Knowing God needs effort and is a mystery.
We are not God and God is over us. We cannot fully describe God.But that doesn't mean He is unknowable.
Three distinctions:
1. He Himself and models representing Him are different.
2. More than one way to describe Him.
3. All different ways have limitations.
2008年5月28日 星期三
2008年5月27日 星期二
Two quotes
Mr. Yip,our Mandarin teacher,brought us his wife 鄭佩霞's collection,a specialist consultant in Chinese Calligraphy.I then dropped down a few quotes as follows,for they are meaningful:
入門在師傅，
深造在個人。
學書在法，
其妙在人。
I think our church discipleships also need to have teacher as entrance guide,but for deep results and fruit bearing,it all hangs on individual's efforts.
Norms and rules are just standards,
wits and whims are with the person.
入門在師傅，
深造在個人。
學書在法，
其妙在人。
I think our church discipleships also need to have teacher as entrance guide,but for deep results and fruit bearing,it all hangs on individual's efforts.
Norms and rules are just standards,
wits and whims are with the person.
Creativity
I read Kierpal Singh's book on cross cultural creativity.
There are four elements he considered significant:
Transparancy,
Change,
Innovation and
Imagination
There are four elements he considered significant:
Transparancy,
Change,
Innovation and
Imagination
2008年5月22日 星期四
Breakfast Felleowship
It's my turn to share during devotion this morning. But Rev.Lo suggested instead my treating colleagues to breakfast. So I treated them instead of delivering devotion messages as planned. It's kind of habit from time to time for us to have breakfast together in the past. It's good for table talk to enhance working relationships outside the office.
Table share runs in many directions.You can share whatever you think of.Either daily incidents or reflections of recent events,from global issues to mini-events,from past history to future anticipations.It's our practice to take turn to treat each other and facilitate such kind of conversations.
Relationships are of a curious thing. It's such delicate and needs carefully attended to. Meals are great time for friends and family members to talk in an open way,not so serious but can be sensitive to know more of one another.
Table share runs in many directions.You can share whatever you think of.Either daily incidents or reflections of recent events,from global issues to mini-events,from past history to future anticipations.It's our practice to take turn to treat each other and facilitate such kind of conversations.
Relationships are of a curious thing. It's such delicate and needs carefully attended to. Meals are great time for friends and family members to talk in an open way,not so serious but can be sensitive to know more of one another.
大麥餅的文章
在辦公室找一本字典查考生字時，偶然找到以前一位同工留下的書簽，因而進到她的網站，發現她仍繼續創作寫作，感到文字很有意思。在此謹節取她一二篇作品如下,有興趣者可往下列網頁http://www.prayerkitchen.com/
文/黃少芬
1. 一顆露珠，依偎在葉子的溫柔上
誕生在蒼涼，安息在天亮
晨光一變臉，露珠瞬間消逝，成為鑽石嘲笑的對象
風的吻別，也無力埋葬出現片時的哀傷
沒有翅膀，如何與鷹較量
也沒有玫瑰的芳香，總是在清醒與迷醉間徬徨
上帝的使者告訴它，在至聖之處永遠保存不顯眼的嗎哪
如它一樣，每個夜間降下*
如它一樣，臉孔平凡
至聖之處，有上帝的榮光
露珠不跳動
卻在晨曦中輕舞耀眼榮光
光耀的生命比曇花還短
榮耀的路比生命還長
* 民數記11：9記載：夜間露水降在營中，嗎哪也隨著降下。
-----------------------------------------------------------------
2. 如果你心中有愛
在雪地上也能赤腳行走
但是
如果你的愛不能跟人分享
你會越走越疲累
如果你心中有愛
說話的時候就會滴下蜜糖
但是
如果你的愛不能跟人分享
過了期限的蜜糖會失去芳香
把愛留給自己的人
也把別人拒於門外
其實，你不懂得愛
文/黃少芬
1. 一顆露珠，依偎在葉子的溫柔上
誕生在蒼涼，安息在天亮
晨光一變臉，露珠瞬間消逝，成為鑽石嘲笑的對象
風的吻別，也無力埋葬出現片時的哀傷
沒有翅膀，如何與鷹較量
也沒有玫瑰的芳香，總是在清醒與迷醉間徬徨
上帝的使者告訴它，在至聖之處永遠保存不顯眼的嗎哪
如它一樣，每個夜間降下*
如它一樣，臉孔平凡
至聖之處，有上帝的榮光
露珠不跳動
卻在晨曦中輕舞耀眼榮光
光耀的生命比曇花還短
榮耀的路比生命還長
* 民數記11：9記載：夜間露水降在營中，嗎哪也隨著降下。
-----------------------------------------------------------------
2. 如果你心中有愛
在雪地上也能赤腳行走
但是
如果你的愛不能跟人分享
你會越走越疲累
如果你心中有愛
說話的時候就會滴下蜜糖
但是
如果你的愛不能跟人分享
過了期限的蜜糖會失去芳香
把愛留給自己的人
也把別人拒於門外
其實，你不懂得愛
2008年5月20日 星期二
Four Prayers
Monday going with Mom to hospital for body check.It's fast and mom said before the doctor told us anything I already knew the answer.It's strange for her to say that to me and it's in my mind for thoughts.
