Lord, as a New Year begins
We come to you and ask for your blessing
We pray that you would give us joy to fill our days
And peace to fill our hearts and love to fill our lives.
Thank you for the plans you have for us in the New Year.
Thanking God for you and praying your new year is blessed in every way.
God Knows You By Name
In busy places and quiet places -
God knows you by name,
sees your heart,
understands your needs,
and keeps on taking care of you.
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
Isaiah 43:1 NKJV
November excerpt from DaySpring 2010 Calendar,It is Well with My Soul.
2009年12月30日 星期三
2009年12月27日 星期日
Christian Faith
Coping with God and His generosity is the central task of Christian faith --Daniel Hardy and David Ford--
2009年12月8日 星期二
6 Rules of Influence
The Rule of the Few--- Scarcity
The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.-- GK Chesterton--
The Rule of Directed deference ---Authority
Follow the expert -- Virgil--
The Rule of The Friendly Thief --- Liking
The main work of a Trial Attorney is to make the Jury like his client
-- Clarence Darrow--
The Rule of Truths are us --- Social Proof
Where all think alike,no one thinks very much -- Walter Lippmann--
The Rule of Hobgoblins of the mind --- Commitment and Consistency
It is easier to resist at the beginning than at the end. --Leonardo Da Vinci--
The Rule of The Old Give and Take --- Reciprocation
Pay every debt,as if God wrote the bill --Ralph Waldo Emerson--
The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.-- GK Chesterton--
The Rule of Directed deference ---Authority
Follow the expert -- Virgil--
The Rule of The Friendly Thief --- Liking
The main work of a Trial Attorney is to make the Jury like his client
-- Clarence Darrow--
The Rule of Truths are us --- Social Proof
Where all think alike,no one thinks very much -- Walter Lippmann--
The Rule of Hobgoblins of the mind --- Commitment and Consistency
It is easier to resist at the beginning than at the end. --Leonardo Da Vinci--
The Rule of The Old Give and Take --- Reciprocation
Pay every debt,as if God wrote the bill --Ralph Waldo Emerson--
2009年11月29日 星期日
Peaks & Valleys
I read a new book by Spencer Johnson Peaks & Valleys and received the following principles in work and in life for thoughts and reflections :
1. Whether you are Temporarily up on a Peak or down in a Valley
Ask yourself: What is the truth in the situation?
"If you make your decisions based on the truth, you're going to come out in very good shape."
2. Relax, Knowing Valleys End
Do the opposite of what put you in the Valley.
Get outside of yourself: be of more service at work and more loving in life. Uncover the good that is hidden in a bad time, and use it to your advantage.
"What if we went back to the basics? What if we spent more time together?... Would we in fact, feel a lot more calm and peaceful because we got back to the basics?"
3. Be Humble and Grateful.
Do more of what got you there.
Keep making things better. Do more for others.
Save resources for your upcoming Valleys.
"If you are humble enough to remember that you're only part of the peak and you're only part of the valley, then you start getting a more realistic perspective."
4. Imagine yourself Enjoying a Better Future
In such specific, believable detail that you soon enjoy doing what takes you there.
"Is what I'm doing raising or lowering my energy? Am I feeling more calm or more stressed? Am I getting better or worse results? If you're getting the negative answers, then you know you're not being true to what you need."
5. Help people Make Good and Bad Times work for them too.
"The single most powerful way to share Peaks and Valleys with those that you work with and live with is, look at the principles and the practical tools and use them yourself."
1. Whether you are Temporarily up on a Peak or down in a Valley
Ask yourself: What is the truth in the situation?
"If you make your decisions based on the truth, you're going to come out in very good shape."
2. Relax, Knowing Valleys End
Do the opposite of what put you in the Valley.
Get outside of yourself: be of more service at work and more loving in life. Uncover the good that is hidden in a bad time, and use it to your advantage.
"What if we went back to the basics? What if we spent more time together?... Would we in fact, feel a lot more calm and peaceful because we got back to the basics?"
3. Be Humble and Grateful.
Do more of what got you there.
Keep making things better. Do more for others.
Save resources for your upcoming Valleys.
"If you are humble enough to remember that you're only part of the peak and you're only part of the valley, then you start getting a more realistic perspective."
4. Imagine yourself Enjoying a Better Future
In such specific, believable detail that you soon enjoy doing what takes you there.
"Is what I'm doing raising or lowering my energy? Am I feeling more calm or more stressed? Am I getting better or worse results? If you're getting the negative answers, then you know you're not being true to what you need."
5. Help people Make Good and Bad Times work for them too.
"The single most powerful way to share Peaks and Valleys with those that you work with and live with is, look at the principles and the practical tools and use them yourself."
2009年11月23日 星期一
Humanity and Suffering
If you see a suffering person, you cannot stand idly by and still retain your humanity.--Elie Wiesel--
2009年10月29日 星期四
Be Series by Warren Wiersbe
Be Basic: Genesis 1-11
Be Obedient: Genesis 12-25
Be Authentic: Genesis 25-50
Be Delivered: Exodus
Be Holy: Leviticus
Be Counted: Numbers
Be Equipped: Deuteronomy
Be Strong: Joshua
Be Available: Judges
Be Committed: Ruth & Esther
Be Successful: 1 Samuel
Be Restored: 2 Samuel & 1 Chronicles
Be Responsible: 1 Kings
Be Distinct: 2 Kings & 2 Chronicles
Be Determined: Nehemiah
Be Patient: Job
Be Worshipful: Psalms Vol. 1
Be Exultant: Psalms Vol. 2
Be Skillful: Proverbs
Be Satisfied: Ecclesiastes
Be Comforted: Isaiah
Be Decisive: Jeremiah
Be Reverent: Ezekiel
Be Resolute: Daniel
Be Concerned: Amos, Obadiah, Micah, Zephaniah
Be Heroic: Haggai, Zechariah, Ezra
Be Amazed: Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Malachi
Be Loyal (Matthew)
Be Diligent (Mark)
Be Compassionate (Luke 1-13)
Be Courageous (Luke 14-24)
Be Alive (John 1-12)
Be Transformed (John 13-21)
Be Dynamic (Acts 1-12)
Be Daring (Acts 13-28)
Be Right (Romans)
Be Wise (1 Corinthians)
Be Encouraged (2 Corinthians)
Be Free (Galatians)
Be Rich (Ephesians)
Be Joyful (Philippians)
Be Complete (Colossians):
Be Ready (1 & 2 Thessalonians)
Be Faithful (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon)
Be Confident (Hebrews)
Be Mature (James)
Be Hopeful (1 Peter)
Be Alert (2 Peter, 2 & 3 John, Jude)
Be Real (1 John)
Be Victorious (Revelation)
Be Obedient: Genesis 12-25
Be Authentic: Genesis 25-50
Be Delivered: Exodus
Be Holy: Leviticus
Be Counted: Numbers
Be Equipped: Deuteronomy
Be Strong: Joshua
Be Available: Judges
Be Committed: Ruth & Esther
Be Successful: 1 Samuel
Be Restored: 2 Samuel & 1 Chronicles
Be Responsible: 1 Kings
Be Distinct: 2 Kings & 2 Chronicles
Be Determined: Nehemiah
Be Patient: Job
Be Worshipful: Psalms Vol. 1
Be Exultant: Psalms Vol. 2
Be Skillful: Proverbs
Be Satisfied: Ecclesiastes
Be Comforted: Isaiah
Be Decisive: Jeremiah
Be Reverent: Ezekiel
Be Resolute: Daniel
Be Concerned: Amos, Obadiah, Micah, Zephaniah
Be Heroic: Haggai, Zechariah, Ezra
Be Amazed: Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Malachi
Be Loyal (Matthew)
Be Diligent (Mark)
Be Compassionate (Luke 1-13)
Be Courageous (Luke 14-24)
Be Alive (John 1-12)
Be Transformed (John 13-21)
Be Dynamic (Acts 1-12)
Be Daring (Acts 13-28)
Be Right (Romans)
Be Wise (1 Corinthians)
Be Encouraged (2 Corinthians)
Be Free (Galatians)
Be Rich (Ephesians)
Be Joyful (Philippians)
Be Complete (Colossians):
Be Ready (1 & 2 Thessalonians)
Be Faithful (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon)
Be Confident (Hebrews)
Be Mature (James)
Be Hopeful (1 Peter)
Be Alert (2 Peter, 2 & 3 John, Jude)
Be Real (1 John)
Be Victorious (Revelation)
2009年10月27日 星期二
US Survey of 5 types of Christians
A recent report from Leadership Journal in US gives us the following profile of the church situation among believers:
Active Christians 19%
1. Believe salvation comes through Jesus Christ
2. Committed churchgoers
3. Bible readers
4. Accept leadership positions
5. Invest in personal faith development through the church
6. Feel obligated to share faith; 79% do so.
Professing Christians 20%
1. Believe salvation comes through Jesus Christ
2. Focus on personal relationship with God and Jesus
3. Similar beliefs to Active Christians, different actions
4. Less involved in church, both attending and serving
5. Less commitment to Bible reading or sharing faith
Liturgical Christians 16%
1. Predominantly Catholic and Lutheran
2. Regular churchgoers
3. High level of spiritual activity, mostly expressed by serving in church and/or community
4. Recognize authority of the church
Private Christians 24%
1. Largest and youngest segment
2. Believe in God and doing good things
3. Own a Bible, but don't read it
4. Spiritual interest, but not within church context
5. Only about a third attend church at all
6. Almost none are church leaders
Cultural Christians 21%
1. Little outward religious behavior or attitudes
2. God aware, but little personal involvement with God
3. Do not view Jesus as essential to salvation
4. Affirm many ways to God
5. Favor universality theology
Leadership discussed the survey results with leading pastors and religious experts to ascertain the ramifications for church leaders. Three critical issues emerged:
1.The local church is no longer considered the only outlet for spiritual growth.
2.Churches must develop relational-and community-oriented outreach.
3.Lay people have to be better equipped to be God's ambassadors.
Well,what's the reflections for us ? Is it quite universal,say among HK churches,are we in and of the same phenomenon ?
Active Christians 19%
1. Believe salvation comes through Jesus Christ
2. Committed churchgoers
3. Bible readers
4. Accept leadership positions
5. Invest in personal faith development through the church
6. Feel obligated to share faith; 79% do so.
Professing Christians 20%
1. Believe salvation comes through Jesus Christ
2. Focus on personal relationship with God and Jesus
3. Similar beliefs to Active Christians, different actions
4. Less involved in church, both attending and serving
5. Less commitment to Bible reading or sharing faith
Liturgical Christians 16%
1. Predominantly Catholic and Lutheran
2. Regular churchgoers
3. High level of spiritual activity, mostly expressed by serving in church and/or community
4. Recognize authority of the church
Private Christians 24%
1. Largest and youngest segment
2. Believe in God and doing good things
3. Own a Bible, but don't read it
4. Spiritual interest, but not within church context
5. Only about a third attend church at all
6. Almost none are church leaders
Cultural Christians 21%
1. Little outward religious behavior or attitudes
2. God aware, but little personal involvement with God
3. Do not view Jesus as essential to salvation
4. Affirm many ways to God
5. Favor universality theology
Leadership discussed the survey results with leading pastors and religious experts to ascertain the ramifications for church leaders. Three critical issues emerged:
1.The local church is no longer considered the only outlet for spiritual growth.
2.Churches must develop relational-and community-oriented outreach.
3.Lay people have to be better equipped to be God's ambassadors.
Well,what's the reflections for us ? Is it quite universal,say among HK churches,are we in and of the same phenomenon ?
2009年10月26日 星期一
More qoutes on life
Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.--Peter F. Drucker--
A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.--George Bernard Shaw--
Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody else has thought.--Jonathan Swift--
Every artist was first an amateur.--Ralph Waldo Emerson--
Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice.--Wayne Dyer--
People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents.--Andrew Carnegie--
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.--Ralph Waldo Emerson--
Nobody ever drowned in his own sweat.--Ann Landers--
A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.--George Bernard Shaw--
Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody else has thought.--Jonathan Swift--
Every artist was first an amateur.--Ralph Waldo Emerson--
Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice.--Wayne Dyer--
People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents.--Andrew Carnegie--
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.--Ralph Waldo Emerson--
Nobody ever drowned in his own sweat.--Ann Landers--
A Few quotes on meaning of life
I search for a few quotes on life's meaning and have found these good ones :
When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.
When it's all over, it's not who you were. It's whether you made a difference.
When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love that needs expressing -- then we truly live life.
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.
When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.
When it's all over, it's not who you were. It's whether you made a difference.
When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love that needs expressing -- then we truly live life.
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.
2009年10月21日 星期三
2009年10月19日 星期一
中西文化異同:回顧與前瞻
吳大品此書談及中國思維對比有下列九項:
是甚麼對在那裡
永恆對變化
一對多
超越對內在
邏輯秩序對美學秩序
分對合
二元論對陰陽
抽象思維對關聯思維
革命史觀對漸進史觀
中國思想傾向
實際、經驗、實用
整體、綜合、包容
意會、含蓄
陰陽、兩極、互補、辯證
類比、關聯、比喻、美感
動態、接納運動變化、過程
西方思想傾向
高度抽象、理論、分析
原子式個體、分化、排斥
理性、明確
二元、邏輯
因果、絕對、理性
靜態；追求永恆、實體
上述的歸結是對過往的研究的綜合，此書特提到四個歷史教訓，比對中西不同的融合:
1.彼此易地而處，學會感同身受
2.慎用意識型態，互相包容尊重
3.善用創造力量，諦造幸福道路
4.靈活更新變化，攜手與時並進
是甚麼對在那裡
永恆對變化
一對多
超越對內在
邏輯秩序對美學秩序
分對合
二元論對陰陽
抽象思維對關聯思維
革命史觀對漸進史觀
中國思想傾向
實際、經驗、實用
整體、綜合、包容
意會、含蓄
陰陽、兩極、互補、辯證
類比、關聯、比喻、美感
動態、接納運動變化、過程
西方思想傾向
高度抽象、理論、分析
原子式個體、分化、排斥
理性、明確
二元、邏輯
因果、絕對、理性
靜態；追求永恆、實體
上述的歸結是對過往的研究的綜合，此書特提到四個歷史教訓，比對中西不同的融合:
1.彼此易地而處，學會感同身受
2.慎用意識型態，互相包容尊重
3.善用創造力量，諦造幸福道路
4.靈活更新變化，攜手與時並進
2009年10月17日 星期六
衝出世界「創造傳奇一刻」
以2009東亞運動會的口號「創造傳奇一刻」為創作主題，
宣揚體育精神及
寄寓健兒們併發潛能，
為國家、為自己
在競賽場上創造佳績，締造傳奇。
歌詞如下:
放開胸襟願望在汗水中前行
你的體溫和力量驗證了基因
雲上有多麼深的足印
只因一種決心
然後你帶著兩份熱情
讚頌你對手同時亦會拼盡每一分
you are the legend this is your time
身體以潛能形成動態再上天階
一起會越拼越勇越快
帶著理想衝出世界
you are the legend the legend of your life
每一顆心像陸地大海的聯盟
勝出一刻榮耀便代替了艱辛
雲上有多麼深的足印
只因一種決心
然後你懷著兩份熱情
讚頌你對手同時亦會拼盡每一分
you are the legend this is your time
身體以潛能形成動態再上天階
一起會越拼越勇越快
帶著理想衝出世界
you are the legend
you are the legend
you are the legend this is your time
宣揚體育精神及
寄寓健兒們併發潛能，
為國家、為自己
在競賽場上創造佳績，締造傳奇。
歌詞如下:
放開胸襟願望在汗水中前行
你的體溫和力量驗證了基因
雲上有多麼深的足印
只因一種決心
然後你帶著兩份熱情
讚頌你對手同時亦會拼盡每一分
you are the legend this is your time
身體以潛能形成動態再上天階
一起會越拼越勇越快
帶著理想衝出世界
you are the legend the legend of your life
每一顆心像陸地大海的聯盟
勝出一刻榮耀便代替了艱辛
雲上有多麼深的足印
只因一種決心
然後你懷著兩份熱情
讚頌你對手同時亦會拼盡每一分
you are the legend this is your time
身體以潛能形成動態再上天階
一起會越拼越勇越快
帶著理想衝出世界
you are the legend
you are the legend
you are the legend this is your time
Life is sweet ! Focus on the donut!
I read a book today "Life is sweet" by Addison Johnson.
In her foreword read the following words:
"As you wander through your life,friend,
whatever be your goal.
keep your eyes upon the donut,
and not upon the hole." That's th key !
It's all there,donut and hole,misery and bliss.
How we feel depends on which part we pay attention to.
Simple,Right?
In her foreword read the following words:
"As you wander through your life,friend,
whatever be your goal.
keep your eyes upon the donut,
and not upon the hole." That's th key !
It's all there,donut and hole,misery and bliss.
How we feel depends on which part we pay attention to.
Simple,Right?
2009年10月13日 星期二
The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader's Day
John C. Maxwell has written The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and another one is the above title.
