration by the grace of God with the help of the community of Faith. We have to finish the running race when we are defeated and be encouraged in this rebuilding process.
In the introductory quote by C S Lewis,what suggested is but kind words from the author:"Think of me as a fellow-patient in the same hospital who,having been admitted a little earlier,could give some advice."
Insight into the truth of God
Insight into our own state
Insight into our environment of choices.
The freest person in the world is one with an open heart,a broken spirit,and a new direction in which to travel.
The Ten Peace Ledge Principles laid down in this process are :
1.Being Silent & Withdraw
2.Don't Defend Yourself
3.Enjoy the Amusement of God's Messengers
4.Assume the Ministry of the Interior
5.Listen to the Deep Things
6.Receive the Mercy,Live like a Forgiven Person
7.Walk Right through the Pain
8.Look for those Who need Grace and aren't getting it
9.Join with those who know how to Praise God
10.Look for New Themes
2008年2月19日 星期二
Where there is a will, there is a way!
I received an email new year greeting from E sister in Christ this morning which included the following inspiring story:
From: Where there is a will, there is a way!
Read the story,then watch the amazing and inspiring video
(Try copy & paste the link at bottom on the web)
A young lady in her 30's was a dancer and was trained as one since she was a little girl. Later she got into some kind of accident and lost her entire left arm. She was depressed for a few years. It seemed that someone asked her to coach a Children's dancing group. From that point on, she realized she could not forget dancing. She still loved to dance. She wanted to dance again. So she started to do some of her old routines. But by her losing an arm, she also lost her balance. It took a while before she could even making simple turns and spins without falling. Eventually she got it.
Then she heard some guy in his 20's had lost a leg in an accident. This guy also fell into the usual denial, depression and anger type of emotional roller coaster. She looked him up and persuaded him to dance with her. He had never danced. And to dance with one leg? Are you joking with me? No way. But she didn't give up. He reluctantly agreed. They hired a choreographer to design routines for them. She would fly high (held by him) with both arms (a sleeve for an arm) flying in the air. He could bend horizontally supported by one leg and she leaning on him, etc. They danced beautifully and they legitimately beat others in the competition.
sound on www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnLVRQCjh8c
It's amazing to read the story and would it encourage us to step forward for the Lord in all our difficulties ?
Here I remember a good song started like this :
God will make a way,where there seems to be no way ...
From: Where there is a will, there is a way!
Read the story,then watch the amazing and inspiring video
(Try copy & paste the link at bottom on the web)
A young lady in her 30's was a dancer and was trained as one since she was a little girl. Later she got into some kind of accident and lost her entire left arm. She was depressed for a few years. It seemed that someone asked her to coach a Children's dancing group. From that point on, she realized she could not forget dancing. She still loved to dance. She wanted to dance again. So she started to do some of her old routines. But by her losing an arm, she also lost her balance. It took a while before she could even making simple turns and spins without falling. Eventually she got it.
Then she heard some guy in his 20's had lost a leg in an accident. This guy also fell into the usual denial, depression and anger type of emotional roller coaster. She looked him up and persuaded him to dance with her. He had never danced. And to dance with one leg? Are you joking with me? No way. But she didn't give up. He reluctantly agreed. They hired a choreographer to design routines for them. She would fly high (held by him) with both arms (a sleeve for an arm) flying in the air. He could bend horizontally supported by one leg and she leaning on him, etc. They danced beautifully and they legitimately beat others in the competition.
sound on www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnLVRQCjh8c
It's amazing to read the story and would it encourage us to step forward for the Lord in all our difficulties ?
Here I remember a good song started like this :
God will make a way,where there seems to be no way ...