Then Yesterday during I-Hua prayer meet Rev. Kenneth Lo told me to pray more for new colleague workers.
These two incidents made me think of my future in terms of prayers and vision from God.
This morning as I thought of the future,I asked four things from the Lord.
1. Revival for all christian colleagues,both in getting His Word and devoted to more prayers
2. Workers for His Kingdom,both with wisdom and strategies in projects and ministries
3. Health for His servant workers,both in handling projects and finishing well.
4. Projects for extending His work,both sticking to necessity and relevancy.
Then Yesterday during I-Hua prayer meet Rev. Kenneth Lo told me to pray more for new colleague workers.
These two incidents made me think of my future in terms of prayers and vision from God.
This morning as I thought of the future,I asked four things from the Lord.
1. Revival for all christian colleagues,both in getting His Word and devoted to more prayers
2. Workers for His Kingdom,both with wisdom and strategies in projects and ministries
3. Health for His servant workers,both in handling projects and finishing well.
4. Projects for extending His work,both sticking to necessity and relevancy.
今天，汶川不是地名
《唐山大地震》作者錢鋼寫了下列文字，我特別記取下來 :
今天，汶川不是地名。
今天，汶川，是我們每個人的名字。
在悠遠的汽笛聲中垂首默立，任5月的雨水和淚水交匯。這是揮別的一刻：向母親、父親、兒子、女兒、妻子、丈夫、戀人、老師、學生、朋友、同事、鄰居……向5月12日下午2時28分前的平淡、忙碌、盼望、失望、憂愁、歡喜……那些習焉不察的溫馨日子。
因為汶川，我一次次想起唐山。我不由驚訝：唐山地震32年之後，無論是逝者還是生者，此時全都完整地存在。32年，唐山，有過無數祭奠，社會、集體、家庭乃 至心靈。它不再僅僅是別離和悲傷，而成為與親人友人間的相會與祝福。唐山地震讓24萬生靈消失，可是，它留下了一個名叫「唐山」的完整生命。那位向汶川災 區捐款億元的唐山孤兒，讓你看到廢墟上生命的成長。
今天的汶川祭奠，一定也只是短暫的告別。生命，並非僅僅呼吸和心跳。生離死別，不是生命的邊界。親人們沒有離去，一切都將延續。在廢墟上嬰兒嘹亮的啼哭聲裏，一個叫做「汶川」的新生命，今天降生。
活覑，並不容易。用更好的「活覑」告慰親人，要有更大的勇氣和智慧。今天，是抗震救災第九天，嚴峻的考驗正一一逼近，我們需要更內斂的情感和明澈的理性。
願所有逝者安息！
請所有生者擦乾眼淚，繼續！
今天，汶川不是地名。
今天，汶川，是我們每個人的名字。
在悠遠的汽笛聲中垂首默立，任5月的雨水和淚水交匯。這是揮別的一刻：向母親、父親、兒子、女兒、妻子、丈夫、戀人、老師、學生、朋友、同事、鄰居……向5月12日下午2時28分前的平淡、忙碌、盼望、失望、憂愁、歡喜……那些習焉不察的溫馨日子。
因為汶川，我一次次想起唐山。我不由驚訝：唐山地震32年之後，無論是逝者還是生者，此時全都完整地存在。32年，唐山，有過無數祭奠，社會、集體、家庭乃 至心靈。它不再僅僅是別離和悲傷，而成為與親人友人間的相會與祝福。唐山地震讓24萬生靈消失，可是，它留下了一個名叫「唐山」的完整生命。那位向汶川災 區捐款億元的唐山孤兒，讓你看到廢墟上生命的成長。
今天的汶川祭奠，一定也只是短暫的告別。生命，並非僅僅呼吸和心跳。生離死別，不是生命的邊界。親人們沒有離去，一切都將延續。在廢墟上嬰兒嘹亮的啼哭聲裏，一個叫做「汶川」的新生命，今天降生。
活覑，並不容易。用更好的「活覑」告慰親人，要有更大的勇氣和智慧。今天，是抗震救災第九天，嚴峻的考驗正一一逼近，我們需要更內斂的情感和明澈的理性。
願所有逝者安息！
請所有生者擦乾眼淚，繼續！
Insights and prayers from the Earthquakes
The recent Sichuan great earthquake gives me these reflections:
China is going to have great changes among the world in terms of her image.Firstly she has a high and efficient administration in relief coordination. Secondly,the mutual love and brotherhood bond between the peoples of the whole nation is great. Thirdly,though she's not a democratic country,what she achieves out of this casualty may be greater than those democratic places and launch new researches among political scientists in their field studies. Fourthly the China Media profession just showed exceptional degree of her expertise and with high appraisals & good comments all around the world.