This book is organized around 21 laws again and taking bible characters as examples.Each chapter describes a way to use the material for 5 days during a week.The laws and the Biblical analogies are as follows:
The Law of THE LID
-- Leadership ability determines your effectiveness (compares Saul and David)
The Law of INFLUENCE
-- True measures of influence are important(Joshua)
The Law of PROCESS
-- Leadership develops daily,not in a day.(Joseph)
The Law of NAVIGATION
-- Chart the right course (Nehemiah)
The Law of ADDITION
-- Leadership adds values by serving others.(Pharisees)
The Law of RESPECT
-- People naturally follow leaders stronger than themselves (Deborah)
The Law of INTUITION
-- Leaders evaluate everything with a leadership bias (Jethro)
The Law of MAGNETISM
-- Who you are is who you attract (Elijah)
The Law of CONNECTION
-- Touch a heart before you ask for a hand (Rohoboam)
The Law of THE INNER CIRCLE
-- A leader's potential is determined by those closest to her or him (David)
The Law of EMPOWERMENT
-- Only serious leaders give power to others (Barnabas)
The Law of the PICTURE
-- People do what people see.(Elisha)
The Law of BUY-IN
-- People buy in to the leader, then the vision (Gideon)
The Law of VICTORY
-- Leaders find a way for the team to win (Josiah)
The Law of THE BIG MO
-- Momentum is the leader's best friend (Solomon)
The Law of PRIORITIES
-- Activity is not necessarily accomplishment (Peter)
The Law of SACRIFICE
-- Give up to go up (Moses)
The Law of TIMING
-- When is as important as what to do and where to go (Esther)
The Law of EXPLOSIVE GROWTH
-- To add growth, lead followers . . . to multiply growth, lead leaders (Paul)
The Law of LEGACY
-- Lasting value is measured by succession (Jesus)
These laws are very beneficial in encouraging lasting growth and our devotions
This book is organized around 21 laws again and taking bible characters as examples.Each chapter describes a way to use the material for 5 days during a week.The laws and the Biblical analogies are as follows:
The Law of THE LID
-- Leadership ability determines your effectiveness (compares Saul and David)
The Law of INFLUENCE
-- True measures of influence are important(Joshua)
The Law of PROCESS
-- Leadership develops daily,not in a day.(Joseph)
The Law of NAVIGATION
-- Chart the right course (Nehemiah)
The Law of ADDITION
-- Leadership adds values by serving others.(Pharisees)
The Law of RESPECT
-- People naturally follow leaders stronger than themselves (Deborah)
The Law of INTUITION
-- Leaders evaluate everything with a leadership bias (Jethro)
The Law of MAGNETISM
-- Who you are is who you attract (Elijah)
The Law of CONNECTION
-- Touch a heart before you ask for a hand (Rohoboam)
The Law of THE INNER CIRCLE
-- A leader's potential is determined by those closest to her or him (David)
The Law of EMPOWERMENT
-- Only serious leaders give power to others (Barnabas)
The Law of the PICTURE
-- People do what people see.(Elisha)
The Law of BUY-IN
-- People buy in to the leader, then the vision (Gideon)
The Law of VICTORY
-- Leaders find a way for the team to win (Josiah)
The Law of THE BIG MO
-- Momentum is the leader's best friend (Solomon)
The Law of PRIORITIES
-- Activity is not necessarily accomplishment (Peter)
The Law of SACRIFICE
-- Give up to go up (Moses)
The Law of TIMING
-- When is as important as what to do and where to go (Esther)
The Law of EXPLOSIVE GROWTH
-- To add growth, lead followers . . . to multiply growth, lead leaders (Paul)
The Law of LEGACY
-- Lasting value is measured by succession (Jesus)
These laws are very beneficial in encouraging lasting growth and our devotions
2009年10月10日 星期六
2009年10月7日 星期三
Necessary,possible and impossible
Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible and suddenly you are doing the impossible.- Saint Francis of Assisi
2009年10月6日 星期二
最健康坐姿
英國與加拿大科學家發表一項推翻傳統理論的研究，指出「坐直」並非最健康的姿勢。
身體後傾、與大腿約呈135度、並且雙腳觸地的放鬆坐姿，才最能減少脊椎所承受壓力。
挺直最傷脊椎
英國亞伯丁伍登醫院、以及加拿大亞伯達大學醫院的研究人員，將坐姿分為
脊椎與大腿呈90度的「挺直」
低於90度的「前俯」
以及高於90度的「後仰」
針對22名背部健康的實驗對象，透過新型可移動式核磁共振造影機，測量他們的脊椎角度及椎間盤活動。
測量結果發現，挺直坐姿造成最多脊椎壓力，前俯坐姿次之，壓力最輕的是後仰坐姿。
研究人員巴榭爾（Waseem Amir Bashir）解釋：
「壓力會擠歪脊椎，久而久之造成肌肉與韌帶疼痛、變形、甚至慢性病。後傾135度是最符合生物力學的坐姿。」
身體後傾、與大腿約呈135度、並且雙腳觸地的放鬆坐姿，才最能減少脊椎所承受壓力。
挺直最傷脊椎
英國亞伯丁伍登醫院、以及加拿大亞伯達大學醫院的研究人員，將坐姿分為
脊椎與大腿呈90度的「挺直」
低於90度的「前俯」
以及高於90度的「後仰」
針對22名背部健康的實驗對象，透過新型可移動式核磁共振造影機，測量他們的脊椎角度及椎間盤活動。
測量結果發現，挺直坐姿造成最多脊椎壓力，前俯坐姿次之，壓力最輕的是後仰坐姿。
研究人員巴榭爾（Waseem Amir Bashir）解釋：
「壓力會擠歪脊椎，久而久之造成肌肉與韌帶疼痛、變形、甚至慢性病。後傾135度是最符合生物力學的坐姿。」
2009年10月4日 星期日
The PROFILE of a Multiplying Disciple
從提後2章看門徒裝備七個圖像
兒 子 重視彼此關係 (1) : 屬靈父子關係
士 兵 參與屬靈爭戰 (3) : 專注拼搏委身
運動員重視個人紀律 (5) : 均衡時間運用
農 夫 願意勤勞耕耘 (6) : 克苦耐勞精神
工 人 仔細分解真理(15) : 研讀聖經不懈
器 皿 聖潔生命品格 (21): 追求簡樸清心
僕 人 情緒智商處人 (24): 優美性情得人
兒 子 重視彼此關係 (1) : 屬靈父子關係
士 兵 參與屬靈爭戰 (3) : 專注拼搏委身
運動員重視個人紀律 (5) : 均衡時間運用
農 夫 願意勤勞耕耘 (6) : 克苦耐勞精神
工 人 仔細分解真理(15) : 研讀聖經不懈
器 皿 聖潔生命品格 (21): 追求簡樸清心
僕 人 情緒智商處人 (24): 優美性情得人
生命的轉捩點 (多三1-8)
一. 引 言
「轉捩點」的意義
信徒的轉捩點 : 神的「恩慈與慈愛」 (4節)
二. 本體
甲、 行善的生命 實踐一種行善的人生 (1,8節)
1. 社會責任
2. 個人工作
乙、 嶄新的生命 須丟掉舊生命的纏累 (2-3節)
1. 「不要」與「總要」2節 (來12:1)
2. 「服事私慾」抑「服事新主人」 (3節)
丙、 誠實的生命 彰顯表裡一致的生命 (5節下-6)
1. 「外在浸禮」的見證
2. 「內裡聖靈」的更新
丁、 光采的生命 承受永生作神的兒女 (7節)
1. 神看我們是合格者 (7節)
2. 人得盡心討神喜悅 (5節)
三. 結 語
「轉捩點」的意義
信徒的轉捩點 : 神的「恩慈與慈愛」 (4節)
二. 本體
甲、 行善的生命 實踐一種行善的人生 (1,8節)
1. 社會責任
2. 個人工作
乙、 嶄新的生命 須丟掉舊生命的纏累 (2-3節)
1. 「不要」與「總要」2節 (來12:1)
2. 「服事私慾」抑「服事新主人」 (3節)
丙、 誠實的生命 彰顯表裡一致的生命 (5節下-6)
1. 「外在浸禮」的見證
2. 「內裡聖靈」的更新
丁、 光采的生命 承受永生作神的兒女 (7節)
1. 神看我們是合格者 (7節)
2. 人得盡心討神喜悅 (5節)
三. 結 語
2009年10月1日 星期四
Green Recovery
The new book, Green Recovery: Get Lean, Get Smart and Emerge from the Downturn on Top by Andrew Winston outline proven strategies that help companies survive today’s economic conditions—and prosper when the good times return.Green initiatives are no longer costly luxuries; they’re powerful recession-fighting,profit-making tools.
The book shows how leading companies are accelerating their green efforts to save money quickly and preserve capital that can be reinvested for future growth.It gives stories and frameworks and we'll learn how to:
Get smart:
Use value-chain data about products and supply chains for competitive advantage
Get creative:
Rejuvenate your innovation efforts by asking heretical questions such as "How might we operate with no fossil fuels?"
Get going:
Engage and excite employees to solve the company's, the customer's, and the world's environmental challenges
Green Recovery will help you engage people in new ways, unleash the power of green thinking to survive today’s turmoil, and chart a winning path to the future. Visit www.thegreenrecovery.com for more information.
The book shows how leading companies are accelerating their green efforts to save money quickly and preserve capital that can be reinvested for future growth.It gives stories and frameworks and we'll learn how to:
Get smart:
Use value-chain data about products and supply chains for competitive advantage
Get creative:
Rejuvenate your innovation efforts by asking heretical questions such as "How might we operate with no fossil fuels?"
Get going:
Engage and excite employees to solve the company's, the customer's, and the world's environmental challenges
Green Recovery will help you engage people in new ways, unleash the power of green thinking to survive today’s turmoil, and chart a winning path to the future. Visit www.thegreenrecovery.com for more information.
2009年9月30日 星期三
國慶有感
國慶日在家觀看北京現場檢閱及巡行遊行直播，很是壯觀。
中國改革開放藉國慶向外界顯示其輝煌面，也是值得國人自豪的事。但是貧富懸殊愈趨嚴重又得如何解決，這或更是領導層須正視的問題。
讓我們為中國漸屹立於世界舞台之際，她在民生安定公平事上，也能取信百姓及世人獻上祈禱。
中國-----到底何時才有她真正值得讚賞時刻 ?
首先，讓這些城樓上的官員及家屬能做到不貪，
其次，是讓政制能開放不專權，
再者，讓社會財富能均分於群眾，
及四，讓教育普及病者得醫。
基本上，若能成功做到反腐倡廉及開放納言，新中國才有光明的未來。要不然，我們仍是只在外表上潤飾一翻，內裡仍是一糟糊塗。那將是國人的悲哀與虛空。
願能再有機會展望30年後，上述四端已大為改觀。
中國改革開放藉國慶向外界顯示其輝煌面，也是值得國人自豪的事。但是貧富懸殊愈趨嚴重又得如何解決，這或更是領導層須正視的問題。
讓我們為中國漸屹立於世界舞台之際，她在民生安定公平事上，也能取信百姓及世人獻上祈禱。
中國-----到底何時才有她真正值得讚賞時刻 ?
首先，讓這些城樓上的官員及家屬能做到不貪，
其次，是讓政制能開放不專權，
再者，讓社會財富能均分於群眾，
及四，讓教育普及病者得醫。
基本上，若能成功做到反腐倡廉及開放納言，新中國才有光明的未來。要不然，我們仍是只在外表上潤飾一翻，內裡仍是一糟糊塗。那將是國人的悲哀與虛空。
願能再有機會展望30年後，上述四端已大為改觀。
2009年9月29日 星期二
Love,Faith and Hope
Duty makes us do things well; but love makes us do them beautifully.
Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends.
Hope prevents us from clinging to what we have and frees us to move away from the safe place and enter unknown and fearful territory.
---All Taken from Preaching today.com---
Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends.
Hope prevents us from clinging to what we have and frees us to move away from the safe place and enter unknown and fearful territory.
---All Taken from Preaching today.com---
2009年9月28日 星期一
到世界各大洲
從台灣大姊處傳來下列的概觀，讓我們發出會心微笑 ! ha ha
讓我們從美洲出發走一圈 :
> 到了美國，才知道不管對方是誰，你都可以打個官司告一告。
> 到了夏威夷，才知道女人可以不必買胸罩。
> 到了加拿大，才知道面積比中國還大的地方；人比北京還少。
> 到了墨西哥，才知道要去美國，還可以走地下道。
> 到了巴拿馬，才知道一條河，也代表了主權的重要。
> 到了巴西，才知道衣服穿得很少也用不著害臊。
> 到了古巴，才知道雪茄有N種味道。
> 到了智利，才知道火車在境內拐個彎也很難辦到。
> 到了阿根廷，才知道不懂足球會讓人暈倒
到歐洲了:
> 到了北歐，才知道太陽也會睡懶覺。
> 到了德國，才知道一板一眼，竟然是雙B的驕傲。
> 到了英國，才知道童話中的幸福與快樂都是偽造。
> 到了荷蘭，才知道海平面原來這麼高。
> 到了法國，才知道被人調戲，還會很有情調。
> 到了西班牙，才知道被牛拱到天上，還可以哈哈大笑。
> 到了南斯拉夫，才知道為什麼有人不願回到祖國的懷抱。
> 到了俄羅斯，才知道伏特加是一種飲料。
> 到了奧地利，才知道連個乞丐都能彈上一支小調。
> 到了瑞士，才知道開個銀行帳戶，沒有百萬美金是會被人恥笑。
> 到了丹麥，才知道編個童話其實可以不打草稿。
> 到了義大利，才知道GUCCI, PRADA比中國還少。
> 到了希臘，才知道迷人的地方其實都是破廟。
> 到了梵蒂岡，才知道在境內任何地方開槍，都可以打著羅馬的鳥。
過了地中海，來到非洲 :
> 到了非洲，才知道人吃人有時候也是一種需要。
> 到了埃及，才知道一座塔能有多麼奧妙。
> 到了撒哈拉，才知道節約用水的重要。
> 到了南非，才知道象牙比鑽石還少。
前往中東 :
> 到了中東，才知竟然會分不清個人的生命與民族尊嚴到底誰重要。
> 到了阿拉伯，才知道做男人是多麼的驕傲。
> 到了阿富汗，才知道冤枉都不能上告。
> 到了伊拉克，才知道槍砲彈藥；隨處都能撿到。
回到亞洲 :
> 到了日本，才知道死不認帳的人有時候還會很有禮貌。
> 到了韓國，才知道亞洲足球使上帝都差點瘋掉。
> 到了中國，才知道只生一個孩子的好。
> 到了香港，才知道明星都會戴著口罩。
> 到了泰國，才知道看見漂亮妹妹先別忙著抱。
> 回到台灣，才知道當過總統的人貪污到臉都可以不要！
讓我們從美洲出發走一圈 :
> 到了美國，才知道不管對方是誰，你都可以打個官司告一告。
> 到了夏威夷，才知道女人可以不必買胸罩。
> 到了加拿大，才知道面積比中國還大的地方；人比北京還少。
> 到了墨西哥，才知道要去美國，還可以走地下道。
> 到了巴拿馬，才知道一條河，也代表了主權的重要。
> 到了巴西，才知道衣服穿得很少也用不著害臊。
> 到了古巴，才知道雪茄有N種味道。
> 到了智利，才知道火車在境內拐個彎也很難辦到。
> 到了阿根廷，才知道不懂足球會讓人暈倒
到歐洲了:
> 到了北歐，才知道太陽也會睡懶覺。
> 到了德國，才知道一板一眼，竟然是雙B的驕傲。
> 到了英國，才知道童話中的幸福與快樂都是偽造。
> 到了荷蘭，才知道海平面原來這麼高。
> 到了法國，才知道被人調戲，還會很有情調。
> 到了西班牙，才知道被牛拱到天上，還可以哈哈大笑。
> 到了南斯拉夫，才知道為什麼有人不願回到祖國的懷抱。
> 到了俄羅斯，才知道伏特加是一種飲料。
> 到了奧地利，才知道連個乞丐都能彈上一支小調。
> 到了瑞士，才知道開個銀行帳戶，沒有百萬美金是會被人恥笑。
> 到了丹麥，才知道編個童話其實可以不打草稿。
> 到了義大利，才知道GUCCI, PRADA比中國還少。
> 到了希臘，才知道迷人的地方其實都是破廟。
> 到了梵蒂岡，才知道在境內任何地方開槍，都可以打著羅馬的鳥。
過了地中海，來到非洲 :
> 到了非洲，才知道人吃人有時候也是一種需要。
> 到了埃及，才知道一座塔能有多麼奧妙。
> 到了撒哈拉，才知道節約用水的重要。
> 到了南非，才知道象牙比鑽石還少。
前往中東 :
> 到了中東，才知竟然會分不清個人的生命與民族尊嚴到底誰重要。
> 到了阿拉伯，才知道做男人是多麼的驕傲。
> 到了阿富汗，才知道冤枉都不能上告。
> 到了伊拉克，才知道槍砲彈藥；隨處都能撿到。
回到亞洲 :
> 到了日本，才知道死不認帳的人有時候還會很有禮貌。
> 到了韓國，才知道亞洲足球使上帝都差點瘋掉。
> 到了中國，才知道只生一個孩子的好。
> 到了香港，才知道明星都會戴著口罩。
> 到了泰國，才知道看見漂亮妹妹先別忙著抱。
> 回到台灣，才知道當過總統的人貪污到臉都可以不要！
2009年9月9日 星期三
2009年9月6日 星期日
倫理的五個Practices
形塑習慣 (Forming Habits)
評估地位 (Assessing Status)
接納與阻障(Accepting & Blocking)
質問既定 (Questioning Givens)
涵概恩賜 (Incorporating Gifts)
招納失喪者(Reincorporating the Lost)
評估地位 (Assessing Status)
接納與阻障(Accepting & Blocking)
質問既定 (Questioning Givens)
涵概恩賜 (Incorporating Gifts)
招納失喪者(Reincorporating the Lost)
2009年9月4日 星期五
倫理抉擇上五個代表性釋經策略
現實主義---必要時可選擇以暴力防止暴力，是用事情後果來評定抉擇方法。
神的令令---一般言須依從神的命令，但亦容許例外情況下尊重神有行事自由。
耶穌方式---依從新約耶穌非暴力樣式來作倫理抉擇，教會被召作社會良心與僕人。
社群品格---非規條、原則乃是生命門訓培育技巧作為倫理指導的總意向。
女權主義---強調女與男同樣承受從神而來平等的位置來作事情的抉擇。
神的令令---一般言須依從神的命令，但亦容許例外情況下尊重神有行事自由。
耶穌方式---依從新約耶穌非暴力樣式來作倫理抉擇，教會被召作社會良心與僕人。
社群品格---非規條、原則乃是生命門訓培育技巧作為倫理指導的總意向。
女權主義---強調女與男同樣承受從神而來平等的位置來作事情的抉擇。
2009年9月1日 星期二
Peril and Providence
"God’s people are not called to a leisure-time faith which might affect their private life but have no impact on the public world" --From LICC daily --
2009年8月31日 星期一
Silver wedding
I read from the web the following words for our 25th wedding anniversary today !