2008年2月18日 星期一
Values
I read on a book "The future of values -- 21 st century talks"
Present day value talks hold on the key word-- CRR
(Complexity,Rapid change,and Respect)
It asks us to be aware of three things:
1. Conflicts are normal because of plurality and diversity.
2. Uncertainty is expected because of unpredictability and rapid changes.
3. Respect for each other is the control or else would regress to violence and salvage acts.
How's our biblical values being put ?--- also CRR
(Creation,Redemption and Recreation)
It also focuses on three areas :
1. C : Creator God--- Creativity uphold and being co-creating partners in His creation.
2. R : Redemptive God --- Fallen creatures needed His salvation and shared His good news to all nations.
3. R : Re-creation and Returning God--- Eternal hope amid the unbearable circumstances and experiencing the glory of transformed bodies.
Persevere in times of difficulties ! 好事多磨，逆流總會遇浪，要撐到底 !
Present day value talks hold on the key word-- CRR
(Complexity,Rapid change,and Respect)
It asks us to be aware of three things:
1. Conflicts are normal because of plurality and diversity.
2. Uncertainty is expected because of unpredictability and rapid changes.
3. Respect for each other is the control or else would regress to violence and salvage acts.
How's our biblical values being put ?--- also CRR
(Creation,Redemption and Recreation)
It also focuses on three areas :
1. C : Creator God--- Creativity uphold and being co-creating partners in His creation.
2. R : Redemptive God --- Fallen creatures needed His salvation and shared His good news to all nations.
3. R : Re-creation and Returning God--- Eternal hope amid the unbearable circumstances and experiencing the glory of transformed bodies.
Persevere in times of difficulties ! 好事多磨，逆流總會遇浪，要撐到底 !
Clear Stream among the worldly
I am going to preach this coming Sunday on being pure among the dirty.
The text I adopt will be I Thessalonians 4:1-12.
I would emphasize three points:
1. The command to be and persevere in holiness
The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions. -- Alfred Lord Tennyson --
2. To love one another
Love one another so that others know you are my disciples --Lord Jesus --
3. To be silent and attentive to work
I have discovered that all human evil comes from this, man's being unable to sit still in a room. -- Blaise Pascal --
How can present day church face the heinous sex current and the obscene pictures both around us and on the internet ?
The text I adopt will be I Thessalonians 4:1-12.
I would emphasize three points:
1. The command to be and persevere in holiness
The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions. -- Alfred Lord Tennyson --
2. To love one another
Love one another so that others know you are my disciples --Lord Jesus --
3. To be silent and attentive to work
I have discovered that all human evil comes from this, man's being unable to sit still in a room. -- Blaise Pascal --
How can present day church face the heinous sex current and the obscene pictures both around us and on the internet ?
2008年2月14日 星期四
Tradition & Renewal
Do something new in my life !(X2)
Do something wonderful in my life O Lord!
Do something new in my life !(X2)
Do something wonderful in my life O Lord!
在我心中行新事，在我心中行奇事，
在我生命中行奇妙事，啊主 !
在我心中行新事，在我心中行奇事，
在我生命中行奇妙事，啊主 !
I shared with colleagues this morning on Mk2:13-28
where 4 events mentioned on Jesus with His disciples captured my attention.
1. Jesus stayed with the tax-collectors and sinners. (13-17)
2. Jesus was accused His disciples,unlike those of the Pharisees and John's disciples,did not fast.(18-20)
3. Jesus taught on the unsuccessful matchings of both new & old,illustrated by cloth and wine.(21-22)
4. Jesus re-interpreted the correct meanings of the Sabbath (23-28)
In the four areas of people relationships,religious practices,different live styles, ritual & dates,Jesus brought our attention to the significance of tradition and renewal.
I think especially on the training ministry application.
We do need to train workers to be open-minded towards new things and can embark on one' own self-reflection.
Do something wonderful in my life O Lord!
Do something new in my life !(X2)
Do something wonderful in my life O Lord!
在我心中行新事，在我心中行奇事，
在我生命中行奇妙事，啊主 !
在我心中行新事，在我心中行奇事，
在我生命中行奇妙事，啊主 !