My high hope therefore in coming years of China's becoming a really great power among world countries. It's indeed too sad to see so many deaths and broken families out of the earthquake. It's however great gain for friendships across the Straits as well as showing China's great national virtue of people caring for one another.
Lord our God! May your great wisdom be shone upon our comrades and bring them out of afflictions. May your salvation be upon all the political leaders so that they may know how to rule your land out of justice and love.
China is going to have great changes among the world in terms of her image.Firstly she has a high and efficient administration in relief coordination. Secondly,the mutual love and brotherhood bond between the peoples of the whole nation is great. Thirdly,though she's not a democratic country,what she achieves out of this casualty may be greater than those democratic places and launch new researches among political scientists in their field studies. Fourthly the China Media profession just showed exceptional degree of her expertise and with high appraisals & good comments all around the world.
My high hope therefore in coming years of China's becoming a really great power among world countries. It's indeed too sad to see so many deaths and broken families out of the earthquake. It's however great gain for friendships across the Straits as well as showing China's great national virtue of people caring for one another.
Lord our God! May your great wisdom be shone upon our comrades and bring them out of afflictions. May your salvation be upon all the political leaders so that they may know how to rule your land out of justice and love.
2008年5月14日 星期三
Purposes in Suffering
Walter Kaiser mentioned 8 types of suffering in old testament when exegeting on Lamentations in A biblical approach to suffering.
They are as follows:
Retributional or punishment
Educational or purifying
Redemptional or substitution
Empathy or Identifying
Doxological
Witnessing
Revelational
Eschatological
They are as follows:
Retributional or punishment
Educational or purifying
Redemptional or substitution
Empathy or Identifying
Doxological
Witnessing
Revelational
Eschatological
Reflections on sufferings (Romans 8:18-25)
一.苦難是真實的 !!
現在的經歷 (時刻發生)
歎息的聲音 (勞苦歎息)
服在虛空下 (短暫片時)
身不由得己 (不能掌控)
敗壞的轄制 (惡似當道)
共同的課題 (未能免疫)
二.榮耀是要來的 !!
算得甚麼 (不足介意)
切望等候 (眾子顯現)
得以進入 (自由在望)
尊貴身位 (兒子名份)
榮耀更新 (身體得贖)
信心眼晴 (盼所未見)
Most of us will have faced that most delicate situation of meeting a person who is suffering. We tend to go down one of two different avenues.
One is to offer well-intentioned advice often in the form of well-worn cliches that the person will have heard several times before.
The other is not to say anything at all risking the danger of leaving the person under the impression that God has no idea what is going on and is unable to help.
How are we to understand suffering and its place in our lives?
Should we try and rationalise it away,trying to come up with a solution that sits as comfortably as possible? Surely we should look to Scripture first?
This is what Walter Kaiser does. By looking at the Old Testament book of Lamentations Kaiser does not offer any easy solutions but rather shows us how a Sovereign and Loving God can work through even the most painful moments.
Why Bad Things Happen How different religions view the reasons for undeserved human suffering --Ellen Leventry -- (Former Beliefnet editor)
For centuries people have been asking, "Why, God, why?" when disaster strikes. And for centuries, religion has been trying to answer the question of how a loving or just God could allow humans to endure such suffering. While Western traditions strive to teach that God's power and goodness are, indeed, compatible with the suffering of innocents, many Eastern faiths view undeserved suffering as a result of a cosmic law of moral cause and effect. Read on to see what each of the five major world faiths has to say about why bad things happen to good people.
Buddhism
According to the first two Noble Truths of Buddhism all of life is suffering and suffering is caused by attachments to worldly things. This attachment, which can take the form of greed, hatred, and ignorance in this life and past lives, can, unless mitigated, return as more suffering (karma). According to the Dhammapada, "By oneself the evil is done, and it is oneself who suffers: by oneself the evil is not done, and by one's Self one becomes pure." Suffering is not necessarily punishment from a divine being, but rather something that must be transcended by not clinging to material objects or relationships. According to Lama Surya Das, bad things happen to good people "because there are myriad karmic causes conspiring to bring about any particular event, which then becomes cause for other effects to take place."