Silver Wedding Anniversary is a milestone-wedding anniversary. Spending a quarter of a century together calls in for a gala celebration.
Silver is definitely the symbolical gift for a silver jubilee. The occasion is special reflective of a life of unity and promise.
Silver Wedding Anniversary is a milestone-wedding anniversary. Spending a quarter of a century together calls in for a gala celebration.
Silver is definitely the symbolical gift for a silver jubilee. The occasion is special reflective of a life of unity and promise.
2009年8月30日 星期日
2009年8月15日 星期六
Trust-Building : 10 ways to bring back trust
I borrowed a book by Andrew Leigh on The secrets of success in management this afternoon and went to his mentioned website www.maynardleigh.co.uk to find the following ten rules on trust building :
Trust makes the quest for engagement achievable. Without it engagement shrivels and dies. To generate trust though depends on a steady accumulation of the right kind of actions. These include:
1) Speak out: encourage people to say what they think and challenge existing procedures
2) Listen: managers really listen to people, not just talk at them
3) Cultural differences: these are both recognised and respected
4) Emotional intelligence: leaders and managers demonstrate empathy
5) Consistency: managers say what they mean and mean what they say
6) Relationship building: this has a high priority across the organisation
7) Fairness: decision making is expected to be objective so those in a weaker bargaining position are not exploited.
8) Openness: open communication allows all employees to share their concerns with management.
9) Integrity: managers and leaders model ethical and socially responsible behaviour
10) Shared values: these are constantly articulated and checks made on whether these are being acted upon.
Trust makes the quest for engagement achievable. Without it engagement shrivels and dies. To generate trust though depends on a steady accumulation of the right kind of actions. These include:
1) Speak out: encourage people to say what they think and challenge existing procedures
2) Listen: managers really listen to people, not just talk at them
3) Cultural differences: these are both recognised and respected
4) Emotional intelligence: leaders and managers demonstrate empathy
5) Consistency: managers say what they mean and mean what they say
6) Relationship building: this has a high priority across the organisation
7) Fairness: decision making is expected to be objective so those in a weaker bargaining position are not exploited.
8) Openness: open communication allows all employees to share their concerns with management.
9) Integrity: managers and leaders model ethical and socially responsible behaviour
10) Shared values: these are constantly articulated and checks made on whether these are being acted upon.
2009年8月10日 星期一
Vacation in Mainland
We went on vacation last week in mainland for a five days trip.
It' s worth for the year when we can go together. It's hot summer time but as it rained and so cooling off a lot when we were around! The BEST memory to me is to go up Taishan in Taian this time where last time I went almost thirty years ago !
It' s worth for the year when we can go together. It's hot summer time but as it rained and so cooling off a lot when we were around! The BEST memory to me is to go up Taishan in Taian this time where last time I went almost thirty years ago !
2009年7月29日 星期三
Do we serve with BHAG ?
I read from online the book “Built to Last” by James Collins and Jerry Porras when they coined the term big, hairy, audacious goal (BHAG) which they describe as follows:
A BHAG engages people
It reaches out and grabs them in the gut. It is tangible, energizing, highly focused. People ‘get it’ right away; it takes little or no explanation.”
A BHAG should be so clear and compelling that it requires little or no explanation….
A BHAG should fall well outside the comfort zone.
A BHAG should be so bold and exciting in its own right
A BHAG should be consistent with the company’s core ideology.
A BHAGs have a long time frame.
Consider & ask questions to test BHAG:
Does is stimulate forward progress?
Does it create momentum?
Does it get people’s juices going?
Do they find it stimulating, exciting and adventurous?
Are they willing to throw their creative talents and human energies into it?
The well known American architect and urban planner wrote:
"Make no small plans;
they have no magic to stir men’s blood
and probably themselves will not be realized.
Make big plans; aim high in hope and work,
remembering that a noble, logical diagram
once recorded will not die.” – Daniel H. Burnham
The key benefit of a BHAG is the focus and change of mindset which it demands.
Incremental improvements is not sufficient if you are to achieve the BHAG.
We are forced to think differently, to work differently and to break away from that which worked in the past. A real BHAG is accompanied by a true sense of urgency.
Bold visions stimulate progress, ignite passion, focuses the mind and fires up the imagination. Big bold visions break the back of mediocrity and small mindedness.
Don’t settle. Aim high, make a dent in the universe.
These words are so well phrased for thoughts and I think all Christian leaders worth pause and ponder on them to think of our own BHAG !
A BHAG engages people
It reaches out and grabs them in the gut. It is tangible, energizing, highly focused. People ‘get it’ right away; it takes little or no explanation.”
A BHAG should be so clear and compelling that it requires little or no explanation….
A BHAG should fall well outside the comfort zone.
A BHAG should be so bold and exciting in its own right
A BHAG should be consistent with the company’s core ideology.
A BHAGs have a long time frame.
Consider & ask questions to test BHAG:
Does is stimulate forward progress?
Does it create momentum?
Does it get people’s juices going?
Do they find it stimulating, exciting and adventurous?
Are they willing to throw their creative talents and human energies into it?
The well known American architect and urban planner wrote:
"Make no small plans;
they have no magic to stir men’s blood
and probably themselves will not be realized.
Make big plans; aim high in hope and work,
remembering that a noble, logical diagram
once recorded will not die.” – Daniel H. Burnham
The key benefit of a BHAG is the focus and change of mindset which it demands.
Incremental improvements is not sufficient if you are to achieve the BHAG.
We are forced to think differently, to work differently and to break away from that which worked in the past. A real BHAG is accompanied by a true sense of urgency.
Bold visions stimulate progress, ignite passion, focuses the mind and fires up the imagination. Big bold visions break the back of mediocrity and small mindedness.
Don’t settle. Aim high, make a dent in the universe.
These words are so well phrased for thoughts and I think all Christian leaders worth pause and ponder on them to think of our own BHAG !
2009年7月28日 星期二
Consumer christianity
Consumer christianity is man-made.self-centred and need reverted to godly piety before anything can be said further,or else we happen to see ourselves involved in such a guilty circle of discussions.
2009年7月26日 星期日
從愛你的仇敵到愛你的鄰舍 : 宗教多元情況下的宣教反思
今早從老闆處看一文章，題目是 : 從愛你的仇敵到愛你的鄰舍 : 宗教多元情況下的宣教反思
我由此作辯明如下，是否就是時下大多神學思潮趨勢，反映到在差傳事奉上，到底有何影響 ?
總體辯明
1. 宣教在強調對話此勢態下，失卻了她的必要性與獨特性 ，因所有參與對話的宗教都是站在同一的平面。
2. 神亦為『終極實在』此觀念所取代了。
3. 信徒是有需要為真理抗辯的，強調對話是否亦只屬時代氛圍下的產品 ?
內文正觀
1. 對話在任何時代都需要，或許在今時人特別予以強調而已。
2. 過往宣教因歷史包袱，產生誤會及後遺症。今人若因此而矯枉過正，亦須份外小心。
3. 我們的信仰有沒有其絕對性 (徒4:12) ? 耶穌基督的地位是否在所謂排他 / 包容 / 多元底模式下----- 一一都要讓路 ? 眾宗教是否都是平等的 ?
4. 以『終極實在』代替了神有其危險性與扭曲面 ! 為對話而須付上此代價是太大了?!
5. 真理本身若是多元,此說法有需再作進一步探究。多元中的神、人、宇宙維度應如何辯解 ?
6. 我們理應強調
從宇宙性信心 轉往 對耶穌的信心
談他者的重要 轉往 談基督的超越
談宗教的對話 轉往 談悔改的必須
7. 神學重構再思 : 須小心述說下列轉移的項目
從基督中心 轉往 父神中心
從救贖主線 轉往 創造主線
從道成肉身 轉往 隱喻肉身
從他世觀點 轉往 今生需要
從聖靈工作 轉往 動態演譯
8. 潘尼卡那「對話七步曲」是否清晰及能作為參照標準 ?
9. 對靈性 / 宣教 / 社會 / 教會的影響評估
不斷出現下列的用字，似仍與時代看齊
終極 / 當代 / 和平 / 合作 / 對話 等用字
我由此作辯明如下，是否就是時下大多神學思潮趨勢，反映到在差傳事奉上，到底有何影響 ?
總體辯明
1. 宣教在強調對話此勢態下，失卻了她的必要性與獨特性 ，因所有參與對話的宗教都是站在同一的平面。
2. 神亦為『終極實在』此觀念所取代了。
3. 信徒是有需要為真理抗辯的，強調對話是否亦只屬時代氛圍下的產品 ?
內文正觀
1. 對話在任何時代都需要，或許在今時人特別予以強調而已。
2. 過往宣教因歷史包袱，產生誤會及後遺症。今人若因此而矯枉過正，亦須份外小心。
3. 我們的信仰有沒有其絕對性 (徒4:12) ? 耶穌基督的地位是否在所謂排他 / 包容 / 多元底模式下----- 一一都要讓路 ? 眾宗教是否都是平等的 ?
4. 以『終極實在』代替了神有其危險性與扭曲面 ! 為對話而須付上此代價是太大了?!
5. 真理本身若是多元,此說法有需再作進一步探究。多元中的神、人、宇宙維度應如何辯解 ?
6. 我們理應強調
從宇宙性信心 轉往 對耶穌的信心
談他者的重要 轉往 談基督的超越
談宗教的對話 轉往 談悔改的必須
7. 神學重構再思 : 須小心述說下列轉移的項目
從基督中心 轉往 父神中心
從救贖主線 轉往 創造主線
從道成肉身 轉往 隱喻肉身
從他世觀點 轉往 今生需要
從聖靈工作 轉往 動態演譯
8. 潘尼卡那「對話七步曲」是否清晰及能作為參照標準 ?
9. 對靈性 / 宣教 / 社會 / 教會的影響評估
不斷出現下列的用字，似仍與時代看齊
終極 / 當代 / 和平 / 合作 / 對話 等用字
愛的真諦 (林前13章)
愛筵中姊妹分享因著愛，縱面對諸般軟弱艱難，仍不離開教會。
一次再證明愛是現存所有最大的力量。
剛參閱一本新書Ｇary Chapman's Love as a way of life,分析愛的七種要素如下:
仁慈、忍耐、饒恕、
禮貌、
謙卑、慷慨 及 誠實。
昨晚妹妹請我們一家晚膳，聽聞是因我在愛華刊物中曾寫的文字令她有共嗚，
也是施愛與受愛的一種表白。
使徒保羅有名的林前13章訴盡了人間的愛源於神的大愛
愛的 有與無 (林前13:1-3)
愛的 是與非 (林前13:4-7)
愛的 永恆性 (林前13:8-12)
愛的 卓越性 (林前13:13)
愛是一生學不完、猜不透的學問。
一次再證明愛是現存所有最大的力量。
剛參閱一本新書Ｇary Chapman's Love as a way of life,分析愛的七種要素如下:
仁慈、忍耐、饒恕、
禮貌、
謙卑、慷慨 及 誠實。
昨晚妹妹請我們一家晚膳，聽聞是因我在愛華刊物中曾寫的文字令她有共嗚，
也是施愛與受愛的一種表白。
使徒保羅有名的林前13章訴盡了人間的愛源於神的大愛
愛的 有與無 (林前13:1-3)
愛的 是與非 (林前13:4-7)
愛的 永恆性 (林前13:8-12)
愛的 卓越性 (林前13:13)
愛是一生學不完、猜不透的學問。
2009年7月23日 星期四
Don't Quit
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow,
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Edgar A. Guest
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow,
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Edgar A. Guest
2009年6月30日 星期二
「台灣有品運動」品德 + 品質 + 品味 = 有品
大姊傳來台灣有品運動的消息，對我們香港有啟發嗎 ?
教育部長鄭瑞城強調有品運動是同時推廣「品德、品質、品味」。針對四項主軸計畫，將投入9.7億元經費。
「台灣有品運動」沒有時間性、沒有既定框架，必須持續推動，最終融入每個人的生活，成為台灣社會內化的核心價值，希望同時將「品德、品質、品味」推廣到校園。
鄭瑞城表示初期四項主軸計畫包含「品德教育」、「藝術扎根」、「終身閱讀」及「環境永續」。
「品德教育」經費1億元，將補助大專院校開設品德教育、服務課程，以及校長、師長生命成長營等。
「藝術扎根」投入2億元，補助各縣市國中小藝術人文教學，由藝術家駐校等，加強「藝術」與「校園」的雙向互動，提升學生品味。
「終身閱讀」計畫投入5.5億元，充實國中小圖書。新學期「小一新生閱讀起步走」活動，全國小一新生，每人均可獲得一本全新圖書；並推動0至3歲嬰幼兒閱讀推廣，希望能啟發孩子閱讀興趣。
「環境永續」經費1.2億元，補助永續校園局部改造計畫、活化校園、節能減碳等。教育部強調，絕大多數經費直接投注「第一線」的學校及地方公共圖書館。
教育部扮演啟動、整合、參與者的綜合性角色，依不同階段規劃不同主軸計畫，並期望全民參與。
「有品」並非有錢人的專利，在各領域有特殊表現，能為人榜樣者，就是「有品的人」。
教育部長鄭瑞城強調有品運動是同時推廣「品德、品質、品味」。針對四項主軸計畫，將投入9.7億元經費。
「台灣有品運動」沒有時間性、沒有既定框架，必須持續推動，最終融入每個人的生活，成為台灣社會內化的核心價值，希望同時將「品德、品質、品味」推廣到校園。
鄭瑞城表示初期四項主軸計畫包含「品德教育」、「藝術扎根」、「終身閱讀」及「環境永續」。
「品德教育」經費1億元，將補助大專院校開設品德教育、服務課程，以及校長、師長生命成長營等。
「藝術扎根」投入2億元，補助各縣市國中小藝術人文教學，由藝術家駐校等，加強「藝術」與「校園」的雙向互動，提升學生品味。
「終身閱讀」計畫投入5.5億元，充實國中小圖書。新學期「小一新生閱讀起步走」活動，全國小一新生，每人均可獲得一本全新圖書；並推動0至3歲嬰幼兒閱讀推廣，希望能啟發孩子閱讀興趣。
「環境永續」經費1.2億元，補助永續校園局部改造計畫、活化校園、節能減碳等。教育部強調，絕大多數經費直接投注「第一線」的學校及地方公共圖書館。
教育部扮演啟動、整合、參與者的綜合性角色，依不同階段規劃不同主軸計畫，並期望全民參與。
「有品」並非有錢人的專利，在各領域有特殊表現，能為人榜樣者，就是「有品的人」。
2009年6月21日 星期日
BL’s first Letter
1. His enjoying God’s daily presence for over 40 years.
2. His forming such a habit over the long period of time.
3. His turning back each time deviate from the path because of the Holy Spirit’s voice.
4. His joy of discovering such a treasure in God.
5. His prudence in not forgetting such an immense treasure from God.
6. His continual focus on God’s grace to maintain it.
7. His warning to all to reflect upon such kind of relationship towards God.
2. His forming such a habit over the long period of time.
3. His turning back each time deviate from the path because of the Holy Spirit’s voice.
4. His joy of discovering such a treasure in God.
5. His prudence in not forgetting such an immense treasure from God.
6. His continual focus on God’s grace to maintain it.
7. His warning to all to reflect upon such kind of relationship towards God.
Brother Lawrence’s first dialogue
I read and wrote notes on Brother Lawrence's Practice the presence of God during my two weeks' morning training devotions as follows:
1. His gazing upon a tree in a winter day to capture God’ special love towards him.
2. His enjoying God’s love instead of punishment in spite of his inadequacy in financial role in the monastery.
3. His insisting daily conversations with God.
4. His emphasis on an entire faith in God.
5. His putting into action in small matters a whole heart for God.
6. His faithfulness amid difficulties because of God.
7. His non-amazement upon the sins and crimes in the world as trusting in God’s judgement.
8. His special care of own soul to accomplish God’ will for us.
1. His gazing upon a tree in a winter day to capture God’ special love towards him.
2. His enjoying God’s love instead of punishment in spite of his inadequacy in financial role in the monastery.
3. His insisting daily conversations with God.
4. His emphasis on an entire faith in God.
5. His putting into action in small matters a whole heart for God.
6. His faithfulness amid difficulties because of God.
7. His non-amazement upon the sins and crimes in the world as trusting in God’s judgement.
8. His special care of own soul to accomplish God’ will for us.
2009年6月4日 星期四
今年六四
年青人的反思: 明白歷史，真相與闡釋 (Historical Reflection)
慎防霸道言論: 教育群眾，持平與廣納 (Open Heart & Tolerance)
持續公義之聲: 要求平反，真理與盼望 (Passion For Truth & Justice)
信徒反思
甲.個人與群體 (Soul & Society)
個體與組織 : 簡化與繁複
自由與責任 : 自限與愛心
敬虔與更新 : 成熟與進步
乙.靈性與政治 (Personal & Political)
愛主與愛國 : 價值與優先
呼召與投身 : 有限與貢獻
順服與權柄 : 考驗與權責
丙.經歷與異象 (Stories & Vision)
人事與神旨 : 歷史在祂手
顯明與未現 : 堅毅在忍耐
現實與永恆 : 希望在明天
慎防霸道言論: 教育群眾，持平與廣納 (Open Heart & Tolerance)
持續公義之聲: 要求平反，真理與盼望 (Passion For Truth & Justice)
信徒反思
甲.個人與群體 (Soul & Society)
個體與組織 : 簡化與繁複
自由與責任 : 自限與愛心
敬虔與更新 : 成熟與進步
乙.靈性與政治 (Personal & Political)
愛主與愛國 : 價值與優先
呼召與投身 : 有限與貢獻
順服與權柄 : 考驗與權責
丙.經歷與異象 (Stories & Vision)
人事與神旨 : 歷史在祂手
顯明與未現 : 堅毅在忍耐
現實與永恆 : 希望在明天
但以理書中的「六四」(但六10-11,七13-14)
一. 六故事與四異象
二..本體
六個故事
1. 不喫王膳 持聖潔
2. 為王解夢 救哲士
3. 火窰脫困 顯忠誠
4. 再解王夢 解王困
5. 釋解牆字 行勇敢
6. 陷身獅坑 守信德
四個異象
1. 四只巨獸 神在歷史中掌權
2. 公羊綿羊 神掌管歷史的末期
3. 七十個七 神在選民中掌權
4. 南王北王 神掌管選民的末期
一.引子: 六四20年繼續要求平反，且牽起20歲以內年青一代人的關注，
是今年傳媒及報刊特別圈點的事情及討論。
新一代人不可不知歷史，年青人須明白歷史。眾人不要忘記歷史
家長須傳達教育子弟，老師教育工作者須公正對待史實
但弄清歷史真相，從來就不能那麼簡單化，時間是一個重要因素
歷史到底是誰的闡釋 ? 我是力有不逮去探討這些事情，
但總意是一切複雜事情一刀切地簡單化都應避免，
同時亦不當強把群眾的意見蓋過個人觀點。
但以理書也有其六四，當然是另類六四，我只從大處著眼，看能給予今時信徒1教會怎樣的啟發。
二.本體 : 但以理書的六四是指
其中具備六個故事(1-6章) 及其後的四個異象(7-11章)
甲、甚麼故事 六個聖潔、勇敢、忠誠的故事
甚麼異象 四個人間國度更替、神國掌權及歷史終末的異象
乙、就著但以理書的「六四」鋪排，
讓我們來思想幾個信徒生活的平衡 :
1.故事及異象 同時具備經歷神及認識神定旨的重要
2.個人及群體 基督徒既是個人的，但同時亦更是群體的。
3.靈性及政治 既具美好靈性亦身居高位具影響力的但以理
三,結語 : 但以理的六四，此三方平衡如何得以作成 ?
是我們的恩賜、時間、負擔及追求而出現的組合。
二..本體
六個故事
1. 不喫王膳 持聖潔
2. 為王解夢 救哲士
3. 火窰脫困 顯忠誠
4. 再解王夢 解王困
5. 釋解牆字 行勇敢
6. 陷身獅坑 守信德
四個異象
1. 四只巨獸 神在歷史中掌權
2. 公羊綿羊 神掌管歷史的末期
3. 七十個七 神在選民中掌權
4. 南王北王 神掌管選民的末期
一.引子: 六四20年繼續要求平反，且牽起20歲以內年青一代人的關注，
是今年傳媒及報刊特別圈點的事情及討論。
新一代人不可不知歷史，年青人須明白歷史。眾人不要忘記歷史
家長須傳達教育子弟，老師教育工作者須公正對待史實
但弄清歷史真相，從來就不能那麼簡單化，時間是一個重要因素
歷史到底是誰的闡釋 ? 我是力有不逮去探討這些事情，
但總意是一切複雜事情一刀切地簡單化都應避免，
同時亦不當強把群眾的意見蓋過個人觀點。
但以理書也有其六四，當然是另類六四，我只從大處著眼，看能給予今時信徒1教會怎樣的啟發。
二.本體 : 但以理書的六四是指
其中具備六個故事(1-6章) 及其後的四個異象(7-11章)
甲、甚麼故事 六個聖潔、勇敢、忠誠的故事
甚麼異象 四個人間國度更替、神國掌權及歷史終末的異象
乙、就著但以理書的「六四」鋪排，
讓我們來思想幾個信徒生活的平衡 :
1.故事及異象 同時具備經歷神及認識神定旨的重要
2.個人及群體 基督徒既是個人的，但同時亦更是群體的。
3.靈性及政治 既具美好靈性亦身居高位具影響力的但以理
三,結語 : 但以理的六四，此三方平衡如何得以作成 ?
是我們的恩賜、時間、負擔及追求而出現的組合。
2009年6月1日 星期一
是我的福氣 (摘自國語日報) 余蒨如
大姊從台灣傳來下列的分享，很有意思:
鵑鵑原本在美國工作，公司給她的待遇很好，再加上單身，生活過得很逍遙。 前一陣子她住在臺灣的母親罹患腦瘤，開刀後復原得很慢。 鵑鵑立刻請調回臺，找了間公寓，把母親接到身邊就近照顧。 鵑鵑不是家中的獨生女，上有大姐，下有弟弟，但是只有她放棄原本的生活，承擔服侍母親的責任。 她大姐偶爾給她一筆錢，當作是孝親費，此外很少露面，更別談關心自己母親的現況，好像出點錢就可以心安理得的把母親推給妹妹。 我們這些鵑鵑的朋友看不過去，紛紛提醒她要找大姐和弟弟談清楚母親的事。 鵑鵑保持她一貫的優雅從容，靜靜的說：「照顧媽媽是我的福氣。 」原本為她打抱不平的我們，聽了這句話，頓時沉默起來。 難怪從來不曾聽她抱怨，自認享有「福氣」的人，怎麼會向人訴苦呢？! 她總是耐著性子尋找適合母親的飲食配方和復健機構，珍惜與母親相處的時光，鵑鵑忙著張羅都來不及了，哪有閒功夫喊累叫煩哪！ 在鵑鵑細心打點下，病情不大樂觀的母親，身體竟一天天好起來，母親想要康復的意願也啟動了，甚至會離開臥房到屋外走走。 原本令人覺得沉重的擔子，因為鵑鵑懂得惜福，居然化作豐盛的禮物。 現在鵑鵑成了大家的強心劑，每當我們遇到困難，或者受了委屈，習慣性的退縮、放棄、抱怨或指責別人時，總會想起她的話。 在我們這一群朋友中，開始流行一種句型：「 能多做一點是我的福氣。 」 「孩子不聽話，耐著性子引導他是我的福氣。 」 「擠公車沒位子坐是我的福氣。」 說這些話的時候，我們多少帶著點自我解嘲的意味，有時也是開玩笑，但不知不覺中，我們看待周遭人事物的態度有了明顯變化，原來好福氣也是會傳染的。
一句話 人生的成敗，常常因為一個人、一件事，甚至一句話而有決定性的影響。尤其對人有用的一句話，勝過千言萬語。 古今中外有很多人因為別人的一句話而深受感動，甚至豁然開朗；由於「一句話」而改變一生的事例，更是多不勝數。
美國著名的教育家和演講口才藝術家卡內基，小時候是一個非常調皮的小男孩。他九歲的時候，父親將繼母娶進門。 他父親向新婚妻子介紹卡內基時，如是說：「希望你注意這個全郡最壞的男孩，他實在令我頭痛，說不定明天早晨他還會拿石頭砸你，或做出什麼壞事呢！」 出乎卡內基預料的是，繼母微笑地走到他面前，托著他的頭，注視著他。 接著告訴丈夫：「你錯了,他不是全郡最壞的男孩,而是最聰明,只是還沒找到發洩熱忱地方的男孩。」 此話一出，卡內基的眼淚不聽使喚地滾滾而下。 就因為這一句話，建立了卡內基和繼母之間深厚的感情；也因為這一句話，成就了他立志向上的動力；更因為這一句話，讓他日後幫助千千萬萬的人一同步上了成功之路。
「一句話」很容易說，但重要的是要能讓對方受用。 給人一句好話，讓人生命奮起飛揚，何樂而不為呢？所以，人要常說： 第一、給人歡喜的話； 第二、給人鼓勵的話； 第三、給人肯定的話； 第四、給人讚美的話。
多說好話，少說壞話。 不經意的一句輕浮話，有時會自毀前程，而一句關懷別人的話，卻能讓沮喪的人有生存下去的勇氣。因此人要經常檢點自己的口舌，以免破壞了好因緣。
原來你也很富有
有一位青年，老是埋怨自己時運不濟，發不了財，終日愁眉不展。 這一天，走過來一個鬚髮皆白的老人，問：「年輕人，為什麼不快樂？」 「我不明白，為什麼我總是這麼窮。」 「窮？你很富有嘛！」老人由衷地說。 「這從何說起？」年輕人不解。 老人反問道：「假如現在斬掉你一個手指頭，給你 1千元，你幹不幹？」 「不幹。」年輕人回答。 「假如砍掉你一隻手，給你 1 萬元，你幹不幹？」 「不幹。」 「假如使你雙眼都瞎掉，給你 10 萬元，你幹不幹？」 「不幹。」 「假如讓你馬上變成80 歲的老人，給你 100 萬，你幹不幹？」 「不幹。」 「假如讓你馬上死掉，給你 1000 萬，你幹不幹？」 「不幹。」 「這就對了，你已經擁有超過1000 萬的財富，為什麼還哀怨自己貧窮呢？」老人笑吟吟地問道。 青年愕然無言，突然什麼都明白了。 心靈導航 親愛的朋友，如果你早上醒來發現自己還能自由呼吸，你就比在這個星期中離開人世的人更有福氣。 如果你從來沒有經歷過戰爭的危險、被囚禁的孤寂、受折磨的痛苦和忍饑挨餓的難受 ……。 你已經好過世界上五億人了。 如果你的銀行帳戶有存款，錢包裡有現金，你已經身居於世界上最富有的 8％之列！ 如果你的雙親仍然在世，並且沒有分居或離婚，你已屬於稀少的一群。 如果你能抬起頭，面容上帶著笑容，並且內心充滿感恩的心情，你是真的幸福了。 因為世界上大部分的人都可以這樣做，但是他們卻沒有。 如果你能握著一個人的手，擁抱他，或者只是在他的肩膀上拍一下。你的確有福氣了。因為你所做的，已經等同於 上帝才能做到的。(這還需要更進一步咀嚼,否則很難理解) 親愛的：如果你能讀到這段文字，那麼你更是擁有了雙份的福氣，你比20億不能閱讀的人不是幸福很多嗎？ 看到這裡，請你暫且放下書，然後非常認真地對自己說一句話： 「哇！原來我是這麼富有的人！ 」 ~~~ 也許並不是那麼難做到 ~~~
鵑鵑原本在美國工作，公司給她的待遇很好，再加上單身，生活過得很逍遙。 前一陣子她住在臺灣的母親罹患腦瘤，開刀後復原得很慢。 鵑鵑立刻請調回臺，找了間公寓，把母親接到身邊就近照顧。 鵑鵑不是家中的獨生女，上有大姐，下有弟弟，但是只有她放棄原本的生活，承擔服侍母親的責任。 她大姐偶爾給她一筆錢，當作是孝親費，此外很少露面，更別談關心自己母親的現況，好像出點錢就可以心安理得的把母親推給妹妹。 我們這些鵑鵑的朋友看不過去，紛紛提醒她要找大姐和弟弟談清楚母親的事。 鵑鵑保持她一貫的優雅從容，靜靜的說：「照顧媽媽是我的福氣。 」原本為她打抱不平的我們，聽了這句話，頓時沉默起來。 難怪從來不曾聽她抱怨，自認享有「福氣」的人，怎麼會向人訴苦呢？! 她總是耐著性子尋找適合母親的飲食配方和復健機構，珍惜與母親相處的時光，鵑鵑忙著張羅都來不及了，哪有閒功夫喊累叫煩哪！ 在鵑鵑細心打點下，病情不大樂觀的母親，身體竟一天天好起來，母親想要康復的意願也啟動了，甚至會離開臥房到屋外走走。 原本令人覺得沉重的擔子，因為鵑鵑懂得惜福，居然化作豐盛的禮物。 現在鵑鵑成了大家的強心劑，每當我們遇到困難，或者受了委屈，習慣性的退縮、放棄、抱怨或指責別人時，總會想起她的話。 在我們這一群朋友中，開始流行一種句型：「 能多做一點是我的福氣。 」 「孩子不聽話，耐著性子引導他是我的福氣。 」 「擠公車沒位子坐是我的福氣。」 說這些話的時候，我們多少帶著點自我解嘲的意味，有時也是開玩笑，但不知不覺中，我們看待周遭人事物的態度有了明顯變化，原來好福氣也是會傳染的。
一句話 人生的成敗，常常因為一個人、一件事，甚至一句話而有決定性的影響。尤其對人有用的一句話，勝過千言萬語。 古今中外有很多人因為別人的一句話而深受感動，甚至豁然開朗；由於「一句話」而改變一生的事例，更是多不勝數。
美國著名的教育家和演講口才藝術家卡內基，小時候是一個非常調皮的小男孩。他九歲的時候，父親將繼母娶進門。 他父親向新婚妻子介紹卡內基時，如是說：「希望你注意這個全郡最壞的男孩，他實在令我頭痛，說不定明天早晨他還會拿石頭砸你，或做出什麼壞事呢！」 出乎卡內基預料的是，繼母微笑地走到他面前，托著他的頭，注視著他。 接著告訴丈夫：「你錯了,他不是全郡最壞的男孩,而是最聰明,只是還沒找到發洩熱忱地方的男孩。」 此話一出，卡內基的眼淚不聽使喚地滾滾而下。 就因為這一句話，建立了卡內基和繼母之間深厚的感情；也因為這一句話，成就了他立志向上的動力；更因為這一句話，讓他日後幫助千千萬萬的人一同步上了成功之路。
「一句話」很容易說，但重要的是要能讓對方受用。 給人一句好話，讓人生命奮起飛揚，何樂而不為呢？所以，人要常說： 第一、給人歡喜的話； 第二、給人鼓勵的話； 第三、給人肯定的話； 第四、給人讚美的話。
多說好話，少說壞話。 不經意的一句輕浮話，有時會自毀前程，而一句關懷別人的話，卻能讓沮喪的人有生存下去的勇氣。因此人要經常檢點自己的口舌，以免破壞了好因緣。
原來你也很富有
有一位青年，老是埋怨自己時運不濟，發不了財，終日愁眉不展。 這一天，走過來一個鬚髮皆白的老人，問：「年輕人，為什麼不快樂？」 「我不明白，為什麼我總是這麼窮。」 「窮？你很富有嘛！」老人由衷地說。 「這從何說起？」年輕人不解。 老人反問道：「假如現在斬掉你一個手指頭，給你 1千元，你幹不幹？」 「不幹。」年輕人回答。 「假如砍掉你一隻手，給你 1 萬元，你幹不幹？」 「不幹。」 「假如使你雙眼都瞎掉，給你 10 萬元，你幹不幹？」 「不幹。」 「假如讓你馬上變成80 歲的老人，給你 100 萬，你幹不幹？」 「不幹。」 「假如讓你馬上死掉，給你 1000 萬，你幹不幹？」 「不幹。」 「這就對了，你已經擁有超過1000 萬的財富，為什麼還哀怨自己貧窮呢？」老人笑吟吟地問道。 青年愕然無言，突然什麼都明白了。 心靈導航 親愛的朋友，如果你早上醒來發現自己還能自由呼吸，你就比在這個星期中離開人世的人更有福氣。 如果你從來沒有經歷過戰爭的危險、被囚禁的孤寂、受折磨的痛苦和忍饑挨餓的難受 ……。 你已經好過世界上五億人了。 如果你的銀行帳戶有存款，錢包裡有現金，你已經身居於世界上最富有的 8％之列！ 如果你的雙親仍然在世，並且沒有分居或離婚，你已屬於稀少的一群。 如果你能抬起頭，面容上帶著笑容，並且內心充滿感恩的心情，你是真的幸福了。 因為世界上大部分的人都可以這樣做，但是他們卻沒有。 如果你能握著一個人的手，擁抱他，或者只是在他的肩膀上拍一下。你的確有福氣了。因為你所做的，已經等同於 上帝才能做到的。(這還需要更進一步咀嚼,否則很難理解) 親愛的：如果你能讀到這段文字，那麼你更是擁有了雙份的福氣，你比20億不能閱讀的人不是幸福很多嗎？ 看到這裡，請你暫且放下書，然後非常認真地對自己說一句話： 「哇！原來我是這麼富有的人！ 」 ~~~ 也許並不是那麼難做到 ~~~
2009年5月28日 星期四
High performance with high integrity
I read a book on high performance with high integrity this afternoon.
This is not just a basic concept on business areas but also important in church service and our serving the Lord.