I shared with colleagues this morning on Mk2:13-28
where 4 events mentioned on Jesus with His disciples captured my attention.
1. Jesus stayed with the tax-collectors and sinners. (13-17)
2. Jesus was accused His disciples,unlike those of the Pharisees and John's disciples,did not fast.(18-20)
3. Jesus taught on the unsuccessful matchings of both new & old,illustrated by cloth and wine.(21-22)
4. Jesus re-interpreted the correct meanings of the Sabbath (23-28)
In the four areas of people relationships,religious practices,different live styles, ritual & dates,Jesus brought our attention to the significance of tradition and renewal.
I think especially on the training ministry application.
We do need to train workers to be open-minded towards new things and can embark on one' own self-reflection.
2008年2月13日 星期三
Valentine Day's love Reminder
Love is not blind - it sees more, not less. But because it sees more, it is willing to see less. -- Rabbi Julius Gordon--
“Immature love says: 'I love you because I need you.'
Mature love says: 'I need you because I love you'”-- Erich Fromm --
“Immature love says: 'I love you because I need you.'
Mature love says: 'I need you because I love you'”-- Erich Fromm --
Disabled children
Our church prayer meet welcomed M's sharing last night on her disabled children service in China.For the last few years,G & M's family helped establish disability project with the help of the local government. Her pictures shown on the faces of the crippled ones,low intelligences are touching and brought back memories of Christ's living among the needy ones when on earth. My reflections are of three-fold:
1. Let's help the whole country uphold the value & dignity of humanity and willing to help their own born unhealthy ones.It's sad to see those deprived people without family compassionate concern.They too are noble in the eyes of God.
2.It's really a persevering effort to see results.The needs are immense while workers are few.
3.God's power is manifest tremendously through these belittled people.We always have to learn the humble lesson and not relying on our own.
1. Let's help the whole country uphold the value & dignity of humanity and willing to help their own born unhealthy ones.It's sad to see those deprived people without family compassionate concern.They too are noble in the eyes of God.
2.It's really a persevering effort to see results.The needs are immense while workers are few.
3.God's power is manifest tremendously through these belittled people.We always have to learn the humble lesson and not relying on our own.
2008年2月12日 星期二
What's wanted and most important ?
Much is now being said about evangelism; but before we get effective evangelism, we have to get effective evangelists. Evangelism is useless unless it is the work of one devoted to God, willing and glad to suffer all things for God, penetrated by the attractiveness of God. New machinery, adaptations and adjustments, are not the first need but more devoted, adoring, sacrificial souls. Evelyn Underhill, 'The Priest's Life of Prayer',1937
The above quote is taken from comtemporary spiritualities reflections.
It's more the soul wanted by God,devoted,sacrificial as said by Underhill,rather than the changing techniques emerged incessantly these days to meet vacant posts on various fields.Not just evangelists but missionaries these days too are becoming vague in both image and profile.Everyone willingly offer himself/herself surely will be accepted to go ahead,to try serving in different capacities.
It's good to rethink the whole matter,to refocus on the real important issues involved in such confusion.New age needs new thoughts in terms of recruitments.But
it's still the person that matters most.
The above quote is taken from comtemporary spiritualities reflections.
It's more the soul wanted by God,devoted,sacrificial as said by Underhill,rather than the changing techniques emerged incessantly these days to meet vacant posts on various fields.Not just evangelists but missionaries these days too are becoming vague in both image and profile.Everyone willingly offer himself/herself surely will be accepted to go ahead,to try serving in different capacities.
It's good to rethink the whole matter,to refocus on the real important issues involved in such confusion.New age needs new thoughts in terms of recruitments.But
it's still the person that matters most.
Use of time
Our training ministry really tries us in the use of time.
In ordinary days outside our training sessions,if not involved in preparing training notes,colleagues would have to figure out how to use time in a proper way.I've found more than enough to prepare the teachings IF we already secure prepared notes.