Christianity
The question of the unjustified suffering of the innocent is at the heart of Christianity, which holds that a sinless man (Jesus) suffered and died for the sins of humanity. Some Christians see suffering as God's punishment of sinful people or the world as a whole. Others see such suffering as a way a loving God tests the faith and fortitude of survivors. According to St. Paul, Christians should rejoice in suffering because it produces endurance, hope and character (Romans 5:3-5). Still other Christians see innocents' suffering as evidence of the inscrutable will of a God who "works in mysterious ways" toward an ultimate but unknowable good. Some Christians offer no explanation but, like Job, seek to trust in God. In the past, Roman Catholic Christians were taught that they should "offer up" pain, with the idea that through faith, suffering that seems meaningless can be redeemed and transformed. The fourth-century saint Augustine says, "God would not allow any evil to exist unless out of it he could draw a greater good. This is part of the wisdom and goodness of God."
Hinduism
Many Hindus view suffering as punishment for misdeeds committed in this lifetime or past lives. Even a seemingly innocent person who has not eradicated bad karma from past lives through charitable deeds is susceptible to such payback. Individuals' suffering should be placed in the broader context of a cosmic cycle of birth, life, destruction and rebirth. Hindus believe victims will be reincarnated and may be happier in their next life.
Islam
The very word "Islam" means "submission." Many Muslims understand that to include suffering --enduring pain or loss is a way of submitting to the will of Allah. Some suffering is Satan's doing or is the work of his cohorts in the spirit world (the "jinn") and is allowed by Allah as a test of humility and faith. Many Muslims believe suffering and adversity strengthen one's faith, as pain often leads to repentance and prayer and good deeds.
Judaism
Sometimes it is believed that suffering is caused by a weakness in one's devotion to God. Generally, it is believed that God gave humans free will to feel pleasure and pain, and His purpose in allowing deep suffering of the innocent must be good even if mysterious. God suffers along with the sufferer. Many believe that God's sense of justice, and therefore the reasons for human suffering, are unknowable. To some Jews, knowing why God allows suffering is not as important as knowing that God will punish the perpetrators. All Jews place high importance on working to help those in need; the concept of tikkun olam, or repairing the world, will help allay undeserved suffering. Interestingly, suffering is the only issue listed in the Talmud that could lead a person to lose faith in God.
現在的經歷 (時刻發生)
歎息的聲音 (勞苦歎息)
服在虛空下 (短暫片時)
身不由得己 (不能掌控)
敗壞的轄制 (惡似當道)
共同的課題 (未能免疫)
二.榮耀是要來的 !!
算得甚麼 (不足介意)
切望等候 (眾子顯現)
得以進入 (自由在望)
尊貴身位 (兒子名份)
榮耀更新 (身體得贖)
信心眼晴 (盼所未見)
Most of us will have faced that most delicate situation of meeting a person who is suffering. We tend to go down one of two different avenues.
One is to offer well-intentioned advice often in the form of well-worn cliches that the person will have heard several times before.
The other is not to say anything at all risking the danger of leaving the person under the impression that God has no idea what is going on and is unable to help.
How are we to understand suffering and its place in our lives?
Should we try and rationalise it away,trying to come up with a solution that sits as comfortably as possible? Surely we should look to Scripture first?
This is what Walter Kaiser does. By looking at the Old Testament book of Lamentations Kaiser does not offer any easy solutions but rather shows us how a Sovereign and Loving God can work through even the most painful moments.
Why Bad Things Happen How different religions view the reasons for undeserved human suffering --Ellen Leventry -- (Former Beliefnet editor)
For centuries people have been asking, "Why, God, why?" when disaster strikes. And for centuries, religion has been trying to answer the question of how a loving or just God could allow humans to endure such suffering. While Western traditions strive to teach that God's power and goodness are, indeed, compatible with the suffering of innocents, many Eastern faiths view undeserved suffering as a result of a cosmic law of moral cause and effect. Read on to see what each of the five major world faiths has to say about why bad things happen to good people.
Buddhism
According to the first two Noble Truths of Buddhism all of life is suffering and suffering is caused by attachments to worldly things. This attachment, which can take the form of greed, hatred, and ignorance in this life and past lives, can, unless mitigated, return as more suffering (karma). According to the Dhammapada, "By oneself the evil is done, and it is oneself who suffers: by oneself the evil is not done, and by one's Self one becomes pure." Suffering is not necessarily punishment from a divine being, but rather something that must be transcended by not clinging to material objects or relationships. According to Lama Surya Das, bad things happen to good people "because there are myriad karmic causes conspiring to bring about any particular event, which then becomes cause for other effects to take place."