Elements on high performance including 3 things:
1.Strong sustained economic growth
2.Superior products & services.
3.Durable benefits to shareholders & stakeholders concerned
Elements on hight integrity also hinged on 3 things:
1.Adherence to formal rules,both financial and legal
2.Voluntary adoption of global ethical standards.
3.Employee commitment to core values of honesty,candor,fairness,reliability and trustworthiness
In serving the Lord, if from the above listings,can we do better in this age of ambiguity and ambivalence in both our conduct and sensibility ?
This is not just a basic concept on business areas but also important in church service and our serving the Lord.
Elements on high performance including 3 things:
1.Strong sustained economic growth
2.Superior products & services.
3.Durable benefits to shareholders & stakeholders concerned
Elements on hight integrity also hinged on 3 things:
1.Adherence to formal rules,both financial and legal
2.Voluntary adoption of global ethical standards.
3.Employee commitment to core values of honesty,candor,fairness,reliability and trustworthiness
In serving the Lord, if from the above listings,can we do better in this age of ambiguity and ambivalence in both our conduct and sensibility ?
2009年5月27日 星期三
Reflections From Jihua and Longzhong
Last week's Timothy training made me think more on the seriousness of God's Logos. Two of our Timothies,one 's surname starts with 嚴another 's name ends with 重. They both made fun with us by saying that when they come together,all would become 嚴重 !!
I then thought about it's implications for us today in terms of what's recorded in the Acts of the Apostles when the Gospel first being preached among the Gentiles in the first century. I remembered and searched for the verses in the book and ask for the followings :
今天的傳道人與信徒委身於道的光景，對待道的「嚴肅程度」到底如何 ?
(How’s Seriousness about the Word ?)
從早期教會反照一覽 --> 道的興旺 (徒十二24) (徒十九20) (徒廿八31)
道的療效
使徒因主名有能力醫治 (徒三6)
非坐擁金銀而無能力
道的勇猛
使徒因主的名大有膽量 (徒四13-14)
非學識滿貫而無勇力
道的迫力
徒徒選立執事具服事以外的恩賜 (徒七-八)
司提反為道殉身腓利把道外傳
道的見證
使徒培育出門徒具基督人稱號 (徒十一26)
信眾於當世既名正且言順
道的熱誠
使徒為神的道心裡著急 (徒十七16-18)
非冷漠不前猶疑不定
道的謹守
使徒見教會為道甘心考查 (徒十七11)
非純趣味活動只稍加點綴
道的責任
使徒交託領袖予神及祂恩惠的道 (徒廿32)
使凡與之有益莫避諱不說
道的爭辯
使徒上訴於該撒為道伸辯 (徒廿五11,廿六32)
把道宣揚達至高的社會層面
道的傳承
使徒傳講神國的道不受禁止 (徒廿八31)
道得勝的見證及傳承的啟迪
I then thought about it's implications for us today in terms of what's recorded in the Acts of the Apostles when the Gospel first being preached among the Gentiles in the first century. I remembered and searched for the verses in the book and ask for the followings :
今天的傳道人與信徒委身於道的光景，對待道的「嚴肅程度」到底如何 ?
(How’s Seriousness about the Word ?)
從早期教會反照一覽 --> 道的興旺 (徒十二24) (徒十九20) (徒廿八31)
道的療效
使徒因主名有能力醫治 (徒三6)
非坐擁金銀而無能力
道的勇猛
使徒因主的名大有膽量 (徒四13-14)
非學識滿貫而無勇力
道的迫力
徒徒選立執事具服事以外的恩賜 (徒七-八)
司提反為道殉身腓利把道外傳
道的見證
使徒培育出門徒具基督人稱號 (徒十一26)
信眾於當世既名正且言順
道的熱誠
使徒為神的道心裡著急 (徒十七16-18)
非冷漠不前猶疑不定
道的謹守
使徒見教會為道甘心考查 (徒十七11)
非純趣味活動只稍加點綴
道的責任
使徒交託領袖予神及祂恩惠的道 (徒廿32)
使凡與之有益莫避諱不說
道的爭辯
使徒上訴於該撒為道伸辯 (徒廿五11,廿六32)
把道宣揚達至高的社會層面
道的傳承
使徒傳講神國的道不受禁止 (徒廿八31)
道得勝的見證及傳承的啟迪
2009年5月23日 星期六
Two Quotes on Trust
It takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it. -Anonymous-
Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation. -D.Elton Trueblood-
Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation. -D.Elton Trueblood-
We went through peace days
Though the swine flu pervades in past two weeks ,we had peace in our trainings and it went well with most of us present. A few couldn't come because of family needs. I thank God for all these.
After our Sunday meeting,we went up the nearby hilltop after walking up more than 400 steps. We had time and opportunity to share Jesus with the young people around. I talked with two local workers from the north province. We were taken a picture during the conversation. They shew slight interest in my persuasion attempt.
After our Sunday meeting,we went up the nearby hilltop after walking up more than 400 steps. We had time and opportunity to share Jesus with the young people around. I talked with two local workers from the north province. We were taken a picture during the conversation. They shew slight interest in my persuasion attempt.
2009年5月1日 星期五
Wanchai Trip on May 1
I went to Wanchai this afternoon. Never have I been to the Bauhinia golden square before though already it exists ever since HK's turnover at 1997. Janet and I walked all the way through the MTR pedestrian highway to Hennessy Road on the way back.WE then took the tramway to Western district and took 905 bus across the harbour back home.
2009年4月29日 星期三
萬惡之源 !
It is not religion that is the root of all evil, it is certainty.
萬惡之源不在宗教，而在自以為是。 倫敦《獨立報》作者
Consensus is something in which no one believes, but to which no one objects.
「共識」的意思，就是誰都不反對，但誰都不由衷支持。MARGARET THATCHER 英國前首相
These two quotes are good,in helping us reflect today,what is real democracy under the high individualistic spirit and nontolerance of others.
萬惡之源不在宗教，而在自以為是。 倫敦《獨立報》作者
Consensus is something in which no one believes, but to which no one objects.
「共識」的意思，就是誰都不反對，但誰都不由衷支持。MARGARET THATCHER 英國前首相
These two quotes are good,in helping us reflect today,what is real democracy under the high individualistic spirit and nontolerance of others.
2009年4月26日 星期日
Quotes on Humility
Humility is to make a right estimate of one's self --Charles H. Spurgeon--
Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real --Thomas Merton--
The proud man can learn humility, but he will be proud of it --Mignon McLaughlin--
Humility is the only certain defense against humiliation. Pride slays thanksgiving, but an humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow. A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves-- Henry Ward Beecher --
Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real --Thomas Merton--
The proud man can learn humility, but he will be proud of it --Mignon McLaughlin--
Humility is the only certain defense against humiliation. Pride slays thanksgiving, but an humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow. A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves-- Henry Ward Beecher --
2009年4月25日 星期六
Malaysia Poem
I found out the following poem on web and added my own changes:
For Malays, Life is a picnic
For Chinese, Life is a race
For Indians, Life is cinema
For Japanese,Life is hardwork
For French, Life is affair
For Russians,Life is mystery
For Americans,Life is money
And everything else in between
Is a curious case of possibilities
For Malays, Life is a picnic
For Chinese, Life is a race
For Indians, Life is cinema
For Japanese,Life is hardwork
For French, Life is affair
For Russians,Life is mystery
For Americans,Life is money
And everything else in between
Is a curious case of possibilities
2009年4月24日 星期五
The Human Side of Performance Management
By focusing on the four aspects of human side of performance management,
learning,
reframing,
flowing,
viscosity,
allows you to grow your workforce so that they can in turn concentrate on the technical side.
learning,
reframing,
flowing,
viscosity,
allows you to grow your workforce so that they can in turn concentrate on the technical side.
Paul Tournier 's seven quotes
Acceptance of one's life has nothing to do with resignation; it does not mean running away from the struggle. On the contrary, it means accepting it as it comes, with all the handicaps of heredity, of suffering, of psychological complexes and injustices.
At the heart of personality is the need to feel a sense of being lovable without having to qualify for that acceptance.
Let us not seek to bring religion to others, but let us endeavor to live it ourselves.
Nothing makes us so lonely as our secrets.
Recounting of a life story, a mind thinking aloud leads one inevitably to the consideration of problems which are no longer psychological but spiritual.
Sooner or later, those who win are those who think they can.
The more refined and subtle our minds, the more vulnerable they are.
At the heart of personality is the need to feel a sense of being lovable without having to qualify for that acceptance.
Let us not seek to bring religion to others, but let us endeavor to live it ourselves.
Nothing makes us so lonely as our secrets.
Recounting of a life story, a mind thinking aloud leads one inevitably to the consideration of problems which are no longer psychological but spiritual.
Sooner or later, those who win are those who think they can.
The more refined and subtle our minds, the more vulnerable they are.
Challenges facing public sector leaders
From Key challenges facing public sector leaders: themes from the Ashridge Public Leadership Centre essay competition 2007
There are 7 Key challenges facing public sector leaders
• Increasing pace of change
• Technological developments
• Changing perceptions
• Increasing expectations
• Citizen empowerment
• Changing workforce
• Changing environment
AS I reflect on these seven.I found that they are all related to our present day church leaders. We are in a fast pace than before in church ministry,we are using powerpoints for teachings and preachings unlike before,we have different perceptions of the images and identity of being a preacher and pastor not as before,the congregations are all the more raising their expectations of being God's servant,we are their coaches and our responsibilities are to empower them in the family of God,we lead by teams rather than just being a loneranger,our society today is much more plural and cosmopolitan as never before.
There are 7 Key challenges facing public sector leaders
• Increasing pace of change
• Technological developments
• Changing perceptions
• Increasing expectations
• Citizen empowerment
• Changing workforce
• Changing environment
AS I reflect on these seven.I found that they are all related to our present day church leaders. We are in a fast pace than before in church ministry,we are using powerpoints for teachings and preachings unlike before,we have different perceptions of the images and identity of being a preacher and pastor not as before,the congregations are all the more raising their expectations of being God's servant,we are their coaches and our responsibilities are to empower them in the family of God,we lead by teams rather than just being a loneranger,our society today is much more plural and cosmopolitan as never before.
Planetery Leadership
Readings on leadership help me to know of the European model. In brief,it says the following distinctives:
There is a “European model of leadership”, distinct and different from the standard American model.
European leaders tend to be more consensual and take longer to make decisions than Americans and Asians.
“Difference” is a key aspect of European leadership, and European leaders tend to define themselves by comparison with their neighbours.
The experience of working across borders and cultures means European leaders are particularly suited to “planetary leadership”.
There is a “European model of leadership”, distinct and different from the standard American model.
European leaders tend to be more consensual and take longer to make decisions than Americans and Asians.
“Difference” is a key aspect of European leadership, and European leaders tend to define themselves by comparison with their neighbours.
The experience of working across borders and cultures means European leaders are particularly suited to “planetary leadership”.
Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places
To my surprise,I can borrow Eugene Peterson's book " Christ plays in ten thousand places " from the Mei Foo Library.
I have read it before from a brother who sent it as a gift book.I read now again with Book Review on websites and found the following words noteworthy and helpful for our reflections :
" The meteoric ascendancy of interest in spirituality in recent decades is largely fueled by a profound dissatisfaction with approaches to life that are either
Aridly rationalistic, consisting of definitions, explanations, diagrams, and instructions (whether by psychologists, pastors, theologians, or strategic planners), or
Impersonally functional, consisting of slogans, goals, incentives, and programs
(whether by advertisers, coaches, motivational consultants, church leaders, or evangelists).
There comes a time for most of us when we discover a deep desire within us to live from the heart what we already know in our heads and do with our hands.”
Spiritual theology
It is different from systematic theology
because it seeks to apply as well as inform.
It is distinct from devotional literature
because it looks more deeply at the Biblical text
It is more convicting than pastoral reflection
because it sounds like the Prophets, with insightful application in light of Christ's atonement and resurrection.
I have read it before from a brother who sent it as a gift book.I read now again with Book Review on websites and found the following words noteworthy and helpful for our reflections :
" The meteoric ascendancy of interest in spirituality in recent decades is largely fueled by a profound dissatisfaction with approaches to life that are either
Aridly rationalistic, consisting of definitions, explanations, diagrams, and instructions (whether by psychologists, pastors, theologians, or strategic planners), or
Impersonally functional, consisting of slogans, goals, incentives, and programs
(whether by advertisers, coaches, motivational consultants, church leaders, or evangelists).
There comes a time for most of us when we discover a deep desire within us to live from the heart what we already know in our heads and do with our hands.”
Spiritual theology
It is different from systematic theology
because it seeks to apply as well as inform.
It is distinct from devotional literature
because it looks more deeply at the Biblical text
It is more convicting than pastoral reflection
because it sounds like the Prophets, with insightful application in light of Christ's atonement and resurrection.