Unlike church ministries which have so many areas,visitation,function meetings,weekly prayers,we do not have such activities and responsibilities. I may be better still need manage administration but for others,if they cannot focus in studies and in depth preparations,time might become boring during office hours.
Some of their natural choices will be as follows :
Involved in bible readings and spending all the time.
Even trying to search website materials for further knowledges,
Chat with colleagues along and just let time drop away.
If we need doing things outside our responsibilities,it means we already are in quite a loose state of not knowing how to spend time properly.
Well I better think of my own time use during office hours,like writing this blog is also kind of relax reflection. Anyway I remember a seminary president once said no vocation on earth would pay us to read our bible in our ordinary days.For as bible teacher pastors we are privileged to do so just of such nature.
Thanks to the Lord for making us always clear in mission and time use.
In ordinary days outside our training sessions,if not involved in preparing training notes,colleagues would have to figure out how to use time in a proper way.I've found more than enough to prepare the teachings IF we already secure prepared notes.
Unlike church ministries which have so many areas,visitation,function meetings,weekly prayers,we do not have such activities and responsibilities. I may be better still need manage administration but for others,if they cannot focus in studies and in depth preparations,time might become boring during office hours.
Some of their natural choices will be as follows :
Involved in bible readings and spending all the time.
Even trying to search website materials for further knowledges,
Chat with colleagues along and just let time drop away.
If we need doing things outside our responsibilities,it means we already are in quite a loose state of not knowing how to spend time properly.
Well I better think of my own time use during office hours,like writing this blog is also kind of relax reflection. Anyway I remember a seminary president once said no vocation on earth would pay us to read our bible in our ordinary days.For as bible teacher pastors we are privileged to do so just of such nature.
Thanks to the Lord for making us always clear in mission and time use.
2008年2月11日 星期一
Notes on Hermeneutics
I found most books on Hermeneutics are of such divisions.
General principles :
1. Word & Grammar studies
2. Immediate Context
3. Cross references
4. Historical & cultural background
Special principles :
1. Parables & metaphors
Background,structure,cultural details,main point,kingdom teachings,beware build up doctrine,relevancies,whole understandings
2. Prophecies & types
Oracles,types,balance(teachings/conditional/fulfilled?),literal,symbolic,
Christocentric,one's perspective,relevancies
3. Poetics
Stanza,parallelism,metaphor,background,types,messianic functions,whole psalm
4. Apocalyptics
Literary types,text main points,structure,symbolics,theology
Ten main principles derived from the above considerations are:
1. Whole book
2. Paragraphs
3. Grammar
4. Etymology
5. Semantics
6. Background
7. Bible Theology
8. Historical Theology
9. Systematic Theology
10.Homiletics
General principles :
1. Word & Grammar studies
2. Immediate Context
3. Cross references
4. Historical & cultural background
Special principles :
1. Parables & metaphors
Background,structure,cultural details,main point,kingdom teachings,beware build up doctrine,relevancies,whole understandings
2. Prophecies & types
Oracles,types,balance(teachings/conditional/fulfilled?),literal,symbolic,
Christocentric,one's perspective,relevancies
3. Poetics
Stanza,parallelism,metaphor,background,types,messianic functions,whole psalm
4. Apocalyptics
Literary types,text main points,structure,symbolics,theology
Ten main principles derived from the above considerations are:
1. Whole book
2. Paragraphs
3. Grammar
4. Etymology
5. Semantics
6. Background
7. Bible Theology
8. Historical Theology
9. Systematic Theology
10.Homiletics
LOVE: A PARAPHRASE OF 1 CORINTHIANS 13
I received the following paraphrase of I Corinthian 13 today from Betty,a relative in US today.
If I talk a lot about God and the Bible and the Church, but I fail to ask about your needs and then help you, I'm simply making a lot of empty religious noise.