Christianity
The question of the unjustified suffering of the innocent is at the heart of Christianity, which holds that a sinless man (Jesus) suffered and died for the sins of humanity. Some Christians see suffering as God's punishment of sinful people or the world as a whole. Others see such suffering as a way a loving God tests the faith and fortitude of survivors. According to St. Paul, Christians should rejoice in suffering because it produces endurance, hope and character (Romans 5:3-5). Still other Christians see innocents' suffering as evidence of the inscrutable will of a God who "works in mysterious ways" toward an ultimate but unknowable good. Some Christians offer no explanation but, like Job, seek to trust in God. In the past, Roman Catholic Christians were taught that they should "offer up" pain, with the idea that through faith, suffering that seems meaningless can be redeemed and transformed. The fourth-century saint Augustine says, "God would not allow any evil to exist unless out of it he could draw a greater good. This is part of the wisdom and goodness of God."
Hinduism
Many Hindus view suffering as punishment for misdeeds committed in this lifetime or past lives. Even a seemingly innocent person who has not eradicated bad karma from past lives through charitable deeds is susceptible to such payback. Individuals' suffering should be placed in the broader context of a cosmic cycle of birth, life, destruction and rebirth. Hindus believe victims will be reincarnated and may be happier in their next life.
Islam
The very word "Islam" means "submission." Many Muslims understand that to include suffering --enduring pain or loss is a way of submitting to the will of Allah. Some suffering is Satan's doing or is the work of his cohorts in the spirit world (the "jinn") and is allowed by Allah as a test of humility and faith. Many Muslims believe suffering and adversity strengthen one's faith, as pain often leads to repentance and prayer and good deeds.
Judaism
Sometimes it is believed that suffering is caused by a weakness in one's devotion to God. Generally, it is believed that God gave humans free will to feel pleasure and pain, and His purpose in allowing deep suffering of the innocent must be good even if mysterious. God suffers along with the sufferer. Many believe that God's sense of justice, and therefore the reasons for human suffering, are unknowable. To some Jews, knowing why God allows suffering is not as important as knowing that God will punish the perpetrators. All Jews place high importance on working to help those in need; the concept of tikkun olam, or repairing the world, will help allay undeserved suffering. Interestingly, suffering is the only issue listed in the Talmud that could lead a person to lose faith in God.
2008年5月13日 星期二
Pain and sufferings
Monday's great earthquake in China Sichuan made us suffer together with those directly involved as seen from pictures and reports.
Suffering itself is a mystery which humans cannot possibly understand but it has the result of making us strong not realized in an open way.
Helen Keller's following words notifies us this way:
"Although the world is full of suffering,it is full also of the overcoming of it.Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
May the mystery of earthquake pain in China help many to be strong in His time and comfort.
May the family with tremendous losses be providentially comforted from the Almighty God whose love man cannot fathom but is real and genuine in His own way and in His time.
May all the rescue action & teams be strengthened and save those who can be saved.
May the sufferings of China give her perseverances in moving forward.
Suffering itself is a mystery which humans cannot possibly understand but it has the result of making us strong not realized in an open way.
Helen Keller's following words notifies us this way:
"Although the world is full of suffering,it is full also of the overcoming of it.Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
May the mystery of earthquake pain in China help many to be strong in His time and comfort.
May the family with tremendous losses be providentially comforted from the Almighty God whose love man cannot fathom but is real and genuine in His own way and in His time.
May all the rescue action & teams be strengthened and save those who can be saved.
May the sufferings of China give her perseverances in moving forward.