2009年4月23日 星期四
“只有主站在我旁邊，加給我力量。”
提摩太傳來一篇內地同工江登興的分享如下
事奉的日子長了，我們會忘記自己是為什麼事奉主，為了一個更有規模的教會？為了自己的責任？當環境的艱難臨到我們時，當我們被人否定，被人棄絕時，我們才再一次離開“工作”回來十字架面前，我們那因為工作，因為屬靈的雄心而離神很遠的心靈才再一次復興。再一次肯定，我們的事奉，不是為了權力和榮耀，不是為了人的肯定和稱讚，而是僅僅為了報答主耶穌的恩典。
這是一個生命在十字架面前的降服，這降服來自外在環境加給我們的創傷，來自事奉的艱難；但是，這不是全部，這外在的環境只是上帝催逼我們到十字架面前的一個因素；上帝更深的工作是，借外在的艱難，讓我們緊緊倚靠主，切切呼求神，在這樣的信靠中，上帝的靈會把一個體貼聖靈而棄絕肉體的心志放在我們裏，我們裏面的人在聖靈的吸引下，會緊緊地體貼神，並且生髮棄舊人生命的力量。由此，上帝把我們帶到主耶穌的十字架面前，由此，我們知道自己僅僅站在十字架面前，而不是站在任何人面前。
我們會切慕一直留在那裏，把自己隱藏在十字架裏面。我們的艱難算什麼？因為這艱難或者困苦使我們貼近久違的主耶穌——他是住在我們裏面的榮耀的神，我們不想把這樣的艱難對任何人訴說，因為十字架拒絕憐憫，也拒絕誇耀，十字架是更深的隱藏，更深的埋葬。
十字架是不斷向自己死，不斷向主而活。
我們常常為許多的舊人的情欲所捆綁不得自由，惟一得勝的地方，就是來到十字架面前。《羅馬書》的第七章是長長的掙扎，而結尾卻出了一口長氣：“感謝神，靠著我們的主耶穌就得脫離了。”難道就這麼簡單嗎？怎樣“靠著主耶穌呢”？原來那奧秘是在第八章，第八章的體貼聖靈而不體貼肉體是答案，“靠著聖靈治死身體的惡行”是答案，而這一切的奧秘就是經歷與主同死，就是十字架，就是禱告中“聖靈說不出來的歎息”，就是把我們“磨成上帝兒子的樣式”。
在這更深的隱藏和埋葬中，仿佛我們背負重擔，仿佛前頭有更重的十字架，有更艱難的生涯，然而我們卻渴慕親吻十字架，如同馬利亞用頭髮去擦耶穌的腳，因為“所賜的聖靈將上帝的愛澆灌在我們心裏”，因為聖靈的愛催逼我們更深地迎向十字架。
在這些艱難的時刻裏，雖然黑暗四圍籠罩，然後你明明可以感受到人子站在你身邊，他身穿白衣，一直陪伴著你，如果你是跪著，他就以喀西馬尼的姿勢陪伴你，堅固你。有人子的同在，他的榮耀高過諸天，他的美善超乎萬有，我們還別有所求嗎？有他的同在，我們的一切就都得到滿足，一切的創傷就都得到醫治了，一切的捆綁就都得著釋放了。
這是復活的曙光照耀的時刻。靠著那成形在我們裏面的十字架，我們可以克服黑暗權勢，克勝艱難困苦，那是我們的君王在我們裏面誇勝，使路德勝過沃木斯魔鬼權勢的，就是這十字架的力量。
其實人子不僅要站在我們旁邊，他還要把自己的生命雕刻成形在我們裏面。“磨成上帝兒子的樣式”，這是一生的過程。滿有艱難，也滿的榮耀。
這是一個蒙福的時刻。“死在我們的身上發動，生卻在你們的身上發動。”一個在死上與主耶穌的十字架聯合的生命，必定會流露出主耶穌復活的恩典，它們是寬恕，是愛，是降卑，是自省，是悔改，一切美善的都是從上頭來的。
最後，人子站在我們旁邊，不是要加給我們力量去敵對那抵擋我們的人，而是要使我們因為向十字架降服，從而看見自己在愛上的虧欠，從而虛己，從而悔改，從而去包容，從而繼續我們的事奉。
救贖主以色列的神啊，你實在是自隱的神。十字架是一個隱秘的智慧，“除了人裏頭的靈，誰能知道人的事呢？這樣，除了神的靈，也沒有人知道神的事。”
神啊，自我年幼時，你就教訓我；直到如今，我傳揚你奇妙的作為。
神啊，我到年老發白的時候，求你不要離棄我；等我將你的能力指示下代，將你的大能指示後世的人。
——《詩篇》71篇17至18節
事奉的日子長了，我們會忘記自己是為什麼事奉主，為了一個更有規模的教會？為了自己的責任？當環境的艱難臨到我們時，當我們被人否定，被人棄絕時，我們才再一次離開“工作”回來十字架面前，我們那因為工作，因為屬靈的雄心而離神很遠的心靈才再一次復興。再一次肯定，我們的事奉，不是為了權力和榮耀，不是為了人的肯定和稱讚，而是僅僅為了報答主耶穌的恩典。
這是一個生命在十字架面前的降服，這降服來自外在環境加給我們的創傷，來自事奉的艱難；但是，這不是全部，這外在的環境只是上帝催逼我們到十字架面前的一個因素；上帝更深的工作是，借外在的艱難，讓我們緊緊倚靠主，切切呼求神，在這樣的信靠中，上帝的靈會把一個體貼聖靈而棄絕肉體的心志放在我們裏，我們裏面的人在聖靈的吸引下，會緊緊地體貼神，並且生髮棄舊人生命的力量。由此，上帝把我們帶到主耶穌的十字架面前，由此，我們知道自己僅僅站在十字架面前，而不是站在任何人面前。
我們會切慕一直留在那裏，把自己隱藏在十字架裏面。我們的艱難算什麼？因為這艱難或者困苦使我們貼近久違的主耶穌——他是住在我們裏面的榮耀的神，我們不想把這樣的艱難對任何人訴說，因為十字架拒絕憐憫，也拒絕誇耀，十字架是更深的隱藏，更深的埋葬。
十字架是不斷向自己死，不斷向主而活。
我們常常為許多的舊人的情欲所捆綁不得自由，惟一得勝的地方，就是來到十字架面前。《羅馬書》的第七章是長長的掙扎，而結尾卻出了一口長氣：“感謝神，靠著我們的主耶穌就得脫離了。”難道就這麼簡單嗎？怎樣“靠著主耶穌呢”？原來那奧秘是在第八章，第八章的體貼聖靈而不體貼肉體是答案，“靠著聖靈治死身體的惡行”是答案，而這一切的奧秘就是經歷與主同死，就是十字架，就是禱告中“聖靈說不出來的歎息”，就是把我們“磨成上帝兒子的樣式”。
在這更深的隱藏和埋葬中，仿佛我們背負重擔，仿佛前頭有更重的十字架，有更艱難的生涯，然而我們卻渴慕親吻十字架，如同馬利亞用頭髮去擦耶穌的腳，因為“所賜的聖靈將上帝的愛澆灌在我們心裏”，因為聖靈的愛催逼我們更深地迎向十字架。
在這些艱難的時刻裏，雖然黑暗四圍籠罩，然後你明明可以感受到人子站在你身邊，他身穿白衣，一直陪伴著你，如果你是跪著，他就以喀西馬尼的姿勢陪伴你，堅固你。有人子的同在，他的榮耀高過諸天，他的美善超乎萬有，我們還別有所求嗎？有他的同在，我們的一切就都得到滿足，一切的創傷就都得到醫治了，一切的捆綁就都得著釋放了。
這是復活的曙光照耀的時刻。靠著那成形在我們裏面的十字架，我們可以克服黑暗權勢，克勝艱難困苦，那是我們的君王在我們裏面誇勝，使路德勝過沃木斯魔鬼權勢的，就是這十字架的力量。
其實人子不僅要站在我們旁邊，他還要把自己的生命雕刻成形在我們裏面。“磨成上帝兒子的樣式”，這是一生的過程。滿有艱難，也滿的榮耀。
這是一個蒙福的時刻。“死在我們的身上發動，生卻在你們的身上發動。”一個在死上與主耶穌的十字架聯合的生命，必定會流露出主耶穌復活的恩典，它們是寬恕，是愛，是降卑，是自省，是悔改，一切美善的都是從上頭來的。
最後，人子站在我們旁邊，不是要加給我們力量去敵對那抵擋我們的人，而是要使我們因為向十字架降服，從而看見自己在愛上的虧欠，從而虛己，從而悔改，從而去包容，從而繼續我們的事奉。
救贖主以色列的神啊，你實在是自隱的神。十字架是一個隱秘的智慧，“除了人裏頭的靈，誰能知道人的事呢？這樣，除了神的靈，也沒有人知道神的事。”
神啊，自我年幼時，你就教訓我；直到如今，我傳揚你奇妙的作為。
神啊，我到年老發白的時候，求你不要離棄我；等我將你的能力指示下代，將你的大能指示後世的人。
——《詩篇》71篇17至18節
海嘯新世界
閱覽 改變心態苦中求存 《十分專題》部落格：http://fw123.blogspot.com作出下列歸納:
國家層面
國家破產: 冰島、迪拜、拉脫維亞等國，頻臨崩潰破產。且陸續有來，美國承擔最高州預算赤字410億美元而瀕臨破產。
東歐危機: 危及歐盟，破壞“一個歐洲”發展。
保護主義: 美國最新通過振興經濟配套中，購買美國貨政策被評為保護主 義，引起歐盟激烈反對。
債主國家: 東歐最大債主德國和奧地利已憂心得睡不著覺。
企業層面
金融詐欺 : 層出不窮詐欺案。
各出奇謀 : 出口大幅萎縮求存不易，不排除不擇手段爭取合約。
腐敗貪污 : 數額龐大的政府訂單不但變得奇貨可居，也提供腐敗貪污機會。
社會層面
新貧下流 : 中產階級已成新貧、近貧一族“下流”是中產被打入下等級。
傾向儲蓄 : 許多人用錢趨于保守，同時傾向儲蓄。
投軍增加 : 年輕人找不到工投軍將增加，不必擔心沒飯吃，且不錯的福利。
延遲退休 : 多人發現退休金縮水，不得不延遲退休。
溫室放緩 : 全球經濟放緩，工業排碳大為減少，
國家層面
國家破產: 冰島、迪拜、拉脫維亞等國，頻臨崩潰破產。且陸續有來，美國承擔最高州預算赤字410億美元而瀕臨破產。
東歐危機: 危及歐盟，破壞“一個歐洲”發展。
保護主義: 美國最新通過振興經濟配套中，購買美國貨政策被評為保護主 義，引起歐盟激烈反對。
債主國家: 東歐最大債主德國和奧地利已憂心得睡不著覺。
企業層面
金融詐欺 : 層出不窮詐欺案。
各出奇謀 : 出口大幅萎縮求存不易，不排除不擇手段爭取合約。
腐敗貪污 : 數額龐大的政府訂單不但變得奇貨可居，也提供腐敗貪污機會。
社會層面
新貧下流 : 中產階級已成新貧、近貧一族“下流”是中產被打入下等級。
傾向儲蓄 : 許多人用錢趨于保守，同時傾向儲蓄。
投軍增加 : 年輕人找不到工投軍將增加，不必擔心沒飯吃，且不錯的福利。
延遲退休 : 多人發現退休金縮水，不得不延遲退休。
溫室放緩 : 全球經濟放緩，工業排碳大為減少，
海嘯新世界
閱覽 《十分專題》部落格：http://fw123.blogspot.com 作出下列歸納 :
國家層面
--> 國家破產: 冰島、迪拜、拉脫維亞等國，頻臨崩潰破產。且陸續有來，美國承擔最高州預算赤字410億美元
--> 東歐危機: 危及歐盟，破壞“一個歐洲”發展。
--> 保護主義: 美國最新通過振興經濟配套中，購買美國貨政策被評為保護主義，引起歐盟激烈反對。
--> 債主國家: 東歐最大債主德國和奧地利已憂心得睡不著覺。
企業層面
--> 金融詐欺 : 層出不窮詐欺案。
--> 各出奇謀 : 出口大幅萎縮求存不易，不排除不擇手段爭取合約。
--> 腐敗貪污 : 數額龐大的政府訂單不但變得奇貨可居，也提供腐敗貪污機會。
社會層面
--> 新貧下流 : 中產階級已成新貧、近貧一族“下流”是中產被打入下等級。
--> 傾向儲蓄 : 許多人用錢趨于保守，同時傾向儲蓄。
--> 投軍增加 : 年輕人找不到工投軍將增加，不必擔心沒飯吃，且不錯的福利。
--> 延遲退休 : 多人發現退休金縮水，不得不延遲退休。
--> 溫室放緩 : 全球經濟放緩，工業排碳大為減少，
國家層面
--> 國家破產: 冰島、迪拜、拉脫維亞等國，頻臨崩潰破產。且陸續有來，美國承擔最高州預算赤字410億美元
--> 東歐危機: 危及歐盟，破壞“一個歐洲”發展。
--> 保護主義: 美國最新通過振興經濟配套中，購買美國貨政策被評為保護主義，引起歐盟激烈反對。
--> 債主國家: 東歐最大債主德國和奧地利已憂心得睡不著覺。
企業層面
--> 金融詐欺 : 層出不窮詐欺案。
--> 各出奇謀 : 出口大幅萎縮求存不易，不排除不擇手段爭取合約。
--> 腐敗貪污 : 數額龐大的政府訂單不但變得奇貨可居，也提供腐敗貪污機會。
社會層面
--> 新貧下流 : 中產階級已成新貧、近貧一族“下流”是中產被打入下等級。
--> 傾向儲蓄 : 許多人用錢趨于保守，同時傾向儲蓄。
--> 投軍增加 : 年輕人找不到工投軍將增加，不必擔心沒飯吃，且不錯的福利。
--> 延遲退休 : 多人發現退休金縮水，不得不延遲退休。
--> 溫室放緩 : 全球經濟放緩，工業排碳大為減少，
如何面對金融危機 ? --- 聖經角度
一. 勿慮明天 --> 錢存不到永遠 ! (太6 : 19-20)
二. 未雨籌繆 --> 趁機從事理財 ! (路16 : 9-10)
三. 正向思考 --> 積極正面人生 ! (腓 4: 8-9)
四. 彼此互助 --> 與別人同共享 ! (林前12 : 26-27)
五. 多面思維 --> 解困總是有法 ! (耶32:27)
六. 抗逆能力 --> 測試逆境智商 ! (雅1:2-4)
七. 多作運動 --> 注意保持體健 ! (約三2)
八. 活在當下 --> 享受今天所有 ! (太6:34)
九. 面對現實 --> 勇於接受改變 ! (賽43:18-19)
十. 反思人生 --> 苦難有其美意 ! (雅1:9-11)
二. 未雨籌繆 --> 趁機從事理財 ! (路16 : 9-10)
三. 正向思考 --> 積極正面人生 ! (腓 4: 8-9)
四. 彼此互助 --> 與別人同共享 ! (林前12 : 26-27)
五. 多面思維 --> 解困總是有法 ! (耶32:27)
六. 抗逆能力 --> 測試逆境智商 ! (雅1:2-4)
七. 多作運動 --> 注意保持體健 ! (約三2)
八. 活在當下 --> 享受今天所有 ! (太6:34)
九. 面對現實 --> 勇於接受改變 ! (賽43:18-19)
十. 反思人生 --> 苦難有其美意 ! (雅1:9-11)
2009年4月22日 星期三
World Digital Library started on Web yesterday
From the Librarian of Congress James H. Billington .
The World Digital Library will digitize unique and rare materials from libraries and other cultural institutions around the world and make them available for free on the Internet. These materials include manuscripts, maps, books, musical scores, sound recordings, films, prints and photographs. The objectives of the World Digital Library include promoting international and intercultural understanding, increasing the quantity and diversity of cultural materials on the Internet, and contributing to education and scholarship.
The World Digital Library has become available to the public as a full-fledged Web site since yesterday April 21,2009.It functions in the six U.N.languages -- Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish, plus Portuguese -- and features search and browse functionality by place, time, topic and contributing institution.
Input into the design of the prototype was solicited through a consultative process that involved UNESCO, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, and individuals and institutions in more than 40 countries.
"UNESCO has been an exceptional partner of the Library of Congress during the development of this important global resource," said Billington. "We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with UNESCO as we work with current and future partners in this exciting enterprise to bring the cultural treasures of the world to the world."
Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States and the largest library in the world, with more than 134 million items in more than 450 languages. Its collections are universal in scope and available in all formats in which information is recorded.
The Library seeks to further understanding and wisdom by providing access to knowledge and by celebrating human achievement. Additional information about the World Digital Library can be found at www.worlddigitallibrary.org.
The World Digital Library will digitize unique and rare materials from libraries and other cultural institutions around the world and make them available for free on the Internet. These materials include manuscripts, maps, books, musical scores, sound recordings, films, prints and photographs. The objectives of the World Digital Library include promoting international and intercultural understanding, increasing the quantity and diversity of cultural materials on the Internet, and contributing to education and scholarship.
The World Digital Library has become available to the public as a full-fledged Web site since yesterday April 21,2009.It functions in the six U.N.languages -- Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish, plus Portuguese -- and features search and browse functionality by place, time, topic and contributing institution.
Input into the design of the prototype was solicited through a consultative process that involved UNESCO, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, and individuals and institutions in more than 40 countries.
"UNESCO has been an exceptional partner of the Library of Congress during the development of this important global resource," said Billington. "We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with UNESCO as we work with current and future partners in this exciting enterprise to bring the cultural treasures of the world to the world."
Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States and the largest library in the world, with more than 134 million items in more than 450 languages. Its collections are universal in scope and available in all formats in which information is recorded.
The Library seeks to further understanding and wisdom by providing access to knowledge and by celebrating human achievement. Additional information about the World Digital Library can be found at www.worlddigitallibrary.org.
2009年4月19日 星期日
Peak Trip with Joshua -- His 3 satisfactions !
I went with Joshua Liu to the peak yesterday. Joshua is a young man coming here to study from Mainland in a seminary.We faced a rather heavy fog while walking around the Peak route in 45 minutes. To our disappointment,we couldn't see the far view from the top unto the harbour below. Anyway it's Joshua's first time to take the Peak tram up in HK. He's quite satisfied.
Before we went downhills,to give us a surprise,someone arranged on schedule to play piano in the terrace for tourists around.Joshua's so excited to ask for a played song "The moon represents my heart 月亮代表我的心 鄧麗君" He said let the song be sent to Janet as my tribute. We are on time to have it played by a skilled pianist.Joshua even recorded it with his mini-digital camera.
I treated him to dinner in Wanchai Boston restaurant.It's rather old since 1966. Surely it's his first time to be in the aged restaurant,another satisfaction !
We enjoyed the company and I pray that this young man can serve God well in the near future,a blessing to the Chinese churches.
Before we went downhills,to give us a surprise,someone arranged on schedule to play piano in the terrace for tourists around.Joshua's so excited to ask for a played song "The moon represents my heart 月亮代表我的心 鄧麗君" He said let the song be sent to Janet as my tribute. We are on time to have it played by a skilled pianist.Joshua even recorded it with his mini-digital camera.
I treated him to dinner in Wanchai Boston restaurant.It's rather old since 1966. Surely it's his first time to be in the aged restaurant,another satisfaction !
We enjoyed the company and I pray that this young man can serve God well in the near future,a blessing to the Chinese churches.
5 quotes on time
“Yesterday is a canceled check; tomorrow is a promissory note; today is the only cash you have - so spend it wisely”- Kay Lyons-
“Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.”- Henry Van Dyke -
“Time is the cruelest teacher; first she gives the test, then teaches the lesson.”
“You can't change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future”
“Time goes by so fast, people go in and out of your life. You must never miss the opportunity to tell these people how much they mean to you.”
“Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.”- Henry Van Dyke -
“Time is the cruelest teacher; first she gives the test, then teaches the lesson.”
“You can't change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future”
“Time goes by so fast, people go in and out of your life. You must never miss the opportunity to tell these people how much they mean to you.”
2009年4月17日 星期五
The fifth Trip on the move
I went to Sai Kung Pier this morning.
Getting on 86 bus from Mei Foo to Shatin,taking me half hour to get on 299 bus to Sai Kung Terminal,another 50 minutes. I then took a quick meal in Sai Kung and got on the mini-bus back to Choi Hung MTR.All together it takes me 2 and a half hour back to Mei Foo. Of course I read as usual on the way.
It's my fifth trip past whole week together traveling around HK. It's sort of going from north to south and east to west. My thoughts are that HK is too small to go around in a circle.
Tomorrow I suppose to go along with Yui Fung up to the Peak again.
It takes time and money to spend on such trips. But it reminds me of the dynamics in daily life,we are always on the move ! Our thoughts are on the move,together our bodies.How about our emotional feelings ?
Our joys and sadnesses,
Our hatreds and angers,
Our anxieties and worries,
Our depressions and melancholies,
Our....
Oh Lord ! Free us from our all boundaries and limitations. But let's admit we are just vulnerable beings with all our imperfections and arrogances.
May the real dynamics are from your Holy Spirit that we know how to follow .
For those who follow the flesh will love the flesh,for those who follow the Spirit will be attracted by the Spirit.
Getting on 86 bus from Mei Foo to Shatin,taking me half hour to get on 299 bus to Sai Kung Terminal,another 50 minutes. I then took a quick meal in Sai Kung and got on the mini-bus back to Choi Hung MTR.All together it takes me 2 and a half hour back to Mei Foo. Of course I read as usual on the way.
It's my fifth trip past whole week together traveling around HK. It's sort of going from north to south and east to west. My thoughts are that HK is too small to go around in a circle.
Tomorrow I suppose to go along with Yui Fung up to the Peak again.
It takes time and money to spend on such trips. But it reminds me of the dynamics in daily life,we are always on the move ! Our thoughts are on the move,together our bodies.How about our emotional feelings ?
Our joys and sadnesses,
Our hatreds and angers,
Our anxieties and worries,
Our depressions and melancholies,
Our....
Oh Lord ! Free us from our all boundaries and limitations. But let's admit we are just vulnerable beings with all our imperfections and arrogances.