If I graduate from theological seminary and know all the answers to questions you'll never even think of asking, and if I have all the degrees to prove it and if I say I believe in God with all my heart, and soul and strength, and claim to have incredible answers to my prayers to show it, but I fail to take the time to find out where you're at and what makes you laugh and why you cry, I'm nothing.
If I sell an extra car and some of my books to raise money for some poor starving kids somewhere, and if I give my life for God's service and burn out after pouring everything I have into the work, but do it all without ever once thinking about the people, the real hurting people-the moms and dads and sons and daughters and orphans and widows and the lonely and hurting-if I pour my life into the Kingdom but forget to make it relevant to those here on earth, my energy is wasted, and so is my life.
Here is what love is like--genuine love. God's kind of love. It's patient. It can wait. It helps others, even if they never find out who did it. Love doesn't look for greener pastures or dream of how things could be better if I just got rid of all my current commitments. Love doesn't boast. It doesn't try to build itself up to be something it isn't. Love doesn't act in a loose, immoral way. It doesn't seek to take, but it willingly gives. Love doesn't lose its cool. It doesn't turn on and off. Love doesn't think about how bad the other person is, and certainly doesn't think of how it could get back at someone. Love is grieved deeply (as God is) over the evil in this world, but it rejoices over truth.
Love comes and sits with you when you're feeling down and finds out what is wrong. It empathizes with you and believes in you. Love knows you'll come through just as God planned, and love sticks right beside you all the way. Love doesn't give up, or quit, or diminish or go home. Love keeps on keeping on, even when everything goes wrong and the feelings leave and the other person doesn't seem as special anymore. Love succeeds 100 percent of the time. That, my friend, is what real love is!
If I talk a lot about God and the Bible and the Church, but I fail to ask about your needs and then help you, I'm simply making a lot of empty religious noise.
If I graduate from theological seminary and know all the answers to questions you'll never even think of asking, and if I have all the degrees to prove it and if I say I believe in God with all my heart, and soul and strength, and claim to have incredible answers to my prayers to show it, but I fail to take the time to find out where you're at and what makes you laugh and why you cry, I'm nothing.
If I sell an extra car and some of my books to raise money for some poor starving kids somewhere, and if I give my life for God's service and burn out after pouring everything I have into the work, but do it all without ever once thinking about the people, the real hurting people-the moms and dads and sons and daughters and orphans and widows and the lonely and hurting-if I pour my life into the Kingdom but forget to make it relevant to those here on earth, my energy is wasted, and so is my life.
Here is what love is like--genuine love. God's kind of love. It's patient. It can wait. It helps others, even if they never find out who did it. Love doesn't look for greener pastures or dream of how things could be better if I just got rid of all my current commitments. Love doesn't boast. It doesn't try to build itself up to be something it isn't. Love doesn't act in a loose, immoral way. It doesn't seek to take, but it willingly gives. Love doesn't lose its cool. It doesn't turn on and off. Love doesn't think about how bad the other person is, and certainly doesn't think of how it could get back at someone. Love is grieved deeply (as God is) over the evil in this world, but it rejoices over truth.
Love comes and sits with you when you're feeling down and finds out what is wrong. It empathizes with you and believes in you. Love knows you'll come through just as God planned, and love sticks right beside you all the way. Love doesn't give up, or quit, or diminish or go home. Love keeps on keeping on, even when everything goes wrong and the feelings leave and the other person doesn't seem as special anymore. Love succeeds 100 percent of the time. That, my friend, is what real love is!
2008年2月10日 星期日
On Humour
The wit makes fun of other persons; the satirist makes fun of the world; the humorist makes fun of himself.--James Thurber--
Humor is our way of defending ourselves from life's absurdities by thinking absurdly about them. -- Lewis Mumford --
Humor is a rubber sword - it allows you to make a point without drawing blood.--Mary Hirsch--
Humor is our way of defending ourselves from life's absurdities by thinking absurdly about them. -- Lewis Mumford --
Humor is a rubber sword - it allows you to make a point without drawing blood.--Mary Hirsch--
6 Reflections on the recent Obscene Internet pictures
It's an offense in law to reveal what's private pictures to public,the offender should be put to shame to face justice.