2008年5月10日 星期六
「神要抺去我們一切的眼泪」
無名的傳道者一詩的作者邊雲波，最近在溫哥華分享侍奉路途，他引用啟示錄7章17節：「神也必擦去他們一切的眼泪。」下列節取自網頁所載 :
主耶穌曾說：「若有人要跟從我，就當捨己，背起他的十字架來跟從我。」
背著十字架會沒有眼泪嗎？我們在服侍中，免不了有這樣那樣的難處，有些同工在人面前滿臉笑容，但在神面前卻是獨自流泪。他從幾方面說了同工們可能會掉的眼泪，一是捨己的眼泪、二是背負十架受苦的眼泪、三是被人誤會受傷的眼泪、四是難以理解困惑的眼泪、五是軟弱失敗痛悔的眼泪、六是靠主得勝喜樂的眼泪。縱使我們為了服侍主會有流泪的時候，但神終必安慰我們，擦乾我們一切的眼泪。
捨己的泪、受苦的泪
有些人在學有所成，事有所就的時候，神就呼召他們，他們要放下自己原來好的環境，走上捨己這條道路。趙君影牧師在大學畢業後蒙主呼召出來傳道，但趙牧師的父親在上海是很富有的人，當時做傳道的是被人看不起的工作。所以父親就勸他，如果他不做傳道的話，就能繼承他的家財萬貫。但要是他要出來傳道的話，就要與他一刀兩斷父子的關係。
後來趙君影牧師還是堅持要出來傳道，那時做傳道人沒有固定的收入，一切都視乎奉獻多少而定。家裡經常吃著稀飯，也沒有什麼糧食。有一次趙牧師受邀去講道，卻沒有路費，於是夫妻兩人商量下就把結婚戒指當了。以後他們寫了一首感人的詩歌，其中的歌詞是：「我眼流泪，我心破碎，主啊，我心愛你！或遭敵對，或遇誤會，主啊，我心愛你！主啊！我心愛你，現在愛你，永遠愛你；任憑海枯石欄，主啊！我心愛你！」邊雲波說，他們的眼泪成為了日後很多人的激勵。如果我們曾經放下了什麼，他相信這樣的經歷是為了幫助別人的，所以應當喜樂和感到安慰。
另一方面，一些服侍主的同工放下的不是今世的財物或物質上的享受，而是在感情上面對很大的爭戰。邊雲波以前聽過焦源濂牧師的講台見證，焦牧師在還沒有奉獻以前，在團契中認識了一位當時很愛主的姊妹，兩人幾乎已達到訂婚的階段。但當焦牧師上神學院的時候，他那女朋友離信仰越來越遠，想走在世上通達的道路。他們二人談話，誰也勸不了誰，最終兩人的關係只能一刀兩斷。因為信仰的緣故而放棄感情的事，也不是一件簡單的事情。
接著他又談到一位在新疆傳道的趙西門弟兄的經歷，趙西門寫了一首感動萬千人心的詩「十架歸路」，但經過了幾十年的牢獄和勞動改造，竟然連自己寫的詩也忘了。看似很可笑，但他為主受苦的辛酸，有多少心酸的眼泪！
受傷的泪、困惑的泪
他亦分享了自己的經歷，十幾年中他一直求主復興中國的教會，但為什麼越禱告越糟糕？逼迫還越厲害。聖經不是說，「神的膀臂豈是縮短、不能救贖嗎？」感謝神的是一次靈裡的領受，讓他明白到「大山可以挪開，小山可以遷移，但主的慈愛必不離開你。」就因這一次的領受，讓他能夠再次能站立起來。他說，縱使世上千變萬化，但神的慈愛永不改變。中國的教會亦從50年代初期的70萬，激增至80年代和90年代的7000萬。一切都是神自己的作為，是他自己的軟弱所以看不到而已。邊雲波說，感謝主聽我們的禱告，神的道路高過我的道路，祂的意念高過我的意念。
另外，他又談到有時在服侍的過程中，無論在工場上、羊群中或弟兄姊妹的關係上，會遇到出乎意外的誤會。有時候也會有難以理解困惑的泪，如：為什麼會發生這樣的事情？事工為何會這樣？這樣也免不了有眼泪。但神的作為和奧妙不是我們能理解和測透的，有一天神會讓我們知道。神有自己的命定，有些是我們知道的，有些是神不讓我們知道的，所以我們只有憑著信心接受。對於基督徒和傳道人，我們的道路不是走過來的，從始至終都是信過來的。他勉勵眾位，若有心靈受傷或心裡困惑的，主應釦畯抪|擦乾一切的眼泪。
痛悔的泪、得勝的泪
此外，我們服侍主時亦不可能沒有軟弱或失敗，彼得也曾經三次不認主。邊老師說，我們都是人，有自己的軟弱，但神有無盡的恩典，如果遇到失敗的時候，在某樣事情上得罪了主，讓主的名不得益處，那麼就讓我們像彼得一樣，流下痛悔的眼泪。最後亦有靠主得勝喜樂的眼泪，有些人看我們是很難得勝，但靠著主就得勝了，這樣有感恩的眼泪也是自然的。
他總結說，「我們在神面前流的眼泪，主必不輕看。有一天我們會發現，主的恩典十分豐富，我們只會說我們虧欠了主，但主沒有虧欠我們。求主加添我們的力量，流泪撒種的，必歡呼收割！」
主耶穌曾說：「若有人要跟從我，就當捨己，背起他的十字架來跟從我。」