May the real dynamics are from your Holy Spirit that we know how to follow .
For those who follow the flesh will love the flesh,for those who follow the Spirit will be attracted by the Spirit.
2009年4月16日 星期四
5 quotes for thoughts today
Ability can take you to the top, but
it takes character to keep you there.- Zig Ziglar
When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry,
show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile. – Unknown
Work like you don't need the money,
Love like you've never been hurt and
Dance like no one is watching. - Randall G Leighton
Be who you are and
say what you feel because
those who mind don't matter and
those who matter don't mind. - Dr. Seuss
Live with no excuses and
Love with no regrets - Montel
it takes character to keep you there.- Zig Ziglar
When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry,
show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile. – Unknown
Work like you don't need the money,
Love like you've never been hurt and
Dance like no one is watching. - Randall G Leighton
Be who you are and
say what you feel because
those who mind don't matter and
those who matter don't mind. - Dr. Seuss
Live with no excuses and
Love with no regrets - Montel
2009年4月15日 星期三
Ten things of the day
1. I read Psalm 145 before attending morning assembly.
2. It’s my turn to give devotional message and I shared on Mark 1:35-39 in FEBC morning assembly.
3. I got an essay from Leadership Journal on Hidden Curriculum and sent out to colleagues for thoughts and feedback.
4. I met with Mr. KT Chow, the new volunteer joining our I-Hua training to work on with his coming teaching on the Gospel of John.
5. I received email messages from SSPCC Mr. Matthew Lung to take a Nine-Types Test on web and found myself highest on the ninth type (10) with both the eighth (8) and the fifth type (7) the second and the third highest. That means I am mostly a peacemaker, both a leader and an investigator.
6. I made appointment with Yui Fung to go up the Victoria Peak this coming Sunday afternoon, having him help present a gift to one former I-Hua graduate on his May Wedding in Mainland.
7. I finished the outreaching contact address lists this afternoon.
8. I asked for prayer requests from the I-Hua Timothies in an email
9. I read email news on Thailand updated situation from Rev. Ernest Ng
10. I received the newly emerged FEBC Bulletin with theme talk on Rural-Urban Mobility.
2. It’s my turn to give devotional message and I shared on Mark 1:35-39 in FEBC morning assembly.
3. I got an essay from Leadership Journal on Hidden Curriculum and sent out to colleagues for thoughts and feedback.
4. I met with Mr. KT Chow, the new volunteer joining our I-Hua training to work on with his coming teaching on the Gospel of John.
5. I received email messages from SSPCC Mr. Matthew Lung to take a Nine-Types Test on web and found myself highest on the ninth type (10) with both the eighth (8) and the fifth type (7) the second and the third highest. That means I am mostly a peacemaker, both a leader and an investigator.
6. I made appointment with Yui Fung to go up the Victoria Peak this coming Sunday afternoon, having him help present a gift to one former I-Hua graduate on his May Wedding in Mainland.
7. I finished the outreaching contact address lists this afternoon.
8. I asked for prayer requests from the I-Hua Timothies in an email
9. I read email news on Thailand updated situation from Rev. Ernest Ng
10. I received the newly emerged FEBC Bulletin with theme talk on Rural-Urban Mobility.
2009年4月13日 星期一
四天所到之處
過去四天，除了週四晚及主日聚會外，我都找時間往不同地方走動。是花了些錢在交通上，但假期往香港不同的地點一遊，也是一樂也 !
週五坐西鐵到元朗，由那裡轉77K車往上水，再東鐵往大圍，然後46K經城門隧道往葵芳，再港鐵回美孚，前後4小時。
週六午再西鐵到元朗，然後坐輕鐵往屯門友愛，再西鐵線回到美孚。晚上再全日通往屯門，然後整過西鐵線至南昌，再返美孚。
主日往柴灣講道後，乘港鐵往將軍澳母親家，再港鐵回美孚。
黃昏前與家人港鐵前往金鐘，再15號巴士往山頂，環山走了一圈，然後15號巴士落至灣仔，再轉電車往中環，港鐵回美孚，前後5小時20分鐘。
週一午隧巴往筲箕灣，從那裡9號巴士往石澳，登上該處山頂再在沙灘一覽，只停留共45分鐘再乘車回柴灣，轉乘118號隧巴往深水埔，再港鐵回美孚，前後3小時20分鐘。
此四天內，是走動最多的一個受苦、復活節假期。
在車上，當我獨自一人時都在閱讀。除覽閱借來的圖書外，就是看了Eugene Peterson的 Remix The Message Bible 中五經各卷簡介、大先知各卷簡介、5詩歌書各卷簡介、12歷史書卷簡介、小先知書首四卷簡介，合共31卷書的簡介。
我喜愛在動態的環境中閱讀，偶然往窗外眺望景色，所以假期花費在交通上，讀讀書，吃點東西，心態上在上路，自得其樂。
週五坐西鐵到元朗，由那裡轉77K車往上水，再東鐵往大圍，然後46K經城門隧道往葵芳，再港鐵回美孚，前後4小時。
週六午再西鐵到元朗，然後坐輕鐵往屯門友愛，再西鐵線回到美孚。晚上再全日通往屯門，然後整過西鐵線至南昌，再返美孚。
主日往柴灣講道後，乘港鐵往將軍澳母親家，再港鐵回美孚。
黃昏前與家人港鐵前往金鐘，再15號巴士往山頂，環山走了一圈，然後15號巴士落至灣仔，再轉電車往中環，港鐵回美孚，前後5小時20分鐘。
週一午隧巴往筲箕灣，從那裡9號巴士往石澳，登上該處山頂再在沙灘一覽，只停留共45分鐘再乘車回柴灣，轉乘118號隧巴往深水埔，再港鐵回美孚，前後3小時20分鐘。
此四天內，是走動最多的一個受苦、復活節假期。
在車上，當我獨自一人時都在閱讀。除覽閱借來的圖書外，就是看了Eugene Peterson的 Remix The Message Bible 中五經各卷簡介、大先知各卷簡介、5詩歌書各卷簡介、12歷史書卷簡介、小先知書首四卷簡介，合共31卷書的簡介。
我喜愛在動態的環境中閱讀，偶然往窗外眺望景色，所以假期花費在交通上，讀讀書，吃點東西，心態上在上路，自得其樂。
2009年4月11日 星期六
On west Rail on holiday
I went on a trip to westrail today with the bought whole Day-Pass. It's 20 HK dollars for whole day travel. It's a kind of pass time for me during vacation. I went with Janet in the afternoon to Yuen Long ,then on light rails to Tuen Mun and then back to Mei Foo for about three hours.
Then I went on my own after going back home for a while replying email. I travelled to Tuen Mun and back to Nam Cheung and then to Mei Foo station again. It took me another hour and and a half when back home again. MY experience's that on west rail travel's kind of time passing when you can sit all throughout the trip to read and relax. Of course it' also time consuming but it's dynamic and you are on the move with the rail.
Then I went on my own after going back home for a while replying email. I travelled to Tuen Mun and back to Nam Cheung and then to Mei Foo station again. It took me another hour and and a half when back home again. MY experience's that on west rail travel's kind of time passing when you can sit all throughout the trip to read and relax. Of course it' also time consuming but it's dynamic and you are on the move with the rail.
2009年4月7日 星期二
為門徒洗腳的主 (約13:1-17)
一.到底的愛 (1-3)
永遠的愛 耶31:3 甘心的愛 何14:4
默然的愛 番3:17 捨命的愛 約壹3:16
二. 洗腳的主 (4-11)
毛巾神學 Towel Theology
僕人領袖 Profile of a Servant Leader (cf. Robert K Greenleaf)
10 項參詳
Listening 聆聽
—– True Leaders always have listening ear and not insist on his own view.
Empathy 同理心
—– Leaders show real concern & appreciation over others, think in others’ position
Healing 醫治
—– Admit non-perfectionism and deal with broken lives.
Self-Awareness 自覺
—– Success goes through half way when one can grasp hold of own condition.
Persuasion 影響
—— He leads by influence rather than by power
Conceptualization 異象
—– Dare to dream the impossible, not just routine administrative stuffs.
Foresight 洞見
-– Got insights & reflections through God’s word for the future
Stewardship 管家
—— Leaders are accountable persons and submit to God’s word.
Commitment to the growth of people 成長
—– Concern for the growth of each individual and have high view on own values
Building community 社群
-– Trust to build up others and focus on continual growth beyond one’s service.
BUT as exemplified from Christ’s death on the cross and being exalted by the Father,
三. 服事為何 ? (12-17) I would like to focus thoughts on Five KEY words:
S UBMISSION 順服
E XAMPLE 榜樣
R ECONCILIATION 和好
V ICTORY OVER SIN 勝罪
E XPRESSED LOVE 關愛
永遠的愛 耶31:3 甘心的愛 何14:4
默然的愛 番3:17 捨命的愛 約壹3:16
二. 洗腳的主 (4-11)
毛巾神學 Towel Theology
僕人領袖 Profile of a Servant Leader (cf. Robert K Greenleaf)
10 項參詳
Listening 聆聽
—– True Leaders always have listening ear and not insist on his own view.
Empathy 同理心
—– Leaders show real concern & appreciation over others, think in others’ position
Healing 醫治
—– Admit non-perfectionism and deal with broken lives.
Self-Awareness 自覺
—– Success goes through half way when one can grasp hold of own condition.
Persuasion 影響
—— He leads by influence rather than by power
Conceptualization 異象
—– Dare to dream the impossible, not just routine administrative stuffs.
Foresight 洞見
-– Got insights & reflections through God’s word for the future
Stewardship 管家
—— Leaders are accountable persons and submit to God’s word.
Commitment to the growth of people 成長
—– Concern for the growth of each individual and have high view on own values
Building community 社群
-– Trust to build up others and focus on continual growth beyond one’s service.
BUT as exemplified from Christ’s death on the cross and being exalted by the Father,
三. 服事為何 ? (12-17) I would like to focus thoughts on Five KEY words:
S UBMISSION 順服
E XAMPLE 榜樣
R ECONCILIATION 和好
V ICTORY OVER SIN 勝罪
E XPRESSED LOVE 關愛
2009年4月2日 星期四
More reflections and prayers
I tried to do more reflections daily.
May be I can start with remembering the daily sent emails for my notice and prayers.
Albatross is a sent worker serving among the Hui people in CAN country. I have to pray for her loneliness amid the counselling ministry.
I plan to meet with SC,one of the supporters as lecturer in a local university,praying for his influences among the undergraduates.
Leo's long essay after the Taiwan visit trip made me think more of his efforts in church reflections and our church's future.
A Timothy student has to care for his pregnant wife in Shanghai from Inner Mongolia,I need to pray for them and safety travels.
Mom's cancer and recent bad health made me pray more for her smooth deteriorating and granted mercy from the Lord.
I have to thank God for His kindness and still teach me in being faithful to pray,for all those who are in the frontiers serving Him.
As for me,such kind of mini-prayers are helpful for others as well as helping me to further His kingdom.
May be I can start with remembering the daily sent emails for my notice and prayers.
Albatross is a sent worker serving among the Hui people in CAN country. I have to pray for her loneliness amid the counselling ministry.
I plan to meet with SC,one of the supporters as lecturer in a local university,praying for his influences among the undergraduates.
Leo's long essay after the Taiwan visit trip made me think more of his efforts in church reflections and our church's future.
A Timothy student has to care for his pregnant wife in Shanghai from Inner Mongolia,I need to pray for them and safety travels.
Mom's cancer and recent bad health made me pray more for her smooth deteriorating and granted mercy from the Lord.
I have to thank God for His kindness and still teach me in being faithful to pray,for all those who are in the frontiers serving Him.
As for me,such kind of mini-prayers are helpful for others as well as helping me to further His kingdom.
2009年4月1日 星期三
A trip to Taiwan
I joined the ECFHK visitor trip to celebrate ECF Taiwan's 60 anniversary last four days from Saturday to Tuesday. To my surprise I met my elder sister Connie the moment we entered into our lodging place in Tai Chung. She took photos and so I could receive them and posted here. The second surprise was that I met with a church leader named YIu HIng Kung 姚慶功,just one character word different from my own name on the Sunday service.Seems two surprises not enough I found the third one.Our twenty or so team visitors are most lunatics during the Monday night dinner when we were all free to eat chat in our individual natural expressions.We ate in a place called 春水堂 where we renamed it 吹水堂. As the name implies we just brag and chat with no limitation and forgot all ourselves for a while.So funny and insane when recalled it right now.
In His Steps
I Peter 2:21-25 is a famous text to meditate on Christ's example which we are due to follow Him. Charles Sheldon's famous book In His steps "What would Jesus do?" just motivated a lot of christians to think and act accordingly.
During the Easter season my thoughts just focused on tw0 aspects of this text. We are asked to follow Christ on His response and act when facing injustice.
1.He Commits no sin --- His acts
2.No deceits found in His mouth --- His words
Christ as a free man can choose to commit sin yet he is victorious over sins after being tempted. (Hebrew 4:15)We are all slaves to sin and fail in this matter and always choose to sin. Either we are slaves to sin or we act like Christ win over sin when tempted and choose not to sin. Christ's victorious power in resuurection just overcomes our capacity towards sinning. With the Holy Spirit's help we can win over sins.
Christ even made no retaliation when suffered under injustices. He made no threats towards those evil doers. He is an example in this matter of unjust treatment. He did not commit sin through evil retorts and threats.
Lets' follow Christ's example when facing injustice.If we can control our thoughts and words,we choose not to sin like Him,we are following His steps and experience the resurrection power.
During the Easter season my thoughts just focused on tw0 aspects of this text. We are asked to follow Christ on His response and act when facing injustice.
1.He Commits no sin --- His acts
2.No deceits found in His mouth --- His words
Christ as a free man can choose to commit sin yet he is victorious over sins after being tempted. (Hebrew 4:15)We are all slaves to sin and fail in this matter and always choose to sin. Either we are slaves to sin or we act like Christ win over sin when tempted and choose not to sin. Christ's victorious power in resuurection just overcomes our capacity towards sinning. With the Holy Spirit's help we can win over sins.
Christ even made no retaliation when suffered under injustices. He made no threats towards those evil doers. He is an example in this matter of unjust treatment. He did not commit sin through evil retorts and threats.
Lets' follow Christ's example when facing injustice.If we can control our thoughts and words,we choose not to sin like Him,we are following His steps and experience the resurrection power.
2009年3月25日 星期三
真自由的體會
從內地同工而來二則反思
一. 他們絕不能違逆團隊的意思 (No Disobedience) 順服的重要
1. 領袖之言必須順從
2. 分派工作不可說不
二. 他們不從團隊是極嚴重後果 (No Individualism) 團隊的重要
1. 此後沒人用得上你
2. 從此你再沒機會了
真自由的理解
順服神亦同時順從人
馬丁路德小書『基督徒的自由』震撼古今，以二節為架構
林前九19 (自由是不受轄制)
羅十三8 (愛的自由成全律法)，提出下列兩點：
（一）基督徒是自由的、不受任何人操縱。
（二）基督徒是眾人僕人，並隸屬於眾人。
如何方得著真自由 ?
1. 認識真理 你們必曉得真理，真理使得自由 (約8:32)
2. 脫離為奴 不被「奴僕的軛」挾制 (加5:1)
3. 勿縱情慾 不可用作放縱情慾 (加5:13上)
4. 愛心服事 總要互相服事 (加5:13下)
5. 服膺律法 全備的律法使人自由 (雅1:25;2:12)
6. 聖靈工作 聖靈使人得自由 (林後3:17)
一. 他們絕不能違逆團隊的意思 (No Disobedience) 順服的重要
1. 領袖之言必須順從
2. 分派工作不可說不
二. 他們不從團隊是極嚴重後果 (No Individualism) 團隊的重要
1. 此後沒人用得上你
2. 從此你再沒機會了
真自由的理解
順服神亦同時順從人
馬丁路德小書『基督徒的自由』震撼古今，以二節為架構
林前九19 (自由是不受轄制)
羅十三8 (愛的自由成全律法)，提出下列兩點：
（一）基督徒是自由的、不受任何人操縱。
（二）基督徒是眾人僕人，並隸屬於眾人。
如何方得著真自由 ?
1. 認識真理 你們必曉得真理，真理使得自由 (約8:32)
2. 脫離為奴 不被「奴僕的軛」挾制 (加5:1)
3. 勿縱情慾 不可用作放縱情慾 (加5:13上)
4. 愛心服事 總要互相服事 (加5:13下)
5. 服膺律法 全備的律法使人自由 (雅1:25;2:12)
6. 聖靈工作 聖靈使人得自由 (林後3:17)
2009年3月5日 星期四
2009年3月4日 星期三
How to Pray in an Economic Crisis
Philip Yancey's three stages of prayer amid Economic crisis:
The first stage is simple, an instinctive cry: "Help!"
The second stage, that of meditation and reflection.
The Bible asks three main questions about money:
(1) How did you get it? (Legally and justly or exploitatively?);
(2) What are you doing with it? (Indulging in luxuries or helping the needy?)
(3) What is it doing to you?
Some of Jesus' most trenchant parables and sayings go straight to the heart of that last question.
The third stage of prayer in crisis:
I need God's help in taking my eyes off my own problems in order to look with compassion on the truly desperate.
The first stage is simple, an instinctive cry: "Help!"
The second stage, that of meditation and reflection.
The Bible asks three main questions about money:
(1) How did you get it? (Legally and justly or exploitatively?);
(2) What are you doing with it? (Indulging in luxuries or helping the needy?)
(3) What is it doing to you?