It's sad for the careless negligence of the one who put the computer pictures onto the hands of the intended offender. He/she already got their trouble lessons for the carelessness.
It's a public concern for the media and family as a whole to do good and be kind towards the younger generation who awaits to be educated to differentiate right from wrong.
It's a lesson for the police authority to be prudent in delivering speech in handling the arrest notices in a so called democratic society.
It got to be an humiliating experience for Hong Kong society to face such trouble and put it right for the whole world as onlookers.
It puts the church of God to pray more for the degrading phenomenon to be put to an end. Morality and ethics are sensitive issues these days around global world and await wise and courageous people to act as vanguard.
It's sad for the careless negligence of the one who put the computer pictures onto the hands of the intended offender. He/she already got their trouble lessons for the carelessness.
It's a public concern for the media and family as a whole to do good and be kind towards the younger generation who awaits to be educated to differentiate right from wrong.
It's a lesson for the police authority to be prudent in delivering speech in handling the arrest notices in a so called democratic society.
It got to be an humiliating experience for Hong Kong society to face such trouble and put it right for the whole world as onlookers.
It puts the church of God to pray more for the degrading phenomenon to be put to an end. Morality and ethics are sensitive issues these days around global world and await wise and courageous people to act as vanguard.
Psalm 84
I preached on Psalm 84 this morning. It's about the new year blessings.My theme is about spiritual blessings.
From the above psalm,I preached
The eagerness for God's temple,
The effort to worship at Zion and
The trust and reliance on God of the Psalmist
The above three form the repeated refrains at verse 4,5 and 12 of the passage.
It's rather cold this morning and the worship was in NT Fanling. The church leaders had lunch with me afterwards for fellowship. It's good to see the church relationships living just like a family.
From the above psalm,I preached
The eagerness for God's temple,
The effort to worship at Zion and
The trust and reliance on God of the Psalmist
The above three form the repeated refrains at verse 4,5 and 12 of the passage.
It's rather cold this morning and the worship was in NT Fanling. The church leaders had lunch with me afterwards for fellowship. It's good to see the church relationships living just like a family.
2008年2月7日 星期四
Lunar New Year
We've been mostly at home this Rat Lunar New Year.
Hopefully clean-up work can be finished today and we can enjoy at rest at home! After more than three weeks temporary stay in LM's place,we can be at peace with ourselves
Just a few email greetings and phone call from afar received.
Thank God to have a silent and peaceful New Year.
Hopefully clean-up work can be finished today and we can enjoy at rest at home! After more than three weeks temporary stay in LM's place,we can be at peace with ourselves
Just a few email greetings and phone call from afar received.
Thank God to have a silent and peaceful New Year.
2008年2月5日 星期二
Meet at the lifts
This morning as we came to office we faced an interesting phenomenon.We were greeted by a few colleagues at 9/F lift. The key man was absent and those earlier came just needed to wait. We already came latter than usual as Janet and I went to have breakfast nearby this morning. WE seldom used breakfast outside but a day before Lunar new year holiday we did so as we stayed late last evening due to aftermath renovation work clean up. Janet slept almost at 1:00a.m.
Colleagues came latter were all greeted by those came earlier at the lift door. They were surprised to see the gathered crowd once stepping out the lift. I even suggested Peter who took his hand mobile to take video clips of their puzzling faces. Someone said it never happened before and it's interesting to have such episode for memory before the Rat Year.