背著十字架會沒有眼泪嗎？我們在服侍中，免不了有這樣那樣的難處，有些同工在人面前滿臉笑容，但在神面前卻是獨自流泪。他從幾方面說了同工們可能會掉的眼泪，一是捨己的眼泪、二是背負十架受苦的眼泪、三是被人誤會受傷的眼泪、四是難以理解困惑的眼泪、五是軟弱失敗痛悔的眼泪、六是靠主得勝喜樂的眼泪。縱使我們為了服侍主會有流泪的時候，但神終必安慰我們，擦乾我們一切的眼泪。
捨己的泪、受苦的泪
有些人在學有所成，事有所就的時候，神就呼召他們，他們要放下自己原來好的環境，走上捨己這條道路。趙君影牧師在大學畢業後蒙主呼召出來傳道，但趙牧師的父親在上海是很富有的人，當時做傳道的是被人看不起的工作。所以父親就勸他，如果他不做傳道的話，就能繼承他的家財萬貫。但要是他要出來傳道的話，就要與他一刀兩斷父子的關係。
後來趙君影牧師還是堅持要出來傳道，那時做傳道人沒有固定的收入，一切都視乎奉獻多少而定。家裡經常吃著稀飯，也沒有什麼糧食。有一次趙牧師受邀去講道，卻沒有路費，於是夫妻兩人商量下就把結婚戒指當了。以後他們寫了一首感人的詩歌，其中的歌詞是：「我眼流泪，我心破碎，主啊，我心愛你！或遭敵對，或遇誤會，主啊，我心愛你！主啊！我心愛你，現在愛你，永遠愛你；任憑海枯石欄，主啊！我心愛你！」邊雲波說，他們的眼泪成為了日後很多人的激勵。如果我們曾經放下了什麼，他相信這樣的經歷是為了幫助別人的，所以應當喜樂和感到安慰。
另一方面，一些服侍主的同工放下的不是今世的財物或物質上的享受，而是在感情上面對很大的爭戰。邊雲波以前聽過焦源濂牧師的講台見證，焦牧師在還沒有奉獻以前，在團契中認識了一位當時很愛主的姊妹，兩人幾乎已達到訂婚的階段。但當焦牧師上神學院的時候，他那女朋友離信仰越來越遠，想走在世上通達的道路。他們二人談話，誰也勸不了誰，最終兩人的關係只能一刀兩斷。因為信仰的緣故而放棄感情的事，也不是一件簡單的事情。
接著他又談到一位在新疆傳道的趙西門弟兄的經歷，趙西門寫了一首感動萬千人心的詩「十架歸路」，但經過了幾十年的牢獄和勞動改造，竟然連自己寫的詩也忘了。看似很可笑，但他為主受苦的辛酸，有多少心酸的眼泪！
受傷的泪、困惑的泪
他亦分享了自己的經歷，十幾年中他一直求主復興中國的教會，但為什麼越禱告越糟糕？逼迫還越厲害。聖經不是說，「神的膀臂豈是縮短、不能救贖嗎？」感謝神的是一次靈裡的領受，讓他明白到「大山可以挪開，小山可以遷移，但主的慈愛必不離開你。」就因這一次的領受，讓他能夠再次能站立起來。他說，縱使世上千變萬化，但神的慈愛永不改變。中國的教會亦從50年代初期的70萬，激增至80年代和90年代的7000萬。一切都是神自己的作為，是他自己的軟弱所以看不到而已。邊雲波說，感謝主聽我們的禱告，神的道路高過我的道路，祂的意念高過我的意念。
另外，他又談到有時在服侍的過程中，無論在工場上、羊群中或弟兄姊妹的關係上，會遇到出乎意外的誤會。有時候也會有難以理解困惑的泪，如：為什麼會發生這樣的事情？事工為何會這樣？這樣也免不了有眼泪。但神的作為和奧妙不是我們能理解和測透的，有一天神會讓我們知道。神有自己的命定，有些是我們知道的，有些是神不讓我們知道的，所以我們只有憑著信心接受。對於基督徒和傳道人，我們的道路不是走過來的，從始至終都是信過來的。他勉勵眾位，若有心靈受傷或心裡困惑的，主應釦畯抪|擦乾一切的眼泪。
痛悔的泪、得勝的泪
此外，我們服侍主時亦不可能沒有軟弱或失敗，彼得也曾經三次不認主。邊老師說，我們都是人，有自己的軟弱，但神有無盡的恩典，如果遇到失敗的時候，在某樣事情上得罪了主，讓主的名不得益處，那麼就讓我們像彼得一樣，流下痛悔的眼泪。最後亦有靠主得勝喜樂的眼泪，有些人看我們是很難得勝，但靠著主就得勝了，這樣有感恩的眼泪也是自然的。
他總結說，「我們在神面前流的眼泪，主必不輕看。有一天我們會發現，主的恩典十分豐富，我們只會說我們虧欠了主，但主沒有虧欠我們。求主加添我們的力量，流泪撒種的，必歡呼收割！」
2008年5月8日 星期四
Lunch with a young man
A young seminary student came to our office this morning. He said he aimed to be on time following our steps.To my pleasure our examples also have impact on this young man in his mid-twenties. Both Kenneth Lo and I are punctual man and we would not waste time or being late on appointments.