Some of Jesus' most trenchant parables and sayings go straight to the heart of that last question.
The third stage of prayer in crisis:
I need God's help in taking my eyes off my own problems in order to look with compassion on the truly desperate.
2009年2月28日 星期六
邊個係最威 ? WHO’S BOSS ?
總之佢最威，否則胡不歸；
勿亂上樓梯，甘心做墊底。
懂得任佢批，情願做傻龜，
習慣被削篩，讚他多Insight !
不要說唔抵，就算窮過鬼；
楂頸兼就命，就唔怕蝕底，
不論Who’s Right，自嘲做最細；
識睇識做人，才是好東西。
莫強作雄雞，任由佢來噬；
讓他作皇帝，不要同佢Fight。
總之佢至Right，切忌玩大劑，
揹鑊至平常，他才是威威。
要麼做高傲白鷺，要麼俯首甘作孺子牛；
在人事事理中，並沒真正公平。
此打油詩實乃感歎，也是自娛！
The following quote is a wonderful reflection and Amen !
The Lord leads His children into depths for their good;
but leaves them not in depths to their hurt. --Henry Law--
勿亂上樓梯，甘心做墊底。
懂得任佢批，情願做傻龜，
習慣被削篩，讚他多Insight !
不要說唔抵，就算窮過鬼；
楂頸兼就命，就唔怕蝕底，
不論Who’s Right，自嘲做最細；
識睇識做人，才是好東西。
莫強作雄雞，任由佢來噬；
讓他作皇帝，不要同佢Fight。
總之佢至Right，切忌玩大劑，
揹鑊至平常，他才是威威。
要麼做高傲白鷺，要麼俯首甘作孺子牛；
在人事事理中，並沒真正公平。
此打油詩實乃感歎，也是自娛！
The following quote is a wonderful reflection and Amen !
The Lord leads His children into depths for their good;
but leaves them not in depths to their hurt. --Henry Law--
2009年2月26日 星期四
2009年2月25日 星期三
崇拜向度與設計原則
崇拜向度與會眾參與
創造與救贖
--> 父、子、靈三一神
朝聖與觀看
--> 天使與演員
節期與身份
--> 年曆、傳統與自覺
社群與禮儀
--> 文化及藝術
家庭與臨在
--> 團契與親密
晚餐與慶祝
--> 想念與歡欣
前瞻與更新
--> 婚筵與國度
崇拜設計原則
神本的原則 (Principle of God-Centred)
話語的原理 (Principle of Word)
音樂的原理 (Principle of Music)
對話的原理 (Principle of Dialogue)
奉獻的原理 (Principle of Offering)
工整的原理 (Principle of Order)
美麗的原則 (Principle of Beauty)
創造與救贖
--> 父、子、靈三一神
朝聖與觀看
--> 天使與演員
節期與身份
--> 年曆、傳統與自覺
社群與禮儀
--> 文化及藝術
家庭與臨在
--> 團契與親密
晚餐與慶祝
--> 想念與歡欣
前瞻與更新
--> 婚筵與國度
崇拜設計原則
神本的原則 (Principle of God-Centred)
話語的原理 (Principle of Word)
音樂的原理 (Principle of Music)
對話的原理 (Principle of Dialogue)
奉獻的原理 (Principle of Offering)
工整的原理 (Principle of Order)
美麗的原則 (Principle of Beauty)
2009年2月23日 星期一
May I see your glory
It's my last day off before coming back office tomorrow.
This afternoon I have to be involved in a special baptismal meeting in Haven Hope Hospital.Last two days also had to meet with a deacon brother for special talk and a potential applicant in our training ministry.
So I do not really have rest so to say.Still a bit tired in my energy and want some more sleep.
Lord God ! I yearn for you in this moment of stillness.
Nothing worth our efforts other than you are the centre of our attention amid all needs and trials.
May I bow before you and see your beauty and glory before another rest and sleep comes in daily rise and fall.
This afternoon I have to be involved in a special baptismal meeting in Haven Hope Hospital.Last two days also had to meet with a deacon brother for special talk and a potential applicant in our training ministry.
So I do not really have rest so to say.Still a bit tired in my energy and want some more sleep.
Lord God ! I yearn for you in this moment of stillness.
Nothing worth our efforts other than you are the centre of our attention amid all needs and trials.
May I bow before you and see your beauty and glory before another rest and sleep comes in daily rise and fall.
2009年2月2日 星期一
「似非而是」--- 再思犘西的人生
早上同工靈修分享時，盧牧與我們再思想犘西的人生。
一. 成功與失敗 (徒7:22-23,24-27)
摩西滿有 人間學問、才能，信仰等等，卻也失敗 !
為甚麼呢 ? 他靠自己 ! 也未擁有百姓支持 !
二. 順服與抗拒 (出3:11,13,4:1,13-14)
他在荊棘叢中見異象，蒙主呼召。
向主他發出三個問題、但也回應祂一個拒絕 !
他如何才學曉順服之理 ? 這似也是一個謎 !
三. 對與錯 (民13-14)
因探子沒信心，百姓38年多漂流曠野，摩西有責任嗎 ?
摩西愛同胞，願代為禱告 ! (出32:32)
但因他擊打磐石，終未能進入迦南地 ! (民20:11-12)
摩西一生似功敗垂成，該怎樣計算 ?
後來登山變象時，主耶穌與他及以利亞在一起! (可9:4)
一. 成功與失敗 (徒7:22-23,24-27)
摩西滿有 人間學問、才能，信仰等等，卻也失敗 !
為甚麼呢 ? 他靠自己 ! 也未擁有百姓支持 !
二. 順服與抗拒 (出3:11,13,4:1,13-14)
他在荊棘叢中見異象，蒙主呼召。
向主他發出三個問題、但也回應祂一個拒絕 !
他如何才學曉順服之理 ? 這似也是一個謎 !
三. 對與錯 (民13-14)
因探子沒信心，百姓38年多漂流曠野，摩西有責任嗎 ?
摩西愛同胞，願代為禱告 ! (出32:32)
但因他擊打磐石，終未能進入迦南地 ! (民20:11-12)
摩西一生似功敗垂成，該怎樣計算 ?
後來登山變象時，主耶穌與他及以利亞在一起! (可9:4)
竭誠獻上及主的眷佑
今午收到主內一姊妹同工的來郵，分享及下列一首詩歌及一點個人感想，也節錄如下:
....一首詩歌不斷縈繞在我心中，是去年畢業前，我們那一班畢業班同學在早會獻唱的，在練詩時我已經很感動。
【竭誠獻上】
如果機會只有一次，我要如何擁抱？
如果生命只有一回，我將如何奔跑？
哦主！讓我趁著還有今天，
哦主！讓我為你燃燒！
假如時間絕不留情，我該如何珍惜？
假如風光不能久留，任我奮力辛勞？
哦主！讓我看清數算代價，
哦主！我願任你陶造！
獻我的靈為你焚燒，
我的心被你融化，我的手，我的腳，全順服引導；
獻我的口為你高唱，我的耳聆聽等待，竭誠為主，一生擺上。
我的眼睛已經看到祂將臨到，祂怒氣的權勢如駭浪驚濤。
我的耳朵已聽見祂親切呼喚，邀請我與祂攜手今朝，一同開創未來。
今天當我再唱這首詩歌，我真的彷彿聽見主親切呼喚。雖然我是如此的卑微、不配和軟弱。但慈愛的主卻不嫌棄我，竟邀請我與祂攜手今朝，一同開創未來。所以我決定回應主的呼喚，起程；再出發。
是的!主啊! 每天服事主都應該是一再出發!再出發!
"因你不知道眷顧你的時候" "Because you did not recognize and welcome God's personal visit."路19:44。我們的奉獻及主的眷顧都應該同時是真實及清醒的。
....一首詩歌不斷縈繞在我心中，是去年畢業前，我們那一班畢業班同學在早會獻唱的，在練詩時我已經很感動。
【竭誠獻上】
如果機會只有一次，我要如何擁抱？
如果生命只有一回，我將如何奔跑？
哦主！讓我趁著還有今天，
哦主！讓我為你燃燒！
假如時間絕不留情，我該如何珍惜？
假如風光不能久留，任我奮力辛勞？
哦主！讓我看清數算代價，
哦主！我願任你陶造！
獻我的靈為你焚燒，
我的心被你融化，我的手，我的腳，全順服引導；
獻我的口為你高唱，我的耳聆聽等待，竭誠為主，一生擺上。
我的眼睛已經看到祂將臨到，祂怒氣的權勢如駭浪驚濤。
我的耳朵已聽見祂親切呼喚，邀請我與祂攜手今朝，一同開創未來。
今天當我再唱這首詩歌，我真的彷彿聽見主親切呼喚。雖然我是如此的卑微、不配和軟弱。但慈愛的主卻不嫌棄我，竟邀請我與祂攜手今朝，一同開創未來。所以我決定回應主的呼喚，起程；再出發。
是的!主啊! 每天服事主都應該是一再出發!再出發!
"因你不知道眷顧你的時候" "Because you did not recognize and welcome God's personal visit."路19:44。我們的奉獻及主的眷顧都應該同時是真實及清醒的。
世界上有千萬種藥，就是沒有後悔的藥 !
大姊從台灣不時傳過來有用的文章材料,說對我等傳道人有作用，下面是收到的一篇
來源：網路流傳
人吵架的時候，什麼最重要？
驕傲？
自尊？
面子？
輸贏？
這些都不重要
最重要的仍然是你心愛的那個人
最重要的仍然是你們這份得來不易的感情
本來在愛情裡，不管是爭執或衝突，
只要最後能協調、能化解就好了，哪有什麼贏者或輸家
真要爭誰贏誰輸，誰有面子誰又低聲下氣，
最後賠上的只是這份感情，誰也沒贏
~~實際上是兩敗俱傷~~
有沒有想過，爭吵的目的是為什麼？
其實不是單純的為了道理講理，
而是對方不肯讓你，男生女生亦然，
因此爭吵到了最後其實早已偏離主題，而是為了賭一口氣。
好大的一口氣，代價不貲。
和好的時候，才體認出那些，
淚也白流了，氣也白生了，是何必？還是活該？
人生氣的時候，什麼狠絕的話都說的出來，什麼惡毒的事也做的出來。
但有情人生氣的時候，也必定保有溫暖的情懷，
就看妳看不看得出來而妳看不看得出來，就看妳了不了解他，信不信任他。
生氣時不說氣話也不做惡事，真的很難，但起碼要學會退而求其次，
懂得從中去感受原本就存在於兩人間的情意，
不消太多腦力，其實只要用一點心，有愛情的時候，其實什麼都好談，
但一般人不易發現，也不太會利用這個道理。
希望每個人都能珍惜自己所擁有的情緣, 不一定是愛情
記得有一句話：「世界上有千萬種藥,就是沒有後悔的藥」
真的！後悔也沒有用了....... 與大家共勉之 ........
千萬不要拿一份真情賭氣，那是非常不值得的
千金難買早知道 * 萬般無奈想不到
沒有解決不了的問題, 只有不肯面對的人
來源：網路流傳
人吵架的時候，什麼最重要？
驕傲？
自尊？
面子？
輸贏？
這些都不重要
最重要的仍然是你心愛的那個人
最重要的仍然是你們這份得來不易的感情
本來在愛情裡，不管是爭執或衝突，
只要最後能協調、能化解就好了，哪有什麼贏者或輸家
真要爭誰贏誰輸，誰有面子誰又低聲下氣，
最後賠上的只是這份感情，誰也沒贏
~~實際上是兩敗俱傷~~
有沒有想過，爭吵的目的是為什麼？
其實不是單純的為了道理講理，
而是對方不肯讓你，男生女生亦然，
因此爭吵到了最後其實早已偏離主題，而是為了賭一口氣。
好大的一口氣，代價不貲。
和好的時候，才體認出那些，
淚也白流了，氣也白生了，是何必？還是活該？
人生氣的時候，什麼狠絕的話都說的出來，什麼惡毒的事也做的出來。
但有情人生氣的時候，也必定保有溫暖的情懷，
就看妳看不看得出來而妳看不看得出來，就看妳了不了解他，信不信任他。
生氣時不說氣話也不做惡事，真的很難，但起碼要學會退而求其次，
懂得從中去感受原本就存在於兩人間的情意，
不消太多腦力，其實只要用一點心，有愛情的時候，其實什麼都好談，
但一般人不易發現，也不太會利用這個道理。
希望每個人都能珍惜自己所擁有的情緣, 不一定是愛情
記得有一句話：「世界上有千萬種藥,就是沒有後悔的藥」
真的！後悔也沒有用了....... 與大家共勉之 ........
千萬不要拿一份真情賭氣，那是非常不值得的
千金難買早知道 * 萬般無奈想不到
沒有解決不了的問題, 只有不肯面對的人
2009年2月1日 星期日
2009年1月31日 星期六
New Year Dinner Fellowship
We have been invited to attend a dinner fellowship at a brother's home in the 4th day of the New year.It's great to have home visit which I seldom do these days.
I could see the home master do well preparation and so everyone attending enjoyed the meal and had fun talks together. As pastor it's great to receive the love and invitation our family as a whole to be guests. Thanks the Lord for His kindness and the loving act of our b/s.
I could see the home master do well preparation and so everyone attending enjoyed the meal and had fun talks together. As pastor it's great to receive the love and invitation our family as a whole to be guests. Thanks the Lord for His kindness and the loving act of our b/s.
2009年1月22日 星期四
Healthy church
“A Healthy Church is the Best Witness to a Hurting World” - Daily Bread
The quote has been sent me from a received prayer letter of a sister in Christ.
It's really great to reflect upon the functioning and usefulness of a local church which is both healthy and attractive for the conversion of the world at large !
The quote has been sent me from a received prayer letter of a sister in Christ.
It's really great to reflect upon the functioning and usefulness of a local church which is both healthy and attractive for the conversion of the world at large !
2009年1月19日 星期一
Humour & Laughter
Humour Quotes
"If you think that something small cannot make a difference- try going to sleep with a mosquito in the room."- Unknown
"To understand a man you should walk a mile in his shoes.If what he says still bothers you that's ok because you'll be a mile away from him and you'll have his shoes."- Unknown
Laughter Quotes
Laughter and anger are mutually exclusive. Laugh and your stress level will drop.
When you laugh your cells laugh with you.Laughter improves the quality of life.
Each time you laugh well, you lose THREE calories. GET SLIM!
Laugh Often - people who laugh have more friends.
"If you think that something small cannot make a difference- try going to sleep with a mosquito in the room."- Unknown
"To understand a man you should walk a mile in his shoes.If what he says still bothers you that's ok because you'll be a mile away from him and you'll have his shoes."- Unknown
Laughter Quotes
Laughter and anger are mutually exclusive. Laugh and your stress level will drop.
When you laugh your cells laugh with you.Laughter improves the quality of life.
Each time you laugh well, you lose THREE calories. GET SLIM!
Laugh Often - people who laugh have more friends.
2009年1月13日 星期二
5 Good Quotes for the new Year
"It is not work that kills men, it is worry. Work is healthy; you can hardly put more on a man than he can bear. But worry is rust upon the blade. It is not movement that destroys the machinery, but friction." -- Henry Ward Beecher
"Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it."-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
"We are often so caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey. Especially the goodness of the people we meet along the way. Appreciation is a wonderful feeling, don't overlook it."-- Author Unknown
"Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all."-- William Temple
"The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving."-- Oliver Wendell Holmes
Thoughts on work attitude,enjoying life,real humility and direction are urgently needed for us these days ! May the Lord help us to be happy in the new Year!
"Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it."-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
"We are often so caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey. Especially the goodness of the people we meet along the way. Appreciation is a wonderful feeling, don't overlook it."-- Author Unknown
"Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all."-- William Temple
"The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving."-- Oliver Wendell Holmes
Thoughts on work attitude,enjoying life,real humility and direction are urgently needed for us these days ! May the Lord help us to be happy in the new Year!
2009年1月1日 星期四
Between & Beyond changes
The theme of Changes marked the designate US president Barack Obama's electoral campaign speeches.
We live between changes and sometimes even eager beyond changes made.We have a heart for eternity. Changes include material changes,change of forms,our interests and habits,our deep hold personalites and even our solid temperaments.In our lives we hold to some root-tight beliefs and values like love,life,promises and human dignities which seem not being able to change or necessarily change.
Actually we are living between two ends in anticipation to eternities.Beyond these changes and unchanges we are encouraged to repent and return from our bad habits and wrong acts.We also are asked to forgive those who harm us and learn to forgive.It's considered the greatest virtue ever in our lives to forgive.
To the new year I have to appeal all to navigate towards the following five ends:
Worship Our Lord !
Aim for eternity !
Hold to our Lord & master !
Walk with those who are having same fellowship with us !
Hold to our greatest hope laid before us!
Have a happy new year!
We live between changes and sometimes even eager beyond changes made.We have a heart for eternity. Changes include material changes,change of forms,our interests and habits,our deep hold personalites and even our solid temperaments.In our lives we hold to some root-tight beliefs and values like love,life,promises and human dignities which seem not being able to change or necessarily change.
Actually we are living between two ends in anticipation to eternities.Beyond these changes and unchanges we are encouraged to repent and return from our bad habits and wrong acts.We also are asked to forgive those who harm us and learn to forgive.It's considered the greatest virtue ever in our lives to forgive.
To the new year I have to appeal all to navigate towards the following five ends:
Worship Our Lord !
Aim for eternity !
Hold to our Lord & master !
Walk with those who are having same fellowship with us !
Hold to our greatest hope laid before us!
Have a happy new year!
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