Well,it's an interlude of the new year eve. May be the theme of the coming year is on
"Surprise"
Colleagues came latter were all greeted by those came earlier at the lift door. They were surprised to see the gathered crowd once stepping out the lift. I even suggested Peter who took his hand mobile to take video clips of their puzzling faces. Someone said it never happened before and it's interesting to have such episode for memory before the Rat Year.
Well,it's an interlude of the new year eve. May be the theme of the coming year is on
"Surprise"
2008年2月4日 星期一
Fence and Friends
Do not protect yourself by a fence, but rather by your friends.
--Czech Proverb--
When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.
--Japanese Proverb--
Prosperity makes friends, adversity tries them.
Treat your friend as if he might become an enemy.
-- Publilius Syrus--
--Czech Proverb--
When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.
--Japanese Proverb--
Prosperity makes friends, adversity tries them.
Treat your friend as if he might become an enemy.
-- Publilius Syrus--
Renovation finished
After three weeks,the renovation work in Mei Foo finally finished. Last night it's handed over us on time. Janet and I had a lot of clean up work to follow. Two more days will be lunar new year and busy shopping work has to be done too within these last days.
We thank God for the completed work though it's really expensive for us.
We thank Him for the love and concern from b/s in Christ.
We thank the Lord for the workman hastened the work for us before the new year.
We thank Him for having temporary home to stay during the work period.
We thank our gracious God for safety under the past two weeks'cold weather.
All these are not necessarily so if not by His grace.
We are but nothing without His providence and care.
Praise Him our Lord for all His loving kindness!
We thank God for the completed work though it's really expensive for us.
We thank Him for the love and concern from b/s in Christ.
We thank the Lord for the workman hastened the work for us before the new year.
We thank Him for having temporary home to stay during the work period.
We thank our gracious God for safety under the past two weeks'cold weather.
All these are not necessarily so if not by His grace.
We are but nothing without His providence and care.
Praise Him our Lord for all His loving kindness!
A Royal Waste of Time
Martha Dawn used the title "A Royal waste of time" to describe our worshipping God.
Worship is not a matter of attracting large numbers of people or displaying our own selves. It's rather a focusing on God Himself and He is the splendor of our infinite centre.
Being church in building community and forming character.
Being church in making the right choice and facing the challenges.
The church has to display her beauty as a colony of God's kingdom in a consumer culture.
Worship is not a matter of attracting large numbers of people or displaying our own selves. It's rather a focusing on God Himself and He is the splendor of our infinite centre.
Being church in building community and forming character.
Being church in making the right choice and facing the challenges.
The church has to display her beauty as a colony of God's kingdom in a consumer culture.
2008年2月3日 星期日
Ideas ,Ideals and Ideology
I was given the responsibility to supervise future new intern for our training ministry.
The proposal I drafted focused more on individual development.
The feedback given is more on the ideas,ideals and ideology of
what we are supposed to do presently.
Ideas
--Healthy workers and Healthy churches.
Ideals
-- Character and Ministry development
-- Paul and Timothy's Relationship and Care.
Ideology
-- How to build up mainland churches ?
-- How to build up healthy mainland churches ?
-- How to impart vision for mission from the mainland churches ?
The proposal I drafted focused more on individual development.
The feedback given is more on the ideas,ideals and ideology of
what we are supposed to do presently.
Ideas
--Healthy workers and Healthy churches.
Ideals
-- Character and Ministry development
-- Paul and Timothy's Relationship and Care.
Ideology
-- How to build up mainland churches ?
-- How to build up healthy mainland churches ?
-- How to impart vision for mission from the mainland churches ?
2008年2月2日 星期六
The gentleman
My friend Joshua Liu quoted the following words
for thoughts:
君子博学深谋,而不遇时者众已，
且芝兰生于深林,不以无人而不芳，
君子修道立德，不谓穷困而改节。
for thoughts:
君子博学深谋,而不遇时者众已，
且芝兰生于深林,不以无人而不芳，
君子修道立德，不谓穷困而改节。
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