We then went out to have lunch talk together.It's our advice to this future church worker that he has to be prudent in response to God's calling as well as being careful in choosing life-partner.It seems hard to eat the lunch with such kind of admonitions.
Anyway it sounds good advices to him when presently all the talks around us are not necessary with godly discernment that's pleasing to Him.
We then went out to have lunch talk together.It's our advice to this future church worker that he has to be prudent in response to God's calling as well as being careful in choosing life-partner.It seems hard to eat the lunch with such kind of admonitions.
Anyway it sounds good advices to him when presently all the talks around us are not necessary with godly discernment that's pleasing to Him.
Classical & Open view of God
Classical view holds that God is immutable,impassible and timeless.
Open view emphasizes God's dynamic and interactive nature with His creatures.
Traditionally God is in full control & being the predictor of future.
An Open God collaborates with man to shape out the future.
Contrasts between the above two views are one section of my talk in coming training session.I have to deal with Trinity and Bible Inerrancy too. Together with the meaning of doctrine conclude my outline of the first course on doctrine in coming June.
古典神觀
神是創造主、判官與君王
神聖主權與不變
神在創造護理及救贖上的單向權威
人類自由上受限制
神超越時間
未來是命定的
神全知未來的一切
邪惡也為神所計劃彰顯祂的榮耀
人只是回應祂，救恩全由神所出
禱告不能阻撓神的定旨
神對我們生活旨意已有定見藍圖
開放神觀
神是救主、愛人與友伴
神聖交往與應變
神在護理及救贖上與受造者一起顯其能力
人類是自由的
神是在時空中與受造者有真交往
神與人一起創造未來
未來對神是開放的
神容許罪惡為愛與自由冒險付代價
神與人一起成就救恩
禱告是能影響神回心轉意
神對人的生活不是先有定規圖則
Open view emphasizes God's dynamic and interactive nature with His creatures.
Traditionally God is in full control & being the predictor of future.
An Open God collaborates with man to shape out the future.
Contrasts between the above two views are one section of my talk in coming training session.I have to deal with Trinity and Bible Inerrancy too. Together with the meaning of doctrine conclude my outline of the first course on doctrine in coming June.
古典神觀
神是創造主、判官與君王
神聖主權與不變
神在創造護理及救贖上的單向權威
人類自由上受限制
神超越時間
未來是命定的
神全知未來的一切
邪惡也為神所計劃彰顯祂的榮耀
人只是回應祂，救恩全由神所出
禱告不能阻撓神的定旨
神對我們生活旨意已有定見藍圖
開放神觀
神是救主、愛人與友伴
神聖交往與應變
神在護理及救贖上與受造者一起顯其能力
人類是自由的
神是在時空中與受造者有真交往
神與人一起創造未來
未來對神是開放的
神容許罪惡為愛與自由冒險付代價
神與人一起成就救恩
禱告是能影響神回心轉意
神對人的生活不是先有定規圖則
2008年5月7日 星期三
The Heart of Mentoring
David Stoddard's book on the Heart of Mentoring lays out 10 principles for thoughts:
1. Our Heart Matters
2. The journey counts
3. Being Open and Transparent
4. Passion needed
5. Pain comforted
6. Priority stressed
7. Character Matters
8. Spirituality is the fuel
9. Our Lagacy lasts
10.Go for it
1. Our Heart Matters
2. The journey counts
3. Being Open and Transparent
4. Passion needed
5. Pain comforted
6. Priority stressed
7. Character Matters
8. Spirituality is the fuel
9. Our Lagacy lasts
10.Go for it
2008年5月6日 星期二
Deacon Training
Last evening we had our first ECF Deacon training in TSTCC. I am the first to teach with Leo. All together 41 were present,with six of us who were among the organizers 35 came with the 43 registered.
It's good to have thoughts on the meaning of Church in the first place.Quite simple in ideas but since we had to introduce new ones and the course time seems not enough to the best use. Anyway we had good discussions and reflections on the church being the People of God instead of just a building place. Questions also put forth on the relation between the church and God's kingdom. It's all on God's people for the meaning of the church and the Rule of God on that of the Kingdom.
I do think it's a good start for all the participants as well as the speakers for sessions to come,all together we are going to have seven to end it before June17.
It's good to have thoughts on the meaning of Church in the first place.Quite simple in ideas but since we had to introduce new ones and the course time seems not enough to the best use. Anyway we had good discussions and reflections on the church being the People of God instead of just a building place. Questions also put forth on the relation between the church and God's kingdom. It's all on God's people for the meaning of the church and the Rule of God on that of the Kingdom.
I do think it's a good start for all the participants as well as the speakers for sessions to come,all together we are going to have seven to end it before June17.
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